e-Paper Jan 27, 2013

Mukherjee tells Pakistan…

Don’t take for granted hand of friendship NEW DELHI—In his maiden Control an obvious reference disagreements; tension can

Republic Day eve speech, to the killing of two Indian President Pranab Mukherjee soldiers by Pakistanis.

“Neighbours may have warned Pakistan not to take India’s friendship for granted, hailed the spirit of the Indian youth and said brutalizing women amounted to wounding “the soul of our civilization”.

In his crisp speech the president referred to the numerous doubts and problems I SLAMABAD —Yet another plaguing the world’s largest Indo-Pak engagement has democracy but predicted a been put off in the backbright future for India. drop of strain in bilateral SKARDU—The water level “On our 64th Republic ties arising out of ceasefire Day, there may be some rea- violations. According to in the lake, formed by massive landslide that ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari giving away an award to the author of a book on Seerah at the conclusion son for concern but none for sources, Pak-India water despair,” said the veteran and power secretary level blocked water flow of River of the 38th National Seerat-Un-Nabi Conference at Aiwan-e-Sadr. (Story on Back Page) politician who became the dialogues were due to beBaltoro, have reached 140 head of state in July 2012. feet, resulting in submerggin in Lahore from January Without naming Pakistan, 28, but India has stopped ing of large areas and the president spoke of “seri- its secretary from particisparking fear among the ous atrocities” committed on pating in dialogue process residents.

Indian troops on the Jammu Chief Secretary GilgitContinued on Page 7 and Kashmir border Line of Baltistan has directed local administration to install a SALIM AHMED warning system in the area.

The commissioner and ISLAMABAD —A Parliamen- would be capital of new pro- the establishment of new deputy commissioner have tary Commission on New posed province while Gover- province, has been finalized, L AHORE —President Pakistan Muslim League-N, reached to visit Shagr, a Provinces in Pakistan has de- nor House would be estab- adding this is a positive Muhammad Nawaz Sharif sub-division of Skardu, lished in Bahawalpur. progress and the nation will cided that new province in where a 300 x 800 mountain (South) Punjab will be named Farhatullah Babar, the hear a good news in this re- has said if people gave opportunity to serve Pakistan landslide fell down in the as ‘Bahawalpur Janobi member of the commission, gard. river in the suburbs of Hoto (south) Punjab’( BJP), report said that the nation would Jamshed Dasti, a member in the forthcoming general on the night between hear good news soon. of the commission said the elections, restoration of law said on Saturday.

Tuesday and Wednesday. tics and the PPP’s readiness Senator Farhatullah members have signed the and order, all over the counNADEEM SYED The report said that the The water also flooded to accommodate them as per commission’s report has Babar, the Chairman of the draft bill, adding the new try, including Karachi, beagricultural lands and been finalized and it will be commission presided over province will have one capi- sides predominance of con- LAHORE —Several members their wishes. stitution and law, would be uprooted hundreds of trees. presented in the National the meeting. The members tal, not two.

Recently, the PML-N reof parliament including those Villagers called on the ceived a real setback when Assembly’s session on hailing from Pakistan Muslim The controversial 14- the top of his agenda. from PML-N await the right He said that a plan would government to take meaMonday.

League-Nawaz (PML-N) member parliamentary comopportunity to join the PPP, some of its sitting parliamensures to evacuate them from tarians opted for the PPP. The commission has de- continued their boycott and mission was constituted in be chalked out in consonance sources disclosed. the affected areas.—INP cided that Mianwali and did not participate in the August last year by the with all peace-loving parties Those who crossed over to And the right opportuBhakhar would also be in- meeting. speaker of the National As- and the people, to rid Karachi nity for most of them will be the PPP included some die cluded in the new province.

Talking to media after the sembly and comprised Paki- of lawlessness and crimes, in before the present assemblies hard party workers with lifeorder to make Karachi again The commission also meeting, Babar noted the complete their term, claimed long attachment with the Continued on Page 7 suggested that Multan constitutional bill regarding PML-N including Khosa Continued on Page 7 sources.

According to these scion, Saifuddin Khosa, a sources at least five MPAs son of PML-N leader and from PML-N are waiting in the Adviser to Punjab Chief Minwings to change over their ister Zulfiqar Khosa, Raja L AHORE —Pakistan loyalties with the PPP seem Afzal from Jhelum along with laration.

The delegation expected S TAFF R EPORTER People’s Party (PPP) Punjab his parliamentarian sons and to be their natural choice.

It is learnt that Ch shujaat to call on Dr. Qadri would inchapter’s president L AHORE —A high-powered Hussain met twice with the clude constitutional experts Ashrafi member CII These MPAs are mostly Rao Qaiser from Okara.

Manzoor Wattoo on Friday Sources disclosed that committee headed by the from Rawalpindi, finding no President before his schedwho would brief the particisaid that Minhaj-ul-Quran I SLAMABAD —Federal Infor- political future in the pres- the common factor behind PML-Q top leader Chaudhry uled meeting with Dr. Qadri. pants the legalities involved chief Dr. Tahirul Qadri will these defections is that of mation Secretary Chaudhry support his party in future. Shujaat enjoying the full Sources close to Chaudhrys in the implementation of dec- Rasheed Ahmed has been ence of Opposition Leader property tycoon Malik Riaz backing of President Asif Ali Ch. Nisar disclosed that President laration and how far it is posManzoor Wattoo while Zardari will meet Dr Tahir-ul- Zardari promised Shujaat free sible to implement the wish appointed as new Chairman It is learnt that most MPs welcoming the PML-N parliatalking to media in Lahore Pakistan Electronic Media ready to cross the fence are mentarians to the PPP fold Qadri here today (Sunday) at hand to deal with the Dr. list of Dr. Qadri. said that they see the truce Authority driven mainly by the consid- with both open heart and the Minhaj-ul-Quran Central Qadri. The President also inSimilarly, Law Minister Regulatory with Qadri with respectful (PEMRA). by the President. erations of local power poliContinued on Page 7 Secretariat. structed the PPP leaders to would brief the meeting eyes.

He was recently proThe delegation reprecooperate with Shujaat in about the progress so far While replying a achieved in the implementa- moted to grade 22 in the Inquestion over the caretaker senting all the coalition part- this regard. formation Group. ners as per their previous Sources disclosed that tion of the declaration. prime minister, Wattoo said Dr Abdul Jabbar was agreement will brief Dr Qadri Mr Zardari also reprimanded Sources said that the that they are in contact with serving as the acting Chairon the progress so far made some PPP leaders for speak- chances of meeting ending the opposition over interim man PEMRA. in the implementation of ing openly against the decContinued on Page 7 Islamabad Long March Dec- laration.

Continued on Page 7 Continued on Page 7

Indo-Pak Secretary level talks cancelled

Skardu lake water level up by 140 feet

Name of new province to be Bahawalpur South Punjab

Qadri to support PPP in future: Wattoo

PM approves induction of two officers belonging to Balochistan ISLAMABAD—Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has approved the appointment by transfer of Mr. Haider Ali Shikoh (BCS/ BPS-20) and Mr. Umar Khan Babar (BCS/BPS-20), officers of Government of Balochistan, in the Federal .

It may be recalled that the President of Pakistan

Continued on Page 7

Today’s issue of Pakistan Observer carries a 2-Page Special Report on International Customs Day 2013 on Page-10 & 11.

Govt team meets Qadri today

Nawaz for correction of Karachi voter lists

SHARAFAT KAZMI I SLAMABAD —Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira has said caretaker set up would be established on time in accordance with the Constitution and the next elections would be free, fair and transparent.

Talking to media he said the caretaker prime minister would be chosen in consultation with all the political stakeholders.

He added that an independent Election Commission was responsible to

implement constitutional articles 62 and 63 to check the moral and financial credibility of candidates.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira has urged media to exercise utmost care in reporting on sensitive issues. He referred to several instances when some sections of media reported issues with particular angles, creating wrong impressions and perceptions.

The Minister said today we are celebrating Eid Milad and we should act upon the saying of the Holy Prophet

(SWS) exhorting people not to speak about things without investigation. He said media trial can spoil image of an innocent victim.

Mr. Kaira said appointment of heads of different regulatory authorities is done as per a laid down procedure, which was also adopted during appointment of Tauqir Sadiq as Chairman OGRA. He said according to the procedure, 17 names were scrutinized by a Committee headed by the Minister and that included Secretary Petroleum, Joint Secretary Petroleum, private sector representative

Shaukat Hayat Durrani and Additional Secretary Establishment. He said the then Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani was looking after the Ministry of Petroleum at that time and he asked Raja Pervez Ashraf to head the Committee. The Committee short-listed four names including that of Tauqir Sadiq, which was approved by the Prime Minister.

The Information Minister said the Prime Minister, Ministers and officers of

Continued on Page 7

“If India has changed more in six decades than six previous centuries, then I promise you that it will change more in the next 10 years than in the previous sixty,” he said. “India’s enduring vitality is at work.”

Mukherjee spoke about the Dec 16 rape and murder of a young woman in Delhi, calling the 23-year-old a “symbol of all that new India

Continued on Page 7

More PML-N, PML-Q MPAs to join PPP

Sindh govt says TTP ‘active’

Property tycoon behind most defections

K ARACHI —Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah on Saturday said the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was active in this metropolis.

Talking to reporters here at Federation House, the chief minister said the Pakistani Taliban or their affiliates were behind 50 percent of the offences ranging from extortions to deadly explosions.

Shah also said his government was in talks with the authorities in United Kingdome to get more sophisticated anti-terrorism equipment for the Sindh police.

The police, he said, would also be imparted advanced training to effectively deal with the terrorists.

Terming the overall law and order situation in this violence-hit city and the in-

Ch Rasheed new PEMRA Chairman

Caretaker setup to be established on time: Kaira

be a subtext of frontiers. But sponsorship of terrorism through non-state actors is a matter of deep concern to the entire nation.

“We believe in peace on the border and are always ready to offer a hand in the hope of friendship. But this hand should not be taken for granted.”

STAFF REPORTER

Continued on Page 7

PPP-P elects Faheem as party president

Shahrukh Khan exposes Indian secularism

I S L A M A B A D —Makhdoom

Hafiz Saeed asks Khan to settle in Pak

Amin Faheem was elected as president while Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf was elected as general secretary during Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarian (PPPP) elections on Saturday.

The election was conducted by the party’s election commission headed by Law Minister Farooq H Naek. In Punjab, Manzoor Watto was elected as provincial president and Tanveer Ashraf as general secretary.

Qaim Ali Shah was elected as Sindh’s president and Taj Haider will be the general secretary. PPP Khyber Pakhtunkhwa president will be Anwar Saifullah.

For Balochistan, Sadiq Umrani was elected as provincial president and Baaz Muhammad Khan Khetran was elected as general secretary.—INP

M UMBAI —Bollywood king Shahrukh Khan has exposed so-called secular face of world largest democracy: India, expressing his agony he is facing for being born as a Muslim.

SRK wrote an article titled Being a Khan for Outlook Turning Points magazine.

Khan said in the article many politicians asked him to go back to his native homeland: Pakistan, after 9/11 incident.

“I sometimes become the inadvertent object of political leaders who choose to make me a symbol of all that they think is wrong and un-

patriotic about Muslims in India”.

SPR said: “There have been occasions when I have been accused of bearing allegiance to our neighbouring nation (Pakistan) rather than my own country – this even though I am an Indian, whose father fought for the freedom of India. Rallies have been held where leaders have exhorted me to leave and return what they refer to my ‘original’ homeland.”

“I gave my son and daughter secular names.

A Report from Lahore said, Jamaat-ud- Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed has asked SRK to settle in Pakistan if he did not feel safe in India. “ I welcome him; I will help him with his stay here,” the JuD chief said adding that Shahrukh will be respected in Pakistan.—Agencies

Jaranwala gas project inaugurated OUR CORRESPONDENT F AISALABAD —A mega gas project was inaugurated at NA76, Jaranwala, at an estimated cost of Rs. 543 million on Saturday.

Dr Asim Husain, adviser to prime minister on petroleum and natural resources, formally inaugurated the project which would supply gas to more than one million people of 43 localities of the constituency including Jaranwala, Lundianwala, Jodhka, Rangpur, Chak No.646GB, Chak No.647-GB, Chak No.628-GB, Chak No.631-GB, Chak No 653/4-GB and their adjacent areas.

According to Managing Director, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), Arif Hameed, the government provided Rs. 421 million for the gas project while the remaining amount of Rs.143 million would be collected from philanthropists through a fund-raising campaign.

Malik Nawab Sher Waseer, Chairman PM Inspection Commission, who belongs to NA-76, said that former Premier Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani announced the mega gas project during his visit to Jaranwala.

He said the PPP government was committed to provide all basic facilities to the masses at their doorsteps.

Peshawar power shutdown schedule STAFF REPORTER PESHAWAR—Due to maintenance work power supply will remain suspended from 132 KV Peshawar Industrial Grid station on 28th January from 9.am to 2 pm, resultantly the consumers of 11 kv Civil Quarters, Murshidabad, Bbana Mari, Wazir Bagh, Kohat Road, Gulberg feeders will face inconvenience.

Similarly, power supply would remain suspended from 132 KV Peshawar University Grid station on 28th & 31st January from 8.30 am to 2 pm, resultantly the consumers of 11 kv Abdara, Academy Town, Circular Road, Achini-1,2, Rahatabad, Gharibabad feeders will face inconvenience.

Likewise, Power supply will remain closed from 132 KV Peshawar Cantt Grid station on 28th & 31st January from 8.30 am to 2 pm, resultantly the consumers of 11 kv KTH feeder will face inconvenience.

Power supply will remain suspended from 132 KV Sakhi Chashma Grid station on 28th January from 8.am to 11 am, resultantly the consumers of 11 kv Scarp, Pagaghi, Industdrial feeders will face inconvenience.

Power supply will remain closed from 132 Peshawar Fort Grid station on 28th January from 8am to 1 pm, resultantly the consumers of 11kv Shuba feeders will face inconvenience.

The consumers of 11kv Kot & Aagra feeders will face inconvenience on 28th January from 9.am to 7 pm as power supply will remain closed from 132 Dargai Grid station.

Power supply will remain closed from 132 Shabqadar Grid station on 28th & 30th January from 8.am to 2 pm, resultantly the consumers of 11kv Pehelwan Quala, Adizai, Bahlood Khel feeders will face inconvenience.

IDPs observe hunger strike against Govt, WFP over reduced ration quantity OUR CORRESPONDENT

ful protest against the govern- in South Waziristan, said that such a meagre quantity of food. ment and WFP to withdraw the each registered family is consistAnother IDP, Khan Bahadur D ERA ISMAIL KHAN —The recent decision of cut in ration ing of 10 members, asking the Mehsud, said that government South Waziristan Agency Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) of the Mehsud tribe including elders of the tribe, youth and political activists on Saturday observed protest and hunger strike here for indefinite period against the decision of the World Food Programme (WFP) to cut the ration quantity to the IDPs. The peaceful protesters of Mehsud tribe have refused to accept food rations from the WFO when WFO DI Khan Manager Rehmat Wali informed the IDPs committee which is comprising of 12 elder members of Mehsud tribe that due to shortage of funds WFO has cut the ration scale and will give half of ration as compared to previous scale including food and non-food items to the IDPs. Members of the IDPs committee including Malik Makarab Khan, Malik Sajam, Malik Abdul Khaliq and others informed the D I KHAN: Mehsud IDPs of South Waziristan Agency protesting and observing hunger IDPs about the recent decision of strike against World Food Programme and Govt over decrease in ration scale to IDPs. the WFP. Refusing the decision, IDPs decided to boycott the re- quantity. Talking to INP, Hassan WFP that how it is possible to should immediately take notice lief items and also started peace- Mehsud, resident of Kotkai area feed 10-member family with of the issue and initiate steps on

Skardu lake sparks fear among residents STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—A massive landslide that blocked water flow of River Baltoro have formed a lake, resulting in submerging of large areas and sparking fear among the residents in north Pakistan.

Chief Secretary GilgitBaltistan has directed local administration to install a warning system in the area, private news channel reported.

He also asked the commissioner and deputy commissioner to visit Shagr, a sub-division of Skardu where a 300 x 800 mountain landslide fell down in the

river in the suburbs of Hoto on the night between Tuesday and Wednesday.

40 feet deep water submerged four kilometer area, blocking road leading to K2, the second highest mountain on Earth. The water also flooded agricultural lands and uprooted hundreds of trees.

Villagers called on the government to take measures to evacuate them from the affected areas. Urgent steps needed to tackle possible disaster from landslide lake in Shigar valley: The flow of Braldu River in Shigar Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan,

has reportedly been stopped after getting filled with debris of a huge landslide.

The landslide was reported near a village “Hutu”.This was stated by Imran Nadeem Shigri, former Tourism Adviser, here on Saturday.

He said the newly formed landslide lake in the Braldu valley of Shigar, can be disastrous for the region, if it was not dealt on emergency basis.

Senior PPP leader Imran Nadeem Shigri said that the road to famous tourist attraction, K2, and several villages in the upstream area has been inundated.

BANNU: Chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F Maulana Fazlur Rehman addressing Maulana Syed Naseeb Ali Shah Conference at Jamia Al-Markaz-ul-Islami.

CNG station owners self-up price

by Rs 10 per kg, clash with motorists NAZIR SIYAL LARKANA—A clash erupted between motorists and CNG station owners on self-increase of rice of Rs. 10 per kg and discontinued CNG sale.

Later, vehicle owners held a protest demonstration against the sheer violation of OGRA and Supreme Court orders. A long queue of vehicles was witnessed

on the eve of 12th Rabi-ulAwwal.

The vehicle owners in Larkana city held aprotest demonstration and chanted slogans against CNG owner and others against discontinuing the sale of CNG and increase of Rs. 10 per kg.

On the occasion, motorists continued to wait in long queues for getting gas at many stations.

The CNG owners clearly vio-

lated rules of OGRA and other authorities, even not under the influence of present body.

The brawl between motorists and CNG owner could not be stopped for a long. Later, motorists held protest demonstration and shouted slogans against the owner of the CNG station, they have refused to sell CNG on actual price, but demanded Rs. 10 per kg increased rates they told.

ASI suspended for false case, torture SHER GONDAL M ANDI B AHAUDDIN—DPO Taimur has suspended ASI Faiz Bosal of city police station for subjecting a person namely Yasir Zaheer to severe physical torture.

According to details Yasir, a resident of Sarai Alamgir gave Rs 10,000 as loan to a person of Puran village in Gujrat district.

When asked to return loan amount the borrower contacted Faiz Bosal, ASI of City Police Station, through his one of close relatives serving in police. ASI Bosal arrested Yasir after involving him in an allegedly false theft case of motorcycle and tortured him for three days in police station.

When his condition turned critical, Rescue 1122 team evacuated him to DHQ Hospital. DPO taking notice of the torture incident suspended the ASI and ordered inquiry to find out true facts of the case. Victim of police torture alleged police also took Rs 25,000 as bribe to release him.

Relatives of the victim have demanded registration of case against the ASI for torturing Yasir and taking illegal gratification from him. ***** Eid Milad un-Nabi was celebrated with religious zeal and fervour on Friday across Mandi Bahauddin district like other parts of the country. A number of rallies were taken out by various organizations including Jamat Ahl-e-Sunnat and school going children. Rallies were also held in main villages. Education institutions including Rangers Public School and Punjab Colleges held Naat competitions and awarded prizes to students winning top positions. DCO Tariq Chaudhry and DPO Ameer Taimur participated in the main rally that started from TMA office and marched on Thana Road. Religious leaders highlighted the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) and urged the participants to follow them.

They said Islam is a religion of peace and it negates extremism, terrorism and fundamentalism.

Bazaars and streets were decorated with buntings and lights.

war footing basis for the restoration of previous ration quantity for the Mehsud IDPs. He also demanded compensation for the destroyed houses of the Mehsud tribesmen who are living in slums after the military operation.

Leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) South Waziristan chapter Dilawar Khan Mehsud said tribesmen have been boycotting food supplies for the past few days in protest over the reduction in ration quantity by WFP in Dera Ismail Khan and Tank districts, adding that even a single concerned person have not visited the protesting tribesmen.

The PML-N leader said that hunger strike will continue for indefinite period and that IDPs will not collect rations from any of the three ration distribution centres set up in Zam Public School Tank, Zafarabad Colony and Pahar Pur in DI Khan.

Dilawar said that each register family was previously getting 80kg of flour per month, which has been reduced to just 40kg, adding that similarly quantity of other items also has been decreased.

Award of scholarship

HEC dispels allegations regarding transparency STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has dispelled the recent allegations regarding transparency in award of scholarships and its Chairman’s refusal to respond to National Assembly s’ call attention notice.

According to HEC, there has been a recent onslaught against the Higher Education Commission (HEC) by certain vested interest groups who do not wish education to flourish in Pakistan.

The HEC administration cleared through an official statement that most of the allegations are false, incorrect, done with malicious intention and are based on a deliberate smear campaign rather than on reality.

A very recent one against the Chairman was his membership in the Islamabad Club. This was proposed and approved by the Board, governing body of HEC, way back in 2009 and is not something approved recently or done in a discretionary way, and has been through various audits as well. Another attack brought

Cold, dry weather forecast I SLAMABAD —The Pakistan the range of 11 to 13 degree Meteorological Department (PMD) on Saturday forecast mainly cold and dry weather for most parts of country during next 24 hours.

According to the synoptic situation, continental air is prevailing over most parts of the country.

Shallow foggy conditions are likely to prevail over plain areas of Punjab during morning hours.

The coldest places during last 24 hours were: Astore and Skardu -15øC, Parachinar and Hunza -10øC, Kalam -9øC, Gupis -8øC and Kalat -6øC. The Multan Met office has forecast cold and dry weather with chances of mist in the morning for the city and its suburbs during the next 24 hours.

On Saturday, the maximum and minimum temperatures were recorded as 24.0 and 6.0 degrees centigrade, respectively.

Humidity was recorded 85 percent at 8am and 35 per cent at 5pm. Dry weather with cold night is expected in the metropolis during the next 24 hours, the weather forecast said on Saturday.

It said the minimum temperature is expected to remain in

out in the Parliament recently was the “refusal” of the chairman to respond to a call attention notice, and the matter was therefore referred to the privileges committee. The statement said that the notice was not even referred to the HEC before it was discussed on the floor, and therefore the question of “refusal” does not even occur. The notice was received later that evening and was responded to immediately.

Then there are false allegations on corruption and irregularity in the award of scholarships.

With over 7500 scholars pursuing their higher studies, awarded through a National Scholarship Management Committee and interviewed by foreign experts/professors. Although, over 2200 who have already completed their PhDs and have joined local universities, institutions and organizations to contribute for the development of country.

Moreover, all verification, attestation and verification of degrees is done according to a developed procedure which leaves no room for any irregularities.

Ban on ads displaying Indian models sought

celsius.

The weather forecast added that mainly cold/ very cold and dry weather is likely to prevail elsewhere in the region. The Quetta Met office has forecast STAFF REPORTER cold and dry weather for Quetta and its surroundings during the next 24 hours.

ISLAMABAD—The citizens of On Thursday, the maximum the twin cities have expressed and minimum temperature was concerns over the display of advertisements with Indian models saying that the Pakistani players and film stars are kicked out and even threatened not to participate in any event in India.

Talking to INP, the citizens deplored the attitude of Pakistan government and Capital recorded as 14 degrees Celsius Development Authority (CDA) and -2 degrees Celsius, respec- after tension erupted at the Line tively. of Control. They said that giOn Sunday, the maximum ant billboards displaying Indian and minimum temperature is ex- models could be seen everypected to remain between 10 to where in the twin cities despite 12 degrees Celsius and -4 to -6 the fact that Pakistani artists degrees Celsius, respectively. and players were not only Humidity remained as 82 threatened but kicked out of percent at 8 am and 29 percent at India.

5 pm. The highest maximum Muhammad Shahzad, a stutemperature was recorded as 28.5 dent of Federal Urdu Univerdegree Celsius in Turbat and the sity/, said, “We should ban such lowest minimum as -7 degree advertisements after witnessing Celsius in Kalat —APP bitter Indian mindset towards our people. But, we are rather lenient and don’t even feel to do something in this connection”.

Shahid Azim, a government employee, said that it seems there was no local model or advertising agency in the country as most of international brands have ads of Indian film stars and models.

In the inaugural ceremony “Our approach should be were MPAs Rana Muhammad ‘tit for tat’. Ads with Indian Afzal Khan, Khwaja models and film stars have maMuhammad Islam, Najma nipulated TV commercials and Afzal, member Board of Man- billboards in Rawalpindi and agement, Dr. Zahid Yaseen Islamabad. Until our people are Hashmi, Principal Punjab Medi- accepted and allowed to particical College (PMC), Dr. Rashid pate in any activity across the Maqbool, Medical Superinten- border, the government should dent Allied Hospital, Dr. Syed consider the issue,” said a stuMehdi Raza In-charge Radiol- dent, Shazia Rafiq. ogy Section, Dr. Khurram Altaf When contacted, Capital and officers of health depart- Development Authority (CDA) ment wrer present the occasion. spokesperson Ramzan Sajid Earlier, Dr Rashid Maqbool said that Municipal Directorate briefed the minister the purchase of the capital’s civic body scruof the costly and most modern tinise all the advertisements, CT scan machine was made in a adding that CDA strictly foltransparent manner after invit- lows its policy of discouraging ing tenders. improper ads.

Modern CT scan machine provided to Allied Hospital OUR CORRESPONDENT FAISALABAD—A most modern CT scan machine has been provided to the Radiology Department of Allied Hospital Faisalabad to facilitate patients.

This was stated by Provincial Minister for Law Rana Sana Ullah Khan while inaugurating the high-tech CT scan machine and other apparatus at Allied Hospital. He said the project had cost Rs. 88.189 million and the apparatus was supplied by a world class American company.

“It is the first CT scan machine of its nature which is being provided to government sector hospitals in the province,” he added.

Kasur patrolling police kicks off traffic awareness campaign MC schoolteachers given general cadre of educators WAQAS ASHRAF KASUR—On the directive of SP Sheikhupura Region Hashmat Kamal Pasha, patrolling police have started traffic awareness campaign in Kasur.

DSP of PHP Kasur Miss Azra Parveen paid a visit at Haroon Ur Rasheed post and guided the drivers of the vehicles about the rules of driving by setting up picket at Khara Morr Kasur.

During the traffic awareness campaign, she asked the drivers to be carefull and attentive during the driving.

She told them that traffic rules had been made for the protection of the masses and by following these rules, we can save

many lives. She said the PHP staff was available to help the people round-the-clock and the basic purpose of the force is to control road crime and accidents.

If people face any problem on the road, they should call at 1124 for immediate help of the Punjab Highway Patrolling Police. **** A 10th class girl student was kidnapped here on Saturday from village Mastwal in the jurisdiction of Chunian police station.

Reportedly, Aasia Bibi was alone at her home when Muhammmad Siddique alleged abucted her. The police is investigating. ***** A woman was killed while her daughter received serious in-

juries in an accident near Kot Saleem Haider in the limits of Allahabad Police station. Reportedly, Ibrahim was going on his motorcyle (LEU 5787) with his wife Zohra Bibi and daughter Samina Bibi when a speedy van (LEJ 3086) hit them from the rear. As a result, Zohra Bibi died on the spot while her daughter Samina Bibi (8) was injured seriously.

She was taken to a nearby hospital while the driver of the van fled from the scene. The police is investigating. ***** The Kasur Education Department has awarded the MC schoolteachers the general cadre of educators. As per details, the teacher of the MC schools were

working under the administration of the TMA and Kasur Education Department was not ready to accept them as educators of Education Department.

But after some brief struggle of the teachers, the EDO Education Iftikhar Hassan Butt accepted their demands and assured them that they would also get the benefits of general cadre teachers.

The EDO also sent a letter to the District Accounts Officer in this regard.

Talking to Jounalists, President PEA, Kasur, Ghulam Mustafa Tabassum thanked the EDO Education Iftikhar Hassan Butt and DCO Kasur Ahsan Waheed for accepting the de- QUETTA: Shops closed during strike on call of political and religious parties against imposition of Governor’s rule and mands of MC schoolteachers. demand restoration of Provincial Government.

4 killed, 20 injured in 2 road accidents

PPP believes in masses empowerment ISLAMABAD—Federal Minister for Textile and Pakistan People’s Party Southern Punjab President Makhdoom Shahabuddin has said that no democratic government had been completed the constitutional term like PPP done in the history of the country and polls would be held in time. Talking to APP, outside the Parliament House, he said that the PPP did not believe in seeking the credit, rather it believed in the empowerment of the people in letter and spirit. To a question, he said that all the political forces were united over the formation of Southern Punjab as a separate province. For that purpose, first, a resolution was passed in the National Assembly and later the Punjab Assembly also followed it, he said. Replying to another question, he said at the time when resolution was passed in Punjab Assembly, the Punjab government tried to get credit of it but the PPP never bothered about credit but it only focused on addressing the grievances of the people. Meanwhile, State Minister for Defence Sardar Saleem Haider Khan said PPP Government provided jobs to the unemployed people and regulized all contractual employees while the employees of POF workmen association will soon get a goodnews. He expressed these views during the meeting with a delegation of POF workmen association here on saturday. The Minister said the promise which he had given to the labourers of POF workmen association at the occasion of “Labour Day” will be fulfilled soon. Prime Minister of Pakistan Raja Parveez Ashraf will soon sign the summary of different allowances to the employ- QUETTA: A view of traffic jam at Khazai Chowk during a protest by residents of Kharotabad against police with body of ees of POF, he added.—APP a person allegedly killed by police in a raid.

CM for health sector uplift FAISALABAD—Provincial Minister for Law Rana Sana Ullah Khan said that Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif was committed to improve the health sector. Talking to media persons here on Saturday, the minister said that in government hospitals, most modern treatment and diagnostic facilities were being provided to the general public. He said that to cope with the growing number of patients in Allied Hospital, the government would further expand the hospital and also improve medical facilities in Ghulam Muhammadabad and Samanabad General Hospitals to minimise the load on Allied Hospital. To a query, the minister said two more hospitals including a children hospital would also be built in addition to expanding public sector hospitals in Faisalabad. Modern CT scan machine provided to Allied Hospital: A most modern CT scan machine has been provided to the Radiology Department of Allied Hospital Faisalabad to facilitate patients. This was stated by Provincial Minister for Law Rana Sana Ullah Khan while inaugurating the high-tech CT scan machine and other apparatus at Allied Hospital. He said the project had cost Rs. 88.189 million and the apparatus was supplied by a world class American company. “It is the first CT scan machine of its nature which is being provided to government sector hospitals in the province,” he added. In the inaugural ceremony were MPAs Rana Muhammad Afzal Khan, Khwaja Muhammad Islam, Najma Afzal, member Board of Management, Dr. Zahid Yaseen Hashmi, Principal Punjab Medical College (PMC), Dr. Rashid Maqbool, Medical Superintendent Allied Hospital, Dr. Syed Mehdi Raza In-charge Radiology Section, Dr. Khurram Altaf and officers of health department wrer present the occasion. Earlier, Dr Rashid Maqbool briefed the minister the purchase of the costly and most modern CT scan machine was made in a transparent manner after inviting tenders.—APP

PPP promoted democracy SARGODHA—Minister of State for Water and Power Tasneem Ahamad Qureshi said the PPP-led government had strengthened democracy because of the reconciliation policy of President Asif Ali Zardari. Talking to party workers at Peoples’ Secretariat on Saturday, the minister said the PPP government and President Asif Ali Zardari had made parliament powerful by restoring the constitution to its original form. “The government has not only restored sacked employees but also provided employment to almost 250,000 educated people in federal departments, regularised over 30,000 contract and daily wage workers and increased salary up to 150 per cent in its five years,” he added. He said the party would win the next general election and form government in collaboration with it allies. Elections to be held on time, democracy will win: Federal Minister of Pakistan Peoples Party for Political Affairs Moula Baksh Chandio on Friday said that election would be held on time and democracy will win. Talking to a private news channel, he said it is great achievement of the Pakistan Peoples Party that it is going to complete its constitutional tenure and ready to welcome the next democratic government. The minister said that PPP had been facing accountability from day one and has great courage to bear criticism from media and opposite political parties. Replying to a question, he said that showing reaction about any verdict of judiciary was the constitutional right of any person or party. Chandio said that all political parties of the Parliament had played a good role in completing the constitutional tenure of the present Parliament. Replying to another question, the minister said the people will give the decision about the PPP performance rather than others. —APP

Senior citizens bill in SA soon SUKKUR—Speakers at a workshop urged the

Mahmud backs long-standing demand of S Punjab Province Calls for joint efforts to counter-terrorism STAFF REPORTER PESHAWAR—Punjab Governor Makhdoom Ahmed Mahmud says that establishment of Bahawalpur South Punjab province is the longstanding demand of people, which should be met at every cost.

He expressed these views while speaking to reporters in

Peshawar, where he arrived to attend the chehlum of slain ANP leader Bashir Bilour on Saturday. He urged the need to jointly confront the scourge of terrorism.

He said that terrorism has affected the entire country and it can only be countered by implementing good governance.

He also paid rich tribute to

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa former Senior Minister Bashir Ahmed Bilour Shaheed.

Earlier‚ he offered condolence with bereaved family over the martyrdom of Bashir Ahmed Bilour.

When asked to comment about new province n Punjab, Governor Mahmud said it was the longstanding demand of the

people of South Punjab and Bahawalpur.

To a question, he said he doesn’t mind the criticism of Sharif brothers.

Political observers say that Punjab Governor has shown political maturity, which should be plasticized by other politicians also to strengthen the politics of reconciliation.—NNI

NAZIR SIYAL LARKANA—Four people died and 20 were injured in two accidents here at Nuadero-Larkana and Mohen-Jo-Daro road on Friday and Saturday.

According to details, the villagers of Sono Khan Jatoi and Mitho Jatoi after attending the celebrations on the eve of Jashn-e-Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAWW) in Larkana, were going home when the Tractor-trolley they were travelling in overturned. Three People including Shoukat Ali Jatoi, Bakhshal Jatoi, Safi-ud-Din Jatoi died on the spot and twenty people were injured.

The injured were shifted to the Chandka Medical College Hospital (CMC-H), Larkana, casualty, while the dead bodies were handed over to their heirs

after autopsy.

The injured were identified as Deen Mohammed, Mohammad Punhal, Mohammad Mashhood, Farid Jatoi, Samiullah and others.

In another accident, DBaloch Truck hit the Chingchi Rickshaw and killed the owner and driver on the spot and unknown man was injured here in the jurisdiction of Mahota police station on Saturday.

According to the details, the speedy truck, loaded with stones, was coming from Naudero to Larkana, the Chingchi Rickshaw driver tried to pass the roadside but he was crushed to death on the spot here at Kehar village.

Meanwhile, eight-year baby was crushed by a speedy truck at Ratodero-Gwadar Motorway in Sijawal Tehsil here.

Three killed as rocket hits house FARID SHINWARI K HYBER A GENCY —Three tribesmen hailing from the same family were killed when a stray mortar shell hit a house on Saturday in Bagh, Tirah Koki khel area of tehsil Jamrud, official and local sources said.

The sources said that a stray mortar shell fired by unknown militants from unknown destination landed on the house of a tribesman, Anar Baig.

Resultantly Anar Baig, his wife and son, Abdurraziq were killed on the spot, sources said. The house was completely destroyed in the incident, sources said.

Separately, a tribesman was killed in planted explosive devices in Malagori Khugakhel area of tehsil Landikotal on Saturday, official sources said.

One Talawat, son of Gul Khan was sitting outside his hujra (male guest house) when a planted explosive device went off with big bang. As a result of explosion, he received splinters wounds and succumbed to his injuries on way to hospital, hospital sources said.

Soon after the incident, the political administration officials rushed to the spot and collected evidences for investigation, sources said.

PM to announce soon package of mega projects for FATA: Kausar STAFF REPORTER PESHAWAR—Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Barrister Masood Kausar Saturday revealed that Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf would soon announce the package of many mega projects in FATA and joint meeting of the financial and economic managers would be held either in Peshawar or Islamabad.

He informed taht the Prime Minster will head his team while the provincial team will be headed by the governor himself which will decide how much resources will be enough for those projects in the entire FATA belt.

He was talking to Senators from FATA including Senator Salah Shah, Senator Haji Khan, Senator Idress Khan, Senator Hidayat Ullah, Senator Najmul Hussan, Senator Hilal Rahman and Senator Rashid Ahmed at

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House Islamabad.

The governor said the Prime Minister had assured him to remove the bottlenecks in the developmental process in FATA and the provision of resources would be ensured as soon possible.

He said the delayed action coupled with indecisiveness partly because of militancy and some other factors in the process of development created multifaceted problems in FATA areas.

The timely completion of developmental schemes, would enhance the level of economic activities, create job opportunities and would ultimately lead to overcome militancy in the tribal areas, he added.

He said focus would be on the development of social sectors in the overall plan. In the very first, they needed resources for Bara Dam and University of

FATA, sports, schemes in social sectors so that the youth could be attracted and their confidence restored in the developmental exercise by the government.

“However, one should not ignore the reality that the tribal youth needed to be trained properly in politics so that they could do decent politics instead of the politics of destruction”. The governor said that representation in the already announced grand Jirga could be enhanced if the elected representatives demanded.

He regretted the Bara ancident adding that it was unfortunately politicized by some MULTAN: Girls watching main procession in connection with Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) elements that endangered the celebrations from a rootfop. amicable resolution of the issue. He said, they succeeded in overcoming the issue and the agreed agenda with grand Jirga had already been put in for implementation.

STAFF REPORTER

People’s welfare top priority of govt: Hoti

Fresh anti-polio drive to target 2,98, 947 kids from tomorrow HYDERABAD—A total of 298947 children of under five years age will be vaccinated against polio during three days eradication of polio campaign being started from Jan 28 in all four talukas of Hyderabad district.

During the campaign to be carried out in Hyderabad City, Latifabad, Qasimabad and Hyderabad Rural Talukas of the district, 717 mobile vaccination

teams will visit door to door to administer anti-polio drops to the children. Besides, anti-polio drops will also be administered to children at 90 fixed and 37 transit points of the district.

It may be mentioned here that the district administration has already carried out special polio eradication campaign in 23 out of 52 high risk and environmentally positive Union Councils of

government to present bill on the senior citizens’ welfare for approval by the parliament, saying the elderly people faced problems, especially during emergency situations. PPP leader Haji Anwar Ali Khan Mahar said on the occasion that the provincial government would soon present such bill in the Sindh Assembly. This will protect rights of the senior citizens in the province. He believes that people from all ages should live comfortable lives.

“We have to make provisions from time to time; we have to also create legislation for senior citizens, as these respectable persons are the most important aspects of our society,” he added. He said this at an advocacy workshop on Senior Citizen Bill held here, jointly organised by SRSO and Help Age International here. The MPA extended full support of the PPP government regarding the legislation as well as its presentation before the Sindh Assembly, and believes that even opposition parties will also actively participate in this process as it is a national cause. Senior Manager Disaster Mangememt Preparation Cell (DPMC) of Sindh Rural Support Organisation (SRSO) Abdul Hameed Bullo said elderly people were the largest segment of the population in the world and that Pakistan was the sixth most populous country in the world with 6.8 percent of its population comprising elderly people. He added that the count would grow to 15.8 percent by 2050. Bullo said senior citizens faced problems like discrimination, health problems, poverty, denial of rights. He said the elderly people’s vulnerability grew considerably during disasters. Another speaker, Muhammad Akram Shaikh, District Manager Right to Play called for provision of agefriendly primary health care at health centres and IDP camps and during emergency situations. He said elderly people had special needs in terms of food, health and accessibility of other services and this should be addressed by the government, humanitarian and development organisations and other stakeholders. Acting President Press Club Sukkur Muhammad Zaheer Khan Lodhi said the approval of senior citizen bill by the parliament will bring positive changes in the lives of senior citizens. He also Highlighted the role of media regarding needs and rights of older people in Pakistan.

Ex-MPA Ghulam Qadir Bhutto, Regional Director BISP Sukkur region, Ambreen Ansari, ILO representative Ashfaq Ahmed, NRSP`s Manager Jamil Khan, Abdullah Awais, officials of Paki- FAISALABAD: Textile workers and industrialists protesting stan Bait-ul- Mal, Zakat and Usher and EOBI.—APP against severe gas load-shedding at District Council Chowk.

the district from January 17 to 20 during which anti polio drops were administered to 1,27,100 children of under five years age.

The District Focal Person on Polio Dr. Ashraf Memon informed that special polio eradication campaign was launched because laboratory tests found the presence of polio virus in Union Council 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 15 and parts of wards E and F.—APP

P E S H AWA R —Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Amir Haider Khan Hoti on Saturday said that the welfare of people was the top priority of the ANP-led coalition government in the province.

Talking to a delegation from Mardan here, the Chief Minister said the measures taken by his government for poverty alleviation, elimination of illiteracy and ignorance were lauded by the people. The Awami National Party (ANP) government due to sagacious leadership of party leaders and people’s support achieved many successes in development and political fields.

APCA warns of complete 2-day weekly strike GUL HAMAAD FAROOQI

CHITRAL—All Pakistan Clerks Association (APCA) warned of 2-day weekly complete strike on Thursday and Friday.

It was decided in an emergency meeting of APCA at its office under the chair of Ameerul Mulk, president APCA, Chitral.

He briefed the participants about a notice to government by provincial leadership of APCA regarding their demand.

All members of APCA, Chitral, showed their full confidence in provincial leadership and expressed their full support

and cooperation. They said that APCA, Chitral, is ready for any sacrifice on the call of APCA provincial leaders.

They strongly demanded from Federal and provincial government for issuing notification of up-gradation and time scale of clerks immediately. They urged the government for giving them their genuine rights and not compel them to come on roads if the government used delay tactics.

They also demanded of the government the implementation and fulfillment of APCA 16 points charters demand without any further delay.

ANP leader threatens revolt against party Siraj: No space for socialism, nationalism in Pakistan M HALEEM ASAD T IMERGARA —Central vice president of the Awami National Party Zahir Shah Khan on Saturday threatened to revolt from the party if the party candidate already selected for PK-97 was changed by party leadership.

Talking to this correspondent he pointed out that party leadership had been engaged to induct a seasonal though electable politician in the area on condition of allotting ticket to him. Without mentioning name of the politician, the ANP leader said that Hussain Shah Yousafzai, also district president of the party in Dir Lower was their candidate for PK-97 in the upcoming election.

He said all party workers were backing Mr Yousafzai and they would not support any of the new comers as party candidate.

“I, myself will be the first to revolt if our candidate was withdrawn,” Zahir Shah said, adding that workers would follow him as well. He said vote bank of the party had been increased many

folds in Adenzai, Dir Lower, and the ANP was now in a position to win the seat. “So, why we are being forced for sacrifice,” he asked and demanded of the party command to take workers into confidence before finalizing any deal on the seat. ***** The ANP, Dir Lower chapter, on Saturday notified Ms Zahida Bibi, as lady vice president for the party in the district.

Ms Zahida, who is also a member of the senate, belonged to Maidan Dir Lower whose father was killed by militants last year.

The ANP, Dir Lower, president Hussain Shah Yousafzai issued her notification on Saturday. ***** Five close relatives of Sarlara and Manyal Maidan were buried after their bodies reached home from Saudi Arabia on Saturday, residents said. They said that one Noor Rahman, his three nephews Muhibullah, Fateh Khan, Sher Bahadar and another relative Shah Wazir were killed in Saudi Arabia when a speeding trailer hit

their vehicle some ten days ago.

The victims belonged to Shagai and Manyal Maidan and they were buried at their ancestral graveyard, sources said, adding the victims had been in Saudi Arabia for several years to earn livelihood.

They said a total of eight persons had been killed in the accident out of which five were close relatives. The whole area turned aggrieved on arrival of the corpses as no one knew about it before, residents said, adding they were buried with sorrows and tears. ***** About two dozen families at Chino Talash on Saturday announced to quit their parties and joined the Jamaat-i-Islami. The announcement was made during a function at Chino Talash which was attended by the JI activists and notables of the area. Those who joined the JI included Rasol Shah, Daud Shah, Shah Hussain, Sher Nawab, Lal Zamin, Danial Khan, Naseeb Shah, Imran Khan, Zubair Shah, Shah Khalid, Navid

etc. The JI’s nominated candidate for PK-94 and former MPA advocate Muzafar Syed and other party leaders addressed the gathering. They welcomed the new comers and assured them full party support in future.

Similarly a total of 92 persons including Shaier Jan, Gul Rahim Jan, Jan Rahman, Hussain Rahman, Muhammad Nazir, Aman Syed, Umar Khetab, Rahman Khan, Gul Badshah and Adam Khan also announced to quit the ANP and join the JI. They made the announcement during a function held at Makhai Khazana which was addressed by the JI vice chief and former senior minister Sirajul Haq, Humayun Khan, Hassan Ali Shah and others.

Mr Siraj said that there had been no space for socialism and nationalism in Pakistan as the country was an Islamic Republic. He said that Pakistanis had been living like refugees in their own state. He said no one was feeling secure which showed failure of the government.

Projecting last Prophet’s (SWS) message for humanity

MEDIA WATCH

Drawing a red line for drones

I

T was indeed very heartening to witness celebration of the Eid Milad (birthday of the Holy Prophet Peace Be Upon Him) this year with deep and genuine commitment. The day dawned with 31-gun salute in the Federal Capital and 21-gun salute in the provincial headquarters and was marked with rallies, processions and Mahafil-e-Milad and Naat. Almost every Muslim participated in the day-long festivity in one manner or the other demonstrating love and attachment with the great messenger.

The zeal and fervor of the people with which they celebrated the day is appreciable but in our view there is need to project the message that the last of the Prophets brought not for Muslims but the entire humanity with the sole objective of its emancipation in the world herein and hereafter. No doubt, a National Seerat Conference was held as usual and similar conferences were held at provincial level as well highlighting some aspects of the life and teachings of the Prophet (SWS) but there is need to project his message both through propagation and setting examples to convey to the world that he was savior of humanity. Allah Almighty Himself has said ‘We have sent you as merciful to all humanity’ regardless of race or faith and in fact, his teachings include mercy even on birds and animals. What he exhorted in his last sermon from Mount of Arafat can rightly be called charter of human rights as he gave message of brotherhood and declared that no race is superior to another as all creatures are equal in origin and in their responsibilities and rights. The Book he brought laid down foundations of tolerance among people as it clearly says there is no compulsion on anyone for the acceptance of religion Islam and envisages guaranteed protection of life, property and honour of the non-believers in an Islamic state.

The most important aspect of the life of the Prophet (SWS) was that he not only brought the message but gave a practical demonstration but regrettably we are ignoring the practical aspect in our own lives. If we spread the message of the Prophet (SWS) in right perspective and also follow it in letter and spirit then this would be a great service to the religion the image of which is being distorted by some unscrupulous elements.

Minister Kaira has a point I

N the backdrop of lop-sided reporting by some sections of media on some of the critical issues, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira thought it appropriate to set the record straight and put the factual position before the nation. In his press conference on Friday, the Minister made a convincing case about incumbent Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf’s no role in the appointment of former Chairman OGRA Tauqir Sadiq; death of a NAB officer Kamran Faisal and Baldia factory fire incident in Karachi.

The Information Minister, as usual, seemed to be well prepared as he was argumentative and pin-pointed flaws in reporting on these sensitive issues to the disadvantage of the governmental authorities. He rightly pointed out that media should exercise utmost care in reporting such delicate issues as prestige and image of the victims (of propaganda) are at stake. Apart from the instances dealt by him on Friday, there were numerous other examples where some sections of media dramatized things contrary to the ground realities. A case in point was order of the Supreme Court in implementation of its judgement in the RPPs case wherein people were made to believe that the apex court has issue instructions for immediate arrest of Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf. The order, in fact, just asked presentation of the investigation report(s) to the concerned authority of NAB (in this case Chairman), get approved challan/reference and cause arrest of all those involved. It is understood that the order contained no names and the instructions implied that due process should be followed which virtually meant weeks to arrive at conclusion as to who were really involved in the case but the media reporting harmed reputation of the PM a lot. We have also been observing that routine remarks and comments of judges during hearing of the case are flashed out-of-proportions as if these were verdicts.

Independence of media is surely sacrosanct as it struggled hard to gain it and is fully united to safeguard it but this in no way means that half-baked things should be presented as final outcome and events are reported without proper investigation and verification.

Thomson for radical change in Pakistan B

RITISH High Commissioner Adam Thomson, who has become very popular in diplomatic and different Pakistani circles in a short span of time because of his personal traits and professional activities, touched some of the important issues during his recent interaction with media including the need for radical reforms in Pakistan.

Traditionally, such comments on internal affairs are considered to be interference in the domestic affairs of the country and against diplomatic norms but keeping in view the unique nature of the Pak-UK relations, these have been taken well by different circles. This is because Pakistanis understand traditions, values and culture of the United Kingdom and receive advice from the friendly country in good spirit. In our view, what Mr. Thomson said should be given due consideration by the authorities concerned as the opinion has been given by a neutral personality who has no vested interests. No doubt, Thomson was speaking in the context of Long March and the consequential demands for electoral reforms, the demand for which is endorsed by the entire nation. The underlying philosophy is to ensure that only people with clean and honest background reach to the assemblies and form the Government and once this is done the cherished goal of good governance would get closer, which is also a concern of donors.

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Realities of a healthy society? destroyed by an incompetent Establishment Secretary and Dr Zafar Altaf the egoist leader of this counEmail:dr_altaf@hotmail.com try. The story is a lengthy one and will not help the cause at the moment. As a result the o much has been written by Pakistani nation has become a serall and sundry on the corrupt vile nation. Do Pakistanis exercise society in a cynical way that their own independent will? The much must be written on a healthy tone is always set by the leaders and society. What makes for a society what we have as political leaders that is not riddled by insane men or what did we have as military and by greed and avarice? It might manning this country. From Ayub come as a surprise that to create a to Musharaff there was tyranny at healthy society one has to play the helm of affairs and even the more with the intangibles and less PM’s were toeing the line of the with the greed creating monetary tyrant bosses. So do we have the resources. In a democratic format best brains running the country’s the way forward is always by the affairs? rule by the greatest number. When When these simple aspects are this happens the rule of law is es- visible the tolerance and the point tablished and the political economy of view of others is appreciated and is then based on fairness. The lead- the basic argument are not based on ers become singleton tyrants when personality but on issues. Do we the ego is taken to a high level by have this at the moment? We are a sycophants. The way is indicated loud nation and decency does not by the TV channels and they are come to us easily. Do we have the actually making a way towards cre- human image as touchstone? Are ating these egos and projecting we promoting arts or are we protheir favorites for what they are moting intrigue and conflict? The not. Likewise the flip side is that evidence is overwhelmingly for the they may be taking adverse posi- latter. Balochistan, Karachi, KPK, tions in respect of those leaders Punjab and every where that one against whom they have prejudice travels one sees human death; the or reservations. right to kill has been taken up by In the process of finding the killers. best options of governance based One of the aspects of society on fairness the corollary was that was well narrated by Obama in his the government has the best inaugural speech and that was the brains. That was so and the build promise of America where the poor up of the sane society in adminis- had an equal opportunity to travel tration was only possible if the up the social scale all because of best brains were selected for the the intelligence, hard wok and abilgovernment. The bureaucracy was ity that the poor had. Can we probuilt up in the subcontinent since vide such mobility to our poor? In 1849 by Trevellyn and Northcote fact with the education going to the to curb the tendencies of the East private sector we have ensured that India Company. That legacy was this society will take away the right

S

to a morsel by the poor. Private education is unaffordable by the poor.

It is exorbitantly expensive and there have been idiots in Pakistan that keep on telling the public what higher education can do for the people. HEC is a hot bed of intrigue. Can one build a house without foundation? Can one have Higher education when the ground realities that exist for children’s education is where it is? Our policy makers are delusional idiots.

Are all our channels open for talent? If so why has the Election Commission banned all recruitments? Is it not a fact that all the recruitments in Balochistan, Sind and Punjab have been given to party members. In fact the PM ‘s arrest has been ordered for recruiting personal that did not have the requisite qualification or competence.

One such scam is of the order of Rs 53 trillion. So you get your party workers to do the dirty work.

The TV anchors give us total evidence as to the sobriety in our language and the tone with which we take up debates. The measure of any TV channel is the time at which it is able to get them to fight it out on the silver screen. We are feeding our future generations to be loud mouthed and put our nation behind by centuries in terms of human interactions.

Does this kind of rhetoric lead to an egalitarian society? Since one has served in former East Pakistan the language is considered at par with the French Language if not better. The discussion is orderly and decent. By doing what we are we have created hatred amongst communities. We are now more provincial and less a nation. The misuse of technology is for all to see. In-

stead of developing our core values we have lost out on those very values that our forefathers developed in us. The west does not hold anything for us so far as family values and ties are concerned.

The killings that are going on are significantly manifest of our degradation and unconcern for human life. Do we cherish our children? If we do then we will have to worry about their future for as I see it we have lost out on all decent counts of life. We bow before designations and titles. Is that our ultimate to be sacrificed to a title that is given to us by our colonial masters? The various landlords and the various waderas from Sind or the tribal chiefs that were handed down to us by the British and that had served their purpose.

Finally we have our elected leaders are they propel into assemblies telling us what is good or bad for us. What of their activities?

Have thy lived up to their oaths of office? Are they totally dedicated to do the welfare job for their fellow constituents? Are they indifferent to wealth and honors?

The corrupt society has it own language. The basic law is obeying.

The basic aim is conformity. The basic weapons are military force, threats of arrest, and deceit. Every thing is for the purpose of subjugation. Meanwhile our TV shows always portray mini-truths and I have always maintained that we need a ministry of truth to balance so many ministries of lies.

There is no end in sight. The elections and thereafter a new set of ‘kassies’ [butchers] will take over and the game of greed will begin once more.

HE increased reliance on drone strikes in United States counter-terrorism doctrine seems to have taken a turn for the worse. Be it Afghanistan, Pakistan or Yemen, the Central Intelligence Agency’s (CIA) favourite mode of operations will now see an institutionalisation in President Barack Obama’s second term. Apparently, the US national security team is finalising the drafting of a counter-terrorism manual or ‘playbook’ that lists guidelines for targeted operations for the CIA. The exception is Pakistan’s restive tribal belt bordering Afghanistan, where there will be no restrictions on the use of the unmanned Predator aircraft or drones as they are popularly known. But will this only be for Pakistan, where thousands of civilians have already fallen prey to these strikes? The US penchant for sending the drones to take out anyone deemed a terrorist or even suspect elsewhere is well known. For instance, on Thursday, yet another drone strike killed at least seven Al Qaida suspects in Yemen adding to the ‘collateral damage’ on a steady rise over the past two years.

Moreover, with the rise and resurgence of militant groups in Mali, Algeria and Somalia there is a strong possibility that Obama will give Langley the go ahead to extend the drone ambit into North Africa. Not only have these strikes spurred extremism, they have also opened a whole new debate on the legalities of advanced weapon systems that are not considerate of civilians. While there is justifiable condemnation against the US for adopting such a brutal modus operandi, states like Pakistan and to a lesser extent Yemen — irrespective of their dependence on US military and non-military aid — bear equal responsibility. It is time their governments draw red lines in cooperating with an ally whose callousness in killing thousands of innocent men, women and children is tantamount to the worst of war crimes, not to forget violations of sovereignty. What is there to stop other world powers from adopting similar techniques in the name of pre-emptive deterrence?

It is time Obama takes stock of the consequences of his killing machines and looks at alternative options. Sanctioning the murder of innocents is not justified in any way.—Gulf News

*****

‘Battle’ for equality

India befuddled by internal fissures O

worker Kamal Chouhan who explained how Samjhauta Express bombs were brought to the capiwho had taken these Mohammad Jamil tal; bombs to railway station Email: mjamil1938@hotmail.com and sequence of events leading to the tragedy that killed 68 passengers, most or some time, Indian military of them Pakistani nationals. seems to be calling the shots Chouhan, had reportedly said that he not only in India’s security had no “regrets” over the Samjhauta matters but also in foreign policy bombing. He told interrogators that domain. On the other hand, there were four “planters” who came Pakistan’s military is supporting the in two separate groups to Old Delhi peace initiatives of Pakistan’s Railway station with four suitcases, elected government, and does not each one carrying a bomb. Chouhan create roadblocks in the way of said that he was among 11 people peace in the region. India’s military who were given arms training at top brass spew venom against Pa- Bagli and also the “firing lessons” kistan, but statements from the gov- organised by Sunil Joshi (now dead). ernment functionaries are reflective Indian Home Minister’s statement of their desire to have good rela- read with the confession of Chauhan tions with Pakistan. Indian govern- is reflective of the fact that Hindu ment seems to have realized that Terrorism is to blame for many acts India can implode from within, and of terrorism in India. upping the ante with Pakistan Human Watch reports often would not help create cohesion. point out about the violence against It is perhaps in this backdrop 150 million former untouchables and that India’s Home Minister, Sushil millions belonging to other minoriKumar Shinde alleged that the ties. Human rights organizations Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh regularly publish reports about (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata atrocities committed on Christians, Party (BJP) were running training Muslims and Dalits. Kashmiris are, camps with the objective of pro- however, the worst sufferers on moting Hindu terror across the earth, perhaps only second to Palescountry. To prove his point, he cited tinians. In June 1984, Indian army the examples of the Samjhauta Ex- had attacked the Golden Temple press blast (February 18, 2007), the with Tanks and armored cars killing Mecca Masjid (May 18, 2007) and more than 2000 Sikhs though govMalegaon explosions (September ernment count was 492.

8, 2006).

In another episode, with more Whatever the motive behind killings and subsequent flight of this statement, India’s Home Min- nearly 400 Christians who walked ister has been candid in acknowl- over 300 km through mountains and edging the injustice meted out to forests to reach the Young men’s minorities and in exposing Hindu Christian Association camp in Terrorism. In January 2012 a month Bhubaneswar to take refuge speaks before the 5th anniversary of volumes about the plight of ChrisSamjhauta Express tragedy, star- tians in Hindu-dominated India’s tling revelations were made by RSS eastern state of Orissa. Despite con-

News & Views

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demnation of violence by Pope Benedict and Italian government’s reaction, Christians were being forced to change their religion in Orissa. Muslims are also being forced by Hindu extremists to convert to Hindu religion.

In many provinces, there is disaffection because of policies of the Indian government, and when pushed against the wall they resort to acts of terrorism, but India has been blaming Pakistan for every act of terrorism. In 2009, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had acknowledged that home grown groups were now carrying out bombing in India.

The facts narrated in Shinde’s statement about RSS-BJP nexus in promoting Hindu Terrorism have been confirmed by India’s Minister for External affairs Salman Khurshid.

He backed home minister Sushilkumar Shinde’s statement on Hindu terrorism saying it was based entirely on facts made available by investigative agencies. He, however, added that terror has no religion and color. “Let me just say this to you very clearly that our stated position, that is shared fully by the home minister and past home minister, is based entirely on facts as the investigative agencies have made available to the government,” Khurshid told reporters here.

It appears that there is nexus between extremists’ groups, Indian military and select group of print and electronic media who are out to project Pakistan in bad light.

Such a dominant select group of Indian elite create situations in which innocent people are targeted while powerful media is used to exploit the situation to blame Pakistan. Indian media uses extremely derogatory and insulting language against Pakistan, posing it as a rogue state. The objective is to create anti-Pakistan feelings and main-

tain negative public emotions against Pakistan. Recent clashes between Indian and Pakistani soldiers on the Line of Control is a case in point. They not only martyred Pakistani soldiers but also propagated against Pakistan Army for having crossed the LoC and beheading two Indian soldiers.

In fact, this was done to counter Pakistani protest on martyrdom of Pakistani soldiers by Indian attackers. On 16th January 2013, Indian News TV Channel reported that Raj Thakery an extremist Hindu leaders (MNS leaders) has said that recent killing of Indian soldiers at LoC was an act of Indian Government to divert the internal crisis.

He further said that Indian government has been stage-managing such acts to divert the attention of public from internal crisis, and once again Indian government has manipulated the incident to ease internal pressure. On the other hand, most media men in Pakistan keep mum and do not counter Indian media’s propaganda blitz. In fact, domestic media should have exposed India for having done it deliberately in order to divert the attention of its masses from the case of gang rape of a medial student, who succumbed to her wounds and the issue had the potential of becoming an anti-government movement. Pakistani media must tell the world the fact that on 6th January Indian forces had actually crossed the LoC and raided a Pakistani post, killing one of our soldiers and wounding another. Indian Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde’s statement accusing Hindu nationalists of promoting terrorism and blaming it on Muslims goes to prove Pakistani stance that internal fissures in Indian polity force India to target Pakistan.

ver the decades, women have gained impressive representation in national armies worldwide. While they have prominently served as doctors, nurses and clerical staff and supported their male peers in a variety of role, militaries have historically shown reluctance — if not outright disapproval — to send their women directly in frontline combat. However, with the US lifting a ban on women serving in combat role, this fact appears to be changing. US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta has overturned a 1994 rule barring women from small ground-combat units. This decision, which follows a number of complaints by military women for not being allowed to serve in direct battle, has been welcomed

by Barack Obama as a “historic step”.

The statement that Panetta gave on the occasion to justify the ruling resonated a strong sense of gender equality: “Female service members have faced the reality of combat, proving their willingness to fight and, yes, to die to defend their fellow Americans.” But if other armies also follow America’s lead and start allowing their women fight physical battles, it will be a sharp break from eons of social conditioning. Warfare has been traditionally considered a man’s domain. While some might consider the notion of women being inept at physical belligerence demeaning, it has historically accorded women some important concessions. The rules of engagement during war have always stressed on protecting women and children. Societies, since time immemorial, have found it morally repugnant to kill them during battle. —Khaleej Times

All that glitters is not gold.

—Proverb

Technocrats to save the sinking ship Voice of the People

national level and this generally happens when governShaukat M Zafar ments lose their credibility.

Email: smzafar101@gmail.com Pakistan has long been suffering from multiple wounds.

Economy of the country has n spite of having abundant natu been ruined and that has been ruined ral resources Pakistan is one of the by none other than so called elected poorest, most chaotic nations on leaders. PPP is in fifth year of its rule, the planet, ruined by unrest that is es- the PPP and its coalition partners timated to have claimed thousands of must accept harsh realities. They lives in the past 5 years. The political claim to represent the people but they class has destroyed much of what was have represented no one but themgood about this country, either selves and they have more in comthrough stupidity, or because of the mon with each other and with their selfish desire to advance their own fellow politicians, than they do with interests at the expense of everyone the citizens of the nations they infest. else. These so called democrats are Pakistan’s biggest problem reparasites who are draining the life- mains a dwindling economy coupled blood from our nation and destroy- with glaring problem of energy shorting all that we have built over decades age. Another problem of Pakistan is of political evolution. Pakistan’s po- people of Pakistan are most insecure litical elite are the chief beneficiaries. in the world. Those who have pushed We are in the midst of a monetary the country and nation into darkness collapse. The true cost of the national are not leaders but robbers. At the end debt mostly received in PPP regimes of the day, the average citizen is conand siphoned off– the cost that each cerned about his daily life as opposed of us, as taxpayers, is forced to pay to political games. Pakistanis are every year of our lives – is not the demanding concrete results that conprincipal amount, Rupees 14000 bil- tribute to areas that matter most to lion, but the interest. The PPP Gov- them, in particular job and wealth ernment will come to an end sooner. creation, access to basic services.

Its performance has been under History suggests that technocrats do serious criticism with some people re- best when blitzing the mess made by garding it as the worst Government incompetent, corrupt, and squabbling since independence. The Government politicians. has failed and most of the people in There is not such a thing as real Parliament are not well educated. “democracy” in action. There does People remained complaining about not seem to be a clear leader who poor service delivery and continuous could alone win the election.This bickering that had characterized its brings us to the crux of the matter in existence. In the country, law and terms of current developments in order, electricity and gas are virtually Pakistan. Most Pakistanis stand nonexistent. Pakistan time and again around waiting for the Pak economy is seized with bad governance at the to return to “normal”. The jobs and

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businesses that are leaving abroad are gone for good and will not be coming back. This is causing unemployment to soar and public debt to skyrocket but our politicians are doing nothing about it. Instead, politicians from both parties keep insisting that they will solve all of our problems if we will just give them our votes. The people of Pakistan are absolutely desperate of politicians. What seems to be going on is that a “wisdom” is developing that only technocratic government can carry out the “painful reforms” and accountability necessary to save the country. Technocrats bring a reputational advantage both in terms of knowledge and a sense of putting national interests above party political interests.

Taking into account the current crisis, perhaps it is a good idea to keep politicians away from government for some time. A government of technocrats could bridge the gap between the two main competing political factions as is the case in Pakistan. Unlike politicians, technocrats are qualified people who master the field of their specialties and would be able to take decisions that will hopefully rescue the country mired in economic and social problems. They are the people who put national interests above political parties’ interests. That is, they have no political party interests to protect and as such are bound to serve the interests of society. Public at large believe that so called democratic governments have always failed in Pakistan to tackle the economic crisis. The country needs competent leadership and a team of technocrats to fix its structural problems before handing it over to next elected

regime. At present and as long as we are submerged in this crisis like situation, it is easier and safer for the politicians to leave it up to the technocrats to fix the process. Some may argue that a technocratic government is not democratic because it is not elected by the people, but I would say that it is less important the way such people are selected as long as they can effectively come up with measures that will take the country afloat.

The route to a lasting constituency for sustainable development is certainly through more and more democracy, not technocracy but unfortunately the multi-party political landscape in the country has been in disarray and politicians have failed in running the affairs of the state and delivering good governances. There is no option this time except to explore the possibility of forming a technocratic government.

Another important issue that needs to be carefully considered is how to enhance the technical expertise that is required by elected members of Parliament who are chosen to participate in the Executive. At the moment the law requires the President to appoint ministers from Members of Parliament and as such his selection is confined to Parliament. Political parties in Pakistan should have a system to induct technocrats in their parties so that they could be appointed to Parliament and the Cabinet. The possibility of engaging technocrats should be considered by the major political parties to instil more professionalism.

People should be appointed based on their areas of specialty.

Salvaging Balochistan parties’ priority of staying in power instead of upholding rule Rizwan Ghani of law, democracy and public safety.

Email:sadcat44@hotmail.com Democracy does not absolve rulers from accountability. A judicial inquiry should be ordered he imposition of governor rule to punish all the people who were rein Balochistan has confirmed sponsible for thousands of deaths in perpetual breakdown of gover- Balochistan in last four years. The nance, rule of law and public safety. change of the government or resigIt is also an acknowledgment of fed- nation is no accountability. Democeral government’s failure in racy should be made accountable to Balochistan . Politicians could have rule of law, the Constitution and the avoided the governor rule if they had State. The govt, lawmakers, political honored the court judgments on parties, police and intelligence setups Balochistan situation and put in place should face justice for failing to proan effective government. It could tect public and uphold court judghave saved hundreds of lives. Argu- ments on Balochistan situation. Othably, Balochistan government was erwise, the state should act to end sacked to focus on developments in culture of impunity in the name of Islamabad. Nevertheless, the stopgap democracy because no one is above arrangement of governor rule does the law. Balochistan can still be resnot guarantee end of complex prob- cued. Islamabad needs to enact land lems of Balochistan . There is a need reforms and relocate 3-4 crore people to adopt a comprehensive plan to sal- to Balochistan to create employment, revive economy, and protect national vage Balochistan .

Politicians are responsible for security. There are many successful their failures. They should not blame examples of land reforms in the others for their corruption, incompe- world. The Constitution of Pakistan tence and failure to protect public. No allows land reforms, freedom of democratic government would have movement, and welfare of the public survived in the West the way the ex- by the state. The national database on CM Aslam Raisani failed to return to poor and social safety networks inQuetta after the twin bomb blasts. SC cluding BISP could be used to dishas already scrapped Reko Diq Deal tribute land, end poverty, generate and Pakistan will protect its national employment and secure Balochistan interests in future also. The federal . The food stamp programs should be government is equally responsible for restricted to widows, handicapped the situation because it supported and elderly. America enacted HomeBalochistan govt to protect its coali- stead Act (giving govt land to landtion governments in the provinces and less poor, Wikipedia) in thirteen states the center. It has exposed political to strengthen its economy, generate

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jobs and public wellbeing. Beijing relocated 250m Chinese to end poverty under national social welfare program. Islamabad should help its poor to work instead of depending on alms.

The relocation of people will promote consumer-based economy. It is the largest province by area, constituting approximately 47% of Pakistan’s total land mass, but smallest in terms of population. History shows that the West has been allowing immigration to maintain and sustain its economies (industrialization: Japan, Europe and US). The political and traditional Baluch leadership resorts to cherry picking in use of democracy and Constitution. They accept billions in funds, but accuse the federation of depriving Balochistan from income of its natural resources.

There is unwillingness to uphold the constitutional rights of citizens in form of open borders, right to establish businesses, free movement and military cantonments. China has adopted consumer-based economy to sustain growth, economy and generate jobs in wake of global recession, falling exports and rising inflation. It will be more beneficial than aid packages from center and reimbursement of outstanding dues. The relocation of people is need of the hour.

An open Balochistan can revive Pakistan. Balochistan has been kept isolated from other parts of the country for last 50 years. It lacks vast developed economic, communication and business links with other provinces. The foreign backed target killings in Balochistan have further complicated the situation. Balochistan can

restart its economy by encouraging investment from other provinces, local Pakistani investors investing in other parts of the world and overseas Pakistanis. Local investment in coal, minerals, gas, oil, renewables can create millions of jobs, generate revenue and improve economy. Balochistan can benefit from surplus agri-produce in Punjab like wheat, rice and dairy products. Punjab on the other hand can overcome its energy, meat, and dates demand. Punjab-Balochistan collaboration in renewable energy projects and coal (shifting 40 % of energy generation to coal in line with developed states), Punjab can bring down cost of per unit energy below Rs 5, which will boost production, exports and expand consumer based economy.

Islamabad should reject US Asia-Pacific policy to restore peace and end proxy war in Balochistan .

The use and expansion of Gwadar Port can revive Pakistan’s economy. The international forces are fueling law and order situation in the province to block shortest energy route to Central Asia through Balochistan. The strengthening of Pak-Saudi strategic partnership, Sino-Saudi energy agreements (Beijing to import 11% oil from Saudi Arabia) and China’s projected $300bn trade with ME are positive news. Pakistan can expand its exports to Gulf States and Asia.

The establishment of trade and energy corridors will bring peace and prosperity in Pakistan, its neighbors and the region.

Views From Abroad

A ‘second-term curse’?

Jack Shafer

J

UST as farmers plant and reap with the seasons, political jour nalists consult the calendar for the best time to scatter seed and harvest, with second-term inaugurations being the preferred juncture to deploy temple-tapping discussions of the “second-term curse,” the notion that special doom awaits any modern president who wins the White House a second time. Like most predictions, this one is for suckers. To begin with, the definition of a second-term curse has become so elastic that anything from a few policy setbacks to death can be interpreted as fulfillment of the curse. Even the definition of a second term has been debased by those who call vice presidents who complete a dead president’s term and win one on their own — Theodore Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge, Harry Truman and Lyndon Johnson — two-termers.

Also, as David Greenberg recently argued in The New Republic, the audit of supposedly failed second terms usually neglects to mention the triumphs, such as President Bill Clinton’s foreign policy successes in Kosovo and Northern Ireland in his second term, President George W. Bush’s winding down of the Iraq war in his second and Presi-

dent Ronald Reagan’s retreat from “Strangelovean apocalypticism” that created a soft-landing place for the collapsing Soviet empire. Sifting Nexis, we learn that most of the talking heads and writers contemplating the curse in the past couple of weeks have done so to refute it. Writing in The Atlantic, legal scholar Akhil Reed Amar points out that “the idea of a second-term curse fails to account for basic probability,” that the curse is probably more about the regression to the mean than anything else. At Bloomberg View, Al Hunt rejects the curse in his first paragraph. Historian Douglas Brinkley has debunked the curse as mythology in multiple venues in the past week (CBS This Morning, WSJ Live, the New York Times and CNN), as did Doris Kearns Goodwin on Meet the Press and The Today Show (“I think we’ve made too much of second-term curses”).

Two guys with White House experience, David Plouffe and Joe Lockhart, gave the curse a gentle nahhhh brush-off this week, while a pair of Clinton administration insiders, Mark Fabiani and Chris Lehane, came closest to giving the curse a full-frontal embrace this week with their USA Today op-ed that blamed botched second terms on the “scandal-industrial complex.” In their view, the complex — equal part press, bad public servants who em-

barrass the president and hyper-partisans who exploit presidential miscues — can be neutralized by a White House practiced in damage control: First, confess to mistakes made; next, avoid panic; and finally, maintain the president’s power-enhancing credibility. Although Fabiani and Lehane frame their oped as instructions for President Barack Obama on how to best avoid the second-term curse, their diagnosis and advice isn’t second-term-specific. They hypothesize that the scandal-industrial complex may be “gearing up to derail President Obama’s second term,” but what they offer is a generalized formula a president can use to beat his political critics and naysayers no matter what term he’s serving.

I doubt that, deep down, Fabiani and Lehane believe in the curse or that they believe in presidential “hubris” or “overreach,” which pundits and politicians also love to cite, and which President Obama acknowledged the day after his re-election.

“I’m more than familiar with all the literature about presidential overreach in second terms,” he said. “We are very cautious about that.” The press has been fixated on second terms (lame-duck wasted years or historymaking triumphs!?) since the ratification of the term-limiting 22nd Amendment in 1951, which compressed all the speculation about what

a re-elected president might accomplish (or fail to accomplish) in his future terms to just one term, his second. By stoking the idea of a second-term curse, reporters and pundits give themselves a permanent peg for whatever White House story they’re warming in their Crock-Pot. It also allows them to retrieve from their clip files everything they’ve ever written about the ups and downs of second-term presidencies and refresh it for the current news cycle. The recycling window runs from about the second year of the first term to the last year of the second term, at which point not even political novices can be forced to listen or read about the curse and wise editors spike the idea when it’s pitched.

With the exception of President Richard Nixon — who was eternally damned by Yahweh and Satan, all the deities of the Hindu pantheon and every god recorded in Roman, Greek and Norse mythology for his many transgressions — no second-term president has ever been the recipient of a curse. And it follows that no successful first-termer should ever believe himself blessed. When encountering these words in political journalism, consider yourself warned that heaps of filler are about to follow.

—Courtesy Reuters

Is law hostage to criminals?

MALIK TARIQ ALI

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nspite of his vast media empire, the billionaire elected PM Berlusconi of Italy, a liberal country, once home to Sicilian mafia, could not evade fallout of corruption charges and his immoral conduct involving a prostitute. The biggest symbol and icon of organized crime mafia, Al-Capone did not exercise control over state investigating, revenue collection and crime busting agencies, who ultimately hauled him for tax evasion, inspite of his immense wealth and clout. While crime and corruption are an accepted evil, they remain contained in civilized societies where writ of law dominates. But when a society allows criminals, declared tax evaders and land or drug mafia dons to exercise control of law enforcement, sensitive security or intelligence agencies, by having their nominees appointed as head of such institutions, then law becomes hostage to mega criminals and state fails to collect taxes, protect lives and property of citizens, or provide justice to masses. In Pakistan, even coming elections could not deter ruling coalition to avoid involving a tax evader, declared by judicial commission, to accompany them in an attempt to diffuse long march facade by a Canadian. A state can function and perform even when it devolves itself from religion, or even in the extreme becomes atheist, but it cannot function if it is based on discrimination, injustice and patronizes or eulogizes criminals.

—Lahore

Cellular service blockage FAHAD RAZZA The recent suspension of cellular services caused great agony to the residents of the twin cities. For nearly two days it was next to impossible to contact emergency and health services. From people who require emergency medical assistance but cannot do so, to parents who cannot contact their children, businessmen who cannot contact their customers and patients in hospitals who cannot communicate with their family members, the difficulties that people faced due to suspension of cellular services cannot be enumerated here.

I will share a personal incident, a neighbor of mine passed away on 14th January, and it became very difficult to inform the relatives and friends as cellular services were blocked. Similarly arranging the transportation for graveyard was another issue, as most bus and ambulance services do not have landline numbers. After this horrific experience I am considering installing a PTCL landline number and also urge my relatives and friends to share their PTCL landline number as cellular service suspension is now becoming a norm. It is imperative that we should keep landline numbers of emergency services and important personal and professional contacts updated to avoid any inconvenience in an emergency situation like this.

—Rawalpindi

Change?

IKRAM ULLAH KHAN Political leaders use centuries- old, formula word “change” in their speeches and critique on existing faulty system and become popular enough among masses to get votes to become democratically elected ruler for a specific time period. The elected leaders are deprived from their rule by using the same technique by the other leader in next election. Politicians also make use of this same formula to moud the public opinion for their own political objectives, not for the benefit of people.

In contemporary political environment, “Yes, we can” was the leading slogan used by Barack Obama in his presidential campaign in 2008. This slogan was so attractive that it had become alike national anthem of the country at that time.

He won that election and became President of USA. It was a historical victory and change in itself, but no wonder; he couldn’t do what he said.

Yes, it was the change at the apex level in American leadership but broad-spectrum change has never been seen in American official policy; either in domestic issues, or in matters of international politics. The question arises in mind that why “he couldn’t”, bring a major shift in U.S policies. It is well known that in US an elected President is the supreme authority, not his army chief. Then who stopped him to deliver his agenda for the betterment of his country and as well as for the mankind?

It is the system; controlled by corrupt and avid politicians, merchants and bureaucrats, and no wonder community itself. There will be no positive outcome even an angel or saint becomes the ruler, while keeping the long-established system in practice. In a well established system where every one is treated according to law, even an insane person may get opportunistic command. He will not be able to bring disorder, because of the hard resistance by the organizational structure, well defined rules and procedures.

The picture is getting clear that the target should be the system, not personalities; as it is an established thinking in our society that whosoever will join the army has to get rid of his laziness and carelessness, but in civilian institutes he has to adopt aforementioned bad practices during official duty.

Currently in Pakistani political

arena, almost all players are busy in character assassination of each other.

Few of them are emphasizing for change. A change similar to Obama’s claim, in which once again people of Pakistan might be able to change the existing ruling leaders but remember all would go in vain if the existing system remains in place.

Recently a secular religious party’s leader came up with the same slogan of change and became the beacon of hope for the people of Pakistan. During his campaign people seemed committed under his command, but in end, he not only embraced the existing system, but also, to an extent, became the part of system. Probably the real solution of the problem would be; first find out the problem and then solve it, rather than to accept it, as it is.

Change should be a real change by all means in term of restructuring the existing system. It would not be the real change as the beneficiaries of system want status quo and at the same time, the change of faces is acceptable for them. The real goal should be the replacement of existing faulty system with the collaboration of politicians and civil society.

—Via email

Punishment & human rights FAWAD HASHMEY The recent beheadings in Saudi Arabia of a young Sri Lankan Muslim woman and a Pakistani on various charges has drawn criticism of human rights organisations around the world which deem such punishment as mediaeval and barbaric. Indeed such actions bring to mind the mediaeval English history made famous by the slaying of two of King Henry VIII’s six wives.

Although it is the Saudi practice to award such punishments to those violating the laws of the land, in the 21st century these acts are looked upon with a degree of contempt at a time when vast majority of the countries have banished capital punishment. Last year as many as 69 people were beheaded in the Kingdom according to the US – based Human Rights Watch and no detailed information is available on the legal aid or help provided to the victims, barring the case of Sri Lankan maid Rizana Nafeek who was put down in her 20s and that too when Colombo appealed to Riyadh for mercy.

Of the many Pakistanis who have been meted out such judicial verdicts over the years mainly on charges of drug trafficking, one has not heard of any family members coming forward for mercy plea nor has the government shown any inclination to take up their cases on humanitarian grounds.

Rather than putting them to sword, ideally, it would be much better if the Saudi government deports such convicted persons to their respective countries and enable them to serve their sentences in their own homeland under official agreement.

In this way, human rights organisations will feel satisfied and have no valid reason to criticise the oil-rich Kingdom.

—Lahore

Loss of Quetta’s charms FAZAL BALOCH Quetta is no longer the city of love, peace and sectarian harmony. Like other major cities in Pakistan, its streets and alleys are now full of people who have been taught the vile ‘talent’ of identifying people on the basis of their faith and ideology.

Similarly, it has lost its reputation of ethnic flexibility and linguistic diversity, which has, for centuries, been the significant hallmark of the secular demography of Balochistan in general and Quetta in particular.

Today, its air is filled with the obnoxious smell of blood and gunpowder rather than the fragrance of cherry and almond flowers. The city, which used to remain awake till the middle of the night, now wears a rather desolate and terrified cloak during the early moments of dusk.

It is no longer the romantic city that enchanted the greatest ever Balochi

poet, Atta Shad, in such an enthralling way that he chose to settle there forever, leaving his ancestral town of Turbat on a lifelong wait. He had a great affinity with the sociable climate of Quetta, and went as far as preferring to be buried in the soil of this affable city hundreds of miles away from the graves of his ancestors. Likewise, it is no more the city where famous Balochi folk singers Mureed Buledi and Faiz Mohammad Baloch recorded their melodious folk songs in the building of Radio Pakistan, Quetta. Today’s Quetta is altogether different from the one that used to shower its boundless love on all its citizens irrespective of their ethnicity, linguistic and ideological associations. There were no Shias, Sunnis or Hindus in the city, but revered human beings beyond all ethnic and ideological boundaries.

Unfortunately, its traits of love, romance and humanism have now been replaced by hatred, acrimony, intolerance and ethnic extremism as it has slipped into the hands of religious fanatics and zealots who have turned this paradise of harmony into a slaughterhouse, especially for the Hazaras, a community that has lived in the province for around 100 years.

The sectarian genocide of this hapless community, which was unleashed mainly by the militants of a proscribed outfit a decade back, has seen an unprecedented surge in terms of human losses in the last couple of years.

Succumbing to the threats of dire consequences, many a Hazara businessman has shut his business in Balochistan while a large number of youths have made their way to European countries including Spain, Italy, the UK and the US. I wish Quetta once again becomes the same place that mesmerised Atta Shad a few decades earlier. I wish its dry fruit shops remain open till late in the night; the fragrance of its almond and cherry flowers take over the pungent smell of blood and gunpowder. I wish its citizens transcend all ethnic and linguistic boundaries once and for all.

—Turbat

RE-opening of Youtube MOHAMMAD FAYYAZ This refers to serveral of the pleadings for the re-opening of Youtube facility in the newspapers to the internet users in Pakistan. One would hardly disagree with viewpoint of its re-opening,as it benefits its users a lot. Every item of knowledge of any discipline is just at a click’s distance on the keyboard.

Youtube closure step was taken in Pakistan by the govt. in the backdrop of an uploaded blasphemous film, resulting in world-wide angry protests in general and Pakistan in particular. Its re-opening is indeed required, for its serves the studentresearchers a lot in their academic, and research tasks. Besides, a considerable section of the society watches informative and educative videos on this site. Its functional importance is so much for some of us that the ones who are conversant with the internet and software open their Youtube facility with proxy software of various names currently.

One point on which I completely disagree with a writer (who recently wrote an article) is that he refers to pornography, and blasphemy ‘peripheral’ on the web in his article.

The two evils are galore on the web, particularly on Youtube. We are to protect our youths from moral degradation. We are not a free society; checks and balances have to regulate us. I am completely in agreement, however, with that learned writer for its re-opening but before that decision is taken, the nation has to be taken in confidence.

—Charsadda

READERS are requested to type their letters legibly with double spacing and only on one side of the paper.

—Editor Email:editorial@pakobserver.net

North Korea Threats: Rhetoric Or Reality?

ERIC TALMADGE

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ORTH Korea released official state ments declaring that it will respond to the recent wave of UN sanctions with “all out action.” If the past is any indication, its threats of war are overblown. In 2006, North Korea first carried out an underground nuclear test just after the UN sanctioned it for launching long range rockets. Nevertheless, the chances it will continue to develop its missile program and even conduct another nuclear test are high. North Korea claims it has the right to nuclear weapons to protect itself from the US, which stations 28,000 troops below the border in the Republic of Korea. North Korea however, will find it increasingly difficult to successfully launch rockets. For a nation that chronically struggles with feeding its own populations, aid cuts and trade restrictions will be stifling. Furthermore, acquiring the parts for its weapons abroad will become increasingly difficult. According to its official statements, North Korea is ready to go to the brink.

But how serious are Pyongyang’s threats?

This week, new U.N. sanctions punishing the North’s successful December rocket launch have elicited a furious response from Pyongyang: strong hints that a third nuclear test is coming, along with bigger and better long-range missiles; “all-out action” against its “sworn enemy,” the United States; and on Friday, a threat of “strong physical countermeasures” against South Korea if Seoul participates in the sanctions. “Sanctions mean war,” said a statement carried by North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency. In the face of international condemnation, North Korea can usually be counted on for such flights of rhetorical pique. In recent years it threatened to turn South Korea into a “sea of fire,” and to wage a “sacred war” against its enemies.

If the past is any indication, its threats of war are overblown. But the chances it will conduct another nuclear test are high. And it is gaining ground in its missile program, experts say, though still a long way from seriously threatening the U.S.

mainland. “It’s not the first time they’ve made a similar threat of war,” said Ryoo Kihl-jae, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul. “What’s more serious than the probabil-

formal end to the Korean War, which ended nearly 60 years ago in a truce. It uses its weapons program as a wedge in the ever-repeating diplomatic dance with the U.S.-led international community,

What’s the Threat? North Korean Rhetoric, Reality…… ity of an attack on South Korea is that of a nuclear test. I see very slim chances of North Korea following through with its threat of war.” Although

and there is no reason to believe this time is different. “I see this as their way of testing the water,” said Narushige Michishita, a North Korea

And in 2009, Pyongyang also declared that it would begin enriching uranium, giving it a second way to make atomic weapons. U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Thursday that he has seen no outward sign that North Korea will follow through soon on its plan to conduct a test, but added that doesn’t mean preparations aren’t under way.

North Korea’s leadership is undeniably concerned that it might be attacked or bullied by outside powers, the tough talk is mainly an attempt to bolster its bargaining position in diplomatic negotiations.

The impoverished North is in need of international aid and is eager to sign a treaty bringing a

expert at Tokyo’s Graduate Institute of Policy Studies. “North Korea will probably never be able to defeat the United States in a war. But they are getting stronger.” In 2006 and 2009, North Korea carried out underground nuclear tests just after receiving U.N. sanctions for launching long-range

Towards a global network of liberal Muslims ABDELWAHAB MEDDEB

I

N Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, as in Chittagong, the country’s sec ond largest city, following meetings with writers, poets and academics I understand that it is necessary to create a network of liberal Muslim artists and in-

changing from Indonesia to the Maghreb.

In terms of cult practices, it is currently undergoing standardisation and universalisation that bears the hallmark of the simplified Wahhabi doctrine, rejecting theological complexity to favour the constancy of religious practices. To counter these perils, if it is not already

A small explosion has hit the Jakarta office of the Liberal Islamic Network, ... tellectuals to protect our countries against too late, one must focus on the four points the tidal wave of Wahhabism and that have been the favourite targets of Salafism. The latter is transforming Is- Wahhabism: 1. Vernacular Islam revolves lam and leading its people toward close- around the institution of saints, a mode of mindedness and fanaticism. It is amaz- religious practices which activates the

Imtiaz Ahmed, a colleague from Bangladesh with whom I took part in a public debate in an amphitheatre packed with an attentive audience made up of liberal people as well as of middle of the road Islamists and some Salafis. The discussion that followed our exchanges was constructive and candid. ing to discover how similar the problems are from Morocco to South Asia. The whole horizontal stretch of civilisation running above the Tropics to which we belong is being contaminated. It teeters under the onslaught of a devastating standardisation. This situation has nothing to do with chance; it is the outcome of a carefully articulated policy that has shown its consistency, its rigour, its impetus. It has produced effects that transform reality, ever since the first oil crisis in 1974, which flooded Saudi Arabia with petro-dollars, a part of which has been used methodically to the propagation of Wahhabi doctrine across the world.

From that moment, Islam started

rockets. The latest barrage of rhetoric comes after the U.N. Security Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to condemn the successful Dec. 12 rocket launch and further expand sanctions against Kim Jong Un’s regime. Pyongyang replied with its threat of more launches and possibly another nuclear test.

“Settling accounts with the U.S. needs to be done with force, not with words,” said Thursday’s statement from the National Defense Commission, which promised “a new phase of the anti-U.S. struggle that has lasted century after century.”

North Korea has long insisted that its rocket launches were peaceful attempts to put a satellite in orbit, while the U.S. and United Nations consider them illegal tests of missile technology. This week, however, Pyongyang, made it clear that one goal of its rocket program is to attack the United States.

But its ability to do so is limited, say experts who believe North Korea still has technological kinks to work out in its nuclear devices. It is thought to be unable to make a nuclear weapon small enough to be mounted on a missile, so it needs to test that technology as well. Another big issue is money. In his first speech to his people, the young leader, Kim, who is still believed to be in his 20s, said North Korea will continue its “military first” policy. But for a nation that chronically struggles to feed its own people, resources are limited. And because of trade restrictions, acquiring

mechanism of what the ancient Greeks called tragedy, involving a process of catharsis (the purgation of passions) that enables the individual or the community to release the excess of tensions they are submitted to.

2. This brand of Islam integrates preIslamic features that go far back in time; with vim and vigour, it recycles ancient and antique elements that in Bangladesh, where I am writing from, are Indian. It is connected to the Hindu and Buddhist heritages, and proclaims solidarity between the alim and the pundit, the Sufi and the yogi. In the same way, in Tunisia, this substratum is of Mediterranean essence, fusing and interlocking ancestral elements of

Berber, Jewish, Latin and sub-Saharan African heritages that are framed by Islamic belief. 3. The second point has to do with the doctrinal and juridical approaches that set the norm in the way it should be adapted and articulated to positive law, to common law. The Wahhabi tidal wave intends to suppress the Hanafi memory in Bangladesh and the Maliki memory in Maghreb. Despite their operational shortcomings, these memories are the repositories of complexities, of exchanges of ideas that Wahhabi simplification cannot bear because it focuses all its energies on orthopraxy to the detriment of questioning.

4. My third point is about the necessary return to the theological and Sufi heritage that implies speculation and questioning. To get closer to it, one must transcend the four Sunni rites as well as the Sunni/ Shia divide. It is also necessary to break free from the constraints of “ijm”, the consensus that froze the whole set of beliefs, and restore “ikhtilaf”, the disagreement between ulemas. This last produces a polyphony that opens wide the doors of “ijtihad”, the interpretation effort that brings about debate and promotes the diversity of viewpoints, making relative the access to truth. “Ikhtilaf” is the key word that resonates in the legal treatise of the philosopher and qadi Ibn Rushd (Averroes), the title of which is programmatic, Bidayat alMujtahid wa nihayat al-Muqtacid, which could be translated as: “Here starts he who has striven towards interpretation, there stops he who has renounced to do so.” At this point, it is urgent to widen one’s references and draw from the philosophical and poetical references that have accumulated over the centuries in the major languages of Islam, mostly in Arabic and Persian. In the most notable passages of these texts, one finds the beginnings, the foreshadowings, the harbingers of the lessons of Enlightenment that answer in an efficient fashion the problems that are ours today. For instance, one can find a way to tackle the question of The Other or of the relation of Self to The Other.

Here, in Bangladesh, there is a problem in the relation between the Muslims and their others, the Buddhists. Recent news remind us of the invasion of Buddhist sites that burned down temples and destroyed statues of Buddha or decapitated them. It happened on September, 29 last year in Ramu and the villages near Cox’s Bazaar, by the Bay of Bengal. Eleven wooden temples were burnt down, including a three centuries-old one.

—Courtesy Daily Star News

parts for its weapons from abroad is increasingly difficult.

Despite December’s successful launch, North Korea’s ability to get missiles off the launch pad is less than reliable. In April, a similar rocket splintered into pieces over the Yellow Sea. Days later,

North Korea showed off what appeared to be an intercontinental ballistic missile, but many experts who reviewed footage of the rockets said they were clearly fakes. The North does, however, appear to be making some progress.

Japan’s Defense Ministry, in an assessment of the December launch presented to the prime minister on Friday, said the North’s best designs probably give its missiles a range of more than 10,000 kilometers (6,200 miles), according to Japan’s Kyodo news service. That would be enough to reach the West Coast of the United States. A South Korean defense official said Friday that Seoul agrees with that assessment. The Japanese report warned that Pyongyang’s missile technology has “entered a new stage” that is of serious concern to the international community.

Japan is particularly wary of North Korea’s capabilities because all of its islands are well within striking distance. Japan also hosts about 50,000 U.S. troops, whose bases would be a tempting target if Pyongyang were to try to make good on its threats. “There has been a tendency to underestimate what North Korea can do in the space and missile field, and possibly with technology in general,” U.S. nuclear expert Jeffrey Lewis wrote recently on his Arms Control Wonk blog. He noted that debris recovered from the wreckage of the December rocket’s first stage indicates that most of it was made in North Korea. North Korea claims the right to build nuclear weapons as a defense against the United States, which stations more than 28,000 troops in South Korea.

It is believed to have enough weapons-grade plutonium for about four to eight bombs, according to nuclear scientist Siegfried Hecker, who visited North Korea’s nuclear complex in 2010. And in 2009, Pyongyang also declared that it would begin enriching uranium, giving it a second way to make atomic weapons. U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Thursday that he has seen no outward sign that North Korea will follow through soon on its plan to conduct a test, but added that doesn’t mean preparations aren’t under way.

—Courtesy AP

Algeria on road to progress

Economic & Political Governance

P

RIVATE Sector: The 2012 World Bank Doing Business report on the business climate ranks Alge ria 148th out of 183 countries. It emphasises the constraints that weigh on the business climate, in particular in respect of creating businesses and transferring property.

These procedures entail major delays and costs. In addition, it remains difficult for SMEs to get access to bank financing. Furthermore, a survey into trends carried out by the forum of business leaders, the FCE, yields a negative index of confidence by entrepreneurs. Steps were taken during 2011 in the framework of the tripartite meeting of the social partners to improve the business climate and investment. New methods of payment were introduced for inputs and raw materials imported by production enterprises. Investment loans to SMEs were enhanced and a procedure for dealing with the bank debts of SMEs in difficulty was introduced. Tax procedures and the rescheduling of unpaid tax were simplified. Incentives for non-hydrocarbon exports were strengthened.

These measures go in tandem with the reforms undertaken in recent years. Those include revision of the commercial code, simplification of the procedures for registering a business, lower taxes for enterprises, development of industrial zones to make it easier to attract investors, and revision of the legislation relating to acquiring land.

After the series of reforms in the 2009 supplementary budget, the 2011 supplementary budget brought in new measures to encourage investment and give a boost to SMEs, in particular in the areas of taxation and access to industrial land. The national agency for investment development (ANDI) reports that non-hydrocarbon investment since 2006 has reached USD 25 billion, 33% of which is FDI. Non-hydrocarbon FDI trebled in comparison with 2010. This FDI is part of the 7 900 projects registered in 2011, in particular in the pharmaceutical, agrifood and construction-materials industries.

The banking sysytem is made up of 26 banks, 6 of them public, among them a savings bank, Caisse nationale d’épargne et de prévoyance (CNEP). It also includes nonbanking establishments such as insurance companies, and leasing and microfinance companies, and a limited stock exchange.

The treasury’s financial operations are conducted through the bond market for the purchase of the debts of public enterprises and the financing of public investment. The public banking sector remains dominant, with 89% of total assets, but the private banks are

taking an increasingly prominent position in financing the economy (23.2% of credits in 2011, compared with 19.2% for the public

ing and financial sector with a view to stimulating growth, and promoting and diversifying Monitoring of the measures taken

As a result Algeria occupies 131st position out of 192 countries in the United Nations “e-government” ranking.

The recommendations of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), to which Algeria signed up voluntarily in 2003, are implemented to ensure greater transparency in the management of public affairs. banks). There is still a structural excess of liquidity in Algeria’s banks. Since 2001, the commercial banks have no longer sought refinancing from the Bank of Algeria. In 2011 they strengthened their financial solidity with a solvability ratio of 23% at the end of December but they suffer from weak banking intermediation in attracting household savings and are having trouble transforming resources into investment. The proportion of non-performing loans declared by the banks

by banks and financial institutions to combat money-laundering and the financing of terrorism has been intensified.

The currency and credit council, the Conseil de la monnaie et du crédit (CMC), put in place in 2011 a system of internal surveillance and limitation of counterparties of outstanding interbank loans and borrowing, in particular on the money market.

These new mechanisms have enhanced the stability and robustness of the banking sys-

35 hostages dead after Algerian Army raids gas plant. fell from 19.05% to 16.63% between the end of 2010 and the end of 2010. Long-term capital resources are rare and stricter prudential regulations prevent the banks from financing major projects. Transactions on the stock exchange are limited. A small number of businesses account for activity on the exchange.

The main players on the financial markets are the national financial institutions and the public banks. Algeria has embarked on a programme of modernising the bank-

tem. Public Sector Management, Institutions & Reform Economic reforms that seek to diversify and modernise the economy have been adopted. The government is pressing ahead with the reorganisation of the administration with the intention of improving the quality of services. The authorities want to establish a link between wages and productivity and economic performance outside the oil and gas sector.

—Courtesy African Economic Outlook.

Global Food Crisis Will Worsen as Heatwaves Damage Crops, Research Finds ARIF RAFIQ

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EMOCRATIC forces in Pakistan con tinue to fight an uphill battle despite a multitude of national challenges. Last week, tens of thousands of protestors descended into the heart of Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital, demanding that the federal government make sweeping electoral reforms and then give way to an army and judiciary-endorsed caretaker government that would oversee general elections. The protestors were dedicated, braving the cold, and, at times, rain, for four nights. They were disciplined, following their leader’s command and not engaging in violence. They were organized, staffing themselves with teams to handle emergency medical care, live tweeting, and music. And they were strategic, alternating between Urdu and English-language chants, with different messaging for domestic and foreign consumption. Yet, despite these strengths, they essentially failed.

The protests led by cleric-politician Tahir-ulQadri hit a brick wall made of Pakistan’s mainstream, democratic parties. These parties, including members of the governing coalition and opposition, consolidated ranks to block what they viewed was an attempt to sideline them and detour Pakistan’s path to full democracy. On Wednesday, opposition leader and

former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif led a meeting with Islamist and ethnic nationalist parties some of which had previously supported military interventions to oppose the postponement of the elections and army involvement in the decision-making process. The next day, members of the federal government coalition met with Qadri and negotiated a face-

indeed a victory for democracy, but a victory in a single battle in what will be a long war. Pakistan’s nascent democracy is not yet safe from military Bonapartism, judicial activism, or the moral bankruptcy and incompetence that pervades much, though not all, of its political class. The grudge match to determine the delineation of power in Pakistan con-

1999, Pakistan’s democratic experiment ended when Gen. Pervez Musharraf overthrew Sharif and made himself chief executive. By 2006, Bhutto and Sharif found themselves outside of Pakistan, not only in exile and but almost irrelevant. Musharraf’s approval ratings in Pakistan were high and he was viewed in western capitals as a reformer and an essential partner in

Parliamentary committees, particularly those in the Senate, meet far more regularly than before and are embracing an oversight role. The Parliamentary Committee on National Security, for example, played a lead role in reviewing relations with the United States after the shutdown of the NATO supply route in November 2011. Today in Pakistan, a milestone is increasingly in reach: for the first time in its history, the country might have one democratically-elected government pass power on to another. saving settlement that allowed him to nominally claim victory before his followers without having achieved his most important demands. The federal government, meanwhile, avoided having to forcibly evict peaceful protestors from a sensitive area. Federal government spokesman Qamar Zaman Kaira, who the day before performed a brutal impersonation of Qadri in a press conference, spoke before the protesters, hailing them and their leader, and terming the day a victory for democracy. The events of last Thursday were

tinues. But at the same time, it is safe to say that there are fundamental changes in the attitude and behavior of Pakistan’s civilian politicians that bode well for democracy. These changes are rooted in the 2006 Charter of Democracy (CoD), an agreement between Sharif and the late Benazir Bhutto, who was chairperson of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) at the time. During the 1990s, Bhutto and Sharif mercilessly battled one another while also staving off a predatory military. Each ruled for two truncated terms. And in

the war on terror. With robust economic growth in Pakistan and a host of mega-development projects in the works, including a massive, new Chinese-built port along the Arabian Sea, the two civilian giants of the 1990s were now dwarfs. With good reason, one could say that a Pakistani Spring began in London in May 2006, when Bhutto and Sharif signed the CoD, a pledge by both parties to commit to dozens of political reforms that would bolster democracy, advance equitable resource sharing, and enhance consensus-

building bodies in parliament and other arenas. The CoD was a landmark achievement in Pakistan’s political history and the product of tough lessons learned by Bhutto and Sharif. Internecine civilian strife during the 1990s strengthened the military’s hand. Bhutto and Sharif realized that the two largest democratic parties must band together to protect their collective political space. In 2007, Musharraf began secret power sharing talks with Bhutto backed

by London and Washington. This was a blatant violation of the CoD. Later that year, he sacked a defiant chief justice and ordered a deadly raid on militant-controlled Islamic institutions in Islamabad, Lal Masjid and Jamia Hafsa, leading, respectively, to a civil society movement and terrorism wave that would eventually lead to the return of Bhutto and Sharif and relatively free and fair elections in 2008.

Those elections would bring the PPP to power in a coalition government with Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League faction (PML-N) for the first time ever. But that union would not last long. Asif Ali Zardari, who took over the party after Bhutto’s assassination, balked at following through on agreements made with Sharif to implement the CoD and restore the judges deposed by Musharraf in November 2007.

—Courtesy Diplomat

Indo-Pak Secretary level talks cancelled

Wattoo From Page 1 prime minister’s issue. The PPP leader bitterly criticized PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif and his brother Shahbaz Sharif on the occasion, saying Sharif brothers have turned arrogant.

He said he know very well how to beat Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in Punjab in the upcoming general elections. Mazoor Wattoo said that Sharif brothers do not respect assembly members and Shahbaz Sharif has never convened a cabinet meeting, adding that his party respect the accords signed with Dr Tahirul Qadri.—INP

From Page 1 with its Pakistani counterpart.

The scheduled Januaryend Indo-Pak Secretary-level meeting on waters, including differences over the Tulbul navigation project in Jammu and Kashmir, has been cancelled.

There are some “scheduling issues”, official sources said in New Delhi, adding, therefore, new dates have to be worked-out for the meeting now.

India had told Pakistan that the annual talks, which

PM approves

From Page 1 killing of four persons after a WASA truck hit motorcycle

Don’t take for granted hand of friendship: Mukherjee

Nawaz

sisting problems of marketdependent economies.

“Many rich nations are now trapped by a culture of entitlement without social obligations; we must avoid this trap.” Failure to do so could make Maoist violence “acquire far more dangerous dimensions”, he warned.

He spoke of India’s many successes over the past six decades, the vision of India’s founding leaders and asked the civil society and the government to work together for the country’s betterment.

“India can double its growth rate by turning today’s disadvantaged into multiple engines of economic development,” he said. “Even the British,” he said, “sensed that they were leaving a land which was very different from the one they had occupied... The spirit of India is written in stone.”—Online

SALIM AHMED L A H O R E —Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that worst energy crisis has made acquisition of knowledge by students difficult, while agriculture, industry, commerce and other social sectors are also being affected badly. He said, as students have difficulties and problems in acquiring knowledge, Punjab Government has chalked out a programme of free-of-cost distribution of solar lamps among matric and intermediate students, under Khadim-e-Punjab Ujala Programme, which is being initiated from District Bahawalpur in South Punjab during the current month.

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merce, the Prime Minister directed the Chief Secretary Sindh to look into the matter that relevant law should apply.

Referring to the demand of leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Chaudhary Nisar that Governors should be removed before the elections, the Minister termed the demand as unlawful.

To a question he said one of the killers of Benazir Bhutto Shaheed - Baitullah Masood was killed in drone attack, another fled abroad while others are facing trial.

Name of new province to be Bahawalpur South Punjab From Page 1

stan People’s Party (PPP) Senators Farhatullah Babar and Syeda Sughra Imam, Awami National Party (ANP) Senator Haji Mohammad Adeel, Pakistan Muslim League-Q (PML-Q) Senator Kamil Ali

Agha and Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) Senator Malik Muhammad Rafique Rajwana, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F) Senator Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haidri, PPP MNAs Arif Aziz Sheikh, Jamshed

More PML-N, PML-Q MPAs to join PPP From Page 1

Caretaker set-up to be established on time: Kaira

‘Energy crisis hitting economy hard’

Ahmed Dasti, Syed Ali Musa Gilani, PML-N MNAs Tehmina Daultana and Chaudhry Saud Majeed, as well as Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s (MQM) Dr Farooq Sattar.—Online

arms.

Sources claimed that the MPs believe that they could get a better deal from the PPP if they join it before the present assemblies complete their tenure.

The political analysts believe that with latest defections from the PML-N the PPP would reclaim a lot of lost ground in the Punjab, which holds the key to access to power in Pakistan .

It is interesting that materialistic considerations are the main motive for the parliamentarians to change their loyalties.

The analysts believe that in coming days the PML-Q would be soft target for both the PPP and PML-N desperate for electables or the winning candidates before the coming elections.

terior of Sindh as relatively “better”, Shah said over 100 TTP men, some of them being the Tehreek’s main leaders, were arrested by the law enforcers in recent months.

Chalans, he said, had been issued against some 80 of those apprehended.

“Big element is that of the TTP which is for last six to eight months very active in the city,” Shah said adding “they are perpetrating almost 50 percent of the offences like extortions, bombing, kidnapping for ransom etc.”

Asked if his government was convinced that TTP’s existence had warranted a military action in the city, the chief minister replied in negative. “We think no military action is required as the police are also showing re-

Kidnappers cut off youth’s tongue

F AISALABAD —Kidnappers on Saturday cut off the tongue of a youth whose family could not arrange for his ransom.

According to the victim’s father, his son Asif was kidnapped three days ago; the kidnappers demanded Rs5 lakh as ransom for his release.

Failing to receive any money, the abductors severed the abductee’s tongue.

A case was lodged in Thekri Police Station with victim’s father as plaintiff.

From Page 1 Police said the incident will be investigated in accoron a positive note increased dance with phone calls and after the PPP leadership’s eyewitnesses, adding the inpositive approach. cident may be the result of Meanwhile, before the family feud.—INP scheduled meeting Federal Minister Kaira assured that the government would try its maximum to implement the declaration. Earlier, a ten-member committee headed by Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain formed by Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf held negotiations with Tahirul Qadri to end the long march.

After the successful negotiations between the commit- P ESHAWA R —Minister for tee formed by the government Railways Ghulam Ahmed and Tahirul Qadri, the declara- Bilour has once again invited tion containing the terms the Taliban to come to the agreed upon was signed by negotiating table for the resthe Prime Minister and ap- toration of peace in the counproved by the President. try.

The cleric invited members Ghulam Ahmed Bilour of the government committee, said ANP will take the reincluding Mushahid Hussian venge of the martyrdom of Syed, Chaudhry Shujaat Bashir Bilour by securing Hussain, Dr Farooq Sattar, overwhelming majority in the Babar Khan Ghori, Afrasiab elections, Khattak, Dr Farook Hamied He was addressing a pubNaek, Qamar Zaman Kaira, lic gathering in connection Abbas Afridi, Amin Fahim with Chelum of former Senior Syed Khurshid Shah to briefly Minister Bashir Ahmed address the marchers before he Bilour in Peshawar on Saturread out the declaration. day.

Dr. Tahir ul Qadri also read the Islamabad Long March Declaration agreed between him and the government before the crowd.According to the declaration, the National Assembly shall be dissolved at any time before March 16, 2013 (due date), so that the elections may take place within 90 days.

One month will be given for scrutiny of nomination papers for the purpose o f pre-clearance of the candidates under article 62 and 63 of the constitution.The treasury benches in complete consensus with Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) will propose names of two honest and impartial persons for appointment as Caretaker Prime Minister.

Govt team meets Qadri today

Bilour invites Taliban for negotiations to restore peace in the country

Ch Rasheed From Page 1

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clashes along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir that left two Indian soldiers dead and their bodies badly mutilated, while Pakistan said that three of its soldiers were killed.

Earlier, Commerce Minister Makhdoom Amin Fahim called off a scheduled visit to India to attend a business meet later this month in Agra.

Ten rounds of Secretary-level talks between India and Pakistan to resolve their water disputes have been held so far.—NNI

Sindh government says TTP ‘active’

From Page 1 promulgated an ordinance on October 1st, 2012 for appointment by transfer of regular Provincial Civil Service Officers in the Secretariat Group as senior Joint Secretary or Additional Secretary (BPS-21) in accordance with the specified criteria set out in LAHORE: Residents of Ring Road protesting against the rickshaw. the Ordinance.

As induction of the officers of the Government of Balochistan is a one time option meant for enhancement of representation of officers of G Balochistan at the federal level and the fact that the Ordinance is going to lapse on January 28, From Page 1 2013, the Prime Minister has approved the appointments by strives to be”.

Mukherjee admitted that transfer of two officers. — NNI Her death, he said, “has the Indian youth were today left our hearts empty and our troubled by a range of exisminds in turmoil. We lost tential doubts. more than a valuable life; we “Does the system offer From Page 1 lost a dream. If today young due reward for merit? Have a city of lights. He said, if Indians feel outraged, can we the powerful lost their Karachi will be peaceful, it will blame our youth?”

Dharma in pursuit of greed? benefit all Pakistan. He said, The president said that Has corruption overtaken if the wheel of the economy while there was a law of the morality in public life? Does moves in Karachi, its positive land, “there is also a higher our legislature reflect emergimpact would be felt by the law” when it came to women. ing India or does it need radipeople throughout the coun“The sanctity of a woman cal reforms? “These doubts try. He said in order to restore is a directive principle of that have to be set at rest. Elected law and order in Karachi, larger edifice called Indian representatives must win there is a dire need for re-or- civilization... back the confidence of the ganization of police and to rid “Mother is our protection people. The anxiety and restit of political pressure. from evil and oppression, our lessness of youth has to be Muhammad Nawaz Sharif symbol of life and prosper- channelised towards change expressed these views while ity,” he said. “When we bru- with speed, dignity and ortalking to leaders of PML-N talize a woman, we wound the der.” The former finance minSindh at Raiwind and directed soul of our civilization.” ister underlined that the them regarding making prepaThe president said it was fruits of economic growth ration of forthcoming general “time for the nation to reset should not become the moelections, keeping close liai- its moral compass... We must nopoly of the privileged.“As son with the people, making look deep into our con- we move ahead on the path consultation and contacts to science and find out where of economic reforms, we forge alliance with the other we have faltered”. must remain alive to the perpolitical parties.

Talking on the occasion, leaders of PML-N Sindh said that there is a need for correction of voter lists of Karachi, upon which Muhammad Nawaz Sharif directed President PMLN Sindh Syed Ghaus Ali Shah to take immediate notice of the From Page 1 matter. Muhammad Nawaz the Government take numerexamination.

He said a judiSharif said, like the federation ous decisions in good faith cial commission consisting of and the other provinces, Peoples Party has made the and there is always room for a former senior judge of the people of Sindh despondent, a mistake but they should Supreme Court has been set but the people would make PPP not be blamed for that. Oth- up and a two member bench dejected in the forthcoming erwise, he said, the system of the Supreme Court is also general elections. Meanwhile, of the state cannot be run. hearing the case. He said it the leadership of PML-N Sindh He regretted that name of would be wrong to link his has initiated the work of chalk- Raja Pervez Ashraf is also death with RPPs case.

The Minister said there ing out programme of public being highlighted despite the meetings of Muhammad Nawaz fact that he was not an ap- was also irresponsible repointing authority then. porting on Baldia Town Sharif in Sindh.

About death of NAB ofKarachi tragedy. He said it The consultative meeting was also attended by Punjab ficer Kamran Faisal, the Min- was a big tragedy and it Chief Minister Muhammad ister said a six member medi- should be investigated. He Shahbaz Sharif, Ch. Nisar Ali cal board carried out post- said when Prime Minister’s Khan, Ghaus Ali Shah, Liaqat mortem and samples have attention was drawn towards Jatoi, Saleem Zia, Mushahid also been sent to laborato- this case at a function in Ullah Khan, Ameer Baksh ries in Punjab for chemical Karachi Chamber of ComBhutto, Imdad Chandio, Nihal Hashmi, Marvi Memon, Irfan Ullah Marwat and Zain Ansari.

were held in March last year, could be held in January, following which both countries had decided on dates for the end of this month.

Significantly, Indian Water Resources Secretary D V Singh, who was to lead the Indian delegation to Pakistan for talks, is retiring this month-end.

This is the second highlevel bilateral interaction which has been put off due to bad atmospherics between India and Pakistan over a string of

President Asif Ali Zardari has appointed renowned religious scholar Hafiz Tahir LAHORE: A large number of people participating in the procession in connection with Ashrafi, Member of Council the Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) celebrations at Railways Station. of Islamic Ideology (CII).

sults,” Shah said.

He said the police and Rangers had already stepped up their security related activities in a close collaboration with the spy agencies.

“The intelligence agencies are doing well and have preempted many terrorist acts at some of our very sensitive installations,” said the chief minister who was flanked by the FPCCI office bearers and members.

The provincial chief executive said the police were being incentivized, and his government would have inducted some 10,000 more policemen had the court not stayed the process through a judicial order.

Illustrating his government’s performance, Shah said those hardened targeted criminals who had admitted before the JITs (Joint Investigations Teams) to have murdered 40 to 50 people were arrested and brought to the courts for their trial.

Giving comparative percentage of the crime incident for the city and interior of Sindh, he said incidents of extortions had dropped by 50 percent, kidnapping for ransom by 70 to 80 percent while the politically-motivated targeted killing had

also seen a significant decrease.

“We have fulfilled the traders’ demand for deploying at least 500 policemen in main centers like Kharadar, cloth market, Bunder, Jinnah Road etc,” the chief minister claimed.

Queried about the political parties having militant wings, the chief minister denied outright that his party, the ruling PPP, had no militant wing. “We condemn terrorism and have no militant wing. There is no such instance. Instead, we have lost many of our innocent workers to targeted killings,” he said.

Shah told a questioner that his government was legislating to protect witnesses in cases relating to targeted killings or extortions in the city.

“No one comes up with the names, all talk generally.

We would provide security to witnesses so convictions could be made,” the chief minister said.

To create deterrence against extortions, Shah said, convictions and fines were being increased. “The federal government, in view of the 18th Amendment, has given us a go-ahead for legislation on these issues,” the Sindh chief minister said.

No society can survive sans social justice: Raja

President urges Ummah unity ISLAMABAD—President Asif Ali ing was never as great as today.

PM greets Indian counterpart ISLAMABAD—Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has extended his greetings to the Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh on the occasion of their Republic Day. In a message to his Indian counterpart, the Prime Minister conveyed his heartiest felicitations on behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan on the Republic Day of India. The Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to working with him closely for developing friendly and cooperative relations and resolving all issues through dialogue. The Prime Minister wished the people of India peace, progress and prosperity.— NNI

2 members of banned outfit held ISLAMABAD—Islamabad Police Saturday arrested two activists of a banned outfit and recovered huge cache of weapons from them. Islamabad police raided in the area of Khatar and arrested two terrorists while also recovered two Klashnikovs, two pistols and huge cache of local bombs from them. Police has shifted the terrorists to an unknown place for further interrogation. The preliminary investigation claimed that the terrorists belonged to a banned outfit.—Online

NAB cancels weekly offs I SLAMABAD —National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has canceled weekly holidays of its officials in order to prepare report on Kamran Faisal’s mysterious death. According to a private TV channel, the process of preparing its reply, due to be submitted in the apex court, is underway at NAB headquarter where bureau chairman and other senior officials are present.

Meanwhile, investigation team has got CCTV footage from NAB’s regional office.—Online

Kayani to attend trilateral moot ISLAMABAD—Chief of Army of Staff Gen Ashfaq Pervez Kayani will attend trilateral conference on Afghanistan’s future in London next month. Afghan, and British military and intelligence officials will attend trilateral meeting. Army Chief Gen Kayani and ISI Chief Lt Gen Zaheer would represent country in the meeting. Gen. Kayani and ISI chief Lt. Gen. Zaheer will leave for London on February 3 or 4, added the sources. Pakistan will present a strategic paper in London’s trilateral conference, informed the sources.— Online

Young doctors continue protest LAHORE—The Young Doctors Association continued protest camps in all government hospitals on Saturday to press for demands.

A general body meeting of YDA had decided on Friday to continue the protest till the acceptance of their demands. The doctors also decided to meet politicians and office-bearers of professional organisations to take them into confidence about their demands and the alleged misbehaviour of the Punjab government with doctors. As a first step, a delegation of young doctors called on the Supreme Court Bar Association secretary and its executive members to apprise them of their problems.

The YDA has also decided to file a contempt of court petition in the Lahore High Court against police for not registration a case against people who had injured doctors in Gujranwala.—APP

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah distributing certificates among the coordinators of NCHD at Benazir Bhutto Banquet at CM House.

Dozens of families moving towards safer places Ephedrine quota

Ansaars, Taliban clashes leave 53 dead in Tiraah TARIQ S AEED PESHAWAR—Fierce clashes the militants of Ansaar- ul- Islam (a banned religious outfit) and Taliban in remote Tiraah valley of Khyber agency on Friday wee hours reportedly resulted in death of over fifty people with independent sources saying a number of innocent civilians were among the dead. More than a dozen people sustained serious wounds in the shootout that lasted for hours.

Reports reaching here from Bara Tehsil said the gunbattle between the rival groups which hitherto were having a peace deal and decided not to take arms against each other, started early morning with both the parties using most sophisticated weapons leading to a major bloodshed.

“Clashes between the TTP and Ansaar ul Islam militants started in Maidan village of

2 held in Quetta

5 militiamen killed, terror bid foiled

Tiraah Valley early morning with some reports said the skirmishes took place in Haider Kandao and Cloach areas of Tiraah valley.

“Both sides are using heavy weapons against each other”.

A local source said while the spokesman of the Ansaarul- Islam confirming the killing of over two dozens of his volunteers in the ongoing clashes put the responsibility of the uprising on the Taliban militants and claimed to have also captured key posts of the Taliban militants. Independent source s said in total 53 people succumbed to their injuries with maximum loss born by the Ansaar-ul-Islam yet there are reports of many casualties on part of the civil population as well.

The Spokesman of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Ehsan ullah Ehsan, however, said it was the

Ansaar ul Islam men who violated the peace deal, which he said Taliban made with them to ensure peace in the region, and first they killed our twenty comrades (Taliban) forcing TTP to come into action against them.

TTP spokesman said now the peace pack was no longer intact “The Ansaar ul Islam activists had also blocked all routes for the Taliban and now we are on war with them and will teach them bitter lesson”.

Ehsan ullah Ehsan said.

In the meanwhile dozens of families have started migration towards the safer places in wake of the high tension in the area “The local residents have started migrating for their lives as both the clashing extremist groups are using all kinds of weaponry indiscriminately in Tiraah valley of Khyber Agency”.

The security forces were put on high alert.

No display of Osama hunt movie in Pak

LONDON—Cinemas in Paki- al-Qaeda leader, which ended J A F FA R A B A D /Q U E T TA — stan will not be showing Zero when US Navy Seals launched

Armed men killed five peacekeeping forces personnel and abducted seven others in an attack on a security post in Jaffarabad, Levies sources said. According to Levies sources, some unknown armed men opened fire at the camp of a peacekeeping force at Sui Dilbarmat area resulting in the death of three persons and kidnapping of seven personnel of peacekeeping force. Following the incident, security forces cordoned off the area and begun investigations, however no arrest has been made thus far. Moreover, a landmine exploded in Talli Muth area in Sui, in which a man was killed and two others injured.Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies foiled a terrorism bid and recovered a huge quantity of ammunition by arresting two suspected persons. According to details, the law enforcement agencies on the secret information stopped a bus in Gulistan Corss, some 70 km away from Quetta and recovered 250 remote control bombs, detonators and fuse.—INP

Dark Thirty after distributors decided not risk the wrath of the country’s censors, its military and terrorist groups with a movie about the CIA’s hunt for Osama bin Laden.

The movie - which has been nominated for five Oscars - portrays the hunt for bin Laden through the eyes of a young CIA officer, played by Jessica Chastain, and is described by the filmmakers as based on first-hand accounts.

The daily Telegraph quoted Mohsin Yaseen, general manager for marketing at Cinepax as saying that derogatory references to Pakistan’s military and intelligence agencies meant any distributor would face awkward questions.

“It’s a touchy subject for a Pakistani audience,” he said.

The film is set largely in Pakistan.

It charts a CIA agent’s personal quest to track down the

a covert raid on a villa in Abbotabad, barely 30 miles from the capital Islamabad.

Mr Yaseen said his company had recently bought the rights to distribute an Indian film, Tere Bin Laden, which poked fun at the al-Qaeda leader.

Pakistan’s censors insisted on so many cuts, he said, it was not possible to show the film at all.

“When Zero Dark Thirty came out, we thought it best just to keep away from it,” he said, adding that other distributors had agreed to do the same.

“But I’d love to see it.

It’s just a film at the end of the day.”

The film has proved a hit with audiences despite what many see as inaccuracies and exaggerations, such as depicting the modern, neat capital Islamabad as a dustblown war —AP

case investigation officer transferred to army

ISLAMABAD—Brig Fahim, investigation officer into Ephedrine Quota case, has been removed from his office in Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) and his services transferred to army.

As per media report Brig Fahim was to file report in Supreme Court (SC) on behalf of ANF in connection with cancellation of bail of 8 accused persons including Makhdoom Shahab ud Din, Ali Moosa Gilani and Hanif Abbasi in Ephedrine Quota case.

Director General ANF has also issued orders for holding inquiry against Brig Fahim for his alleged involvement in implicating Hanif Abbasi MNA in Ephedrine Quota case.

Brig Fahim has already presented all the evidence in SC with reference to Ephedrine Quota case. It may be recalled deputation period of Brig Fahim was to expire in 2014. He is likely to be posted in one corps Mangla.—Online

Taliban ready for holing peace talks P ESHAWAR —The Tehrik-eTaliban Pakistan has shown eagerness in holding peace talks with the Pakistan government and stated that the outfit is seeking ‘serious and powerful mediators’ who can freely negotiate on behalf of the army.

Talking to rediff.com from an undisclosed location, TTP spokesperson Ihsanullah Ihsan said: “The government had made us an offer to come to the table for talks. We are serious about talking. But we will move after we see that our interlocutors are serious and the talks could be result oriented.”

He added, “We are ready for talks for the betterment of the Pakistani nation and for the sake of Islam. We have never rejected such offers in the past and we will never do so in the days ahead.”Ihsanullah though did not seem very optimistic about any settlement with the government in the future.

He said, “Despite the attitude of the government which shows that it is not serious about the talks, will initiate it on our part so that people later do not blame us for not coming to the negotiating table.”—Online

All senior officers to be interrogated

Murder FIR registered over Kamran Faisal’s death ISLAMABAD—The Islamabad be the result of suicide. But his porated in view of apprehensions that he had never seen any lap Secretariat Police Station registered a murder First Information Report (FIR) in the death of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Kamran Faisal and it has been decided to interrogate all concerned senior officers of the bureau.

The FIR was registered, seven days after the dead body of the investigator was found, on an application filed by NAB officers who have maintained that Faisal - who was part of the team investigating the Rental Power Projects case - was killed and did not commit suicide.

Faisal’s initial post mortem report had declared his death to

family members had rejected the report.

The FIR was registered under Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) which lists punishment for murder. Following Faisal’s death, NAB officers and employees had demanded the NAB chairman to assure an independent investigation into the case and provide adequate security to officers. After the registration of FIR, Police has decided to interrogate all concerned senior officers of National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

The sources said the police decided to incorporate all senior officers of the NAB will be incor-

voiced by Kamran Faisal’s bereaved family members Meanwhile police has also decided to contact Punjab government to seek forensic report on mysterious death of Kamran Faisal.

In this regard Federal police has written a letter to Punjab government asking the latter to furnish the forensic report early so that the scope of investigation could be broadened. Earlier on January 23, Punjab Forensic Agency received the samples from body of the deceased NAB officer Kamran Faisal. Sajid Ali who was roommate of Kamran Faisal has recorded his statement to police. He said in his statement

tap under the use of Kamran Faisal.

He stated that Kamran Faisal used regular medicines but it was not in his knowledge what type of medicines these were. Police has made Sajid Ali statement as part of the record of the case, which will be presented, before the court on next hearing.

Faisal was found hanging from the ceiling fan in his room at a government hostel in Islamabad, three days after the Court ordered the prime minister’s arrest in the RPPs case. The Supreme Court had also taken a suo motu notice of the incident.—Online

Zardari has called upon the Muslim Ummah to get united in light of the teachings of the Holy Prophet (SWS) as these offer solution to all of our individual and collective problems.

He was addressing the concluding session of the 38th Seeratun-Nabi Conference on the subject of “Concept and Significance of the Collective Justice in Light of Teachings of the Holy Prophet (SWS)” in Islamabad.

The President said the Muslim world is bestowed with all necessary resources to grow and prosper including talent‚ capabilities‚ population and wealth and it only needs unity to harness these for the good of the individual countries and the Ummah. He said Pakistan today is also facing a multitude of challenges including sectarianism‚ strife and prejudices but we can effectively meet them if we act upon the teaching of our Prophet (SWS).

The President referred to conquest of Makkah and said the Holy Prophet (SWS) gave us the concept of reconciliation by forgiving all those who did wrong with him and Muslims. He said the same philosophy of reconciliation is continuing till today.

The President said that the need for peace‚ love and harmony‚ tolerance and understand-

He said that our Prophet taught us to fight against tyranny‚ injustice and oppression.

According to prepared text of his speech‚ the President said it is against the spirit of the teachings of the Prophet if any individual or single school of thought seeks to monopolize them and attempts to impose upon others any exclusive interpretation of religion. Unfortunately‚ the President said‚ this is what the militants and extremists are doing. That is why we are fighting the extremists who wish to impose their agenda in the name of religion. He said we cannot allow it. On this occasion‚ the President distributed prizes and certificates among authors of books and papers on Seerat and collection of Naats. The President also interacted with the ulemas‚ writers and other participants who were present on the occasion.

Addressing the annual Seeratun-Nabi Conference in Islamabad Prime Minister, Raja pervez Ashraf said no society can survive without social justice and equality and we need to implement them in letter and spirit to avoid anarchy and chaos.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. He said killers of humanity and innocent people are the real terrorists.

2 Pakistan diplomats barred from attending Jaipur lit fest NEW DELHI—External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said two Pakistani diplomats were denied permission to attend the Jaipur Literature Festival because of “inputs from various agencies.”

But one of the diplomats, chief of the Pakistan High Commission’s media wing Manzoor Memon said they were denied permission though they had registered themselves for the conference, reported The Hindu.

Khursehid said “ D i p l o matic requests are made, from time to time, to the Ministry for travelling across the country.

In most cases, these requests are. accepted.

In some cases for specific reasons, at that time best known to the Ministry and other agen-

cies that are consulted, we have to say no”.

While Memon also wanted to go to Ajmer to visit the shrine of Khwaja Moiunuddin Chisti, the other diplomat, Naeem Anwar of the High Commission’s trade wing, had sought permission to visit Agra, where a trade partnership summit will be held.

Memon, who wanted to be in Jaipur when Pakistani journalists and authors visited the city, was denied permission to go to both places.

Anwar wanted to go to Agra, though Pakistani presence at the meeting will be thinner after Commerce Minister Makhdoom Amin Fahim cancelled his visit following the skirmishes along the Line of Control.—Online

TTP member nabbed in Karachi KARACHI—Police and law enforcement agencies have claimed to arrest a key member of Tehriki-Taliban (TTP) during raid in Karachi’s Sohrab Goath area on Saturday morning. The local police said that Alam Sher Mehsood, the accused, was arrested during a raid on a hotel in the Sohrab Goath.

They added the accused was

‘Obama’s recess appointments unconstitutional’ WASHINGTON—A US court has dealt a blow to US President Barack Obama early into his second term, ruling that he violated the American constitution by making “recess” appointments bypassing the Senate confirmation process.

In its ruling the federal appeals court said Obama violated the US Constitution when he installed three officials on the National Labour Relations Board (NLRB) a year ago.

The court ruled that allowing the President to make such appointments as a way around Senate opposition “would wholly defeat the purpose of the Framers in the careful separation of powers structure” they created.

The ruling by the federal appeals court on Friday is considered to be a blow to Obama, who started his second four-year term just days ago.—Online

wanted to the police in several crime incidents including extortions, kidnapping to extort ransom and a bomb attack on SP Malir Rao Anwar. The arrested man was shifted to undisclosed place for investigations. Recently activities of terror outfit have been increased in Karachi, TTP had claimed to kill MQM lawmaker Manzar Imam last week.—Online

Raja Pervez Ashraf said today terrorism is the biggest threat to Pakistan. He said we have to solve the problems of extremism and terrorism through collective wisdom‚ tolerance‚ logic and reasoning. He said Pakistanis are a peaceful and peace loving nation and we must give this message to the world.

Reiterating his opposition to drone attacks in tribal areas of Pakistan‚ he said these are counter-productive. He said we have opposed drone attacks on each and every forum and will continue to do so.

Religious Affairs Minister Syed Khurshid Shah in his address of welcome urged for understanding of the true shade of the Islamic teachings. He said Islam is the religion which gives equal rights to all without any discrimination.

He said with the provision of justice we would be able to move quickly towards progress and prosperity. Addressing working session of the National Seerat Conference titled ‘Importance of collective justice concept in light of teachings of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him)’ ulema and religious scholars were unanimous that peace could be maintained only by ensuring justice and equality among all segments of society.— NNI

Clerks call off strike LAHORE—On assurance of Pakistan Muslim League senior central leader and Deputy Prime Minister Ch Parvez Elahi and MPA Moonis Elahi to get their genuine demands accepted, All Pakistan Clerks Association (APCA) ended their sit-in outside their residence and dispersed peacefully.

Ch Parvez Elahi assured delegation that he would arrange a meeting of the APCA leaders from the four provinces with Federal Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh and get their demands accepted. —INP

Illegal SIMs in use by terrorists: Malik SHARAFAT KAZMI ISLAMABAD—Interior Minister Rehman Malik says illegal mobile SIMS are being used in terrorist activities across the country. alking to newsmen he said that terrorists are out to weaken the national economy.

He said that due to closing of mobile services no act of terrorism took place in Karachi and Quetta on the occasion of Eid Miladun Nabi.

He lauded the role of media, law enforcing agencies, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and mobile companies in this regard. The Interior Minister said mobile phone companies have been directed to provide bio-metric system at their franchises upto 28th of next month to block issuance of illegal SIMS.

Govt decides to dissolve assemblies on March 10 I SLAMABAD —The government, after consultation with party leaders and coalition partners, has decided in principle to dissolve national and provincial assemblies on March 10.

The decision would be announced after the consultations with its allies and the government of Punjab.

According to reliable sources, Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf held an informal consultation with Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ameer Haidar Hoti, Chief Minister of Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Governor of Balochistan Nawab Zulfiqar Magsi in this connection and sent a report to President Asif Ali Zardari.

The prime minister would hold dialogues with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) president Mian Nawaz Sharif and Leader of Opposition in the National assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan in the next week,

the sources said, adding that the date of the dissolution will be re-announced once the government of Punjab is taken into confidence.According to sources, a constitutional amendment is also expected in the second week of February to hold national and provincial elections on one day and Law Minister Farooq H Naek, Religious Affairs Minister Khurshid Shah, Senior Parliamentarian Senator Raza Rabbani and PML-N leader Ishaq Dar would meet soon and the amendment would be done in February after consensus by calling the National Assembly and Senate meetings.

The prime minister would meet leaders of coalition partners including Ch Shujaat Hussain, Ch Pervaiz Elahi, Asfandyar Wali, Altaf Hussain, Munir Orakzai, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, besides meeting with PML-N president Mian Nawaz Sharif and Ch Nisar Ali Khan for consultation.—INP

Common blood pressure drugs may lower risk of dementia

C

OMMON blood pressure drugs taken by million of people have been linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease, researchers report . It was found that people who had taken blood pressure drugs, particularly a class known as beta blockers, showed fewer changes in the brain linked to Alzheimer’s disease, The Daily Telegraph reported.

Findings of a new study were presented at the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting in San Diego.

Researchers examined the brains of 774 men after they had died, 610 of whom had been treated for high blood pressure. Around one in seven of those had been given only beta blockers, 18 percent had received beta blockers and another drug and the others had been given different drugs.

It was found that the men who had received beta blockers as their only blood pressure medication had fewer abnormalities in their brains compared to those who had not been treated for their hypertension, or who had received other blood pressure medications. Those who had been given betablockers in combination with other drugs also had fewer brain leisons and less shrinkage but not to the same extent at those who had used them alone.

In 2011, more than 30m prescriptions were dispensed for beta blockers in England, showing that millions of patients have used the drugs. Lead researcher Dr. Lon White, of the

Pacific Health Research and Education Institute in Honolulu, said: “With the number of people with Alzheimer’s disease expected to grow significantly as our population ages, it is increasingly important to identify factors that could delay or prevent the disease.

“These results are exciting, especially since beta blockers are a common treatment for high blood pressure.”

Earlier research has shown that high blood pressure in middle age is a strong risk factor for dementia. The number of people with dementia is expected to explode to 1.7m by 2050.

Dr. Simon Ridley, head of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “Hypertension is a known risk factor for Alzheimer’s and other causes of dementia, and keeping high blood pressure in check could be important for preventing these diseases. “This study suggests a link between the use of beta blockers and fewer signs of dementia, but as the results of this study have yet to be published in full, it’s not clear what caused this link. It is important to note that this study only looked at Japanese- American men, and these results may not be applicable to the wider population.

“While we can’t conclude from this study that beta blockers can prevent dementia, a better understanding of the links between high blood pressure and dementia could be crucial for developing new treatments or approaches to prevention.

ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of Algeria Dr Ahmad Benflis posing for a group photo with Editor-in-Chief Pakistan Observer Zahid Malik and Ambassadors of Tunisia, Cuba, Maldives, Morocco, Malaysia, Nigeria, Indondesia and Austria at a reception hosted by him in the honour of the newly arrived ambassadors of Indonesia, Nigeria and Malaysia.—PO photo by Sultan Bashir

Bahria University holds 9th convocation STAFF REPORTER I S L A M A B A D —The Ninth

Convocation of the Bahria University was held on Saturday at the Jinnah Convention Center to commemorate the academic accomplishments of its students. Students were also honored with gold medals and Silver medals for their outstanding achievements in their academic career. ProChancellor of Bahria University and Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Admiral Mohammad Asif Sandila NI(M) graced the occasion with his presence and conferred degrees on the graduating students of Masters and Undergraduate programs.

In total 477 students were awarded degrees. In the Masters Programs, 146 students of Business Administration, Computer Engineering, Earth & Environmental Sciences were awarded degrees. While 331 students of Undergraduate Programs of Business Administration, Computer Sciences, Electrical ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Naval Staff and Pro Chancellor Bahria University Admiral Engineering, Earth & EnviMuhammad Asif Sandila giving away certificates to the students during the 9th Convo- ronmental Sciences and Hucation of Bahria University at Convention Centre. Rector Bahria University Vice Admi- manities and Social Sciences were awarded degrees. ral (Retd) Shahid Iqbal is also seen in the picture.—PO Photo

MNAs call for adopting teachings of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —Members of National Assembly emphasize that problems of Muslim Ummah can be resolved by following the teachings of Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad [Peace Be Upon Him]. The National Assembly Saturday unanimously adopted the motion to suspend the order of the day to take up discussion on Seeratun Nabi (PBUH).

Leading the discussion in

the house Khurshid Shah said Islam does not allow the killing of innocent people and those involved in such incidents are not Muslims. He called upon the religious scholars of all schools of thought to highlight the teaching and path shown by Holy Prophet Hazrat Mohammad (PBUH) for peace and security.

Nighat Parveen Mir said the personality of Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) is an example for the

entire Muslim Ummah. Dr. Abdul Kadir Khanzada said that the Muslims will have to mould their lives according to the teachings of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) to regain the lost glory.

Jamshed Dasti said responsibility rests with the religious scholars to highlight and promote the true teachings of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) for peace and tranquility in the country. Haji Rozuddin said the life of Holy Prophet

Hazrat Mohammad (PBUH) is an open book and beacon of light for all the Muslims.

Shagufta Sadiq said the last Prophet (PBUH) is the blessing for the whole humanity and by following his teachings we can establish society based on social justice and equity. Asiya Nasir said Hazrat Mohammad (PBUH) gave the message of tolerance and peace and by inculcating his teachings we can bring much needed religious harmony in our society.

Truck Art Cultural Carnival STAFF REPORTER I S L A M A B A D —An educational and beyond the class room learning initiative “Truck Art Cultural Carnival” was organized by Roots Millennium Schools, Wahid Campus, F-10/2. The ambiance of the school was depicting pure Pakistani cultural and it was represented through Pakistani Truck Art, traditional food, music, traditional village dera setup, stalls of different Pakistani cultural acces-

sories, décor, tanga and rickshaw ride, art work and seating arrangement to give the parents and students an insight of their own culture so that they know what their roots are.

In order to appreciate this “Art on Wheels”, young Montessori children of Roots Millennium Schools Wahid Campus, Coordinators, Heads, Principal and management staff of Roots Millennium Schools Head Office made sure that no stone was unturned when it came to cre-

ativity, coordination and implementation of the whole event.

Dean of Diplomatic Corps & Ambassador of Argentina H.E. Rodolfo J. Martin Saravia graced the occasion with his presence as a Chief Guest. Chief Guest congratulated RMS Community for this rocking cultural carnival and was very impressed by pure Pakistani culture. CEO RMS Chaudhry Faisal Mushtaq shared his views and congratulated the management staff.

Egyptian Revolution

Pak-Egypt relations are taking new colours Egypt entering into new mode of progress; Both countries enjoy close affinity: Said Hindam; Show glowed softly in bright sunshine LIAQAT TOOR

A

S Egypt with ancient civilization is taking new turns in its new phase of history, the whole world, particularly the Islamic world is watching the developments with keen interest.

The echo of the revolution which began from Tahrir Square in Cairo is being heard in all corners of the globe now. Within Egypt, the will of the people has begun to prevail and new Egypt with democratic order, justice, equality and economic progress is emerging.

The reverberation of the Tahrir Revolution is also felt in Pakistan as some political forces dreamed to make D Chowk in Islamabad as Tahrir Square in the recent days.

Within Pakistani society, Intellectuals, religious scholars, students and political analysts closely watched the developments being taken place in Egypt.

In this environment, Said Hindam, ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt hosted a grand reception to celebrate the Second Anniversary of the Egyptian

Revolution of the 25th January on the lawns of the Egyptian embassy on Thursday afternoon. The show glowed gently as the guests including Ministers, leaders from whole political spectrum, High Commis-

sioners and ambassadors, businessmen, retired military officers, students, mediamen, artists, and friends of Egypt started entering the lawns in the bright sunshine.

Mushahid Hussain Syed, Raja Zafarul

Haq, President AJK Sardar Yaqoob, General (retd) Ehsan ul Haq and other eminent personalities were present in the ceremony which started off with arrival of Chief Guest Nawabzada Malik Amad Khan, Minister

ISLAMABAD: Chief guest State Minister for Foreign Affairs Nawabzada Amad Ahmad Khan, Ambassador of Egypt Said Hindam, President AJK Sardar Yaqoob, Secretary General PML-Q Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Ambassador of Argentine Rodolfo Martin and others, cutting the cake during a ceremony to celebrate the 2nd anniversary of the Egyptian Revolution of the 25th January.—PO photo

of State for Foreign Affairs.

After ceremonial activities of playing national anthems of Pakistan and Egypt and cutting of cake were over, the guests settled down in groups to discuss developments in Pakistan and the region. The diplomats were looking for political figures to know about fast changing situation in Pakistan as the general elections are approaching fast. The show was marvelous as the guests were extended warm hospitality by the ambassador and his team of diplomats. The dishes with Pakistani and Egyptian touch were a treat for the guests who enjoyed the ceremony with the ambassador in the centre of the celebrations.

Said Hindam is an intellectual and lover of art who has his hand on the pulse of Islamic world. He has deep insight on developments in the region and Islamic world.

He was successful in building close linkages between Islamabad and Cairo. His vast circle of friends in Pakistan is testimony to the fact

that with his intellectual outlook, he has strong flair and knack to develop close association with different segments of Pakistani society. In his brief remarks on the occasion, Said Hindam said uprising in Egypt is manifestation of strong desire of the people to live under an environment of democracy, equality, justice and economic progress. Egyptians fought against dictatorship to create an atmosphere where will of the people is prevailed.

He said relations between Islamabad and Cairo are cordial with ever growing trade and commercial ties. Political links are very close and both the nations are working together for peace and progress in the world. Malik Amad Khan on the occasion said there are many commonalities of views between Pakistan and Egypt. He hoped both countries will continue to cooperate with each other in all spheres of activities.

75pc of sugarcane growers’dues paid Staff Reporter LAHORE—Cane Commissioner Punjab, Ahmer Malik has claimed that 76 percent of the dues of sugarcane growers against the sugar mills have already been cleared by January 15, 2013. In a statement, he said as per law, the sugar mills are bound to make payments with in 15 days and up to January 15, 2013 sugar mills have already made payments of Rs.36 billions to the sugarcane growers. The Commissioner said besides the provincial government, all district governments are also continuously monitoring the payments to the sugarcane growers, so the timely payments could make them to return to the production.

WHT rate to be enhanced Staff Reporter ISLAMABAD—The Federal Board of Revenue has drafted a proposal to enhance one percent reduced rate of withholding tax on local sales, supplies and services provided or rendered to five leading export sectors - textile, carpets, leather, surgical and sports. The FBR is examining all aspects of enhancing withholding tax rate for local sales, supplies and services provided or rendered to five leading export-oriented sector. It is expected that the proposal would be discussed in the meeting of sub-group of the Tax Reform Co-ordination Group (TRCG) to be held on Wednesday (January 23). The sub-group of the TRCG would also discuss new taxation measures and enforcement/ administrative strategy to meet the revenue collection target for 2012-2013. The sub-group of the TRCG has been convened to review two major issues, ie, review of FBR revenue collection and update on IMF talk.

Doubling health budget Staff Reporter PESHAWAR—The ANP-led coalition government Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has claimed that it has doubled health budget with all time high increase during last five years, and took prompt steps for better health service delivery at all level.

“The government has virtually increased health budget at Rs8billion from Rs4billion over past five years, while a comprehensive health sector development strategy was also designed for a period of seven years, with proposition of several primary and secondary level health development schemes, said the KP Minister for Health Syed Zahir Ali Shah, while explaining the performance of his department during last five years. Flanked

by KP Minister for Information Mian Iftikhar Hussain, Secretary Health Ashfaq Khan, and other relevant officials.

Professionalism is a frame of mind, not a pay check.

— Cecil Castle

Gas to Punjab industries from Feb 1 APTMA defers protest STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) Saturday postponed their protests as the government assured provision of gas supply to the industries in Punjab from February 01.

APTMA Chairman Gohar Ijaz said that he held conclusive talks with Petroleum Advisor Dr Asim Hussain and MD Sui Gas Arif Hameed, media reported.

Ijaz said that the petroleum advisor has assured him the provision of gas supply to all the industries from February 01.

The APTMA Chairman said the association also decided to shelve their province-wide protests. The gas supply to industries in Punjab remained suspended from December last year, he told.

Meanwhile, MD Sui Gas Arif Hameed said that they are making efforts to provide gas supply to the industries despite huge energy shortfall. Procedures regarding gas supply to the industries and its monitoring would soon be finalised, he added.

It may be mentioned that the Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited has supplied gas to industry only for three days during last December while gas supply in current month has totally been disconnected to textile sector.

There was zero supply of gas to the textile mills on the SNGPL network and the industry got gas merely for three days in between 1st December to 20th December 2012 after which there is a complete shutdown of gas supply to textile mills in Punjab. It is re-

sponsibility of every government to react immediately and act prudently whenever there is a crisis like situation for any sector of the industry in country.

Textile millers say that there is no comparison between the textile industry and the CNG pumps, as textile industry earns $14 billion and provides jobs to 45pc of the total manufacturing sector workforce while consuming less gas comparing with the CNG pumps. Also, the total employment of 3200 CNG pumps in the country may be equivalent to the strength of a single textile unit. It is also an open secret that the CNG Association has usurped the precious energy re- FAISALABAD: Federal Minister for Water and Power, Ch Ahmad Mukhtar inaugurating the ground breaking ceremony sources of the province of Punjab of 132KV Grid Station at Lundianwala. and contributed to creating circular debt of Rs 700 billion.

HBL, CUP launch UnionPay debt cards in Pakistan STAFF REPORTER

K ARACHI —Habib Bank Limited (HBL) and China UnionPay (CUP) by launching Thursday the UnionPay debt cards included Pakistan among 140 countries of the world where some 3.4 billion bank customers are using the cards.

The HBL, Pakistan’s largest bank, has initiated acquiring of international UnionPay Cards for usage on its ATM network.

This was jointly announced by Chairman CUP Su Ning and HBL President and CEO Nauman K Dar at a ceremony held here at the HBL Plaza Thursday.

Also present on the occasion were senior executives of

Import of machinery declines

both organizations.

Speaking on the occasion, Dar said: “As Pakistan’s largest bank HBL continually strives towards providing innovative financial solutions. This alliance ties in with our mission to create strong value for our customers” He said Pakistan was a country where the financial inclusion was very low with only 25 million of the 180 million people having involved in the banking. He said 50 percent of the country’s adult population was financially excluded.

The HBL president said the HBL in collaboration with its Chinese partners from CUP would target those unbanked segments of Pakistani society where a great potential existed for economic growth and pros-

perity.

He said having established its set up in China in 2005, the HBL today had strong working relationship with the leading Chinese banks like the ICBC, ABC etc.

“HBL was the first Pakistani bank to have its RMP Nostro account opened in the ABC bank,” Dar told the cheering gathering.

The HBL chief said having ensured the bank’s presence in South Asia, Central Asia and African regions, his side would now focus on the western part of China where the Chinese authorities were also keen to promote economic growth.

HBL boasts Pakistan’s largest branch and ATM

Continued on Page 14

Five days left to apply for GSC plus scheme

STAFF REPORTER

STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—The country witnessed a massive decline of 33.71 percent in import of machinery during December last year against figures for the same period last year, data compiled by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) showed.

Analysts say that the decline in the import of capital goods portrayed a bleak situation regarding capital investment and productivity. The on-going energy crisis and law and order situation were major factors blocking investment and subsequently productivity was not increasing in the face of growing consumption, they said. The decrease in import of machinery was not a good sign for national economy and might entail serious ramifications for the future.

An official said on condition of anonymity that the situation was simply a reflection of capital outflow from the country, instead of capital inflow and total failure of policies.

An increase in import of capital goods in any country is an indication that people are investing in the country which would lead to productivity and growth.

ISLAMABAD—The Ministry of Textile Industry has expressed serious reservations over its non-inclusion in the task force on Generalised System of Preference plus (GSP+), despite the fact that the country is left with one week to apply for the scheme.

The country is going to apply for GSP+ and the last date for filing of application is Feb 1st. If Pakistan is granted GSP plus, bulk of its products would have duty-free access to EU. Textile industry will be one of the main beneficiaries of the scheme, however the government has yet to take it on-board.

The Ministry of Commerce made a presentation to Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf on GPS+ early December 2012.

The Prime Minister constituted a high level task force under the chairmanship of Commerce Minister to formulate a strategy and monitor the matter pertaining to GSP+ scheme specially ratification and implementation of international conventions.

During the meeting chaired by the PM, the presentation slide on composition of the task force

did not contain the name of the Ministry of Textile Industry. The Secretary of the Ministry pointed out that textile sector would be the biggest beneficiary of GSP+ scheme and it should be included in the task force. The Commerce Ministry stated that the Textile Ministry was already included in the task force and, if not, then it would be included.

Sources revealed that the meeting of task force was held on January 18 however, the Textile Ministry was not invited to attend the meeting. It is a matter of disappointment that a ministry representing the biggest export sector had not been called for the meeting.

Textile Ministry requested the Commerce Ministry that keeping in view the importance of textile sector it be included in the task force on GSP+ scheme. The Ministry also requested sharing minutes of the meeting held on January 18, sources maintained.

EU’s special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance, known as GSP Plus, provides duty-free access to some developing countries that fulfill its criteria.

New rice varieties introduced STAFF REPORTER

LAHORE—Rice Research Institute (RRI) Kalashah Kaku has introduced 19 different rice varieties out of which nine varieties are being sown in the province on a large scale.

This was claimed in a briefing given to the Punjab Secretary for Agriculture Azmat Ali Ranjha in the RRI Kalashah Kaku. He was chairing a meeting to review the research activities of the institution.

It was disclosed that the RRI Kalashah Kaku introduced three new paddy varieties during for the year 2013 including PS-2, PK-386 and KSK-434 and these are with the Punjab Seed Council in different phases of approval.

Secretary Agriculture Azmat Ali Ranjha called upon the agricultural scientists to develop their research on latest scientific lines to ensure food security for increasing domestic population.

Russia, Pakistan can be good economic friends OBSERVER REPORT MULTAN—Russian trade representative Yuri M Kozlov said on Saturday here that Pakistan and Russia could be good economic friends for changing conditions at international level.

Talking to traders and industrialists, the trade representative at the Russian Embassy in Pakistan, Kozlov said that Russia had helped Pakistan promote the industrial sector like the steel mill at Karachi, Guddu thermal power station, Jamshoro power station and thermal power station at Muzaffargarh.

He said he was paying visits across the country to inform the Russian government about any difficulty in trade with Pakistan. He said Russia was providing iron and fertilizer to Pakistan and added, “We want to explore friendship through trade relationships with Pakistan.”

He said the Russian Senate chairman would visit Pakistan in March.

FBR chief issues another warning to tax evaders Only 800,000 paying taxes: Hakeem

The FBR chief said He stressed that the Pakistan’s system of taxation country was in dire need of LAHORE—Chairman Federal was in dire need of reformation, tax reforms and that the government should take immediBoard of Revenue (FBR) Ali ate steps in this regard. The Arshad Hakeem on Saturday isFBR chief’s remarks come in sued another warning to tax the wake of the introduction evaders saying that the FBR has of a controversial tax amlocated over three million citinesty bill in the National Aszens who had enormous wealth sembly. but had not been paying their The opposition says the bill taxes. is meant to provide opportunity Speaking at a ceremony in to millions to whiten their black Custom House here, Hakeem money whereas Finance Minissaid out of a population of 180 ter Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh has million, only 800,000 people said that there were only were paying their taxes.

800,000 taxpayers in the counHe said tax evaders were try and the bill would bring a being given 75 days’ time to fulfil their responsibilities as citi- adding that the country could not substantial number of people zens after which their names be run with the existing taxation into the country’s tax net. It may be recalled that soon after his would be added to the exit con- system in place.

Hakeem added that Pakistan appointment, Hakim declared trol list (ECL) and their national identity cards would also be had one of the lowest tax-to- war on some of the country’s GDP ratios in the world.

Continued on Page 14 blocked.

STAFF REPORTER

SECP made annual on-site inspection mandatory for all licensed entities STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—In order to increase the rate of regulatory compliance, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan has made annual on-site inspection mandatory for all licensed entities including the brokerage houses.

The SECP believes that strong as well as facilitative regulatory environment was essential for the development of a modern corporate sector in Pakistan. Therefore, to ensure the onsite inspection of all registered entities, the SECP’s capacity of enforcement by 200%.

The enforcement departments will be trained and equipped with effective tools of auditing.

Beside on-site inspection of all licensed entities, offsite inspection of annual returns, account books of companies will also be conducted on a quarterly basis. This will increase transparency, investor confidence and foreign portfolio investment.

The companies, that will refuse annual inspection to SECP’s enforcement team, will be imposed with heavy penalty and suspension of the license.

The maximum penalty for specialized companies including as-

sets management companies, leasing firms, housing finance services, real estate investment funds, mutual funds and pension schemes for the refusal of inspection is up to Rs 50 million as well as cancellation and /or suspension of the license. The maximum penalty for the brokerage houses, credit rating agencies, depository companies and clearing companies is up to Rs 100,000 and Rs as well 1 million for insurance companies.

In the past the SECP took action against defaulters by filing criminal complaints and sometimes referring those cases to the NAB.

Revised policy rate failed to enhance credit STAFF REPORTER L AHORE —The single digit policy rate could not enhance the private sector credit, as it has registered a decline of about 62 percent despite a decline in interest rates by 4.5 percent during the period of one and a half year.

Banks are not passing on the

benefit of cut in policy rates to the borrowers, All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajiran General Secretary Naeem Mir in a statement asked lenders to undertake reforms and bring down their operation costs.

Reduction in policy rates, he said, would not serve any purpose unless the banks brought down their spreads and passed

on the benefits to borrowers.

He said that commercial banks had no interest in consumer banking, which was standing at unreasonable level of around 30 percent, leading to ever-increasing ratio of non-performing loans.

He called upon the State Bank to reduce its key policy

Continued on Page 14

Rs7b, 25 guarantees issued thus far under MCGF: SBP Governor STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—The central bank has said so far 25 guarantees of over Rs 7 billion worth had been issued under the Microfinance Credit Guarantee Facility (MCGF) which was launched in 2008 to match the massive scarcity of funding to the majority of the local microfinance market.

The said guarantees had been issued for five leading microfinance (MF) providers enabling microcredit access to around 350,000 new micro borrowers.

“The facility, due to its risk sharing structure has

achieved a leverage of 3 times, mobilizing an additional Rs. 5 billion from private capital markets, establishing that microfinance may not be that risky as a business proposition, and Most of all, the Facility has engaged 16 commercial banks and recently retail investors in funding the microfinance providers,” said Yaseen Anwar Governor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) while addressing the Closure Ceremony of Term Finance (Sarmaya) Certificate (TFC) of Tameer Microfinance Bank here at a local hotel.

Declaring that the central bank was pursuing a multipronged approach to tackle the

challenge of high financial exclusion in the country, Anwar told the audience that the MCGF of UK £ 15 million had been instrumental in relaxing funding constraints of the microfinance sector in Pakistan.

He said MCGF had helped build links between micro borrowers and banks/DFIs. The familiarization of the banks/DFIs with the client will eventually lead to mainstreaming and graduation of the micro borrower.

The SBP Governor said the Facility has introduced microfinance business to banks/ DFIs as banks have to evaluate the microfinance providers

which must have helped them develop their own sense of the risks involved in microfinance.

As a result, banks are now more willing to invest in micro banking.

Anwar said the Facility had helped microfinance providers to offer small ticket sizes for retail investors. This had offered small retail investors an alternate channel for investing their savings and earning relatively higher returns, encouraging the concept of micro-savings, he said.

Anwar said the SBP had launched the facility with the help of UK’s DFID in 2008.

“Prior to the launching of this

Facility, and apart from one-off funding deals between the few MF providers and commercial banks, the commercial funding market was nonexistent for microfinance providers and the microfinance industry was severely handicapped and highly donor dependent for its funding needs,” he added.

The SBP Governor said the scope of the Facility had recently been enhanced to allow microfinance providers to mobilize non-bank financing from capital markets, further diversifying sources of financing for micro borrowers, he said, adding that it is heartening to see that a number of microfinance

providers, including Tameer Microfinance Bank, while benefitting from the MCGF, has helped the facility to attain this objective.

“In particular, SBP is aiming to develop an efficient and sustainable market-based financial structure meeting the financial needs of the marginalized population of the country including women and young people,” he said.

He said that the issuance of this TFC will go a long way in diversifying funding for the microfinance sector. ‘I strongly encourage all the financial market players to develop a long term vision for making the financial

sector in Pakistan more inclusive,’ SBP Governor added.

Anwar observed that the estimated microfinance market of 25-30 million clients may not necessarily just need credit services. ‘It is of utmost importance that the industry should aim to provide holistic and appropriate financial services, including deposit, credit, insurance and remittance services,’ he said, adding that the SBP is well aware of the fact that the industry is beset with a number of challenges in the way of achieving this high objective. ‘SBP is actively engaged with all stakeholders to address the sector specific challenges in a sustainable

manner,’ he said.

He noted that the financial sector in Pakistan remained restricted in its outreach both in terms of its depth and breadth.

According to the Access to Finance Study of 2008, hardly 12% of the population has access to formal banking services and another 32% is informally served whereas 56% of the adult population is totally excluded, he said adding that similarly in Pakistan, the estimated size of the microfinance market is in the range of 25-30 million clients which indicates that the current level of microfinance access at 2.4 million clients is only 10% of the potential market.

USA

97.60

97.40

UK

154.56

154.24

EURO

130.00

129.73

Canada

97.60

97.40

Switzerland

104.95

104.73

Australia

102.70

102.49

Sweden

14.97

14.94

Japan

1.0943

1.0921

Norway

17.56

17.53

Singapore

79.55

79.38

Denmark

17.42

17.38

Omani Riyal

235.00

234.50

Saudi Arabia

26.03

25.97

Hong Kong

12.59

12.56

Kuwait

346.47

345.76

Malaysia

32.09

32.03

Newzeland

82.29

82.12

Qatar

26.81

26.52

UAE

26.57

26.52

KR WON

0.0915

0.0913

Thailand

3.272

3.265

Gold Tezab Silver Tezabi

53,571.00 951.42

Gold Tezabi (24-Ct) Gold 22 Ct SilverTezabi Silver Thobi

48,000.00 43,890.00 830.00 800.00

SCCI, NIP agree to work for industrial development STAFF CORRESPONDENT PESHAWAR—Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and National Industrial Park (NIP) on have agreed to adopt an effective strategy for establishment of new industrial estate, and upgradation of existing industrial units and development of industries in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Both sides were agreed during a meeting with heads of SCCI and NIP’s held here at the chamber house. Chief Executive, National Industrial Park, Mohsin Sayed on the occasion suggested that effective constitution working group should be constituted to jointly work for establishment of industrial park in the province.

Besides, the SCCI President Dr. Mohammad Yousaf Sarwar, Vice President Malik Iftikhar Ahmad Awan, Mohammad Anees Ashraf, and the chamber executive members, Director National Industrial Park, Ghulam Sarwar Mohmand, former PIDC director Mohsin Aziz, and renowned industrialist and businessmen were present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, SCCI President Dr Yousaf Sarwar emphasised that NIP should also take steps for establishment of industrial park on pattern of Korani, Bin Qasim, and Rachana Industrial Parks established at Karachi and Lahore respectively.

He informed the participants that the industrial and economic growth had declined due to prolonged presence of millions of Afghan refugees in this region.

“More than 2,400 industrial small and major industrial units have been established in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province”, he added.

SCCI chief further proposed for provision of electricity on discount rates to industrial units and stressed the need for investment in the province. He informed the Chief Executive NIP regarding investment opportunities in hydro power generation, agriculture, tourism and other potential sectors in KP. On the occasion, NIP Director Ghulam Sarwar Mohmand, Mohsin Aziz, Jamshid Akhtar Sawal, Ghazanfar Bilour, Afan Aziz and other renowned industrialists stressed the need for upgradation and provision of facilities at existing industrial estates in the province. They said that it was dire need of the hour to adopt a effective strategy for establishment of new industrial estates.

Mohsin Saeed, while addressing on the occasion assured the SCCI and industrialists that the NIP would take every possible step for construction of Industrial Park in KP. He suggested the SCCI should prepare a effective working group in this regard.

TDAP seeks Hungary to continue applications for supporting Pak: Envory trade exhibitions

Industrialists uneasy over energy supply problems STAFF CORRESPONDENT

OBSERVER REPORT

US$ 20,000 for library released STAFF REPORTER PESHAWAR—Ambassador of Hungary to Pakistan said that Government of Hungary will never hesitate to support the people of Pakistan in times of need. While inaugurating Manzalai School in Gurguri, he announced the release of 20,000 USD for the purchase of library books and other items for the newly built school. He also promised another 40,000 USD for the other two schools planned to be established by MOL Pakistan in area of operations.

The Ambassador, His Excellency Istvan Szabo said that he was immensely pleased to be part of the initiative which was aimed at brightening up the future of children of KPK. He appreciated MOL Pakistan’s role in various welfare activities in Pakistan.

The Deputy Commissioner Mr. Ali Anan Qamar while addressing the gathering appreciated MOL for its contributions in the area with special emphasis on promotion of quality education in its

LAHORE—A 3-member delegation of Turkish Firm Aytac Food, headed by Chairman Dursun Uyar visited the office of Punjab Board of Investment and Trade (PBIT) and held talks with CEO PBIT, Javed Akbar and other members of PBIT team about opportunities of foreign investment in Punjab.

CEO PBIT Javed Akbar highlighted comprehensively the lucrative and profitable prospects for foreign investors in Punjab especially in livestock and dairy sectors. He told the delegation that Punjab government is highly committed to the private sector development and is offering a very pro-business environment with a positive policy framework to generate foreign and domestic investment and employment. PBIT is essen-

KARACHI—Two ships arrived Ambassador of Hungary to Pakistan Istvan Szabo talking to a gathering at the inauguration of MOL-TCF Model School at Gurguri, KPK. Also seen in the picture is Erno Lipták, MD-CEO MOL Pakistan. area of operations. ready been enrolled. He said that MD MOL Pakistan, Mr. Erno with help of TCF, we wished to Lipták, in his speech thanked the make the project a success and set elders of the area and District it as a benchmark for other schools Administration Karak for making to follow. MD MOL said that his the endeavor a success. He told company had always given spethe gathering that the school was cial emphasis to the socio-ecooperational under banner of The nomic uplift of the areas and conCitizen Foundation (TCF) and sidered education as the most about hundred children had al- powerful instrument.

tially present to promote the viable economic sectors in the province and is willing to offer every support and facilitation to the investors eager to invest in the province. CEO PBIT informed that the global halal product market is worth US $ 3 trillion and globally and locally there is a growing demand for certified and hygienic livestock produce. However the production of processed meat & dairy is unable to keep pace with growing demand.

Speaking on the occasion, the head of Turkish delegation, Dursun Uyar told that their company is willing to invest in livestock and dairy sectors of province and efforts of Punjab government to promote investment are highly commendable. He also appreciated the role of PBIT in bringing investment in Punjab. CEO PBIT Javed Akbar

assured the delegation that Punjab government would provide their all out support to initiate trade projects. He also informed the members of the delegation about the guidance and technical support of PBIT to various other foreign companies.

It is worth mentioning that Aytac Food was formed in 1993 in Istanbul. The company manufactures biscuits, crackers, cookies, cakes, pies, chocolates, wafers, frozen meat, red meat, water, juice, breakfast, milk, dairy products and many other readymade food products. From the procurement of raw materials to the production, transportation and marketing of their produce in a complete ‘farm to fork’ network takes place under the highest levels of quality with a guarantee of being in accordance with the sentiments of religion.

Growth ratio remains lowest in region STAFF CORRESPONDENT F A I S A L A B A D —Pakistan’s Economy’s growth rate has become the lowest in the region due to the energy crisis. The Industrial sector, particularly the textile sector, has been worst hit, said Mian Zahid Aslam, President Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI) addressing to the Officers of Specialized Training, Trade and Commerce Group of Pakistan Institute of Trade and Development, Islamabad during their visit to FCCI. He maintained that other countries in the region were progressing while the GDP growth of Pakistan had been the lowest in the region. He said that Paki-

stan was potentially rich in natural resources and he enumerated that the 2nd largest mines were in Pakistan, which is the 4th largest producer of cotton, rice and milk.

He said that severe electricity and gas load-shedding had crippled the industry particularly the textile industries in Faisalabad, which are mostly export-oriented. Resultantly, the export target of US$ 16 billion for 2012-13 will not be achieved, trade deficit will increase and above all, Pakistani exporters were loosing the trust and confidence of foreign buyers for shipment of their orders on time, as evident by 60% less orders received by Pakistani exporters during the recently held

‘Heim Tex’ Trade Fair in Germany.

He said that the Government does not take business community into confidence, which is the third largest stakeholder in the economy, while framing economic policies or making appropriate decisions to deal with the current energy crisis. The solution lies in cheap hydel electricity generation through construction of large dams to avoid the costly option of thermal generation electricity, he said.

He pointed out that the electricity tariff had been increased from Rs.4.50 to Rs.13.00 within the last five years and it was not clear how the Government claims to subsidize the power sector.

FBR chief issues The new tax chief is determined to force the elite to pay their fair share, challenging an unspoken consensus among politicians and businessman that writing cheques to the government is strictly optional.

Less than 1% of Pakistan’s 180 million citizens pay income tax and no one is believed to have been prosecuted for tax evasion in 25 years, to the dismay of Western allies who have contributed billions of dollars in aid.

“We will name and shame,” said Hakeem. Hakeem believes he can inculcate a greater sense of responsibility in the top layer

Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) has sought applications from firms and interested persons till Jan 31 to participate in international industrial and trade exhibitions in China and Hong Kong.

TDAP sources said the international industrial and trade exhibitions would he held in China and Hong Kong in April and June.

Shipping activity at PQ

Turkish delegation visits PBIT office SALIM AHMED

FAISALABAD—Textile manuMULTAN—Trade Development facturers have decided to start

From Page 13 of society through a carrot and stick approach.

To instil a frisson of fear in the biggest dodgers, he is threatening to freeze assets and ban them from travel. But he is also about to offer a 10week amnesty that forgives past offenses and only places a small tax burden in the first two years of those who choose to accept.

The scheme is the best Hakeem can come up with given the government’s failure to muster the political will to implement key economic reforms, including widening the tax base.

To tempt them into the

programme, tax cheats will only need to pay a flat fee of around Rs40,000 for any amount of income they bring in over the next year. The following year, they will have to pay Rs40,000 more in taxes.

At the end of the second year, the tax rate will be reevaluated and could return to normal rates, which run as high as 25%.

The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) had profiled more than 2 million offenders, detailing their luxury cars and houses, bank accounts and overseas

at the Port to load/offload containers at QICT, palm oil at LCT on Friday, port sources said Saturday.

Berth occupancy was maintained at 57% at the Port on Saturday where a total of eight ships namely M.V KPS-I, Alican BeyPowership, M.V Asian Express, M.T Bunga Melati-4, M.T Success Marlina-33, M.T Feng Hai32, M.V MSC Jade, M.T Qubaa, M.V Maritime Suzana, are currently occupying berths to load/ offload, containers, palm oil, canola seed.

Cargo handling operations were carried out smoothly at the Port where a cargo volume of 62904 tonnes comprising 56710 tonnes import, 6194 tonnes export and (1867) Tues was handled at the Port during last 24 hours.

M.V Asian Express, M.T Success Marlina-33 sailed on Friday afternoon, M.T Qubaa sailed on Saturday morning.

M.V Elisa Delmas arrives at QICT on Saturday, as per arrival schedule.—APP

Wal-Mart plans $50b ‘buy American’ push NEW YORK—Wal-Mart Stores Inc (WMT) will buy an additional $50 billion in U.S.-made products over the next decade in areas like sporting goods and high-end appliances in what the world’s largest retailer called a bid to help boost the U.S. economy.

Wal-Mart, the largest private employer in the United States, also said it plans to hire 100,000 newly discharged veterans over the next five years, at a time when the U.S. unemployment rate is at 7.8 percent.

Wal-Mart said the plan to buy more U.S.-made goods is an effort to create U.S. jobs and spur economic growth.

Critics countered that the company and other retailers could help the economy by paying better wages and offering workers more regular hours.—Newswire

HBL, CUP From Page 13 works. The bank is on a strong growth trajectory.

Last year HBL crossed the milestone figure of PKR 1 trillion in domestic deposits becoming Pakistan’s first bank to record this achievement.

In his address, Chairman CUP Su Ning said Thursday’s commercial launching of the UnionPay debit cards was preceded by the signing of an agreement between the two sides in September last year.

He said some 3.4 billion banking customers in 140 countries of the world were using the UnionPay debit cards with a sense of great satisfaction and trust. He said the UnionPay debit cards could be used not only in Pakistan but across the globe.

The soft-speaking Su Ning said China and Pakistan among others had to deal with the challenge of financial inclusion of its people who were scattered and living in far-flung rural areas.

protest campaign and running of mills as the government has failed to fulfil its own commitment for restoration of gas supply to industry.

During a joint meeting, all stakeholders unanimously decided to take all possible measures throughout Punjab if the industry was not provided with continuous gas supply as promised by the Federal Advisor for Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr Asim Hussain.

Asghar Ali, Chairman Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA) briefed the Media after the meeting that and entire industry was without gas even after more than seven weeks had passed and PTEA will wait in honour of Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) and the Authority would respond by holding protests, brought rallies from all

sectors by staging big agitation from Saturday morning.

He informed that industrial units would start their operations at 25 percent capacity according to the commitment made by the Federal Advisor during his meeting at PTEA last month.

He criticised the government for failing to restore supply of gas to the industry and urged it to fulfil its commitment as both trade and industry were in shamble due to suspension of gas.

He said that on Monday, a commitment was made by the Advisor Petroleum with the industrialists that gas supply schedule for industry in Punjab would be issued on Tuesday but it was very unfortunate on the part of the government that it could not fulfil its commitment.

Entire Punjab industry was without of gas from December causing a loss of about Rs100 billion and putting at stake the jobs of 15 million people attached with the industry directly or indirectly.

Abacus Consulting receives award STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—Abacus-Consulting has announced that it is the recipient of a SAP Regional Partner Excellence Award 2013 in the category “Top Mobile Partner of the Year across the APJ region.”

The Award was presented by SAP during the SAP Asia Pacific Japan (APJ) kick-off meeting held from Jan 14-16 in Singapore.

Abbas Ali Khan, partner at AbacusConsulting, said on the occasion that “we have a focus on mobility as we believe that the mobile platform offers great new opportunities for the enterprise of today. We are helping our clients leverage the mobile platform and positioning their businesses for the future. Working with SAP on Mobility is extremely rewarding – they have the best capabilities on the mobile platform.

Steps taken to improve Peach quality STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) is developing techniques of pre and postharvest treatments of food grade chemicals to improve peach quality and shelf-life.

The main objective of this project is to optimize the different concentrations of food grade chemicals for improving the fruit quality and minimizing the risk of residues.

Talking to media, Spokesperson PSF, Rehana Batool said it would help to investigate the possible effects of preharvest application of food grade chemicals on postharvest fruit quality.

Peach is the second most important stone fruit crop of Pakistan. Stone fruits are characteristically soft-fleshed and highly perishable and they have a limited market life potential.

Rehana said although fruit quality could only be maintained, not improved, after harvest, little emphasis has been given on the influence of preharvest factors that deter-

mine the ultimate postharvest quality of fruits.

Preharvest factors often interact in complex ways that depend on specific cultivar characteristics and growth or development stage sensitivities.

After harvest, rapid ripening in peach fruits is responsible for short shelf life and represents a serious constraint for efficient handling and transportation for local as well as for distant markets.

Peach fruit is highly perishable during storage at room temperature due to rapid ripening and high susceptibility to pathogens which limits the transportation of peach fruits to the foreign markets.

Ripening can be slowed down by cold storage. However, cold storage life of peach is frequently limited by chilling injury (CI) and loss of quality.

The Spokesperson said the search for alternative treatments that would delay fruit ripening is the most important issue for the growers, researchers and exporters.

On the other hand, food

safety was a major concern shared by consumers, industry and governments, she said, adding protecting public health was a critical factor associated with the food supply.

A Potential hazards that can cause public health problems have three basic forms, biological, physical and chemical.

Chemical hazards refer to four different agents that are sources of potential food borne illness.

The agents are metals, pesticides, international food additives and other chemical residues. The residues from these agents, if consumed in a large enough dose, can be harmful to humans. Therefore, the use of food grade chemicals as an alternative treatment is considered to be beneficial to combat the problem.

Rehana said the project would help to extend the storage potential of peach fruit for local, distant, as well as foreign markets by slowing down the ripening process and thus maintaining the quality for longer time.

Revised policy

ISLAMABAD: Nadir Khan Hoti, Chief Custom and Imtiaz Ahmed Khan, Custom Collector with business community on the occasion of International Custom Day.

ZTBL finances tractors purchasing STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Zarai Tarraqiyati Bank Limited has provided financial assistance for purchasing over 908 tractors to growers across the country to mechanized the agri-farming and to enhance per acre yield to fulfill the domestic requirements as well as export.

Out of the total financed tractors by the bank during the year 2011, 884 tractors were distributed in Punjab Province, three in Sindh and 18 in Khyber Pukhtunkhwa.

He said that Balochistan, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan farmers were also provided tractor financing on each one to increase yield output to alleviate poverty from the country, he added.

He said that Rs. 58066.4 million disbursed among the small farmers across the country to fulfill their credit requirements adding that Rs. 48381.144 million provided to small scale growers in Punjab and Rs. 5541.235 million for farmers in Sindh province.

Meanwhile, Rs. 3656.80 million provided loan for small farmers in KP, Rs. 82.615 million for Balochistan, Rs 227.66 million for AJK farmers and Rs. 176 million for Gilgit Baltistan, he added.

He said that agriculture credit cumulative recovery was recorded at 99 percent across the country as 99 percent credit recovered from the Punjab, 98 percent from Sindh, 99 percent from KP and 100 percent from AJK.

From Page 13 rate to five percent, besides forcing commercial banks to fix at least 20 percent share of consumer banking in their total credit.

He said the interest rates were being brought down around the world to stimulate growth, but Pakistan was moving in opposite direction. “In the last two years the interest rates in Europe and the United States had been brought down close to zero to save their economies from collapse,” he pleaded.

Criticising the highest discount rate in the region, the APAT General Secretary said that credit to private sector stood at Rs 73.5 billion during the first half of the current fiscal year against Rs 193.5 billion in corresponding period of the past fiscal year, depicting a decline of Rs120 billion.

State Bank of Pakistan has been easing up its tight monetary policy since FY12, slashing discount rate by 250 bps from 12 percent to 9.5 percent to encourage commercial banks to disburse more funds to the private sector with a view to expand their businesses for new employment opportunities and overall GDP growth.

After this cut, the SBP was expecting significant growth in the credit to the private sector, but it could not materialise mainly because of the prevailing energy crisis.

He said commercial banks had increasingly became a major beneficiary of the federal government’s relentless borrowing from the banking system, which was choking private sector credit off-take.

Social media can play a vital role in all-round-economic uplift STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—Social media can play a vital role in socio-economic uplift and image building of the country as voices heard in the virtual space come from different nook and corners of Pakistan. Despite the fact that the country has various print and electronic media outlets but the flogging video or double murder case came in the limelight through social media website.

Arab Spring is another major example of the strength

of social media. This was the crux of the first-ever International Urdu Bloggers Conference 2013, which was organised by the Asian Canadian Journalists Association (ACJA), held here on Saturday at Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

Addressing the inaugural session of the conference LCCI Vice President Mian Abuzar Shad stressed the need of utilising collective wisdom of blogging and social media community to bring the country out of this socio-economic turmoil.

He said that bloggers or social media writers are emerging think tanks of the modern world who could provide innovative solutions to pressing problems.

He said that business community is ready to invest in new venture for the economic wellbeing and creating new job opportunities but it needs new ideas which could come through these brilliant minds.

He highlighted that leading businessmen, economists and politicians are already getting benefits of this collective but still there is a need to develop

the culture of reading and writing. Mian Abuzar Shad said there is need of promoting Urdu blogging side by side English blogging as process of thought is better expressed in one’s own language. He said Germany, Japan and China are the glaring example of achieving progress and glory in every field including economic while sticking to their own national language and traditions.

LCCI vice president said that blog writing not only sharpens one’s intellect but it also enables him to share his experi-

ences with persons in the other parts of the world for the collective benefits. He assured all out help to ACJA and blogging community for the promotion of these thought provoking effortsand idea sharing. He said it was the time when people use to write their email addresses on their business cards but now they take great pride in sharing their blogs and social media links.

Delivering the welcome speech, ACJA President Mohsin Abbas said that the very objective of conducting

this conference at Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry to tell the businessmen that they don’t need to learn English or any other language to use Information and Communication Technology as they can have new ideas and solutions to different problems suggested by Urdu bloggers in their own language. He said he came from Canada to encourage his fellows in Pakistan in their efforts to express their opinion on different social problems and suggesting their possible solutions.

He said he has the plan to arrange such conferences annually in different cities of Pakistan to create unity and connection amongst Urdu bloggers to promote and encourage them.

He said it is encouraging that on his invitation bloggers from all big and small cities are participating in this even. He said people have travelled from Quetta, Karachi, Peshawar, Sialkot, Khanewal, Multan and other parts of the country on their own expenses to promote their language.

North Korea threatens war with South

Russian parliament backs ban on ‘gay propaganda’

SEOUL—North Korea threatened to attack ri- MOSCOW—Russia’s parlia- Union, was decriminalised in sia as a signatory to the Interna- splashed with green paint. Po-

val South Korea if Seoul joined a new round of tightened U.N. sanctions, as Washington unveiled more of its own economic restrictions following Pyongyang’s rocket launch last month. In a third straight day of fiery rhetoric, the North directed its verbal onslaught at its neighbour on Saturday, saying: “‘Sanctions’ mean a war and a declaration of war against us.” The reclusive North this week declared a boycott of all dialogue aimed at ending its nuclear programme and vowed to conduct more rocket and nuclear tests after the U.N. Security Council censured it for a December long-range missile launch. “If the puppet group of traitors takes a direct part in the U.N. ‘sanctions,’ the DPRK will take strong physical counter-measures against it,” the North’s Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea said, referring to the South. The committee is the North’s front for dealings with the South. The North’s official name is the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Speaking in Beijing, U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Policy Glyn Davies said he found North Korea’s rhetoric “troubling and counterproductive,” and that he and his Chinese counterparts had agreed a new nuclear test would be harmful. “We will judge North Korea by its actions, not its words. These types of inflammatory statements by North Korea do nothing to contribute to peace and stability on the peninsula,” he said. “What North Korea has done through its actions, in particular through the launch on December 12 of a rocket in contravention of Security Council resolutions, is they have made it that much more difficult to contemplate getting back to a diplomatic process.—Reuters

Bo Xilai’s influence vanishes BEIJING—The mayor of the scandal-plagued south-western Chinese metropolis of Chongqing said on Saturday that local authorities had banished the malign influence of the city’s former top official Bo Xilai, and vowed never to never allow a repeat of his crimes.

Once a contender for China’s top leadership, Bo was ousted in the biggest political scandal in two decades last year following his wife’s murder of a British businessman, Neil Heywood. A former commerce minister, Bo turned sprawling, haze-covered Chongqing into a showcase for his mix of populist policies and bold spending plans that won support from leftists yearning for a charismatic leader. Other Communist Party leaders viewed him as an attention-seeking loose cannon. Bo, 63, was widely seen as pursuing a powerful spot on the party’s elite inner core before his career unravelled after his former police chief, Wang Lijun, fled to a U.S. consulate for more than 24 hours in February and alleged that Bo’s wife, Gu Kailai, had murdered Heywood with poison. Speaking at the opening session of the city’s largely rubber stamp legislature, Chongqing mayor Huang Qifan, who had served with Bo when Bo was the city’s party boss, described the past year’s events as “extraordinary”. “Against such an exceptional backdrop and complex circumstances, we resolutely followed the decisions of the party ... and worked hard to banish the serious impact of the Bo Xilai and Wang Lijun cases,” Huang said, according to a transcript of his speech carried by Chinese news websites. —Reuters

Daughters want contact with detaines DUBAI—Two leading Iranian opposition figures held under house arrest for almost two years have been denied contact with their children, their daughters said in a statement published on Saturday.

Mirhossein Mousavi stood in presidential elections in 2009 and became one of the figureheads of the huge street protests over allegations of vote rigging that followed.

He was detained with his wife Zahra Rahnavardstood in February 2011. The Islamic Republic is gearing up for another presidential vote in June and hardline clerical figures have accused opposition forces of plotting a second “sedition” - referring to the last protests that were crushed by security forces. Authorities have denied Mousavi and Rahnavard contact with their children for weeks, their three daughters wrote in a statement published on Saturday by Kalame, a website close to Mousavi. “In the last two months we have had no contact or meeting or even a discussion with them, nor have we even heard their voices except for one limited phone call, which was in the presence and under the pressure of (government) agents,” the statement said. The daughters said their parents had not been in a good physical condition at their last meeting. “Our demand on the threshold of the start of the third year of their unexplained and illegal house arrest ... is the unconditional and immediate freedom of our father and mother,” their statement said. Mousavi and Rahnavard are being held under house arrest in their home in Tehran.—Reuters

Scandal menaces frontrunner in polls ROME—A growing bank scandal in Italy on Saturday threatened to hurt both the centreleft frontrunners and outgoing premier Mario Monti, as a survey suggested that next month’s election could usher in new instability. The poll by the Piepoli Institute in La Stampa newspaper indicated the centre-left would fail to win control of the Senate, preventing it forming a stable government without outside help. Centre-left leader Pier Luigi Bersani is widely expected to seek an alliance with Monti if he falls short in the Senate, which has equal power to the lower house in approving laws. Monte dei Paschi di Siena (MPS), the world’s oldest bank, which is already seeking a 3.9 billion euro ($5.2 billion) government bailout, this week revealed losses on complex financial instruments that could cost it as much as 720 million euros, unleashing a major scandal that is playing into the election campaign. The bank’s biggest shareholder is a charitable foundation controlled by politicians of the Democratic Party (PD), the biggest group in the centre-left alliance. “There will certainly be a negative effect on the Democratic Party,” said Maurizio Pessato, the vice chairman of rival pollster SWG. “The question is whether it will be temporary and how intense it will be.” The idea that part of the revenue from big tax hikes imposed by the outgoing technocrat government could be used to rescue a bank is toxic for both the PD and Monti, who is also standing in the election, Pessato said. —Reuters

Faces risk of polls humiliation SINGAPORE—The dominant People’s Action Party (PAP) that has ruled Singapore for more than half a century faces the risk of a humiliating loss in Punggol East, a relatively young and affluent ward. It won’t change the balance of power in parliament, where the PAP holds 81 of 87 elected seats. But a loss - or even a very narrow win - would send a troubling signal to the PAP, founded by the prime minister’s father, Lee Kuan Yew, and winner of every national election since independence in 1965. “I feel that our complete trust in the PAP in the past is dangerous,” Workers Party chief Low Thia Khiang told a rally, exhorting voters to back his candidate, Lee Li Lian, and blaming the government’s immigration polices for crowding out jobs and straining Singapore’s famously efficient infrastructure. The PAP won Punggol East with 54 percent of the vote in 2011 but how close Saturday’s by-election will be is hard to predict: election polling is illegal in the regimented city-state that is a hub for banks and multinational companies. But two years after its worst-ever parliamentary election results, the government is taking no chances, offering a trove of perks that include a boost in spending on housing grants, subsidized childcare and cash gifts for newborn babies to try to reverse one of the world’s lowest fertility rates.—Reuters

ment backed a draft law on Friday banning “homosexual propaganda” in what critics see as an attempt to shore up support for President Vladimir Putin in the country’s largely conservative society. Only one deputy in the State Duma lower house voted against the bill, but passions spilled over outside the chamber, where 20 people were detained after scuffles between Russian Orthodox Christians and gay activists who staged a “kiss-in” protest.

“We live in Russia, not Sodom and Gomorrah,” United Russia deputy Dmitry Sablin said before the 388-1 vote in the 450-seat chamber. Sablin said Russia is an old country “founded on its own traditional values - the protection of which is dearer to me than even oil and gas.” Veteran human rights campaigner Lyudmila Alexeyeva described the draft law as “medieval” and said it was intended to appeal to conservative voters after months of protests that have sapped Putin’s popularity.

“It (the Duma) is relying on the ignorance of people who think homosexuality is some sort of distortion,” she said. The legislation has served to deepen divisions in society since Putin returned to the presidency in May and began moves seen by the opposition as designed to crack down on dissent and smother civil society.

During the process, Putin and his supporters have underlined what they see as conservative, traditional Russian values. He has drawn closer to the Russian Orthodox Church during this time, hoping the support of one of the most influential institutions in Russia will consolidate his grip on power.

Homosexuality, punished with jail terms in the Soviet

Russia in 1993, but much of the gay community remains underground and prejudice runs deep.

The United States, which is at odds with Putin over a range of human rights issues, voiced concern about the measure.

“We are deeply concerned by this draft legislation in Rus-

tional Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to meet its obligations to protect its citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression without discrimination,” she added.

In a sign of the passions caused by the bill, clashes broke out between supporters and op-

lice said 20 people had been held.

The measure must be passed in three readings by the lower house, approved by the upper house and then signed by Putin to go into force. It would ban the promotion of gay events across Russia and impose fines of up

“The spread of gay propaganda among minors violates their rights,” ruling United Russia party deputy, Elena Mizulina, who chairs the Duma’s family issues committee. “Russian society is more conservative so the passing of this law is justified.”

Putin’s critics say the law is the latest in a series of legislative

Interior Ministry officers detain gay rights activists for taking part in an unsanctioned protest near the Duma, Russia’s lower house of Parliament, in Moscow. sia that severely restricts free- ponents outside the Duma, a few 500,000 roubles ($16,600) on moves intended to stifle the opdom of expression and assem- hundred metres (yards) from the organisers. Supporters of the position. bly for lesbian, gay, bisexual and Kremlin in central Moscow. measure welcome moves that In a sign that Kremlin-loyal transgender individuals - and Supporters, some of them hold- would allow the banning of gay lawmakers hope to eliminate all indeed for all Russians,” State ing Russian Orthodox icons and rights marches and complain opposition in the house, two Department spokeswoman crosses, cheered and threw eggs about television and radio deputies who joined in street Victoria Nuland told reporters in as police hauled away gay ac- programmes which they say protests against Putin said on Washington. “We call on Rus- tivists, one of whom was show support for gay couples. Friday that their Just Russia

Six million jobless in European recession SANTIAGO—Geologist David nomic indicators began to im- ment has reached a record 26 Rodriguez and actress Cristina Pascual, two of the nearly six million Spaniards left jobless in the European recession, fled to Latin America last year, figuring their futures would be brighter in the booming economies on this side of the Atlantic. Instead, they found themselves stuck, facing so many bureaucratic hurdles that their only option was to work illegally, for much lower wages.

Without a work visa, they couldn’t get a formal job. Without a job offer, no visa. And without a job and a visa, they had no way of securing an allimportant tax-identification number, freezing them out of Chile’s booming formal economy. Trying to bend the rules can result in deportation for the worker, and fines for the company.

Rodriguez and Pascual are among the many migrants watching this weekend as leaders from the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean seek ways of eliminating the red tape that has made it so difficult for foreigners to bring their skills across borders. The vast majority of migrants between the continents used to travel to Europe, but the trends flipped after 2010, when eco-

prove in Spain and Portugal’s former colonies. Now Spanish and Portuguese workers are arriving by the thousands each year, entering on tourist visas and jobhunting in Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Argentina. Spanish migrants with skills needed in the mining industry are particularly sought after in Chile.

But the bureaucracy is getting in the way. Rodriguez, 32, graduated from college in Spain in 2010, and spent the next 28 months in a frustrating search for work in his field while he lived with his parents. Then a friend, architect Maria Moreira, posted a Facebook message saying she was migrating to Chile. He jumped at the chance to come along, but soon found himself stuck without authorization to work. Despite high demand for exactly the skills he could offer, it took four months of rejections before he found a low-paid internship that eventually led to a company’s sponsorship for his paperwork.

Spain’s national statistics service said more than 40,000 Spaniards abandoned the country in search of work during the first six months of last year, up sharply from the 28,000 during the same period in 2011. The same agency said this week that unemploy-

21 stadium disaster guilty get death sentence

Myanmar rebukes U.S. for calling it ‘Burma’

CAIRO—An Egyptian court on Saturday sentenced to death 21 people found guilty of involvement in the Port Said soccer stadium disaster in which 74 people died last year. The ruling could help reduce prospects of fresh clashes on Egypt’s turbulent streets. Soccer fans and families of those killed had threatened more violence if the punishments did not satisfy them, and many had demanded the accused be executed.

Seventy-three people have been charged with involvement in the February 1, 2012 disaster at the end of a match between Cairo’s Al Ahly and alMasry, the local side. Spectators were crushed when panicked crowds tried to escape from the stadium after a post-match pitch invasion by supporters of alMasry.

Others fell or were thrown from terraces, witnesses said.

Many of those who died were supporters of Al Ahly. The verdicts for others accused will be announced on March 9, said the judge, who had called for calm in the court before and during the reading of the ruling.—Reuters

Y ANGON —Myanmar took a Obama had called the country swipe at the United States on Saturday for calling the country Burma, urging it to use its official title and avoid harming improving ties between the two former foes. In a response to a press statement issued by the U.S. embassy in Yangon on the conflict in northern Kachin state, the Foreign Ministry said Washington should be following most countries and the United Nations and call it Myanmar.

The issue has struck a chord with the civilian-led government, which has won the recognition of the international community following political, social and economic reforms introduced after it replaced an oppressive military junta in March 2011.

“Myanmar strongly objects to the usage of the words ‘Burma’, ‘Burmese government’ and ‘Burmese military’ in the U.S. embassy’s press release and not using the name recognized by the United Nations and the whole international community,” the ministry said in a statement carried in state-controlled newspapers.

It said U.S. President Barack

percent in Spain. Reducing roadblocks is urgent for the leaders at this summit. The IMF forecasts the Latin American and Caribbean economies to grow 3.6 percent this year even as Europe retreats 0.2 percent. The continents’ economies are inexorably tied to each other, with EU countries representing 43 percent of Latin America’s international trade.

Making it easier for workers to move to where the jobs are can help all these countries, in part by increasing the remittances people send home to their families. Chile isn’t unique in the demands it places on foreign workers. Brazil and Argentina are famous for their red tape, and lacking EU citizenship, many Latin Americans haven’t been welcomed into Europe’s job market, either.

While EU citizens can enter any country in the region on tourist visas, Latin Americans have been humiliated in Europe’s airports, interrogated and sent home even though they said they complied with the entry rules. “Welcome to a better world,” is how Chile’s President Sebastian Pinera greeted his Spanish counterpart Mariano Rajoy, a tonguein-cheek phrase that resonates on all sorts of levels for travelers between both regions.—AP

Myanmar during his landmark visit late last year, so the embassy should follow his example. After decades of bitterness, ties between Myanmar and the United States have started to thaw since the new government embarked on reforms and freed hundreds of political prisoners.

The United States has suspended most sanctions and even engaged with Myanmar’s military, which has been accused of corruption and human rights abuses that include rape, torture, forced labor and recruitment of child soldiers. The country’s name has long had two forms in the Burmese language: Myanmar is the formal name while Burma has traditionally been used in informal conversation.

In 1989, the then ruling junta deemed that the country should be officially known in English as Myanmar, a move it said was to appease minority non-Burman ethnic groups. Opponents of the military, including Nobel laureate and lawmaker Aung San Suu Kyi, ignored the change and continued to refer to the country as Burma.—Reuters

US congressional team in Dhaka DHAKA—A four-member US congressional delegation, led by Jack Kingston, reached Dhaka on Saturday on a two-day visit to discuss bilateral issues, including GSP facility.

The other members of the delegation are Scott Tipton, Adam Schiff and Ed Whitfield. During their stay in Bangladesh, the delegation members will meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni, and visit a number of garment factories in the city, officials said.

Meanwhile, Bangladeshi Ambassador in Washington Akramul Quader met congressmen separately and handed over a document demanding continuation of the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) facility for Bangladeshi products in the US market to maintain the trade potential with the US. On January 8, the US Trade Representative (USTR) office sought public comments from the stakeholders by January 31 on the possible withdrawal, suspension or limitation of Bangladesh’s duty-free benefits under the GSP. “The GSP subcommittee is seeking public comments on the effect of a withdrawal, suspension, or limitation of GSP benefits on products imported into the United States from Bangladesh,” said a notice of the Washington-based US Trade Representative.

Some of the members of the US congress had assured that they would take up Bangladesh’s GSP facility issue at the appropriate level of the US authorities so that it could be resolved taking Bangladesh’s best interest into account.—UNB

US to fund African troops in Mali SEVARE—The Obama administration is seeking an additional $32 million to train African troops to fight Islamic extremists in Mali. State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland told reporters Friday the request had been made to Congress.

The United States is not providing any direct aid to the Malian government because the democratically elected president was overthrown in a coup last year. However, it has been providing aid to the French-led mission, transporting French troops and equipment to Mali.

France has some 2,400 forces in the West African nation but says it wants African nations to take the lead in fighting the extremists who rule northern Mali.

The French-led operation began on Jan. 11 after the militants surged southward from their strongholds and took the town of Konna, later recaptured by government forces.—AP

party threatened to kick them out if they continued to do so. Public approval for Putin, who is now 60, stood in January at 62 percent, the lowest level since June 2000, an independent pollster said on Thursday.

Putin, a former KGB spy who has criticised gays for failing to help reverse Russia’s population decline, has increasingly looked for support among conservative constituencies and particularly the church to offset his falling support. The Russian Orthodox Church, resurgent since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, has spoken out against homosexuality. Putin drew closer to the clergy during the trial and sentencing this summer of three members of the Pussy Riot punk band over their protest in the country’s main cathedral.

Anti-gay propaganda laws are already in place in Arkhangelsk, Novosibirsk and St Petersburg, Putin’s home city.

A Russian court in November rejected a $10 million compensation claim against U.S. pop star Madonna by a group of antigay activists who accused her of hurting their feelings by promoting homosexuality at a St. Petersburg concert.

Some deputies raised concerns the new measure would be misused, asking how it would define homosexuality, and one said the house was meddling in issues beyond its scope.

“Do you seriously think that you can foster homosexuality via propaganda?” the only deputy who voted against the bill, United Russia’s Sergei Kuzin, asked its authors during the debate.

In Moscow, city authorities have repeatedly declined permission to stage gay parades and gay rights’ allies have often ended in arrests and clashes with anti-gay activists.—Reuters

London hotels ranked worst in 100 cities LONDON—Visitors to London helpful staff, as well as their spahave marked its hotels as the worst in a list of 100 cities due to overpriced minibars, lousy breakfasts and slow service, according to a survey released on Friday. A study by travel metasearch website Trivago of hotel reviews from more than 140 accommodation booking sites found London came last in a list of 100 cities that had at least 135 hotels and 60 reviews.

It did not include TripAdvisor postings.

The German city of Dresden came top with its hotels receiving the highest ratings and most positive reviews from guests.

“Users praised Dresden hotels for their value for money, whilst London hotels were criticised for their prices,” said a spokeswoman for Trivago.

“In particular, reviewers felt the minibars were overpriced and breakfast service was both overpriced and disappointing, whilst hotels in Dresden were praised for their delicious and well-valued breakfasts.” She said London hotels were also criticised for overcrowding at breakfast, long queues at checkin, inability to cope with large groups of people, small rooms and poor views.

On the other hand, hotels in Dresden were praised for their exceptional service, efficiency,

cious rooms with excellent views. Close behind Dresden in the list of cities with good hotels were Hanoi in Vietnam, Tokyo, Chicago, and Krakow in Poland.

Joining London in the bottom five were Rio de Janiero, Copenhagen, Paris and Amsterdam. The spokeswoman from Trivago, which is majority owned by Expedia Inc., said the website released its reputation ranking classifying destinations according to the reputation of their hotels twice a year.

Metasearch engines allow users to send requests to other search engines and databases to get a single list of results and are popular with consumers facing an overload of information on various competing deals. The 10 best cities for hotel rooms: 1.

Dresden, Germany 2. Hanoi, Vietnam 3. Portland, US 4. Tokyo, Japan 5. Santiago de Compostela, Spain 6. Gdansk, Poland 7. Chicago, US 8. Seattle, US 9. Krakow, Poland 10.

Budapest, Hungary The 10 worst: 91. Los Angeles, US 92. Kiev, Ukraine 93.

Frankfurt, Germany 94. Panama City, Panama 95. Brussels, Belgium 96. Amsterdam, Netherlands 97. Paris, France 98. Copenhagen, Denmark 99. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 100. London, UK.—Reuters

Doubts on fairness of Delhi rape trial NEW DELHI—In the court of public opinion, the men being tried in the gang rape of an Indian university student should be hanged in a public square. That demand for swift justice might make it impossible for them to get a fair trial in a court of law. Already, there are plenty of portents.

Amid the heightened emotions that have surrounded this case a local bar association has stopped its members from representing the men citing the heinous nature of the crime.

The three grandstanding lawyers who have rushed in to represent the accused spent weeks taking potshots at each other instead of coordinating a defense. Two lawyers fought for days over which one was representing one of the defendants.

And the case is being heard by a brand new fast track court, set up in the wake of the rape to deal with sexual assaults in the capital, that is under pressure to reach a verdict within weeks. Finally, whatever is said or submitted in court has to stay in the room a gag order by the judge prevents the media from reporting anything about the case.

“However wicked and depraved society may perceive a

person to be, he deserves a fair trial. He deserves a good defense,” said Markandey Katju, a retired judge of India’s Supreme Court.

“That some of those charged are the real culprits and some are innocent ... that is a very real possibility,” he said, adding that in India the police “spreads its net wide.”

As details of the attack have emerged Katju said he feared the trial may be overrun by emotion rather than the calm voice of reason. “You can’t decide cases on sentiment. That’s lynch law.”

The specifics of the gang rape are horrifying. According to the police report, the attack lasted at least 45 minutes. There were six attackers, one of whom claims to be a juvenile and is being tried separately. Each of the men raped the 23-year-old woman, with at least two taking turns driving the bus. They penetrated her with two metal rods, causing such severe internal injuries that doctors later found parts of her intestines floating freely inside her abdomen.

The battered woman and her badly beaten male friend were then thrown out of the moving bus and lay naked and bleeding on the side of a busy road on a cold December night.—Reuters

Azarenka beats injured Li Na in dramatic final M E L B O U R N E — Vi c t o r i a Azarenka won an incidentpacked final against an injury-hit Li Na to successfully defend her Australian Open title and retain the world number one ranking on Saturday.

After a scrappy match marked by boos for Azarenka, a break for Australia Day fireworks and two painful falls for China’s Li, the Belarusian top seed dissolved in tears when she sealed the 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 win.

Li required two medical timeouts, when she twice twisted her left ankle and also banged her head on the court, in a match also interrupted for nine minutes at a crucial stage by the fireworks.

Azarenka also overcame a pro-Li crowd that was clearly unimpressed by her controversial medical timeout in the semi-finals, which she took after blowing five match points.

It was a gutsy effort from the 23-year-old as she came back from a set down and sealed it on her first match point in 2hr 40min to clinch her second Grand Slam title.

“It’s been a real long two weeks,” Azarenka said.

“I will always keep very special memories of this court. It will be in my heart forever. The last thing I want to say is, happy Australia Day everybody.”

Meanwhile Li will count herself desperately unlucky after she twisted her ankle in the second set, and then went over heavily on it again after the fireworks, banging her head and appearing dazed before continuing.

“Congratulations to Victoria,” said Li, who had tears in her eyes after the match.

“Fantastic result here for two years, so well done.”

Li, 30, first twisted her left

points to muted applause, but she held firm.

Azarenka won only four points in her first three service games and when a backhand from Li kissed the line, the Chinese player led 4-2 in the first set.

Her eighth winner of the match, a scorching forehand, put her ahead 5-2.

Serving for the set at 53, four unforced errors from Li earned Azarenka a reprieve but yet another service break gave Li the 45minute first set.

Azarenka skipped to a 30 lead in the second set but wild forehands helped Li peg back the deficit. Li won five straight points after her first medical timeout, for treatment on her ankle, but Azarenka snuck ahead 4-2.

Moving freely despite thick strapping on the ankle, Li levelled at 4-4.

Azarenka was loudly booed when she angrily swatted a ball away but she ran through the next two games, holding to love for the match to be a set apiece.

When they resumed the third set after the fireworks, Li again fell and required medical treatment.

But she won five straight points and held a break point for 3-1 in the third set, before Azarenka peeled off groundstroke winners to hold.

MELBOURNE: Victoria Azarenka of Belarus kisses her trophy after winning the women’s final against China’s Li Na at the Australian Open tennis championship. ankle while leading 6-4, 1-3.

She required another match in a portent of the She hobbled to her courtside medical timeout for possible struggles to come for both chair for the ankle to be concussion and neck prob- players on serve. Out of 29 strapped. lems. After the match, Li games, there were 16 breaks Leading 2-1 in the third was understandably emo- and Li finished the match set, and playing the first tional, having fallen short in with 57 unforced errors. point after the fireworks dis- her bid to become the oldLi had the majority of the play, Li again tumbled over est female Australian Open crowd support as spectators on the ankle, hitting the back champion. cheered errors and double of her head on the playing Li started nervously, a faults from Azarenka. surface. double fault to start the Azarenka won games and

Pakistan’s World Cup games shifted from Mumbai N E W D ELHI —Pakistan’s ary after a series of cross-bormatches in the forthcoming der exchanges in disputed Women’s World Cup have Kashmir along the de facto border known as the Line of Control.

Protests by Shiv Sena in

been moved from Mumbai because of a right-wing nationalist group’s threat to disrupt them, cricket officials said.

The eight-nation event, to be held from January 31 to February 17, was due to take place in the financial city but the International Cricket Council (ICC) has revised its schedule following Shiv Sena’s planned protests.

The eastern city of Cuttack will now host all of Group B’s matches, featuring Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

Pakistan will play their three round robin games at Cuttack’s Test venue, the Barabati Stadium, while the other group games will be held at the nearby Driems cricket ground.

Pakistan will stay in Cuttack if they qualify for the second round, but will still have to travel to Mumbai if they make the final, the ICC said in a statement.

Group A matches between defending champions England, India, the West Indies and Sri Lanka will remain in Mumbai as originally scheduled.

The dates of the tournament also remained unchanged. Shiv Sena’s anger stems from recent tension between India and Pakistan, which flared up in early Janu-

Mumbai have already forced organisers of the inaugural Hockey India League to withdraw nine Pakistani players from the tournament and sent them home.

ICC chief executive David Richardson said in the statement that he was glad the governing body had come out of a “difficult situation which was not of cricket’s making”.—Online

Pakistan open SA tour on disappointing note Comments Salahuddin Haider

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AKISTAN cricket team once again put up a dis appointed show, with both bat and ball in the opening 4-day practice match against an invitation eleven on their important South African tour. And that surely does not augur well for the Test series, due to start on February 1.

It started off in sparkling fashion, openers Hafeez and Nasir Jmashed providing a solid start of 105, but then the middle order collapsed sensationally with all principal batsmen, Azhar Ali, Yunus Khan, Skipper Misbahul Haq and Asad Shafiq walking back with practically nothing against their name. They together added just 15 runs. From 105 for one, when Hafeez fell, Pakistan had slumped to 145 for 6. If there was to be any menace in the wicket, then how could tail enders like Umar Gul, wicketkeeper Sarfaraz, and Junaid Khan were able to put up a gallant fight back to take the score to somewhat reasonable 329.

Sarfaraz, not only kept one end sealed, but went on to be top scorer with his 93 off 161 balls, with 12 fours and

one huge six. He was involved in remarkable partnerships with Umar Gul of 81 runs in 23.2 overs, and with Junaid for 49 runs in nine and a half overs.

Hafeez and Nasir Jamshed fully demonstrated their batting prowess, Hafeez stroking the ball with excellence, and Nasir Jamshed equally harsh on the local bowlers. But then with the kind of fight expected in Test series with the World number one side from next week, the hugely poor show by the middle order, not much can be expected from the tourists. The practice was, in second day on Saturday, did not have front line South African attack. The match has not been brought live by any of the TV networks, but there appeared nothing wrong with the wicket.

The only conclusion thus drawn from the first day’s play was of irresponsible performance from the backbone of Pakistani batting. Yunus, Azhar, and MIsbah all need to strike form. Else the cricket crazy fans at home, will have very little to boast about.

Umar Gul and Sarfaraz showed that they could easily overpower the local bowling attack, which was evident from their scores. Gul had 49

excellent runs to his credit, with 4 fours and two sixes, and Sarfaraz went on a rampage after seeing Saeed Ajmal go back cheaply, and with only Junaid as his partnership, he went for lusting hitting but remained unlucky in his chase for the coveted three figure mark.

Even Junaid played a superb knock of 26. The last four wickets made a valuable contribution of 184 runs.

When Pakistan came on to bowl, Umar Gul with his two early wickets,and Junaid with one, looked like running through the home side batting. But after 31 for3, they too could not make much inroads, submitting enough evidence again, that the wicket was perfect. Van Zyl ran himself out after putting on a heroic 89 for the fourth wicket, but his partner Van Jarrsweld, went on to register a beautiful half century.

The Pakistani attack was nipped in the bud, including the guiles of Saeed Ajmal, a perfect match winner.

One could only hope now that the Pakistani batsmen will feel the responsibility and avoid being reckless, for that will be suicidal in the all-important series.

Errani, Vinci clinch Australian doubles crown M ELBOURNE —Top seeds Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci beat local favourites Ashleigh Barty and Casey Dellacqua Friday to win the Australian Open women’s doubles title.

The world number one pairing from Italy raced through the first set in just under half-an-hour and were impeded in the second, but they broke three times in the final set to win their third major trophy 6-2, 3-6, 6-2.

“It’s very hard to figure them out. They’re obviously the number one team in the world,” Dellacqua said.

“They’re there for a reason.

They play very good doubles, and a specific style of doubles.”

In mixed doubles, the Australian pairing of Jarmila Gajdosova and Matthew Ebden reached the final when they beat Kazak-Uzbek duo Yaroslava Shvedova and Denis Istomin 7-5, 7-6 (7/5). They will play Czech team Lucie Hradecka and Frantisek Cermak, who bettered Czechoslovakia’s Kveta Peschke and Marcin Matkowski of Poland 3-6, 7-5, (10/7).—AFP

Police, PTV to play National Tray Hockey C’ship final PESHAWAR—Police and PTV cemented its position for the final of the 4th National Tray Hockey Championship being played here at Lala Ayub Hockey Stadium on Saturday.

Police and PTV recorded their victories in the dependable matches against their respective rivals and have confirmed their position to play the final of the National Hockey Championship.

Besides playing the final, it also upgraded to National Senior Hockey Championship which had relegated earlier on.

Both Police and PTV got more points against their respective rivals. Police won all its five matches and have to play a match against PTV in the last match of the single league group while PTV won four matches, with one draw and now it faced Police in the sixth match. PAF got 13 points with after playing six matches, winning four, and played a draw match against PTV and a lost against Police.—APP

LAHORE: Karate players demonstrating their skills during the Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) Procession.

Australia vs Sri Lanka, 1st T20

Sri Lanka beat Australia to take 1-0 lead SYDNEY—Sri Lanka’s collec- tive lack of prowess shown tralia cast around for a momentive effort was enough to overcome an Australian team that left far too much up to David Warner on their National Day with the visitors claiming a five-wicket victory on a pudding of a drop-in pitch at Sydney’s Olympic Stadium.

After their bowlers had been brilliantly supported in the field to restrict Australia to 3 for 137 - of which Warner made no fewer than 90 - the Sri Lankans made a rapid start to the chase and then steadied against the loss of mid-innings wickets to take a 1-0 lead with seven balls to spare.

Angelo Mathews showed the cool head that has him marked as his nation’s longterm leader to finish off the innings. There were cameos, too, from Kushal Perera, Lahiru Thirimanne and Thisara Perera, all of whom will be happy that Sri Lanka cannot now lose this series after also tying the ODI matches.

Nuwan Kulasekara and Thisara Perera were both exemplary with the ball, though Kulasekara undid much of his good work by turfing the simplest of chances at deep midwicket when Warner had made only 69.

While there was no switch-hit of the kind he managed in this fixture against India last year, Warner’s controlled aggression to bat through the innings was all the more admirable for the difficult surface on which he demonstrated it, and the rela-

by the rest.

Aaron Finch was again out cheaply at international level, while Shaun Marsh made an unhappy return to the national team in his first match since last summer, run out for only six. George Bailey also failed to make a score, leaving Adam Voges to offer inconspicuous but valuable support to Warner, who found it far easier than his teammates to split the field and find the boundary.

Sri Lanka’s pursuit began with speed and audacity, Tillakaratne Dilshan executed one of his trademark scoops from the bowling of Mitchell Starc so effectively that it sailed for six a few metres to the offside of the wicketkeeper. Kushal Perera was more orthodox, but struck the ball cleanly as Aus-

tum changer.

They found it in Ben Laughlin, recalled for his first T20 international since 2009.

Known primarily for his slower ball variations, Laughlin squeezed a bouncer past Dilshan and into the gap between helmet and grille, forcing a delay while a cut above the eye was treated.

The break disrupted Sri Lanka’s flow, and it was Laughlin who took advantage in the field sprawling to grasp a Dilshan half-chance from Xavier Doherty.

The surface’s sluggishness lent itself to bowlers not offering much pace, and Maxwell’s introduction brought further wickets.

Kushal Perera snicked an attempted cut behind, and Dinesh Chandimal was held at long off.—AFP

Australia innings: DA Warner not out ....... 90 AJ Finch b Kulasekara ... 1 SE Marsh run out ............ 6 Bailey c Dilshan b Perera11 AC Voges not out ......... 25 Extras: (b 1, lb 2, w 1) ...... 4 Total: (3 wickets) ......... 137 Fall of wickets 1-8, 2-31, 3-53 Bowling: ........... O-M-R-W AD Mathews ....... 4-0-39-0 Kulasekara ........... 4-0-21-1 SL Malinga ........... 4-0-19-0 NLTC Perera ......... 4-0-29-1 BAW Mendis ...... 4-0-26-0 Sri Lanka innings: Perera c Wade b Maxwell33

Dilshan b Doherty ........ 16 Jayawardene b Doherty . 8 Chandimal b Maxwell ..... 5 Mathews not out .......... 35 Thirimanne b Starc ........ 20 Perera not out ................ 19 Extras: (lb 2, w 1) ............. 3 Total: (5 wickets) ......... 139 Fall of wickets: 1-46, 2-53, 361, 4-69, 5-104 Bowling: ........... O-M-R-W XJ Doherty ........... 4-0-21-2 MA Starc .............. 4-0-19-1 Cutting .................. 3-0-27-0 B Laughlin ......... 3.5-0-46-0 GJ Maxwell ........... 3-0-15-2 AJ Finch ................. 1-0-9-0

Steve Finn advised doing specific drills in nets, away from nets BIPIN DANI OBSERVER CORRESPONDENT M UMBAI —According to Ian Pont, the one time coach for Steven Finn at the Middlesex, the problem for Finn is that he collapses his back knee sideways into the stumps, instead of forward towards the batsman.

The ICC umpire Steve Davis called ‘dead ball’ after Finn dislodged the bails at the non-striker ’s end when Suresh Raina’s catch was held by England captain Aliaster Cook in the last ODI at Mohali.

Speaking from Dhaka, where Ian Pont is a head coach for one of the BPL teams, he said, “it is highly desirable for generating speed to collapse your back leg so your energy is blocked by a straight front leg, and creates a large ‘braking force’. However, Finn’s back foot (right foot) doesn’t twist forward before he lands his front foot”.

“The solution would be to rotate on the ball of his foot, so his knee and his hip turn forwards towards the batsman. The feeling would

be as if he is trying to screw his back foot into the ground before he lands his front foot.

This can be achieved by doing specific drills in the nets and away from nets, and then simply bowl in a match and not think about it”, said former Bangladeshi coach.

“Changes happen when they are ready and only after doing consciously aware drills stripped out from a bowling action. He will not be able to make huge changes by bowling a ball to a batsman and worrying about his action. This is a common mistake by coaches - not understanding to make positive improvements in bowlers. Instead they will just leave them alone because they don’t know the solution, or how to bring in the drills and do them correctly”.

Pont’s book “Ultimate Pace Secrets”, covers all these points and shows how to make such improvements.

In Finn’s case, and in others, it is a matter of not knowing what to do. If he did know and wanted to change, the improvements could have been made by now.

“When it comes to batting, we all accept that technical work is vital but with fast bowlers, the mentality is

completely different.

Bowlers are ‘left alone’ to develop poor habits, unsafe actions and other issues that lead to a loss of pace or injury. Sometimes one improvement can save a career, or with Finn, help him eliminate a misalignment of his body position that is stopping him from taking every wicket he deserves”, believes Pont.

“When you bowl so close to the stumps you can clearly have this type of issue. Coaches teach bowlers to be so close they have little margin for error with running down the pitch or having to get off the wicket on their follow through that the often ‘fall away’ in their action”.

“Finn is also a victim of this to a certain extend for his style of action. He has been bowling in the same crease position for so long now that he’s developed into his base position at the crease. He could also simply bowling a little more mid crease too, if he wanted some immediate relief to his woes. But the answer would be as suggested to assist his development, in my opinion”, Pont signed off.

Common blood pressure drugs may lower risk of dementia

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OMMON blood pressure drugs taken nolulu, said: by million of people have been linked “With the number of people with to a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease, re- Alzheimer’s disease expected to grow signifisearchers report . It was found that people who cantly as our population ages, it is increas-

had taken blood pressure drugs, particularly a class known as beta blockers, showed fewer changes in the brain linked to Alzheimer’s disease, The Daily Telegraph reported.

Findings of a new study were presented at the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting in San Diego.

Researchers examined the brains of 774 men after they had died, 610 of whom had been treated for high blood pressure.

Around one in seven of those had been given only beta blockers, 18 percent had received beta blockers and another drug and the others had been given different drugs.

It was found that the men who had received beta blockers as their only blood pressure medication had fewer abnormalities in their brains compared to those who had not been treated for their hypertension, or who had received other blood pressure medications.

Those who had been given beta-blockers in combination with other drugs also had fewer brain leisons and less shrinkage but not to the same extent at those who had used them alone.

In 2011, more than 30m prescriptions were dispensed for beta blockers in England, showing that millions of patients have used the drugs.

Lead researcher Dr. Lon White, of the Pacific Health Research and Education Institute in Ho-

ingly important to identify factors that could delay or prevent the disease.

“These results are exciting, especially since beta blockers are a common treatment for high blood pressure.”

Earlier research has shown that high blood pressure in middle age is a strong risk factor for dementia. The number of people with dementia is expected to explode to 1.7m by 2050.

Dr. Simon Ridley, head of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “Hypertension is a known risk factor for Alzheimer’s and other causes of dementia, and keeping high blood pressure in check could be important for preventing these diseases.

“This study suggests a link between the use of beta blockers and fewer signs of dementia, but as the results of this study have yet to be published in full, it’s not clear what caused this link. It is important to note that this study only looked at Japanese- American men, and these results may not be applicable to the wider population.

“While we can’t conclude from this study that beta blockers can prevent dementia, a better understanding of the links between high blood pressure and dementia could be crucial for developing new treatments or approaches to prevention.

KARACHI: Customs officials showing the bottles of liquor before destroying them during a ceremony in connection with International Customs Day at Neelam Point.

JI holds sit-in against absence of army in votes verification KARACHI —Jammat-i-Islami organized a sit-in outside Provincial Election Commission against the absence of army personnel in the process of verification of electoral rolls in Karachi.

The leaders of different political and religious parties also participated JI’s protest. They have warned that if the presence of army personnel during ongoing voters’ verification would not be ensured and intervention of MQM during the said process could not be stopped then the electoral rolls would not be accepted.

ATC sends Shahrukh Jatoi to juvenile prison KARACHI—An anti-terrorism KARACHI: People colleting Tabbaruk during a procession to celebrate Eid Milad-un-Nabi. court on Saturday sent Shahrukh Jatoi – the main accused in the Shahzeb murder case – to juvenile jail. The court admitted the medical examination report of the accused in which it was determined that Jatoi’s age is in between 17 to 18 years.

The court also directed the police to submit challan by January 30. Earlier, the court began KARACHI —MALC is work- public awareness to minimize ment for a Leprosy free world. hearing of the Shahzeb murder ing for the elimination of Lep- this disease. These views were In 1996, Leprosy was con- case and the police presented all rosy, TB and Blindness from expressed by seniors experts of trolled in Pakistan. the accused before the court.

The prevalence of the disPakistan besides community Marie Adelaide Leprosy CenAccording to details, acdevelopments for the last 56 tre (MALC) at a Press Brief- ease reduced to the extent that cused were to be presented being organized today to comthe World Health Organization years. fore the court on January 24 but Since inception more than memorate 60th World Leprosy declared the disease to be un- due Eid Miladun Nabi (SAW) Day at its head office, Karachi. der control in Pakistan, one of 56,000 leprosy patients has reholidays they could not be proceived treatment free of cost in Dr. Ruth Pfau, Founder Mem- the first countries in EMRO duced.—NNI 157 MALC Leprosy Centres ber of MALC, Mr. Mervyn Region to achieve this goal. situation throughout Pakistan. Lobu, Dr. Mutahir Zia & Dr. Leprosy elimination is successAbout 400 new cases are be- Ali Murtaza spoke on Leprosy fully being achieved, however elimination is not the end of ing registered at MALC every situation in Pakistan.

Dr. Ruth Pfau sharing her Leprosy. year.

There are many challenges A well-knitted network of views on the occasion in157 control centres nationwide formed that World Leprosy in terms of physical and social mostly in remote areas is func- Day not only symbolizes our rehabilitation, which will go on tioning in close collaboration feelings of togetherness and even in the post elimination with provincial governments love without patients affected phase.

Achievement of gradual elimi- KARACHI—The Sindh High and providing services to the by Leprosy but also provide patients and communities free and opportunity to all of us nation of leprosy was because of Court (SHC) has issued notices working for Leprosy to come the concerted efforts by a team of to the respondents for January of charge.

There is need to create closer and renew our commit- committed workers. — NNI 29 in a petition against the transfer of ownership of a government school’s building to a private party.

Petitioner Rana Faizul Hassan, a human right activist, on Saturday moved an application for urgent hearing of his petition against the transfer of ownership of the building of Muniba Memorial Government Boys School, Gulbarg Town to a private party, as he alleged that the transaction was being made by using fake documents.

He prayed the court to take up the matter urgently and stayed the transfer of school building to the private party.

After initial hearing of the application, Justice Faisal Arab ordered issuance of notices to the respondents including Secretary Education Sindh, EDO Education, Administrator Karachi and two private responKARACHI: A Labourer busy in construction work of Ayesha Manzil Flyover at Shara-e-Pakistan. dents.—APP

MALC celebrates 60th World Leprosy Day

This was stated by the leaders of different political and religious parties during their address to the participants of sitin held outside Provincial Election Commission Office here on Saturday.

Central Naib Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan Siraj-ul-Haq led the sit-in while JI Karachi Ameer Muhammad Hussain Mahenti, Ali Akbar Gujjar, Hafeezuddin, Mustaqeem Noorani, Matloob Awan, Gulzar Soomro, Muhammad Ghayyas and others were spoken on the occasion. Among political workers

of different parties, the women and children were also participated in the sit-in at large numbers. Speaking on the occasion, Siraj-ul-Haq has said that if the army was not ready to take part in voters’ verification process, then it means that the pre-poll rigging has started before the elections adding it would not be elections, but the ‘selection’.

“If the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Fakruddin G Ibrahim wants holding of transparent elections, then he should remove the reservations of the people”, he added.

Naib Ameer JI Pakistan said

if someone tries to sabotage the decision of the people, then it would consider an attempt to change the Pakistan according to the map of USA. He further said the Pakistan was come into being by democratic struggle, but the country had divided into two due to dictator mindsets.

“If PPP was considering the suggestions of majority in 1971, then 80,000 army personnel were not sent into prison adding now once again the conspiracy is being hatched to create such type of situation in the country”, he added.—Online

Reducing medical errors, key to good quality medical care KARACHI—One of the most is aimed at developing a better methods of improving patient crucial aspects of medicine and medical education, is reducing medical errors besides ensuring education for service and patient safety, said speakers Saturday at the 16th Aga Khan University (AKU) symposium.

The three day event titled education for service and patient safety in health professions

understanding of global trends and practices.

It is being arranged in collaboration with Association for Excellence in Medical Education (AEME) and will continue, from Friday till Sunday at AKU. The presenters on the occasion highlighted several

safety in practice as well as in the medical curriculum.

They emphasised on starting with simple steps such as instilling patient safety into the institutional -educational as well as professional culture, at the undergraduate and postgraduate education levels and in practice.—INP

SHC issues notice in plea against transfer of govt school building ownership

Violence claims five lives in city K ARACHI — At least five people were reported killed in incidents of violence in Karachi.

Those killed included two policemen who were performing duties at an election camp in Karachi’s Korangi area and three others who were targeted in other parts of the city. A senior police official stationed in Korangi said the policemen had been chasing the attackers before being killed. Moreover, the attackers had managed to escape and had also taken the policemen’s weapons and ammunition with them. The policemen’s bodies were shifted to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC). In another incident, a body bearing torture marks was found in the city’s Saddar area. Another tortured body was found in the city’s Memon Goth area. Furthermore, four people had been injured when unknown gunmen opened fire in Karachi’s Landhi area.—NNI

Suspension of cell service paralyses life KARACHI—Suspension of cel-

KARACHI: Activists of Pakistan Psychiatric Society hold a demonstration against the killing of Dr Hassan Alam.

Psychiatrists, doctors protest against killing of Dr. Hasan Alam KARACHI —Pakistan Psychiatric Society Sindh on Saturday staged a protest rally, in front of Karachi Press Club, to register their protest against killing of their senior colleague Dr. Hasan Alam. A large number of psychiatrists, psychologists, doctors, community health workers and social workers, carrying banners and placards, participated in the rally. The banners were inscribed with their demands for urgent arrest of the killers of

Dr. Hasan Alam, halt to killings in Karachi, particularly of those associated with medical community and immediate assistance to the bereaved family of the senior psychiatrist.

Later talking to media the office bearers of Pakistan Psychiatric Society, Dr. Sohail Ahmed, Dr. Majid Ali Abidi and others said their colleague had dedicated his life for the service of humanity. They mentioned that he had served at different government hos-

pitals in the province, including those functional in least developed areas.

He through his sincerity of purpose and professional competency had served the people in need and is still remembered by them, said Dr. Sohail Ahmed.

Dr. Majid Ali Abidi paying tribute to his assassinated coprofessional said killers have snatched citizens of a competent psychiatrist and a humble human being.—APP

lular services in various cities of the province of Sindh especially the economic hub of the country, Karachi has almost paralysed life here. A four-day holiday package by the government starting from Thursday on the occasion of Eid-e Milad un Nabi for two days followed by two regular public holidays had also marginalized trade and economic activities of the city.

The suspension of cellular services in the city had hampered routine of the people as they could not cater to their social interactions. Disappearance of public transport and closure of CNG stations until Friday was a severe backlash to the normalcy of human activities at homes, shops and hospitals. Attendants at city’s major tertiary care health facilities including Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Civil Hospital Karachi, Liaquat National Hospital, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Aga Khan University Hospital.—INP

Eating disorders effect vegetarian teens at a higher rate

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HE practice of vegetarianism involves eating a diet that excludes meat, fish, and poultry, while a variation of the vegetarian diet, known as the vegan diet, also excludes eggs, dairy products, and honey.

Following a properly planned vegetarian diet can fulfill the nutritional needs of people of any age and can even significantly lower risks of cancer and heart disease, as well as other diseases.

However, vegetarianism has become increasingly popular among teens for various reasons and may put them at greater risk for the development of serious eating disorders.

A study published last year in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association revealed that while young adult vegetarians were less likely to be overweight than non-vegetarians, about 20 to 25 percent of current and former vegetarians demonstrated unhealthy behaviors for weight control. Among the harmful practices were the use of diet pills, and symptoms of eating disorders, such as regurgitation, the use of laxatives and diuretics, as well as binge eating.

Lead researcher Ramona RobinsonO’Brien, assistant professor in the Nutrition Department at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University advised, “Clinicians and nutrition professionals providing guidance to young vegetarians might consider the potential benefits associated with a healthful vegetarian diet, [but also] recognize the possibility of increased risk of disordered eating behaviors.”

During the study, called Project EAT-II: Eating Among Teens, the researchers analyzed data collected on 2,516 participants including teens and young adults. Participants were grouped according to whether they were current, former, or non-vegetarians and each group was split into two subgroups: ages 15 to 18 and ages 19 to 23. The majority of the vegetarians in the study were female.

The participants were questioned about whether or not they had experienced symptoms of eating disorders: bingeeating, loss of control of eating habits, or extreme weight-control behaviors. Approximately 21 percent of former vegetarian teens admitted to having used unhealthy weight-control behaviors, compared to only 10 percent of non-vegetarian teens. Among the young adults, extreme weight control measures had been used by 27 percent of former vegetarians, 16 percent of current vegetarians, and 15 percent of those never having been vegetarians. The study also showed that binge eating and loss of control over eating habits were reported by 21 percent of the teen vegetarians as well as 16 percent of former vegetarians, compared to only 4 percent non-vegetarians. For the young adults, 18 percent of vegetarians reported binge eating and loss of control compared to 9 percent of former vegetarians and only 5 percent of non-vegetarians.

Robinson-O’Brien said that although teens may view vegetarianism as a healthy option, they could also be motivated by potential weight loss.

LAHORE: A large number of people participating in the procession in connection with Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) celebrations at Railways Station.

Ambassador of UAE meets CM STAFF REPORTER L AHORE —Ambassador of United Arab Emirates in Pakistan Essa Abdullah Al Basha Alnoaimi called on the Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif at Model Town and matters regarding mutual interest and promotion of bilateral relations were discussed during the meeting.

Talking to the Ambassador of United Arab Emirates, Shahbaz Sharif said that UAE and Pakistan have deep brotherly ties.

He said that UAE always stood with Pakistan in every hour of trial. He said that Pakistan gives great importance to its relations with UAE and intends to further promote economic and trade relations with it.

LAHORE: Ambassador of UAE to Pakistan Essa Abdullah Al Basha Alnoaimi called on Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif.

Eid Milad-un-Nabi celebrated STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—Eid Milad-un-Nabi was celebrated with religious fervour and enthusiasm in the provincial metropolis on Friday, 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal, the birthday of Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

The Milad celebrations were in full swing right from Fajr with special prayers at mosques, religious seminaries and other Mahafil held in this regard. Conferences and meetings on Seerat-un-Nabi were also held in different parts of the city where speakers highlighted various aspects of ‘Uswa-e-Hasna’, the sacred life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) as a constant source of guidance for the mankind.

Main procession of Milad was taken out from Lahore Railway station, under the aegis of Central Committee for Jashn-eEid Milad-un-Nabi, in the morning, which was participated by

a large number of the faithful reciting Darood, Naat and Hamd-o-Sana.

Prior to the procession, a Seerat Conference was held which was attended by PPP Central Secretary General and Leader of the House in Senate, Jahangir Badar, Chaudhry Aslam Gill and other prominent persons and notables.

Scouts from various schools and colleges, national volunteers, Civil Defence, Labour Force, Janbaz Force, Police and Rangers presented salute on this auspicious occasion. Rose petals showered over the participants of the procession and the conference through an aeroplane.

The route of the procession was profusely decorated with bunting and banners. Welcomestages were set up at 100 different points of the route, while, public and private buildings, markets, houses, roads and streets were also decorated tastefully.

Various other Milad processions also joined main processions at different places of the route. Special prayers were also offered for unity of Muslim Ummah, as well as progress and prosperity of Pakistan. The procession, after passing through its traditional route of Railway station, Australia Chowk, Brandreth Road, Guwalmandi, Mayo Hospital Road, Anarkali, Mori Darwaze and Bhati, culminated at Data Darbar where Dastar Bandi of the leaders of the procession was performed.

The City District Government Lahore also made elaborate arrangements for providing drinking water to the participants of the procession, besides offering gifts and edibles. Medical camps were also set up to facilitate the participants of the procession, while Rescue-1122 Emergency Service, Bomb Disposal Squad, Fire Brigade, Civil Defence and police personnel remained alert to deal with any untoward incident.

Newly-elected PPP (P) body greeted

Action against one-wheelers LAHORE—Chief Traffic Officer Sohail Chuadhry on Saturday directed circle officers to supervise the crackdown on motorcyclists for doing onewheeling.

Special arrangements have been made for the crackdown against wheelie doers on The Mall, Jail Road, Main Boulevard, Canal Road, Shalimar Link Road, Ferozepur Road and Township. The CTO also directed officials to take action against speeding vehicles.—APP

800 pounds cake cut on Eid Milad-un-Nabi LAHORE—A Mehfil-e-Milad was organised in connection with birth celebrations of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) at Samanabad on Friday.

A large number of people of all ages participated in the Mehfil. Religious scholars threw light on various aspects of the life of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH). They prayed for the solidarity, integrity and prosperity of the country. Later, a 800 pounds heavy cake was cut on this occasion.—APP

PU girls shine

LAHORE—Pakistan People’s leadership would serve the Ali Bhatti while addressing LAHORE—Aniqa Naeem of DeParty leaders congratulated the newly-elected body of the party including Federal Minister Amin Fahim as president PPP (Parliamentarian) and Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf as Secretary General.

In a joint statement issued here on Saturday, PPP Punjab Information Secretary Raja Amir, PPP Lahore Information Secretary Abid Siddiqui, Dewan Ghulam Mohyuddin and Iqbal Sialvi hoped the new

party by following the vision of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Shaheed and Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed. They said the PPP would win the next election with big majority due to its people-friendly policies.

Meanwhile, The Pakistan People’s Party will win upcoming elections and form government in the Centre and in all provinces. These views were expressed by PPP Executive Committee Lahore member Arshad

workers at his residence on Saturday. He said the PML-N could not compete with the PPP for its poor policies.

He said the PPP would foil conspiracies against the party and elections would be free and fair. “The leaders of the PPP including its workers were targeted with different methods”.

The PPP is following the politics of reconciliation for the betterment of the people and democracy,” he added.—APP

partment of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, Punjab University (PU), won the poster competition of the 3rd International Symposium on Biomedical Materials: Recent Advances and Challenges at COMSATS here Saturday.

While in a poetry recitation competition at the Aitchison College, Hiba Shahbaz from French Department PU, won the “Prix de la Meilleure Debutante”, and was awarded by the French Ambassador at the French Soiree.—APP

PML-N working for making Pak as envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam: Shahbaz SALIM AHMED LAHORE—Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that metro bus project is a milestone of Punjab government in the transport sector in Pakistan.

He said that Punjab government of PML-N government is working for the uplift and welfare of the people of the province in real sense. He said metro bus project is a best gift of Punjab government of PML-N for the people, which would provide affordable, comfortable and modern commuting facilities to them.

He said provision of modern travelling facilities, in accordance with international standard, is the top priority of the Punjab government. He said metro bus project is not just a project, but a mission,

which is being completed expeditiously, with a missionary zeal.

He was presiding over a high-level meeting regarding progress in metro bus project at Model Town. Chairman Lahore Transport Company Khawaja Ahmad Hasaan, Managing Director Punjab Metro Bus Authority, Director General Lahore Development Authority and officers concerned attended the meeting.

Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said that work on metro bus project is continuing day and night. He said such a great welfare project in the transport sector has never been made in the 65 years’ history of Pakistan. He said metro bus project is a step towards making Pakistan as envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal, which

would be, Insha Allah, completed very soon.

He said those elements who are criticizing metro bus project, do not want welfare of the common man. He said those elements who did not initiate any welfare project for poor people during their own era of government, are now raising hue and cry over this great project.

He said these elements looted the national exchequer and filled their own pockets in the name of development projects. He said the cronies of former dictator, who looted national wealth, are now disturbed over initiation of welfare projects for the people.

He said so-called critics would automatically become silent when the metro bus would be started and people provided best travelling facilities.

Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif

said modern system of e-ticketing would be introduced at bus stations, while electric escalators are being installed for convenience of elders and the disabled. He said that an effective system of guidance has also been made available at bus stations for the convenience of travelers. He said metro buses would become operative for the people very soon.

The Chief Minister said that he considered himself answerable before Allah Almighty and the court of the people. He said serving the people is his main mission, who are the best judge for our excellent performance.

He said that the Punjab government of PML-N has set new records of service for the people. A detailed briefing was given on metro bus project during the meeting.

Young doctors continue protest LAHORE—The Young Doctors Association continued protest camps in all government hospitals on Saturday to press for demands.

A general body meeting of YDA had decided on Friday to continue the protest till the acceptance of their demands. The doctors also decided to meet politicians and office-bearers of professional organisations to take them into confidence about their demands and the alleged misbehaviour of the Punjab government with doctors.

As a first step, a delegation of young doctors called on the LAHORE: Residents of Ring Road protesting against the killing of four persons died after Supreme Court Bar Association secretary and its executive mema WASA truck hit motorcycle rickshaw. bers to apprise them of their problems.

The YDA has also decided to file a contempt of court petition in the Lahore High Court against police for not registration a case against people who had injured doctors in L AHORE —The teachings of ter and spirit the Holy Prophet’s Milad-un-Nabi Malik Aftab Gujranwala.—APP Holy Prophet Hazrat (PBUH) teachings of love, fra- Rabbani, and a number of Muhammad (Peace Be Upon ternity, patience, brotherhood, Ulema and scholars highlighted Him) are the solid guarantee for interfaith harmony, tolerance, the Uswa-e-Hasna. They stressed upon the Muslim sure elimination of injustice, peace and justice.”

He said PPP had always ren- Ummah to strictly follow the cruelty, social oppression and other atrocities against the man- dered supreme sacrifices for se- teachings of Islam to have blesscuring rights of the oppressed ings of Allah Almighty in this kind.

Leader of the House in Sen- and down trodden people of the world and the world hereafter.

Meanwhile, The 29th Interate and PPP Central Secretary society. The PPP will continue General Jahangir Badar stated with this mission and spirit, as national Milad Conference was this, while addressing the Seerat the equal rights to everyone is held here at the meadow of Conference prior to initiation of the fundamental principle of Is- Minar-e-Pakistan on Friday.

Tehrik Minhajul Quran the central Mild-un-Nabi lam. He also announced the con(PBUH) procession here from struction of Minar-e-Risalat, an organised the Conference in Railway Station Chowk on Fri- Islamic library and a permanent connection with the birth celMilad Stage near the Railway ebrations of the Holy Prophet day.

Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Jahangir Badar said that Station Chowk.

The PPP leaders Chaudhry Upon Him).

Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) is Besides, Pakistan a large the great benefactor of the hu- Aslam Gill and Dewan Ghulam manity and his teachings are Mohiyuddin, Justice Munir number of people from other beacon of light for the mankind, Mughal, Central Committee for countries participated in the adding, “We must follow in let- Arrangements of Jashn-e-Eid Conference.—APP

Holy Prophet’s teachings guarantee end of injustice