e-Paper Dec 28, 2012

Bilawal enters political arena Pledges to uphold democracy, fight terrorism Thousands gather to mark BB’s death anniversary STAFF REPORTER

ing for the decision of Zulifkar Ali Bhutto reference.

He said that judiciary is independent now and all the institutions have powers instead of powers with one person in the

past Bilawal said BISP is also fulfilling needs of the poor about education, training and health.

He pointed out that the PPP Government faced enormous challenges due to global reces-

sion and terrorism but despite that our economy is standing firmly on its feet. Exports crossed 25 billion dollar mark this year, foreign exchange reserves stand at 14 billion dollar, KSE index has

gone beyond 16,000 points and inflation has come down from 25 to just 9 percent. He said Pakistan was wheat importing country but now is wheat exporting country.

GARHI K HUDA BAKHSH— Thousands of people gathered on Thursday to observe the fifth anniversary of the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, and to witness her son launch his political career. “Today, I am with the martyrs at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh. I am with my mother and my grandfather.

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto are alive in our hearts even today,” said Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the son of Benazir and of President Asif Ali Zardari, addressing the crowd which included thousands of Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) LUCKNOW—The cold wave workers, supporters and the sweeping through Indian state party’s top leadership. of Uttar Pradesh has claimed More than 200,000 people more than 30 lives in a 24had gathered at the family mauhour span, officials here said soleum in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh on Thursday. The maximum in Sindh to pay their respects and number of deaths, between to hear Bilawal make his first Wednesday and Thursday major public speech. Security morning, were reported from was tight around a huge stage, Bhadohi district where five adorned with the red, black and people succumbed to the cold. green tricolour of the ruling PaAs many as four people died in kistan People’s Party (PPP).

Balia and three each in “There are two kinds of powAllahabad, Mirzapur, ers in this country: that which Sonebhadra, Ghazipur, prefers the path of dictatorship, Barabanki, Chandauli and and then there is the power of the Azamgarh districts. Shrawasti people. On one side we stand up and Mau districts have as a wall against the terrorists, reported one deaths each, a and then there are those who are state government official said. even afraid to take their names,” The mercury dropped said Bilawal in a passionate below four degrees Celsius in speech.

“We have chosen a very difContinued on Page 7 ficult path. Our path is the path of democracy, which Benazir taught us to walk on. We will go to the place where a bright and progressive Pakistan awaits us.”

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that we want justice from the courts GARHI KHUDA BAKHSH: President Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari responding to slogans adding that the workers are wait- of crowd on the occasion of 5th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto.

30 dead in India of cold wave

‘Afghanistan remains dangerous for journalists’

KABUL—Afghanistan is a dangerous country for the press and journalists encounter serious challenges, said Afghan media watchdog Nai. Two journalists were killed and 69 violent cases have been reported this year, according to statistics just unveiled by Nai. Although a vibrant media and freedom of speech is one of the major achievements of the current government, Nai said these achievements remain fragile, Tolonews reported Thursday.

“Journalism and media work face serious threats and challenges in Afghanistan, both in security and restricting influence [from officials].

Balochistan MPAs were ‘asked to show votes’ STAFF REPORTER QUETTA—To prove their loyalty, members of Balochistan Assembly were asked to openly violate the parliamentary code of ethics by showing their votes during secret balloting on a noconfidence motion against Speaker Muhammad Aslam Bhootani, an MPA said on Thursday.

The provincial assembly had adopted a no-trust motion against the Speaker on Wednesday. Except JUI (F) members, the members from PPP and PML (Q) showed their marked ballots to two senior officers of the Chief Minister’s Secretariat.

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Afghanistan disengagement to cost $ 5.7b to US WASHINGTON —The United States has spent nearly $600 billion over the past 10 years putting combat forces into Afghanistan. Now it’s going to cost an additional $5.7 billion over the next year or two just to transfer or return most of the troops and equipment the shipped into that country, according to a new report by the Government Accountability Office.

The size of the withdrawal is mind-boggling. But with the “fiscal cliff” approaching fast, it’s worth taking a moment to realize that the costly Afghan operation is going on a credit card, along with the $1 trillion or more spent in Iraq, a report in Washington post said.

Congress and President Obama are negotiating over increasing revenue and cutting spending, but the billions in Af-

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Pak win Asian Champions Trophy beating India

TTP activist escapes from police station

4 in a tough contested final of the Asian Champions Trophy STAFF REPORTER hockey in Doha, (Qatar) on Thursday.

Pakistan made the first K A R A C H I —An activist of breakthrough against the defend- Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan ing champions when Waqas (TTP) allegedly involved in tarContinued on Page 7 get killing escaped from Pirabad police station.

According to details, the activist Abid Mehsud, used police uniform to deceive the administration and managed to break out from Police Station Pirabad.

The accused was nabbed provincial assembly speaker for his alleged involvement in Habibullah Tareen, former pro- terrorist activities besides tarvincial minister Akhtar Shah and geted killing of more than 25 Raja Faisal, an MPA met PML- persons, including police offiN President at his Raiwind resi- cials from Manghopir Police dence and announced to join the Station.

PML-N reposing complete conStation House Officer fidence in the leadership of the (SHO) Pirabad Police Station PML-N. was suspended for negligence Nawaz Sharif welcomed and investigations have been Continued on Page 7 started.

MONITORING REPORT PAKISTAN became the Asian champions defeating their arch rivals India 5-

Gohar Ayub, son rejoin PML-N SALIM AHMED L AHORE —Former Federal Minister and leading politician from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Gohar Ayub Khan Thursday rejoined Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N) along with his companions.

Gohar Ayub accompanied by his son Omar Ayub, former

The letter from Taliban comes as the focus in Afghanispokesperson Amir Muawiya stan shifts from a military push

by Nato troops to potential peace talks, and amid speculation of a rift between top Pakistan Taliban leaders.

Military officials told Reuters last month that Pakistan Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud had lost operational “Taliban leader Ismatullah command to his deputy, Waliur Muavia through his offer of Rehman, who is considered to conditional truce, has tried to be more open to reconciliation dictate the government which with the Pakistani government. is totally unacceptable”, he said The Taliban deny Mehsud has Continued on Page 7 lost command.

Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have against India. outlined conditions for a ceasefire, including the adoption of Islamic law and a break with the United States, a spokesperson said Thursday, an offer a senior government official described as “preposterous”.

The Taliban, in a letter SUKKAR—Interior Minister sent to a Pakistan daily, also Rehman Malik has said that demanded that Pakistan stop Taliban’s offer of conditional its involvement in the war pit- truce unacceptable adding ting Afghan insurgents against that Taliban groups can not the Kabul government and re- dictate the state.

Taliban’s offer unacceptable: Malik

He assured that his party will continue to follow the mission of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. He said the PPP is not only the name of a political party but also it is a life for the people. He said Shaheed Benazir Bhutto lives in our hearts and we will work for the accomplishment of her vision for Pakistan.

He also paid tribute to Slain KP minister Bashir Bilour and Malala Yousafzai saying ‘if one Malala is attacked, then thousands of Malalas will be born’. He said that the PPP govt restored the constitution given by Shaheed Zulifkar Ali Bhutto and ‘Roti, kapra aur makan’ was the PPP’s slogan in the past, and it is still our slogan. ‘We want to move

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Elections will be free, fair: Zardari Caretaker setup in the offing NAZIR SIYAL GARHI KHUDA BUX—President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday said that Pakistan Peoples Party had has taken revenge by reconciliation with the opponents; they wanted to fight in parliament by masses support democracticlly.

Addressing a huge gathering here marking fifth martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto President said the government has done necessary legislation for putting in place a caretaker setup. “The setup will be put in

place in consultation with the opposition and other political parties so that general elections are held in a free, fair and impartial manner”, he added.

He said the sole objective of setting up an independent election commissioner was to ensure that no hidden agenda could be achieved.

Attired in a black shalwarkameez and a Sindhi cap, the President said his government was all set to complete its five year term and will be holding the polls. “We have taken all measures to ensure holding of

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2 Levis jawans martyred in attack Over 20 abducted TARIQ SAEED PESHAWAR—Terrorist’s attack on three security posts in FR area in the out skirts of Peshawar Thursday wee hours resulted in martyrdom of at least two men in uniform and injuries to couple of others. Over 20 security per-

sons, were reported missing, they are believed to have been kidnappedby the attackers. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has owned the responsibility of Thursday’s attack on the security forces.

The militants fired of rockets on three security check posts

in Jani Khawra, Zarka and Zakhai areas on Thursday wee hours that injured many security personals on the posts. These check posts are manned by the Levis force.

“The unknown militants fired many rockets at the Levis

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Qadri factor stirs political landscape Govt taking his long march move seriously LIAQAT TOOR ISLAMABAD—Though the government was busy in staging big show on fifth death anniversary of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh including launching of Bilawal Bhutto in the political arena on Thursday it was seriously feeling heat of Allama Tahir ul Qadri’s factor,

TTP spokesperson outlines conditions for ceasefire ISLAMABAD—The Tehrik-e- focus on a war of “revenge”

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the so called flag bearers of democracy tried to hinder the way of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto. Our opponents have still not learnt any lesson from the past and they are still working to derail democracy in the country. However, they will not be allowed to succeed in their designs. He said the caravan of Pakistan People’s Party will continue its march for the welfare and well being of the people and strengthening of democracy.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that blood of Benazir Bhutto is running in his veins and pledged that Pakistan People’s Party will neither allow any dictator to snatch rights of the people nor the terrorists to terrorize the people.

The TTP are a separate entity allied to the Afghan Taliban. They have launched devastating attacks against the Pakistani military and civilians.

“They are a bunch of criminals. This is not the Afghan Taliban. They are not open to talks,” said one senior government official who called the Pakistan Taliban offer “preposterous”.

“No one can take such an offer or terms seriously. The

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who landed in Pakistan from Canada after four and a half years like a ‘bomb shell.’

After staging a mammoth show at Lahore on Dec. 23, Chief of Minhaj ul Quran Movement, Dr Tahir ul Qadri confidently challenged both major parties PPP and PML (N) and announced to launch a long march on Jan. 14, if electoral

reforms are not carried by Jan. 10. After wagging fingers on Qadri’s entry into politics, just a few months before the general elections, the ruling party has started taking his long march seriously as according to political observers Qadri has all potential to rally thousands of people, if not four million as he had

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DPC demands removal of Sindh Governor, CM ISMAIL DILAWAR KARACHI—Over 40 politicoreligious parties gathered here on Thursday under the umbrella of Defa-e-Pakistan Council (DPC) called for the removal of the governor and chief minister of Sind province.

The DPC in the declaration demanded of the government to take effective and immediate measures to arrest target killers who, the Council said, had destroyed the peace of this metropolis. Parties that attended the conference were PML-N, PML-F, Awami Muslim League, National People’s Party, Democratic Party, Muhajir Qaumi

Movement– H, Jamiat Ulema-eIslam-Nazriati, Jamiat Ulema-eIslam –Sami-ul-Haq, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazal, Ghurba Ahle-Hadith, Jamat-Ud-Dawa, Ahle Sunnat-wal-Jamat, Punjabi Pakhtun Ittehad and Ansaar-ul-Islam. Former Chief of ISI, General (R) Hamid Gul and his son Abdullah Gul and Father of Catholic Church, Salik Diggo were also present in the conference.

“All parties should get united for the peace of Karachi,” said Chairman DPC, Maulana Samiul-Haq. Haq said the DPC would hold a peace march from Karachi to Islamabad on Jan 11, for which

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Polio vaccination drive resumption quells all rumours: Health experts ISLAMABAD—Resumption of polio vaccination drive in Pakistan is believed to lay all the rumours to rest, international health experts said urging the citizens to go ahead for polio vaccine to protect the country’s generation from chronic ailment. The government as well as people, are required to put up fierce fight against the disease which can cripple the generation, added the health experts.

Referring to the recent incidents of attacks against polio workers, the international health and science experts stated that the government should persuade the killers to stop shooting the polio workers and guarantee safe passage for them before the polio eradication officials regroup to resume drive, said a media report carried by New

ANF foils drugs smuggling bid STAFF REPORTER P ESHAWAR —Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) Thursday foiled a bid to smuggle drug from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Punjab province, recovered 528 kilograms Chars and arrested one drug peddler. ANF received a tip off that drug smuggler would smuggle fine quality of Chars from Tribal Areas Khyber Agency to Punjab. The force set up secret pickets on all exit points to Punjab province, said a spokesman of ANF. Late Wednesday night, ANF staff intercepted a vehicle bearing number plat GS3696 at Peshawar, Rawalpindi toll plaza. During the search of the vehicle the ANF staff recovered 528 Kgs of Chars from it. The driver of the vehicle Khushal Khan son of Said Ahmed, resident of Landi Kotal was in the disguise of a law enforcement agency was arrested on the spot.

Two die of consuming toxic syrup G UJRANWALA —Two persons died after consuming toxic syrup in Gujranwala on Thursday. According to police, Bilal, a resident of Shaheenabad locality of Gujranwala drank toxic syrup due to which his condition worsened. He was rushed to hospital for treatment but could not survive.

In Muslim Town area, an addict Munir drank toxic syrup due to which his condition deteriorated. He was rush to a nearby hospital where he expired. The police registered separate cases in both incidents and started the investigations.

Meanwhile Unknown armed men gunned down two persons, father and son, here late Wednesday night.

According to police, the armed men barged into a house located in suburban area Veeram, in Khudiyan police station jurisdiction in Kasur and opened indiscriminate fire at the residents sleeping in the house. As a result of firing two persons including the house owner Muhammad Sadiq alias Bila and his son Mazhar, 25, were killed on the spot.—INP

York Times. Donald G. McNeil Jr, in his report observed that reviving the campaign will mean quelling many rumours.

It may also require adding other medical “inducements,” like deworming medicine, mosquito nets or vitamin A, whose immediate benefits are usually more obvious.

The report said, as many as nine vaccine workers were killed in Pakistan last week in a terrorist campaign that brought the work of 225,000 vaccinators to a standstill.

Suspicion fell immediately on factions of the Pakistani Taliban that have threatened vaccinators in the past, accusing them of being American spies. The report clarified that polio vaccine is now bought only from Muslim countries like Indonesia, and Muslim scholars have ruled

it halal - the Islamic equivalent of kosher.

Resistance to polio vaccine springs from a combination of fear, often in marginalized ethnic groups, and brutal historical facts that make that fear seem justified.

Unless it is countered, and quickly, the backlash threatens the effort to eradicate polio in the three countries where it remains endemic: Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria, the report pointed out. That has been done before, notably in Afghanistan in 2007, when Mullah Muhammad Omar, spiritual head of the Afghan Taliban, signed a letter of protection for vaccination teams.

But in Pakistan, the killers may be breakaway groups following no one’s rules.

According to the report, in Pakistan, resistance to

vaccination, low over all, is concentrated in Pashtun territory along the Afghan border and in Pashtun slums in large cities. But changing mind-sets will be a crucial step, said Dr. Bruce Aylward, a Canadian who is chief of polio eradication for the World Health Organization, who likened the shootings of the girls to those of the schoolchildren in Newtown, Connecticut.

More police involvement - what he called a “bunkerized approach” - would not solve either America’s problem or Pakistan’s, he argued. Instead, average citizens in both countries needed to rise up, reject the twisted thinking of the killers and “generate an understanding in the community that this kind of behavior is not acceptable.—APP FAISALABAD: A view of thick fog that engulfs the whole city in morning hours.

PPP govts soon in federation, provinces GARHI KHUDA BAKHSH— PPP Central Punjab President Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo has said PPP will soon form the government at federal level and in all the provinces including Punjab. He said this while addressing a gathering here Thursday on the eve of 5th death anniversary of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. He said Benazir Bhutto laid down her life for the sake of democracy. What she said she delivered it, he added.

PPP will again come to power at federal level and in all the provinces and will give ownership rights to the poor masses, he held. Asif Ali Zardari is moving forward with the vision of Benazir Bhutto and he has now become the third great leader of

the country. He faced all the major challenges valiantly, he added. “We are not amongst those who move to Saudi

Arabia under a deal with the dictators to live a luxurious life for 8 years”, he added.

Certain elements are politicking in the name of youths,

he said adding “they should first of all have a glance on their age. Bilawal Bhutto is real leader of youths, he remarked. He appealed to PPP workers to bury their differences and unite under the party flag to win the upcoming general elections. PPP is symbol of federation and there are no differences at any level in its ranks and cadres, he observed.

Pakistan Peoples Party President of South Punjab Makhdoom Shahabuddin in his speech said Shaheed Benazir Bhutto in her struggle always gave preference to democracy over personal gains. He said that is why Pakistan Peoples Party is alive in all the provinces. He said PPP has its roots across the country because it has the

Pak Post holding letter writing competition I SLAMABAD—Pakistan Post is holding 42nd International Letter Writing Competition 2013 for students under 15 years of age to join move of the Universal Postal Union (UPU). The theme for the competition is “Write a letter about why water is precious”, said a press note. Last date for receipt of the composition is March 20, 2013.

In addition to Pakistan Postage Album and certificate of merit; following three cash

prizes will be awarded to those winning first three positions in this competition, first prize Rs. 20,000, second Rs. 10,000 and third Rs. 5000. The best letter (English Version only) will be sent to the UPU, where a jury set up by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) will select winners to be awarded gold, silver and bronze medals bearing relevant inscription and their names as well as albums of the UPU official post-

age stamps.

In addition, the next four or five winners will be awarded certificates and consolation prizes by the UPU. The envelopes must be clearly marked as “42nd International Letter Writing Competition (2013). The participate sending a letter either in English or Urdu to the Assistant Director (International Post) Pakistan Post Directorate General G-8/4, Islamabad-44080.—APP

Teachers training improves teaching STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—The Associate’s Degree in Education Program (ADE), an initiative of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is not only providing training to new and experienced teachers but has also changed the life of many people.

More than 2,600 students are currently enrolled in the two- year ADE program and the four-year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) created through USAID assistance and accredited by the Government of Pakistan, a U.S Embassy statement said Thursday.

The USAID has awarded nearly 1,000 scholarships for B.Ed. and ADE degrees. The U.S.-funded project works

with the federal and provincial governments, the Higher Education Commission, provincial departments of education, 15 universities, and 75 teacher colleges. Imran Ali Mallah, a fisherman at the Indus River has changed his life by becoming a teacher through the ADE programme.

Inspired by an advertisement he saw in the newspaper, Imran committed himself to this new endeavor. He traveled four hours each day from his home in Jamshoro to the Provincial Institute of Teacher Education in Nawabshah to pursue his ambition of becoming a teacher. He received excellent grades, and completed the ADE program.

Today, Imran’s future looks secure. Instead of toil-

ing each day on his boat, he teaches young people, and hopes that they too will have the opportunity for a better future.

“Changing the mindset of the youth toward learning and success is very important for the citizens of our country,” said Imran. “It enables personal growth. I hope to pass on this beacon of knowledge.”

Imran credits the U.S.funded education program with his success. “The ADE program has been a source of inspiration,” he said, adding that it enabled him to switch his profession from fishing to teaching. “With its advanced teaching methods, it has brought classrooms to life, which has made both teachers.

blood of Shaheeds. Addressing a big public meeting in connection with the fifth martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto at Ghari Khuda Bukhsh this afternoon, Minister for Political Affairs Moula Bakhsh Chandio said that mission of the founder of the PPP Shaheed Zulikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto would be fulfilled.

He stressed the need for unity among all sections of the society to strengthen the nation. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister GilgitBaltistan Syed Mehdi Shah said that we renew our pledge to resist conspiracies against democracy. He said in past, the presidency was used for toppling an elected government.—Online

ASWJ condemns murder attempt on Maulana Farooqi SHER GONDAL M A N D I B A H A U D D I N —On

Light rain to siphon fog during next 2 days I SLAMABAD —Light rain in mir and Gilgit Baltistan durvarious parts of the country including Northern Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan will subside prevailing foggy weather conditions during the next two days. This was stated by Dr. Ghulam Rasool, Chief Meteorologist said on Thursday. He said the westerly weather system will prevail for the next two days and cause scattered and light rain in various parts.

He said the prevailing fog has gripped various areas of Punjab and the rain will reduce its intensity during the next two days and after that the dense fog will prevail for the whole week.

The prevailing foggy weather conditions which disrupted the flights schedule and caused low visibility at the motorway will not prevail for the next two days.

About the twin cities weather, Dr Ghulam Rasool said the cities will also receive light rain during the next two days.

Dr. Ghulam Rasool said the light rain on Friday and Saturday will be a blessing for the farmers of Barani areas to cultivate wheat crop.

“It is the ideal time of cultivation as it will be difficult for the farmers to cultivate the crop when mercury will further decrease”, he added.

The severe cold wave conditions are likely from Friday and snowfall will occur at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kash-

ing the next 24 hours, he said.

According to the met office, the lowest minimum temperatures recorded during the last 24 hours were Skardu -10C, Parachinar 09C, Astore -08C, Hunza and Gupis -05C, Kalam -04C, Dir -03C, Chitral, Drosh and Gilgit -02C. The Karachi Met office has forecast fair/partly cloudy weather with cool night in the city over the next

24 hours. According to Met office’s weather report issued on Thursday the minimum temperature is expected to remain in the range of 10 to 12 degree centigrade.

The Met office said mainly cold and dry weather is likely to prevail elsewhere in the region. The Multan Met office has forecast partly cloudy weather with chances of mist in the morning for the city and its suburbs during the next 24 hours. On Thursday, the maximum and minimum temperatures were recorded as 20.8 and 5.5 degrees centigrade, respectively. Humidity was recorded 100 per cent at 8am and 89 per cent at 5pm.—APP

Devotees start reaching Bhitshah OUR CORRESPONDENT HYDERABAD—The devotees have started reaching at Bhitshah Town to pay homage to great Sufi Saint and Poet Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai during his three days annual Urs celebrations being started from Dec 28. The restaurants and tea shops have been renovated by their owners while a makeshift shopping centre has been established in an open place near the shrine of Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai to offer meal and other necessary goods to devotees who set up their camps and planned to stay next three days.

The departments which assigned different task to provide maximum facilities to devotees have also established their camps in different parts of the town while health department has also set up medical camps to provide medical treatment, if required by the visitors. The Deputy Commissioner Matiari Shahid Leghari Thursday presided over the meeting of the officers of the concerned departments to give final touches to arrangements.

The District Health Officer Dr. Hassan Murad Shah informed the meeting that besides medical camps, mobile teams have also been deputed in the areas to provide necessary medical treatment to the devotees. The Deputy Commissioner directed him to set up another medical camp near “Emergency-15” for provision of first aid.

the call of Ahl-e-SunnatWal-Jamaat (ASWJ) a large number of ASWJ activists led by Maulana Mumtaz Ahmed held a rally outside press club here the other day against the murder attempt on the party’s Central Secretary Information Maulana Aurangzeb Farooqi and target killing in Karachi.

Addressing the rally, the speakers condemned the murder attempt on Maulana Farooqi and demanded of the government to arrest the assailants involved in the tragic incident immediately, they said the terrorists were continuing killing of innocent citizens of the country since long but the government was acting like a silent spectator.

They asked the government to unveil the hands behind murder attempt on their leaders and killing of else. **** Centenary celebrations of Government College of Technology Rasul will start on 29 Dec instant. Chairman Toyota will be chief guest at this occasion. Principal College Mazhar Abbas Naqvi said this during a press briefing held here at press club regarding preparation of the centenary function. More than one thousand guests comprising ex-teachers and ex-students from all over the world will participate in the celebrations; he further added and said the SIALKOT: PML-N Member of National Assembly Khawaja Muhammad Asif offering dua after inaugurating Khawaja Asharaf Park on Aimanabad Road. guests’ arrival had started.

Medics thank CM for health allowance

Modern tech edu helps reduce poverty BASHIR AHMAD RAHMANI in academic and co-curricular one was hurt. The Kassoki their homes due to chilly winds H AFIZABAD —Promotion of modern and scientific education is inevitable for elimination of poverty, ignorance, unemployment and extremism, declared Noman Hafeez, District Officer. While addressing annual prize distribution ceremony at AlAbbasi School System Kalianwala (Hafizabad) he appreciated private sector for playing its pivotal role to promote education in the remote area. Promotion of education in the rural area by the private sector is encouraging, which, he said, would materialize the dream to bring about social and economic revolution. Earlier, Syed Najm-ul-Mustafa QUETTA: Member of Balochistan Assembly Jan Ali Changezi and other party workers praying for the soul of former Principal enumerated various prime minister Benazir Bhutto. achievements of the students

activities. ***** The employees of Health Department from grade one to four have thanked the Chief Minister for meeting their long-standing demand for the approval of health allowance of Rs. 1500/- per month. ***** Some un-identified bandits in police uniform deprived over a half dozen people of their cash and cell phones about one km from Bhaka Bhattian motorway interchange at wee hours last night. According to sources they also intercepted a car No. AMM-918 but the driver accelerated the speed.

Thereupon the bandits opened indiscriminate firing on the vehicle. However, no

police chased the gangsters but they managed their good escaped. Meanwhile, burglars broken into a bakery shop on Gujranwala road last night and made away with cash and articles worth Rs. 60000/. ***** Foggy weather continued to prevail in Hafizabad and suburbs for the fourth consecutive day today, rendering visibility to few yards. Due to severe cold and dense fog business activities reduce to zero. Meanwhile, low gas pressure caused innumerable problems to the housewives particularly in the old city area; resultantly there is heavy rush at the restaurants, as the housewives could not cook meals for their families at their residences. Most of the children and old-aged confined at

and heavy mist. ***** The demise of professor Ghafoor Ahmad, a veteran politician was widely condoled by the local political workers. Dr. Habib Ullah Cheema Chairman Ex-M.C Hafizabad, Dr. Muhammad Yasin Ansari District Ameer JI, Mian Muhammad Yousaf Tihami Ex-Ameer Hafizabad District, Aman Ullah Chattha Divisional President Kisan Board, Arshad Ansari Local Labour Leader, Ch. Mehdi Hassan Bhatti Ex-MNA and President District PML (Q) paid glowing tributes to the Late Professor Ghafoor Ahmad for his meritorious services for the glory of Islam and promotion of democracy.

Governor condoles Staff Reporter

PESHAWAR—The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor, Barrister Masood Kausar has expressed his heartfelt condolence on the sad demise of the veteran politician and the renowned scholar, Prof.

Ghafoor Ahmad who has breathed his last in Karachi. In his condolence message, the Governor has said that Prof.

Ghafoor was indeed a seasoned and vocal politician and his services in the arena of politics are a well acknowledged part of the history of the country which will be remembered for a long time to come. With his passing away, the Governor said, the nation has been deprived from a sincere, selfless and devoted publication. The Governor while expressing his deep sympathies with the members of the bereaved family has also prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and courage to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with patience. Earlier, Sindh Governor Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the death of Jammat-e-Islami leader, Prof. Ghafoor Ahmed. In a condolence message issued on Wednesday, Dr. Ebad said the country is deprived of a veteran political due to the demise of Prof.

Ghafoor. The Sindh Governor prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to bereaved family to bear the loss with fortitude. The JI leader passed away at the age of 85 after a protracted illness in Karachi. Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders have expressed their sorrow over the demise of JI Naib Ameer Prof Ghafoor Ahmed. In a condolence message here on Thursday, Ahsan Rasheed, Abdul Aleem Khan, Jamshed Iqbal Cheema, Sardar Kamil Umar and others prayed to the Almighty to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage and patience to the bereaved family to bear this loss.

Business community seeks highest civil award for Bilour STAFF REPORTER PESHAWAR —The business community of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while eulogizing the bravery and bold stance of Bashir Bilour against militancy, has called for awarding any highest civil award.

“Bashir stood like a concrete wall against the forces of obscurantists and fought the country’s war against terrorism like a brave solider,” observed majority of speakers at a reference arranged by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KPCCI) here on Thursday in honor of Shaheed Bashir

Bilour.

Elder brother of Bashir Bilour, Senator Ilyas Bilour was chief guest on the occasion while Usman Bilour was also present at the reference.

President KPCCI, Dr. Yousaf Sarwar and leading businessmen of the province were present on the occasion.

“Bashir had fully owned war against militancy and took a very bold and gallant stance against forces who are bent upon taking our country and nation back towards dark ages by imposing ban on girl education, recreation etc,” speakers observed.

Speaking on the occa-

sion, Trader ’s president, Sharafat Ali Mubarik said Bashir Bilour made a new history and his martyrdom is a big loss not only for Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but for the whole country. Malik Niaz, former president of KPCCI, said Bashir showed extra bravery and looked face to face into the eyes of militants.

His martyrdom has left almost all the homes of Peshawar in grief and sorrow.

Amanullah Khan said the bravery exhibited by Bashir Bilour was exemplary. He lived a life of brave man and died with full honor of em-

bracing martyrdom, he added. Bilour in recognition of his bravery. Adeel Rauf, former president KPCCI, said Bashir Bilour was not only the pride of ANP, Peshawar but of whole country. He said Bashir Bilour was not only a good politician, but a humble gentleman who always strived for the betterment of poor and deserving people.

Speaking on the occasion, Senator Ilyas Bilour thanked all the speakers for eulogizing the services of his slain brother. Ilyas Bilour also thanked governments of Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab, AJK, Gilgit Baltistan.

Eyes gouged over enmity M U LTA N —A man, whose Aslam, senior registrar of eyes were allegedly gouged out by eight accused over old enmity in Sheher Sultan area of district Muzaffargarh. He was admitted to Nishtar Hospital Multan early Thursday. According to Sheher Sultan police, eight accused had kidnapped a farmer Bilal, father of eight kids, at gun point while he was ploughing fields on Wednesday and allegedly gouged out his both eyes with a sharp edged weapon.

Sheher Sultan police reached the spot soon after receiving information and took the injured Bilal in custody. They also collected his both gouged eyes in a shopping bag and immediately transported him to Nishtar hospital Multan. Dr Shahbaz

eye ward told APP the man was under treatment, however, initial examination suggested that he would not be able to have his eye sight restored.

Sheher Sultan police have registered FIR against eight accused under sections 365, 334, 324, 148 and 149 PPC and arrested three accused identified as Ghulam Fareed, Riaz and Fayyaz. SHO Sheher Sultan Aslam Malghani said that the man was punished for the alleged crime of his nephew. He said that Bilal’s nephew had allegedly raped a minor girl from the family of an accused some time ago and an FIR (243/2012) was registered against him. His nephew was arrested and was in jail these days.—APP

BB remembered at Chitral

Rs18 billion for Lawari Tunnel not to be shifted GUL HAMAAD FAROOQI C HITRAL —5th Death anni-

Benazir role model leader Staff Reporter

PESHAWAR—Member Provincial Assembly (MPA), Nighat Yasmin Aurakzai on Thursday said the supreme sacrifices of Benazir Bhutto Shaheed had weakened dictatorship and restored democracy in Pakistan. Paying rich tributes to Shaheed Benazir Bhutto for her meritorious services for the cause of democracy and empowerment of women folk on her 5th martyrdom anniversary, Nighat Aurkazai told APP on phone that Benazir’s Bhutto martyrdom has led to dawn of a new era of democracy in the country. She that Benazir was a leader of par excellence and a role model for the women who had improved the country’s PESHAWAR: Senator Ilyas Ahmad Bilour, KPCCI President Dr M Yousaf Sarwar, Ghulam Sarwar Khan Mohamand image at the international forums through her lectures, ser- and Usman Bashir Bilour offering fateha for the soul of shaheed KP Senor Minister Bashir Ahmad Bilour during a vices and as a statesman. “She was a leader of international condolence refence at Chamber House. caliber and the imperialist and anti democratic forces killed her from the political horizon in a bid to destabilize Pakistan.” She said martyrs never died and always alive.Nighat Yasmin Aurakzai, who recently joined PPP after resigning from PML-Q said, “Benazir Bhutto Shaheed was a harbinger of peace, a statesman and a true diplomat who proved her mettle at critical times against the forces inimical to the country. The PPP leader said all the political parties with a earnestly working for fulfill- who want to form their gov- Q UETTA —Press Council of STAFF REPORTER diversified culture agreed on a single point to take forward ment of the wishes and ernment at gunpoint. I ask my Pakistan (PCP) has anthe ship of democracy for which BB shaheed had sacrificed her life. She said hundreds of thousands of people from P ESHAWA R —The Khyber dreams of her illustrious fa- Pashtun brothers to come for- nounced to set up Fact FindKhyber Pakthunkhwa and FATA have come to Garhi Khuda Pakthunkhwa Senior Minis- ther Zulfikar Ali Bhutto who ward for peace and support ing and Inquiry Commission Bux to offer Fateha for eternal peace of Shaheed Quaid. She ter, Rahimdad Khan said on had special attachment with the Pakistan People’s Party,” on conditions of journalists said Beanzir Bhutto had given respect to workers and con- Thursday that Benazir Pakhtoons” he added. The she said. in Balochistan including tarBenazir Bhutto was of the get killing, harassment and Shaheed was Mohtarma loved Pasthuns sidered them as front line force of Shaheed Zulfikar Bhutto. Bhutto martyred by the anti demo- as she knew that they had view that the Pakistan compensation related issues. cratic forces to keep the land suffered immensely during People’s Party (PPP) had the Talking to media persons at Symbol of democracy ability to provide the masses Quetta Press Club premises of Pakhtoons backward, il- the war on terror.

Staff Reporter On December 1, 2007, security, peace, development here, Raja M. Shafqat Khan literate and deprived them of P ESHAWA R —Khyber Pakthunkhwa their rights. “The Pakhtoons when she came to Peshawar and employment and develop Minister for Finance and General Secre- strongly believes that during her election campaign their under-developed areas. Abbasi, the Chairman Press tary Pakistan People’s Party Engr. Beanzir Bhutto Shaheed was amid full throated slogans of The Minister said Benazir Council of Pakistan said: “ Muhammad Hamyun Khan on Thurs- martyred under a well “Jiay Bhutto” and “Long Live Bhutto Shaheed had always We have set up a Fact Findday said the martyrdom of Benazir thoughout plan to keep the Benazir” by hundreds of thou- advocated political and ing Inquiry Commission to Bhutto Shaheed was a symbol of de- land of Pukhtoons backward, sands of PPP supporters in socio-economic empower- find facts into conditions and mocracy and a beacon of light for politi- illiterate and deprived them the walled city, she said, “I ment of the people of Khyber problems faced by journalists cians and people believed on hard work of their rights,” he told APP seek your help and coopera- Pakthunkhwa and Federally community of Balochistan that will function under the and principles. Talking to reporters af- here on Thursday. tion to turn your land into a Administered Tribal Areas chairmanship of senior jourter inspection construction work of Ba“If BB was alive today, peaceful zone. “I appeal to you (FATA) and always laid great sic Health Unit and pavement of streets the destiny of the Pakhtoon not to fall into the trap of emphasis on their education, nalist and Chief Editor at Pirkhel in Malakand Agency, the Minister said democ- nation would have definitely those who believe in violence poverty alleviation and re- Balochistan Times, Syed Faseeh Iqbal while Bachal racy had returned to the country after supreme sacrifice of been changed as she was and extremism. Reject those forms in FATA. Laghari, the member of PCP Benazir Bhutto Shaheed and the best tributes to her was and Saleem Shahid, President to strengthen democratic institutions in Pakistan. He said Quetta Press Club will be the Benazir Bhutto Shaheed believed on national politics and members of the commisservice of masses, adding the mission of the Shaheed leader sion,”. He said that the Comwould be carried forward. Humayun Khan said there would mission would compile and be no compromise on quality of materials and develop- MULTAN—Regional Tax Offurnish its report within two mental works as huge spending were being made on it fice (RTO) failed to achieve set “According to a survey months to the PCP. from public exchequer which is hard earned money of pub- recovery targets in the first 5 Q U E T TA —A report preThe PCP Chairman said lic accumulated from their taxes as well as a sacred trust. months of the current fiscal sented by UNICEF officials report compiled from the data The minister also called upon people to keep a vigilant eye year, disclosed reliable revealed that over 24,000 of government and private that the Commission would 663,000 look into the matters includon the quality of developmental schemes. He also clarified sources on Thursday. Talking children die of Pneumonia in hospitals,about to the concerned contractors and members of construc- to APP, the sources in the RTO the country every year that Pneumonia cases are re- ing that whether FIRs on killtion committees that they would be dealt-with an iron hand office said that a target of Rs caused by bacterium called ported every year in Pakistan ing of journalists were in case of low-quality construction work and negligence. 31 billion has been fixed for Streptococcus Pneumonia. and over 24,000 children suf- lodged, what progress on inLater on, the Finance Minister visited the residence of tax recovery during the first 5 This was disclosed by fering from Pneumonia out of vestigation into these killings Fazle Wadan an official of DCO Office Malakand at months of the current fiscal UNICEF officials Dr. Tariq total number of these cases and whether the killers of Makhband and offered Fateha for the departed soul of his year but Rs 22 billion have so Iqbal and Dr. Aurangzaib die of the disease,” they said. slain media persons were armother. He also expressed condolence on the death of far been made as tax recovery Kamal at a workshop held in They said that material mor- rested. He said that PCP in its Salim Khan, ex-Naib Nazim, Thana Bandajat at Null Thana by November 30, showing 70 connection with introduc- tality rate at national level is recent meeting reviewed setion of newly launched 272 out of every 100,000 and curity challenges faced by and prayed that Allah Almighty may rest the departed souls percent achieved target.

Vaccine child mortality rate 94 out of journalists of Balochistan, tarin eternal peace and grant courage to the members of the In the last fiscal year Pneumococcal here on every 100,000. They added get killing of some journalists bereaved families to bear the losses with fortitude. the tax of Rs 24 billion was (PCV10) that annual maternal mortal- and other threats to them due Thursday.The workshop collected for the same peity rate in Balochistan is 785 to which they were forced to Tributes to BB was jointly organized by riod. Less import of the peflee their districts.—APP Our Correspondent troleum products by the oil UNICEF, Government of out of every 100,000 and child mortality rate is 89 out of evBalochistan and Society of CHAGAI—The 5th death anniversary of refinery in the last five ery 100,000.—APP Social Development.

Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was months.—APP observed in the district on Thursday. A ceremony was held in district secretariat, which was attended by a large number of people. The participants offered Fatiha and food was also distributed among the masses. Talking to reportM U LTA N —More than 450 ers, Provincial Minister for Postal Serspecial persons here need vices Sardar Muhammad Umer Gorguj wheelchairs and tri-cycles for paid glowing tribute to Mohtarma for their basic mobility associher services for democracy and the country. Dera Murad ated with earning livelihood Jamali: Provincial Minister for Excise & Taxation Mir or getting education. ChairMuhammad Ameen Umrani said on Thursday that Shaheed person Zahida Hameed said Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto rendered unprecedent sacrifices this while talking to APP on for the restoration of democracy in the country. Talking to Thursday. She said her socimediamen, on the 5th death anniversary, Mir paid glowing ety was playing role of facilitributes to Mohtarma while remembering her services for tator for provision of wheelthe country and its masses. He said the country is achievchairs and tricycles for speing milestone under the leadership of President Asif Ali cial persons. “We distributed Zardari. Timergara: The 5th death anniversary of Shaheed 315 wheelchairs amongst deBenazir Bhutto was observed here with due solemnity and serving persons, including reverence as the workers vowed to carry forward the miswomen. sion of their slain leader in every nook and corner of the These were distributed in province. The function was organized by PPP District Rajanpur, Muzaffargarh, Dir Lower Chapter at Balambat which was largely atMultan and some other cities tended by the party workers. President of PPP Dir Lower of south Punjab”. She stated Khurshid Ali Khan Advocate, General Secretary Khadim that National Bank of Pakistan Islam and other local leaders paid tributes to the former Bait-ul-Mal, Special Talent Prime Minister and Shaheed-e-Jamhuriat adding the politics of the country revolved around the philosophy CHAMAN: Members of Anjuman Tajeran burn tyres blocking road during protest against Exchange Programme (STEP), Rotary Club and others the robbery in five shops at Kandahar Bazaar. of Benazir Bhutto.

Benazir martyred to keep Pakhtoons backward, illiterate

RTO fails to achieve recovery target

Fact finding commission on journalists setup

versary of Shaheed Benazir Bhuto was observed at Town Hall Chitral simultaneously in Booni. President of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and provincial Minister of population welfare Saleem Khan was chief guest on the occasion.

Veteran politician and senior worker of PPP Gul Nawaz Khaki and other paid rich tribute to Shaheed Benazir Bhuto and her father Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. PPP workers from the entire district were present in Town hall on this occasion. The speakers hailed contribution and meritorious services of Bhutto family for Pakistan and for poor segment of the country.

They said that Z.A. Bhutto called and united leaders of Islamic countries who established Organization of Islamic countries (OIC) and initiated nuclear power in Pakistan to protect the country.

They said that Bhutto was very sympathetic to Chitral people. As well as his daughter Benazir Bhutto also came to Chitral so many times and announced different develop-

mental schemes. They said that Benazir Bhutto returned Pakistan in 1986 and 3 million people welcome her.

She launched different schemes to uplift the country and to raise life standard of poor segment of society. They said that the present PPP and ANP coalition government spent 4 billion rupees in different developmental projects at Chitral. They said that some 18 billion rupees have been allocated for Lawari tunnel, which will never be role back. They paid rich tribute to Benazir Bhutto and termed her death a conspiracy against the country, democracy and promoting of poor people of Pakistan.

They also lamented former President Parvez Musharaf who allowed American Drone attacks and given Air base to America in Pakistan.

As well as Benaizr Bhutto was also assassinated in his government. They said that most Islamic sections were included constitution of Pakistan in PPP led government.

Addressing on the occasion Provincial Minister Saleem Khan said that Benazir Bhutto was not only a leader of Pakistan.

Over 24,000 children die of pneumonia annually

HYDERABAD: An activist light candles in front of portrait of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto during a candle lights vigil in connection with her fifth death anniversary.

Special persons appeal for wheelchairs, tricycles organisation had offered wheelchairs to the Society.

She informed that they had received 100 applications for tricycles as the persons wished mobility in order to earn livelihood or acquire education. Zahida Hameed has appealed to philanthropists and donor organisations to donate tricycles and wheelchairs for special persons as the new year sets in.

Over 1200 acres lying vacant at Pirowal forest: Over 1200 acres of land are lying vacant at Pirowal forest as plantation could not be carried out due to lack of funds.

According to forest department sources, Pirowal forest,one of the biggest natural habitat for birds and animals in South Punjab, was

notified in 1915, over 19,289 acres of land. However, sizeable portions of this land was given to some government departments for different reasons, including setting up of a wild life park and promotion of fisheries etc and thus forest shrank to 8400 acres only, the sources told.

It is worth mentioning here that South Punjab has plants over one to 1.5 percent areas which was very low and efforts were needed to promote plantation. When contacted divisional forest officers Faisal Haroon Qureshi, said steps were being taken to ensure maximum plantation. He however added that there was shortage of funds while dearth of water was also create problem.—APP

CEC’s welcome assurance

MEDIA WATCH

Ready for diplomacy

C

HIEF Election Commissioner retired Justice Fakhruddin G. Ebrahim has come out with a categorical assurance that the next general elections would be held on time and talks about any delay are mere fuss. After his meeting with Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Wednesday CEC also said he was now more confident about holding free, fair and transparent elections and that the Army has thrown its weight behind the Commission in realizing that objective.

The plain talk of the CEC on the burning issue of elections assumes greater significance in the backdrop of all sorts of rumours circulating in the country about possibilities of delay in polls following ultimatum of Prof. Dr. Tahirul Qadri to the Govt to reform the electoral system within three weeks or be ready for a long march on Islamabad. One might have differences with the PPP Govt and its lackluster performance that has added to the woes of the masses during the last five years but the fact remains that people of Pakistan witnessed unprecedented sense of accommodation, tolerance, mutual understanding and reconciliation that allowed the system to complete five years. Credit goes both to the Govt and the opposition PML(N) for smooth sailing of the democratic process and therefore, every care should be taken to ensure that the system is not derailed on any pretext.

The new situation presents a daunting challenge to the two major political parties and it is to be seen as to what strategy they adopt to foil any bid to delay the polls or ultimately derail the system. But one must also appreciate that what Dr. Qadri has pointed out is not unconstitutional as the reforms proposed by him are, in fact, already there in the Constitution but the relevant provisions remain unimplemented because of vested interests of the stakeholders. We would propose that the EC while ensuring timely holding of the elections should make every endeavour to get these provisions implemented at all stages of the electoral process. This should not be a difficult task when all state machinery is supposed to be at its disposal to ensure holding of smooth and transparent elections.

Mirwaiz warns of armed struggle C

HAIRMAN APHC Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has urged India to take substantial measures to resolve the Kashmir dispute, warning New Delhi that there was not much time for the purpose and that Kashmiris would be left with no option but to start armed struggle again.

His statement is reflection of the extreme frustration of Kashmiri leadership over lack of any progress towards resolution of the longstanding Kashmir dispute. It was several years back that the leadership of Kashmiri people reluctantly agreed to discard arms to give dialogue process a chance to succeed but India, as usual, has exploited this development to strengthen its atrocious occupation of Kashmir. Not a single initiative was taken by New Delhi during these years to show to the Kashmiri people that it was sincere about finding a just and durable settlement of the problem. India has not even agreed to a symbolic withdrawal of 850,000 troops, which is considered to be highest concentration of troops in the world, and the reign of terror against Kashmiri people continues unabated. Entire India rightly stood up against barbaric incident of gang rape in Delhi but the same feeling is not visible as far as rights of Kashmiri people are concerned that are trampled daily by occupation forces. Neither Pakistanis nor Kashmiris are against dialogue but what is the use of indulging in a futile exercise when India is not serious in discussing Kashmir in a meaningful manner.

It is because of this that we have been demanding timeframe and Mirwaiz’ statement substantiates our argument that there is no point in talking for the sake of talks for an indefinite period.

Daunting challenges ahead of Morsi

P

RESIDENT Mohammed Morsi signed the new constitution, a day after it was announced that a large majority approved it in the referendum. Egypt’s new constitution has been approved by some 64 per cent of voters in a two-day referendum, a major victory for President Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood backers that has left the opposition scrambling.

It is hoped the adoption of the constitution will provide a historic opportunity to reunite the national forces on the basis of mutual respect and genuine dialogue aimed at the stability of the homeland. Despite crossing one of the major hurdles, President Morsi faces daunting challenges ahead and keeping those in view in his first address to the nation of 84m, Morsi emphasised that it was time for all political forces to put aside their differences and start working together to bring stability. The maturity and consciousness of voters heralds Egypt betting of democracy with no return to the era of Hosni Mubarak who miserably failed to build the Egyptian economy and provide some sort of prosperity to the people despite his almost thirty years of iron handed rule.

Backers of the President also fully realize that Mr Morsi needed support of the vast majority of Egyptians to carry on his task and they too have urged the people to work together hoping that the new constitution will secure democracy and lead to stability. People expect that with popular support, the President would be in a position to steer the country out of the crises of all sorts. With parliamentary elections due within two months, it is necessary that Mr Morsi initiates a number of economic reforms and take the opposition parties into confidence to return the country to the semblance of economic and political stability.

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I

India’s brown colonials harani of Jaipur, Gayatri Devi, was for instance tossed into a cell together with prostitutes, “to teach her a lesson”, as was the Maharani of M D Nalapat Gwalior.

Of course,the males Email: mgnalapat@gmail.com in the Gwalior family at least understood the new lthough hosannas are daily reality, with the son of the Maharani sung in his name by boost becoming an enthusiastic supporter ers of the Nehru family,led of the Nehru dynasty,as is his

by Nobel Prizeman Amartya Sen son,who is now a member of the and including numerous historians Manmohan Singh Council of Minisand commentators who have ben- ters. The ladies of the Gwalior royal efitted from state largesse in one family,however, remained true to the form or the other, the reality is that traditions of the Maharani,remaining India’s first Prime Minister, within the opposition to this date.

In essence,although advertised Jawaharlal Nehru, was insistent that the British colonial state should globally as a democracy,the reality is continue seamlessly into the future. that India is still a colonial state, He retained the entire system of co- where the government enjoys vast lonial law and procedure, as well powers over the lives of each citizen.So dense is the system of Britas the administrative service.

Indeed, rather than subtracting ish-era law (and their post-1947 adfrom the powers assumed by the ditions) that it is a simple matter to British colonial masters of India, send any citizen to jail. Just as the this authority was added on to dur- British colonials used to ensure that ing the time of Nehru and his daugh- there was always a distance between ter Indira Gandhi,who took over themselves and the native huge tracts of private property in the population,today’s Native Colonials name of the state controlled by do the same.

Take the example of the de facto them,besides - in the case of the latter - breaking a solemn covenant ruler of India,Sonia Gandhi. Whenthat the Government of India had ever she or her family travels out of entered into with the Princes in the country or into it,special treat1947-48,that of respecting their ment is given that is very different titles and other privileges in ex- from the discomfort endured by orchange for the royal families sur- dinary citizens. When Sonia Gandhi rendering sovereignity over their travels by car within Delhi,there are kingdoms. Indira Gandhi had con- more than a dozen vehicles in the tempt for the people of India, and convoy,while traffic gets blocked for this extended to the Princes,many miles as a consequence. of whom she sent to jail. The Ma- Naturally,the example of the UPA

Geopolitical notes from India

A

Chairperson is followed by her minions as well.They each ensure that their lifestyles and their activities get conducted in a manner which indicates their exalted status,complete with flashing red lights and police sirens. The complete separation between Rulers and Ruled in India is of course never mentioned by the Court Historians and Court Boosters of the Nehru family Although Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao (who was so disliked

by Sonia Gandhi that in 2004 she made his coffin wait outside on the pavement rather than allow it to enter the Congress HQ) sought to reduce some of the colonial-era blanket of laws, since 2004,the Manmohan Singh government has brought back the excesses of the Nehru period.Laws and procedures have been tightened so as to ensure that any official can find some excuse to harass any citizen. In several such activities,the police are the accomplices.India’s police still function in accordance with the 1862 Police Act passed by the British. No “democratic” government since 1947 has ever bothered to change this colonial-era system,by which those in uniform are given life and death power over innocent citizens.

The insensitivity of Official India can be gauged from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s reaction to the assault on a 23-year old girl by six goons in Delhi two weeks ago.

For five days he refused to say anything about the incident.Then, finally, he appeared on national television reading from a prepared text with a wooden expression.Among his gems was the boast that he understood the girl’s pain “because I have three daughters”. Those who ran the death camps at Auschwitz and Bergen-

Belsen also had daughters,many of them. Many of those who assault women and girls have daughters themselves. To say,as the Prime Minister and his Home Minister did,that because they have daughters they are better sensitized to crimes against women,is to talk nonsense.

Yet so ingrained is the belief in Official India that the ordinary citizen is an idiot,that such vapid outpourings are common. Ominously, the Ministrt of Information & Broadcasting has begun a policy of seeking to intimidate broadcasters by drawing attention to the many laws and regulations affecting media content in India. Certain individuals are being encouraged to file criminal charges against mediapersons who refuse to sing hosannas to those in power. The whiff of dictatorship is becoming more apparent.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his team,guided by Congress Party supremo Sonia Gandhi,would like to shoot the messenger.That is,the media.

Rather, they need to introspect on the colonial system which they administer.The answer to the present crisis of governance in India is not more laws but less. Less laws better implemented. The people of India need a system of laws and governance that is democratic rather than colonia. Unfortunately for them,the listless leaders of India are not listening,busy as they are in making money for themselves and their families.

—The writer is Vice-Chair, Manipal Advanced Research Group, UNESCO Peace Chair & Professor of Geopolitics, Manipal University, Haryana State, India.

How fair is ‘Fair trial bill’? misused to the hilt to intimidate common folk. They also Sultan M Hali argue whether the new legislation will Email: sm_hali@yahoo.com actually ease the process of capturing terrorists, stressing n December 20, 2012, the that it may prompt them to devise Pakistani Parliament’s lower means of evading the means of probhouse approved a legislative ing into their exchange of communibill, which if signed into law, will cation, forcing them to hide under the empower the state to conduct the in- radar.

The fact is that under ordinary terception of private communications in order to curb terrorism. circumstances, definitely such intruThere are mixed reactions to this sive legislation would be considered legislation, termed as the “Fair Trial blatant breach of privacy and obtruBill”, which will sanction the state’s sive. Unfortunately, we are being security agencies to tap phone calls faced with extraordinary circumas well as private communication. stances, where we are forced to surThe legislation allows security vive in the face of constant threats to agencies to tap people’s phone calls our security. Having lost 44,888 lives and intercept other private commu- including 4771 security personnel nications in order to catch terrorists. between 2003 and 2012 {according The government claims that exist- to South Asia Terrorism Portal ing laws neither comprehensively (SATP)}; Pakistan is facing an upprovide for, nor specifically regulate hill task in combating terrorism. use of advanced and modern inves- SATP data for 2011 alone indicates tigative techniques such as covert that Pakistan’s continuing engagesurveillance and human intelligence, ment in the War on Terror continued property interference, wire tapping to produce a bloody blowback at and communication interception that home, with a total of at least 6,142 are used extensively in other coun- persons, including of 2,797 militants, tries, including the US, the UK and 2,580 civilians and 765 Security India. The rationale is that demo- Forces (SFs) personnel killed. The cratic nations, who endeavour to country recorded at least 476 major jealously guard the rights of freedom incidents (involving three or more of privacy, have also been forced to killings) of terrorism in 2011, in succumb to the need of the hour and which 4,447 persons were killed.

The treacherous face of terrorism authorize monitoring of calls and is not only inflicting casualties of inkeep a check over terrorism.

The obverse view is that it is a nocent citizens and damaging the breach of privacy. Some critics la- property but is also distorting the bel this law as un-Islamic as well image of Pakistan as a sovereign and contrary to the teachings of the state. This tribulation of mammoth Qurànic verses; e.g. Surah Ahzâb, proportions demands a Herculean which teaches us personal privacy effort to curb the menace of terrorand its respect. Legal minded people ism to save precious lives and propquestion whether this method will erty. Over a period of time, the facebe used ethically and fairly in Paki- less and furtive enemy has also grown stan, where a little latitude can be bolder, more determined and sophis-

O

ticated in intelligence gathering and targeting high value assets of the Armed Forces, which are perceived as the major stumbling block to their heinous agenda and nefarious aims.

Attacks on Pakistan Army’s General Headquarters (GHQ), Pakistan Navy’s airbase Mehran, which housed the maritime surveillance aircraft P3C Orion and assault on PAF Base Kamra to target the extremely expensive SAAB 2000 Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) System aircraft and at Peshawar, endeavor to destroy Pakistan Army’s Cobra Gunship helicopters and PAF’s fighter aircraft are ample evidence of the state of intelligence, the enemy is capable of acquiring, strategically plan sophisticated and daring attacks and execute them intrepidly. In order to defeat such a treacherous and dangerous enemy, which has taken such a huge toll of lives and property, we need to use all the weapons in our arsenal, including intelligence gathering. So far the strategy has been: “reacting to the terror attacks”. It is high time we adopted a proactive strategy and took the fight to the enemy. This would necessitate even resorting to eavesdropping and employing electronic means as well as utilizing human intelligence to nip the evil in the bud. Keeping our wits about and thwarting the enemy’s nefarious plans before they are launched, is the order of the day.

This envisages using all our faculties; the entire nation has to combat the menace collectively with firm resolve and unflinching determination. Law Enforcing Agencies (LEAs) and intelligence outfits remain vigilant and well prepared to deal with any eventuality created by heinous activities of terrorists. Their professional skills and acumen are being harshly tested by terrorists who leave no opportunity unexploited to achieve surprise as they target the

most sensitive areas and assets of vital importance. On the other hand LEAs and intelligence agencies were at times getting discouraged and demoralized as their actions were being challenged through courts of law and they were questioned for the validity and legality of their decisions/ actions. It seemed the initiative was being transferred from LEAs/intelligence outfits to the terrorists who often were set free by the courts for lack of evidence and other procedural penal flaws. Hence, LEAs and intelligence support units felt the grumbling pinch when they found that their sacred but hazardous mission were not being acknowledged by the law, thus rendering them helpless and incapacitated in the face of criminal terrorists.

In order to provide adequate legal cover to LEAs and intelligence agencies there was a dire need to undertake legislation which could allow the LEAs to perform their duties without any fear. The National Assembly’s unanimous decision to pass ‘Investigation for Fair Trial Bill2012’ has been a milestone in the history of legislation, providing legal cover to the agencies concerned to tape the phone calls and watch the emails as part of collection of evidence through electronic means. The bill envisages that electronic material and the relevant data on the phone calls would now be permissible in the court of law. The bill sends a message to the terrorists that the entire nation was united in their efforts to bring the terrorists to books. It also asserts openly for the international community to observe and evaluate how serious Pakistan was, in fighting the menace of terrorism.

—The author, a retired PAF Group Captain, served as Air & Naval attaché at Riyadh and is currently a columnist, analyst and TV talk show host.

N nominating Senator John F Kerry for secretary of state, President Obama observed “in a sense, John’s entire life has prepared him for this role.” Mr. Kerry, a decorated Vietnam veteran, has been an activist in foreign affairs since his arrival in the Senate in 1985. A consistent advocate of US leadership, he has forged personal ties with top politicians in scores of countries. Even his failed 2004 presidential campaign left him with experience managing a large organization and its daily challenges.

Most significantly, Mr. Kerry has already worked as a discreet and able representative for Mr. Obama during his first term. While serving as chairman of the Senate’s Foreign Relations Committee, the 69-yearold Massachusetts Democrat travelled to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Egypt and Sudan, among other places, to advance US aims. He delivered back-channel messages and helped to broker agreements; at a time when Afghan President Hamid Karzai was at odds with several of the administration’s senior officials, Mr. Kerry coaxed him into accepting a runoff election for president. A believer in Bill Clinton’s vision of the United States as “the indispensable nation,” Mr. Kerry pushed the more cautious Mr. Obama toward two of his most important foreign policy decisions, the intervention in Libya and the endorsement of Hosni Mubarak’s departure from the Egyptian presidency. He also played a critical role in one of the president’s most notable successes, the Senate’s ratification of a new nuclear arms treaty with Russia. Tackling one of the most difficult U.S. relationships, with Pakistan, Mr. Kerry has advocated a long-range strategy of promoting economic development to balance short-term military cooperation. As secretary of state, Mr. Kerry would find himself most often carrying out policies forged at the White House rather than implementing his own vision. A better focus for the next secretary would be trying to shape the direction of the turbulent Arab Middle East — starting with Syria, where US leadership has been woefully lacking. Mr. Kerry shares one of Mr. Obama’s greatest weaknesses: an excessive faith in the potential benefits of “engagement” with rogue regimes and dictators. In particular, Mr. Kerry’s repeated attempts to foster a dialogue with Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad offer a case study of how such diplomacy can go wrong. The cynical Mr. Assad convinced Mr. Kerry that he was a “reformer” who sought peace with Israel — conclusions that, as the past 18 months have shown, could not have been more wrong. Mr. Kerry’s dedication to dialogue even with US enemies makes some sense for a secretary of state. But Mr. Obama’s new Cabinet could also benefit from the balance provided in the first term by figures such as Hillary Rodham Clinton and Robert M. Gates, who took a more sceptical view of “engagement” and favoured steps such as the surge of troops in Afghanistan. Mr. Kerry’s confirmation as secretary of state would be a rare achievement for a losing presidential candidate. It’s one he has earned, and we expect he would serve the country well.

— The Washington Post

*****

Adhere to road rules

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NYONE who has ever driven in traffic in built-up environments knows all too well the dangers posed by motorbikes. Whether racing at high speeds on the overtaking lane, cruising noisily and carelessly in leathers, or food and parcel delivery men in a rush for their next tip, motorcycles are a danger on our roads. Few riding the machines bother to adhere to the rules of the road – but they are certainly not alone in that regard. It’s just that the consequences of any accidents are exacerbated given the scant protection afforded to those on two wheels. The dangers are underscored by statistics from Abu Dhabi that show that six motorcyclists there have been killed in the first eleven months of 2012. Sadly, the demographics show that those involved in accidents are young and male.

There is no quick fix to motorbike safety — or for road safety as a whole for that matter. Riders should remember the machines are not toys.

The tip isn’t worth the fall.

— Gulf News

There’s only one pretty child in the world, and every mother has it.

— Proverb

Can Islamic finance help?

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he meltdown of the global fi nancial system has raised pro found questions of its fundamental structural reform. The downward spiral in the US and Western Europe is described by financial experts as deleveraging: the forced reduction of accumulated debt by households and financial institutions.

As more assets get dumped into the market, prices are driven down further, which in turn necessitates more deleveraging.

This vicious cycle has gained such momentum that even the massive bailout packages may not be sufficient to stop it. The bursting of the debt-fuelled property bubble in the US, together with the crippling losses suffered by banks, has set in motion a chain-reaction that, in a worst-case scenario, (according to Prof Niall Ferguson of Harvard) could lead to a 21st century version of the Great Depression.

The immediate cause of the current financial crisis appears to be the excessive and imprudent lending by banks. This in turn is attributed to the unbridled power of private bankers to create money out of nothing, and then to loan this bank-created money on interest (described as fractional

reserve banking). In this present with transactions in the real economy. monetary framework, money is According to Prof John Gray of Oxtraded as a commodity, instead of per- ford University, derivatives have creforming its true funcated a “virtual finantion of operating as a The Spirit Of Islam cial economy” which medium of exchange. “has a terrible potenThis system favours tial for disrupting the the rich against the inunderlying real dustrious poor. Deeconomy as seen in spite the fact that dethe collapse in 1995 posits are sourced of Barings, Britain’s from a broad crossoldest bank”. It is section of the society, therefore no surprise their benefit goes that George Soros has mainly to the rich. described derivatives James Robertson as “hydrogen in “Transforming bombs”. Warren Economic Life” Buffet described states that: “Today’s M Shoaib Omar them as “financial money and finance weapons of mass desystem is unfair, ecologically destruc- struction”. tive and economically inefficient.

The Bank for International SettleThe money – must – grow impera- ments (BIS) currently estimates the tive … skews economic effort to- notional amount of all outstanding wards money out of money, and derivatives (including credit default against providing real services and swaps) to be a staggering 600 trillion goods”. dollars, more than 10 times the size A substantial proportion of this of the world economy. Although privately created bank-money is in- debt-financing cannot be ruled out, vested in speculative wagering instru- the solution lies in a shift to equityments, such as derivatives based on based financing, posited on profit and futures, swaps, and options. Such loss sharing, which is the primary betting instruments are not connected characteristic of Islamic Finance. In

this equitable manner, economic effort would be directed at providing useful goods and services, instead of simply making money out of money.

At the same time, the wide gap between the supply of money and the supply of real goods and services would be decisively narrowed. The distinguishing features and benefits of Islamic Banking were aptly summarized by the Islamic Development Bank, based in Jeddah, (established 1975) in the following words: “Islamic banking is distinctive in two respects: concentrating on the real sector of the economy, it imparts tremendous stability to the economic system by achieving an identity between monetary flows and goods and services, and by operating on a system of profit and loss sharing in its evolved state, it insulates the society from the debtmountain on the analogy that if the economies enter into recessionary or deflationary phases, the principles of profit and loss sharing protects the states and economic operators from the evils of accumulation of interest and minimizes defaults and bankruptcies.”. The writer is corporate & Islamic finance attorney.

Murder she wrote herself Malik M Ashraf Email: ashpak10@gmail.com

F

ive years ago, Benazir Bhutto, a legendary scion and trustee of Bhutto legacy and universally known as the daughter of East embraced martyrdom at Liaqat Bagh Rawalpindi; a martyrdom she wrote herself as is evident from the message that she sent to Mark Siegel before her return to Pakistan. The fact that she knew the risks to her life and yet decided to take them, amply confirms her credentials as a courageous leader of the masses, who valued democracy and service to the people, more than her own life.

Her status as an undisputed leader of the masses was confirmed on her return from exile on April 10 1986, when more than one million people thronged Lahore airport to greet and celebrate her homecoming.

The dictator was shaken by this tumultuous welcome and support for the young lady, who by now was not known only as Bhutto’s daughter but as a leader in her own right. That popularity was translated into political triumph for her two years later when PPP emerged as the single largest party in the elections, held

after the death of General Zia. Benazir created history by becoming the youngest and the first woman Prime Minister of a Muslim country. Her election as Prime Minister of Pakistan symbolized great snub for the vested interests and the reactionary elements. It also sent a loud and clear message to the world that Pakistan was the most progressive Islamic country. But unfortunately Benazir’s ordeal did not end by becoming the Prime Minister.

The establishment and the forces inimical to democratic norms, who had made a tactical retreat in the face of the prevailing circumstances, reactivated themselves and manoeuvred the dismissal of her government by the military-backed President Ghulam Ishaq Khan. She continued to fight the forces of tyranny with exemplary commitment to her cause and made a comeback as Prime Minister in 1993, only to be dismissed by one of PPP’s own stalwarts at the behest of the establishment.

The circumstances created by her rival Mian Nawaz Sharif who succeeded her as Prime Minister in the ensuing elections, forced her into self-imposed exile in 1998. The successive set-backs in her political career hardly affected her stature as an unrivalled leader of the masses. In-

stead her popularity among the masses sky-rocketed and further strengthened her image as a torch bearer of democracy. Internationally also she was recognized as the most progressive leader of the Islamic world. She was termed as the most popular politician of the world in the New Guinees Book of Records in 1996 and also included in the list of the hundred most powerful women of the world by the“ Australian Magazine”.

The toppling of Nawaz Sharif govt by General Musharraf added a new dimension to her woes. The dictator through a constitutional amendment put a bar on becoming Prime Minister for the third time, ostensibly to keep both Benazir and Nawaz Sharif out of the political arena. He also started vigorously pursuing the politically motivated false cases of corruption instituted by Nawaz Sharif against her and her husband in the Swiss Courts.

However, undeterred by these developments she kept lobbying the world governments, specially US to exert pressure on Musharraf to restore democracy in the country. Finally she returned to Pakistan on October 18, 2007 as a result of US backed rapprochement with Musharraf in the backdrop of the

lawyers movement which had considerably weakened Musharraf’s hold on power. Her second homecoming was a much bigger event than her return during Zia regime.

Millions turned up to greet her. As predicted by her an attempt was made to kill her through a bomb blast at her rally. She was lucky to escape the attack but about 140 people lost their lives. Even this close shave with death could not keep her away from the masses and she made a conscious decision to continue her election campaign, showing unmatched bravery and dedication to her ideals. But unfortunately her epic struggle for democracy and the cause of poor ended with her martyrdom that nonetheless put the country back on the path of democracy and a representative rule.

As is evident, her political career was beset with severe trials and tribulations but she never faltered in her resolve to fight the antipeople entities. It was a story of unparalleled valour and sacrifice.

She may have been eliminated physically but she has left an indelible mark on the political canvass of Pakistan which will forever continue to haunt the forces opposed to democracy.

Views From Abroad

Israel kills two-state solution Mustafa Barghouthi

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he two-state solution is dying.

The Palestinian effort late last month at the United Nations to attain non-member observer state status was overwhelmingly approved – 138 to 9 – by the international community. Israel, however, warned that the vote would be purely symbolic and change nothing on the ground.

This was a calculated and misleading statement.

In fact, Israel immediately took revenge for the Palestinians’ temerity in seeking to improve our lot by announcing “zoning and planning preparations” for illegal settlements in the sensitive E1 corridor in the occupied West Bank. This week Israel put out tenders for thousands of new settlement units – the most aggressive activity in the area in years.

Israel’s planned settlement construction makes a contiguous Palestinian state virtually impossible.

Bethlehem and Ramallah will be cut off from East Jerusalem if the E1 project goes forward, though Israel argues that we can make do with connecting tunnels and elevated roadways, as if that is tolerable. The Is-

raeli plan also closes the settlement semi-circle around East Jerusalem and builds settlements in it – our would-be capital. The north and south of the West Bank would be effectively bisected and Israel would control the key.

But the Obama administration appears to be unwilling to do anything meaningful. With Israel’s newest settlement plans announced, all members of the United Nations Security Council issued statements condemning the construction – all except the United States. Though a State Department spokesperson said after Israel’s newest announcement that the US is “deeply disappointed” in Israel’s “pattern of provocation,” the Obama administration, after a positive start, has proven every bit as craven in standing up to Israel as its predecessors.

A morally compromised United States will provide no succour. Europe, however, is showing signs of understanding just how serious Israel’s actions are. Several European nations voted in favour of upgrading Palestine’s status at the UN. US allies Germany, France, and Britain all spoke out against Israel’s latest settlement plans. But Europe must go beyond issuing statements, dressing

down Israeli ambassadors, or threatening to recall European ambassadors to Israel. Resolute action from the Europeans is long overdue. Now is the time for Europe to review and discard economic relations that disregard Israel’s export of products from illegal settlements.

We Palestinians, with our newfound international standing, are also not as helpless as we once were. We can now go to the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice. Those Israeli leaders pursuing illegal colonizing activity in E1 and elsewhere would be on notice that we will actively pursue legal action against them. Those European nations that prior to the vote did not want us to pursue legal action may well be convinced that we are right to push back in a limited fashion against Israel’s land-grabbing response.

My response, and that of thousands of Palestinians, has been active non-violent resistance to highlight for the world the injustices we face. The UN bid was nothing but the mildest possible form of peaceful diplomatic resistance. During the last few weeks in both Gaza and the West Bank, the Israeli government, with what amounts to the implicit support of the

United States, has sent one message: It understands and respects only the language of force and violence.

I have repeatedly warned of the window closing on the two-state solution. With its latest settlement actions Israel has effectively announced that its government has no interest in the two-state solution.

Palestinians of my generation – and many younger Palestinians – will be re-evaluating our options. We simply will not accept being permanently relegated to isolated territories and subjected to a system that Archbishop Desmond Tutu and many other moral and legal authorities acknowledge to be apartheid.

Effective punitive actions are needed if Israel is to reverse its present course. If the US does not take this action soon, the West should not be surprised to find an increasing number of Palestinians concluding that the two-state solution has died on President Obama and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s watch. The writer, member of the Palestinian Parliament, is secretary general of the Palestinian National Initiative, a political party. — Courtesy: The Christian Science Monitor

Exchange offer..!

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kind salesman has offered to visit our house, said the wife to me just before the festive season. “Whatever for?” I asked. “He’s going to tell us what we need to buy!” “A salesman is going to come to my house and tell me what I need to buy?” I asked incredulously, “You think I don’t know what we need?”

The doorbell rang and my wife hurried to open the door, “New

doorbell needed,” said the salesman opening an order book and writing, “This one sound like it’s been here from the last century!” “It’s been here from the last century,” said the wife quietly, as I scowled at her.

“And what’s that?” asked the salesman. “My music system,” I said, “And lovelier music I have not heard from any other set!” “Maybe,” said the salesman, “But such a gigantic, monstrosity in your living room?

Haven’t people laughed when they see this?” “If they do, I’ll…”

“Where’s your TV?” “In the bedroom, isn’t that where most TV’s are?”

“Yes, when you don’t want to show off your latest LED, one hun-

dred and fifty inch screen!” “One hundred and fifty inches?” I asked aghast, “This is not a theatre!” “Home theatre,” said the salesman simply, “Haven’t you heard of that phrase?”

“I go to the theatre when I want to get out of my home,” I said angrily, “I don’t need to bring the theatre home!”

The salesman looked at my wife with a sympathetic glance, as she looked at her toes. “We have a few package deals sir!” said the salesman, “You can decided depending on your budget, “We will either change everything completely or a few things here and there. Here have a look!” “I don’t want any of your packages!” I said, “You may leave!” “Then we’ll

have no option but to offer madam the last package, which we reserve for such situations!” “What package?” I asked hoarsely as I scanned the sheet. “Exchange offer of a new husband, along with all the other goodies!”

I could swear I saw the wife smile as I hustled the man out of the house. The wife came back after half an hour, “I took the second deal,” she said, “TV in the front room, new door bell, and latest music system. I could never think of giving you away!” I watched them changing the doorbell the next day, thankful I hadn’t been exchanged..!

—Email: bobsbanter@gmail.com

Voice of the People Overcoming energy crisis MALIK SHAHAN ASLAM The limited resources of this planet earth are experiencing the over exploitation due to increasing population day by day. It has given rise to a serious energy crisis throughout the world. Today man is constantly in confrontation with his gratification of the fulfillment of his physiological needs. Same is the essence of Pakistan but the main issues related to energy crisis in Pakistan refers to the lack of effective policies by the Government, Corruption, Lack of resources and Ambiguous Law and order situation.

Due to the difference in Demand and supply ratio of crude oil it maintains the rising trend in the International market. Pakistan is a developing country experiencing a very arduous situation of Terrorism, Provincial disharmony on Energy issues (Kalabagh Dam), Foreign pressures and incompetency of Government , it paves the way for energy crisis.

In South Asia India, China, Afghanistan and Iran attaining the important Geo-strategic locations of the world.

China has become world’s second largest economy, India world’s emerging economy and Iran the example of Self-reliance country and Afghanistan the gateway to the world of natural resources the central Asia where lies the world’s second largest reservoirs of oil .In this whole scenario the question arises why Pakistan is lacking behind???

As we know the economic growth is contingent on energy so utilizing every source of energy can be helpful in bringing Pakistan out of the hovering clouds of Energy crisis.

Recent inauguration of first wind power unit in Jhimpur near Thatta was an appreciable step to generate energy from renewable sources. Today there is more need of such possible wind and solar energy projects instead of expensive means of energy to wipe out energy crisis from Pakistan.

—Via email

Fake certificates KHURRAM SHAHZAD AWAN Education is the main cause of a reputation to be considered as a well, established and a successful country in the world. Different countries of the world have their own criteria to check the literacy standard in their homeland. In Pakistan we have a measuring instrument for checking the literacy rate is that a person who can write his or her name is considered to be the literate person. Degrees are selling in the market without any restriction and check and balance. There is no criteria available in Pakistan to check the reliability of a qualification certificate.

A large number of government and semi government employees are working on the basis of their fake qualification certificates. People can easily take the degree by paying required money demanded by a person for the sake of getting fake qualification certificate. They are not only making the fake qualification certificates but also providing the fake attestation stamps on the back side of the qualification certificate. This is a catastrophic phenomenon in Pakistan and increasing with the passage of time. Government should take necessary steps to stop this illegal act and a strong checking authority should be appointed on an urgent basis to monitor this un ethical and illegal activity.

—Islamabad

Liberal education M BAQA QAZI The most important institution in Socialization is Education where man can learn basic features of life.

Since it has been disseminated to common people, there has been rapid growth in every sphere of development: science, technology, sociology, politics, anthropology, etc.

Now it is activated towards quintessential human right of every individual man. Though, it encompasses a wide sphere of knowledge, it has been metamorphosed by man according to his needs. It can be mainly applied as a tool of economic development. The developing countries, which are still far behind, need to forge efforts to transform their education system in order to catch up with the rest of the world. Not only because it helps in achieving economic development but also because it fulfils the need of society in every sphere of life.

Liberal education is required to be based on information and knowledge. It improves the skills and competitiveness of students. As the world has become a global village, the importance of communication skills has escalated manifold. These

1st wind power project IQBAL HADI ZAIDI

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s an honest and true patriotic Pakistani it will be highly im moral on my part not to heartily and profusely congratulate PPP headed by President Asif Ali Zardari on establishing 1st wind power project in Pakistan which to me, if not annoying, is the very 1st achievement for PPP to be honest. 24th December, 2012 can be very rightly called as the golden day for the country as for the 1st time in the history of Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari inaugurated 1st wind power project in Jhimpir, Thatta district, Sindh which will be operational next month producing 50 MW which is just the beginning. So far so good because at least something concrete has been done by PPP government to ease power shortage though 50 MW is very much insignificant so far as our total power requirement is concerned but nevertheless it is a right step in the right direction. However why did we take so many long years to embark upon the activity which is not our new invention in any case? What stopped PPP which boasts of being the most popular political party of the country to embark upon such project earlier when it ruled the country many long years back when Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was on the driving seat or for that matter when Benazir Bhutto had been on the throne? Even Zardari is on the seat for almost 5 years time and this was not given any importance and priority.

—Kuwait

few objectives of liberal education are very important for developing countries including Pakistan. Another benefit would be the eradication of poverty. Liberal education will also help in raising the living standard of every common man as it is directly proportional to the income of a family.

—Karachi

A social stigma HUMNA ALI Corruption although can be classified into a thousands of categories depends on how good people manipulate things. However the basic and most common type is “bribe” which has far reaching implications towards the destruction of complete system.

Any system would be declared as a complete failure once the corruption starts appearing even on the grass root level. It really hurts when I see a thousand white elephants in every single department with a big mouth opened before the poor and needy and the most concerning and funnier part of the story is that one has to bribe to get into a position where he can ask for the same and the chain reaction goes on and on. If we peep into the golden pages of history of our own country every single day out of these 62 years is like a page full of thousand cases of corruption right from demarcation to 5 martial laws, from peon to board of governors and even from sports field to getting your child admitted to a good school. For promotion, business, politics etc. Even for basic necessities like electricity and now even sugar, this is what we see in any corner we look at.

Crux of the matter is that this is a social stigma we are living with and this is the time to bring about a change, a revolution. So the need of the hour is to develop ourselves a sound sense of what corruption actually is and take all those measures so as to eradicate it right from the grassroot level. Merely including a chapter on corruption in curriculum at schools won’t be as effective as a parent inculcating the same sense in a child by making it a part of child’s basic moral values list for it is the foremost solution to the social stigma we are living. It is the time that we realize and do something in real rather than joining the social services communities on facebook and makes our country Pakistan a better place to live in.

—Lahore

Women’s sufferings M ASHRAF There are so many organizations active for cause of suffering women, throughout the world. Are these redressing the root cause of the problem? Are these really concerned for suffering women? Are these really needed at all? Working of all these organizations gives every indication of lacking proper analysis and planning for helping the suffering women for all times to come. Unplanned approach to any problem must result in mockery of the issue, whereas this particular issue concerns the honour and dignity of mother of human beings. Undisciplined approach in the matter may appear to be merely for popularity and reputation.

Every religion with a book of instructions strictly instructs for respect and regards for women. In more than 90% cases of abuse to women, the males involved are believers by inheritance and they have never studied the books of their belief, in whole life. Majority of them are illiterate due to which they cannot even think of going through the instructions of the Holly books that teach them to be polite and kind to women.

All low literacy states suffer from multiple complex crimes including survival of corrupt politicians, who pollute every nook of every social setup. In such states women and children suffer most. Misbehaviour and

cruelty against one woman affect more than three children on the average, in one home. What to talk of millions of homes throughout the world? Newspapers’ articles give lists of kinds of violence (maximum seven: honour killing, rape, sexual harassment, handing over of women in compensation, acid attack, forced marriage and marriage to the Quran) against women, but nobody mentions about a serious violence of using women to display their bodies for earning millions in favour of groups of males completely clad from toe to neck.

Use of tele / print media devices against the norm of cultural values of the society creates unsolvable problems for conservative class of housewives and children. A few dozen people maintaining kingly lives through business of modeling and fashion shows in conservative sections of various societies are causes of complex troubles for so many house wives.

Illiterate rich husbands expect modeling gestures from their wives and engineer out cause of friction in the family. The ruling authorities have an important responsibility to maintain pro culture atmosphere. They need to strongly obstruct anti culture activities at all costs for maintaining tranquillity in social setup. All social setups can never submerge in a single way of living. Permitting free hand to tele / print media will result in more and more crimes and corruptions and more cases of torturing women and children.

—Via email

Values in changing times RABIA SALEEM With the passage of time it has been felt that there is a need to educate our youth regarding their moral values and norms. Pakistan is a country where people uphold values learnt at their feet of their grandparents, parents and teachers. We would rather die than part with our values. But today we are shedding off the values learnt in childhood for materialistic gains. We hardly remember them despite of following them. However, we still find many people who are developing and maintaining divine values. The whole world today is in much turmoil and confusion. We have lost all faith in God and fight over petty matters, giving the ‘I’ utmost importance instead of ‘We’ for whose welfare we were taught to work for.

We had been believing in a joint family system for sticking together in joy and sorrow for ages. But today, we find nuclear families, members of which do not know who to turn to in adverse circumstances as well as with whom to celebrate good times. Parents are the most respected and priceless gift from God to us but still we don’t realize their importance and neglect them by giving our preferences more priorities.

We disrespect them and don’t obey them. However, since childhood we have been taught to obey our parents and have great respect for them. Our old values of thrift and shunning of material comforts are giving way to luxury and overspending. We have to educate our youth about values before they get lost in their quest for wealth and power. The onus is now on Educationists and Spiritualists to educate today’s generation about the ‘real’ wealth of our country. We must have great concern on educating the youth about their detoriated values because in changing time we will find people who are totally unfamiliar to their basic norms.

—Lahore

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

—Editor Email:editorial@pakobserver.net

The Settlement That Broke the Two-State Solution LARRY DERFNER

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A’ALEH Adumim symbolizes why Middle East peace may no longer be possible. When you drive out on the highway to the West Bank settlement of Ma’aleh Adumim from Jerusalem, you’re driving through big sky country. After passing Jerusalem’s new Jewish neighborhoods and old Arab villages, all you’ve got on either side of you are the soft hills of the Judean desert. Emptiness, except for the unseen Bedouins. But very soon, you see a long, long line of beige houses and apartment buildings on the ridge of a steep hill, stretching nearly from one end of your field of vision to the other. Welcome to Ma’aleh Adumim. The population is 40,000 but if someone told me it was 400,000, I’d believe it. It is huge, monumental: Long, sweeping roads lead up the hill to its entrances, and wide avenues course up and down beautifully landscaped neighborhoods built from Jerusalem stone. Ma’aleh Adumim, founded in 1975, does not look like anybody’s idea of a settlement. It is truly an Israeli city, and it looks invulnerable to U.N. resolutions.

Ma’aleh Adumim is a stick in the eye of Palestinian attempts to build a state in the West Bank.

And its very presence is spurring further Israeli construction: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent threat to build a sprawling, 3,500-unit housing project linking the settlement with Jerusalem has provoked expressions of outrage and distrust from Brussels and, in much more restrained tones, from Washington. The latest diplomatic skirmish was set off after European foreign ministers, in no uncertain terms, warned of the disastrous effects of the so-called “E-1 plan” on the prospects for a two-state solution. Western diplomats fret that E-1 construction will drive a stone wedge through the heart of the would-be Palestinian state cutting off Palestinians’ access to East Jerusalem, their hoped-for capital.

But this misses the point: The presence of Ma’aleh Adumim makes E-1, or something like it, inevitable. Israel has no intention of letting this city go in any sort of peace agreement, and it’s not going to let it remain as an isolated Jewish enclave linked to the capital by a thin, three-mile stretch of highway with nothing but Palestine on either side. The world has remained on the sidelines these last 37 years during the construction of Ma’aleh Adumim. It’s a little late in the game

to go complaining about E-1. Besides, who says this settlement, the third most populous in the West Bank, isn’t already a stake in the heart of a pro-

in the gleaming mall in the heart of town. She and her friend, Etti Lazar, also 16, say they can’t imagine Ma’aleh Adumim ever ceasing to exist, like

spective Palestinian state, even without E-1?

“Ma’aleh Adumim was established to break Palestinian contiguity,” Benny Kashriel, the town’s mayor since 1992, told the Jerusalem Report in 2004. “It is Jerusalem’s connection to the Dead Sea and the Jordan Valley [on the other side of the

the settlements of Gaza that were destroyed in 2005, or those of Sinai that were bulldozed in 1982.

“There’s no place to put everyone,” Lazar says.

Indeed, there are roughly five times more Israeli settlers in Ma’aleh Adumim than there were in all of Gaza, and eight times more than there were in

nently protected Israeli territory. The birth of Ma’aleh Adumim also speaks to the support it enjoys across the Israeli political spectrum. Following the conquest of Jerusalem in the 1967 Six Day War, Israel built an inner ring of Jewish neighborhoods on the eastern part of the city to “strengthen” and “protect,” in nationalistic terminology, the holy city from ever being “divided” again. The outer ring was made up of Givat Ze’ev lay to the north, Efrat to the south, and Ma’aleh Adumim to the east.

“This was the plan of the doves of the Labor Party of that time,” explains historian Meron Benvenisti, who was a deputy mayor of Jerusalem in the 1970s. “To keep the land around Jerusalem and give the rest back to Jordan. Nobody was talking about the Palestinians back then.” Indeed, none of this started with Netanyahu, or even with Likud it started with the Labor Party, the party of peace process devotees Yitzhak Rabin and Shimon Peres, the party that later midwifed the Oslo peace accords with Yasir Arafat. E-1 didn’t start with Netanyahu, either it started with Rabin in 1994, who, according to the Jerusalem Post, “provided then-mayor Benny Kashriel with annexation documents for the E1 area.”

In the marble-trimmed lobby of Ma’aleh Adumim’s City Hall, the walls are lined with photos of Kashriel hosting prime ministers going back to Yitzhak Shamir. In one photo, Kashriel holds a pen over a map of the region, showing Rabin the lay of the land. The message is clear: This is consensus Israeli territory you’re standing on left-toright, decade after decade. The only problem people in Ma’aleh Adumim seem to have with E-1 is that it’s only in the planning stages. “Bibi’s bluffing. He’s

“To keep the land around Jerusalem and give the rest back to Jordan. Nobody was talking about the Palestinians back then.” Indeed, none of this started with Netanyahu, or even with Likud it started with the Labor Party, the party of peace process devotees Yitzhak Rabin and Shimon Peres, the party that later midwifed the Oslo peace accords with Yasir Arafat.

West Bank from Jerusalem]; if we weren’t here, Palestinians could connect their villages and close off the roads.” (Kashriel declined to be interviewed for this article; the City Hall spokesman said local officials had talked enough to the media about E1.) This West Bank settlement functions as a suburb, or satellite city of the capital, and that’s how the residents as well as Israelis at large see it.

“It’s too big to be a settlement,” says Yael Benayoun, a native-born 16-year old girl shopping

Sinai.

Nor is there a constituency in Israel for relinquishing Ma’aleh Adumim in any peace deal. The city is considered by all Israeli Jews, except those on the marginal non-Zionist left, to be a “settlement bloc” one close to the pre-1967 border that must be retained in a final agreement through land swaps with the Palestinians. With its large population and proximity to Jerusalem, the settlement sits snugly within the revered national “consensus” as perma-

never going to build E-1 because of the international pressure,” a real estate agent in the mall told me.

“We only wish he would build it do you know what the construction of 3,500 more homes would do for our economy?”

Netanyahu’s unfreezing of plans for E-1 was his immediate punishment of the Palestinians and the “international community” for the Nov. 29 U.N. vote to grant Palestine non-member observer state status. He has followed that with high-profile plans

to build about 5,000 housing units in Jewish neighborhoods of East Jerusalem and West Bank settlements (though not in Ma’aleh Adumim, to the locals’ great disappointment). A typical reaction came from the European Union’s foreignpolicy chief, Catherine Ashton, who said the expansion plans “seriously undermine the prospects of a negotiated resolution ... by jeopardizing the possibility of a contiguous and viable Palestinian state and of Jerusalem as the future capital of two states.” “It’s nonsense,” Benvenisti retorts.

“People want to believe there’s hope for the twostate solution, they believe it’s the only game in town. Forget it.”

Benvenisti has traveled a long ideological road since his time as Jerusalem deputy mayor, moving from a proponent of the two-state solution to an advocate of a binational state encompassing Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, with full political equality for Jews and Arabs. In the early 1980s, he founded an organization that tracked the growth of West Bank settlements. “I started when there were 20,000 settlers and said that when they reached 100,000, the settlements will be irreversible,” he says.

The number passed 100,000 before Oslo, and today there are upwards of 350,000 not counting the Jewish residents of East Jerusalem, who number another 200,000. Benvenisti, once dismissed as a congenital pessimist, is now seen as a realist who was ahead of his time a prophet of doom whom history seems to have proven right. “You can’t build a Palestinian state in the West Bank the settlements [and road infrastructure built for them] have permanently cantonized the territory,” he avers. “Yes, E-1 will certainly cut Jerusalem off from Ramallah in the north and Hebron in the south but they’re already cut off.”

He keeps going, ticking off the other fractures on the land where Palestinians hope to build their state: Jenin and Nablus are similarly cut off, he says. Netanyahu’s plans to build a settlement in southern Jerusalem will sever the city’s links to Bethlehem. “All this talk about a two-state solution, about a viable, contiguous Palestinian state with a capital in Jerusalem who’s kidding whom?”

I ask Benvenisti where he would rank Ma’aleh Adumim among settlements on a scale of strategic obstructionism. “There all the same,” he replies.

And despite half a century of international wailing, none of them looks vulnerable.

—Courtesy: FP

For Pakistan, a change of heart in Afghanistan? New Year, Same Awful Congress DAUD KHATTAK

P

AKISTAN’S new engagement in efforts to find a peaceful end to the conflict in Afghanistan has been received with optimism in the West. In just the past month, members of Afghanistan’s High Peace Council visited Islamabad for discussions with Pakistani officials, Pakistan Army chief Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani visited Kabul

to sign an agreement on border security, Afghan Foreign Minister Zalmay Rasool visited Islamabad for talks, and Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khan met

it is more likely that the government of Pakistan still clings to the long-held strategic depth objectives, while choosing now to take a more indirect approach to reaching it.

With the 2014 withdrawal of NATO combat troops from Afghanistan looming, Pakistani officials now say they just want to be recognized and given a seat at the negotiation table with the Taliban and other Afghan factions. But at the same time, of course, Pakistan also still wants

to minimize India’s presence and restrict its increasing influence in Afghanistan in the future. Since the 1960s, when the doctrine of “strategic depth” was first devel-

Informed sources told this writer that during recent negotiations, both the U.S. and Afghan sides assured their Pakistani counterparts that due consideration would be given to their concerns about the future Afghan government and the Indian role. with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Brussels to discuss their cooperation on counterterrorism in the region. However, a deeper look at Pakistan’s recent behavior reveals that these events may represent more of a change of tactics than a change of mind.

Admittedly, the ethnic divisions, widespread corruption, and weak central government that plague Afghanistan also have Pakistan worried about a failing government in its backyard. It is possible that a focus strategic depth really has been overpowered by this looming threat. But

oped, Pakistan both right and wrongly has been obsessed with addressing its paranoia of Indian-Afghan encirclement.

The Pakistani government now seems to be downplaying the security-centric goal of strategic depth, though this should not be taken to mean that Pakistan has abandoned this ultimate aim.

“The post-withdrawal Afghanistan should not be an enemy, if it is not going to be a friend,” says a diplomatic source referring to the strategic depth doctrine of Pakistan’s security establishment.

There are reasons behind this apparent

ESTHER DYSON

I

was recently posed the following question: “The most important way in which the Internet and online so cial media are changing our world is [fill in the blank].” My standard answer is that it changes the balance of power between individuals and institutions. But this was a sophisticated audience of economists and students, gathered for the 20th anniversary of Moscow’s New Economic School. I needed new material. So I challenged the audience to consider the following: For much of human history, there was no economy based on trade and fungible goods. People operated in small groups and fended for themselves. Scarcity was self-limiting: If you could not grow or catch your own food, you died (or moved). Specialization, trade and pricing not to mention religions and (economically) unproductive religious institutions, mass production, mass media and big government are all recent developments.

Our current world is a mix of people still subsisting with almost no external income, people generating (and consuming) surpluses and other people consuming surpluses generated by others. Commodity prices spread worldwide, though influenced by local conditions and constraints (including tariffs and other protectionist measures in China, Russia, America and elsewhere). Many activities

change in tactics. Pakistani policy makers have now come to believe, with a heavy heart, that a Taliban-led regime like the one before 2001 in Afghanistan is an unrealistic dream.

Persistent U.S. drone strikes, with or without the consent of the Pakistani government, have forced Pakistan to come to terms with the reality that modern technology has now replaced the conventional means of hot pursuit, and it is far easier for the United States or other powers to target their enemies without sending ground troops. And, the United States has adopted silence over the sticky issue of asking Pakistan to conduct military operations against the dreaded Haqqanis in North Waziristan, while the hardliners in the Difa-e-Pakistan Council (DPC) in Pakistan have gone into hibernation and adopted silence over drone attacks.

To give credence to the impression of shedding the strategic depth policy, Pakistan recently freed several Taliban prisoners, while another batch, including Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, who has reportedly established contacts with the Afghan government, may also be freed shortly if the United States agrees. Now, the Pakistani side seems to be confronted with two key questions regarding stability in Afghanistan after 2014, and the future of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Although Pakistan has been persuaded through the ‘carrot and stick’ approach not to be a spoiler if it is not going to buttress the peace process, policy makers in Islamabad are weighing their options in a divided Afghanistan, not geographically but on ethnic and factional basis. In the post-withdrawal Afghanistan, Pakistan sees a Taliban-controlled south, Haqqanis leading in the south-east, and the rest of Afghanistan under the nonPashtuns led by ethnic Tajiks. In this scenario, Pakistan will get a secured border even though the government in Kabul remains hostile (in other words pro-India). In this way, Pakistan will not only ensure its influence in the strategically important southeastern part of Afghanistan, but could also push the TTP and other Pakistan-based militant groups, including the Kashmir-focused jihadis, into the Haqqani- and Taliban- controlled parts of Afghanistan.

—Courtesy AFPAK Channel

NORMAN ORNSTEIN

Limbaugh. Governing in a system where a sizable number of lawmakers are immune

have at least one high-profile nominee picked off by the Senate, sometimes sim-

from larger electoral and societal forces is a formidable challenge a challenge that will before long arise with issues well beyond

ply as a way to take the president down a peg, sometimes because of the combativeness of the nominee, sometimes for ulte-

W

ILL lawmakers trade politi cal paralysis for compro mise and bipartisanship in 2013? Don’t bet on it. preparing for this year’s holiday season got a nasty pre-Christmas present from the U.S. House of Representatives. Inches from the goal line for a balanced deal to avert the fiscal cliff and give a jumpstart to the economy, Speaker John Boehner (R-OH), based on signals from his House Republican conference, pulled back from negotiations with the president and offered a “Plan B,” an effort presumably intended to gain more traction with the White House by agreeing to a compromise that at least raised the tax rates of millionaires. But then, to his immense embarrassment, he was rebuffed by his own members, who feared primary attacks led

by Grover Norquist’s Club for Growth. The Boehner flameout on Plan B (previously known as “the morning after pill,” now known as “the hangover”) does not preclude a last-minute deal at the end of December or even a later-than-last-minute deal after Jan. 1, ostensibly following an adverse reaction by stock and bond markets and ratings agencies. But it underscores how seriously dysfunctional the House continues to be. Boehner reverted to a backup plan because he would not craft a compromise that, if brought to the House floor, would require at least as many votes from Democrats as Republicans — instead, acting as if he represented a parliamentary party, Boehner wanted to find a package that would be supported by his own side alone.

Boehner’s failure to rally his troops showed another side of the mismatch between our parties and our political system: the driving force in today’s Republican Party is its radical rightist fringe, inside and outside Congress. At least 50 and probably more GOPers in the House are largely immune to wider political trends, broader American public opinion, or for that matter the overall results of an election. Their districts, partly through redistricting, partly through the broader “Big Sort,” are homogeneous echo chambers where the only real challenge can come in a primary. And the primary challenge would be driven by the money coming from the Club for Growth and other right-wing groups, and amplified by the right-wing wind machine led by Rush

It is extraordinary for a newly reelected president to face preliminary promises of major and bitter fights over his floated nominations to two top-tier Cabinet posts. But these challenges should not obscure the larger problem the Senate is no longer a place that allows presidents to have their own personnel confirmed. the fiscal cliff, including guns and immigration. So much for the House. The month of attacks in the Senate on U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice’s presumed State Department nomination raise the question, “What is up with the Senate?” Six years of almostnonstop filibusters were followed by presidential and Senate elections in which Republicans were pounded, and the first major prospective Cabinet nomination by the newly elected president was itself pounded into the ground.

The attacks on Rice were both extraordinary and ordinary. They were extraordinary in their intensity, hastiness (she had not even been nominated to be secretary of state), and focus — on Benghazi, where, by any reasonable standard, she played no policy role whatsoever. What made them ordinary? It is not unusual for a president to

The rise of the attention economy that were previously performed “for free” (often within a household), such as sex, home maintenance, and care for the sick and elderly, are now frequently outsourced and counted as economic output. In general, it is fair to say that these activities are performed more efficiently as a result: People whose skills are worth, say, $50 per hour spend more of their time earning $50, rather than performing chores “worth” $10 or $20 per hour.

But the Internet is changing that as well, in a

searches. But many individuals, most of the time, go online without any interest in buying something.

They are there to find out about the world, catch up with friends, play games, listen to music, chat, or just hang out and, increasingly, to get the attention of other people.

Thanks to highly productive surplus economies, they can spend a lot more time being economically inactive. This is not the familiar question of whether our machines will put us all out of work. In fact, the

The economic and psychological implications of this are profound. It seems pretty clear that most people gain self-esteem and mental health from doing something useful, whether raising children or earning a salary. I am not predicting a utopian world in which everyone is equally valued. way that may befuddle the many companies who view it primarily as an economic platform, where they can market or sell things, or even charge for content. Those companies go online to earn money.

Google is perhaps the purest example of a company that transforms purchase intentions into income; most other “Internet” companies offer something of independent value on the other side of those

question is whether we will start doing more and more intellectual work for free or for barter, becoming more like our ancestors. Instead of producing food or housing for ourselves or for barter, we will be producing content and amusement for one another, without engaging in explicit (taxable) financial exchange. Yes, there is a so-called gift economy, but there is also an attention market that

may not be fungible or priced a distributed, manyto-many economy that harks back to the old days.

The economic and psychological implications of this are profound. It seems pretty clear that most people gain self-esteem and mental health from doing something useful, whether raising children or earning a salary. I am not predicting a utopian world in which everyone is equally valued. But it may be a world in which people use their Klout Score (a measure of one’s online influence), their Twitter following, or a similar measure to justify their existence, assign value to their activities and measure their self-worth.

The trouble (for economists and traditional businesses, at least) is that this future disturbs traditional notions of economic growth. Companies that provide content will increasingly find themselves competing with individuals who offer entertainment for free. This phenomenon is not visible yet, because analysts focus on popular bloggers and online media sites competing with traditional media. But the real change is the rise of the “long tail” millions of additional units of content email, Facebook posts, test messages being read by only a few people each.

That is possible only on the Internet, with its van-

rior motives. Think of Tony Lake, the highly qualified and cerebral national security advisor to President Bill Clinton who was shot down when he was nominated to be director of the CIA, or John Bolton, inserted by George W. Bush on a recess appointment as U.N. ambassador when the Senate refused to confirm him over his alleged extreme views and undiplomatic persona. Now we are having déjà vu all over again, this time regarding the future secretary of defense. Once again, the name of a candidate preferred by the president has been floated but not officially nominated.

And once again, the name former Republican Senator Chuck Hagel has been challenged. To be sure, the first intense opposition to Hagel came from outside groups, especially pro-Israel ones.

—Courtesy Foreign Policy

ishingly small distribution costs. This will not be the unmeasured economy of yesteryear, but rather one where we quantify our efforts in other ways.

How do we tell if this is happening, economically? If we generate our own economic surplus without accounting for it what the American writer Clay Shirky calls “cognitive surplus” how does that influence reported economic statistics and, ultimately, shape incentives and activities? Do we spend more on “communications,” meaning the hardware and infrastructure, even as the real value is unaccounted for? Can we apply that surplus to something “useful”? Right now, fashion (let alone clothing) is becoming cheaper and cheaper. But you can “do” fashion for free by designing an avatar for yourself. Will the world of cognitive surplus make it easier for us to be environmentally responsible, guided also by the inclusion of externalities in the prices of physical goods, so that we end up “consuming” fewer physical things and spend more on virtual value? This attention economy is not the intention economy beloved of vendors, who grab consumers’ attention in order to sell them something.

Rather, attention here has its own intrinsic, nonmonetizable value. The attention economy is one in which people spend their personal time attracting others’ attention, whether by designing creative avatars, posting pithy comments, or accumulating “likes” for their cat photos.

—Courtesy Japan Time

Qadri factor stirs political

Bilawal enters political

2 Levis jawans

From Page 1

Check post in Koee Hassan Khel area in Frontier Region (FR) a semi tribal belt, on the night between Wednesday and Thursday that resulted in Shahadat of two Levis Jawaans and injuries to others”, the security officials said. Dozens of terrorists ambushed the three posts with the sophisticated weapons and ran away with around two dozen men in uniform.

“The fleeing miscreants held hostage 11 Levis men each from two check posts”. Sources said.

Some reports said, the militants managed to abduct 33 Levis men from the two check posts which remained untraced.

The security forces kicked off extensive search operation in the area to net the culprits but they remained at large nor could the abducted Levis personals could be released till the filing of this report.

From Page 1 claimed, to disturb the government seat in Islamabad.

In Islamabad, different organisations have started rescheduling their programmes between Jan. 10 and 14 while civil servants are also working on the same lines.

The PPP in its informal meetings and interactions has given a serious thought to Qadri’s threat and decided to prepare a strategy to maintain law and order in the capital on Jan 14. The Punjab government is yet double minded to tackle this satiation which has also caught it unawares.

The PPP sources said the party will hold a meeting in a few days on the issue as they think some “hidden hands” are behind Qadri’s move. The situation is grave and it should be handled with all seriousness, the sources said. The PPP will also consult PML (N) on the issue.

TTP spokesperson From Page 1 TTP is not a proper entity, certainly not one any government can negotiate with.”

The ceasefire conditions, confirmed by spokesperson Ihsanullah Ihsan in a phone call to Reuters, said Pakistan should rewrite its laws and constitution according to Islamic law.—AFP

Taliban’s offer From Page 1 this while talking to media men at Sukkar Air port Thursday.

“Muavia is by product of Lashkar-e- Jhangvi and Lal Masjid. I had challenged in categorical terms to Hakim Ullah Mehsud that if he acknowledges Ehsan Ullah Ehsan as his spokesman then as to why he himself does not come to open”, he held. “ I dismiss every claim of Ehsan Ullah Ehsan unless Hakim Ullah Mehsud authenticates his claim of being his representative “, he declared.—Online

Pak win Asian Champions From Page 1 Sharif, scored goal but India came back just two minutes to equal the score and succeeded in taking a 2-1 lead by the end of the first half. However, the second half proved much eventful as both teams made goals one by one and overall six goals were scored during second half.

For Pakistan, Waqas Shraif scored two goals while Mohammad Rashid, Shafqat Rasool and Mohammad Imran netted one goal each in the sensational final.

forward in cooperation with all the political parties of this country’, he said. Bilawal said that Zia-ulHaq and Pervez Musharraf’s uniforms were ignored, but the PPP co-chairman’s dual office is constantly used against us.

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Thursday asked all the political parties to join hand to ensure peace, progress and prosperity in the country and fight against the extremist elements. He said the PPP government took a number of steps in the last four and half years, through adopting reconciliation policy.

He said reconciliation proved best weapon to take revenge. He regretted that some elements were doing negative politics that could harm the country. Bilawal said, “We invite them (all political forces) to come and work together unitedly and we will change the winds.” He said today’s democracy was brought

by the PPP and added that every one has to protect it.

The Chairman PPP said today the parliament is independent in making its decisions, the provinces are free and more independent, and the people are the real source of power. He said 1973 constitution has been restored in its original form.

“We will move to a prosperous future of Pakistan as it was the dream of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto that every women has those rights which the women at international level are enjoying”, he noted. He said under Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), the demands of the people are being fulfilled and Waseela-e-Haq started to provide financial assistance to the poor, and Waseela-e-Rozgar to train people and Waseela-e-Sehat to ensure health and Waseela-eTaleem to impart education to the people were started by the present government. He said it

was just the beginning, “we have to do many more things. Bilawal said, “We have not ignored the Balochistan situation while Musharaf had adopted enemy like attitude against the province”. He said, “We tendered apologies to the Baloch people, took many decisions for their welfare and gave them autonomy”.

He said the government had taken practical steps to create a peaceful atmosphere in the province. Bilawal said his grandfather was hanged, his mother was martyred, but the PPP leadership did not leave Pakistan. “We have to save the country from the cruel elements,” he added The PPP Chairman, while referring to the pending case of murder of her mother Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, said the PPP workers were still waiting for the final decision. The PPP workers are also waiting the verdict on the Bhutto Reference, he added.

DPC demands removal of Sindh From Page 1 the council would invite all political and religious parties. Appointment of officers in Karachi police and other government departments should end, he said, adding that “a long imposed Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad should be removed” to restore peace in the city. He said official patronage to crimes and violence should also end now.

He said the Supreme Court and Election Commission’s orders on the verification of voters’ lists and delimitations of constituencies in Karachi should be implemented. The DPC “strongly” denounced the coercive tactics which were being exercised to pressure the judiciary.

The DCP declaration termed India “responsible” for Karachi unrest, saying the local agents are executing its designs. It said the government’s move to give MNF status to India is against the ideology of Pakistan.

It demanded that the drone strikes in Pakistan tribal region should be stopped and Pakistan be brought out of US “slavery”.

It said the government should detach Pakistan from the US and renounce its alliance to the superpower. It accused the ruling PPP of supporting and providing shelter to the killers, extortionists and terrorists under the garb of political reconciliation policy.

It said “Karachi” was the un-

fortunate city where government departments were also hostage.

At the end the DPC demanded of the government to arrest those responsible for the killing of Allama Hassan Turabi, Aslam Mujahid, Dr Pervez Mehmood, Azeem Ahmed Tariq, Muhammad Salahuddin, Hakim Saeed, Mufti Nizamuddin Shamzai, Maulana Yousuf Ludhyani and others. Besides, it said the government should arrest culprits of Tahir Plaza blaze which burnt several lawyers, killers of over 52 people on May 12, 2007, besieging of Karachi and its roads with containers on May 12 and Baldia factory arson that killed over 250 people.

Gohar Ayub, son rejoin PML-N From Page 1 these leaders into the party fold and expressed optimism that they would utilize their energies for public welfare.

PML-N leaders including Sardar Mehtab Khan Abbasi, Zafar Iqbal Jhaggra, Pir Sabir Shah, Khawaja Mohammad Hoti, Salahuddin Tirmizi, Amir Muqam, Farid Tofan were also present on the occasion.

After meeting with Nawaz Sharif, Gohar Ayub told reporters that they expressed their full confidence in the PML-N leadership and would play their due role for the success of the PMLN in the coming elections. To a query about the demand of

Hazara province, Gohar said, “Mian Sahib has assured that he would raise the issue of Hazara province.”

Gohar Ayub said the PMLN is popular in Hazara area and they would make efforts for its victory.

It may be noted that from 1993-1997, Gohar Ayub served as Deputy Opposition Leader during the second tenure of the late Benazir Bhutto-led PPP government. He was then appointed the foreign minister in Nawaz Sharif’s cabinet after the 1997 elections.

Despite being one of the few close aides of Nawaz Sharif,

Gohar parted ways when he was jailed and exiled.

Gohar Ayub later joined the Pakistan Muslim League–Quaid (PML-Q) and fielded his son Omar on a PML-Q ticket in NA19 Haripur as he did not have a bachelor’s degree at the time.

Omar, although a political novice, defeated Pir Sabir Shah, the sitting president of PML-N KP with a heavy margin and was chosen as minister of state for finance in the cabinet of thenprime minister Shaukat Aziz.

In 2008 elections, Omar lost to PML-N candidate Sardar Mushtaq Khan with a margin of over 40,000 votes.

Afghanistan disengagement From Page 1 ghan withdrawal costs cannot be reduced and must be paid. Their payment will be considered next month when Congress faces an increase to the debt limit.

Meanwhile, the Defense Department estimates that the military services have more than 750,000 major items worth more than $36 billion in Afghanistan, including about 50,000 vehicles and more than 90,000 shipping containers of materiel, according to the GAO report.

In fiscal 2011, the U.S. Transportation Command shipped 268,000 tons of supplies, more than 42,000 containers into Afghanistan via its northern surface routes, which involve truck and rail routing through European and Central Asian countries. Those supply routes were developed after truck convoys from Pakistan were halted in November 2011 in response to the U.S. raid that killed 24 Pakistani troops.—AP

From Page 1

Elections will be free, fair From Page 1 free, fair and transparent election,” the President said and added that no one should have any doubt in this regard.

He said “we have served long 12 year jail-terms and are not afraid of any thing.” “If needed, we will fight back, as we have fought for this freedom and will not let anyone to usurp it at any cost,” the President vowed.

He said the Egyptian model of governance cannot be pursued in Pakistan.“If someone thinks that it can be followed, than he is wrong, as it will not work here”, he noted.

He, however, urged all the proponents of the idea to come forward and be a part of the electoral process. He said politics was not a day-long affair and it took decades to make a strong country and nation. He said the party was here to stay for a long time

30 dead in India Balochistan of cold wave MPAs were From Page 1

most parts of the state even as the day temperatures plummeted below 10 degrees Celsius. Although the thick fog cover has receded in some regions, cold winds continued to add to the troubles of the people.

The Met Office in the state capital Lucknow does not see any respite from the cold weather conditions in coming days. A weather official said the dense fog in the state would make things “far more difficult” in the next few days.

Although the state government has made arrangements of shelter homes and bonfires for the poor and the homeless, 37 people perished after the cold wave conditions set in across the state last week.

The thick fog cover has also hit the rail and air traffic in the state. Many trains were running behind schedule, especially those coming from Punjab, Bihar and Delhi, a railways official said.—INP

‘asked to show votes’ From Page 1 “I was assured release of frozen funds after voting against Speaker (Bhootani),” one of the female members told this scribe on condition of anonymity.

The MPA claimed she was asked to show the ballot after casting her vote.

“I did what they had demanded,” she said.

Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Aslam Raisani had spent a week in Quetta to get the support of coalition partners and independent candidates to oust Bhootani.

Newly appointed opposition leader Nawabzada Tariq Magsi objected over the assembly proceedings thus walking out of the house. PPP Balochistan President Mir Sadiq Umrani and Jan Ali Changezi also walked out of the house to record their protest.

Country’s survival depends on honest elections: Shahbaz SALIM AHMED LAHORE—Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that the forthcoming general elections are of extra ordinary importance as the survival and solidarity of the country depend upon these elections. He said he is confident that people will bring Pakistan Muslim League-N into power through their votes. He said that PML-N under the dynamic leadership of Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, will transform Pakistan in accordance with the ideals of Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal. He said that Mr. Zardari and his cronies have set records of corruption and after coming into power, PML-N will recover every penny of looted money from plunderers, dacoits and thieves. He said it is unfortunate that Pakistan has nuclear missile in one hand and a bagging bowl in the other.

He said that inefficient rulers have made Pakistan a bagger country and destroyed national institutions. He said that there is neither electricity nor

gas and lakhs of labourers are becoming jobless daily. He said that Zar Baba and Forty Thieves are responsible for energy crisis and meting out an unjust treatment to Punjab which will not be tolerated. He said that a deadly blow is being given to Punjab economy by suspending supply of electricity and gas to its industries. He said that due to corruption of federal government, the country has been stuck into a quagmire and in order to make Pakistan a self-reliant country and achieve the goal of progress and prosperity, PMLN will have to be brought into power in forthcoming general elections.

He was talking to Assembly Members of various districts, here on Thursday. The Chief Minister said that Mr. Zardari has given nothing but problems to the people of Pakistan. He said that in order to provide modern transport facilities to the people and build schools, colleges and residential colonies, the daily corruption of billons of rupees will have to be brought to an end.

to come and continue to serve the masses. He said certain internal and external forces did not wish democracy to succeed, but expressed his firm resolve that just like the government has completed five years of democracy, it will continue to flourish and gain more strength in the days ahead.

“With the support of the people we will fight all forces that are against democracy,” the President said.

He expressed the hope that the media that was given independence will also play its due role and ensure that the freedom acquired was not taken back at any cost.

The President termed Hamid Raza Kazmi the only political prisoner in the country, and pointed that it was despite the fact that he was part of the ruling

party. He also lauded former Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani for sacrificing his post and did not abandon the party like the “uncles”, who had left Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, in the past. “We believe in doing politics, but have neither done any injustice to anyone nor will let anyone do injustice to us,” the President said.

He said the Pakistan Peoples Party averted the Arab Spring sort of thing after the assassination of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, only by pursuing the slogan of “Pakistan Khapaey”.

“We have never compromised politics for any gains and never pleaded anyone to let us go abroad on a plane”, he remarked.

The President said it was a day of sorrow and joy for him as his son, worker of the Pakistan Peoples Party was amongst his extended party.

Farooq Sattar demands removal of Secy ECP STAFF REPORTER

Dies of measles S UKKUR —Measles on Thursday claimed one more life of a child in Kot Maronand Wani village of district Kashmore as death toll of children was up to at least 80 due to measles in different districts of Sindh.

According to details, so far at least 80 children have died in various districts of Sindh including Sukkur, Kashmore, Shikarpur and Jacobabad as one more measles victim kid has died in a village of tehsil Tangwani. According to health department, as many as 25 children have still died within two weeks due to suffering of measles.

Health department further said that at least 15 children have died in district of Shikarpur, 12 in Jacobabad and about 28 children have died in district Sukkur but the government formally did not confirm total number of deaths yet.—INP

Foreigners’ car stopped

LAHORE—Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Farooq Sattar on Thursday levelled allegations of bias against Secretary Election Commission of Pakistan Ishtiaq Ahmed Khan and demanded that he be removed from his position. Speaking to media representatives at the Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, the federal minister said that the commission’s secretary wanted to alter the MQM’s

Pakistan against arms race in South Asia: FO Zardari visit to Iran on cards I SLAMABAD —Pakistan has festering issue in accordance tionals in Peshawar airport once again reiterated that it was totally against an arms race in the region. Commenting on the recently signed Russia-India arms deal, the foreign office spokesperson Moazzam Ahmad Khan told newsmen during weekly briefing here Thursday that anything which may initiate nuclear or conventional arms race will not augur well for the future of the region.

When asked about the granting of Most Favored Nation status to India, Moazzam Ahmad Khan said the government has decided in principle to grant the MFN status to India. He said we are currently undergoing internal processes which are expected to be completed as soon as possible.

To a question, the spokesperson said Pakistan considers Kashmir as a disputed territory and it remains committed to the just and peaceful resolution of this

with the UN resolutions and the aspirations of Kashmiri people.

About Pakistan-US relations, Moazzam Ahmad Khan said we saw ups and downs in our relations in the year 2012 but now these are witnessing an upward trajectory after the resolution of issues.

Both the countries have repeatedly stated to further strengthen their multifaceted relations. He said leadership of both the countries has made it clear that long term peace and stability in Afghanistan is in our common interest. In this regard, we are trying to evolve a common approach.

He said Pakistan has repeatedly said that we support any initiative that may result in an all inclusive political reconciliation, which is led and owned by Afghans themselves.

When questioned about involvement of foreign na-

4 Afghan cops killed with ‘insider’ help

H ANGU —Police foiled terrorism a bid in the district of Hangu by defusing a bomb on Thursday. Police claimed that in the district of Hangu at Thall in Mursaleen some terrorist planted 13 kg explosive material near a wall. On getting secret information, the bomb disposal squad was reached on the spot and defused the bomb and saved the area from huge destruction.—Online

dal system, however, it was still to be discussed as to how and on what points would the two sides come together.

Sattar added that the MQM had filed a review petition over the issue of delimitation in Karachi, adding that, the party had requested the ECP to not go through with the delimitation until the court decided on the review plea. The leader further said that all stakeholders would be taken into confidence over the formation of a caretaker set-up.

Karzai meets Benazir’s killer died with Mujahideen India, Pak review in drone attack: Kaira leaders

LARKANA: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf showering rose petals on the grave of founder of Chairman PPP Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh.

P ESHAWAR —The security agencies Thursday stopped a car with two foreigners in Saddar area of Peshawar. According to details, the security personnel impeded a vehicle with two foreigners’ onboard bearing registration number PS-561 in Saddar due to incomplete documents. However, the foreigners did not come out of the car and only showed their documents from behind the screen.

K ANDAHAR —Four Afghan The foreigners were policemen were killed and allowed to go after the two wounded on Thursday security clearance.—INP in an insurgent attack assisted by an insider loyal to Three bodies the Taliban, officials said. found Attackers stormed the poKURRAM AGENCY —Three lice post at Trin Kot, a remote district in the southern dead bodies were found province of Uruzgan, before from Bagan area of the dawn and killed the officers agency on Thursday. as they slept, police spokesAccording to political administration, the bodies man Farid Ahmad Aiel told AFP. were identified as of One policeman who fled Jameel, Aarif and Nabeel. with the insurgents was beThey were missing from lieved to be a Taliban infiltraseveral days. They were tor who aided the attack, Aiel kidnapped and then said. “He had links with the murdered, sources said.

This is the fifth incident of Taliban and he helped the Taliban to attack the post. He the kind in a week’s time.

The political administration had called them to attack while the other policemen has started investigawere sleeping,” the spokestion.—Online man said.

Abdullah Hemat, a Terror bid spokesman for the Uruzgan

foiled

mandate in Karachi.

Sattar demanded of the ECP to conduct an inquiry into what he called the bias on part of Khan and remove him from the position of the commission’s secretary.

The minister moreover said that the ideologies of the MQM and of Dr Tahirul Qadri were similar, adding that, both wanted to abolish the “outdated feudal system”.

He said Qadri and the MQM may form an alliance in the future due to their shared opposition to the feu-

provincial administration, confirmed the incident and also blamed a Taliban infiltrator. One gunman was wounded during fighting and later arrested, he added.

“Insider” attacks by members of the police and army have become a major concern for the US-led Nato forces deployed in Afghanistan.

The attacks have seen a dramatic surge this year, causing scores of casualties among international troops and among local security forces.

The Taliban claim that insider attacks are carried out by its supporters. Afghan authorities and their Nato allies say most are personally motivated. On Monday a female police officer killed an American adviser in Kabul’s police headquarters. Police said she was mentally ill.—AFP

Iranian president sacks woman minister

TEHRAN — Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has sacked Health Minister Marizeh Vahid Dastjerdi, the sole woman in his cabinet, state television reported on Thursday. The minister had proposed price hikes for a number of medicines due to the plunge of the Iranian rial against the US dollar and sanctions imposed Hina’s Saudi visit Western on the country over its disnext month puted nuclear programme.

But Ahmadinejad was I SLAMABAD —Foreign opposed to the price rises Minister Hina Rabbani and dismissed the minister.

Khar will visit Saudi Although the sanctions do Arabia on the 1st of next month on the invitation of not directly target medicines, they limit their importation Saudi Foreign Minister. because of restrictions on fiDuring her stay, she will nancial transactions. Iran hold talks with the Saudi produces 97 per cent of the leadership on further strengthening of bilateral drugs on its market, but their ingredients are imported. relations.—INP

In October, an Iranian official acknowledged the price of locally produced medicines had increased by 15-20 per cent in the past three months, and 20-80 per cent for imported products. Fatemeh Hashemi, head of the Foundation for Special Diseases, sent a letter to UN chief Ban Ki-moon in August asking him to make a case to the West for easing sanctions that are detrimental to patients. Tehran is under different rounds of sanctions designed by the United States, European Union and the UN Security Council to pressure it to curb its nuclear programme.

Western powers suspect Iran is using the programme to develop atomic weapons capability. The Islamic republic denies that and says its. —AP

attack, the spokesman said terrorism and extremism remain a paramount concern to Pakistan. We are putting in all possible efforts to address this menace. Terrorism is a global phenomenon and we are interacting with different friendly countries to collectively wipe out the threat posed by terrorism.

He, however, said Pakistan considers the drone strikes in the war against terrorism as counter productive, illegal, violation of our sovereignty and against the international laws.

To a question about Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project, the spokesman said Pakistan is an energy deficient country and it is in our own interest to explore cheap means of energy. He said we attach importance to the gas pipeline project and the decision in this regard will be taken in the best national interest.—INP

‘One Pound Fish’ singer arrives L A H O R E —Shahid Nazir, the Pakistani who shot to fame for his song ‘One P o u n d Fish’ arrived in Lahore on Thursday.

Upon his arrival Nazir said he would be visiti n g France in two weeks and had returned to Pakistan to obtain his visa. Nazir denied reports in the media that he had been deported from Britain.—Online

Qadri invites all parties to join his ‘peaceful’ protest SALIM AHMED L AHORE —Allama Tahirul Qadri, head of Minhajul Qur’an International (MQI), invited all religious and political parties of the coun-try on Thursday to join his protest, planned to be held on January 14, 2013, in Islamabad.

Holding a press conference along with Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s (MQM) deputy convener Farooq Sattar, Qadri said that all those parties striving for reforming the electoral system and are fighting for people and democracy should join the protest. “January 10 is the deadline, and January 14 is the day when our people’s parliament will announce a decision. We will re-solve to provide rights to the people and to restore the real democracy,” Qadri said.

He assured that the protest will be peaceful and not in violation with the Constitution. “There will be no rioting.

implementation of CBMs

NEW DELHI—India and Pakistan Thursday reviewed the implementation of existing bilateral confidence building measures, including the ceasefire along the LoC during their expert-level meeting on conventional CBMs here. The two sides also exchanged ideas to further advance the CBM process and reaffirmed their commitment to continue discussions with the aim of strengthening conventional CBMs, a joint statement issued after the meeting said.

“The talks were held in a cordial and constructive at mosphere,” it said.—Online

Parliament, political forces have powers to take decisions S UKKUR —Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira said on Thursday that one of Benazir Bhutto’s suspected killer was killed in a drone strike where as the remaining accused languish in jail. Talking to media in Sukkur, he said only parliament and political forces have the powers to take political and administrative decisions.

Moreover, he said that they want to solve country’s problem by dialogues. Kaira said we always welcomed the parties that want to do politics according to the consti-

tution. We will not support those, who want to impose their agenda through force.

He said during the last four and a half years, the PPP-led government faced many internal and external challenges, including terrorism, law and order and energy crisis but it made best efforts to overcome the situation. About the government’s achievements, the Information Minister said Pakistan Peoples Party has brought all political forces at one platform and freed Swat and Malakand from the clutches of terrorists with the help of armed forces.—Online

K ABUL —Afghan president Hamid Karzai met with a number of the Mujahideen leaders in presidential palace, ahead of his official visit to United States of America. According to a statement released by presidential palace media office Thursday, the Mujahideen leaders urged president Hamid Karzai to discuss the issues with the US president Barack Obama considering the national benefits of Afghanistan.

President Hamid Karzai is due to visit Washington in the month of January to meet president Barack Obama.

He is expected to hold talks on Afghan peace talks with the militant groups and long strategic pact including security pact between the two nations. —INP

ception.

HPV vaccine not linked to autoimmune disorders

A

TWO-year study of nearly 190,000 girls and women, finds that Gardasil, the hu man papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine made

by Merck & Co, does not trigger autoimmune disorders such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis. The results are published in the Journal of Internal Medicine.

Study lead author Dr Chun Chao, a research scientist at the Kaiser Permanente Department of Research & Evaluation in Pasadena, California, said in a statement released on Friday, that: “This kind of safety information may help parents with vaccination decisions.” “”These findings offer some assurance that among a large and generalizable female population, no safety signal for autoimmune conditions was found following HPV4 vaccination in routine clinical use,” said Chao.

Gardasil is a “quadrivalent” vaccine because it helps protect against 4 types of HPV. In girls and young women age 9 to 26, it targets 2 types that cause about 75% of cervical cancers, and 2 other types that cause 90% of cases of genital warts.

The vaccine, which is given as three injections over six months, also helps protect boys and men age 9 to 26 against 90% of cases of genital warts.

Genital warts is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the US, where it infects about 6.2 million people every year. It can also lead to cervical cancer in women.

Gardasil received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in 2006. But a longstanding concern about links with autoimmune disorders has surrounded the vaccine, and

many parents won’t let their children be vaccinated because of this.

However, Chao and fellow co-investigators from Kaiser Permanente told the press “most speculated associations have stemmed from case reports that have not been confirmed by large, controlled epidemiologic studies”, and their investigation “presents findings from a well-designed, postlicensure safety study of the vaccine on a large, ethnically diverse population”.

For the study, Chao and colleagues used electronic health records of 189,629 girls and women age 9 to 26 years in California. The participants had been followed for six months after receiving each dose of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine in 2006-2008.

They found no increase in any of 16 autoimmune disorders in the vaccinated population compared to a matched population of non-vaccinated girls and women. The 16 autoimmune disorders they looked for were: “... immune thrombocytopenia, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, Hashimoto’s disease, Graves’ disease, multiple sclerosis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, other demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system, vaccine-associated demyelination, Guillain-Barré syndrome, neuromyelitis optica, optic neuritis and uveitis.”The researchers explained that the clinical trial data on the vaccine, and the subsequent adverse event reports, have important limitations when it comes to assessing its safety profile.

RAWALPINDI: PPP workers offering Fateha on the assassination site of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto to mark her 5th death anniversary outside Liaquat Bagh on Thursday.

PPP holds rally at Liaquat Bagh RAWALPINDI—The Pakistan People Party (PPP) leaders and workers took out a rally here at Liaquat Bagh to pay homage of the brave leader Shaheed Mohtrama Benazir Bhutto.

The rally was led by the Adviser to Prime Minister Shahzada Jamal Nazir and attended by a large number of PPP activists and local leaders.

Addressing the rally, Jamal Nazir said that Benazir Bhutto was a politician of international stature and her services for democracy can not be ignored.—APP

Five-day special polio campaign launched

DIG Islamabad Sultan Azam Temuri elected Chairman Int’l Police Association ISLAMABAD—Earning distinction for Islamabad Police, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Headquarters) Islamabad Dr. Sultan Azam Temuri has been elected as Chairman of International Police Association (IPA) KPK and Islamabad Region.

The General Body Elections for membership and Executive Council of International Police Association (KPK Chapter Islamabad Region) presided

over by Former IG, President International Police Association Pakistan Section Dr. Shoaib Suddle were held at Police Line Headquarters Islamabad.

The Body elected officer bearers for KPK Chapter Islamabad Region and DIG (Headquarters) Islamabad Dr. Sultan Azam Temuri was elected as Chairman of International Police Association, KPK and Islamabad Region.

Similarly, Director National

Position holder students visit Murree R AWALPINDI —Top position holder girl and boy students of Intermediate Examination 2012 from all provinces of the country other than Punjab, including Gilgit-Baltistan, Federal Board of Education and AJK have reached Murree on a threeday study and recreational visit of the hill town.

These position holder students were presented guard of honour by a smart contingent of police on their arrival at Government House Murree, says a press release issued here.

These toppers are currently visiting Punjab on the invitation of Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and after visiting Danish Schools Chistian, Bahawalnagar, historical places in Lahore and meeting with Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, they reached Murree on a trip of the country’s popular picnic hill town.

These students have been

offered stay in Govt. House Murree and will be accorded protocol of State Guest during their study and recreational visit.

District Coordination Officer (DCO) Rawalpindi Capt.Saqib Zafar represented Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif in the Guard of Honour ceremony, while ASP Murree, D.G. Protocol Punjab Asjad Ghanni, Lady Protocol Officer Miss Nadia Awan, representative officers of education departments of Sindh, Baluchistan, KPK, Gilgit Baltistan, Federal Education Board and AJK were also present on this occasion.

Addressing the position holder students, he said that Punjab Government is giving top priority to promotion of education and for achieving this objective, it has taken various steps to increase educational facilities and encourage students for acquiring education.—APP

Police Bureau Heleena Saeed Iqbal has been elected as Vice Chairperson, AIG (Establishment) National Highways and Motorway Police Ashfaq Ahmed Khan as its Secretary and SP (Saddar Zone) Islamabad Sajid Kiani has been elected as Treasurer.

IGP Islamabad Bani Amin Khan, senior police officials from KPK as well Islamabad, member IPA under-training ASPs also participated in the General Body elections.—INP

PNCA’s free show for children I SLAMABAD —Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), has scheduled a free puppet show on Dec 31 Monday at PNCA Auditorium.

The show aimed is to entertain beside providing education to children through the colorful performance of National Puppet Theater (NPT) which will present folk tales and skits.

According to an official at PNCA, puppet show a regular feature of the council presented

by NPT as it will educate and aware about social problems like Health, Education and Environment .

Many common social problems have been the themes of the shows, which aim at creating awareness, better civic sense and patriotism among the audience.

The children and adults gain knowledge and inspiration from the moral and historical stories acted out by puppets, further he added.—APP

I SLAMABAD —The Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) has planned to organize a musical evening titled, “Gai Gee Dunya Geet Maire” in the memory of melodius queen Madame Noor Jehan here on Friday. Renowned singers Saira Naseem and Gulshan Jahan will present famous songs of Madam Noorjahan and Saima Khushnood and NPAG will perform dance over those songs.

PNCA Director General Tauqir Nasir, in a statement, said the iconic life of Madam and her songs rendered in films as well as during the 1965 war would live forever in the memory of citizens. “Madam earned tribute from the greatest vocalists of the world, including music director late Ghulam Ahmad, Khurshid Anwar and Lata Mangeshkar”, he added.—APP

R AWALPINDI —As many as and cantt wards to make this 281,000 children under five campaign a success.

He said no negligence on years of age would be vaccinated in five-day special anti-polio part of officials concerned would campaign started here on Thurs- be tolerated during the anti-poday which would continue till lio campaign.

He said special arrangeDec 31 said Executive District Officer (EDO) Health Dr Zafar ments have been made for this Iqbal Gondal. He said that 534 round.

He said that no one would mobile teams have been constituted to visit house to house to be allowed to create trouble for vaccinate the children. There are the teams of anti-polio camspecial vaccination centres while paign. Police department had 13 teams have also been consti- been directed by DCO to lodge tuted to perform the duties in FIRs against the elements trythis connection on transit points ing to stop and attack the mobile teams to discontinue the especially at bus stands.

Area Incharges have been campaign.

This is a national cause and STAFF REPORTER deputed to supervise the camISLAMABAD—Quran Khawani paign at union council level and the desired targets would be and prayers ceremonies in con- Zonal Supervisors will monitor achieved at all costs, he I SLAMABAD —Students of nection with the 5th death anni- the areas of 63 union councils added.—APP Foundation University versary of Shaheed Benazir Islamabad (FUI) arranged a stage Bhutto were held here at the play titled Paper Cut: Pesay ki Central Secretariat of Pakistan Kahani at the University audiPeoples Party and People’s torium. Mr. Tauqeer Ahmed Trade Centre on Thursday.

Nasir, Director General, PakiDeputy Incharge People’s stan National Council of the Arts Secretariat Syed Ansar Hussain was the chief guest. Eminent artGilani, Incharge Media Cell Abid ists, faculty members and a large Rasheed, Incharge Computer number of students were Section Kamran Qureshi, Vice present on the occasion.

President People’s Youth OrgaThe theme of theatre was nization Ch. Kamran, General “how Pakistani currency is on Secretary People’s Trade Centre the verge of losing its value in Imran Shabeer Abbasi, President the international market.” StuIslamabad Small Traders Chamdents raised their voice against ber and Cottage Industry Kamran the issue in a humorous yet Abbasi, Finance Secretary thoughtful way.

Rawalpindi Division Zaka Qadri, Talented and versatile stuCoordinator NA-49 Sibtal Haidar dents of Computer Arts perBokhari and a large number of formed the theatre as their course PPP leaders, office-bearers of project of character building and People’s Youth Organization, characterization. The event was PPP Women Wing and workers managed and marketed by effiparticipated in the ceremony. cient and professionally skilled Speaking on the occasion students of economics, banking Syed Sibtal Haidar Bokhari said and finance as a final project of the PPP was united under the their course Project Management. leadership of President Asif Ali While appreciating the stuZardari and would continue its dents, Mr. Tauqeer Nasir said, ISLAMABAD: Foundation University students performing in the play titled ‘Peasay Ki Kahani’. struggle for democracy.—APP “Theatre plays an important role in highlighting and resolving the issues of the society through artistic expressions.”

Quran Khwani for Shaheed BB

ISLAMABAD: DIG (Headquarters) Islamabad Sultan Azam Temuri, Director National Police Bureau Heleena Saeed Iqbal, AIG (Establishment) National Highways and Motorway Police Ashfaq Ahmed Khan and SP (Saddar Zone) Islamabad Sajid Kiani after winnig the elections of Int’l Police Association (KPK and Islamabad Regions) at Police Line Headquarters.

Tribute to Madam Noor Jehan

5th death anniversary of BB Shaheed marked at SZABIST S TAFF

REPORTER

IS L A M A B A D —Students paid glowing tributes to assassinated former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto lamenting that Pakistan lost the great leaders when she was needed the most.Sharing their views at an event organized by Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science & Technology (SZABIST) Islamabad to mark the 5th death anniversary of BB Shaheed, students said only Benazir had the vision, competence and leadership qualities to steer Pakistan out of the present

grave crisis.

The young speakers said Ms Bhutto was obsessed with a dream to make Pakistan a developed and prosperous nation where democracy reigned supreme adding that the brave and courageous lady even sacrificed her life for this cause.

The students were of the opinion that shaheed Mohtarma was an iron-willed lady who never gave up despite facing great hardships and tragedies including the hanging of her father Late Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, mysterious death of her brother Shah Nawaz Bhutto and brutal murder of her second brother

Murtaza Bhutto.

Female students of the institute said despite studying and living abroad for a long time, assassinated former Prime Minister never forgot her culture and social norms and emerged as a true role model for muslim women.

Benazir Bhutto was committed to the development and emancipation of Pakistani woman and to the protection of their rights, they said.Earlier a Quran Khawani was help to pray for eternal peace of the departed soul.

Candles were lit in the memory of the shaheed leader.

Director SZABIST Syed Asad Hussain while addressing on the occasion paid rich tributes to BB Shaheed & said that the brave leader wanted to usher in an era of educational revolution in Pakistan.

To achieve this objective, he added, BB established SZABIST which is now fulfilling her dream and carrying forward her mission of an educated nation. So great was the attachment of Ms Bhutto with SZABIST Islamabad campus, as she herself along with experts and relevant officials had made the design and sketch of this Institute in Dubai.

FUI students stage play

Fun-e-Tajweed promotion among youth stressed ISLAMABAD—Religious scholars Thursday stressed the need to promote Fun-e-Tajweed-ulQur’an among the youth.

Speakers including religious scholar Khalid Rasheed Shahbaz of ‘Motamim’ Shah Faisal Jamia Islamia, said while addressing Mehfil-e-Husn-e-Qirrat that by following the teachings of Holy Qur’an, Muslims can get rid of their problems.

Reciting the Holy Book with Tajweed is the Sunnah of Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), they added.

The Mehfil-e-Husn-eQirrat was attended by Suadi and Pakistani ‘Qaris’.Later, Khalid Rasheed distributed gifts among the participants.—APP

Juma

06:20 01:30 03:45 07:00

December 29 THE seventh Convocation of Riphah International University would be held at 10 am in Jinnah Convention Centre. The chief guest of the convocation would be Professor Doctor Atta-urRehman while the Rector of University of Management and Technology Lahore Doctor Hassan Sahib Murad would be the honorary guest of this convocation. More than 532 graduate and postgraduate students would be awarded degrees in various disciplines.

January 01 HAMDARD Thinker ’s Forum will hold a seminar on destructive political, social and effects of corruption 4pm at Hamdard Centre Rawalpindi.

Continuing EXHIBITION of paintings by Mashkoor Raza, Mughees Riaz, Ufaq Ehsan and Arjumand Husain, at the Nomad Art Gallery, 22, Justice Abdur Rashid Road, Sector F-6/ 1, Islamabad, continuing up to December 30.

AIOU holds capacity building workshop on drop-out female students C ITY REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) held a ten-day long capacity-building workshop for the teachers to educate thousands of drop-out female students and those who were deprived of education facilities due to some socio-economic reasons.

A concluding ceremony of the workshop was held here Thursday

Disarray of traffic CITY REPORTER R AWALPINDI —The Sixth Road flyover would be completed till December 31, but due to disarray of traffic the transporters were dropping passengers on Shamsabad and Faizabad bus stops and citizens are forced to walk on foot to reach their destinations.

It should be mentioned that transporters taking the advantage of development work on 6th Road flyover project use alternate routes including Stadium Road and drop passengers on nearby stops.

According to sources, the Sixth Road was to be completed by December 25, but the deadline was extended after which it would be completed on December 31, and handed over to the city administration.

On the other hand, the commuters are facing severe problems due to inconvenience caused by the Sixth Road flyover project.

in which around thirty master trainers participated.

The workshop was arranged under the Girl Power Programme for the students of Middle and Secondary level. The AIOU had arranged the programme in collaboration with Plan International (Pakistan), National Rural Support Programme (NRSP) and Mountain Institute for Educational Development (MIED).

The concluding cer-

emony was arranged by the Bureau for University Extension and Special Programmes/Projects (BUESP).

Country Manager, Plan International (Pakistan), Imram Yusuf Shami was the Chief Guest on the occasion.

The training workshop was specially arranged for the Master Trainers from District Vehari and Chakwal who on completion of their training process will impart

Non-shifting of dumping point irks residents R AWALPINDI —Non-shifting of dumping point to Chakri road has provoked fury among the residents of Bhatta chowk.

This is thickly populated area and cantonment board has turned it into garbage house by setting up dumping point, said a group of residents.

The sanitary staff of cantonment board brings trucks loaded with garbage and dump them in this locality.

The heaps of heaps garbage continue to emit toxic air which envelops the whole area making it hard for the inmates to breath.

“Our area is at the brink of being hit by outbreak of fatal epidemic due to worst sanitary conditions in the presence of the dumping point.

The carcass of dogs and other animals are seen littered in the dumping point emitting

toxic odor and polluting the environment, said Gulzar Ahmad, a shop keeper. “I am a small trader and the business of all small traders and shop keepers who are running shops at small scale have forced to shut their shops and business as no customer dares to come to our shops due to contaminated environment caused by this dumping point, he added.

The stray dogs continue to hover over the filth amassed in the dumping point and no one can cross the passage in front of this home of garbage for fear of becoming victim of these dogs.

The residents have demanded for shifting of the dumping point to Chakkri road immediately otherwise they will be forced to hold protest demonstrations.— Online

Seven factories lacking safety measures sealed R AWALPINDI —District ad-

New scheme of studies for Matric R AWA L P I N D I — P u n j a b

to other teachers from the region. During the workshop the master-trainers were given lectures by the eminent resource persons of AIOU on the educational skills. They were also taught as how to do efficient lesson-planning and activity-based learning.

Speaking at the concluding ceremony, Mir Mukhtiar Hussain Talpur said that the master trainers training programme has been arranged for provid-

ing basic education to hundreds of drop-out students and those living in the far-flung areas who could not get education due to lack of necessary sources and educational facilities. He said mastertrainer programme has been the main vehicle for serving the end users. T The vice chancellor of AIOU Prof. Dr. Nazir Ahmed Sangi has attached special importance to the teaching of deprived section of the

society.

Various programmes have been launched to make educational facilities available for the students of the far-flung regions at their door-step, he added.

The Girl Power Programme has been initiated by the AIOU under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Plan International(Pakistan) for educating the drop-out female students during a period of five years.

Death of Zahid Malik’s brother condoled CITY REPORTER I SLAMABAD—Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly, Chairman of the Senate Syed Nayyar Hussain Bokhari and Deputy Chairman Sabir Ali Baloch have expressed their deep sense of grief over the demise of the brother of Mr. Zahid Malik.

In their separate messages they have condoled the death of brother of Zahid Malik Editor-in-Chief daily Pakistan Observer. In their condolence messages ISLAMABAD: President Rotary Club of Islamabad Cosmopolitan Dr Shamim Mehmood to Zahid Malik they ex- Zaidi presenting a shield to guest speaker Executive Director CCEP Zafarullah Khan pressed their heartfelt grief during a meeting of RCIC.—PO photo and sorrow over the sad demise.

They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed souls in eternal peace and grant courage to the members of the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss they face trouble in walkC ITY REPORTER with patience and fortitude. ing in the markets as all the ISLAMABAD—A new class of I S L A M A B A D — S h o p k e e p - footpaths were occupied beggars, better to say them ers, small vendors and res- by the shopkeepers and elite class, has emerged at taurant owners have small vendors, while half of Jinnah Super Market who are grabbed footpaths at width of the roads was annoying visitors by begAabpara Market, one of the used as parking by the visi- ging for not less than twenty major shopping areas of tors and business commu- to fifty rupees and return the federal capital, but the nity due to lack of proper your money if you give them Capital Development Au- parking facilities in the mar- five or ten rupees.

The visitors of this marthority (CDA) is playing ket.

I SLAMABAD—Lack of basic the role of silent spectator.

A group of women in ket are facing these beggars civic amenities has forced the Shopkeepers placed the market, talking to INP, at evening hours, which are residents of sector H-13 to items of their shops on the said that the situation was the most rushy hours of the live pariahs’ life. footpaths for display, leav- worst for them, as some market and surprisingly there This area consists of 6 ing little space for shop- people take advantage of is no one who could halt towns with population cross- pers and pedestrians. the narrow waking space them from disturbing the visitors. ing one million but no basic Moreover, small vendors and harass women.

These new class of begfacility of life exists in the set up stalls of burger, fried They said that they sector. potato chips, fruit salad hold city authorities re- gars are aged from five to There is no high school and other eatables on the sponsible for the encroach- twenty five who hang here operating in the public sec- spaces spared by the shop- ments and the eventual and there freely at Jinnah Super Market. tor and only one primary keepers on the footpath. eve-teasing.

Among these beggars The residents delevel school is functioning Similarly, restaurant owners which always remains short place Bar B Q grill and manded of the CDA chair- most of the minor ages are of teachers and the residents other objects on road, en- man to take strict action boys whereas young ones of the area are constrained to croaching upon the foot- against the shopkeepers are female and some of and restaurant owners in- these female beggars are send their children to private paths completely. schools, which are highly The residents visiting volved in the encroach- also holding children with them.—Online costly in terms of fee. There- Aabpara market said that ment. fore, a majority of children stands deprived of the education facility even at primary level due to the soaring fees of private educational institutions, which are beyond the reach of their parents.

Zakat committee is nonexistent entity in this area and the poor people of the sector cannot avail the Zakat benefit.

No dispensary or hospital has been set up by the government leaving the poor people at the mercy of private clinics.

No development work has been initiated in this sector by the CDA nor has it been given the status of model village.

The residents have demanded of the government to ensure provision of basic facilities instead of treating them as second rated citizens.—Online ISLAMABAD: An open WAPDA electricity box at F-8 Kutcheri, may cause any severe accident.

Grabbers of footpaths in Aabpara Market

Rising inflation: Beggars increase rates

IIUI meeting reviews examination arrangements

Matric admission form deadline extended till Jan 2

Lack of basic amenities protested

***** GROUP exhibition titled ‘Bend in the Scapes,’ at the Satrang Art Gallery, Serena Hotel, Khayaban-e-Suhrwardy, Islamabad, continuing up to January 8.

ministration during drive against hazardous factories sealed seven in different areas of the city.

On the directives of District Coordination Officer (DCO) Rawalpindi Saqib Zafar, under the supervision of administrator Rawal Town, Saif Anwar Jappa with the collaboration of Rescue 1122, civil defence, labour department and heavy contingent of police conducted operation against the factories lacking the safety measures and poor condition of cleanliness.

They found seven factories in different area of the city including Hazara colony, Dhoke Dalal and Mohanpura lacking security safeguards and poor hygienic conditions.—INP

education to other teachers of the two Districts to education drop-out students. It was the 2nd workshop of its nature. Altogether seven sessions of ‘fast-track learning’ programme were to be arranged.

The main objectives of these workshops are to familiarize the master trainers of the professional teaching skill, equipping them with new technology who will transform their knowledge

ISLAMABAD: Zaheer Khan speaks during FATA Research Centre Seminar organized

by FRC at a local hotel.—PO photo by Sultan Bashir

QAU students in quandary I SLAMABAD —Students of affiliated centres of excellence the affiliated institutions of Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU) are between the devil and deep sea as the university administration and institution’s management have failed to solve their basic problems.

When contacted a group of student representatives of Quaidian Students Federation (QSF), they informed this news agency that the students of National Institute of Pakistan Studies (NIPS), National Institute of Psychology (NIP) and Centre of Excellence in Gender Studies had brought the situation to the notice of administration and directors of these institution’s time and time again but of no avail.

Expressing their grave concerns that the varsity administration has minimum control (mostly on academic level) over the autonomous

running under the QAU they said the varsity administration claims that the primary responsibility to accommodate the students of these centres in terms of residence and transportation falls under the jurisdiction of the centres’ management.

It is pertinent to mention that such problems were not recently emerged but few months ago students had staged various protest demonstrations in search of basic facilities pertaining to hostels, transportation, and water and electricity issues.

To a query a well placed official source said that in terms of development budget the government never provided a penny to these centres but they have been receiving only recurring grants to run their unavoidable maters.

“We never provided separate budget for the development projects to ensure feasible buildings and transportation to our students, “the source added.

More importantly when asked the students that whether they were planning coordinated efforts in favor of their necessary demands, they were of the view that obviously if both of the offices i.e varsity administration and centre’s management would fail to have room for students they would stage a massive gathering along with boycott of the classes.

We think that students would converge any time as the resentment against delaying tactics of the administrative forces is getting stronger and stronger behind the scene. “The students would break the ice any time, “the group of students added. —Online

Boards Committee of Chairmen (PBCC) has approved new scheme of studies for Matric.

According to sources, Chairman of Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE), Gujranwala, Mir Bashir held meeting with all eight chairmen of education boards of Punjab including Rawalpindi board.

The secretary education of Punjab was also present.

They checked previous performance of the boards and discussed rules and practical issues regarding the education boards.

They also discussed the problems related to online admissions of the boards in the meeting and decided that date of Matriculation examination could be extended if needed.

The PBCC also approved new scheme of studies for Metric that describes the subjects Matric exam candidates can opt. In the meantime, Chairman, BISE Lahore, Nasrullah Virk has been Executive Director PIMS Prof Riaz Warraich addressing Christians employee of the made the chairman of hospital in connection with the celebration of Christmas. Sitting on the stge are DED, Dr Hashmi Raza and Dr Maqsood.

PBCC.—INP

ANF recovers 528 kg narcotics

RAWALPINDI—Anti Narcotics Force has foiled a bid to smuggle Drugs from province of Khyber Pakhtoonkhawa to province of Punjab while recovered 528 KGs of Chars and arrested one drug smuggler.

Anti Narcotics Force received secret information that drug smugglers would smuggle large quantity of Chars from Tribal area Khyber Agency to Punjab.

On getting information, The ANF made a plan to target the smugglers and carried out secret monitoring on all exit points to Punjab on the midnight of 26 and 27 December 2012.

The ANF staff intercepted a Land Crusor bearing number of GS-3696 at Peshawar Rawalpindi toll plaza. During search of vehicle they recovered 528 KGs of narcotic.—Online

STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —A meeting of examination (Autumn 2013) review committee was held Thursday in the International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI) to review the arrangements for examination .

Prof Dr. Ahmad Yousaf Al-Draiweesh, President IIUI presided over the meeting.

Prof Dr. Sahibzada Sajid ur Rehman Vice President (AF&P), IIUI including Deans of various faculties and head of departments were also present on the occasion.

Deans of different faculties presented the detail regarding preparation of examination on which Dr. AlDraiweesh expressed his satisfaction.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Al-Draiweesh said that every possible facilities should be provided to the students so that they may take examination comfortably.

He also directed the university teacher to participate in the exams because the welfare of the students is our basic goal.

He said that in order to declare the results well in time teachers should not delay the submission of the result to examination branch.

While talking about his visits of Saudi Arabia last week, Dr. Al-Draiweesh said that an MoU was signed between the Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud University, Saudi Arabia and International Islamic University, Islamabad.

RAWALPINDI—The deadline for the submission of admission form of Matriculation has been extended till 02 Jan, 2013.

All Pakistan Private Schools Management Association (APPSMA) chairman Adeeb Javedani and divisional president Ibrar Ahmad Khan called on Nasrullah Virk, Chairman of Punjab Boards Committee of Chairmen in Lahore the other day.

APPSMA office bearers demanded extension in last date of the form submission in the meeting.

Upon the demand of APPSMA office bearers, Nasrullah extended deadline till Jan 02 with single fee.— INP

Tripartite dialogue stressed for Kashmir settlement India urged to repeal black laws, adhere to international norms S R I N A G A R — In occupied strong realisation in Pakistan Kashmir, the Chairman of All Parties Hurriyet Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has reiterated that the Kashmir dispute can best be resolved through negotiations between Pakistan, India and the people of Kashmir.

The Mirwaiz, talking to a Srinagar-based daily, expressed satisfaction over APHC delegation’s visit to Pakistan and said that there is a

MUZAFFARABAD: AJK Finnace Minister, General Secretary of AJK-PPP offering Dua for the soul of Shaheed Banzir Bhutto.

Geelani, Malik, Salahuddin Shah real leaders

Hurriyat (M) flays Indian civil society for ‘double standards’

SRINAGAR–Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front ( H) chairman Javid Ahmad Mir, Muslim Conference chairman Shabir Ahmed Dar and Islamic Political Party chairman Muhammad Yousuf Naqash have said real leaders and representatives such as Syed Ali Geelani, Yasin Malik, Shabir Ahmed Shah and Syed Salahuddin have been given the mandate by Kashmiri people to represent them in trilateral dialogue to resolve the dispute of Kashmir permanently according to the wishes and aspirations of people.

“The real leaders and representatives must understand their responsibilities in this regard and act accordingly so that no tired leader takes the advantage and misrepresent us,” the trio said in a statement.

Rejecting the four point formula mooted by the former President of Pakistan General Parvez Musharraf they said, “No four- point and shortcut solution will be allowed to bypass the United Nations resolutions. Even the Pakistan leaders have endorsed our stand.”

Without naming anyone the trio said, “Those who advocate short cut solutions and fourpoint formulas must join National Conference and PDP as this movement belongs to sincere leaders and activists who are leading from the front and also believe in solution as suggested by UN resolutions,” they added.—NNI

SRINAGAR—Terming the rape dian troops. It includes violence cades should also be punished by incidents at Jammu and Delhi as shameful, Hurriyat Conference (M) spokesman has said such barbarous acts were against humanity and should be condemned in strongest possible terms. Spokesman said that the widespread public reactions over the shameful act were justified as were the condemnations of the Indian civil society and Parliamentarians.

However, the spokesman said it also reflected the dual standards of Indian civil society and Parliament as both of them have attained a criminal silence over the rape incidents which occurred in Jammu and Kashmir over the past two decades.

The spokesman said that Jammu and Kashmir has been the worst victim of human rights violations committed by the In-

against women including rape, extra judicial killings, custodial killings, torture and other forms of rights violations.

“But, the religious and democratic Indian public had remain silent over such barbarous acts committed by the troops of their country in Jammu and Kashmir,” spokesman said.

“It is highly upsetting for Kashmiris. It is a cause of concern for Kashmiris as to why the Indian public, intelligentsia and civil society have attained a criminal silence,” he added.

Spokesman asserted that the rape accused in Delhi and Jammu should be brought to justice, adding, the people who were involved in the savagely acts of rape in Kunan Poshpura, Shopian and other hundreds of such cases over the past two de-

calling an impartial probe into the rape incidents in Jammu and Kashmir.

Reacting to the recent statement of NC leader Mustafa Kamal regarding the APHC visit to Pakistan, spokesman said that Kamal has continued with his rhetorical hollow statements.

The spokesman made it clear to the NC leader that it would be better that if he give statements regarding the NC politics of loyalty to India and its constitution and repeating of statements like ‘Kashmir as integral part of India’ by the NC to remain in the politics.Spokesman made it clear that it was due to the amateur politics and anti-Kashmir policy of the founding father of NC which became the main cause of sufferings for the Kashmiris.—NNI

Kishenganga Project bares fangs: Trout fish found dead

Madhumati Stream in tank, it is not functioning. “There SRINAGAR—In what appears to be one of the first major ecologi- Bandipora is one the largest are rapid changes taken place in cal fallout of Kishen Ganga hy- streams in the valley with large the water. It has increased the droelectric power project, thou- trout fish reserves. Though the mortality rate of the fish.”

An official of the visiting sands of trout fish were found fisheries department looked to dead in a stream in North downplay the development ini- team said they were told that the tially but a fact-finding team was mortality rate has increased three Kashmir’s Bandipora district.

J&K Fisheries Department rushed to the area to review the times from the last three years has put the blame on Hindustan situation. The team was headed due to the discharge of turbid Construction Company (HCC) by Joint Director Fisheries. “We water being discharged by HCC. Meanwhile, environmenwhich is undertaking the con- have sent a team to assess the struction of the tunnel of Kishen loss,” said Minister of State for tal experts have expressed Ganga project. Residents of Fisheries, Aijaz Ahmad Khan. concern over the “ecological Sonarwani village said the chil- “We are accessing the facts and disaster”. “The flow of poldren of village found hundreds matter. The water is coming from luted water is destroying the of dead trout fish floating on the the tunnel of the project,” said natural habitat of the trout and surface of Madhumati stream. Joint Director Fisheries, has serious implications on the environment,” said Sareer “The villagers rushed to the Muhammad Muzaffer.

He said though HCC has Mubashir, who runs an NGO SRINAGAR—Reacting to the stream and collected trout fish,” statement of Hurriyat said Zahoor Ahmad Shah a lo- constructed a sedimentation tank for environment protection in to maintain the turbidity of the Bandipora. —NNI Confernce (M) leadership that cal resident. is presently in Pakistan, a number of pro-freedom groups of the Valley has sstrongly opposed the statements saying there can be no compromise on the Kashmir issue.

JKLF (H) Chairman Javed Ahmad Mir, Muslim Conference (M) Chairman Shabir Ahmad Dar, Islamic Political Party Chairman Muhammad Yusuf Naqash held a joint meeting to discuss the developments at the international front regarding Kashmir issue. JKLF (H) Chairman Javed Ahmad Mir said that statements of Hurriyat (M) leadership in Pakistan were not good in any way for the Kashmir cause.

“There can be no compromise on the Kashmir cause. Before issuing any statement, these leaders must understand their responsibilities and duties,” Mir said. “The leaders should not take undue advantage and misMUZAFFARABAD: PML-N’s Youth wing celebrating party’s founding day. represent us.”—NNI

Pro-freedom groups condemn Hurriyat (M)

Founder of Hizbul Mujahideen, Master M Ahsan Dar, released SRINAGAR—The founder of militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen, Master Muhammad Ahsan Dar has been released by a city court.

Dar, 50, who hails from Pattan area of Baramulla district is the oldest living militant commanders of Kashmir valley and he is likely to join pro-freedom politics. Dar has spent more than 11 years in different jails of the state and outside. He was last arrested on January 4, 2009 at Sumbal in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district after police claimed he had returned from Azad Kashmir and was coordinating the activities of different militant outfits in north Kashmir. Dar was accused of sneaking into Sumbal area from his home town Pattan allegedly as the the chief commander of Muslim Mujahideen, police sources said. Police records maintain Dar had parted ways with Hizbul Mujahideen following differences with the top brass of the outfit and founded Muslim Mujahideen in 1992.

He, however, remained close to Hizb Supremo Syed Salahuddin, who also heads the United Jihad Council – an amalgam of militant outfits active in the state.

Talking about the formation of militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen, Dar said, “I formed Hizb on September 15, 1989, at Hajibugh Beerwa, in district Budgam”.—NNI

IHK HRC orders inquiry into 1990 Gawkadal massacre S RINAGAR — The Human Rights Commission (HRC) of occupied Kashmir has ordered the Superintendent of Police (SP) to hold inquiry into pending Gawkadal massacre and submit a report within two months.The inquiry has been ordered on a complaint filed by human rights activist, Muhammad Ahsan Untoo on May 1, 2012 Muhammad Ahsan Untoo through his complaint had prayed that the Commission should take cognisance of the matter and an enquiry in the killing should be conducted and the innocent persons killed in the same manner be compensated.

According to Untoo, on January 21, 1990 a peaceful demonstration against Chota Bazar molestation at Gawkadal was fired upon resulting into the death of 50 persons. Many protesters were injured in the incident.

He said, “For 22 years the authorities have neither prosecuted any official involved in this gruesome massacre nor have it allowed credible investigation, instead the police has filed an FIR in the Kral Khud police station against the protesters.—KMS

that the Kashmiris are primary party to the dispute. He said APHC feels that the cross LoC CBMs should be strengthened, trade should be opened, people must come and go.

The Mirwaiz added that the APHC believed that Srinagar, Muzaffarabad, Islamabad and New Delhi were four important centres around which the solution to the dispute would emerge.

The Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front in a statement deplored that notorious renegades, backed by Indian agencies were threatening the relatives of their victims for pursuing cases against them in courts. The JKLF said that pro-India parties were directly involved in perpetrating brutalities against the Kashmiris by patronising these brutes.

Peoples Union for Demo-

cratic Rights, an India-based human rights organisation in a statement issued in Srinagar demanded of New Delhi to adhere to all domestic and international obligations, withdraw draconian laws and punish all perpetrators of human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir.

An Indian trooper was killed after he was injured during an attack in Manjkot area of Poonch.—KMS

Police not to act against handicapped Zahida S RINAGAR — Facing severe near Delhi Darbar restaurant at cases were lodged against criticism against the arrest of a girl in Islamabad (Anantnag) district of south Kashmir on charges of stone throwing, police said that they will not proceed further in the case.

Zahida, 24, of Botengo village was called to the local police station and detained for night for her alleged involvement in a stone throwing and arson incident during 2010 summer unrest that left more than 120 people dead in police and CRPF firing.

Police has alleged that she led a group of people who torched a petrol filling station

Khanabal Chowk and attempted to kill uniformed men. They also alleged that an ambulance had been set on fire at the same spot overnight. While dispersing the protesters, two youth were killed in police firing while Zahida sustained gunshot wounds in her thigh. The wounds have left Zahida handicapped.

Police have released a statement quoting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone, S M Sahai, saying that police will not proceed further against Zahida.

Sahai said that during 2010,

people involved in various acts of disturbances. “The Government later announced that the police will not proceed further against the accused, against whom there are no serious charges of violence. So keeping all this in view, we have decided not to proceed further in this case also,” the IGP said in the statement.

The arrest of the handicapped girl evoked strong resentment from the separatist camp with Hurriyat Conference (G) Chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani terming it “madness” of police.

MUZAFFARABAD: Chief Executive of Neeluam-Jhelam Hydro poject giving high performance award to coordinator Raja Naeem.

Kashmir poultry farmers flay govt for ‘inaction’ SRINAGAR—Alarmed by the medical examination at Lower rapid increase of the deadly disease Ranikhet that killed around one lakh birds in last one week in Kashmir, the Valley Poultry Farmers Association (VPFA) has criticized government for its inability to deal with the viral disease. Talking to Rising Kashmir, President VPFA G.M Bhat said that farmers have suffered loses worth crores of rupees.

“The disease in the birds was diagnosed some two months back but no action has been taken by the Animal Husbandry Department. The negligence on the part of the concerned authorities made the virus fatal. The disease is spreading in all the districts,” said Bhat. Accusing the government of not doing enough for the poultry business, Bhat said that the farmers have suffered business due to the negligent attitude of the authorities. “Department should provide high quality vaccines to the farmers.

Moreover the breed imported from other states should also go through proper inspection and

Munda before entering the valley,” he said. Maintaining that the association has many young people associated with it, Bhat said that they had invested their money in the business but are facing loses. “This poultry business is contributing to employment generation. If government remained apathetic, it would discourage youth for such business. Government should at its earliest do something and provide compensation to the people associated with the business,” Bhat said.

He said that the poultry business in the valley is running on its own. “We have no governmental support and are not even registered as an industry.

We are not taking the benefits of schemes, insurance programmes for the betterment of the trade.” Urging government to take the issue seriously and come up with the positive remedies Bhat said that Animal Husbandry has assured the association of all possible help and compensation.—NNI

Struggle to continue till movement’s logical end: Geelani S RINAGAR — Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (G) Syed Ali Geelani has said the Kashmir struggle would continue till the movement is taken to its logical end. “The struggle would continue till the last solider leaves the Kashmir,” said Geelani in a tele-address to hundreds of mourners at Yamrach village in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district from New Delhi.

Thousands of people from different areas of Kulgam district attended the funeral procession of two militants, who were slain in an encounter with the armed forces on Monday, at Yamrach village, hometown of the one of the two slain LeT militants: Mudasir Ahmad Sheikh. The other slain militant was a foreign national.

In his address, Geelani urged the people to safeguard the sacrifices offered the by the martyrs.

“We need to take care of these sacrifices and refrain from doing the activities that are detrimental for the interest of ongoing movement,” he said—NNI

Will Taliban trickle over to Kashmir?

INAM UL REHMAN

I

N 1998 the head of the Taliban, Mullah Omar, stated that although his organisation supports Jihad in Kashmir but the Afghan men fighting in Kashmir have gone on their own.

(Ahmad Rashid, ‘Taliban: The story of the afghan Warlords’).

The most important worry that concerns India is that post the withdrawal of NATO forces from Afghanistan the hardened multinational fighters may trickle over to the Indian part of Kashmir.

But the important question that one needs to ask: Why would Afghans try to meddle

in Indian affairs when the latter is ostensibly doing developmental works? Very recently India refused to get militarily involved in Afghanistan for which they received appreciation from Taliban (Policy Research Group: “Taliban praises India for rejecting US request to send army to Afghanistan” 19 June, 2012).

For sure Afghanistan will not see the resurgence of civil war as happened after the end of Soviet occupation. Having ruled Afghanistan and brought it under its order, Taliban is not going to repeat the mistakes that the warlords committed in the early 90s. It is certain that with the end of occupation Taliban is

going to sweep the remaining occupational remnants within a couple of years. They have shown it in the past and they are capable of it because of their strength.

India thinks that Taliban ascension in Afghanistan is against its interest. It is one of the reasons that while hundreds of Indian children are dying, thousands unable to study, penniless farmers taking loans then ending their life while their families remain in debt forever, the India State has put up an assistance of 2 billion dollars to Karzai led government. It seems India is consistently getting trapped in risky illusions. India, ignoring its humongous poor

people, is consistently giving funds to collaborators.

The reason for it is that India’s fatal obsession to strangulate Pakistan’s ‘mirage misnamed strategic depth’. (Eqbal Ahmed: ‘A mirage mis-named strategic depth’ Al-Ahram Weekly On-line 27 Aug. - 2 Sep. 1998) “Unfortunately,” wrote Eqbal Ahmed, “in any meaningful way, it does not.

In military thought it is a non-concept unless one is referring to a hard-to-reach place where a defeated army might safely cocoon.” Even if Pakistan is left to live in its illusion of strategic depth, India has least harm from it.

For sure the Taliban govern-

ment in Afghanistan is not going to be a proxy of Pakistan.

Afghans are proud race who like most of the people in world don’t want to be ruled by foreigners.

Unlike others Afghans are ready to fight and muscle the foreigners out from their land.

In power Taliban will have to consolidate first. It will not try to get muddled into the affairs of other States. Once the Statecraft bitches Taliban it will behave like rest of the States in the world-its interest paramountrest subject to benefit.

The immediate task of Taliban will be to Talibanise Pakistan’s tribal community.

For Pakistan containing Taliban

is a huge worry. There is every chance, as is quite visible in Pakistan, that former will have a cascading effect on the internal politics of the latter. India can utilise that time to leapfrog ahead and emerge not only as an economic power but military one as well. But for that India has to solve the Kashmir quagmire.

India has successfully coopted the emerging elite of the Kashmir in her stride. India has also been effective in building up an intellectual section that is furthering its case in Kashmir.

However, India needs to show its seriousness not only to those two sections but to its pro Indian parties in Kashmir as well.

The State has to give in to their certain demands. Otherwise, there are enough people who will create the myth of Taliban as the rescuer. Up to 2014 India has enough time not to decide but to take a firm decision.

May be on some occasion Taliban might come under the influence of Pakistani supporters. But for that Pakistan has to pay a price toward the Taliban.

And the latter will weigh the options before it agrees to smuggle its men into Kashmir.

Even if Talibs started pouring in Kashmir it is difficult to foresee them getting any help from the local population as the hardliner Hurriyat Chairman, Syed Ali Geelani and Jihad

Council Chief, Syed Salahuddin have repeatedly condemned their actions.

Moreover, Kashmiris are made of a different mettle.

Unlike Afghans, Kashmiris are not going to bear the hardships like the former. Unlike Afghans, Kashmiris don’t believe that for creating a new order you need to destroy the older one. Kashmiris have demonstrated it repeatedly that although they would like to change the system but without endorsing the hardships.

The Indian worries that Taliban would trickle over to Kashmir are based on insomniac illusions.—Kashmir Watch.

Exports volume to Saudi Arabia touches $418m mark STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Pakistan is witnessing a gradual increase in export to Saudi Arabia which reached US $ 418 million from US $ 393 million in fiscal year 2009-10.

“Although we have seen a gradual increase in our exports to Saudi Arabia during the last few years yet it is not enough and with help of the private sector we can enhance over trade,” a senior official said on Thursday while listing the measures adopted during last four years to achieve better results.

He said there is no single factor or action which determines the size and direction of trade, adding that it is a combi-

Pakistani sand likely to be imported by E Punjab companies AMRITSAR—Despite allowing the state government to auction sand and gravel mines in few districts by Punjab and Haryana high court, the importers here are likely to continue to import Pakistani sand, especially after clearance of import of sand by the customs department.

Due to acute shortage of one of major construction materials, the businessmen here had already imported 5 truck load of sand from Pakistan in November, but the consignment was held at border by the customs department in wake of requirement of certain certificates.

“The commissionerate of customs has now cleared the import of sand and has declared it as a freely importable item,” said deputy commissioner, customs Amanjit Singh, while talking to media here. Earlier, the sand was held at Attari for want of quarantine and ministry of environment clearance certifications. The customs department had even sent samples of sand to the ministry.

According to reports, the state government has been allowed to auction sand mines in Jalandhar, Mohali, Kapurthala, Ludhiana and Hoshiarpur districts. “Even if the auction is allowed in Amritsar, we will continue to import sand from Pakistan, as it still comes to be cost effective,” said Ajay Gupta, importer and custom house agent.

The HC had imposed ban on mining in the state without environmental clearance in the operational quarries of up to five hectares in the state. Sources here informed that after allowing free import of sand, the businessmen here have already placed orders of huge quantities of sand with Pak exporters. “It is a natural product so there is no question of its quality, all we need is a regular import or local availability of sand,” said Amanjit Singh, a builder.—INP

nation of factors and depends on a continuous and sustained strategy which determines trade volumes.

The official said participation in exhibitions is an important promotional tool for boosting trade as Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) organized and participated in different fairs/exhibitions to showcase Pakistani products.

The Commercial Section in Saudi Arabia of Pakistan also organized some events which included catalogue shows in local chamber premises at Jeddah, Makkah, Taif and Madinah to introduce our products in this region.

The Section also organized an investment conference in

Jeddah in cooperation with Board of Investment to attract Saudi investment in Pakistan, which was highly successful.

Moreover, several Saudi business delegations were sent to attend Expo-Pakistan at Karachi on regular basis since 2009 while a lot of information was disseminated to private sector trade bodies, government agencies and individuals to avail business opportunities.

He said hundred of local businessmen and Pakistani entrepreneurs were also received by this section to help them have interaction leading to greater business opportunities there.

The official said during the period Commercial Section in Saudi Arabia, FPCCI and

Upgradation of Taxila-Haripur highway to boost trade, industry STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Rehabilitation and upgradation work of 43-KM Taxila-Khanpur-Haripur Highway has started and its completion would not only boost trade, tourism and industry in the area but also facilitate the people in their travel.

This 43-KM highway starts at Taxila on Peshawar Rawalpindi National Highway and reaches Khanpur and Haripur and this is an important

link between Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, an official of National Highway Authority said on Thursday.

Seven-KM part this highway falls in the Punjab while 36 kilometers is in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and this project will cost Rs 2854 million. This road was federalized in 2010 and declared a national highway, he added.

With the completion of this highway, links between Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be

strengthened that will improve trade and business activities in both the provinces. He said that the NHA was building the National Trade Corridor Programme to boost economic development of the whole region.

He said that under the National Trade Corridor Programme, progress is being made to set up an efficient, swift, and world standard highway network so that a quality communication facility is provided to the future trade traffic.

No employee of PIA would be sacked: Yaseen Malik STAFF REPORTER K ARACHI —The Chairman PIA, Lt. General (Rtd) Asif Yaseen Malik, has said that the new management has taken over the airline at a very critical point and the agenda is to turn it around.

He was addressing the PIA officers and staff here on Thursday at the PIA Training Centre Auditorium to motivate them and share the management’s commitment to change the face of the airline by April 2013.

He categorically informed the employees that none of them

would be sacked from the airline as a policy. However, strict action may be in place on disciplinary grounds, dereliction of duty will not be allowed and an average employee will have to show at least 80 percent efficiency within his sphere of work.

Chairman PIA emphasized that the present management was undertaking various studies at jet speed to ensure efficient savings, career planning for the growth of the employees on merit, ways for improving benefits for the employees, pension policy and staff uniform so that the right man should be placed

at the right job to improve the performance of the airline.

He expressed confidence in the employees of PIA and said that they were the biggest strength of the management even in difficult situations,it is the employees of the corporation which have kept the airline running and was able to conduct one of the best Hajj operations in 2012 which has been acknowledge by not only people in Pakistan but also by the Saudi Civil Aviation Authority and PIA was determined best among 72 international airlines operating from Jeddah.

Int’l Plastic Printing & Packaging Exhibition from March 8 STAFF REPORTER

I SLAMABAD —Ministry of Commerce may give subsidy to exporters on Reefer Containers shipments for the continuity of kinnow export target, as GRI (General Rate Increase) of 1500USD/40ft Reefer containers will be added on the current tariff effective from 1st of January 2013 said Chief Executive Officer Harvest Tradings & Member Export ICCI, Ahmad Jawad.

In a statement he said kinnow export already faced many issues from the start of season and with the addition of GRI from the shipping lines, it could create a negative impact on the cost. Till date only private sector is taking at their own to improve the export every year of this potent source. Jawad said current year’s production is 20 percent less at 1.8 million tones compared to previous year’s yield of 2 million tones.

However, unexpected strike by the goods transport carriers across the country few days back badly disturbed all plans and export process. As a result the export target for the citrus fruit fell by 10 percent to 175,000 tones or 180,000 tones from the set target of 200,000 tones, which may spell bad fortune for all stakeholders involved with this trade.—Online

60pc biz damaged by loadshedding MUZAFFAR ALI LAHORE—Chairman of Quomi Tajar Ittehad Supreme Council Khawaja Azhar Gulshan has demanded of the government to restore electricity and gas supply to the Punjab as prolonged load shedding has damaged 60 percent of businesses.

He was speaking at the oath taking ceremony of the office-bearers of Quomi Tajar Ittehad here on Thursday.

President Quomi Tajar Ittehad Pakistan Malik Khalid Mahmood, Chairman QTI Pakistan Youth Wing Muhammad Akbar Butt, Waseem Yawar Butt, Hafiz Abud Ali, Sheikh Umer Hayat, Rao Akram Chaudhry Azmat and a large number of traders were present on the occasion.

Khawaja Azhar Gulshan said that large industrial cartels are encouraging the uneven load shedding that is a sheer injustice and a conspiracy to destroy the traders.

Shipping activity at PQ

KARACHI—Shipping activity KARACHI —3P Plastic Print remained active at the Port dur-

Recalls have not hurted auto sales: Ford DETROIT—Ford Motor Co is ISLAMABAD: Zafar Bakhtawari, President of Islamabad not experiencing a hit to its auto sales as a result of a recent spate of safety recalls, Chief Operating Officer Mark Fields said.

“I think overall our sales are doing well,” Fields told reporters, adding that consumers have a good perception of the quality of Ford products.

“But we also understand that’s a very precious thing and we’re working very hard every day to deliver that quality commitment to our costumers,” said Fields.

Last week, Ford issued the fourth recall on its 2013 Escape crossover since July. The most recent recall was for increased risk of an engine fire due to a software glitch in the cooling system of the Escape as well as the midsize Fusion sedan.— Newswire

TDAP motivated and organized visits of various trade delegations from Pakistan including Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan, Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Punjab Industrial Board, Auto Parts Association (PAPAM) and Marble and Granite Exporters Association.

A 19-member REAP delegation visited Saudi Arabia while a six-member delegation visited Pakistan to inspect slaughter houses in Karachi and Lahore.

The other initiatives included FTA with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Two rounds of negotiations have been held while the third round is expected to be held shortly.

Govt subsidy to push kinnow export

Chamber of Commerce and Industry, presenting ICCI’s insignia to Syed Ghulam Panjtan Rizvi, Chairman and Director General of Pakistan Post Office.

SECP imposes penalties on non-compliant companies STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—In November the SECP’s Corporatization and Compliance Department took 82 enforcement actions against various corporate entities and penalties amounting to thousands of rupees were imposed on five of them.

The department issued 45 show cause notices and conducted 31 hearings for various violations of the provisions of the 1984 Companies Ordinance,

ranging from late filing of annual accounts, non-filing of accounts to non-holding of AGMs and faulty audit of cost accounts.

Six orders were issued against five companies: Pakistan Electrical & Electronics Merchant Association (Sections 184, 242 read with 476), Fahim Nanji & De Souza (Sections 92, 93, 172 read with 476), Chemi Multfabrics Limited (Sections 142, 184 read with 476), United Brands Limited (Section 184 read with 476).

Pack Pakistan 2013, is distinguished for business opportunity, satisfaction and success in the industrial sectors. Serving as a premium platform for companies to make contacts and keep abreast of the latest industry trends and new technologies in plastic, printing, packaging machinery industries and automation.

This year the exhibition is expected to host over 300 exhibitors from 30 countries and attended by over 30,000 quality visitors. The show has already confirmed major participation from Chinese, Indian, Turkish and European companies.

From 8th to 10th March 2013 in Lahore expo Center 3PPlas, Print Pack Pakistan 2013 is the only event in Pakistan strategically supported by Pakistan Plastic Manufacturers Association (PPMA) and Turkish Plastics Manufacturers Research Development and Educational Foundation (PAGEV) and endorsed by the leading relevant international and local authorities in the country.

ing last 24 hours, where four ships carrying containers, LPG Mix, Diesel Oil and Edible Oil were allotted berth at Qasim International Containers Terminal, SSCG Terminal, FOTCO Terminal and Liquid Cargo Terminal during last 24 hours.

Meanwhile four more Ships scheduled to load/ offload Containers, Chemical and furnace Oil also arrived at Outer anchorage of Port Qasim during last 24 hours.

Berth occupancy was 75% at the Port on thursday where total number of eight ships namely MSC Nedlloyed Drake, CGM Rossini, Beautiful Rena, Dogan Bey, Argent Freesia, Gas Hisky, Al Soor II and Global Challenge are currently occupying berths to load / offload Containers, Rice, Wheat, Chemical, Diesel Oil and Edible Oil respectively during last 24 hours.

A cargo volume of 61323 tonnes comprising 41287 tonnes imports and 20036 tonnes exports inclusive of containerized cargo carried in 1322 containers (Boxes) were handle at the Port during last 24 hours.—APP

CPI inflation to clock in 7.5pc ISMAIL DILAWAR K ARACHI —According to analysts at the Arif Habib Research the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation for the month of December is likely to clock in at 7.48 percent year-on-year.

The economic observers at the brokerage research house Wednesday said the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) was expected to release price indices for December in the upcoming week.

“We estimate Consumer Price Index (CPI) based inflation for the month of Dec’12 to clock in at 7.48% YoY,” they said.

Though higher than

Nov’12 figure of 6.93%, this translates into a sequential MoM decline of 0.19% against 0.4% MoM previous month. With the Dec’12 inflation remaining in single digit, the average inflation of 1HFY13 should further be lower at 8.25%.

The oil prices remained stable (crude down 0.4% MoM) while domestic petroleum prices (Petrol and Diesel) were down during Dec’12 by 0.4% MoM so far. Even other energy prices, those of gas and electricity, did not show any major increase or decrease during the aforementioned period.

Similarly, the SPI indicator suggests food prices were also under control. And, despite all the concerns of the weakness

within the economy, the inflation is expected to keep safely below 9%.

And while the CPI headline inflation has been so far favorable in 1HFY13, we think the price pass-through of a weaker exchange rate may finally take full sweep in coming months ahead. We have already seen PKR depreciating against USD and this sentiment is here to stay for a while.

This coupled with declining liquid reserves due to higher debt repayments, should keep PKR resilient above 97. We have valued PKR at 101 versus USD by fiscal year-end.

Since the onset of FY13, the continual lowering of inflation has kept it in single digits so far.

Given 1HFY13 performance, we expect CPI inflation for the FY13 to stay under 9% YoY. With the recent stability in int’l oil prices and lower food prices, we may see headline inflation to below the gov’t target of 9.5%. This coupled with high base-effect carried forward, we expect the CPI to average out around 9.0%YoY in FY13.

Considering that the economy is still away from the growth target of 4.3%, with elections around the corner, the gov’t will clearly try to re-stimulate consumption next year and also try to cut down on its borrowing cost, in order to achieve the gov’t target of containing fiscal deficit within 5% of the GDP

bracket.

Having said that, the analysts said, the central bank may continue with its easing stance by cutting policy rate by another 50bps, which would be more probable with the sooner than later realization of the CSF money from the US, by USD 700mn, along with other smaller foreign flows expected in the 2HFY13 alongside any possible deferment of the IMF repayment (barring USD 1.0bn from the notoriously pending 3G license auction).

These flows should provide the much-needed support to the current account and the rupee, with lower inflation and oil prices supporting the rate cut decision.

Pakistan to grab major share in global Halal market: Amin Fahim AMANULLAH KHAN KARACHI—Pakistan which has emerged as leading halal food supplier to a 470 million Halal consumers in Middle East, Afghanistan and Central Asian states is well poised to share huge global halal market, said Amin Fahim, Federal Minister for Commerce at Global Halal Congress held in Sharjah.

Speaking as the guest of honour from Pakistan, the Federal Minister for Commerce, highlighted that strength of Pakistan being a Muslim country is 100% Halal production base with over 180 million consumers and a direct access to a market of 470 million Halal consumers in Afghanistan, Central Asia and Middle East.

Amin Faheem said that Pakistan has emerged as an important player of food suppliers to the UAE and the Gulf region particularly in rice, meat, poultry, sea food, fruits and vegetables, and spices. He said that all products in Pakistan are Halal and we are in a position to claim a huge chunk of the global Halal market with a little bit of effort which require

certification as Halal and subsequent labeling and packaging.

The Commerce Minister pointed out that Pakistan’s exports of food products to the UAE have increased to over US$500 million and more than US$1 billion to the GCC region.

However, he underlined a dire need of value addition which can only be achieved by establishing Brands in the region and spending on the marketing efforts. Leading industry experts and scholars from all over the world have agreed to declare Unified Halal Code for Halal products at Halal Congress Middle East at Sharjah.

The two-day event which concluded recently discussed and reviewed Halal practices and procedures as well as new opportunities that will arise with the growing global demand for Halal products. Delegates from 37 countries and 08 international institutions attended the congress. The chief guest, UAE Minister of Education, H.E. Humaid Al Qutami, highlighted the importance of Halal certification and stressed the need to create awareness in this regard

to promote Halal products. Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, said that intra-OIC trade has increased progressively from 14 per cent in 2004 to 17.71 per cent in 2011 while in monetary terms it increased from $205 billion in 2004 to $687.74 billion in 2011.

Asad Sajjad, CEO of Halal Development Council (HDC Pakistan) pointed out that the Halal trade is controlled by non-Muslim companies/countries, who are reaping the economic benefit by certifying their products as ‘Halal” and marketing it to the Muslim consumers with the ‘Halal Brand’. The inaugural ceremony was also attended by Dr. Mustafa Ceric, Grand Mufti of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the President of the Senate of Bosniak Academy of Science and Arts; Haji Abdul Malik Kassim, Minister for Penang State Government, Malaysia, and Chairman, Penang International Halal Hub, Malaysia; Dr El Hassane Hzaine, director-general ICDT (Islamic Centre for Development of Trade of OIC End.

CNG body reposes confidence in Naek, hopes amicable solution STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—The All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) on Thursday said that Government has not refused to reduce gas prices and taxes imposed on the CNG sector during the meeting of Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) sub-committee held to resolve the CNG pricing issue.

The APCNGA had demanded reduction in gas price and taxes while the representatives of Ministries of Petroleum and Ministry of Finance haven’t refused it, it said.

Rather, the officials representing two ministries had as-

sured to look in the matter sympathetically and do best the settle the issue, said Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha, Chairman Supreme Council APCNGA. In a statement issued here today, he said that during the meeting Ogra had silently presented three CNG pricing formulas to the head of the committee which wasn’t part of the agenda.

Paracha said that CNGpetrol price link wasn’t discussed in the session as it was not on the agenda, adding that linking CNG price with petrol and three pricing formulas by Ogra was violation of the rights of the consumers and the land-

mark decision of the Supreme Court.

Reposing full confidence in Law Minister Farooq H Naek, Ghiyas Paracha demanded rejection of all recommendation which were against the law, interests of masses and CNG sector. He said that APCNGA has presented its final formula to the government while no meeting took place with Government officials behind closed doors.

The news regarding secret meeting are baseless aimed at hampering a just and acceptable CNG policy acceptable to all stakeholders to resolve the dispute and provide relief to the masses, he added.

Improvement of Plant Breeders Rights Bill demanded STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD —Speakers at a seminar on Thursday called upon the political forces and parliamentarians to review and improve the Plant Breeders Rights Bill 2010 by removing the flaws identified in the bill taking on board all relevant stakeholders and civil society organizations.

The participants of the moot representing the civil society organizations and small farmers, demanded that the incumbent National Assembly had a very limited time to consider the proposed PBR Bill 2010 and if passed in haste it would have drastic implications for the small farmers and the agriculture sector.

The speakers asked the government to postpone the bill and let it be considered by the next

National Assembly after the upcoming elections. The policy seminar was aimed at addressing the conflict emerging between farmers community, civil society and seed producing companies after introduction of the PBR bill in the parliament.

The moot titled ‘Plant Breeders Rights (PBR) Bill 2010’ was held under the aegis of Center for Culture and Development (C2D), Sustainable Agriculture Action Group (SAAG), Pothohar Organisation for Development Advocacy (PODA) and Lok Saanjh Foundation in collaboration with the Actionaid Pakistan.

The Plant Breeders Rights (PBR) Bill 2010 has been pending for contemplation in the National Assembly for the last few years and it has received renewed attention from the government after formation of In-

tellectual Property Organization (IPO) as the regulator of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in Pakistan.

Dr. Shahid Zia, Executive Director, Lok Saanjh Foundation, gave a brief overview of the PBR legislation in Pakistan. He said that seed monopolies were expected under the original and existing version of the PBR Bill.

He added that the present proposed bill was a replication or the reorganization of the previous draft of 1998 with some cosmetic changes.

“Under the proposed legislation, farmers centuries old practice of exchange, sharing and reusing seeds may be crippled. There is a need to further look into the clauses of the PBR Bill to make it more farmers friendlier than to safeguard the concerns of the seed companies,” he added.

Dense fog affects PIA flight schedule STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Dense fog, zero visibility at Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan and adjoining areas, the schedule of PIA flights departures and arrivals remain affected.

Due to heavy fog at Lahore and adjoining areas, the schedule of PIA domestic and International flights is affected now being subject to weather as safety is the foremost priority of PIA and flights cannot be operated under such weather conditions when the visibility is zero.

Flight timings of the following flights were changed due to Fog: PK 307 of 25th December could not operate at night time due to heavy fog. The flight was sent next day. Similarly PK 302 Karachi-Lahore, PK 300 KarachiIslamabad, PK 709 & PK 710 Lahore-Manchester-Lahore, PK 751 & PK 752 Lahore-OsloCopenhagen-Lahore, PK 323 & PK 322 Lahore-Quetta-Lahore, PK 270-271 Lahore-Delhi-Lahore, PK 898 & PK 899 Lahore-Kuala Lumpur-Lahore, PK 203 & PK 204 Lahore-Dubai-Lahore and PK 893 Islamabad-Lahore were rescheduled, while PK 652 LahoreIslamabad was cancelled.

Lahore weather remains unpredictable from evening till late morning therefore flights operations keep monitoring and as soon as there is visibility flights are operated.

Byco’s Crude Oil Tanker M.T ARIETIS carrying 70,000 Tons upper zakum crude oil from Abu Dahbi, berthed at first ever SPM. The SPM has been set up on the coast of Arabian Sea at a distance of approximately 14km from the Byco’s Mouza Kund Site and is approximately 10 kilometers from the sea shore at 25 meters depth.

LCCI felicitates its members SALIM AHMED LAHORE—In a major move to ensure monetary relief to all the LCCI members, the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry has made downward revision of its services charges.

According to details, the LCCI Executive Committee in its meeting decided to bring down the charges for Visa Recommendation Letter, Visa Invitation Letter, Visa Processing Fee. Visa Recommendation Letter fee for Asian Countries for Proprietor/Director has been curtailed from Rs 1500 to Rs 1000 and for Europe, Africa, USA, Canada, UK and Australia it is now Rs 2000 instead of Rs 3000.

Visa Recommendation Letter fee

for employees of LCCI Member firms for Europe, Africa, USA, Canada, UK and Australia has been decreased by Rs 1500 and now onward it would be to Rs 2500 instead of Rs 4000.

Visa Recommendation Letter fee for employees of LCCI Member firms for Asia has been decreased by Rs 500 and now it is Rs 2000 instead of Rs 2500.

The charges for Visa Invitation letter to foreigners have also been halved. Earlier for Asian countries the fee was Rs 1500 and now it is Rs 750 while Europe, Africa, USA, Canada, UK and Australia it is now Rs 1500 instead of Rs 3000.

Same way Visa processing fee for China has also been halved.

Sudan’s Bashir ready to meet Kiir

Syria to mull Brahimi peace plan with Russia

KHARTOUM—Sudan’s President Omar DAMASCUS—UN Middle East would not say if a deal was in the source said Makdad and an aide one of Brahimi’s ideas.

Hassan al-Bashir said on Wednesday he was ready to meet his South Sudanese counterpart Salva Kiir to try to move forward with setting up a demilitarised border zone and restart oil flows. His comments raise the prospect that the two could set aside their differences after signing agreements in September meant to secure their disputed border and to allow the South to resume oil exports after the two came close to war in April in the worst violence since Juba seceded last year. Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir gives a speech as he tours the White Nile Sugar Co sugar plant during its opening in Al-Diwaim. However, neither country has yet withdrawn its army from either side of their shared border, a precondition to resume oil flows from the landlocked south through the north, a lifeline for both economies. South Sudan had initially planned to resume exports by year-end after shutting down its output of 350,000 barrels a day in January after failing to agree an export fee with Sudan. Two weeks ago, the African Union, backed by Western powers, urged Bashir and Kiir to meet as soon as possible to resolve all their disputes. Delegations from both countries are scheduled to resume talks in Ethiopia in mid-January. “I am ready to meet Salva Kiir to speed up implementing all agreements at the same time,” Bashir said, after meeting Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn who is trying to mediate in the row. “I am ready to meet Kiir at any place,” Bashir said.—Reuters

envoy, Lakhdar Brahimi, who after meeting is now planning to hold a series of meetings with Syrian officials and dissidents in Damascus this week, is trying to broker a peaceful transfer of power, but has disclosed little about how this might be done.

More than 44,000 Syrians have been killed in a revolt against four decades of Assad family rule, a conflict that began with peaceful protests but which has descended into civil war.

Past peace efforts have floundered, with world powers divided over what has become an increasingly sectarian struggle between mostly Sunni Muslim rebels and Assad’s security forces, drawn primarily from his Shi’ite-rooted Alawite minority. Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Makdad flew to Moscow to discuss the details of the talks with Brahimi, said a Syrian security source, who

works.

However, a Lebanese official close to Damascus said Makdad had been sent to seek Russian advice on a possible agreement.

He said Syrian officials were upbeat after talks with Brahimi, the UN-Arab League envoy, who met Foreign Minister Walid Moualem on Tuesday a day after his session with Assad, but who has not outlined his ideas in public.

“There is a new mood now and something good is happening,” the official said, asking not to be named. He gave no details.

Russia, which has given Assad diplomatic and military aid to help him weather the 21-monthold uprising, has said it is not protecting him, but has fiercely criticized any foreign backing for rebels and, with China, has blocked U.N. Security Council action on Syria.

A Russian Foreign Ministry

would meet Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Mikhail Bogdanov, the Kremlin’s special envoy for Middle East affairs, on Thursday, but did not disclose the nature of the talks. On Saturday, Lavrov said Syria’s civil war had reached a stalemate, saying international efforts to get Assad to quit would fail. Bogdanov had earlier acknowledged that Syrian rebels were gaining ground and might win.

Given the scale of the bloodshed and destruction, Assad’s opponents insist the Syrian president must go. Moaz Alkhatib, head of the internationally-recognized Syrian National Coalition opposition, has criticized any notion of a transitional government in which Assad would stay on as a figurehead president stripped of real powers. Comments on Alkhatib’s Facebook page on Monday suggested that the opposition believed this was

“The government and its president cannot stay in power, with or without their powers,” Alkhatib wrote, saying his Coalition had told Brahimi it rejected any such solution. While Brahimi was working to bridge the vast gaps between Assad and his foes, fighting raged across the country and a senior Syrian military officer defected to the rebels.

Syrian army shelling killed about 20 people, at least eight of them children, in the northern province of Raqqa, a video posted by opposition campaigners showed. The video, published by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, showed rows of blood-stained bodies laid out on blankets. The sound of crying relatives could be heard in the background.

The shelling hit the province’s al-Qahtania village, but it was unclear when the attack had occurred. Rebels re-

launched their assault on the Wadi Deif military base in the northwestern province of Idlib, in a battle for a major army compound and fuel storage and distribution point. Activist Ahmed Kaddour said rebels were firing mortars and had attacked the base with a vehicle rigged with explosives.

The British-based Observatory, which uses a network of contacts in Syria to monitor the conflict, said a rebel commander was among several people killed in Wednesday’s fighting, which it said was among the heaviest for months. The military used artillery and air strikes to try to hold back rebels assaulting Wadi Deif and the town of Morek in Hama province further south. In one air raid, several rockets fell near a field hospital in the town of Saraqeb, in Idlib province, wounding several people, the Observatory said.

As violence has intensified in

UAE busts plotters call

Iraqis block trade routes Putin to sign US adoption ban as protest MOSCOW—Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday he saw no reaagainst Maliki son not to sign a bill into law that would

ban Americans adopting Russian children and promised measures to improve care of his country’s orphaned youngsters. Although Putin said he would need to study the final text of the bill, the comments were the strongest indication yet that he will approve the adoption ban legislation, which has strained U.S.-Russia relations. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin holds a news conference at the end of an EU-Russia Summit meeting in Brussels. Parliament gave its final approval on Wednesday to the bill that would also bring in other measures in retaliation for new U.S. legislation designed to punish Russians accused of human rights violations. “So far I see no reason not to sign it, although I have to review the final text and weigh everything,” Putin said in televised remarks at a meeting of senior federal and regional officials. “I am ready to sign not only the law ... but also a presidential decree that will modify the support mechanisms for orphaned children ... especially those who are in a difficult situation, by that I mean in poor health,” Putin said. Critics of the bill say Russia is playing politics with the lives of children. Child rights advocates say children in Russia’s crowded and troubled orphanage system will have less of a chance of finding homes if the bill becomes law.—Reuters

Obama’s 2nd opening subdued WASHINGTON—It is one of those occasions that is quintessential Washington: the inauguration of a president, a multi-day festival of patriotism, politics, optimism and self-congratulation. All of that will be on display on January 21, when President Barack Obama is publicly sworn in for his second four-year term. But this inauguration will be far less grand than Obama’s first in 2009, when a record 1.8 million visitors flooded the city to see the nation’s first black president take office. This time the celebration is likely to attract no more than 800,000 or so guests, city officials estimate. As a result, some luxury hotel rooms and coveted tables at high-end restaurants are still available, less than a month before the inauguration. The swanky Mandarin Oriental Hotel, with its sweeping views of the National Mall, initially required inauguration guests to make reservations for four nights. Now it has relaxed that requirement to three nights to try to fill its rooms. But the “inauguration markup” still applies: The Mandarin’s least expensive room, normally available for $295 a night, starts at $1,195 a night during the long inauguration weekend. Even so, the demand for hotel and restaurant reservations for this inauguration pales compared with the rush that followed Obama’s first election. Back then, the scramble for accommodation was so desperate that homeowners and renters in Washington and its Maryland and Virginia suburbs leased their homes for the inauguration, creating a vast secondary market in housing that week.— Reuters

Mandela rests at home JOHANNESBURG—The doctors treating former South African leader Nelson Mandela believe he should remain in Johannesburg for now to be close to medical facilities that can provide care to the 94-year-old, the government said Thursday. Mandela left a hospital Wednesday evening after nearly three weeks of treatment there, and was brought to his home in the Johannesburg neighborhood of Houghton. The anti-apartheid icon, also known by his clan name, Madiba, has lived over the past year and more in the rural village of Qunu in Eastern Cape province, where he grew up. “Where Madiba goes, in which period, in which times, is a matter that is entirely dependent on his own wishes. Whatever he wishes, we will do,” presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj said in an interview with eNCA, a South African television news channel. “But right now, the doctors have considered it necessary and good that he should be in Houghton so that he’s close to all the facilities where we can give him high care,” Maharaj said. Mandela was admitted Dec. 8 to a hospital in the South African capital of Pretoria, 50 kilometers (30 miles) north of Johannesburg. The expresident was treated for a lung infection and also had a procedure to remove gallstones. “He is not yet fully recovered but he sufficiently moved forward so that he can be discharged,” Maharaj said. He noted that Mandela had been in good spirits while receiving President Jacob Zuma and other visitors while he was hospitalized. “Madiba was doing well, but as you know, when you’re recovering there are ups and downs, slight ups and downs.—Reuters

France denies CAR’s defence BANGUI—France’s military will not defend Central African Republic’s government against advancing rebels, French President Francois Hollande said on Thursday, and regional African leaders tried to broker a ceasefire deal. Insurgents on motorbikes and pickups have driven to within 75 km (45 miles) of the capital Bangui in recent weeks, threatening to end President Francois Bozize’s nearly 10 years as leader of the turbulent, resource-rich country. “If we have a presence, it’s not to protect a regime, it’s to protect our nationals and our interests and in no way to intervene in the internal business of a country, in this case the Central African Republic,” Hollande said, speaking on the sidelines of a visit to a wholesale food market outside Paris. The comments came after a plea from Bozize’s government for French military support to stop the SELEKA rebel coalition, which says it will topple the president un-

recent weeks, daily death tolls have climbed. The Observatory reported at least 190 had been killed across the country on Tuesday alone.

The head of Syria’s military police changed sides and declared allegiance to the antiAssad revolt. “I am General Abdelaziz Jassim al-Shalal, head of the military police. I have defected because of the deviation of the army from its primary duty of protecting the country and its transformation into gangs of killing and destruction,” the officer said in a video published on YouTube.

A Syrian security source confirmed the defection, but said Shalal was near retirement and had only defected to “play hero”.

Syrian Interior Minister Mohammed Ibrahim al-Shaar left Lebanon for Damascus after being treated in Beirut for wounds sustained in a rebel bomb attack this month.—Reuters

DUBAI—Security forces in the

ANBAR—Tens of thousands of Sunni Muslims blocked Iraq’s main trade route to neighbouring Syria and Jordan in a fourth day of demonstrations on Wednesday against Shi’ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.

The massive show of force marks an escalation in protests that erupted last week after troops detained the bodyguards of Sunni Finance Minister Rafaie Esawi, threatening to plunge Iraq deeper into political turmoil.

Another smaller protest was held in the city of Samarra in the predominantly Sunni province of Salahuddin, next to Anbar.The move against Esawi’s guards came hours after President Jalal Talabani, a Kurd who has mediated among Sunni, Shi’ite and Kurdish factions, left for Germany for treatment for a stroke that could end his steadying influence over Demonstrators shout slogans as they are surrounded by the police during a protest rally in New Delhi.

Iraqi politics.—Reuters

Indian rape victim in Singapore: Singh pledges action

George bush fighting fever in ICU

United Arab Emirates have arrested a cell of UAE and Saudi Arabian citizens which was planning to carry out militant attacks in both countries and other states, the official news agency WAM said.

The U.S.-allied UAE, a federation of seven emirates and a major oil exporter that has supported Western counter-terrorism efforts in the region, has been spared any attack by al Qaeda and other insurgency groups.

But some of its emirates have seen a rise in Islamist sentiment in recent years, and Dubai, a business and tourism hub and cosmopolitan city that attracts many Westerners, could make an attractive target for Islamist militants, analysts say.

Those arrested had acquired materials and equipment for use in what WAM called terrorist operations. “The security authorities in the UAE, in coordination with the related security parties in Saudi Arabia.—Reuters

China tightening controls on Internet

NEW DELHI—Indian Prime examine what lapses might have her doctors.

BEIJING—China’s new commu- to control the dissemination of T EXAS —Former President nist leaders are increasing already views.” This week, China’s legis-

Minister Manmohan Singh pledged Thursday to take action to protect the nation’s women while the young victim of a gang rape on a New Delhi bus was flown to Singapore for treatment of severe internal injuries.

The Dec. 16 rape and brutal beating of the 23-year-old student triggered widespread protests, including a march on Thursday, demanding a government crackdown on the daily harassment Indian women face, ranging from groping to severe violence. Some protesters have called for the death penalty or castration for rapists, who under current laws face a maximum punishment of life imprisonment.

Rape victims rarely press charges because of social stigma and fear they will be accused of inviting the attack. Many women say they structure their lives around protecting themselves and their daughters from attack.

Singh’s government set up two committees in response to the protests. One, looking into speeding up sexual assault trials, has already received 6,100 email suggestions. The second will

George H.W. Bush continues to fight a stubborn fever in the intensive care unit at Houston Methodist Hospital. “Following a series of setbacks including a persistent fever, President Bush was admitted to the intensive care unit at Methodist Hospital on Sunday where he remains in guarded condition,” Bush family spokesman Jim McGrath revealed in a prepared statement.

“Doctors at Methodist continue to be cautiously optimistic about the current course of treatment.

The president is alert and conversing with medical staff, and is surrounded by family.”

McGrath earlier told ABC affiliate KTRK that the former president was awake and joking with doctors, but had yet to respond to medication designed to reduce the fever. Bush, 88, has been in the intensive care unit in Houston’s Methodist Hospital since Sunday, and hospitalized since Nov. 23, when he was brought to the hospital with a bronchitis-like cough. A hospital statement released on Dec. 13 predicted the former president would be discharged before Christmas.—ABC New

contributed to the rape which took place on a moving bus that passed through police checkpoints and suggest measures to improve women’s safety.

“Let me state categorically that the issue of safety and security of women is of the highest concern to our government,” Singh said at a development meeting. He urged officials in India’s states to pay special attention to the problem. “There can be no meaningful development without the active participation of half the population, and this participation simply cannot take place if their security and safety is not assured,” he said.

The victim of the gang rape arrived in Singapore on an air ambulance Thursday and was admitted in “extremely critical condition,” to the intensive care unit of the Mount Elizabeth hospital, renowned for multi-organ transplant facilities, the hospital said in a statement. India’s Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said in a statement that the government, which is funding and overseeing the victim’s treatment, had decided to send her abroad on the recommendation of

“Despite the best efforts of our doctors, the victim continues to be critical and her fluctuating health remains a big cause of concern to all of us,” he said. Her family was also being sent to Singapore to be with her during her treatment, which could last weeks, he said.

Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters demanding safer public transportation for women and the resignation of Delhi’s police commissioner tried to march to the major India Gate traffic circle in central Delhi before being stopped by police in riot gear manning barricades. Protesters carried signs reading, “Immediately end rape culture in India” and “Zero tolerance of violence against women.” Protests have shut down the center of the capital for days since the rape. Police quashed some of the demonstrations with tear gas, water cannons and baton charges.

One police officer died Tuesday after collapsing during a weekend protest. Police said an autopsy showed the officer had a heart attack that could have been caused by injuries suffered during violence at the protest.—AP

Tackling economic crisis top mission: Abe TOKYO—Shinzo Abe took office threats from its neighbors. as Japan’s seventh prime minister in six years and vowed to overcome the deep-rooted economic and diplomatic crises facing his country. Abe was elected as Japan’s leader hours earlier Wednesday, bringing back to power the conservative, pro-business Liberal Democratic Party that governed for most of the postWorld War II era. It replaces the liberal-leaning government of the Democratic Party of Japan that lasted three years.

“A strong economy is the source of energy for Japan. Without regaining a strong economy, there is no future for Japan,” Abe told his first news conference after becoming prime minister for the second time. Calling his administration a “crisis breakthrough Cabinet,” Abe promised to launch bold economic measures to pull Japan out of deflation. He also vowed to step up an alliance with the United States to stabilize Japan’s diplomacy shaken by increasing territorial

Abe, whose nationalist positions have in the past angered Japan’s neighbors, was also prime minister in 2006-2007 before resigning for health reasons that he says are no longer an issue. The outspoken and often hawkish leader has promised to restore growth to an economy that has been struggling for 20 years. His administration also faces souring relations with China and a complex debate over whether resource-poor Japan should wean itself off nuclear energy after last year’s earthquake and tsunami caused a meltdown at an atomic power plant.

On top of that, he will have to win over a public that gave his party a lukewarm mandate in elections on Dec. 16, along with keeping at bay a still-powerful opposition in parliament. Though his party and its Buddhist-backed coalition partner is the biggest bloc in the more influential lower house, Abe actually came up short in the first round of voting in the

upper house, then won in a runoff. Capitalizing on voter discontent with the Democratic Party of Japan, Abe has vowed to shore up the economy, deal with a swelling national debt and come up with a fresh recovery plan following last year’s tsunami disaster, which set off the worst nuclear crisis since Chernobyl.

Abe promised to launch bold economic measures, and mobile financial steps and strategies to encourage investment. “We must recover a Japan where hardworking people can feel that there is a better tomorrow,” he said.

He has said he will support a reinterpretation of Japan’s pacifist postwar constitution to loosen the reins on the military, stand up to Beijing over an ongoing territorial dispute and strengthen Tokyo’s security alliance with Washington. Beijing has already warned him to tread carefully, and will be watching closely to see if he tones down his positions now that he is in office. —AP

Libyan protesters shut down oil port TRIPOLI—Protests have forced a major oil port in eastern Libya to shut down its operations for a fourth day, the deputy oil minister said on Wednesday. AlZuweitina Oil port, 790 km east of Tripoli, receives oil pumped from at least three oil fields in the Libyan desert and is responsible for exporting 60 to 70 barrels of oil a day.

Omar Shakmak said protesters forced their way into the port’s management offices on Saturday and ordered the port director to quit working and shut down operations. “They want the government to provide them with jobs and believe they can put pressure on the government by stalling oil-related companies,” he said..

Western Libya’s main oil refinery has seen at least four shut downs since October causing petrol shortages in the capital Tripoli after war veterans demonstrating for more government compensation forced the refinery to shut down operations.—Reuters

tight controls on Internet use and electronic publishing following a spate of embarrassing online reports about official abuses. The measures suggest China’s new leader, Xi Jinping, and others who took power in November share their predecessors’ anxiety about the Internet’s potential to spread opposition to one-party rule and their insistence on controlling information despite promises of more economic reforms.

“They are still very paranoid about the potentially destabilizing effect of the Internet,” said Willy Lam, a politics specialist at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. “They are on the point of losing a monopoly on information, but they still are very eager

lature took up a measure to Internet users to register their real names, a move that would curtail the Web’s status as a freewheeling forum to complain, often anonymously, about corruption and official abuses. The legislature scheduled a news conference Friday to discuss the measure, suggesting it was expected to be approved. That comes amid reports Beijing might be disrupting use of software that allows Web surfers to see sites abroad that are blocked by its extensive Internet filters. At the same time, regulators have proposed rules that would bar foreign companies from distributing books, news, music and other material online in China.—AP

Netanyahu, Jordan’s King discuss Syria chemical arms OCCUPIED JERUSALEM—Is- Bashar al-Assad’s chemical raeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has secretly met Jordan’s King Abdullah in Amman to discuss the risk of Syria’s chemical weapons falling into the hands of Islamist militants, Israeli media reports said late Wednesday. Two TV stations and Israeli news sites quoted unnamed Israeli officials confirming a report in the London-based Arabic language daily, Al-Quds Al-Arabi, that such a summit had been held.

Netanyahu’s spokesmen have declined to comment on the reports.

As Syria’s southern neighbor, Israel has been concerned about the risk of President

weapons falling into the hands of Islamist militants or Lebanese Hezbollah fighters as an uprising against him convulses a country thought to possess a formidable chemical arsenal. Israel has warned it could intervene if it felt there was a real risk of such a scenario unfolding.

Israel and Jordan signed a peace treaty in 1994 and meetings between their leaders are not unusual and are often announced by both sides. Israel’s Channel 2 said the latest talks included a “very long discussion” about “cooperation with Jordan with regard to the fate of Syria’s chemical weapons”. It did not elaborate.—Reuters

New Israeli right-wing leader worries Netanyahu R AANANA , I SRAEL —The has been able to draw on his charismatic new leader of Israel’s Jewish religious right is siphoning a large chunk of votes from the prime minister’s party, according to polls ahead of Jan. 22 elections, and if the trend continues, the high-tech millionaire and former commando could emerge as a powerful voice opposing Palestinian statehood. Though Naftali Bennett, the 40-year-old son of American immigrants, is a classic religious hard-liner, comfortable in the settlements he champions, he

military and entrepreneurial background to widen his appeal to secular circles as well. His sprawling, modern home in Raanana, an upscale suburb of Tel Aviv, is far from the barren hilltops of the West Bank settlers who form the backbone of his support.

Polls show his Jewish Home party becoming the third-largest in the upcoming parliament, behind Netanyahu’s Likud-Yisrael Beitenu bloc and the centrist Labor.—Reuters

Clarke breaks Ponting record, heaps misery on Sri Lanka M E L B O U R N E — M i c h a e l total to an imposing 440-8 at pelled him to 1,595 runs for Rangana Herath put in a bid the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Sri Lanka, skittled for 156 on day one, had only a sixrun lead to protect at the start of the day’s play and their hopes of restricting the hosts diminished with a hamstring injury to seamer Chanaka Welegedera in the morning session.

The remaining bowlers had little assistance from a flattening pitch on a gusty day and were put to the sword by Clarke and Shane Watson, who composed a record-breaking fourthwicket stand of 194 against Sri Lanka at the MCG. Clarke’s fifth test ton of the year, his first at the MCG and 22nd of his career, pro-

for catch-of-the-year as he scampered to his left and plucked an extraordinary, lunging catch with the thumb and forefinger on his left hand to draw kowtows from the crowd.

Johnson, who led Australia’s first innings bowling with a four-wicket haul, marched on with seamer Peter Siddle and raised his seventh half-century with a push to mid-on for two.

Siddle was removed for 13 with a blinding catch to Jayawardene in the slips to give Eranga a second wicket.

It was again a day of lost opportunities for Sri Lanka, however, who dropped both Clarke and Watson late on day two.

Clarke survived another life three overs before lunch when on 58, when Jayawardene spilled a sharp chance in the slips from spinner Rangana Herath.

Mike Hussey also had a life on seven when he was dropped by replacement wicketkeeper Kumar Sangakkara.

Sri Lanka were already a man down before Welegedara’s injury, with wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardene suffering a broken thumb on day one.—AFP

Pak to play full series in West Indies in July

Lehmann rapped, fined for Samuels remarks

Clarke struck a sublime century to become his country’s highest Test run-scorer in a calendar year as Australia marched to an imperious 278run lead at the close of day two of the second Test against Sri Lanka on Thursday.

The Australia skipper, enjoying an inspirational 2012, surpassed the 1,544 runs Ricky Ponting amassed in 2005 during his innings of 106, before tail-ender Mitchell Johnson rubbed salt into Sri Lanka’s wounds with an unbeaten 73.

Nathan Lyon, yet to score, strode off with Johnson, with Australia having added 108 runs in the session after tea to drive their

Sri Lanka 1st Innings:156 Australia 1st Innings (150 for 3 overnight) Cowan c M Jayawardene b Prasad .......................... 36 Warner c Prasad b Mathews ..................... 62 P. Hughes run out ......... 10 Watson b Prasad ........... 83 Clarke b Eranga ........... 106 M. Hussey c Herath b Dilshan ........................ 34 Wade c Eranga b Prasad 1 Johnson not out ............ 73

K ARACHI —With an intention of hosting India in August next year, the Pakistan Cricket Board has convinced its West Indies counterpart to not split the national team’s scheduled tour to the Caribbean and instead play a full series in July.

The sources in the PCB confirmed that Pakistan will now be travelling to the West Indies in July 2013 to play a full series of two Tests, five ODIs and a Twenty20 International, reported PTI. “The problem is now sorted out and our team will be touring (WIndies) in July as planned earlier,” a source said.

The tour had ran into trouble when the West Indies cricket board suggested to the PCB to either postpone the series by a few weeks or to split the tour as they wanted to host India and Sri Lanka for a short ODI series, also in July.

But the PCB insisted on the tour in July as it is planning to convince the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to play a series in August when both teams have windows open in the period in the ICC future tours program.

“Pakistan is very hopeful and keen that India can be convinced to come to Paki-

the year and fourth on the alltime list behind Mohammad Yousuf (1,788 runs), Viv Richards (1,710) and Graeme Smith (1,656).

The 31-year-old’s dismissal, slashing a Shaminda Eranga delivery to his counterpart Mahela Jayawardene in the slips, broke his perfect record of scoring at least a double-century once he surpassed 100 in 2012.

It also sparked a mini-collapse as Watson (83) and Matthew Wade (1) fell in quick succession to ill-conceived hook-shots, both caught in the deep before tea.

Watson’s half-century was his first in eight innings and a welcome return to form, but the barrel-chested all-rounder will rue another lost chance to score his third Test century.

The quick wickets gave Siddle b Eranga ............. 13 N. Lyon not out ............... 0 Sri Lanka faint hope of savExtras: (b9, lb5, w6, nb2)22 ing the match but they were Total: (8 wkts) .............. 440 plunged back into the mire Fall of wickets: 1-95, 2-117, with a defiant seventh wicket 3-117, 4-311, 5-313, 6-315, 7- stand of 61 from middle order batsman Mike Hussey 376, 8-434 Bowling: ........... O-M-R-W and Johnson.

Hussey was caught for 34 Welegedara ..... 14.4-6-38-0 Eranga ............ 26.2-2-106-2 shortly before the drinks Prasad ............... 24-2-102-3 break, with a mis-timed slog Mathews ............ 13-3-47-1 to long on off the bowling of Herath ................. 39-7-95-0 part-time spinner Tillakaratne Dilshan ............... 12-1-38-1 Dilshan.

Pint-sized spinner

stan because India has made it clear it does not have a policy of playing any bilateral series in a third country,” the source said.

He said due to good connections and relations that the PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf has with the Government and authorities and because of the confidence reposed in him by the Board’s Chief Patron, President Asif Zardari, the board was hopeful it could get the Government to give an assurance of foolproof security for the Indian team.

“Since bilateral ties have

resumed after five years (as India and Pakistan are playing each other currently in India) and presently there is lot of positivity in relations between the two boards, there is a good chance that India might listen to the suggestion of playing in August,” another source said.

Ashraf is due to leave for India later this week where he is expected to have discussions with officials of the BCCI. Pakistan has not hosted any Test side at home since March, 2009 when militants attacked the Sri Lanka cricket team in Lahore.—Online

S YDNEY —Brisbane

Heat coach Darren Lehmann was Thursday officially reprimanded and slapped with a suspended fine by cricket officials after questioning the bowling action of West Indian Marlon Samuels.

Cricket Australia said Lehmann was convicted of breaching the Code of Behaviour with remarks in a media interview after the Heat’s loss to the Melbourne Renegades in Australia’s Twenty20 Big Bash League on Saturday night.

“At a hearing today, Commissioner John Price found Lehmann guilty of breaching Rule nine: Detrimental Public Comment,” the governing body said. “Lehmann received an official reprimand and a Aus$3,000 fine suspended for two years.”

The Heat coach questioned why Samuels, whose bowling has often come under scrutiny in a turbulent career, was allowed to play in the Big Bash League when he was banned from bowling in the Indian Premier League due to suspect action.

“If he is deemed legal, I’m totally understanding of that. But from my point of view, from 20 years’ cricket, I have got a problem with 120kmh off no steps,” Lehmann said.—AFP

MELBOURNE: Another century for Michael Clarke in 2012 break the record of Ricky Ponting during Australia vs Sri Lanka, 2nd Test.

India vs Pakistan, 2nd T20

Sound bowling options give Pakistan edge

SPORTS REPORTER I SLAMABAD —International Islamic University (IIU)

A HMEDABAD —A fabled ri- ther. Their previous three a serious chance of levelling cricket team won the T-20 valry was renewed after a five-year hiatus with a cracking match in Bangalore. The track wasn’t the usual Twenty20 bowler-killing slab, having enough spice to interest the quicks.

There were collapses, fightbacks and some heated moments, before Shoaib Malik enhanced his reputation for raising his game against India with a halfcentury that was topped off by a match-winning six in the final over. Ahmedabad fans will hope for similar thrills, but a different result, on Friday.

The IPL is regularly put forth as one of the reasons for India’s Test decline.

While that argument has divided opinion, the IPL doesn’t seem to have done much to improve India’s Twenty20 performances ei-

World Twenty20 campaigns have been lacklustre, and while the batting is more or less settled, no bowler has yet nailed yet his place in the XI. The one spinner who had done that , R Ashwin, was surprisingly left out of the first T20, a move that Mohammad Hafeez suggested helped Pakistan.

In contrast, Pakistan have a plethora of bowling options, with Hafeez playing as a genuine allrounder, and Malik and Shahid Afridi able to contribute with both bat and ball. They also have two of the most successful T20 bowlers in Saeed Ajmal and Umar Gul, who combined to trigger India’s astonishing late-innings slide in Bangalore. The home side’s batting needs to find a way to negotiate them, if they are to stand

the series.

A noisy Chinnaswamy Stadium become even more deafeningly loud when debutant seam bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar got the ball to snake both ways, castling two Pakistan batsman and having another caught behind. It was not just the swerving deliveries that excited the fans but the manner in which he set up the dismissals. It was a dream start for Bhuvneshwar, but can he repeat the magic or was it a one-off? Ahmedabad will give us a clue.

Another new-ball bowler who didn’t just catch the eye, but demanded attention with his towering frame was Mohammad Irfan. He was regularly around the 90mph mark, troubling the India batsmen with his pace and bounce.

Preston Inter universities cricket cup 2012.

The final match played between International Islamic University and Preston University Islamabad at Shalimar cricket ground on Wednesday.

The Captain of International Islamic University Shayan Ejaz won the toss and elected to bat first and set the total of 98 runs within 12 overs.

Awais Ali was highest scorer and remained not out with 20 runs. It was not a big total but IIUI spinners again played a key role to defend low total.

The batsmen of Preston University could not face spin-bowling attack of IIUI and lost match by 25 runs.

Mohammad Saad, Khalil Dogar and Faisal Saleem took 2 wickets each.

Towering cricketers advise Mohammad Irfan to look after his body for long term BIPIN DANI OBSERVER CORRESPONDENT

LAHORE: KPK karate players demonstrating Kata during National Games.

IIUI win T-20 Inter-varsities Championship

M UMBAI —Pakistan’s new towering fast bowler, Mohammad Irfan has been advised to work hard and concentrate on his skill by former West Indian fast bowler, Joel Garner, also known as “Big Joel” or “Big Bird” because of his 6'-8" height.

Speaking exclusively over telephone from Barbados, Garner, who turned 61 earlier this month, said, “though I have not seen him (Irfan) bowling, my message to him would be to work hard and utilise his skill in the matches. He has to do a lot of practice in the nets and become utility bowler for his country”.

Irfan made his Twenty20 debut against India on Tuesday.

If Mohammad Irfan’s controversial height issue is kept aside, Will Jefferson

at 6'-9 1/2" is the tallest recorded cricketer to have played (for Essex and Nottinghamshire counties) the game at the First Class level.

Speaking, exclusively again, from London, where he was celebrating the X’mas holidays with his family, he said, “it is more advantageous to be a tall bowler I think. The extra bounce you can extract from the wicket from being tall is a big advantage-just look at Stephen Finn. But there are many advantages to being tall when you bat as well. Having long levers is only good if you can make the most of them. Tall batsmen need to still be able to keep their head and eyes level and flex their knees to help them move quickly into good batting positions”.

Jefferson played with some great Pakistani cricketers over the years, Abdur Razzak recently and Danish Kaneria at Essex. He also faced Wasim Akram and

Waqar Younis on a tour of England in 2000.

“I enjoyed fielding in the slips in my career and being tall was a huge help in this position. But you need to practise keeping low a lot of the time and not coming up too early. Being tall you can reach balls having long arms that other. shorter players cannot reach”, he added.

“Also, when you are tall, it is important to get you in the right positions on the pitch during one day and 20/ 20 games. Long off and Long on are good to try and catch balls that might be going for six into the crowd! And cover and mid wicket when the spin bowlers are on in one day cricket as you are in the batsmen’s eye line and they might be concerned about trying to get the ball over you”.

“My message to Mr Irfan would be to work hard on his footwork and his core muscles, and also his diving and sliding technique as cricket now expects every-

one to be an athletic fielder, no matter what size or shape you are”.

“My height might have held me back from playing international cricket as my chance came and went in 2004/05 when I was at my peak. I worked incredibly hard at my fitness and have finished my career with no regrets-only a bad back and hip! Being tall does put more stresses and strains on your body so one word of advice would be to look after your body for the long term-not just the short term of playing the game”, he added further.

Stating about his family history, he added, “My father, Richard Jefferson played for Surrey in the early 1960’s and was a very tall fast medium bowler who could bat. He was 6"7 inches tall. I have a tall brother and two tall sisters as well, and already my nieces and nephews are looking like they are going to be tall as well”.

HPV vaccine not linked to autoimmune disorders

A

TWO-year study of nearly 190,000 girls and women, finds that Gardasil, the hu man papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine made by Merck & Co, does not trigger autoimmune disorders such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

The results are published in the Journal of Internal Medicine. Study lead author Dr Chun Chao, a research scientist at the Kaiser Permanente Department of Research & Evaluation in Pasadena, California, said in a statement released on Friday, that: “This kind of safety information may help parents with vaccination decisions.” “”These findings offer some assurance that among a large and generalizable female population, no safety signal for autoimmune conditions was found following HPV4 vaccination in routine clinical use,” said Chao. Gardasil is a “quadrivalent” vaccine because it helps protect against 4 types of HPV. In girls and young women age 9 to 26, it targets 2 types that cause about 75% of cervical cancers, and 2 other types that cause 90% of cases of genital warts. The vaccine, which is given as three injections over six months, also helps protect boys and men age 9 to 26 against 90% of cases of genital warts. Genital warts is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the US, where it infects about 6.2 million people every year. It can also lead to cervical cancer in women.

Gardasil received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in 2006. But a longstanding concern about links with autoimmune disorders has surrounded the vaccine, and

many parents won’t let their children be vaccinated because of this.

However, Chao and fellow co-investigators from Kaiser Permanente told the press “most speculated associations have stemmed from case reports that have not been confirmed by large, controlled epidemiologic studies”, and their investigation “presents findings from a well-designed, post-licensure safety study of the vaccine on a large, ethnically diverse population”.For the study, Chao and colleagues used electronic health records of 189,629 girls and women age 9 to 26 years in California.

The participants had been followed for six months after receiving each dose of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine in 2006-2008.

They found no increase in any of 16 autoimmune disorders in the vaccinated population compared to a matched population of non-vaccinated girls and women. The 16 autoimmune disorders they looked for were: immune thrombocytopenia, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, Hashimoto’s disease, Graves’ disease, multiple sclerosis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, other demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system, vaccine-associated demyelination, Guillain-Barré syndrome, neuromyelitis optica, optic neuritis and uveitis.”The researchers explained that the clinical trial data on the vaccine, and the subsequent adverse event reports, have important limitations when it comes to assessing its safety profile.

KARACHI: People attend the funeral prayers for assistant Amir Jamat-e-Islami Pakistan Professor Ghafoor Ahmed at new M.A Jinnah road on Thursday: PO photo by Imran Gilani.

PPP leaders organize Fateha for Shaheed BB STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Quran khawani and Fateha were arranged for the soul of former prime minister, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto on her fifth death anniversary by Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), at Gulistan-e-Johar and Pehelwan Goth here on Thursday. The Quran khawani and Fateha were arranged at the residences of PPP leaders Noor Muhammad and Saleemuddin Ansari. Later, addressing the gathering, the PPP leader paid a glowing tribute to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. The PPP leaders and workers also reposed full confidence in the party leadership.

‘Sacrifices of Shaheed BB would be remembered’ KARACHI—Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf KARACHI: Maulana Sami-ul-Haq speaks during All Parties Conference organized by Difa- Hussain has paid rich tributes to e-Pakistan Council at Idara Noor-e-Haq. former prime minister and chairperson of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Benazir Bhutto on her fifth death anniversary.

In a statement issued by the K A R A C H I — Dr. Ishrat-ul- edge the administrative abili- ince and initiated quite a num- MQM here on Thursday, Altaf Ebad Khan has completed 10 ties, acumen, sagacity, toler- ber of development projects for said that Shaheed Benazir years as the Governor of ance, humbleness as well as the infrastructure development. Bhutto waged long struggle for Sindh,on December 27 in the the commitment and hard He also served the people of the the revival of democracy in the year 2002 Ebad was appointed work of Dr. Ishrat. In recogni- province without any distinc- country and for its continuation. as the 31st Governor of the tion of his services in the tion, convened high-level meet- Ultimately, she laid her life for Province. President Asif Ali realms of public service, Presi- ings for the resolution of the the sake of democracy. He hailed her as the martyr of deZardari on Tuesday had con- dent Asif Ali Zaradri conferred problems of people.

Dr. Ishrat established Leg- mocracy and said that her serferred ‘Nishan-i-Imtiaz’ on on him the ‘Nishan-i-Imtiaz’.

Sindh Governor, Dr. Ishrat-ul- As the Governor of Sindh, Dr. ends Trust , Bagh-i-Ibne vices and sacrifices for democEbad Khan, in recognition of Ishrat fostered unity and cohe- Qasim, besides promotion of racy would always be rememhis meritorious services in the siveness among various com- education,health facilities and bered. He sympathized with field of public service at a spe- munities and people in the numerous public service President Asif Ali Zardari, her children,leaders and workers of projects. cial ceremony held at the Gov- province.

He also worked for fosterThe credit for all his the PPP.—NNI ernor House here.

He has the distinction of ing the inter-faith harmony and achievements goes to the Chief being the youngest and long- faced the challenges confront- of the Muttahida Qaumi Moveest serving Governor of the ing the society. Ebad also un- ment (MQM), Altaf Hussain, dertook efforts for the develop- who constantly guided and enProvince of Sindh.

People from every walk of ment of the city of karachi as courage him in his public ser- KARACHI –Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has announced life appreciate and acknowl- well as other areas in the prov- vice endeavours.—APP the schedule for closure of CNG stations for the current week. According to the media release of SSGC, all the CNG stations in Sindh will remain closed for 48 hours from 08:00 am on Friday till 08:00 am on Sunday. This step is being taken by the gas utility to improve the line pack position all over Sindh province, which has been badly disturbed due to short supply of gas from different gas fields causing depletion of line pack and low pressure in the system, the spokes person of SSGC disclosed.—APP

Ebad completes 10 years as Governor

Professor Ghafoor Ahmad laid to rest OBSERVER REPORT KARACHI—Hundreds of activists and supporters of Jamat-eIslami (JI) and notables from various politico-religious parties attended the funeral prayers of JI leader Professor Abdul Ghafoor who had died Wednesday. The funeral prayer was offered at the New M.A Jinnah Road where JI Amir Syed Munawar Hasan led the prayer after which the coffin was taken to Sakhi Hassan graveyard for burial.

Speaking on the occasion, Hasan recalled and lauded the political struggle of Prof. Ahmad for uniting the politico-religious parties in the deeply-divided country, “No doubt Professor Ghafoor Ahmad is the name of a

single person but he was an academy and an organization in itself.

He had the unique skills of suing reconciliation policy to unit people for mutual-politics,” he said. Hasan said Prof. Ahmad united people by the time when they were about to kill each others. “This soil had no constitution and Ghafoor Sahab played a vital role in formulating constitution for the country.”

Senator Mushahidullah Khan of PML-N expressed his grief on the demise of Prof.

Ahmad and said he was an impressive politician. “There are very few people in Pakistan who worked for the unity of all the political parties in the country. He used to say that he came to this world alone and will go away

alone and now he went alone.”

Maulana Nasir Abbas Jafferi and Maulana Mirza Yousuf Hussain of Majlis Wahdat-eMuslimeen, Maulana Mohammad Ahmed Ludhianvi of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat, Amir Khan of MQM, Arif Alvi of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Noorullah Achakzai of ANP, Senator Mushahidullah Khan and Saleem Zia of PML-N, Pir Abdul Shakoor Naqshbandi of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI), Imtiaz Sheikh of Pakistan Muslim League Functional, Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed and leaders of JI including, Qazi Hussain Ahmed, Asadullah Bhutto, Naimatullah Khan, Muhammad Hussian Mehnati and others at- KARACHI—MQM leader and federal minister Farooq Sattar tended the funeral. has said that all political forces should have a united stance over national agenda. Talking to media in Karachi on Thursday he said MQM will support every ing Institute South Central Asia vice of change for progress of the is worthy as the exchange of country. Farooq Sattar said acnew ideas and information to cording to legal experts new deprotect the earth quakes in the limitation is illegal. He said the attitude secretary election is biworld.

Dr. A.Q. Khan awarded the ased against his party.—Online Fellow Diploma to Engr.Syed Jamshed Rizvi, Engr M. Zafar Zubairi, Engr Sultan Mehmood, Engr Ayaz Mirza, Engr Sohail Bashir and Engr Farhat Adil.

MQM to support change for progress

Institute of Engineers convocation STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—The 45th Convocation of the Institute of Engineers Pakistan was held here at Institute of Engineers Pakistan Building. A statement here on Thursday said that eminent nuclear scientist Dr. A.Q. Khan, presided over.

Speaking on the occasion he

said that he was proud to be an engineer because engineering practice clearly demarcated the laws of betterment of the mankind and real foundation of the new world. He said today engineers are universally regarded as a symbol of Science, Experiment and Invention.

He added that the foundation of Federation of Engineer-

Inoculation starts for protection against measles

KARACHI—The vaccination campaign has started in seven districts of Sindh for the protection against measles. This was stated by the Sindh health Minister, Dr. Sagheer Ahmed, here on Thursday. He pointed out that during the campaign three million children in the age group of nine months to 10 years would be inoculated in Sukkur, Khairpur, Shikarpur, Larkana, Kambar, Jacobabad and Kashmore. Dr. Sagheer said that the Provincial Health Department is making efforts for the protection against measles. He also warned that no dereliction would be tolerated in the campaign against measles.—APP

CNG closure

Dr Siddiqui hospitalized K ARACHI — Prof.

Dr. Muhammad Ali Siddiqui, president of Anjuman Tarraqi Pasand Musanafeen, and a prominent columnist, is ill and admitted at a local hospital. This was stated KARACHI: Advisor to Chief Minister Sindh Sharmila Farooqi, Dr Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, by the family members on Kristin Hawerth of US Consulate posing for a group photo with participants of ceremony Thursday. They appealed to the organized by Make-A-Wish in collaboration with Sheraton Hotel to grant the wishes of people to pray for his early recovery.—APP four children with life threatening illnesses.

KARACHI: Dr. Abdul Qadeer awarding fellowship diploma to Ayaz Mirza at Institute of Engineers Convocation on Thursday.

Clinic for emergency primary healthcare opens STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—A new clinic providing essential primary medical care as well as emergency and obstetric services has been opened in Machar Colony by the international medical humanitarian association Medecins Sans Frontieres/ Doctors Without Borders (MSF) together with Sina Health, Education and Welfare Trust (SINA).

An announcement here on

Thursday said that the densely populated Machar Colony is situated on the periphery of the Karachi Fish Harbour and has witnessed a rapid increase in its population over the past 30 years.

It said that pollution, population density, a lack of proper sanitation and a shortage of affordable healthcare all increase the vulnerability of Machar Colony residents to preventable diseases like diarrhoea and respiratory tract infections.

The clinic first opened its doors in mid-October 2012, and in its first month more than 100 consultations took place daily.

All medicine and medical services are free, including primary healthcare, 24-hour emergency services and a delivery unit. ‘There are many communities and diverse ethnicities present in Machar Colony, and the clinic is open to anyone needing medical attention’, said Dr Declan Barry, MSF medical representative in Karachi.

Governor’s message on Urs of Shah Latif Bhittai K ARACHI – Sindh Governor, Dr.Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan on Thursday called for following the teachings and message of famous sufi and poet of Sindh, Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai to establish ever lasting peace and promote unity, brotherhood and affection in the country.

The Sindh Governor said this in his message on the eve of 269th Urs of Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (R.A). He said that Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (R.A) spread the message of peace, love and betterment and welfare of masses.—APP

Food allergies, bullying often linked

W

HEN children have food aller gies, their parents have to con stantly watch out for allergens and be prepared for a possible reaction.

Another concern, and one that is often overlooked, is bullying. A new study, published online in the journal Pediatrics on Monday, found that more than 30 percent of ch ildren have been harassed by their classmates because of their allergies, and that parents are only aware of it about half of the time. It’s very easy to intimidate a foodallergic child,” said study author Dr. Eyal Shemesh, chief of the division of behavioral and developmental health in the Department of Pediatrics at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York. “It doesn’t take more than waving a peanut in front of them.”

Shemesh and his colleagues surveyed 251 families recruited at a food allergy clinic. Overall, 45 percent of the children and teens — who were between the ages of 8 and 17 — said they’d been bullied, and 31.5 percent said it was because of their food allergy.

The bullying was most likely to happen while they were in school and included others teasing them, waving food in their face, throwing food at them, or forcing them to touch the food that triggers their allergies. The more frequent the bullying, the worse the child’s qual-

ity of life, the study found. But just one instance of bullying took a toll on kids’ happiness, according to selfreports.The study also showed there is a significant gap in how much parents know about bullying — they only knew about 50 percent of the cases of harassment.

When moms and dads did know about the bullying, their children reported a higher quality of life, which suggests that parents can help, Shemesh said.

“Parents should ask, not in an alarming way, something like, ‘Do people bother you at school or anywhere? Do people bother you about the allergy?’” he said. Doctors, whether they are pediatricians or allergy specialists, should also be aware of possible food-related bullying and speak up.

“Clinicians should not be intimidated or think that children will not talk to them about it,” Shemesh said. “This study shows they will.”Nearly six million children, or 8 percent of kids in the U.S., have food allergies.

A 2008 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study reported an 18 percent increase in food allergies in the U.S. in the last decade for reasons that continue baffle scientists.

Allergic reactions can be very serious: A 2011 study found that every three minutes, a food allergy reaction lands someone in the emergency room.

Prof Ghafoor’s death condoled L AHORE —Jamaat-e-Islami Punjab has expressed profound grief and sorrow over the demise of JI Naib Ameer Prof Ghafoor Ahmed.

JI Punjab Ameer Dr Sayed Waseem Akhtar, Secretary General Nazir Janjua, Naib Ameer Amirul Azim and others in a condolence message to the bereaved family of Prof Ghafoor Ahmed, said that his death had deprived the country of a seasoned politician.

They prayed that may Allah Almighty rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the loss with equanimity.

Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) leaders have expressed their sorrow over the demise of JI Naib Ameer Prof Ghafoor Ahmed.

In a condolence message here on Thursday, LAHORE: PML-N President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif meeting with Gohar Ayub, Zaffar Iqbal Jhagra and other Ahsan Rasheed, Abdul leaders.

Aleem Khan, Jamshed Iqbal Cheema, Sardar Kamil Umar and others prayed to the Almighty to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage and patience to the bereaved family to bear this loss.—APP

Quran Khawani for Benazir held LAHORE—Pakistan People’s Party Punjab on Thursday held a Quran Khawani and Dua for Shaheed Benazir Bhutto on her 5th death anniversary here at PPP Punjab office.

Allama Muhammad Yousaf Awan offered dua and Fateha for the departed soul.

PPP workers reiterated their commitment to continue the mission of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto who laid down her life for the sake of democracy and federation.

A large number of PPP workers and leaders including Hasnat Shah, Altaf Quershi, Iqbal Sialvi, Manzoor and others were present on the occasion.—APP

LAHORE: PPP workers offering Fateha to mark the 5th death anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto at Faisal Town.

Demo against CNG closure STAFF REPORTER L A H O R E —Hundreds

of motorists staged a protest demonstration against the closure of CNG station for the fourth consecutive day at Jail road on Thursday.

The protesters mainly rickshaw drivers blocked busiest road of the city and chanted slogans against officials of SNGPL. They were of the view that three days gas holiday had already dwindled their income and now closure of CNG stations for yet another day would bring nothing but starvation to their families.

Later, a contingent of

Fake spiritual leaders nabbed STAFF REPORTER L AHORE —District Coordination Officer (DCO) Lahore Noor-ul-Amin Mengal has said that eight fake spiritual leaders had been arrested so far in an ongoing crackdown campaign against them in all the nine towns of the capital metropolis.

While talking to media persons at Town Hall in a press briefing here on Thursday, Mengal said that fake spiritual healers were looting the innocent people who visited them for seeking the solution of different problems.

He said that fake Peers had no place in Lahore and as many as 8 fake spiritual healers had been arrested so far under the section of 420 of Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

police dispersed the protesters and cleared the vehicular traffic.

The motorists and commuters had to face severe hardships due to closure of CNG stations in different areas of Punjab on Thursday, fourth consecutive day.

According to Managing Director (MD), Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited, (SNGPL) Arif Hameed, CNG stations in Lahore, Multan, Sahiwal, Sheikhupura, Multan and Sahiwal cities were shut for another day due to low gas pressure to ensure supply for the domestic consumers.

The supply to the CNG

stations was to be resumed on Thursday after a threeday closure but low pressure has compelled the utility to cut the supply for another day and now it would be opened on Friday (today).

People had been facing severe difficulties due to the extended closure of CNG stations. Commuters had to suffer as they were denied the relatively cheaper fuel by gas stations.

The prevailing situation had not only been disturbing daily life of the citizens, but was also proving problematic for office going people.

Delay in access to health centres causes mother, child mortalities STAFF REPORTER L A H O R E —Delay in access to health facilities due to non-availability and high cost of transport are the main reasons of casulties during and after delivery cases particularly in rural areas of the country.

This was identified by Research and Advocacy Firm (RAF) in its recent study, said a spokesman of RAF here Thursday.

The RAF is working to identify research and advocacy gaps maternal and newborn child health (MNCH) situation in the country.

He said, more than 320 women out of 100,000 died

during delivery and post delivery cases. Similarly nearly 78 children out of 1000 died within 24 hours of their birth.

The experts are conducting further in-depth study and research of these problems to devise locally relevant solutions to overcome it, he said.

The recommendations based on the further study and research would be presented to the policymakers, provincial/ district government governments, local health providers and community stakeholders and decisionmakers for taking necessary steps to control casualties during delivery and soon after delivery.

Railways to run Shalimar Night Coach with private partnership

Befitting arrangements on Imam Hussain (RA) Chehlum

Wooden plank writing habit goes off

Special Branch, Syed Jaffer Ali, Syed Arif Ali Zaidi, Syed Khurram Naqvi, Syed Ahmad Abbas, TMOs and TORs of all Towns were present on the occasion.

Mengal revealed that people, who are involved in promoting sectarianism in City and destroying the peaceful environment of City, had no place in Lahore.

He also directed the officials concerned to remove all banners having sectarianism statements. While discussing the security arrangements of Urs of Data Gunj Buksh (RA) and Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), Noor-ul-Amin Mengal told that as many as 100 CCTV Cameras would be installed at different sensitive points on way of Chehlum route and at Data Darbar. He also directed the officials of WASA, LWMC, Rescue 1122, Health, Police, Traffic, Sui Gas, TEPA, LESCO and TMA to prepare their arrangement plans and to sumbit them at DCO Office. He also directed police to installed walk through

LAHORE—A traditional way of using wooden plank (Takhti) for improving handwriting and creativity of students in schools is being lost.

‘Sound of first stroke of Qalam (pen) on plank creating strange scratches always hits very deep to my mind and inspired me to bring my expression on the canvas, said Manzoor Solangi, an artist from Hyderabad, here on Wednesday.

Solangi’s paintings, including ‘Takhti’ are exhibited in an exhibition of paintings to be inaugurated at Art Gallery 70 Shahrah-e-Quaid-eAzam Regal Chowk here on Friday.

The exhibition will continue from 10.30am to 6:00pm till January 8.

Amjad Naeem, Hussain Chandio, Iqbal Ahmed Khokhar, Jam Depar Munawar Mohiuddin are other artists whose work is being displayed in the exhibition. Manzoor Ali Solangi said “the tradition was very useful but is being lost.”—APP

MUZAFFAR ALI L AHORE —District Coordination Officer (DCO) Lahore Noor ul Amin Mengal has said that City District Government Lahore would provide all outstanding arrangements on the occasion of Chehlum Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and Urs Hazrat Data Gunj Bukhsh Hajvari (RA).

He said that Islam teaches us to remain in a society with peaceful co-existence and to promote brotherhood among Muslims.

He expressed these views while chairing a meeting in connection with the arrangements of Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and Urs of Hazrat Data Gunj Bukhsh Hajvari (RA) at Town Hall on Thursday.

SP (City) Multan Khan, DO (C) Sahibzadi Waseema Umar, AC (City) Saira Umar, EDO (Health), Syed Ajmal Hussain Naqvi, Touqeer Baba, Allama Mushtaq Hussain Jaffri, Arif Hussain Shah, Amir Ali Zaidi, DSP

gates on the entrance points of Chehlum Procession and Urs. Mengal also announced that he would himself pay visit of the spot to check the arraignments. Shia leaders appreciated DCO Lahore for taking excellent security steps on the occasion of 10th of Muharram and hoped for the same arrangements on the Chehlum Procession of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA).

‘One Pound Fish’ singer arrives LAHORE —Shahid Nazir, the Pakistani who shot to fame for his song ‘One Pound Fish’ arrived in Lahore on Thursday.

Upon his arrival Nazir said he would be visiting France in two weeks and had returned to Pakistan to obtain his visa. Nazir denied reports in the media that he had been deported from Britain.—Online

Efforts on to arrest Touqeer Sadiq: IGP

L AHORE —An agreement has been signed between Pakistan Railway and Shalimar Group to start another train through public private partnership.

A simple and impressive ceremony was held here at Railway Headquarters on Wednesday. Chairman Railway Tariq Azeem and Head of Shalimar Group Rana Rafaqat signed the agreement. General Manager Operations Junaid Qureshi was also present on the occasion.

According to the agreement, an overnight “Night Coach” train consisting of 14 coaches, including one AC sleeper coach, two AC standard, seven economy class coaches, one power van, one luggage van, one AC dining car and one brake van, are planed to run on a daily basis between Lahore and Karachi Cantt via Faisalabad and Multan in the evening.

The running time of the train between Karachi and Lahore is 18:00 hours.

The commercial management of the train was outsourced in a Public Private Partnership through the process of advertisement, by inviting bids to M/s Shalimar Group. The private party will be responsible to bring substantive changes to value adding in the service to be provided to passengers, Pakistan Railways would provide locomotives and coaches with the standard fitting and amenities.

M/s. Shalimar Group offered a bid of Rs. 631.95 million including 70.2% earning capacity of the train. They also offered to invest Rs. 81.838 million in value addition services. M/s Shalimar Group plan to deposit Rs. 100 million for repair of locomotives.—APP

LAHORE—Inspector General of Police (IGP), Punjab, Haji Habib-ur-Rehman has said that former OGRA chairman, Tauqeer Sadiq is abroad, however, all out efforts are being made to arrest him till December 31.

Speaking to media in ‘Meet the Press’ at Lahore Press Club on Thursday, he said the Supreme Court had given a target to police for the arrest of Tauqeer Sadiq.

He said that stringent measures had been adopted to make Punjab crime free province, adding 60 police officials LAHORE: Activists of World Pasban Khatm-e-Nabowat burning the Indian flag during had been martyred in 350 endemonstration outside Press Club. counters in the province. He assured that he would soon give good news about the breakthrough in Shahbaz Taseer’s kidnap and an American citizen who was kidnapped from Model Town Lahore.

He said that he was wishing to changing uniform of police but other police officagainst encroachments a On Commercialisation ers did not support.—APP STAFF REPORTER few months back but since fee issue, there was a conL A H O R E —Lahore Cham- they are propping up again sensus among the particiber of Commerce and In- and hence, there was a pants that this fee must not dustry on Thursday de- need to re-launch the op- be charged from those marmanded the Punjab govern- eration. “A hurdle free kets that were established ment to launch operation movement of vehicles is a before partition.

The district administraagainst encroachments must for timely delivery of tion during ongoing drive which are not only creating g o o d s . ” He also stressed the conducted raids on 574 hurdles in the smooth flow of traffic but also adding to need for construction of shops and challaned 126 parking plazas in and for profiteering and hoardcost of doing business.

The demand was raised around the city markets so ing. Official sources stated by the Convener Standing that shoppers and the busi- that seven cases were regCommittee on Local Gov- nessmen could conduct istered besides imposing a ernment Affairs Ilyas Majid their respective activities fine of worth Rs. 89,450 against profiteers.

Sheikh at a meeting held at with a peace of mind.

“Parking Plazas is direly DCO Noorul Amin the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry on needed in the city of Mengal instructed the Lahore to avoid haphazard magistrates to continue Thursday.

He said that LCCI mem- parking of vehicles that of- crackdown to ensure sale bers appreciated Punjab ten causes accidents,” he of commodities on control rates. government’s action added.

LCCI demands anti-encroachment drive