Ep29august2015

US wants India, Pakistan lessen tension WASHINGTON—State Department’s spokesperson John Kirby on Thursday said that United States is desirous to see decrease in tensions between Pakistan and India.

He advised the neighbouring countries to opt for talks in a press briefing in Washington.

He said that Secretary of State John Kerry has always stressed both countries to

8 dead in Indian unprovoked firing Indian HC summoned, protest lodged over ceasefire violations Dozens of houses damaged President, PM concerned over aggression Asif rules out possibility of limited war FAISAL KHAWER BUTT/AGENCIES

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SIALKOT/ISLAMABAD—At least eight civilians

Lawyer gunned down in Karachi

were killed and 46 others wounded on Friday in Indian border troops firing along the Line of Control in Kashmir and Working Boundary in Sialkot’s Charwah, Harpal, Chaprar and Sucheetgarh sectors.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations, Indian Border Security Forces personnel resorted to firing and shelling along the boundary. Earlier reports suggested seven Pakistanis were killed in the firing and shelling by Indian forces, however, the military’s media wing has confirmed the number as eight.

Rangers sources said the attacks along the Sialkot Working Boundary have mostly harmed civilians, adding that a number of livestock belonging to residents of the area has been killed, while houses have been partially damaged.

Meanwhile, Indian officials claimed firing

by Pakistani border guards along the boundary in Kashmir left three Indian civilians dead and

STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Former joint secretary Karachi Bar Association, Amir Haider Shah was gunned down by unidentified masked men below the Hassan Square flyover here on Friday evening.

According to police officials, three masked men riding a motorcycle opened fire on Shah, who died on the spot. A passerby was also injured in the incident, they said and added that 9MM and 30 bore bullet shells were also recovered from the spot, police officials further said.

Islamabad LB polls on Nov 30 STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Local government polls in Islamabad capital territory will be held on November 30, the Election Commission of Pakistan announced on Friday.

Polling will be held on the seats of chairman, vice chairman, general members, 2 women reserved seats, kissan, youth and minority seats.

According to the schedule issued by the ECP, the process

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Today’s issue of Pakistan Observer carries a 6-Page Special Reports on Bank Alfalah.

Pervaiz Rashid highlights spirit of ‘Yaum-e-Difah’

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Another threat of war by PPP ................................................

Building infrastructure in FATA

See Page 04

at least 16 wounded.

“Firing by the Indian side started at around 23:30 hours last night, when Pakistani troops confronted India for using an excavator, near the Working Boundary without following the established SOPs. Pakistani troops initially exercised restraint; however, responded befittingly when India started heavy firing. The firing ended on Friday at 11:00 hours,” the statement read.

President Mamnoon Hussain strongly con- SIALKOT: Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif expressing condolence with the relative of a man killed by Indian demned the unprovoked firing in Sialkot sector firing and shelling alongside Working Boundary at village Kundan Pur.—APP that claimed several innocent lives and said India had been violating international laws, traditions and agreements by targeting the civilian population at the working boundary.

The President said Pakistan would take up the issue at international level and India would have to pay a heavy price for this act of aggression.

The President said India would not be alSTAFF REPORTER lowed any aggression against the people of Pakistan.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has expressed I S L A M A B A D — F o r m e r Speaker National Assembly Continued on Page 7 Ayaz Sadiq called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday and exchanged views on the prevailing political situation in the country.

During his conversation with PM Nawaz, Sadiq said he of aggression along Line of Control and WorkSTAFF REPORTER would move the Supreme ing Boundary.

Court to clear allegations levfeel corrupt elements being nabbed wherever He appreciated the high morale of troops RAWALPINDI—Chief of Army Staff General eled against him.

However, he they are.

Raheel Sharif has said that army is well aware deployed there against the India’s ‘blatant viosaid that he does not intend to Meanwhile, Director General of National of Indian involvement in spreading terrorism in lations’.

Accountability Bureau Punjab, Major (retd) approach the apex court to get cities of Pakistan.

According to the details shared by the dia stay-order on the NA-122 byBurhan Ali on Friday in Lahore said ‘big fish’ General Raheel said this during his visit to rector general of Inter-Services Public Relations, elections. in the province will soon be brought to justice.

The former speaker was Combined Military Hospital, Sialkot, to inquire Major General Asim Bajwa, the army chief Speaking to media representatives after disabout the health of people injured in Indian fir- lauded the efforts of troops deployed at the worktributing Rs.20.69 million among the stock ex- optimistic for the trust that ing. He also inspected Sialkot Working Bound- ing boundary for replying to the Indian aggrespeople have reposed in him, change affectees in his office he said said an imary and Rangers Headquarters where he was sion in a befitting manner. partial action will be taken against the corrupt saying that he is confident he briefed on the situation.

“India has blatantly violated the ceasefire would win the by-polls by a elements. Anybody who has done bad will be arTalking at the occasion, General Raheel agreement along the working boundary and line huge margin. rested, he said adding the corrupt elements are “There is no room for poli- Sharif said that army is well aware of Indian of control,” Gen Raheel was quoted as saying. being surrounded throughout the country.

He further said that Indian has crossed all tics of protests in the country. aggression on the border and Indian involvement “Soon, action will be taken against big fish limits to terrorise Pakistani citizens and has disin acts of terrorism in Pakistani cities adding Continued on Page 7 in Punjab also,” he concluded. that there is a relation between terrorist attacks regarded the international conventions and norms. “We can sense that there is definite linkand violations on Working Boundary.

He further said that India is showing no re- age between terrorism being sponsored by Ingard for international laws by committing acts Continued on Page 7

Politics of accusations will be buried under votes of masses: PM

‘Big fish’ in Punjab to be on the hook soon LIAQAT TOOR ISLAMABAD—As the pressure is mounting to go after the corrupt mafia in a uniform manner and without any discrimination throughout the country, inquiries and references have almost been completed to catch hold of corrupt mafia in Punjab and other areas soon.

The anti-corruption campaign in Sindh province has drawn criticism from PPP, MQM, members of civil society and media describing it discriminatory sparing Punjab, Balochistan, KP and others areas.

Sources in NAB here while dispelling such impression said the people will soon see and

Banned INGO ‘STC’ continues to challenge govt writ ZEESHAN JAVAID ISLAMABAD—Under the nose of civil administration, as US based an influential but controversial international development organization, Save the Children (STC) continues to defy the Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) and civilmilitary leadership by working in prohibited areas of the country including FATA, KPK and Balochistan through its proxies under the guise of a fake nutrition program.

Despite hot words and string actions from Federal Interior Minister, Chaudhry Nisar and continued expression of com-

mitment from top civil and military leadership of the country for implementation of National Action Plan (NAP), STC to counter the government policies has formed a giant force of more than 102 Civil Society Organizations indirectly to meet its hidden targets.

This mega development was unearthed during a thorough study of STC’s activities in Pakistan particularly after the closure of organization secretariat not only in Islamabad but hundreds of its field offices across the different part of the country including the war-torn areas including FATA, KPK and Balochistan, where the LEAs and Pakistan Armed

Forces in joint efforts continued their assignment of clean-up militancy and terrorism from the country. Save the Children Offices were closed in Islamabad on June 11 under the orders of federal interior ministry for its alleged involvement in some suspicious activities.

List of charges against Save the Children, as shared by ministry sources included their unauthorized operations in sensitive areas like FATA, Baluchistan and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa without obtaining any no-objection certificate.

Same organization was also implicated in working as American CIA front organi-

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Pakistan well aware of Indian involvement in terrorism: COAS Finds direct links between border violations, terror attacks

Afghan forces start operations against Taliban

Imran slams ECP for not extending tribunals’ period

tions in parts of Musa Qala district of Helmand province to recapture the area from Taliban insurgents, officials said on Friday.

Provincial spokesman Omar Zowak told TOLO news that Afghan forces have started a large scale operation in Musa Qala district and at the moment clashes are ongoing between the forces and the Taliban. Zowak did not provide details about casualties.

On Wednesday officials from Musa Qala said that the area was in danger of collapsing into the hands of the Taliban. There was however contradictory reports with some Provincial Council members who said that Musa Qala had already collapsed to the Continued on Page 7

stan, Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan on Friday said that there were no doubts left now that ECP was bias after its decision not to extend contracts of tribunals after verdicts against ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz.

“There should be no doubt now about ECP’s bias after its

ISLAMABAD —Attacking on KABUL—Afghan Security Forces have started military opera- Election Commission of Paki-

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Tree plantation KARACHI— Sindh Chief Secretary, Muhammad Siddiq Memon chairing a meeting Friday sought support of concerned communities for massive tree plantation in riverain areas of the province.

Reviewing arrangements made for rehabilitation of flood affected areas in the province, he said forestation in katcha or riverain areas was crucial for protection of settled localities besides strengthening bunds or the small dams raised at different locations along the river Sindh. The Chief Secretary said communities have to be made conscious that trees also contribute towards drop in temperature besides contributing towards their livelihood.—APP

Dar: Zarb-e-Azb success depends on all stakeholders coordinated efforts I S L A M A B A D —A Special Steering Committee meeting for FATA’s Temporarily Displaced Persons (TDPs) Emergency Recovery Project was held on Friday at Economic Affairs Division. Minister for Finance, Mohammad Ishaq Dar chaired the meeting, said a press release issued

by Finance Ministry. Addressing the meeting, Dar emphasized that the success of Operation “Zarb-e-Azb” depended on the well coordinated efforts of all stakeholders.

He stated the total cost of operation was US$ 1.9 billion of which the cost of rehabilitation is US$ 800 million; US$ 530 million is for security and operational cost is US$ 270 million of which the government had disbursed half of the amount and would continue to support till the successful completion of the operation.

Similarly Government has also spent US$300 million for wheat sub-

sidy and other TDP related expenses, he added. The Minister note that all stakeholders including Federal Government, FATA, SAFRON and security forces worked diligently and in a coordinated manner to achieve objectives of the operation and for safe return of FATA TDPs. He appreciated the efforts of World Bank for financing US$ 75 million for cash transfer support to FATA TDPs. He directed NADRA to leave no stone unturned in preparation of software and mechanism compatible to international standards of transparency as this was the hallmark of the government. Secretary, EAD informed that for rehabilitation cost of US$ 800 million, donors such as China, IDB and Italy are already forthcoming with their assistance and the modalities are being finalized. Other donors will also be mobilized in this regard.

Finance Minister also inaugurated the Operations Unit for the Temporarily Displaced Persons at the Economic Affairs Division and issued instructions that the work of return and rehabilitation of TDPs must be completed by the end of 2016 as planned. The Minister appreciated the efforts of the World Bank for the financial support and congratulated EAD for setting up the TDPs Operation Unit with the help of Islamic Development Bank.

This unit will serve as a focal body for not only implementing FATA TDPs Emergency Recovery Project but also mobilizing and coordinating other donors’ assistance.

Senior officials of Economic Affairs Division, Finance Division, Planning and Development, SAFRON, FATA, NADRA, S&M Secretariat and Country Director World Bank attended the meeting.—APP

Field Marshal Mohammad Ayub Khan addressing the Jawans at a forward area.

Highlights

VC hands over promotion letters

 Indian Aryans outdoing Brutal Nazis:

The Indians are perfecting themselves in Nazi terror tactics in Kashmir , political observers said.  Indians burn two more villages: The Indian forces , demoralized by their failure, have burnt two more villages in Kashmir.  Call for full support to Ayub: Mr. Mahmood A Haroon , Provincial Minister for Cooperation and Labour made an impassioned appeal to the people to stand firmly united under the leader-ship of President Ayub Khan at this critical time when the nation was faced with danger from outside.  India Allergic to truth: Expulsion of Miss Sarabhai , a top ranking social and political worker of India from Occupied Kashmir, has proved without any shadow of doubt that the Indian Government was not at all prepared to tolerate truth.  India massing troops along E.Wing border: Assam government has posted more troops along the East Pakistan border as special defence plan.

HYDERABAD— A total of 59 faculty members and 21 officers of University of Sindh Jamshoro Friday received promotion orders at a ceremony held at the Senate hall. Chaired by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Abida Taherani, the ceremony was attended by Pro-Vice Chancellors and, Deans of Faculties and large number of faculty members. The promotion orders were given after the approval from the syndicate of the university accorded in its meeting which held yesterday at Vice Chancellor’s office. The Vice Chancellor gave away promotion orders to the newly promoted 33 ProfesI SLAMABAD —As many as sors including Dr. Ayaz 23,000 Pakistani Hajj pilgrims Keerio, Dr. Abdul Ghafoor have arrived in Saudi Arabia Memon, Dr. Mujeeb-urISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar chairing a meeting to review progress regarding for the annual pilgrimage Rehman Maree.—APP rehabilitation and resettlement of TDPs. through 113 flights. According to an official of Ministry of Religious Affairs and InterSpeaker faith Harmony, the Hujjaj was replies being transported to Jeddah L AHORE — and Madinah Munawwarrah Punjab from ten gateways including Assembly Islamabad, Peshawar, Lahore, Acting Speaker Karachi, Quetta, Multan, Sher Ali Gorchani Friday Sialkot, Faisalabad, Rahimyar directed ministers and Khan and Sukkur. parliamentary secretaries (PITB) has developed this attendance sector hospitals was one of the basic The Pre-Hajj operation STAFF REPORTER of departments concerned system to make health delivery network components of the health sector reforms will conclude on Sep-tember to ensure timely submisLAHORE—The Government of Punjab more effective and to improve health road map agenda that Punjab govern- 17, 2015 and Post Hajj operasion of answers to has initiated process for installing bio- services to citizen by ensuring presence ment had designed for overhauling the tion of bringing back Hajjis questions. In a questionmetric attendance system at public hos- and punctuality of doctors, administra- health sector and improving patient would be conducted from hour session, the Speaker pitals in the province to ensure pres- tive and other staff at hospitals during care. PITB has also devised standard September 27 to October 28, took strong exception to ence of employees including doctors, duty hours. He said biometric atten- operating procedure (SOPs) for this 2015, he said. Pakistan Internon-serious attitude of nurses and other supportive staff on dance system has initially been system. national Airlines (PIA) would officers of departments He said, under this system allow transport 55,800 intending duty for enhancing better patient care. launched in 38 DHQs and 100 THQs concerned and asked the hospital MS and focal person to pilgrims to Saudi Arabia in“This system will provide real time across Punjab. parliamentary secretaries A comprehensive training by PITB manage and control the attendance, cluding 43,600 through 148 data about the attendance of employto take action against them ees via online dashboard, eliminate was conducted on 23rd July 2015 for duty rosters and leave management Pre- Hajj flights. While more as per law and submit a ghost employees, ensure transpar- the focal persons of DHQ and THQ system. A user credential and pass- than 12,200 intending pilreport to the assembly ency, and improve capacity and pro- Hospitals and they were briefed about word was given to focal persons to grims would be transported secretariat within 15 days. ductivity of institutions,” Pakistan key features including enrollment, ros- access the system, while EDOs health through regular scheduled The House took a serious Observer learnt. ter management - shift wise and leave and health department official will also flights to Saudi Arabia, he notice of non-clearance of provided with login credential to keep said.

According to a well informed management in this regard, he said. growers dues by sugar He further said, installing the bio- an eye on department’s staff punctusource in Punjab Health Department, As many as 143,368 mills owners.—APP Punjab Information Technology Board metric attendance system at the public ality and measure efficiency. would perform the sacred

23,000 Pakistani pilgrims reach Saudi Arabia

Punjab govt installing biometric attendance system in hospitals

ceremony this year. Fifty percent of them would perform the Hajj through government scheme and fifty percent through private scheme (Hajj Group Organisers HGOs). All pilgrims male and female have been asked to affix a Pakistan flag at their ‘Ahrams’ for identification. Female pilgrims should carry at least two ‘Abayas’ preferably of black colour.

Hajj mission would comprise including 450 Hajj Medical Mission, 450 Moavineene-Hujjaj, 200 seasonal staff of the ministry and 400 local Moavineen-e-Hujjaj would be de-puted in Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2015, he said. Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has established facilitation counters in the Hajj directorates to provide round the clock services intending Haujjaj during the Hajj season.

The Hujjaj would be provided three times a meal a day at their respective building in Makkah, Madinah and Mina.—APP

MoU signing ceremony WAHEED PHULPOTO SHIKARPUR—A MoU signing ceremony between the Social Welfare Department Shikarpur and Save the Children was signed here in the office of Save the Children District Shikarpur on Thursday. The ceremony was attended by Deputy Director Social welfare Department Shikarpur along with his other staff members.

The ceremony started with recitation of the Holy Quran followed by short introduction of participants.

Muhammad Afsar highlighted the main aspects of the partnership between Save the Children and Social Welfare department and stressed upon cementing the ties between the two institutions.

The partnership will ensure better outcomes for communities in general and pregnant / lactating women in particular by linking them with social protection institutions like as Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) Pakistan Bait-ulMal, District Zakat & Ushr, Social Welfare Department etc for their regular support, he said.

Balochistan liberation had no feet to stand on SALAHUDDIN HAIDER

M

UCH had been said about Brahamdagh Bugti’s offer to give up the liberation call for Balochistan province. But whether his statement, from Switzerland, to return to Pakistan and contribute to the progress and welfare of the southwestern province, really had subs t a n c e , ought to be carefully examined. No need to be swayed by emotions or be sentimental about it.

Such demands are heard in any country, any part of the world. But if analysed dispassionately, the call for Balochistan liberation had no feet to stand on.

History teaches us two vital lessons. Cessation of any part of territory from the mainland can only be possible on the basis of two major factors. First, the regular

army of that particular country is defeated by an invading force from outside its borders, as had happened in former East Pakistan in 1971, or secondly, a very strong and powerful uprising renders the country’s administration toothless, and forces it to surrender.

The only example of the second option succeeding in recent memory is of East Timur. Mounting public agitation caused its cessation or independence from the mainland in the South-East.

But armed conflicts in Jaffna area of Sri Lanka, or the civil war in the Biafra region in Nigeria in the 70s, was ultimately crushed. In both these cases, a professional army succeeded in outmaneuvering, and overpowering the rebels, arresting most of them, or disenabling them to give up the fight.

In Jaffna, capital city of northern Sri Lanka with a population of less than 100,000, the Liberation Tiger of Tamil Elam, fought against the federal forces for

over quarter of a century. ers Party, but in 1992 the Even Indian intervention Democratic Left merged during Rajeev Gandhi era into Labour Party. failed to solve the problem.

Although still, till 2011, But the will of the govern- some members of the IRA ment finally prevailed and had formed a rebel group to the Tamil leader Prabhakaran finally was defeated. Now a beeline has been formed by foreign investors to rebuild a city,12th largest in the island-country.

The Irish history is centuries-old, from 1860 to 1917, and then again in late 60s and the 70s of 21st century.The Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA or PIRA) was an Irish republican paramilitary organisation that sought to remove Northern Ireland from the United Kingdom Brahamdagh Bugti and bring about an independent republic encom- keep fighting, but practipassing all of Ireland. It cally the issue is now over. was the biggest and most Both these instances active republican paramili- have been cited to prove tary group in recent that unanimity for a cause memory.. Again, the IRA is essential.

In had a chequered history Balochistan’s case this has with groups splitting and been missing from the bere-splitting. Their leader ginning. Calls for “IndepenSinn Fein, formed a Work- dent Balochistan “ were

nothing but tantrums. Different Baloch leaders held different views. Trouble began with Nawab Akbar Bugti’s death in a hide-out blast. Before that, and even till date, blowing up of sui gas pipelines have been on, which has caused enormous economic loss to the country, but never really helped the cause of cessation which some youngsters like Harbayar Marri, or Balaj Marri, worked for.

They had even formed their so-called Liberation Armies. In reality however, Baloch leaders never really looked united. Akbar Bugti’s son, Talal ( now no more), had differences over the issue with Brahamdagh, the former opting for autonomy within Pakistan, but the later voicing for separate State.

The liberation or republic armies of the two Marri youngsters, looked disjointed and disorganized from the start, lacked proper structure, and suffered from cohesive leadership.

Then although no match

in quality and stature of their fathers, late Ghous Bux Bijenzo, or Samad Khan Achakzai(who was blown to pieces in a bomb blast), Hasil Bijenzo or Mahmood Khan Achakzai, are more interested in Islamabad comforts, than in the welfare of their people. Both Ghous Bux and Samad Khan, were great leaders, and held on to principles. Neither of the two sons, display that quality.

While the government claims to possess involvement of Indian secret service RAW in Balochistan, the question of military intervention in the province seems out of question. Former East Pakistan had long border with India, and was almost defenceless in the two wars of 1965 and 1971. Balochistan has borders with Iran and Afghanistan. Iran may have grievances against Pakistan, and small unpleasant incidents do mar relationship sometime, but Iranian military adventure, especially to help Balochis, can be nothing but elusion or dream.

In fact, even during Shah Pehlavi days, Iran was the biggest opponent of Baloch radicals. He feared its backlash in his own country’s Baloch province of Seestan. The Shah, in fact, forced Z. A. Bhutto to crush the Balochis. Bhutto as a wiser leader, resisted his suggestions, but did use force later. After the 1979 revolution of Imam Khomeini, situation has changed drastically, and entirely in Pakistan’s favour.

Apprehensions of military intervention from Afghanistan, atleast for another decade or so, can easily be ruled out, Afghan army is neither trained nor equipped to face the Pakistani professionalism. There is no match therefore. Small skirmishes or unpleasantness in bilateralism is something different from use of military might.

Credit must also be given here to the military command of the southern region, headed by Lt-General Nasir Janjua, who jointly with chief minister Dr

Mannan, has largely succeeded in creating a viable environment for peace.

Their combined efforts have enormously benefitted the cause of country’s solidarity and integrity.

Arguments cited above show that factors helping cessation of a regular territory, have all been completely missing here. But that does not mean, that attempts made to persuade the Khan of Kalat to return home from London, and Brahamdagh’s gesture should be ignored.

They need to be respected and the goodwill or positive response to negotiations, attempted so far, need to be equally warmly reciprocated.

A high powered mission from Pakistan should go to talk to them, and try and bring them home to hold aloft the Pakistani flag, and simultaneously they be helped financially and materially to build their province into a strong economic zone. That is our national duty and should be taken good care of.

SC grants bail to accused in hate material case L AHORE —A two-member

PESHAWAR: Activists of Shabab-e-Milli Peshawar protesting against Indian unprovoked firing on Line of Control on Friday.

Federal agencies’ actions tantamount to curtail provincial autonomy: Khuhro

It would be PM’s test when he launches crackdown against Punjab government!

IRFAN ALIGI K ARACHI —Sindh senior Minister for Information Nisar Ahmed Khohru said some forces are conspiring against the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) as they do not want to see PPP’s provincial government in Sindh. Same was done in past and if this would be allowed to continue now, there would emerge serious repercussions.

The Senior Minister said the

‘Arrest of Khalid Parvez is political revenge’ GUL HAMAAD FAROOQI

PPP never in favour of corruption.

It would be highly a wrong misperception that corruption is in Sindh alone but the fact is that people in other provinces are not angels either. Action against corruption should be seen done in other provinces.

He said that there are provincial institutions in Sindh to curb the malpractices and corruption such as the Anti-Corruption Establishment and this provincial institution is

of Shahzada Khalid Parvez is a political conspiracy and some people want to fail the nominated District Nazim of Chitral. These views were expressed by Shahzada Iftikharuddin MNA Chitral during a huge press conference in a local hotel. Addressing to a press conference MNA Chitral Iftikharuddin, former chairman Orghuch Muhammad Wali Shah, Saeedullah, Muhammad Shan, Munir Ahmad Charwelo and others alleged that Shahzada Khalid Parvez newly elected Nazim union council Drosh 1 and president of All Pakistan Muslim League Chitral chapter was arrested under a political conspiracy.

They alleged that a few weeks back a leader of political party had already disclosed that Khalid Parvez will be arrested by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) KP and their nominated district Nazim of Chitral will be failed to gain his chair.

They said that there is no embezzlement in Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC) fund. They said that according to government policy 40% of fund of forest depositing in government exchequer while 60% is distributing among the royalty holders.

As well as the government has already collected their share of 40% fund but the remaining one was disputed and two groups were not ready for its equal distribution. Besides it the court has already verdict about the land.

They said that we respect of all courts including NAB but we appeal for conducting a transparent inquiry in this regard so as to ascertain the real reason of his arresting. They also appeal to chairman NAB for initiating inquiry in this regard about the prediction of a political party who revealed a week ago that Khalid Parvez will be arresting which is seem a political conspiracy against him and his party.

It is strange that NAB arrested Khalid Parvez and 4 other persons at the time when they taking oath and they will elect district Nazim.

It is worth to mention here that Khalid Parvez.

in all sections of life, it should be in mind that the PPP could never be intimidated.

He said the prevailing scenario under which the PPP is being targeted is not new for the party. While addressing the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Sindh senior Minister asked him it would a test case for him as when he would launch a crackdown on Punjab government under the aegis of his brother Mian Shahbaz Sharif.

Punjab to help GB govt develop health sector SALIM AHMED

C HITRAL —Arresting

chasing those involved in corruption. Amid the fully-functioning provincial institutions, actions taken by the federal institutions are tantamount to oppressing the provincial autonomy.

The Sindh Senior Minister for Information Nisar Ahmed Khohru said aims and efforts of targeting Sindh should now be discontinued. If the ongoing tactics are meant to intimidate the PPP for its positive and democratic struggle

L AHORE —Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab on Health Khawaja Salman Rafique has said that on the direction of Chief Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif, Punjab government would extend full cooperation to the GilgitBaltistan government for health sector development and revamping of healthcare delivery system. He said that Health Department Punjab would prepare a comprehensive programme for capacity- building of doctor, nurses and paramedics of GilgiltBaltistan. Kh. Saman Rafique further said that Governor and Chief Minister Gilgit Baltistan had recently met Chief Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif and requested for cooperation in developing health sector of their province.

He said that this while talking to Chief Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan Tahir Husain who called on him at the Civil Secretariat, here today. Secretary

Health Punjab Jawwad Rafique Malik, Director General Health Dr. zahid Pervez. Secretary Health GilgitBaltistan Rasheed Ali and senior officers of Health departments of both the provinces were also present in the meeting.

Chief Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan said that cooperation of Punjab Health Department is required for capacity building of human resource and development of health infrastructure sector for catering to medical needs of the people of the area. Secretary Health Rasheed Ali said that setting up of nursing and paramedics schools in Gilgit-Baltistan is another pressing requirement as there is no such institute for this purpose.

Moreover, health centers and hospitals are also insufficient in numbers while diagnostic equipment and latest biomedical machinery is also required.

He told that hospitals in GilgitBaltistan are facing shortage of specialists in different disciplines. Chief

National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Multan has decided to file a reference against four income tax officers on charge of causing Rs 140 million loss by issuing bogus tax refund orders. A NAB spokesman, Additional Di-

rector Ahmad Mumtaz Bajwa, said former income tax officer Javed Iqbal Malik, additional commissioner Javed Fakhri Dahar, ITO Kunwar Abdur Rahim and ITO Muhammad Khawar Ilyas, during their posting in income tax zone Bahawalpur

STAFF REPORTER P ESHAWAR —The International IT Company, Microsoft is mulling on the establishment of Microsoft Innovation Centre in Peshawar in collaboration with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Technology Department. This was revealed in a meeting of a delegation of Microsoft Company and the high ups of the Provincial Information Technology Department held here on Friday.

Secretary ST&IT, Syed Zafar Ali Shah chaired the meeting while the delegation of Microsoft was led by Microsoft Pakistan’s Country Manager Nadeem Ahmad Malik. The meeting

discussed threadbare the opportunities, possibilities and venues of collaboration and cooperation among the Provincial IT Department, Microsoft and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa IT Board for the promotion of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the province with special focus on e-governance.

The meeting discussed matters related to collaboration and cooperation with regard to Intellectual Property Rights. It was agreed in the meeting that a road map would be developed for extending support to the youth and private entrepreneurship of the province in ICT sector.

Rain, thundershowers at isolated places I S L A M A B A D —Rain-thundershower is expected at isolated places in Malakand, Hazara, Peshawar, Kohat, Bannu, Mardan, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Zhob divisions, FATA and Kashmir during night while hot and humid weather is predicted in other parts of the country.

Met office reported that seasonal low lies over north Balochistan and its adjoining areas with its trough extending eastward. Weak monsoon currents are penetrating into central parts of the country. A shallow westerly trough is still present over FATA and adjoining areas of

Balochistan.

During last 24 hours rain-thundershower occurred at scattered places in Kashmir, Islamabad,

Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Malakand, Hazara, Peshawar divisions, while at isolated places in D.I Khan, Multan, Gujranwala, D.G Khan, Faisalabad divisions, upper FATA and Gilgit-Baltistan. Weather remained hot and humid elsewhere in the country.—APP

Secretary Tahir Husain said that large scale reforms have been introduced in health sector in Punjab under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharief and the government of Gilgit-Baltistan is keen to benefit from the vast experience of health experts and policy-makers of Punjab.

Secretary Health Punjab Jawwad Rafique Malik said that health Dept.

Punjab will send experts to GilgitBaltistan for health sector development and improving patient care and a comprehensive package would be prepared which would be presented to Chief Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif for approval. He said that inventory of available and missing facilities in the hospitals of GilgitBaltistan should be prepared as an MULTAN: Liaquat Baloch, Secretary General Jamat-e-Islami talking to mediamen authentic data is necessary to evalu- after a ceremony on foundation day of Jamat-e-Islami in Multan on Friday. ate the actual needs of the area. He directed Director General Health Dr. Zahid Pervez to prepare a detailed list of medical equipment.

NAB’s reference against 4 IT officers causing Rs 140m loss M ULTAN —The

bench of the Supreme Court Friday granted bail to an accused allegedly involved in distribution of hate material.

The bench ordered the accused to furnish two surety bonds of Rs100,000 to avail the bail. The bench comprising Justice Ijaz Ahmad Chaudhry and Justice Umar Ata Bandial heard the bail application of Amjad Ashraf, an alleged member of banned organization, at Supreme Court Lahore Registry.

During the hearing, the defence counsel arguing before the bench submitted that the accused along with 12 others was arrested by Ghalib Market police in a case registered under Protection of Pakistan Act, Anti-Terrorism Act and CRPC for distributing hate material in December 2014.

He said the accused was just present at the scene but he had nothing to do with distribution of hate material. He said the police nominated the accused in case without any evidence against him. He pleaded the court to grant the bail to the accused as he was an innocent.

However, an additional prosecutor opposing the request while presenting the record of police’s investigation. He submitted that hate material against state and armed forces was recovered from the accused. The bench asked to submit evidence against the accused observing that if the people were arrested in baseless cases then it would create anarchy in society.—APP

Microsoft to establish innovation centre

in 2006-07, had issued bogus income tax refund orders worth Rs 140 million in the name of people while showing them as contractors.

Investigating officer Meher Ali Gilani found the officials involved in the fraud.—APP

Gwadar Port to be connected with railway network

I SLAMABAD —Pakistan Railways is focussing on connecting Gwadar Port with railways network and establishing new dry port at Havelian to generate revenues. The government is committed to make Paki stan Railways a profitable organization and a number of steps are being taken in this regard, an official in the Ministry of Railways told APP. Pakistan Railways is involving private parties in commercial management of four passenger carrying trains and cargo express trains, he added.

He said right mix of passenger and freight trains and a freight transport company is being established to give top priority to freight transportation for generating revenues.

To control corruption in the department, he said there is a strict control over expenditures through computerized payments and pensions to eliminate ghost pensioners and rule out possibility of over payments. He said that procurement of new boogie oil tank wagons and new stateof-the-art locomotives would also enhance the revenue for the department. The official HYDERABAD: Residents of Gujrati Para holding a protest with the dead body of one M said the project of online trackZubair outside SSP office against his murder by police firing on Thursday night. ing system.—APP

Libraries network essential for knowledge growth HAMEED SHAHEEN

R AWALPINDI —An expanding network of libraries in the country especially for children is essential for the growth of knowledge and intellect to compete the outside world in science and technology. This was stated Friday by Raja Mohammad Khalid, a PML-N leader here while opening a children’s Mohallah library in sprawling Muslim Town here.

The event was participated by children and their parents in large number appreciating the opening of a centre for children’s liberature and pictorial aide.

Raja Khalid said that spreading libraries in both urban and rual areas need to be made part of overall educational promotion. From the beggining, the focus of our planners should be on development of intellect in the

children. He gave specific examples of how our Pakistani teenagers made their mark in the field of microsoft innovation setting fine instances for others to follow.

Children were also given pictorial flappers bearing the short texts on making academic progress in and outside of schools. Parents have a special duty to see that their kids learn useful pursuits even in their teens.

He said that in the Masjid adjacent to his house functions also as a centre of learning for chil-dren.

Raja Khalid appreciated the educational expansion targets of Punjab Chief Minister Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif and citizens continued interest in the promotional activities provincewide. Special prayers for the solidarity of Pakistan were also of-fered following Friday prayers.

DC for action against wine makers ZIA QURESHI

N AWABSHAH —Probe team has been formed to investigate into the killing of score of persons as a result of using toxic local made wine in the district. The directives were issued by Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Nawaz Soho instructing to initiate strict action against manufacturers of toxic wine, pills and similar items and the sellers in a meeting here on Friday.

The meeting was attended among others by Excise and Taxation Officer, DSP Yar Muhammad Rind and Assistant Commissioner Saleemuddin Memon. DC said that waste of human life is state of sorrow and enough to shake the conscious. He said that the issue is sensitive and immediate action is required. Excise and Taxation Officer told meeting that raw wine producers prepare liwuid by mixing spirit, water.

Minister visits British companies STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —Minister for Defence Production, Rana Tanveer Hussain has visited British engineering company The Ricardo UK Limited at Shoreham. The Minister who

is currently in UK visited the company last day and discussed with the company management the possibility of joint venture in manufacturing at Heavy Industries Taxila, according to a message received from Pakistan’s High

Commission London. Managing Director Lee Sykes along with his team received the Minister and briefed him on the activities of the company. The Ricardo has 100 years of experience in manufacturing engines.

Pervaiz Rashid highlights spirit of ‘Yaum-e-Difah’

MEDIA WATCH

Democracy in Burma?

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S Defence of Pakistan Day (Yaum-e-Difah) is approaching, the Government has drawn elaborate programmes to mark the Day in a befitting manner. This year, the day has assumed special significance as it is 50th year of the Defence Day and the incumbent Government of PML(N) is rightly focusing on activities to bring to fore all aspects of the war that was imposed by India on Pakistan and our valiant forces, backed by the nation, foiled designs of the enemy.

It was during wee hours of this day in 1965 that India launched her forces and attacked Pakistan across the international border without a warning or a declaration of war. According to experts, this action of India, which claims to be the largest democracy in the world, was in utter violation of international law, charter of the United Nations and norms of civilized behaviour among states. This year, the day comes in the backdrop of an all out operation launched by Pakistan Army and security agencies to cleanse the country of internal enemies and their external masters. Under special instructions of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Information Minister Senator Pervaiz Rashid, flanked by Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Minister for SAFRON Lt. General (R) Abdul Qadir Baloch, held a marathon session with representatives of private and official media to chalk out a comprehensive programme for the Day. The Information Minister spoke eloquently and conveyed a vivid impression that the Government has done its home work meticulously and is resolved to observe the day in a memorable way. Already, Radio Pakistan and Pakistan Television have started airing special programmes while Press Information Department releases on daily basis photographs and material that highlights different aspects of the Day and how the Pakistani nation braced the challenge thrown by India. We are glad that following meeting with the Minister, the private media too has started programmes to build tempo for observance of the Day on September 6. We are also sure that the entire nation would respond enthusiastically to the call of the Minister to observe the Day in a befitting manner and would renew its commitment to defend the country against all threats.

Another threat of war by PPP A

S an Anti-Terrorist Court in Karachi remanded former Federal Minis ter and incumbent Chairman of High Education Commission Sindh Dr. Asim to Rangers for 90 days on Thursday for further investigations into charges of terror-financing, non-bailable arrest warrants were issued for former Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani and former PPP Minister Makhdoom Amin Faheem for their involvement in misuse of huge funds of the TDAP and approving and disbursing fraudulent trade subsidies of millions of rupees to several fake companies through fictitious claims and backdated cheques.

The development has sent alarm bells among PPP circles who are apprehending that the process could ultimately lead to some action against former President and leader of the party Asif Ali Zardari. Leader of the Opposition Syed Khurshid Shah, who is known for his soft-spoken and conciliatory tone, threatened of an all-out war if Zardari was touched. His colleagues Sherry Rehman and Qamar Zaman Kaira also emitted fire during a news briefing by terming the entire process as victimization. The extreme reaction of the PPP leadership to drive against corruption, moneylaundering and their nexus with terror financing is something indigestible.

PPP is on record supporting the campaign against terrorism and extremism and no political and democratic party worth the name could oppose action against the corrupt irrespective of the stature, status and connection of those involved in such practices. Power is a sacred trust reposed in political parties and their leadership by the masses and they must prove themselves to be worthy of it. If heads of State and Governments indulge in approval of fake subsidies and issuance of backdated cheques to favour themselves or their cronies then one can understand the state of affairs at lower echelons of society and governance. PPP always claims to be upholder of rule of law and the Constitution and therefore, its hue and cry over action of the Rangers against Dr. Asim and that of the Accountability Courts against two other PPP leaders is nothing but an attempt to shield the corrupt on the pretext of victimization. Dr. Asim was not even hand-cuffed and presented before a court of law which remanded it for investigations, which is normal process of law applicable to anyone. Why to object and expect special VIP treatment and that too to a person who is accused of massive corruption? The reaction of the PPP and remarks against national institutions do not augur well neither for the party nor the objective of good governance. Earlier too, Mr. Zardari had hurled threats on Army and had to withdraw his words. We hope sanity would prevail and everyone would lend a helping hand in the on-going campaign to purge the society of blood-suckers.

Building infrastructure in FATA P

RESIDENT Mamnoon Hussain, on Thursday, inaugurated the newly constructed Peshawar-Torkham Road (N-5), which is being described as a milestone in the development of the region and would hopefully usher into a new era of peace and prosperity in the area. The President, on the occasion, emphasized the need for developing infrastructure in FATA to accelerate the pace of its socio-economic development.

What President has pointed out is quite pertinent as FATA is gradually returning to normalcy as a result of operation Zarb-e-Azb. The armed forces would soon accomplish the task on their part and it is now the responsibility of the civil government and administration to draw up plans and implement them on fast-track basis to ensure creation of economic opportunities so that people of the area are not misled by the dark forces again. Studies indicate that extremism and terrorism has a linkage with poverty, backwardness and ignorance and therefore, a comprehensive plan will have to be prepared and executed to stabilize gains of the operation. A master plan for the reconstruction of hospitals, schools, universities and economic activities is a must to generate more employment opportunities and engage youth and other sections of the population in healthy pursuits. It is all the more important to create a network of road and rail links as well as telecommunication facilities to integrate the region comprehensively with the rest of the country.

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CPEC to benefit Balochistan welcomed Brahamdagh Bugti’s statement. On 15th August, Balochistan Senior Minister Nawab Zehri had Mohammad Jamil Sanaullah met the self-exiled Email: mjamil1938@hotmail.com Baloch leader Khan of Kalat Agha Suleman Dawood Ahmedzai in HE CPEC (China-Pakistan London, and persuaded him to reEconomic Corridor), linking turn home and play his role in reGwadar Port to the Chinese solving the issues faced by province of Xinjiang, will be a po- Balochistan. tential game changer for Nawab Sanaullah Zehri had told Balochistan where development the Khan of Kalat Suleman Dawood activity has picked up with the re- that he had come to meet him as the turn of peace after years of insur- chief of Jhalawan and not as a mingency and violence. Briefing US- ister of the Balochistan government. based Pakistani journalists in New But the self-exiled leader had told York, Provincial Minister for Home Nawab Zehri that he alone could not and Tribal Affairs, Sarfraz Ahmed make a decision about returning to Bugti, said the provincial govern- Pakistan because he came here with ment would do its part in provid- the consent of “Grand Baloch Jirga” ing fool-proof security to workers held in September 2006 in Kalat afduring the construction period. ter the killing of Baloch nationalist Recent events have given hope for leader Akbar Bugti. With the develpeace in Balochistan, which is a opment efforts of the federal and prerequisite for development. provincial government, and that Founder of the banned Baloch Re- Balochistan youth have been inpublican Party Brahamdagh Bugti, ducted in the army, people of expressed his willingness to with- Balochistan and even jirga are likely draw his demand for an indepen- to support efforts for peace in dent Balochistan, and come to the Balochistan. negotiating table.

In the past, Baloch youth, the He said: “If our friends, com- jewel of human being, bubbling with rades, political allies, and major- enormous talent, vitality and energy, ity of people wish to stay within had been suppressed by sardars.

Pakistan, I am ready to withdraw However, whenever he got the demand for independent chance he turned out an acknowlBalochistan.” He demanded that edged doctor, engineer, lawyer, civil people of Balochistan should be servant, diplomat and general of sterbrought in the mainstream. In ling quality. Various governments in fact, they are already in the main- the past, whether military or elected stream, as elections are being had appeased and mollycoddled ilheld regularly, and popularly lusive sardars, chieftains and local elected government is in place. wielders who had been riding a After 18th amendment, provinces rough shod over Baloch commonhave been given unprecedented ers, particularly youth. Billions of powers and resources; hence the rupees were poured into the provindemand for more autonomy or in- cial treasury from the centre in the dependence has become redun- name of packages and development dant. Anyhow, Chief Minister plans but one would not see any Balochistan Abdul Malik Baloch worthwhile project with first-class

News & Views

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educational facilities in diverse fields and disciplines for the commoner Baloch youth. Those funds had landed into the pockets of some tribal sardars who wanted to keep the people in their servility. CPEC project will indeed benefit Balochistan, its people and overall entire Pakistan.

The CPEC project is part of Beijing’s “Belt and Road” plan to expand its trade and transport footprint across Central and South Asia.

It will give China easier access to Middle Eastern oil via the deepwater port of Gwadar. Of course, the completion of Gwadar would make Balochistan economic hub and create a strategic nexus between Pakistan, China and Central Asia. It would provide links from the Caspian Sea to the Strait of Hormuz, and enable Gwadar to compete with Persian Gulf ports.

The United States is wary of Chinese strategic access to the Arabian Sea and its presence in the region.

Reportedly, the US tried several times to persuade Pakistan against involving China in the mega project. India has invested heavily in the road linking project from Afghanistan to Iran’s Chahbahar port to lessen the importance of Gwadar Port.

But given the determination of Pakistan and China, the project would be completed in time; Balochistan will become an economic hub, and people of Balochistan rather Pakistan will benefit from the mega project. It will also help Pakistan to achieve self-reliance, get rid of the dependency syndrome. The IMF then would not be able to dictate their terms to Pakistan. When the economy will be revived and strengthened, Pakistan would become militarily strong, and India would think twice before hurling threats or posturing. On 1st June 2015, Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said that

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi had raised the issue of CPEC during his recent visit to China and called the mega project unacceptable for the country. It is sheer interference in the affairs of a sovereign country.

During a press conference, Sushma Swaraj also said that the Indian government had summoned the Chinese envoy over the $46 billion economic corridor that is to run from Gwadar in Pakistan’s west to China’s Kashghar. China’s Foreign Office has rejected India’s reservations on CPEC, and said that “India’s concerns are not right enough and we will carry on trade ties with Pakistan,” adding that the CPEC would bring stability and prosperity in the region. Out of desperation, India has stepped its vile acts. On 28th May, armed men wearing uniforms of the security forces killed 19 Pushtun passengers in Mastung to stir ethnic violence; and India appeared to be behind the gory incident.

In view of improved relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, secret agencies of countries inimical to Pakistan or militants and extremists against the government coalesced and stepped up their operations. There is incontrovertible evidence that Raw is funding and providing arms to banned Baloch outfits such as BRA, BLA and BLF. A high level reconciliation and negotiation committee comprising seasoned Baloch, Pashtun and Sindhi leaders has been tasked by Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch to initiate dialogue even with Baloch separatists. Given the will and administration of provincial government, federal government, and military having contributed to win the hearts and minds of the people are the reasons that dissidents have been forced to come to the negotiating table.

—The writer is a senior journalist based in Lahore.

URMA’S parliamentary election Nov. 8 should have been a moment to anticipate with joy: another step in the nation’s emergence from military rule. But democracy is not strictly about the ballot box. It is also about the process — the nature of the competition for power, and whether that political struggle is free, fair and inclusive of all. By this measure, Burma is falling short. Some of the problems are long-standing.

Twenty-five percent of parliament seats are reserved for unelected members of the military. The country’s most popular figure, Aung San Suu Kyi, is barred from running for president by a provision in the constitution, written with her in mind, that the military and its allies recently refused to alter.

The regime of generals and former generals who began the transition away from military rule still exert a heavy hand on the political process. This month, President Thein Sein dramatically ousted a rival from the ruling party’s leadership — the rival was speaker of the lower house of parliament and considered a potential future president — in an abrupt and arbitrary purge that appears to have been at the behest of the military. Not very democratic at all. Burma’s regime is aggravating and exploiting ethnic conflicts in the Southeast Asian nation of 56 million people also known as Myanmar.

Most egregious has been its treatment of the Rohingya, a Muslim minority that has long been persecuted and that increasingly has been subject to violence and denied citizenship. In recent days, the country’s election commission ruled that a sitting Rohingya member of parliament who had served in the government’s ruling party could not run for re-election because he was not a citizen, and thus ineligible. The New York Times reported that the commission said the parents of U Shwe Maung were not citizens at the time of his birth. He said the finding was absurd, that his father was a career-long officer in the national police force, and he is appealing. Behind the incident is a much larger process of culling Rohingya from voter rolls being carried out as a result of pressure from Buddhist nationalists. Tens of thousands of Rohingya voters may lose their right to vote in November, although they have voted in the past.

This kind of mass disenfranchisement is intolerable for a genuine democracy. For too long, the Obama administration has been overly optimistic about Burma’s transition.

Before the election — now — would be a good time to broadcast a necessary and unvarnished message to Burma’s leaders that a Potemkin democracy just won’t do. The election process and the vote itself must be free, fair and all-inclusive.

— The Washington Post

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Reduce oil prices

Nuclear signalling game in S Asia D But later, India formulated its new doctrinal policy as Proactive Strategy Beenish Altaf Indian formally termed as Indian Email:beenishaltaf7@gmail.com Cold Start Doctrine that designed to respond any alleged or superficial threat HE concept of deterrence in from its western rival. Pakistan in South Asia as meant at its contrast, has come up with its own evolution time i.e., in late new war fighting concept that en1990s has been changed or say is visages rapid deployments of conmodified in the contemporary arena ventional forces, coupled with inaccording to the ongoing security troducing short range Tactical and political architecture of South Nuclear Weapons (TNW) to Asia. As a matter of fact, the secu- achieve strategic effects. Factually, rity dilemma in the South Asian following by the convention asymregion maneuvers as a chain reac- metry between India and Pakistan, tion that includes regional and ex- Pakistan considered the need to detra-regional powers with compet- velop TNWs in order to balance out ing interests that includes China, the conventional threat posed by the India and Pakistan respectively. high number of conventional weapWhile shaping the eventual policy ons. By this, the evolution of condirection in this regard, the per- ventional deterrence commenced in ceived national interests of each South Asia after which Pakistan’s state are of great importance. concerned officials quite often stated For that reason, there were vari- that Pakistan will continue to test ous national and international fac- and upgrade its TNWs as - to baltors behind the evolution of Indian ance out the superior conventional nuclear program. On the interna- asymmetry; it is the need of hour. tional scale, first - India’s reservaAccording to Bernhard Brodie tions about its neighboring state, a nuclear bomb is a weapon of peace nuclear-armed China and second - and not a weapon for use (super its quest for great-power status have bomb). So, nuclear deterrence is all proven to be powerful incentives. about war avoidance and not warOn the other hand, Pakistan’s un- fighting strategy. Brig Samson easy and troubled relationship with Sharaf (Retd), political economist India explicates its possession of and a television anchorperson, attribnuclear weapons. Initially the en- uted deterrence as a cost-benefit deavor was just to generate deter- analysis of the gains and losses in rence equation with its nuclear credible, capable and hostile enviarch-rival India. At that point, only ronments, with a common and well one nuclear weapon was considered understood strategic concept and adequate to deter the adversary that language between the adversaries effectively guaranteed the deter- warranting a constant appraisal of rence stability on the counter part. capabilities and vulnerabilities.

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Deterrence in South Asia faced many challenges in its progression epoch exactly in the same manner as the US and Russian deterrence evolution faced during the Cold War. Regarding the changing dynamics of deterrence in South Asia, Pakistan’s fear of becoming vulnerable to a first strike (and/or a desire to attain first-strike capability) gives technology a central role in deterrence and tends to fuel a highintensity qualitative arms race. Pakistan has to develop and adopt effective controls on the Graduated Escalation Ladder both in conventional and nuclear forces to retain the initiative of nuclear Retaliation.

Paradoxically, the number of nuclear weapons enough to maintain/ensure nuclear deterrence continued to trouble nuclear deterrence theorists, strategists and policy-makers in the post Cold War period alike.

Meanwhile, the world’s nuclear weapons stockpile is estimated to be at 16,300 and all the nuclear armed states, in one way or the other, are constantly modifying and modernising their nuclear inventories. No state will place a number or cap at what it considers to be a sufficient nuclear force for credible deterrence.

In South Asia, India and Pakistan, nuclear weapons’-possessing neighbors and adversaries, have estimated nuclear weapons stockpiles of 90-110 and 115 – 120, respectively (according to estimates from the SIPRI Yearbook 2014 and the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists). Both countries have committed policies of minimum nuclear deterrence and no-nuclear arms race. While India

seeks to maintain a nuclear force sufficient to deter mainly China and Pakistan, Pakistan maintains that it seeks a deterrent ‘equilibrium’ with India and not ‘nuclear parity’ with India.

While analyzing the south Asian deterrence discourse with the western model of deterrence the first and foremost thought arouse is that like the western perception the use of warfare according to the strategic cultures of India and Pakistan also, is not well thought-out as a foreign policy tool. This might be one of the reasons that both nuclear antagonistic neighbors are not seriously taking steps for the doctrinal preparations and crisis management for a supposed limited nuclear escalation instead rather both intimate deterrent to avert the potential conflict. One has to take into account here that it does not matter as how the adversary perceives the signals (as weak or strong), it is a key to success in the nuclear signaling game.

Hence, the deterrence discourse depends on the strategic behavior of the state as to how one perceives and what measures it adopts to the supposed threat. “Thus, the strategic behavior of states engaged in nuclear rivalries tends to be schizophrenic, treating nuclear weapons sometimes as revolutionary and sometimes as conventional.” Nevertheless, apart from the altering nature of deterrence, it is only effective key to avoid conflict and potential escalation to nuclear war that safeguards deterrence stability.

— The writer is associated with the Strategic Vision Institute.

ESPITE the Finance Minister’s verbal indica tion that oil prices will be lowered in a matter of weeks, we see an apparently negative approach taken by high officials of the government who are opposing the idea of reducing fuel prices, arguing that the BPC (Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation) still has a huge debt and other liabilities.

We find the government’s inaction in lowering oil prices despite a more-than-fifty-percent fall in prices in the international market absurd, tantamounting to extortion. Some energy experts have made the point that the BPC will still make good profit if it sells octane at Tk 50 per litre, 50 percent down from the current selling price. BPC, the sole oil importing government agency, is making bumper profits by selling Octane at the same Tk 99 per litre although global oil prices per barrel have flattened out at around US $ 40-45 from a stiff $110 a barrel last year. The consumers are feeling the pinch and it’s about time they got a relief. If the government is in any business then it must be conducted keeping public interest uppermost in their mind. The public sector simply cannot run like profitmaximising enterprises taking advantage of a monopolistic market.

Instead of utilising opportunity to reduce dependence on subsidy, BPC is trying to extract money from consumers rather exploitatively. At this point we urge the govt to intervene immediately to cut fuel prices, which the Finance Minister hinted at last week. — The Daily Star

Out of sight, out of mind.

— Proverb

MNS moment at the UN tion and buildup in the region. The international community includthe UN should put up concrete Rizwan Ghani ing plans and assurances including Email:sadcat44@hotmail.com complete withdrawal of foreign forces and the NATO base from Afghanistan for permanent peace FTER successfully blocking and prosperity in the region and proIndia’s anti-Pakistan agenda tect Pakistan’s national interests.

Afghan government should be of “terrorism” in proposed NSAs talks, now Islamabad should held accountable. Afghanistan has reprepare to expose real motives behind ceived more than $120bn in aid from Afghanistan’s warning to attack Pa- the US only. But reportedly 90 perkistan. Nawaz Sharif is scheduled to cent of it has been siphoned off address the UNGA and meet other (Money Pit: the monstrous failure of leaders including Obama. Islamabad US aid to Afghanistan, World Affairs, should go on the diplomatic offense Jan/Feb 2013). Afghan army has not and layout Pakistan’s vision of estab- been trained for last one decade. Polishing peace and prosperity in the re- lice is ineffective, corrupt and under gion. Sharif should also use the UN to paid. The country is leading in corrupgive the world a message that Paki- tion, squandering public funds, human stan has contributed three times more trafficking, arms smuggling, drug exthan its share in securing peace and ports, and money laundering.

Even the donors are in colluprosperity in the country and the region. Pakistan army has played its role. sion with corrupt Afghan leaders.

Our armed forces should return to bar- Reportedly, USAID has failed to racks. Now it is the turn of the global monitor the utilization of funds, community including the UN to end utilize funds properly and steal the the use of tactic of so-called war money (World Affairs, June 2013). against terrorism by others to protect As Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton said that there is very little their vested stakes in the region.

Based on following reports and credibility of what was spent. Acobservations, Pakistan can no longer cording to the International Crisis commit its resources, which are di- Group despite billions of dollars in rectly or indirectly protecting corrup- aid, state institutions remain fragtion, failed policies, military occupa- ile and unable to provide good gov-

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ernance, deliver basic services to the majority of the population or guarantee human security. The WB, CIA, and the UNICEF have voiced similar concerns.

Statements of attacking Pakistan is a cover-up. Afghan government is trying to divert the attention of the world from its illegal military agreement with the West by blaming Pakistan for its security situation. Kabul is enforcing the 2014 agreement that allows establishment of 13 permanent military bases including a NATO base in the country. It also gives immunity to foreign troops for their actions in Afghanistan. Legal experts call the agreement illegal because Afghanistan is an occupied country.

Pakistan cannot be held responsible for Kabul’s policies. The Talibans, who form majority of population, are against the agreement. The UN protects rights of resistance fighters against foreign occupation of a country. Sharif should lead the world, ask the UN, which is legally obliged, to bring an immediate end to illegal Afghan occupation, hold new elections, and arrange for return of more than 10 million Afghans living as refugees in different parts of the world including 2.5 million in Pakistan.

Cameron is also using “terrorism” and “immigrants” to protect his government and distract public from real

issues. Six years have passed but UK has failed to publish the Chilcot Inquiry on Iraq War. Corbyn, said that Tony Blair could face trial over illegal Iraq War. Corbyn said that he would apologize for Britain’s role in Iraq war, take out UK from NATO and scrap Trident Missile program.

BBC’s documentary the Ripple Effect shows states use of so-called terrorism. Cameron wants to save culprits, deny justice to families of millions of victims of Iraq war and hide use of so-called terrorism to protect West’s geo-strategic interests in Asia.

Sharif should demand for publication of Chilcot Inquiry, accountability based on the BBC documentaries showing UK’s London bombing as inside job, torture, ghost centers, money laundering, human trafficking, human rights abuses, and UK’s failed foreign policy role in collapse of Libya, Iraq and Afghanistan which has resulted in millions of deaths, expansion of NATO bases, and forced millions to become refugees.

West blamed innocent people and nations as terrorists while its leaders were the actual culprits. And it will go a long way in helping to deter countries like Afghanistan, India or their Western allies from even threatening to attack Pakistan.

—The writer is senior political analyst based in Islamabad.

Dangers of asymmetric arms acquisition Adeel Mukhtar Mirza Email:adeel.svi@gmail.com.

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ONVENTIONAL military balance between India and Pa kistan is an indispensable prerequisite for the continuance of peace in South Asia. Since overt nuclearization, India and Pakistan remained successful in avoiding any major war owing to the nuclear deterrence; however, stability-instability paradox prevailing in the region hampers growth of peaceful relations between two countries.

The concept, “Stability-Instability Paradox,” was defined by Glen Snyder, according to which, the greater the stability of ‘strategic’ balance of terror, the lower the stability of the overall balance at its lower levels of violence. In addition, Michael Krepon’s “The Stability-Instability Paradox, Misperception, and Escalation Control in South Asia” gives convincing arguments. According to him, there are two tenets of stability-insta-

bility paradox. First, the offsetting nuclear capabilities will increase tensions between adversaries. Second, despite increase tensions and severe tensions, nuclear armed adversaries will avoid a major conflict or a nuclear exchange. According to him, both tenets are relevant in South Asia in the shape of Kargil conflict 1999 and the fortunate of both nations to avoid a nuclear exchange respectively.

These arms race acquisitions results in a situation of mutual deterrence, in which there is a great stability against the outbreak of war due to the fear of potential retaliation. They also provide insurance against technological breakthroughs that could reduce the effectiveness of weapons.

Arms race involving nuclear weapons ironically provide a way to avoid nuclear war. In this sense, nuclear weapons are part of the solution, as well as part of the problem, of avoiding nuclear war.

Theoretically, the case of South Asia is not strange from the aboveexplained situation. However, the most dangerous aspect of the current arms

situations is neither the presence of nor the increasing levels of weapons, which, in fact, create the stability of mutual deterrence but rather the dangers of asymmetric arms acquisition pattern in the region.

In this vein, India as the third largest conventional military power is a serious challenge to Pakistan’s national security. Indian defense spending has doubled since 1997, growing at an average rate of 6.3 per cent per year.

In 2011-2012, India surpassed China as the biggest importer of the state-ofthe art major weapon systems. In addition, Narendra Modi’s government announced 11 per cent increase in 2015-2016 military budget that becomes $39.8 billion. Similarly, Indian Army and Air force has advantage of 2:1 and 1.9:1 ratio over Pakistan forces respectively, according to, “The Military Balance 2015,” of International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS).

The fears of Indian military modernization also goes beyond South Asia as according to Peter Lavoy, “India’s military modernization program has led to a growing

disparity between the Indian and Pakistani conventional military capabilities, which will result either in regional arms race and/or lowering of the nuclear threshold.”

Unfortunately, owing to socioeconomic hurdles, Pakistan remained unable to reach at the level of Indian conventional forces, therefore, has to embrace the utility of tactical nuclear weapons. Pakistan also faces the pressure of United States that is less in the case of India as evident from the Russia-Pakistan deal for the sale of MI35 helicopters. Actually, according to HIS Jane’s, Pakistan was supposed to buy nearly 20 helicopters from Russia, however, owing to U.S pressure, the deal stuck at four. Last but not the least, the question remains, whether Pakistan still possess the capacity to deter India both conventionally as well as strategically or it need to opt for offensive-defense posture as some deterrence optimists of Pakistan are suggesting?

— The writer is Research Associate at Strategic Vision Institute, Islamabad.

View From Abroad

Europe’s immigration drama Glenn H Reynolds

F

ROM following the news, you’d think that immigration was strictly a US problem, one brought to the fore by Donald Trump.

But although Trump has certainly moved the debate to a new level here at home, other parts of the world are facing an immigration crisis that is, if anything, worse. And there are lessons in that. The European Union, for example, is now beset with a flood of “migrants,” mostly from Africa and the Middle East. Some of them are fleeing war and civil strife; others are heading for a place with more economic opportunity — or, at least, with welfare benefits that dwarf what they could earn at home through hard work.

Most of Europe operates under what’s called the Schengen Agreement, which abolished border controls among 26 European nations.

Once within the Schengen Area, “any person, irrespective of nationality, may cross the internal borders with-

out being subjected to border checks.”

This worked tolerably well for a while, but now, with hundreds of thousands of migrants in Europe or on the way, some European nations are beginning to have second thoughts. These have redoubled in the wake of last weeks attempted terrorist attack on a Paris to Amsterdam train, staged by a supposed Moroccan migrant.

Although the European Union has so far ruled out any change to the Schengen agreement, officials from France, Germany and Belgium are talking about changes. The problem is that, right now, once migrants get into the EU, they can easily travel to where benefits are the highest, overwhelming locals. Germany, the most popular destination, is straining to accommodate all the arrivals. It’s reached the point that a German mayor, Boris Palmer, is talking about seizing private homes to accommodate migrants, a measure that is about as popular among citizens as you might expect.

One nation that isn’t part of the Schengen Agreement is Britain; to get from the rest of Europe into Britain

you still have to show a passport and a visa. This policy, combined with Britain’s better economy, has led to refugees piling up across the Channel in France. Refugee camps have bloomed in Calais, where the Channel Tunnel connects to Britain, and migrants have rioted, broken into trucks, and stowed away on trains in an effort to get to the English promised land.

This has led the British foreign secretary, Philip Hammond, to suggest that they need to be sent home.

With the gap in living standards between Europe and Africa, Hammond said, the motivation to migrate would otherwise be insuperable. Meanwhile, as Americans talk of a border fence, Bulgaria is building one, with razor wire and steel 12 feet high. And Slovakia is flat-out refusing to accept Muslim migrants, viewing them as dangerous and destabilizing. Migrants have massed at the Macedonian border and are creating tensions between Serbia and Hungary. Hungary is building a fence too.

Norwegian politicians are suggesting that Norway should do something similar to Australia, which is send-

ing unwelcome refugees to New Guinea or to prison.

As the numbers of migrants climb, and countries become weary of accommodating them, expect these tensions to grow. So it’s good news and bad news. The good news is that immigration concerns aren’t just a problem for the United States.

The bad news is that they’re a problem for the entire First World. What to do about it? Nobody seems sure.

But although open borders are a nice idea, the fact is that countries differ in economics, in culture and in politics. No country can accept and assimilate an unlimited number of outsiders, and when the number exceeds a threshold, a backlash is certain.

Thresholds are being exceeded, and backlashes are building, all over the world. So it’s not just Trump.

America, like the rest of the world, will have to decide what it wants to do about the fact that more people want to live here than we can accept.

It is simple political reality that the problem can’t be ignored forever.

The writer is law professor at University of Tennessee.

— Courtesy: USA Today

Our false ceilings..!

A

nice smooth, colourful ce ramic tile lay on the ground near my chair on the terrace on which I placed my cup of coffee. “Sir,” said my gardener who was working on some plants nearby, “Don’t put your cup there, it’s dirty!” “It’s clean!” I said and watched as he strode towards me and lifted the tile, I nearly screamed; underneath was a hairy caterpillar, filth, dirt and in the middle a worm.

As I hastily removed my cup, and had the gardener clean the place before putting it back in the

same place, minus the tile, I thought of a structural engineer who had visited our building a few days ago.

“How are the columns and beams?”

I asked him. “I don’t know!” he’d said. “What do you mean you don’t know?” I’d asked a little angrily and he’d taken me to the house downstairs. I looked up at marble floors and beautifully carved ceilings, “Looks fine to me.”

“What do you see on top?” “A plaster of paris ceiling!” “It’s a false ceiling!” “Sure,” I said grinning at the owner who grinned back at me, “So what?” “It’s hiding the beam on top!

And as long as that lovely decorative false ceiling for which sir you must have spent the earth is there, I will not be able to judge the condition of your flat!” “How’s the neighbouring flat?” I whispered. “Bad!” said the

structural engineer. “So this could even be worse!” I said and suddenly saw fear in the eyes of my false ceiling neighbour. “Yes,” said the architect, “But there’s no way to find out with this false ceiling in place. In fact I tell clients that in hiding beams and columns with a decorative finish they hide symptoms of disease which otherwise could be seen and rectified!”

The other day my road was blocked by school children sitting on the road with their parents doing a rasta roko. They’d been asked to shift from their school building to one which was quite a distance away as the management had found the building in a bad shape and decided to bring it down and construct a new one. “We don’t want to go so far, see how lovely this building looks!” The parents cried, and the government has agreed with them.

Years ago, over a decade to be precise I owned a business which had done civil work for this same school and I know that behind the decorative façade is a rotten structure. But like my neighbour who hides behind his false ceiling, and my cup of coffee placed on the tile, these gullible parents risk the lives of their children because they refuse to see the rot within.

And alas, in our country we hide behind such false ceilings: A moral brigade talks of our historic culture; same false ceiling isn’t it, which hides shame behind it. We protest about TV channels that tell all, because its better living beneath the tile, the lie! When will we remove these false ceilings and clean the filth?

—Email:bobsbanter@gmail.com

Voice of the People Dr. Asim held on corruption charges JAVAID BASHIR

L

et there be no stone unturned to break the nexus between the politicians and corruption. It has been always said that “Corruption” is a cancer or curse, and we must free our society from the clutches of this menace. We cannot progress and prosper if it is not completely eliminated. A Cruel System can work but a corrupt system cannot. We must consider the moral degradation of the Society. It has widened the gap between the traditionally affluent and the poor classes. The exploiters and the exploited are on the course of collision. Survival has become extremely difficult. Former Adviser on Petroleum and Gas Dr. Asim Husain, the right hand man of Ex President Asif Ali Zardari has been arrested on the corruption charges. Secret investigations were under way against him for quite some time. Strong evidence has been collected in his case. He made billions of rupees in real estate deals and Gas contracts. Most of the charges under investigations pertain to real estate grabbing, China Cutting, and land Mafia’s illegal possession of high priced properties in the posh localities, involving MQM. MQM is in deep trouble. No compromise should be made for political exigencies. These are highly sensitive matters and must be kept secret. Dr. Asim has a history of corruption making billions of dollars. Khurshid Shah (PPP) the opposition leader opened his guns blaring at institutions within institution without naming any one in particular. It was obvious that his attack was aimed at the establishment and the intelligence agencies. I think he should act cautiously and tone down the malicious slanderous and scathing criticism of the institutions. The government should show some mettle and character to avoid any political pressure. Absolutely no compromise should be made. No one is above law. The long arm of the law will take care of the corrupt elements of our society, however influential they may be. Army Chief has emphatically expressed his resolve to break the cycle of corruption.

Corruption has seeped into all segments of our society. We must keep a vigil on the nefarious activities of the influential elite group that has sold its soul to the devil and earned us the title of failed State. Dr. Asim’s story of corruption will be unveiled soon. Khurshid Shah should stop maligning the institutions and pandering to the cronyism of the worst kind. It is no time to scratch each other’s back.

—Via email

Immense food wastage in weddings HUNAINA ISRAR Marriage in a country like Pakistan is an occasion where people spend lavishly. Even the middle class people consider it as necessary to go for display of spending on halls, dresses, jewellery and on great dinners.

Nowadays new trend has been set where people find more convenience to arrange the wedding ceremony in the marriage halls with beautiful decoration and great dinners of their own choice and caterers.

Most of the people know the importance of food wastage but when it comes to wedding, one forgets that many people are food insecure of inflation. As they want their weddings and dinners exceptional so they prepare more food than it is actually required so that guests can enjoy the meal easily, ultimately results as food wastage.

On the other side people at wedding pick up the food on their plates more than they consume whether in fear that next time they won’t get a chance to get more food or whether in stupidity and when they are unable to consume it, the leftover food in plates finds the way into garbage. According to a recent research approximately 40% of the food prepared for different weddings is wasted.

We live in a third world country where more than 40% people live below poverty line and hardly earn even a square meal a day and sleep with an empty stomach. Food price inflation in Pakistan is averaged 6.69 percent from 2011 until 2015, while the purchasing power of the poor has declined significantly, crowding more millions into abject poverty.

I request the people to learn the best use of leftover food, at least save the food by giving it to the needy and poor people or to encourage orphanage or shanty homes to pick the refrigerated food because hapless people know the real value of food.

—Karachi

dians forgot that armies can be outrun but not nations.

The valour of soldiers blasting away the enemy tanks with bombs tied to their bodies was a scene the sky seldom sees. The differences of caste, colour and creed were nowhere to be seen. Mothers gave away their jewellery for the future of their children. It was a test of resolve. Many thought Pakistan would not sustain the onslaught.

But Pakistan was made to stay by the grace of the Almighty. This motherland of ours has been irrigated by the blood of Martyrs. The people had fresh memories of partition and knew Pakistan was their only abode. The Army and Air Force showed numerous acts of bravery that are still cherished. This Golden Jubilee Year day on this September 6, we all pledge that we shall never disgrace the blood of our Martyrs in the way of the Almighty.

—Rawalpindi

Countering ISIS MANAHIL IJAZ

ISIS’ psychological warfare involves the planned use of propaganda and other psychological tools to influence the opinions, emotions, attitudes and behaviour of its target areas or groups in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia and elsewhere. The main objective of its warfare is to win, through awe and terror, without being engaged in full scale war or achieve a significant victory with fighting at a low scale.

Reportedly it is successfully achieving its objectives by securing favourable position in relation to politics and nature of warfare. Psy-warfare is the ISIS’ use and application of propaganda against the ‘enemy’ in combination with other operational measures of military, economic or political nature. Its dread is so widespread because of efficient media techniques used with the help of scientific advancements like high speed printing as well as using radio waves to influence public opinion..

ISIS poses serious threats and though Ch Nisar denies its presence in Pakistan, yet our media, government, military, agencies and the SYED NADEEM AKHTAR mass communication fraternity must realize proactively to take effective Pakistan International Airlines is a measures in order to counter its imleading national institution which has pact and spread. been playing a major role in promot- —Rawalpindi ing sports and youth development in the country. PIA’s role in promoting sports activities is more vital and imperative as it supports almost all major sports played in the country, HASHIM ABRO e.g. cricket, squash, hockey, table tennis, badminton, tenis. etc.

With a dedicated sports division, The cell phone is ubiquitous in PakiPIA has been the leading employer, stani society. Pakistan is rated among offering jobs to a large number of tal- the countries having the highest usented sportspersons from different age of mobile phones, and this ratsports. This way, it provides our youth ing, by and large, is because of the with abundant opportunities to hone contribution of the mobile users of and display their sporting abilities at the Sindh Province, who get the lion’s local and international levels. It has share in benefitting from this gadget also become the number one choice of the latest technology. People of all for the local youth who want to make age groups and gender have develtheir mark in different sports. Besides oped addiction for mobile. Irrational giving employment, PIA organizes use of mobile phone has played havoc and sponsors a number of sporting with our, once peaceful and tolerant events, gaming festivals and tourna- society. It has turned to be violent, ments held throughout the country volatile and allergic to coexistence. on a regular basis. In Pakistan’s Its abnormal use, both, by adolescent sports history, PIA’s role is the most boys and girls has irreparably designificant and remarkable com- stroyed the moral fabric, the family pared to the rest of the public and bonds, social norms and values. private institutions.

I personally know countless —Karachi youngsters who have become criminals because this device has criminalized them. This mobile has also allured ample innocent, tenderminded and hearted girls towards immoral activities such as prostitution. I know that innumerable young ZUBARIA FAKHAR girls before reaching an age of pu6th September is the Day when the berty, eloped with their pseudo-lovenemy struck in the dark, knowing ers. These swindlers violated their little he had annoyed a lion; a living chastity and threw them like a tisnation. The nation was solid in its sue paper. Countless captivating resolve to defend the motherland. It girls have become discarded indistood firm behind Armed Forces. In- viduals in this society because it is

PIA’s Role in promoting sports

Mobile phone addiction

Golden Jubillee of Yaum e Difah

this vicious use of mobile which has promoted the ratio of divorces between young couples.

Irrational and extra usage of mobile phones is destroying the Pakistani youth and the entire society. Is there anyone well-wisher of Pakistani society in the corridors of power and politics to take notice of destructive and detrimental use of mobile phones, help undertake a meaningful research for turning this menace into a blessing, direct the concerned quarters to discourage the use of mobile phones by juveniles and initiate for some sort of effective legislation to safeguard our youth and save our society? The sooner, the better; it is to save this society and its ethos.

—Islamabad

Police reforms some suggestions ALEENAY KHIZAR Police is the first line of defence pertaining to the internal security of any state. However, Pakistan police has long lost the trust of people. Its failure in maintaining law and order situation in Karachi to its dubious role in Kasur incident, police has proved ineffective in every national predicament. Inefficient policing is responsible for deplorable condition of criminal justice system of the country. This is why nation has always looked towards Armed forces for being the saviour of last resort.

It would be pertinent to mention here that Police in Pakistan needs a major overhaul in different domains.

In this regard delinking police from politics should be the first and the foremost step that is required to be taken immediately.

Availing the opportunity of this forum, I suggest that all security matters should be given in the hands of Governor in the Province and President in the centre. A separate committee should also be setup which should include High Court judges and retired bureaucrats for posting and transferring matters. In addition to this, it is imperative to introduce a robust police force independent of political clout to combat internal security issues effectively.

—Mandi Bahauddin

Myth of Groundhog day JAVAID BASHIR We create myths and believe in them whether these have any connection to reality or not. One such myth relates to groundhog. According to popular legend on February 2 the groundhog emerges from its burrow, prompting the prediction of an early spring, if it does not see its shadow, it means prolongation of Winter for another six weeks.

Groundhog comes out of the hole at the end of hibernation. If the weather is sunny it goes back into the hole which portends six more weeks of winter weather. It seems this small animal is used to forecast the end of winter and arrival of spring. God forbid if it does not come out then how would the North Americans predict spring’s arrival.

What an erroneous belief?

—Karachi

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

—Editor Email:editorial@pakobserver.net

Joint European action plan on migration urged

Vienna Summit offers hopes for Western Balkan states AKTHAR JAMAL As Austrian and German leaders termed the Vienna Summit of Balkan States “as proof of the EU’s commitment to the region” Serbia, Kosovo, Albania, Macedonian see a new ray of hope and confidence within the European Union.

The two leading members of Balkan States, Germany and Austria reiterated their renewed support for infrastructure projects and pledge solidarity over refugee crisis.

Speaking on August 28, in Vienna the German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the Summit had showed the EU’s goodwill to support the European perspective of the Western Balkan states and termed the recent agreements between Serbia and Kosovo reached with EU mediation as “hope for the entire region.”

Even before the summit kicked off Serbia and Kosovo reached four key agreements termed by the EU called as “landmark achievement in their normalisation process” and paving the way for both sides to move forward to European path.

Merkel noted the “changed attitude” of Western Balkan states that made them able to meet each other without mediators and called it as “a concrete steps that

also represented new hope for the region.”

The host Austria’s Vice Chancellor Reinhold Mitterlehner announced that the EU will grant 600 million euros for regional infrastructural project over the next few years. The Austrian leader was quoted as say-

ing by a new agency that 24 different infrastructural projects were confirmed at the meeting in Vienna worth some 7 billion euros.

If the projects are finished, it should stimulate GDP growth by 1 per cent in each Western Balkans country

and create around 200,000 new jobs in total, the Austrian leader was quoted as saying.

According to media reports other projects include construction of a highway from Nis in Serbia to the Albanian coastal city of Dures through to the Kosovo capital of Pristina. Reconstruction of the railway line between Serbian and Bosnian capitals, Belgrade and Sarajevo is also under discussion.

The summit in Vienna is a part of the Berlin Process, a fiveyear process started last August and marked by yearly summits in order to underline the EU’s commitment to enlargement.

The focus of the initiative is on the six Balkan countries that are not yet EU members: Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia.

It had been announced that the main topics of the summit would be infrastructure and connectivity, regional cooperation and youth.

The refugee challenges and influx overshadowed the Vienna Summit which was originally designed to discuss regional co-operation and infrastructure.

Amid the worst refugee crisis in Europe since WWII and rising numbers of deaths (around 2,400 during first six months of this year) the Balkan states like Macedonia, Serbia and Hungary are worst hit by the crisis.—Email

China faces grave water pollution challenges BEIJING —China still faces serious water pollution challenges, despite progress over the past few years. Of the 972 national monitoring stations, 9.2 percent posted surface water quality below grade V last year, said Chen Changzhi, vice chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, on Friday in a report delivered to the top legislature’s ongoing bimonthly session. The figure was 17 percentage points lower than the level in 2005, marking significant improvement, Chen said. China uses six classifications for water quality. Grade I is the best.

Water no worse than grade III can be used for drinking, although sometimes treatment is required. Water worse than grade V is too polluted for any purpose, including irrigation.

According to the report, 63.2 percent of the samples were ranked levels I to III last year, up 22 percentage points from the figure in 2005. Chen warned of safety risks for the country’s drinking water resources, citing the top legislature’s inspection results on the enforcement of the Water Pollution Prevention and Control Law from May to June.—Xinhua

U.S., China stress 71 Syrians dead in positives ahead of Xi trip Austria truck tragedy B EIJING —China and the upon,” Rice told China’s top sitive issues between us and VIENNA—Austrian police said Friday three migrant crisis on Thursday, said all those present United States stressed the positives in their complex relationship on Friday during meetings between U.S. National Security Adviser Susan Rice and Chinese officials ahead of a U.S. visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping next month.

While the world’s two largest economies have important mutual interests, like trying to rein in North Korea’s nuclear program, deep disagreements exist over everything from Internet security to China’s claims in the South China Sea. “We have seen our bilateral relationship evolve and strengthen in recent months.

And we have found areas of broadened and deepened cooperation that we are certainly looking forward to building

diplomat, State Councillor Yang Jiechi, who outranks the foreign minister.

“At the same time, we have been able to discuss frankly our differences, which we both acknowledge need to be addressed effectively.”

Yang said that both countries had cooperated closely over the Iran and North Korean nuclear issues. “With shared efforts on both sides, ChinaU.S. relations have maintained a trend of overall positive development recently,” he added.

Xi told Rice that China wanted “sustainable and steady growth” in ties with Washington.

“We stand ready to further promote our practical cooperation, effectively manage the sen-

Chinese President Xi Jinping applauds during the opening ceremony of the 15th IAAF World event.

strengthen the friendship between the people of both countries,” Xi said.

Rice also met Fan Changlong, one of the vice chairmen of the Central Military Commission, which Xi heads and which controls the Chinese armed forces, the world’s largest.

Fan said that his meeting with Rice was the fourth in one year, which showed the importance the two countries attach to militaryto-military relations. “Both sides should work hard to control and manage disputes and risks,” the official Xinhua news agency quoted Fan as saying. Rice said the United States was committed to developing healthy and stable ties with the People’s Liberation Army, and praised cooperation between the two over the Ebola outbreak in West Africa and efforts to fight piracy in the Gulf of Aden.

There was no mention in any of the comments in front of reporters of cyber issues or the South China Sea. The United States has repeatedly expressed concern about Chinese reclamation work in the South China Sea. China says the United States is not a claimant nation in the dispute and should stay out of it.

China claims most of the South China Sea, through which $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year, and rejects the rival claims of Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan. — Reuters

people have been arrested over the gruesome was “shaken” by the “horrible” news.

“This is a warning to us to tackle this midiscovery of 71 bodies in an abandoned lorry, grants issue quickly and in a European spirit, with the victims believed to be Syrians.

A toddler, three young boys and eight women were among the dead in the latest horrific tragedy in Europe’s unrelenting migrant crisis.

Another 76 bodies were recovered in the Mediterranean off Libya after yet another boat crammed with migrants sank, while a Swedish coastguard ship docked in Sicily carrying a grim cargo of 52 dead.

Austrian police spokesman Hans Peter Doskozil said Syrian travel documents were found in the truck abandoned on a motorway near the Hungarian Coffins with bodies of migrants who died in an abandoned border, suggesting the group lorry are unloaded from a van at a forensics institute in were “likely” Syrians.

Vienna.

“Among these 71 people, there were 59 men, eight women and four chil- which means in a spirit of solidarity, and to find dren including a young girl one or two years old solutions,” she said.

“Today is a dark day... This tragedy affects and three boys aged eight, nine or 10,” he told a us all deeply,” Austrian Interior Minister Johanna news conference.

He said three people were in custody in Hun- Mikl-Leitner said Thursday. Mikl-Leitner vowed gary — believed to be the owner of the truck to crack down on the people who pocket exorand two drivers. Austrian motorway mainte- bitant sums to arrange migrants’ passage to Eunance workers first saw the 7.5-tonne refriger- rope, and then often leave them stranded en ated poultry truck and noticed “decomposing route. “Human traffickers are criminals,” she body fluids” dripping from the vehicle, Doskozil said.

Austrian newspaper Kurier carried a black said.

Police were confronted by an overpower- front page with the headline: “Who will stop ing stench and a mass of tangled limbs in the this madness?” View galleryA group of migrant truck and forensics experts worked all night to women and children escorted by clear out the vehicle, which had Hungarian police … A group of migrant women and children esplates.

The state of the corpses suggested that those corted by police wait at a collector point near inside had been dead for some time. Television Roszke villa …

European Union leaders have struggled to images showed flies buzzing around the back get to grips with a crisis that has seen nearly of the vehicle in the baking sun.

340,000 migrants cross the bloc’s borders this - ‘Who will stop this madness?’ German Chancellor Angela Merkel, in Austria year — not counting August — many from for a summit with Balkan leaders on Europe’s hotspots like Iraq and Syria.—AFP

The Arab Spring was a revolution of the hungry THANASSIS CAMBANIS

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ARLY in the Tahrir Square revolution, a group of retired Egyptian generals sat poolside at Cairo’s Gezira Club and worried about whether the country’s ruling elite could survive a popular uprising. It was February 2011, a week before President Hosni Mubarak was toppled. Millions of freshly politicized Egyptians had already taken to the streets. And yet, some of these career security men were unfazed.

“The only thing we really need to worry about is a revolution of the hungry,” said one, a retired Air Force general. “That would be the end of us.”

As it turned out, it took less than four years for Egypt’s dictatorship to reconstitute itself, crushing the hope for real change among the people. In no small part, the regime’s resilience was due to its firm grasp of bread politics. The ruler who controls the main staples of life — bread and fuel — often controls everything else, too.

Nonetheless, the specter of a “revolution of the hungry” still worries authoritarian rulers today, in Egypt and throughout the Arab world. Roughly put, the idea is shorthand for an uprising that brings together not only the traditional cast of political and religious dissidents but also pits a far greater number of poor, uneducated, and apolitical citizens against the state.

Look across the region, and regimes have good reason to be afraid. Even in countries where obesity is widespread, people suffer from low-quality medical care and malnutrition due to a lack of healthy food.

The basic equation is stark: The Arab world cannot feed itself. Rulers obsessed with security have created a twisted web of importers

and bakeries whose aim is not to feed the population efficiently or nutritiously but simply to maintain the regime and stave off that much feared revolution of the hungry. Vast subsidies eat up the lion’s share of national budgets.

So far, the bakeries haven’t run out of loaves in two of the region’s biggest bread battlegrounds, Egypt and Syria. But the sense of plenty is only an illusion. Food is expensive, people are poor, and repressive regimes rely on imported wheat financed through foreign aid. It’s an unsustainable and volatile cocktail.

“You have a system where access to food is a primary mechanism of social control,” said journalist Annia Ciezadlo, author of the book “Day of Honey,” who has written extensively about food subsidies, unrest, and the use of food as a weapon in the Middle East. “The moment something happens to that supply of subsidized food, everything can go out of control.”

The Arab uprisings of 2010 and 2011 offered only the most recent glimpse of what it would look like if people got hit where it hurts the most: at the dinner table.

In 1977, President Anwar Sadat of Egypt managed a feat that had been considered impossible when he broke with the entire Arab world and initiated a peace process with Israel, even traveling to Jerusalem to address the Knesset. The bread conundrum, on the other hand, proved much more intractable.

Sadat tried in January 1977 to cancel Egypt’s expensive wheat subsidy at the urging of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. Riots swept nearly every major city, and in two days Sadat caved. He restored the bread subsidy that has remained in place ever since, and the Egyptian military took control of many crucial bakeries to ensure that the government could control the bread supply in a crisis. That awkward status quo prevails to this day. The

government’s bread economy is inefficient, unstable, and nearly entirely dependent on foreign imports. But any attempt to tinker with bread prices or subsidies still terrifies the country’s rulers and enrages its citizens.

Regimes took heed. Hafez al-Assad, the dictator of Syria, extolled peasants in his rhetoric and made food independence a central pillar of his regime. For decades, Syrian officials constantly bragged they didn’t need to import wheat.

Dictators in the Arab world learned that one of the best routes to dominance runs through the bakery. Rulers the world round usually deploy some variant of pocketbook politics, rewarding their loyalists with perks like community centers, jobs, and payola — and punishing opposition areas by scrimping on their basic services like roads and schools. In many Middle Eastern countries, the level of control was more basic: Without the government, citizens would starve.

The brittle, undemocratic regimes had, however, no mechanism of oversight and little resilience to withstand outside shocks. So distant events like a bad crop on the Black Sea or low rainfall in Canada could quickly translate into a political crisis in the Levant or North Africa. In 2008, world food prices spiked, and, once again, bread riots broke out across the Middle East. Regimes scrambled to cover the shortfall with handouts and subsidies, on the assumption that their populations might tolerate repression but not hunger.

Indeed, rising commodity prices were one of the triggers in the 2010 to 2011 uprisings.

Protesters in Tunisia brandished baguettes. In Egypt, many of the revolutionary chants talked about food, and a central demand was for “bread, freedom, social justice” (it rhymes in Arabic).

The first Syrians to rise up against Bashar

Assad included many poor farmers who had been displaced by drought and the government’s neoliberal disinvestment from agriculture. Caitlin Werrell and Francesco Femia at the Center for Climate and Security in Washington, D.C., argue that a series of droughts in Syria from 2006 to 2010 created the preconditions for the uprisings — crop failures drove farmers off their land and raised the level of desperation until Syrians directly challenged their ruler.

Saudi Arabia’s ultrarich monarchy calculated that it could survive any challenge from political dissidents critical of the country’s lack of rights and freedoms — as long as it could keep its citizens in material comfort. The king quickly increased handouts to citizens, and after a brief rumble, Saudi Arabians sat out the regional wave of protests that swept through nearly every other Arab state.

Yet the obsession with food sovereignty and security remains close to the region’s despots.

Saudi Arabia has purchased land in fertile water-rich countries like Ethiopia in order to secure its food supply.

In Syria, unscrupulous combatants on all sides have made food one of the war’s central battlegrounds. The regime blocks delivery of food aid to rebellious regions; its blockade of the Yarmouk refugee camp in Damascus has also kept out truckloads of UN food aid, causing years of famine in the camp. Further afield, the regime routinely bombs bakeries in areas that fall under rebel control, in a method colloquially referred to as “starve-or-surrender.”

—Courtesy: TBG [Thanassis Cambanis, a fellow at the Century Foundation, is the author of “Once Upon a Revolution: An Egyptian Story.” He is an Ideas columnist and blogs at thanassiscambanis.com.]

The ugly face of the Bangkok explosion BARRISTER HARUN UR RASHID

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O country is now immune to domestic or internationallylinked terrorism. Terrorism broadly falls into various cat egories, such as ideological or class-struggle or crossborder terrorism.

The Bangkok explosion on August 17 shocked everyone because of its intensity and extensive damage. At least 20 people died and many were injured in the attack on the Erawan shrine. In a separate attack on August 18, an explosive device was thrown at a pier in Bangkok. No one was hurt, but the authorities have not ruled out a link between the incidents. A massive hunt is underway for a man wearing a yellow T-shirt and black glasses, who was seen in security footage leaving a backpack on a bench at a Hindu shrine where a blast killed 22 people and wounded at least 120. Meanwhile, two foreign tourists were reportedly cleared by the police.

Immigration posts have been alerted to look for the slightly built suspect, who the police said may have been wearing a wig. They are also looking at interviewing motorcycle taxi drivers who brought the man to the shrine and later drove him back. They were working on the theory that he was not acting alone.

Observers say that the explosion is unlikely to be motivated by domestic politics; the scale of the damage is too great and too messy.

If someone wanted to fulfill a domestic agenda, such carnage would be unnecessary. Thailand has seen incidents in the past where someone would throw a grenade, which injured a few people, to get their political message across, but that is where it generally ended.

The Erawan shrine is a popular tourist attraction, and if one really wanted to cause maximum impact, this would be the obvious target.

Thai culture is Buddhist and values religious tolerance.

There is no aggressive Buddhist front in the country as found in Myanmar or Sri Lanka. Such a religious location is not the kind of target any Thai rebel would choose, which suggests to analysts that those behind the attack may not be Thai.

Police released a sketch and video of their main suspect, who has been described as foreign and is believed to have been working as part of a network. The reward for the wanted man now stands at 3 million baht ($84,000). The shrine was reopened to the public on August 19.

In his weekly address to the nation, Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha said he would “expedite all investigations to bring perpetrators to justice”.

He has said the incident was the “worst attack on Thailand” ever.

The attack aimed to “discredit the government and create a climate of fear to deter tourists,” said the Thai police chief, Somyot Poompanmoung. There have been many speculations on the origin of the bomb explosion. One unconfirmed report says that it could be an act of revenge for the deportation of Uighur Muslims from Thailand to China. Police sources said Uighur militants in Xinjiang province may be responsible for the blast, according to reports in the Bangkok Post and other Thai media.

Thailand sparked international condemnation in July when the country deported 109 Uighurs, a move human rights groups said violated international conventions. The deported Uighurs had arrived in Thailand in 2014, claiming to be Turkish and asking to be sent to Turkey. Other Uighurs forcibly returned to China have faced arrest and criminal prosecution which the Chinese government said was justified in their fight against separatism, religious extremism and terrorism. China has portrayed Uighur separatists as auxiliaries of alQaeda but has produced little evidence to support the claim, Human Rights Watch said.

Uighur groups also protested as some men, who had been separated from their wives and children, were found in detention cells in Thailand or were earlier sent to Turkey.

Thai officials have also cited intelligence from the country’s Special Branch that there would be an attack on Chinese tourists in Thailand after August 11.Matthew Wheeler, an analyst for the International Crisis Group, said the bombing was a “new type of attack for Bangkok” that doesn’t bear the marks of typical violence in the past decade from political instability or separatists.

“Police are not ruling out anything, including politics and the conflict of ethnic Uighurs who, before this, Thailand sent back to China,” he said. Thai security forces have increased security nationwide, fearing further attacks.

—Courtesy: TDS [The writer is a former Bangladesh Ambassador to the UN, Geneva].

Reversals in Burma’s Democratic Reform ELLEN BORK

B

URMA’S PRESIDENT, Thein Sein, once said he could imagine Aung San Suu Kyi, the pro-democracy leader, as president of Burma. “If the people accept her, I will have to accept her,” he told an interviewer in September 2012. It was a remarkable statement from a former general whose military persecuted Aung San Suu Kyi for decades after her National League for Democracy party was prevented from taking office after its landslide 1990 electoral victory.

At the time of his comments, Thein Sein was leading Burma in what appeared to be an exciting, if tentative political opening. Aung San Suu Kyi had been released from house arrest. In 2012, she and her party swept by-elections, giving them a toehold in the Parliament. Three years on, Thein Sein is no longer credible as a reformer.

Burma’s government is re-engaged in repression—against religious and ethnic minorities, journalists and activists. It’s also moving on dissenters within its own ranks. On August 13th, Thein Sein used force to remove Shwe Mann, also a former general, as head of their ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party in a midnight operation at the party’s headquarters.

Shwe Mann is not an entirely sympathetic figure. He’s a former general, associated with military abuses and questionably wealthy besides. However, in recent years, he has forged a cooperative relationship with Aung San Suu Kyi in the Parliament, where she has tried to amend the military-drafted constitution that bars her from the presidency and entrenches military power.

Burma’s military-dominated government is reverting to type, but so far the Obama administration has been quiet. Of the party putsch, a State Department spokeswoman blandly observed, “It is important that authorities act in a way that reinforces—not decreases—the Burmese public’s confidence in their government’s commitment to democratic processes.” The administration has also laid out a mushy standard for the upcoming parliamentary elections, saying they must be “credible, transparent, and inclusive.” It’s hard to know exactly what that means, which is probably the point.

Those November 8th parliamentary elections are likely to bring in a large contingent of Aung San Suu Kyi’s popular NLD to the Parliament, but the military’s quota of one quarter of the seats makes it unlikely they’ll win a majority or get much done. Anyway, after the resurgence of hard-line tactics by the ruling party shows, it’s hard to see Thein Sein and his party tolerating, let alone leading, democratization. At the outset of Burma’s political opening, Thein Sein was perceived as motivated to break down Burma’s international isolation, and get it out from under the influence of China, its next-door neighbor. The Obama administration bet heavily on him.

President Obama made an historic visit to Burma and lifted sanctions on Thein Sein so he could come to Washington.

A top treasury official said then that Thein Sein “had taken concrete steps to promote political reforms and human rights, and to move Burma away from repression and dictatorship toward democracy and freedom, warranting today’s de-listing action.” The administration made the same decision with regard to Shwe Mann.

Thein Sein has now taken concrete steps in the wrong direction.

Now is the time to tell Thein Sein there is a choice to be made between good relations with the US and continued autocratic rule.

—Courtesy: WA

Bilawal says PPP stands by people of Kashmir Pays tributes to Kashmiri martyrs I SLAMABAD —Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that his party believes that the people of Kashmir are a key to a final settlement of the Kashmir dispute and that PPP stands by them in their just struggle.

He stated this while talking to a delegation of All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) which called on him in Zardari House here on Friday. The 20-member APHC delegation comprised representatives of all parties in the Hurriyat conference including Ghulam Muhammad Safi, Mir Tahir Masood, Mahmood Saghir, Yousuf Naseem, Abdul Hameed Lone, Shafi Dar, Ijaz Butt, Shamim Shal, Faiz Naqashbandi and others. President AJK Sardar Yaqub, PM Chaudhry Majid, Speaker Ghulam Sadiq, senior minister Ch Yasin, Finance Minister, Ch Latif Akbar, AJK Minister Matloon Inqilabi also accompanied the APHC delegation. Ms Faryal Talpur, Raja Pervez Ashraf, Sherry Rehman, and Jamil Soomro were also

present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the wishes of the people of Kashmir is also a key to peace in the region. He said that it is also the PPP vision to take South Asia on to the path of peace and prosperity with respect and honour and without prejudice to the position on UN resolutions on Kashmir. This path is through confidence building, conflict management and creation of a trading bloc of nations to improve the living conditions of all people of South Asia, he added.

He said that steps like appropriate confidence building measures, greater people to people contacts and enhanced trade are very much needed to create a climate for durable peace in the region the centrality of Kashmir issue cannot be sidelined or ignored.

The PPP chairman recalled that his party under the leadership of Shaheed

Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto succeeded in giving observer status to APHC in the OIC, proposed soft borders as far back as 1999.

Earlier on, the PPP introduced the South Asian Preferential Tariff Agreement as well as the concept of groups of people, like Parliamentarians and Judges, travelling in the SAARC countries without visas he said.

The PPP respects freedom and the fundamental rights of people. There can be no greater fundamental right than the right to franchise of a people, he said.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari condemned shelling across the LoC and Working Boundary over in which several innocent lives were lost on our villages and called for respecting the ceasefire understanding.

The APHC delegation thanked Bilawal for meeting them and said that the ppp had a history of supporting the Kashmiris struggle which was widely appreciated in the held Kashmir.—INP

8 dead in Indian firing serious concern over unprovoked firing from Indian side at Working Boundary. He said he was concerned over Indian aggression on the Line of Control and Working Boundary.

In a statement issued from PM House, Nawaz Sharif has directed Foreign Office and Defense Ministry to raise the issue of LOC and Working Boundary violations with their Indian counterparts.

Meanwile, Indian High and Deputy Commissioner were summoned to Foreign Office on Friday over incidents of unprovoked firing and mortar shelling near Working Boundary.

According to spokesperson of Foreign Office, Indian High Commissioner TCA Raghwan and Deputy High Commissioner were summoned to protest against Indian security forces’ unprovoked firing and mortar shelling near Working Boundary and Sialkot. Foreign Office also handed over correspondence protesting the aggression from Indian security forces which stated that Indian government should stop its army from violating ceasefire agreement.

The text of the letter further stated that if Indian aggression goes unchecked then the matter will be taken to forums of United Nations including that of Security Council.

“Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry received the Indian envoy. He was conveyed Pakistan’s protest and concern over continued LOC/working boundary violations,” Foreign Office said in a statement.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on For-

From Page 1 eign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz has also condemned the firing by Indian border troops along the LoC in Kashmir and Working Boundary.

“The government of Pakistan expresses concern at the continued ceasefire violations by India along the LOC and the Working Boundary,” said Aziz.

“We urge the Indian government to stop ceasefire violations along the LOC and the Working Boundary,” added Aziz.

Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has ruled out the possibility of a limited war with arch-rival India. Reacting to Indian ceasefire violations, which left eight Pakistani civilians killed in Sialkot, Khawaja Asif took to the social media to vent his anger at the neighboring country.

“There is no space for a limited war ... Any attack on us will depend on Pakistan’s choice of response and timing,” he said.

Meanwhile, Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz Friday condemned unprovoked Indian firing on the Working Boundary resulting in deaths of eight innocent civilians and injuries to 47 others.

He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the quick recovery of the injured.

The Adviser also expressed extreme concern of the Government of Pakistan at the continued ceasefire violations by India on the LoC and the Working Boundary.

Aziz warned India to stop these ceasefire violations forthwith and restore

peace and tranquility at the LoC and the Working Boundary.

The authorities have ordered the closure of government schools in the villages of Chaprar sector of Sialkot Working Boundary, in the wake of increase in the unprovoked firing and shelling by the Indian BSF. Similarly increase in the shifting of hundreds of the residents of the border villages to Sialkot and other safer areas has been observed as an effort to avoid further loss of life.

The eight martyred persons include Subedar (r) Zulfiqar Hussain, an unidentified man of 27, an unidentified 12-yearold boy and others, whereas the injured persons are Rasheed s/o Muneer, Azra Bibi w/o Muhammad Waqas, Zainab d/o Muhammad Yaqoob, Imtiaz s/o Sadiq Ali, Haseena Bibi d/o Sarwar (10), Samreean d/o Sarwar (8), Muskaan d/o Sarwar (13), Fakhar ul Hasan s/o Sarwar (6), Shabana Bibi w/o Sarwar (38), Waqas s/o Maqbool (14), Jameela Bibi w/o Muhammad Islam (48), Tasleem s/o Muhammad Shareef (48), Naseer s/o Lal Deen, Nabeela Bibi w/o Javed (35), Javed s/o Ghulam Rasool (45), Nainan d/o Arif (12), Muhammad Imran (5), Ali s/o Muhammad Haneef (15), Zeeshan s/o Zulfiqar and others.

The injured persons were shifted to Combined Military Hospital in Sialkot by the Rescue 1122 who established a temporary rescue post in village Dallowali near Sialkot Cantonment. The martyred and injured persons belonged to Kundanpur, Bajrah Garhi, Anulah, Thathi Kalan, Thathi Khurd, Umranwali and other border area villages.

Banned INGO ‘STC’ From Page 1 zation in operation against Osama Bin Laden (OBL).

The STC backed joint venture, ScalingUp Nutrition Civil Society Alliance (SUNCSA) was launched on December 23, 2014 here in Islamabad with initial funding of Rs20 million by STC for its formation and designing of initial working strategy that how to carryout household surveys, reach out to general public at grass roots level and influence the parliamentarians and political parties by monitoring civil administration. The SUN-CSA was actually a new project of STC initiated at that time, when government and LEA had almost decided about taking stern action against the organizations either international or local allegedly involved in antistate activities or working in the country without prior approval of competent authorities.

The plant of SUN-CSA, which was implanted by STC with initial strength of 79 organizations from all provinces of the country but Azad jamu & Kashmir as well, has now become a strong and healthy tree of more than 102 branches. It was learnt through the officials of member organization of SUNCSA including Awaz Foundation, PODA etc who privy to latest development that the banned organization ‘STC’ recently organized the 3-day workshop for member orga-

Politics of accusations From Page 1 Politics of accusations will be buried forever under the votes of masses,” said the prime minister. Nawaz Sharif said that his party was victorious in the people’s court in 2013 and would triumph again in the byelections.

Pakistan well aware of From Page 1 dia in various parts of Pakistan and belligerence along the working boundary and line of control,” the army chief asserted. The army chief also condemned the Indian ceasefire violations in the strongest terms, terming the targeting of civilians “highly unprofessional, unethical, irresponsible and cowardly.”

nization of SUN-CSA from 25-27 August here at local hotel of Islamabad to finalize the working strategy of Alliance in future, adding “STC initially approved Rs10 million grant for its activities through different proxies in different part of country mandatory in KPK, FATA and Balochistan”, he maintained. Officials informed his scribe that Dr. Irshad Danish, the employee of STC has been serving as Coordinator SUN-CSA secretariat holding the office of STC, while Arshad Mehmood the former employee of STC will serve as the central secretary of SUN-CSA secretariat.

According to an exclusive document available with Pakistan Observer, STC-US selected 16 different organizations to meet its future strategic goals from Islamabad including Friends Foundation, Bedari, National Rural support Program (NRSP), Society for Sustainable Development (SSD), similarly World Vision International, Potohar Organization of Development Advocacy (PODA), The Network for Consumer Protection, Johanniter International Assistance etc.

Similarly, 17 different development organizations but all local have been finalised to become a part of SUS-CSA including Rural Development Organization (RDO), Humdam Development Organization

(HDO), Faraz Welfare Society (FWS), Direct Focus Community Aid (DFCA), Integrated Regional Support program (IRSP) and Literate Masses etc. Four organizations from Balochistan would be a part of STC backed SUN-CSA forum including Society of Collective Interests Orientation (SOCIO Pakistan), Kuchlak Welfare Society (KWS), Rural Community Development Council (RCDC) and Society for Empowering Human Resource (SEHER), while 12 organizations from Punjab province including Youth Front Pakistan (YFP), Awaz Foundation Pakistan, Rural Education and Economic Development Society (REED), Al-Mustafa Welfare Society and many others.

It was also learnt that SUN-CSA will be the beneficiary of STC secretariat to handle the future activities of Alliance’s member organization regarding health, nutrition and education. Due to pressure from US State department, Save the Children got off the hook as its offices were reopened within two weeks of closure but only after pledging to close down more than 100 of its offices across sensitive areas like Baluchistan, KP, and FATA without any delay.

The American INGO was also asked not to resume it operations till getting a formal registration from the ministry of interior under the new proposed law.

Power projects From Back Page government will set up 1200 megawatt gas- ing all out cooperation for resolving energy cribased energy projects in Bhikhi, Sheikhupura sis in Pakistan and work is being carried out with its own resources while federal government round the clock on the power projects being establish 2400 megawatt gas- based power- executed with Chinese cooperation. houses in the province.

He said that cooperation being extended by The Chief Minister further said that work is China in the development of various sectors inbeing carried out speedily on 1320 megawatt coal cluding energy in Pakistan is commendable. He power plant in Sahiwal with the cooperation of said that energy crisis will be overcome with China and this project will start electricity pro- the cooperation of sincere friends like China and duction by the end of 2017. Similarly, he said, darkness will be removed from the country. He Punjab government has completed within a record said that a number of power projects will be properiod a solar project of 100 megawatt in Quaid- ducing electricity by 2017 with the cooperation e-Azam Solar Park Bahawalpur with its own re- of China and about 5000 megawatt electricity sources and its production has been added to the will be available. He said that work is being national grid. Moreover, he said, work is being carried out expeditiously in Punjab on power carried out on 900 megawatt solar power plant. projects for eliminating energy crisis.

He said that it is hoped that 350 megawatt solar Senior officials of Chinese company assoproject will be completed by the end of current ciated with energy sector while speaking on the year. Shehbaz Sharif further said that sincere ef- occasion assured that they will extend all out forts are being made under the leadership of Prime cooperation to the government in energy sector.

Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif for resolv- Chairman Punjab Power Development Coming the problem of shortage of electricity and all pany Arif Saeed, Additional Chief Secretary out sources are being utilized for this purpose.

Energy, Secretary Energy, Secretary Agriculture, He said that present government has taken Director General LDA and Chief Executive unprecedented measures for the completion of Officer of Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park were also energy projects. He said that China is extend- present on the occasion.

US wants From Page 1 continue to hold talks.

While answering an Indian journalist’s question about Pakistan’s threat to use atomic bombs, Kirby said that he has not seen any such statement by Pakistan. Kirby said that speculation about possibility of using atomic nukes would not lessen tensions. He stressed that solutions to longstanding disputes between India and Pakistan are only possible through talks.

“What really needs to happen, is sitting down, dialogue, cooperation, talking through these things, and trying to work through some meaningful solutions” Kirby emphasised.

Asked to comment on report by two US think tanks about Pakistan’s nuclear programme, the spokesman said US would continue to urge all nuclear-capable states, including Pakistan, to exercise restraint regarding furthering their nuclear capabilities.

The report by two USbased think tanks – Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and the Stimson Center – said Pakistan is going to have about 350 nuclear weapons in a decade or so.—INP

Islamabad LB polls From Page 1 of submitting nomination papers will start from October 24 and will continue until Oct 27.

Scrutiny of nomination papers will begin on Oct 31 and will continue until Nov 4. Candidates could file appeals against decision of the returning officers from November 5 to 6 whereas verdicts on the appeals will be announced from November 7 to 9.

Final list of the candidates will be release on November 11 and polling will be held on November 30 and result of the elections in Islamabad will be announced on December 3.

Further, the ECP will start the process of delimitation of constituencies from today.

MQM names From Back Page Committee. The decision was taken by the MQM Coordination Committee.

Hussain gave his approval while addressing a joint session of MQM Coordination Committee and office-bearers of different wings of the party at the Khursheed Begum Secretariat Friday.

In his address, MQM founder and leader Altaf Husain said the Coordination Committee was dissolved in recent days of which Amir Khan was also a member but in consultation with newly formed Coordination Committee, it was decided to include him in the Coordination Committee once again and hence he has approved the decision of the Coordination Committee.

Hussain further said that there was news on media that the Challan on all pending cases against Amir Khan have been submitted in the court on which all the anti-MQM forces should learn that MQM would not leave Amir Khan alone despite all tactics being applied on him.

“We would remain steadfast in this time of hardship and would not leave Amir Khan alone”, vowed Hussain. The joint session welcomed the endorsement of Coordination Committee’s decision by Hussain by clapping in pleasure.

Imran slams From Page 1 decision not to extend contracts of Kazim Malik and Rana Zahid after verdicts against PML-N,” twitted Imran Khan.

He said that Justice (r) Kazim was only acceptable to ECP when he gave thirty verdicts in favour of Nawaz Sharif’s party.

The statement comes a day after Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Justice (r) Sardar Raza refused to extend contracts of Lahore election tribunal’s member Kazim Ali Malik and other two tribunals of Punjab and asked the Lahore High Court chief justice to name judges for the new appointments.

The terms of the above mentioned judges are going to end on August 31.

All these three judges had given verdicts against Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) leaders. Kazim Malik had given verdict against Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Javed Rasheed had given verdict against Khawaja Saad Rafique while Rana Zahid had declared the results of NA-154 as invalid.—INP

Fazl telephones Sattar, informs him about PM’s approval for forming committee ISLAMABAD —Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl Rehman read out a joint declaration reached be(JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Friday had telephonic contact with the leader of Muthidda Qaumi Movement (MQM) Farooq Sattar and informed him regarding the approval of decision by the Prime Minister for constitution of ‘redressal committee’ to address MQM’s grievances.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman once again requested the MQM to withdraw the resignations.

Parliamentary leader of MQM Farooq Sattar made it clear to the chief of government coalition partner JUI-F that the MQM will make the decision with regard to withdrawal of resignation after seeing the redressal of grievances.

Fazlur Rehman assured MQM leader of empowered committee. MQM informed Maulana Fazlur Rehman regarding their proposals.

JUI-F Chief said that soon he will have meeting with the Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.

Earlier, the government and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement on Monday agreed that the former will form a Grievances Redressal Committee (GRC) to address the latter’s concerns, while the Karachi-based party will reconsider the resignations it had submitted in parliament.

Addressing a press conference after the meeting between the MQM and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Islamabad ended, Jamiat Ulema Islam (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur

tween them.

According to the agreement, the government was to form a committee which will address concerns over the continuing operation in Karachi.

“Modalities and time frame (for the committee to complete its work) will be finalized as the committee is formed,” he explained.

“Since their concerns are being addressed, the MQM has assured us to reconsider their resignations,” the JUI-F chief said, adding that the statement could be considered a joint declaration. He was flanked by MQM leader Farooq Sattar on one side and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on the other.

Meanwhile, Sattar said that his party had used Monday’s opportunity to reiterate their 19 grievances that they had submitted along with their resignations from the Senate, National and Sindh Assemblies.

“We spoke to the prime minister today and let him know our grievances,” Sattar said.

He added that his party had never spoken against the Karachi operation.

He added that they were seeking justice for the enforced disappearances, extra judicial killings and targeted killings of their workers – during and before the current operation.

“We want their killers to be arrested since it is mandatory for the restoration of peace in Karachi,” he said.—SABAH

India sabotaging regional peace From Back Page Speaking on Afghanistan, Nisar said Pakistan’s government and its security institutions had made the impossible possible by facilitating dialogue for peace in Afghanistan.

“But we are concerned over regional countries’ and international community’s lack of a positive response towards our efforts,” he said, adding that unjustified and unnecessary criticism on Pakistan was “not acceptable to us.”

The minister said Pakistan would continue its efforts for peace in the region but would never accept any hegemony or dominance.

The interior minister said other countries need to avoid blaming Pakistan for their own “weaknesses and negligence.” Similarly, India must understand that the dialogue process cannot proceed further without discussions on the issue of Kashmir.

“Without furthering dialogue there can be no peace in the region.”

Nisar said the government and the people of Pakistan desired peace and appreciated cooperation from the international community, especially friendly countries, in this regard.

Pakistan greatly valued its friendly ties with the United Kingdom and desired to further strengthen them, he said.

The interior minister said Pakistan and the UK shared policy on various issues for there

existed multifaceted cooperation between both countries.

Pakistan High Commissioner in the United Kingdom and senior officials from the British Foreign Office were also present during the meeting.

Mr Hammond on the occasion said Pakistan and UK had a special relationship and there was no room for any misunderstandings in bilateral ties. “Nor will we allow any misunderstanding to affect our relations.”

He appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for peace in the region, especially Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s vision for peace.

The foreign secretary particularly appreciated Pakistan’s contributions towards facilitating the dialogue process in Afghanistan.

He expressed the hope that the Afghan dialogue process would not be affected, assuring complete support from the UK in this connection.

Mr Hammond expressed concern over the suspension of dialogue process between India and Pakistan, urging both sides to resolve all pending issues at the negotiating table.

Registration of NGOs, mutual cooperation in the fight against terrorism and other matters of mutual interest were also discussed during the meeting.

Afghan forces start operations From Page 1 Taliban. In addition they say insurgents have In addition, Taliban insurgents once again torched a clinic and a school. had retaken control of Astana Baba area of The council members said on Wednesday Sheren Tagab district of Faryab province. Sheren “the insurgents have also stolen a radio system Tagab district governor Loqman Gahrik said that from the police forces”.

Astana Baba area once again collapsed to the But, Mohammad Jan Rasoulyar, Deputy Taliban on Wednesday.

Governor of Helmand has not confirmed reports According to officials the area was cleared of its collapse but said that heavy clashes con- of insurgents in an operation led by first Vicetinue and that by Thursday more than 150 President General Abdul Rashid Dostum in Taliban insurgents had so far been killed. which more than 80 villages were cleared, 50 The Afghan and foreign air forces are also Taliban were killed, four were arrested and more supporting the ground forces in the battle field, than a hundred joined the government’s peace according to the officials. process.—INP

Al-Qaeda-police nexus unearthed in Karachi From Back Page Imran served Lyari gang war notorious militant Baba Ladla and gave information about police action before time.

The report also revealed that the PS to the SSP Baldia Town Sub-Inspector Noorullah had also facilitated terrorists Shera, Basit Langra and Wahid aka Bursh and received huge share from the money they looted. Cop Mehtab shared sensitive information with the activists of a political party while Sub-Inspector Ghulam Yaseen and head constable Pir Muhammad patronized the criminals involved in street crimes.

Meanwhile, the law enforcement agencies that are in full swing in their actions against the corrupt influential apprehended a high profile Karachi Metropolitan Corporation’s (KMC) retired officer Hazoor Bux Kalhoro.

The arrested Kalhoro is a close aide of high profile political figures from Sindh and said to have served them with the money earned through illicit means.

Kalhoro’s arrest is another major setback to Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) as the sources claimed Kalhoro is the front man of a high profile political leader from Sindh.

He was arrested from his residence. He was also arrested in past by the National Accountability Bureau and was jailed on charges of massive scale corruption. Kalhoro

is also accused of land grabbing, China cutting, manipulation in land record, record of different cooperative housing societies and in Sindh Board of Revenue and thus inflicting colossal loss to the public exchequer. Sources also claimed that Kalhoro was also involved in the menace of water steal-

ing business through 5 illegal water hydrants under the aegis of a sitting minister in Sindh government and that he owns many luxury bungalows in DHA, Clifton, P.E.C.H.S, Gulshan-e Iqbal, Gulistan-e Jauhar, and Cosmopolitan Society opposite to Qauid’s mausoleum.

Dr Asim arrest

Qaim expresses concern to Sindh DG Rangers STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali

Moazzam in 90-day detention Irfan Aligi KARACHI—The anti terror court while conceding paramilitary Rangers appeal placed Pasban Pakistan General Secretary Usman Moazzam in 90 day detention for further investigations on charges of his alleged involvement in heinous crimes including murders and extortion. The paramilitary Rangers produced Moazzam in the ATC Friday along with proofs and confessional statement obtained in connection to his alleged involvement in murder and extortion. The law officer of the paramilitary Rangers apprised the ATC that the under arrest Moazzam is involved in heinous crimes including target murder and extortion and the Rangers have to did out more details for which a 90-day detention is sought from the ATC. The ATC allowed a 90-day detention.

Saif Ali goes underground MUMBAI—The actor who plays the Jamatud Dawa (JUD) Chief Hafiz Saeed – alleged by India to be the Mumbai attacks mastermind – in Saif Ali Khan’s upcoming film Phantom is in hiding for security reasons, IANS reported. Phantom stars Saif Ali Khan and Katrina Kaif in a story that revolves around the November 26 Mumbai attacks at the Taj Hotel, which killed at least 166 people. The film is set five years after the attacks, when a retired army officer leads a mission to seek out and kill the terror masterminds. The film, which is based on the novel ‘Mumbai Avengers’ by S. Hussain Zaidi, was recently banned by the Lahore High Court after a petition was filed by Hafiz Saeed.—AFP

Nigeria’s Buhari appoints chief of staff ABUJA— Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Alhaji Abba Kyari, who has held posts at United Bank for Africa, Unilever, and Mobil, as his chief of staff. Unlike his recent predecessors, Kyari is not a politician. “Chief of staff might not appear as high profile as some of the top ministerial posts but is probably the key appointment in terms of defining an administration and how effectively it operates,” said Antony Goldman, of Nigeria-focused PM Consulting. “Abba Kyari is not a politician, but that is probably part of his attraction,” Goldman said.— Reuters

LONDON: Interior Minister Ch. Nisar Ali Khan and UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond shaking hands before their formal meeting.

Nisar tells Hammond

India sabotaging regional peace OBSERVER REPORT LONDON—Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan in a meeting with British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond on Friday said India was trying to sabotage efforts for peace on one pretext or the other and was putting regional security and stability at stake.

Discussing the regional security situation, Nisar said the incumbent government had a very clear view regarding peace in the region and on establishing friendly relations with neighbouring

Lahore on red alert after major terror attack warnings STAFF REPORTER

countries, according to a press release issued Friday.

But unfortunately the other side had not reciprocated the same, he said.

The minister, who is on an official trip to the UK, said it was strange that India did not want to discuss the core issue of Kashmir, nor wanted Pakistan to hold consultations with Kashmiri leaders.

This, he said, was “unacceptable to Pakistan” and labelled it a major hurdle in efforts

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Law to take course against corrupts: PR SALIM AHMED

Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran

LAHORE—Federal InformaLAHORE – Intelligence reports tion Minister Pervaiz Rashid on Friday warned of major terror attack in Lahore. Important political personalities and installations of Punjab may be targeted. Security has been tightened in the provincial capital.

According to intelligence sources, a major terror attack may strike the provincial capital of Punjab. There are intelligence reports of 5 terrorists entering Lahore from North Waziristan.

MQM names Amir as CC member STAFF REPORTER K ARACHI —The Muttahida Qaumi Movement founder and leader Altaf Hussain has approved inclusion of MQM senior worker Amir Khan as member of MQM Coordination

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Friday said that they will address concerns of the the main opposition party over Dr Asim Hussain’s arrest and the ongoing Rangers crackdown in Sindh.

Talking to media persons in Lahore after addressing a function here at Al-hamra Hall, Information Minister assured that the law enforcement agencies will work within the ambit of law when carrying out operations in the province. “Law will take its due course, government does not believe in any sort of retaliatory action against any political party,” Rashid said.However, he said government respects the Opposition Leader Khurshid Shah and is ready to address his reservations. He dispelled the impression about certain actions of NAB and law enforcing agencies by saying that these actions are not politically motivated.

Regarding Pakistan

Khan’s demand for members of the election commission to resign for their failure to hold transparent elections in 2013, Rashid said that the government does not hold any power to remove any member of the commission.

Rashid also hit out at Imran’s intentions to stage another sit-in for the fulfillment of his demands, saying he could not ‘afford to hold another such protest.’

KSE-100 on the path of recovery AMANULLAH KHAN KARACHI —KSE-100 continued to march on the path of recovery by adding 486 points to close in green at 34447.47 levels here on Friday. In fact the index made a quantum jump to gain over 500 points in the first half of the day yet the momentum was slowed down as foreign investors continued to shed their holdings to make profits.

Meanwhile the international oil scenario was positive as oil prices jumped higher by almost US$4/bbl on Thursday, its biggest one day gain in six years. The market rose after US economic growth was revised higher.

The flow of strong corporate performance during first half of the financial year 2016, however is reassuring that the stock market would likely regain its bullish run when it opens on Monday for next week trading sessions. In today’s trading activity with a trade volume

of 282.65 million shares Dewan Cement emerged as volume leader of the day with 29.80 million shares trade to their credit while Pak Electron and Bank of Punjab were the second and third volume leaders with 20.93 million and 18.62 million shares respectively.

Shujaat for Karachi-like operation across country

Shah on Friday expressed concern over the arrest of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Zardari’s close confidante, Dr Asim Hussain.

The Sindh chief minister expressed his displeasure over the arrest during a meeting with Sindh Director General Rangers Major General Bilal Akbar, saying he should have been informed before the arrest, official sourcessaid.

“Sindh CM and DG Rangers discussed matters pertaining to the law and order situation of the metropolis, as well as the recent arrest of Dr Asim Hussain,” sources said Further, the source added, DG Rangers also presented authentic documents to the provincial chief minister regarding the involvement of Dr Asim in various cases.

“It was decided earlier that all information regarding the Karachi operation will be shared with me and no action will be taken without my consent,” sources quoted Qaim Ali Shah as saying.

On the contrary, CM

House spokesperson termed the meeting ‘routine’ in the context of the ongoing Karachi operation.

Rangers levelled terror-financing charges against Dr Asim Hussain while presenting him before an anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Thursday.

Officials of the paramilitary force informed the Karachi ATC-III that they had taken Dr Asim into preventive custody for 90 days on charges of embezzlement and using misappropriated funds in terrorist acts.

Dr Asim – who is currently serving as the chairman of the Higher Education Council (HEC) in Sindh and is a close confidante of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari – was picked up from his office a day earlier by law enforcers clad in plain clothes.

The arrest, at the time, was thought to be part of an anti-graft campaign which has already seen several individuals associated with PPP arrested on corruption charges. However, no government agency claimed responsibility for the arrest all throughout Wednesday.

Al-Qaeda-police nexus unearthed in Karachi HB Kalhoro held on massive graft charges

STAFF REPORTER

IRFAN ALIGI

K ARACHI —Pakistan Muslim League Quaid-e-Azam (PML -Q) president Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain revealed on Friday that a grand alliance of the Muslim League is in the offing. He called for operations similar to the Karachi operation to be conducted across the country.

Upon his arrival at the Karachi Airport, Shujaat Hussain told journalists that he has come to the port-city to reinvigorate the party’s allies.

Following his arrival, Shujaat went to Dr. Zulfiqar Mirza’s residence in DHA to condole over the former Sindh Home Minister’s father’s demise. He told journalists that the operation in Karachi is not being conducted against any one party but rather is being conducted against criminals.

After calling on Mirza, Hussain departed to meet Pir Pagara at his residence, where the two held discussions on all issues. He told journalists after the meeting, that he hopes all parties would expunge the criminal forces hiding among their ranks. He stressed that his party fully supports the decisions taken by the Pakistan Army.

KARACHI—The Intelligence Agencies have exposed another nexus of terrorists operating in Karachi. According to source, the terrorists killed in an action in block 13-D of Gulshan-e Iqbal in Karachi on August 19 were affiliated to Al-Qaeda and the main terrorist gunned down in that fierce encounter, Idrees Al Baloshi was the nephew of Nine Eleven master mind Khalid Sheikh.

The Intelligence Agencies have also unearthed the Al-Qaeda network and disclosed that killed terrorist Al Baloshi was in-charge of the Al-Qaeda network in Karachi. He was twice injured in missile attack in North Waziristan

Agency. Two nephews of Nine Eleven master mind Khalid Sheikh are already in US detention. On the other hand, special branch of police have prepared a list of those police officers and cops, who have been involved in terrorist activities in association with banned terrorists outfits and gangs of criminals.

According to the list thus prepared revealed that Inspector Naveed Nasir had assisted Faheem aka Budha and Obaid K2 in a bank heist and the two were also wanted to police on charges of target killings.

Conversely, the report thus prepared disclosed that Assistant Sub-Inspector Akhtar Jamal, head constables Nadeem, Jaffer, Abbas

and Muhammad Amir posted in Saudabad police station helped the criminals and shared information about police’s raid so that they easily managed to escape from the hide-out.

The in-charge of Bilal Colony police station Imdad Hussain is accused of facilitating the banned terrorist organisation Tehreek-e Taliban Pakistan’s terrorists while cop Akbar facilitated the terrorists of banned terrorist outfits in west part of Karachi.

Likewise, cop Jameel is said to be involved in target killing in association with TTP terrorists Mushtaq Mehsood and Waqar while police wireless operator

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Rs 6.15 cut in petrol price from Sept 1 recommended STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD —Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority on Friday has recommended the Finance Ministry to cut petroleum products’ prices by at least Rs 7.5 per litre starting from September 1.

The department dispatched a summary regarding petro-

leum products’ prices to the Finance Ministry.

The summary recommends a price cut of at least Rs 6.15 in petrol prices from the start of September.

Petrol’s current price is Rs 76.76 per litre. The recommended price cut will result in price Rs 70.61 per litre. High seed diesel price is recom-

mended to be reduced by Rs 7.50 while light speed diesel s by Rs 6.50 per litre.

The ministry has also been asked to reduce prices of kerosene oil and high octane by Rs 7.10 per litre and Rs 7.20 per litre. The recommendation has come in after oil prices decreased in the international market.

Power projects being completed on war footing: Shahbaz SALIM AHMED L AHORE —The

also being made for generation of electricity from alternative sources. He said that work is also being carried out on the projects

of energy generation through been made for the production coal, gas, hydle, solar, biogas, of 3600 megawatt electricity biomass, wind and other sources. through gas and the provincial He said that planning has Continued on Page 7

energy projects are being speedily completed for coping with the problem of shortage of electricity and a strategy has been evolved under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif for the completion of power projects on war footing.

This was stated by Punjab chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif while he was talking to senior officials of a Chinese energy company, here on Friday.

Matters regarding setting up of energy projects especially gas-based powerhouses were discussed in the meeting. The Chinese delegation assured all out cooperation in energy sector.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that special incentives are being given to investors for projects in energy sector and besides LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif in a meeting with high officials of a traditional methods, efforts are Chinese energy producing company on Friday.

Move more, sit less to reduce heart failure risk

A

LOWER risk of heart failure is linked not only to doing more ex ercise, but also independently to spending less time sitting, concluded US researchers after analysing 8 years of health data on 84,000 men. Reporting their findings in the journal Circulation: Heart Failure, Dr. Deborah Rohm Young, a senior scientist at Kaiser Permanente in Pasadena, CA, and colleagues describe how they found even among men who exercised regularly, sitting for long periods increased their risk of heart failure.

Dr. Young says the key finding from their study, the first to look at the link between heart failure risk and time spent sitting, is: “Be more active and sit less.

That’s the message here.” Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood and oxygen to other organs of the body. It does not mean the heart has stopped beating, but it is nevertheless a serious condition.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart failure affects over 5 million people in the US, where it contributes to around 1 in 9 deaths and costs the nation an estimated $32 billion a year. For their study, Dr. Young and colleagues analysed data on a racially diverse group of 84,170 men taking part in the California Men’s Health

Study. The participants were between 45 and 69 years old and did not have heart failure when they enrolled in the study.

Over an average follow-up of nearly 8 years, 3,473 of the participants were diagnosed with heart failure. To assess levels of physical activity, the researchers used metabolic equivalent of task or METs, a measure of the body’s energy use, while sedentary time was measured in hours.

Independently of sedentary time, men with the lowest levels of physical activity were 52% more likely to develop heart failure, compared with men with the highest levels of physical activity. Regardless of how much they exercised, men who were sedentary for 5 hours or more outside of work were 34% more likely to develop heart failure.

Men who spent more than 5 hours a day sitting outside of work and exercised the least had double the risk of heart failure, compared with counterparts who sat for less than 2 hours a day and exercised the most. As the researchers did not include data on women, they cannot say whether these results would apply to them. Also, the men were all members of a comprehensive health plan, so it is not clear whether the findings would apply to uninsured men.

Relatives of patients sitting under trees’ shade because of non-availability of a proper place at Poly Clinic hospital.

Kamran Shafi appointed envoy to Cuba LIAQAT TOOR ISLAMABAD—Kamran Shafi, an intellectual, writer and columnist has

STAFF REPORTER

left for Havana to take charge as new ambassador of Pakistan to Cuba.

A message received from Cuba said he will present his credentials to the President of Cuba next week.

Stage play at PNCA Honorary Consul of the Republic of Moldova Mian Mehmood, Minister of State for Water & Power Chaudhry Abid Sher Ali, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia Abdullah Marzouq Al-Zahrani, Dean of Diplomatic Corps Rodolfo Martin Saravia, Ambassador of Palestine Walid Abu Ali and Ambassador of Egypt Said Hindam cutting cake during a ceremony to celebrate the National Day of the Republic of Moldova at a local hotel. —PO photo by Sultan Bashir

Leading UK law school offers degrees for Pakistani students S TAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —The British High Commissioner to Pakistan Philip Barton hosted an exclusive dinner, to celebrate the ‘Launch of BPP University Law School’s LLB Degree in Pakistan’.

BPP University Law School, a leading provider of legal education in the UK, has launched its first ever Laws programme for undergraduates in Pakistan, allowing students to study for the globally-recognised, law qualifying LLB (Hons) degree with their exclusive partner Roots IVY University College.

Some high profile guests attended the

event including His excellency The British Ambassador; Mr. Baligh- ur- Rahman the Federal Minister for the state for Education; Mr. Rana Mashood the Minister for Education, Punjab; Proff. Dr. Nizamud-Din chairman, Higher education Commission, Punjab; and Senator Ch. Tanveer Khan.

Speaking at the event, the British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Philip Barton CMGOBE said: “I am delighted that the BPP University is going to be working with Roots IVY University College to bring UK certified law degrees to Pakistan. This will help both institutions reach more people with high quality education.

China recognises sacrifices by Pakistan in fight against terrorism

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) and China Cultural Centre will present a stage play here on September 02 (Wednesday), to celebrate the year of ‘China Pakistan Friendly Exchange Year 2015’.—APP

ISLAMABAD—Liu Guangyuan, Director General, Department of External Security Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China called on the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs (SAPM), Syed Tariq Fatemi here at the Foreign Office on Friday.

According to a Foreign Office press release here, the PM’s Special Assistant while welcoming Mr. Liu Guangyuan to Islamabad, recalled the historic fraternal nature of Pakistan-China relations.

He reiterated the unequivocal resolve of the Government of Pakistan to root out terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and highlighted the numerous sacrifices made by the armed forces personnel and officials of law enforcement agencies in the fight against

Liu Guangyuan, Director General, Department of External Security Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs China called on Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Syed Tariq Fatemi at Foreign Office.—APP terrorism.

He also briefed the visiting dignitary on the outstanding successes in the ongoing military operation, Zarb-e-Azb, against militants and terrorists.

Liu Guangyuan acknowledged the im-

portant contribution and sacrifices being made by Pakistan in the fight against the menace of terrorism and expressed complete satisfaction at the ongoing cooperation in the field of counter-terrorism between the two sides.

PMDC dissolved after council president condemned Dr Asim’s arrest ZUBAIR QURESHI I SLAMABAD —Ministry of National Health Services Regulation & Coordination (NHSRC) has dissolved the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC) after a statement of the PMDC President Dr Masood Hameed Khan was issued to the media condemning the arrest of its former vice president Dr Asim Hussain. In a late night news release issued to a selected media outlets, Ministry of Health Regulations held that after the approval of new ordinance about the PMDC, “the old and controversial PMDC has been dissolved. Now as per the regulations a new council will

be constituted within 120 days,” further said the release.

A new committee has been constituted to hold elections of the council and the Health Minister Saira Afzal Tarar along with the members of the administrative committee will address a press conference on Saturday (today). According to the press release, members of the new administrative committee include Maj Gen (Retd) Azhar Kiani, Prof Dr Abid Farooqi, Prof Dr Nadeem Rizvi, a member from the Law Ministry and a member from the Finance Ministry.

The latest step to dissolve the PMDC is being seen as a result of pe-

rennial conflict between the Health Ministry and PMDC and on a number of occasions the heads of the two organizations brought this war of interests to media. However, the latest move by the Health Ministry is being seen as the result of a statement of condemnation by the PMDC President over arrest of former President Zardari’s close aide Dr Asim Hussain.

In his statement Dr Masood has said, “Dr Asim Hussain’s services in the areas of health and education are remarkable. His contributions in the field of research are invaluable and educated circles are quite concerned at the news of his arrest,” the statement had further said.

Lord Krishna’s birthday celebrated ZUBAIR QURESHI R AWALPINDI —In a remote lane across the main road and away from the mechanics’ workshop in Saddar, there was unusual activity and one could see families and devotees of Hindu community heading towards a small building known as the oldest and the only Krishna Mandir (Krishna Temple) of the city.

Hindu devotees from across the country thronged Krishna Mandar in Saddar to celebrate Janmashtami Day, the birthday of Lord Krishna.

Apart from bhajans and prayers, the highlight of the festivities this year

was installation of Lord Krishna’s sculpture.

Dr Namji, a physician from Sindh has brought a new 100-kg sculpture all the way from Hyderabad to put in the temple. Devotees participated in ‘Hawan’ and ‘thathana’ (two rituals performed at the time of installation of sculpture) on the occasion and sought blessings of the Lord.

Since the temple is known after the name of Lord Krishna, Janamashtami assumes special significance for devotes of this small temple situated in a quiet corner of the busy Saddar area.

Vikas Raj, the caretaker of the temple, while talking to Pakistan Observer told

that he had requested Dr Namji some one and a half years before to provide sculpture of Lord Krishan for the temple. “Dr Namji was non-committal at that time and I too did not mention it again but this year before arrival for the Janamashtami celebrations, Dr Namji to my pleasant surprise informed that he was bringing a sculpture of the lord,” said Vikas. The new sculpture is 3-ft and 10-inch high and weighs 100 kg.

He expressed the joy that now instead of pictures of Lord Krishna a solid sculpture made of clay and cement would be placed.

To a question, he said Dr Namji who donated the sculpture could tell the ex-

act cost of the sculpture, quickly adding “but he won’t as it is daan (donation) and one who donates something to the temple never talks about it.” However, according to rough estimate, the sculpture may have cost him Rs100,000 to Rs150,000. To another question, he said the festival of Janmashtami is celebrated as the birth day of Lord Krishna who was born as the incarnation of Lord Vishnu in Dwapar Yug. “It is celebrated on the eight day of the second fortnight of the Sravana month according to the Hindu calendar. This day corresponds to the August-September month of the Gregorian calendar,” he fur-

ther said.

Lord Krishna who was born to Devaki and Vasudeva in Mathura spent his entire childhood and most of his adolescence in Gokul. Right from his birth, he exhibited his extraordinary powers and thus his birthday was celebrated as the day of fortune even thousands of years back, he said.

About Pakistani Hindu community, he said most of the Hindu pilgrims arrive at Krishna temple not only from Pindi and surrounding areas but also from other provinces like Balochistan and Sindh to participate in the celebrations making ‘Day of Fortune.’

Fajar Zohr Asr

05:00 01:30 05:30

Uplift campaign underway to ensure quality services in capital STAFF REPORTER

Meghrab at Sunset Isha 08:45 Brothers in Islam establish regular prayers & charity

ISLAMABAD—Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA), Maroof Afzal has started inspecting different sectors in connection with Authority’s on-going uplift campaign aimed at ensuring quality services to capital residents.

During the first phase the Chairman visited the markets, parks, avenues and green belts of sector G-6, F-6 and F-7.

Member Administration and Estate Amer Ali Ahmed, Member Engineering Shahid Sohail, senior officers of the environment and other relevant formations also accompanied Upto August 31 the Chairman.

Stage play/Sufi Night During visit to different parks and green areas along the major road sides of the secRAWALPINDI Arts Council tors, the Chairman directed Environment Wing is hosting a stage play ‘Is to remove rank vegetation, shrubs and bushes; Diye ko Jalne Do’ to encom- beautification and aesthetic uplift of green belts, pass certain social issues.

The Council will also arrange Sufi Night on Aug 31 wherein Sain Muhammad Ali, Jan Miri Qawwal, Wahadat and Rameez and Shaukat Dholi will perform. General public will be facilitated with free entry for these events.

median strips, roundabout and intersections.

While inspecting general cleanliness of the sectors, the Chairman directed the Civic Management wing to ensure proper collection and disposal of garbage and other waste on daily basis. He asked civic management wing to carry out repair, maintenance and painting of dustbins, garbage trolleys and skips in addition to the up-gradation of public toilets facility. He directed the Engineering Wing of the Authority for early execution of repair, maintenance and patch work of roads and footpaths in addition to repair and opening of sewerage and drainage lines and provision of missing manhole covers.

He directed the Member Engineering to ensure uninterrupted supply of water, repair and maintenance of water supply pipelines, water filtration plants and uplift of the electrical and civil enquiries in the city.

Indigenous training workshop concludes at Air University STAFF REPORTER

September 3

Reference NATIONAL Literary reference in memory of Lt. Gen (R) Hameed Gul Former Director General Inter-Services Intelligence will be held on Thursday, September 3, at 2:45 pm at Preston University Islamabad Campus.

General (R) Mirza Aslam Beg Former Chief of Army Staff will preside the event as chief guest.

ATC awards 27year ‘Rigorous Imprisonment’ in firing case RAWALPINDI—An Anti-Terrorist Court on Friday awarded 27-year Rigorous Imprisonment (RI) alon with a fine of Rs 1.11 lac to an accused Lal Bilal Khanzada in a case of firing on police officials.

Lal Bilal was found guilty of firing on police officials when police raided to arrest him in car lifting cases in 2014 in Wah cantt area.—APP

I SLAMABAD —A 3-day Higher Education

ties who are dealing with education management affairs at different levels in different universities. He admired the role of HEC for providing the necessary resources to conduct such useful events.

He further added that Air University has focused on training, teaching, learning and research to enhance quality of education. He felicitated the participants while distributing the certificates and admired the efforts of Director Quality Air University, Air Commodore (R) Abdul Wahab Motla and his team for conducting the three days event successfully.

Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari shaking hands with party office-bearers. Faryal Talpur President PPP Women Wing is also present on the occasion.—INP

28 outlaws held with liquor, stolen bikes I S L A M A B A D —Islamabad

police have arrested 28 outlaws from various areas of the city and recovered two stolen bikes, 2.225 kilogram hashish, 25 liter wine and weapons from their possession, a police official told APP. He said Islamabad police started special checking following directions by SSP Sajid Kiani and recovered cache of wine, drugs and weapons from outlaws.

Khanna police arrested two bike lifters identified as Umer Naqash, Hasnain and recovered two bikes from them. Another accused Faheem Abbassi was held for having 500 gram hashish.

BaraKahu police apprehended a theft accused and also arrested a woman Taj Gohar and recovered 1.225 kilogram hashish from her.

Karachi company police recovered 25 liter wine during patrolling. Similarly Industrial area police arrested Haneef and Talha for having 30 bore pistol and ammunition.

Sabzi Mandi police arParticipants of ‘Indigenous on campus training workshop’ with chief guest Air Vice Marshal (R) Faaiz Amir Vice Chancellor Air University. Air Vice Marshal (R) Saleem rested Abdul Shakoor with Tariq Acting Senior Dean, Director QEC Air Commodore (R) Abdul Wahab Motla, 30 bore pistol and also nabbed an Afghan national workshop coordinator Ms. Shjia Gul and other officials are also seen in the picture.

Emal Khan who was residing illegally in the country.

Aabpara police team arrested three women Bashiran Bibi, Jameela Bibi and Ramzania Bibi for their involvement in dacoity and recovered snatched cash from their possession.—APP

Commission (HEC) funded indigenous training workshop concluded in Air University Islamabad campus. In the closing ceremony chief guest Air Vice Marshal (R) Faaiz Amir, Vice Chancellor Air University said that the training programs always bring the added values for participants to refine their inbuilt skills and abilities. He emphasized that the frequency of such training workshops should be enhanced to maximize the staff’s professional abili-

Police conducting successful raids to arrest criminals: RPO R AWALPINDI —Regional Police Officer (RPO) Fakhar Sultan Raja Friday said during the year, the police carried out successful raids in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Chakwal during which 3335 proclaimed offenders and 1270 court absconders were arrested. According to a press release, the RPO said that by using professional skills, the police managed to arrest the killers of Additional Session Judge Tahir Khan Niazi.

A team of police officials headed by City Police Officer (CPO) Israr Ahmed Abbasi was set up to trace the criminals involved in the robbery, in which a money changer was deprived of Rs 80 million at Islamabad International Airport.

The Police managed to arrest the criminals and also recovered the looted money.

Acting on the National Action Plan, the RPO informed that police conducted 2489 search operations to arrest criminals.

Giving details, he said that 100041 persons were questioned while 668 cases were registered. During the general hold up police recovered 6 klashnikoves,3 repeaters, 34 guns, 11 rifles, 1061 pistols, 34 revolvers, 3 dagger,4 knives and 2856 bullets from their possession.

Carrying the operation, police held 20986 vehicles without number plates, 1031 tinted glasses and 1376 suspects were interrogated. Under the amplifier act, police arrested 293 and registered 280 cases against the violators.

Police arrested 1467 Afghans on charge of no proper documentation and registered 344 cases under the foreigners act. Similarly, police arrested 1572 persons for violation of renting laws. Police arrested 197 for violating wall chalking act.

The security of worship places should further tightened to avert any untoward incident, he added.—APP

RIC gets Rs2.62b to provide health care R AWA L P I N D I —Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology (RIC) has received an amount of 2.62 billion for the current fiscal year 2015-16 to ensure provision of medical facilities to the citizens free of cost from the provincial government.

Talking to media persons here on Friday, Chief Executive Officer (RIC), Major General (Retd) Azhar Kiani said needy patients were being provided medicines free of cost at the out-door department and an amount of Rs 1.6

billion has been allocated for provision of free medicines and purchase of equipment.

An amount of Rs 1.56 billion has been allocated for other expenditure, he said.

He told that free treatment along with medicines to the poor and needy patients is being provided according to the set procedure for this purpose, adding, RIC continues to provide state-of-theart heart care to patients irrespective of their ability to pay.—APP

India responsible for promoting gun culture in Kashmir: Mirwaiz Yasir ISLAMABAD (ANANTNAG)—Addressing a colossal gathering at the Jamia Masjid of Islamabad, Chairman of Ummat I Islami and Mirwaiz South Kashmir, Qazi Ahmed Yasir on the occasion of Friday prayers strongly denounced the use of brute force against Pro Freedom activists in Hyderpora who were to participate in Tehreek I Hurriyat meeting. “The State Government is trying to be more loyal than a King” Mirwaiz Yasir said.

He said use of brute Force against old aged, detention of Pro Resistance leaders and shrinking their space is nothing but shamelessness “Choking the space of its political opponents is nothing but being loyal to their masters in Delhi.

They are just trying to prolong their loyal by being obedient to their RSS backed allies” He said.

Mirwaiz Qazi Yasir said that New Delhi is approaching a rigid approach by closing down their options to talk to the stakeholders in Kashmir. “New Delhi is trying to push Kashmiris into Gun Culture by neglecting all the peaceful options to resolve the long unsolved imbroglio” He said. He said the people of Kashmir transited from an armed struggle to a peaceful one n 2008-10, but it had no takers in Delhi. The pro resistance leadership despite being subjected to innumerable atrocities continue their peaceful agenda, which has no takers in Delhi, which is pushing the Kashmiri youth to find an alternative to solve the long pending dispute. Mirwaiz Qazi Yasir said that the self claimed largest democracy should understand that the first party or the genuine stakeholders of Kashmir are not sitting in the cozy rooms of New Delhi or in Kashmir enjoying bread from New Delhi.

But the genuine stakeholders, the key players to the dispute are suffering here in Kashmir, they have faced tortures, arrests, their bright careers have been ruined, their relatives have been killed. The First and the foremost party to resolve the dispute is the people of Kashmir and no decision shall be acceptable to Kashmiris without taking Kashmiris on board. “Kashmir is not a water or land dispute between India and Pakistan, it’s not a dispute to satisfy their egos, it is about the future of Kashmiri people” He said.

“Arresting Shabir Shah and reopening the old cases against him does not help the state or its

stooges in Kashmir. New Delhi has witnessed that the Pro Resistance leadership or the resistance movement has never surrendered and never has the leadership changed its political stance vis a vis Kashmir by use of imperialistic tactics against them” Mirwaiz Yasir said.

Expressing deep concern over the situation in Quimoh belt of South Kashmir, he said that area has been converted into a military garrison.

“Raids, crackdowns, frequent arrests, Checking are a routine happening” he said. He said that the people of the area are being continuously harassed and the army claims that they are doing the same for their security. The houses are being frisked in the middle of the night. “The situation is gruesome and the people of the valley should wake up to the plight of the people of that area”, he said. Mirwaiz Qazi Yasir expressed deep agony over the use of Pellet Guns which have injured more than 10 youth in the recent protests. He appealed the international human rights bodies to intervene in the issue. He said the PDP government made hollow promises to quash all the cases against the stone pelting youth in the first week of their power. “They befooled the people and still claim to be the representatives of Southern Kashmir, but the truth stands naked, South Kashmir has been victimized the most in the regime of PDP” he alleged.

Chairman Ummat I Islami Mirwaiz Qazi yasir condemned the arrest of JKLF chairman and said, “Shrinking the space of Pro Resistance leaders and arresting them is nothing but living up to the old notion that the resistance movement belongs to a few, but the facts are too distant from the reality, every single person in Kashmir breathes resistance. Imposition of curbs and House arrests have never been able to deter the will of Kashmiris to achieve their goal and never will they” Mirwaiz yasir said. Mirwaiz Qazi Yasir condemned the harassment of Pro resistance workers in Universities and colleges and said the state wants the places to turn into a hub of Pro Indian polity. He said the state government should stop harassing the opponent political thought. He welcomed the youth who are taking up initiatives to create awareness among masses about the genuine plight of Kashmir.—KW

Pandits integral part of Kashmiri culture: Veeri SRINAGAR—Highlighting the rich tradition of celebrating different festivals with amity in State, Minister for Horticulture, Haj and Auqaf, Abdul Rehman Veeri Friday while calling for strengthening the diverse culture of Jammu and Kashmir said, Kashmiri Pandits were integral part of Kashmiri culture and ethos .

Interacting with Kashmiri Migrant Pandits on the occasion of celebration of annual Kapal Mochan Shradh festival at Nagbal, Shopian, Minister expressed hope that event will restore the trust between the Kashmiri majority and Kashmiri minority and called the ”festival a step in the right direction”.

He said that celebrating festivals together with amity is the hallmark of our glorious cultural ethos.

Minister went around the shrine complex and took stock of the arrangements being made by the administration for the pilgrims on the occasion of festival. He directed the officers to ensure that devotees do not face any inconvenience.

MLA, Shopian, Mohammad Yousaf Bhat, DC Shopian and other senior officers accompanied the Minister. Veeri while interacting with yatris assured them that government has taken all necessary initiatives for up -gradation of various facilities to the visiting devotees at the various pilgrimage sites of the state.—RK

MIRPUR: AJK Premier Ch Abdul Majeed offering dua after inaugurating Indoor Services Wing in New City Teaching Hospital here on Friday.

KPPP team visits ailing Dy. High Commissioner Pakistan SRINAGAR—A three member delegation of Kashmir People’s Political Party (KPPP) led by Sajjad Ahmed visited Escorts Hospital in New Delhi to enquire about the wellbeing of Deputy High Commissioner, Pakistan, Mr. Mansoor Ahmed Khan, who is admitted there.

Mr. Khan suffered a heavy cardiac arrest last week and had to be hospitalized.

PPP Chairman, Engineer Hilal Ahmad War had chosen the three members to check on the Deputy High Commissioner, Pakistan and send his wishes and prayers. A get-wellsoon card and bouquet of flowers was presented to Mr. Khan on behalf of the KPPP Chairman, Engineer Hilal War. “Mr. Khan is a well wisher of Kashmiris and a pacifist who wants to work towards building good relations between India and Pakistan, while, at the same time, wants a permanent resolution of the Kashmir imbroglio as per the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” said Engineer War, “I pray for his speedy recovery. A special prayer session was held after the Friday congregation at the KPPP headquarters.”—KW

NEW YORK: AJK PTI chairman Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry addressing a meeting here Friday on latest situation in Kashmir.

Pakistan takes int’l community in confidence over Kashmir issue SRINAGAR—Pakistan has informed the UN about the last-minute cancellation of the NSA-level talks with India to take the international community into confidence over the Kashmir issue and the situation at the LoC. Immediately after cancellation of the meeting between the National Security Advisors of the two countries, Pakistan’s permanent representative at the UN Maleeha Lodhi was instructed to contact the UN leadership to discuss the rejection of dialogue by India, Pakistan newspaper Dawn reported.

“UN Deputy Secretary General Jan Eliasson was briefed in detail by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Maleeha Lodhi about India’s setting of preconditions for the talks between the National Security Advisers of the two countries which led to the cancellation of the meeting,” the paper quoted officials saying.

The UN was contacted as part of a decision to take the international community into confidence over Kashmir and the situation at the Line of Control (LoC), it said.

Eliasson was informed that it was India that had reneged on the agreement reached by the Pakistani and Indian Prime Ministers in the Russian city of Ufa on discussing all issues outstanding between the two countries.

The Deputy Secretary General was also told that Pakistan decided against sending its NSA Sartaj Aziz to Delhi to meet his counterpart Ajit Doval because it found the Indian condition of not inviting Kashmiri separatists for consultations unacceptable.

“Consultations with Kashmiris, who are an integral part of the Kashmir issue, are essential to evolving a peaceful solution,” the UN official was told.

The talks were called off because of

differences over the agenda proposed by Islamabad and a planned meeting with the Hurriyat leadership with Aziz.

The meeting between Lodhi and Eliasson was followed by a statement by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday regretting the cancellation of the talks.

“The Secretary-General reiterates his call to both countries to continue to address their differences through dialogue,” the UN said in a statement said.

Earlier, Pakistan had decided that appropriate steps will be taken to highlight the issue of Kashmir and alleged violations

by India of the 2003 ceasefire agreement.

Lodhi also raised the issue of ceasefire violations along the LoC. Pakistan claims that since June, Indian troops have violated the ceasefire more than 130 times on the LoC and Working Boundary, as a result of which 16 Pakistanis have been killed and over 60 others injured.—RK

NBP donates wheelchairs for Kashmiri disabled persons OUR CORRESPONDENT MUZAFFARABAD—A public sector financial institution here on Friday donated 20 sophisticated wheelchairs to Muzaffarabad Physical Rehabilitation Centre (MPRC), serving physically challenged persons from across Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and adjoining areas of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The handing over of wheelchairs by National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) Regional Chief, Tabraiz Butt, to MPRC director, Dr Bilal Zafar, took place at a simple ceremony on the premises of the facility, located in the heart of city along Mirwaiz Road.

Commissioner Muzaffarabad Division, Ghulam Bashir Mughal, NBP HR General Manager, Naheed Mughal, Capital Journalists Forum Patron Khizar Hayat Abbasi, President Tariq Naqash and other media persons were also present at the brief ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, NBP Regional Chief appreciated the performance of MPRC and assured that his institution would continue to support it in future under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

NBP, he said, had been providing support to such institutions and social organisations which were particularly rendering humanitarian services with dedication.

“Being the largest financial institution, National Bank of Pakistan is committed to lending help to improve the quality of life of the under-

privileged members of our society,” he said.

Welfare of the physically impaired persons was one of the areas bank was paying special emphasis on, along with promotion of education, health, woman and child welfare, he added.

Earlier, the NBP Regional Head, Commissioner Muzaffarabad and media persons took round of various sections of the facility where they were briefed by Dr Zafar.

The MPRC, it may be recalled, came into existence under a construction agreement in April 2006 between the AJK Health Department and the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) to serve thousands of disabled people who were in dire need of physical rehabilitation.

It became operational in July 2007, at a cost of Rs 135.15 million, after inauguration by then Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, with annual recurring cost of Rs 72.00 million.

In December 2013, it was handed over by the ICRC to the AJK government as an autonomous institute. According to Dr Zafar, ever since its inception, the MPRC has provided more than 28,000 physically disabled people with artificial limbs and physiotherapy.

In addition, the centre also provided supporting devices for upper and lower limb amputees, mobility aids such as crutches, walkers and wheelchairs, - designed to meet the needs of individual patients – as well as user training, he said, adding, it also dealt with disabilities caused from polio, congenital deformities, clubfoot, spine problems, paralyses of limbs and cerebral palsy.

Million-ManMarch to focus on Kashmir dispute, SA: Sultan.

SPRINGFIELD, VIRGINIA— “The Million-Man-March (MMM) will focus on the political climate of the region of South Asia (SA) and the role of the United Nations & the United States in facilitating a lasting peace and stability in the region and will provide an opportunity for a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute,” said Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhary, former Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir. MMM will take place on Sunday, October 25th, 2015 at 12.00 p.m. in front of the United Nations in New York.

It will be a joint platform of all Kashmiri American expatriates and friends of Kashmir, irrespective of their political beliefs, religious affiliations and linguistic limitations, Barrister Sultan added.

Barrister Sultan informed the audience that the leadership of All Parties Hurriyet Conference (APHC) from Indian-Occupied Kashmir would be invited to participate in the march.—Email

View from Srinagar

Revival of Pakistan-India talks GOWHAR GEELANI

T

HE latest diplomatic fiasco between Pakistan and India and annulment of scheduled NSA-level talks, unfortu nate by any stretch of imagination, should be seen in a larger context. The United States of America (USA) has once again made it clear that its position on Kashmir conflict remains unchanged, as the country continues to see Kashmir as a “bilateral” issue between the two nuclear adversaries and close neighbours.

The US has also categorically ruled out any role for itself in the revival of Pakistan-India talks. “The tensions in the region are significant. We recognise that, and we believe it’s important for leadership of both countries [India and Pakistan] to resume this dialogue and the discussion to try to come to some resolution,” John Kirby, the United State’s State Department Spokesman, told journalists at his routine daily press conference.

With reference to Kashmir, John Kirby said that Kashmir was an issue that India and Pakistan need to resolve between themselves.

“What we’ve said, particularly with the tension in Kashmir, is that our position has not changed, that this is an issue that India and Pakistan need to resolve,” Kirby said.

India’s Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj also made it clear that Kashmir was a “bilateral issue” between India and Pakistan and there was no place for a “third party like the Hurriyat” in the dialogue over Kashmir. Kashmiri leadership has all the right to say and claim that Kashmiris are the “principal party”, and not “the third party” to the dispute, but it should also realise that there is currently

no international pressure on either India or Pakistan to resolve Kashmir as assumed by few voices.

On its part, the Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif backed the Kashmiri leadership while asserting during a cabinet meeting on 25 August that “Kashmiri leaders are not the third party but an important party to this issue. Any decision on their future cannot be made without their opinion and consultation.”

With majority of international opinion presently tilted in favour of India, Kashmiri leadership needs to assert its role in an intelligent manner and in a language that is less rhetorical and more substantial.

All that the international community, which includes the US and European Union (EU), wants is that both nuclear nations should try and resolve their issues and differences bilaterally.

That remains only a desire. It is not international pressure. An editorial piece titled ‘The Need for Restraint in Kashmir’ that appeared in ‘The New York Times’ on 19 August concluded that “In a sign of heightened concern over Kashmir, the United States and the United Nations secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, have urged India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and solve their differences through dialogue. They will have a chance to heed that advice when top Indian and Pakistani national security advisers meet later this month.”

Some in Kashmir had expressed delight that the K-word was mentioned in The New York Times editorial, as if one edit in a foreign newspaper would have put unavoidable pressure on Pakistan and India to sit on a dialogue table to resolve all their outstanding issues, including Kashmir, in a span of few hours only.

Such emotive excitements and unrealistic hopes were shortly dashed, though. The NYT edit voiced concern over the surge in

recent cross-border violence in the following words: “More that 50 years after India and Pakistan were created in the partition of the British colonial empire, the disputed region of Kashmir remains a dangerous flash point. Cross-border [Cross-LoC] violence has surged in recent months, raising new fears that the attacks could spiral out of control and set off another war between the two nuclear-armed adversaries.”

What went largely unnoticed was that the edit had quoted unnamed “experts” to argue that “Pakistan has been testing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who, in a break with his predecessor, has vowed not to ignore attacks by Pakistan-backed militants on Indian targets.

On July 27, gunmen dressed in military fatigues attacked an Indian police station [Gurdaspur, Punjab] near the border with Pakistan and at least nine people were killed.”

The edit while blaming Pakistan explicitly for terror attacks on Indian soil had hoped that Sartaj Aziz and Ajit Doval, the National Security Advisers (NSAs) of Pakistan and India respectively, would meet in New Delhi on August 23-24.

But nothing of that sort happened.

The complexities and sensitivities in Pakistan-India relations have a wretched history of 68 years as context and background.

While it is utterly sad that both Narendra Modi and Nawaz Sharif preferred populism and media image on their respective domestic turfs than any serious engagement to resolve issues, the cancellation of NSA-level talks scheduled for 23-24 August has a definite context which ought to be kept in mind.

India’s aggressive attitude will have no shelf-life because ultimately the fact remains that it has to engage with Pakistan and also

talk Kashmir at some point in time.

The breakdown of NSA-level talks neither means that the Hurriyat Conference has been “cut to size” nor it connotes a “diplomatic victory” for India. India’s rigidity and preference for confrontation has forced Pakistan to harden its position as never before in recent times.

Unfortunately, India did not respond sincerely and positively to the “four-point Kashmir formula” proposed by the former Pakistani President, Pervez Musharraf and now the Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in New Delhi gets infuriated by a routine matter like the Hurriyat leaders meeting the Pakistani High Commissioner or National Security Adviser. India has now objected to Pakistan’s decision to meet the Kashmiri leadership twice in a span of one year.

This knee-jerk reactionary approach is detrimental to any serious engagement on Kashmir.

It was during the Vajpayee-Musharraf era that both countries showed some signs of perceptible progress on Kashmir-centric Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) like the reopening of trans-Kashmir Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road in April 2005.

Narendra Modi had said on record that he would carry forward the Vajpayee legacy, but after assuming office as India’s Prime Minister in May last year he has spoken more and delivered less. There appears a huge chasm between his words and actions.

Nevertheless, both Pakistan and India have to appreciate that reconciliation is the way forward, not confrontation.

—Courtesy: Rising Kashmir

PTAA asks FBR to follow FTO’s orders ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Tax Advisors Association (PTAA) has requested the Chairman, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to issue instructions to all the Chief Commissioners for immediate payment of refunds without any delay in line with the orders of the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO).

According to a letter of Javed Iqbal Qazi Chairman of the PTAA to the FBR, it is claimed by various members from all over the country that refunds have not been issued. It is apprehended that the directions have been allegedly issued to the Chief Commissioners Inland Revenue by the FBR not to issue refund to taxpayers in these days. This act of the department will not only damage the position of the FBR but there will be a trust deficit between taxpayers and the tax collector, the letter said.

The FBR should issue instructions to all the Chief Commissioners to issue refund to the taxpayers without delay and also to make compliance of the orders of the Federal Tax Ombudsman regarding issuance of refund, the letter added.—Agencies

Microsoft to establish innovation centre Staff Reporter P ESHAWAR —The International IT Company, Microsoft is seriously thinking on the establishment of Microsoft Innovation Centre in Peshawar in collaboration with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Technology Department. This was revealed in a meeting of a delegation of Microsoft Company and the high ups of the Provincial Information Technology Department held here on Friday.

Secretary ST&IT, Syed Zafar Ali Shah chaired the meeting while the delegation of Microsoft was led by Microsoft Pakistan’s Country Manager Nadeem Ahmad Malik.

The system of creating opportunities for those who were by law excluded, you’ve got to do that. But you mustn’t create a perception that the process is devoid of competitiveness... devoid of building a world class, sustainable black business community.

—Patrice Motsepe

Dar asks AGPR to simplify procedures, processes MIAN ARSHAD I SLAMABAD —Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Friday, directed AGP to simplify procedures and processes at The Accountant General Pakistan Revenues (AGPR) in order to improve the image of the institution. AGPR is responsible for the centralized accounting and reporting of federal transactions. Additionally the AGPR is responsible for the consolidation of summarized financial information prepared by federal self-accounting entities.

“It will also restore the trust of the people in the working of this important Government department” Dar said while chairing a meeting on the issue of devising a mechanism to resolve issues of the Ministry of Information Technology regarding outstanding payments to Universal Service Fund (USF). Auditor General of Pakistan, Rana Assad Amin briefed the Minis-

ter that on the request of the Ministry of IT the outstanding issues regarding payments to USF were taken up on emergency basis and fair, transparent and efficient a mechanism was devised to resolve the issue on permanent basis.

Minister of State for IT Ms. Anusha Rehman Khan thanked the Finance Minister and the new AGP Rana Assad Amin for looking into the matter that was lying unresolved since long. It is pertinent to note here that AGPR receives accounts and reports from the DAOs, PAOs, Federal Treasuries and SBP/NBP, and provide Annual Accounts (to the AGP) and Consolidated Monthly Accounts (to the Federal Finance Division).

There are AGPR sub-offices in each of the Provinces who also act as the DAO in respect of Federal Government transactions relevant to the Provincial Headquarters. The Controller General of Accounts is the administrative head of the AGPR.

Int’l Textile Asia expo starts today SALIM AHMED LAHORE—Over 210 foreign delegates from 29 countries are going to participate in the three-day International Textile Asia Exhibition, organized by the Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PRGMEA) in Lahore. The 14th mega textile show will start on Saturday (today) in collaboration with e-commerce Gateway Pakistan. Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, along with federal commerce minister Khurram Dastgir and the

leadership of PRGMEA will inaugurate the mega textile show at Lahore Expo Centre.

The international textile exhibition, to remain open till 31st August 2015, is expected to be attended by more than 35,000 trade and corporate visitors during three days. The local textile sector’s whole chain has also been invited to attend this country’s largest textile show. The exhibiting countries include: Austria, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, India, Italy, Korea, Taiwan, Turkey, UK, USA etc. The Management of Apparel has also been invited to participate in the fair.

BOP announces 1H impressive financial results STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—A meeting of the Board of Directors of The Bank of Punjab was held at head office. During the meeting, un-audited Financial Statements of the Bank for the halfyear ended June 30, 2015 were approved by the Board. During 1st half of the year 2015, The Bank of Punjab earned before tax profit of Rs. 4.2 billion as against Rs. 2.1 billion for the 1st half of year 2014 thereby registering a massive rise of 100%. Similarly, the Earning per share (EPS) for the half-year ended June 30, 2015 showed phenomenal surge and touched the level of Rs. 1.78.

During the 1st half of the year 2015, Net Interest Margin (NIM) of the Bank improved significantly to Rs. 5.4 billion as against Rs. 2.8 billion during corresponding period of last

year thereby registering a commendable growth of 93%. The Bank’s Non-Markup/ Interest Income for 1st half of year 2015 also reached the level of Rs. 4.3 billion as against Rs. 1.3 billion during corresponding period of last year, showing a tremendous growth of 231%. Bank’s Total Assets as on June 30, 2015 increased to Rs. 441 billion. The Deposits of the Bank touched the level of Rs. 386 billion as against Rs. 342 billion as on December 31, 2014, showing a significant rise of 13%. The Advances and Investments increased to Rs. 195 billion and Rs. 170 billion, respectively.

With a view to take the brand name of the Bank to every corner of the country and ensure easy access of every segment of society to state of the art banking products and services, Bank is expanding its outreach to unbanked areas of the country.

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Commerce Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan and Minister of State/Chairman Privatization Commission Muhammad Zubair addressing a joint press conference.

Another oil refinery soon STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—A private sector petroleum company Trans-Asia is going to set up a refinery having capacity to develop 100,000 barrels per day (bpd) followed by the Byco that established the country’s largest production unit in Balochistan in June this year.

Setting up of back-toback oil refineries speak about the present government’s seriousness towards resolving the energy crisis and achieving self-sufficiency in this sector, official sources in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources said while talking to APP. Local as well as foreign investors, they said, were reposing full confidence in prudent and business-friendly economic policies introduced by the present government and making huge investments in the energy sector.

“A company TransAsia will set up a refinery having capacity to develop 100,000 barrels oil per day in Pakistan, for which it has imported all the required machinery and equipment. The company will itself announce the launching date after completing all the required formalities,” he added.

On June 12 this year, they said, the Byco Petroleum Company had set up the country’s largest oil refinery complex in Hub, Balochistan, with the capacity of refining 120,000 barrels crude oil per day.

“The facility will increase energy security and reduce dependency on others.”

They said the country’s oil refining capacity had dropped from the 50 per cent mark, which was not considered a good sign for national economy.

Presently as many as six oil refineries were operating in the country and they had full capacity to refine the product as per needs of the country, they said adding that a lot of work was still had to be done in exploration sector to achieve autarky.

President FPCCI Mian Muhammad Adrees with President Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev during a meeting.

CPEC, Gwadar Port to boost trade ties with Kazakhstan STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Mian Muhammad Adrees, President FPCCI stated that their visit to Kazakhstan in the entourage of Prime Minister was successful and informed that Kazakhstan is largest landlocked country in world with rich natural resources like oil, gas, uranium, coal, gold & lead etc. He further said that Pakistan has great importance for Kazakhstan due to Gawadar Port the business community of Kazakhstan are interested in Pakistani textile, fresh fruits, food processing, agriculture, engineering, pharmaceutical, sports goods, leather products and infrastructure while Kazakhstan too has great importance in the region due to its abundant natural resources.

Mian Adrees informed that during the visit to Astana, the Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif hold meetings with President Nursultan Abishevich Nazarbayev and Prime Minister Karim Massimov. The leaders of both the countries discussed bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international

issues of mutual interest, he added. He further informed that the relations between the two regional countries are based on mutual respect, shared perceptions and common desire to promote peace, stability and development in the region. The President FPCCI further explained that they are eagerly want to become part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, which would facilitate them an alternative route for access to sea.

Mian Adrees said that during the visit he met the Chamber of International Commerce of the Kazakhstan and signed MOU for setting up Joint Business Council (JBC) for establishing closest economic collaboration and cooperation and keeping liaison and consultation between both the countries for strengthening the economic relations and enhancing the trade volume. He said that during the meeting with the government officials of both the countries the measures for enhancement of trade and economic relations were discussed including direct flight operation between Pakistan and Kazakhstan.

MFPCB stresses coordination in monetary & fiscal policies MIAN ARSHAD ISLAMABAD—The Monetary and Fiscal Policies Coordination Board (MFPCB), Friday, emphasised on a more broad based inclusive growth and better coordination between the monetary and fiscal policies in view of rapidly changing global economic environment. The Board particularly pressed on enhancing the exports and stressed importance of the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Production and Exports in identifying steps and measures, which would enhance exports.

The Board met here with Finance Minister Ishaq Dar in the chair and observed that government was cognizant of the declining trend in exports and will take all possible measures to reverse the trend. The Secretary Finance briefed that Macroeconomic indicators continued to show positive growth. Fiscal Year 2014-15 registered at 4.24% growth, which is the highest growth in the last seven years. This is the second year that GDP growth remained above 4%. A number of measures have been taken in the budget for export promotion.

During July 2015-16 current account deficit has narrowed to US $ 159 million as compared to $ 820 million last year. The remittances during outgoing fiscal year 201415 witnessed remarkable growth of above 16% as compared to last year and reached

US$ 18.4 billion. The foreign direct investment remained subdued but has started improving as in July of the current fiscal year 2015-16. This will be further supplemented through CPEC investment.

The inflation has been contained in 2014-15 at 4.53% against 8.62% of last year.

During July of 2015-16 the headline inflation increased by 1.8% as compared to 7.9% of last year. The foreign exchange reserve continued its upward trend and reached to above $18 billion. The SBP briefed the meeting about the money supply, net domestic and foreign assets as well as the decisions in July to keep the SBP target (Policy) rate unchanged at 6.5 percent. This decision was preceded by a reduction of 100 bps in ceiling rate to 7.0 percent in May 2015.

The Finance Minister expressed the hope that improvement in electricity and gas supply as well as lower policy rate will bring further improvement in productivity and growth. “Going forward, we should put all our efforts to gear up the exports and address the issues hampering its growth”, he said. Minister for Commerce, Deputy Governor SBP, Secretary Finance along with renowned economists Dr. Ishrat Hussain Director IBA and Dr. Asad Zaman Vice Chancellor PIDE and on special invitation Secretaries of Ministries of Food, Security & Research and Industries attended the meeting.

NARC dislocation — An economic suicide MUHAMMAD ALTAF SHER

A

GRICULTURE is the backbone of the economy of Pakistan. For the agricul tural development of a country, agricultural research institutes carrying out modern research are of fundamental importance.

National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) is located in farming zone (Zone IV) as per CDA’s master plan, which is not meant for housing. In 1975, NARC land was leased to Ministry of National Food Security and Research. The allotted land was undeveloped.

Land development was initiated according to the provisions of the PC-I titled, ‘Strengthening of Agricultural Research Capabilities in Pakistan’, under Clause-4 of the lease agreement with CDA. Over 40 years, with the generous financial and technical support of more than Rs. 100 billion by the international organizations i.e., USAID, USDA, JICA, CIDA, World Bank etc. and national donors, the NARC has emerged as a world-class institute of agricultural research.

Agricultural development strengthens the national economy, which leads to peace, prosperity and eradication of crime and terrorism.

NARC’s contribution to the agriculture sector of Pakistan and impact on nation’s economy is due to its location in Islamabad e.g. NARC has established gene bank with the help of Japan, which is the only facility of this kind in Pakistan. NARC has developed high yielding and disease resistant crop, vegetable and fruit varieties. It has also developed and commercialized more than 30 farm machines. NARC introduced European honey bees along with improved production technology that enabled Pakistan to attain the status of a honey exporting country. NARC has also introduced Mustard Canola in Pakistan, which has 30% share in edible oil industry. NARC with the help of FAO has established the National Reference Laboratory for Poultry diseases. This laboratory has played a key role in making Pakistan a bird-flu free country, as a result of which the ban on export of poultry products from Pakistan has been lifted.

Thinking about the shifting of this important national research establishment from its existing site is myopic idea and will cost irreparable damage to the national asset and food security considerations. Following are the few hard ground realities which could not be set aside: The whole research infrastructure of NARC is developed over a period of 40 years with the investment of more than 100 billion rupees having highly sophisticated equipment used by internationally trained competent manpower. No magic can rebuilt such huge national asset of international repute overnight without losing the continuity of ongoing research process and highly precious genetic resources. Moreover, if the same is desired to be developed today, it would cost more than Rs. 200 billion.

At the present location, NARC receives the much needed irrigation water from Rawal Dam through purposely-built water channel.

The supply of this irrigation water is the lifeline of all the research activities conducted throughout the NARC campus. This uninter-

rupted water supply may not be available elsewhere in the ICT region.

It is impossible to shift gene bank, the only facility of this kind in Pakistan, in particular, which maintain more than 35,000 lines/accessions regularly used for breeding purposes at national level. This facility is ranked 20th among the world. The national research system of Pakistan with the support of NARC gene bank has enabled to develop new varieties with four-time higher yield potential even after green revolution era.

Over the years, with the generous contribution of a large number of friendly countries of the world, the mother blocks of fruits orchard as living repository (Citrus, Lemon, Grapes, Banana, Pomegranate, Peaches, Pears, Fig, Papaya, Olive, Avocado, Kiwi, Roses and Medicinal plants, botanical garden, rangeland grasses) has been established on 94 acres which as such cannot be shifted. The existing location of NARC provides an excellent opportunity to share important agricultural research accomplishment with diversified visi-

tors including foreign ministers, ambassadors, experts, international partners, donors etc.

This greatly helps in strengthening research linkages and sharing soft image of Pakistan.

Trust-shaken international community will be reluctant to provide financial and technical support to rebuild such a Centre of excellence at an alternate place which could take decades and during all that time food security will remain at stake. The suggestion by Chairman CDA for earning mere Rs. 150 billion by establishing a housing society on NARC land is embarrassing. If this trend continues then time will come when F-9 park and other playing grounds and parks of Islamabad would be sold to earn more money. It is our plea to not make Islamabad, a city like Karachi, where land mafia has eliminated major green areas and parks that raised the temperature of the metropolitan, resulting in environmental pollution and shortage of oxygen. The death of thousands of people due to the recent heat wave is the outcome of the deeds of land mafia.

Continued on Page 14

Currency

Selling

Buying

USA

103.80

UK

160.25

103.60 159.94

Euro

116.92

116.70

Canada

78.70

78.55

Switzerland

107.55

107.34

Australia

74.40

74.26

Sweden

12.26

12.24

Japan

0.8583

0.8566

Norway

12.53

12.50

Singapore

74.00

73.86

Denmark

15.67

15.64

Saudi Arabia 27.67

27.62

Hong Kong

13.39

13.37

China

16.24

16.21

Kuwait

344.08

343.42

Malaysia

24.62

24.57

Newzealand

67.18

67.05

Qatar

28.51

28.45

UAE

28.26

28.21

Kr Won

0.0882

0.0880

Thailand

2.894

2.888

ICI net profit increases 24pc STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—The Board of Directors of ICI Pakistan Limited is pleased to announce the Company’s financial results for the year ended June 30, 2015.Consolidated Profit After Tax for the year at PKR 2,276 million and EPS of PKR 24.65 is 24% higher than the same period last year.

Operating profit for the year at PKR 3,044 million is 37% higher than the same period last year due to continuing robust performance in the Soda Ash and Life Sciences Businesses, and a lower operating loss in the Polyester Business of PKR 343 million versus PKR 648 million in the same period last year.

Net Sales Income of PKR 37,515 million for the year, compared to PKR 38,233 million, is 2% below the same period last year. The growth in both the Soda Ash and Life Sciences Businesses was largely offset by a 16% decline in revenue in the Polyester Business following a sharp decline in the price of crude oil and downstream petrochemicals.

PBLFA forms bodies for LCCI poll SALIM AHMED L A H O R E —Progressive & Lahore Businessmen Front Alliance (PBLFA) has constituted various committees to carry on its electioneering campaign for the coming LCCI elections 2015-16 in an affective and coordinated manner.

Committees were formed at an emergent meeting of the Alliance held here on Friday, which was chaired by its Chairman Muhammad Amjad Chaudhry and President Khalid Usman jointly. Others who attended this meeting include Sardar Usman Ghani, Raja Hassan Akhtar, Mian Javed Ali, Agha Iftikhar, Abdul Wadood Alvi, Muhammad Yaseen and Mian Tariq Siddique.

Speaking on this occasion PLBFA Chairman Muhammad Amjad Chaudhry said that all opposition groups in the LCCI are united on the platform of Progressive & Lahore Businessmen Front Alliance and will give a tough fight to the ruling alliance in the Chamber.

He claimed that this year their performance will be more impressive and improved. He said unity in the opposition group will lead the Alliance to victory against those who are doing family politics and restore the dignity of this premier chamber. Amjad Chaudhry also thanked leaders of all the markets who attended the opening ceremony of the Alliance office.

Maleeha rings NY Stock Exchange’s opening bell, highlights Pak trade policies OBSERVER REPORT N EW Y ORK —Pakistani Ambassador to the United Nations, Dr. Maleeha Lodhi, Friday rang the opening bell at the NASDAQ Stock Exchange in New York to signal the ceremonial start of trading, saying Pakistan’s economy is on the upswing as it pursues liberal economic and investor-friendly policies. “We are open to business, and we are open to foreign investment,” she told traders and investors, gathered at the impressive ceremony held in NASDAQ’s office in New York’s Time Square to mark 69th year of Pakistan’s establishment, the first time the stock exchange has bestowed this honour on the country on its Independence Day. A video based on a patriotic song by Pakistani singer Najam Shiraz was screened ahead of the ceremony. The film depicted historic spots across Pakistan and various features of life in the country that many people in the Times Square watched on a giant screen. Pakistan’s national flag was also flashed across the screen. “It is an honour to represent Pakistan at the NASDAQ opening bell ceremony as part of our Independence Day celebrations from the platform of the Pakistan-American Business Association (PABA) which is doing an excellent job to promote Pakistan-US business ties through private sector cooperation,” Dr. Lodhi said before pressing the button to set off the bell.

“Our economy has staged an impressive recovery while our security situation is improving by the day,” she said.

“Our economic reforms and liberalization policies have placed us on a trajectory to achieve higher economic growth.” Pakistan, she said, has a functioning democracy, an independent judiciary and a free and lively media. “Our hardworking and enterprising overseas Pakistanis are not only making a mark in their countries of adoption but sending back remittances which are at a record level today,” Dr. Lodhi said.

“Our strategic location gives Pakistan a pivotal role in promoting regional connectivity,” Dr. Lodhi said. “Plans are underway to make Pakistan a regional economic hub, providing trade, energy and communication corridors linking Central Asia to South and South West Asia and beyond. “We are inspired by the ideals of our founding fathers in our efforts to ensure that Pakistan is a modern, progressive, democratic and tolerant Muslim nation.”

Earlier, top officials of NSDAQ—Andew Hall and David Wicks—congratulated the government and people of Pakistan on the Independence Day, after after Hall introduced Ambassador Lodhi. The Chairman of PABA, M. Siddique Sheikh, its President Keith Segerson, an active member, Sajjad Qamar, were among those present at the ceremony, which was also attended by Pakistan Consul General Raja Ali Ejaz. “This year’s Independence Day coincides with a remarkable recovery in Pakistan’s economy. This is a very exciting time for Pakistan to attract foreign investment and for the U.S. based companies to benefit from lucrative incentives this country offers. PABA is ideally poised to work as a bridge between the private sectors of the two countries,” Segerson said in a statement.

IMC earns Rs 9.1b profit after tax AMANULLAH KHAN K ARACHI —The Indus Motor Company (IMC) has announced a net profit after tax of Rs 9.1 billion for FY 2014-15 against the Rs 3.9 billion posted for previous fiscal year.

It may be noted that the Board of Directors of Indus Motor Company Ltd, met on Friday 28th August to review the company’s financial and operating performance for the year ended June 30. The improving economic environment, driven by the government efforts provided much needed boost to the entire industry, enabling the company to post record sales revenue of Rs 97 billion, up 69% compared to Rs 57 billion for the same period last year.

The surge in the after tax profitability is mainly attributable to increased sales volume of additional 22,917 units, improvement in margins after years of erosion and Kaizen initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency, work processes, strategic sourcing of supplies and cost reduction in general. Benefiting from strong demand generated by the new 11th generation Toyota Corolla launched in July 2014, the company outperformed and stayed well ahead of competition throughout the year, clocking in 51,398 units.

The combined sales of Hilux Light Commercial Vehicle grew 7%, to 4,823 units compared to 4,520 units sold during the same

period last year. The demand for Fortuner showed partial recovery upon withdrawal of 10% FED, selling 772 units, up 98%compared to 390 units sold during the same period last year. The combined sales of Toyota CKD and CBU vehicles set a new annual record of 57,387 units for the company. The record sales volume achieved during the year resulted in a 32% market share for FY 2014-15. In order to fulfill market demand and reduce delivery time cycle, the company operated its manufacturing facilities at full capacity throughout the year undertaking overtime and working off Saturdays to minimize the impact of time lag on customers.

This enabled the company to achieve a new annual production record of 56,888 units during the FY 2014-15. The company achieved a return on Equity of 38% for the FY 2014-15. Based on the results, the Board of Directors announced a final dividend of Rs 40 per share, making the total payout of Rs80. per share. Last year, Rs 29.50 per share was paid to the shareholders. In FY 2014-15 the Company contributed a sum of Rs 32 billion to the national exchequer, which amounts about 1.2% of the total revenue collection by the Government of Pakistan during the year. In the 25 years since the incorporation, IMC’s contribution to the national exchequer stands at an impressive number of nearly Rs 241 billion.

Pak-China joint working group on Indus cascade MIAN ARSHAD ISLAMABAD—Ministry of Water and Power and China Three Gorges International Corporation, Friday, agreed to constitute a six member Pak China Joint Working Committee for preparation of proposals for memorandum of understanding (MoU) in two weeks. The MoU will between Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and Three Georges South Asia Investment Limited for the joint working relationship in hydropower projects in Pakistan.

Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif and, Chairman Board of China Three Gorges International Corporation Dr. Lu Guojon came to this agreement here in a meeting, which was also attended, by Chairman WAPDA

Zafar Muhammad, and senior officials.

The Chinese companies have shown interest in the upper Indus Cascade for the hydropower development, particularly, Thakot, Patten and Bunji.

Speaking on the occasion the Minister reiterated the government commitment for solving the energy crisis on priority basis.

He assured full support on behalf of Government of Pakistan and issued instruction to Chairman WAPDA to facilitate the Chinese companies in all respect. The Minister also lauded the Chinese Government assistant in infrastructure development in Pakistan and expressed his full confidence that the CPEC would bring the whole region in integration and this would be a source of progress and prosperity for around half of the world population.

Mobilink partners with Samsung STAFF REPORTER K ARACHI —Mobilink in collaboration with Samsung has exclusively launched the highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ phablet sized smartphones for customers in Pakistan.

Aamir Ibrahim, CCO – Mobilink, commenting on this exclusive launch partnership, said, “We consistently look to provide innovative services and products to our customers.

This exclusive collaboration with Samsung will enhance Mobilink’s 3G-device portfolio in a bid to provide our customers with superior telephony and data services.

The launch of Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ and Galaxy Note5 enables our customers to use Next Generation Mobile Services on a large screen display with an unprecedented user experience and the best data offers on the go.” “At Samsung, we believe in the promise that large screen smartphones can actively address some major consumer pain points by providing users with a better viewing experience,” Farid Ullah Jan, Country Head Mobile Samsung Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The Galaxy S6 Edge+ and Galaxy Note5, both having a 5.7 inch display, blend form and function with industry leading features, including: the best screen technology, the most advanced camera for high quality photos and videos, the latest fast wireless and wired charging, and an incredibly powerful processor. With increased 4GB RAM, both smartphones offer the most powerful capacity and processing power on the market, enabling users to enjoy more seamless multitasking, keep up with messages, post updates to social networks faster, and enjoy graphic-heavy games without suffering lag time.

NARC dislocation Continued from Page 13 NARC is providing internship/training to students from 54 universities/colleges from all over the country. The students are being trained in high-tech research areas in the state of the art laboratories equipped with latest equipment and expertise.

The students aspire to work and live in the capital city for their social and professional upbringing. This phenomenon could be well understood from the enrollments of the students at NARC from far flung areas like Lasbela, Quetta, Gilgit, Malakand, D.I. Khan, Rawalakot, Bahawalpur, Multan, Tandojam, Karachi etc.

Relocation of NARC will deprive them to learn from this Centre of excellence.

NARC is a symbol of national unity where scientists from all the provinces including FATA, GB &

AJK are serving with full commitment along with their families. The NARC as a federal institution must stay in the federal capital rather than to thinking to move it to other provincial sites.

They have the equal rights to serve in the capital while availing all comforts and best educational facilities for their children like other elite classes including bureaucrats and business communities. Dislocation of NARC will be unacceptable to scientific community and also create unrest and discontinuity of ongoing research process.

For the sake of error free research outcomes, the continuity of the research process is the main prerequisite since the smoothly running agricultural research activities are cyclical in nature and are spread over the four climatic seasons of the region.

Any interruption introduced

in shape of shifting of the NARC campus is bound to disrupt the whole process with loss of at least 10 years of action research and billion of rupees invested on the on-going research trials.

Besides the above mentioned technical reason, it should also be kept in mind that not only NARC is responsible to provide secure offices to 7 international organizations i.e., FAO, CIMMYT, ICARDA, AVRDC and ICIMOD within NARC premises but also numerous national and international dignitaries often visit NARC with ease of access and without any security concerns.

Foregoing in view, the proposal to relocate NARC will not only amount to noncompliance of nationally agreed food security priorities but the whole research process will need to be started over from scratch which again would require at

KARACHI: Chairman Standing Committee on National Assembly of Commerce Siraj Muhammad Khan presiding over a meeting regarding the performance of TDAP.

least 10 years of infrastructure development along with huge financial resources and thereafter 10 years of new cyclical research trials along with additional financial resources to reach at the position we today are standing on. By converting such a useful institute into a housing society, Pakistan will be committing economic suicide.

Keeping in view the strategic significance of NARC in the national food security and research paradigm, it is requested that the earlier decision taken by the then Prime Minister of Pakistan for allotting the land to NARC on 05.05.1975 may kindly be kept intact in the best national interest and the land may kindly be allotted to NARC permanently.

—The writer is President of PARC Scientists Association. Email: sheraltaf@gmail.com

PESHAWAR: Fuad Ishaq briefing the delegation of National Bank of Pakistan (Aitemaad) during their visit to Chamber. Engr. Maqsood Anwer Pervaiz SVP KPCCI and Haji Iqbal Khan Afridi VP KPCCI were also present.

ISLAMABAD: Secretary MNFS&R Seerat Asghar and DG CIMMYT Dr. Martian Kropff signing an agreement for Establishment of CIMMYT Borlaug Institute for South AsiaPakistan (BISA-P) at NARC Islamabad and Creation of CIMMYT Borlaug Innovation Endowment Fund to sustain R&D activities in Pakistan. Dr. Thomas A.Lumpkin, outgoing DG CIMMYT, senior officers of CIMMYT and PARC are witnessing the ceremony.

CIMMYT to set up BISA at NARC STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT, INT) would establish Borlaug Institute for South Asia-Pakistan (BISA-P) in National Agriculture Research Center (NARC) to further promote research agriculture research activities in the country. CIMMYT Director General, Dr. Martin Kropff, who just concluded his Pakistan visit has had detailed meetings with Minister of National Food Security and Research, Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan, Secretary of the ministry, Seerat Asghar, senior management of Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) and agriculture scientists during which the concept of establishing BISA-P was further strengthen. According to details, during these meetings, it was agreed that CIMMYT would establish BISA-P and will also create CIMMYT Borlaug Innovation Endowment Fund with potential donors’ financial assistance.

Dr. Martin Kropff and Federal Secretary,

Seerat Asghar also signed minutes of discussion (MoD) and agreed that a Letter of Agreement will also be signed by the government of Pakistan with CIMMYT, INT in this regard after completion of all codal formalities. The Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR) has already assigned five acres of land to CIMMYT at the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC) for construction of the BISA-P Institute.

This institute would serve as a symbol of the long-term cooperation between Pakistan, United States, and international partners to improve agricultural research in South Asia in general and in Pakistan in particular. BISA-P would bring together the international agricultural research centers and other international partners, including donors, at one location close to Pakistan’s national scientists. Establishing BISA-P at NARC would have significant and lasting benefits for agricultural research and development in Pakistan. The allocated land would be used for field research as well as the location for the BISA-P headquarters.

Standard Chartered Bank declares 1H financial results STAFF REPORTER KARACHI —Standard Chartered Bank (Pakistan) Limited announced its H1 2015 results. The half yearly profit of the bank (before tax) is PKR 8.5 billion in the first half of 2015 compared to PKR 7.2 billion in the first half last year. The Bank’s earnings per share in the current half is PKR 1.29 versus PKR1.22 in the first half last year.

Revenue has enhanced by 11per cent in comparison with first half of last year.

Administrative costs continue to be tightly managed. The cost discipline despite selective investment led to a decrease of 4per cent in overall administrative costs. The deposit momentum continued with a growth of above 9% since the start of this year. The continuous increase in low cost deposits has significantly supported the bank’s performance with current and savings account now comprise over 90% of the deposits base. This has resulted in the

bank having one of the lowest costs of deposits in the industry. Interim cash dividend of 7.50% (Re.0.75/- per share) in respect of the half year ended June 30, 2015 has been declared by the Board of Directors in their meeting held on August 26, 2015.

Commenting on the results Shazad Dada, Chief Executive, Standard Chartered Bank (Pakistan) Limited, said, “These results demonstrate the diversity and resilience of our business. Our balance sheet efficiency remains a source of competitive advantage. The year on year growth is encouraging, while we endeavour to keep cost growth at moderate levels, ensuring necessary investment in our businesses to continue the momentum. In line with the strategic priorities, the Bank will continue to focus on deepening client relationships, utilising cross selling opportunities and will aim to further improve customer service and engagement.”

No rift with Najam Sethi

PCB ‘can survive’ without playing India: Shaharyar L AHORE —PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan has said Pakistan ‘can survive’ without playing cricket against India but hoped the BCCI would adhere to the MOU between the boards and im-

prove the prospects of bilateral series in the future.

“Given the present circumstance, the chances of a Pakistan-India series look bleak and we have to live with the fact that India are not going to play us,” Shaharyar told ESPNcricinfo.

“At the same time the BCCI hasn’t formally refused us, but we can’t wait long amid this uncertainty and have got to have an alternative plan. We will wait for another couple of months before forcing our plan B. “I hope the climate will improve but at the moment it’s more a political tension … the relationship between the countries is complex but cricket shouldn’t be suffering, it is after all something that can be a tool to lower the tension.”

The BCCI had signed an MOU to play Pakistan in six series between 2015 and 2023, with the first to be hosted by the PCB in the UAE in December. As it has often done in the past - India and Pakistan did not play for 17 years because of the wars in 1965 and 71 - the strained political relationship between the countries put

Haripur Red secure opening day victory in Inter-Club Soccer P ESHAWAR —Haripur Red team secured opening day victory against Abbottabad Red in the Commissioner Hazara Cup Football Tournament, which got under way at historical Gunj ground Abbottabad on Friday.

Assistant Commissioner Abbottabad Mir Raza Roze Khan was the chief guest on this occasion. District Sports Officer Mir Bashar Khan, Official of the District Football Association Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, players and spectators were also present. Before the start of the opening match the players of both Haripur Red and Abbottabad Red teams were introduced to the chief guest AC Mir Raza Rose Khan.

In his brief chat, with the players, Mir Raza Rose Khan lauded the efforts of District Sports Officer Mir Bashar Khan for taking initiative by holding Inter-Club Football Tournament in which Clubs from all across Hazara Division are taking part.

Earlier, in the Haripur Red team defeated Abbottabad Red team by 1-0 before playing a goal-less draw in the first-half of the match. Fahim Ahmad was the scorer for the winner.—APP

the series in doubt. The last full series was in 2007, when Pakistan toured India.

Bilateral ties between the two countries were snapped after the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008 until a limited-overs series was played in 2012-13, though India and Pakistan have faced each other in international tournaments. India’s refusal to play Pakistan in recent years has cost the PCB over $80 million in terms of broadcasting and other commercial deals.

“We understand the BCCI is financially very sound and we are the ones who have suffered a lot in all this,” Shaharyar said. “It’s not that we can’t survive without playing them. We are surviving, and can survive, but our position is that the game shouldn’t be mixed up with the politics. So we are trying to get the series revived based on the MOU they have signed with us. They have to honour it and if they don’t it’s their responsibility.”

Another divisive issue in the PCB is that there are two people seen to be running the board - Shaharyar and Najam Sethi. The executive committee is led by Sethi and includes the board’s chief operating officer Subhan Ahmed and chief financial officer Badar Khan. It was formed in line with new ICC guidelines, and though its role was not defined in the PCB’s constitution, the committee is understood to be holding the majority of power in the board.

Two power centres in the PCB, and friction between new and old officials, are major concerns. The proposed Pakistan Super League has exacerbated the issue because it has a different team of employees.

Sethi was removed as the PCB’s interim chairman by the courts - he had to give an undertaking that he would not contest elections for chairman, only then did the legal feud with Zaka Ashraf end - but later the country’s Prime Minister installed him as a direct nominee in the governing board.

He then became the head of the threeman executive committee.

“There is no division in the board,” Shaharyar said, when asked about Sethi’s role in the PCB. “He is the nominee of the Patron of the Board and heads the executive committee. I am the chairman and all the decision are taken by me and it’s my discretion to approve or not to approve. There is no interference politically and I don’t think that the Prime Minister or any other minister is trying to dictate to the Board. We are working independently.

“He [Najam] has his own views and I respect them but we are all on the same line. I am an elected chairman and that is one important thing. If I am elected, naturally the weight of my position is much higher than being a nominee.”

Pakistan’s domestic cricket structure has been a major talking point because of its inconsistent format over the years. The change this year is the third in the last four years, but according to Shaharyar the latest change is best for the long term.

“Basically the idea is to reduce the number of teams … you got to understand that 24 teams in domestic cricket is too many,” he said. “The number is higher than in other cricketing playing countries. So there was a strong feeling that this pattern was lowering the standard in domestic cricket with teams not being able to be a proper feeder to the national team.”

Though Shaharyar was optimistic about the latest format he feared the board may alter it in the future. “We have discussed with every stakeholder of the game and almost every one decided in favour of 16-team format. This format is locked down for next three years until this present governing board is in house. I don’t know what is going to be done after me but I can assure that we have finally found a format, which I think is the right formula.”—Agencies

Robben replaces Van Persie as Netherlands captain AMSTERDAM—Arjen Robben will replace Arjen, as did other players,” said Van Persie.

Robin van Persie as the Netherlands captain, new coach Danny Blind said on Friday after naming the squad for the Euro 2016 qualifiers against Iceland and Turkey next month.

“I did not make the choice on the basis of their football quality,” Blind said in a statement released by the Dutch football association KNVB. “In their guidance and leadership of their teammates Van Persie and Robben are not inferior to each other. But they have two different personalities.

“And right now I need a leader to be the most prominent on the pitch. I have asked

Robin to be vice-captain and am delighted that he has accepted that role,” Blind said.

Van Persie had been captain for the last two years, including the World Cup in Brazil last year, taking over in similar circumstance when previous coach Louis van Gaal felt he would be a better leader than Wesley Sneijder, who is still in the Dutch squad.

“I had a good talk with the coach who wanted to choose his own captain. And I’ve always said

Blind has taken over from Guus Hiddink and debuts in charge next Thursday against Iceland in Amsterdam in a Group A qualifier.

The Dutch then meet Turkey away in Konya three days later as they seek to move from third in the standings into an automatic qualifying berth for next year’s European Championships in France.

The new coach cut his squad from last week’s preliminary line-up of 31 to 23, retaining uncapped teenage defenders Jairo Riedewald and Kenny Tete and confirming a return for Newcastle United’s Vurnon Anita, who won the last of his two caps for the Netherlands in 2010.

Squad: Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen (Ajax Amsterdam), Tim Krul (Newcastle United), Jeroen Zoet (PSV Eindhoven) Defenders: Daley Blind (Manchester United), Jeffrey Bruma (PSV Eindhoven), Stefan de Vrij (Lazio), Terence Kongolo (Feyenoord), Bruno Martins Indi (FC Porto), Jairo Riedewald, Kenny Tete (both Ajax Amsterdam), Gregory van der Wiel (Paris St Germain) Midfielders: Ibrahim Afellay (Stoke City), Vurnon Anita (Newcastle United), Davy Klaassen (Ajax Amsterdam), Wesley Sneijder (Galatasaray), Georginio Wijnaldum (Newcastle United).

Forwards: Luuk de Jong (PSV Eindhoven), Memphis Depay (Manchester United), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Schalke 04), Luciano Narsingh (PSV Eindhoven), Quincy Promes (Spartak Moscow), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich), Robin van Persie (Fenerbahce).—Agencies

RAWALPINDI: People watching traditional wrestlers competing during Jashan-e-Azadi Dangal.

BAHAWALPUR: Players of Sadar and City teams strugging during a competition of Tug-of-War in Jashan-e-Azadi Tournmament.

Korean Ambassador Jr. Taekwondo in October

Second-seeded Anderson in Winston-Salem semis W INSTON -S ALEM (United States)—Sec- twice in the final frame to seal the win. ond-seeded South African Kevin Ander-

Meanwhile,

Four-time

champion

I SLAMABAD —The Korean son powered into the semi-finals of the US Caroline Wozniacki and two-time defendAmbassador Junior Taekwondo Championship will be staged here at the Hamidi Hall of the Pakistan Sports Complex from October 12.

Talking to APP, Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF) Secretary Waseem Ahmed said a total of 15 teams from all over the country will be participating in the event.

“The teams include Army, Navy, Pakistan Air Force, Police, Higher Education Commission, Railway, Wapda, Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, Fata and Azad Jammu & Kashmir,” he said.

He said the championship will continue till October 16.—APP

Open tune-up tournament at Winston-Salem with 6-2, 7-6 (7/1) win over Borna Coric.

Anderson improved to 6-0 in quarterfinal matches in 2015, firing 10 aces and never facing a break point in the 82-minute triumph.

He took full advantage of the 18-yearold Croatian’s errors in the opening set, when Coric coughed up five double faults and won just three of 11 possible points on his second serve.

In semi-finals Anderson will play unseeded Tunisian Malek Jaziri, who upset sixth-seeded Brazilian Thomaz Bellucci 6-3, 6-2.

ing champ Petra Kvitova set up a mouthwatering semi-final showdown at the US Open tune-up event at New Haven.

Kvitova, the second seed, rallied from 5-3 down in the opening set to beat seventh-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland 7-5, 6-4.

Denmark’s Wozniacki, seeded third, overcame an early break of serve, winning 11 of the next 13 games in an emphatic 6-3, 6-0 victory over France’s Caroline Garcia.

Wozniacki, who has been troubled by back and calf injuries this season, did much of her damage with an unexpected barrage of forehand winners.

Ian Bell retires from ODIs to prolong Test career L O N D O N —England batsman Ian Bell is retiring from one-day internationals to concentrate on prolonging

his Test career, the 33-yearold said on Friday.

Bell, who has scored an England record 5,416 runs in 161 one-dayers, was left out of the squad for the five-match series against Australia starting next week.

He helped his team win this year’s Ashes, a recordequalling fifth Test series victory for him over the Australians, but averaged only 26.87 with the bat.

“Deep down I probably knew I wasn’t ready to call time on my Test career,” Bell wrote in the Metro newspaper.

Bell has scored 7,569 runs in 115 Tests at an average of 43, including 22 centuries.

“I’ve a huge amount still to give in the Test arena and still have so many ambitions left to achieve, both from a personal and a team perspective,” he said.

“I would love nothing more than to go to Australia in two years’ time and right the wrongs of our last Ashes tour there,” the right-hander added in reference to the 5-0 whitewash last year.

“I’m not afraid of being dropped. I’m looking forward to challenging myself and putting myself into difficult situations against the best players in the world.”—Agencies

WINSTON-SALEM: Kevin Anderson returns a shot during his Winston-Salem Open match against Borna Coric in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

American Steve Johnson reached the The convincing victory was a welcome final four without lifting a racquet as Lu Yen-Hsun of Taiwan withdrew from their respite after the 2014 US Open runner-up quarter-final with a back injury sustained had to save three match points in a secin a three-set win over South Korea’s Chung ond-round win over Italian qualifier Roberta Vinci.

Hyeon.

But Wozniacki will face a stiff test in the “It happened at the end of the match yesterday,” Lu said. “There is some inflam- semi-finals against Kvitova, as both seek a mation in a disk, which causes the muscles morale-boosting win ahead of the final to tighten up. It’s difficult for me to extend Grand Slam of the season, which starts on Monday at Flushing Meadows. my body, especially backwards.”

“I really needed this win and finally I Johnson, bidding to reach his first career final on the ATP Tour, will face French played two sets, so that’s good as well,” qualifier Pierre-Hugues Herbert, who said Kvitova, who took time off this seaneeded one hour and 57 minutes to over- son because of exhaustion and later recome Spaniard Pablo Carreno-Busta 4-6, 7- vealed she had battled glandular fever.

Lucky loser Lesia Tsurenko continued 6 (7/5), 6-2.

Carreno-Busta, who had 11 aces and just to make the most of her good fortune, bookone double fault, served for the match at 5- ing a semi-final berth with a 6-2, 6-2 victory 4 in the second set, but Herbert hung on to over fifth-seeded Czech Karolina force the third set, breaking the Spaniard Pliskova.—AFP

Shoaib for calling off series between arch rivals I S L A M A B A D —Rawalpindi

Express, Shoaib Akhtar suggesting to postpone a planned series between the arch rivals

in UAE said due to a lot of unrest on the borders it was not a right time to play.

“Everybody knows to keep politics

separate from sport but unfortunately there’s a lot of unrest on the borders and it’s not right to play such a Test between the two countries at this time,” The Gulf News reported.

However, he encouraged the dialogue at political level between the two countries and said cricket would be the perfect way to bridge detaroriating relations.

Akhtar, who was in Dubai to promote the Sprite Cricket Stars tournament advocated to call off the bilateral series between the sides after a spate of skirmishes on the borders.

Terming the two Asian giants the best teams in the world he said neither can avoid each other if you want to keep cricket interesting. “You cannot ignore that the rarest of talent comes out of these countries and that people love to see them play against each other.”

The UAE was due to host three Tests, five One Day Internationals and two Twenty20 matches this December in the first of six meetings between the two sides to be held over the next eight years.

The series hasn’t officially been cancelled, but is believed to be in serious doubt due to current relations.—APP

Mayweather insists Berto will be his last foe L OS A NGELES —Outspoken welterweight king Floyd Mayweather insists his September 12 showdown with Andre Berto will be h i s l a s t bout.

“Nobody knows what t h e future holds, b u t right now, I’m cool and comfortable and having no second thoughts at all about retirement,” Mayweather said at an open workout in Las Vegas on Wednesday. “I had a good career, I won every world title, but boxing is wear and tear on the body. “It’s time to hang ‘em up. I’m looking forward to working with some up-and-coming kids, going on walks and taking vacations.” It’s a vision of retirement few who have watched his career can really picture for the ultra-competitive American, who will be trying to equal Rocky Marciano’s legendary record of 49-0.—AFP

Smith grateful for Ireland ‘work-out’ ahead of England series

Liu wins world 20km walk title for China B E I J I N G —Liu Hong won the women’s 20km walk on Friday to hand China its first gold medal of the Beijing world championships, as defending champion Ashton Eaton took control of the decathlon.

The morning after Usain Bolt’s emphatic 200m win at the Bird’s Nest stadium, Liu gave home fans something to cheer when she headed a Chinese onetwo in the walk with “little sister” Lu Xiuzhi.

The pair broke early and built up a massive lead in Beijing’s scorching morning heat, with Liu coming home for gold in one hour 27.45 minutes with Lu right behind her. Ukraine’s Lyudmyla Olyanovska took bronze, 28 seconds behind.

“There was a lot of pressure but I was confident in this mission,” said Liu, who added that she had struck a pact with Lu, her junior by seven years, not to race each other in the final kilometres. “When we hit the front at the start I didn’t think we were going that quick but nobody followed us, so we just carried on. It’s a dream to win the gold.”

After the US medal tally was boosted on Thursday by golds from triple jumper Christian Taylor and 400m runner Allyson Felix, it was another of their star athletes who took to the Bird’s Nest on Friday in the shape of multi-discipline specialist Eaton.

The world record-holder and defending champion, also reigning Olympic and two-time world indoor champion, timed 10.23sec in the opening 100m before leaping a best of 7.88m in the long jump, both leading performances.

Eaton, whose Canadian wife Brianne Theisen Eaton claimed silver behind Jessica Ennis-Hill in the women’s heptathlon, then managed a best of 14.53m in the shot put to leave him on 2,830 points. Canadian Damian Warner sat in second with 2,747 with Germany’s Rico Freimuth third (2,730).

The evening session sees the decathletes compete in the high jump and 400m, with the 110m hurdles, discus, pole vault, javelin and 800m all scheduled for Saturday.

Elsewhere in the field, Ukraine’s Andriy Protsenko and Russian Olympic champion Ivan Ukhov both missed out on advancing to the final of the high jump, to be held on the ninth and last day of competition on Sunday.

Protsenko managed 2.29m and Ukhov only 2.26 as 14 jumpers qualified. Among those successful in hot conditions was Qatar ’s Mutaz Essa Barshim, the Dohaborn 24-year-old who won bronze at the London Olympics before going on to claim silver at the Moscow worlds a year later and the world indoor gold in Sopot last season.

With Ukraine’s reigning world high jump champion Bohdan Bondarenko, Canadian Derek Drouin, American Erik Kynard and Chinese hope Zhang Guowei also qualifying for the final, Barshim has plenty of competition.

“I want to jump very high to please my coach and myself,” said Barshim. “I do not want to be called the king of high jump unless I get on top of the list. Until then you can call me the prince of high jump!”

Friday’s evening session features four finals, including the women’s 200m, 100m hurdles and long jump, and the men’s 110m hurdles.

Olympic champion Aries Merritt will go for gold in the sprint hurdles just a few days before he undergoes a kidney transplant.

The American world record-holder will receive a kidney from his sister on Tuesday after being diagnosed with a rare disease in the wake of the 2013 worlds in Moscow. The women’s 200m final is missing 100m champion Shelly-Ann FraserPryce, who opted out, leaving a possible opening for Dutch 100m silver-medallist Dafne Schippers.—AFP

B ELFAST (United Kingdom)—Australia captain Steven Smith described his side’s rain-affected victory over Ireland as a “good work-out” ahead of the five-match one-day intern a tional series against E n gland which starts next week.

T h e squad now head to Cardiff for a lone Twenty20 international against England in the Welsh capital on Monday, but Smith was happy “all the boys got what they needed” from the game in Belfast. Australia, in their first ODI since beating New Zealand in the World Cup final in Melbourne in March, posted 222 for six in a first innings cut short by rain to 40.2 overs. — AFP

Folau wins top Australian player award SYDNEY—Fullback Israel Folau has been named Australia’s best player by his peers, winning the prestigious John Eales Medal for the s e c o n d y e a r r u n ning.

T h e former rugby league international was handed the honour at an awards ceremony in Sydney on Thursday evening, outpolling fellow Wallabies David Pocock and Michael Hooper, who came second and third. “It’s a huge privilege for me to get this award,” Folau said of winning the gong named after the former Australian skipper and voted on by Wallaby players after each Test.

“What’s most rewarding for me is being recognised by my teammates—it’s a huge thing for me.—AFP

ASTANA: Japan’s Mami Umeki (white) competes with Slovenia’s Anamari Velensek during the women’s gold medal match in the 78kg category at the world judo championships on Friday.

Messi, Sasic voted UEFA’s best players of 2014-2015 P ARIS —Lionel Messi was Thursday voted UEFA’s best player in Europe for 2014-2015 with Germany’s Celia Sasic winning the women’s award.

The Argentina star, who

award. I thank all my teammates because they deserve part of it. I depend a lot on the team like everyone else,” the 28-year-old said.

Messi also won in 20102011 and succeeds Real

Messi, the four-time FIFA world player of the year, got the UEFA honor after a season-long duel with Ronaldo for the Champions League scoring record. Both resume this season on 77 goals.

Messi scored 58 goals and provided 31 assists as Barcelona won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and Champions League.

Suarez, who scored the decisive second goal in the 3-1 final win over Juventus, reached the shortlist despite starting his season in lateOctober. The Uruguay forward served a FIFA ban for biting at the 2014 World Cup. Messi is the first twotime winner after winning the inaugural award in 2010-11.

Ronaldo won it last season.

FFC Frankfurt’s Sasic, 27, was voted the best women’s player ahead of PARIS: Germany’s Celia Sasic and Argentina’s Lionel France’s Amandine Henry and fellow German Dzsenifer Messi with their respective trophies.

Marozsan.

Sasic, who retired last won the Champions League, Madrid rival Ronaldo who month, was the top scorer Spain’s La Liga and Span- won last year.

The Barcelona star beat in the Champions League ish Cup with Barcelona, claimed the award for the Luis Suarez, his teammate at which Frankfurt won, the second time ahead of the Champions League win- Bundesliga and at the Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis ner, and Real Madrid’s Women’s World Cup in Cristiano Ronaldo in a Eu- Canada where she won the Suarez.

“I am happy to win the rope-wide poll of journalists. Golden Boot award.—AFP

BEIJING: Liu Hong and Lu Xiuzhi of China celebrate after finishing in first and second places in the final of the women’s 20km race walk athletics event at the 2015 IAAF World Championships on Friday.

Rain ruins play after Sri Lanka rattle India C O L O M B O —Sri

Lanka gave India a scare before bad weather washed out a major part of the opening day’s play in the series-deciding third and final Test in Colombo on Friday.

Just 15 overs were bowled in the 75 minutes of play possible before lunch, during which Sri Lanka grabbed two early wickets after sending India in to bat on a greenish pitch under overcast conditions.

The tourists slipped to 14-2 in the fourth over before moving to 50 without further loss, but heavy rain that lashed the Sinhalese sports club prevented any further play in the day.

Cheteshwar Pujara was unbeaten on 19 and skipper Virat Kohli was on 14, the pair having put on 36 for the third wicket to stymie the Sri Lankan attack.

The series is locked at 1-1 after Sri Lanka won the opening Test in Galle by 63 runs and India drew level with a 278-run win in the second match at the P. Sara Oval in Colombo on Monday.

The hard-working groundstaff, who had covered the entire field, tried to dry the surface but their efforts were hampered by

overcast skies.

Bad weather has been forecast for the next four days. India lost second Test century-maker Lokesh Rahul off the second ball of the game, bowled by Dhammika Prasad with a sharp in-swinger that the

batsman wanted to leave.

Ajinkya Rahane, who also scored a hundred in the previous match, made eight when he was given out legbefore off seamer Nuwan Pradeep in the fourth over.

India would have been in further trouble at 33-2 had

retired Kumar Sangakkara with another left-hander, Upul Tharanga, and also included Pradeep and Perera.

The hosts left out Jehan Mubarak and Dushmantha Chameera from the side which lost the second Test.—AFP

COLOMBO: Dhammika Prasad celebrates the wicket of KL Rahul during Sri Lanka vs India, 3rd Test’s first day on Friday. debutant wicket-keeper Kusal Perera not dropped Kohli down the leg-side off Pradeep. The missed catch India 1st innings: also cost the hosts five pen- Rahul b Prasad ............. 2 alty runs as the ball hit a ujara not out ............... 19 helmet lying behind the Rahane lbw b Pradeep . 8 Kohli not out .............. 14 ‘keeper. (w1, nb1, The tourists were Extras: forced to make two pen5) .............................. 7 (for two ASTANA (Kazakhstan)—Mami Umeki won Japan’s fifth title changes for the series de- Total: of the world judo championships in Kazakhstan with gold cider, replacing the injured wickets) ....................... 50 duo of opener Murali Vijay Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-14 in the women’s under-78kg division on Friday. wicket-keeper Bowling: ........ O-M-R-W The 20-year-old, world junior champion in 2011, pinned and Anamari Velensek in the final, denying Slovenia a second Wriddhiman Saha with Prasad ................ 4-0-16-1 world title at these championships following Tina Pujara and 32-year-old Pradeep .............. 6-0-16-1 Mathews ............. 4-2-7-0 Trstenjak’s historic first ever gold for the former Yugoslav debutant Naman Ojha.

Herath .................. 1-0-6-0 Sri Lanka replaced the republic in Thursday’s under-63kg category.

As former world champions fell by the wayside— American Kayla Harrison and holder Mayra Aguiar of Brazil lost early—Umeki kept her nerve to triumph.

Germany’s Luise Malzahn beat another former world champion in “I am sure he will enjoy his birthday Bipin Dani France’s Audrey Tcheumeo cake as always even though it appears OBSERVER CORRESPONDENT for bronze as Marhinde you are all sitting around watching it rain”, Verkerk of the Netherlands MUMBAI—There may have been few in- he further added at the time when match won the other bronze medal. stances when one of the on field umpires was halted due to heavy rain in Colombo.

M e a n w h i l e , F r a n c e ’s “Although umpiring is a passion it is has officiated in the Test match on his Gevrise Emane won her third also his profession and therefore he does birthday. world title as she beat Maria On Friday, the first day of the rain- need to relax”, he adds.

Bernabeu of Spain to claim affected Test match between India and Sri Rodney is married to Andrea with 3 under-70kg gold at the world Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) girls from his first marriage and Andrea judo championships in Ground saw the Australian umpire Rod has a son and daughter from a previous Kazakhstan on Friday. marriage so Rodney now has 5 children Tucker turned 51.

Having already won this Tucker had a relaxed day as most of who are all now adults. division in 2007, before stepthe time it rained in Colombo.

He also has a passion for Real Estate ping down to under-63kg “Yes, it is Rodney’s birthday and I am and runs with Andrea Tucker Real Estate and winning the 2011 world sure this significant day would not be an on the South Coast of New South Wales title, the Cameroon-born 33issue in ensuring he delivers 100% focus “Rodney likes to relax and is a very year-old made it a trio of on the field today”, the brother, Darren good single figure handicap golfer plus global crowns.

Tucker, who also played the game in as I have said previously and accomThe reigning champion Sydney, said exclusively over telephone plished surf paddle boarder and surfer”, Yuri Alvear of Colombia from Hong Kong, where he is a Vice Presi- the elder brother informs further. could only manage bronze dent in one of the leading athletic shoe “Rodney grew up playing cricket and having lost to Emane in the companies.

Rugby Union. He was a very skillful rugby quarter-finals, while player who would of gone a lot further in “He (Rod Tucker) has lately become a France’s Fanny Estelle very passionate surfer and paddle boarder the game if he could tackle. The sister Jodi Posvite shocked Chizuru and he may look to do these activities at is a very talented netballer who until reArai of Japan for the other the close of play today (Friday)”. cently still played competitive netball”. bronze medal.—AFP

Judo: Japan’s Umeki wins women’s 78kg world title

Rod Tucker has a relaxed day on his fifty first birthday

Old Ravians stand by Prof Shah SALIM AHMED LAHORE—The Old Ravians

Police personnel stand alert during Friday prayers outside Masjid-e-Shuhada.—NNI

One-Window Cell established at LGH to solve employees’ problems MUZAFFAR ALI LAHORE—In order to solve the problems of doctors, nurses and paramedics regarding their official duties within 5 days, a One Window Cell has been made functional at Lahore General Hospital (LGH).

The concerned official would contact to Principal in case his problem is not settled within the fixed time.

Principal Post Graduate Medical Institute and Lahore General hospital Prof. Khalid Mahmood said in this connection that hospital staff can pay heed to patients and perform well only if they do not face office related complications.

He said that administrative doctors now would be bound to submit report after disposing off the problem of the concerned staffer who would have

to reach to a single window now instead of going every nook and corner.

Prof. Khalid Mahmood said that if we can solve the problems of patients and their attendants, why not we cater the needs of our own staff regarding their official problems on priority basis. He hoped that One Window Cell would yield good results.

community stands by Prof Dr Hassan Amir Shah for the uplift of Government College University, Lahore, said Old Ravian Union President Kamran Lashari on Friday.

“Prof Shah, whenever it comes to GCU, you will never find yourself alone. Old Ravians are with you and will provide you every possible support for bringing their alma mater in the ranking of the world top universities,” said the union’s president while welcoming the appointment of eminent physicist Hassan Amir Shah as the 30th head of GCU. In the press statement, Kamran Lashari, ORU General Secretary Mian Muhammad Ahamd Cahacharr, Vice President Advocate Tayyab Rizvi and Honorary Secretary Dr Khalid Manzoor Butt also said that Prof Shah had remained part of GCU faculty for more than 13 years and understood well the traditions of the historical educational institution.

They appreciated the meritorious selection of vice chancellors by the Punjab government, saying that, “we are thankful to Punjab Chief Minister that he has not sent an alien to Government College University, Lahore. Hassan A Shah belongs to GCU and has just come back to their mother institution.”

Free schooling for children of brick-kiln workers SALIM AHMED LAHORE—Punjab

Education Foundation (PEF) has provided free schooling facilities to about six thousand male and female students under its evening schooling project in Lahore and Multan districts. For this purpose, 102 educational centers have been set up through private partners to provide free schooling to the needy children of disfranchised communities including brick-kiln workers, child laborers and housemaids.

M D P E F D r. A n e e l a S a l m a n

stated this while addressing the educational gifts distribution ceremony at PEF sponsored evening school at Manga Mandi on Friday. This school has been established to provide free education to the children of brickkiln workers. She told that evening schooling project is very helpful in motivating needy parents to send their children to PEF sponsored schools.

This program has been launched under the umbrella of E d u c a t i o n Vo u c h e r S c h e m e (EVS) which has been sponsor-

ing education of a total of three lakh and 21 thousand needy students in 36 districts of the province.

She maintained that such programs play important role in eradicating ignorance and poverty alleviation by educationpromotion and giving necessary awareness to the parents. Education is the most conspicuous symbol of hope and success while teachers act as ‘change agents’ at the grassroots. The function was also addressed by PEF Director (EVS) Samina Nawaz.

Cleanliness drive continues STAFF REPORTER L AHORE—Albayrak Waste Management Company continues with its cleanliness cum awareness activities in less developed areas of Lahore.

One day cleanliness cum awareness activity was arranged at Rehmat Pura,

Shalimar Town here on Friday.

The purpose of this activity was to instill the sense of responsibility among the residents so that they cooperate with the staff of waste management company to keep the city clean.

Local residents and school children participated in the activity. An awareness walk was

also carried out. Manager Communications of Albayrak Naeema Saeed, Assistant Managers Shahan Khan, Sadia Rafique, Mubashir Tanvir, Sohail Mehmood, Numan Rashid joined the drive while Sana Tariq and Shukriya Nazeer were also present on this occasion.

Imran to be warmly welcomed today MUZAFFAR ALI LAHORE—Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Punjab Organizer Chaudhary Mohammad Sarwar said the party will welcome chief Imran Khan in Lahore on Saturday (today), who will celebrate fall of PML-N’s three wickets at Charing Cross along with party workers and supporters.

Chaudhary Sarwar was speaking to different delegations at his office on Friday. He said Imran Khan would also deliver his historic address at Lalik Chowk

from where the campaign about the vote audit in four constituencies had begun.

He said the PML-N should be ready to face defeat not only in by-elections but all elections to come as people had joined hands with Imran Khan.

He said the masses’ votes against PML-N in by-elections would serve as a referendum against its corruption and anti-people policies.

Sarwar said that the PTI believed that the all four provincial election commissioners should be removed from their offices for the holding of

free and fair elections.

He said the PTI would not leave any election arena open for the PMLN but contest the elections with full force. The PTI Punjab organizer said the Lahorites were ready to accord warm welcome to their leader Imran Khan to celebrate its legal win over PML-N’s fake-mandate government.

He said the PML-N was still day dreaming despite knowing that it was implementing anti-people policies for the past two-and-a-half years and people had been pushed against the

wall and wanted to get rid themselves from the PML-N rule.

He said the PTI’s demand for removing four provincial election commissioners was strengthening and the Election Commission of Pakistan would be forced to accept this genuine demand. Otherwise, he said, the PTI would be forced to go for another sitin in front of the ECP offices. He said the PTI would continue its struggle for its constitutional, political and democratic rights and would be ready for any kind of sacrifice.

Labourers waiting for customers to get some job at Ferozepur Road on Friday.—NNI

Shahbaz slams firing by Indian forces on working boundary SALIM A HMED L A H O R E —Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has strongly condemned firing by Indian forces on working boundary of Sialkot and expressed deep sense of sorrow and grief over the loss of precious human lives. He also sympathized with the bereaved families. Moreover, the Chief Minister directed that best treatment facilities

should be provided to the injured citizens.

Shahbaz Sharif has taken notice of abuse of a child and taking of pictures in Dhoke Thathyal, Rawalpindi and sought a report from RPO Rawalpindi. The Chief Minister directed that the absconding accused should be arrested as soon as possible and stern legal action should be taken against them. He said that justice be provided to the affected family at any cost.

Pakistan’s future linked with education: Rana Mashhood

Gujranwala citizens face sever power shortage ABDUL QUAYYUM MALIK G UJRANWALA —Prolonged hours of shut down has made the citizens cry in the city area as GT-2 feeder of Sheranwala Bagh sub division is remaining close from 8.00 am to 3.00 pm on daily basis due to repair work.

Residents of Bukhtewala, Muslim road, Gap Chowk and adjoining areas during a protest said their area is being targeted by the Gepco officers for unknown reasons.

They are being devoid of electricity for the past two months. They are facing acute shortage of drinking water and other severe difficulties due to non provision of electricity while long electricity shut down is creating numerous problems for the students of dozens of schools located in the

area. It has also become very difficult for them to concentrate on studies because of unscheduled power outages.

The affected peoples also told that they have made many requests to the Gepco officers but all of that became fruitless and Gepco officers replied them that the daily basis shut down is being done due to construction of a new feeder and repair work in the area.

In the other hand Civil society activists, traders and citizens refused to accept the company’s explanation, saying the Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) units had failed to cope with the increased power break down. Industrialists and traders have also strongly protested against the long duration of shut down which has affected their business badly.

ATC adjourns hearing of case against MQM’s Amir Khan KARACHI—Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Friday adjourned hearing of Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s (MQM) Amir Khan until September 5. As the hearing progressed, the court asked why Rangers DSR who had arrested Amir Khan is not present before the court.

However, the law officer said that the DSR would be present before the court in the next hearing. He said that Amir Khan has been provided copies of witnesses’ statements.

Khan is accused of giving shelter to terrorists at party headquarters Nine Zero. Khan is likely to be indicted in the next hearing.

While talking to the media in court’s premises after the hearing, accused Amir Khan said that leaders of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) have fled the country. How PPP would fight ‘war’ without its leaders, he asked.

Khan posed the question after Opposition Leader in the National Assembly (NA) Khursheed Shah said on August 27 that laying hands on former president Zardari will spark ‘war’.

Khan said that offenders of political parties were produced before the court with heavy protocol —INP

KARACHI: Pakistan Muslim League-Q President Ch. Shujaat Hussain meeting with Pir Pagara at his residence.

BA, BSc annual examination 2015 position holders with Minister for Education Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan. PU VC Dr Mujahid Kamran and family members of students are also seen in the pictures. tant role in leading scien- the average spending of was around 250 billion dol- who had failed in two subMUZAFFAR ALI tific and research institu- the world on education was lars while it was spending jects would be allowed to LAHORE—Education Minis- tions of the world. He said 5 percent of GDP while Pa- around 0.2 percent on R&D. appear in supplementary Giving details of the re- examinations. He said that ter Rana Mashhood Ahmed that Pakistan’s develop- kistan was spending less Khan has said that Pakistan’s ment would strengthen Is- than 2 percent on education. sult, Controller Examina- from the next year, BA/BSc exfuture is linked with education lam. He said that India was He said that the United tions Prof Dr Shahid Munir aminations would be held in and the government will lay supporting terrorists to de- States had the GDP of 17 said that out of 121,658 can- parts and BA/BSc Part 1 annual trillion dollars and was didates, the result of only examination would be held. foundation stone of country’s stabilize Pakistan.

Addressing the cer- spending from 850 to 1000 20 candidates was late. He Later, degrees, shields and cash first-ever Knowledge Park in February next year to promote emony, Dr Mujahid Kamran billion dollars on education said that earlier, a candidate prizes of rupees one hundred said that Pakistan was the while it was spending from who had failed in one sub- thousand, 75 thousand and 50 research and development.

He was addressing a cer- only nuclear power of Is- 340 to 510 billion dollars on ject was allowed to appear thousand were separately disemony in the honor of po- lamic world and it had a research and development. in supplementary examina- tributed among 1st, 2nd and 3rd sition holder students of strong Army. He said that While Pakistan’s total GDP tions and now a candidate position holders of BA/BSc. B.A. /B.Sc annual examination 2015 at Punjab University Al Raazi Hall here on Friday.

PU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mujahid Kamran, Controller of Examinations Prof Dr Shahid Munir, senior faculty members, position holder students including Ayesha Khan, Hafsa, Fasahat Fatima, Ramla Tayyab, Azhar Ali, Ume Kalsoom, their parents and teachers were present on the occasion.

Addressing the ceremony, Mr Mashhood said that the purpose of Knowledge Park was to bridge gap between academia and industry so that the industry could benefit from the research work being carried out in the universities. He said that Pakistan’s youth was full of talent and Paki- LAHORE: Pof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood Chairman Elementary Educating Allam Iqbal Open University, Lahore campus stanis were playing impor- addressing Open Day seminary on Friday.

Move more, sit less to reduce heart failure risk

A

LOWER risk of heart failure is linked not only to doing more exercise, but also independently to spending less time sitting, concluded US researchers after analysing 8 years of health data on 84,000 men.

Reporting their findings in the journal Circulation: Heart Failure, Dr. Deborah Rohm Young, a senior scientist at Kaiser Permanente in Pasadena, CA, and colleagues describe how they found even among men who exercised regularly, sitting for long periods increased their risk of heart failure.

Dr. Young says the key finding from their study, the first to look at the link between heart failure risk and time spent sitting, is: “Be more active and sit less. That’s the message here.” Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood and oxygen to other organs of the body.

It does not mean the heart has stopped beating, but it is nevertheless a serious condition.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart failure affects over 5 million people in the US, where it contributes to around 1 in 9 deaths and costs the nation an estimated $32 billion a year. For their study, Dr. Young and colleagues analysed data on a racially diverse group of 84,170 men taking part in the California Men’s Health Study. The participants were between 45 and 69 years old and did not have heart failure when they enrolled in the study.

Over an average follow-up of nearly 8 years, 3,473 of the participants were diagnosed

with heart failure. To assess levels of physical activity, the researchers used metabolic equivalent of task or METs, a measure of the body’s energy use, while sedentary time was measured in hours.

Independently of sedentary time, men with the lowest levels of physical activity were 52% more likely to develop heart failure, compared with men with the highest levels of physical activity.

Regardless of how much they exercised, men who were sedentary for 5 hours or more outside of work were 34% more likely to develop heart failure.

Men who spent more than 5 hours a day sitting outside of work and exercised the least had double the risk of heart failure, compared with counterparts who sat for less than 2 hours a day and exercised the most. As the researchers did not include data on women, they cannot say whether these results would apply to them. Also, the men were all members of a comprehensive health plan, so it is not clear whether the findings would apply to uninsured men.

Another limitation of the study is that the data only covered time spent sitting outside of work, so strictly speaking, it cannot be said to apply to overall sedentary activity. Dr. Young says their findings support the American Heart Association recommendation that adults should do at least 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity aerobic exercise to reduce their risk of heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases.

Namaz-e-Janaza of Shaheed constable Abdul Qayyum, who was killed in firing by unknown persons, being offered at Garden Headquarters.—SABAH

Army chief praised Karachi ‘cleanliness’: Qaim Ali Shah Inaugurates new underpass at Kashif Centre Intersection STAFF REPORTER K A R A C H I —Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah on Friday said the army chief had praised the cleanliness in the city.

BDS result announced KARACHI—The University of

Deputy Director Human Trafficking Ashfaq Aalam displaying recovered forged passport and CNICs during a press conference on Friday.—DNA

KU awards 31 Ph.D, 7 M.Phil degrees in various disciplines STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—The University of Karachi (UoK) Registrar Prof. Dr Mozzam Ali Khan has announced that the Board of Advance Studies and Research (BASR), University of Karachi in its meeting held on August 25, 2015 under the chairmanship of UoK Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr Muhammad Qaiser awarded 31 Ph.D., 7 M.Phil and 01 D.Sc. degrees in various disciplines.

The M.Phil degrees were awarded to Kiran Nazeer (Marine Biology), Jibran Khan (ISPA), Nida Fayyaz (Microbiology), Rafiq Ahmed Soomro (Economics), Beena Siddiqua (Biotechnology (KIBGE)), Aisha Majid (Marine Biology), Muhammad Ayaz (Applied Economics (AERC)).

The PhD Degrees were awarded to Ambreen Wakil (Urdu), Saeed Khan (Quran & Sunnah), Mehwish Khalid (Islamic Learning), Mirza Jawad Baig (I.S.P.A), Ijaz Ali (Law), Humera Tariq

(Computer Science), Syed Khurram Mehdi (Criminology), Wajeeha (Microbiology), Muhammad Umair Rafique (Political Science), Farah Saleem (Microbiology), Syed Aftab Alam (Quran & Sunnah), Nasreen Bano (Clinical Psychology), Perveen Fazil (Chemistry), Musarrat Shamshir (Economics), Naheed (Botany), Mushtaq Ahmed (Urdu), Muhammad Akram (Pharmaceutics), Asma Tabassum (Botany), Saira Saleem (Special Education), Munir Hussain (European Studies (ASCE)), Sadaf Naeem (Pharamcology), Shehnila Naz (Special Education), Durdana Kanwal (Botany), Naveed Ali Siddiqui (Biochemistry), Sadia Saleem (Biochemistry), Mr, Muhammad Sajid Khan (Quran & Sunnah), Syed Shahid Zaheer Zaidi (Public Administration), Muhammad Nazir (Persian), Saima Siddique (Marine Biology), Aamir Alamgir (Environmental Studies), Rubina Hasan (Economics) and D.Sc. Degree was awarded to Prof.

Dr Abid Azhar (Biochemistry & Biotechnology).

Karachi on Friday announced the result of BDS Final Professional Annual Examination 2015.

According to the order of merit, Hajra Nazir Ahmed of Altamash Institutute of Dental Medicine with 802 marks was declared first.

According to statistics, 292 candidates appeared in the examinations and of these 209 were declared successful with a pass percentage of 71.58.— APP

“While attending a meeting, General Raheel Sharif said to me that he could see the difference in Karachi as far as ‘cleanliness’ was concerned,” the chief minister said while inaugurating the newly built underpass on the Kashif Centre intersection on Sharah-e-Faisal.

The Rs580 million underpass, Shah said, was “completed in a very short span of time.”

Read: Shah expresses concern to Sindh DG Rangers on Dr Asim Hussain’s arrest He also said that it didn’t matter how much money was

spent on such projects as long as people were being served and facilitated.

“Karachi is an important city of Pakistan due to which people from all over the world come here,” he said.

The chief minister also said that the Yellow-line, Green-line and other such

transport projects are in the pipeline and are expected to be completed by the end of this year.

“With two and half year left for us, we will make Karachi one of the cleanest cities so that tourists can come here and praise the atmosphere.”

Alleged dacoit killed in police encounter; wanted criminal nabbed KARACHI—An alleged dacoit was killed of Rs 175,000 from the dead. A motorcycle ers under the Foreign Act. They included in an encounter with Karachi’s South Zone police.

A statement on Friday said that an encounter with the police took place near Fisheries Dawn Mor in which a dacoit was killed. The dead could not be identified immediately. His accomplice managed to escape.

The police recovered looted amount

and a pistol also seized.

In another action, the police arrested a wanted ‘criminal’ identified as Javed who was ‘in hiding in Karachi’.

The accused was wanted in cases of extortion by Hyderabad police besides other cases.

Meanwhile, the Karachi South police also arrested five illegally residing foreign-

four from Tanzania and one from Bangladesh.

The police also arrested 15 accused reportedly involved in various cases. They included absconders and proclaimed offenders.

To accused identified as Abdul Aziz and Alex were arrested and looted gold worth Rs. one million recovered.—APP

Minister takes exception to delay in functioning of healthcare facilities STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Sindh Minister for Health, Jam Mehtab Hussain Dahar has taken strong exception to unwarranted delay in functioning of different public sector healthcare facilities in Karachi.

Visiting the Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Trauma Centre, Sindh Government Hospitals at Gulshan e Iqbal and Dumba Goth respectively Friday, he said there was absolutely no reason to keep people deprived of the facilities located close to their homes.

Taking round of BB Trauma Centre off Civil Hospital-Karachi on Fri-

day, he asked the concerned officials to ensure that dedicated facilities are made functional here within a month’s time.

“Since work on seven floors of the 16 storeyed building is almost complete it will therefore be prudent that relevant facilities are made functional and citizens in need provided with adequate relief,” he said.

On the occasion, the minister said ever growing pressure on the Karachi’s largest tertiary care hospital coupled with growing diversity of emergencies as well as traumata related held conditions demanded early functioning of the trauma centre.

Jam Mehtab Hussain Dahar also registered his serious reservations about non functioning of the 400 bedded hospital in Gulshan e Iqbal, also found to be equipped with all needed medical services.

Seeking immediate report about delay in inauguration of the hospital, the minister said the hospital must be open to people without any unnecessary delay.

During his visit to Dumba Goth hospital, he said a report must be presented to him about appointments made at the facility and the reason for concerned staffers’s reluctance to join their duties.

Connecting Dr Asim Hussain to terror funding allegations a Camps at cattle market to ensure shameful act: Senator Taj Haider presence of disease free animals STAFF REPORTER

K ARACHI —Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Sindh chapter General Secretary Senator Taj Haider has strongly condemned the misuse of antiterrorism laws for attaining political goals.

In a statement issued Friday, he said that Dr Asim Hussain has throughout of his life served the ailing humanity and produced qualified medical doctors and struggled for maintaining the highest standard in medical professions and facilities.

He reminded that Dr Asim Hussain has been affiliated to the PPP, which is

the sole political party that always opposed the extremism and terrorism from the day one and laid lives for opposing these menaces. Dr Asim Hussain’s political party, the PPP had defeated the terrorists and evicted land that had gone under occupation and dominance of terrorists. It is absolutely a shameful act to allege him of terror funding.

Senator Taj Haider said every citizen is well aware of the reality that arresting of the PPP leaders and maligning it is part of a planned conspiracy in which Qasim Zia was apprehended from Punjab while non-bailable arrest warrants of Makhdoom Amin Fahim and Yousuf

Raza Gillani are issued.

He said the PPP has also in past faced such discriminating tactics of rightwinged political parties and always emerged as victorious with grace. The PPP has always been on forefront for the defence of the democracy and never thought the rivals to the PPP equally benefitted from its struggle.

However, it is highly deplorable that the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz that has the backing of religious extremist and terrorists groups has once again started using foul political tactics but would fail to establish the required goals as it also failed in past.

KARACHI—Sindh livestock department safety and to avoid outbreak of any dis- would also be sensitized about relevance has established 15 camps at Cattle Market off Super Highway to ensure that cattle reaching Karachi, for sacrificial purpose during Eid-e-Qurban, are disease free.

Secretary for livestock and fisheries department, Noor Muhammad Laghari here on Friday informed a meeting that the camps manned by veterinary doctors would help to ensure that cattle failing to meet the health standards are not allowed to put for sale.

“This is crucial for public health

ease,” said the secretary.

The meeting held under the chairmanship of Karachi Commissioner, Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui to review arrangements being made at the Cattle Market, considered to be one of the largest in the world, extensively discussed steps required to keep constant vigil ensuring security as well as safety standards.

It was decided that owners, sellers as well as purchasers of sacrificial animals reaching Karachi Cattle Market

of health and safety of their cattle, as these may otherwise emerge to be a health risk for them and their children too.

A committee, headed by provincial secretary for live stock and fisheries, was thus agreed to be constituted with KMC Director (slaughter) and representatives of Karachi administration among its members. The committee was asked to regularly visit the market and keep itself updated of the situation and conditions there.—APP

Move more, sit less to Pakistan’s future linked with reduce heart failure risk education: Rana Mashhood

A

LOWER risk of heart failure is linked not only to doing more exercise, but also independently to spending less time sitting, concluded US researchers after analysing 8 years of health data on 84,000 men.

Reporting their findings in the journal Circulation: Heart Failure, Dr. Deborah Rohm Young, a senior scientist at Kaiser Permanente in Pasadena, CA, and colleagues describe how they found even among men who exercised regularly, sitting for long periods increased their risk of heart failure.

Dr. Young says the key finding from their study, the first to look at the link between heart failure risk and time spent sitting, is: “Be more active and sit less. That’s the message here.” Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood and oxygen to other organs of the body.

It does not mean the heart has stopped beating, but it is nevertheless a serious condition.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart failure affects over 5 million people in the US, where it contributes to around 1 in 9 deaths and costs the nation an estimated $32 billion a year. For their study, Dr. Young and colleagues analysed data on a racially diverse group of 84,170 men taking part in the California Men’s Health Study. The participants were between 45 and 69 years old and did not have heart failure when they enrolled in the study.

Over an average follow-up of nearly 8 years, 3,473 of the participants were diagnosed

with heart failure. To assess levels of physical activity, the researchers used metabolic equivalent of task or METs, a measure of the body’s energy use, while sedentary time was measured in hours.

Independently of sedentary time, men with the lowest levels of physical activity were 52% more likely to develop heart failure, compared with men with the highest levels of physical activity.

Regardless of how much they exercised, men who were sedentary for 5 hours or more outside of work were 34% more likely to develop heart failure.

Men who spent more than 5 hours a day sitting outside of work and exercised the least had double the risk of heart failure, compared with counterparts who sat for less than 2 hours a day and exercised the most. As the researchers did not include data on women, they cannot say whether these results would apply to them. Also, the men were all members of a comprehensive health plan, so it is not clear whether the findings would apply to uninsured men.

Another limitation of the study is that the data only covered time spent sitting outside of work, so strictly speaking, it cannot be said to apply to overall sedentary activity. Dr. Young says their findings support the American Heart Association recommendation that adults should do at least 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity aerobic exercise to reduce their risk of heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases.

BA, BSc annual examination 2015 position holders with Minister for Education Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan. PU VC Dr Mujahid Kamran and family members of students are also seen in the pictures.

MUZAFFAR ALI LAHORE—Education Minister Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan has said that Pakistan’s future is linked with education and the government will lay foundation stone of country’s first-ever Knowledge Park in February next year to promote research and development.

He was addressing a cer-

Old Ravians stand by Prof Shah SALIM AHMED Police personnel stand alert during Friday prayers outside Masjid-e-Shuhada.—NNI

Shahbaz slams firing by Indian forces on working boundary SALIM A HMED L A H O R E —Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has strongly condemned firing by Indian forces on working boundary of Sialkot and expressed deep sense of sorrow and grief over the loss of precious human lives. He also sympathized with the bereaved families. Moreover, the Chief Minister directed that best treatment facilities

should be provided to the injured citizens.

Shahbaz Sharif has taken notice of abuse of a child and taking of pictures in Dhoke Thathyal, Rawalpindi and sought a report from RPO Rawalpindi. The Chief Minister directed that the absconding accused should be arrested as soon as possible and stern legal action should be taken against them. He said that justice be provided to the affected family at any cost.

One-Window Cell established at LGH to solve employees’ problems MUZAFFAR ALI LAHORE—In order to solve the problems of doctors, nurses and paramedics regarding their official duties within 5 days, a One Window Cell has been made functional at Lahore General Hospital (LGH).

The concerned official would contact to Principal in case his problem is not settled within the fixed time.

Principal Post Graduate Medical Institute and Lahore General hospital Prof. Khalid Mahmood said in this connection that hospital staff can pay heed to patients and perform well only if they do not face office related complications.

He said that administrative doctors now would be bound to submit report after disposing off the problem of the concerned staffer who would have

to reach to a single window now instead of going every nook and corner.

Prof. Khalid Mahmood said that if we can solve the problems of patients and their attendants, why not we cater the needs of our own staff regarding their official problems on priority basis. He hoped that One Window Cell would yield good results.

LAHORE—The Old Ravians community stands by Prof Dr Hassan Amir Shah for the uplift of Government College University, Lahore, said Old Ravian Union President Kamran Lashari on Friday.

“Prof Shah, whenever it comes to GCU, you will never find yourself alone. Old Ravians are with you and will provide you every possible support for bringing their alma mater in the ranking of the world top universities,” said the union’s president while welcoming the appointment of eminent physicist Hassan Amir Shah as the 30th head of GCU. In the press statement, Kamran Lashari, ORU General Secretary Mian Muhammad Ahamd Cahacharr, Vice President Advocate Tayyab Rizvi and Honorary Secretary Dr Khalid Manzoor Butt also said that Prof Shah had remained part of GCU faculty for more than 13 years and understood well the traditions of the historical educational institution.

They appreciated the meritorious selection of vice chancellors by the Punjab government, saying that, “we are thankful to Punjab Chief Minister that he has not sent an alien to Government College University, Lahore. Hassan A Shah belongs to GCU and has just come back to their mother institution.”

emony in the honor of position holder students of B.A. /B.Sc annual examination 2015 at Punjab University Al Raazi Hall here on Friday.

PU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mujahid Kamran, Controller of Examinations Prof Dr Shahid Munir, senior faculty members, position holder students including Ayesha Khan, Hafsa, Fasahat Fatima, Ramla Tayyab, Azhar Ali, Ume Kalsoom, their parents and teachers were present on the occasion.

Addressing the ceremony, Mr Mashhood said that the purpose of Knowledge Park was to bridge gap between

academia and industry so that the industry could benefit from the research work being carried out in the universities.

He said that Pakistan’s youth was full of talent and Pakistanis were playing important role in leading scientific and research institutions of the world. He said that Pakistan’s development would strengthen Islam. He said that India was supporting terrorists to destabilize Pakistan.

Addressing the ceremony, Dr Mujahid Kamran said that Pakistan was the only nuclear power of Islamic world and it had a strong Army. He said that the average spending of

the world on education was 5 percent of GDP while Pakistan was spending less than 2 percent on education. He said that the United States had the GDP of 17 trillion dollars and was spending from 850 to 1000 billion dollars on education while it was spending from 340 to 510 billion dollars on research and development. While Pakistan’s total GDP was around 250 billion dollars while it was spending around 0.2 percent on R&D. Giving details of the result, Controller Examinations Prof Dr Shahid Munir said that out of 121,658 candidates, the result of only 20 candidates

was late. He said that earlier, a candidate who had failed in one subject was allowed to appear in supplementary examinations and now a candidate who had failed in two subjects would be allowed to appear in supplementary examinations.

He said that from the next year, BA/BSc examinations would be held in parts and BA/ BSc Part 1 annual examination would be held. Later, degrees, shields and cash prizes of rupees one hundred thousand, 75 thousand and 50 thousand were separately distributed among 1st, 2nd and 3rd position holders of BA/BSc.

Free schooling for children of brick-kiln workers SALIM AHMED LAHORE—Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) has provided free schooling facilities to about six thousand male and female students under its evening schooling project in Lahore and Multan districts.

For this purpose, 102 educational centers have been set up through private partners to provide free schooling to the needy children of disfranchised communities including brick-kiln workers, child laborers and housemaids.

MD PEF Dr. Aneela Salman stated this while addressing the educational gifts distribution ceremony at PEF sponsored evening school at Manga Mandi on Friday.

This school has been established to provide free education to the children of brick-kiln workers. She told that evening schooling project is very helpful in motivating needy parents to send their children to PEF sponsored schools.

This program has been launched under the umbrella of Education Voucher Scheme (EVS) which has been sponsor-

ing education of a total of three lakh and 21 thousand needy students in 36 districts of the province.

She maintained that such programs play important role in eradicating ignorance and poverty alleviation by education-promotion and giving necessary awareness to the parents. Education is the most conspicuous symbol of hope and success while teachers act as ‘change agents’ at the grassroots. The function was also addressed by PEF Director (EVS) Samina Nawaz.

Cleanliness drive continues STAFF REPORTER L AHORE—Albayrak Waste Management Company continues with its cleanliness cum awareness activities in less developed areas of Lahore.

One day cleanliness cum awareness activity was arranged at Rehmat Pura,

Shalimar Town here on Friday.

The purpose of this activity was to instill the sense of responsibility among the residents so that they cooperate with the staff of waste management company to keep the city clean.

Local residents and school children participated in the activity. An awareness walk was

also carried out. Manager Communications of Albayrak Naeema Saeed, Assistant Managers Shahan Khan, Sadia Rafique, Mubashir Tanvir, Sohail Mehmood, Numan Rashid joined the drive while Sana Tariq and Shukriya Nazeer were also present on this occasion.

Imran to be warmly welcomed today MUZAFFAR ALI LAHORE—Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Punjab Organizer Chaudhary Mohammad Sarwar said the party will welcome chief Imran Khan in Lahore on Saturday (today), who will celebrate fall of PML-N’s three wickets at Charing Cross along with party workers and supporters.

Chaudhary Sarwar was speaking to different delegations at his office on Friday. He said Imran Khan would also deliver his historic address at Lalik Chowk

from where the campaign about the vote audit in four constituencies had begun.

He said the PML-N should be ready to face defeat not only in by-elections but all elections to come as people had joined hands with Imran Khan.

He said the masses’ votes against PML-N in by-elections would serve as a referendum against its corruption and anti-people policies.

Sarwar said that the PTI believed that the all four provincial election commissioners should be removed from their offices for the holding of

free and fair elections.

He said the PTI would not leave any election arena open for the PMLN but contest the elections with full force. The PTI Punjab organizer said the Lahorites were ready to accord warm welcome to their leader Imran Khan to celebrate its legal win over PML-N’s fake-mandate government.

He said the PML-N was still day dreaming despite knowing that it was implementing anti-people policies for the past two-and-a-half years and people had been pushed against the

wall and wanted to get rid themselves from the PML-N rule.

He said the PTI’s demand for removing four provincial election commissioners was strengthening and the Election Commission of Pakistan would be forced to accept this genuine demand. Otherwise, he said, the PTI would be forced to go for another sitin in front of the ECP offices. He said the PTI would continue its struggle for its constitutional, political and democratic rights and would be ready for any kind of sacrifice.

Labourers waiting for customers to get some job at Ferozepur Road on Friday.—NNI