Ep30july2015

Time to diffuse the controversy Situationer M. Ziauddin

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here was no mention of an apology or a victory speech in the memorandum of understanding(MoU) signed between the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-N and the Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf(PTI) that had put down in clear language how each party would respond to the outcome of the inquiry tasked to the three-member Judicial Commission(JC) headed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Nasirul Mulk to find out whether the 2013 polls were conducted fairly and in accordance with the law; whether there was a plan or design to manipulate or influence the elections and; whether the overall basis of elections were a true and fair reflection of the mandate given by the electorate.

Under the relevant agreed clauses of the MoU, in case the JC found that the answers to all the above mentioned three questions were in the negative, the government would resign immediately and call for fresh elections. On the other hand if the answers were in the affirmative the PTI’s allegations would stand withdrawn automatically.

As one could see from the MoU which was also read out with repeated emphasis by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday last in his speech on the floor of the National Assembly there was no mention of either an apology on the part of PTI after its allegations stood withdrawn automatically or a victory speech by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif after the JC had ruled in favour of the

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Yakub Memon to be hanged today NEW DELHI—Yakub Memon, the only person to be sentenced to death for the 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blasts, will be hanged as scheduled on Thursday after he exhausted all his legal remedies and President Pranab Mukherjee too rejected his mercy plea on Wednesday.

The President made the final call after consulting home minister Rajnath Singh who said there was “no rethink” on the death sentence, PTI reported.

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Pak, Afghan commanders agree to enhance border security STAFF REPORTER PESHAWAR—An eight member Afghan military delegation here on Wednesday held a meeting with a Pakistan military officials in Peshawar and discussed border security situation and other issues of mutual interest. The eight members delegation of Afghan Ministry of Defence (MoD) led by Brigadier General

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Afghanistan examines Mullah Omar ‘death’ claim BBC report says latest claims of Afghan Taliban top leader’s death being taken more seriously One Taliban spokesman denies, other announces to come up with response ‘within hours’ Afghan intelligence claims Omar died in a Karachi hospital White House terms report ‘credible’ OBSERVER REPORT

expected to issue a statement soon, the BBC report further

LONDON—The Afghan government is investigating new reports that Taliban leader Mullah Omar has died, a BBC report quoted a government spokesman as having said.

The Taliban has yet to comment on the claim, which was made by top sources within the Afghan administration and intelligence agency, the report stated.

The sources said the reclusive militant leader had died two to three years ago, the report further claimed. But, this is not the first time Omar has been reported dead since the Taliban’s fall from power; the Afghan government is presently working to verify (or disprove) the latest report states.

The latest claims of Mullah Omar’s death are being taken more seriously than previous such reports. The Taliban is

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Mullah Omar stated..

A spokesman for Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said on Wednesday that the authorities were trying to verify the reports.

“As soon as we get any more authentication... we’re going to let the media and the people of Afghanistan know

Special Report on ‘16th Enthronement Anniversary of His Majesty King Mohammed VI Kingdom of Morocco’ on Pages 14 and 15.

Govt drifting towards confrontation mode ................................................

Don’t leave NAB cases half way ................................................

Country wide devastations by floods

See Page 04

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aliban say he was born in 1960 in the village of Chah-i-Himmat, in Kandahar province Fought in resistance against Soviet occupation in 1980s, suffering a shrapnel injury to his right eye

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Enemies stoking terror to destabilize country: COAS Sincerest efforts made for Afghan reconciliation OBSERVER REPORT ROME—Addressing a gathering at Centre of International Studies in Rome, Army Chief General Raheel Sharif on Wednesday stated that Pakistan made sincerest effort for Afghan reconciliation process, DG ISPR Major General Asim Bajwa reported.

On the occasion, General Raheel Sharif stated that Pakistan and Afghanistan are inseparably placed in the region and peace in one country is not possible without peace in the other.

He said bother countries have a shared destiny.

He said the international community acknowledges Pakistan’s effort for reconciliation but both sides need to be vigilant as detractors and spoilers pose challenge for Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Giving details on progress of ongoing antiterrorism operation in tribal areas, the COAS said that operation Zarb-e-Azb is a comprehen-

sive concept against terrorism and army will ensure terror free Pakistan and region at every cost.

He said major operations progressed well and now last few pockets are being cleared.

Zarb-e-Azb will ensure peace in Pakistan and beyond. Terrorists won’t be allowed to re-establish their hideouts in the areas, he added.

He said terrorism is a conflict for world but it is a war of survival for Pakistan.

Nawaz opposes de-seating of PTI legislators Forms ministerial committee to convince MQM, JUI (F) to withdraw de-seating motions; both parties seek time for consultations ZEESHAN JAVAID ISLAMABAD —Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday urged parliamentary leaders of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) to withdraw de-seating motions against Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers in the National Assembly.

The premier met parliamentary heads of political parties on Wednesday and thanked the leadership for showing resolve and remaining steadfast for the supremacy of the Constitution and democracy.

The meeting deliberated over the motions moved by JUI-F and MQM to deseat the PTI legislators.

Most of the parliamentary heads expressed their opinion in favor of with-

Mystery shrouds fate of Afghan peace talks KASWAR KLASRA ISLAMABAD—Mystery shrouds fate of second round of Taliban-Afghanistan government peace talks following the news of death of Taliban leader Mullah Omar.

The second round of peace talks was scheduled to take place in Pakistan on July 31.

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Demise of Sardar Abdul Qayyum

NA passes ICT LG Bill, 2015

All-Party condolence meeting today

Govt accepts recommendations of Senate, Nisar tells NA

ISLAMABAD—An All Party

STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—The National Assembly passed on Wednesday the Local Government Body Bill, paving way for local elections in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).

The Bill was moved by Minister of State for Interior Muhammad Balighur Rehman. The Senate has already passed the said Bill with amendments.

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar confirmed that the government accepted all recommendations given by the opposition on this piece of

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legislation in the Senate.

A ruling to amend clause 25-b was also passed by Deputy Speaker Javed Abbasi, whereby a youth candidate must be over the age of 25 to hold a seat.

Earlier, the National Assembly was informed the ruling Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N) government spent Rs4 billion on various publicity campaigns.

Although complete details were not released, Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid confirmed in the Assembly that the large amount

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Condolence Meeting to condole the sad demise of Mujahid-iAw w a l , S a r d a r Mohammad A b d u l Qayyum Khan, who expired on July 10, will be held today.

Sardar Attique Ahmad Khan, former Prime Minister

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KSE-100 regains bullish momentum with a gain of 401 points AMANULLAH KHAN

Today’s issue of Pakistan Observer carries two-Page

about that,” Sayed Zafar Hashemi said.

The Afghan government, elected last year, has embarked on a peace process with the Taliban.

A security official in Pakistan, the country hosting the talks, told the Associated Press news agency that the claims of Mullah Omar’s death were mere “speculation”, designed to destabilise the negotiations.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif in a meeting with parliamentary heads of National Assembly and Senate at PM Office on Wednesday.

KARACHI—KSE-100 seems to have fully recovered from depression as it regained its bullish run with an impressive gain of 401 points to close in green at 35, 676.49 levels amid brisk trading activity on Wednesday.

While the falling oil prices have an impact on oil scrips presented looked depressed, the expected increase in gas prices looked with concerns especially gas consuming sectors like fertilizers and textile sector.

However the gas price hike which was expected to come into play post-Eid, there has been no final word on the degree and timing of the increase yet. This continues to linger on as a key risk factor for

FFC & FFBL, due to potential margin attrition as a consequence. On the contrary, FATIMA & EFERT are expected to benefit because of their concessionary gas rate agree-

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Minister for Finance, Mr. Ishaq Dar; Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Senator Pervez Rashid; Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique and Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on National Affairs Irfan Siddique to contact the leadership of JUI (F) and MQM to convince them to withdraw their motions against PTI MNAs. Nawaz said the nation has moved forward in its democratic journey and that the unity of the political leadership to safeguard national interest would be a significant factor in the evolution of political process.

The Prime Minister was of the view that the political leadership of the country has great responsibility to work for

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LeJ chief Malik Ishaq, 2 sons among 14 killed LAHORE—Malik Ishaq, chief of banned outfit Lashkar-i-Jhangvi, his two sons Usman and Haq Nawaz, and 11 others were killed in an alleged exchange of fire with police personnel here late on Tuesday night. At least six policemen were also injured in the alleged encounter.

According to details, Ishaq and his sons were arrested by the Counter-Terrorism Department a week ago. Following their latest arrest, the police had interrogated them and had subsequently taken them to Shahwala area of Muzaffargarh district to aid the police in recovering weapons and explosives, sources in the CTD said.

The encounter appears to have taken place as militants attacked security forces and tried to free Ishaq.

A spokesman for CTD Multan said Ishaq, his two sons, one Ghulam Rasool Shah and two other accused, all from Lashkar-i-Jhangvi, were taken to Muzaffargarh by the counter-terrorism department to aid in the recovery of arms and explosives.

The spokesman said that when the police party was returning after making the recovery, it was attacked by some 12 to 15 gunmen who succeeded in freeing Ishaq, his sons and the other accused and started fleeing away on motorcycles.

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Indus River in high flood at Chashma, Guddu, Sukkur SALIM AHMED/ NAZIR SIYAL LAHORE/LARKANA —River Indus is in high flood at Chashma, Guddu and Sukkur, while in medium flood at Kalabagh and Taunsa and in low flood at Tarbela.

River Jhelum and River Ravi are in low flood at Mangla and Sadhnai, respectively.

The Flood Forecasting Division of Met Department in Lahore said that the River Kabul is in medium flood at Nowshera while both River Jhelum and River Ravi are in low flood at Mangla and Sadhnai respectively. All other rivers and nullahs are flowing normally at present.

According to Flood Warning Center, River Indus at Khairabad, River Kabul at Warsak and Nowshera and River Adezai at Adezai Bridge are in medium flood this morning.

River Panjkora at Dir, River Khiali and River Naguman near Charsadda Road and River Shah Alam at Takhtabad are in low flood.

Chitral received rain Tuesday night causing heavy flood in River Chitral. People were shifted to safer places. However, no report of any causality has so far been received.

Moreover, the spokesman of PDMA Punjab has said that 144 relief camps have been estab-

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India cancels Pakistani experts’ visit to controversial Kishanganga project Pakistan decides to approach Neutral Expert in Hague ZEESHAN JAVAID

ment. Meanwhile the Index traded briskly amid a market volume of 352 million shares where Pakistan Telecommunication was the volume

drawal of motions against the PTI MNAs, officials said.

The Prime Minister advised Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman and representatives of MQM to review their stand on the motions and requested them to withdraw the motions.

However, the leaders of JUI-F and MQM sought time for consultation with their respective party leadership and apprised the premier they will communicate the party policy about motions against PTI. The Prime Minister further elaborated that after the report of inquiry commission government is fully focusing on the development and prosperity of the country and is committed to resolve the problems of people.

The Prime Minister constituted a four member committee comprising Federal

ISLAMABAD—Amid recent Pak-India tensions following the Gurdaspur terrorism incident, Indian government has refused to make the arrangement for a team of Indus Water Commissioner (Pakistan) to visit the site of controversial 330MW Kishanganga hydropower project.

Sources in the office of Indus Water Commission (IWC) privy to latest development informed Pakistan Observer that as per the accord between India and Pakistan named Indus Water Treaty (IWT) 1960, the visit of Indian waters

was due by IWC. But despite repeated attempts, official communication as reminder, New Dehli finally refused to allow Pakistani water experts to visit the controversial 330MW hydropower being built by India on River Jehlum which the Pakistani side dubs as sheer violation of IWT 1960.

“We have already informed the foreign office, ministry of water and power and other concerned authorities about the recent move of Indian government. It has been decided that the IWC will approach the office of Neutral Expert, the subsidiary body of permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in Hague to raise not only the

said issue but also the fears about the technical design of controversial 850MW Ratle and 330MW Kishanganga hydropower project”, a senior IWC officials told this correspondent on anonymity.

He further maintained that IWC since the last couple of months remains in contact with its counterpart Indian office, however, the Indian government after using the delaying tactics for last 13 months, has finally refused to allow the Pakistani experts to visit the controversial project.

In a continuity of water aggression, India started constructing the controver-

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Qayyum stresses on coordination for defence sector research Relief, rehab work PESHAWAR— Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Information, Mushtaq Ahmad Ghani Wednesday called on KP Speaker, Asad Qaiser in his chamber in Assembly Secretariat. On this occasion, they discussed in details heavy losses and relief activities in wake of the recent heavy torrential rains and floods.

The meeting directed to accelerate pace of relief activities and evolve an effective strategy for rehabilitation and reconstruction work in the affected areas. Speaking on the occasion, Speaker KP Assembly, Asad Qaiser said that the PTI chief was very serious in the rehabilitation and reconstruction work in the flood affected areas and was getting information on relief activities on daily basis.—APP

Pak defence production second to none MIAN ARSHAD I SLAMABAD —Chairman Senate Standing on Defence Production Lt General (R) Abdul Qayyum, Wednesday, observed that our pursuits for Defence related research and development should be in coordination with other domestic centers of excellence related to science and technology.

While chairing the meeting in the Parliament House, he said that indigenisation, optimum use of our existing capacities, commercialization and modernization to keep pace with fast moving Defence technology should be our top priority.

He said Defence production and Arms trade history is as old as the war itself. He went on to say that while arms trade became a booming business in 2nd half of the 19th century, Pakistan unfortunately did not inherit a single Defence industry

from undivided india even in the middle of 20th century when the country was born as a new nation in 1947.

The Chairman of the Committee said that now Pakistan has a very potent Defence production capabilities which is not only catering for needs our six hundred thousand strong standing army to a great extent but also enabling us to export limited quantity of exporting tactical weapons of Defence nature to all most all continents of the world with focus on South Asia and Middle East.

WAH complex along has a cluster of 14 industries. Our Defence production quality is second to none because in combat environments you have no option to kill your attacker at first instance with a superior weapon before he attempts to take your life. The Chairman Committee said state owned

Defence production units need to be reinforced, expanded and commercialized to make them self sustained.

The Chairman thanked the Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanveer and officials of Defence production for updating the Committee on related matters. It was decided that the Committee will now visit each set up for detailed evaluation and formulation of objective plans for leap forward to keep pace with modern technologies in the Defence field.

The committee directed the ministry and its units to ensure merit based inductions of scientists, engineers , skilled and semi skilled workforce. Besides undertaking up gradation of all technical institutes for training quality manpower for domestic and overseas employments. Modernize present R & D facilities for different innovative

pursuits and curtail overstaffing, utilize surplus capacities and reduce overheads to make products cost effective.

It also directed that there is a need to undertake aggressive marketing to promote sale of our commercial products both inland and abroad and enhance exports to reduce the burden of Defence budget on the National Exchequer.

It also proposed to evolve foolproof systems to eradicate corruption in mega Defence deals and proposed administrative, legal and financial reforms to enhance efficiency of all production units besides ensuring security of the Defence installations at top priority.

The meeting was atternded by Senators Ms Sitara Ayaz , Hafiz Hamdullah , Mian Muhammad Attiq Sheikh, Mrs . Sehar Kamran, Gian Chand and Brig( R ) John Kenneth Williams.

India’s own policies responsible for Gurdaspur incident

Data of street children PESHAWAR— The provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is going to conduct a situation analysis to collect correct data regarding street children in three districts of the province. The was stated by Special Assistant to KP CM on Social Welfare, Dr. Meher Taj Roghani while speaking in Guest Hour Programme of Peshawar Press Club (PPC) here Wednesday. She said that under National Street Children Project, the Department of Social Welfare in collaboration with Azad Foundation will conduct a data collecting survey on street chilLAHORE: DG Pakistan Rangers Punjab Maj General Umar Farooq Burki visiting frontline border areas on Wednesdren.—APP day.—NNI

Precautionary steps HYDERABAD—

The Coordinator Sindh Chief Minister’s Inspection Team Haji Muzaffar Ali Shajra has said that government has already completed all precautionary arrangements and deployed entire government machinery to meet the challenges of heavy monsoon rains and flood in the province. He expressed these remarks while talking to media persons at Kaliyan, Bhanot and Old Hala protective bunds of Indus River on Wednesday after getting briefing from officers of different departments in respect of rescue and relief work during heavy rains at the office of the Deputy Commissioner Matiari. He said that Sindh Chief Minister has issued directives to all ministers, advisors, MPAs as well as party office bearers and workers to continuously monitor the emergency situation during rains.—APP

Visits protective embankments

Insecurity biggest challenge to eradicate polio: Ayesha SALIM AHMED L AHORE —The polio eradication partners on Wednesday thrashed out a comprehensive operational and communication work plan for next polio low season (SeptemberMay 2015-16) at the three-day National Emergency Action Planning Workshop concluded here Wednesday.

Prime Minister Focal Person for Polio Eradication Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq chaired the workshop. Minister for National Health Services Saira Afzal Tarar led the proceedings on the final day. Besides the provincial health secretaries, Health Director Generals, provincial Coordinators Emergency Operation Centres, Army officials, political agents, DCOs, country representatives of WHO, UNICEF, GAVI, BMGF and other partner agencies and technical officials attended the workshop organized by the Ministry of National Health Services in the provincial capital.

The Political agents, commissioners and secretaries of 12 tier-1 districts presented their respective workplans to polio eradication partners which were discussed in detail. The Minister for National Health Services Saira Afzal Tarar said that the biggest challenge confronting polio eradication efforts was insecurity and inaccessibility.

With the success of operation Zarb-i-azb

and support provided by the armed forces in implementation of the campaign, that challenge is clearly behind us now.

Prime Minister Focal Person Ms. Ayesha Raza Farooq said even though visible progress was made last year, yet the risk of continued transmission of polio virus was real and required integrated efforts from all partners. She emphasized that unique problems require solutions and detailed districtwise plans for 12 tier-1 districts were prepared taking into account the local needs.

She appreciated the efforts undertaken by the provincial governments and current challenges being faced by the provinces and districts during implementation process of polio eradication activities. “The plan for coming season has been prepared in light of the lessons learned during the last year. I want to remind all that polio will be eradicated at the district and UC level.”

She specifically praised the polio workers who lost their lives for the cause. She also emphasized that validation of micro plans, missed children, tracking migrant population, and quality surveillance were specifically focused in the national plan.

Director General Health Services Punjab Dr. Zahid Pervaiz highlighted Punjab’s challenges and said that without improving Routine Immunization, sustainable progress cannot be made.

LARKANA— Sindh Minister for Home Affairs Suhail Anwar Siyal visited AkilAaghani Loop Bund, Abad Mangli Bund, Hakra Protective Bund, Seri Bund and other protective embankments of the River Indus in Larkana district.

Commissioner Larkana Division Ghulam Akbar Leghari, Deputy Commissioner Larkana Jaweed Ali Jagirani, SSP Larkana Kamran Nawaz, Tariq Anwar Siyal and officials of Irrigation department accompanied the minister.

Talking to media persons during his visit to AkilAaghani Loop Bund, some 10 kilometers from here, he said that all the embankments of River Indus are intact, and required precautionary measures have been taken to ISLAMABAD: A family from Kashmore holding a demonstration outside National Press Club against a feudal lord of Kashmore Sindh who threatens them to take avoid any untoward their lives.—DNA situation.—APP

IGP for merger of Levies into Police QUETTA—Inspector General

I SLAMABAD —Member National Assembly from PMLN, Talal Chaudhry on Wednesday criticized India for making inflammatory statements against Pakistan and held Indian government’s poor policies responsible for Gurdaspur incident.

Talking to mediapersons outside of the Parliament House, he said it is habit of the Indian government to blame Pakistan as and when an incident occurs at its soil no matter if it is an outcome of their own repressive policies.

He said it is astonishing that on one hand, Indian Prime Minister is requesting Nawaz Sharif for a meeting and on the other, his government in blaming Pakistan for Gurdaspur incident.

About local bodies elections, he opined that these elections should be delayed due to floods in many parts of the country.

To a question, he said Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly, Syed Khurshid Shah should pay more attention on his party affairs rather than criticizing Election Commission.—APP

13 Karachiites disappear on their way to Hyderabad IRFAN ALIGI K ARACHI —Thirteen persons have gone missing while on their way from Karachi to Hyderabad to attend a marriage function of their relatives. After the passage of 24 hours, the authorities and the law enforcing agencies had yet to track their location for the safe recovery.

The cell phones of all the 13 missing persons are also constantly switched off.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Sindh Home Minister Anwar Siyal have taken notice of the disappearance of 13 persons. In this regard, the Home Minister had directed the Inspector General of Police, Sindh Ghulam Haider Jamali to immediately locate the missing persons and recover them safely.

Following the incident,

the families of the missing persons staged protest at Rashid Minhas Road near Nauman Apartments as all the missing persons are the residents of this Nauman Apartments located in Gulshan-e Iqbal.

The family members of the disappeared 13 persons, all close friends to each other, said that they had left for Hyderabad at 9 p.m to attend a marriage of a close friend. All had remained in contacts with their families through their cell phones till they reached Jamshoro at 11 p.m but after that time the contact was lost.

The families of the missing 13 persons have lodged an FIR in the Shahra-e Faisal Police Station. On the other hand, the Deputy Inspector General of Police for Hyderabad has alerted all Police Stations of adjoining areas.

PRCS FATA organizes first aid training for tribal women NASIB SHAH SHINWARI L A N D I K O TA L —Pakistan Red-Cresent Society-Fata (PRCS-Fata) arranged a two-day first aid training workshop for tribal women on Wednesday.

Twenty tribal women from different tribal regions of Fata including women from Landikotal and Jamrud also participated in the twoday training.

Doctor Pervize Shinwari and first aid incharge Bemisal Afridi delivered their professional presentations and demonstrated the necessary steps being taken in time emergency.

One of the Participant, Samreen Sahar Afridi from Jamrud thanked PRCS conducting first aid workshop for tribal women.She said that women in Fata have no access to health facilities and higher education.She said hundreds of talented tribal girl students had abandoned education as their parents could not afford to pay their dues.

Samreen requested FRCSFata to extend its activities to Jamrud tehsil.

Chairman PRCS Fata Ikramullah Jan in his closing remarks said that it was the aim of his team to help provide all possible social and economical assistance to the deserving tribal people.

He said first aid training was not only compulsory for health staff but every individual especially women should take such training.Ikram said PRCS was working in all tribal agencies providing foods and non-food items to the displaced people of Fata.

The Chairman said PRCS would soon launch a massive campaign for those children who were out of schools.

He said on the special directives of governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa they were preparing to kick off a mega sport event in Fata.

Ikramullah Jan Kukikhel at the end distributed certificates among the participants.

of Police Balochistan, Muhammad Amlish Khan advocating the merger of Levies Force into Police said the classification of A and B areas was affecting the efforts being made for the restoration of peace in the province.

In an interview with APP here on Wednesday, he emphasized on his stance to abolish the difference of A and B Area which was restored after the demands of some politicians. Presently, he said, police have only five percent area and remaining 95 percent land area is governed by Levies Force.It would be a big break through if this difference is removed again.

He said that several militants were killed and others were arrested in law enforcement agencies’ operations in Balochistan.”So far, over 654 officials and personnel of Balochistan have embraced martyrdom in the line of duty from 2006 to onward,” he added. The IG said, “We need financial resources to ensure complete check on entrance of people from bor- ZHOB: Stranded vehicles stand in queues due to land sliding and bridge collapse after dering areas”.—APP heavy rain on national highway connecting Balochistan with KPK.—INP

Punjab PTI to support traders’ strike against withholding tax MUZAFFAR AL L AHORE —Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Punjab chapter on Wednesday announced support for the traders’ organizations’ August 1 and 5 countrywide strikes against the withholding tax.

Punjab Organiser Chaudhary Mohammad Sarwa said the rulers were punishing masses for their failed policies. He said the withholding tax was government’s “drone attack” on national economy and the PTI would participate in traders’ country-wide protest. He was talking to different delegations, who called on him here at his office.

He said the PTI was bringing in

real change in the country and save people from the clutches of corrupt rulers and anti-people policies.

He said no country could progress without strengthening its economy but unfortunately rulers had themselves acting as anti-economy elements. He said the imposition of withholding could not be accepted and participates in the traders’ countrywide protest.

Chaudhary Sarwar demanded that the government should withdraw the newly imposed withholding tax. He said the incumbent rulers were squeezing poor masses, since they assumed power. He said poor masses were being punished due to the policies

framed by the incompetent rulers. He said the masses had now no good expectations from the rulers, who were busy in their ‘juggleries’.

Chaudhary Sarwar said the PTI had the vision to resolve people’s problems and put country on the path of progress and prosperity. He said the PTI would not disappoint masses after coming into power. He said the nation would be rescued from menaces like corruption, price-hike, joblessness and help youth and women to get their due rights. He said the PTI under the leadership of Imran Khan was fighting a war to oust corrupt rulers and drive country out of crises and it would be successful in its endeavours.

KBD needs 4 provinces consensus: Khattak Contradicts Imran’s statement on KBD STAFF REPORTER

HYDERABAD: A view of the rainwater accumulated in Cantt Graveyard.—Online

Budhani Nullah rehab plan approved; 24 houses, CNG station demolished

P ESHAWAR —Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pervez Khattak has said that different flood protection projects were being executed at a cost of over eight billion rupees in eight districts of the province including Peshawar, Nowshera, Charsada, Dir and swat. On completion, these projects will help protect the surrounding populations of Kabul, Jindi, Dir and Swat rivers, he added.

The Chief Minister told that the flood-affected road links of Chitral district would be restored within two weeks on temporary

basis while all major communication roads would take at least six month for permanent rehabilitation as most of the roads particularly those leading to Garam Chashma, Bumburet and Mastuj valley were washed away by the flood.

Talking to the office bearers of Nowshera Press Club, Pervez Khattak contradicted that he PTI Chairman, Imran Khan had issued any statement regarding Kala Bagh Dam and stressed that the party policy on this issue was very clear that consensus of all the four provinces is crucial for pursuing this project.

The office bearers of the club, led by its president,

Mushtaq Ahmed Paracha, called on the Chief Minister at CM Secretariat on Wednesday and apprised him of the problems and demands of the Press Club.

The Provincial Minister for Excise and Taxation, Mian Jamshed ud Din and Special Assistant to the CM, Khaleeq ur Rahman were also present in the meeting.

On this occasion Chief Minister directed to release already announced grant of eight million rupees for Nowshera Press Club and expedite the reconstruction work of the club and development works of the media colony for which an amount of Rs. 10.38 million had already been approved.

Scattered rain, thunder showers expected

I SLAMABAD —Scattered rain-thunder- Gujranwala, Bahawalpur and DG Khan diduring last 24 hours. Meanwhile, P ESHAWAR —On the directives of the surrounding populations from committee also announced to de- erate pace of relief activities and shower is expected in Bahawalpur, Multan, visions the Quetta Met Office has forecast partly

the KP Chief Minister, Pervez Khattak, district administration Peshawar Wednesday started demolition of 24 illegally constructed houses and a CNG station that were creating hurdles in the flow of water in Budhani Nullah.

According to details, the team of district administration headed by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Peshawar, Riaz Khan Mehsud and comprised of Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Osama Ahmad Warraich, Assistant Commissioner (AC) Mumtaz Ahmad and heavy contingent of police and levies reached to the spot for the demolition of the illegal houses and CNG station on the bank of Budhani Nulla, but the people voluntarily started demolition of their houses.

However, he expressed dismay over the slow process of demolition and Earlier, during a high level meeting with Chief Minister Pervez Khattak in the chair here today approved a comprehensive plan costing Rs.734 million for rehabilitation of Budhani Nullah and protecting

Residents demand Sui gas supply SHER GONDAL M ANDI B AHAUDDIN—The residents of Lakhnewala, a village situated at a distance of six kilometer in the East from Mandi Bahauddin have demanded the supply of Sui gas.

The residents said that they had been demanding supply of Sui gas since long and before every election local politicians promise to meet their demand but after the elections they forget their promises.

During recent by election campaign for NA 108 seat Mumtaz Tarar now MNA promised to provide Sui gas facility and grabbed votes of the residents. But after election he even did not turn up to thank villagers who campaigned for his success.

Skill enhancement project initiated

flood water.

Under the plan, all encroachment on the Nullah will be removed and a protection wall on both sides of the water course will be constructed besides widening its water bed and expediting the pace of work on the two bridges being constructed on the Nullah.

The CM authorized the Deputy Commissioner, Peshawar to exercise the powers of the Chief Executive to deal with rescue and relief matters in case of flood or any other emergency.

Members of the community committee formed by the district administration also attended the meeting.

They thanked the provincial government for carrying out immediate rescue and relief measures for the flood affected population. The Deputy Commissioner had constituted the committee to seek cooperation of the local community for amicably resolving the issue of demarcation and removing encroachment from Budhani Nullah.

On this occasion members of the

molish the CNG station and 26 houses built illegally on left bank of the Nullah.

Apprising the meeting of the latest situation of flood and encroachment as well as original condition of the Nullah, Deputy Commissioner Riaz Mahsood told that up to 45 feet encroachment on the right bank and 30 feet on the other side of 24.56 Kilometer long Budhani Nullah has been identified during the recent demarcation held on 24 July 2015 in presence of the local community.

He said that notices were issued for removal of 43 structures built on the encroached lands by 27 July 2015 but only three complied with the notice.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Information, Mushtaq Ahmad Ghani Wednesday called on KP Speaker, Asad Qaiser in his chamber in Assembly Secretariat.

On this occasion, they discussed in details heavy losses and relief activities in wake of the recent heavy torrential rains and floods.

The meeting directed to accel-

evolve an effective strategy for rehabilitation and reconstruction work in the affected areas.

Speaking on the occasion, Speaker KP Assembly, Asad Qaiser said that the PTI chief was very serious in the rehabilitation and reconstruction work in the flood affected areas and was getting informations on relief activities on daily basis.

He said that the rehabilitation of flood affected people and restoration of flood affected infrastructure was the mission of all.

During the meeting, the Minister for Information, Mushtaq Ghani gave a detailed briefing on the settlement and rehabilitation of the affected infrastructure.

He said that the he was personally monitoring relief activities in the flood affected areas.

For this purpose, he said he had paid several visits to flood-hit areas, adding that all available resources were being utilized for rehabilitation of flood affectees and infrastructure.

CM approves Budhani Nullah rehabilitation plan.—APP

KP to delegate powers for strengthening LG system P ESHAWAR —Provincial Minister for Finance Muzaffar Syed Advocate said on Wednesday the government was taking bold measures of delegation of power to grass-root level to strengthen the existing local government system to efficiently deliver for solution of peoples problems.

He was talking to two members team of Department for International Development (DFID) UK, comprising Judith Herbertson, deputy head and head of basic service group and Claire Vallings, senior governance and team leader sub-national governance in Peshawar. Fahim Siddique, special secretary finance and Kamran Rahman, additional secretary finance was also present.

The minister appreciated the financial support extended by DFID for reformation of education, health and local government system in the province.

The DFID team expressed interest in the improvement of educational and health services and local government system, says an official statement here on Wednesday.

The minister said despite various challenges including terrorism and disasters, the government was committed to fulfil its promises made to the people, adding transparency and accountability were our prior-

ity areas to reform the system. The provincial government is seriously working for improvement of education and health facilities besides strengthening of democracy, he said, adding compare to other provinces, the government was serious in transferring power to the local level.

Very soon there will be an efficient local government system in the province and each village council will have a proper office and staff to serve the people in the best manner, he assured.

Urging the capacity building of the elected local government representatives to deliver in excellent manner, he said the KP government had increased Local Government budget allocations by 82 %.

The DFID team was informed that bureaucratic model of government of governance is no more workable and that is why 25 departments were being devolved to district level to plan development activities by the local representatives and fix priorities at the local level.

The accountability process has been started to root-out corruption while security agencies, political leadership and administration were on the same page to curb terrorism and restore peace, he said.—APP

PESHAWAR—Skill Enhancement Initiative implemented

by Aik Hunar Aik Nagar (AHAN) in collaboration with the UNHCR and Commissionerate Afghan Refugees (CAR) has been re-launched in District Charsadda and Mardan for 300 female and 200 male including 25% (125) Afghan refugees to get benefited.

The Skill Enhancement and Livelihood Initiative Project (III) is funded by United States Agency for International Development, UNHCR and CAR; said a press release issued here on Wednesday. The first phase of the training focuses on skill enhancement in which beneficiaries will be provided with skill trainings in 2 trades i.e. Leather Embroi- PESHAWAR: Police official displaying the recovered arms, banned literature before media persons at Yakatoot police station after search operation in Hazar Khawani.—INP dery and Weaving.—APP

Social sciences edu imperative for reforms PESHAWAR—Vice Chancellor Sarhad University Professor Dr. Saleem-ur-Rehman Wednesday noted that social sciences education is equally important for bringing reforms in any society.

He said nobody can deny the fact that the subjects of social science help bring positive changes in the society.

Addressing the meeting conducted by faculty of Arts, Social Sciences and Education at Sarhad University Peshawar, he said the Sarhad University of Science and Information Technology is playing its due role in promoting education in the disciplines of Social Sciences since its inception.

He said that M.Phil classes are being conducted successfully by the departments of Sports Science, Library Science and Urdu.—APP

NHA spent Rs 3,478m on roads in 2 years I SLAMABAD—The National Highway Authority has spent Rs 3,477.740 million on maintenance of roads in Khyber Pakhunkhwa (KP) under the Annual Maintenance Plan (AMP).

According to an NHA official, Rs.1,378.589 million were spent in the financial year 2013-14 and Rs.2,099.171 million in KPK during 2014-15.

He said that total amount allocated under Annual Maintenance Plan (AMP) for the last two years was Rs 37,076.860 million.

Allocation for Road Maintenance in 2013-14 was Rs 15,920.410 millon and Rs 21,156.450 million in 201415.—APP

DG Khan, Sahiwal, DI Khan, Faisalabad, Lahore, Sargodha, Gujranwala divisions during the next 24 hours.

According to weather report, isolated heavy falls are expected in Bahawalpur, Sukkur, Multan and DG Khan divisions during next 24 to 36 hours which may generate flash flooding and urban flooding in South Punjab widespread rain-thundershower (with scattered heavy fall) occurred in Rawalpindi,

cloudy weather with chances of scattered rain for the provincial capital during next 24 hours.

The maximum and minimum temperatures were recorded 29 and 19 degree Centigrade in the metropolis on Wednesday.

The hot to very hot and dry to partly cloudy weather has been forecast for rest of the region.—APP

All set for KP re-polling on 360 polling stations today PESHAWAR—Stage has been set for re polling on about 360 polling stations in connection with the Local Government elections in Khyber Pakthunkhwa scheduled to be held on Thursday (today).

The Election Commission of Pakistan has completed all the arrangements for the smooth holding of re polling in the said polling stations that would be held in 14 districts of Khyber Pakthunkhwa on Thursday, official sources in Provincial Election Commission Office told APP on Wednesday.

The re- polling would be held in Peshawar, Nowshera, Charsadda, Mardan, Swabi, Hangu, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, DI Khan, Abbottabad, Manshera and Buner districts. The polling would start at 8am and will continue till 5pm without any break. The voters inside the premises of polling stations would be allowed to cast their votes before starting of counting of ballot papers.

In KP, the total registered voters are 465600 including 211317 male and 254283 male for whom the ECP has setup 360 polling stations including 89 for male, 170 for female, 101 combined besides 1290 polling booths for voters’ facilitation.

In Peshawar, as many as 73320 registered voters including 43888 male and 29432 female would exercise their right of franchise to elect their representatives for district, tehsil, general councillor and other seats concerned seats. The ECP has established 29 polling stations and 108 polling booths for the registered voters in Peshawar.

The polling staff including 360 presiding officer, 3870 assistant presiding officers and 1290 polling officers and other necessary staff has been reached to the concerned polling stations. The police and law enforcement agencies personnel have also reached to the polling stations to perform duties.—APP

Govt drifting towards confrontation mode

MEDIA WATCH

Let terror not derail Indo-Pak talks

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RIME Minister Nawaz Sharif earned a lot of respect by demonstrating political wisdom and acumen in the aftermath of the verdict of the Judicial Commission in polls’ rigging issue.

His reconciliatory tone and resolve to forget the bitter past and move ahead for the sake of democracy and economic development was widely appreciated by almost all segments of the society. However, it seems that with the passage of time the Prime Minister is allowing himself of the luxury to indulge in a murkier political game, which could harm the Government more than PTI. No doubt, PTI pushed things to the extreme but PML(N) should derive satisfaction that ultimately its stand was vindicated by the highest judicial forum. The verdict of the Judicial Commission has helped PML(N) completely repair its damaged reputation and it is now having upper hand in political arena on moral grounds. But some hawks in PML(N) specially the young lot appears to be bent upon to humiliate the PTI. We must not forget that the destabilization caused by sit-ins was one of the highly unfortunate chapters of our political history as two parties hammered out their point unnecessarily in their bid to force an elected Government to step down. However, PML(N) must be satisfied that majority of political forces stood by it and the judicial process also exonerated it of the humiliating charges repeatedly levelled

by Imran Khan. Under these circumstances, it is duty of the ruling party to ensure that there is no going back to such a darker period but what happened in the National Assembly on Tuesday spoke otherwise. We have been pointing out in these columns that JUI(F) and MQM have their own reasons to rub ribs of Imran Khan and therefore, the issue of resolutions moved by these parties seeking ouster of PTI MNAs should have been sorted out there and then. There were encouraging reports earlier that PML(N) had decided to opt for a saner course on the issue by not supporting such a move. Then why the issue was not settled and just deferred for a week. Ruling PML(N) have more important issues to focus than wasting its energies on efforts to pressurize or sideline PTI. It would be foolishness of the highest order if the Government itself engineers yet another crisis for itself on whatever justification.

The Prime Minister should be now wise enough to ensure that the country doesn’t return to era of 1990s when two major parties lost everything in their unholy game of leg-pulling.

Don’t leave NAB cases half way T

HE National Accountability Bureau (NAB), these days, is rightly asserting itself to expose corruption and proceed against those involved in corrupt practices. This is the mandate given to it by the law and people of Pakistan too expect the Bureau to take firm steps for across the board accountability in view of menacing dimensions of the instance of corruption in the country.

It is satisfying that Ch. Qamar Zaman-led NAB has picked up courage to lay hands on big fish as well by activating some of the mega corruption scams. NAB has provided details to the Supreme Court about mega scandals and on Tuesday it submitted an additional list of 29 mega corruption cases to the apex court. However, it may be mentioned that in the past as well similar moves were made to catch the bull by horns but then the process was wound up with the passage of time. No one knows what happened to scams like cooperative societies, Taj Company, EOBI and New Islamabad City. Strangely enough, with regular intervals, the cases are highlighted raising expectations of the people that something serious is going to happen to bring the culprits to book and compensate the victims. However, so far nothing of the sort has happened and victims have lost all hopes about recovery of their life savings. It is also on record that the issue of bank loans also surfaced in the past but the defaulters were allowed to use their influence to get them write off. In many cases, NAB also indulged in questionable conduct by sparing the criminals in the name of plea bargain. Therefore, we would urge NAB to thoroughly investigate cases, file reference and take them to the logical conclusion if it is really interested to eliminate corruption. Only the slogan of ‘Say No to Corruption’ is not going to produce the desired results.

Country wide devastations by floods A

FTER massive devastations in Chitral and parts of Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa and Punjab, the floods have entered Sindh where Guddu and Sukkur barrages recorded high flood and 95% of the low-lying areas have been submerged. Punjab is likely to witness another wave of floods as India has started releasing water in river Sutlaj.

Floods in Pakistan have become an annual feature during the Monsoon season and their severity is increasing due to erratic weather phenomenon in the wake of global warming. Melting of glaciers was a major cause of devastating floods in Chitral this year and the authorities were incapable of dealing with the deluge. The National Disaster Management Authority, Pakistan Army and the civil administration have been doing their best but the infrastructure has been destroyed in most of the flood affected areas making it difficult to reach the marooned people. Temporary measures to mitigate the sufferings apart, effective and long lasting steps are needed to avoid losses of billions of rupees in addition to precious human lives. Though natural calamities cannot be predicted but their impact could be reduced if there is proper planning and resources are judiciously utilized. We are sorry to point out that in the first instance budgetary allocations are not made for annual repair and strengthening of embankments of rivers and nullahs and what ever amount is provided, that is either not released by the Finance Departments or misappropriated by the concerned departments. Another reason is encroachments all over the country leaving little space in water courses to cope with flood waters. Therefore, there is need that the concerned Ministries and departments must devise strategies to reduce the floods devastations. In the meantime we would recommend construction of small dams in the catchment areas, strengthening of the embankments of rivers and nullahs on annul basis and a massive operation to remove encroachments as that would help reduce losses to some extent.

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One belt, one road casualties to the base hospitals was not a pleasant job, the on my flying overIkram Sehgal bloodstains all a red badge of their courage Email:ikram.sehgal@smswppl.com and fortitude. The sacrifice and the commitment of the thousands and thousands of nameS experiences go, the short less Chinese soldiers who worked on time I spent in 1970 in the the KKH is beyond description, what KKH (Karakoram Highway) are the right phrases to praise those Flight (4 Army Aviation Squadron) who died attempting to make the road under the command of Maj (later Maj possible? One rarely witnesses such a Gen) HUK Niazi, SJ in the high display of duty and sacrifice, it was a mountains was one that far surpassed privilege to be in the company of such one’s expectations and lives on in the brave and selfless men.

Why were the Chinese determined memory for more reasons than one.

Piloting an Aloutte-3, the BMW to build this road from “nowhere” to of the air at that time, the sheer beauty Pakistan? Those who had seen of the landscape was breathtaking. Urumchi and Kashgar than would Notwithstanding the extreme weather have not wrong to believe that this was conditions that does not really set in a futile exercise. “You Pakistanis are till November, navigating the high stupid, you think in terms of 5-10 peaks and valleys of the Karakorams years, we Chinese think 50-100 years is always a hazardous venture. Ev- ahead”, said my interpreter. Repeated ery morning was a new adventure, ad nauseam by my very good friend combining an infinite trust and con- Ambassador Zhang Chun Xiang who fidence in both machine and oneself. himself served as an interpreter on the New places to visit, new faces to add KKH in the 70s after graduating from to your friends, for a young man it Beijing University, 28 out of his 45 was an exultation of enjoying free- years in the diplomatic service were dom in a totally different dimension. spent in Pakistan. After serving as the Passing over wreckage of the Rus- Chinese Consul General in Houston, sian MI-6 was a constant reminder Texas, he returned to become the Chiof the inherent dangers flying in such nese Ambassador to Pakistan from different terrain at high altitudes, the 1998 to 2005. With Urdu more fluent downside hit me only a few months than most of us, get on his wrong side and he can curse freely in Punjabi. ago with the tragedy at Naltar.

Forty to fifty years later, the dyWorking with the soldiers of the two Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) namics of geo-politics have come to Divisions constructing the KKH synchronize with economics of today’s north of Gilgit was the icing on the times. From Sinkiang Province across cake. During early morning one the Karakorams into plains of Pakistan could see them walking from their to Gwadar the vision of the road is base camp in their hundreds in their slowly but surely coming to its full fruidistinctive grey uniforms to the tion. While the eastern alignment is roadheads. Blasting their way govt’s preference, the Army is deterthrough the sides of the mountain in- mined making the western alignment variably accidents happened boring possible by the 870 kms venture uninto the rocks and tapping in the ex- dertaken in a crash program by FWO. The China-Pakistan Economic plosives manually. Heli-lifting their

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Corridor (CPEC) is critically necessary, far more than any other economic initiative. A lifeline of consequence for Pakistan’s destiny, it is a gamechanger that can lift our people out of poverty and the misery that goes with it. A perennial critic of any govt, one must laud the present regime for ensuring that a dream is being converted into a reality. Acknowledging the single-minded determination of Mian Nawaz Sharif as the driving force, Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal must be given kudos alongwith some of his cabinet colleagues like Sartaj Aziz for pushing CPEC for all its worth. Despite having a great need for this road-based opening to the world, for some reason the Chinese showed no enthusiasm of pursuing the CPEC during the PPP tenure, delaying it by 8 years.

To give my views about the likely security issues on what the Chinese call the “One Belt, One Road” project, I was invited by the “National Institute for Strategic Communication” (NISC) to Beijing. Over the three days I had the unique honour of explaining the security threat perception along the CPEC alignments, both the eastern and western ones, to a select audience that was clearly enthusiastic about investment opportunities along the economic lifeline. A part of Peking University, NISC is a Policy Planning Body which harmonizes the various organs of the Peoples of Republic of China on a common platform for common purpose. Mr Zhang Chongqing, Standing Deputy Chairman of the China Group Companies Association (CGCA), hosted well-attended Session last Friday. Including more than 200 companies, mostly public but also private, CGCA is dedicated to enhance their capacities for commercial business, both within China and outside.

Speakers included Dr Hu Yuandong, Head of UNIDO in China, Ms. Yu Dan

Secretary General CGCA and Ma Yang Xiaodong of NISC. Concluding a number of meetings on Saturday, for the panel discussion on Sunday at Beijing University my hosts were Dr Manli Cheng, Dean NISC and Dr Weijia Wang. Both gave extensive briefing on the CPEC. Ambassador Zhang was invited to give his personal recommendations, followed by a lucid and crisp briefing from Ms Pen Yong Chin Director Overseas Operations China State Construction Engineering Corporation. Mr Liu Dianfeng of China Mobile Pakistan spoke with conviction about the ZONG success story in Pakistan and potential Chinese investment thereof.

China’s trade with India has increased manifold but the persisting mutual suspicions about the geo-political relationship remain. While previously the Chinese were never vocal, Indian’s opposing the CPEC tooth and nail has aroused their anger. The Chinese made it clear that they would spare no effort or tolerate any opposition to making the CPEC a success. By South Asian standards of decision-making, the speed with which both CGCA and NISC decided to open representative offices to function in Islamabad and Karachi (and a few days thereafter in Lahore) in less than 30 days immediately was staggering, a clear indication of the Chinese commitment.

One can spout lip-service rhetoric till Kingdom Come, finally we are seeing practical realization of our dreams. Our economic destiny can be force-multiplied by Pakistan’s “Gold Coast”, it is indeed fortunate that it coincides with Chinese singleminded determination of making “One Belt, One Road” successful.

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

JC report and lessons from it now loaded and flourishing in Pakistan- in a society that is run on democratic prinAli Ashraf Khan not ciple of equality and honesty Email:balti1551@gmail.com we can already see where the difficulty lies. That is why Returning Officers are not INALLY the much awaited re properly trained, Nadra coined idenport of the Judicial Commis tity card system is full of errors, sion has been published and people running the voting process its publication again is showing the lack accuracy and so on. The missflaws not only in our political sys- ing democratic spirit is causing furtem but in the first place the flaws ther trouble like people ready to use in the people running it. However false identity cards, to vote several perfect a system might be – and a times in different places, to manipuman-made system will never be late voters’ lists and to issue more fully perfect- it will have to be ballot papers than necessary. There implemented and those who are are hundreds of other ways to mess supposed to do that are very much with the system as well; our people part of the equation. Democracy in are very imaginative in finding new this country is certainly imperfect ones and efficient in applying them. because both sides of the equation That is why even a perfect system – the institutional side and the hu- would still be damaged. So it didn’t man side- are far from satisfactory; surprise the nation when the Judithey are rather completely compro- cial Commission report observed: “ mised for power and pelf, a very There is No importance of Form 15 unfortunate situation for people liv- or else” was made public. ing therein who have no say. And Though the report was criticizwhile there is a need to improve the ing the performance of the Election system it might be more important Commission but it protected the to improve the people running it. ruling elite at the same time. That Democracy in the first place shows the extent of the problem in needs democratically minded our entire body politics, which people; that means people who ac- needs a complete revamping from cept and protect the rules of democ- top to bottom. Those people who racy that relies on honesty and ac- run the system should be trained ceptance of equality among people. and experienced and honest, but Democracy being a rather sophis- they are not. And when we make ticated system needs some accuracy an above eighty years old man the as well and for that one needs train- head of the commission and the ing. The teaching of democratic caretaker government that just principles and of accuracy starts at means that we are not interested in an early age in the family and at efficiency of running the institution. school. With many children out of So that is why without the right school, and with those in school in- people even a God-given perfect cubated under a commercially op- system will be damaged, nothing to erated western school system that tell about our man-made one.

That doesn’t mean that we has already failed in the West but

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should not try to improve the system as well. There are many flaws in it, some have been pointed out even by our imperfect Election Commission; they send the letter well before the election to our equally flawed and imperfect parliament and they just ignored it. Nowadays parliament has made a commission to reform the election system of Pakistan but –who is surprised?

– it has been sitting idle for many months and producing nothing being manned by people with the above mentioned flaws. And even our ‘kaptaan’ who is claiming to have set out to bring ‘change’ and set it all right is part and parcel of the same society and its flaws. His democratic credentials were hit badly when he refused democracy within his own party; what to talk about the whole country. He has admitted all the crooks from other parties into his which tells us about the credentials of the party as a whole.

His party’s KPK minister has been caught first, if properly looked up there will be others. There is a long way to go.

Without going into the for and against shades of opinion being denned into our ears by media, if we recall the 2013 elections, PTI was not the only party criticizing the rigging in the election. PPP, PML (N), ANP, JUI and Jamat-eIslami all were unanimous on this one point that elections have been massively rigged. Aetzaz Ahsan had announced that he has already compiled a white book on massive corruption in their own constituency that exposes the varasity of fair and free elections that remains a dream for the people of Pakistan.

The issue of 35 punctures was even heard in the first Cabinet meeting

held few days after the elections under the Caretaker Prime Minister and reported in media then.

So the right thing would have been to order re-poll as was done when rigging was alleged in March1977 elections but PTI leader demanded Judicial Commission to probe the allegations instead of real remedy. Hence this report which was very much expected under the highly compromised conditions, where corruption rules the roost and the poverty-stricken masses have been left to the mercy of politicians who consider them worse than a herd of cattle. Only Abys has to lend his ear now to listen to their cry, people are only waiting for divine intervention.

The report of the Judicial Commission has given new legitimacy to the election 2013 and thus to the sitting government. But make no mistake: this government and ruling party are as much part and parcel of the same society as the opposition and all of us; which means they are flawed as well. While now the government has gained a breezing space it should use it wisely.

There is much to do within the government, within the parties, within the administration otherwise this status quo choice will lead them into their doom. All that is needed is honesty of the purpose of making a better Pakistan. Introduce and respect merit, accountability and transparency and make it the hall mark of government. It will take time and go step by step, but more than anything else it needs honesty and resolve to do it. Let’s start now.

God bless Pakistan.

— The writer is a senior columnist based in Karachi.

HE attack on an Indian po lice station in the state of Punjab, close to the Pakistan border, ended on Monday when at least 11 people — including all three heavily armed terrorists, five security personnel and three civilians — were killed. No one yet knows who the terrorists were, but by attacking an Indian target so close to the Pakistani border, they were clearly seeking to increase the simmering tension between India and Pakistan, which the two sides have done little to deal with.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had a brief meeting in Russia two weeks ago on the fringe of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit and they agreed to have a bilateral meeting in 2016 at the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation summit. What little momentum this lacklustre process enjoys, has already been derailed by protests on either side and the latest terrorist attack is clearly seeking to exploit this failure. The two leaders would be better off agreeing to a separate bilateral meeting with a serious agenda, whereby they can tackle the major bilateral issues and reject attempts from extremists to stall their talks. Nonetheless, it is important to find out where the terrorists came from. There is a working assumption on the Indian side that they came from Pakistan, but that has to be proved before any action can be taken. It is remotely possible that the attack was an internal Indian affair perpetrated by followers of the Khalistan movement, who were Punjab separatists led by the late Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, although nothing has been heard from this movement for more than 20 years, when they were an active force and a genuine problem. If the terrorists came from Pakistan, it is deeply worrying since India has heavily strengthened the 460km of India-Pakistan border in Punjab and ever since 1993, when the border fencing was completed

by India, there has not been a single major incident of cross-border terrorism in Punjab. If the terrorists managed to penetrate the border, India has important security questions to answer. — Gulf News

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Dwindling Royal Bengal Tigers

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T is highly disquieting that the Royal Bengal Tiger, one of the most valued species of tigers in the world, appears to be on an extinction course in its home, the Sundarbans. A recent census shows that now only 106 big cats are left in our part of the Sundarbans. According to the report, poaching of tigers and their preys, commercial traffic through their habitat and ever increasing development activities in the Sundarbans are major reasons behind such a steep decline of tiger population. It also reveals the poor status on tiger conservation projects.

Experts say, projects like Rampal power plant will further affect the tiger conservation programmes. We wonder what role the Department of Forest has been playing to arrest the dwindling tiger population which is concerning for biodiversity in the world’s largest mangrove forest. As the tigers are nearing a point of extinction, priority projects should be undertaken to facilitate procreation of this endangered species. A task force should be formed to keep track on the progress of tiger conservation projects through regular pugmark surveys. The government should keep the tiger habitat out of harmful projects. We must now unambiguously adopt the policy of protecting bio-diversity of the Sundarbans rather than allowing it to be damaged in the name of development. — The Daily Star

If you cannot mould your self as you would wish, how can you expect other people to be entirely to your liking?

— Thomas Kempis German monk

Disputes resolution with India Col M Hanif (Retd) Email:hanifsardar@hotmail.com

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T is well understood that PakistanIndia relations are very complex, which are rooted in history. Since partition in 1947,non resolution of the Kasmir dispute,which emerged as a consequence of the partition, remains the major obstacle to the development of good relations between two countries, although other disputes which emerged over a period of time also need to be resolved on priority.

But India is still bent upon establishing its hegemony in South Asia and that is the reason that it is continuing to weaken Pakistan internally by supporting terrorism as has been confessed by some terrorists apprehended recently in Karachi. Last 67 years experience of bilateral talks indicates that India would never resolve Kasmir and other disputes unless Pakistan talks to it from apoint of strength. In this context some policy suggestions are offered. While dealing with India on strategic issues Pakistan’s policy makers should keep

in mind the realist theory, whereby every country struggles to enhance its economic and military power and pursues a vibrant foreign policy to strengthen its relations with the regional countries and world’s major powers. India will take Pakistan seriously only when it becomes internally cohesive and strong, economically much robust, attains stronger conventional military capabilities and stronger international standing.

For next about ten years, Pakistan should focus on bringing peace in Afghanistan in coordination with China, the US, EU countries and Russia. Also, Pakistan should consolidate its relations with Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Central Asian States (CARs),Gulf countries, Indonesia, Malaysia and South Asian states, apart from advancing its strategic partnership with China, and developing good relations with the US, EU countries, and Russia. While relations with these countries will strengthen Pakistan’s diplomatic position in relation to India, these will also enable itto become stronger militarily. It can be foreseen that, strategically speaking, after about ten

years, India will have to listen more to Pakistan when CPEC would have been completed, Pakistan would have become internally more stable and economically strong, internationally more influential, and peace would have come in Afghanistan with its much stronger relations with Pakistan than India.

Also, Pakistan’s relations with Iran and Russia would have become stronger, and the US and EU powers would have adopted more friendly policies towards Pakistan by accepting its significance for peace in Afghanistan, Cenral Asian States (CARs), West Asia and the Gulf region. Moreover, by then, India’s requirement of trading with CARs and meeting its future estimated acute energy shortages by importing energy from these states and Iran via a much cheaper and shorter route through Pakistan would have become a compelling option.

At that time, after having become regular members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), both Pakistan and India would have consolidated their positions in that organization and both China and Rus-

sia might be advising India to resolve its disputes with Pakistan. By then, probably the US and EU countries might also be advising India on similar lines. In this evolving future scenario, at an appropriate stage Pakistan should be able to use its strong strategic significance for India’s energy imports and trade with the CARs and Iran, as a leverage to resolve the Kashmir dispute,according to the wishes of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and other issues in a more realistic and just manner. Therefore, Pakistan should not grant transit trade facilities to India to Afghanistan and beyond, unless it relents on resolving the Kashmir dispute and other issues with Pakistan.

Also, Pakistan should continue to provide political, moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiris for their ongoing freedom struggle, highlighting the atrocities being committed on the Kashmiris by the Indian security forces. Pakistan should also use an appropriate strategy to constrain India from supporting terrorism inside its territory.

— The writer works for Islamabad Policy Research Institute.

Iran deal: A new direction Afzal Hussain Email:barristerafzal@gmail.com

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RAN and six major world pow ers (US, UK, France, China, Rus sia and Germany) reached a nuclear deal on July 14, 2015 in Vienna, the Austrian capital, finalizing more than a decade of negotiations with the historic accord that could transform the Middle East or perhaps even its neighboring countries such as Pakistan. To simplify, under the deal, Iran will be restrained from creating a nuclear bomb in return for the lifting of economic and political sanctions imposed by the United States, European Union and United Nations.

It is a fantastic accomplishment of modern day diplomacy.

Resultantly, on July 20, 2015, the Security Council at the United Nations unanimously adopted a resolution endorsing the nuclear deal with Iran and the European Union had also approved the deal. The UN and EU are sending a clear signal to the U.S. Congress that now has 60 days to

decide whether to approve or reject the deal and most probably U.S. Congress will follow the signal since President Barack Obama also made it clear that he will veto any decision rejecting the Iran deal.

The world leaders have declared the deal as a historic achievement and great victory. The Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the historic deal opened a new chapter in Iran’s relation with the world. U.S President Barack Obama hailed it as step towards a more hopeful world. However, United States’ closest allies are calling it a stunning historic mistake that would provide Iran with hundreds of billions of US dollars and resultantly, Iran will emerge as the most powerful player in the region. It seems to be a clear case of love lost between the old allies since President Obama is firmly taking a different line: “This deal offers an opportunity to move in a new direction, we should seize it”, President Obama said.

Empirical findings show that Saudi Arabia and Iran have been fighting proxy wars to increase their regional influence in the Muslim world – And Iran’s unconditional sup-

port for Palestine issue and alleged patronage of the Lebanese resistance are the basis of conflict with Israel. It must be understood that the objectives of the foreign policy of any state is to secure its national interest. There is no permanent friend or foe in politics. Until recently, it was considered contemptuous even to think that someday United States will take a stance against the wishes of Israel and Saudi Arabia – Times have changed therefore, the policies must change.

President Obama is changing the course of history by making peace with old enemies such as Iran and Cuba (another historic achievement and step towards a better world).

History is being created in Pakistan’s neighbourhood. Where does Pakistan stand in all of this?

Pakistan has precisely supported the deal. The lifting of economic sanctions will generate trade activity of hundreds of billions of dollars not only for oil rich Iran but also for the countries having close economic relations with Iran. Pak-Iran relations have a tumultuous history from the days of General Zia’s regime and unfortunately, Zia’s legacy continued

until recently when President Zardari (PPP) tried to change the policy towards Iran by initiating projects such as Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline. Pakistan must stay away from the power struggle in the Middle East. Pakistan should play its role for peace, and should not take any sides in the proxy wars in the Middle East. Pakistan should facilitate peace talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Pakistan may disagree with Iran on many issues but economic co-operation is mutually beneficial for both countries particularly for Pakistan.

After the initiation of Pak-China Economic Corridor, the lifting of economic sanctions from oil rich neighbor Iran is the most significant news for Pakistan. The Federal Government of Pakistan should vigorously use all channels including back door diplomacy to strength relations with Iran; otherwise, India will do maximum efforts to sabotage Pakistan’s interest. We must remember: This deal offers an opportunity to move in a new direction, Pakistan should seize it.

— The writer is Barrister based in Islamabad.

View From Abroad

Pollard’s release meant to placate Israel Ronen Bergman

O

N Tuesday, the United States announced that it would re lease Jonathan J Pollard, an American convicted of spying for Israel, in what many observers believe is an effort to mute the Israeli government’s criticism of the July 14 nuclear agreement with Iran. The use of Mr. Pollard as a carrot reveals that Obama administration officials grasp the importance of the prisoner to the Israeli public. They also understand that there would be no better move than freeing Mr. Pollard to sweeten the bitter pill of the Iran deal that Israelis are being asked to swallow.

On the other hand, the way the Israeli leadership and the public have reacted to Mr. Pollard’s 30-year imprisonment is an excellent example of their profound misunderstanding of American values and thinking. “I couldn’t resist the temptation,” Rafi Eitan, who recruited Mr. Pollard, told me in 2006. “We’re talking about material that was of such high quality, so accurate and so important to the security of the state. My appetite for getting more and more of it got the better of me.”

Perhaps one can understand the motivation of Mr. Eitan, one of Israel’s top spies who devoted his whole life to obtaining information.

But it’s far more difficult to understand the thinking of those who worked above him, including the former prime ministers Yitzhak Shamir, Shimon Peres and especially Yitzhak Rabin, who had served as ambassador to Washington. They knew very well that Israel was running a spy at the heart of the country’s closest ally, and failed to stop it.

Mr. Eitan took responsibility by resigning; his superiors did not. And this unfortunate episode continues to cause grave damage to relations between the two countries to this day.

Mr. Pollard first offered his services to the Mossad, which was apprehensive about him. He also tried non-Israeli actors, until he finally lit upon Lakam, the Israeli Defence Ministry’s military and nuclear espionage arm, which made him an agent despite his problematic character. Mr. Pollard acted irresponsibly, stealing suitcases full of naval intelligence documents indiscriminately, some of which didn’t pertain to Israel. It was clear he would eventually be caught.

The Israelis who employed Mr. Pollard also failed to take into ac-

count the risk he posed to the American Jewish community, which was subsequently suspected of disloyalty. Documents from the C.I.A. reveal that the agency viewed Mr. Pollard as an American Jew who had translated his support for Israel into two alternatives: immigrate to Israel or spy for it. For years afterward, the Pollard affair made it difficult for Jews in the United States government to get security clearances for sensitive jobs.

When the case blew up, the Israelis did the opposite of what was needed to placate the furious American administration — they continued lying and concealing essential facts from the FBI investigators who came to Tel Aviv. These lies were easily discovered and caused further damage. Moderate elements in Israel wanted to end the affair quietly. A Public Committee for Mr. Pollard was set up, through which the state channeled large amounts of money to top-flight lawyers who tried to improve his jail conditions and secure an eventual pardon.

The Israeli government even issued Mr. Pollard an Israeli identity card and published a public admission that he spied for Israel – the opposite of what should have been done to speed his release. Mr. Pollard’s

second wife, Esther Seitz, who married him after he was jailed and who holds extreme right-wing views, has been loudly leading this chorus. She even hired a lawyer who had previously been involved in the defence of Yigal Amir, who in 1995 assassinated Mr. Rabin, then the prime minister.

The nationalistic campaign, along with the big mouths of the confused Mr. Pollard and his extremist wife, are the main reason he is still in jail. When Mr. Pollard is released in November, it will set off rejoicing in Israel. It’s not clear yet if President Obama will allow him to leave the United States and settle there. But if Israelis celebrate his release and possible “homecoming,” there must be a responsible adult in Israel who understands how turning a spy into a returning hero will be interpreted in Washington. Israelis must realize, even if 30 years too late, that Americans see Mr. Pollard as a traitor of the worst kind and that celebrating his release will only further harm Israel’s already strained relations with America.

The writer, senior political and military analyst for the Israeli newspaper Yediot Aharonot, is writing a history of the Mossad.

— Courtesy: The New York Times

A

ND as scams surface for the BJP led government, who is missing is the Prime Minister. Once his pictures were part of the front page, but now hopefully they are on the front pages of newspapers all over the world but in India as shocking scam after scam scream from those same pages at home.

“He hates corruption,” said a senior leaders shaking his head mournfully, “And the only way to distance himself is to put distance

is happening to the country?” The senior leader again laboriously opened the newspaper and spread it in front of me. “Okay, okay, I get the point!”

I said irritably. The senior leader carefully closed the newspaper, folded it and kept it in a drawer.

“You seem to be showing the paper to lots of people?” I asked. “I have to address a press conference soon,” he said, “And will be showing the journalists the same paper and asking them exactly what I asked you?” “And everybody is convinced that the PM is not at all aware about what is happening in India?”

The senior leader laboriously opened the newspaper, “No! No! I got your point!” I shouted as he smiled and closed the newspaper and put it

Plight of people — floods galore MUKHTAR AHMED

T

his refers to your cartoon, ‘Just download aid from the website: www.gov.pk’ July 27). This cartoon is an excellent depiction of state of affairs of the government and sufferings of people affected by recent floods. This cartoon shall go a long way in reminding people of Pakistan that they should not expect any miracles from government and the entire burden has to be carried by them by themselves. In fact it is a slap on all government flood relief agencies who are supposed to look after the flood affectees with speed and ensure that they are shifted to safe places. Come what may, be it earthquake, rail disaster and any other natural calamity, the poor runs to collect his left over belongings on self help basis and tries to take it to safer place to be utilized after the fury of the event is over. The cartoon has shown a small family where husband and wife are jointly struggling to save their lives and their child and some belonging in fairly deep water without knowing final destination. But, at the same time efforts of government in establishing ‘Help Desk” by directing people wading through flood water must be appreciated a great job done in putting a sign board in deep water that will provide them instantaneous relief.

A drowning man cannot derive any benefit from the Help Desk but certainly he knows once he reaches the shore he can request someone to help him in downloading aid from the website with the hope that it is updated and accommodates present flood affected people. For a moment leave aside the cartoon. Why are we so casual in our actions? Why don’t we read writings on the walls? Why don’t we act in time and wait for the event to happen? What happens during flood, is not rocket science. Why don’t our various agencies improve the infrastructure? Why are the places not earmarked for affected with necessary paraphernalia? Why don’t the governments at Provincial and Federal level improve their working? Why everything is left to army? There can be hundreds of questions that need answers. The rulers must realise floods bring death and destruction and wash away lifelong belongings, animals, crops and houses. Look at the compensation being provided; it is not even the peanuts.It is hoped that the Ministry of Information headed by Parvez Rashid shall get activated. At least they can do a favour to people of Pakistan to display cartoon in all the flood relief agencies and on all airports, railway stations for the general information of people. Next year arrangements may be made in relief camps to have Wi-Fi facility to download aid. Let me close by this couplet. heran hoon kay jub lut raha tha main- amir-e-shahar bhi shamil tha oon luteroon main.

—Karachi

Disturbing state of mind JAVAID BASHIR Altaf Hussain, the revolutionary fire spewing leader of MQM, has lost balance of mind and suffers from paranoid premonitions. He is afraid of his own lieutenants and trusted comrades. His Rabita Committee has no powers at all. It is just a rubber stamp and endorses unilateral decisions of the Quaid.

There is not a single person who can challenge Altaf Bhai.

The other day, PTI and MQM workers clashed in London. It does not augur well for the reputation of the political parties. We must leave the politics at the shores of Karachi.

We must not indulge in politics outside the country. We must observe the rules of the game with great precision, caution, and consistency.

Altaf is ill, and suffers from chronic schizophrenia. He must get treatment for his medical condition.

He must start building the party unity instead if damaging it. This disruptive streak is not conducive for the health of the party. Let us pray for his mental health.

—Via email

Blessing becomes curse in Karachi SYEDA HABZA MAZHAR I don’t understand, are we that much fool? Because we elected such a non-serious government which even doesn’t care about the health of their own city people and even they can’t see the garbage on the roads of Karachi which destroys the beauty of this city of lights.

As we all had the worst kind of heat wave for which we paid a heavy price of human lives in Karachi. Finally Allah Almighty listen our prayers, took mercy upon us and we had a drop of His blissful rainfall but unfortunately due to bad conditions of city, this blessing is become curse.

Roads, waterways and lakes, filled with garbage and rubbish human and industrial waste, present a look of stinking ponds, filthy nullahs and disease-infected odour and environment.

The government has a rain-management system in place which has seen been destroyed by incompetent worthlesss rulers and insensitive, callous and indifferent bureaucrats; they are least bothered about the plight of the people. Is there somebody who could just shake them to rise and get awakened to realise the problems and resolve them for which they are obliged and paid for.

—Karachi

Rabia Khalil...

Kudos!

No news..! between those scams and himself!

Don’t be surprised if later he will be known as the PM who was innocent!”

“How innocent?” I asked angrily, “Over forty people dead in the Vyapan scam, murdered, poisoned, killed under mysterious circumstances and you say he will plead innocent?” The senior leader laboriously opened a newspaper and spread it in front of me, “What do you read?” “I stared at the unfamiliar print and shook my head, “It’s in a foreign language!”

“Exactly the words our beloved PM must be saying every morning when the newspapers are brought to him, ‘It’s in a foreign language.’ So what does he do, he just goes about his meetings and leaves the news alone!”

“You mean he doesn’t know what

Voice of the People

FARRUKH AZIZ ANSARI back in a drawer under his table. I watched as journalists filed in and sat in their respective seats. I heard the same question asked I had asked the senior leader. I watched as the senior leader laboriously opened the same newspaper and spread it in front on the podium he was speaking from. He then held the newspaper to the journalists and they all shook their heads in understanding except a journalist from Tamilnadu, “That paper is in Tamil!” he squeaked. “Is this what you are sending the PM everyday?” “By speed post!” said the senior leader proudly, “So every day our beloved prime minister goes about his meetings and leaves the news alone..!”

—Email:bobsbanter@gmail.com

Standing by the oppressed, exploited and the less fortunate segments of society, countering the evil forces, commanding the good and fending for or at least not badmouthing those who war with the evil, the tyrant etc. is a virtue in itself.

These days, Rabia Khalil’s name is on everyone’s lips on Sindhi Social Media. Rabia Khalil, a woman of invincible spirit, and indomitable courage; Rabia, an epitome of Struggle; Rabia, a shadow of Razia Sultana, Hazrat Mahal and Rani Jhansi, who fought tooth and nail for their cause, and finally Rabia, a proud daughter of Sindh, who, regardless of her being a woman, has got on the nerves of Sardar Sain, corrupt politicians and the saleable

and sold out officials. Rabia, a journalist and social worker, hailing from Dadu Sindh, embarked on a noble mission, fraught with dangers and agonies notwithstanding, first by standing up against the atrocities, malpractices and unwarranted corruption of big guns and politicians of her constituency. To that effect, she drove Kalsoom Chandio, woman MPA of Dadu, known as Phhulan Devi, up the wall, badly exposing her and her corruption.

Despite receiving continual threats from Sardar Sain, politicians, local thugs and miscreants and life and esteem perils, she has stood undeterred and firm in what I can best admire as a holy mission, of Rabia, ‘No More Corruption!’. Not only the thugs and corrupt politicians from Dadu, but she has uncovered many sordid stories from all over the interior Sindh. A story from our own Thul Tehsil relating to the embezzlement of a school building by a local politician was best highlighted by her.

I think it pertinent to make a mention here that Rabia Khalil without any vested interest of her own, only in order to ensure justice and merit, offered her full fledged help to my brother in his case related to PST job. All she did or is and has been doing for the just cause from revealing the inside stories and naked corruption of our so called representatives, atrocities of Sardar Sain and local feudal lords to the malpractices of sold out officials, is indeed out of labour of love.

I feel really surprised at goodygoodies, flatters, bootlickers and the ignorant who have raised so much clamour against her and at the same time, I scathingly condemn those of the conscienceless elements, who have gone up to the character assassination of the daughter of Sindh.

It is for dogs to bark and for us to proceed and reach our destination. Rabia, in the face of such trials and threats, your perseverance and determination and such a sacred job indeed merits not only wholehearted acclaim and admiration but also encouragement, fillip and our unconditional support. A drop makes an ocean. You are not alone.

Many would come and join. The war against black sheep and Sardar Sain must go on.

—Jacobabad

Imran Khan & Amritlal Bahl SAMIULLAH KORESHI Yesterday listening to Imran Khan’s acceptance of Judicial Commission’s verdict on his petition in which he had alleged “rigging “ in the elections, criticising the veracity of the verdict and also demanding all Members of the Election Commission to resign – a mixture of accepting the verdict in one sentence and denouncing it in details. I was reminded of my rival of student days , Amritlal Bahl . He was a contrast to Imran Khan in reaction to his failure almost weeping and hardly controlling his temper, Bahl was a modicum of noblesse and sportsman’s spirit.

Let me first put the Hindu-Muslim scenario in 1944, when he lost first position in University Examination to me in B.A. with Honours in Philosophy and Mathematics, naturally other compulsory subjects were English, etc. . In those days Muslims were counted as very miserable students and normally put in miserable performance, normally a poor third division if at all they managed to pass.

The Hindus and Muslims used to parade the victories and failures of each other and boast of their

achievements and the facts were paraded by Hindus to boast and Muslims to feel ashamed of their low performance – in every field.

It was a matter of agitation between Muslims and Hindus in no small way. Muslims were not counted as mentally smart, and no match to Hindus. By 1944, the Muslim Hindu rivalry in University sports and examinations had become as is now in political parties in Pakistan Anyway, when university results for B A Hons were announced and he had gone to see them on University Boards, he came straight to my house bicycling all the way from university to our house. It was the month of June 1944. He told me that he had gone to the university to see the results and was coming from there straight.

He asked me to guess as to who got the top position. I replied, ‘naturally you’. Congratulations, he said, ‘no, you got one mark more than me, you topped the list’. Bahl did not make a fuss on this point. What act of noblesse, what humility and what sportsman spirit in those days when both Hindus and Muslims were in competition and were hostile to each other!

—Islamabad

Quota stifled civil services SANA AKRAM Central Superior Services (CSS) examination, conducted every year by the FPSC, recruits a smaller number of officers for the most elite occupational groups of civil services for Federal level. The allocation process, after a hectic phase of backbreaking exams, provides a few candidates to be a part of civil services but is handicapped by the quota system impeding the talented youth to get their hands on it.

More than 90% of the total available seats are allocated on quota system leaving only a minor portion of less than 7% for merit oriented allocation. The trend adopted enables less competent, naive, lacking managerial skills people to be on such top administrative posts that not only hinders the development at all levels but espouses corruption and other ethical issues also.

A situation where top administrators must serve the state are kept at homes by closing door for them, would definitely promote Pakistan to be at top on the corrupt countries’ list. Discrimination is strictly prohibited in Islam on basis of region, language, creed or colour. Government tries to compensate the other Provinces for the contribution of their natural and other resources to state wealth and the Punjab being the largest Province is ignored and allocated a little portion; these manifestations are ample proof for the institutions’ failure on a larger scale.

We need to curb it, bring about a change that can produce effective leaders making us stand in real nations, with officers that ensure a corruption-free Pakistan and promote equity among the youth.

—Sargodha

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

China rebuts NY Times on ChinaPhilippines dispute BEIJING—The Chinese Embassy in Washington has called the New York Times’ July 17 editorial on the China-Philippines dispute over the South China Sea unfair, stressing that China’s approach toward this issue is to hold direct bilateral negotiations.

In a letter published Tuesday in the New York Times, the embassy’s Press Counselor and Spokesman Zhu Haiquan said that the editorial titled “The South China Sea, in Court” about the arbitration case raised by the Philippines over rights to the South China Sea, is “not fair.”

“China, a latecomer to land reclamation, has been exercising utmost restraint. But the status quo has long been broken by the Philippines and some other claimants, which built facilities, including mili-

Israel to build new settlement after demolishing two buildings

tary ones, on the reefs owned

by China,” Zhu said.

“China calls on relevant parties to shelve their differences and engage in joint development in the South China Sea. Actually in 2005, China, the Philippines and Vietnam conducted joint marine seismic survey in some areas of the sea.

It would have set a good precedent if the Philippine government had not changed its mind,” the official said.

“China’s approach toward solving the South China Sea issue is to have direct dialogue and negotiation between claimants, which is more effective and sustainable. China and the Philippines had tried such talks before, but the Philippine side unilaterally stopped them in 2012,” the diplomat said.—Xinhua

HAID HAID

P

OIC SG condemns terror attack JEDDAH—The Secretary Gen- by moderation and openness. eral of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Iyad Ameen Madani, condemned the terrorist attack that occurred in Sitra village, Kingdom of Bahrain, killing policemen and wounding others as they performed their duties of protecting the country and the people.

Madani expressed the OIC’s solidarity with the Kingdom of Bahrain, rejection of interference in its internal affairs, and support for the security, stability and sovereignty of the country and the unity of its people who are distinguished

The Secretary General also conveyed his condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured quick recovery.

The Secretary recalled the OIC’s principled and constant position condemning all forms and manifestations of terrorism, and its commitment to continue to cooperate and coordinate with Member States and all organs and institutions of the OIC to combat terrorism in the framework of the resolutions adopted in this regard.—Email

Jewish settler scuffles with Israeli border police officer near buildings slated for demolition in West Bank Jewish settlement of Beit El, near Ramallah .

JERUSALEM—Israel gave final approval on Wednesday for plans to build 300 new homes in a Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank, announcing the move as it carried out a court demolition order against two vacant apartment blocs at the site.

Dozens of Jewish settlers have gathered over the past several days at Beit El settlement to protest against the demolition. Israel’s Supreme Court ruled the two partially-built dwellings were constructed illegally on Palestinian-owned land.

Live television footage from Beit El showed settlers, who had scuffled earlier

with police at the site, watching an excavator tear into the buildings but not intervening. Ultra-nationalists in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition had urged him to press ahead with the 300-home project, first announced three years ago and slated for a different tract of land in Beit El, as compensation for the demolition.

A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office said the “immediate construction of 300 housing units” had been approved.

In addition, the statement said, plan-

ning approval was granted for the building of 413 homes in the East Jerusalem area.

Israel captured the West Bank and East Jerusalem, territory Palestinians seek for a state of their own, in the 1967 Middle East war. Most countries consider the settlements that Israel has built in occupied land as illegal.

Settler leaders have been lobbying Netanyahu over the past few weeks to step up housing construction, seen internationally and by Palestinians as an obstacle to their statehood aspirations.—Reuters

Turkey launches heaviest France warms up Iran ties with Rouhani invite air strikes yet on PKK

TEHRAN—France sought to revive its relations their demonstration were briefly arrested.

Fabius was acquitted in 1999 by the French ISTANBUL—Turkish jets launched their heavi- agenda is keeping Kurdish political and territo- with Iran on Wednesday, extending an invitation courts over the scandal, in which people in France to President Hassan Rouhani to visit Paris in Norial ambitions in check, something the govern-

est assault on Kurdish militants in northern Iraq overnight since air strikes began last week, hours after President Tayyip Erdogan said a peace process had become impossible.

The strikes hit six Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) targets including shelters, depots and caves, a statement from Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu’s office said. A senior official told Reuters it was the biggest assault since the campaign started.

Turkey launched near-simultaneous strikes against PKK camps in Iraq and Islamic State fighters in Syria last Friday, in what Davutoglu has called a “synchronized fight against terror”.

The NATO member also opened up its air

ment denies.

It has made clear that its operations against Islamic State in Syria will not include air cover for Syrian Kurdish fighters also battling the jihadists.

The chairman of Turkey’s pro-Kurdish opposition HDP party, Selahattin Demirtas, whose lawmakers Erdogan wants to see prosecuted for alleged links to the PKK, called for an immediate halt to violence on both sides.

“We have to establish democratic pressure that will help silence the guns immediately. We are ready to work with all politicians who want to achieve this,” he told reporters.

Turkish officials have said the strikes against the PKK are a response to increased militant violence in recent weeks, including a series of targeted killings of police officers and soldiers blamed on the Kurdish militant group.

On Tuesday, fighter jets also bombed PKK targets in the southeastern Turkish province of Sirnak, bordering Iraq, after an attack on a group of gendarmes.

The PKK has said the strikes are an attempt to “crush” the Kurdish political movement and create an “authoritarian, hegeA Turkish F-16 fighter jet takes off from Incirlik airbase in monic system” in Turkey. But it the southern city of Adana, Turkey . has so far stopped short of explicitly pulling out of a peace bases to the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State, joining the front-line in the battle against process with the state.

Erdogan initiated negotiations in 2012 to the jihadists after years of reluctance. NATO gave Turkey its full political support on Tues- try to end the PKK insurgency, largely fought in the predominantly-Kurdish southeast and day.

But Turkey’s assaults on the PKK have so which has killed 40,000 people since 1984. far been far heavier than its strikes against Is- A fragile ceasefire had been holding since lamic State, fuelling suspicions that its real March 2013.—Reuters

vember, a gesture that follows this month’s historic nuclear deal.

Fabius said the nuclear accord between Iran and six world powers including France offers the chance for rapprochement, during a visit to the capital that has attracted a mixture of optimism and criticism.

“We are two great, independent countries. It is true that in recent years, for reasons that everyone knows, the ties have cooled but now thanks the nuclear deal, things will be able to change,” Fabius told reporters.

Around the time of his arrival at Mehrabad Airport in Tehran a small group of protesters carried placards criticising Fabius for his role in a tainted blood scandal that killed hundreds of Iranians in the 1980s.

Fabius was prime minister at that time when the French National Blood Transfusion Centre exported blood products contaminated with the AIDS virus.

“AIDS, France’s gift to Tehran,” one of the billboards said, while another stated: “We will neither forgive nor forget.” Iran’s Tasnim news agency said some protesters who had been asked to end

also died.

Speaking at the French embassy he described his visit as important in many areas “especially in the economic domain because there is a lot we can do together.”

Fabius then held a short press conference with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif, where the invitation to Rouhani from French President Francois Hollande was announced.

If taken up, the trip would be the Iranian president’s first to France since he won an election in 2013 that heralded the push to clinch a nuclear deal to resolve a more than decade-long crisis.

“From now we hope to deepen our relations in all areas,” said Zarif. “We want to start a new chapter in a sense of common interest.”

Fabius said the nuclear deal, agreed on July 14 between Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council — Britain, China, France, Russia and the US — plus Germany, made such a change possible. As France’s chief diplomat in those negotiations, Fabius gained a reputation for taking a hawkish public stance on what Iran must do under any such accord.—AFP

China navy conducts live firing drill SANYA, CHINA—The Chinese navy on late Tues- fare troops, navy sources said. day conducted a live firing drill in the South China Sea to improve its maritime combat ability.

The exercise involves more than 100 naval vessels,dozens of aircrafts, several missile launch battalions of the Second Artillery Corps, as well as unknown number of information war-

Dozens of missiles and torpedoes and thousands of shells and jamming bombs were fired during the exercise.

The drill tested the navy’s air defense and early warning system and improved its ability to react quickly, the sources said.—Xinhua

Prioritizing Russia’s Navy Is Pointless MARK GALEOTTIJUL

A

S President Vladimir Putin joined the annual Navy Day celebrations in Kaliningrad on Sunday, and at the same time approved a new Maritime Doctrine, it is worth asking a single, basic question: Just what is the Russian Navy for?

The Kremlin certainly feels it is good for something: It is devoting a lot of money to modernizing a fleet that is still, 25 years on, essentially a legacy Soviet one. Warships, after all, are expensive and even in the best of times take years to plan, build and commission. Beyond that, truth to tell, Russia also has something of a tradition of going over time and budget when it comes to naval construction.

Of course, given that Russia sourced its gas turbine engines from Ukraine, this is also going to hold things up, until it can build its own.

Speaking at a Kennan Institute/RAND Corporation event earlier this month, Dmitry Gorenburg of Harvard and the think tank CNA made the point that despite Russia’s general rearmament program, bringing the navy back to strength was “very much a work in progress.”

For all its talk of building full-size aircraft carriers able to project Russian power across the globe, the navy’s primary mission is still defensive: strategic deterrence through its fleet

The Southern Front: Allies without a strategy

of submarines armed with nuclear missiles and security for Russia’s coastlines and neighboring waters.

To this end, Moscow has continued to sink money into its nuclear submarine fleet. After long delays caused by development problems with its Bulava ballistic missile, three of the new Borei-class boats are in service, with three more under construction.

The Russians are also loading smaller and shorter-range ships with advanced and effective cruise missiles. This might sound like a traditional over-reliance on firepower over survivability and reliability, but it makes sense.

Coastal defense is about deterring approaching incursions with sufficiently sharp teeth, and the Russians don’t need ships that can range far from their home bases.

So far, so practical. However, these conservative moves stand in stark contrast to some of the showy rhetoric heard in recent times, as well as a clear commitment to increasing the navy’s foreign deployments.

There have been periodic claims that the navy plans to build full-size aircraft carriers some time after 2020, and the Krylov State Research Center this year even came up with a speculative model of a new supercarrier, the 23000E Shtorm. With a displacement of some 100,000 tons and a wing of 90 aircraft, this would be equivalent to the latest U.S. Fordclass carriers.

It would also be completely impossible at present for the Russians to build. They don’t have the money; they don’t even have a shipyard large enough for such a project. (Their last, much smaller carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, was built in the Mykolaiv South Shipyard — in Ukraine. Oops.)

More to the point, Russia has no need of such a ship. A carrier is an extraordinary tool of long-range power projection, but first of all it needs a whole battle group around it to protect and support it, and secondly it needs a mission.

Even Russia’s current rearmament program — one already being quietly pruned and staged in response to economic pressures — is really designed to create a force able to defend the motherland and assert regional hegemony.

Although the navy played a minor role in the 2008 Georgian war, Moscow does not need a fleet to bully Ukraine, “protect ethnic Russians” in Kazakhstan or whatever else it decides to do in its strategic neighborhood.

Likewise, although it occasionally sends a few ships to visit Vietnam or Venezuela, and maintains a small squadron patrolling for pirates off Somalia, this is not a navy that can carry out such missions comfortably or often.

Whenever they do send out long-range flagflying missions, the ships in question usually need a serious maintenance overhaul when they return. So why bother?

Sometimes, to make a direct point. This year, for example, the Black Sea Fleet will get another couple of advanced attack submarines.

This would give Moscow greater opportunities to interdict enemy shipping in the Black Sea or even the Mediterranean. Given that any such sea war is pretty unlikely — although in theory the Ukrainian conflict could escalate to direct hostilities — this is rather another example of “military diplomacy,” of signaling determination and confidence.

More generally, though, it speaks to the Kremlin’s desperate desire to present itself as some kind of counterpart and counterbalance to the United States. The U.S. has carrier battle groups and global “blue water” — ocean-spanning — capability? Then by heavens, Russia must have it too!

Yet this is pointless posturing. Even established maritime powers France and Britain are having to give up their pretenses of competing with the United States. Britain’s plans to build a second aircraft carrier are coming under question because it may well not be able to afford to buy the planes for it.

Even in the context of a newly assertive Russia, a navy ought to be at the bottom of Putin’s shopping list.

—Courtesy: MT [Mark Galeotti is professor of global affairs at New York University]

EOPLE in Daraa broke out into the streets last week to demonstrate against the Southern Front operation strategy, which fell short of securing full control over the provincial capital. The announcement on 24 June of the Southern? Storm battle — a long-anticipated offensive to seize the city of Daraa — intensified the regime’s attacks on civilians, which resulted in the complete destruction of many neighborhoods and the killing of dozens of civilians without significant advancement on the ground. While the anger with the Southern Front is thus far directed at its strategy and not the group itself, this could be the beginning of a significant shift in its community support, and could be exploited by its rivals. The last ally: The Southern Front is an alliance of 54 rebel groups, from secularist to moderate religious fighters, that operates in and around Daraa Province.

It’s linked to and funded by the Military Operations Center (MOC) in Amman, which is run by the US and its allies.

The Southern Front is crucial, locally and internationally, when it comes to the Syrian conflict and represents the type of partner that the US and its allies seek in Syria for the following reasons: 1) it’s credible and militarily capable enough to take and hold territories; 2) it’s willing to be committed to a future Syria that is secular, nationalist, inclusive, and respects minority rights; 3) it’s the only non-hardline Islamist rebel group in control of a substantial part of Syria and rejects extremism publically; 4) it controls a strategic territory that is only 100 kilometers away from Damascus and has borders with two important US allies in the region — Jordan and Israel; 5) it’s willing to play a political role and is preparing itself for that by establishing a clear structure, ethical guidelines for its members, and has generated a singular example of civil-military governance by working closely with local civilian councils in the area; 6) it has offered reassurances to the minorities in the province and in the neighboring province of Sweida.

Incomplete actions: The military advances achieved by the Southern Front in the past few months have been perceived as a significant shift in the way the MOC has been managing the Syrian conflict in southern Syria. It started with capture of the town of Busra al-Sham on 25 March, followed by the seizure of the Nasib border crossing with Jordan on 1 April. Giving the green light to the Southern Front to take over the Nasib crossing was both a tactical and, more importantly, a political one. It indicated a bigger shift in the Jordanian position towards the conflict in Syria; severely damaging Jordan’s remaining diplomatic relations with Damascus as it was Syria’s last government-held border crossing with Jordan.

Its seizure by the Southern Front will have negative economic consequences for both the Syrian regime and Jordan, which shows that Jordan is prioritizing its politics over its economy.

Furthermore, the public statement made by the Southern Front denouncing Jabhat al-Nusra was the latest indication that something big is about to happen — at least that’s what the Southern Front is hoping and moving toward.

No strategy: It is still not clear why the Southern Front didn’t get significant support in Daraa. Perhaps the US and its allies didn’t have a clear objective, or what happened was the intended objective of the MOC. It’s possible that the Southern Front was acting in its own interests, or that it misinterpreted signals sent by the MOC due to high expectations after the rapid victory of Jaysh al-Fateh in Idlib.

Whatever the case, the Syrian regime and its allies benefited from this pause and launched a counterattack to take back Busra al-Sham, which pushed the Southern Front to tactically ally with its recently declared opponent, the Nusra Front, to defend it. The long-awaited and crucial support that never arrived not only killed the momentum from the Southern Front, it also portrayed them as a weak, dependent agent, and made the Nusra Front look like the ones who’d saved the day. This cooperation in no way means that Nusra has forgotten who their enemy is — rather, it rather indicates that the right moment to fight the Southern Front has not yet arrived. This may help us understand the establishment of Jaysh al-Fateh in Daraa, which was formed on 21 June from several conservative factions but excluded the Southern Front. This cold war between Jabhat al-Nusra and the Southern Front did not stop them from coordinating their recent assault in Daraa, which also portrayed Nusra as an important ally that can’t be ignored in the fight against the Syrian regime, especially in the absence of the Southern Front getting any significant support from its allies.

Relying on the fact that Nusra still doesn’t have the upper hand in Daraa doesn’t mean that the situation won’t change or that what happened to the pro-Western rebels in the north won’t be repeated with the Southern Front at a later stage. The recent demonstrations against the Southern Front’s operation strategy shows that many people in Daraa are willing to support anyone capable of getting rid of the Syrian regime. If the US and its allies don’t assist the Southen Front in achieving that end and don’t put an end to the Nusra presence in Daraa sooner rather than later, they will be allowing the Nusra Front and its ideological allies to gain more community support and increase their threat against the Southern Front.

—Courtesy: NOW [Haid Haid is a program manager at the Heinrich Böll Stiftung’s office in Beirut. He tweets @ HaidHaid22]

Is It Time for a New Welles Declaration?

ELIABETH BRAW

D

URING these past few days the devious processes where un der the political independence and territorial integrity of the three small Baltic Republics—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania— were to be deliberately annihilated by one of their more powerful neighbors, have been rapidly drawing to their conclusion.” Thus begins a declaration, issued 75 years ago this week, with which the United States government announced that it would not recognize the newly occupied Baltic states as part of the Soviet Union.

The declaration, known as the Welles Declaration after Acting Secretary of State Sumner Welles, was joined by 50 other countries and lasted until the Baltic states gained independence five decades later.Yesterday the Baltic states celebrated the anniversary of their now-formal ally’s principled stand with them with speeches and music. Lithuania’s celebration appropriately enough took place in Vilnius’s Washington Square and featured “American-style refreshments.” And, I have learned from Lithuanian sources, the country is quietly also making the case to its NATO and EU allies for a new Welles-style declaration: one dealing with Crimea. Both government officials and parliamentarians have, I am told, brought up the concept with their counterparts.

Unlike the Baltic states in 1940, Crimea was, of course, not an independent country when it was annexed by Russia last year. But the Lithuanian idea offers an interesting answer to the current standoff: what if the United States and other governments were to issue a similar declaration regarding Crimea, essentially treating it as still-Ukrainian territory while disregarding that an annexation even happened?

“The people of the United States are opposed to predatory activities no matter whether they are carried on by the use of force or by the threat of force. They are likewise opposed to any form of intervention on the part of one state, however powerful, in the domestic concerns of any other sovereign state, however weak,” continues the Welles Declaration. The wording could almost be applied verbatim to Crimea.

It’s not that the EU and NATO states in their various constellations haven’t tried to find a solution to the conflict in eastern Ukraine: the EU has said loud and clear that it does not recognize the “illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol” and indeed introduced sanctions against Russia in response to it. But the Welles Declaration was an act in support of the occupied Baltic states, not one against their aggressor. What would happen if, say, the United States made a Kerry Declaration in support of Crimea?

—Courtesy: WA

India cancels Pakistani experts’ visit to controversial Kishanganga project From Page 1 sial Rattle Hydropower Dam project with a capacity to generate 850MWs of electricity on Pakistan’s Chenab River, in violation of the Indus Waters Treaty.

Congerss (I) President Sonia Gandhi, along with India’s former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, laid the foundation stone of the 850MWs Hydro Electric Project on the Chenab River in the Kishtwar Tehsil of Doda district of the Indian-Held-Kashmir.

Pakistan has already objected to this dam, which will be three times larger than the Baglihar Hydropower Dam. Office of IWC confirmed that India has started to construct the Ratle Hydropower project on the Chenab and Pakistan’s side had objected to the project saying it was a sheer violation of the provisions of Indus Water Treaty 1960. “We have come up with strong objections to the design of the said project in a meeting with India at the Per-

PM opposes From Page 1 the collective good of the country while pursuing their respective party policies.

The Parliamentary Heads congratulated the Prime Minister for showing political magnanimity after issuance of report of the Inquiry Commission and termed findings of the inquiry commission success of the democratic process.

The Prime Minister expressed that he is very hopeful that the national political leadership would leave behind the bitter experiences of our past history and embark upon new beginning with the passion of strengthening democracy.

Federal Minister for Finance, Ishaq Dar; Federal Minister for water and Power, Khawaja Muhammad Asif; Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Senator Pervaiz Rashid; Federal Minister for Railways, Khawaja Saad Rafique; Minister of State for IT, Anusha Rehman; SAPM on National Affairs, Irfan Siddiqui; SAPM on Political Affairs, Dr. Asif Kirmani attended the meeting from the government side.

Parliamentary Heads and representatives of political parties included Leader of the Opposition, Syed Khurshid Shah; Maulana Fazl ur Rehman (JUIF); Senator Siraj ul Haq (Amir JI); Abdul Rashid Godil ( MQM); Mr. Khalid Maqbool (MQM); Kanwar Navid Jamil (MQM); Senator Mushahid Hussain ( PMLQ); Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour (ANP); Muhammad Ijaz ul Haq (PMLZ); Dr. Gazi Gulab Jamal (FATA); Mehmood Khan Achackzai (PKMAP); Ghous Buksh Mehr (PMLF).

Mullah Omar From Page 1 Forged close ties to al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden Became “Supreme Leader” of Taliban movement in 1996 US-led forces overthrew his government in 2001; US state department has a $10m bounty on him Earlier this year the Taliban published a biography of him saying he does not own a home and has no foreign bank account, and saying he “has a special sense of humour”

Pak, Afghan commanders From Page 1 Abdul Qadeer visited Corps Headquarters Wednesday .

The delegation discussed matters pertaining to cross border fire violations mutual interest. Both commanders agreed on better coordination and enhancing security measures at borders.

Says a communiqué of the Inter Services Public Relations.

All-Party condolence meeting From Page 1 of AJK, legendry Nuclear Scientist Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, Raja Mohammad Zafar-ulHaq, Leader of the House in the Senate, two Federal Ministers as well as the leadership of all the political parties of AJK, will address the meeting which has been organized by the Nazriya Pakistan Council, Islamabad and it will be held at Aiwan-i-Quaid, Fatima Jinnah Park at 4.00 p.m.

Mr. Zahid Malik, Chairman, Nazriya Pakistan Council will preside.

Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, Chairman APHC will address the gathering telephonically from Srinagar.

manent Commission of Indus Waters (PCIW) level,” Sheraz Memon, an official, said and vowed that in the future we are going to approach Neutral Expert in Hague as the design of both project designs violated the Indus Waters Treaty.

India started building Kishanganga powerhouse in Bandipur area of held Kashmir in 1994 on the River Jhelum of Pakistan. In 2006 India, in disregard to the treaty, the original design of the powerhouse diverting the river water into underground channels and will cause a shortfall of about 21 percent of River Neelum’s inflow.

The Ratle project envisaged harnessing the hydro-power potential of the river from EL 1000m to EL 887m. This is a concrete gravity dam at a height of 170m, will be built across the river just downstream of the Rattle village and an underground power house with an installed

capacity of 4X140MWs is proposed near Juddi village, both in Doda district. The main project will generate 2,483.37 Million Unit of Electricity at the rate of Indian Rupee of only 1.22 per KWh. India has already carved out a plan to generate 32,000MWs of electricity on Pakistani rivers and will be having the capacity to regulate the water flows that are destined to reach Pakistan. So far India has built Dalhasti hydropower project of 330MWs, Baglihar of 450MWs and Rattle Hydropower project.

On the Neelum River that joins the Jehlum River in Pakistan; India has already completed Uri-1, Uri-II Hydropower project and is also close to complete the Kishanganga Hydropower project. So much so, it has also built two hydropower projects on the Indus River that include Nimmo Bazgo and Chattak hydropower project.

Punjab govt implementing development policy From Back Page threat of flood. He said that evacuation of the people living near rivers should be the top priority. He said that implementation of the ban on bathing in rivers should be strictly implemented and police should perform its duties in this regard.

The Chief Minister directed that federal and provincial institutions should exchange information regarding weather situation and flow of water in rivers and remain alert to deal with any emergent situation. He said that essential items should be provided to the flood affectees in relief camps on priority basis while their vaccination against diseases should also be ensured.

He said that arrangements for the supply of food items to the flood affectees should be excellent and there should not be any complaint of mismanagement. He said that there should not be shortage of essential items in the relief camps.

The Chief Minister also issued instructions for making public the dashboard regarding protective arrangements against flood and relief activities for the awareness of the people and said that work should be carried out round the clock for the strengthening of protective bunds and spurs. He said that Irrigation Department should benefit from the experiences of the floods of 2010 and 2014. He said that all out resources should be utilized for the protection

of important irrigational assets. He said that Cabinet Committee on Flood should play an active role while the policy evolved regarding Zimindara bunds should be fully implemented.

The Chief Minister directed Minister Irrigation to personally inspect bunds in Rajanpur and Dera Ghazi Khan. He said that members of Cabinet Committee on Flood and secretaries should work hard in the areas assigned to them.

Provincial Ministers Rana Sanaullah, Col.(R) Shuja Khanzada, Dr. Farrukh Javed, Bilal Yasin, Sher Ali Khan, Malik Iqbal Channar, Hameeda Wahid-ud-Din, Zakiya Shahnawaz, Advisor on Health Kh. Salman Rafiq, Zaeem Hussain Qadri MPA, Chief Secretary Khizar Hayat Gondal, Members Provincial Assembly, Inspector General Police, concerned authorities, heads of relief departments and senior authorities as well as concerned Divisional Commissioners from the offices attended the meeting at Civil Secretariat, through video link whereas elected representatives and concerned authorities of Rawalpindi, Jehlum, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Muzaffargarh, Bhakkar, Kasur, Sialkot, Gujrat, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Chiniot, Sheikhupura, Hafizabad, Bahawalpur, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Mianwali, Gujranwala, Rajanpur, Rahim Yar Khan and Attock attended the meeting through video link.

Mystery shrouds From Page 1 However, following news of death of Taliban leader Mullah Omar on Wednesday by western media and confirmed by Afghanistan’s intelligence agency, fate of second round of talks was seemingly hanging in balance.

It was not immediately clear whether news of Mullah Omar’s death would cause the July 31 talks to be postponed, but, a spokesperson of Foreign Office refused to comment when asked what was impact of news of Omar’s death on peace talks.

“I have no information on the date and venue of the talks,” said the spokesperson of foreign office.

The first round of face-toface talks took place in Murree on July 7 under the auspices of U.S. and Chinese officials.

Earlier this week, officials of Government of Afghanistan said that a second round of talks has been scheduled in Pakistan on July 31.

Media reports quoted Din

Mohammad, a powerful Pashtun tribal leader in eastern Afghanistan and a member of Afghanistan’s High Peace Council, as saying that second round of talks was scheduled to take place in Pakistan on July 31.

Islamabad based diplomatic sources told Pakistan Observer that news of death of Mullah Omar may force the two sides to postpone already scheduled talks.

“It may be a conspiracy to sabotage the talks,” a diplomat based in Islamabad said when asked to comment on fate of peace talks.

Earlier the spiritual leader of Afghanistan’s Taliban, Mullah Mohammad Omar was said to purportedly recognized peace talks with the Afghan government as “legitimate,” with a message posted in his name saying that the goal of the peace process is an “end to occupation” by foreign forces.

The July 15 statement is-

sued on an official Taliban website marked a departure from the Taliban leadership’s traditional position — that there could be no meaningful talks until all foreign forces have left Afghan soil.

was spent by the PML-N government between June 2013 and June 2015. “The government spent Rs2.5 billion on print media and Rs1.3 billion on electronic media,” he added.

MNA Sajid Nawaz has sought details of the amount spent on advertisement and publicity campaigns by the PML-N government in its tenure. Further, the ministry clarified that its department does not have the mechanism to ascertain the usefulness of advertisements.

Earlier this year, it was revealed that the Punjab government spent Rs113.4 million on a publicity campaign during Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf’s long-march and sit-in.

The Punjab government had run a publicity campaign to highlight its development projects.

Yakub Memon From Page 1 Singh’s two-hour meeting came after government at the top level considered the mercy petition referred to it by the President who acts on the aide and advice of the Council of Ministers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Singh and top officials, including Home Secretary L C Goyal met at the Prime Minister’s residence and discussed the issue and felt that the President should be advised to reject the mercy petition.

Memon’s lawyers were set to approach the Supreme Court again late on Wednesday night in a desperate bud to prevent his execution. If accepted, the judge will hear the petition at his residence.

Memon said in his latest petition that President Pranab Mukherjee should not decide on his mercy petition in haste.

Memon had appealed to the President for mercy, for the second time, even as the Supreme Court was hearing the plea against his execution. It dismissed Memon’s petition rejecting his argument that correct procedure was not followed in his case.

President Mukherjee had turned down Memon’s mercy plea last year.

While rejecting his pleas, the apex court said there was no “legal fallacy” in the issuance of death warrant by the TADA court in Mumbai on April 30 scheduling Memon’s execution for Thursday, the day he turns 54, in Nagpur’s Central jail.

“Issuance of death warrant cannot be faulted with,” said the three-judge bench headed by justice Dipak Misra, adding “in the result, the writ petition (filed by Memon) sans merit and stands dismissed.”

The bench rejected the contention of Memon that all legal remedies were not exhausted, including the issue of clemency, saying the President had rejected his mercy petition on April 11, 2014, which was communicated to him on May 26, 2014.—PTI

KSE-100

From Page 1 man added.

Meanwhile Commissioner Dera Ghazi Khan division has informed that timely evacuation of the marooned people due to flood in the hill torrents Faasla and Gulsitar, districts DG Khan have been completed and the people are shifted to the safe places.

The administration was providing them all amenities which include Ration and cooked meal. District Coordination Officer Rajanpur Zahoor Hussain has informed that responding to the warning about high-level flood, 10 relief camps have been established in the district. So far 8657 marooned people have been evacuated from the flood hit areas. Army contingents and the administration staff have been given alert call to cope with any untoward situation.

Sindh Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued directives to the concerned authori-ties at Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Naushehro-feroze, Matiari, Tando Mohammed Khan, Jamshoro, Hyderabad, Thatta,

From Page 1

However, also on Wednesday, Islamabad was abuzz with the speculations that second round of peace talks was being held in China instead of Pakistan.

However, Foreign Office didn’t confirm or deny the reports.

Interestingly! China had hosted peace talks held between representatives of government of Afghanistan and Taliban officials. If take place, it will be second time that china will host peace talks.

Last time, the meeting, hosted by China and, in part, organized by Pakistani officials, took place in May 2015, in Urumqi, capital of the western region of Xinjiang, which From Page 1 has mountainous borders with leader of the day with a trade Afghanistan and Pakistan and of over 18 million shares to is home to many Muslims. their credit. While TRG and Silk Bank were seen as the second and third volume leaders with a trade of 17.88 million and17.73 million shares respectively.

Indus River in high flood at Chashma, Guddu, Sukkur lished in the flood affected areas of the province of Punjab where 7665 affectees are given refuge while 96480 marooned people have been evacuated till now from the inundated areas by the administration. The rescue operation has been conducted through 232 boats and the affectees are being provided with the necessary medical facilities and cooked meal on regular basis.

Giving details regarding the rescue activities, the spokesman said, 68750 food hampers of 20 kg each, 72000 mineral water bottles and 15500 mosquito nets have also been provided to the affectees while 40480 flood affectees have been provided with the cooked meal. 25370 persons have been given medical aid in 100 medical camps established in the inundated areas.

The cattle in the areas are also being vaccinated. So far 585197 numbers of cattle are vaccinated and 338200kg Vanda has been distributed to the owners of the cattle. 16800 tents, 1100 lifejackets and 100 life-rings have been supplied to the flood affected districts according to the specific demands, the spokes-

NA passes ICT LG Bill, 2015

Sijawal and Badin for rescue operations. In this regard Pak Navy team has been deployed for the expected flood threats PDMA told.

On Wednesday, the Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah visited Ghotki and Khairpur districts to monitor and review arrangements by local ad-ministration and irrigation department at River In-dus embankments.

He also visited Zero-point Bacha bund and Ilra-Jagir Bacha bund near Pir-jo-Goth, distributed food and relief goods among the affecttees, where a high level mismanagement and inefficiency was ob-served on the occasion.

Enemies stoking terror From Page 1 “Our enemies are stoking terror to destabilise our country but we are determined to defeat them,” he said. General Raheel Sharif said that global threats need global response and this war could only be won if all countries come together.

Time to diffuse the controversy From Page 1 PML-N. In fact, it was not the PML-N which had demanded an apology from the PTI. Neither had the PM asked for an apology in his victory speech. It was actually sought by the media at large which was neither a party to the dispute barring a few individual talk-show hosts nor a signatory of the MoU. But how did the media find itself in the middle of the cross-fire?

Here is where the mischief makers in the PMLN played a dirty trick (without realizing its political implications) in their attempt to get back at the PTI for all the bashing it suffered at the hands of Imran Khan and his deputies during the container days. One would like to believe that the Prime Minister was not in the know ledge of this under hand trick perpetrated by his party’s irresponsible elements.

Under the law the reports of judicial commissions after their compilation are sent to the government which means the Prime Minister is obliged under the Constitution to release it to the public as such reports are classified as public documents.

However, in the instant case as soon as the report reached the government, its salient features favourable to PML-N were deliberately leaked to a select group of media houses sourcing the leak to the former law minister Zahid Hamid who knowing its legal repercussions immediately issued a clarification saying he himself has not seen the report but was told about the content by some unnamed sources inside the PML-N. The media having forgotten or perhaps deliberately ignoring all about the conditions laid down in the MoU as to how would the parties to the dispute would respond to the report’s conclusion, started conjecturing if the PTI, now that its allegations had failed to stand the judicial scrutiny, would apologise to the government. Within hours the conjecture turned into a media crescendo that was provocatively demanding an apology. Some of the media persons were downright insulting in their use of language demanding the apology.

By the next day evening when the PM addressed the nation which was not at all necessary and in one sense appeared to be an attempt to add insult the PTI’s injury Imran Khan’s Party was being politically mauled by the media as well as by some of the back-benchers of the PML-N. It was an ill-advised speech. Though it was mostly inane but the person who wrote it seemed to have to resist the temptation of throwing in some indirect insults at the PTI without naming the Party.

This deliberate use of unbecoming language in what came to be known as the victory speech succeeded in provoking the PTI enough for it to go on its own spree of counter attacks.

And when Imran Khan finally addressed a press conference on the issue he and his party were in an ugly mood. And as expected he said he accepted the verdict of the JC but refused to accept that his allegations stood withdrawn while asking the PM at the same time to tender an apology for delaying the formation of the JC and thus wasting a lot of time of the nation and causing an enormous damage to the national economy.

Clearly it was the PML-N which had violated the MoU first by leaking parts of the report favourable to it to the media and then ill-advising the PM to deliver a victory speech. And one would not put it past the PMLN to manipulate the media in such a way as to send it on a binge asking the PTI to tender an apology.

Since it is the one which had violated the MoU first and also because being in the saddle in Islamabad, the PML-N is obliged to take the necessary initiative to defuse the controversy before it explodes into another long march and dharma type of political imbroglio.

And Imran Khan on his part would do well to demolish the wall of ignorance that his party’s nonpolitical elements have erected around him. Also, he should stop throwing allegations around right and left without first getting them cleared by his legal team which has many highly experienced, trained legal brains.

Afghanistan examines From Page 1 Taliban spokesman Qari Yousef Ahmadi, quoted by Sky News, said that Mullah Omar was “still alive and leading the movement”.

But a second spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid, told the BBC a statement would be made in the coming hours.

Mullah Omar led the Taliban to victory over rival Afghan militias in the civil war that followed the withdrawal of Soviet troops.

His alliance with al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden prompted the US-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks on New York and Washington.

Mullah Omar has since been in hiding, with a $10m (£6.4m) US State Department bounty on his head.

Over the years, the Taliban have released several messages purported to be from the fugitive leader.

The latest of these statements, from mid-July, expressed support for the peace talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government.

However, the message was in the form of a text published on a Taliban website, rather than an audio or video recording - fuelling rumours that the leader was dead or incapacitated.

The failure to prove that Mullah Omar was alive was a major factor behind the defection of several senior Taliban commanders to the so-called Islamic State group, according to the BBC’s former Kabul correspondent, David Loyn.

The Supreme leader of the Afghan Taliban Mullah Omar died suffering from tuberculosis two years ago in a Karachi hospital, Afghanistan’s top intelligence agency, the National Directorate of Security (NDS) confirmed on Wednesday.

“The Afghan government has received confirmed reports that Mullah Omar died nearly two years ago in Karachi,” NDS spokesperson Abdul Haseeb Siddiqui told BBC Pushto. “We are happy that now the foreign sources have also confirmed that Mullah Omar is no more alive.”

“We still have a lot of questions how Mullah Omar died,” he said, adding that, “We have been told that the Taliban leader died owing to an illness.”

Meanwhile, some Afghan government officials told the media in Kabul that the Pakistani government has also conveyed to them that Mullah Omar has died. The elusive leader of the militant group, which ruled Afghanistan in the late 1990s until it was toppled by a US-led offensive in 2001, has not been seen in public for years, leading to speculation he has been dead for some time.

Meanwhile, the White House said Wednesday that reports that Taliban leader Mullah Omar has died “are credible.”

But spokesman Eric Schultz would not be drawn on a specific claim made by Afghanistan that he had died two years ago in Pakistan.

“The intelligence community is looking at these reports and continues to assess the circumstances around his death,” he said.

“But beyond that I m not going to be in a position here to speak candidly about what we know at this point.”

Earlier, Afghan intelligence s National Directorate of Security claimed Mullah Mohammed Omar died in Pakistan in April 2013.

There have been longstanding rumors of Omar s demise but the latest claim is the first confirmation from the Afghan government.

LeJ chief Malik Ishaq From Page 1 The militants were met with by SHO CTD police station who had quickly been informed about the attack on the police party and was travelling on the route that the militants had taken, the spokesman said, adding that that’s how the encounter ensued.

The SHO challenged the militants, resulting in the encounter in which six police personnel sustained injuries, the spokesman said. They were shifted to the district headquarters hospital.

The spokesman added that 14 militants, including Malik

Ishaq and Ghulam Rasool Shah, were killed by the attackers themselves. A large amount of weapons and ammunition was recovered from the attacking men and an investigation has been initiated into the events.

All bodies were shifted to DHQ Muzaffargarh.

Lashkar-i-Jhangvi is regarded as the most extreme Sunni terror group in Pakistan and is accused of killing hundreds of Shias after its emergence in the early 1990s. The organisation is also said to have links with Al Qaeda.

The organisation was

banned more than a decade ago by former president Pervez Musharraf.

Ishaq, who was leader of the feared organisation, had been implicated in dozens of cases, mostly murder. He was arrested in 1997 released on bail in July 2011 after serving a jail term of nearly 14 years.

Ishaq was also accused of masterminding, from behind bars, the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore, which wounded seven players and an assistant coach, and killed eight Pakistanis.—INP

Memorial reference for Sardar Abdul Qayyum him tribute, we should follow his footprints as he had contributed a lot for the people of AJK for more than last 50 years,” he added.

Custodian of Eidgah Sharif Pir Naqeeb ur Rehman said Sardar Qayyum’s death was a big loss to the AJK and Pakistan.

“Sardar Qayyum introduced politics of co-existence, patience and respect for others,” he added.

Convener All Kashmir Hurryiat Conference Naseem Yousaf speaking on the occasion said that Sardar Qayyum resolutely fought for the cause of indigenous struggle of the Kashmiris for the liberation of Indian held Kashmir.

In a career spanning more than six decades Sardar Qayum fought for the Kashmir cause on various fronts ranging from the battlefield to political diplomacy with tenacity.

Among others Malik Nawaz, Mufti Suleman Rizvi, RAWALPIDI: Former ISI Chief Gen (Retd) Hamid Gul addressing condolence conference Muhammad Iqbal Rizvi and Pir held on the death of Mujahideen-i-Awwal Sardar Muhammad Abdul Qayyum Khan at Hasseb u Rehman spoke on the Eidgah Sharif on Wednesday. occasion.—APP

R AWALPINDI—A memorial reference to pay tribute to former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Muhammad Abdul Qayyum Khan was held here Wednes-

day at Eidgah Sharif.

Speaking on the occasion, General (R) Hamid Gul said Sardar Qayyum was a towering political personality of AJK from whom the present politi-

cal leadership of the country had learnt a lot.

Sardar Sahib was a real asset for Pakistan and AJK and a role model for us.

If we really want to pay

Coalition plans ground attacks in Yemen after key city falls

Putin opposes MH17 tribunal MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday he opposed the creation of an international tribunal to prosecute those who shot down a Malaysian airliner over eastern Ukraine, hours before a U.N. vote on such a proposal. Malaysia moves on MH17 tribunal plan at U.N., Russia dismisses Reuters Putin’s comment was the latest to indicate Russia may block moves at the United Nations, co-sponsored by the Netherlands, to set up a U.N.-backed tribunal into the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in July 2014. Kiev and many Western countries accuse proRussian separatists in east Ukraine of shooting down the plane with a Russianmade missile, charges Moscow denies.—Reuters

Maduro meets Ban UNITED NATIONS— Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro met with U.N. Secretary-General Ban KiMoon on Tuesday to ask for support in finding a solution to a territorial dispute with neighboring Guyana. Maduro told reporters he had discussed ways Ban might help resolve the border dispute with the much smaller Guyana over an area where a new oil discovery has been made. He called the meeting fruitful and said Ban was willing to send a U.N. commission to the two South American countries to mediate. Maduro also raised the possibility of him meeting with Guyana’s president. In a statement, Ban said the U.N. was ready to “discuss the way forward with both governments.” —AP

US rejects Snowden petition WASHINGTON—The White House has rejected a petition to pardon NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden, dubbing the former contractor’s revelations about the US government’s surveillance apparatus as “dangerous” and compromising to national security.

Responding to a “We the People” petition, launched after Snowden’s initial leaks were published in the Guardian two years ago, the Obama administration on Tuesday reiterated its belief that he should face criminal charges for his actions.

“Mr Snowden’s dangerous decision to steal and disclose classified information had severe consequences for the security of our country and the people who work day in and day out to protect it,” Lisa Monaco, Obama’s adviser on homeland security and counter-terrorism, said in a statement.—AP

SUKKUR: People seen moving towards safer places from the area which has been hit by flood after passing of more than 5 lac cusecs water of the Indus River.

Pakistan, UK enjoy warm friendly ties ISLAMABAD—Mr. Sartaj Aziz, Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs received a seven-member delegation of the British Parliament at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tuesday.

Talking to them, the Adviser stated that Pakistan enjoys friendly and warm relations with the United Kingdom which have been further strengthened during the last two years.

These ties exist in a wide range of cooperation including economic, culture and education. The presence of a large number of Pakistani diaspora in the United Kingdom acts as a bridge between the two countries. He congratulated the Parliamentarians on their elections to the Parliament.

The Adviser provided a comprehensive

overview of the domestic political situation of Pakistan. He stressed that the democratic process was becoming stronger. He also emphasized that Pakistan was an investor’s friendly country and has a vibrant media. He highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to fight terrorism and extremism and reiterated the Government’s commitment to take forward the process of constructive engagement with Afghanistan. He highlighted the vision of the Prime Minister for promotion of regional peace and stability.

The visiting Parliamentarians appreciated Pakistan’s role in fighting the menace of terrorism. They stressed the importance of enhancing bilateral trade and cooperation in various fields, especially education.—INP

‘US keen to expand ties in energy, education’ Fatemi meets Senior Congressman STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs (SAPM) Syed Tariq Fatemi met with Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger, senior member of House Appropriations Committee at the Capitol Hill on Tuesday. Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani and Congressional Staff of the State and Defence Appropriations Committees attended the meeting.

According to Foreign Office, The SAPM briefed Congressmen Ruppersberger on the state of Pakistan-US bilateral relations with special focus on economic cooperation. The SAPM highlighted government’s measures for domestic economic growth, including achieving fiscal stabil-

LG polls in Sindh, Punjab

ity, increasing revenues, expanding trade and Government’s regional outreach in interest of stimulating economic connectivity as a vehicle for achieving long-term prosperity for people of the region.

As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger identified education and energy as priorities of the US Congress in expanding economic cooperation with Pakistan. Both sides also discussed the potential of bilateral trade, enhancing economic linkages and stimulating people-to-people contacts.

Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger fondly recalled many of his past visits to Pakistan and specially appreciated Pakistan’s strong measures to counter militancy and terrorism.

ECP files request in SC seeking extension

ISLAMABAD —The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday filed a petition in the Supreme Court of Pakistan, seeking 30-day extension in holding of local government elections in Sindh and Punjab.

The ECP in its request stated that the Sindh government wants to change election rules and due to this printing of nomination papers cannot take place.

It further told the apex court that the Punjab government has partially or impartially changed several clauses of LB election rules through an ordinance. Floods in both provinces have also affected preparations for the electoral process as administrative officers are busy supervising relief activiGILGIT —An anti-terrorism ties in the affected areas.—INP court (ATC) in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) has issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Chief Altaf Hussain.

The development comes as a result of multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) that were registered in the province against the MQM chief. ATC1 of GB was holding a hearing W ASHINGTON —The U.S. State Department has approved on the case on Wednesday.

The FIRs were registered the possible sale to Saudi under sections related to trea- Arabia of $5.4 billion in addison and rebellion against the tional PAC-3 missiles built by state of Pakistan. A total of nine Lockheed Martin Corp, the FIRs were registered by con- Pentagon said on Wednesday.

The Defense Security Cocerned citizens of GB. Earlier this week, a three- operation Agency said the member bench of the Lahore sale would benefit a key U.S. High Court (LHC) was consti- partner in the Middle East. tuted to assess the maintainabil- Notification to Congress was ity of a case against MQM chief sent on Tuesday and follows for his earlier remarks about the a major nuclear deal with Iran. —Reuters Pakistan Army.—INP

Non-bailable arrest warrants for Altaf

US approves sale of $5.4b missiles to Saudi Arabia

BEIRUT—After four months of setbacks, fighters backed by Saudi Arabia have seized the offensive in Yemen’s war, taking control of a major city and pressing to expand ground operations against rebel forces.

The shift in momentum after the Saudi-led coalition failed to make headway appears to be due to the arrival since mid-July of hundreds of Yemeni fighters who had been secretly trained in Saudi Arabia. The contingent could help turn the tide in the war, which pits Shiite Houthi rebels from the north against largely Sunni forces aligned with exiled President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, reports The Washington Post.

This week, Saudi-backed fighters attacked areas north of the southern port city of Aden in an apparent effort to enlarge recent gains there against the Houthis. Residents said the fighters are preparing to assault the rebel-held al-Anad base, Yemen’s biggest military airfield, 30 miles north of Aden.

If the Saudi-backed militiamen can consolidate control beyond Aden, they could bring the rebels to the negotiating table or at least carve out a foothold in the south for the Saudi-trained force to gather strength for future assaults.

But it is not clear whether the gains against the Houthis will help end the war anytime soon.

The Houthis are tough fighters who are poised to put up stiff resistance. The tribes and militias fighting the Houthis alongside the newly trained force do not all share Saudi Arabia’s goals in the conflict. The escalation also risks further roiling an impoverished country whose people are already on the brink of famine, according to U.N. officials and aid agencies.

A boy holds a poster of former Yemeni president Ali

UN urges Pakistan....

Reinstate moratorium on death penalty GENEVA—The United Nations may take place in the coming on Wednesday urged Pakistan to reinstate its moratorium on the death penalty, condemning a recent surge in executions.

The plea came as the number of people executed in Pakistan rose to 182 since a moratorium was lifted in December last year, according to the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Some 8,000 people are currently on death row in Pakistan, said the OHCHR, whose statement came after two murder convicts were executed by hanging following a one-month break during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan that ended in midJuly. “I reiterate my previous call to Pakistan to continue the moratorium on actual executions and to put in place a legal moratorium on the death penalty, with a view to its abolition,” said the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions Christof Heyns.

“Several other executions

days, and most of them fall short of international norms,” Heyns said. The OHCHR said at least two of those on death row had severe disabilities.

“We call on the authorities of Pakistan to protect the right to health of Abdul Basit and Khizar Hayat, and other inmates in death row with severe psychosocial disabilities,” said the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to health, Dainius Puras.

The European Union and human rights campaigners have previously urged Pakistan to reinstate the moratorium.

Pakistan lifted the ban on executions, which had been in place since 2008, following a Taliban attack on a school in Peshawar that killed more than 150 people – mostly children – in the country’s deadliest ever terror attack.

The death penalty was initially reserved for terror convicts but was extended to all capital crimes in March.

Abdullah Saleh at the site of a Saudi-led coalition airstrike in Sanaa on July 20. The coalition is seeking to restore to power Saleh’s successor, exiled President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi.

(Hani Mohammed/AP) [In Yemen’s grinding war, if the bombs don’t get you, the water shortages will]A five-day cease-fire that was supposed to begin Sunday to allow the delivery of food, fuel and other desperately needed aid items never took hold, with both sides continuing to mount attacks.—AFP

UN proposes new approach in stalled Syria peace quest UNITED NATIONS —The UN envoy for Syria on Wednesday proposed a fresh approach to keeping stalled peace efforts alive by inviting Syrians to take part in thematic working groups that could start in September.

Staffan de Mistura presented the idea to the UN Security Council after two months of meetings with key players in the four-year conflict which appeared to bear little fruit.

“Sadly there is still no consensus on the way forward,” said the diplomat, who has been on the job a year. “The UN is obliged and all of us are obliged to keep the issue alive.”

Previous UN-led efforts at direct negotiations between the Syrian regime and certain opposition groups in Geneva collapsed in failure in 2012 and 2014. The Swedish-Italian diplomat, whose role has been dismissed as “mission impossible,” said his new approach was for Syrians to engage in simultaneous “working groups” on the thorniest issues.—AFP

Punjab govt implementing development policy of urban and rural areas: Shahbaz CM vows to provide all out resources to help flood affectees SALIM AHMED LAHORE—Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif has said that Punjab government is implementing the policy of balanced development of urban and rural areas and Khadim-e-Punjab Rural Roads programme reflects this policy of the government. He said that completion of this programme will usher in a new era of progress and prosperity in rural areas. He said that skill development will be promoted in villages while new job opportunities will be created. He said that the second phase of construction and rehabilitation of rural roads is being started from next month.

The ChPunjab government is implementing the policy of balanced development of urban and rural areasief Minister ex-

pressed these views while addressing a video conference in Civil Secretariat and Divisional Headquarters regarding Khadim-e-Punjab Rural Roads programme from Arfa Karim Software Technology Park, here today. Important decisions regarding the second phase of Khadime-Punjab Rural Roads programme were taken in the meeting. Shehbaz Sharif gave approval to increase the width of the roads of rural areas from 12 feet to 16 feet in the second phase. Concrete blocks at the edges of 16 feet wide roads besides speed-breakers near populated rural areas will be constructed.

Moreover, it was decided to set up an autonomous authority for the programme of construction and rehabilitation of rural roads and implementation of other projects. The Chief Minister gave instructions to give a final shape to the framework of setting up of the authority at the earliest.

He said that the government believes in balanced development of rural and urban areas, therefore, projects of billions of rupees are being completed for the progress of urban and rural areas. He said that Khadim-e-Punjab Rural Roads programme is an important step in this re-

gard. He said that under Khadim-e-Punjab Rural Roads programme, thousands of kilometers roads are being constructed and rehabilitated and this programme will result in progress and prosperity and happiness of rural population.

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shebaz Sharif has said that flood affectees will not be left alone and every effort will be made for their help and rehabilitation.

He issued instructions for the provision of additional funds immediately for the affected districts and said that all out resources will be provided for the relief of flood affectees. He said that members of the Cabinet Committee and administration of concerned districts should work round the clock for the service of flood affectees. He said that flood affected people should be pro-

vided proper care as well as meals thrice a day. He said that stern action will be taken in case of complaint received from any area.

He said that delay in the provision of food to the flood affectees will not be tolerated.

He was addressing Members of Cabinet Committee on Flood present in Civil Secretariat Lahore, Divisional Headquarters and 25 districts through video link here today. The meeting reviewed flood situation, protective arrangements and relief activities.

DG PDMA gave briefing regarding relief activities and river situation whereas authorities of Meteorological Department informed about weather situation during coming days. The Chief Minister said that flood warning system should be used in an effective manner in the areas where there is a

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FDA approves new drug for treatment of type 2 diabetes

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HE US Food and Drug and Admin istration has announced the ap proval of a drug called Farxiga (dapaglifozin) to help treat adults with type 2 diabetes. The tablets, in combination with diet and exercise, are said to improve control of blood sugar levels. According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 25.8 million people in the US have diabetes. Type 2 diabetes accounts for around 90% of these cases.

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by high blood glucose (hyperglycemia). This is a result of the body being unable to produce enough insulin, or not being able to use the insulin properly (insulin resistance). High blood sugar levels can lead to serious short-term and long-term health issues, such as nerve and kidney damage, blindness and heart disease.

Farxiga, a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2), works by preventing the kidney from reabsorbing glucose. This increases the excretion of glucose and reduces blood sugar levels. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 16 clinical trials involving more than 9,400 patients with type 2 diabetes assessed the safety and effectiveness of the drug.

These trials demonstrated that Farxiga was able to improve HbA1c (hemoglobin A1c or glycosylated hemoglobin) levels - a measure of blood glucose control - in type 2

diabetic patients. Commenting on the drug approval, Dr. Curtis Rosebraugh, director of the Office of Drug Evaluation II at the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, says: “Controlling blood sugar levels is very important in the overall treatment and care of diabetes, and Farxiga provides an additional treatment option for millions of Americans with type 2 diabetes.” The FDA says as well as being assessed as a stand-alone therapy, the drug has also been tested in combination with other treatments for type 2 diabetes, including insulin, pioglitazone, metformin, glimepiride, and sitagliptin.

Clinical trials have found that Farxiga is not suitable for individuals with type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis (increased ketones in the urine or blood), patients with moderate or severe kidney deterioration, end-stage kidney disease, or patients receiving dialysis. A drug called Farxiga has been FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The drug, in combination with diet and exercise, can help patients control blood glucose levels.

Furthermore, clinical trials revealed that among users of Farxiga, there were an increased number of bladder cancers diagnosed. Therefore, the FDA recommends that patients with bladder cancer do not use the drug, and that patients with a history of the disease should consult their physician prior to using it.

Farewell reception for envoys C ITY REPORTER I SLAMABAD —Mr. & Mrs. Chaudhry Faisal Mushtaq TI, Chief Executive Roots Millennium Schools hosted a Farewell reception in honor of the three outgoing Ambassadors; H.E. Richard G. Olson Ambassador of the United States of America, H.E. Said Hindam Ambassador of Egypt and H.E. Javier M. Carbajosa Ambassador of Spain says a press release.

The ceremony was held to bid farewell to the ambassadors of USA, Spain and Egypt. H.E. Richard G. Olson has served as the ambassador of the

United States of America to Pakistan. During Mr. Richard’s tenure, his services for Pakistan are laudable and praiseworthy. H.E. Javier Carbajosa is the Spanish ambassador to Pakistan.

All the work he has done in his time here, the countless meetings that he has initiated, his efforts, have laid the groundwork for long-term gains in our partnership, and he will be remembered through the projects as they will yield results over the years. H.E. Said Hindam has served as the ambassador of the Arab republic of Egypt to Pakistan and his services will

be remembered by the people of Pakistan.

Visitors are enjoying a beautiful view of Islamabad from Daman-e-Koh.—INFN

WPC study circle to acquaint women MPs with MDGs PARLIAMENTARY REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (WPC) in collaboration with the Aurat Foundation (AF) organized a study circle at Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services (PIPS).

The purpose of the study circle was to acquaint the women parliamentarians on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the transition to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). MNA, Shaista Parvez, Secretary WPC inaugurated the meeting followed by an in-depth presentation by Ms. Maryam Aurangzeb, Chairperson parliamentary taskforce on MDGs, to discuss the government’s standing on MDGs and SDGs. Maryam Aurangzeb highlighted some of the technical issues with the MDGs and elaborated on the initiatives taken by the government to ensure achievement of these goals.

She said that global development agenda should be in line with the national agenda and the parliamentarians can play an important roletowards this.

Shehryar Ghazi and Ms. Rabea Hadi from AF highlighted the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in achievement of these goals. They also discussed the need for increased interaction among parliamentarians and CSOs to enhance their knowledge and learn from each other. Shaista Parvez, while chairing the session gave some valuable suggestions to increase the role of women parliamentarians in achieving MDGs which was appreciated by Maryam Aurangzeb. She also agreed on putting these suggestions on the government agenda.

President urges civil servants to ensure corruption-free governance CITY REPORTER ISLAMABAD—President Mamnoon Hussain on Wednesday urged upon the civil servants to fulfill their responsibilities diligently and ensure corruption-free governance in the country.

Addressing at a luncheon hosted for the newly promoted BPS-22 grade officers here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the President congratulated the officers and said their promotion places great responsibility on them to work for the welfare of masses.

The President called upon the civil servants to take decisions in the best interest of State and nation.

He underscored that civil servants must strive to ensure rules-based governance and also learn to refuse the orders from highups which contradict the rules and law. He urged upon the civil servants to take steps for the betterment and welfare of public at large.

The President said the country had em-

barked upon a journey of development with the launch of several projects including China Pakistan Economic Corridor, motorways, projects of power and gas and Gwadar port that would generate employment opportunities for millions.

He regretted that corruption had taken its roots in the society and said that every officer, in whatever field he or she is working, should point out and discourage the corrupt practices.

The President wished the newly promoted officers all the best in their careers.

The newly promoted officers who attended the luncheon include Malik Asrar Hussain, Syed Iftikhar Hussain Babar, Syed Khalid Akhlaq Gilani, Fazal Abbas Mekan, Khizar Hayat Khan and Arifa Saboohi (Pakistan Administrative Service), Muhammad Azam (Information Group), Manak Sher Idrees, Najeebullah Khan, Asif Ali and Shabbir Ahmed (Pakistan Audit and Accounts Service), Muhammad Khalid Qureshi (Police Service of Pakistan).

NPC offers literati a ‘local Pak Tea House’ at Aiwan-e-Quaid

Writers, poets celebrate Nuqta-i-Nazar’s 3rd anniversary ZUBAIR QURESHI I S L A M A B A D —Nazariya Pakistan Council (NPC) on Wednesday offered literary personalities and organizations to come to the Aiwan-e-Quaid, F-9 Park, sit, discuss and share their ideas , problems and works over a cup of tea and a couple of biscuits.

This is going to be Lahore’s Pak Tea House like arrangement for the esteemed writers, poets and thinkers of the twin cities.

The offer was made by the NPC administration at a round-table meeting held to mark the 3rd Anniversary of the NPC’s popular socio-literary programme ‘Nuqta-i-Nazr’ or ‘Point of View.’ One could see a large number of distinguished literary personalities—poets, writers, men of letters, intellectuals, artists and social scientists— coming to the Aiwan-eQuaid to celebrate the third year of their monthly ‘bethak’ under the banner of Nuqta-i-Nazr. Chairman of the NPC Mr Zahid Malik presided over the roundtable while members of the executive committee, renowned philanthropist and Chairman of Sultana Foundation Dr Naeem Ghani, eminent educationist and writer Mrs Farrukh Khan, former minister Dr Basharat Jazbi and the real force behind the success of Nuqta-i-Nazr, Anjum

Khaliq Director (Media) and a poet in his own right were among the hosts of the meeting with literary personalities.

The writers were of the view that Pak Tea House like facility at the NPC would not only offer them a platform to share their ideas with each other but it would also provide them peaceful envi-

ronment to discuss social and political issues confronting the country. Writer, poet and playwright Farheen Chaudhry speaking on the occasion welcomed the NPC initiative and called for inviting youth to Nuqta-i-Nazr ’s monthly discussions. This socio-literary programme can have far reaching effects if it is

duly projected on social media, she said. Another known poet Wafa Chishti called for holding annual or six-monthly poetic recital or Mushaira on our national subjects like ‘patriotism’, ‘Pakistan Movement’, ‘Freedom,’ ‘Iqbal’ and ‘Quaid.’

Poet and novelist Afshan Abbasi also hailed

Islamabad should be the capital of literature as well

Writers need to deepen faith of the people in Pakistan, says Zahid Malik STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —Expressing satisfaction over the literature taking roots in Islamabad, Mr. Zahid Malik, Editor-inChief, Pakistan Observer, said that ultimately Islamabad should be the capital of Pakistani literature as well.

Mr. Malik, who is also Chairman of the Nazriya Pakistan Council, Islamabad, in his address at the 3rd anniversary of the NPC’s fortnightly literary programme “Nuqta-e-Nazar” paid tributes to the National Book Foundation, Academy of Letters and National Language Authority for contributing towards serving the cause of literature as well as the writers. However, he said, the Government needs to do more in this regard and he questioned that if a Media Town can be established why not a Writers Town?

He said it was understood that the literature could not be transplanted and it grows from the soil as it grew in Lahore and Karachi and earlier in Delhi and Lucknow but Government and the civil society could certainly create an environment conducive to the sprouting of literature as well as promotion of muchneeded book culture.

Mr. Malik told the participants that the literature ceases to be literature if it becomes propagandist but at this point in time when after the successes of Operation Zarb-i-Azb, Pakistan was taking a new turn, the writers and poets might align themselves with new ground realities. “Pessimism should be shunned,” he advised the writers. He said the NPC would be taking a number of initiatives in the days to come to get the role o the creative writers duly acknowledged by the Government and the society.

the NPC’s contributions and sessions on literary and social subjects.

She stressed representation of youth at the NPC meetings.

Farah Deeba poet and lecturer called for introducing easy and comprehensive language especially in Pak Studies. Rukhsana Saulat said Islamabad was once known as city of literary programmes. However, she mourned now literary meetings were not taking frequently as they once used to be. She paid compliments to the chairman of the NPC for holding writers’ get-to-

gether and offering them a facility to relax and share ideas. She also called for a need to establish a rich library at the Aiwan-e-Quaid.

Writer Qayyum Tahir said if NPC really wanted to support writers it should facilitate them in getting their works published. Poet Hasan Abbas Raza said media people should be invited to NPC’s monthly Nuqta-iNazr meetings. Writer, publisher and journalist Saqib Akbar said thinking of writers and their problems was a good initiative by the NPC. He paid compliments to

Anjum Khaliq, the organizer of Nuqta-i-Nazr, who kept the monthly programme afloat despite odds. He suggested book launching ceremonies should be made part of Nuqta-i-Nazr programmes. Aqeela Asif, write and Assistant Professor COMSATS, said NPC besides its literary endeavours should highlight works of the leaders of the Pakistan Movement.

Worker of the Pakistan Movement Sheikh Mukhtar Ahmed, eminent scientist and Chairman of the Pakistan Science Academy Dr

Chairman Nazriya-e-Pakistan Council and Editor-In-Chief Pakistan Observer Zahid Malik speaks during a ceremony held in connection with 3rd anniversary of Nukta-eNazar at NPC. Senior members Executive Committee NPC Dr Bisharat Jazbi and Dr Naeem Ghani, president women wing NPC Mrs. Farrukh Khan and Anjum Khalique are also seen in the picture.—PO photo by Sultan Bashir

Anwar Naseem, Asghar Abid, Firdous Alam, Dr Rashid, Naseem Sehar, Tanveer Zuberi, Hakeem Mehmood Saharanpuri, Tahir Siddiqui, Durr-eShehwar Tauseef and Tahir Siddiqui also supported the idea of writers’ corner at the Aiwan-e-Quaid and termed it a great service to writers’ community by the NPC. Earlier, Anjum Khaliq gave a brief introduction of Nuqta-e-Nazr.

He said Nuqta-i-Nazar, initiated in July 2012, was designed to provide the scholars and intellectuals with a platform to carry out monthly discussions on various national, religious, social and literary issues in a free and informal atmosphere.

More than 30 programmes have been conducted wherein over 250 writers, poets, intellectuals, educationists and representatives of civil society, welfare organizations, teachers and students participated to share their views on this platform, Anjum Khaliq further informed.

Later, shields were given away to some of the most regular participants of the monthly meetings. They included Wafa Chishti, Dr Fakhra Naureen, Dr Farhat Abbas, Dr Anwar Naseem, Asghar Abid, Hafiz Noor Ahmed, Ali Akbar Abbas, Afshan Abbasi, Farheen Chaudhry, and Saqib Akbar.

Fajar Zohr Asr

04:30 01:30 05:30

Meghrab at Sunset Isha 09:15 Brothers in Islam establish regular prayers & charity

CTO inspects official vehicles RAWALPINDI—Chief Traffic Officer CTO, Shoaib Khurrum Janbaz Wednesday inspected vehicles and motorcycles in the use of Police officials for carrying out duties. The inspection of vehicles was carried out at the Traffic Headquarter here and at Attock, Chakwal and Jhelum.

The CTO directed the wardens to maintain fitness of the vehicles. He said it is our collective duty to look after these vehicles, adding that negligence would not be tolerated at any cost.

He said that use of mobile phones while driving is prohibited and must be avoided. He urged citizens to have knowledge about road safety and traffic rules and these must be observed.

The CTO said that traffic wardens, inspectors and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) of all sectors have been directed to impound altered motorcycles being used for wheeling by youngsters and the violators will be sent to jail.

Meanwhile, the shopkeepers and people visiting Saddar for shopping called for deputing wardens on the intersecting Bank and Haider roads during the evening hours as traffic remains clogged due to extra load and no one to regulate flow of traffic on the narrow road.—APP

Auction held for commercial plots in G-13 Markaz ISLAMABAD—Federal Government Employees Housing Foundation (FGEHF), Ministry of Housing and Works organised an auction of commercial plots and apartments of sector G-13 Markaz. A large number of people took keen interest in the auction. Director General of Housing Foundation, Waqas Ali Mehmood, speaking on the occasion as chief guest, said that steps were being taken to improve road infrastructure and development of G-13 and G- 14.

He also listened to the complaints of the residents and assured them that their grievances would be addressed on priority basis.

The DG said that all resources would be utilised to solve their problems within three months. He said that keen interest shown by the people in the auction was proof of investors’ confidence in FGEHF. It is pertinent to mention that the auction committee consisted of members from Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Ministry of Housing and Works.—APP

No facility of cardiac surgery available in FGPC: Usman Ibrahim STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Minister of State for Capital Administration and Development Division Usman Ibrahim on Wednesday informed National Assembly that facility of Invasive Cardiology (Cardiac Surgery) is not available in Federal Government Polyclinic (FGPC) hospital.

During question hour in the House, the minister said there is only facility of NonInvasive Cardiology available in the hospital, adding that the patients of the Cardiac Surgery had been refereed to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for treatment.

Usman Ibrahim said there are only six physicians and five medical officers working in Cardiology Department in FGPC. He said the extension of FGPC is under process and awaiting the decision of Cabinet.

The minister said that a big center of Cardiac surgery has been inaugurated in PIMS where as many as 10 surgeries on daily basis have been operated by the high qualified doctors. Usman Ibrahim informed the House that 36000 patients were being facilitated at the OPD and 17000 of emergency on daily basis in PIMS. To another question, the minister said

that Directorate General of Special Education (DGSE) has established Resource Centre for Autistic Children in Islamabad.

Usman Ibrahim said that 24 autistic children are studying in this centre and the facility will be extended for 100 students in future.

The minister said he has visited Autistic Center run by an NGO for Autistic Children in Manchester UK and a comprehensive master training programme for teachers of Resource Center for Autistic Children Islamabad with the said organization is being prepared, in collaboration with the Organization.

He said the government is planning to upgrade the National Special Education Centre for Hearing Impaired Children H-9/ 4, Islamabad from Higher Secondary to Graduation level, and 65-70 children with hearing disability will be facilitated yearly with this up-gradation.

The minister said that two students with disabilities of DGSE, Islamabad are visiting Los Angles USA to participate in Special Olympic. Usman Ibrahim said the Ministry was continuously approaching Ministries/ Divisions at federal level to ensure the implementation of mandatory disability quota in employment.

IHC sets aside Musharraf’s arrest warrants ZUBAIR QURESHI I SLAMABAD—Justice Amer Farooq of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday set aside non-bailable arrest warrants of the former president Gen Retired Pervez Musharraf in Lal Masjid cleric Ghazi Abdul Rasheed’s murder case by a lower court.

The high court has also directed the trial court to re-examine the accused’s petition for exemption keeping in view his medical report.

An additional District & Sessions Judge on June 19 had issued Gen Musharraf’s non-bailable arrest warrants on his absence from the proceedings of the court in Ghazi Abdul Rasheed’s murder case. However, Islamabad High Court on July 23 had provisionally suspended the arrest warrants and fixed July 27 for final arguments. On July 27, however the court after hearing the two sides reserved the judgment which was announced on Wednesday, July 29, 2015.

According to the decision the lower court should not give a verdict without disregarding the petitioner’s medical report.

Counsel for the petitioner (Gen Musharraf) Malik Tahir Mehmood had argued that the acting Sessions Judge had issued his client’s non-bailable arrest warrants due to his nonappearance before the court in Ghazi Rasheed’s

murder case. The fact of the matter is that he is not well and therefore, he cannot attend the court proceedings.

Justice Farooq in last hearing had asked if any other court had also exempted the accused from appearing in the court. Musharraf’s lawyer told the court that a local court of Quetta had also exempted Gen Musharraf from appearance because of his poor health.

Musharraf’s counsel also submitted a medical report of former president before the court.

He said the IHC could also grant exemption to Musharraf as per law and constitution.

Tariq Assad, counsel for Haroonur Rasheed, the complainant against Gen Musharraf and son of Ghazi Rasheed, had opposed suspension of the lower court’s orders saying Gen Musharraf was persistently absenting himself from the court.

He also opposed grant of exemption to former military dictator. The government side was represented by Advocate General Mian Abdul Rauf. However, the court due to incomplete arguments from the two sides provisionally suspended the arrest warrants of the former president and fixed July 27 for final arguments.

On Wednesday the IHC set aside the trial court’s decision directing it to base its decision in the light of the findings of the medical report of former army chief.

Federal Ombudsman forms three committees to check condition of prisoners

Chairman PAT Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri addressing launching ceremony of his book ‘Islamic Curriculum on Peace and Counter Terrorism”.—DNA

Anti-dengue drive launched R AWALPINDI —The Antidengue drive initiated by the district health department is in full swing under which surveillance and fumigation is being carried out in different areas of the city.

During the campaign, surveillance is continuing to check its occurrence in 46 Union councils of the town specially in union councils which were declared high risk areas last year.

Talking to APP ,the Incharge dengue campaign in Rawal town area Dr Tahir Ahmed said the drive, which is in full swing would continue till October.

Under the ongoing vigorous drive,Dr Tahir told APP that 88 anti-dengue teams and 20 supervisors were fully participating in the drive at the union council level.

Mr Tahir informed that the teams on wednesday fumigated areas of union councils no 1,2 4 and 9.

He said it was responsibility of every citizen to play his role for controlling Dengue for protecting citizens from the dangerous disease by adopting all precautionary measures and taking steps for ensuring cleanliness and not to allow stagnant water in our surroundings.

He warned that stern action would be taken against the staff deputed in the campaign, if found negligent in performance of their duties.—APP

M.A/Msc exams from July 30

ISLAMABAD—Federal Ombudsman Salman systemic issues of mal-administration in Gov- R AWALPINDI —The Punjab Farooqui has constituted three committees which would propose ways to ensure rights of imprisoned adults, women and children for implementing direction of Supreme Court to improve miserable conditions of the prisoners across the country. The three committees constituted on Tuesday are : Committee on Prisoner’s Rights, Committee to Look into the Plight of Women Prisoners in Jails and a Committee on Rights of Imprisoned Children, said a statement of the Ombudsman.

These committees would have representation from senior officials, journalists and technocrats. The Federal ombudsman stated that all efforts will be made for implementation of Supreme Court direction and so far a number of steps have been taken to systemic issues.

The federal ombudsman presided over a meeting in pursuance of the Supreme Court Order in his office Tuesday to review conditions of prisoners in jails and for resolving the

ernment departments. It was attended by Provincial Ombudsmen Balochistan, representatives of Provincial Ombudsmen Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Information Commissioners Punjab & KPK, I.G Prison Baluchistan and Secretary Law & Justice Commission of Pakistan. All participants discussed the strategy for implementation of the orders of Supreme Court of Pakistan in light of the directions of Supreme Court of Pakistan a few months back regarding miserable conditions of women in jails. It is to be noted that Federal and Provincial Ombudsman offices are providing speedy relief to the public against the mal-administration of government officials or their departments. Salman Farooqui has expressed the resolve that all out efforts would be made to solve the issues of Overseas Pakistanis at priority basis as they were backbone of country’s economy and representing true face of Pakistan abroad.—APP

The old bridge of Nullah Leh being demolished with the help of heavy machinery as the new bridge is in last stages of completion.—DNA

University will conduct MA/Msc part 1,Annual Examination 2015 from July 30.

According to Punjab University sources, the MA/Msc part 1, annual examination 2015 were earlier scheduled to be held from June 30 and were postponed due to some reasons, will now commence with effect from July 30(Thursday). The Roll Number slips have been dispatched to the eligible candidates. In case of any inconvenience, the candidates are advised to contact Punjab university admission department or their institutions.

It is important to mention here that candidates will have to come with a copy of National Identity Card.—APP

LJCP constitutes committees for structural reforms ISLAMABAD—Meeting of the Law and Jus- Mr. Mohammed Sarwar Khan Secretary Law tice Commission of Pakistan (LJCP) held the chairmanship of Mr. Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk, Chief Justice of Pakistan/Chairman, here Wednesday considered the drafts of proposed amendments in different rules for organisational and structural reforms of the LJCP. After deliberations, the Chairman, LJCP constituted three committees to review the proposed amendments. The Committees are directed to submit their reports within a period of six weeks.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Salman Aslam Butt Attorney General for Pakistan, Mr. Justice Muhammad Anwar Khan Kasi Chief Justice Islamabad High Court, Mr. Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel Chief Justice Peshawar High Court, Mr. Justice Muhammad Noor Meskanzai Chief Justice High Court of Balochistan, Mr. Justice Faisal Arab Chief Justice High Court of Sindh, Mr. Justice Manzoor Ahmed Malik Chief Justice Lahore High Court and Mr. Justice (R) Muhammad Raza Khan, Special Secretary Ministry of Law, Justice & Human Rights, Ms. Khawar Mumtaz, Chairperson, National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) and

and Justice Commission of Pakistan (LJCP).

The meeting was also attended by Mr. Justice (R) Mian Shakirullah Jan former Judge Supreme Court of Pakistan, Mr. Justice (R) Arif Hussain Khilji former Judge Supreme Court of Pakistan, Mr. Muhammad Riaz Ahmed Advocate Supreme Court who are non-official members of the Commission.

The Secretary LJCP briefed the meeting that the LJCP as the Government of Pakistan’s think tank mandated to lead the review and examination of rule of law services, to formulate reforms and monitor their implementation to strengthen the quality of rule of law in Pakistan. The LJCP has a critical role in policy making and legislative reforms, therefore, its repositioning is imperative for effective implementation of its expansive mandate.

The Secretary informed the meeting that lack of requisite financial and human resources are adversely impacting the performance of the Commission. He also shared the outlines of proposed plan for improving the performance of the Commission’s Secretariat and the Access to Justice Development Fund to achieve its predetermined goals.—INP

Senior bureaucrats to appeal against ‘denial of promotions’ ZUBAIR QURESHI ISLAMABAD—Some 300 senior bureaucrats and civil servants whose promotions to the next grade were declared illegal by the Islamabad High Court’s single bench of Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui on July 27, 2015 have decided to challenge the decision through an intra-court appeal.

The highly-placed bureaucrats working in the PM office, CDA, various ministries, sections and departments of the federal government were promoted from grade-20 to grade-21 by the Central Selection Board (CSB) on May 5, 2015. However these promotions were challenged on the grounds most of the officers concerned were either from Punjab or badge mates of powerful bureaucrats of the PM office. The affected officers included sitting Chairman CDA Maroof Afzal, PM Of-

fice Additional Secretary Fawad Hassan Fawad, Kamaluddin Tipu, Hassan Nasir Jami, Navid Saleh Siddiqui, Arshad Mehmood, Muhammad Sohail Rajput, Muhammad Assad Islam Mahni, Muhammad Khurram Agha, Syed Atta-ur-Rehman, Jawwad Pal, Muhammad Abdullah Khan Sumbal, Momen Agha, Jodat Ayaz, Capt (R) Nasim, Capt (R) Assad Ullah, Agha Wasif Abbas, Syed Waqarul Haq, Ambrin Raza and others.

These promotions were challenged by the former Islamabad IGP Aftab Ahmed Cheema, Deputy Commandant Frontier Constabulary (FC), Ghaniur Rehman Wazir, former CPO Imtiaz Altaf and other officers who were denied promotions. On May Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui had stayed the promotions directing the parties to submit reply. On July 27, the court gave a clear verdict that promotion was a right of every officer.

CDA to plant more trees under Expressway expansion project I SLAMABAD —The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has planned to plant a sufficient number of trees along with both sides of Islamabad Expressway under its ongoing expansion project.

Talking to APP, CDA spokesperson Ramzan Sajid said that the authority will follow the environment protection agency’s guidelines by planting four times more trees in various areas of the federal capital.

He said that environmental impact as-

sessment under the supervision of a leading body was underway. He said the civic agency would try to recover any damage to the environment during expansion project. He said that the CDA was in close contact with a leading environmental body for this assessment. Ramzan said that as a compensation four saplings against each tree will be planted which were being cut down in the green-belt areas and both sides of the Islamabad Highway.—APP

Labourers clearing the space for construction of sidelines of signal free Expressway.—APP

Nawaz offers fateha over Sardar AIIMS row: JKNPP demands resignation of Qayyum’s demise at Ghaziabad Dy CM, Forest Minister JAMMU—Jammu Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) Wednesday demanded the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh and Forest minister Bali Bhagat for having “failed” to fulfill their written commitment that an AIIMS will be announced for Jammu by the Centre on or before July 20.

“The deputy chief minister Dr Nirmal Singh and Forest Minister Bali Bhagat has brought a disgrace to the chair of ministry they hold, they are bluffing the people and don’t have any right to continue to hold the positions”, JKNPP chairman Harsh Dev Singh told reporters here today.

Singh said that it has been proved beyond doubt that the two ministers along with a couple of other BJP Leaders had made a highly “irresponsible and mischievous” statement on AIIMS only to sabotage the Jammu peoples’ movement for their rights.

He said that ACC comprising the civil society besides other political and social organisations had called off the last month’s

bandh call relying upon the emphatic assurances given by the BJP leaders regarding procurement of an ‘appropriate order’ from government of India for setting up of AIIMS before July 20.

Accusing the BJP of following ‘lame duck posturing’ on various Jammu related issues besides AIIMS, Singh said that BJP had embarked upon a self destructive course by relegating all its solemn pledges to the back burner and taking a U-turn on all its pre poll promises.

He said BJP’s tall slogans of ensuring equitable treatment to all regions have ended in with huge disappointment with Jammu and Ladakh regions still clamouring for Justice.

Meanwhile some activists of JKNPP held a protest in Jammu and burned the effigy of the deputy chief minister Dr Nirmal Singh as they accused him of betraying with the people of Jammu region. They also demanded the resignation of the deputy chief minister and the forest minister.—GK

Gill to replace Vohra in Srinagar GHAZIABAD, (AJK) - Prime Minister Mohammad Nawaz Sharif condoling the demise of veteran Kashmiri leader Mujahid Awwal Sardar Mohammad Abdul Qayyum Khan with his son Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan here on Wednesday, July 29, 2015.

HAMEED SHAHEEN ISLAMABAD—Pakisan Prime Minister Mohammad Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday afternoon flew to Ghaziabad (AJK), ancestral place of veteran deceased Kashmiri leader Sardar Mohammad Abdul Qayyum Khan and offered fateha over his passing away. Sardar Qayyum had passed away on July 10, 2015, at

Kulgam crackdown: JKLF condemns cruelty against students

an Islamabad hospital after prolonged illness. He was 91. He remained President/Prime Minister for several times in AJK. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was originally scheduled to visit Ghaziabad on July 28, 2015, but becasue of bad weather his trip had to be postponed that day.

On Wednesday he accompanied by

OUR CORRESPONDENT

Protest in Bandipora over compensation payment delay BANDIPORA, IHK—Scores of residents of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district Wednesday staged a demonstration against the government over alleged delay in compensation post the devastating floods of last year. The villagers took to streets in Markundal hamlet to protest against the government. “We have not received a single penny as compensation so far despite suffering heavy losses to our standing crops and residential houses.”—GK

Pakistan Prime Minister remained for quite some time at Ghaziabad and flew back to Islamabad same afternoon accompanied by Federal Kashmir Affairs Minister Ch Birjees Tahir and Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan.

Earlier on arrival at the helipad he was received by PML-N AJK President Raja Farooq Haider Khan, senior politicians and highranking officials of —AJK

Buch saddened over non-mention of Kashmir in joint statement

S RINAGAR —Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) has said that “the crackdown and terrorizing common people at Redwani Kulgam and oppression against protesting students at Bandipora are condemnable acts of rulers”.

In a statement to GNV, the JKLF chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik said that the resistance of people cannot be finished by such coward acts of “unilateral state terrorism”.

Terming crackdown and assault on common people at Redwani Kulgam as an act of state terrorism, Malik said rulers propagating ‘battle of ideas’ have unleashed a new phase of terror against common people.

He condemned “oppression” against students at Bandipora who were protesting.—GK

Federal Kashmir Affairs Minister Ch. Birjees Tahir visited the mazar of the late Kashmiri leader and offered fateha.

He condoled with Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan over sad demise of his famous father, a leading light of Kashmir struggle in Jammu and Kashmir sparking the practical phase of Kashmir movement from Neela Butt on August 23, 1947 with his fighting cadre.

NEW YORK—Ambassador Yusuf Buch said Wdnesday that he was saddened to learn that there was no mention of Kashmir in the joint statement between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Sharief that was issued in Ufa, Russia. Ambassador Buch is resting comfortably at his home. A delegation comprising Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai and Dr. A. R. Meer enquired about his health at his residence in New York City.

His message to Kashmiri youth was to hold on to the cause, despite the oppression of the occupying forces. The repression cannot be the reason for apathy towards Kashmir cause. “Participation in the freedom

struggle should become the second nature of the Kashmiri youth”, Buch added.

What pains me is the deceitfulness and betrayal of our own past leadership! I have never met more deceitful person in my life than Sheikh Abdullah, he said.

Mr. Buch narrated to us the final wish of a dying Kashmiri martyr who said on July 13, 1931, (Aaseey niboou panin zimadari. Woin chou thuhund faraz aath madad karun) “We tried our best to do what we could, now it is on your shoulder to move the movement forward.”

He said that Kashmir is one of the most agonizing and painful situation anywhere in the world. Elaborating his experiences in world affairs, Ambassador

Buch said, “The alternative to chaos in international relations – and in the global mind itself – is a world order governed by rules and principles and the test of the strength, indeed the reality, of these rules and principles is that they should play a commanding role in the settlement of international disputes. All the major principles essential for internaitonl sanity are attracted by the Kashmir dispute: the two major ones are the sanctity of international agreements and the self-determination of peoples.” —Email.

SRINAGAR—Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) is understood to have approved former Director General of Punjab Police P.S. Gill’s appointment as Governor of Jammu and Kashmir state.

Highly placed bureaucratic and political sources disclosed to media that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accorded his approval to Gill’s appointment as J&K Governor and the PMO has sent the file to the Union Home Ministry for processing the warrant of appointment.

If these sources are to be believed, Gill could be appointed even before the Independence Day (15th August 2015). In its edition of July 16, STATE TIMES had exclusively reported that Gill was in the top consideration zone of BJP high command, with strong support of RSS, for J&K Raj Bhavan.

His possible appointment can cut short incumbent Governor Narendra Nath Vohra’s second term by 3 years. On completion of his first term of five years in 2013, Dr Manmohan Singh’s Congress-led UPA government had appointed Vohra for another term which would have normally lasted till 2018. However, after the change of regime and Modi’s taking over as Prime Minister in 2014, Vohra had offered to quit when the NDA government removed over a dozen of the Governors and Lt Governors appointed by the previous regime.

According to sources, Vohra had been advised to continue with the assurance that Modi’s government had immediately no intention to appoint a new Governor in the sensitive State of Jammu and Kashmir.—ST

4 CRPF men, as many civilians injured in grenade blast in S.Kashmir ISLAMABAD (ANANTNAG )—At least four paramilitary CRPF men and as many cvilians were injured Wednesday in a grenade explosion in north Kashmir’s Anantnag district, police said.

Suspected militants lobbed a grenade at CRPF men posted on guard the route to Amarnath cave shrine near Women’s College and Oxford Presentation School in the town, a police official said.

The injured were shifted to nearby hospi-

tals for treatment, he said. The area has been cordoned off to nab the attackers, the official added.

An ice cream vendor died last week when suspected militants tossed a grenade at a CRPF patrol party at Achabal adda. The grenade missed the target and exploded at the bus stand, injuring five civilians, including Muhammad Jabbar, who later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital.

India, Pak had agreed, not to claim victory over Kashmir accord in 2007: Kasuri N E W D ELHI —India and Pakistan were then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh but about to reach a “framework” on Kashmir during UPA-I rule and both sides even had decided not to proclaim “victory” post the announcement, former Pakistan Foreign Minister, Khurshid Kasuri said late Tuesday.

“We were about to reach a solution on Kashmir, a framework. Solution could only be arrived at by cabinets and Parliament. We could only provide a framework.

But we were trying to deliver something.

I will give the details in my book to be published later this year,” Kasuri said.

Speaking during a discussion on “Improving Indo-Pak relations” in New Delhi, the former minister said it was the outcome of three years of hardwork by the then Pakistani President Parvez Musharaf and India’s

the framework did not materialise due to subsequent internal turmoil in Pakistan in 2007.

Kasuri said one of the secrets of our success with Dr Manmohan Singh was that there was an unwritten agreement between the two sides that when the framework on Kashmir is announced, neither side will proclaim victory.

According to Kasuri, who was the Foreign Minister during the Presidency of Pervez Musharraf between 2001 to 2008, said the Ufa (Russia) meeting between Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Nawaz Sharif and the subsequent joint-statement were not “properly managed”.

Emphasising on the need for talks, the former minister said the positive side of Ufa was that the two countries met.—RK

Scene of a grenade attack in Anantnag (IHK) on Wednesday.

View from Srinagar

Exploring the radicalization narrative SHUJAAT BUKHARI

F

OR past few weeks the issue of radicalization among Kashmiri youth has come up again in various debates.

While the National Security Adviser Ajit Doval’s twoday visit was also linked with the concerns revolving around the new breed of youth joining militant ranks, waving of ISIS or Pakistani flags after the Friday prayers in Srinagar has almost become a routine. However, different narratives are shaping up about this “new change” on the ground. A section of Indian media, bound by its habit to see Kashmir developments through a particular lens, has its own theory.

For them everything comes from Pakistan and its InterServices Intelligence (ISI). For certain sections in Kashmir society it is akin to blowing things out of proportion.

According to them it serves the “Indian purpose” to defame and discredit the “genuine freedom struggle”.

Whatever the reason, truth in Kashmir has always been overlapped with vested interests vis-à-vis conflict and that too on all sides. Whether it would be appropriate to really call it radicalization – say in this case Islamic radicalization – or not, the fact is that those who resort to waving the ISIS, or for that matter the Pakistani or a green Islamic flag, only demonstrate an element of anger that is pent up for long time. For majority of Kashmiris, ISIS, more so for its barbaric actions, cannot be of much attraction. The way the stories of their brutality have been going around, an ordinary Kashmiri would never approve of it. That is why Kashmiris summarily dismiss the ISIS and its likes and see them as the “handiwork of Israel”.

Attributions have been the hallmark of Kashmiri psyche

and if they want to dismiss or disapprove anything with logic, this is the way to do it. On top of it, the head of Hurriyat (G), Syed Ali Geelani, who undoubtedly wields more influence over the people than other separatists, he too dismisses the actions of ISIS, TTP and Boko Haram as un-Islamic. Perhaps leaders, such as Geelani, also know that in case there is even a whiff about these ideologies taking roots, they would make all others irrelevant.

To say that ISIS has attracted Kashmiri youth is to stretch it too far, though there is drastic change in the thought process of Kashmiri Muslim youth. There is no denying the fact that more and more youth are on path of becoming devout Muslims and the influence of a particular setting is taking roots. This is the trend that has been witnessed in last over two decades since their interaction with the rest of the world through new technology reached a new level.

The fact is that majority of the Muslims in Kashmir still follow the traditional orientation, but those who want to follow the pan-Islamic structure are also increasing in number. That, however, does not become the launching pad for the new phase of militancy in Kashmir. In past 20 years, more Madrasas of different orientations have come up across the Valley. But again they are unlike the Madrasas in Pakistan, which are generally referred to as “Factories for Jehad”. There is hardly any evidence that suggests that a Madrasa in Kashmir produced or influenced any militant.

The radicalization, that is now seen as a concern while it manifests in the new breed of militancy, needs to be seen in the local context. Kashmir saw the worst period of violence that began in early 1990. That was perhaps the culmination of a

long-drawn political struggle and non-resolution of the dispute that has existed since 1947. Those who lead this struggle are now in denial mode refuting that large-scale rigging in 1987 assembly elections was a trigger to armed rebellion.

But the fact is that it surely was a turning point as losing the faith in Indian democracy pushed hundreds of Kashmiri youth to militancy. Pakistan had since 1947 tried hard to use violence as means to wrest Kashmir from India but it did not succeed, as Kashmiris were not fully prepared to embrace violence. After 1987, the new generation of youth fancied it and the changes that were taking place in neighbouring Afghanistan after the USSR invasion made them to believe that violence only could help achieve the political goals.

But Kashmiris soon realized that this might not be the only way to get the dispute resolved. They renounced it since Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front was pioneering it and its chief Yasin Malik announced a unilateral ceasefire in 1994. Not that the others followed suit but the sign was enough that violence was not the end of the means. The transition from violence to non-violence did take place, peace process did flourish for sometime, political talking did take place but it did not end positively.

Cynicism again prevailed and with huge turnout in elections, an emboldened Delhi thought that status quo was the “best solution” with the slogan of development replacing any intent to resolve it politically. Since a vacuum was left after the failure of peace process with Pakistan following Mumbai attacks, this had to be filled by the element of frustration that was running deep in the mind of a new generation. Mindful of the fact that the status quo was becoming reality, a whole new genera-

tion of youth in Kashmir has been alienated in a greater degree than the previous one.

So the radicalization, which many see as trigger to new phase of militancy and fresh recruitment, is not necessarily something that has to do anything with the extremism that is prevailing across the globe. Obviously Kashmir is a Muslim majority state and sense of desperation surely can find a way in what is prevailing in the rest of the Muslim world. But for that the only responsible factor is the absence of political engagement. If the youth are pelting stones or waving the flags, which are not connected with Kashmir’s political problem, they are finding it as a way to demonstrate their anger against the Indian state.

Unless there is acceptance of the reality on the ground, this sense of alienation may grow further with greater danger in coming days and months. Looking at Kashmir purely through the lens of law and order issue restricted to few disgruntled youth has always been a problem with New Delhi. It looks more at “managing” Kashmir rather than resolving the political issue.

Kashmir’s tryst with Sufi Islam has not ended but delay in political resolution is surely paving way to other forms to occupy the space. As of now the anger of youth is the manifestation of political reality on the ground. Cynics in Kashmir believe that a new phase in militancy is what New Delhi wants, but then even the conspiracy theories are proven right vis-à-vis Kashmir.

—Courtesy: Rising Kashmir Feedback at shujaat7867@gmail.com [The writer is Srinagar-based senior journalist]

Govt to reduce fertilizer prices: Bosan ISLAMABAD—Minister for National Food Security and Research Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan told the National Assembly Wednesday that the government will adopt a mechanism to reduce the prices of fertilizers within fifteen days to facilitate the farmers. He was responding to a calling attention notice moved by Rana Muhammad Hayat Khan and others regarding increase in the prices of fertilizers, pesticides, and non-payment of reasonable prices to the farmers of their agricultural products and nonpurchase thereof well in time. He said the government is also making efforts to reduce the cost of production of agricultural products. For this purpose, he said 20 billion rupees subsidy has been announced in the budget on fertilizers.—INP

Shipping activity at Port Qasim KARACHI—Five ships carrying containers, chemical, LNG and edible oil were berthed at Qasim International Containers Terminal, Engro Vopak Terminal, EETL Terminal and Liquid Cargo Terminal Tuesday.

Meanwhile, three more ships carrying Containers and Chemical also arrived at outer anchorage of Port Qasim during last 24 hours. Berth occupancy was 95% at the Port on Wednesday where a total ten ships namely Maersk Senalg, Al Safat, Denca Gougar, Sea Merchant, Pan Rapido, Al Mehboobh, Magallan Spirit, Okey Roe, Ex Quisite and Feng Hai-36 are currently occupying berths to load/ offload Containers, Cement, Urea, Chemical, LNG, Furnace Oil, LNG and Edible Oil respectively during last 24 hours.—APP

Nepra decreases KE tariff ISLAMABAD —Nepra allowed 4 paisa decrease in the tariff of April and 45 paisa reduction in the electricity prices for May 2105, under monthly fuel charges adjustment for K-electric consumers.

The KE in its request submitted that fuel cost variation of K-Electric’s own generation was Rs137.811m (over March15) for the month of April 2015, while for the month of May 2105, (over March-15) the variation in fuel cost was Rs.259.476 million. The total variation cost for April was calculated Rs5.828m, while for the month of April the difference was summed up to Rs738.860m. The company worked out that as per above data the cost of generating electricity reduced by .399 paisa , while for the month of May the decrease in cost was 45.394 paisas.—Agencies

Govt offers lucrative incentives to foreign investors: Miftah STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Zhiren Lu, Managing Director, Zhejian Dayu Roads & Bridges Engineering Co. Ltd China along with 3-member Chinese delegation visited Board of Investment and met with Minister of State/Chairman, BOI Dr. Miftah Ismail. Chairman, BOI welcomed the Chinese investors to invest in Pakistan in all sectors of the economy especially in hydro power, ports & harbor, bridges and Roads Constructions etc.

Chairman, BOI informed that Pakistan is committed to provide an investment friendly regime to investors by offering lucrative fiscal incentives and conducive business environment to foreign investors.

He said that China and Pakistan have entered into a comprehensive plan of Pak – China economic corridor. Pakistan China trade and economic relations have a great scope for expansion. Pakistan and China as strategic partners have been cooperating in various fields of mutual interest. The recent visit of the Chinese President will further cement the existing relations and open new avenues for cooperation. All these strengths offer Chinese investors and business community unlimited business

opportunities. M/s. Zhejiang Ring Construction Group was created in 1957, and has a national Premier General Contractor construction, is a construction, installation, decoration, and other specialized facilities for comprehensive enterprise group, a part of the National 500 is a large construction company, the national excellent construction company.

Mr. Zhiren Lu thanked BOI for cooperation and briefing regarding the investment opportunities available in Pakistan. M/s.

Zhejiang Ring Construction Group principally engaged in the construction of roads and bridges projects. Mr. Zhiren Lu shows keen interest in construction of roads and bridges projects in Pakistan. Chairman said that BOI being the apex body of the Government of Pakistan for investment promotion and facilitation to foreign investors assure them full support as and when needed. He also assured Zhejiang Ring Construction Group to arrange their meeting with NHA to explore available projects in Pakistan. At the end Dr. Miftah Ismail, MOS/Chairman, BOI thanked the Chinese delegation and appreciated their efforts and intention with regard to boost investment and economic relations between the two countries.

UBL signs STFF of Rs 25.2b for M-9 STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—United Bank Limited (UBL) recently signed a document to mark the successful financial close of a PKR 25.2 billion Syndicated Term Finance Facility (STFF) raised to part finance the KarachiHyderabad Motorway Project (M-9).

Wajahat Husain, President & CEO UBL, Major General Mohammad Afzal, DG FWO and Shahid Ashraf Tarar, Chairman NHA signed the document for the financial close in the presence of chief guest - Lieutenant General Khalid Asghar, Engineer-in-Chief, Pakistan Army. Senior Executives from UBL and consortium banks were also present at the event held at the FWO Headquarters in Rawalpindi.

UBL was appointed as the Mandated Lead Advisor & Arranger and Agent Bank for arrangement of PKR 25.2 Billion which was successfully raised within a record 100 days from the award of the mandate. NBP and MCB, as the lead advisors and arrang-

ers, along with other Conventional and Islamic syndicate members including Meezan Bank, Bank Alfalah, Faysal Bank, Askari Bank and Bank of Punjab also played a major role in the Financial Close.

Speaking at the Ceremony, Lieutenant General Khalid Asghar praised all the organizations involved for their efforts in ensuring the swift financial close. He further added that the participation of the private sector and financial institutions in the highway sector was a fruitful endeavor for Pakistan and such projects bode well for the socio-economic development of the country.

During his address to participants of the event, Mr. Wajahat Husain, President & CEO UBL stressed that robust infrastructure, such as roads, is the backbone for the economic development of any country.

UBL’s commitment to this cause in Pakistan is absolute. UBL is at the forefront of the banking sector in Pakistan and will continue to play its due role in the infrastructure development of the country.

Energy crisis limits leather product exports STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Leather and leather goods export of billions of rupees have been threatened due to prolonged suspension of power supply to Tannery Zone since last week.

Production in Korangi Industrial Area’s Tannery Zone has almost come to a halt on Wednesday, as electricity supply by K Electric has remained suspended for the last several days. Chairman Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA) S.Z, Hamid A. Zahur has lamented the protracted disruption in electricity supply to the Tannery Zone.

It has rendered the export-oriented leather industry in Sector 7/A idle. He said that there is still no supply in a large part of Tannery Zone even after 48 hours. “It is badly haunting the leather manufacturers

who are currently engaged in meeting the export orders for the incoming peak winter season. He feared that interruption in electricity supply has already delayed shipment of ordered goods and will lead to a dissatisfied customers who will not return back to Pakistan due to delayed deliveries.

Non-supply of electricity is not only affecting export of finished leathers, but also the value added products such as leather garments and gloves who are customers to the local tanning industry, he explained. He urged upon high ups of K Electric to improve its system for repair and maintenance, as there is a major lack of service teams to work on tripped feeders. Any minor tripping takes the whole day to get restarted, which should instead be immediately worked on.

ISLAMABAD: Minister of State/Chairman Board of Investment Dr. Miftah Ismail in a meeting with Managing Director Zhejian Dayu Roads and Bridges Engineering Company, Zhren Lu.

Cotton growers advised to monitor weather L AHORE—The Punjab Agriculture department has advised to cotton growers to monitor weather predictions before watering the fields here on Tuesday. According to spokesman, farmers should adopt proper strategy to drain rain water from fields where it accumulated, and if drainage was not possible than they must collect it in a digged land.

Nitrogen fertilizer should be used after analyzing the fertility of the land and crop condition, he added.

He also stressed upon the farmers to pay special attention of remove weeds which rapidly grow after rain. He said that if the increasing attack of Mealy Bug was witnessed so farmers must follow the instructions of agriculture department to control it.—APP

Oil prices down in Asia S INGAPORE —Oil prices were down in Asia Wednesday as investors waited for the results of a US central bank meeting and a closelywatched report on crude inventories in the world’s biggest economy. Worries over the Chinese economy after a rout in the country’s stock market and a global crude oversupply were also keeping investors at bay, analysts said. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate for September delivery fell nine cents to $47.89 and Brent crude for September gave up 12 cents to $53.18 a barrel in late-morning trade.

The policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) of the US central bank will issue a statement at the end of a two-day meeting Wednesday, and investors are keeping an eye out for clearer signs on the timing of a US interest rate increase. A rate rise will boost the greenback, making dollar-priced oil more expensive to holders of weaker currencies, hurting demand and helping push crude prices lower.—AFP

PG supports traders’ strike call SALIM AHMED LAHORE—Progressive Group in the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) announcing full support to the strike call given by the traders against 0.3 percent withholding tax imposed on all banking transactions has urged the government to resolve this issue wisely and amicably with the consultation of the traders.

Progressive Group’s President Khalid Usman, Deputy Secretary Muhammad Ejaz Tanveer and Abdul Wadood Alvi In Charge election campaign Associate Class in a joint statement here today said that constitution of committees by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in the name of facilitating the traders will not work. “The government should pay attention to the real cause of concern. This kind of indirect tax will have a multiplied impact on the transactions. It is hampering the banking transactions and using formal money transactions channels,” they added.

They said this tax will not only decrease economic activity but also encourage people to handle all their transactions in cash to avoid taxes. It will also hamper the government efforts of expanding the tax net.

They said it is also not understandable that

the government has levied this tax simultaneously on filers and non-filers. So those who are registered and filing their tax returns and contributing to the national exchequers have to face this harsh tax as well.

They claimed that Banks are deducting this tax from filers and non-filers alike with suggestion that filers can claim input later on while everybody knows how difficult it is to claim refunds from the FBR. They said that this tax which would discourage use of banking channels also hamper the business of largest service sector i.e. banking sector thus leading to loss of revenue to the national exchequer which is collected on banking services. They said the government should understand that protests and strikes always hit the economic activities hard therefore this tax should be withdrawn immediately in the larger interest of the economy. They said their group is with all the trade and industrial associations against this imposition of tax on bank transactions. They said that the traders had very high hopes with the meeting convened by the Federal Finance Minister to discuss the issue with all the stakeholders and traders of this tax and its negative impact on the economy and urged for immediate withdrawal of this tax.

TDAP focuses on Int’l trade expos to promote exports STAFF REPORTER K ARACHI —The Marketing Division of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan is currently processing six exhibitions from its calendar year of 2015-16, the details of which are mentioned hereunder. TDAP participated in COSMOPROF North America from 12 to 15 July 2015 with seven companies. Cosmoprof North America is an exclusive Beauty Trade Show that has huge potential for export of Pakistani manufactured beauty instruments (Hair and Nail Tools) in the US market. Exhibiting in this show has helped Pakistani companies to target the US beauty instruments market and to increase their brand and product awareness along with high value and large volume sales leads.

TDAP is participating in Rio Sports Show, Brazil, which is going to be held from 16 to 18July, 2015. Three companies are going to participate in the subject fair through TDAP. Rio Sports is a specialized fair for sport and fitness Equipments. Tex World USA, New York USA, which is going to be held from July21-23, 2015 is a regular feature of TDAP’s International Exhibition Calendar. This time 13 companies are selected for participation in the subject fair.

Eight Companies will display their products

in Home Textile section, four in Apparel section and one in Fabric section.

ASD – SourceDirect, Las Vegas, NVUSA, 2-5 August 2015 is included in TDAP’s International Exhibition Calendar 2014-2015 by keeping in view the success of last year editions of the subject show.

This time 13 Companies are selected for participation in the subject fair by TDAP.ASD – SourceDirect is the premier wholesale trade show for sourcing professionals around the world. It is the best wholesale showcase of companies producing Fashion Accessories, House wares, Gifts & Toys, Apparel, Affordable Footwear, Holiday and Seasonal merchandise, Souvenirs & Novelties, Consumer Electronics, Bedding & Bath, Health & Beauty products and General Merchandise of all types FIME Show Miami, USA, 5-7 Aug 2015 is a regular event of TDAP’s International Exhibition Calendar. Thirteen companies are selected for participation in the Fime Show, which will display surgical and dental instruments. FIME International Medical Expo is the number one trade shows to visit for disposable medical products, surgical supplies and equipment, Operating room equipment, autoclaves and sterilizers, pharmaceutical products, ophthalmology equipment and more.

PCJCCI seeks proactive role of Pakistan in SCO The biggest hurdle is rejection. Any business you start, be ready for it. The difference between successful people and unsuccessful people is the successful people do all the things the unsuccessful people don’t want to do.

When 10 doors are slammed in your face, go to door number 11 enthusiastically, with a smile on your face.

—John Paul DeJoria

SALIM AHMED LAHORE—Shah Faisal Afridi, President Pak-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, while commenting on full membership of Pakistan in Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), has said that it will enable Pakistan to diversify its foreign policy and play a more effective role in stability of the region. Afridi has the appreciated the government efforts on this achievement and expressed the hope that Pakistan’s permanent status in the SCO would prove to be milestone in achieving the millennium development goals set for Pakistan.

Mr. Afridi urged upon the government to play that being permanent member of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Pakistan should play a proactive role in the formation of an integrated and connected Eurasia. “It’s time to work with the “Shanghai Spirit” he asserted and said that SCO could not be undermined in this complex world order as it covers 60 percent of the total Eurasian landmass and nations having world’s largest en-

ergy resources. Faisal Afridi pointed out that SCO had created a new model of international relations encouraging partnership instead of alliance.

Terming the SCO as “fully in tune with the realities and requirements of the 21st century”, he said that SCO had introduced a new model for future of the international relationships. He mentioned that as this is going to be an Asian Century, “the regional and world powers couldn’t ignore Pakistan in any kind of framework that places a focus on peace and development within the geographical arena of SCO” added Afridi.

While evaluating Pakistan’s quest for full membership, he explained that Pakistan had the requisite credentials — a constructive role in Afghanistan, determination to fight against forces of terrorism, extremism and separatism, a promising and prospective energy and trade corridor for the region, historical and cultural ties with Central Asian Republics, close strategic and economic ties with China, and growing relations with Russia — that supported Pakistan’s claim to full membership of

the SCO. As members of the SCO, Pakistan should have to observe the ‘Shanghai spirit’.

Afridi said that Pakistan is a natural ally of the SCO, ideally located where it can be a source for regional economic integration within and between SCO member states. Chinese assistance in developing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor in Pakistan (CPEC), developing Gwadar Port and Kashgar as a special economic zone, upgrading the Karakorum Highway (KKH) and linking Gwadar with Kashgar and Central Asia via the KKH are steps being taken with the SCO’s efforts to create trans-continental overland connectivity, he added.

Afridi further elaborated that the main goals of the SCO bloc are to strengthen mutual confidence and good-neighborly relations among the member states moreover the bloc seeks cooperation among the states in energy, transportation, tourism, environmental protection as well as joint efforts to maintain and ensure peace, security and stability in the region, added Afridi.

He explicated that the six member states of SCO was covering a territory hosting more than onequarter of the world’s population and the forum was not an alliance directed against any other state or region. “Over the last decade, its activities have expanded to include military cooperation, intelligence sharing and counter terrorism drills in order to combat three evil forces: separatism, extremism and terrorism” added Afridi.

He said that the SCO’s membership would be in Pakistan’s interest. “If Pakistan plays its cards well it would enhance Pakistan’s stature in the diplomatic ranking of the region”. Pakistan’s membership of the SCO would not only provide an opportunity to Pakistan in influencing the regional security architecture to its benefit but it could also be able to acquire an important position in the SCO’s 2015 to 2025 vision. He advised that Pakistan should prepare itself well to avail the openings and opportunities offered by the SCO because the SCO has proven its effectiveness in conflict resolution and the conflict prevention mechanism.

Australia wrong to drop Haddin for third test: Ponting

Sri Lanka bank on new boys Silva, Jayasuria to tackle Pakistan

SYDNEY —Former captain

COLOMBO—Sri Lanka will look to pre- Pakistan.

Ricky Ponting believes Australia were wrong to leave wicketkeeper Brad Haddin out of the team for t h e third Ashes t e s t a n d says they w i l l miss his experience when it starts at Edgebaston later on Wednesday.

Ponting’s successor Michael Clarke confirmed on Tuesday selectors had decided to retain Peter Nevill as gloveman after Haddin missed the second test to be at his sick daughter’s side in hospital. Like many, Ponting believes the 37-year-old may have played his 66th and final test in the defeat to England in Cardiff which opened the series. “Hadds has been the heart and soul of the team since taking over from Adam Gilchrist,” Ponting wrote in a column in The Australian on Wednesday.—AFP

Platini set to run for FIFA presidency P A R I S —UEFA

chief Michel Platini is set to announce in the coming days that he will stand in n e x t y e a r ’s election to r e place Sepp Blatter a s presid e n t o f F I FA .

A source close to the French UEFA president told AFP on Tuesday that “an announcement will be made before the end of the week”, while another source confirmed that Platini has decided to run.

When asked, Platini’s spokesman refused to comment. Outgoing president Blatter announced last week that the election for his successor would be held on February 26, 2016. Platini has positioned himself as one of the most outspoken opponents to Blatter ’s regime, and publicly called for him to stand down after seven FIFA Executive Committee members were arrested on corruption allegations in raids in Switzerland prior to May’s election. —AFP

Chelsea sell Filipe Luis back to Atletico MADRID—Brazilian winger Filipe Luis is returning to Atletico Madrid just a y e a r after t h e y s o l d him to Chelsea, t h e clubs s a i d Tuesday. Atletico sold the long-haired 29-yearold to the London side for a reported 15.8 million pounds (22 million euros, $25 million) a year ago after they won the Spanish league in the 2013-2014 season. Now the Brazil international has signed up to return to Atletico for four seasons, the club said in a statement. British media reported that Atletico paid about 15 million euros to buy him back.—AFP

vent a clean sweep by Pakistan on the current tour when they clash in two Twenty20 Internationals in Colombo on Thursday and Saturday.

Pakistan won the preceding Test series 2-1 and also clinched the onedayers 3-2 to earn a double triumph in the island nation for the first time since 2006.

But Sri Lanka, the reigning World T20 champions and the top-ranked side in the shortest format, get a chance to salvage pride in the two endof-tour games at the Premadasa sta-

dium.

Both sides wear a fresh look under new captains, with sling-arm fast bowler Lasith Malinga leading Sri Lanka and veteran Shahid Afridi taking over at the helm for fifth-ranked

While Malinga has retired from Test cricket and played in four of the five one-dayers, Afridi has quit the other two formats and will make his first appearance on the tour.

With the next World T20 in India just eight months away, both sides have blooded new players to give them experience in the nuances of T20 cricket.

Sri Lanka’s 15-man squad includes five uncapped players in batsmen Shehan Jayasuriya, Dasun Shanaka and Dhananjaya de Silva, fast bowler Binura Fernando and leg-spinner Jef-

frey Vandersay.

Test and one-day regulars Dinesh Chandimal and Lahiru Thirimanne have been omitted, but seasoned seamer Nuwan Kulasekara has been

recalled after being ignored for the one-day series.

“We need to get the younger brigade in the stream so that we have a gradual transition leading up to the next World T20 and the 50-over World Cup beyond that,” Sri Lanka’s chief selector Kapila Wijegunawardene was quoted as saying in local media.

“We need to put them on the ground and see how they perform.”

Afridi is one of five players set to contest the T20 series who did not feature for Pakistan in either the Test or one-day matches.

Left-arm fast bowler Wahab Riaz, sidelined with a fractured hand since the second Test, will be replaced by another left-arm quick Zia-ul-Haq. Leg-spinner Yasir Shah, who picked up 24 wickets in the three Tests, returns to the Twenty20 fold after four years, while 33-year-old fast bowler Mohammad Irfan has also been picked.

Sri Lanka: Lasith Malinga (capt), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kusal Perera, Kithruwan Vithanage, Dhananjaya de Silva, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Chamara Kapugedera, Shehan Jayasuriya, Thisara Perera, Jeffrey Vandersay, Nuwan Kulasekara, Binura Fernando, Chaturanga de Silva, Milinda Siriwardana.

Pakistan: Shahid Afridi (capt), Ahmed Shehzad, Nauman Anwar, Mohammad Hafeez, Mukhtar Ahmed, Umar Akmal, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Rizwan, Sarfraz Ahmed, Yasir Shah, Sohail Tanvir, Imad Wasim, Anwar Ali, Mohammad Irfan, Zia-ulHaq.—AFP

3rd Investec Ashes Test

Anderson takes six as Australia make 136 EDGBASTON—Hackneyed though the it along the ground to score 52, but had and Clarke bowled by a fullish ball for 10, phrase is, this truly was a good toss to lose for Alastair Cook. There was grass on the pitch and cloud overhead when the coin was flipped, but neither captain was prepared to send the other in to bat.

However, Michael Clarke’s desire to play from the front led to Australia being skittled for 136 on the first day at Edgbaston, where James Anderson led a magnificent display of swing and seam bowling that made full use of the conditions.Anderson claimed 6 for 47, the fourth-best figures of his Test career, as England ran through Australia using only three bowlers. In his first Test for more than two years, Steven Finn collected two important wickets in the opening session, and Stuart Broad chipped in with two later in the innings.

The next challenge for Cook and his men was to limit the damage Australia’s bowlers might cause. Rain brought an early tea, by which time England’s openers had survived a tricky 3.5 overs to reach 7 for 0, with Cook on 6 and Adam Lyth on 1. Australia were left hoping the weather cleared to allow them more time with the ball on a day that suited the fast bowlers.

There were shades of Boxing Day 2010 about proceedings. On that occasion, Anderson picked up four wickets as Australia were rolled for 98. But they had been sent in. In Birmingham, Clarke backed his batsmen, and the move backfired. Chris Rogers was the only man who seemed capable of handling the conditions. He played the ball late and punched

no support of note.

It was always going to be a challenging morning for the batsmen and Australia posted 72 for 3 in a rain-affected first session. England had caused them problems, but it was a platform from which Clarke’s men might have hoped to build a semi-respectable total. But like an overindulgent uncle on Christmas Day, the Australians suffered a post-lunch slump from which they could not be roused.

Cannabis lamps had been used to prepare the pitch, which fittingly had plenty of grass and left the Australians in a haze. Their remaining seven wickets fell for 64 runs in the second session as Anderson ran through the middle order.

England’s bowling was masterful, the ball swinging and seaming just enough to flick edges and cause doubt in the minds of the batsmen.

They literally did not know how to leave well enough alone. Adam Voges (16) and Mitchell Starc (11) were both caught behind toe-edging when they decided too late to leave a swinging delivery. Clarke had been lucky to survive a similar shot that ran away for four. Peter Nevill shouldered arms to an Anderson pearler that moved in instead of out, and clattered the top of off stump.

Anderson started the procession when he straightened one just enough to have David Warner lbw for 2 in the third over, a futile review from Warner notwithstanding. Finn then showed why he earned a recall when he had the inform Steven Smith caught at slip for 7

both to deliveries that moved away slightly.

Rogers shuffled around and bunted runs here and there, a few classy drives through the off side among his highlights.

But once Voges fell shortly after the lunch break, nobody threatened to stick with Rogers for any length of time. Anderson enticed Mitchell Marsh into an expansive drive wide of off, which led to an edge behind for a duck, and Mitchell Johnson gave Anderson his fifth when he edged to fourth slip.—AFP

Australia 1st innings: Rogers lbw b Broad .................... 52 Warner lbw b Anderson ............... 2 Smith c Cook b Finn ..................... 7 Clarke b Finn ................................ 10 Voges c Buttler b Anderson ...... 16 Marsh c Buttler b Anderson ....... 0 Nevill b Anderson ......................... 2 Johnson c Stokes b Anderson .... 3 Starc c Buttler b Broad ............... 11 Hazlewood not out ..................... 14 Lyon b Anderson ........................ 11 Extras: (lb 7, nb 1) .......................... 8 Total: (all out) ............................ 136 Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-18, 3-34, 4-77, 5-82, 6-86, 7-94, 8-110, 9-119, 10-136 Bowling: ......................... O-M-R-W Anderson ...................... 14.4-2-47-6 Broad ................................ 12-2-44-2 Finn ................................... 10-1-38-2

Pakistan likely to visit Zimbabwe in last week of September L A H O R E —Pakistan cricket team is likely to visit Zimbabwe for a limitedovers series in the last week of September after plans for a tri-series involving the West Indies were scrapped, a Pakistan Cricket B o a r d (PCB) official said Wednesday.

“Pakistan will play two Tw e n t y 2 0 internationals in Zimbabwe in September before playing three one-day internationals in October,” said a PCB official.

Earlier, the PCB and the Zimbabwe Cricket Board (ZCB) with mutual understanding had decided to postpone the series as the ZCB was facing difficulties regarding sponsors and broadcasting rights.

The tour comes after Pakistan hosted Zimbabwe in May and June, the

first visit to the country by a Test-playing team in six years.

The Africans’ tour was hailed as a breakthrough moment for the revival of internat i o n a l cricket in Pakistan, which was s u s pended after militants attacked the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009.

It is widely believed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wanted to avoid playing the West Indies to ensure they remained in the world’s top eight teams before the September 30 cut-off for qualification for the 2017 Champions Trophy in England.

Pakistan had moved to eighth place from ninth after beating Sri Lanka 3-2 in a series that ended last week, but risked dropping back down to ninth had they lost to either team–AFP

Bangladesh confident of upset win against SAfrica D HAKA —Asian minnows Bangladesh are nied his team was under pressure to reconfident of pulling off an upset victory against world number one South Africa in the deciding cricket Test starting on Thursday, captain Mushfiqur Rahim said.

Speaking to reporters in Dhaka on Wednesday, Rahim said his players dominated the last Test against the Proteas in Chittagong before rain forced a draw.

“It is an opportunity against the world’s number one team and (to) put them under pressure,” Rahim said.

“We almost dominated them in every sessions of the last match and we have the capability to pick up 20 wickets.”

“But it’s not that we can win in one day, so we need to be consistent and that is a big challenge,” he cautioned.

Bangladesh have a poor record in Test cricket, but they are riding high after posting their highest ever total against South Africa of 326 in the first Test. Bangladesh also clinched 2-1 the preceding one-day international series against the Proteas.

South Africa captain Hashim Amla de-

store pride despite being unbeaten in a Test series on the subcontinent since 2006.

“Certainly we are here to win. We started well in the last Test match’s first two sessions. It was a kind of a drifter in the two days after that,” Amla told reporters.

“But this Test match everybody is excited. We managed to get a few training sessions although there was rain around.

“And thankfully the weather looks very good at the moment. Hopefully if we get a full five days, then it’s about us trying to do as well as we can.”

Amla said South Africa was unlikely to add another pacer to their lineup.

South Africa fielded with three pacers—Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander—during the match in Chittagong.

Steyn needs just one more wicket to join a select group of bowlers to claim 400 Test scalps.—AFP

Mexico fire coach Herrera after alleged punching incident M EXICO C ITY —Mexico coach Miguel Herrera was fired on Tuesday, a day after he allegedly punched a reporter who had criticized his team’s Copa America and Gold Cup performance.

Christian Martinoli, a sports journalist for Mexico’s TV Azteca, said on Monday that Herrera threatened him and hit him in the neck at the Philadelphia airport as the Mexican team were heading home after winning the CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament.

“Of what Miguel and I discussed, the only thing I can say is that it was very tough for Miguel,” Decio de Maria, president of the Mexican Football Federation (FMF), told a news conference as he a nnounced Herrera’s departure.

De Maria said Herrera said he was sorry about the airport incident and would not repeat it. But he added, speaking on local radio: “You can’t respond to aggression with aggression.”

The journalist, Martinoli, had strongly

criticized Herrera during the team’s group stage exit from the Copa America.—AFP

Clive Rice didn’t want CSA to attend his funeral Bipin Dani OBSERVER CORRESPONDENT

EDGBASTON: Peter Nevill shouldered arms to be bowled by a rampant James Anderson during England vs Australia, 3rd Test’s 1st day on Wednesday.

DUBAI—In the memory of Clive Rice, the former South Africa all-rounder, who passed away on Tuesday, Hashim Amla’s men will be wearing a black armband before the commencement of the second Test match against Bangladesh on Thursday.

This was revealed by Michael OwenSmith, the Cricket South Africa (CSA) spokesman.

Speaking from Johannesburg, he said, “the team will be wearing black armbands as a mark of respect”.

Earlier, the team manager, Ms. Lerato Malekutu, speaking exclusively from Dhaka, said, “we will be wearing black armbands. No players will be returning back to SA (for the funeral)”.

Interestingly, Clive Rice didn’t want the board members to remain present in

his funeral.

In February 2013, when CSA refused to honour two deceased players (because Peter van der Merwe and Neil Adcock played in apartheid-era) with a minute’s silence, former players including Graeme Pollock had launched a scathing attack on the national cricket board and Clive Rice even asked his national cricket board to stay away from his funeral in future.

However, CSA did release the condolence message and paid tribute to their first captain. CSA flew the flag at its offices in Johannesburg at half-mast in tribute. The surgeon was not aware about his recent hospitalization in South Africa.

Dr. P. S. Sridhar, who treated Rice for his brain tumor in India this year was socked to hear the sad news. “How come he died”, he asked when the news was broken to him.

FDA approves new drug for treatment of type 2 diabetes

T

HE US Food and Drug and Administra tion has announced the approval of a drug called Farxiga (dapaglifozin) to help treat adults with type 2 diabetes. The tablets, in combination with diet and exercise, are said to improve control of blood sugar levels. According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 25.8 million people in the US have diabetes. Type 2 diabetes accounts for around 90% of these cases.

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by high blood glucose (hyperglycemia). This is a result of the body being unable to produce enough insulin, or not being able to use the insulin properly (insulin resistance). High blood sugar levels can lead to serious shortterm and long-term health issues, such as nerve and kidney damage, blindness and heart disease.

Farxiga, a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2), works by preventing the kidney from reabsorbing glucose. This increases the excretion of glucose and reduces blood sugar levels. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 16 clinical trials involving more than 9,400 patients with type 2 diabetes assessed the safety and effectiveness of the drug.

These trials demonstrated that Farxiga was able to improve HbA1c (hemoglobin A1c or glycosylated hemoglobin) levels - a measure of blood glucose control - in type 2 diabetic patients. Commenting on the drug approval, Dr. Curtis Rosebraugh, director of the Office

of Drug Evaluation II at the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, says: “Controlling blood sugar levels is very important in the overall treatment and care of diabetes, and Farxiga provides an additional treatment option for millions of Americans with type 2 diabetes.” The FDA says as well as being assessed as a stand-alone therapy, the drug has also been tested in combination with other treatments for type 2 diabetes, including insulin, pioglitazone, metformin, glimepiride, and sitagliptin.

Clinical trials have found that Farxiga is not suitable for individuals with type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis (increased ketones in the urine or blood), patients with moderate or severe kidney deterioration, end-stage kidney disease, or patients receiving dialysis. A drug called Farxiga has been FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The drug, in combination with diet and exercise, can help patients control blood glucose levels.

Furthermore, clinical trials revealed that among users of Farxiga, there were an increased number of bladder cancers diagnosed.

Therefore, the FDA recommends that patients with bladder cancer do not use the drug, and that patients with a history of the disease should consult their physician prior to using it. Dehydration was found to be a side effect of the drug. The FDA notes that elderly patients with impaired kidney function and patients using diuretics seemed to be more susceptible to this.

People gather near the rubble of a five storey building which collapsed in Kharadar Area.—Online

Customs seize liquor, beer worth Rs 25m KARACHI —Collectorate of Customs (Preventive), Karachi has foiled an attempt to smuggle 9216 bottles of top brands liquor and 6270 cans of beer into the country worth Rs 25 million.

Briefing the media here on Wednesday, Collector Customs Syed Muhammad Tariq said that the liquor was being smuggled through transhipment consignment destined for Peshawar.

In import documents the consignment was declared as beverages by its importer identified as Asif Bilal, he said. The suspected container, imported from Dubai was examined by the Customs staff at Karachi port. Further investigation is in progress.—APP

Free Hepatitis screening camp KARACHI—As part of the observance of the World Hepatitis Day, the Patel Hospital arranged a free Hepatitis B and Rescue worker busy in rescue operation after building collapsed.—INP C screening camp at its premises here in collaboration with The Health Foundation.

The organizers said in a statement on Wednesday that the main aim of the annual campaign was not only to raise awareness among the general public but also to promote improved access to hepatitis sertaken stern notice of the closure of Chakor STAFF REPORTER vices particularly for prevennullah due to the extension work of a resi- tion and interventions.—APP KARACHI—Commissioner Karachi Shoaib dential scheme near Pehalwan Goth, issued Ahmed Siddiqui, who also held the additional directive for immediate stop of work and said charge of Karachi Metropolitan Corporation that the closure of Chakor nullah would cre(KMC), said that district municipal corporations ate flood like situation in the city and the ar(DMC) would arrange for cleaning of all the eas of Pehalwan Goth, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, drains located in their remit whereas KMC Scheme-36, Bhitai Colony and other adjoinwould besides doing monitoring also provide ing areas of Karachi Airport would affect necessary machinery, vehicles and manpower more in such a condition.

It was decided in the meeting that a comfor drain cleaning work.

This he said while presiding over a meeting mittee comprising of director general technical at the Civic Centre Wednesday. The Commis- services, senior director land & anti-encroachsioner-cum-Administrator said that in this re- ments Bilal Manzar and Chief Engineer Ibrahim gard, a grade-17 officer of KMC will be deputed Baloch will conduct a survey of the area and along with staff and required machinery on each submit its report.

The meeting was held in the committee storm water drain and the drain cleaning proroom of Civic Centre night which was attended cess will continue throughout the year.

Civil Aviation Authority will instead of put- by the Metropolitan Commissioner Samiuddin ting rain water from CAA to Shahra-e Faisal Siddiqui and departmental heads of KMC, all arrange for its drainage through Moria Khan district deputy commissioners and administranullah. All civic bodies will join hands for pro- tors, officers of Civil Aviation Authority, SITE Limited, K-Electric, KWSB and representatives viding convenience o citizens.

Earlier the Commissioner Karachi after of other civic organizations.

KMC decides regular monitoring of drain cleaning work

Dilapidated building collapses, city escapes human tragedy IRFAN ALIGI KARACHI—Karachi escaped a big tragedy Wednesday when a highly dilapidated old building collapsed in city’s old area.

The building was vacant as the dwellers had already shifted to a safer location immediately after the city started receiving heavy downpour.

This was a perfect scene of helplessness of the Provincial government, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) to ensure evacuation of the dwellers of more than 280 extremely dilapidated buildings that were declared extremely dangerous since past 10 years.

This was not the first case of building collapse as a couple of such extremely dangerous buildings had also been down to ground in past few years. The building that collapsed had five floors and averagely there were 10 members of a family, who lived in that building.

The parts of the fateful building had started collapsing in the wee hours on Wednesday and the dwellers had after no-

ticing the scene of the collapse minute by minute vacated the building. Thus they all were removed and escaped any major tragedy. The Karachi Commissioner also possessing the additional charge of KMC administrator had a few days ago asked the SBCA to take immediate steps for the safety of the dwellers and get the building vacated but to no avail.

The rescue operation was started by the KMC after 5 hours of the collapse of the building. Meanwhile, Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Shah said the SBCA had issued notices to the dwellers of 90 such dilapidated buildings and had appealed to the dwellers to immediately vacate their buildings.

However, it was not possible for the residents of those buildings declared dangerous to make a shift as it would involve huge money, which was perhaps not affordable. The Provincial government, KMC and the SBCA did not offer any relief to the thousands of the dilapidated buildings dwellers in terms of temporary or permanent settlements and ready cash to met their expenses.

The Commissioner/Administrator Karachi on this occasion expressed acute annoyance on the carelessness of officers and warned that the time has gone to making excuses and now this is time for work.

The Chief Minister and the minister for Local Government have given clear instructions about this that there must be no neglect in performing their duty.

The officers will have to face strict action on failure of comply with the orders and in such case they will have to lose their post also. He also directed municipal services department to carry out fullfledged fumigation campaign in the city and work out daily schedule of drain cleaning and spray work. He said a monitoring committee has been setup for this purpose which would analyse all this to see if the work going on or not.

He also directed that strict action should be taken against encroachments and arrest all those involved in the new constructions on storm water drains. Administrator Karachi also said that henceforth the concerned chief engineer would issue a proper certificate of the cleaning of storm water drain.

PPP appeals CJP for suo motto on heatwave, electrocution related deaths STAFF REPORTER K ARACHI — Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Karachi Division President Syed Najmi Alam, Sardar Khan, Izhar Ul Haq Hassanzai, Lateef Mughal and Manzoor Abbas demanded the federal government to charge sheet the Karachi Electric over loss of more than 1300 lives in past months owing to heat wave and suffocation that had prevailed indoors as the Karachi Electric had deliberately caused the city to sink into blackouts.

They said it was very unfortunate that

the federal government had not yet taken any measures for the redressal of more than 1300 affected families for which the PMLN’s federal government was also equally responsible as it had 26 percent shares in the Karachi Electric with three incumbent Directors.

They deplored the federal government’s frigid attitude on loss of lives of citizens in such a great numbers but the federal government had even avoided any action against the Karachi Electric.

They also appealed to the Chief Justice of Pakistan to take Suo Motto notice

over more than 1300 deaths in just one day so that the people’s trust and confidence on the supremacy of law might be protected. They demanded the federal government to take immediate steps for the assistance of the affected families and release compensation funds to them.

They also demanded the federal government should initiate multi-faceted enquiry into Karachi Electric as the later had still not taken any measures for the safety of the people due to which more than 10 citizens had been electrocuted during rains from dropped live electric lines.

DHA establishes rain emergency centre STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—DHA has established a Rain Emergency Centre at DHA Head Office which will work round the clock to facilitate the residents in getting their complaints/problems promptly redressed during the impending rain emergency. This has been done in view of the tropical monsoon rains in Karachi which is likely to become critical in the next few days.

Cantonment Board Clifton (CBC) is responsibility for undertaking dewatering and relief operations of rain affected areas of DHA Phase-I to Phase-VII while the responsibility of the same for Phase-

VII Extn and Phase-VIII falls under the purview of DHA. A dedicated Rain Emergency Centre has also been established under DHA Phase-VIII Development Directorate to cater for the rain emergencies in the area.

DHA, in case of need, will fully support and augment CBC in the dewatering and rain emergency relief operations for which requisite resources have been earmarked and kept as reserved. For disaster management operations, DHA has earmarked three locations (DHA Schools) where relief camps will be established while enhanced security/traffic management arrangements and provision of medi-

cal cover has also been planned for the eventuality. All hoardings boards in DHA are also being removed as a precautionary measure to avoid any accidents in case of thunderstorm and heavy rains.

Mr Mujahid Zaman is the Incharge of DHA Rain Emergency Centre who can be contacted on mobile no. 03008269157. The residents can also register their rain emergency complaints on tel nos. 99266877, 99266888, 99266845, 99266844 and 111-589-589 (Extn 2073, 2197). The complaints at DHA PhaseVIII Rain Emergency Centre can be lodged at Tel No. 35345652 and 35345464.

Relatives of 13 friends stage a demonstration at Perfume Chowk as they demanded recovery of the friends who went missing while they were on their way to Hyderabad from Karachi.—Online

FDA approves new drug for treatment of type 2 diabetes

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HE US Food and Drug and Administra tion has announced the approval of a drug called Farxiga (dapaglifozin) to help treat adults with type 2 diabetes. The tablets, in combination with diet and exercise, are said to improve control of blood sugar levels. According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 25.8 million people in the US have diabetes. Type 2 diabetes accounts for around 90% of these cases.

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by high blood glucose (hyperglycemia). This is a result of the body being unable to produce enough insulin, or not being able to use the insulin properly (insulin resistance). High blood sugar levels can lead to serious shortterm and long-term health issues, such as nerve and kidney damage, blindness and heart disease.

Farxiga, a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2), works by preventing the kidney from reabsorbing glucose. This increases the excretion of glucose and reduces blood sugar levels. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 16 clinical trials involving more than 9,400 patients with type 2 diabetes assessed the safety and effectiveness of the drug.

These trials demonstrated that Farxiga was able to improve HbA1c (hemoglobin A1c or glycosylated hemoglobin) levels - a measure of blood glucose control - in type 2 diabetic patients. Commenting on the drug approval, Dr. Curtis Rosebraugh, director of the Office

of Drug Evaluation II at the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, says: “Controlling blood sugar levels is very important in the overall treatment and care of diabetes, and Farxiga provides an additional treatment option for millions of Americans with type 2 diabetes.” The FDA says as well as being assessed as a stand-alone therapy, the drug has also been tested in combination with other treatments for type 2 diabetes, including insulin, pioglitazone, metformin, glimepiride, and sitagliptin.

Clinical trials have found that Farxiga is not suitable for individuals with type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis (increased ketones in the urine or blood), patients with moderate or severe kidney deterioration, end-stage kidney disease, or patients receiving dialysis. A drug called Farxiga has been FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The drug, in combination with diet and exercise, can help patients control blood glucose levels.

Furthermore, clinical trials revealed that among users of Farxiga, there were an increased number of bladder cancers diagnosed.

Therefore, the FDA recommends that patients with bladder cancer do not use the drug, and that patients with a history of the disease should consult their physician prior to using it. Dehydration was found to be a side effect of the drug. The FDA notes that elderly patients with impaired kidney function and patients using diuretics seemed to be more susceptible to this.

A beautiful view of the clouds hovering over Jahangir’s Tomb in provincial capital.—Online

144 relief camps established in flood hit areas: PDMA STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—The spokesman of PDMA Punjab has said that 144 relief camps have been established in the flood affected areas of the province of Punjab where 7665 affectees are given refuge while 96480 marooned people have been evacuated till now from the inundated areas by the administration. The rescue operation has been conducted through 232 boats and the affectees are being provided with the necessary medical facilities and cooked meal on regular basis.

Five terrorists apprehended STAFF REPORTER

Federal Health Minister Saira Afzal Tarar sharing stage with Senator Ayesha Raza, Dr Rana Safdar Mehmood and others during a planning workshop on polio eradication.—DNA

Anti-dengue day to be observed today to promote awareness STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—On the instructions of Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, Anti-Dengue Day is being observed today (July 30) and all government institutions and hospitals will arrange seminars and walks for creating awareness among the people about dengue.

Banners promoting awareness regarding preventive measures against dengue will be displayed at public places.

Advisor on Health to Chief Minister Khawaja Salman Rafiq has said that instructions have already been issued to government departments for observing Anti-Dengue Day. He said that officers of District Government and DCOs have been directed to observe Anti-Dengue Day enthusiastically.

LAHORE—In a major breakthrough, police and intelligence agencies thwarted a possible terror attempt in Lahore by arresting five alleged terrorists in a pre-dawn raid on a hideout in Shadra here on Wednesday.

On a tip off, security personnel raided the area and nabbed Hafiz Imran and Hafiz Usman along with their three accomplices and shifted them to undisclosed place for interrogation. According to sources, all the detainees have contacts with outlawed outfit.

Removal of junk from roofs of houses is essential during rainy season so as to check the breeding of dengue larvae in stagnant water.

He said that vigorous public participation in the efforts against dengue is essential for coping with this menace.

He said that the purpose of observing AntiDengue Day at provincial level is to ensure participation of general public in the drive against dengue.

He further said that all departments have been directed to submit report regarding AntiDengue Day activities till August 05.

He further said that Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif will directly monitor the activities of government departments and institutions with regard to Anti-Dengue Day.

Giving details regarding the rescue activities, the spokesman said, 68750 food hampers of 20 kg each, 72000 mineral water bottles and 15500 mosquito nets have also been provided to the affectees while 40480 flood affectees have been provided with the cooked meal. 25370 persons have been given medical aid in 100 medical camps established in the inundated areas.

The cattle in the areas are also being vaccinated. So far 585197 numbers of cattle are vaccinated and 338200kg Vanda has been distributed to the owners of the cattle. 16800 tents, 1100 life-

jackets and 100 life-rings have been supplied to the flood affected districts according to the specific demands, the spokesman added.

Provincial Parliamentary Secretary on Home Department Mehar Ejaz Ahmad Achlana has said that construction work of 3km long protective band with a cost of Rs. 46 lac has been started to protect Jamman Shah city, district Layyah on the special directive of the Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif.

The Chief Minister had directed to start immediate construction of this band during his visit to the area yester-

day. The construction work of this band will be completed within 15 days which will help protect more than 3 lac people residing in Jamman Shah city and the adjoining villages from the danger of flood in Lala Creak Nullah, the parliamentary secretary added. Spokesman of the District Administration Layyah has said that cooked meal and other amenities are being provided to the flood affectees in all the relief camps established in Layyah district and any protest in this regard has ended. The administration will continue to improve the delivery system in this connection.

PES provides emergency service to 512 victims LAHORE—The Punjab Emergency Service (PES), Rescue 1122, has provided emergency services to 512 victims of 603 accidents in the province during the last 24 hours. As many as 140 accidents were reported in Lahore with 149 victims, 55 in Faisalabad with 68 injured and 43 in Gujranwala with 48 victims.

According to the data, 495 motorbikes, 73 auto rickshaws, 71 motorcars, 34 vans, 7 passenger buses, 28 trucks and 58 other types of auto vehicles and slow moving carts were involved in aforesaid road accidents. Rescue 1122 staffers shifted all the injured to different hospitals of the province.—APP

Govt planning to make amendments in health policy LAHORE—Minister for National Health Services Saira Afzal Tarar on Wednesday said the government was planning to make amendments in health policy to meet challenges faced by the country.

She was talking to media after concluding session of three-day National Emergency Action Plan for Polio Eradication Work Planning Workshop held here at a local hotel.

She said that polio was not a health issue but it was only due to insecurity and inaccessibility issues. She assured that a timeline to eradicate polio virus from the country would be given in 2016.—APP

Efforts underway to bolster agriculture sector LAHORE—Agriculture Minister Punjab Dr Farrukh Javed said the government is taking every possible step to bolster agriculture sector while a subsidy of Rs 16 billion for this vitally important sector is being disbursed among genuine stake holders.

“We are striving to educate the farming community as research will be useless if it does not reach the real farmers,” he added.

Talking to a group of growers and harvesters in his office on Wednesday, he called for taking advantage of latest research in

the field of agriculture to earn a place for Pakistani products in the international market and competing with other global players. He said the provincial government is striving to provide latest research at the door steps of the growers.—APP

UVAS revises scheme of study for Livestock Assistant Diploma MUZAFFAR ALI LAHORE—University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Lahore ViceChancellor Prof Dr Talata Naseer Pasha has stressed on the need for making university diploma courses fieldoriented with focus on “learning by doing”.

He said this Wednesday while chairing a meeting arranged by the UVAS’s Institute of Continue Education and Extension (ICE&E) to revise the scheme of study of the two-year Livestock Assistant Diploma according

to modern-day market needs. He directed that the courses/curriculum of the diploma should be more of practical and the students must be trained on efficient and quality service delivery to the farming community on their doorsteps.

He said that courses should be updated keeping in view the market needs with focus on corporate dairy farming, mechanization, vaccination, vaccine handling, etc. He said that the university has made no increase in students’ fee keeping in view their financial hardships.

The meeting participants held an open discussion on the existing scheme of study of the diploma course and made various suggestions. Some new courses were added while some of the existing courses practical were given more weight, reducing the theory portion.

Director ICE&E Prof Dr Muhammad Abdullah, Dean Prof Dr Khushi Muhammad, Prof Dr Aneela Zameer Durrani, Dr Tayyab Muneer, Prof Dr Sher Muhammad, Prof Dr Mian Abdus Sattar and officials from the L&DD Department Punjab and private organizations attended the meeting.

Lady Health Workers hold a protest demonstration in support of their demands at Azadi Terminal.—DNA