The Frontier Post E-Paper 1 May, 2015

FRIDAY, may 1, 2015

A POST OF HOPE SPORTS Afridi to retire after World T20 next year

NATIONAL NA speaker pledges to protect labourers’ rights

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Vol.XXX No. 296

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FATA/BALOCHISTAN CSSP, REAT pay tribute to activist PAGE B4 Sabeen Mahmud

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Lahore Edition

‘Development meaningless until workers empowered’

ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hus-

sain has said that all claims of development remain meaningless until the vulnerable working class is emancipated and empowered.

In his message on the Labour Day, the president said a contended and satisfied labour force was central to the production cycle and national development.

Mamnoon said the Labour Day on the first day of May every year symbolised the sanctity and dignity of labour. “While this day reminds of the Chicago martyrs and their struggle against oppression, it also provides an opportunity to renew commitment for ensuring the rights of workers for decent, safe and healthy work environment,” he maintained.

The president said the welfare of labour was on the government’s priority. He expressed satisfaction over the number of practical steps taken over the last few years for improving the

condition of the workers, including reinstatement of sacked employees, regularisation of contract and daily wage earners, empowerment of workers to seek legal remedies against any unlawful dismissals, restoration of trade union activities, increase in minimum pension, promulgation of the In-

Peaceful solution to Yemen problem top priority: Fazl

MULTAN: Peaceful solution to the

Yemen issue was Pakistan’s top priority, Maulana Fazlur Rahman said here on Thursday.

Talking to journalists at Jamia Qasimul Uloom, the head of his own faction of the Jamiat Ulema Islam said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoyed strong friendly ties.

“Pakistan should stand by Saudi Arabia in these testing times,” said Fazl, adding Muslims all over the world attach great importance to Harmain Sharifain and its security.

Fazal criticised the atrocities being committed by Indian forces in Held Kashmir. “India is trying to incite sectarianism among Muslims in the valley to overshadow their peaceful struggle for right to self-determination under UN resolutions,” he maintained. The JUI (F) head said India should stop worrying about the recent agreements between China and Pakistan, adding that these will open up new avenues of economic development in the region.

When asked about the demand for new provinces by certain quarters, he said: “First, we need to brainstorm if Pakistan could afford new provinces at this critical juncture.” Fazl said religious circles

had always advocated national unity while certain political parties had always wanted new provinces.

Fazl said the devastation caused by the recent storms in Peshawar had exposed the ineffectiveness of the provincial government. He further said the PTI was not an ideological party and its leaders had a habit of changing their stance.

Fazl claimed that the JUI was not linked with extortion and target killings in Karachi. He underlined the need for peace in the city, adding it is the economic hub of the country. —FP Monitoring

dustrial Relations Act 2012, and making workers and employees shareholders in the state-run entities.

The president said the struggle for workers’ rights was far from over and there was still a long way to go in addressing the issues relating to exploitation of workers, child and forced labour, and representation of workers in legislative assemblies.

He said as a result of the 18th Constitutional Amendment, the subject of labour had been devolved to the provinces. He expressed confidence that the provinces were aware of their responsibilities for putting in place appropriate legislative and administrative mechanisms to ensure protection of workers’ rights.

The president called upon the workers to continue working hard for the progress, prosperity and socio-economic develop- saNKHU: a woman carrying her child walks past destructed houses on Thursday in sankhu, on the outskirts of Kathmandu. The death toll from a powerful earthquake in Nepal climbed to 5,844. —Xinhua ment of the country. —FP Monitoring

Petroleum prices unchanged in May, says Dar ISLAMABAD: The government has decided not to change the prices of petroleum products for the month of May, Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar said here on Thursday.

Addressing a press briefing, Dar said after making adjustments in sales tax and petroleum levy, the prices of the products would remain unchanged for May. He said due to change in prices of petroleum products in the international market, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) had recommended to increase the price of high octane by Rs 9.43 per liter, kerosene oil by Rs 2.11 and light diesel oil by Rs 3.38 per liter.

Similarly, OGRA had recommended reducing the price of petrol by Rs 1.00 to Rs 73.29 and that of high speed diesel by Rs 1.06 to Rs 82.55 per liter. However, under the special directives of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the government decided not to change the prices. —FP Monitoring

PM’s Delivery Unit to work on CPEC

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday announced setting up of a special unit for effective implementation of projects along the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The unit, which started functioning from Thursday, will be called the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit (PMDU). The Prime Minister was given a presentation by the PMDU team members, led by Spokesman Musaddiq Malik, here at the PM House. A statement from the PM House said the unit had been set up to bring about a paradigm shift in the standard of governance and for ensuring timely implementation of key development projects.

“For the first time in the country’s history, a special unit has been created in the Prime Minister’s Office, comprising top flight professionals from the private sector, initially to support concerned minIslamabad: China's ambassador to Pakistan, sun Weidong handing istries in removing any bottlenecks in efover a letter of President Xi Jinping to Prime minister Nawaz sharif at Pm fective implementation of energy projects House on Thursday. —dNa and the CPEC.” —FP Monitoring

PM calls Modi, lauds India’s rescue effort in Nepal

Nawaz offers assistance to earthquake-hit India

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz

Sharif spoke to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Thursday and offered assistance to the earthquakehit people in India, officials said.

Indian officials said more than 50 people were killed in the Indian states of Bihar, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh in earthquake this week. Hundreds more were injured and missing.

“Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif called his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi today to offer condolences and sympathies over the loss of precious lives and devastation caused by the earthquake that hit India on 25 April 2015,” the Foreign Ministry said.

“While sympathising with the government and bereaved families of the victims, the prime minister said Pakistan and its people express support and solidarity with the government and the people of India and

are ready to extend every possible assistance that may be needed,” a Foreign Ministry statement said.

The prime minister reiterated what he had said during last year’s floods on both sides of the Line of Control that natural disasters of this nature highlighted the importance of a joint regional approach for their effective management.

In a series of tweets posted on his official Twitter account on Thursday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif after the latter called him and appreciated India’s efforts in the rescue operations in quake-hit Nepal. Modi said Nawaz had also expressed condolences for those who had lost their lives in the earthquake that also hit various parts of India.

Modi’s tweets come barely a day after an interview quoted Nawaz as saying that

Sherpao survives suicide attack, constable killed

PESHAWAR: Former Interior Minister and Chairman Qumi Watan Party (QWP) Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao survived a suicide attempt on Thursday evening as the police killed the bomber before he could hit his convoy in Charsadda district.

A police official in Charsadda said Sherpao was leaving the venue of the public meeting in Umerzai village when the bomber came in front of his vehicle, only to be shot dead by the police escorting the convoy. A police constable was also martyred in the firing.

Sherpao was on his way back after addressing a public meeting in connection with the death anniversary of slain QWP MPA Alamzeb Umerzai. Sherapao and his entourage remained safe in the attack.

This is the third suicide attempt on the former interior minister. More than 100 people were killed in the earlier attacks.

Sherpao’s son Sikandar Sherpao and a QWP MPA from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were also part of the caravan. According to Charsadda DPO Shafiullah, the attacker first fired at Sherpao’s convoy and when his guards fired back, he blew himself up.

Shafiullah informed that the blast killed one policeman and the death toll may rise.

“The suicide bomber was 22 to 23 years old,” he added. —FP Monitoring

Police quashes FIR against ex-CIA chief UMAR HASHMI ISLAMABAD: Acting on the orders of the

Islamabad High Court (IHC), the police on Thursday dismissed an FIR registered against former CIA station chief Jonathan Banks and his legal adviser John A Rizzo concerning death of two tribesmen in a drone strike.

“The drone strike did not take place in the jurisdiction of Islamabad Police, thus an FIR cannot be registered here.

The court orders have been sent to the

FATA Secretariat,” a police spokesperson told “The Frontier Post”.

The case against Banks and John was registered at Islamabad’s Secretariat Police Station on the orders of the IHC on Wednesday night. However, in a surprising turn of events, the IHC dismissed the case and transferred it to the Fata Secretariat on Thursday, on the grounds that it was registered in a police station in Islamabad that is not in the remits of where the drone strike took place.

On April 7, Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui of the IHC issued an order to register case against the American official in relation to a December 2009 US drone strike that reportedly killed at least three people. The police initially registered an FIR but later discarded it, stating that the incident did not take place within its jurisdiction.

Earlier, a tribesman Karim Khan had filed a petition in the IHC in 2010, seeking registration of an FIR with the Secretariat Police Station against Banks

for killing his brother and son in a drone attack in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan Agency in 2009.

Banks was withdrawn as CIA station chief in Islamabad the same year after newspapers published his name, blowing his undercover status. He was later made the head of the CIA's Iran operations, but was suspended after reports of employees complaining about his abusive management style.

Despite past controversies, the 47-year-old career officer was re-

cently installed as deputy chief for counter-intelligence at the Counter Terrorism Center, a senior role in the CIA’s department that conducts US drone strikes.

Since 2004, the US has carried out nearly 400 suspected drone strikes in Pakistan. The number of strikes declined from 122 in 2010 to 22 last year. There have been only four drone strikes reported so far in 2015 and many observers believe that the programme is winding down.

India had failed to respond to Pakistan's desire for good relations.

Bilateral ties went into a freeze after Pakistan’s High Commissioner Abdul Basit held meetings with the Kashmiri Hurriyat leaders last year that annoyed the Indian foreign ministry. Since then, the two sides have taken tentative steps towards a possible resumption in dialogue, with Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar visiting Islamabad for talks with his Pakistani counterpart. However, there has been little sign of progress in ties.

Earlier this month however, Modi had said “the Simla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration have to be the basis for going forward”, referring to two bilateral treaties agreed between the troubled neighbours to normalise relations and curb a nuclear arms race in South Asia. —FP Monitoring

Malir cop calls for ban on MQM KARACHI: Malir Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rao Anwer alleged on Thursday that the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) was working against the country, adding the arrested terrorists belonging to the party have confessed to be working against the country and training with Indian intelligence agency RAW. The Malir SSP called for banning the party, which he termed worse than the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). He said that the MQM was worse than the TTP in the sense that the latter attacked innocents but the former was working with the enemy.

Anwer said the MQM was spreading terrorism in the guise of a political party and maintained that no other organisation had such close relations with India as the MQM. The Malir SSP alleged that the MQM’s welfare organization Khidmat-e-Khalq Foundation paid for international travel of its leaders. He said the suspects had confessed that they acted on instructions of Nadeem Nusrat, Muhammad Anwar and Altaf Hussain.

Anwer said the MQM acted on the instructions of its chief Altaf Hussain, adding it formally arranges jobs for terrorists. The arrested suspect Tariq Lamba presented to the media by Rao Anwar confessed to playing role during strikes. He further said that he received direct instructions from Zulfiqar and Muhammad Anwar Showing remorse, Lamba said he weas ashamed of his acts. He alleged that MQM convener Anwar was RAW’s agent. —FP Monitoring

LAHORE

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PMA CONDEMNS HEALTH DEPT PROMOTION POLICY

LAHORE: The PMA has condemned Punjab Health Department for deviation from an agreement with doctor organisations by granting illegal promotions to junior doctors of general cadre doctors. The PMA office bearers held a meeting at PMA House Lahore Thursday with Prof Dr Ashraf Nizami in the chair to discuss the issue.

The PMA has demanded Punjab chief minister and chief secretary Punjab to take notice of situation and declare all illegal decisions of the department null & void. –FP Monitoring

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MAY 1, 2015

SYSTEM TO ENSURE TRANSPARENT USE OF CHRISTMAS GRANT: MINSTER LAHORE: Provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs and Human Rights Khalil Tahir Sandhu has said that a transparent system has been evolved for the distribution of Christmas grant and only deserving persons will be able to receive this grant after proper verification. He was addressing a function for the distribution of Christmas grant 2014-15 among deserving Christians at Town Hall Thursday. Members Punjab Assembly Tariq Masih Gill, Shakil Ivan, Mary Gill, Shazia Tariq, District Coordination Officer Capt. Retd. Usman and others were present on the occasion. –FP Monitoring

NAP yielding positive results: Shahbaz

labourers work in a steel factory with no safety steps. —mohsin Raza

Mosques, worship places to have security audit STAFF REPORT

LAHORE: City District Government Lahore (CDGL) is going to conduct security audit of mosques, imam barghas, churches, educational institutions and the worship places of minorities in the City.

The process will be completed in ten days with the help of departments concerned including police, district administration and special branches. Captain (retd) Usman, DCO Lahore, expressed these views while chairing a meeting with regard to the security arrangements of religious places. The meeting was attended by prominent Ulemas of different sects, town administrators, police and other officials

concerned.

Usman directed police officials to have security audit of all religious places and educational institutions and put forward their recommendations within ten days so that a new security plan, if necessary, could be implemented to avoid any untoward incident.

“The encroachment should forthwith be removed from in front of the religious places,” he directed town administrators. He also directed Assistant Commissioner (City) Asim Saleem to launch a crackdown on godowns of the material used for fire-works in the walled city and other places. DCO Lahore further directed police officials to provide maximum security on the occasion of religious events.

Relief items sent to KP LAHORE: On the instructions of Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, Provincial Minister for Home Shuja Khanzada handed over 20 truckloads of relief items for the victims of thunderstorm in Peshawar to the Local Government Minister of Khyber Pakhtoonkhawa Zia Ullah Afridi and Advisor Anti-Corruption Dr. Haider Ali in Peshawar.

PDMA Punjab Director General Jawad Akram was also present on the occasion.

These relief items worth Rs. 20 mil-

PU, Polish university sign MoU STAFF REPORT

L A HO R E: Punjab University (PU) and University of Social Sciences and Humanities of Warsaw, Republic of Poland, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop academic exchange and cooperation in teaching and research.

The signing ceremony of the MoU was held in the committee room of Vice Chancellor’s Office on Thursday.

The participants discussed various areas of mutual interest and stressed on the need to enhance academic relations between the two institutions.

PU VC Dr Mujahid Kamran, University of Social Sciences and Humanities Angnieszka Kuszewska, Director External Linkages Dr Maria Maldonado, Dean Faculty of Arts and Humanities Prof Dr Massarrat Abid, Chairman Department of History Prof Dr Iqbal Chawla and Director Planning and Development Cell Engineer Tariq Majid Qureshi were present on the occasion.

are benefiting from metro bus service, educational fund, self-employment scheme, Apna Rozgar programme and other public welfare projects.

The chief minister said that PML-N is serving the people of the province selflessly for the last seven years and this process will continue in future as well.

He said that billions of rupees are being spent on education and health sectors, potable water projects and provision of modern transport facilities to the citizens.

He said that special attention is being paid to the development of infrastructure in the province and a splendid project for the construction and rehabilitation of rural roads has been started under Khadim-e-Punjab Daihi Roads Programme.

Shahbaz said that funds are the trust of the masses and are being spent on their progress and uplift.

He said that all development projects are being completed speedily and transparently while a high standard of construction is also being maintained as it is the policy of Punjab government.

He said that a corruption-free culture has been promoted in the province and even the opponents of the government

cannot level allegation of corruption of a single penny in this regard.

The chief minister further said that the visit of Chinese President to Pakistan was a game changer and the historic economic package of 46 billion dollars given by China will usher in a new era of progress and prosperity in the country.

He said that no effort will be spared for the speedy completion of energy projects and the promise to remove darkness from the country will be fulfilled under the leadership of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. He said that the results of Local Bodies elections in Cantonment Boards have given a befitting reply to those who were leveling allegations of rigging in Elections 2013.

He said that people have elected those who could serve them selflessly while rejected the elements who believed in the politics of protest.

The assembly members congratulated the chief minister on the economic package of $46 billion given by China and the thumping success of PML-N in Local Bodies elections.

They expressed the confidence that the serious efforts of the PML-N leadership to resolve energy crisis will be successful. –FP Monitoring

Employee incentives will stop brain drain in PR

Gaddafi Stadium sealed, unsealed in three hours

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that effective implementation of National Action Plan against terrorism is yielding positive results and the whole nation has displayed unprecedented unity for the eradication of this menace.

Talking to assembly members of various districts Thursday, he said that a decisive action is being taken against terrorists and their facilitators.

He said that there is no room for extremism, terrorism and sectarianism in the country and 18 crore people of Pakistan will root out terrorism with the force of unity and transform the country into a haven of peace and tranquility.

The chief minister said that Pakistan Muslim League-N government is striving to steer the country out of quagmire of problems and is providing relief to the masses in the real sense.

He said that every effort is being made to raise the living standard of the deprived segments of the society and a number of programme are being implemented successfully for the welfare and uplift of the poor and less-privileged people.

He said that a large number of people

AHAD NAWAZ

LAHORE: To stop the brain drain in Pakistan Railway (PR), the railway administration should take measures to retain the newly appointed Bachelor of Sciences (B.Sc) and diploma holders, who are leaving the institution after completing their training.

The reason behind this trend is provision of basic facilities in other institutions that the PR lacks.

Sources said that recently the railway administration has selected 21 new candidates in Mechanical department throughout Pakistan, in which only one candidate joined the PR while the remaining decided to skip the job offer.

According to sources, the fresh employees were recruited by PR and re-

ceived training. From among these around 60 percent of them are leaving their jobs due to lack of basic facilities at PR. These fresh graduates preferred other government institutions where they would get basic facilities and technical allowance per their designations.

The sources further said that the new staff got frustrated when they received low salaries even when other incentives were not provided to them by the PR. The brain drain of young graduates is a big loss to PR. It is necessary for PR officials that they should be provided basic facilities and incentives to motivate young employees, otherwise the institution will waste a large part of its budget without gaining any advantage.

lion included tents, mosquito nets, mats, rice, flour, ghee, dry fruit and other eatables. The relief goods were delivered for the Pakhtoon brethren at the warehouse of PDMA Peshawar.

Talking to journalists, minister said that government and people of Punjab are standing by their Pakhtoon brethren in this difficult time and fully share their grief.

He said that chief minister has issued instructions that more relief items be sent to the affectees if needed. –FP Monitoring

PEF signs expansion deal

LAHORE: The Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) has signed partnership agreements with newly selected private schools from 22 different districts including Lahore.

These agreements have been signed under expansion phase 9 of Foundation Assisted School (FAS) programme which is aimed to provide gratis education to

needy students in PEF sponsored schools in the province. Partnership agreements were signed with new partners from the districts of Sialkot, Okara, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Faisalabad, Rahim Yar Khan and Vehari. The partnership agreements with more aspirants in rest of the districts will be signed in beginning of the month of May. –FP Monitoring labourers take out a rally in connection with the may day. —Zubair mehfooz

Entrepreneurs facing severe challenges: Sarwar

LAHORE: Former governor of Punjab and Senior Member Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Muhammad Sarwar said, "Corporate sector is one of the key drivers for the development of an economy. Without a stable corporate sector, no country can establish it's firm position in the world market. Pakistan’s business climate has been facing certain constraints that has chained it to develop or grow any further. Pakistani entrepreneurs have been facing severe challenges that limits their businesses to experience a thorough industrial growth. Soaring inflation,

rising public debts, alarming energy crisis and sluggish economic growth have all added to the business calculus of Pakistan."

In a conversation with the head of All Pakistan Traders Association, Khalid Pervaiz, Sarwar talked about the growing problems that businesses are facing in Pakistan. Both personalities mutually agreed that inefficient energy policies and inadequate business laws have detrioted the business climate of Pakistan.

"There is a pressing need for Pakistan to reform the business climate by implementing structured and well organ-

ized laws that are in the interest of Pakistani traders and entrepreneurs. Moreover, Pakistan's women to men ratio in the business arena is fairly low which is why, businesses should encourage the participation of women in various critical thinking and creative fields.”

Sarwar also highlighted the issue of increased load shedding in the corporate world. He asserted that laws should be enforced to streamline the business structure of Pakistan. "We need to strength our business ties with other foreign firms and boost bilateral trade and investment.

The government's decision to cut all

power supply in industries by 8 pm will add to the woes of the business community. Gas, water and power shortages have all punched the businesses and economy in a dreadful manner. By shutting down shops early will mean that people who are doing double shifts to support their families will not be able to do so.

People who work till 6pm will not be able to shop in the evening thus reducing purchasing and in turn impacting economy in a negative manner. In the UK shops used to close early but this was not due to load shedding. Now shops, malls and restaurants remain

open till late in the UK to facilitate shoppers and consumers which in turn boosts the economy.

The former governor stated, "Keeping in light the whole business scenario, PTI will ensure to devise an effective policy favoring businessmen and traders.

PTI will strive for traders and businessmen. We will ensure that their concerns and issues are addressed and policies are rectified.

Meanwhile, the government should refrain from damaging the businesses with their futile policies and sincerely work on reforming the business climate." –FP Monitoring

LAHORE: Officials of the Excise & Taxation Department, Punjab accompanied by dozens of police officers sealed the Gaddafi Stadium early Thursday morning, claiming to be acting in accordance with the orders of the Lahore High Court pertaining to application of property tax.

Following the unseemly haste, the main gate of the stadium was however unsealed by the Excise and Taxation Department officials after about three hours. Since on PCB’s appeal the court had only allowed property tax from 2002 to 2004, instead of 1996-2004 which was the Excise & Taxation Department’s original plea, fresh notices calculated in terms of the judgment of the Lahore High Court were yet to be issued.

Also the judgment of the Justice Ibadur Rehman Lodhi had not been signed till after the GSL was sealed by the Excise Department.

“We shall abide by the verdict of the court after our legal department has gone through the detailed judgment”, said PCB Chairman Shaharyar Mohammad Khan. “The PCB is a law abiding organization which duly pays all its taxes; we are perhaps the most taxed sports organization in the entire country. To the Punjab government, the PCB pays tens of millions as commercialization fee annually at the rate of 20 per cent of revenue. “It would also be pertinent to mention here: The PCB is a non-profit organization which ploughs any and all revenue generated towards development and promotion of cricket.

“Also PCB is the only sports organisation in the country that does not seek any assistance from either federal or provincial governments.

“At the moment PCB is engaged with Cricket Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe is about to become the first team in six years to visit this country. The revival of international cricket in Pakistan is the desire of every Pakistani. At such an auspicious occasion, sending such a negative signal to the international cricketing community is not in consonance with promoting the national cause”, said a PCB spokesman. –FP Monitoring

TEVTA to hold road shows in S Arabia LA HORE: Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) chairperson Irfan Qaisar Sheikh said on Thursday that TEVTA will arrange road shows in Saudi Arabia and Qatar in May and June.

The purpose of these road shows is to arrange overseas jobs for its pass-outs.

He chaired a meeting for reviewing the progress on sending TEVTA pass-outs abroad. –FP Monitoring

NATIONAL

FRIDAY

MAY 1, 2015

PAPERS OF AZAM SWATI AND GHULAM ALI ACCEPTED FOR SENATE SEAT

ISLAMABAD: Nomination papers of Azam Swati and Ghulam Ali for senate’s seat, have been approved on Thursday. The Senate seat has been vacant after the death of senior senator Azam Hoti. Earlier, Azam Swati accused the federal government for trying to rig by-elections. He said that thousands of people are getting employed in Water and Power Development Authority as bribe. Meanwhile, Ghulam Ali said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is not a proper political party and it is not hard to get 9 votes from such a party. Azam Swati is provincial president of PTI while Ghulam Ali is leader of Jamiat Ulma-e-Islam-Fazal. —DNA

UPPER DIR: Upper Dir Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dr Imran Hameed Sheikh presided over a meeting of all political parties’ heads at district level to review the codes of conduct for the upcoming local bodies elections here on Thursday. Former federal minister Najmuddin Khan of PPP, Mulana Fazal Azim of JUI-F, Meer Makhzanuddin of JI, Yameen Khan of PTI, Mohammad Baz Khan of PML-N and others attended the meeting. The DC briefed them about the rules and regulations issued by the provincial government for the upcoming elections and urged them to follow the same. —Syed Maaz Jan

OPF fraud alert

War affectees claims closed since 2003

Case against school admin for poor security plan MOHAMMAD RIAZ MAYAR MARDAN: The local police have

registered a case against the administration of a private school for not making proper security arrangements, police said. According to Lundkhwar police station, police had warned the headmaster and the administration of Usmani Public School situated at Gul Mara Lundkhwar but despite the notice they failed to ensure proper security arrangements.

HYDERABAD: Pakistan Muslim

League (N) Senator Saleem Zia has said that the government of Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif is fully committed to providing maximum incentives to future generation so that they could be able to meet the challenges of the modern world after joining the field works. He said this while speaking as chief guest at a ceremony of laptops distribution among the students of Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET) Jamshoro at Jamshoro Campus on Thursday. —FP Monitoring

Cattle stolen from house MARDAN: Unidentified thieves

stole 24 sheep and six goats from a house in the limits of Saddar police station, police said. According to Shamsher Khan of Nari Baja, some unidentified thieves took away 24 sheep and six goats from his house in the Saddar police station Wednesday night. Meanwhile, unidentified thieves barged into a shop at Jalala in the limits of Shergarh police station and took away daily commodities items worth Rs 90,000. Police registered a case against the unidentified thieves on a complaint by Mohammad Siraj, the shop owner, and started investigation.

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MEETING REVIEWS CODE OF CONDUCT FOR LB POLLS

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PML-N govt focusing on future generation: Senator Zia

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RaWalPINdI: WaPda workers repair electricity wires without any taking safety measures, which can result in accident at any given time. —FP monitoring

NA speaker pledges to protect labourers’ rights ISLAMABAD: National Assembly (NA) Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and acting Speaker Murtaza Javed Abbasi said on Thursday that the nation's economic strength and vigour is determined by the status and living standard of its labour class.

In their separate messages on May Day being commemorated the world over on Friday, the NA speaker said that the labour class plays a vital role in the development and progress of a country, therefore, it is essential to ensure their welfare and payment of proper and timely remuneration for their services.

He said that Islam laid great emphasis on the welfare of labourers. All the civilised societies in the world have legislated to ensure the rights and welfare of their labour force, the NA speaker added.

"We are observing May Day with a re-

solve to reaffirm our commitment to the dignity of labour and to pay tribute to the valiant and heroic struggle of the workers of Chicago who sacrificed their lives for the fundamental rights of their fellow workers," Sadiq added.

The acting NA Speaker Murtaza Javed

Abbasi said that the Pakistani labour force is rendering valuable services in the economies of other countries and is a great source of earning foreign exchange for the country. He said that the present democratic government is pursuing labour friendly policies and have legislated for ensuring welfare of the labour class in the country.

Abbasi said that rights and duties go side by side and urged the labour class to work hard to harness the country's immense resources for the prosperity and development of the country and its people.

KP government announces public holiday on May 1: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced public holiday on the occasion of Labour Day on May 1 (today). The announcement was made in an official statement here on Tuesday. —APP

ISLAMABAD: Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development has disclosed that the process of filing the claims of Iraq-Kuwait War affectees is closed since 2003 and no further claims will be accepted, sources in the ministry told reporters.

A responsible executive officer of the ministry said that since the Overseas Pakistanis ministry has suspended the process of accepting the claims made by the war affectees, and if any person or organisation claims that money would be paid to the affectees, it will be nothing more than fraud.

The officials warned about the fake agents and organisations who loot the uninformed public by making false promises. The official said that if any person faces such situation, he or she should immediately contact the Kuwait Emergency Relief Cell in the main Islamabad office of the ministry.

Sources informed that total IraqKuwait War affectees were 85,000 in number, of which 43, 000 filed their claims and 42, 000 affectees got their payment before 1996.

As the payments of the claims were supposed to be made by the United

Jhelum distt govt inks MoU with UK to end forced marriages GHULAM QADIR MUKHLIS JHELUM: The District Government of

Jhelum and the British High Commission at Islamabad have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to make joint effort to put an end to forced marriages, parental child abduction, abandoned spouses and other similar problems of overseas Pakistanis living in Pakistan.

The MoU signing ceremony was held at the office of the district coordination officer (DCO) and the MoU was signed by Chairman District Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Member of Punjab As-

OUR CORRESPONDENT

OUR CORRESPONDENT

DIR: Students of a school and their par-

SHEIKHUPURA: A man gunned

Labour Day today OUR CORRESPONDENT SHEIKHUPURA: The International Labour Day will be observed today (Friday) in and around the city with great enthusiasm to commemorate the tremendous sacrifices of the Chicago workers.

This was stated by Sheikh Tahir Mehmood, the APCA senior vicepresident and Abdul Rehman Aasi, the president Irrigation Employees’ union while talking to media here on Thursday. They said in this connection rallies and processions would be taken out throughout the both districts Sheikhupura and Nankana Sahib. Thousands workers and employees of various factories and industrial units will participate in the historical day activities, they added.

sembly (MPA) Chaudhry Lal Hussain, DCO at Jhelum Zulfiqar Ahmed Ghumman, Head Assistance, Unit British High Commission, Albert David and Executive Director SACH NGO Khalida Saleemi.

Speaking on the occasion, MPA Lal Hussain said the Punjab government is paying special attention to resolve problems of overseas Pakistanis. The DCO said that problems of overseas Pakistanis cannot be resolved without the coordinated effort.

Albert David said the United Kingdom (UK) High Commission needs efforts of the local government to resolve problems of overseas Pakistanis.

Schoolchildren, parents protest over road blockade

Man kills sister for ‘honour’ down his sister at Jaslani More near Warburton Town here on Thursday. Abdul Ghaffar used to reprimand his sister Naseera Bibi to refrain from immoral activities. On day of the incident the accused exchanged harsh words with his sister and after being infuriated short her dead.

The accused later escaped from the scene. Warburton police have started investigation.

Nations, the Government of Pakistan had no role in the process. The payments were made after dividing all the affectees in to four categories.

Later when other affectees who had not filed their claims contacted the ministry, the then DG Saifur Rehman approached the United Nations Compensation Commission (UNCC) on Payments and succeeded to get approval of more 800 claims from a total of 39, 000 cases.

According to sources, in the process of paying claims, the role of Pakistani government was not more than that of a middleman. UNCC was helping the affectees in getting the payments from the governments concerned.

Even then, when the government was liable to play the role of only a middleman, it got approval of claims worth 12 billion rupees, and then announced the suspension of further filing of claims.

According to an official, Kuwait Emergency Cell was established in 1992 in the Overseas ministry which is still functioning, so the respected persons have been asked to report to the cell immediately if they have met any fake agent or organisation who promised to get payments for the affected people. DNA

laHoRe: a young laborer is busy in his work without awareness of International labour day in lahore. —FP monitoring

ents demonstrated against blocking of their way that leads to the school entrance by people involved in a land dispute on Thursday.

The protesters shouted slogans against those responsible for the blockade of their way outside of Chakdara Press Club.

3,731 file papers for LG polls: At least 3,731 candidates have filed papers for the local government (LG) elections. The Election Commission (EC) said the scrutiny of papers was com-

pleted, according to the EC’s office at Upper Dir. It said there are 330 candidates whose documents were rejected. The candidates have moved court for review of the papers.

The number of candidates for District Council is 246. Three hundred and 19 women candidates have also filed papers for the general seats, out of which 34 were rejected. For the youth seats, there are 542 candidates and the rejected ones are 76, while 1,508 candidates have applied for village councils and the neighbourhood councils of which 125 papers were rejected.

New Hindu settlements in IHK violation of UNSC resolutions: FO

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday, while con-

demning the new Hindu settlements in Occupied Kashmir, said these are in violation of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.

Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Tasnim Aslam, while addressing the weekly press briefing said, "Jammu and Kashmir is a disputed territory and the UNSC in its resolutions has clearly pronounced the status of the territory as disputed."

Commenting on the new Hindu settlements in Occupied Kashmir, she said any effort to establish special towns or zones to change the demographic make up of the territory will be in violation of UNSC resolutions.

Replying to a question about Pakistani seamen currently in the custody of Indian authorities, the FO spokesperson said that a vessel which was on its way to Pipavav port for shipbreaking sank off the Indian coast.

She said 10 Pakistani seamen and five Yemeni natinals survived in the incident who were arrested by the Indian forces.

The spokesperson said those belonging to Yemen were lodged at a hotel while the Pakista-

nis were reportedly kept in a police station.

The spokesperson further said, "Our high commission in New Delhi has approached the Indian authorities to ensure the security, well-being, consular access and early repatriation of the Pakistani seamen."

Referring to the international laws, she said it is the duty of every government to provide security and proper lodging to any person who lost his boat near the border that country.

She said keeping Pakistanis in police stations and denying proper lodging to them was breach of international laws and norms.

Replying to a question on the Yemen crisis and Pakistan's efforts for its resolution, the FO spokesperson said it was always ready to play a positive and constructive role for the peaceful resolution of the issue.

Moreover, Tasnim Aslam said Pakistan is already in contact with all the Muslim countries, especially with Saudi Arabia, to discuss the Yemen crisis.

She aid the Organisation of Islamic Conference had arranged a special meeting of the fsoreign

ministers of the member states to discuss the Yemen crisis during first half of May. Replying to a question on the recent changes in Saudi cabinet, the spokesperson said these changes are the internal matter of Saudi Arabia.

Replying to another question about Pakistan's relations with Afghanistan and allegations of Taliban attacks made from its soil, the spokesperson said both Pakistan and Afghanistan have good relations which are getting better through more interaction at all levels.

She also said that Pakistan and Afghanistan are making efforts to improve the border management. These two countries are in close contact with each other, she added.

The FO spokesperson further said, "The agreements Pakistan recently signed with China will change the outlook of the region so that we can take full benefit of these projects. We can only get full benefit from these major projects if our neighbourhood, particularly Afghanistan, is peaceful."

The FO spokesperson said Pakistan attached

special significance to peace and stability in Afghanistan and is supporting national reconciliation process there.

Replying to a question on recent earthquake in Nepal and cooperation of SAARC members, the FO spokesperson said there is need for greater collaboration amongst SAARC countries to fight the issue of climate change.

Referring to assistance and cooperation to Nepal following the devastating earthquake, the spokesperson said Pakistan was amongst the first countries to dispatch relief goods and medical assistance.

"Our relief teams there are working day and night to help the Nepalese people in this hour of trial and four C-130 had reached Nepal with the relief goods, medical assistance, medicines and experts to help the earthquake affected people of Nepal," the spokesperson said.

The FO spokesperson rejected the reports published in a section of press in India that Pakistan had sent beef in the relief goods.

She said Pakistan had sent ready-to-eat items that did not include beef at all. —APP

SPORTS

www.thefrontierpost.pk

FRIDAY

MAY 1, 2015

AFRIDI TO RETIRE AFTER WORLD T20 NEXT YEAR KARACHI: Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi said on Thursday that he would retire from Cricket after World T20. According to Samaa's correspondent, Afridi denied rumors about his retirement, saying he would not retire before World T20 next year. The sixth ICC World T20 tournament will be held in India from 11 March to 3 April 2016. Currently, Afridi is Pakistan's captain for T20. —FP Monitoring

Hamza Akbar wins Asian snooker title

CHERAS: Pakistan’s Hamza Akbar over-

came a 30-point deficit in the final frame to win his first international title at the Asian Snooker Championships in Cheras today. The 22-year-old Hamza edged India’s two-time Asian Games gold medallist Pankaj Advani 7-6 (66-43, 43-55, 79-18, 70-2, 28-72, 63-59, 64-57, 79-21, 0-116, 5-78, 8-89, 63-28, 61-52) in the seven-hour battle.

Hamza, the second player from Pakistan to win the Asian amateur title since Mohd Yousuf in 1998, earned US$7,000 (RM25,000) for his efforts while Pankaj received US$3,500 (RM12,500).

At 6-6, Pankaj led 52-22 in the final frame before the 30-year-old made an er-

ror with the final red ball on the table.

Hamza took the opportunity to reduce the deficit and clear the table for the title.

With the win, Hamza, the two-time Pakistan champion, earned a two-year card to play in the United Kingdom professional tour. “Unbelievable”, said the soft-spoken Hamza after the prize giving ceremony at Viva Expo Hall. “Pankaj is one of the best players in Asia and I managed to beat him here. I, however, made things difficult. I led 4-2 and 5-3 but allowed Pankaj into the match. “My ambition is to become a world champion. If my sponsor agrees, I will use the professional card for the UK tour this year.” The tournament will be held in Doha, Qatar next year. —FP Monitoring

We haven’t assured ourselves of title yet, says Mourinho FOOTBALL

LONDON: Chelsea manager Jose Mour-

inho insists the English Premier League title has not been secured just yet despite moving to within one victory of mathematically clinching it.

The West Londoners ensured they would be crowned champions if they beat Crystal Palace at home on Sunday after coming from behind to win 3-1 at Leicester on Wednesday.

Goals from Didier Drogba, John Terry and Ramires ensured victory after Marc Albrighton had given Leicester a shock early lead on the stroke of halftime. "I cannot touch the trophy, we still need two or three more points," said Mourinho. "We need three points to be completely safe. "We all had in our mind we had to try and do it at Stamford Bridge. The momentum we had was that.

We want to bring it to Stamford Bridge.

"But the fans can t celebrate yet. They can only celebrate the League Cup. I hope they can play the match with us and push the team. That s the spirit we have in the camp. "They are not happy because they won the title. But they are happy they have won one more game.

"We have to be ready to play against Crystal Palace." Chelsea won four and drew one from their five games in April.

"I don t think nerves will be a problem,” said Mourinho. "It s fantastic because this April was the month everyone was waiting for Chelsea to slip and lose points. "We have been phenomenal this month, technically phenomenal with a team ethic, defended well and clinical.

"Tonight was not boring for me. To be losing at half-time is not boring - it is pressure. The way we played in the second half, against probably the best

team we have played in the last month, was fantastic. "In April everyone expected us to drop points against Arsenal and Man Utd, but April was the month that we destroyed opponents. "I m so happy, I just need three more points. We ve worked hard and well.

That s the secret of every one of us.”

Mourinho opted to start Petr Cech in goal with Thibaut Courtois not 100 per cent fit and has not ruled out a return for Diego Costa on Sunday either despite his only playing 12 minutes in the whole of April. "Costa has a chance for the weekend but we don t need to risk players,” he added. "If one goalkeeper is 98 per cent you play the one who is 100 per cent. " Leicester manager Nigel Pearson rued the loss of Andy King (hamstring) and Robert Huth (calf) to first half injuries and they are now expected to miss Saturday’s home game with hapless Newcastle. "Losing games is not something I m particular pleased about," said Pearson. "It was difficult for us because we had to make substitutions because they were not something we would have looked to have done. —FP Monitoring

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HAYAT STEPS DOWN IN FAVOUR OF INDIAN CHIEF: SOURCES ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) president Hayat was due to run for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) vice-presidency for the South Asia Zone later on Thursday against All India Football Federation (AIFF) chief Praful Patel but has decided to step down in favour of his Indian counterpart, credible sources told Dawn. The sources, speaking in the early hours of Thursday morning from the Bahraini capital of Manama where the elections are due to be held, said Hayat wanted to ‘preserve the unity of the South Asian region’. —FP Monitoring

Hafeez double ton puts Pakistan in command on Day 3

KHULNA: Mohammad

Hafeez had missed a double-century twice in the past after coming close. He was dismissed for 196 against Sri Lanka in 2012 and had fallen short by three runs last year against New Zealand.

But continuing on the flawless effort of the second day in Khulna, and on his recent Test form in general, Hafeez finally passed the landmark.

By the time he was dismissed for 224, the best by a Pakistan batsman against Bangladesh, Hafeez had helped his team strengthen their hold on the Test with a lead of 80, which then swelled to 205 by the end of the day after half-centuries from Misbah-ul-Haq, Asad Shafiq and Sarfraz Ahmed.

It wasn't a surprise that he slowed down after entering 190s. It took him 14 deliveries to get off 190. Then, after reaching 198 with a crisp straight drive off Mohammad Shahid, Hafeez had to wait 11 more deliveries to find the couple he needed. As Taijul Islam drifted on to the leg side, Hafeez paddled fine and scampered through for the second run, completing his doublecentury in 286 deliveries.

The calmness of Hafeez's celebration belied the enormity of the landmark. He took his helmet off, raised the bat, offering nothing more than a smile, then kneeled down for the sajda. He smashed a boundary immediately after passing 200, but assumed a quieter approach thereafter, which did not bode well for Bangladesh. But after looking settled for more, Hafeez was unlucky to glove a wide delivery down the leg side from Shuvagata

Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman elected PSF president ISLAMABAD: Air Chief Marshal Sohail

Aman, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force was unanimously elected as the President Pakistan Squash Federation in the 42nd Annual General Council Meeting of PSF at Air Headquarters, Islamabad on Thursday. Representatives of provincial squash associations, affiliated members and Pakistan Sports Board were also present during the meeting.

Addressing the general council members, President PSF thanked them for their participation and offered whole hearted support of PAF as well as PSF for the promotion of Squash. While showing his satisfaction over revival of international squash in Pakistan, he desired that the provincial squash associations and other members of PSF should made concerted efforts to expand the game.

He urged the players to focus on the game and further improve their physical and mental strength. Besides assuring financial and administrative support

by PAF, he urged the member associations to generate further resources to meet the challenging task through an improved system.

He also directed the member associations to promote squash at grassroots level through district and provincial leagues and increase the number of players. He also desired to introduce the game at schools/ colleges level and extract talent to further groom at national and international levels. —DNA

Hom straight into the hands of leg gully.

Hafeez was almost unbreakable, and over large portions of the day, so was everyone else around him. The Bangladesh bowlers lacked penetration on a slow pitch, offering regular doses of boundary-balls, and the batsmen were never really made to work hard for runs. The most glaring for Bangladesh was the ineffectiveness of Shakib Al Hasan, who had a ten-wicket haul in his last Test at the ground, but with figures of 31-3-122-0, he was the most expensive of the frontline bowlers.

With Azhar Ali, Hafeez added 227, the second double-century partnership between the two. The 62-run third-wicket stand between Hafeez and Younis Khan took Pakistan past Bangladesh's total in the 87th over. And by tea, another 63-run partnership between Hafeez and Misbah

had taken Pakistan past 400.

All through the day, the moment the Bangladesh spinners tried to flatten the trajectory, the ball sat up and was worked away to the leg side. Hafeez had scored most of his boundaries in that direction on the second day and he started with a pull in the first over of the third when Shakib pitched short. He reached his 150 in the seventh over of the morning with a calm push to mid-off.

Azhar, too, waited for that length and picked up a couple of boundaries on either side of the pitch off Shakib, the second one bringing up the double-century partnership. But just when Azhar looked set for a century, he was surprised by a quicker delivery from Shuvagata.

The offspinner extracted just enough turn from the pitch to beat Azhar's lazy push and hit the middle stump.

The wicket was a cue for Shuvagata to continue bowling quicker through the air.

He surprised Younis with bounce and turn early on his innings and had Hafeez making a rare error. Attempting a sweep, Hafeez missed another quicker delivery to be hit on the front pad. Tamim Iqbal, the stand-in captain, asked for a review but the impact was outside the line of off stump.

Four overs later, Hafeez hoisted Shuvagata over long-on for a six that brought up the team's 300 and Pakistan were off again. With Younis employing an array of shots and his partnership with Hafeez reaching 50 in 69 balls, Bangladesh were forced to take the new ball in the 84th over.

Rubel's outswing surprised Younis more than once but it was Taijul's flight that caught him out on the wrong foot.

Bowling first change with the new ball, Taijul, out of nowhere, got one to grip the surface. Stuck in the crease, Younis was squared up completely as the ball spun away from middle-stump line to graze the off stump.

Misbah arrived and launched his third delivery, from Taijul, down the ground for a six. He was quick on his feet against the spinners and hit powerful pulls, reverse-sweeps and another six down the ground. Misbah could only stretch his innings to 59 before top-edging a sweep to deep backward square leg, but his 66-run partnership with Shafiq had given Bangladesh no respite. The late aggression of Sarfraz, who scored 51 off 54 balls in a rapid half-century stand with Shafiq, had almost slammed the door on the home side. —FP Monitoring

Zimbabwe Cricket chairman confirms Pakistan tour

KARACHI: Zimbabwe will be the first

team to tour Pakistan since the 2009 terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore, Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Wilson Manase announced in a press conference on Thursday.

Manase also confirmed that the series, scheduled for May, would be confined to Lahore and will include three ODIs and two T20s. According to the Zimbabwe chief, the decision to tour Pakistan was taken only after security fears of the players and their families were allayed.

“We had a duty to ensure the parents of the players, the players and government through the Sports and Recreation Commission were on board before announcing,” Manase said of the tour.

“We have taken cognisance of all the factors for us to arrive at this decision, so let's not be alarmist about the situation in Pakistan,” he added.

Former Zimbabwe captain Alistair Campbell, who is now the managing director of the country's cricket board, said the tour to Pakistan was the first step in establishing bilateral relations between the two teams.

“We are touring Pak as a measure of establishing bi-lateral relations between us and them,they will also come to Zimbabwe in August,” Campbell said.

Despite the series being played in just one city, the sight of a Test-status team playing again in Pakistan will send out an important message, the PCB said.

Talking to reporters outside the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, PCB chief Shaharyar Khan said that the board

Foolproof security to be ensured for Zimbabwe Team: Chief Secretary LAHORE: Chief Secretary Punjab Khizar Hayat Gondal has said that foolproof security will be ensured for visiting Zimbabwe cricket team. He was presiding over a meeting to review arrangements for upcoming tour of Zimbabwe cricket team here on Thursday.

The Chief Secretary said that the visit of Zimbabwe team is of key importance for revival of international cricket in Pakistan. He directed all relevant departments to make best arrangements regarding the tour. He said that special counters should be set up at stadium for facilitating spectators.

He said that the Punjab government is providing facilities for promotion of sports in the province, adding that all possible steps would be taken to provide conducive environment for visiting foreign teams. He said that all required arrangements including security would be ensured with the help of police and the city administration during the cricket matches.

PCB Chairman Sheharyar Khan thanked the Chief Secretary for the cooperation being extended by the Punjab government. The meeting was attended by MPA Rana Sanaullah, IG Punjab, Home Secretary, Secretary Sports, Commissioner Lahore, DCO Lahore and other officers concerned. —FP Monitoring

would invite representatives of ICC fullmember nations as guests during the Zimbabwe tour.

“The reason for inviting full-member nations is to show them that the security situation has improved and it is safe for international teams to visit Pakistan,” he said.

Officials from the PCB and Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) met during the World Cup with the African side expressing an interest in touring Pakistan later this year.

“I have met with the chief executive of the Zimbabwe cricket union and we discussed the revival of international cricket in Pakistan. He told me they were

interested in a reciprocal series with Zimbabwe wanting to send a team in May,” team manager Naved Akram Cheema told reporters in Adelaide in March.

Since the deadly attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore in 2009, only non-Test-playing Kenya and Associates Afghanistan have visited Pakistan.

Pakistan and Zimbabwe last faced off in Zimbabwe two years ago with the with coach Dav Whatmore at the helm.

Whatmore has now taken that position with Zimbabwe and it is being speculated that the 61-year-old may have played a role in convincing ZC about the security situation in Pakistan. —FP Monitoring

Islamabad Cricket Club of Blind clinches PAF T20 Champions Trophy ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Cricket Club of

the Blind defeated Gujranwala Cricket Club of the Blind by 03 Wickets in an entertaining final of PAF T20 Cricket Champions Trophy for the Blind, played at PAF Complex Cricket Ground Islamabad.

Air Marshal Muhammad Ashfaque Arain, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (Administration) who is also Patron in Chief of Islamabad Cricket Club of the Blind was the chief guest at the occasion.

The final match was a close contest and had a thrilling finish. Islamabad Cricket Club of the Blind won the toss and decided to field first. Gujranwala Cricket Club of the Blind scored 256 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in the allotted 20 over.

Muhammad Akram scored brilliant 140 runs. In reply Islamabad Cricket Club of the Blind chased the target in 19.3 over for the loss of 7 wickets. Anis Javed scored unbeaten 169 and ensured the victory of his nament. The chief guest awarded prizes guest congratulated all the participating proud of serving the noble cause of bringteam by 3 wickets. Six teams from differ- among the winners of the tournament. teams for showing such marvelous sports- ing the visually impaired in the mainent cities of Pakistan participated in the tourSpeaking on the occasion the chief man spirit. He further said that PAF was stream of the society. —DNA

EDITORIAL

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FRIDAY

MAY 1, 2015

Editor-in-Chief & Chief Executive | REHMAT SHAH AFRIDI Resident Editor | RIFAT ALAM Managing Editor | MAJ. (R) JAVED IQBAL Email: thefrontierpost1@outlook.com — rehmatshahafridi@outlook.com Tel: +92 42-36300931-4 Printed and published by Rehmat Shah Afridi at Maidan Press, 10-Queen’s Road Lahore

Khaqan Abbassi: Not the whole truth

F

ederal Minister for Petroleum & Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbassi answered his critics on the situation regarding the ‘soon-to-happen-agreement’---which seems to be taking too long to happen--- on LNG with Qatar through an article ‘LNGThe Whole Truth’ appearing in a section of the print media.

Most of the article is about proving the advantages of using LNG instead of oil and why Pakistan have and should change over to liquid gas for power generation and other uses. The article, however, does not answer the objections raised regarding the secrecy in which the expected deal is shrouded.

The advantages of LNG over oil are now not even textbook material but can be located on the internet and should not have been the substance of the minister’s article.

In a previous editorial The Frontier Post had asked the question regarding the price at which the LNG is bought. Prime Minister is on record to have quoted the price of $6 for LNG equal to one MMBTU of oil. But that is now in doubt. We still don’t know what the actual price is as the minister has been saying for more than a month now that the contract has not been finalized and neither has been the price at which Qatar will sell us LNG. The minister also in his article does not mention the price range within which the deal is to be finalized. He is not telling us in clear terms how much will the end consumer pay for a unit of electricity produced from LNG and how much will the tariff will be lower than furnace oil.

Maybe it was not intentional but the minister while quoting the total cost of LNG imported by a private concern recently did not write the cost per unit of the cargo which left the readers clueless as to what could be possible the expected price --- give or take a few cents--- of the government imported LNG. The other point that was mostly mentioned in the media was the review of prices after specific periods or conditions. Nobody knows what formula will be applied if there is such a clause for price review.

According to the minister Transparency International (TI) was invited to discuss the matter as regards to its objections on the deal but nobody from there showed up. The question is why the minister is not forthcoming and answering in public TI‘s criticism on the LNG deal?

Transparency International is about transparency and making government deals and affairs open and known to public. That the minister wants to meet the people from that organization in private instead of giving his answers in public does not leave a good feeling about the whole issue.

Many now suspect the LNG deal may not happen at all and believe that there are last ditch efforts to save this from happening. If that is so, it is nothing which should be an embarrassment to the government; after all, it must be that Pakistani officials are resisting to some of the conditions by Qatari government that may seem unjust and in the interest of their country may want more favorable terms.

Besides, Qatar is not the only source of LNG. It would be much better if Pakistan views the whole international market and come up with a long term deal more benefiting for the country.

T

he origin of May Day is indissolubly bound up with the struggle for the shorter workday, a demand of major political significance for the working class. This struggle is manifest almost from the beginning of the factory system in the United States.

Labor unions throughout Pakistan organize seminars, rallies and parades where union leaders deliver speeches emphasizing the history of Labor Day and its importance. Workers and unions arrange street processions, and this portrays solidarity with workers around the world. The leading names in these strikes have been Mushtaq Chauhdry and Taimur Rehman.

Pakistan is a developing country but the current scenario has improved compared to previous times. However, workers still do not enjoy as many rights as enjoyed by workers in more developed and industrialized countries. Many organized street demonstrations take place on Labor Day, where workers and labor unions protest against labor repression and demand for more rights, better wages and benefits.

Although the demand for higher wages appears to be the most prevalent cause for the early strikes in this country, the question of shorter hours and the right to organize were always kept in the foreground when workers formulated their demands against the bosses and the government. As exploitation was becoming intensified and workers were feeling more and more the strain of inhumanly long working hours, the demand for an apmong the beasts of prey man is certainly the worst.” This preciable reduction of hours became expression, very commonly made nowadays, is only rela- more pronounced.

The beasts of property

“A

Workers of the world unite

tively true. Not man as such, but man in connection with wealth is a beast of prey. Richer a man, the greater his greed for more.

We may call such a monster the “beast of property.” It now rules the world, making mankind miserable, and gains in cruelty and voracity with the progress of our so-called “civilization.” These monsters we will in the following characterize and recommend to extermination.

It is unnecessary to trace all the sneaking ways by which they have gained their possessions. The fact that they own all, while the others exist, or rather vegetate merely, admits of no doubt, that these few have grown rich at the expense of the many.

Either by direct brute force, by cunning, or by fraud, this horde has from time to time seized the soil with all its wealth. The laws of inheritance and entail, and the changing of hands, have lent a “venerable” color to this robbery, and consequently mystified and erased the character of such actions. For this reason the “beast of property” is not fully recognized, but is, on the contrary, worshipped with a holy awe.

And yet, all who do not belong to this class are its victims. Every offspring of a non-possessor (poor man) finds every nook and corner of the earth occupied at his entrance into the world. There is nothing which is “lord less.” Without labor nothing is produced; and in order to labor, there are required not only ability and will, but also room to work, tools, raw materials and means of sustenance. The poor man must, therefore, by force of necessity, apply to those who possess these things in plenty. The rich give him permission to continue his existence. But in return for this he must divest himself of his skill and power. These qualities henceforth his pretended “saviors” use for themselves. They place him under the yoke of labor, they force him to the utmost of his mental and physical abilities to produce new treasures, which however he is not entitled to own. Should he desire to deliberate for long before making so unequal a contract, his growling stomach will soon convince him that the poor man has no time that, for there are millions in the same position as himself and he will risk that, while deliberating, hundreds of others will apply his chance is gone and he again will be at the mercy of the winds.

The greed for wealth is closely associated with the greed for power.

Wealth is not only a generator of more wealth, it is also a political power. Under the present capitalistic system venality is an all-pervading vice.

It is as a rule a mere matter of price which will buy over who may be of service either by speech or silence, by the pen or by the press, by acts of violence or any other means, to the “beast of property,” which by its golden dictates is the absolute, almighty divinity.

I

Already at the opening of the 19th century workers in the United States made known their grievances against working from "sunrise to sunset," the then prevailing workday. Fourteen, sixteen and even eighteen hours a day were not uncommon. During the conspiracy trial against the leaders of striking cordwainers in 1806, it was brought out that workers were employed as long as nineteen and twenty hours a day.

The twenties and thirties are replete with strikes for reduction of hours of work and definite demands for a 10hour day were put forward in many industrial centers. The organization of what is considered as the first trade union in the world, the Mechanics' Union of Philadelphia, preceding by two years the one formed by workers in England, can be definitely ascribed to a strike of building trade workers in Philadelphia in 1827 for the 10-hour day. During the bakers' strike in New York in 1834 the Workingmen's Advocate reported that "journeymen employed in the loaf bread business have for years been suffering worse than Egyptian bondage. They have had to labor on an average of eighteen to twenty hours out of the twentyfour."

The demand in those localities for a 10-hour day soon grew into a movement, which, although impeded by the crisis of 1837, led the federal government under President Van Buren to decree the 10-hour day for all those employed on government work. The struggle for the universality of the 10-

hour day, however, continued during the next decades. No sooner had this demand been secured in a number of industries than the workers began to raise the slogan for an 8-hour day. The feverish activity in organizing labor unions during the fifties gave this new demand an impetus which, however, was checked by the crisis of 1857. The demand was, however, won in a few well-organized trades before the crisis. That the movement for a shorter workday was not only peculiar to the United States, but was prevalent wherever workers were exploited under the rising capitalist system, can be seen from the fact that even in far away Australia the building trade workers raised the slogan "8 hours work, 8 hours recreation and 8 hours rest" and were successful in securing this demand in 1856.

For the May Day, 1923, edition of the Weekly Worker, C. E. Ruthenberg wrote: "May Day – the day which inspires fear in the hearts of the capitalists and hope in the workers – the workers the world over – will find the Communist movement this year stronger in the U. S. than at any time in its history.... The road is clear for greater achievements, and in the United States as elsewhere in the world the future belongs to Communism." In a Weekly Worker of a generation before, Eugene V. Debs wrote in a May Day edition of the paper, published on April 27, 1907: "This is the first and only International Labor Day. It belongs to the

A voice of reason silensed

t is perhaps an essential characferences on almost all the topics that teristic of the humans that they maintained association with the masses have always been passionate for obof Pakistan and their collective probtaining prominent place within their solems. Most recently, Sabeen had arranged cial phenomena; as a result, they sought a three-day seminar on the Balochistan ishelp from Natural powers, distinct insue under the title Unsilencing Pakistan, nate qualities and personality traits, and amid serious threats. Nevertheless, she rethe centres and circles of powers defused to surrender before the elements termining and deciding the rise and fall thwarting her cause; hence, instead of getof the individuals within their reting intimidated, she allocated her enMujtaba Haider Zaidi spective spheres. Consequently, ergies for the successful conducting mzaidi@yandex.ru an overwhelming majority of the of the seminar highlighting the caushumans spend their life while running amuck in es and consequences of the insurgencies being witsearch of obtaining distinguished and prominent nessed in this most neglected province of the country. place in society. And there appear only a very little The seminar had invited the political scientists proportion of the individuals that strive for the cause and analysts, who explicitly turned down the kidof humanity, and dedicate their life for setting hu- napping of the Baloch people, and reiterated unveilmanity free from the clutches of exploitations and ing the invisible hand behind the suspicious disapinjustices — the young Pakistan social rights activist pearance of the Baloch individuals under the mysteSabeen Mehmud was also one among those distin- rious circumstances. The T2F forum had also invited guished personalities, who preferred the future of fel- the Baloch representatives to participate into the semlow-beings to her personal comforts, and thus be- inar and give vent to their ideas on this issue of national came immortal by dint of the outstanding services significance. Sabeen herself expressed the desire of joinrendered for the cause of humanity. ing the walks and struggle being launched for the reEstablishing of The Second Floor serves as a one of covery of the missing persons from Balochistan. the most remarkable steps taken towards the direction Somehow, the voice that had obtained the status of the of raising strong voice against the injustices prevailing mouthpiece of the missing was forcibly got silenced on in the contemporary era Pakistan society, which pro- April 24 2015 for raising protests against the violation vided the intellectual stratum with a platform to con- of human rights in different parts of the country. Sabeen demn and censure the elements creating disequilibri- is no more alive, but her remarkable services for the um through the malpractices leading towards the pro- cause of human rights would remain alive in the hearts longing of status quo for the future decades to come. and memories of the Pakistan people; and whenever On the one side, the patrons of status quo appeared to the historians will attempt to preserve the records debe determined to inflict the crushing blows upon the picting the sacrifices made for the uplift of equality and poor and downtrodden communities of Pakistan; justice in Pakistan society, the name Sabeen Mehmud and on the other side, T2F, under the active leadership will always be remembered as an immortal character of Sabeen Mehmud, organised the discussions and con- that sacrificed her life for the cause of humanity!

working class and is dedicated to the Revolution."

The world is nearer to Communism today. We are living in a more advanced period now. Capitalism has swung downward and is progressively moving in that direction. The sharpness of its own contradictions is making its ability to carry on more difficult. The workers are growing in political consciousness and are engaged in a counter-offensive which is gaining in scope and depth. The oppressed colonial and semi-colonial peoples are rising and challenging the rule of imperialism.

In the Soviet Union the workers will review on May Day the phenomenal achievements of the building of Socialism. In the capitalist countries May Day will be as always a day of struggle for the immediate political demands of the working class, with the slogans of proletarian dictatorship and a Soviet Republic kept not far in the background.

Pakistan’s first labor policy was devised in 1972, in which May 1 was declared an official holiday. This policy also formulated the creation of the Social Security Network, Old Age Benefit Schemes and Workers Welfare Fund. Pakistan’s constitution also contains various provisions and articles about labor rights.

It is important to note that Pakistan became a member of the International Labour Organization (ILO) right after its independence in 1947.

The ILO is a United Nations’ specialized agency that promotes social justice and universally acknowledged human and social rights. Pakistan has ratified 36 ILO conventions of which eight are core conventions.

LETTERS TO EDITOR

Please send your letters to editor@thefrointerpost.pk

Victimisation of school teacher We hear of ghost schools and ghost teachers in our country. But, we must know that there are many sincere, regular and competent teachers who are made ghost for not being flatterers and, for not agreeing with their dishonest and corrupt heads. One of such aggrieved teachers is Nargis Shehzadi from district Narowal. She had been serving since decades in Zafarwal High School as SST. The headmistress there, namely AzraTabassam was allegedly involved in some inquiry for corruption in which the allegations were proved and the funds have ordered to be returned. Actually, the enquiry was supported by Nargis Shehzadi for which she and to pay the price and thus, she was black listed and labeled non cooperative and sent to the DEO office for months. After doing the futile and punitive “service” by commuting to and from the office, she was ultimate posted at H/S Jandwala. Now at Jandwala, the headmistress was another favorite and friend of Azra Tabassam who, in the fold of another enquiry and allegation against other three four teachers there , took Nargis Shehzadi and accused her for noncooperation.The headmistresses definitely have their network in the administrative circles that assist, guide and favor them in victimizing others and to cash the public offices as well. Their network, even keeps the hub of the administrative branches in the darkness. She has lately been posted at high school Dhamtal, 15 kilometers from Zafarwal where Nargis Shehzadi resides. In spite of the vacant seat at Zafarwal, she has been ‘thrown’ out to face the tiring fatigue of daily travelling whereas She is diabetic. They say, when an enquiry stands proved against the contestant, i.e, Azra Tabassam, it is right of Nargis Shehzadi to be reposted at Zafarwal. In spite of the fact that the headmistress has proved corrupt and involved in embezzlement of the school funds and the wrong user of her office, the price of it is yet being paid by the teacher who is sincere and honest.

Basharat Ali Janjua Lahore

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FRIDAY

MAY 1, 2015

B3

FCA fixes Kharif crop production targets

Islamabad: Traders protest against earlier closure of shops at super market. —FP monitoring

As gold prices down, investors seek answers

NEW YORK: A long-ignored asset finally gets hot, and its price rises for a while.

The rising price of the asset attracts new investors, which drives prices even higher.

And as the price rises, investors develop compelling explanations for why that's happening, only some of which may have a solid basis in fact.

The price continues to rise, more investors arrive, and their buying drives prices even higher.

Soon, the stories that explained the early price increases get repeated so often that they start to be regarded as fact.

The price rises even further.

More investors hear the stories and believe them, and hurry to get in on the action. And so on.

At some point, however, for any of a number of reasons the spell breaks. The "story" hasn't changed, but demand for the asset no longer outstrips supply, and the price drops.

At first, investors brush off the price drop as a temporary fluctuation--a "buying opportunity." Then, when the price drops even more, they look for temporary explanations and causes.

They often begin to point fingers-blaming individuals, organizations, or conspiracies for the price decline, anything but the theory that the "story" they bought into might not have been true.

Oil prices dip before US data LONDON: Oil prices dipped as markets

awaited data on US crude inventory levels for clues on the state of demand in the world's biggest economy.

US benchmark West Texas Intermediate for delivery in June fell 32 cents to $56.74 a barrel compared with Tuesday's close. Brent North Sea crude for June delivery eased two cents to stand at $64.62in London afternoon deals.

The US Department of Energy (DoE) will release its weekly stockpiles report later Wednesday. Crude reserves are expected to have increased by 2.9 million barrels in the week to April 24, according to a Bloomberg News survey of analysts. —FP Monitoring

200 milchers given to widows for livelihood

SARGODHA: Additional Secretary Livestock Ashiq Hussain Doger Thursday distributed 200 milchers among widows hailing from far off villages of the district.

The cattle distribution ceremony was held at Jinnah Hall Company Bagh and was attended by DCO Sargodha,Saqib Manan, Director Livestock Barani Area Rawalpindi,Dr. Abdul Rauf,while EDO Agriculture, EDO Finance and parliamentarians. Addressing the gathering,DCO Saqib Manan said that under special programme of Chief Minister Punjab the distribution of cattle among poor widows would help address poverty issue by raising living standard of villagers. —FP Monitoring

The declining price reduces demand for the asset--who wants to buy something when the price might drop? The reduced demand then causes prices to drop more, which further reduces demand.

And so on.

Eventually, when all of the petals have fallen off the rose, the price of the asset usually ends up back near where it started.

And those who bought into the story-the theory that something was "different this time," that this asset was special-have to console themselves by learning from their experience.

Over the past decade, the asset that has transfixed investors more than any other is gold. In the early 2000s, after drifting to a two-decade low below $300 an ounce, gold prices began to creep higher.

At first, those who had been seduced by gold in the prior 20 years only to have their hopes dashed remained skeptical.

Gradually, however, as gold kept marching higher, they became believers.

Gold's endless bear market was finally over, the story went. Gold would now resume its normal trend upward.

Gold, the only true "store of value" in a paper-money world, would irease its owners' wealth while stocks, bonds, realestate, cash, and other popular asset classes destroyed it. —FP Monitoring

No change in CPEC route: Ahsan ISLAMABAD: Minister for Planning

and Development Ahsan Iqbal on Thursday said China-Pakistan Economic Corridor was not only a road network but it was focused on development of four sectors to generate economic activities throughout the country in a big way.

Presiding over a meeting in Islamabad, he said major components of the Corridor include development of Gwadar Deep Sea Port, Energy Generation Projects, Development of Industry and Establishment of New Economic Zones both in China and Pakistan.

He said no new route has been proposed under the Corridor while the focus will be on improving and rebuilding existing routes in the country to ultimately link them with Gwadar Port, which has to bear the load of economic and trade activities in future.

He mentioned four routes, which have to be constructed including Gwadar-Surab-Quetta-D. I. Khan Road, Gawadar-Sukkur Road, Karachi-Lahore Motorway and Islamabad-Mianwali-D.G.KhanJaccobabad Road.

He said all these links will be developed under a long-term programme. He dispelled the impression of change in any route under the corridor and said there was no existence of any proposed route before 5th of July 2013 when the initial planning of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor began. —FP Monitoring

ISLAMABAD: Federal Committee on Agriculture (FCA) Thursday fixed the sugarcane cultivation targets at 1,140 thousand hectares to produce 68,035 thousand tons of sugarcane during the Kharif season 2015-16.

The FCA, which met with Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Sikander Hayat Khan Bosan in chair, reviewed the performance of Rabi crops 2014-15 and fixed production targets for Kharif crops 2015-16.

The rice production target for current season was fixed at 6,902 thousand tons by cultivating the crop over an area of 2,836 thousand hectares whereas the maiz production target was set at 4,609 thousand tons for Kharif season.

The Committee also fixed Moong pulse crop production for the crop season 2015-16 at 102 thousand tons to fulfill the domestic requirements of the country as well as for export.

The Committee reviewed the performance of Rabi crops 2014-15 and production plan for Kharif crops 201516 and also discussed the position of supply of agricultural inputs for the Kharif crop 2015-16.

The Committee was informed that wheat production for 2014-15 was estimated at 25.03 million tons from an area of 9.17 million hectares.

The revised estimates have reduced

the production targets from 25.48 to 25.03 million tons where as the gram crop production was estimated around 429.9 thousand tons from an area of 959.5 thousand hectares.

The production achievements of other crops such as maize, chillies and Masoor were also discussed in the meeting.

The committee was informed that irrigation water availability position for current Kharif season would be satisfactory and the anticipated rainfall would be on optimal level except in some areas of Sindh.

The Met Department reported the IRSA data that, the water levels in the reservoirs were better as compared to last year which would help ensure the smooth water supply for crops during current season.

Additionally, MET Department was optimistic that rain prospects were also better in all parts of the country.

The committee was informed that certified seed availability has increased during the Kharif season.

The representative of State Bank of Pakistan informed that allocations of institutional credit for agriculture had substantially increased.

The committee also noted with relief that supply of pesticides and herbicides would be satisfactory for 2015-16 Kharif

Survey begins for KSE-hub centres in Punjab

SECP suspends trading in KASB shares

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) issued directions here Thursday to all the three stock exchanges to immediately suspend the trading in the shares of the KASB Bank Limited.

The trading was suspended in the interest of investors as the regulator observed an abnormally high volume in the shares of KASB Bank Limited in last few days, said a statement issued by the Commission here.

On initial enquiry, it was observed that there were rumors in the KSE about the change in management and control of the Bank from existing management to some Chinese investor, which is generating excessive volume in the market.

SECP issued direction to the Bank on April 23, 2015 to clarify the true position about the speculated change in management through the stock exchanges before opening of the market on April 24, 2015.

On direction of the SECP, the Bank clarified through notice to the stock exchanges that the Bank has not received any directive from any concerned quarISLAMABAD:

ters about the future course of action for the Bank or about the management changes that are being speculated and rumored and that the Bank is presently operating under the conditions of the moratorium imposed on it by the Federal Government.

This clarification was disseminated to the investors on the websites of the Stock Exchanges on April 24, 2015 at 9:24 A.M. i.e. before opening of the market at 9:30 A.M. However, it has been observed that despite clarification from the Bank the trading volume in the shares of the Bank remained very high as compared to its normal trading pattern.

On April 29, 2015 Bank Islami Pakistan Limited and KASB Bank made announcement through stock exchanges that the State Bank of Pakistan has started the process of amalgamation of KASB Bank with and into Bank Islami at a token nominal value and that the scheme shall be considered by the board of directors of Bank Islami in its meeting at 2:00 p.m. —FP Monitoring

season.

Later addressing a press conference, Sikandar Hayat Bosan said that government was determined to safeguarding the growers rights by introducing farmers friendly policies.

To question, he said that globally the commodity prices witnessed downward trend which put negative impact on local farmers adding that policies be introduced for reducing the input costs.

He informed that all major crops witnessed increase in their production besides fruit exports of to Eurpeon Union (EU) countries also posted significant increase.

He said that about 3.5 million tons of kinnow as compared to the exports of 2.15 million tons of last year whereas mango exports crossed 92 thousand tons during the last season.

He said that potato production also registered boost during the season and the government has decided to export about 125,000 tons for better return to the farmers.

The Provincial Agriculture Departments, Pakistan Meteorological Department, State Bank of Pakistan, Zarai Taraqiati Bank Ltd (ZTBL), National Fertilizer Development Centre (NFDC) and senior officers of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research attended the meeting. —FP Monitoring

Hyderabad: a special person takes out the juice of sugarcane on his roadside shop as the world celebrates International labour day. —FP monitoring

Spain’s economy growth accelerates in first quarter

MADRID: Spain's economy growth accelerated in the first quarter, provisional official data showed Thursday, in a fresh sign that the nation's recovery is gathering momentum even though unemployment remains high.

Economic output expanded by 0.9 percent in the January-March period on a quarterly basis, up from 0.7 percent in the previous quarter, according to provisional figures from the National Statistics Institute.

It was the seventh consecutive time that Spain was posting quarterly growth.

On an annual basis the Spanish economy, the eurozone's fourth-largest, grew by 2.6 per cent in the first quarter, up from 2.0 per cent in the previous three month period. Spain expanded by 1.4 percent in 2014 -- its first full-year of growth since a property bubble burst in 2008, throwing millions of people out of work -- due to increased consumer spending and business investment. Like many of its eurozone partners, the country has also benefited from sliding oil prices as well as a weaker euro which has helped boost exports. —FP Monitoring

MULTAN: A team of the Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) has started surveying different big cities of the Punjab to establish KSE hub centres in Multan, Lahore, Faisalabad and other cities to facilitate investors at their door-step.

Manager Marketing KSE Imran Alam told on Thursday that they were proceeding forward at a fast pace to ensure direct link of investors with KSE through hub centres to enable them get issues relating to share transfer, account opening and complaints regarding brokers, resolved at their respective home cities.

Imran Alam disclosed that an SMEs Exchange would also start operations within the KSE in next few months to enable small and medium enterprises (SMEs) or smaller companies having smaller capitals get themselves registered to attain status of listed companies.

A new system was also being incorporated in the KSE under which buyers will get details of shares activity on their cell phones in case of buying shares of any listed company in any city of the country.

It will plug chances of any fraud or instances like brokers holding shares.

The KSE manager marketing said the government had already granted permission for establishment of hub centres of KSE. He said a survey conducted so far in South Punjab indicated that there exist trend of investments in stocks in the area and the new international airport established recently would accelerate economic activities in Multan and surrounding areas with the commencement of operations of different airlines.

To a question, he said that only real buyers were engaged in stocks trading through KSE and added that only those earn profit who follow the principle of 'First Thinking, and then understanding before investing in stocks." KSE was going to hold a one-day seminar in Multan in the first week of May for awareness of potential investors on how stock exchanges work and Managing Director KSE besides noted investment managers would be available to answer questions from the participants, Imran said. —FP Monitoring

Afghan businessman helps drug addicts rejoin society JAWID OMID HEART: Convinced that the government alone cannot solve the worsening drug addiction problem in the country, a local businessman in this western Afghan city decided to use his own resources to help drug dependents rejoin society.

"At first, my relatives and friends were against my idea of helping solve the drug menace in Afghanistan,"businessman Abdul Sattar Pahlawan told Xinhua in a

recent interview.

He said that drug addicts are rejected by people in society and are treated as pariahs."But they are also human beings and they need our compassion and understanding. That is the reason why I am helping them,"said Pahlawan, which means wrestler in Dari language.

But unlike some politicians who use only lip service in helping solve the drug menace, Pahlawan has"walked the talk"by setting up a drug rehabilitation

center in the eastern part of the city, with nearly 1 million population.

The center has since accepted a number of drug users, mostly young Afghans."I found that the drug users are frequently involved in small crimes such as robberies in order to have money to buy drugs.

This has caused the rise in the number of petty crimes across the city. Accepting drug dependents and have them treated at the center will not only bring down crimes but also give

drug users the chance to rejoin society,"said Pahlawan.

Studies show that drug addiction in Afghanistan is often the result of poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, trauma from continuing conflicts,migration and misconceptions about the so- called calming effects of drugs.

According to the Public Health Ministry, there are now an estimated 1.5 million drug dependents in Afghanistan with some 13 percent of them children and 20 percent women.

Among them, only about 5 percent have access to public health care or rehabilitation facilities.

Afghanistan, which is being ravaged by Taliban-led insurgency, produces about 90 percent of the world's opium, the raw material used in manufacturing heroin, according to officials.

Pahlawan said up to 400 drug dependents have been treated and discharged at his center over the past year."Around 500 patients are receiving treatment now. —FPMonitoring

B4

BRIEF APML holds corner meeting ahead of convention SHAMSHER KHASKHELI HYDERABAD: All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) district Hyderabad president Shoaib Malik and general secretary Iqbal Hussain Abidi visited the camp at Naseem Nagar chowk to address the corner meeting on Thursday. Iqbal Abidi said the workers convention would be a historic one. “The convention has already fumbled the opponents who were dreaming to foil it” he added. Abidi said people have fixed their eyes on leadership of Pervez Mushraf as the present rulers have failed to deliver every time they came to power. He said during the period of Musharraf, International Monitory Fund (IMF) loans were repaid for the first time in the country.

5 proxy students arrested in exams OUR CORRESPONDENT WANA: South Waziristan Agency (SWA), assistant political agent arrested five proxy students sitting in examination hall of F.A, F.Sc exams on Thursday. Assistant Political Agent for Wana Mehboob Achakzai told that five bogus students were arrested during a surprise visit of Examination hall in Govt Degree College Wana. The five arrested students were shifted to the Political Administration Jail (PAJ), located in Wana Scouts Camp.

The arrested five persons were identified as Naseer,Naqeeb Ullah,Gul Zada,Haroon and Fayyaz Ahamd Shah.

FATA/SINDH/BALOCHISTAN

CSSP, REAT pay tribute to activist Sabeen Mahmud IMTIAZ GORAR LARKANA: The Civil Society Support

Program (CSSP) in collaboration with Right Expression Assembly Thought (REAT) arranged a candle light vigil at press club to pay tribute to social and human rights activist Sabeen Mahmud, who was gunned down in Karachi a few days back.

Larkana Press Club President Iqbal Babu, Women activist Dr Pirah Sakina Gaad, Dr Moula Bux Kalhoro, advocate Abdul Rehman Bhutto, Jawed Shah, Afzal Shaikh, Qadir Bux Kamangur, Murtaza Kalhoro, Umer Buriro, Imtiaz Gorer, Vijay Kumar and others strongly condemned the horrific murder of Sabeen Mahumd and asked the government to take immediate action against the culprits.

The speakers said that Pakistan is an unsafe country for those who are working for the rights of people and helping them in raising their voices. It is through the efforts of these activists that people are made aware of their role in social and economic development of the country. They said that our society is becoming more and more intolerant and this is not a good sign.

The civil society activists expressed their concerns regarding the deteriorating culture of human rights in Pakistan with palpable threats to human rights defenders and activists. They urged the government of Pakistan to ensure the protection of human rights defenders in accordance with the spirit and provisions of the UN declaration on Human Rights Defenders and afford them the freedom required, in-

SAWAN KHASKHELI

KARACHI: Wife of detained sus-

BADIN: Thousands turned up to show

pect Moazzam, arrested in Imran Farooq’s murder case, has registered another petition in Sindh High court (SHC) pleading to allow the family to meet Moazzam, on Thursday.

She said that the police personnel are not allowing them to meet Moazzam whereas the plaintiff also argued that she had also approached the Chairman of Joint Investigation Team (JIT) but no action has been taken from him as well.

Rangers while raiding a house near Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) headquarters Nine Zero arrested a worker of political party named Moazzam Ali. –FP Monitoring

NEPRA reduces Rs1.69 per unit in K-electric KARACHI: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) reduced on Thursday the K-Electric tariff by Rs1.69 per unit under monthly fuel adjustment for February. It was informed that K-Electric sold 99 crore units during the month at a lower fuel cost which saved it about Rs1.5766 billion. New tariff will not be applicable on consumers using less than 50 units.

SHC seeks report on Baldia Town case KARACHI: Sindh High Court (SHC) on Thursday has sought a report over dispatching of compensation money to Baldia Town fire victims within 30 days. As per details, Chief Justice (CJ) SHC heard the case during which the counsel told the court that maximum victims have been awarded money whereas some affectees don’t possess complete documents. Subsequently, the court has ordered the monitor to submit complete report on the issue within 30 days. –FP Monitoring

solidarity with former Sindh Home Minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza for his recent stance against party co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, on Thursday.

The supporters and disgruntled Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) workers and activists from various cities, towns and villages riding on buses, tractor-trolleys, cars and motorcycles gathered in Badin city to show their support and express their solidarity with Dr Mirza.

The charged workers were carrying banners and placards inscribed with the slogans in favour of Dr Zulfiqar Mirza. The participants of the rally marched on various roads and converged at Qazia Wah Bridge of the town, where the leaders addressed the participants.

Advocate Mohammad Essa Mallah, Dilbar Sindhi, Sikander Ali Memon, Peroz Shahani and Wahid Bux Chan-

Karachi University shuts down to mourn professor

KARACHI: University of Karachi (KU) on Thursday has announced three days of mourning over the assassination of assistant professor Waheed-urRehman by cancelling all the academic activities including ongoing examination.

Earlier, an assistant professor of the University of Karachi was shot dead in Federal B. area on April 29. Dr Syed Waheed-ur-Rahman was killed when unidentified gunmen riding a motorcycle opened fire on his car. The suspects managed to flee the scene soon after the attack. The victim was an instructor at the Mass Communication department.

In protest against the incident, university students blocked main road and demanded immediate arrest of the culprits. Educational activities at the university were also suspended.

The police also released a sketch of the suspect involved in his murder. The new development in the murder case that occurred in the vicinity of Yousaf Plaza Federal B area was made with the help of eyewitness reports. According to these reports, the assailant’s age is said to be around 30 to 35 years. The suspect is stated as having a dark complexion and height of more than 5 ft 2 inches. Police stated that the hunt for suspects involved in the killing has begun. –FP Monitoring

ITA, PCE hold event on Financing Of Education WAHEED PHULPOTO

cluding the right to freedom of ex- Pakistani citizens.

Earlier, Afzal Shaikh of CSSP pression, speech, assembly and protest, to carry out valuable work to Larkana apprised that Sabeen Mahprotect and promote the rights of mud was one of the foremost human

rights and free speech advocates in Pakistan. He termed her killing as gross violation of rights of expression, assembly and thought.

Thousand gather to show ‘Tribesmen to join hands solidarity with Dr Mirza for development projects’

Suspect Moazzam’s wife files plea in SHC

FRIDAY

MAY 1, 2015

dio addressed the gathering and vowed to support Dr Mirza in his stance against Asif Ali Zardari and corrupt rulers of Sindh.

They said that whatever Dr Mirza was claiming in media interviews was nothing but a bitter truth. They pledged to stand by Dr Mirza through thick and thin and made it clear that MNA Dr Fehmida Mirza and her son MPA Barrister Husnain Mirza would never tender their resignations as according to them they were elected by the people of Badin district with thumping majority.

They alleged that Dr Mirza was exposing the unscrupulous elements within the party adding they warned of serious consequences if any harm was done with Dr Mirza and his family members.

Heavy contingents of the police from various police stations were deployed in the city to avoid any untoward incident. However, supporters dispersed peacefully after showing their strength in favour of their leader.

OUR CORRESPONDENT KHYBER AGENCY: The local people and media should play their role in building a creative and healthy environment in the area. The views were expressed by the Political Agent (PA) Khyber Agency on his brief visit to Landikotal on Thursday.

He said that it is the moral duty of all citizens to cooperate with the law enforcing agencies so that developmental projects can be initiated in Landikotal Shahab also said taht adding jirga system was an important component of tribal setup which would be strengthened.

Shinwari, Afridi and Shalmani tribes were present at the Koli Kachery held at the Landikotal administration compound.PA heard the problems being faced by them and issued orders on many genuine cases on the spot.

Responding to the public complaints, PA said construction work on PeshawarLandikotal highway was almost com-

pleted. He said the rest of the work between Landikotal and Torkham road would be completed till June this year.

He directed the sanitary inspector to assure presence of sanitary staff and execute their duties honestly; otherwise action will be taken against them. He also asked him to have an open eye on edibles in Landikotal bazaar and bring the violator to books.

Shahab assured the journalists that work on the long awaited Landikotal press club would be started in May next month.

He said an International standard taxi stand would be constructed in Landikotal bazaar to resolve the vehicles parking problem faced by the people.

On the request of local elders PA Khyber released ten persons from Landikotal lock up who had been apprehended in minor charges.

Local elders, political personalities and business community members lauded PA Khyber for arranging an open session court.

SHIKARPUR: In line with the Global Action Week 2015, Idara-e-Taleem-oAagahi (ITA) and Pakistan Coalition for Education (PCE) held a joint policy event at Shah Abdul Latif University Shikarpur campus on Thursday.

The dialogue was attended by prominent representatives from the government including Mrs Ayesha Abro Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC-I) Shikarpur , District Educational Officials, IBA Faculty, Pro Vice Chancellor Shah Abdul Latif University Campus Shikarpur, RSU officials as well as stakeholders including village council / SMC members, teachers and community members.

Saulat Mirza’s death warrant to be issued on May 2

KARACHI: Karachi Central Jail authorities have once again contacted the court on Thursday for re-issuance of death warrant of convicted target killer Saulat Mirza. According to sources, Saulat Mirza’s fresh death warrant will be issued on May 2. Earlier on Wednesday, the joint investigation team recorded his statement and forwarded its report to the concerned authorities.

Mirza’s execution was postponed after he leveled serious allegations against the leadership of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) in a video message from death cell on March 18. –FP Monitoring

UNHCR completes mega projects in Balochistan

QUETTA: United Nations High Com-

missioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has completed two projects worth billions of rupees in Balochistan.

Aimed at improving education status in district Killa Abdullah, development scheme worth Rs 26,941,742 was launched in 2014 which completed lately under the supervision of Tameer-eKhalaq Foundation.

Another project worth Rs 4,58,32,658 was launched to improve the Water and Sanitation facility in Chaman town implemented by WESS. The education project directly benefited 795 local people and 70 Afghans, the total numbers exceed to more than 865 Refugees. The project did not only helped mobilising practical education but also engendered motives in the minds of both parents and children to continue their efforts.

While water and sanitation project benefited as many as 31 villages of U/Cs Purana Chaman, Daman Mealzai, Daman Ashyzai, Boghra, Roghani, Chaman, Purana Chaman, Roghani 1, Dobandi, Bayan Mulazai, Aghbargh and Gulistan District Killa Abdullah.

The total number of beneficiaries under this project would be approximately 36,015. The key implementation was

establishment and rehabilitation of existing non-functional schemes, gravity flow schemes, hand pumps and solar water scheme to ensure availability of 20 litres of water to 36,015 individuals.

Use of efficient and renewable energy would greatly contribute in mitigating power shortage in the targeted areas whilst reducing the water borne diseases.

Addressing the concluding ceremony, UNHCR head in Balochistan, Fabio said that UNHCR always enjoyed the robust support of Balochistan local government.

He noted that without education, there is very little hope for our decent people to practice joyful life. “Literacy for elder citizen of Balochistan and education for our children are the only hope for our brighter future. By providing due and equal educational opportunities for boys and girls would mean that the seeds planted today would grow in the near future and benefit the societies,” he added.

He said, “Apart from our other initiatives, (Refugee Affected and Hosting Areas) RAHA programme is one of the cardinal efforts underway for many years.

It initially started in 2009 and covered nine districts of Balochistan. The projects approved in close consultation with

Commissioner for Afghan Refugees and have been implemented jointly with our close partners. I can proudly say that during the last five years term, we have implemented 258 projects under RAHA program where 37 projects only implemented in Killa Abdullah District. There will be many more projects in the com-

ing years under the same initiative.”

He appreciated the people of Balochistan and said throughout the years, UNHCR has been noticing that the aborigine people of 9 districts of Balochistan heartily helped refugees from neighbouring countries such as Afghanistan and Iran to settle, adjust, start normal life

and be part of the local community.

UNCHR head further said that RAHA is not only a program that helps refugees to stand on their own feet but in broader sense, it helps the local economic dynamism and social stability through providing jobs, training and mutual engagement. —FP Monitoring

FRIDAY

www.thefrontierpost.pk

MAY 1, 2015

Ghani warns ISIS is worse than al-Qaeda

NEW DELHI: Afghan President Ashraf

Ghani warned here on Thursday that the ISIS posed serious threats to the whole region and that the terrorist group was worse than al-Qeda.

Addressing a group of Indian and Afghan journalists, he stressed that instability in Afghanistan would destabilise the whole region, adding the ISIS was a major threat to world peace and stability.

“With all apologies to Microsoft, if al-Qaeda was Windows 1, the ISIS is Windows 5.

Terrorism is fast changing its ecology and morphology, as well as its communication strategies,” Ghani said.

“Al-Qaeda did not have territorial space, but the ISIS acquired territorial space very quickly. The control of funding it enjoys is unprecedent-

ed in terms of a terrorist movement, but there is a pattern: observe, orient, decide and act (OODA),” Ghani said in reference to the OODA loop that was developed by a military strategist.

Giving his views on the military operation conducted

by Pakistani military forces in Waziristan, Ghani said it had displaced hundreds of militants and impacted the security situation in Afghanistan.

In terms of economic capacities, he said Afghanistan had great potential to leverage economic and commercial ties with the regional nations, particularly India. Ghani further said balTImoRe: demonstrators rally before a curfew on Thursday. baltimore is on the second day of week-long curfews after days of street riots. —Xinhua India was one of the five circles explained in Afghanistan’s foreign policy. —FP Monitoring

10 jailed for life over role in Malala attack SHEHZAD KHAN MINGORA: An Anti-Terrorism Court

(ATC) here on Thursday awarded life imprisonment to all the 10 convicts in the 2012 shooting of teenage activist Malala Yousafzai, targeted for her campaign against Taliban efforts to deny education to girls.

Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants claimed responsibility for attacking Malala as she travelled home from school in her home in Swat.

“Judge Mohammad Amin Kundi in his verdict gave 25 years jail each to all the accused namely Zafar Iqbal, Adnan, Salman, Irfan, Hazrat Bilal, Izhar, Zafar Ali, Ikram, Shaukat Ali and Israr Rehman,” said a court official in Swat. They were the first convictions for the attack.

Malala was seriously wounded and airlifted to Britain for treatment, where she now lives. Two other schoolgirls Shazia Ramzan and Kainat Riaz were also wounded in the attack that took place on 12 October 2012. Since then, Malala has become a symbol of defiance in the fight against militants operating in northwest Pakistan. She won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014.

A security official said none of the four or five men who carried out the attack on

Saudi-led warplanes pound rebels in Yemen

ADEN: A Saudi-led coalition pressed on

with air strikes Thursday against Shiite rebels in south Yemen where fierce clashes raged between the insurgents and southern pro-government fighters, sources said.

Warplanes hit Huthi rebel positions in the main southern city of Aden, in the districts of Khor Maksar and Dar Saad, helping pro-government forces to retake positions, sources among the southern fighters said. Eight people were killed in overnight clashes in Aden, including five pro-government fighters and three civilians, according to the city's health chief Al-Khader Laswar.

He said 44 others were wounded. Details of losses on the rebel side were not available. Shiite Huthi fighters backed Malala was among the 10 men sen- by troops loyal to former strongman Ali tenced on Thursday. “But certainly they had a role in the planning and execution of the assassination attempt on Malala,” said a police official in Swat who declined to be identified since he was not authorised to speak to the media.

Police believe the gunman who shot Malala escaped across the border into Afghanistan. Several people, including TTP leader Fazlullah, are wanted in connection with the attack on Malala. BEIJING: The purpose of the exercise Fazlullah, a fiery preacher from is to strengthen the friendly Swat, is also believed to be hiding out exchanges between the two sides ... in eastern Afghanistan. Malala is un- and to improve the capability of the able to return to her homeland be- two navies to deal with maritime cause of Taliban threats to kill her and threats," Geng said. He said the her family members. drills did not target any third parties and were not a response to fighting and instability in places such as Libya and Syria, he said.

China and Russia frequently align on major international issues and Beiclaimed responsibility for the attack. jing has refused to join in the conMeanwhile, in a separate blast in Kun- demnations and economic sanctions duz province, at least four civilians were leveled against Moscow for its backing wounded, police said. According to Kun- of the Ukrainian rebels. duz police, explosives were placed on a In a further show of support, Chinese bicycle and detonated at about 10:30 am President Xi Jinping plans to attend local time on Thursday when a police ve- commemorations of the 70th anniverhicle was passing by. Four civilians were sary of the end of World War II in wounded in the blast, police said. No in- Moscow on May 9. Most Western leadsurgent group has yet claimed respon- ers are staying away from the event feasibility for the blast. turing a massive military parade, in Elsewhere, a suicide bomber driving which a 112-strong honor guard from a car detonated his explosives on Thurs- the Chinese army, navy and air force day at a police checkpoint in the Trank will also take part. area, Daman district, Kandahar The two nation's militaries have inprovince, officials said. According to creased their joint training operations in Kandahar officials, the suicide bomber recent years, sometimes under the aegis detonated explosives after being of the Shanghai Cooperation Organizastopped by police at a checkpoint. Two tion, a regional grouping formed partly people were wounded in the blast, the to counter U.S. influence in Central media reported. —FP Monitoring Asia. —FP Monitoring

Chinese, Russian navies to hold first mediterranean joint drills

2 killed, 8 injured in Afghan violence KABUL: A local Taliban commander was killed and two others were wounded in a blast on Wednesday night in Alingar district while trying to plant several roadside mines in the Shorab area of Laghman province.

According to local officials, the local commander was named Jamshid and he was a well-known mine-maker among the Taliban.

Also, a member of the National Directorate of Security (NDS) was killed early on Thursday in Kandahar city, local officials said.

Kandahar acting governor Samim Akhpalwak said an NDS member was shot by unknown gunmen and died while being transferred to hospital. According to Akhpalwak, the gunmen escaped but police are investigating the matter. No insurgent group has yet

Abdullah Saleh had made advances in Aden, which is now defended by local militia dubbed "popular resistance" units that have sided with forces loyal to embattled President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi.

Saudi Arabia assembled a multi-country coalition last month that launched attacks on the rebels following a request by Hadi, who has since fled Aden to Riyadh.

Although the coalition said it had halted its air campaign on April 21, strikes have continued to pound rebel positions throughout Yemen.

Overnight raids targeted Huthis in the southern provinces of Lahj and Abyan, southern fighters said. The United Nations says more than 1,000 people have been killed in fighting in Yemen since late March. —FP Monitoring

US asks Iran to help draw Yemeni parties into talks WASHINGTON: The United States sought Iran's help to bring Yemen's warring

parties into talks on a political settlement when U.S. and Iranian foreign minister's met on Monday, a U.S. official said on Wednesday.

Iran is allied with the Houthi militias that took the Yemeni capital Sanaa in September, demanding a more inclusive government. The Shi'ite Houthis have since swept south, unsettling Sunni-ruled oil exporter Saudi Arabia, which fears the spread of Iranian influence in the region.

Saudi Arabia conducted an air campaign to bomb Houthi targets. Air strikes hit five Yemeni provinces as fighting raged in the southern city of Aden on Wednesday, and sources in the region said the kingdom was training armed tribesmen to fight the Houthi group. Asked whether U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry had asked Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in talks in New York on Monday to use its influence to get all sides into talks, a U.S. State Department official told reporters, "Yes." —FP Monitoring

Bilawal vows to stand guard against any injustice to labour

KARACHI: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has reiterated the commitments of the past leadership towards the labour and working classes and pledged he would continue to stand guard against any exploitation or injustices to the toiling majority of the nation.

In his message on the Labour Day falling on May 1, the PPP Chairman said Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto laid sound foundations for the labour rights through legislations and labour policies giving them trade union rights.

Former President Asif Ali Zardari even gave share in the state production units under Benazir Employees Stock

Option Scheme to the employees, including labour for their empowerment.

Besides, the PPP leadership also eliminated black laws against the working class. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari pointed out that the cause of labour and working class has always been dear to his Party and steps will be taken in future for more empowerment to this particular segment of Pakistani society as PPP derives its strength more from them than any other segment of the country.

PPP Chairman extended reassurances to the working classes and hoped that Peoples Labour Bureau will again become a vibrant wing to further help the Party to formulate policies and struggle for their rights in the light of vision of our martyred leadership. —FP Monitoring

PM to brief political leaders on CPEC: Dar ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar Thursday said that

Prime Minister Mohammad Nawaz Sharif has invited leaders of parliamentary political parties to brief them on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Project (CPEC) here at PM House on May 13. Ishaq Dar had announced, at a dinner hosted by former President and PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari last Thursday, that a briefing for leaders of parliamentary political parties on CPEC would be arranged at the PM House, said a Finance Ministry statement issued here Thursday. —FP Monitoring

US now sees Russia directing Ukraine’s rebels

WASHINGTON: The United States now sees the Ukrainian rebels as a Russian force.

American officials briefed on intelligence from the region say Russia has significantly deepened its command and control of the militants in eastern Ukraine in recent months, leading the U.S. to quietly introduce a new term: "combined Russian-separatist forces." The State Department used the expression three times in a single statement last week, lambasting Moscow and the insurgents for a series of cease-fire violations in Ukraine.

The shift in U.S. perceptions could have wideranging ramifications, even if the Obama administration has cited close linkages between the pro-Russian separatists and President Vladimir Putin's government in Moscow since violence flared up in Ukraine a year ago.

By describing them as an integrated force in the east of the country, the U.S. is putting greater responsibility on Russia for the continued fighting.

That will make it harder for Russia to persuade the U.S. and Europe to scale back sanctions that are hurting its economy, and for Washington and Moscow to partner on unrelated matters from nuclear nonproliferation to counterterrorism.

U.S. intelligence agencies signed off on the new language last week, after what officials outlined as increasing evidence of the Russians and separatists working together, training together and operating under a joint command structure that ultimately answers to Russia. The officials weren't authorized to be quoted by name and demanded anonymity.

Some of that evidence was presented in a state-

ment released by State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf on April 22 after Secretary of State John Kerry raised his concerns by telephone with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Harf spoke of Russia's deployment of air defense systems closer to the front lines, increased troop levels near Kharkov, Ukraine's second largest city, and intensified training sessions involving the use of Russian drones. She called the unmanned aerial vehicles "an unmistakable sign of Russia's presence."

The uprising began after protesters chased Ukraine's pro-Russia president out of power and Moscow responded by annexing the Ukrainian region of Crimea. The insurgency started with miners, farmers and others without military training rebelling against the new government,

and quickly expanded. More than 6,000 people have died and a million have been displaced by the conflict.

Russia's air defense concentration in eastern Ukraine is now at its highest level since August, the U.S. says. Russia has more ground forces at the border than at any point since October. These developments and others have American officials fearful Moscow and the separatists may be planning an offensive in the coming weeks.

"War could start at any moment," Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said this week.

Recent fighting has concentrated near the Black Sea port of Mariupol. Ukraine's government still controls the territory, but a separatist takeover would establish a land bridge between mainland Russia and Crimea.

Xi terms Pakistan visit memorable

ISLAMABAD: In a letter to Prime

Minister Nawaz Sharif, Chinese President Xi Jinping has termed the warm welcome on his visit to Pakistan a memorable moment of his life, and thanked the government and Pakistani nation for their respect and affection, the media reported on Thursday. Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong met Nawaz and gave him the letter of thanks from the Chinese President.

In the letter, President Xi Jinping has appreciated the efforts of Pakistani government to make his visit successful. Furthermore, the Chinese premiere vowed to strengthen the Pak-China friendship and said both the countries were Iron brothers and he wanted to see China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Project as a thriving venture. —FP Monitoring

Associated Press reporting in eastern Ukraine this spring showed Russia expanding its training of separatist fighters to improve their capabilities to operate sophisticated Russian weaponry and defend territory. At the same time, Russia has reduced the number of its troops deployed in Ukraine. The shift appears designed to minimize Russia's visible military presence while it seeks to persuade the West to lift economic sanctions.

Yet Russian troops have been a "permanent feature of the conflict," said Igor Sutyagin, a Londonbased Russia scholar. Russian forces in Ukraine, he said, peaked at about 9,000 in late February. He calculated the estimation on sightings of weaponry and postings by soldiers on social media. Several hundred Russian military trainers are likely in eastern Ukraine right now, he said. —FP Monitoring

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