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Orakzai oﬀensive leaves 25 militants dead ORAKZAI AGENCY: Twenty-five militants have been killed as jet fighters on Thursday targeted militant hideouts in upper Orakzai Agency. Earlier in the morning, a security forces convoy was targeted in Nadar Mela with an IED, which resulted in the death of one soldier while three others were injured. Assistant political agent Rafiq Mohmand said the militant stronghold of Gundai Mela in Mamozai has been taken over by security forces. Eight militants were killed during the offensive. He said that during air strikes in Inzar Mela, Jandri Kalle and Adu Khel area of Mamozai, four militant hideouts were destroyed while 12 militants were also killed, adding “those killed are mostly affiliated with the TTP.” Five militants were also killed in another clash. Officials also believe that the fall of Gundai Mela to the security forces is a huge success due to the strategic location of the village. –AGENCIES

MARCH 08, 2013

Govt to suggest changes in nomination paper

CEC rules out delay in polls Says Karachi situation not a hurdle in elections EC to hold talks with Army today

ISLAMABAD: Law Minister Farooq H. Naek Thursday said that the government would give its input to the Election Commission by proposing some changes in the nomination form for the election candidates. Talking to newsmen after meeting with Election Commission ‚ he said the form should be finalized keeping in view the qualifications and disqualifications of the candidates as contained in Articles-62 and 63 of the Constitution. He said after finalisation of the form by the Commission‚ it would be sent to

the President for approval. Earlier, Chief Election Commissioner Fakhruddin G. Ibrahim Thursday made it clear that elections will be held on time in any case. Talking to reporters after a meeting with Minister Finance Saleem Mandviwalla, he said there should be no ambiguity regarding holding of elections on time. He said that Karachi situation will not be a hurdle in the conduct of general elections. He hoped that situation in Karachi will be improved before holding of general elections. He termed his

meeting with the Finance Minister positive by saying that the minister assured him that the required funds will be provided. Brushing aside all the concerns about whether the general elections would be held or not given prevailing situation in the country, the CEC said there was no uncertainty and elections would be held on time. The ECP also dispelled the impression of striking any kind of 'deal' with the government‚ saying some elements are hurling baseless allegations against the

Another girls school damaged in Mardan blast MARDAN: Government girls school building was partially damaged here in an explosion, however, no loss of life has been reported. Police said unidentified militants had planted explosive material in government girls school in Muhammad Akram Khan Kalai area. The school building was partially damaged in the explosion, however, there was no loss of life. Police have started further investigation. –ONLINE

Delhi student gang-raped now in rickshaw NEW DELHI: After medical student gang-rape in moving bus, now Indian capital witnessed another school girl who was gang-raped after she took a rickshaw to head home from the city outskirts. Delhi police said the rickshaw had been stolen by three men who were on what the police describe as "a joyride." The girl was told the two men sitting in the back were passengers. "Sharing" is a common practice because of cheaper rates and paucity of public transport. The auto drove through multiple police checkpoints for a journey that lasted more than two hours on Saturday night. The men in the back pinned the girl down and gagged her, preventing her from shouting for help, according to the police. When the men had raped the teenager in a secluded area near a major highway, they threw her onto the road, but not before robbing her of her cash and cell phone. She was found lying bleeding near a highway by passers-by who took her to a police station. The assault repeats the horrific details of the fatal gang-rape of a medical student in a moving bus in Delhi in December, which became the origin for massive street protests and tough new laws to punish crimes against women.–AGENCIES

meeting with officials of Pakistan Army on Friday (today) at General Headquarters (GHQ) Rawalpindi. The Secretary ECP will discuss matter of different security issues and deploying Pakistan Army at polling stations across the country in the upcoming general elections-2013. The ECP also dismissed Safdar Abbasi’s petition challenging PPP-Parliamentarians intra-party elections. It said the commission has no right to scrutinize intraparty polls and the relevant forum to challenge the polls is high court. –AGENCIES

SC questions restoration of Sindh LG Ord

Hopes for missing Polish climbers in Pakistan fade LAHORE: Hopes that two missing Polish mountaineers in Pakistan will be found alive are fading, officials say, after they went missing after scaling a peak of more than 8,000m (26,000ft), reports BBC. They were among a group of four Poles who on Tuesday successfully completed the first winter ascent of Broad Peak, the world's 12th highest mountain. The pair went missing while on their way back down the mountain. There has been no contact with them since early Wednesday. Fellow mountaineers said Maciej Berbeka, 58, and Tomasz Kowalski, 27, were exhausted because Broad Peak in winter is an "incredible challenge" in -35C (31F) temperatures and heavy snowstorms. The leader of the Polish expedition said "hope is fading" despite frantic efforts by other climbing teams to find them. –MONITORING DESK

Commission. In a statement‚ the ECP said some elements want the Commission to act like an executioner and put a rope around Parliamentarians necks. It said the Commission got the degrees verified through Higher Education Commission. The ECP heard the stance of the concerned. Meanwhile, over the matter of deploying Pakistan Army at polling stations in the forthcoming election, Secretary Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Ishtiak Ahmad Khan will hold a

MASOOD REHMAN

LAHORE: Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaf activists hold a demonstration against the postponement of party elections inthe city. –ONLINE

US mistakenly offered civil N-deal to Pakistan WASHI NGTON : Diplomacy is a tough job but, perhaps, the tough guys are not suitable for the job. This revealed Vali Nasr in the latest edition of Foreign Policy. He says during a trip to Pakistan, Gen James Jones went completely off script and promised Chief of Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani a civilian nuclear deal in exchange for Pakistan's cooperation. “Panic struck the White House. It took a good deal of diplomatic tapdancing to take that offer off the table. In the end, one of Kayani's advisers told me that the general did not take Jones seriously, anyway; he knew it was a slip-up. The NSC wanted to do the State

Department's job but was not up to the task.” Vali Nasr, who worked closely with late Richard Holbrooke, talks about what called the failure of White House’s diplomacy in Afghanistan. He says in one of former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton's first meetings with Pakistan's military and intelligence chiefs, she asked them point blank to tell her what their vision for Pakistan was: "Would Pakistan become like North Korea? I am just curious. I would like to hear where you see your country going." “The generals were at a loss for words. So was a group of senior journalists when, during a 2009

interview in Lahore, she pushed back against their incessant criticism of US policy, saying: "I can't believe that there isn't anybody in the Pakistani government who knows where bin Laden is." She was tough. But she was just as serious about engaging Pakistanis on issues that mattered to them. Vali also says that Holbrooke understood that the White House, the Pentagon, and the CIA wanted Pakistan to cut ties with the Taliban and do more to fight terrorism. That would never happen, however, without at least some semblance of a normal relationship between Pakistan and the United States. –MONITORING DESK

Troika meets after commanders’ moot OUR STAFF REPORTER RAWALPINDI: The 158th Corps Commanders’ Conference was held at General Headquarters on Thursday amidst a politically volatile environment because of continued violence in Karachi. ISPR said COAS General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani chaired the meeting, which may just be the last meeting of the government that lapses in seven days. The ISPR statement did not say much except the usual: “The meeting under took a comprehensive review of internal and

external security environment of the country.” That the COAS later also met President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf gave reasons to speculate that the troika may have discussed the Karachi situation. As the Karachi situation remains tense, the public and the media hoped that those in power might take some crucial decision regarding action. If any such decision was taken, this was not reflected in any official statements. The only important fact was that the COAS stayed at the Presidency for three long hours, indicating that a detailed discussion must have taken place on important issue about the upcoming political transition and the Karachi violence. It is difficult to speculate whether the three discussed the Pak-Iran gas pipeline or the talks with Taliban issue.

US, China take part in Pak naval drill I S L A M A B A D : The US and China began naval drills in the Arabian Sea with Pakistan and other countries on Thursday, the Pakistani Navy said, in a show of strength against terrorism and piracy. The AMAN-13 exercise involves ships from 13 countries and observers from 20 others nations. The fiveday exercise, which began earlier this week with meetings and manoeuvres in port, will end on Friday and is aimed at “information sharing, mutual understanding and identifying areas of common interest”, the navy said in a statement. –ONLINE

ISLAMABAD: Questioning restoration of Sindh Local Government Ordinance 1979 by the Sindh Assembly, when it had already been annulled, the Supreme Court on Thursday issued notices to the Attorney General seeking his stance over the matter. A three-member bench comprising Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Justice Gulzar Ahmed and Justice Sh. Azmat Saeed, directed the Attorney General Irfan Qadir to appear on next hearing and argue on Article 140-A and 264 in context with a statement of Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah that the Act was annulled in view of a Supreme Court observation. “When Local Government Ordinance 1979 had been annulled, how it could be restored”, the chief justice questioned. He observed that a law could only be restored in the absence of a new legislation. He said the restoration of the law raised legal questions which were arguable. Additional Advocate General Sindh stated that Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah in a statement said the Act was annulled on the apex court’s observation. Later, the court adjourned further hearing three weeks. Earlier on February 20, while halting any further action pertaining to the Sindh Local Government Act, the Supreme Court had ruled that no provincial department would be transferred to the local government till further orders. However, on Feb 21, the Sindh Assembly repealed the ‘Sindh People’s Local Government Act, 2012’ and revived the ‘Sindh Local Government Ordinance, 1979’, amid noisy protests by MQM legislators and jubilant cheers by PPP members. The petition challenging the controversial Sindh Local

Governmnet Act, 2012, was filed by Barrister Zamir Hussain Ghumro of the Sindh Bachayo Committee, pleading the court to declare the law as illegal, unconstitutional and unlawful. The petitioner stated that, “no rural areas were going to emerge in the Metropolitan. The petition contended that dozens of sections of the law, Schedule 1 and its parts from A to W were wholly or partly in clear conflict with Articles 2, 5, 9, 25, 97, 129, 130, 137, 142 and 175 of the Constitution. Pointing out that these and other constitutional provisions could not be severed, the petitioner prayed the court to either declare the whole law ultra vires of the Constitution or alternatively declare these sections as illegal and void. The court has also been requested to declare that towns could not be created outside the boundaries of revenue divisions, no new police districts could be created on the basis of towns in metropolitan corporations and provincial subjects and executive authority of other departments under schedule 1 could not be transferred to the department of local government or any local body. Barrister Ghumro has also prayed the court to stop the Sindh government from transferring provincial government departments in schedule 1 of the Act including their assets and resources to metropolitan corporations, district councils, taluka and town municipal administrations and union councils until the final adjudication of the petition. The court has also been asked to restrain the Sindh government from allowing the local government bodies or metropolitan corporations from creating community police, watch and ward police or any other militia, office or department under section 14 of the impugned act.

Deported from Turkey to Jordan

CIA seizes Osama’s son-in-law ANKARA: Osama bin Laden’s son-in-law Sulaiman Abu Ghaith was seized by CIA agents and taken to the United States after Turkey deported him to Jordan this month, a Turkish newspaper reported on Thursday. Abu Ghaith, the former spokesman of the Al Qaeda network, was seized last month at a luxury hotel in Ankara after a tipoff from CIA and was held there by the police despite a US request for his extradition. Turkish authorities deported Abu Ghaith to Jordan on March 1 to be sent back to Kuwait but he was seized by CIA agents in Jordan and taken to the United States, the Hurriyet newspaper said. His deportation coincided with a visit by US Secretary of State John Kerry to Ankara as part of a regional tour, it added. The Turkish foreign ministry declined to comment on the report while the US embassy in Ankara said: “We’re aware of the reports.” Ankara considers Abu Ghaith a “stateless” person as he was stripped of his Kuwaiti nationality after appearing in videos defending the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States and threatening further violence. –AGENCIES

Senators incredulous how bill upon bill can be tabled ZEESHAN JAVAID

ISLAMABAD: Senate Chairman Syed NayyarHussainBukhari came up with an interesting clarification in the Senate on Thursday about the recently passed 24th Constitutional Amendment Bill, saying it will automatically lapse if not tabled in the National Assembly before its dissolution. It was MohsinLeghari – an independent senator from Punjab – who had also opposed the bill tooth and nail, said the fate of the controversial bill is written on the wall. The 23rd Constitutional Amendment Bill is yet to be passed by the National Assembly while the government passed the 24th constitutional

amendment in the Senate in haste for reasons best known to it. “How is it possible to bring a 24th amendment when the 23rd amendment bill is yet to get through the National Assembly…both the legislation will go down the drain automatically as the assembly is dissolved on March 16”, he added. The argument could not be digested by Senator Islamuddin Sheikh, PPP chief whip in the Senate who, retorted without knowing the legal complications that if the incumbent assembly could not pass the bills, it would be taken up by the upcoming parliament. But Leghari, a true Dera Ghazi Khanian, kept his fingers crossed and insisted that the law did not permit the new assembly to take up

pending legislation. “I’m not convinced Mr chairman…this is serious business and must dealt with seriously”, he said in an affirmative tone. This forced the chairman to scramble the green constitutional compendium, which helped both the parties to take a sigh of relief and the chair read out Rule 76 and clause 3 of the constitution with eyes fixed on the page.Bokhari continued verbatim, “A Bill pending in the National Assembly, or a Bill which having been passed by the National Assembly is pending in the Senate, shall lapse on the dissolution of the National Assembly”. JUDICIARY BASHING: After the court banned Senator Faisal RazaAbidi from appearing in TV talk shows —in which he

continuously targeted Supreme Court verdicts — another PPP stalwart SaeedGhani has taken up the cudgels to malign the superior courts.It has almost become a habit with the senator. Speaking on a point of order, Ghani came down hard on the apex court judges once again and accused them of targeting the PPP for one reason or another while being extra kind to Punjab. He said suomotu notice taken by the Supreme Court chief justice was becoming more dangerous every day, which if not taken notice by the parliament would become a matter of concern for governments in future.Quoting an observation made by SC judges during proceedings of a case that "had the court sent the government packing on October 12, things

could not have been this bad," the PPP jiyala said: “I want to ask you [judges] under which constitution you can dismiss a democratically elected government”. He also accused the courts of discrimination, saying the Sri Lankan cricket team was targeted by terrorists in Lahore, among other major terror strikes on the ISI, GHQ and FIA offices but this did not move the Supreme Court to takesuomotu notice.“The judges must not cross their bounds…when MonisIlahi and Musa Ali Gilani requested that FIA investigators probing their cases be changed, the court paid no heed but when it was ArsalanIftikhar, the whole investigating team was changed. Is this what you call justice”, he asked.

WILY WATTOO SHOOED? PG I 03 frIDAy March 08, 2013

IS PAKISTAN IMPORTING RADIOACTIVE CARS?

FINDING ACCEPTANCE IN PHILADELPHIA

– ATHAR MIAN

– GERALD VAN WILGEN

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rabi-us-sani 25, 1434 I Islamabad/rawalpindi I Vol, V, No. 323 I www.thespokesman.pk

TODAY’S WEATHER

Pages 12 I Price 10/-

Next budget to have Rs 3.2 trillion outlay

Last Cabinet meeting proposes 10pc increase in defence spending 4.5pc GDP growth rate envisaged by 2016 Deficit to stand at 5.8pc

SAHTAK BALOCH

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet Thursday approved Budget Strategy Paper 2013-2016 projecting gross domestic product growth target at 4.5 per cent and budget deficit to stand at 5.8 per cent while the next fiscal year 2013-2014 budget outlay would be around Rs 3.20 trillion. Main medium term priorities include security, defence, energy (dams), water (dams, canals, drainage, barrages),

highways, Benazir Income Support Programme, special areas including Azad Jammu and Kashmir, GilgitBaltistan and FATA, higher education and science and technology. Provinces would be encouraged to enhance spending on health, education, social welfare and provision of clean drinking water. The cabinet met with Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf in chair. The size of nominal GDP is projected at Rs 26.74 billion for the upcoming fiscal year. The draft of the BSP 2013-

2016 has projected 4.5 per cent growth in GDP that was estimated at 4.3 per cent for the ongoing year. The budget deficit has been estimated at Rs 1620 billion (5.8 per cent of the GDP) with provincial surplus of Rs 70 billion for the fiscal year 2013-2014. The budget deficit was projected at 4.7 per cent for the ongoing year. However, the government will earmark Rs 627 billion for defence showing an increase of 10 per cent against revised budget of Rs 570 billion of the present fiscal year.

Allocation for the Public Sector Development Plan (PSDP) will be increased to Rs 450 billion in the fiscal year 2013-14 against Rs 360 billion for the ongoing year. It is also learnt that the government would allocate Rs 1.149 trillion for the interest payment in the financial year 2013-14 against Rs 1.028 trillion earmarked for the fiscal year 2012-13. Rs 155 billion will be allocated for the pension for next fiscal year as against Rs 141 billion of the current year.

Similarly, the government would keep Rs 278 billion for the federal government service delivery as compared to Rs 262 billion of the ongoing financial year. Meanwhile, the government has planned to release Rs 364 billion for subsidies in 2013-14 against Rs 237 billion earmarked for 2012-13 witnessing an increase of 5.5 per cent in revised estimate giving it a total of Rs 345 billion. Federal government will, however, slash share of grant to

ready for sanctions on IP pipeline: Asim

SNEAK PEEK

Understand Pak interests, US told

Doctor holding main PIMs post illegally Despite the expiration of his contract and initiation of disciplinary proceeding against him, Dr Tariq Mujibur Rahman Rajput has forcibly occupied the seat of Deputy Director Finance and Accounts at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences. Page 02

FO says PM unlikely to hold talks with Indian leaders Blames Delhi for delay in MFN status

CIA oﬃcers helped shahrukh escape, sC told During the hearing of Shahzeb Khan murder case, the Supreme Court was informed on Thursday that Shahrukh Jatoi, the main accused in the murder case, had escaped with the help of two officers of the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA). Page 04

Gilgit-Baltistan loses main source of income Tourism has hit all-time low in Pakistan as lawlessness spread across the country. The growing violence has overshadowed the staggering beauty of the erstwhile northern areas - home to some of world’s highest mountain peaks, including K-2, which previously depended much on it in terms of jobs. Page 05

ssGC set to grant lNG contract to lowest bidder The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) scheduled to meet today is expected to give its goahead to Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) to award 400 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) import contract to the lowest bidder. Page 09

Women’s Day in the opinion of renowned designers It is true that with the changing times, the women are walking in strides with the male counterparts, be it in the corporate sector as managers or in any other walks of life. Women empowerment has just remained confined to speeches and there is practically no support for the downtrodden sections. As for every year since 1911 world celebrates Women’s Day with anticipation. Page 10

New Zealand take control after england batsmen ﬂop England's powerful batting line-up was skittled for just 167 by New Zealand Thursday as the unfancied Black Caps took a firm grip on the opening Test in Dunedin. England's batsmen selfdestructed in two nightmare sessions on a tame pitch, offering a succession of rash shots in the face of disciplined bowling from debutant Bruce Martin and Neil Wagner, who each bagged four wickets. In reply, New Zealand made the most of battingfriendly conditions to plunder 131 runs without loss at stumps. Page 11

the provinces by to Rs 54 billion in next year from Rs 57 billion in budget of the ongoing year. Grant to areas other than provinces will be increased to Rs 393 billion in 2013-14 from Rs 383 billion in 2012-13. The estimated total revenue (tax and non-tax) in 2013-14 will be Rs 2.833 trillion and FBR's target would be Rs 2.675 trillion. The projected amount for non-tax revenue has been estimated at Rs 689 billion. Gross revenue will be Rs 3.522 trillion.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Raja Parvez Ashraf chairing the last cabinet meeting. –ONLINE

Rangers spring into action in Lyari

2 kidnapped Rangers among 8 dead in Karachi violence

OUR STAFF REPORTER

KA R A CH I : forces Rangers launched an intensive targeted operation in Lyari area on Thursday hours after the severely tortured bodies of two paramilitary personnel were recovered from Mewa Shah Graveyard. Around 1,000 Rangers personnel are taking part in the operation flanked by over a dozen Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs). Twenty two entry and exit points to Lyari have been sealed. The operation is being conducted in Moosa Lane, Baghdadi, Lee Market, and Ath Chowk against criminals and members of the Lyari gang war. Sources said more than 12 people

were also arrested in the operation. Rangers personnel also claimed to have freed at least three people held captive by criminals in the ongoing operation. Earlier on Thursday, eight people, including two Rangers personnel, were killed in the violence-ridden city, police said. Police and rescue sources said the violence continued as the day progressed. “Five more bodies were found from different areas including Raxor Bridgr Pak Colony, KMC Quarters near Mewa Shah Graveyard, Khairabad Orangi Town. They were kidnapped and then murdered.” The bodies of two Rangers personnel, bearing torture marks,

Abbas Town bombing

sC forms larger bench KARAC HI : The Supreme Court on Thursday constituted a fivemember larger bench to hear the Abbas Town suo motu case. Hearings in the case started on Wednesday, 2013, with Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry kicking off proceedings. Around 50 people were killed and over 150 sustained injuries in a blast near Shia-dominated residential apartments in Karachi’s Abbas Town on March 3. The larger bench will comprise Justice Jawwad S Khawaja, Justice Khilji Arif Hussain, Justice Amir Hani Muslim and Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan, and will be headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammed Chaudhry. The bench will begin hearing the case on March 8 in Karachi. Earlier, Sindh Inspector General Fayyaz Leghari was sent packing on the charge of criminal negligence in providing protection to the residents of Abbas Town. –STAFF REPORTER

were found from Mewa Shah Graveyard in Lyari. Police said both personnel were severely tortured before being killed. The victims belonged to the intelligence wing of Sindh Rangers and went missing since Wednesday while performing duty in Lyari. On the other hand, a policeman, Muharram Chandio, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen. He was asked to come out of his home and shot dead. He was appointed constable at a police station at Bhittaiabad. Meanwhile, residents of Landhi seized two alleged target killers on Thursday who had reportedly come to abduct and kill a local prayer leader. The alleged target killers were apprehended when they tried to abduct a mosque’s cleric in Landhi. Though, before the men could succeed in their mission, locals managed to catch them. People captured the attacker along with his accomplice and subjected them to severe torture. Though the accused were handed over to police, some angry protesters were demanding his custody. The police recovered one motorcycle and two pistols from the kidnappers. The police said further investigations are underway.

sindh CM not happy with sC verdict –Page 4

ISLAM ABAD: Foreign Office Thursday said Pakistan is aware of the US concerns about the IranPakistan pipeline but hoped that America would understand Pakistan's economic compulsions in this regard. Spokesperson Moazzam Ahmad Khan said at the weekly briefing that President Asif Zardari is to visit Iran to perform ground-breaking of IP pipeline taking place on Monday. He said several heads of state have also been invited to attend the ceremony. Rejecting the impression that Pakistan was in a fix due to foreign pressure, he said the project is in our national interests and we are committed to go ahead with it. “They should understand our interests.” He confirmed that discussions are also going on with Iran on setting up of an oil refinery at Gwadar. As per the spokesperson, Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf would pay a personal visit to Ajmer Sharif shrine in India on Saturday. “No talks are yet scheduled on the occasion with Indian leadership.” On Indian Prime Minister's allegations that Pakistan was not doing enough against terrorism, he said Pakistan condemns terrorism and extremism in all its forms and manifestations. “It is a common threat and requires a common strategy and cooperation amongst

all countries of the region.” As for Mumbai attacks, he said Pakistan has repeatedly told India to provide proof that could stand scrutiny in the court of law as mere statements are not enough. “Pakistan wants resolution of all issues with India through dialogue.” About MFN status to India, he said Pakistan is committed to its decision in this regard but the two countries have to complete the required processes first. He said there was an understanding with the US for initiation of case against Raymond Davis for killing two Pakistanis in Lahore but so far no such development was in his knowledge. Meanwhile, Adviser on Petroleum Dr. Asim Hussain said President Asif Zardari and his Iranian counterpart Mahmood Ahmedinejad will sign agreement on Monday for laying the gas pipeline between the two countries. He told reporters that IP pipeline is inevitable and it will be completed at all cost. “The government will implement this project despite international pressures,” he said, adding: “we are ready to face any form of US sanctions in this regard.” He said an agreement to set up an oil refinery at Gwadar with a capacity to produce 400000 tons of oil daily will also be signed on the occasion.

No talks, but a lunch for raja in Jaipur NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid will host lunch for Pakistan Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf during his oneday private visit on Saturday to Jaipur but there will be no "substantive" discussions. "Mr Khurshid will host a lunch for him (Ashraf) at a local hotel (Rambagh Palace) in Jaipur following which Pakistan Prime Minister will depart for Ajmer. Upon completion of prayers at Ajmer, the visiting Prime Minister will return to Jaipur the same evening and take a special flight back to Islamabad. "The Pakistan Prime Minister is not visiting New Delhi and no substantive discussions are scheduled to be held in Jaipur," official spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs said while giving details of Pakistan Prime Minister's trip to Jaipur. –SUSHANT SAREEN

Balochistan, terrorism low on PML-N agenda MOHAMMED RIZWAN LAHORE: The PML-N announced its manifesto on Thursday and while it carried promises to solve every conceivable problem the country faces – reviving the economy, ending the energy shortfall, unemployment – it said very little or nothing on two most pressing problems – the Balochistan insurgency and terrorism. On Balochistan, the manifesto promises to open political dialogue but falls way short of addressing a meaningful strategy. On terrorism too, the manifesto condemns militancy, extremism and terrorism and points out its adverse implications, but in terms of solutions

it merely says ‘a comprehensive policy will be devised to end the menace.’ Meaning there is no policy yet! The better part of 30-page manifesto was reserved to highlight the ‘glorious track record’ of two PML-N governments and a detailed portion was reserved for achievements by Punjab government. Strong Economy -Strong Pakistan was the foundation stone on which the entire manifesto exercise stood and there were detailed solutions to revive the faltering economy. The PML-N chief said foreign investment was key to revive the economy and for that matter a national business and economic council headed by the prime minister would be created to

bring in investment. The manifesto envisages export target of $100 billion which would give enough liquid capital to channelize the economy. Sharif said that the tax to GDP ratio would be raised from the current nine per cent to 15 per cent while the annual growth target for the national economy would be set at six per cent from the current three per cent. Inflation, the manifesto promises, will be brought down to eight per cent from the current 18 per cent and revival of ailing public sector giants like PIA and the Railway would be the top priority of the party. On energy the manifesto promises to solve the issue of circular debt in two years to bring the national

capacity of 22,000 MW to optimum levels and by reducing the line losses and further exploration, the energy net would be broadened to cater to the needs of the future. On agriculture the manifesto promises to enhance the output by giving farmer maximum facilities while creating food security for the nation. The schemes initiated by the Punjab government – laptops and Daanish schools – would be expanded to the entire country while the education budget of the country would be brought to four per cent of the GDP. A national youth policy is envisaged to end unemployment while the PML-N chief also promised to hold local government elections six months after

the formation of national security. The manifesto promises a referendum in FATA for the people's opinion on joining the KPK or having a separate province of their own while the manifesto also promises to write a Pakistan Code to harmonise relations among all the federating units. A strong defence was vital for Pakistan, the manifesto envisaged, and it would be strengthened further. On foreign policy, it promised cordial ties with all Muslim countries while maintaining relations with other power centres of the world. As far as India was concerned, it vowed to revive the 1999 Lahore Accord to settle all outstanding disputes including the core issue of Kashmir.

FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

Women’s Day — A journey through obstacles, hardships SHANEL KHALIQ

ISLAMABAD: In order to honour and applaud achievements of womankind in political, social and economic spheres, March 8 is celebrated by the people across the world as the Women’s Day. Some circles mark it as a date to celebrate the woman simply as her life continues to be a struggle till today in most parts of the world. However few remember that this day

has its origins in socialist thought as it was celebrated for the first time ever in the United States by the Socialist Party of America in 1909. Following suit, German socialists felt that they too needed to mark this date to commemorate women’s plight and struggle against subjugation, foremost among whom was Clara Zetkin. For Russian women, this date is of significant importance because it is precisely on March 8, 1917 that their

protests on economic collapse sparked the February Revolution. Later, this led to the development of the October Revolution that year which was a groundbreaking event that affected global politics for almost half a century to come. Today, the day continues to be observed with enthusiasm and fervour by supporters of human rights and gender equality. This year, the theme for the day is “The Gender Agenda: Gaining Momentum.” The idea behind

is to not only appreciate the efforts of successful women, but also to continue in the right direction. Pakistan, too, has seen many positive changes as regards gender equality and women emancipation although there is still a long way to go. Today, educational institutes in urban centres can be seen bustling with females, a positive sign for any developing country. There is no denying the fact that today the workforce employs a far greater

number of women than it did a decade ago. However, many still face a glass ceiling when it comes to moving up the ladder. Today, a few talented women are leading sport teams to international events and winning applause for the country however many still continue to face a maledominated mindset in their colleges and neighbourhoods where women playing sport is smirked upon. Although, we cannot compare but to

Cops to face action for occupying 184 flats

Germany acknowledges eﬀort against terrorism

ISLAMABAD: Germany on Thursday said it is committed to eradicate terrorism and it acknowledges the contributions made by Pakistan in this regard. This was stated by German Defence Minister Dr. Thomas de Maiziere after meeting with Defence Minister Naveed Qamar in Islamabad. He said 2 countries strongly feel that stable Afghanistan is in the interest of the region at large. Syed Naveed Qamar said Pakistan and Germany are committed in contributing towards global peace and stability. ONLINE

Free movement of boars terriﬁes citizens ISLAMABAD: The residents of the federal capital have been terrified by the surge in free movement of wild boars in green belts and residential sectors with the fall of night. Those living in Sector F-10 said that wild boars throng the area as dusk falls and at wee hours when people go to mosques to offer prayer. They come out of nowhere on the roads making it extremely hard to drive at times, a motorist said. “Some years back the wild boars use to roam in the middle of night but now they come out in herds as soon as the night falls. We are scared to come out of our homes in fear that they might attack us,” a frightened housewife said. Presence of wild boars raised question mark on the efficiency of CDA to eliminate the animals, who has applied various tactics such as using pesticides and poison but all this seems to have no effect on the rising number of wild boars that pose serious threat to the residents. ONLINE

Uncovered manholes pose threats to lives ISLAMABAD: Open manholes at certain places in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi are causing serious problems for the residents of these localities. Several open manholes in different areas including Shamsabad, Sadiqabad, Pirwadhai, Dhoke Hasu, Saidpur Road, and Double Road, Sector I-8 and Sector I-9 and especially that in sector G-7/2 have been without covers for the last few months, endangering the lives of pedestrians and motorists alike. These also cause accidents as vehicles get trapped and damaged in these open manholes. Muhammad Ramzan, a resident of the Shamsabad complained that there are more than five open manholes and uncovered drains exit near main signal of double road Rawalpindi, which are a serious threat to the lives of residents and motorists. Due to heavy rains in the city, the open manholes can cause accident, residents said. ONLINE

Shisha smoking goes unchecked in twin cities ISL AM ABAD: Huqqah smoking, known as "Shisha" in the Arabic world, is gaining immense popularity among youth of twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi posing serious health risks to their lives. Most of the hot spots like Dam-eKahu and Pir Suhawa are the places where these shisha smoking are provided to the willing visitors specially youth. The shisha smoking is the trend which attracts the youngsters and others. Students visiting these places for picnics are trying to enjoy these shisha smoking. Shisha is served with certain flavours and aromatic substances of lemon, strawberry, orange, apple, honey and cherry to attract its customers more, as compared to practiced cigarette smoking. ONLINE

developed nations in terms of women emancipation but recent trends show that we might be on the right direction. So this day must not be viewed simply as a feminist or socialist construct, used as a tool by elitist women to seek publicity and applause from the international community rather it should be a day to ponder over whether the women, especially Muslim, have achieved the desired status.

SALMAN ABBAS

ISLAMABAD: Visitors taking an interest in a painting exhibition by woman artists organised by UN Women in collaboration with Nomad Gallery. ONLINE

Controversial doc holding main PIMS post illegally TAHIR ALI

ISL AMABAD: Despite the expiration of his contract and initiation of disciplinary proceeding against him, Dr Tariq Mujibur Rahman Rajput has forcibly occupied the seat of Deputy Director Finance and Accounts at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences. Dr Rehman was also ‘illegally’ appointed − on contractual bases for a period of one year − as deputy director on May 19, 2011 at Centre for Liver Diseases and Liver Transplant, now known as Centre for Organ Transplant. His contract had expired in June 2012. The one-year career of Dr Rahman remained full of controversies. Following a disciplinary action against him, the contract was not extended. But the ‘powerful’ Dr Mujibur Rahman remained unmoved and refused to leave the office, keeping everything under his control. At the moment Dr Rehman is enjoying the support of the new Executive Director of PIMS, Dr. Riaz Warraich, who himself is facing cases in Islamabad High Court viz-a-viz his illegal appointment as head of the hospital. Even Dr Warraich is reportedly not illegible to run PIMS. He is currently trying to become the vice chancellor of the proposed Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Medical University. Apart from the executive of the PIMS, Dr Mujibur Rahman Rajput also enjoys the backing of Senator Talha Mahmood of the JUIF. The doctor was appointed as deputy director at PIMS while he did not fulfill the required

qualifications/experience. According to the advertisement published in local dailies, the illegibility for the post of the deputy director was a master’s in relevant field (most probably business administration) and at least five years of experience in BS-17 in the field of administration/accounts in a government or five years’ experience as manager/ GM finance in a reputable private sector organisation. According to data available with The Spokesman, Dr Mujibur Rahman has shown BDS and MCPS degree, which is related to medicine. While the second degree he mentioned in his CV is BMA. But, as per record of his personal file in PIMS, he has only submitted a copy of result intimation card instead of a degree. When it comes to his five year experience, requisite for his job, he has presented different experience certificates including a two year experience certificate showing his services render to Senator Talha Mahmood as advisor. Mahboob Ali Rajpar, Account Officer PIMS on April 14, 2012 appealed in Supreme Court of Pakistan against the appointment of Dr Mujibur Rahman. According to his the documents of the later were bogus. “The basic requirement of (deputy director F&A) post is MBA (two year course) but the authority malafidely appointed Dr Tariq M Rahman roll no. (U557968) on the bases of fake and incomplete MBA executive degree holder one course, passed 10 papers instead of 15 paper to prescribed course doubly announced by the Allama Iqbal Open University”, he wrote in his appeal while

requested for inquiry. Also according to rules the position of Deputy Director F&A is promotion seat however Dr Tariq Mujibur Rahman was freshly appointed. The SC in an order issued on April 27, 2012 directed the Executive Director PIMS to ‘take notice in pursuance of order of the honorable chief justice of Pakistan to submit report. While responding to SC directives the then executive director PIMS Professor Mahmood Jamal wrote to the Director Human Right Cell of Supreme Court of Pakistan on May 17, 2012 that “as per his CV he possessed the MBA (2011) but has submitted a copy of result intimation card of MBA (Executive) semester autumn 2007. As per record available in his personal file, no degree of MBA is available. A disciplinary action is being initiated against him as per rule.” The PIMS administration issued a notification of contract period expiry of Dr Tariq Mujibur Rahman on Sep 24, 2012. “He is directed to refrain from attending the office as he is no more employee of this institute”, reads the notification. For some time he stopped visiting his office but with arrival Professor Dr Riaz Warraih as new ED PIMS in October 2012, he once again resumed his office. Dr Riaz Warriah while using his source in political government is trying to renew the contract of Dr Tariq Mujibur Rahman. Sources in Ministry of Capital Administration and Development told The Spokesman that Dr. Tariq Mujibur Rahman is near to be issued new contract despite his ineligibility to hold the post. “He has full support of PIMS executive director,” said the sources.

Women’s participation in politics suggested OUR STAFF REPORTER

I SLAMABAD: The Aurat Foundation in collaboration with the Democracy Reporting International presented a paper titled ‘Women’s participation in the Elections 2013: Pakistan’s International Law Commitments under CEDAW’ in which state’s responsibility highlighted to improve women’s participation in the political arena as enshrined under the Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Again Women. Pakistan is a signatory of the convention since 1996. The significance of the provision of the gender desegregated data was also stressed immensely. Both the organisations recommended that the Election Commission and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) must provide publicly accessible gender-disaggregated data broken down by administrative units so as to enable effective scrutiny of women’s political participation. The role of political parties in this regard was also emphasised. They were asked to publicly provide regular and standardised information about the

number and proportion of women on executive and leadership positions. Consultations with women’s groups were also recommended to discuss how legislation and administrative regulations can be improved to facilitate greater participation of the women in the electoral process. Farkhanda Aurangzeb, a representative of the Aurat Foundation, stressed the need for political parties to strengthen their commitments towards equal participation of women. “Parties should first promote and ensure greater inclusion of women in decisionmaking and leadership positions within parties,” she said. She said that the political parties could be required to nominate a minimum proportion of women candidates to contest on winnable general seats. According to the paper, there is also a dire need of reform by the Election Commission with regards women voters. Emphasis was laid on creating a female-friendly environment so as to improve accessibility to polling stations by recruiting female staff thereby increasing political participation by females in the democratic process.

Women’s Festival I SL AM A BAD: A three-day Women Festival to mark International Women Day is being held at Shakarparian under the aegis of Lok Virsa (National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage), the Parliamentarian Commission for Human Rights and Lok Parya. The inaugural ceremony will be held on Friday, 8 March, 2013 at 3.30pm. First Lady Begum Nusrat Pervez Ashraf will be the chief guest on the occasion. ONLINE

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority has decided to conduct an operation against 184 policemen and other employees of the Islamabad Police who have illegally occupied government flats in the federal capital. According to the data available with The Spokesman, even the lady constables and barber of the Islamabad Police also did not feel any hesitation to occupy the government flat by violating laws. The data showed that three inspectors, seven sub inspectors, 18 assistant sub inspectors, 26 head constables, 120 constables, four lady constables, four other police employees and a barber of the police department were among those who have been residing illegally in the flats. However, the Estate Office and the Capital Development Authority are also finding it hard to get the flats vacated from the police employees despite the fact that the Islamabad High Court has also ordered action against these officials to vacate the government flats from them. According to the data, G-6 is the most favourite sector for these police officials as 122 flats has been occupied in the Sector G-6. Data revealed that 14 flats have been occupied by police officials in Sector I9, one in I-8, 20 in G-9, six in G-7, three in G-11 and 16 in G-10. Inspector Qaisar Niaz Gillani, Inspector Muhammad Arshad, Inspector Ghulam Baqar, SI Saifullah, SI Fayaz Shanwari, SI M Ikmal, SI Laiq Wali, SI Shoukat Hussain, SI Imran Haider, SI Muhammad Shafique along with head constables, constables and lady constables have illegal occupied the government residences. Sources in the Estate Office told The Spokesman that all these flats were allotted to the eligible officials but just by using their powers all the said the police employees snatch their right to residence. “All these employees have got stay from different courts due to which the action was delayed against them but now the Islamabad High Court has also taken up the matter and action against them will be taken,” they said. On February 18, Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddique of IHC directed the estate office and deputy inspector general of the Islamabad Police to get vacated all the houses illegally occupied by the police officials in different sectors. Hearing a case filed by an Education Department driver, Ghazanfar Shah, whose house has been illegally occupied by a policeman, the court had observed, “when law enforcement officials don’t act in accordance with the law, what should we expect from the common man?”

ISLAMABAD: Rozan representative Maria Rashid speaks at a press conference at National Press Club in connection with International Women’s Day. ONLINE

PIA officers make advances, female pilot informs SC OUR STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD: Imran Ghulam Ali performs during Sham-e-Ghazal organized by Sir Syed Memorial Society in Islamabad. ONLINE

ISLAMABAD: A three-member Supreme Court bench on Thursday issued notice to the Pakistan International Airlines’ managing director directing him to appear before it (SC) in person and clarify his stance over the issue of women’s victimisation in the airline. The bench comprising Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Justice Gulzar Ahmad and Justice Sh. Azmat

Saeed was hearing a case pertaining to mismanagement, corruption and nepotism in the national flag carrier. The court issued notices to the PIA MD when Captain Riffat Hayee submitted before the bench an application. requesting the court to make her as a party in the case, enabling her to tell about the victimisation and sexual harassment of women employees by some of the PIA officers. She told the court that she had

submitted many applications, on the mater, to the concerned officials but no action had been taken and that was why she had decided to become a party in the case. She said any employee who raises voice against the management is victimized. She said she herself was an example to the professional victimization. She said she was forced to sit at home for over a year. She said the atmosphere for women was not suitable in the PIA.

To a court query, she said she had submitted many applications to the officials regarding the harassment and victimization, however no application had been considered. Raja Bashir Ahmed, counsel for PIA, told the court that Attorney General Irfan Qadir was engaged with the PIA chairman, as he would appear on next hearing on behalf of the PIA chairman. He also sought time for preparation, which the court allowed and adjourned the hearing until March 14.

POWER ALLEYS |

FRIDAY, MARCH 08, 2013

enom Inc. This should not be held against me in a court of law as I solemnly declare that these are absolute lies, dirty whispers and wild speculation that I have heard while crawling in the dark power corridors of the creepy Capital. You will believe them at your own risk Shh...If you have venom to spill please don’t hesitate to share with us on our blog at www.thespokesman.pk

Wily Wattoo shooed away?

to the PPP public meetings lest he is shooed away. Sheeshnag is told that a shoe or two went flying his way recently but he shamelessly looked the other way. The news was suppressed. The problem is that it’s election time. How will the PPP fare in the next election when its President cannot even talk to its workers? Perhaps Asif Zardari may have erred deeply by choosing the wrong person for the wrong job. The wily Wattoo simply does not go along with the PPP culture. Perhaps there was a need to reinvigorate some old party culture to enthuse the election spirit. This isn’t happening right now. The whole central Punjab belt from Attock to Khanewal is disconnected from PPP and Wattoo can’t do anything about it. Here we are talking about 110 national electoral seats. He is the last person to be trusted by party workers, let alone ordinary voters. The supposed guru of ‘making

anzoor Wattoo is definitely in dire straits. The wily Wattoo, as he is popularly known, has failed to deliver central Punjab to the PPP. And this was the prime reason for which he was made the Punjab President. Every time the jayalas gather, the party big-wigs fear a brawl--Such is the anger against him in Punjab. Wattoo is scared of the PPP rebellion in public—all his wiliness being long dissipated. He was hooted, shouted at by party workers at a recent meeting in Lahore. He keeps the jiyalas at a distance and meets the party workers only in a controlled environment. Only selected people meet him in a closely monitored, selected environment. And he makes sure that he does not come across the angry ‘jangli’ jiyalas before the cameras. Many senior party leaders refuse to meet him or take his calls, let alone attend his meetings. He does not go

and breaking’ has failed completely. Wattoo is in trouble and so is Asif Zardari. It was a big issue recently when Asif Zardari was in Lahore. He made sure that the President met only the chosen people and always in his presence. Sheeshnag knows that a few still managed to break the filters and vented their ire before Zardari. His elevation was largely resented in the party. PPP jiyalas had generally given up on Asif Zardari to implement even a semblance of ideological politics that the party once

stood for. Zardari ensured that he curbed the ideological ‘troublemakers’ in the party. The jiyalas reconciled to this shift as they wanted

“

Perhaps Asif Zardari may have erred deeply by choosing the wrong person for the wrong job. The wily Wattoo simply does not go along with the PPP culture. Perhaps there was a need to reinvigorate some old party culture to enthuse the election spirit. This isn’t happening right now.

War on terror: A fairytale AZEEM KHAN n the aftermath of the Abbas Town tragedy the concerned authorities have performed their respective duties admirably, rounding up the criminals and ensuring the safety of the citizens they serve. Rehman Malik, the interior minister, is claimed to have saved numerous lives through his vision and foresight. It is believed he understood that it was the time of year when the astrological phenomenon known as the Mercury Retrograde takes place. It occurs three times a year. This year, February 23 – March 17 is the window for the first occurrence. The interior minister had knowledge of the terrorists’ plans but he did not act upon the information he had due to the Retrograde, since it is a time for contemplation and reflection. During the Retrograde one should strive to prevent himself from taking drastic measures as they would only lead to chaos. The minister has laid the blame solely on the Punjab government for harboring Lashkar-eJhangvi and allegedly claimed that since it would take a bigot to persecute someone due to their beliefs, blaming the interior minister

“

Divisions will only exacerbate the cleavages that are tearing his nation apart. Hence, blaming Rehman Malik would be akin to promoting intolerance, which will only strengthen the cause of the terrorists.

”

to relish the fruits of power. After all, the party came into power after 11 years. One ideologue after another was eliminated—some were ousted, others forced to leave and still others ignored to the hilt. Most of the PPP ideological baggage has been ‘taken care of.” Yet some ideological germs never die. The jiyala in the Punjab, which has been more ignored because of being a different government, is angry. More angry at Asif Zardari than Nawaz Sharif or Musharraf. This anger has been accumulating for the

ElEction Watch

South Punjab: The winning hand in the next elections

SHAHZAD RAZA

would be wrong. A PPP supporter explained the possible motives for the minister’s actions, saying at this moment in time our country needs tolerance and acceptance of all beliefs, regardless of whether we agree with them or not. Divisions will only exacerbate the cleavages that are tearing his nation apart. Hence, blaming Rehman Malik would be akin to promoting intolerance, which will only strengthen the cause of the terrorists. The PPP supporter vehemently denied any failure on the federal government’s part. “If any action had been taken, who knows what could have happened? We have to be realistic. Yes, lives were lost but so many were saved due to the minister’s vision. The people who perished are very much alive; they are not dead, just as Bhutto is still alive”. Shahbaz Sharif did not take kindly to the accusations of Rehman Malik. On the occasion of Lashkri Raisani’s induction into the party, he is rumored to have argued that his development schemes were breaking the terrorists’ backs. He has provided helmets for

the safety of the people. Terrorists like to kill people and he, the CM, was saving lives. Therefore, he was fighting the terrorists by fighting what they stand for. Once he could defeat their ideas, he would defeat the terrorists. “You can kill a man but you cannot kill an idea”, he supposedly said. “Imagine if you kill an idea, then you don’t even need to kill the man”. The CM’s laptop scheme is also alleged to have been credited for fighting the terrorists on the ideological front. “They hate technology and by infiltrating the laptops among the youth we will defeat the terrorists. I have given you the gift of Metro Bus. The extremists ride on horses and camels. After the success of Metro Bus, their ideology will be eliminated into obscurity, once and for all”. Glancing proudly at Raisani, he reportedly declared: “Now I present to you my trump card. Just as they say that in the Cold War, Lennon trumped Lenin, in the War on Terror Lashkri will defeat Lashkar”. And Pakistan lived happily ever after.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party is pinning high hopes it will outsmart the archrival PML-Nawaz in South Punjab. A political pundit who often advises President Asif Ali Zardari on upcoming elections, believes the PML-N may not be able to win more than 70 National Assembly seats. Although 70 is a decent figure in 342seat house, it is well short of the magic number of 172 required to the form the government. Information Minister Qamar-uz-Zaman Kaira repeatedly ridiculed the PML-N calling it a G.T. Road party. Going by his definition the PML-N would evaporate in the country except maintaining a modest lead in the urban centers of central and upper Punjab. President Zardari’s informal advisor told The Spokesman that the performance of the ruling party in Southern Punjab would determine its fate. He said the popularity graph of the People’s Party is increasing in Sindh as well as in Punjab. “By performing better in Sindh, defeating PML-N in South Punjab and embracing PML-Q, ANP and MQM, once again the ruling party is most likely to have another term in power,” he observed. The issue of South Punjab turned out to be a high stake game of poker where no player is ostensibly having a winning hand. Sources said the ruling party earlier planned to move a bill seeking creation of Janoobi Punjab province in the National Assembly. The ruling coalition does not have the required two-thirds majority to pass the constitutional amendment. There were chances the PML-N would

oppose the bill, providing the ruling party with an opportunity to unleash a campaign against the opponents of South Punjab province. A few advisors of the PPPP co-chairperson advised him to adopt a slightly different strategy. They argued the bill would lapse with the expiration of the National Assembly’s term ending on March 16. They contended the voters have short memories and are often swayed by immediate issues. Sources said the president had realized the strength of their argument and instructed the prime minister and law minister to table the bill in the Senate. The bill would stay alive in the upper house, while the PPPP would seek maximum political mileage out of it. The ruling party would woo the voters of South Punjab to give it another mandate to turn their dream of a separate province into reality. The counter measures from the PML-N are already afoot. Whereas it opposed the division of Punjab on ethnic grounds, it promised to divide the province on administrative lines. It may not sound sweet to disenchanted voters of Seraiki belt, but that was what the PML-N had to offer. The PML-N is also repairing its damaged reputation among the Hazaras of Khyber Pakhtunkhawa. The PML-N’s popularity graph was touching an all time low in Hazara division when it opposed the creation of Hazara province, in 2010. Recently, Chairman of Hazara Tehrik, Sardar Yousuf, pledged allegiance to Nawaz Sharif along with his son Shah Jehan Yousuf. Their departure is yet another setback the PML-Q has suffered in the last few weeks.

Mandviwala bails out car smugglers GHAZANFAR ABBAS inance Minister Saleem Mandviwala does not behave as a Finance Minister who is here just for another eight days. He is involved in decision-making that will have consequences for quite a while after him. His drastic decision to approve an amnesty scheme for non-custom paid vehicles is bound to end up in the courts at some stage. The news goes that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) will issue a notification in this regard soon. The notification lies with the Law Ministry for vetting, say most reports. How could a ‘bench warmer’ such as him make a decision towards the end of the government that has an implication of losses worth Rs 10 to 15 billion, giving amnesty to around 150,000 vehicles? We understand that lots of PPP members and Ministers have got these cars and he wants to make the elite to which he belongs happy. But the decision goes much beyond that.

“It’s s Hong Super Sixes cricket match that they are trying to play,” said a concerned official on the condition of anonymity. “They want to make as many sixes as they can before they leave.” It had taken the CBR to identify 150,000 illegal vehicles with duplicate registration books, of which around 3,000 of local and foreign origin, including 550 land cruisers, 300

“

It had taken the CBR to identify 150,000 illegal vehicles with duplicate registration books, of which around 3,000 of local and foreign origin, including 550 land cruisers, 300 Mercedes, 1,500 Vego, and 2,500 Corollas were seized.

Saleem Mandviwala going to provide the CBR data about tax defaulters to Chief Election Commissioner? Very unlikely.

Mercedes, 1,500 Vego, and 2,500 Corollas were seized. Data compilation is going on and the number of illegal vehicles may go up to 250,000 in the next few days. Basically they are all smuggled cars. They could only be regularized after paying their taxes. This suits a mafia who have got billions of rupees involved. Only one person was found to have 618 vehicles registered in his name, including 590

past five years. And then Asif Zardari dropped the bomb shell of making Manzoor Wattoo the PPP Punjab President. This was, as they say, the last straw. The PPP is in pretty bad shape along the GT Road that makes the governments in Islamabad because of the sheer strength of its number. And Wattoo can’t handle it. The PPP gets in trouble if it changes him. The problem is that they get in more trouble if they don’t. The wily Wattoo from Wassanvaiwala is not winning.

motorcycles, cars and jeeps. And that person did not even have a national tax number (NTN). Everybody questioned the reasons for bringing in Mandviwala instead of Hafeez Sheikh. Many thought that he came in to bring credit from the Saudis but this decision turns out to be a bonus. Interestingly, the rationale being given for the decision is the same old one.

This is to give incentives to people to bring the smuggled cars in. Excuse me, incentives for the smugglers. Next time there will be incentives for thieves, robbers and arms smugglers too. The masterstroke is that this was done in compliance with the Supreme Court orders that asked the CBR to take action against the unregistered vehicles. Surely, the Lordships did not intend for this solution to be tried.

Following yesterday’s twitter trend regarding the “namaloom afraad” of Karachi, a similar trend took root today where the phrase was used in the names of popular films. Here are some of the most interesting ones: Aisha Sarwari @AishaFSarwari Inglorious Namaloom Afraad#ReplaceMovieNamesWithNamaloomAfraad Roha @RohaNadym The curious case of namaloom afraad.#ReplaceMovieNamesWithNamaloomAfraad Syed F.AbbasHussaini @Farrukhhussaini @mazdaki Kingdom of Na Maloom Afraad #Karachi#ReplaceMovieNamesWithNamaloomAfraad Asad Munir @asadmunir38 #ReplaceMovieNamesWithNamaloomAfraad :The NamaloomAfraad Strikes Back Momo Khan @Momo_khanTweets My name is Na-Maloom afraad and I am not A terrorist#ReplaceMovieNamesWithNamaloomAfraad Junaid Jatoi @JatoiJunaid Namaloom Afraad Ko Jaantay Sab Hain.....Par Batata Koi Nahi Hai!!!Hehehehe!!!!!!#ReplaceMovieNamesWithNamaloomAfraad Faiza Muzaff ffaar @faizamuzaff ffaar This makes for an interesting read Tez! "@TezAftab: Na Maloom Afraad; An Unexpected Journey.#ReplaceMovieNamesWithNaMaloomAfraad" Shahbaz Zahid @shahbazzahid #ReplaceMovieNamesWithNamaloomAfraad The Namaloom Afraad Rises

FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

Bachelet pays tribute to Malala on Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day ISLAMABAD: UN Women Executive Director Michelle Bachelet has said that change is happening when people worldwide declare solidarity with a Malala Yousafzai who was shot for championing education for all and change is happening when protests erupt across the globe, saying no to violence against women. In connection with the International Women Day, Michelle said that women voices were rising all around the world, and silence and indifference were declining. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Change is possible,â&#x20AC;? she said, and expressed the hope that with the rise in awareness and various positive actions for womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rights, a belief was growing that â&#x20AC;&#x153;enough is enough.â&#x20AC;? However, she said that despite all this women and girls continue to suffer high levels of discrimination, violence, and exclusion. STAFF REPORT

CIA officers helped Shahrukh escape, SC told

OďŹ&#x192;cial says oďŹ&#x192;cers were deputed at Bilawal House in Karachi

OUR STAFF REPORTER

ISL AM ABAD: During the hearing of Shahzeb Khan murder case, the Supreme Court was informed on Thursday that Shahrukh Jatoi, the main accused in the murder case, had escaped with the help of two officers of the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA). Appearing on notice, Federal Investigation Agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Director in Karachi Muhammad Maalik revealed before a three-member bench comprising Chief Justice Iftikhar

Muhammad Chaudhry, Justice Gulzar Ahmed and Justice Sh Azmat Saeed that both the CIA officers were deputed at the Bilawal House in Karachi to manage protocol for the guests. He also stated that Shahrukh Jatoi had also been a guest at the Bilawal House. To a court query, the FIA director stated that one of the officers, Waseh Akhtar, had secured bail before arrest on February 28. The chief justice remarked that everyone, whosoever he is, must keep in mind that nobody was above the law, adding that â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nobody should

stand himself in a cul-de-sac. He inquired why the CIA officials had not been called and investigated. The court asked that action should be taken against these officials. Later, the court adjourned further hearing till March 18. Earlier on Feb 22, the court while disposing of Shahzeb murder case to the extent of suo motu notice, had directed the Anti-Terrorism Court to dispose of the case in seven days by conducting hearing on daily basis. The court had noted that the case to the extent of murder charge will be decided by

the ATC without getting influenced from the apex courtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proceedings, whereas the matter pertaining to fleeing of the key accused will be decided by its (SC) own. The court had noted that under Sections 7 and 19 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, the case should have been decided within seven days. On February 4, FIA Legal Director Azam Khan had presented a report before the court stating that Shahrukh Jatoi fled the country on December 27 along with his brotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s friend and had travelled with a fake passport under the name Syed Shahrukh.

Lawyers stand with journalist community OUR STAFF REPORTER

PTI facilitates workers with social media

RAWALPINDI: Lahore High Court Bar Rawalpindi President Toufeeq Asif has said that the lawyers always support journalists to ensure freedom of expression. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Any step taken by either government or security officials to stop journalists for speaking truth will not be acceptable,â&#x20AC;? he said. He said it were journalists along with lawyers who opposed the unlawful acts of the military government, but now the journalist community was facing the same threats despite the democracy in the country. He demanded of the police to lodge an FIR against the management of the Islamic International Medical College of the Ripha University, where Homer Baloch, a reporter of The Spokesman was detained for five hours. The reporter visited the college to follow up a story about Khurram Shahzad who killed Brig Sanaullah, the then vice principle of the college, in 2011 and later died in strange circumstances in the DHQ Hospital of Rawalpindi in February 2013.

LAHORE: Modern tools are now being used in politics as Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf has given a facility of social media to its workers for getting them informed about the partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s news. According to media reports, Karachi division of PTI has started a political Web TV site which would help its workers in Pakistan and abroad to get updated about the party's activities. ONLINE

SC moved for early hearing of Shahbaz eligibility case LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Thursday submitted an application form at the Pakistan Muslim League-N Secretariat for the ticket to participate in the upcoming general elections. The chief minister submitted the application forms for the national and the provincial constituencies. On the occasion, Shahbaz said that he has given selfless services to the people during the last five years and considers himself answerable to Allah Almighty and in the court of the people. He said that the Pakistan Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Party would be completely defeated in the elections. He also said Pakistan was drowned in darkness, while loadshedding and unemployment have made lives of the people miserable. He reaffirmed his resolve that if people gave another opportunity to serve, a new Pakistan would be built under the dynamic leadership of Nawaz Sharif, a two-time former prime minister. National Assembly Opposition Leader Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Pervaiz Rashid, Rana Sanaullah, Malik Nadeem Kamran and Anusha Rehman were also present on the occasion. STAFF REPORT

WISE nomination open LA HOR E: Educationists, school managers, teachers and students from Pakistan can apply for the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) awards, which are liken to Nobel Prize in education, according to a press release issued here on Thursday by the WISE administration. At the opening ceremony, WISE Chairman Sheikh Abdulla announced that there was a lot Pakistan can teach the world. The awards are launched by the WISE administration, Doha. Since its inception in 2009, Pakistan has failed to win any nomination in awards. PR

Media awards announced LAH ORE: Uks, a research, resource and publication centre, celebrates the International Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day with two landmark initiatives, announces winners of the first ever women in media awards and launches a media guide entitled â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Powerful Women, Powerful Nation: Empowering Women through the Media.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; In the first initiative, Uks in collaboration with the APNS announces the results of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Women in Media,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Awards exclusively for the women journalists. The awards will be presented on March 13. Razeshta Sethna â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Herald â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is nominated for the first prize for the print media, while Shamim Ara Marwat â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Khyber News â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in the electronic media category. Also, the first prize announced for the PBC Bahawalpur. A Life-Time Achievement Award announced for Zubeida Mustafa who made and changed the news in mainstream media. PR

New marking policy RAWALPINDI: The Inter-Board Committee of all the educational institutions of Punjab has decided to introduce a new marking policy for Matriculation and Intermediate exams. The decision has been taken after serious mistakes in marking of the answer sheets of students of Matric and Intermediate classes from nine educational boards of Punjab. ONLINE

LAHORE: A woman selling food in Samnabad on the eve of International Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. ONLINE

SC orders immediate return of Tauqir Sadiq

Why did NAB not take action against institutions that had put hurdles in the way of Sadiqâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s return?

I SL AM A BAD: The Supreme Court, while hearing the OGRA corruption case on Thursday, directed the foreign secretary to take immediate measures for the return of former OGRA former chairman, Tauqir Sadiq. The apex court also asked the secretary to remove all the documental loopholes related to Sadiqâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s return to the country. A two-member bench headed by Justice Jawad S Khwaja heard the case. During the hearing, NAB Prosecutor General KK Agha told the apex court that all the arrangements

for facilitating Tauqirâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s return had been finalised but in the last moments, the UAE police told them that his documents were incomplete. Hearing this, Justice Jawad S Khwaja inquired Agha, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Why did NAB not take any action against the institutions that had put hurdles in the way of Sadiqâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s return?â&#x20AC;? The NAB prosecutor general replied that action would be taken against those responsible in this regard. Justice Khwaja further noted that no reference has been filed against those supporting the escape of Tauqir Sadiq. Subsequently, Judicial Assistant

Khwaja Haris observed that a case could be filed against such persons under Article 212 and 216 of Pakistan Penal Code. Justice Jawad S Khwaja remarked that the national institutions take action against a Deputy Post Master accused of embezzlement of Rs 160,000, while they seem reluctant with regard to other more important issues. The court ordered Secretary Foreign Affairs to present the report relevant to the comeback of Tauqir Sadiq on the next hearing. Afterwards, the court adjourned the hearing until March 11. ONLINE

Shahbaz applies for ticket L AHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Thursday submitted an application form at the Pakistan Muslim League-N Secretariat for the ticket to participate in the upcoming general elections. The chief minister submitted the application forms for the national and the provincial constituencies. On the occasion, Shahbaz said that he has given selfless services to the people during the last five years and considers himself answerable to Allah Almighty and in the court of the people. He said that the Pakistan Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Party would be completely defeated in the elections. He also said Pakistan was drowned in darkness, while loadshedding and unemployment have made lives of the people miserable. He reaffirmed his resolve that if people gave another opportunity to serve, a new Pakistan would be built under the dynamic leadership of Nawaz Sharif, a two-time former prime minister. ONLINE

Imran wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t accept fake polls

ECP dismisses Abbasiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s petition

IS LA MA BA D: Election Commission of Pakistan has dismissed Safdar Abbasiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s petition challenging Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians intra-party elections. According to the sources, the ECP is of the view that the commission has no right to scrutinize intra-party polls and the relevant forum to challenge

Roedad Khan joins Tehreek-e-Insaaf

I S L A MA B A D : Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan said that Pakistan needs a revolutionary change. While addressing a public gathering here, Khan said that his party will welcome all those who are never involved in corruption. The PTI chief criticised the PPP government saying the rulers have taken the country to the brink of destruction. He said that his party will announce the names for caretaker prime minister after having party leadersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; opinion. Imran said that the PTI will force the Election Commission to hold transparent elections, as the party will not accept fake polls. He said that there is no room for tax evaders and bank defaulters in the PTI. Imran

said as far as the price hike and unemployment is concernedâ&#x20AC;&#x161; Punjab is number one on this count. Khan said that only those politicians are being inducted in the party who are not tainted with corruption allegations. He said as far as the price hike and unemployment is concernedâ&#x20AC;&#x161; the province of Punjab is number one on this count. Commenting on oppositionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nominees for the slot of caretaker prime minister, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan says although Justice (retd) Nasir Aslam Zahid is respected by all, any decision would be taken by the party meeting in this regard. Khan came down hard on Pakistan Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Party and the Pakistan Muslim League-

Nawaz and cast doubts over IRI public survey which showed graph of both the PPP and the PML-N upward. However, he conceded that the PTIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s graph had been descending since the party was busy in intra-party election. Imran Khan said that he was not able to understand as to what achievement was made by the PPP and PML-N which made the surveyors to show their (PPP, PML-N) graph upward. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief also announced to appoint Ashraf Jehangir Qazi as party spokesman on foreign policy. Earlier, former Secretary General of the Ministry of Interior, Roedad Khan announced joining the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. ONLINE

Sindh chief minister unhappy with SC verdict on bombings K ARACH I: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah said on Thursday that he is not pleased with the Supreme Court of Pakistanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s verdict over the Abbas Town bombings. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have full respect for courts. But I am saddened with the orders of Supreme Court of Pakistan, which was issued without hearing the version of the Sindh govt and Sindh Inspector General of Police,â&#x20AC;? Shah said in a speech at the floor of the Sindh Assembly. Syed Qaim Ali Shah denied reports that IGP Sindh did not visit the Sundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blast site at Abbas Town, adding IG was there within 40 minutes of the incident. Shah also criticized media reports that all senior officials of the Sindh government and the entire city's police

were present at the engagement ceremony of Sharmeela Faroqui. Only a special force of 200 men was present at Faroquiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s engagement ceremony, he said adding such reports were absolutely baseless. It is pertinent to mention that on Wednesday Supreme Court of Pakistan in its suo moto hearing over the Abbas Town bombing held Sindh government responsible for the incident. The court also ordered to suspend senior officials of the police. Syed Qaim Ali Shah said that nobody resigned after 9/11 attacks in the United States where around 5,000 people were killed. The Supreme Court will resume the hearing of the case today (Friday). ONLINE

the polls is high court. Safdar Abbasi, former Senator, had formally knocked the doors of the ECP, terming the intra-party election, held by PPP, as farcical, a mala fide exercise on papers only and short of statutory requirement of the Political Parties Order 2002. ONLINE

FRIDAY, MARCH 08, 2013

Gilgit-Baltistan loses main source of income Thousands of foreigners visited the region annually pre-9/11 Terrorism, sectarian violence has crippled tourism industry SHABIR AHMAD

GILGIT: Tourism has hit all-time low in Pakistan as lawlessness spread across the country. The growing violence has overshadowed the staggering beauty of the erstwhile northern areas - home to some of world’s highest mountain peaks, including K-2, - which previously depended much on it in terms of jobs. With his fingers crossed, Mohammad Khan, wonders if tourism industry will resurrect itself again in Pakistan and especially in his area. He remembers the days when tourists thronged the region, giving boost to the businesses associated with it. “For the last at least one decade or so, there is nothing left for us in this business, it’s just waste of time,” says Khan who runs a handicraft shop in a main market for the past many years. “I used to sale more than a dozen pieces daily to the foreign tourists until a decade ago but now the sale has dropped to zero.” Khan says. Besides mountain trekkers, a number

Mudslide kills three coalminers QUETTA: At least three coalminers were reportedly killed in an incident of mud-sliding in the Chamalang area of Balochistan. The deadly incident took place near a private coalmine, which claimed the lives of three coalminers. Owing to the absence of communication system, the rescue efforts were delayed and helpless coalminers, Muhammad Ibrahim, Abdul Rahim and Abdul Halim, lost their lives. Officials say over 300 coalminers have been killed and many more injured since 2005 in continued mines-related accidents in Balochistan. ONLINE

4 of a family shot dead GUJAR KHAN: Four persons of a family were gunned down in Gujar Khan over a family dispute Thursday. The incident took place near the Doltala area of Gujar Khan when unidentified gunmen killed four members of a family over a marriage conflict. The victims included a man, his two daughters and a son, police added. ONLINE

of tourists from especially western countries come to see local culture, historical places and meeting people. Generally, the pre -9/11 timed meant thousands of people were earning their livelihood through tourism in what is now Gilgit–Baltistan, known for its rich culture, mountains, freshwater lakes, rivers, unique landscape and biodiversity. As the industry flourished, more cash inflow led to a general improvement in the overall living condition of the people. But then comes 9/11 and the scenario changes. The major terrorists act elsewhere aside, the sectarian violence also left no stone unturned in crippling the industry in Gilgit–Baltistan. In the year 2005, sectarian violence in the region flared up after a Shia cleric was shot dead. More than 20 people were killed in the following days in reprisal attacks across the town. Tension prevailed in the following years between the rival sects in one or another form, only adding up to casualties on both sides. In 2012 clashes once again erupted

KARACHI: American fastfood and Western fashion outlets are taking Pakistan's growing middle class by storm, defying stereotypes about a conservative Muslim country plagued by AlQaeda and Taliban-linked violence, reports the Global Post. It says the rupee may have nose-dived, a third of the population may live in poverty and sectarian violence may be at a record high, but remarkably, consumer spending is up among a resilient elite fond of imported luxuries. In a smart corner of Karachi, a new mall offers wealthy clientele the chance to lunch on an American burger, buy French cosmetics, shop for cocktail dresses, sip an afternoon cappuccino or wolf down a cinnamon roll. Female sales assistants dressed in jeans and T-shirts buck the idea that "service industry" jobs are unsuitable for women, even if many of them commute into work heavily veiled to avoid being harassed or insulted. "It is time when Pakistanis are getting branded. It is a new phenomenon," says Samiullah Mohabbat, the chief executive who brought American franchise Fatburger from Beverly Hills to Karachi, a city troubled by shootings and kidnappings. "The world has just started

injured. According to a rough estimate, more than 10,000 to 15,000 individuals lost their job in the wake of the 9/11 and subsequent incidents as tourism industry crumbled. “We’ve lost about 70 percent of tourism since 9/11 in general,” says

Nasir Hussain, a tour operator who runs his own company ‘Karakorum Explorers’ in Islamabad. “We used to have more than 300 trekkers annually in Gilgit-Baltistan before 9/11 but now we hardly get 60 to 70 trekkers in a year,” says Hussain,

VC says Taliban’s demands be accepted In a fresh video, Ajmal Khan asks govt to release militants

KHANEWAL: PML-N leader Hamza Shahbaz Sharif on Thursday said the PPP government had given the nation the gift of terrorism, unemployment, poverty, inflation, record corruption and hikes in the prices of common commodities during its fiveyear tenure. “Masses are committing suicide because of this terrible economic situation, but the PPP leadership is claiming that all is well.” Addressing a gathering in Khanewal, Hamza said provision of health and education facilities were among the top priorities of the PML-N’s government in Punjab. “That’s why we have given special attention to these sectors in the current tenure. We are committed to serving the public devotedly and selflessly. But President Zardari and his accomplices have badly damaged the national exchequer and led the country to bankruptcy.” The city was today decorated with colorful banners and flags, presenting a festive looks in the city. A large number of party workers from all the four tehsils of Khanewal arrived at the rally in processions.

TAHIR ALI

PESHAWAR: Ajmal Khan, the abducted Vice-chancellor of Islamia College University Peshawar (ICUP), in a fresh video has humbly requested the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) governor and Awami National Party (ANP) chief Asfandyar Wali Khan to surrender to the Tehrik e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) demands for his safe return. It is the third video of Ajmal Khan after he was abducted in September 2010 from Peshawar. The militants have put a list of demands to the government but the latter is not ready to back down. Just like his previous two videos, Ajmal Khan is asking the rulers and people of KP to meet the militants’ demands; otherwise, he would not be able to return to his family. The Spokesman has received a copy of the two-and half minute video showing the old man saying, “Once again I humbly appealed to the governor and chief minister of KP and to all the people of the province that I have almost spent two and half years in the custody of Taliban. No efforts were made for my release. As long I know the government has rejected Taliban’s demands regarding my release

coming to Pakistan and this trend will grow." While the economy has stagnated in the last five years, a business and foreign investment boom after the 9/11 attacks widened employment opportunities. Television was liberalised in 1999 and public sector salaries were increased. As a result, the middle class has grown over the last decade. Karachi, the country's financial hub, Lahore and the capital Islamabad have all seen a surge in Westernstyle coffee shops, fast-food franchises and new malls. Karachi's Dolmen Mall, where expatriates and wealthy Pakistanis stalk the gleaming, air-conditioned halls, stocking up in French hypermarket Carrefour before their driver comes to collect them, is the newest and flashiest. There is Spanish fashion favourite Mango, US beauty and home firm Crabtree and Evelyn and British high street staples Mothercare and Debenhams. But when it comes to food, Mohabbat says "American is best". Regardless of the political tensions in Islamabad's relations with Washington, many wealthy Pakistanis are attracted to American films, clothes, music and of course food. Mohabbat has invested $7 million in opening Pakistan's first Fatburger restaurant last month on the second floor of Dolmen Mall.

who originally belongs to Gilgit– Baltistan’s scenic Hunza valley, about 100 kilometres from Gilgit where world’s three mightiest mountain ranges - the Karakoram, the Hindukush and the Himalayas – meet. (To be continued)

Gilgit-Baltistan is famous around the globe for its scenic beauty. (L) Hunza Valley and (R) Broad Peak, the 12the hightest mountain of the world. STAFF PHOTO

Poverty a ‘gift’ from PPP: Hamza

Western brands permeate Pakistan MONITORING DESK

and the menace of sectarianism spread to other parts of the region. Then came the year 2012, when attacks on a rally in Gilgit and on passenger buses thrice on the Karakoram Highway left more than 70 people dead and several others

and says that the militants’ demands are very high.” But according to Ajmal Khan, the militants’ demands are not high, as they are asking for the release of his abductors who are now in the custody of the security agencies. “I ask the government that the three people, who are involved in my abduction, should be released and it is not a big deal”, Ajmal asked the KP government. Ajmal Khan is the grandson of Abdul Jabbar Khan, popularly known as Dr Khan Sahib who served as chief minister of West Pakistan and NWFP as well. Dr Khan was the elder brother of Khan Abdul Ghaffar, the father of Abdul Wali Khan, and grandfather of present ANP chief Asfandyar Wali Khan. Ajmal Khan’s father Obaidullah Khan was the first cousin of the late Khan Abdul Wali Khan. Ajmal Khan has no son and according to some reports it is one of the main reasons that he has been ignored by his tribe that represents ANP. “I request the Peshawar High Court Chief Justice, Asfandyar Khan that they should take interest in my case. Now I am an old person; I am a cardiac patient; I need proper medication and here are no such facilities,” Ajmal beseeched.

He further said, “On the basis of services I have rendered to the nation, the government should fulfil militants’ demands for my release. I want to go to my home.” The militants abducted Ajmal Khan apparently for two reasons; firstly, he belonged to Asfandyar Wali Khan’s family; secondly, he was holding a key position as VC of ICUP. The militants have not only targeted the members of ANP during the last few years but they have availed any opportunity of abducting high profile government officials. In another such case the VC of Kohat University of Science and Technology Prof Dr Lutfullah Kakakhel was kidnapped in November 2009; he was reportedly released after the government accepted Taliban’s demands. It is important to note tha the kidnapping cases are on the rise in the country, especially Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is said that the militants are involved in most these cases, as it has turned out to be a lucritive business. Many businessmen have left Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and started living in other parts of the country because of the constant fear. Some criminal gangs are also helping the militants in kidnapping the people from various areas of the country.

OUR STAFF REPORTER

Mango growers oppose pulp plant privatisation ATHAR LASHARI

MULTAN: The mango growers of south Punjab have rejected the plan to privatise the Pakistan’s best pulp plant in Multan, which is known as the city of mangoes. In 2006, the Centre had initiated the project of mango pulp plant in collaboration with the Punjab government and was inaugurated in 2009. The unit was declared as a common facility centre where the mango growers were to be entertained. But in 2012, the federal government announced to privatise it as the five-year funding was completed in June 2012. According to Zahid Hussain Gardezi, the president of All Pakistan Mango Growers Association, there was no mention of its privatisation in the PC-1 of the project. He added that the main cause of failure of this project was political interference. “Former premier Yousuf Raza Gilani dissolved the board of directors illegally and awarded one of his political supporters by appointing him as the chairman of new board.” South Punjab is producing more than 1.2 million tonnes of mango yearly, while the production in Sindh is 0.6 million tonnes. Muzaffar Hayat Khakwani, the president of Mango Growers Association

Multan, is also against the proposed privatisation. “If the current board is unable to run the unit, then the government may handover it unit to professionals,” he suggested. “We have a huge production of mangoes but we are unable to export it like Sindh because there is no international airport in Multan,” Khakwani said. On the other hand, the former chairman board of directors and one of Gilani’s friends, Malik Ghulam Abbas Raan, said the unit could run without government funding. Currently, there are five directors for the unit- two from Punjab Small Industries Corporation, two from SAMEDA and one from Ministry of Industries. According to the CEO of mango pulp plant, Zahid Alvi, the unit is supporting the mango growers; therefore, it should not be privatised.” Another progressive mango grower Malik Ijaz Rijwana remarked that the mango farmers were facing problems regarding pulp plant. “There is political personalities’ involvement in the unit’s affairs; secondly, the small growers are not encouraged for processing,” he said. The plant also has the facility of making pulp from guava, strawberry, apple and Tomato. An orange grading and processing plant is functional here.

FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

THE SPOKESMAN

Chief Editor: Huma Ali Executive Editor: Atif Mateen Resident Editor: Saeed Minhas Consulting Editors: Jalees Hazir Samina Choonara Block 11, G-6/1, Aabpara, Islamabad Telephone: 051 260 7153-4 Fax: 051 260 7498 www.thespokesman.pk ce@thespokesman.pk

Undoing gender, politically One wonders what, after all, is so universal about the international women’s day. The day commemorates the history of protests across Europe and North America by women who sought basic rights in the early twentieth century, but it must be remembered that when these protests began, it was a part of the Labour movement. In 1909, the Socialist Party of America supported the garment workers strike in New York City against poor working conditions. Later too, in 1910, the Socialist International protested on this day for universal suffrage for women. In 1911 Labour parties in many countries in Europe came together to protest women’s right to work on better wages and against discrimination at work. In 1913 and 1914 these protests were organised by Left groups against the First World War, and in the Russia of 1917, these protests were organised against the Czar who had to abdicate and women were granted the right to vote. These were workers’ wars, organised politically, and not a calendar mark when you take out your marching shoes or worry over your seminar sartorial. As it is celebrated now in Pakistan, the women’s day has been taken over by development and feminist NGOs and international organisations that have managed to dismantle the political agenda and “projectise” it to foreign-funded concerns with women’s education, reproductive health, cultural problems of child marriage, “honour” killings and, only marginally, women’s labour. The discrimination against women has been decontextualised from its political undergrid in poverty, unemployment, and underdevelopment to service some false form of tacit or explicit cultural imperialism. To be sure, there is indigenous iconography that may be evoked of women who talked back to power: Heer, Sassui, Marvi, Bibi Fatima and Bibi Zainab as women who went against class and caste power, against the middle class norms of marriage or even against the relegation of women to private lives. But it is not for a shortage of heroes but the paucity of political imagination that women continue to be categorised as a cultural problem of Pakistan. While political parties promise to include women’s issues in their manifestoes, they still do not connect this to the need for a change in work relations and poverty has been magically air-brushed out of the frame. The thematic for 2013 for the international women’s day was declared by the UN to be: “The Gender Agenda: Gaining Ground”. And talking gender means talking gender identity. It should then include not just women but men and others who identify as women, the transgendered people, who portray gender to be more of a spectacle and performance than morphology. Perhaps in the social conservatism of our society this may be the time to question the “femininity” of women and the “masculinity” of men as traits that may be interchangeable and not to entrap people in the tyranny of identity politics. This day may then be marked not to celebrate difference but to establish conditions for sheltering and maintaining life that resists models of assimilation.

Is Pakistan importing radioactive cars? Since the Fukushima nuclear plant disaster, radioactivity has been exported to all around the world via contaminated cars and food and industrial items, especially to developing countries where lax regulations obviate the safety standards ATHAR MIAN There have been major global implications on energy policy and various consumer health and safety standards since the March 2011 nuclear explosion at the FukushimaDaiichi nuclear plant in Japan after the nearby Tohuku earthquake (first in a hundred years). The plant had 6 boiling water reactors built by General Electric, thus causing the 3rd nuclear disaster in the same country after Hiroshima and Nagasaki, by the same country, the US. The nuclear fallout was initially estimated as one tenth of that of the Soviet Chernobyl meltdown in 1986. It has contaminated soil, ocean and air for hundreds of miles in any direction, with health and economic implications to play out for decades to come. The long term results from Hiroshima, Nagasaki (two hundred thousand deaths immediately in 1945) and Chernobyl (hundreds in weeks in 1986) are now well known, with initial estimates being far lower. The radioactive impact created untreatable cancers, blood poisoning, mental illnesses, uncontrolled stress, heart disease and various other long term (and many immediate deadly) health effects, including the frightful impact of genetic mutation meaning that generations will suffer forever. For Pakistani sahibs and begums, however, the most deadly and incurable threat would be impotence and child-bearing issues, that should be seriously considered owing to one big concern: Fukushima radioactivity didn’t just stop on Japanese soil or the surrounding Pacific ocean, as most media will lead you to believe. It has been exported since then to all around the world via contaminated cars (and food and industrial items), both new and used, especially to developing countries, where lax regulation and huge smuggling rings obviate the safety standards strictly applied in the West, including prevention, treatment and rehabilitation from such unusual but critical, disasters. Fukushima was, and still is, a major production center for Toyota and other brands. Radioactive iodine and cesium, from

a nuclear fallout, are gaseous before condensing on dust particles or binding to water. The iodine has a halflife (the time for 1/2 of it to decay away) of 8 days, but the cesium has a half-life of 2 years (for cesium 134) or 30 years (for Cesium 137). Such dust settles on cars, the upholstery, traps in air filters, and in general permeates everything. The result is a radioactive car, because of radioactive cesium been dusted everywhere. Wait for about 100 years and you'll not only have a far less radioactive car but also a classic auto! I first came across this topic because a cousin had told me how our elite are buying Japanese cars, both slightly

Fukushima, started severely limiting car exports that show any aboveaverage radioactivity to legal ports of arrival. But many international gangs collude with the traditional Japanese mafia (the yakuza) to buy rejected cars at auctions all over Japan at pennies to the dollar, and have their own transport networks for selling such radioactive cars domestically and abroad. Asahi Shimbun, a major Japanese daily, warned on Oct 24, 2011 that many car dealers are selling such radioactive cars locally, and this trickle might turn into a flood, domestically and abroad, as many more cars, new and used, are found to be legally un-

The Japanese government started severely limiting car exports that showed any above-average radioactivity. But many international gangs collude with the traditional Japanese mafia to sell such radioactive cars domestically and abroad used and new with luxury custom features unavailable in direct imports, at apparently huge discounts. And in the last two months, I have been getting many junk e-mailings pitching great car deals. You call a cell number in Karachi, Lahore or Dubai where the deal terms are arranged, and pay cash upfront to a “trusted” party. The car(s) are then delivered in weeks to a pickup point (presumably smuggled via Dubai, Iran or Afghanistan borders where changes of VIN number, other identification and documentation are a well practiced art.) So here lies the rub - you may be getting a discount on your dream car, but is it safe to even stand close to? There is no radioactive check even at our regular Karachi customs, where presumably high legal duties make such customers think they are getting a lifetime bargain. The Japanese government, six months after

exportable upon inspection. Hundreds of cars were turned away from Russian and Australian borders in 2011 alone, while EU/US already had strict safety standards. Meanwhile many informed folks, in Japan and elsewhere, got smart and used dosimeters to check for radiation levels themselves. Some countries belatedly imposed stricter safety checks. The permissible radioactive limit is about 5 microsieverts, but cars for sale routinely clocked at 100 plus or even 300 microsieverts. Since Aug 2011, Japan’s Harbor Transport Association has reduced the permissible exportable limit to 0.3 microsieverts. By September 2011, though, 1% of cars tested had failed inspection, and 660 cars were detained in August alone. Japan exports about 1.4 million used, and about 5 million new, cars annually: thus the number of potentially contaminated cars evading export

inspection since March 2011 is upwards of 100,000. Auctions are not subject to such inspections. Of course cars with Fukushima license plates are simply re-registered with different license plates during such auctions or re-sales in other prefectures (districts). Given that cars are an expensive item, destruction of such property (compared with food items) by the government or auto manufacturers, is a formidable task. And they need not worry about sales to the poor or to developing countries with little enforcement themselves. A Nigerian analyst said in 2011: “Cars having up to twenty times the permissible level of radiation have found their way to African countries where several governments are clueless or unconcerned about such health risks. Governments of Kenya and Tanzania however, are among the few African countries, that, unable to afford the high cost of testing all incoming vehicles, have expressly banned the import of cars from Japan into their markets. The Kenyan government went as far as destroying some cars after it hired independent firms to test them for radiation levels.” Well don’t expect such action from the Pakistani government, now rated, according to Transparency International, at the top of the global corruption heap, having beaten even Nigeria as #1 in many past years. Of course don’t expect our generally ignorant media to talk about health and safety issues either, beyond political cartoons and mud-slinging sensations. Also auto advertising is a very lucrative business globally, so no wonder that you do not hear such disturbing facts from the likes of CNN, Fox News, Al-Jazeera or BBC, who otherwise are quick to announce contaminated food recalls. But radioactive cars are a much bigger threat than salmonella poisoning, especially if you are exposed to radioactivity long term and have no recourse to treatment. THE AUTHOR IS A SILICON VALLEY ENTREPRENEUR WITH AN MS AND MBA FROM COLUMBIA

Palestinian rights and the defenders of genocide DR. PAUL LARUDEE If there is one message that unifies critics of Israel and advocates for Palestinian rights, it is “End the Occupation.” As with many unifying messages, however, it is successful partly because of its ambiguity. What land and which people are occupied? And what are the terms under which the “occupation” will be ended. The ambiguity allows groups as disparate as Hamas and J Street to chant the phrase with very different images in mind. Hamas and other anti-Zionists argue that all of the land defined by the British Mandate of Palestine is occupied territory, while J Streeters and other “soft” Zionists commonly refer only to Israel’s 1967 territorial conquests as “occupied.” The dividing line between these two views has been articulated By Naomi Wimborne-Idrissi of JBIG (Jews Boycotting Israeli Goods): …there are many people within the movement who share the opinion – which is general throughout the West – that Israel needs to exist as a Jewish state, should exist as a Jewish state. And there are many Jews and others in the movement who don’t want to criticize that fundamental fact. Wimborne-Idrissi is undoubtedly correct in

Regardless of the hypocritical games that Jewish supremacists in the movement play amongst themselves, Palestinians and human rights advocates must not be lured into false partnerships with them… we must expose the racist foundations and objectives of these ethically inconsistent elements her assessment: public opinion in the West generally supports what is called “Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state.” However, most Palestinians fail to understand why this “right” should trump their rights and why Palestinians should be made to pay for its exercise with expulsion from their homes. Indeed, they may be forgiven for doubting the sincerity of people that claim to advocate for justice on their behalf but fail to defend their right to return to their homes. On the one hand, these “defenders” of Palestinian human rights claim to oppose Israel’s expulsion of Palestinians, both inside the internationally recognized borders of Israel and in other areas under Israeli control. On the other hand, these same champions of Palestinians will not lift a finger to correct and defend against the more massive ethnic cleansing that occurred in 1948. It is as if 1967 is the dividing line between which criminal activity must be accepted and which must be resisted. Do such persons really oppose ethnic

the “Monroe Doctrine” propounded by the president James Monroe in 1823 reflecting the US foreign policy of the time was based on the principle of nonintervention that helped promoting self-respect among the member of international community. This process still continues, however, in the negative direction. The so-called “Bush Doctrine” by the George W Bush is essentially based on the concept of unilateralism in the international intercourses. The principle of “No-FenceSitting” based on his proclamation that “you are either with us, or The drone debate with terrorists” has called for the unqualified and unquestioned American contributions towards the support by the international community for the War on Terror. growth and development of Now, the drone attacks conducted international law and jurisprudence have been great. The by Uncle Sam worldwide, and mainly in Pakistan, is an important founding fathers of America were development and contribution in genius – George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Jefferson, John this regard. Here are the important points of Adams and James Madison – who introduced the modern concepts of its newly introduced and recently evolved “Drone Doctrine.” Firstly, a democracy, liberty and single incident like 9/11 can give a fundamental right. They were the nation a sort of “license to kill” and flag-bearers of human rights and impose upon another nation a fundamental freedom. Likewise,

EDITOR’S MAIL BOX

cleansing as a matter of principle or merely as it suits their whim? The passage of time does not appear to be an issue. If 1948 seems like a long time ago, let us remember that there is no statute of limitations on such matters, as the prosecution of Nazi war criminals from an even earlier era illustrates. J Streeters and other “soft” Zionists may appear to be allies of Palestinians, but they are not. Their overwhelming consideration is to create and maintain a Jewish state, and to mould it into their image of a liberal democracy that they can feel proud of. Palestinian rights and welfare are entirely subsidiary to that objective. This explains why J Streeters defend Israel’s “right to exist,” i.e. the ethnic cleansing of 1948. They may not like ethnic cleansing, but it was necessary for the creation of a Jewish state, which has a higher order of priority. On the other hand, they see the current ethnic cleansing policies of the state of Israel as corrosive to the kind of state they would like to have. This is why they want to “end the occupation.” Look what it is doing to Israeli

“liability to be killed.” Under this license, one can attack any country and dismantle any regime all over the world. Secondly, in the name of some “higher cause” e.g., War on Terror, now one state can violate the national sovereignty of other state and may totally reject the protest or objection by the other state upon this. Thirdly, no formal authorisation from the UN Security Council is required for an international intervention in violation of the International Law and UN charter including Article 2(4), refraining to the member state from the use of force against the territorial integrity and political independence of other states. Fourthly, a civil and non-military agency of a state, like CIA, can directly and openly involve in the acts of hostility against an alien state. Lastly and most importantly, one can act as prosecutor, adjudicator and executor simultaneously and arbitrarily by relying on the new fundamental principle of “guilty until proven dead.” MOHSIN RAZA MALIK LAHORE

youth! Look at how it is driving Israel into the hands of “extremists.” Let us therefore be clear. We are dealing with people whose opposition to ethnic cleansing is not very firm and whose primary interest in “ending the occupation” is to do what is good for Israel, not for humanity and least of all for Palestinians. Indeed, one wonders why these advocates for Israel oppose a massive expulsion of the remaining Palestinians in all of the land held by Israel. Expulsion is clearly not a “red line” for them, and it is an expedient method of “ending the occupation.” I suspect that they harbor a nagging guilt for the theft and massacres of 1948, but not enough to want to give up the stolen property. Rather, they hope to expiate their guilt by returning a portion of the territories seized in 1967 for the purpose of creating Palestinian Bantustans. (The South African Bantustans served a similar purpose of assuaging the guilt of white supremacists.) Regardless of the hypocritical games that

Feedback from the web

PTI Intra Party Elections Election 2013 I am not a PTI fan and even I myself think that writer really needs to read "Democracy 101". ANONYMOUS VIEWER@YOURSITE.COM

The era of loot and plunder in Balochistan It is a true article, I totally agree with the author.

Jewish supremacists in the movement play amongst themselves, Palestinians and human rights advocates must not be lured into false partnerships with them just because we share some of the same immediate tactics and objectives, such as stopping the growth of Jewish settlements, boycott of (some) Israeli products and institutions, an end to land confiscations, etc. Rather, we must expose the racist foundations and objectives of these ethically inconsistent elements within “the movement,” and avoid alliances with them. Currently, I fear that we may be doing the opposite, i.e. allowing the “end the occupation” movement to be driven by the interests of people whose agenda requires Palestinians to give up inalienable rights and which rewards those who take those rights away from them. It is not in the interest of Palestinians and principled human rights advocates to make common cause with such morally compromised persons. (COUNTERPUNCH)

Malik Riaz-the real power broker

RIP Hugo Chavez

All those who protect thuggish Malik Riaz after getting benefits out of him, will have to answer for their misdeeds someday. Malik’s benefactors in high places are as much culpable of the crime of robbing the poor and widows of their properties as is Malik himself. May they be bureaucrats, politicians, judges or generals. An adage of wisdom is that behind big money, there’s always crime. Those who support Malik are, needless to say, partners in crime. SURFER UPDATE4@YAHOO.COM

PERVAIZ BALOCH MUHAMMADPRVAIZ@YAHOO.COM

Lucky 234 get more than one plots in Islamabad Moral of the story is that they all have milked the nation so much that they are now getting blood instead of milk.

Naheed Khan strikes back The move is timely. Nobody can accuse them of manipulation for power at this stage. They know politics well. I wish them luck. The PPP is acceptable without the Zardaris.

A J KHAN

BABAR KHATTAK

AJK@YAHOO.COM

GENIUSMINDZ2@GMAIL.COM

Hugo Chavez, the president of Venezuela, has died. He was fighting a long, hard battle with cancer and now he has moved on. There was a huge outpouring of grief on the streets of his country and his people have announced a seven-days mourning period for their departed leader. This truly is sad news, not just for the country but for the whole world where true leftists are becoming a dying species in these times of manipulated commercialisation and capitalism. Chavez was a symbol of Latin American socialism and will be remembered for years to come for his strong character and consistency. The world has lost a true mark of a begotten era. FAKHIR KHAN LAHORE Please email your letters to letters@thespokesman.pk or post them to our address in Islamabad.

FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

Following heroes vs worshipping idols We say we believe the most pious among us is the best, yet we do not treat the pious lady who sweeps our floors and dusts our homes, with much respect. It is the wealthy friend of a friend that receives our politest gestures and our utmost attention their name, their place through sheer hard work and commitment. But we listen more to the whisperers rather than our faith or our hearts. We as a nation are now positive that the person to rule us shall be HAFSA SIDDIQUE the one with the characteristics of those before us, our ideals, and Islam brought to Arabia all that our heroes of Arabia. Yet we have the sands lacked. From faith to not completely understood how to manners, every aspect was be true followers of these heroes, touched upon. The faithful thus the common men of the times of conquered the hearts and minds of the people abiding in places far our beloved Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (Peace be upon Him). and wide; their glories now How did these slaves become narrated among those who did leaders? It was their devout love not know the Arabs even existed for the teachings of their beloved until the teachings of the Holy Quran raised the Arabs, an entire leader; but more importantly it was the wisdom to embrace the nation, to the highest level of teachings in their every action character the world had seen. that changed them, transformed Today we take pride in these them into a whole new nation, splendid, larger than life individuals. We still narrate their polished anew! Nowadays, the love for those magnificent stories to each other, our children and to the world that teachings is still there but the implementation is deficient. In has raced ahead of us. However, Pakistan, especially the youth is when the time comes to make dreaming of a revolution in the amends, to give up on our little near future. It’s a noble dream. crimes we commit in our daily However, Allah has promised lives, to improve our own selves, leaders for nations that they we refuse to learn anything deserve. Our youth is vibrant, from them. We say we believe the most pious progressive in approach and among us is the best, yet we do not faithful, but we must blend this desire of ours into our philosophy treat the pious lady who sweeps as the decisions we make at each our floors and dusts our homes, step will determine our destiny. with much respect. It is the Our generation might boast itself wealthy friend of a friend that to be more correct than the receives our politest gestures and previous one; however, the only our utmost attention. We doubt, crimes our fathers and forefathers we mistrust and we abuse the are guilty of is that the faithful weak, the helpless, this stranger forgot their worldly who serves us day in and day out despite the hell of a life she spends responsibilities, their regions to fulfill her daily chores. Such are became their identity and so this beautiful land was lost to the the times and such is our state. felons. They forgot that Allah has In markets, universities, workplaces, streets, at home or any made Muslims a middle nation to choose a middle path and perform gathering, we no longer practice the religious and worldly duties tolerance, patience and simultaneously. Also, our sect forgiveness. If we do, we consider does not determine who is the ourselves weak. Let us not put the noblest of us. blame on the society. It is the evil Pakistani youth must begin to inside us that compels us to do amend its ways. The faith is deepwrong. If we were strong, no one rooted and the passion is sky-high. could induce such ideas in us. We But the old-thought of call any woman or a respectable man by colourful names, belittling discriminating each other on the basis of power, status, cast and sect them, exposing their ills even still lingers and reflects in our though we say it is not our intention and we know we mustn’t manners. Even so, there are those among us who will write new say so. And yet we have this urge deep inside to shatter one another history for a new Pakistan. It’s a responsibility that God has into pieces, so we do it. bestowed upon us and we must We ridicule one another; we fulfill it with maturity and care. appreciate the nonsense cracked What we sow today is what we will by the fools who we see on our reap tomorrow. We must stop television screens in the name of seeing each other as Punjabis, entertainment. And how they manipulate our thoughts and make Sindhis, Muhajirs, Balochis, us believe the lies they spread! The Tribals, Kashmiris and Pathans. Do not wait for the revolution rumourmongers can easily play anymore. The revolution is already with our conviction to disregard here, all one needs to do is look one another, especially those whom God has blessed with a little more closely. more than us in terms of skills, THE WRITER IS A FREELANCER talent or charm, who have earned

Finding acceptance in Philadelphia I recently drove into West Philadelphia, into its thriving Muslim community. There were no signs of people feeling threatened, nor were there any indications of protests, insulting graffiti, or other declamations GERALD VAN WILGEN

underground churches. They practiced their faith underground, I can't recall the first time I met a in fear of being persecuted or harassed. Muslim. I do, however, recall a It was only after I moved away few instances when I, as a child, I left Groningen when I went to met people from other cultures. Memory is a complex facility and college - that I realised where I came from. And it took many not always reliable. I don't more years before I could scratch remember ever being afraid of the surface of actually people from unfamiliar cultures, but I do recall being surprised by understanding what it was that I had left behind, but yet carried the temperament of some of my with me at the same time. friends and their relatives, who The people of Groningen, me originated from the island of included, are independentAmbon, in what we now call minded and determined, Indonesia. They were remnants something I didn’t realise in my of our not so glorious colonial youth in Groningen. As an past, in what older people example, Groningen was not, and referred to as Dutch Indië. I also has never been, a center of power, remember an African theology and yet, its people founded the student visiting our church. He second university in the was the only colored person Netherlands. Furthermore, in the there, and it felt like everybody 16th century they built the highest was staring tower of Europe - or so they claim at him. - within their walls. I was born and raised in a Groningen has been an monochrome town called autonomous city-state for many Groningen, which is in the north centuries. While other cities had of the Netherlands. It is not to be granted city-rights, known when the town was founded. It was first mentioned in Groningen basically granted itself a document around the turn of the the right to be a city. Nowadays they stand out by their Groninger first century, but archeological Museum, one of the most avantevidence suggests the area was garde looking museums in the inhibited more than 3000 years BCE. When I was growing up, the world. Growing up in this city, that is population consisted mostly of descendants of the original Frisian proud to go against the grain, has made me who I am. It also taught and Saxon tribes who inhabited me to appreciate the value of that part of Europe. living in a community. The city Religion has always played a was always good to its people. I very important part in the grew up, what they call here in the development of the region. What United States, “lower middle captivated me as a child was the class.” We always had food on the so-called “schuilkerk,” or table, we owned a car, we went on underground church. When vacation every summer, and Catholicism was prohibited, parishioners moved the altars into education or health care was never even an issue. The first time I saw, old barns and attics, and what I deemed, poor people, was eventually built these

in the south of England, where we went on vacation. Before that, I could not fathom the idea of poverty or homelessness. As I said, memory is not a reliable instrument, and we all have a tendency to look back at the past, as they say in Dutch, with tinted glasses. I recently drove into West Philadelphia, into its thriving Muslim community. Philadelphia is a sprawling city that consists of many different neighborhoods. The West Philadelphia community is anchored by a few major universities, and contains an ethnically diverse community. Around the area of 52nd and Chestnut Streets are Islamic Bazars, Muslim fashion stores, halal butchers, and so forth. There are men wearing salwar kameez, women wearing hijab, and many signs are in Arabic. There were no signs of people feeling threatened, nor were there any indications of protests, insulting graffiti, or other declamations. I entered a store with a whimsical name, The Islamic Place. The name made me smile; it's a reference to a large children's entertainment park, north of the city, called Sesame Place. On the sound system, a CD of children singing songs about being Islamic played. There was a large selection of books covering all kind of topics, and for all ages. The walls and the back of the store were taken up by various Islamic garments. Aleem, the friendly manager, told me that this store was the largest of its kind. I asked how big the Muslim community in West Philly was. He didn't know the exact numbers, but he said that it was the fastest growing Muslim community in

the country. I asked if this was through migration. No, he said, by conversion. He added that every day recent converts enter the store. He then invited me to a conference organised by Muslims for Peace, which was to take place close to my house. There was an article in the New York Times recently about an Islamic Center in California that couldn't get the Federal Bureau of Investigations to investigate an attack on the building. There were bullet holes in the windows, and threatening messages on the answering machine, but that wasn't enough for the FBI to designate it a hate crime. A few weeks later, arson destroyed the center and the members wondered if the fire could have been prevented. After reading that article, I anticipated that I’d witness in the West Philadelphia Muslim community, people who were feeling repressed, or threatened, but that did not seem to be the case. Philadelphia is a proud, against-the-grain, independent town, just like my home. As I drove back to my office in Center City, I felt relieved that there was so much acceptance, here, in my adopted city. What I like best about going out into the neighborhood and meeting people is that my eyes are now open. Not only am I able to see, I also know what to look for. There are Qur'an schools, mosques, cultural centers, websites, artistic endeavors, and even scholars. There is no need for underground mosques. GERALD VAN WILGEN IS A DUTCH WRITER WHO LIVES AND WORKS IN THE

UNITED STATES

A tribute to the Chavez legacy KEVIN ZEESE AND DR. MARGARET FLOWERS The death of Hugo Chávez is a great loss to the people of Venezuela who have been lifted out of poverty and have created a deep participatory democracy. Chavez was a leader who, in unity with the people, was able to free Venezuela from the grips of the US Empire, brought dignity to the poor and working class, and was central to a Latin American revolt against US domination. Chávez grew up a campesino, a peasant, raised in poverty. His parents were teachers, his grandmother an Indian whom he credits with teaching him solidarity with the people. During his military service, he learned about Simon Bolivar, who freed Latin America from Spanish Empire. This gradually led to the modern Bolivarian Revolution he led with the people. The Chávez transformation was built on many years of a mass political movement that continued after his election, indeed saved him when a 2002 coup briefly removed him from office. The reality is Venezuela’s 21st Century democracy is bigger than Chávez, this will become more evident now that he is gone. If Americans knew the truth about the growth of real democracy in Venezuela and other Latin American countries, they would demand economic democracy and participatory government, which together would threaten the power of concentrated wealth. Real democracy creates a huge challenge to the oligarchs and their neoliberal agenda because it is driven by human needs, not corporate greed. That is why major media in the US, which are owned by six corporations, aggressively misinform the public about Chávez and the Bolivarian Revolution.

Chavez was a leader who, in unity with the people, was able to free Venezuela from the grips of the US Empire, brought dignity to the poor and working class, and was central to a Latin American revolt against US domination Mark Weisbrot of the Center for Economic and Policy Research writes, “The Western media reporting has been effective. It has convinced most people outside of Venezuela that the country is run by some kind of dictatorship that has ruined it.” In fact, just the opposite is true. Venezuela, since the election of Chávez, has become one of the most democratic nations on Earth. Its wealth is increasing and being widely shared. But Venezuela has been made so toxic that even the more liberal media outlets propagate distortions to avoid being criticized as too leftist. The subject of Venezuela is taboo because it has been the most successful country to repel the neoliberal assault waged by the US on Latin America. This assault included Operation Condor, launched in 1976, in which the US provided resources and assistance to bring friendly dictators who supported neoliberal policies to power throughout Latin America. These policies involved privatizing national resources and selling them to foreign corporations, de-funding and privatizing public programs such as education and health care, deregulating and reducing trade barriers. In addition to intense political repression under these dictators between the 1960s and 1980s, which resulted in imprisonment, murder and disappearances of tens of thousands throughout Latin America, neoliberal policies led to increased wealth inequality, greater hardship for the poor and working class, as well

as a decline in economic growth. Neoliberalism in Venezuela arrived through a different path, not through a dictator. Although most of its 20th century was spent under authoritarian rule, Venezuela has had a long history of pro-democracy activism. The last dictator, Marcos Jimenez Perez, was ousted from power in 1958. After that, Venezuelans gained the right to elect their government, but they existed in a state of pseudo-democracy, much like the US currently, in which the wealthy ruled through a managed democracy that ensured the wealthy benefited most from the economy. A turning point in the Venezuelan struggle for real democracy occurred in 1989. President Carlos Andres Perez ran on a platform opposing neoliberalism and promised to reform the market during his second term. But following his re-election in 1988, he reversed himself and continued to implement the “Washington Consensus” of neoliberal policies – privatization and cuts to social services. The last straw came when he ended subsidies for oil. The price of gasoline doubled and public transportation prices rose steeply. Protests erupted in the towns surrounding the capitol, Caracas, and quickly spread into the city itself. President Perez responded by revoking multiple constitutional rights to protest and sending in security forces who killed an estimated 3,000 people, most of them in the barrios. This became known as the

“Caracazo” (“the Caracas smash”) and demonstrated that the president stood with the oligarchs, not with the people. Under President Perez, conditions continued to deteriorate for all but the wealthy in Venezuela. So people organized in their communities and with Lieutenant Colonel Hugo Chávez attempted a civilian-led coup in 1992. Chávez was jailed, and so the people organized for his release. Perez was impeached for embezzlement of 250 million bolivars and the next president, Rafael Caldera, promised to release Chávez when he was elected. Chávez was freed in 1994. He then traveled throughout the country to meet with people in their communities and organizers turned their attention to building a political movement. Chávez ran for president in 1998 on a platform that promised to hold a constituent assembly to rewrite the constitution saying, “I swear before my people that upon this moribund constitution I will drive forth the necessary democratic transformations so that the new republic will have a Magna Carta befitting these new times.” Against the odds, Chávez won the election and became president in 1999. While his first term was cautious and centerleft, including a visit by Chávez to the NY Stock Exchange to show support for capitalism and encourage foreign investment, he kept his promise. Many groups participated in the formation of the new constitution, which was

gender-neutral and included new rights for women and for the indigenous, and created a government with five branches adding a people’s and electoral branches. The new constitution was voted into place by a 70 percent majority within the year. Chávez also began to increase funding for the poor and expanded and transformed education. Since then, Chávez has been re-elected twice. He was removed from power briefly in 2002, jailed and replaced by Pedro Carmona, the head of what is equivalent to the Chamber of Commerce. Fox commented that the media was complicit in the coup by blacking it out and putting out false information. Carmona quickly moved to revoke the constitution and disband the legislature. When the people became aware of what was happening, they rapidly mobilized and surrounded the capitol in Caracas. Chávez was reinstated in less than 48 hours. One reason the Chávez election is called a Bolivarian Revolution is because Simon Bolivar was a military political leader who freed much of Latin America from the Spanish Empire in the early 1800s. The election of Chávez, the new constitution and the people overcoming the coup set Venezuela on the path to free itself from the US empire. These changes emboldened the transformation to sovereignty, economic democracy and participatory government. (MORE ON NEXT PAGE)

FRIDAY, MARCH 08, 2013

North Korea threatens strike against ‘aggressors’ Tribesmen free 2 Britons kidnapped in Egypt CAIRO: Bedouin gunmen in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula have released two British tourists who were kidnapped earlier on Thursday as they drove from Cairo to the beach resort of Sharm el Sheikh, security and tribal sources said. The British pair, who were travelling in a private car, had stopped to change money in the town of Ras es-Sidr around 150 kilometres (93 miles) south east of Cairo when they were seized by the tribesmen, said the sources. They were held for several hours in an unknown location before being handed over to the army after negotiations with tribal elders. The sources said the kidnappers were demanding the release of four prisoners held in Alexandria on charges of arms smuggling. South Sinai's Red Sea coast is a major tourism area for Egypt and several other tourists have been held briefly by tribesmen in recent months and released unharmed, often after just a few hours of negotiations with authorities. –AGENCIES

SEOUL: North Korea on Thursday threatened a preemptive nuclear strike against the United States and other purported aggressors, describing Washington as a “criminal threatening global peace.” Although Pyongyang routinely vows to demolish the United States in a sacred war, the threat issued Thursday marked a major escalation of rhetoric just hours before the UN Security Council is to discuss new sanctions aiming at reining in the North’s weapons program and restricting illicit overseas trade. Calling the sanctions part of a USled “war of aggression,” the North vowed to “display the might . . . it built

up decades after decades and put an end to the evil cycle of tension,” according to a statement published by the nation’s state-run news agency and attributed to a foreign ministry spokesman. Long East Asia’s main menace, North Korea often becomes particularly combative in the runup to and aftermath of UN sanctions. The isolated police state, in its state-controlled media, typically describes the sanctions as a thinly veiled effort by larger nations to cause its collapse, playing to a national narrative that says it must build up its army to defend sovereignty. “If the enemy comes at us with a

launching a long-range rocket into orbit. But countries typically need years of testing before engineers can mount a small nuclear warhead on a rocket with the confidence that it will hit its intended target. For the North, conducting such tests are a problem because it is banned by existing sanctions from every kind of launch, blast or boom. Since 2006, the country has followed a pattern where nuclear or rocket tests bring sanctions, and the North then uses those sanctions as an excuse to carry out further tests. Nothing about the pattern has changed under new leader Kim Jong Eun, who inherited power in December, 2011 after the death of his father, Kim Jong Il.

dagger,” the North said in a separate Thursday editorial in its state-run newspaper, “we’ll draw out a big sword to slice him in pieces, [and] if he comes with a rifle we’ll turn a big gun to blow him off, and if he threatens with nuke, we’ll face up to him with more powerful and accurate nuke strike means of our own.” Security analysts do not yet think the North has the ability to strike the United States with a nuclear weapon, although the country is making progress after pouring billions into its weapons program and cooperating with Iran and Pakistan. The North has fissile material for bombs, and it succeeded last December in

AL decision puts Lebanon at risk: FM

No intervention in Syria hostage crisis: Israel TEL AVIV: Israel voiced confidence on Thursday that the United Nations could secure the release of UN peacekeepers seized by Syrian rebels near the Golan Heights, signalling it would not intervene in the crisis. "Restricting the movement of troops in an international force is a significant event," Amos Gilad, a senior Defense Ministry official, told Israel Radio. "The United Nations ... can be trusted to persuade them (the rebels) ultimately to free them." Gilad said the rebels, seeking foreign support, had no interest "in getting into a confrontation with the international community." Israel's military, he said, was taking a "low profile" but following events in Syria closely. Israel captured the Golan Heights in a 1967 war, and mortar fire from Syria's civil war has occasionally spilled over into the strategic plateau. Peacekeepers of the UN Disengagement Force have been monitoring a ceasefire line between Syria and the Golan Heights for four decades. –AGENCIES

Kenya presidential hopeful challenges count NAIROBI: The running mate of Kenyan presidential candidate Raila Odinga called for the vote count to be halted on Thursday and cast doubt on the fairness of a process still incomplete three days after the poll, remarks that could inflame a largely peaceful election.= Odinga, Kenya's prime minister, is trailing Uhuru Kenyatta in the partial count. His running mate Kalonzo Musyoka said his comments were not a call for mass action and he urged voters to stay calm and patient. Disputes over Kenya's last election in 2007 sparked ethnic violence that killed 1,200 people. "We as a coalition take the position the national vote tallying process lacks integrity and has to be stopped and re-started using primary documents from the polling stations," Musyoka told a news conference. "We have evidence the results we are receiving have been doctored," he said. –AGENCIES

The latest UN resolution, which diplomats will likely put to vote on Thursday, was drafted by the United States and China. The participation of Beijing is significant because it has long been the North’s key benefactor and has occasionally has stood in the way of international efforts to sanction Pyongyang. A draft of the latest resolution names several new individuals and business entities that will be targeted by sanctions. Tens of thousands in Pyongyang on Thursday protested the potential sanctions and ongoing US-South Korea joint war exercises, according to the Associated Press, which has a bureau in Pyongyang. –AGENCIES

DHAKA: Journalists take pictures of a burning car set on fire by activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in front of the party office in Dhaka. –WIRE SERVICE

Berlusconi jailed over wiretape leaks RO M E : An Italian court on Thursday sentenced former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi to a year in prison over the publication of leaked transcripts from a police wiretap in a newspaper that he owns. Berlusconi, who faces two more verdicts this month for tax fraud and having sex with an underage prostitute, can appeal the conviction which would suspend the sentence under Italian law. Italian sentencing guidelines indicate that people aged over 75 and with sentences of less than two years do not have to actually go to prison. Berlusconi, a billionaire media tycoon, is 76. “I am disappointed and concerned because I am convinced that the proof was insufficient, contradictory or missing,” Berlusconi’s lawyer Piero Longo told reporters after the hearing. “I was not expecting a conviction,” he said. Fabrizio Cicchitto, a leading member of Berlusconi’s People of Freedom party, said: “The plan to eliminate Silvio Berlusconi through the justice system is now so obvious that it is dangerous for democracy.” “We will our voices heard loud and strong on democracy and the need for justice that is fair and worthy of a civilized country,” he said.

The party is preparing a demonstration later this month against a justice system that Berlusconi frequently portrays as leftwing and biased. Berlusconi stood accused of violating secrecy laws after his Il Giornale daily published transcripts in 2005 that were widely seen as an attempt to discredit a senior member of the centre-left Democratic Party ahead of elections in 2006. The leaks were about the attempted takeover of BNL bank by insurance giant Unipol. Berlusconi’s brother Paolo, editor of Il Giornale, was sentenced to two years and three months. Silvio Berlusconi also faces a verdict possibly as early as March 18 in a trial in which he is accused of having sex with a then 17-year-old prostitute when he was prime minister and then abusing the power of his office by putting pressure on police to release her from custody. A verdict in his appeal trial against a tax fraud conviction from last year in which he was also sentenced to a year in prison is also expected around March 23. Italian court dates are often changed at the last minute and Berlusconi’s lawyers have tried to slow down all the trials, invoking “legitimate impediment” because of his duties as an MP. –AGENCIES

Violent strike continues in Bangladesh DHAKA: At least one ruling party worker was killed during clashes in northwestern Bangladesh as a nationwide strike called by the opposition shut schools and businesses across the country. The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) enforced the strike to protest at police firing on a rally on Wednesday, when at least two senior party officials were hit by rubber bullets in the capital, Dhaka. The stoppages hit businesses, deliveries of exports and imports to and from seaports and the transport of farm products from rural areas, among other areas. Violence broke out between rival political activists from the BNP, Jamaat and the ruling Awami League in the town of Bholarhat on Thursday, local police chief Shahid Suhrawardy said. "A 25year-old young man who is a member of Awami League's youth wing died on the spot after he was beaten by BNP and Jamaat supporters," Suhrawardy said. –AGENCIES

BEIRUT: Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour denied Thursday he had deviated from government policy toward the crisis in Syria during a recent meeting of the Arab League and warned that the regional organization’s decision to legalize the arming of Syrian rebels posed a danger to Lebanon. “I did not give up on Lebanon’s self dissociation policy. I did not take a side with any of those fighting in Syria,” Mansour said at Beirut’s Rafik Hariri International Airport upon his arrival from Cairo, where the Arab League held a meeting a day earlier. The minister came under fire at home Wednesday after he called on Arab foreign ministers gathered in the Egyptian capital to allow the Syrian government to retake its League seat. The bulk of the criticism came from the Lebanese opposition, which accused Mansour of straying from the government’s self-avowed policy of disassociating itself from developments in the region, particularly in Syria. Mansour, whom the March 14 opposition described as “the Charge D’affaires of the Syrian regime in Lebanon” over the affair, admitted that he had written the address that sparked the outcry in Lebanon. “I prepared my speech at the Arab League by myself and I chose each

word I said,” the minister explained at a news conference at the Beirut airport. He insisted that his request at the League did not deviate from Lebanon’s self dissociation policy, adding that his proposal to reinstate Syria as a member of the top Arab body aimed at facilitating the process of reaching a political solution in Lebanon’s neighbor. “All I said was that the Arab League should embrace Syria once again to discuss the possibility of reaching a political solution in the war-torn country,” he said. The foreign minister told The Daily Star that he would be meeting later with President Michel Sleiman and Prime Minister Najib Mikati to brief them on his trip to Egypt. As well as inviting the Syrian National Coalition to take Damascus’ seat at the League, the Arab body also decided Wednesday to allow member states to arm Syrian rebels caught up in the conflict against President Bashar Assad. The final statement issued at the end of the ministerial committee in Cairo said officials had “stressed the right of each state according to its wishes to offer all types of selfdefense, including military, to support the resilience of the Syrian people and the Free [Syrian] Army.” –AGENCIES

France to pull out troops from Mali by April: Laurent Fabius PARI S: France will start withdrawing its troops from Mali by April, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said Thursday. "From April, we will start decreasing the number of troops engaged in Mali," Fabius told RTL radio. However, "This does not mean that we will go overnight," he added. The military campaign in the Ifoghas mountain range, the stronghold of Islamist fighters in northern Mali will end "within weeks," the French top diplomat said. Asked if al-Qaeda main figures Abou Zeid and Mokhtar Belmokhtar were killed in fighting, the French minister said "many leaders were among the hundreds of terrorists who have been killed during the operation," without giving accurate details on their identities. In a visit to Warsaw, French President Francois Hollande on Wednesday announced that terror chiefs died in northern Mali. But, he did not specify whether he was referring to the two commanders reported dead last week. –AGENCIES

A tribute to the Chavez legacy Continued from page 7

The struggle for democracy in Venezuela brought an understanding by the people that change only comes if they create it. The pre- Chávez era is seen as a pseudo Democracy, managed for the benefit of the oligarchs. The people viewed Chávez as a door that was opened for them to create transformational change. He was able to pass laws that aided them in their work for real democracy and better conditions. And Chávez knew that if the people did not stand with him, the oligarchs could remove him from power as they did for two days in 2002. With this new understanding and the constitution as a tool, Chávez and the people have continued to progress in the work to rebuild Venezuela based on participatory democracy and freedom from US interference. Chávez refers to the new system as “21st century socialism.” It is very much an incomplete work in progress, but already there is a measurable difference. Mark Weisbrot of CEPR points out that real GDP per capita in Venezuela expanded by 24 percent since 2004. In the 20 years prior to Chávez, real GDP per person actually fell. Venezuela has low foreign public debt, about 28 percent of GDP, and the interest on it

is only 2 percent of GDP. Weisbrot writes: “From 2004-2011, extreme poverty was reduced by about twothirds. Poverty was reduced by about one-half, and this measures only cash income. It does not count the access to health care that millions now have, or the doubling of college enrollment – with free tuition for many. Access to public pensions tripled. Unemployment is half of what it was when Chávez took office.” Venezuela has reduced unemployment from 20 percent to 7 percent. As George Galloway wrote upon Chávez’s death, ‘Under Chávez’ revolution the oil wealth was distributed in ever rising wages and above all in ambitious social engineering. He built the fifth largest student body in the world, creating scores of new universities. More than 90% of Venezuelans ate three meals a day for the first time in the country’s history. Quality social housing for the masses became the norm with the pledge that by the end of the presidential term, now cut short, all Venezuelans would live in a dignified house.’ Venezuela is making rapid progress on other measures too. It has a high human development index and a low and shrinking index of inequality. Wealth inequality in Venezuela is half

of what it is in the United States. It is rated “the fifth-happiest nation in the world” by Gallup. And Pepe Escobar writes that,”No less than 22 public universities were built in the past 10 years. The number of teachers went from 65,000 to 350,000. Illiteracy has been eradicated. There is an ongoing agrarian reform.” Venezuela has undertaken significant steps to build food security through land reform and government assistance. New homes are being built, health clinics are opening in underserved areas and cooperatives for agriculture and business are growing. Venezuelans are very happy with their democracy. On average, they gave their own democracy a score of seven out of ten while the Latin American average was 5.8. Meanwhile, 57 percent of Venezuelans reported being happy with their democracy compared to an average for Latin American countries of 38 percent, according to a poll conducted by Latinobarometro. While 81 percent voted in the last Venezuelan election, only 57.5 percent voted in the recent US election. Chávez won that election handily as he has all of the elections he has run in since 1999. As Galloway describes him, Chávez was “the most elected leader in the modern era.” He won his last election with 55 percent of the vote but was never

inaugurated due to his illness. The deepening of democracy in Venezuela, beyond voting, has been remarkable. This is not to say that the process has been easy or smooth. The new constitution and laws passed by Chávez have provided tools, but the government and media still contain those who are allied with the oligarchy and who resist change. People have had to struggle to see that what is written on paper is made into a reality. For example, Venezuelans now have the right to reclaim urban land that is fallow and use it for food and living. Many attempts have been made to occupy unused land and some have been met by hostility from the community or actual repression from the police. In other cases, attempts to build new universities have been held back by the bureaucratic process. It takes time to build a new democratic structure from the bottom up. And it takes time to transition from a capitalist culture to one based on solidarity and participation. In “Venezuela Speaks,” one activist, Iraida Morocoima, says “Capitalism left us with so many vices that I think our greatest struggle is against these bad habits that have oppressed us.” She goes on to describe a necessary culture shift as, “We must understand that we are equal, while at the same time we

are different, but with the same rights.” Chávez passed a law in 2006 that united various committees in poor barrios into community councils that qualify for state funds for local projects. In the city, community councils are composed of 200 to 400 families. The councils elect spokespeople and other positions such as executive, financial and “social control” committees. The councilmembers vote on proposals in a general assembly and work with facilitators in the government to carry through on decisions. In this way, priorities are set by the community and funds go directly to those who can carry out the project such as building a road or school. There are currently more than 20,000 community councils in Venezuela creating a grassroots base for participatory government. A long-term goal is to form regional councils from the community councils and ultimately create a national council. Some community councils already have joined as communes, a group of several councils, which then have the capacity for greater research and to receive greater funds for large projects. The movement to place greater decision-making capacity and control of local funds in the hands of communities is happening throughout Latin America and the world. It is

called participatory budgeting and it began in Porto Alegre, Brazil in 1989 and has grown so that as many as 50,000 people now participate each year to decide as much as 20 percent of the city budget. There are more than 1,500 participatory budgets around the world in Latin America, North America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. Fox produced a documentary, Beyond Elections: Redefining Democracy in the Americas, which explains participatory budgeting in greater detail. The Unfinished Work of Huge Chávez Continues. The movements that brought him to power and kept him in power have been strengthened by Hugo Chávez. Now the “revolution within the revolution” will be tested. In 30 days there will be an election and former vice president, now interim president, Nicolas Maduro will likely challenge the conservative candidate Chávez defeated. If the United States and the oligarchs think the death of Chávez means the end of the Bolivarian Revolution he led, they are in for a disappointment. This revolution, which is not limited to Venezuela, is likely to show to itself and the world that it is deep and strong. The people-powered transformation with which Chávez was in solidarity will continue. (Counterpunch)

FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

Gold 10 Gms

Dollar Interbank

Rs.51771

Rs. 98.15

Kibor 6 months 9.15%-9.40%

T Bills6 months

Urea/Bag

9.47%

Rs. 1742

Coal Spot

10-Y PIB

$93.05/Ton

11.42%

Furnace oil 78,446/MT

Economic Coordination Committee to give Sui Southern Gas Company the go-ahead

SSGC set to grant LNG contract to lowest bidder SAHTAK BALOCH

ISLAMABAD: Economic The Coordination Committee (ECC) scheduled to meet today is expected to give its go-ahead to Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) to award 400 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) import contract to the lowest bidder. Moreover, country’s apex economic decision-making body is also likely to take up summaries of petroleum ministry’s seeking approval to increase the deemed duty on the diesel (HSD) to 9 per cent from the current 7.5 per cent and to shut old CNG stations across the country. Following its previous design to close down once robust CNG business in phase wise across the country, petroleum ministry in its dispatched summary to the federal cabinet’s economic coordination committee (ECC) have asked to close all those CNG stations, which completed 15 years operational time period and CNG stations should be allowed to start Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)

business on their stations Though five years extension to the licence of CNG stations is permitted in Ogra as per CNG rule 7, yet to materialise its ‘foul design’ of closure of CNG business, the ministry has resolved that Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) should not give five years extension to those CNG stations licences, which have completed 15 years time. And, the ECC should issue policy guidelines to Ogra advising the regulator to stop giving five years extensions to not only those CNG stations which have completed the said 15 years duration but also to cancel their licences which have already gotten extensions. The ministry has also sought suspension of gas supply to such stations. However, future of CNG business is bright or not a decision to this effect is likely in today’s ECC meeting, as rightly appreciated by reliable sources at petroleum ministry. The sources also said that the ECC has been approached for a raise in the deemed duty on HSD so that refineries can generate money from consumers in order to upgrade their plants to produce Euro-2 diesel. The ECC has been told

that the cost of diesel will rise by Rs1.12 per litre if the deemed duty is raised from existing the 7.5per cent to 9 per cent, in accordance with the demand put forth. “However, the price of diesel will actually go up by Rs2 per litre because the rise in deemed duty has been calculated at existing prices (which are subject to change),” sources added. It is note here that country’s refineries have received the deemed duty for several years now, and have generated over Rs200 billion so far under the head. However, they have failed to upgrade their plants, for which the duty was intended. A judicial commission formed by the Supreme Court had earlier recommended abolishing the deemed duty being given to refineries that had failed to upgrade their production. These refineries were scheduled to set up plants in 2012, but received an extension from the ECC till July 1, 2014. Currently, the Pak Arab Refinery Company (Parco) is the country’s only refinery producing Euro2 compliant diesel. It is also learnt that economic body

had been informed that pursuant to the decision of ECC taken on October 10, 2012, M/s Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) invited open competitive bids for first round of 400 LNG. The bids were opened on January 9, 2013 However, since all the bids were noncompliant to Request for Proposal (RFP), therefore the same were rejected by M/s SSGCL under PPRA rules after getting approval of ECC on January 29,2013. Meanwhile SSGC sought proposals for supply of 400 mmcfd under second phase which is now considered to be first phase. The technical bids were opened on February 12 and were evaluated at London by a team of SSGCL, international consultant M/s QED and one of the members of the ECC sub- committee. The consultant informed the ECC sub committee that all three bidders including three consortiums submitted bids: ETPL with Conoco Phillips; PGPL with Shell, ENI and China HarborExxon Mobil were technically qualified and their financial bids may be

opened. Economic body has been informed that the financial bids were opened on March 5, 2013 at SSGCL office Islamabad and were being evaluated by SSGC and their consultant. After finalization of evaluation process, SSGC board of directors will recommend award of the contract to the lowest bidder. ECC has been proposed to approve the recommendations of SSGCL’s board of directors to be presented by SSGCL team in ECC meeting with regard to award of contract to the lowest bidder for supply of 400 mmcfd LNG to SSGCL on integrated basis may be approved by ECC. SSGC officials said that two of the three consortiums pre-qualified to bid for the first 400 mmcfd LNG import project had asked Sui Southern Gas Company Limited to share the price documents submitted by the third consortium Elengy Pakistan, which is claiming to have offered the lowest price. In its letter of March 6 to SSGC, Global Energy Infrastructure Pakistan (Private) Limited requested to provide

the complete price proposals of the other two bidders. Pakistan GasPort Limited (PGPL) has also asked for the same and stated that GEIP submitted a single-line price offer indexed to Brent prices in accordance with the tender requirements, Elengy Terminal Pakistan Limited (ETPL) gave a five-line offer indexed to “two non-standard/modified benchmarks of Brent and Henry Hub.” PGPL has asked SSGC to share, as per Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules, ETPL’s price document,” SSGC official said. The three bids, comprising thousands of documents from each consortium, were vetted by QED Consulting, which is based in London and has 25 years in the LNG sector. The consultant formally met with representatives from all three consortiums in London and prequalified all parties in its 60-page report as technically sound to proceed to the second round of the bidding process. The professional fees for QED onsulting have reportedly been paid by USAID, which says it chooses its consultants carefully and after proper due diligence.

Analysis Samsung loses latest Apple patent suit in UK L ONDON: Apple won a patent infringement lawsuit on Thursday in an English court, which exonerates the iPhone maker from charges it unlawfully used Samsung technology. Samsung had argued that three individual patents relating to processing and transmitting data on 3G mobile networks had been infringed, but the court found all three claims invalid. This is the latest case in a global barrage of claims and counterclaims between the two companies, which between them account for one in every two smartphones sold worldwide. Samsung said it was disappointed by the court's decision. "Upon a thorough review of the judgment we will decide whether to file an appeal," a spokeswoman said. Apple declined to comment. The Korean company won a bittersweet legal victory over its Californiabased rival last summer when another British judge ruled its Galaxy tablet should not be blocked from sale in Britain. –AGENCIES

Greek unemployment falls for ﬁrst time since 2008 ATHENS: Greece's jobless rate fell in December for the first time since a crippling recession began five years ago, helped by a bailout deal that propped up companies' willingness to hire in the short-term. Unemployment in the debt-choked nation dropped to 26.4 percent from a revised, record 26.6 percent a month earlier, state statistics service ELSTAT said. It still remains the euro area's highest and is more than twice the bloc's average unemployment reading of 11.8 percent but was the first time it had fallen since May 2008. Greece is still deep in recession thanks to the tax rises and searing cutbacks in state spending required by the European Union and International Monetary Fund under its 240 billion euro bailout. –AGENCIES

Wall Street extends climb, helped by jobs data NEW YORK: US stocks edged higher for a fifth day on Thursday, with the Dow hitting an intraday record for the third session in a row, as data pointed to a pick-up in the labor market recovery and investors looked for opportunities to buy into the recent rally. Growth sectors showed the most gains, with the S&P financial index .SPSY up 0.6 percent and shares of JPMorgan Chase (JPM.N) up 1.1 percent at $50.60. The Dow climbed as high as 14,354.69 after initially breaking into uncharted territory on Tuesday. The broader S&P 500 sits more than 1 percent below its record close. A strengthening economy and loose monetary policy by central banks around the world have pushed U.S. stocks higher this year. –AGENCIES

CURRENCY US Dollar Euro British Pound UAE Dirham Saudi Riyal Kuwaiti Dinar Canadian Dollar

BUYING 99.10 129.03 148.09 26.85 26.35 346.47 95.17

SELLING 99.35 129.28 148.32 27.10 26.55 351.23 96.86

EU parliament goes too far with banker-bonus cap t was plausible until recently to think that the European Parliament, the directly elected arm of the European Union’s system of government, was created mainly for comic effect. Not any longer. The Parliament’s assertion of power over the regulation of bankers’ pay has shown that Europe’s legislature now matters, as it should. Complaints about Europe’s so-called democratic deficit have rung true for years. Policies affecting every aspect of life in the EU’s member nations emanated from the European Commission (the EU’s unelected bureaucracy) and the European Council (which collects the representatives of national governments). At the EU level, unlike within the member states, decision makers had no direct accountability to voters. The European Parliament was directly elected, but few voters paid it much attention, and national political parties tended to send rejects and wannabes to fill it. Real power, even with respect to EU institutions, remained at home. The policy areas in which the Parliament had the right to decide -competences in the EU’s jargon -- were few. The Lisbon treaty, which came into force at the end of 2009, marked a decisive change. It gave the Parliament new powers, including the final say on the EU’s budget, and greatly increased the areas of competence in which the Parliament would decide EU legislation on an equal footing with the national leaders and ministers in the Council. The Parliament’s 754 legislators have flexed their muscles with increasing confidence ever since. Their victory over capping bankers’ bonuses -achieved despite strong opposition from British ministers -- sets a new benchmark. It also highlights some dangers. Let’s not dwell on the fact that this notable parliamentary success advanced a bad policy -one that is unlikely to stop banks from taking excessive risks and that removed focus from a better policy alternative, namely increasing capital-adequacy ratios. Democratic governments don’t always get things right. The main issue is that the policy affects one member of the EU, the U.K., far more than the others, because most bankers in Europe who earn very large bonuses are based in London. The cap is being adopted over that country’s protests. The question this raises is deep and difficult. It has been posed since the European project began and is still waiting to be answered: What is the right division of competences between national governments on one side and the EU on the other? The answer can’t be fixed for all time and depends on how far Europe’s voters consider themselves citizens of the EU as well as of their own countries. Formally, they are already both, but when it comes to vital national interests, cultural and emotional commitments matter more than what it says on an EU passport. Europe’s economic travails have revived anti-EU sentiment across the union. The cultural conditions for closer political union aren’t in place. The Parliament’s role in all this is delicate. No longer a sideshow, it is in a position to move integration forward through its actions and by commanding respect.

NEW YORK: Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. The Dow surged to a new record on Tuesday, breaking through levels last seen in 2007 as investors extended 2013's rally.

Global shares gain on US jobs data, euro rises after ECB NEW YORK: Global equity markets rose on Thursday after an encouraging U.S. weekly labor market report suggested a steadily improving economy, while the euro strengthened after the European Central Bank left its benchmark interest rate unchanged. The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell last week, suggesting a pick-up in the labor market recovery and economic growth. Equities on Wall Street opened higher on the labor report, but European shares pared their gains when ECB President Mario Draghi was non-committal as to whether he felt equity markets were fairly priced at current lofty levels. MSCI's all-country world stock index .MIWD00000PUS was up 0.2 percent on the day. The index touched 359.47, a new intraday high for the year. "It's certainly welcoming to the market and it's once again supporting the thought that the economic recovery is strengthening despite the stalemate in budget talks, etc," said Andrew Wilkinson, chief economic strategist at Miller Tabak & Co. LLC in New York. Russell Price, senior economist at Ameriprise Financial Services Inc in Troy, Michigan, said the declining number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits was an encouraging sign for the economy. The number of Americans filing initial

claims for unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell to a seasonally adjusted 340,000 last week, suggesting a pick-up in the labor market recovery. "It shows now that we have a few consecutive weeks where new claims are at this lower trend; it's very encouraging for labor market conditions currently and going forward," Price said. The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI was up 43.85 points, or 0.31 percent, at 14,340.09. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index .SPX was up 2.33 points, or 0.15 percent, at 1,543.79. The Nasdaq Composite Index .IXIC was up 4.29 points, or 0.13 percent, at 3,226.66. The euro was up 1.1 percent on the day at $1.3106. The session peak of $1.3116 marked a five-day high. Prices for U.S. Treasuries slid as a second straight day of better-than-expected labor market data boosted appetite for riskier assets. Benchmark 10-year Treasury notes slid 9/32 in price to yield 1.9687 percent. Oil rebounded above $111 a barrel as the ECB gave no strong hint about monetary policy easing in the months ahead and on the betterthan-expected jobs data. The ECB and the Bank of England kept interest rates on hold, as expected. Better-than-forecast U.S. jobs data suggested a pick-up in the labor market recovery and economic growth. Brent crude rose 28 cents at $111.34 a barrel. U.S. WTI crude futures rose $1.14 to $91.57. –AGENCIES

Pakistan’s foreign reserves fall below $13 billion level KARACHI: Pakistan’s overall liquid foreign exchange reserves fell to $12.805 billion in a week from $13.185 billion last week, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported on Thursday. In a statement, the central bank said that reserves held by the State Bank stood at $7.861 billion. The reserves held by commercial banks stood at $4.944 billion in the week ending March 1, 2013 compared with $4.958 billion a week earlier. The foreign reserves held by commercial banks also reduced to $4.917 billion as compared to $4.937 billion last week. Pakistan paid ninth installment of the loan worth $145.50 million to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under the standby arrangement programme on February 11. The next repayment of SDR 258.425 million ($400 million) to the IMF is due on February 26. According to the State Bank, the capital and financial account of the country experienced net outflows due to dwindling private financial inflows and lower-than-anticipated official inflows. This, together with substantial payments to the IMF, resulted in a drawdown of foreign exchange reserves of the central bank. –AGENCIES

–BLOOMBERG EDITORIAL

First quarterly report on Poverty Reduction Strategy Programme

Government spending up 12.75pc, compared to last year ISLAMABAD: The first quarterly report on Poverty Reduction Strategy Programme (PRSP) of the Ministry of Finance has disclosed that the government spending on PRSP has been increased by 12.75 percent from July to September over the corresponding period of previous year. According to the break-up of Rs 282.107 billion on the Poverty Reduction Strategy Programme (PRSP) during the first quarter (July-September) revealed that federal and provincial governments have spent Rs 10.047 billion on roads, highways and bridges, Rs 4.256 billion on environment/water supply sanitation and Rs 1.102 billion on population planning during July-September 2012-2013. The federal and provincial governments have spent Rs 750 million on land reclamation during first quarter of 2012-13, Rs 2.666 billion on rural development, Rs 4.505 billion on justice administration during July-September of the

ongoing financial year and Rs 64.462 billion on subsidies. Incumbent federal and provincial governments of the country have spent Rs 282.107 billion on the PRSP during the first quarter (July-September) of the current fiscal year 2012-13 compared to Rs 250.198 billion in the same period last year, showing an increase of over 12 per cent. This was stated in the first quarterly report of PRSP of the Ministry of Finance, which covers the July to September period of the 2012-13 fiscal year. Official figures have also revealed that the federal government's spending on PRSP has increased by 25 percent in the period under review. The federal government spent Rs 98.617 billion on PRSP during July-September 20122013 as against Rs 78.831 billion of the corresponding period of previous year. Meanwhile, the Punjab has shown an increase of 5.28 percent, as it spent a total of Rs 88.739

billion on PRSP during July-September 20122013 as against Rs 84.288 billion of the corresponding period of previous year. However, the Sindh government's spending on PRSP reduced by less than one percent. The Sindh has spent a total of Rs 43.896 billion on PRSP during July-September 2012-2013 as against Rs 44.229 billion of the corresponding period of previous year. Meanwhile, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa spent Rs 35,228 billion on PRSP during July-September period of 2012-2013 as against Rs 30.80 billion of the same period last year. The Balochistan's spending on PSRP increased by 30 per cent, as it spent a total of Rs 15.627 billion on PRSP during July-September 2012-2013 as against Rs 12.054 billion of the corresponding period of previous year Both provincial and federal governments of the country have spent Rs 45.003 billion on improving law and order situation of the country during July-September period of 2012-

2013 as against Rs 41.685 billion of the corresponding period last year showing an increase of eight percent in one year. Meanwhile, the federal and provincial governments have spent Rs 26.620 billion on the health sector in first quarter of ongoing financial year compared to Rs 20.619 billionduring the same period last year showing an increase of over 29 percent in one year. Similarly, the federal and provincial governments have spent Rs 93.241 billion on education sector during July-September period of 2012-2013 as against 88.582 billion on the corresponding period last year witnessing an increase of over five percent in one year. The documents also made it clear that federal and provincial governments have spent Rs 1.952 billion on social security and social welfare, Rs 4. 798 billion natural calamities and other disasters and expenditure on agriculture rose to Rs 22.271 billion. –SAHTAK BALOCH

FRIDAY, MARCH 08, 2013

Sanjay Dutt drops out of Shilpa Shetty’s ﬁlm

Sam Mendes turns down oﬀer to direct next Bond ﬂick

MUMBAI: Nach Baliye judge Shilpa Shetty, who launched her production house Essential Sports and Media Pvt Ltd., started her first production project Dishkiyaaoon early last year. Shilpa Shetty and Sanjay Dutt are bosom buddies but since he was reportedly busy with Ranu Hiraji’s upcoming Peekay, Sanjay Dutt decided he could not keep to Shilpa’s schedule and opted out. Also a business associate of her husband Raj Kundra, Sanjay Dutt was to have an extended cameo role in the movie. Indian media reports "There are no disputes and they parted ways amicably.” Now Sunny Deol, who has reportedly charged Rs. 3 million for the assignment, has taken Sanjay Dutt’s role. Directed by debutante Sanamjit Singh Talwar, Dishkiyaaoon is about the Mumbai underworld and has been filmed in the city by German photographer Alex Fischer. Harmaan Baweja plays the lead while Prashant Narayanan and Aditya Pancholi have major roles too. -SHOWBIZ DESK

LONDON: Sam Mendes has confirmed that he will not be helming the next James Bond film. The Skyfall director had been given an opportunity by Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, but turned it down, the Telegraph reported. Mendes told Empire magazine that the decision was very difficult, but cited theatre and other professional commitments needed his complete focus over the next year and beyond. The 47-year-old said that directing Skyfall was one of the best experiences he had in his professional life. Earlier, Mendes asserted that he would direct only one Bond film. However, after the movie won outstanding British film at this year's BAFTAS, he said that he would like to make a better movie next time around, causing speculation he could be helming next flick of the franchise. He said that he very much hopes that he has a chance to work with the franchise again sometime in the future. -SHOWBIZ DESK

“BEING WOMEN”

Ekta Kapoor to host Iftaar party Women’s Day in the opinion of renowned designers this Ramzan Harriet Beecher Stowe said: women are the real architects of society SHOWBIZ DESK

ACCORDING TO OUR FAMOUS WOMEN

t is true that with the changing times, the women are walking in strides with the male counterparts, be it in the corporate sector as managers or in any other walks of life. Women empowerment has just remained confined to speeches and there is practically no support for the downtrodden sections. As for every year since 1911 world celebrates WOMEN’S day with anticipation. It’s a woman to world connection of affection and love that world sees as WOMEN’S DAY and give honor to us. As per progress there MONICA PARAChA is boom in our fashion industry and women of Pakistan working ruthlessly to get a hold. And many of fresh names are joining our industry like Aleena & fareena. In the light of world’s saying we can utter for women of today that “You can do almost anything your mind to! You can swim the deepest ocean and climb the highest peak! Be a doctor or fly a plane or be a designer! You can face adversity and still walk tall. You are strong, beautiful, and compassionate and much more than words could ever say!” hINA BUTT

Being woman and a fashion designer I thought of women’s day as my day of liberating happiness. Women celebrating by striving for their future.

Being women means that everything comes to you is unsullied that’s what I feel and to portray that originality I take it out in my designs. AyEShA KhURRAM

Illustrate herself by working with the innovative ideas of and showing it in her collection.

People show their love and gratefulness to women in many ways. My way of celebration is to fashioned them with my creation. RUBy ShAKEEL

Working in international market makes the face of women pride that’s how I celebrate for women every day.

MADIhA IBRAR

Owner of Naaj believes being woman is like a precious gem. This thought inspires her to create designs of her jewelry. NAjIA ANIS MUMBAI: The mammoth Akshay Kumar, Imran Khan, Sonakshi Sinha and Sonali Bendre starrer Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai…Again, slated for an Eid release this year is already in the news for being among the most keenly awaited films of the year. And to mark the occasion, producer Ekta Kapoor is planning to throw iftaar parties during the holy month of Ramadan. The plan is to offer iftaar food to the poor at five dargahs in Mumbai. "The logistics are still being figured out," says a source, who adds, "The cast may attend these too." Incidentally, the film's key characters are all Muslim. Ekta confirmed the news. "I'm a religious individual. The good fortune that has come my way has always encouraged me to pray before the release of my films. For Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai...Again, which is among the biggest releases of the year, during Ramadan, we will offer devotees Iftaar. This is my way of seeking blessings." -SHOWBIZ DESK

Jane finally at peace Akshay Kumar goes rugged with her body SHOWBIZ DESK

LONDON: Oscarwinning actress Jane Fonda, who has struggled with eating disorders for most of her life, says she has at last made peace with her body. The 75year-old actress said she takes twice-daily yoga sessions and recently went through a week-long cleansing regime, avoiding all dairy products, red meat, wheat and coffee, reported. "For a woman, making peace with your body is a work in progress. I have spent time in therapy, written books that have helped me heal as well as helped others. For me, healing meant understanding that good enough is good. We don't have to be perfect," she said. Fonda said she had suffered eating disorders from the age of 12, veering between a series of food binges and purges. “I started the year with a week-long cleanse no coffee, dairy, red meat or wheat” said. -SHOWBIZ DESK

MUMBAI: In an industry obsessed with six packs and muscled arms, Akshay Kumar was one of the first stars to be appreciated for his fit-yetlean physique. And now, for his upcoming film, Boss, the actor has changed his fitness regimen to look “completely different” from his usual self. For the first time in his career, Akshay has made a change in his regular fitness routine, which he used to religiously follow. He is now ready to sport a very tough and rugged physique. “The biggest action sequence of Boss has been reserved for its climax. And for that, Akshay doesn’t want to take any chances since he will perform very raw and edgy stunts in the sequence,” says an insider close to the film. When contacted about his new workout regimen, Akshay says, “I am working extra hard for the climax scene. But everything is being done in an organic

way since I don’t believe in things such as weight-training or steroids.” As a result, besides his parkour regimen and free-fall exercises, Akshay is devoting extra three hours in the morning to his new workout system. “He’s been swimming extensively in the morning and

following a rigorous regimen of hopping, skipping and basic exercises like climbing stairs of a 50-storey building twice a day. Basically, his physique will be like Jackie Chan’s,” adds the insider. The idea is to bring about a taut and heavily built look to his already chiselled body.

A look at ‘Oz the Great and Powerful’ SHOWBIZ DESK z The Great and Powerful is the story of a huckster who swindles an entire kingdom, so perhaps we should allow for a certain degree of salesmanship in the title. “Great”? “Powerful”? “Mildly diverting” would be closer to the mark, although there is real nerve in the way Disney’s apocryphal prequel snatches plot threads and characters from the original Oz novels while nimbly sidestepping any elements, such as the ruby slippers, dreamed up specifically for Victor Fleming’s iconic 1939 screen musical. James Franco plays

Oscar Diggs, a sideshow magician borne by tornado from sepia-tinted Kansas to L Frank Baum’s colour-saturated wonderland. He is hailed as the wizard of legend who will bring peace to the kingdom, and two bonny witches (Mila Kunis and Rachel Weisz) send him down the Yellow Brick Road to bring a dangerous rebel to heel. That rebel, however, is the white witch Glinda, played by Michelle Williams in a smart performance slyly garlanded with Garlandisms. The battle lines, of course, are swiftly redrawn. Franco is drowsy as a field mouse and cataclysmically miscast. If ever oh ever a

Wiz there wasn’t, you may find yourself singing, it is he. The role needed an actor with a ham’s instinct for showmanship: Robert Downey Jr, say, or The Artist’s Jean Dujardin. Thankfully, director Sam Raimi is happy to fill the charisma gap, and he conjours up some fun 3D jumps and radioactively lush backdrops for us to ride through. Carnival is the common thread in Raimi’s films, from his extravagantly gory Evil Dead trilogy to the trapezing theatrics of Spider-Man. Oz, overlong as it is, fits the pattern. It may not be wonderful, but it will do for now.

Shahrukh wants daughter Suhana to become an actress PANCHGHANI: Shah Rukh Khan wants his 12year-old daughter Suhana to become a film actress when she grows up. "I hope she (Suhana) becomes an actress. I want to see her on big screen. I am proud of my daughter. I would love to see her as an actress," SRK told reporters. The superstar is often seen tweeting about his children - son Aryan and daughter Suhana - who are seen accompanying him for IPL matches. About John Abraham's desire to direct him, Shah Rukh said, "John is really a sweet and nice guy. He is a fantastic person. He has discussed about his directorial plans and that he wants to direct me. He has it all in his head and is clear about it. If he has something good to offer me when he is directing it, I will do it. If the film and my role is good and if I fit in, then why not," he said. Both SRK and John were to team up for Farah Khan's dream project Happy New Year. But John could not be part of the film. -SHOWBIZ DESK

Tribeca Film Festival showcases eclectic mix of directors, films SHOWBIZ DESK NEW YORK: The Tribeca Film Festival opens next month with 89 feature films from new and established directors, ranging from hard-hitting documentaries to romantic and teen comedies and gripping dramas. More than 6,000 films from 30 countries were submitted to this year’s festival, which was established more than a decade ago to revitalize the New York neighborhood devastated by the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center. Along with the 34 documentaries and 55 narrative feature films, the festival that runs from April 17 to 28 will include five projects in a new section called Storyscapes about trends in digital media. Documentaries will focus on famous people such as comedians Moms Mabley and Richard Pryor, along with Broadway actress Elaine Stritch, as well as movies that delve into the oil industry and hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. The romantic comedy “The Pretty One,” the final chapter of Richard Linklater’s trilogy, “Before Midnight,” and Neil Jordan’s gothic vampire drama “Byzantium” will be among the narrative fiction films. “When we talk about the narrative

This film image released by the Tribeca film Festival shows Alice Eve, left, and Stanley Tucci in a scene from “Some Velvet Morning.” competition, we talk about the kind of films that left us thinking about that film two days later, that really made a personal impact on us, that moved us,” Geoff Gilmore, the creative chief officer of Tribeca Enterprises, said in an interview. The festival will kick off with the world premiere of “Mistaken for Strangers,” by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Marshall Curry. It depicts the experiences of director Tom Berninger on tour with his brother, Matt, the frontman of rock band The National, which will perform following the premiere. “Big Men,” a

documentary written and directed by Rachel Boynton and produced by Brad Pitt, will have its world debut and open the world documentary section. “Big Men’ is an inside look into at the African oil industry and the American oil industry,” said Genna Terranova, the director of programming for the festival. Another documentary, “Gasland Part II,” directed and written by Josh Fox, delves into the consequences of fracking. In “Bluebird,” which will kick off the narrative fiction films,

This film image released by the TFF shows, from left, Maxine Peake, Brendan Morris, Edward Macliam, Will Forte and Ciara Gallagher in a scene from “Run and Jump,” a film that will be shown at the Tribeca Film Festival. actress Amy Morton plays a school bus driver living in a Maine logging town whose world is shaken by tragedy. It was written and directed by Lance Edmands. Actress Emma Roberts appears in Andy Cochran’s “Adult World,” in which she plays a poet who takes a job in a sex shop and is being mentored by a reclusive

writer played by John Cusack. Paul Rudd and Paul Giamatti team up in the buddy comedy “Almost Christmas” by director Phil Morrison, and Oscar-winner Melissa Leo plays a mother whose child is addicted to pain killers in the film “Bottled Up,” by Enid Zentelis. The five projects in the Storyscapes cover a variety of

topics but look into how audiences are using new technologies. “What we are going to do for the first time ever at the festival is create an immersive space that audiences can visit,” said Ingrid Kopp, the director of digital initiatives for the Tribeca Film Institute. “They will be able to look at these five projects as installations.”

FRIDAY, MARCH 08, 2013

Panesar handed england increment contract LONDON: Spinner Monty Panesar was given an England increment contract for 2012-13 on Thursday as a reward for his fine recent form. The Sussex left-armer was previously on a central contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) until 2009 when his deal was not renewed. However, he made a huge impact in the historic series win in India before Christmas and his value to the national team was further highlighted this week when Graeme Swann had to pull out of the Test series in New Zealand to have surgery on his elbow. Non-contracted players can earn an England increment contract via a points system and Panesar qualifies, having played three Test matches against India and also the current Test match against New Zealand. "This award reflects the contribution Monty has made to the Test team during the winter and I would like to congratulate him on his achievements," ECB national selector Geoff Miller said. AGENCIES

Parnell and sharma face Indian drug charges

MUMBAI: Indian cricketer Rahul Sharma and South African Wayne Parnell are facing drugs charges after their detention at a late-night party last year following an Indian Premier League game, reports said Thursday. The two Pune Warriors players were among nearly 100 people detained for medical testing at an upmarket hotel in Mumbai last May, which was raided by police who found drugs on the premises. "We have filed a 1,200-page charge sheet against 86 persons while 35 accused, mostly foreigners, have been shown as wanted," a police official told the Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency. Parnell is among the wanted accused foreigners who left the country after the medical examination, the report said. Both players have denied any wrongdoing. AGENCIES

bolt to run at cayman Invitational: IaaF PARIS: Sprint legend Usain Bolt is to run at the Cayman Invitational meeting on the Cayman Islands, the Jamaican athlete and the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) said on Thursday. The Olympic champion in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay from Beijing and London did not divulge at which event he would compete but he said that he was looking forward to the meeting on May 8. "I have not competed there before but my coach was there last year and spoke well about the event," Bolt said in a statement from the organisers posted on iaaf.org. Bolt's coach, Glenn Mills, was in George Town last year with his teammate Johan Blake, who won silver in the 100m and 200m and was part of the winning Jamaican relay team in London. Blake won the 100m at the Cayman Invitational in 9.84sec. Bolt has not run in the Caribbean outside Jamaica for six years and he said he was excited at the prospect. "Sprinting in the Caribbean is stronger than ever and it is great to see new track and field meets starting up," he added. AGENCIES

Pakistan score one wicket win in tour match

New Zealand take control after England batsmen flop DUNEDIN: England's powerful batting line-up was skittled for just 167 by New Zealand Thursday as the unfancied Black Caps took a firm grip on the opening Test in Dunedin. England's batsmen self-destructed in two nightmare sessions on a tame pitch, offering a succession of rash shots in the face of disciplined bowling from debutant Bruce Martin and Neil Wagner, who each bagged four wickets. In reply, New Zealand made the most of batting-friendly conditions at University Oval to plunder 131 runs without loss at stumps, with Hamish Rutherford, also making his debut, unbeaten on 77 and Peter Fulton 46 not out. After the first day's play was abandoned due to bad weather, England lasted just 55 overs against the eighth-ranked team in Test cricket, Jonathan Trott top-scoring with 45 on a day when the tourists' big names failed to fire. Trott said England had only them to blame for the dismal performance. "There's no place for feeling sorry for ourselves or thinking we didn't get the rub of the green because you earn that in cricket, you earn the right to put the opposition under pressure and we didn't do that today," he said. "The shots were on, we just didn't execute them right." Tim Southee grabbed an early breakthrough for New Zealand to dismiss Nick Compton for a duck in the third over, putting pressure on the opener, who faces calls for Joe Root to take his spot at the top of the order. Left-arm paceman Wagner, a late inclusion in the New Zealand side after an injury to Doug Bracewell, then claimed the wickets of Alastair Cook (10) and Pietersen (0) in successive balls to leave England reeling at 18 for three. Pietersen, short of cricket after playing only one warm-up match for meagre returns of 14 and eight, was trapped lbw by Wagner off his first ball at the crease. Ian Bell and Trott dug in for a partnership of 46 before Bell fell for 24 trying to drive Wagner through mid-wicket, instead scooping the ball to Rutherford. Root (4) departed just before lunch after tentatively swiping at a Trent Boult delivery and edging to Dean Brownlie in the slips, leaving England, second in the Test rankings, 71-5. Left-arm spinner Martin kept up the pressure on the middle order, dismissing the dangerous Matt Prior for 23 and then enticing Trott

New Zealand's Hamish Rutherford misses a catch off of England's captain Alastair Cook during day two of the first Test at the University Oval Park on Thursday. AGENCIES

scoreboard ENGLAND FIRST INNINGS A Cook c Rutherford b Wagner 10 N Compton b Southee 0 J Trott c Boult b Martin 45 K Pietersen lbw Wagner 0 I Bell c Rutherford b Wagner 24 J Root c Brownlie b Boult 4 M Prior c Williamson b Martin 23 S Broad c Browlie b Martin 10 S Finn c Rutherford b Wagner 20 J Anderson c Wagner b Martin 23 M Panesar not out 1 EXTRAS: (B 4, W 2, LB 1) 7 TOTAL: (all out, 55 overs) 167 FALL OF WICKETS: 1-5, 2-18, 3-18, 4-64, 5-71, 6-108, 7-109, 8119, 9-166, 10-167 BOWLING Southee 15-3-45-1

into a sweep shot that caught the top edge and carried to Boult. Stuart Broad (10) tried to hit the spinner out of the park but instead sent the ball straight to Brownlie on the boundary. With England teetering on

Sri Lanka bank on spin in first Bangladesh Test G AL LE: Hosts Sri Lanka look set to extend their dominance over Bangladesh when they open a two-Test series at their happy hunting ground in Galle on Friday. Sri Lanka have won six and drawn one of their last eight Tests on the traditionally spin-friendly Galle wicket, and slow bowlers Rangana Herath and Ajantha Mendis are once again expected to play key roles. Left-armer Herath grabbed 11 wickets in the last Test played in Galle in November to help Sri Lanka crush New Zealand by 10 wickets. The unorthodox Mendis, set to play a Test for the first time since May 2011, is a proven match-winner with 62 wickets in 16 Tests. The hosts will be at full-strength, barring the injured Mahela Jayawardene, after resolving a pay dispute with Sri Lanka Cricket earlier this week. Sri Lanka's batting has been bolstered by the return of veteran Kumar Sangakkara, who missed the third and final Test against Australia in January

due to finger injury. Sri Lanka go into the series under new captain Angelo Mathews with a 12-0 win record against Bangladesh, who will be without star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan due to calf injury. Bangladesh have struggled at the Test level since their entry in 2000, losing 65 of their 75 matches so far, winning just three. But former captain Mohammad Ashraful was confident his side will put up a good show. "It doesn't matter what happened in the past," the middle-order batsman said. "Ours is a new side and Sri Lanka are also going through a transition. It should be a good contest." All-rounder Mohammad Mahmudullah said it was important for Bangladesh to start well in the Test. "Sri Lanka have the home advantage, so it is up to us to adapt quickly," he said. "Like always, the first two sessions on day one will be crucial." Bangladesh will also play three one-day internationals and a one-off Twenty20 match on the month-long tour. AGENCIES

Boult Wagner Martin NEW ZEALAND FIRST INNINGS P Fulton not out H Rutherford not out EXTRAS: (LB8) TOTAL: (0 wickets, 42 overs) BOWLING Anderson Finn Broad Panesar Trott Root Toss: New Zealand and chose to bowl Umpires: Asad Rauf (PAK), Paul Reiffel (AUS) Third umpire: Rod Tucker (AUS)

15-4-32-1 11-2-42-4 14-4-43-4 46 77 8 131 9-1-35-0 12-2-35-0 10-1-23-0 8-1-26-0 2-0-4-0 1-1-0-0

119-8, Steven Finn (20) and James Anderson (23) added useful tail-end runs before Anderson gifted Martin his fourth wicket with a wild swing that flew to Wagner at point to close the innings. AGENCIES

Banned Kaneria to seek ECB compensation OUR STAFF REPORTER

LAHORE: Disgraced Pakistan legspinner Danish Kaneria will seek compensation from English cricket authorities for delaying his appeal against a life ban imposed for spotfixing last year, his lawyer said Thursday. The 32-year-old's appeal against the ban was adjourned until April 22 after Kaneria's accuser, former Essex bowler Mervyn Westfield reportedly refused to appear in the hearing in December last year. Kaneria, Pakistan's most successful Test spinner with 261 wickets in 61 matches, was banned after Westfield named him in an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) inquiry in June last year. Westfield was banned for five years. Kaneria's lawyer Farogh Naseem said his client was distraught by the delay in hearing his appeal. “We will definitely seek compensation from the ECB as because of the ban my client has been unable to play and earn a living,” Naseem was quoted as saying. Naseem refused to disclose

the exact figure but went on to say that it will be ‘substantial.’ “We feel that they not only have delayed the procedure, but they refused to allow an interim measure until it was decided. Kaneria should have been allowed to continue to play while the matter was settled,” the lawyer said. Two years ago, Kaneria was arrested by Essex police on charges of inducing his teammate Westfield to concede a certain number of runs in an over in return of money during a Pro-40 match against Durham in 2009. The Pakistan legspinner was not charged but Westfield named Kaneria as the gobetween during a criminal inquiry last year, which ended in a four-month jail term for the Englishman. Under International Cricket Council (ICC) rules bans imposed on a player by any country have to be applied by all member boards. Naseem said his client wants the appeal to be heard in public. “We do not have anything to hide and, if the ECB is confident they have a strong case, they should have nothing to hide as well,” he said.

K I M B E R L E Y: Pakistan scrambled to a onewicket win with two balls to spare against a makeshift South African Invitation XI at the Diamond Oval on Wednesday. Last wicket pair Abdur Rehman (35 not out) and Junaid Khan (nine not out) put on an unbeaten 28 to take their team to victory in their only warm-up match before a five-game oneday international series against South Africa, starting in Bloemfontein on Sunday. The Invitation team, including only players not involved in two domestic franchises Twenty20 matches on Wednesday, made 266 for eight in their 50 overs, with the major contribution coming from 20-year-old lefthander Quinton de Kock. De Kock, who played in a recent one-day international series against New Zealand but was not picked for the series against Pakistan, hit 65 off 73 balls with six fours and a six. He and captain Stephen Cook (34) got the Invitation side off to a good start with a first wicket stand of 55, which was followed by partnerships of 54 with Jonathan Vandiar (24) and 45 with Vaughn van Jaarsveld (36). Pakistan spinners Shoaib Malik, Abdur Rehman and Shahid Afridi were the most effective bowlers for the tourists. No Pakistan batsman reached fifty, with Imran Farhat (40) and Kamran Akmal (47) the most successful batsmen, while fast bowler Hardus Viljoen and leg-spinner Imran Tahir took three wickets apiece. B r ie f s c o r e : SA Invitation XI Innings 266-8(Q de Kock 65, T Bavuma 43, Shoaib Malik 2-47, Abdur Rehman 251) Pakistan Innings 2709(Kamran Akmal 47, Imran Farhat 40, Viljoen 3-29, Imran Tahir 3-49). AGENCIES

FIFA writes to Nigeria FA over reported ban on lesbians

Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews (R) and Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim (L) pose for photographers with the trophy during a press conference in Galle on Thursday. AGENCIES

BERN E: FIFA has written to the Nigerian Football Association over reports that lesbians had been banned from playing football in West African nation. A FIFA spokesman confirmed the letter but emphasised it was a preliminary inquiry. Nigerian media has widely quoted Dilichukwu Onyedinma, head of the country's women's football league, as saying lesbian players would not be allowed to compete. “Any player that we find is associated with it will be disqualified,” Onyedinma was quoted as saying. Gay rights campaigners including the Federation of Gay Games, the European Gay and Lesbian Sport Federation, Football v Homophobia and AllOut said they had written to FIFA president Sepp Blatter about the alleged ban. “The organisations sending this letter believe that FIFA must now take firm,” said the campaigners. AGENCIES

IOC ‘hugely impressed’ by Tokyo 2020 Olympics bid TOKYO: Tokyo's bid for the 2020 Summer Olympics enjoys ‘strong’ government, business and public support, IOC vice president Craig Reedie said on Thursday at the end of a four-day inspection tour. "We have been hugely impressed by the quality of bid presentations by the bid committee. Across the board, it has been excellent in every way," the former head of the British Olympic Association told a news conference. Reedie was heading a 14member team from the International Olympic Committee evaluation commission tasked with scrutinising bids by Tokyo, Madrid and Istanbul for the multi-billion dollar sporting extravaganza. "We have witnessed the strong government support which the bid enjoys," Reedie said, citing the

presence of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his ministers in some presentations. Abe also hosted a dinner at a plush guesthouse near Akasaka Palace on Wednesday night for the IOC inspectors, also attended by Japanese medallists from last year's London Olympics and Paralympics. The team will travel to Madrid on March 18 for a similar evaluation tour full of presentations and visits to existing and planned facilities for 2020, followed by another to Istanbul a week later. It will draw up a technical report on the three bids for the 101 IOC members before they meet in Lausanne on July 3-4 to hear bid cities pitch their plans to them. The IOC will vote to choose the 2020 host on September 7 in Buenos

Aires. "We also benefited from contributions from a wide range of the Japanese business community," Reedie said. "We've witnessed strong national support," he added, after noting his team's audience with Crown Prince Naruhito. There was no involvement of Japan's royal family when an IOC inspection team visited Tokyo four years earlier to assess its bid for the 2016 Games, which the city lost to Rio de Janeiro. Toyota chairman Fujio Cho told the team that Japan's corporate giants are ready to chip in for another Summer Olympics in Tokyo, hoping the Games will provide the same economic boost as the 1964 edition. "If Tokyo gets the 2020 Olympics, I believe businesses will become sponsors and support them,"

Tokyo 2020 Olympic bid logo is seen through cherry blossom at a hotel in Tokyo on Thursday. AGENCIES Cho said on Tuesday. Reedie also said there was an "enthusiasm for the Games that exists here in Tokyo", recalling the huge gathering in the streets of Ginza to welcome Japanese athletes who had come home with a

record haul of 38 medals from the London Games. Many of the medallists – including three-time 55kg titlist Saori Yoshida and two other women's wrestling champions as well as women's judo champion Kaoru Matsumoto – met face to face with the IOC team. "They were prepared to talk about what their hopes and dreams are, and comment about their sport and their city," Reedie said. "We rate that very highly." "The best thing about the Games here would be exactly what happened in my own city of London," said Reedie, who was instrumental in bringing the 2012 Games to the British capital. "We share enthusiasm, the movement for sport, the development for sport... all of that will take part," he said.

Japanese Olympic Committee president Tsunekazu Takeda, who heads the bid committee, said: "I am fully satisfied with what we have presented. We will work hard toward a success in the six months to come." Tokyo pitched to the team on 14 themes, which the bid cities described in their "candidature files" in January. They included vision, finance, marketing, political and public support, transportation, security and environment. About the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, Takeda said his committee had produced "solid data to show radiation levels (in Tokyo) are lower than international (safety) standards". Reedie said they had asked the bid committee to report on the risks. AGENCIES