Epaper_23-10-4 LHR

BUGTI TO ‘ILLEGAL’ IMMIGRANTS: EXIT PAKISTAN BY NOV 1 OR FACE L AW

IN T E R I M Interior Minister Sarfaraz Bugti on Tuesday declared that the caretaker federal government set November 1,2023 as deadline for illegal immigrants to leave Pakistan voluntarily warning that stern action will be taken against those found residing in the country unlawfully after the deadline

Pakistan is the only country permitting entry of people even without a passport,” Minister Sarfaraz Bugti decried while addressing a press conference in Islamabad after a meeting of the apex committee on the national action plan and eliminating terrorism

Bugti further said that a task force has also been constituted which will take action against illegal immigrants “Assets owned by illegal immigrants would be confiscated and a web portal is being established to report any illegal activity related to smuggling he informed Sarfraz Bugti elaborated that the names of those who provide any information related to illegal activities would be kept secret

Bugti stressed that the caretaker government s priority was ensuring the safety of Pakistani citizens

The announcement comes after a deadly suicide blast claimed the lives of at least 60 people in Balochistan’s Mastung and left several others injured last Friday

That same day at least five people

were killed in a blast inside a mosque at Hangu Police Lines in KhyberPakhtunkhwa Bugti apprised that Afghan nationals were found to be responsible for at least 14 of the 24 suicide bombings in the country this past year

Illegal immigrants should leave before November 1 or they would face forcible expulsion he said

The minister further warned that businesses being run by illegal migrants would be confiscated

All law enforcement agencies are being mobilised to eliminate terrorism and ensure the exit of illegal foreigners he stressed

Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi also confirmed the deadline on a post on X, formerly Twitter The minister stated that, “All illegal immi-

PTI demands recover y of its ‘missing leaders’

The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) called upon the caretaker prime minister and the chief election commissioner on Tuesday to take immediate action in recovering their forcibly disappeared leaders and workers In separate letters addressed to PM Anwaarul Haq Kakar and CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja, PTI s Secretary General Omar Ayub Khan raised alarm over the mysterious disappearance of the party’s key leaders and workers As per Khan’s letter copies of the letters have also been shared with the provincial chief ministers In his letter Khan has highlighted names of PTI leaders whose whereabouts are currently unknown These include Farrukh Habib, Sadaqat Abbasi, Usman Dar, Owais Younis, Irfan Saleem, Abdul Karim Khan, and Awami Muslim League (AML) Chief Sheikh Rashid

The PTI leader has termed the issue of enforced disappearances as the most serious of all the violations of the law and the Constitution and the most blatant and open form of pre-poll rigging in the context of preparation for a free, fair and impartial election Omar stated that the enforced disappearance of these individuals was a blatant violation of the fundamental rights enshrined in Pakistan’s Constitution He underscored the urgent need for their release and for those responsible for these disappearances to be brought to justice

The letter further states that, This campaign, with the sole purpose of trying to break PTI, Pakistan’s most popular political party also makes a complete mockery of the Election Act 2017 In the context of the very primary responsibility of caretaker governments to hold free and fair elections this campaign of enforced disappearances violates Section 230 (1)(d) in which the Caretaker Government has a duty to be impartial to every person and political party”, and Section 186 (d), in which no official can execute any act “calculated to influence the result of the election”

grants have 28 days to leave Pakistan

Earlier in the day, the apex committee of the National Action Plan (NAP), expressing resolve to expel illegal foreign residents and take strict action against their businesses and properties constituted a task force to scrutinise and do away with fake identity cards and business activities

The committee, which met in Islamabad under the chairmanship of Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar also decided to widen the scope of ongoing action against illegal activities like drug smuggling hoarding smuggling of currency and eatables, illegal money transfer and power theft, a PM Office press release said

Attended by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir relevant federal ministers, provincial chief ministers and heads of civil and military law enforcement agencies, the apex committee decided that movement at the border would be subject to the passport and visa in a view to document the processes

The task force that would work under the interior ministry would help scrutinise the fake identity cards, businesses and properties in order to get rid of the same

The participants of the meeting reviewed the internal security situation in the country with a view to overcome the challenges durably

They resolved that despite all odds, the government would ensure implementation of the Constitution and the law as per the public aspirations

The forum reiterated that the use of force was only the state s mandate and no individual or group would be allowed to use the same Besides, there was no room for armed political organisations or groups and the people involved in such activities would be dealt away with strictly In the meeting it was also highlighted that Islam was a religion of peace and the state would never allow anyone to interpret the religion just to serve own political interests

“The rights and religious freedom of the minorities were the component of Islam and Constitution of Pakistan and the state would ensure their provision it said

Law Ministr y notifies jail trial of PTI chief in cypher case

The Ministry of Law on Tuesday issued a notification to conduct trial of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan in Adiala jail in Cypher case after the Law and Justice Division said it had ‘no objection’ to the jail trial

The ministry issued the notification after Special Court Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain wrote a letter to the Ministry of Law, seek a notification regarding jail trial cypher case due to security concerns

Earlier, the FIA submitted challan in the cypher case in the special court constituted under the Official Secrets Act Both the incarcerated PTI chairman and Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi were indicted in the challan

The FIA pleaded to the court for trial and conviction of the PTI chairman and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi

The FIA registered a first information report (FIR) on August 15 under the Official Secrets Act on the complaint of the Home Secretary Former prime minister Imran Khan and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi were nominated in the report while names of former principal secretary Azam Khan and former planning minister Asad Umar were also mentioned

Apex cour t should acknowledge mistakes of endorsing mar tial laws: CJP

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Qazi Faez Isa on Tuesday highlighted the havoc being wrought by individuals wielding unchecked power, when martial law is imposed the solemn oath taken by judges often fades into oblivion but the judiciary swiftly reacts when parliament enacts laws

The CJP boldly asserted that the apex court should acknowledge its past mistakes concerning its endorsement of martial laws Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Qazi Faez Isa made the compelling remarks during hearing of the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Act case on Tuesday

A full court bench of the Supreme Court is hearing petitions challenging the SC (Practice and Procedure) Act 2023 The bench, headed by CJP Isa and comprising all 15 judges of the Supreme Court, is hearing the pleas

The full court bench led by CJP Isa includes: Justice Sardar Tariq Masood Justice Ijazul Ahsan Justice

Syed Mansoor Ali Shah Justice Munib Akhtar Justice

Yahya Afridi Justice Aminuddin Khan Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, Justice Jamal Khan

Mandokhel, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Ayesha A Malik, Justice Athar Minallah, Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi Justice Shahid Waheed and Justice Musarrat Hilali

The hearing was adjourned till Monday October 9

The highly anticipated case is being broadcast live on state television, as cameras from PTV have been installed inside Courtroom No 1 The hearing commenced at 9:30am today

Earlier at the start of hearing the chief justice said the law affected the CJP and the two senior-most judges of the SC He added that the law would also apply to future chief justices and senior judges of the apex court Elaborating further, Justice Isa stated that he felt that he should not have been part of the bench, however, as the law affects all judges of the apex court, it was decided that a full court will hear the case

The chief justice said that the court wants to “try to conclude [the case] today and added that if lawyers wanted to make additional arguments they can submit a detailed response Advocate Ikram Chaudhry, starting his arguments, read the opening paragraph of the SC (Practice and Procedure) Act and argued that the opening indicated that the law was being enacted for a certain or “specific purpose”

The chief justice asked Chaudhry whether the law stated the same or was he implying it and cautioned the counsel against putting words in a statute which don t exist If this is your impression then say so

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Law and Justice has notified the appointment of four special court judges in different districts of Punjab on deputation basis According to the notification issued on Tuesday, District and Sessions Judge Amjad Ali Shah will perform as Special Judge Central Rawalpindi with District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Naeem Sheikh deputed as Special Judge Central Gujranwala Similarly, two other district and sessions judges – Rana Zahid Iqbal and Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh – are appointed in special courts established for Faisalabad and Lahore respectively

The special courts are sanctioned under Section 8 (i) of the Protection of Pakistan Act, 2014 to provide protection against waging of war or insurrection against the country prevention of acts threatening its security speedy trial of offences and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto

In this connection the process stipulates that the government after consulting with the chief justice concerned may appoint any person as a special court judge who is or has been a sessions judge in any province of Pakistan, or has been an advocate of the high court for a period of not less than 10 years and is not more than 70 years of age

The lawyer, referring to the provision of appeal under the new Act, said “additions” to Article 183 can only be made with a two-thirds majority in the Parliament and added that Section 8 of the Act had bulldozed the concept of the judiciary s independence Chaudhry stated that an effort has been made to encroach upon a domain that does not fall under the purview of the parliament He further said that a “truncated” Parliament passed the law and it did not have the authority to make constitutional amendments The lawyer also argued that the Act denies the Constitution itself When there is a law fundamentally unconstitutional it would be within the Supreme Court s authority to look into it and declare it ultra vires ” Justice Isa then questioned the lawyer what he exactly meant by the independence of the judiciary “Is it unique or is it for the people and their rights? Is it a standalone concept that should be defended?

At one point during the hearing CJP Isa remarked that havoc was being created by individuals He noted that when martial law is imposed, every judge forgets the oath but when Parliament makes a law we react and remind lawmakers about their oath

The apex court should admit its mistakes regarding endorsement of martial laws said the CJP

g TIMELY ACTION AGAINST PEST ATTACKS HELPED BUT BUMPER CROP IS JUST ANOMALY CAUSED BY INT ’L COTTON MARKET

the most popular crops in the entire coun-

c o t t o n o u t p u t A c c o r d i n g t o d a t a p r o v i d e d b y t h e c o m m e r c e m i n i s t r y, 5 m i l l i o n b a l e s o f cotton have already been delivered to ginning factories with three months to go in the season

The chest thumping was audible on Tuesday when Pakistan s interim Commerce

Minister Gohar Ejaz proudly announced that cotton arrivals in Pakistan had already crossed 5 million bales this year with an entire quarter left in the year W h i l e t h e t h u m p i n g m a y h a v e b e e n s l i g h t l y m u t e d b y t h e c o m m e r c e m i n i st e r p r o u d l y p o s t i n g a p i c t u r e o f a f i e l d o f w h i t e f l o w e r s m i s t a k i n g i t f o r c o t t o n ( m a d e w o r s e b y t h e f a c t t h a t b e f o r e h i s l a t e s t t r y s t a s a g o v e r n m e n t m i n i s t e r M r E j a z w a s C h a i r m a n o f t h e A l l P a k i s t a n Te x t i l e M i l l s A s s o c i a t i o n w h o s e b u s in e s s i s b a s e d e n t i r e l y o n c o t t o n ) t h e r e i s m u c h t o b e t a k e n a w a y f r o m t h i s y e a r s

Last year Pakistan saw its lowest ever output for cotton when the country produced only 4 8 million bales of cotton As a result the export-oriented textile industry had to import cotton from the United States to meet the shortfall which was difficult because imports were restricted in the country This led to textile factories shuttering their doors for long periods of time So how have things turned around so quickly this year? Essentially because of a trick of the international cotton market Some context Pakistan’s cotton has been suffering for the past few decades From the early 1980s up until around 2008 white lint was one of

try According to a 2021 report of the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), raw cotton consumption grew at an annual growth rate of 7% between 1982 and 2008 In fact, 2008 was witness to the biggest cotton crop in Pakistan’s history at 15 6 million bales It was a pretty neat system Textile mills needed lots of cotton to produce clothes and export them and farmers knew that if they grew cotton they would have definite buyers All in all it was an ideal situation Until it wasn’t Between 2007-8 Pakistan was hit by the global recession The textile industry faced challenges due to high energy costs rupee depreciation vis-à-vis the US $ and other currencies, and a high cost of doing business As a result, there was a reduction in the number of textile mills operating in the country from about 450 units in 2009 to 400

units in 2019 This decrease has simultaneously seen the domestic demand for cotton dip in the country In this time cotton has fallen out of demand, become internationally uncompetitive, and output has fallen by a whopping 65% from 14 million bales being produced in 2005 to 4 9 million bales being produced in 2023

So what happened this year?

The expectations this year were high Cotton generally has fallen out of favour but weather patterns this year it seemed the weather would permit a higher yield On top of this August proved fateful As the Kharif season was starting the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) entered the cotton market to stabilise the white lint prices TCP announced it would purchase one million bales of lint to stabilise the market so that the growers may get the minimum rate of Rs8 500 per maund as promised by the government at the outset of the sowing season

to woo the farmers back to the crop

But why was the government suddenly so interested in cotton? Essentially, the United States was hit with a low production year Cotton production in the US in 202223 is forecast to fall by 3 7 million bales from the previous marketing year (MY) to 13 8 million bales the lowest production level in seven years This will result in US cotton exports for MY 2022-23 to fall at 12 5 million bales, down by 100,000 bales from the previous month’s forecast and 14 per cent lower than MY 2021-22, according to the US department of agriculture (USDA) US Cotton was facing the same issues as Pakistan high temperatures and drought in Texas where 40 percent of US cotton production occurs, have slashed production and exportable supplies As a result global trade is down by nearly a million bales from the previous month’s forecast

PA K I S TA N ’ S E C O N O M Y C O N T R A C T S B Y 0 . 6 P C I N F Y 2 3 ,

E X P E C T E D T O R E B O U N D T O 1 . 7 P C I N F Y 24 : W B

POVERT Y HEADCOUNT IS ESTIMATED TO REACH 39 4% IN FY23, WITH 12 5 MILLION MORE PAKISTANIS FALLING BELOW LOWER-MIDDLE INCOME COUNTRY POVERT Y THRESHOLD OF $3 65/DAY

PR OFIT

N e w S D e S k

PAKISTAN S economy faced a sharp slowdown in FY23, contracting by 0 6 percent in real GDP and projections indicate a potential recovery with GDP growth reaching 1 7 percent in FY24 and 2 4 percent in FY25

The decline in economic activity reflects the cumulation of domestic and external shocks including the floods of 2022, government restrictions on imports and capital flows domestic political uncertainty surging world commodity

Bank Alfalah to set up exchange company with paid-up capital of Rs2b

BAFL WILL RAISE REQUIRED CAPITAL BY ISSUING 200M ORDINARY SHARES AT A PRICE OF RS10 PER SHARE

PR OFIT N e w S D e S k

prices, and tighter global financing, said the World Bank in its latest report “Pakistan Development Update: Restoring Fiscal Sustainability released on Tuesday The previous fiscal year ended with significant pressure on domestic prices fiscal and external accounts and exchange rate, and loss of investor confidence The difficult economic conditions along with record high energy and food prices lower incomes and the loss of crops and livestock due to the 2022 floods have significantly increased poverty the report said The poverty headcount is estimated to have reached 39 4% in FY23, with 12 5 million more Pakistanis falling below the

Lower-Middle Income Country poverty threshold (US$3 65/day 2017 PPP per capita) relative to 34 2% in FY22 it added Without a sharp fiscal adjustment and decisive implementation of broad-based reforms Pakistan s economy will remain vulnerable to domestic and external shocks Predicated on the robust implementation of the IMF Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) new external financing and continued fiscal restraint real GDP growth is projected to recover to 1 7 percent in FY24 and 2 4 percent in FY25 Economic growth is therefore expected to remain below potential over the medium term with some improvements

in investment and exports According to the report limited easing of import restrictions thanks to new external inflows will widen the current account deficit in the near term and weaker currency and higher domestic energy prices will maintain inflationary pressures While the primary deficit is expected to narrow as fiscal consolidation takes hold the overall fiscal deficit will decline only marginally due to substantially higher interest payments

The economic outlook is subject to extremely high downside risks, including liquidity challenges to service debt payments ongoing political uncertainty and external shocks

Careful economic management and deep structural reforms will be required to ensure macroeconomic stability and growth, said Najy Benhassine, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan

Entire life of Holy Prophet (PBUH) excellent model for all of us to emulate: Envoy

ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Belgium Luxembourg and the European Union Amna Baloch has said the entire life of Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) is an excellent model for all of us to emulate She was speaking at Mehfil-e-Milad organized by Pakistani Community at Jamia Islamia, Mollenbeak Brussels, according to a Radio Pakistan’s report The Ambassador said by following Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) teachings of tolerance peace compassion perseverance humility honesty and generosity we could achieve success both in this world and hereafter She emphasized the importance of empowering

women and providing them with equal opportunities in all spheres of life Drawing attention to Bibi Fatima (R A) the beloved daughter of the Holy Prophet, Ambassador Baloch praised her unwavering commitment to social justice, compassion, and knowledge

She emphasized that Bibi Fatima (R A ) served as an exceptional role model for Muslim women exemplifying strength resilience and devotion to family and community

She highlighted Hazrat Aisha s (R A ) unparalleled intellect, profound understanding of Islamic teachings, continue to inspire generations of Muslims around the world She stressed that by following these glorious examples, we can harness the immense potential of women and enable them to contribute fully to society’s growth and prosperity

“With inflation at record highs rising electricity prices severe climate shocks and insufficient public resources to finance human development investments and climate adaptation, it is imperative that critical reforms are undertaken to build the fiscal space and public means to invest into inclusive sustainable and climate-resilient development ” he added

To regain stability and establish a base for medium-term recovery the report recommends reforms to drastically reduce tax exemptions and broaden the tax base through higher taxes on agriculture, property and retailers; improve the quality of public expenditure by reducing distortive subsidies improving the financial viability of the energy sector and increasing private participation in state-owned enterprises; and strengthening management of public debt through better institutions and systems, and by developing a domestic debt market

TPL Logistics makes offer to acquire GEMUNSL’s e-commerce division

DANISH ELAHI, A NON-EXECUTIVE DIREC TOR OF GEMUNSL, HAS BEEN GIVEN AUTHORIT Y TO INDEPENDENTLY OVERSEE ALL NECESSARY STEPS, NEGOTIATIONS, AND EXECUTION OF ANY AGREEMENT(S)

Bank Alfalah Limited (PSX: BAFL) has received approval from its Board of Directors to establish an exchange company with an initial paid-up capital of Rs2 billion The bank will raise the required capital by issuing 200 million ordinary shares at a price of Rs10 per share, as revealed in a filing on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Tuesday This exchange company will function as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank Alfalah However this decision is subject to approval and clearance from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and other regulatory compliance requirements Read This: Big banks are all set to run the open market What does it solve and what it doesn’t This move is part of a broader effort to combat illicit activities in the black market The SBP is implementing structural reforms in the exchange company sector to strengthen oversight, governance structures, internal controls, and compliance procedures The SBP has also increased the minimum capital requirement for exchange companies from Rs 200 million to Rs 500 million with the added condition that the capital must be free of losses Bank Alfalah joins several major banks, including United Bank Limited (UBL), Meezan Bank, MCB Bank Limited (MCB), Bank AL Habib (BAHL), Allied Bank Limited (ABL) and Faysal Bank Limited (FABL) in their pursuit to establish their own forex companies Notably Habib Bank Limited (HBL) and the National Bank of Pakistan (NPB) had ventured into exchange companies before the implementation of these new SBP regulatory measures

Over 100,000 patients receive free treatment in GDA hospital

GWADAR S ta f f R e p o R t

The GDA Hospital Gwadar has made significant strides in addressing the primary healthcare needs of the local community, having provided medical treatment to over 100,000 patients in the past year, with a primary focus on maternal and child health issues During a meeting held here Dr Aftab Ahmad the Head of Indus Campus at GDA Hospital presented a comprehensive progress report to the Director General of GDA, Mujeeb Ur Rehman Qambarani, and Dr Shahzad Alam, the Health Consultant to the Chief Minister of Balochistan Last year the Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) entered into a strategic partnership with Indus Hospital a trusted name in the realm of social services and healthcare Under this agreement, the management of GDA Hospital was handed over to Indus Hospital, ensuring the delivery of top-tier healthcare services to the local population “Over the past year, our hospital has played a pivotal role in providing free healthcare services to the residents of Gwadar making a significant impact on the local community s wellbeing said Mujeeb Ur Rehman

Qambarani According to the statistics presented by Dr Aftab Ahmad during the meeting, a total of 99,309 individuals sought medical attention at the Outdoor Patient Departments (OPDs) of GDA Hospital in the past year Out of them 47 379 were females who visited the Family Medicine Clinic while 30 989 patients sought care at consulting clinics Additionally, 20,941 individuals sought medical attention in the Emergency Room (ER) department of the hospital Likewise, a total of 3,642 patients were admitted to the hospital for the treatment of various ailments During this period 1 094 women visited the hospital to deliver their children The hospital also conducted 1 077 general surgeries for patients from the local population An impressive total of 102,168 laboratory tests were conducted over the past year These tests served as the basis for providing highquality treatment to patients including the provision of free medications when necessary

Unity among Muslim countries vital to strengthen Ummah: Aneeq

ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t

Caretaker Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Aneeq Ahmed has stressed the need of unity among Muslim countries to strengthen Ummah and portraying its soft image across globe

This was stated by him during a meeting with Bahraini Parliament Member and former Speaker Sheikh Adel bin Abdulrahman Almuawda who called on him here in his office in Islamabad on Tuesday Sheikh Almuawda met with Minister Aneeq along with Pakistani scholars including Maulana Abu Turab, Maulana Atiqur Rehman Shah Kashmiri, Professor Sajjad Qamar, and Maulana Hafiz Maqsood Ahmad

During their discussions both leaders emphasized the promotion of unity within the Muslim Ummah addressing common issues, and combating Islamophobia Aneeq Ahmed reaffirmed that Pakistan’s foundation was rooted in the Quran and Sunnah and stressed the need for Muslim nations to work collectively to manifest the teachings of Islam

He highlighted that as Muslims, it was crucial to align their actions with Quranic guidance and promote Islamic values to the world

Furthermore he emphasized the

importance of nurturing the younger generation lamenting that many young individuals were not seeking solutions to contemporary issues within the Quran s teachings Sheikh Almuawda expressed his country s deep affection for Pakistan as the only state established in the name of Islam He also drew attention to historical instances of Islamophobia and the need to change the world s perception of Islam by removing the veil of ignorance Both leaders concurred that gradually incorporating

religious education in educational institutions and spreading the message of Islam in a gentle and informative manner was essential He also extended an invitation to Minister Aneeq to visit Bahrain to further strengthen bilateral relations

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to enhancing cooperation between Pakistan and Bahrain with the ultimate goal of fostering unity promoting Islamic values and addressing the challenges faced by the Muslim Ummah on a global scale

Pakistan calls India’s occupation of Kashmir worst manifestation of colonialism

UNITED NATIONS

S ta f f R e p o R t

Describing India s occupation of Jammu and Kashmir as the worst manifestation of modern-day colonialism,” Pakistan has called on the U N to push for a peaceful settlement of the lingering Kashmir dispute in accordance with the Security Council resolutions and Kashmiri people s wishes

Noting that since 1946, 80 former colonies have gained independence, Ambassador Munir Akram told the General Assembly’s Special Political and Decolonization (Fourth) Committee that there are still peoples who are denied the right to self-determination most prominently the people of occupied Jammu & Kashmir and Palestine

The right of self-determination of the Kashmiri people, the Pakistani envoy said was explicitly recognized in UNSC resolution 47 and several subsequent resolutions which prescribed that the final disposition of the State of Jammu & Kashmir should be decided by its people through a free and fair plebiscite held under UN auspices These resolutions were accepted by both India and Pakistan he said adding that under Article 25 of the UN Charter both parties are obliged to implement these resolutions In his remarks, Ambassador Akram also said that durable peace in the Middle East can

only be achieved through the two-state solution and the establishment of a viable, independent and contiguous State of Palestine with the pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital On Kashmir the Pakistani envoy said that for 75 years, through force and fraud, India has avoided the implementation of UN resolutions, and since 1989, its “brutal” campaign of repression killed 100,000 Kashmiris Since 5 August 2019 he said India has taken unilateral and illegal steps to annex occupied Kashmir in what its leaders have termed as a Final Solution Resolution 122 (1957) of the Security Council provides that unilateral measures ‘to determine the future shape and affiliation of the entire state or any part thereof would not constitute a disposition of the state Ambassador Akram said, adding that consequently all unilateral actions taken by India on and after 5 August 2019 are not only illegal, but, ipso facto null and void ” “Kashmir today is the most densely occupied place in the world with more than 900 000 Indian occupation troops deployed there who have perpetrated a vicious campaign of extrajudicial killings in fake encounters and so-called ‘cordon and search’ operations; abduction and enforced disappearances of 13 000 young Kashmiri boys; collective punishments destroying and burning

entire villages and urban neighbourhoods,” he said

“In a classic settler-colonial project India is seeking to convert occupied Kashmir from a Muslimmajority state to a Hindu-majority territory, the Pakistani envoy said, pointing out that over 3 4 million fake domicile certificates have been issued to Hindus from across India “The land and properties of Kashmiris are also being confiscated for military and official use he told the committee India s brutal campaign he said is turbo-charged by the ideology of Hindutva , which asserts the religious and ethnic supremacy of Hindus and hate against Muslims

“This has led the organization –Genocide Watch – to warn of the possibility of genocide in occupied Jammu and Kashmir and, indeed, against Muslims within India itself

Underscoring that the resolution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute is essential to achieve durable peace in South Asia Ambassador Akram said the onus is on India to create conditions for a dialogue towards its settlement To that end he said, India must stop its human rights violations in occupied Jammu and Kashmir; halt and reverse the process of demographic change there; and rescind the illegal and unilateral measures imposed on and after 5 August 2019

PR OFIT N e w S D e S k Universal Network Systems Limited (PSX: GEMUNSL) has received a substantial acquisition offer from TPL Logistics (Private) Limited for its domestic e-commerce division GEMUNSL announced in a stock filing on Tuesday, “We are pleased to confirm that the Company has received a binding offer from TPL Logistics (Private) Limited (‘the Offeror ) for the acquisition of its Ecommerce domestic operations business ( the Offer ) During a meeting convened on October 2, 2023, the Board of Directors of GEMUNSL granted Danish Elahi, a NonExecutive Director of the Company, the authority to independently oversee all necessary steps negotiations and the eventual execution of any agreement(s) on behalf of the Company for this purpose The completion of this proposed transaction is contingent upon the approval of the company’s members and the acquisition of all requisite regulatory and corporate approvals blueEX a brand of Universal Network Systems (UNS) was incorporated in 2005 as a courier company which shifted its focus towards eCommerce Logistics in 2011 The company provides local and international cargo shipment services and courier services under which it delivers letters and documents, and eCommerce deliveries UNSL (blue-Ex) holds the distinction of being the first courier and logistics sector company listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange Courier services make up the majority of UNSL revenue, contributing approximately 96%, with the remaining 4% split between international freight services and cargo services to international airlines TPL Logistics was launched in 2018 as a part of the TPL Group establishing itself as Pakistan s first digital end-to-end logistics provider The company s core mission is to leverage technology to optimize supply chain operations and enhance efficiency In 2019, TPL Logistics introduced ‘Rider ’ an end-to-end digital logistics solution designed to empower businesses to deliver products to their customers with precision speed and efficiency

Education’s standard to be improved for development , economic growth: Minister

ISLAMABAD

S ta f f R e p o R t

Federal Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Madad Ali Sindhi has said that the government was working to improve the education standard in the country in order to ensure holistic development and better economic growth Speaking as chief guest of the interuniversity business plan competition organized by ICCI in collaboration with universities here on Tuesday, he said that education is the basic right of every child and an important tool for the progress and development of any nation and human resource development through better education is the central pillar of the government s policy Madad Ali Sindhi said that the government has formulated the first ever National Technical and Vocational Education and Training Policy, which aims to cater to the needs of industrial sector by adding value to human capital through imparting requisite training and skills He lauded the initiative of ICCI for organizing the business plan competition among university students that has provided them a good opportunity to show their innovative business ideas and entrepreneurial skills He said that his ministry is ready to collaborate with ICCI in various initiatives to upscale the education sector in order to produce trained and skilled manpower for business and industry Speaking on the occasion, ICCI President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari said that the purpose of organizing the business plan competition among university students is to provide them a good platform to present their innovative business ideas and get the attention of investors for their commercialization

B A N KS B E H I N D 7 0 % J U M P I N G R E E N W A S H I N G

N C I D E N T S I N 2 0 2 3 : R E P O R T

cases from the banking and financial services industry globally in the 12 months to the end of September 2023, up from 86 during the previous 12 months

THE number of instances of greenwashing by banks and financial services companies around the world rose 70% in the past 12 months from the previous 12 months, a report on Tuesday showed European financial institutions accounted for most of those instances, and much of the greenwashing involved claims about fossil fuels

Environmental social and governance (ESG) data firm RepRisk recorded 148

Of the 148 cases, 106 were by European financial institutions

Greenwashing involves an organisation making misleading sustainability related claims to investors or consumers usually to boost its reputation and bottom line

Regulators want to stamp out greenwashing to boost consumer and investor confidence and help encourage more cash towards sustainable investments although there is no legal definition of what

greenwashing is yet RepRisk which says it has data going back to 2007 considers greenwashing to have occurred when a firm makes misleading communications on the environment It looks for such communication by analysing public sources of information and stakeholders rather than the information

a company has published For example research findings revealing that a company has overstated the impact of an initiative would be tallied as a case of greenwashing “Over 50% of these climate-specific greenwashing risk incidents either mentioned fossil fuels or linked a financial institution to an oil and gas company These

incidents are not happening in isolation and regulators are increasingly aware of the scale of the problem, RepRisk said UK Finance, which represents the banking and finance industry, and the European Banking Federation did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the increasing number of greenwashing incidents found by RepRisk European Union watchdogs in June put forward a common high-level understanding” of greenwashing and said that banks, insurers and investment firms across the bloc had made “misleading claims about their sustainability credentials

S enate body to dismiss ‘Promotion & Protec tion of G andhara Culture Authorit y Bill, 2023’

ISLAMABAD

S ta f f R e p o R t Senate Standing Committee on National Heritage and Culture on Tuesday unanimously resolved to dismiss the consideration of the The Promotion and Protection of Gandhara Culture Authority Bill 2023 based on the committee s consensus that the bill had been previously rejected in a prior committee meeting The meeting of Standing Committee on National Heritage and Culture was held with its Chairman Senator Afnan

Ullah Khan in the chair which was attended by Senators – Mushahid

Hussain Sayed, Palwasha Mohammad

Zai Khan, Khalida Ateeb, Fawzia Arshad, Falak Naz, Keshoo Bai and Rubina Khalid The Secretary Ministry of National Heritage and Culture along with other key officials graced the

meeting with their presence The Ministry officials presented a compliance report on the recommendations made by the committee to date Out of the 40 recommendations received, 32 were fully compliant

The committee was also apprised of the Ministry’s initiative to develop indigenous cultural educational material for children in various mother tongues including Urdu Secretary Ministry of National Heritage and Culture confirmed that steps have been taken in this direction and discussions have been initiated with the Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training The Committee was also informed that a conference highlighting the indigenous cultural education material for children in all mother tongues including Urdu was held in Pakistan Academy of Letters on Sep 19-20, 2023

Highlighting the importance of

Gas supply to various sectors remain suspended on Sept 5: SNGPL

ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t

Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) on Tuesday said gas supply to the consumers of various sectors including F5, F6, F7, F8, G5, G6, G7 and G8 of the federal capital would be suspended on Thursday from 8 am to 8 pm due to necessary work on gas pipelines at Sector F-8 for improving the gas system The spokesman requested the consumers to make alternative fuel arrangements for the said period, said a press release Meanwhile, he also appealed to the consumers to keep off all gas-powered appliances and take special precautions during the said time

Effor ts of HWPL for global praisewor thy:

Governor Punjab

LAHORE

S ta f f R e p o R t

Governor Punjab Muhammad Balighur Rehman has appreciated the efforts of Heavenly Culture World Peace Restoration Light (HWPL) for peace across the globe since 2014 He said Wars are devastating for humanity The Governor Punjab was talking to a delegation of HWPL working for global peace, which led by Senator Kamran Michael called on him at Governor House Lahore on Tuesday Balighur Rehman said that the Kashmiris in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir were still deprived of their legitimate right to self-determination He said that India was trying to suppress the legitimate right of self-determination of Kashmiris by usurping their basic human rights

Governor expresses satisfaction over impressive strides made by UoG

LAHORE S ta f f R e p o R t

University of Gujrat Vice Chancellor Prof Dr

Muhammad Mushahid Anwar called upon Punjab

Governor Engg Muhammad Balighur Rehman at Governor’s House and discussed various issues impeding the promotion of high education During the meeting

preserving culture and heritage as part of our national identity the Committee emphasized the need to take ownership of these aspects considering them crucial meeting points within society, particularly for the youth

In response to concerns about language and translation the Committee acknowledged the significance of Urdu as a unifying language for Pakistanis It was suggested to address translation errors on signboards and airports, and the DG Idaare Farogh e Qomi Zuban pledged to pursue appropriate translations with relevant authorities The Committee also deliberated on designating the Karoonjhar Mountain Tharparkar in Sindh as National Heritage While recognizing its cultural and historical significance, Senator Keshoo Bai emphasized the importance of preserving this site for the Hindu community and the people of Tharparkar

The Committee called for the mountain to be protected from mining activities and recommended involving the Sindh Government in this decision

Senator Mushahid Sayed emphasized the potential economic impact of preserving tourist sites to boost tourism, citing culture and sports as unifying factors within society

Looking forward the Secretary Ministry of National Heritage and Culture revealed plans for the launch of a heritage app next week and a Heritage TV channel, underscoring the Ministry’s commitment to promoting Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage

Furthermore the Committee recommended an increase in the number of stores at Kartarpur Sahib and expressed their intent to visit the Kartarpur Corridor, emphasizing the enhancement of religious and heritage tourism in Pakistan

Pak istan to launch 5G mobile ser vices in August 2024

ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t

Pakistan is gearing up to launch 5G mobile phone connectivity in August 2024, according to the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication

According to media report this announcement comes as a response to the growing demand for faster and more advanced telecommunications services

The ministry has unveiled a comprehensive business plan for the launch of 5G services in the country The plan includes hiring an international consultant to provide guidance for the project, forming an Inter-Ministerial Advisory Committee to shape the future of 5G in Pakistan and developing an auction policy and business plan

The government will also take inspiration from successful models in countries like Bangladesh for the spectrum auction process Importantly, the plan

emphasizes that spectrum allocation will not be granted to any single operator without a competitive process to ensure fairness and promote a competitive environment

Before the auction of the coveted 600 MHz spectrum

the business plan outlines the need for substantial reforms in the telecom sector This includes addressing ongoing court cases related to spectrum allocation and creating incentives for telecom operators to participate actively in the auction

To further encourage the expansion of 5G services

the business plan includes provisions for facilitating the opening of Letter of Credits (LC) and laying fiber optic cables The launch of 5G services in Pakistan is a pivotal moment in technological advancement It is expected to revolutionize the way people communicate and consume content 5G will also enable new and innovative applications in areas such as healthcare education and transportation

to investors

The banking and financial services industry is second only to oil and gas for the number of greenwashing incidents, RepRisk said The data firm found that greenwashing more broadly was on the rise One in every four climate-related ESG risk incidents was linked to greenwashing an increase from one in five last year it said while it also found that one in three companies tied to greenwashing was also embroiled in so-called social washing

It defined social washing as companies presenting themselves positively by “obscuring an underlying social issue” –such as human rights abuses and corporate complicity or impacts on communities – to protect their reputation and financial performance Misleading communication around environmental and social topics not only impedes progress towards collective goals, but also damages trust with consumers and investors ” RepRisk wrote in its latest report

Bugti to ‘illegal’ immigrants: Exit Pakistan by Nov 1 or face law

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

T h e a p e x c o m m i t t e e s t r e s s e d t h a t t h o s e s p r e a d i n g p r o p a g a n d a a n d d i s i n f o r m a t i o n s h o u l d b e d e a l t w i t h s t r i c t l y u n d e r c y b e r l a w s T h e p a r t i c i p a n t s w e r e i n f o r m e d t h a t t e c h n i c a l p r o c e d u r e s w e r e b e i n g d e v i s e d f o r t h e a w a r e n e s s a n d i m p l e m e n t a t i o n o f t h e l a w s w h i c h w e r e b e i n g p r o m u l g a t e d k e e p i n g i n v i e w t h e o b s e r v a n c e o f t h e l a w a n d t h e c o n v e n i e n c e o f t h e p e o p l e T h e f o r u m r e i t e r a t e d i t s r e s o l v e t h a t t h e p r i n c i p l e s o f f a i t h , u n i t y a n d d i s c i p l i n e w o u l d b e f o l l o w e d i n t h e t r u e s p i r i t a n d t i r e l e s s e ff o r t s w o u l d b e c o n t i n u e d f o r t h e d e v e l o p m e n t o f t h e c o u n t r y 1 0 0 0 A f g h a n s d e t a i n e d i n p a s t t w o w e e k s : I n a s t a t e m e n t p o s t e d o n X A f g h a n i s t a n s e m b a s s y s a i d m o r e t h a n 1 0 0 0 A f g h a n s w e r e d e t a i n e d i n t h e p a s t t w o w e e k s h a l f o f t h e m d e s p i t e h a v i n g a l e g a l r i g h t t o b e i n P a k i s t a n “ D e s p i t e t h e r e p e a t e d p r o m i s e s o f t h e P a k i s t a n a u t h o r i t i e s , t h e a r r e s t a n d h a r a s s m e n t o f A f g h a n r e f u g e e s b y t h e p o l i c e i n P a k i s t a n c o n t i n u e s i t s a i d R e a c t i n g t o t h e i n t e r i o r m i n i s t e r s a n n o u n c e m e n t o n Tu e s d a y U N H i g h C o m m i s s i o n e r f o r R e f u g e e s ( U N H C R ) s p o k e s m a n Q a i s a r K h a n A f r i d i t o l d Tu r k i s h n e w s o u t l e t A n a d o l u A g e n c y t h a t a n y r e f u g e e r e t u r n m u s t b e v o l u n t a r y a n d w i t h o u t a n y p r e s s u r e t o e n s u r e p r o t e c t i o n f o r t h o s e s e e k i n g s a f e t y ” “ We h a v e s e e n d i s c o n c e r t i n g p r e s s r e p o r t s a b o u t a p l a n t o d e p o r t u n d o c u m e n t e d A f g h a n s a n d w e a r e s e e k i n g c l a r i t y f r o m o u r g o v e r n m e n t p a r t n e r s h e w a s q u o t e d a s s a y i n g b y t h e r e p o r t A f r i d i u rg e d t h e g o v e r n m e n t , w h i c h h e s a i d w a s g e n e r o u s l y h o s t i n g r e f u g e e s f o r m o r e t h a n 4 0 y e a r s ” , t o i n s t i t u t e a m e c h a n i s m t o e n s u r e t h a t A f g h a n s w i t h i n t e r n a t i o n a l p r o t e c t i o n w e r e n o t d e p o r t e d H e p o i n t e d o u t t h a t i t m u s t b e k e p t i n m i n d t h a t t h o s e f l e e i n g p e r s e c u t i o n o f t e n d i d n o t h a v e t h e n e c e s s a r y d o c u m e n t s a n d t r a v e l p e r m i s s i o n s A f r i d i a s s e r t e d t h a t t h e U N H C R w a s r e a d y t o s u p p o r t t h e g o v e r n m e n t i n d e v e l o p i n g a m e c h a n i s m t o m a n a g e a n d r e g i s t e r p e o p l e i n n e e d o f i n t e r n a t i o n a l p r o t e c t i o n o n i t s t e r r i t o r y a n d r e s p o n d t o “ p a r t i c u l a r v u l n e r a b i l i t i e s ” “ P a k i s t a n h a s r e m a i n e d a g e n e r o u s r e f u g e e h o s t f o r d e c a d e s T h i s r o l e h a s b e e n a c k n o w l e d g e d g l o b a l l y b u t m o r e n e e d s t o b e d o n e t o m a t c h i t s g e n e r o s i t y, h e w a s q u o t e d a s s a y i n g

Jailed Hurriyat leader Aasiya Andrabi urges UN to resolve Kashmir dispute

SRINAGAR S ta f f R e p o R t

The jailed Kashmiri Hurriyat leader and Chairperson of Dukhtaran-e-Millat Aasiya Andrabi expressing serious concern over the Modi regime s one after another anti-Kashmiris agendas has appealed to the UN to take all possible measures to force India to give the Kashmiris their right of selfdetermination

According to Kashmir Media Service

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

THE PERFECT STORM

It is a case of things falling exactly in place On the one hand US expected output fell significantly Overall cotton prices improved in the domestic market as textile millers and spinners showed their interest in buying during the last week, while the quality of lint reaching ginning factories also got relatively better due to the end of rains in the cotton belt resulting in reduced moisture in phutti (raw cotton) The buying interest was reinforced by reports that the TCP had prepared a strategy to purchase one million bales and had appointed agents in various cotton districts for the purpose There was a brief moment of worry when the cotton crop in Punjab faced an onslaught from whiteflies which proved to be a nightmare for growers and agriculture department high-ups giving them sleepless nights However, the government of Punjab to their credit swooped in with efficiency and used helicopters As of September 30 2023 the nation witnessed an astounding achievement with cotton arrivals

the women leader in a massage from Indian Tihar jail said that future of millions of people in Jammu and Kashmir is associated with the Kashmir dispute and this future can only be secured by resolving the dispute as per the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir

Asiya Andrabi and her associates

Fehmeeda Sofi and Nahida Nasreen were arrested by Indian police in 2017 during police raids on their residences in Srinagar and are facing illegal detentions in Tihar jail New Delhi India

She said that India had turned Kashmir into a military zone and war garrison where human rights violations were taking place every now and then She said post Aug 2019 Modi regime has taken number of steps to disempower and disenfranchise Kashmriis and the authorities have intensified their atrocities in the occupied territory

She pointed out that besides committing heinous crimes against humanity, the Modi regime has hatched numerous conspiracies to change the

demography in violation of UN resolutions & international laws

She said people of Jammu and Kashmir reject BJP-RSS policy of Hindutva and communal civilization in Muslims majority J&K because of its hegemonic anti-Muslim & anti-Kashmiri policies S h e s a i d t h a t t h e r e s o l u t i o n o f t h e K a s h m i r d i s p u t e w a s i m p e r a t i v e n o t o n l y f o r l o n g - l a s t i n g p e a c e i n I n d i a , P a k i s t a n a n d K a s h m i r, b u t a l s o f o r t h e e n t i r e w o r l d

rendering import commercially nonfeasible for the industry

surpassing the 5 million bales mark reflecting an impressive year-on-year growth rate of 71% As per data shared by the Ministry of Commerce, the sector, which faced a devastating 34% year-onyear decline in production due to the catastrophic flooding has not only managed to recover but has exceeded all projections for this year

KEY YIELD FIGURES SHOW THAT:

– Pakistan: 5 0 million bales, marking a remarkable 71% year-on-year increase – Punjab: 2 1 million bales, showcasing a commendable 34% yearon-year growth – Sindh: 3 0 million bales achieving an astonishing 113% year-on-year surge Dr Gohar Ejaz, the Minister for Commerce, expressed his optimism for the cotton sector ’s future, stating, “Cotton arrivals crossing the 5 million bales mark on October 1 2023 is a momentous achievement for Pakistan Last year our total crop was 5 million bales and this year, we are anticipating a bumper crop of 12 million bales This remarkable growth showcases the dedication and hard work of our farmers and the resilience of our cotton industry The

Ministry of Commerce remains committed to supporting and promoting the cotton sector in Pakistan, recognizing its indispensable role in the country s economic development and global

competitiveness ”

WHY THIS MAY BE AN ANOMALY

This year s good fortune does not solve the larger issue Years when things fall in place will come and go A similarly good year had also come back in 202122 Back then the cotton crop that was sown in Pakistan in 2021 and was harvested in 2022 benefited from a peculiarity of international trade caused by Covid-19 that resulted in a bumper crop of cotton When the pandemic hit, everything changed and the local industry found that importing cotton was no longer an option

International cotton prices (in rupee terms) during the last year have gone up by almost 30% from PKR 12 606 on July 1 2021 to PKR 18 259 by midFebruary this year The ever-dwindling value of the rupee not only doubled the impact of import for Pakistani millers but also made it next to impossible to calculate the final cost of production

Similarly this year it was the falling fortunes of US cotton that helped Pakistan s cotton growers The reality is that cotton has overall seen a serious decline in the country The story of cotton in Pakistan has been that of an opportunity squandered Between 2005 and 2020, Pakistan’s production of cotton declined by nearly 35% from nearly 14 million bales in 2005 to just over 9 million bales in 2020 It further fell to 5 6 million bales in 2021 before making a brief recovery at 7 7 million bales in 2022, and has now fallen to a paltry 4 9 million bales in 2023

This marks an overall decline of 65% in the past 18 years

The data speaks for itself Zoom in to cotton production over the past few years and it is a sordid tale As recently as 2017 Pakistan s cotton production was high clocking in at over 10 million bales for the year The output actually rose by a million bales to 11 million in 2018, before settling again at just over 9 million bales in 2019

The next two years saw a decline In 2020 only 8 million bales were recorded before a sharp fall to 5 6 million bales in 2021 As the core issues of the cotton crop remain unaddressed, farmers will continue to abandon this crop and instead grow richer products such as sugarcane which are short term cash crops but bad for agriculture and the climate in the long-run

Govt awfully proud of this year ’s cotton bumper crop. They shouldn’t be

Economy going beyond caretakers’ control

Too much debt to be handled by caretakers

PA K I S TA N power consumers which means everyone have been screaming because of agonisingly high power bills They received another shock on Monday, as NEPRA approved a quarterly tariff adjustment of Rs 3 2814 per unit At the same time, they face the frustration of knowing that this sacrifice too will be in vain, as it will not reduce power sector circular debt, which reached Rs 2 31 trillion at the end of fiscal year 2023, and is still climbing The caretaker government has also adopted a National Electric Plan which envisages continued tariff increases True tariff increases were part of the conditions set by the IMF for its latest loan but have failed to create any ent in the circular debt mountain

Power-sector circular debt is not the only problem the caretakers face There is a large foreign debt which the government only avoids default on because of roll-overs from friendly countries There almost seems the assumption that such money is meant for the government to keep However, there is also the domestic debt which has now reached Rs 39 trillion, up from Rs 30 trillion a year ago The increase is a clear sign that the government is using the accumulation of more debt to cover up inefficiencies in its tax-collection machinery It could be argued that this is perhaps a more vicious debt trap than the external The problem seems to be that the elite capture of the state now seems to be a losing proposition at least as far as looting the resources of the state are concerned and now seems to be limited to how much advantage can be sought for other businesses

Part of the problem the country faces is that the caretakers are not even a collection of technocrats: a development economics PhD for Finance Minister and a textile magnate in charge of other economic ministries does not make it a technocratic government At the same time, they have shown a propensity to seem ready to solve problems that should be left to an elected government

While there is no guarantee that an elected government will solve the issues facing the national economy, the very fact of its being accountable to the people, will ensure that it will do better than the caretakers or at least not worse

The caretakers should focus on their job which is to hold elections and hand over

Another US betrayal of Palestinians

citizens of Palestinian descent who are deemed the lowest class Up until the VWP, Palestinian Americans were not allowed to fly into Ben Gurion airport They were told by Israeli immigration officials that they weren t considered Americans and they needed to secure a Palestinian ID and enter through Jordan just like Palestinians from the occupied lands If t h e s e P a l e s t i n i a n A m e r i c a n s i n s i s t e d o n t h e i r rights as Americans, sometimes they were outright denied entry

Ireceived a call on Tuesday night from a senior official in your administration giving me a h e a d s - u p t h a t t h e n e x t m o r n i n g t h e U S A was going to formally announce that Israel was to be admitted into the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) He knew I had been concerned with Israel s application for membership because of its history of discriminatory treatment of Arab Ameri c a n s , a n d s o h e s a i d , “ I k n o w y o u a r e d i s a pp o i n t e d ” I r e p l i e d “ I ’ m n o t d i s a p p o i n t e d I ’ m insulted and angry ”

I m insulted because like many others in my community I ve experienced the humiliation and harassment meted out by Israeli officials at points of entry and exit from the country or at the hundreds of checkpoints that make travel in the occupied lands so difficult

Earlier this year your ambassador to Israel assured us that your administration would insist that Israel treat every American citizen equally He insisted that Blue is blue With that assurance we felt some confidence that our concerns were being heard Instead of honouring both that commitment and the statutory requirement of the VWP that member countries agree to provide each other ’s citizens with a guarantee of reciprocal rights your administration allowed Israel to define its own interpretation of reciprocal rights According to the terms laid out in a yet unreleased July 19, 2023, US-Israel Memorandum of Understanding, it appears that in your administration’s eyes, Arab American passports are “not quite blue enough ” In effect you’ve accepted Israel as the arbiter of American citizenship rights In both Israel s view and behaviour there are several classes of Americans: American Jews with pro-Israel views who are welcomed and even encouraged to become citizens; most other Americans who are welcomed as tourists or investors; Americans who support Palestinian human rights including American Jews and African Americans who face additional scrutiny; Americans of Arab descent who are viewed with suspicion and often interrogated on entry and exit; and American

From what we’ve seen to date the one significant change that has been made is that Palestinian Americans with an Israeli-approved Palestinian ID now have the opportunity to fly into Ben Gurion The rest of Israel’s discriminatory policies that degrade our citizenship continue in force Like many in my community I also feel let down by your administration In the lead up to the 2020 election, we were pleased when your campaign released a statement of commitments to Arab Americans It meant a great deal to us to know you were speaking to our concerns Given US foreign policies in the Middle East, we knew we might not agree with you on all issues related to the Arab World But Mr President the Visa Waiver Program s requirement of reciprocity is not a matter of foreign policy or about Israel As we’ve made clear in conversations with officials in the White House State De-

partment and Department of Homeland Security the issue has always been about whether or not our government respected and would protect our rightsincluding our First Amendment protected right to support Palestinians We thought you understood and therefore were heartened by your 2020 campaign pledge to Arab A m e r i c a n s t h a t A B i d e n - H a r r i s a d m i n i s t r a t i o n w i l l c o n f r o n t d i s c r i m i n a t o r y p o l i c i e s t h a t s i n g l e out Arab Americans and cast entire communities under suspicion,” and your vow that, “Joe Biden will protect the Constitutional right of our citizens t o f r e e s p e e c h H e a l s o does not support efforts by a n y d e m o c r a c y t o c r i m inalize free speech and exp r e s s i o n w h i c h i s w h y h e s p o k e o u t a g a i n s t I s r a e l ’s d e c i s i o n t o d e n y e n t r y t o A m e r i c a n l a w m a k e r s b ec a u s e t h e y f a v o u r b o ycotting Israel Because Israel was allowed to redefine reciprocity, essentially writing their own terms for admission into the VWP without including a non-discrimination provision that dealt with their treatment of Arab Americans at entry, exit, and checkpoints, or respect for freedom of expression your administration has failed to meet the commitment you made to us This is why I m insulted, betrayed, and angry I feel that Arab Americans who overwhelmingly supported you deserve better

The writer is President of the Arab American Institute

More Urban centres needed in Balochistan

ralai Medical College are new additions in the academic realm of the city while Balochistan Residential College (BRC) Loralai has long been the top institution of the province The presence of these academic facilities fosters the development of a knowledgeable and skilled workforce, which in turn attracts businesses

E d i t o r ’ s m a i l

lidifying its potential as an urban center The Chaman Master Plan when implemented will enhance the city s urban infrastructure and attract investment

Librar y Science

EX P L O R E the vast and diverse landscapes of Balochistan, the largest province in southwest Pakistan With a small population of only 12 344 408 people this hidden gem is home to various ethnicities and welcomes Afghan refugees

While the capital city of Quetta shines as a bustling urban centre, other cities in Balochistan struggle with limited amenities and infrastructure

Challenges like education, water scarcity, healthcare unemployment housing and drainage systems plague Quetta The overwhelmed local government faces the daunting task of meeting the needs of its residents with limited resources

The solution?

Establishing more urban centres across Balochistan, offering migrants improved opportunities and distributing the load away from the crowded Quetta

Discovering the untapped potential of this remarkable province and joining the quest for a better quality of life for all

The absence of urban centres in Balochistan hinders socio-economic development and limits opportunities for residents This lack of investment and development leads to a stagnant economy and forces people to migrate for better prospects To address these issues the government should establish urban centres in various regions of Balochistan focusing on improving infrastructure and promoting inclusive development This will reduce migration and ensure more equitable distribution of resources in the province

As the founding father once said

If we want to make this great state of Pakistan happy and prosperous we should wholly and solely concentrate on the well-being of the people and especially of the masses and the poor

It is crucial to establish urban centres in various cities, like Loralai in the northeast region of Balochistan Loralai has the potential to become a thriving urban centre due to its advantageous location Situated at the intersection of highways it is well-connected to Quetta (the provincial capital) and surrounding districts of Balochistan, such as Killa Saifullah, Zhob, Musakhel, Harnai, Barkhan, Ziarat and Duki

This ideal location makes it an ideal hub for trade and transportation Moreover Loralai has fertile agricultural lands and a suitable climate for growing various crops Additionally Loralai is home to various educational institutions such as degree colleges, technical institutes, schools, and universities University of Loralai and Lo-

According to the FBR report of 2020 Loralai is also the second biggest revenue generating city of Balochistan and Pakistan s 18th biggest If proper investment is undertaken it can be turned into a major urban centre Chaman s advantageous location on the Afghanistan border positions it to become a thriving urban centre The extensive cross-border trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan presents a wealth of economic opportunities for the city As a key border town Chaman can become a central hub for imports and exports, attracting businesses and investors alike Additionally, the inclusion of the ITTMS project in FBR’s Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) and the allocation of 480 million towards it will not only benefit the entire province but also create employment opportunities for the citizens of Balochistan Furthermore, Chaman serves as a gateway to Central Asia through Afghanistan and Iran It is the second largest transit station for Afghan Transit Cargo and serves as the nearest customs station to the sea ports of Karachi and Gawadar Pakistan in June 2021 exported Rs 2 21 billion and imported Rs 1 08 billion through Chaman border, while exported $ 9 91 million to Afghanistan in the same time period Moreover, Chaman has been designated as a special economic zone, further so-

To facilitate progress, it is imperative to address the issue of individuals migrating to Quetta and neglecting opportunities in their own cities The government’s exclusive focus on providing facilities in Quetta has had a detrimental effect on other cities impeding their growth The locals of these cities exhibit a preference for investing in Quetta rather than their own cities To address this, the government should encourage citizens to invest in their own cities and promote urbanization This can be achieved by implementing negative incentives highlighting the challenges of succeeding in Quetta where competition is intense as opposed to their own cities where they can easily establish their own stake

Additionally, positive incentives should be offered to cities outside of Quetta to encourage their citizens to remain and promote development within their own cities Moreover the local government can contribute to the development of urban centres by enacting policies regulations, and providing necessary resources for public services Their involvement will enable the creation of vibrant and inclusive urban centres for the benefit of all residents

Sadia Zahra is a Research Intern at Balochistan Think Tank Network (BTTN) Quetta She is a graduate of Public Administration BUITEMS She can be contacted at Sadiaalianjum@gmail com and Sadia zahra@bttn org pk She tweets @Sadia Anjumm

Positive incentives should be offered to cities outside of Quetta to encourage their citizens to remain and promote development within their own cities. Moreover, the local government can contribute to the development of urban centres by enacting policies, regulations, and providing necessary resources for public services. Their involvement will enable the creation of vibrant and inclusive urban centres for the benefit of all residents

T H E University of Karachi is the only university in Sindh offering MPhil in Library Science Since the current faculty was appointed hardly one or two students are enrolled in this programme every year This year around 30 students appeared in the entrance test and only one cleared it There were no proper arrangements for the test The candidates were given a bunch of papers with questions written on it to tick the correct options The admission process lacked professionalism and transparency Dejected students are applying to universities in Punjab to pursue their dreams The university vice-chancellor should take notice of such mismanagement SAYED HASNAIN RIZVI KANDIARO

Balanced policy

T H E outcome and resolutions of the recent meeting were indeed quite frightening as far as the preservation of international peace is concerned Subsequent to the meeting, two more dangerous factors have also come in; one, demand by the ruling Democrats in the United States for the allocation of $52 billion for providing F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine

The American people have questioned the rationale and necessity of allocating such a heavy amount at the expense of the taxpayers There are others amongst the presidential aspirants who think that the US should not be extensively involved in the ongoing war in Ukraine

F-16s will only lead to prolonging the war If Nato countries feel they can defeat Russia by continuous acts of pricking and provoking, they are sadly mistaken Anyone who can just estimate the distance between St Petersburg and Vladivostok should be able to calculate how much space Russia has to absorb any type of attack On the contrary none of the European countries have that much space Some historical facts appear to be neglected as well With the reunion of Germany liberty of many countries in southern Europe and the disbandment of the Warsaw Pact, what moral justification was there for Nato to exist? What good has it done except invading weak countries, like Iraq, Libya and Afghanistan? As far as Pakistan’s stance in this peculiar situation is concerned we have not been just and fair in dealing with the Russians in the past It may be difficult but we should try to maintain a balanced stand in this unnecessary war

PROF KHALID HASSAN MAHMOOD KARACHI

Dir t y politics

RECENTLY, six schoolchildren and two adults got stuck in a cable car when two of its cables snapped while they were on their way to school in Battagram area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) This resulted in the cable car hanging precariously at a high altitude Promptly responding to the crisis Pakistan Army s aviation wing and commandoes launched a rescue operation The locals also got involved in the rescue mission and it was a collaborative effort which resulted in bringing all the eight individuals to safety after several hours of Pakistan Army helicopters hovering above the cable car and special forces along with the locals doing their best on the ground While the whole nation praised the army for its quick response and saving the children by applying every possible means it was disheartening to subsequently see certain individuals with a particular political bent of mind using various social media platforms to spread negativity about individuals and institutions on the same issue Such actions particularly during times of crisis were and are unwarranted and insensitive It is the responsibility of the government, especially the provincial government, to ensure efficient and reliable commute networks in place We should learn a lesson from the incident and address the issues confronting the population in the hilly regions of KP and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Not learning a lesson will be a big folly

Because Israel was allowed to redefine reciprocity, essentially writing their own terms for admission into the VWP, without including a non-discrimination provision that dealt with their treatment of Arab Americans at entry, exit, and checkpoints, or respect for freedom of expression your administration has failed to meet the commitment you made to us

Climate justice?

The world must pull together

NO T W I T H S TA N D I N G the fact that climate change is viewed as the biggest and the most formidable challenge for the dwellers of the earth, no credible and concrete steps have been taken by the global community to ward off the debilitating effects of this phenomenon Two international protocols have been signed according to which the industrial nations have made commitments to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases and also help the poor nations who have been affected by climate change to deal with the impact of climate change

The Conference of the Parties (COP), which is the main decision making body of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change also holds annual meetings to assess the progress made on commitments made by the industrial nations in regards to reduction in the emissions of greenhouse gases and extending financial assistance and transfer of technologies to countries that are severely affected by this phenomenon But the things have not moved the way they are desired to progress

Regrettably the major polluters are even showing reluctance to cut down on the greenhouse emissions preferring industrial growth over this While it is acknowledged that fossil fuels are the real cause of climate change, new funding for fossil fuel exploration and production of infrastructure continues unabated According to scientists we are already perilously close to hitting the 1 5°C limit that is the maximum level of warming to avoid the worst climate impacts To keep 1 5 C alive we must reduce emissions by 45 per cent by 2030 and reach net zero emissions by mid-century Lack of national commitments will lead to an increase of almost 14 percent during this decade That would spell catastrophe Surely the major responsibility lies on the major pol-

luters who also have the technology and finances to deal with the phenomenon They must share it with the countries which are severely affected by climate change to make it a truly global effort to save the planet Pakistan is among the top 10 countries which have been bearing the brunt of this climatic onslaught during the last 20 years Last year s floods inundated a third of Pakistan

It was estimated that it would require at least $30 billion to rebuild the infrastructure destroyed by the floods and to rehabilitate those affected by this unprecedented calamity UN secretary General António Guterres who visited Pakistan during the floods and flew over the areas that were affected acknowledged the severity of the challenge to Pakistan and felt that it needed international help to cope with the situation

The UN Secretary General, during a special session dedicated to climate change last Wednesday, said “Pakistan was a double victim of climate chaos and of our outdated and unjust global financial system The broken promises to rebuild the country present a litmus test for climate justice Billions were pledged by rich nations in the aftermath of the disaster Pakistan is still waiting for much of the funding Delays are undermining people s efforts to rebuild their lives Some $9 billion was pledged to help reconstruct Pakistan in January, though it is still reeling from the effects of the heavy monsoon rains which displaced eight million people and killed some 1 700 More than eight million residents in areas hit by the floods lack access to clean water Pakistan is responsible for less than one percent of the greenhouse gas emissions that likely fueled last year s climate chaos The countries that contributed most to global heating must contribute most to righting the harm they have done ”

The UN Secretary General also called for the creation of the Loss and Damage fund which was promised at COP 27 last year for developing countries many of which, like Pakistan, were at outsized risk of

climate change

The observations made by the UN Secretary General are right on money in regards to the insensitivity of the rich and industrial nations concerning their obligations for reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and helping those nations which are severely affected by climate change for no fault of theirs

He has been expressing his concern on the prevailing situation from all available platforms In an article published in the media last year he categorically said Fossil fuels are not the answer nor will they ever be We can see the damage we are doing to the planet and our Societies

It is in the news every day and no one is immune Renewable energy is the answer to limit climate disruption and boost energy security Had we invested earlier and massively in renewable energy we would not find ourselves once again at the mercy of unstable fossil fuel markets Renewables are the peace plan of the 21st century But the battle for a rapid and just energy transition is not being fought on a level field Investors are still

T h e o n ly w ay t h e ch a l l e n g e o f cl i m a t e ch a n g e c a n b e a m i c a bly t a ck l e d fo r t h e i n d u s t r i a l n a t i o n s t o h e e d t h e w a r n i n g a n d f u l f i l t h e i r c o m m i t m e n t s r e g a rd i n g r e d u c t i o n i n g r e e n h o u s e g a s e s a n d s h ow i n g s o l i d a r i t y w i t h t h e p o o r c o u n t r i e s t o c o p e n o t o n ly t h e e f fe c t s o f t h e cl i m a t e ch a n g e bu t a l s o t o c o n t r i bu t e t ow a rd s t h e e f fo r t s t o r e m ov i n g t h e ro o t - c a u s e o f t h e p h e n o m e n o n . D e l ay i n g t h e r e q u i r e d a c t i o n wo u l d a f fe c t t h e e n t i r e wo r l d , i n cl u d i n g t h e m a j o r p o l l u t e rs

What’s behind the sudden US goodwill towards Iran?

Biden was revealed to have said that it was officially dead in November of 2022

However given the information we have at hand, what is most likely here is that this represents a massive de-escalation following ship seizures and the beefing up of America’s troop presence in the Persian Gulf back in August

Why a de-escalation now? Is it to revive nuclear deal talks? This appears highly unlikely Instead the prisoner exchange agreement comes simultaneously with and is somewhat overshadowed by developments in the ongoing discussions to reach an American-brokered normalization deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel

RT r o b e r t n l a k e s h

IN what proved to be a domestically controversial move the US government approved the release of five prisoners held in Iran in return for releasing five Iranian detainees and billions of previously frozen assets However in the aftermath of the agreement between Tehran and Washington the White House s primary focus seems to be centered around securing a Saudi-Israeli deal rather than working on reviving the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)

As revealed by the anonymous diplomatic sources of The Cradle in addition to other tidbits released in US media the US-Iran prisoner swap appears to have been much more than meets the eye The informal agreement, according to these anonymous sources, encompassed freezing Iranian uranium enrichment at 60% and permitting the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to install cameras at several nuclear sites On the other hand the US concessions included disregarding Iranian oil sales – in essence refraining from enforcing sanctions – and allowing all Iranian assets to be released, reportedly amounting to roughly $20 billion This is well over the widely reported $6 billion touted in the international press

What makes this agreement so intriguing is that it was non-formal including no known signed documents and was contrived over several months and under the auspices of Qatar and Oman as intermediaries From leaked information, citing unnamed sources, what we can gather – regardless of what claims are true or false – is that the prisoner swap was more than a simple exchange of prisoners and $6 billion in frozen assets According to a report released in May by Axios secret indirect talks between the US and Iran had been conducted in Oman, which three sources close to the news outlet claimed Iran s top nuclear negotiator, Ali Bagheri Kan, was part of Later, in June, the New York Times released a report claiming that secret negotiations were going on aimed at concluding an informal agreement to replace the need to revive the 2015 nuclear deal

To begin with if we are to assume that the official US narrative on the agreement is correct, despite Iranian officials having contradicted it, then the most apparent objective in mind from Washington’s perspective would be to cause a thaw in America’s relationship with the Islamic Republic As various analysts have suggested this could have also signaled hope for a revival of the nuclear deal, which fell apart after the administration of former President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from it in 2018 Hope had largely faded that the administration of President Joe Biden could bring the deal back to life after

The two nations both powerful partners of the US in the Middle East have never had formal diplomatic relations with each other Saudi Arabia does not recognize Israel as a sovereign country and has been at loggerheads with it over its treatment of Arabs in Palestine, which Riyadh ostensibly wants to see as an independent nation Negotiations to finally normalize diplomatic relations have been ongoing for months now with the US being a highly invested middleman given that achieving such a deal would help consolidate its power base in the region

When Biden met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)’s 78th session they publicly discussed the high hopes of concluding Saudi-Israeli normalization This was followed by two Fox News interviews one with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and the other with the Israeli PM, during which both said that the deal grows closer by the day At Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to the UNGA he spoke at length on Iran; however there was no mention of the recent US-Iranian prisoner exchange

In fact Israel has remained silent on the informal deal This is especially interesting, considering that Tel Aviv routinely attacks the prospect of any agreement with Iran, let alone one that allows for tens of billions in funds to be transferred back into the hands of Tehran In June Netanyahu spoke over the phone with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during which he discussed Iran at length and proclaimed that he opposes and will not be bound by any agreement struck between Washington and Tehran

On September 5, Antony Blinken spoke with the Israeli premier again allegedly discussing Iran as the primary subject of the call While the precise details of the calls are impossible to apprehend there had to be a good chance that the prisoner swap agreement was mentioned, as reports had publicly been leaked to the press regarding IranUS talks With so much focus placed upon Iran by Israel it makes no sense that Tel Aviv would remain silent on the prisoner exchange especially given the release of Iran s formerly frozen funds

Not silent on the unfreezing of Tehran s billions were Republican politicians in the US Congress If the Biden administration were to have accepted a renewal of the 2015 nuclear deal, one of its major hurdles would have been passing the deal in Congress including the deeply opposed Republican-led House of Representatives Therefore by striking an informal agreement with Tehran the US de-escalates and addresses some of its worries surrounding Iran s nuclear program More importantly, however, the US government could be trying to create a fertile environment for the conclusion of an Israeli-Saudi normalization agreement both by calming Iran down to de-escalate regional tensions and possibly leveraging concessions to ease Tehran s pushback against the normalization directly

backing fossil fuels and governments still hand out billions in subsidies for coal oil and gas some US$11 million every minute

As the fallout of Russia s invasion of Ukraine ripples across the globe the response of some nations to the growing energy crisis has been to double down on fossil fuels pouring billions more dollars into the coal, oil and gas that are driving our deepening climate emergency There is a world for favouring shortterm relief over long-term well-being We are still addicted to fossil fuels

For the health of our societies and planet we need to quit now The only true path to energy security, stable power prices, prosperity and a livable planet lies in abandoning polluting fossil fuels and accelerating the renewables-based energy transition ”

The recipe suggested by the Secretary General if adopted honestly can undoubtedly go a long way in tackling the catastrophic challenge of climate change supported by other nature-based solutions such as reversing deforestation and land degradation So too are efforts to promote energy efficiency But a rapid and renewable energy transition must be our ambition

Transition to renewable energy besides dealing with climate change also has other enormous advantages The switch-over will reduce energy prices and make them more predictable besides contributing in a big way to food and economic security

The only way the challenge of climate change can be amicably tackled for the industrial nations to heed the warning and fulfil their commitments regarding reduction in green house gases and showing solidarity with the poor countries to cope not only the effects of the climate change but also to contribute towards the efforts to removing the root-cause of the phenomenon Delaying the required action would affect the entire world, including the major polluters

Malik Muhammad Ashraf is an academic He can be contacted at: ashpak10@gmail com

New Golda Meir movie sells war crimes as empowerment

British implant in Palestine as a result of the Balfour Declaration but as an opposing political force to British colonialism and the country s mandate in Palestine

Much of Meir s political life is based on the same legacy that is shared by all founders of Zionism: She wanted to be part of constructing a Zionist state in Palestine, today’s Israel, while simultaneously denying the very existence of the Palestinians who have lived for numerous generations on that same land Peace will come when the Arabs will love their children more than they hate us she once said sowing the seed of the racist notion that Arabs and Palestinians hate their children, which played a major role in the portrayal of Palestinians in the US media during the Second Intifada of 2000 to 2005

In an interview with The Sunday Times in June 1969

Meir denied the very existence of Palestinians

It was not as though there was a Palestinian people in Palestine considering itself as a Palestinian people and we came and threw them out and took their country from them They did not exist, she said She maintained that line until her death in 1978

b a r o U D

Anew movie glorifying the legacy of Zionist leader and fourth Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir was released in selected theaters in the US and Europe in August The movie is typical Israeli propaganda

In Golda, director Guy Nattiv has tried to whitewash Meir ’s legacy of violence and outright anti-Arab racism by portraying her as the “Iron Lady” of Israel, a “lioness” who triumphed as a politician and persisted as a military leader

The narrative in the movie gets more complicated when Ukraine is thrown into the mix When I was a little girl in Ukraine people were beating Jews with clubs she is quoted as saying, asserting that I am not that little girl anymore Centering the movie’s geographical and historical context on Ukraine is critical to “Golda ” Nattiv shrewdly taps into the media-infused imagery of Ukrainian heroics against advancing Russian armies thus rewriting the legacy not only of Meir but also of Zionism

The message to be gleaned is that although at times the morality of the choices of Zionism are not always perfect, neither Meir nor the founders of Zionism had a choice existential wars in a world filled with enemies, pogroms and antisemites require difficult choices

The movie is centered on the supposedly difficult choices during the 1973 war Meir like most Israeli Zionist leaders is presented as someone in constant conflict between multiple loyalties to ethnicity, cultural background and religious and national identities For Meir, the conflict was resolved through the prioritization of Jewish identity exclusively

This was demonstrated in a famous exchange Meir had with then-US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger

In a letter he wrote to Meir Kissinger said that he considered himself an American first secretary of state second and a Jew third

Her reply accentuating her own priorities and how she wanted to perceive Kissinger s relationship with Israel, was: In Israel, we read from right to left Propaganda aside, when Meir arrived in Palestine in 1921 at the age of 23, she was not coming directly from Kyiv then part of Soviet Russia but from the US It was mostly in the city of Milwaukee that Meir developed her ideas about Zionism and the supposedly innate rights of all Zionist Jews to return to Palestine

Meir s utter hatred for Palestinians and Arabs generally was, therefore, formulated long before she had met a single Palestinian No Arabs played any role in the victimization of Jewish communities in Russia or anywhere else in Europe

This indicates that Meir ’s anti-Arab racism a staple of her political discourse throughout her life was an outcome of largely Western historical dynamics Arabs viewed Zionists as colonialists and imperialists not because Arabs were antisemitic; rather, Arab nations viewed the Zionists in Palestine through the same lens as they viewed the French colonialism in Syria, the British in Egypt and the Italian in Libya Zionist and pro-Israel historians have labored to create a separation between Western colonialism in the Middle East and Zionist colonialism in Palestine Such a misinterpretation of history hardly examines the issue in a truthful manner Even worse, at times, Zionist colonialism is presented not as a

Meir, however, could hardly be credited for originating that racist notion which has been functional in dehumanizing the Palestinians throughout history Such language was fundamental to the early Zionists who wanted to see in Palestine a land without a people for a people without a land which remains useful to modern Zionists Bezalel Smotrich, Israel s current far-right minister of finance, in March declared that there is no such thing as a Palestinian people” during a visit to France

The intellectual orientation of the “Golda” movie can be seen in two different ways: either as creative Israeli hasbara aimed at taking advantage of a growing worldwide movement that celebrates women and their contributions or as an act of desperation

Indeed the Israeli brand has lost much of its former appeal as a liberal, democratic and even socialist project Such terminology is hardly marketable when many Israelis are themselves questioning if their version of democracy is even a democracy at all

When images of Israeli military brutality and racism are viewed daily by millions of people across the world it is difficult for Israel to continue to portray itself as a beacon of light and democracy in an otherwise backward, undemocratic and violent Middle East This is why Golda is a functional piece of propaganda, albeit its impact is limited in both time and scope At best it is a belated attempt at reinventing Zionism

Ramzy Baroud has been writing about the Middle East for more than 20 years

U K H A S R U N O U T O F W E A P O N S T O

S E N D T O U K R A I N E : R E P O R T

UK

n e w s D e s k

IN a shocking revelation, which follows the resignation of UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace a senior military officer said that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak s administration has run out of defence equipment to donate to Ukraine and other countries The Telegraph reported

The senior military chief asked for other European countries to step in and shoulder more of the UK s burden of fulfiling its commitment to support Ukraine against Russian onslaught Earlier the resigned defence secretary before leaving his office had asked Sunak to spend £2 3 billion more on support for Ukraine the newspaper shared Wallace had warned that Germany had overtaken the UK

as the biggest European military donor to Ukraine calling for a 50 per cent increase on funding that the UK has committed so far

According to The Telegraph the Western alliance had suffered a series of blows in recent days with support for Ukraine dropped from a US stop-gap budget bill, election success for a pro-Russian party in Slovakia and rows between Poland and Kyiv over grain supplies On Monday the Russian government claimed that Western fatigue with the war will grow The White House replied that Vladimir Putin is wrong to think he could outlast the pro-Kyiv alliance” Meanwhile the Telegraph was informed by one of the source in the military that the UK had lost its interest in providing extra support to the war-

torn Ukraine The source said that onus should not be on the UK to provide the billions Mr Wallace [former defence secretary] has called for “Giving billions more doesn’t mean giving billions of British kit the source said in disdain adding that the UK had a role to play in encouraging other nations to give more money and weapons “We’ve given away just about as much as we can afford ” the source asserted We w i l l c o n t i n u e t o s o u r c e e q u i p m e n t t o p r o v i d e f o r U k r a i n e b u t w h a t t h e y need now is things like air defence assets and artillery ammunition and we’ve run dry on a l l t h a t ” On Monday PM Sunak was forced to insist that the UK s commitment to Ukraine would not waver in the light of Wallace s com-

ments You will continue to see us provide substantial support his official spokesman told reporters

The apparent lackluster pledges of support by the British government to Kyiv has given the impression that political rows in the West are a sign that support for Ukraine was beginning to crack However, this perception was strongly rebutted by incumbent Defence Secretary Grant Shapps saying that Vladimir Putin would be foolish to believe the perception of cracks widening in the Western ranks He suggested the possibility of Donald Trump winning the next US election would not necessarily result in the “worst-case scenario” of America cutting its support It is pertinent to mention that the UK has already committed 14 Challenger 2 tanks, M270 mul-

CORPORATE CORNER

tiple-launch rocket systems a heavy-lift drone and Storm Shadow cruise missiles to Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion

T h o u s a n d s o f a n t i - t a n k weapons short-range missiles a n d a r m o u r e d v e h i c l e s h a v e also been given by the UK to Ukraine the report added

The current military chief of UK also delivered his two cents, saying there was no prospect of providing more British tanks to Ukraine

We ve given away pretty much everything we can afford to give he added Every tank we give away is one less that we have, he lamented

The growing concerns over Western funding for Ukraine threatened to overshadow what was described as a historic meeting of EU foreign ministers in Kyiv

Iran’s Khamenei says normalising Israel ties is a ‘losing bet ’

DUBAI

Ag e n c i e s

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that countries seeking to normalise relations with Israel are betting on a losing horse state media reported on Tuesday Khamenei did not identify the countries, but expectations that Israel might normalize ties with Iran’s regional rival Saudi Arabia, the home of Islam’s two holiest shrines have been ratcheted up this month

The definite position of the Islamic Republic is that countries that make the

Vice Admiral Naveed Ashraf appointed as Chief of the Naval Staff

ISLAMABAD p r e s s r e l e A s e

The President of Pakistan has been pleased to appoint Vice Admiral Naveed Ashraf Hi (M) T Bt as Chief of the Naval Staff and promoted him to the rank of Admiral His promotion to

gamble of normalisation with Israel will lose They are betting on a losing horse Khamenei said Israel s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in response to Khamenei s remarks that Iran s efforts to stop countries in the region from forging ties with Israel will fail, citing agreements it signed with Arab nations in 2020 Just as Iran hasn t prevented us from achieving the Abraham Accords, Iran will also not prevent us from expanding the circle of peace for the benefit of the citizens of Israel, the people of the region and all of humanity ”

Commanding Officer of a Gun Boat a Mine Hunter three Destroyers and Command of 25th & 18th Destroyer Squadrons

Besides Vice Admiral Naveed Ashraf remained Commandant of Pakistan Naval Academy and had the honour to Command Pakistan Navy Fleet His distinguished Staff appointments include Fleet Operations Officer at HQ Commander Pakistan Fleet, Captain Training at HQ Flag Officer Sea Training Chief Staff Officer to Task Force-151 at HQ NAVCENT Bahrain Deputy President National Defence University Naval Secretary Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Admin) Director General C4I, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Training & Personnel) and Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Operations) Presently, Vice Admiral Naveed Ashraf is serving as Chief of Staff at Naval Headquarters

Chairman PARC vows to improve crop productivit y with special focus on Oilseed and Sugar crops

ISLAMABAD: The Variety Evaluation Committee (VEC) recommended 04 new sunflower hybrids 03 Mustard varieties/hybrids and 1 variety of each soybean, rapeseed, groundnut while 2 varieties of sugarcane for commercial cultivation in the potential ecologies The VEC meeting on Oilseed & Sugar Crops was held on Monday the October 2 2023 in the Committee Room of Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) Hqs Islamabad The meeting was presided over by Dr Imtiaz Hussain Member (PSD)/Chairman (VEC) and attended by the committee members belonging to various public and private sector organizations and policy makers In the meeting, 21 proposals for Soybean, Canola, Rapeseed Mustard Sunflower Groundnut and Sesame candidate varieties/hybrids as well as 04 proposals of sugarcane were assessed s tA f f r e p o rt

M r A q e e l K a r i m D h e d h i b e c o m e s f o u n d i n g m e m b e r o f N a y a N a z i m a b a d G y m k h a n a

KARACHI: Renowned businessman Mr Aqeel Karim Dhedhi, Founding Chairman of AKD Group and Mr Yaqoob Habib visited Naya Nazimabad Gymkhana hosted by Mr Arif Habib and became the founding member of Naya Nazimabad Gymkhana They visited the sales center as well as the construction sites of commercial and apartment projects being developed in Naya Nazimabad They also visited Naya Nazimabad Jama Masjid and praised the magnificent architecture of the mosque and also appreciated the fast paced and remarkable developments inside Naya Nazimabad They also expressed their gratification on development of uplift projects outside Naya Nazimabad as well as the speedy construction of flyover which will lead to ease the access to the Naya Nazimabad in near future Mr Aqeel Karim Dhedhi congratulated Gymkhana Management for establishing the International standard sporting & recreational club for the people of Karachi which is a model of modern architectural design and added that he would definitely recommend his friends s tA f f r e p o rt

Hindut va rears its ugly head in US as RSS activist desecrates Quran in Chicago

CHICAGO: After Europe and Canada, India under the Hindutva-inspired regime of Narendra Modi has spread its ugly tentacles in the United States where an activist of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh desecrated the Holy Quran in Chicago one of the largest cities of the country According to Kashmir Media Service, a copy of the Qur an was burnt in one of the most affluent Chicago suburbs by a 16-year-old high school student Initial indications are that the family has links to the local RSS “shaka ” Shakas are local branches of the fascist RSS movement responsible for the ongoing genocide of India s marginalized communities including Muslims RSS and BJP nexus is presently ruling India

INDIAN TROOPS KILL MUSLIM MAN IN

TRIPURA: Indian troops shot dead a 48-year-old Muslim civilian in the Indian disturbed Agartala state According to Kashmir Media Service Indian Border Security Force personnel killed the Muslim identified as Alamgir Hossain at Durgapur village in Sonamura Sub-division of the state The Indian forces dubbed him a cattle smuggler Hossain was rushed to the Sonamura Social Health Centre, where he was declared brought dead Local residents rushed Alamgir to the Sonamura Social Health Centre where the attending physician pronounced him dead Meanwhile Alamgir s family vehemently while rejecting Indian forces claim said that the victim was an innocent The BSF was chasing the cattle smugglers, Alamgir was standing outside side, and the BSF shot him without warning, said Hossain’s son Mohammad Ali The family has demanded a thorough investigation into the incident and strict action against the BSF personnel responsible A g e n c i e s

exports

Bangladesh

SNGPL General Meeting

ts 12 direc tors

RAY OF HOPE: Z ABA EYE PROJECT AIMS TO STEM OUT VISUAL IMPAIRMENT IN YOUTH

component of the whole operation

Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) was held on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 11:00a m in Lahore for electing twelve (12) Directors under Section 159 of the Companies Act 2017 for the next triennial commencing from October 01 2023 Sixteen (16) individuals as against twelve (12) positions of directors filed their consent to contest the election for Directors under defined categories of directors i e female, independent and other Directors, categories However, one (1) candidate i e Mr Nasir Gulzar out of Seven (7) candidates under the independent directors’ category withdrew his name before the election of Directors PR

NBP celebrates Eid Miladun Nabi with religious fer vor

VI S U A L impairments are a pervasive issue in Pakistan affecting individuals across all age groups According to the Pakistan Medical Association, of a population of 230 million, an estimated 10 million people in the country are visually impaired and a significant portion of this demographic includes school-age children

The reasons behind this high prevalence are multifaceted, encompassing poor nutrition, limited access to quality eye care, financial constraints, and the lack of awareness about the importance of regular eye check-ups

One such project to combat this issue

is the ZABA Eye Project started by Sarem Khan a 12th grade student in Philadelphia Named after his beloved grandparents, Zarmina, Almas, Bashir, and Akhtar, the ZABA Eye Project was born as a ray of hope for students living below the poverty line in Pakistan without access to any formal eye care

During Sarem s visit to a TCF (The Citizens Foundation) school in Chung, Punjab, he observed that none of the children were wearing glasses in any of the classes Having worn glasses himself

this was rather surprising and upon asking the school administration he found out that none of the children had ever been properly tested for visual acuity

This interaction was embedded in Sarem’s mind and he launched the ZABA Eye Project in partnership with Lahorebased schools dedicated to the education of underprivileged children

The first step in the ZABA Eye Project s process involves comprehensive vision tests conducted on students across all grades These tests are conducted by a qualified optometrist who assesses each student’s visual acuity and identifies those in need of corrective glasses Once the visual acuity has been determined Zaba

Eye Project provides free glasses to all the students who were found to have visual acuity

Lastly each student receives a card detailing their impairment numbers, facilitating tracking and follow-up

This meticulous record-keeping ensures that the project team can monitor each student’s progress accurately This personalized approach is a testament to the project s commitment to excellence and its dedication to improving the lives of these young learners Sarem Khan has personally raised all the funds that are required to undertake these tasks as well as keeps centralized records of all the students He interacts with the schools and manages and supervises the optometrist Mr Naveed who is the integral

Unity Plantations, Green Corporate Initiative join hands to revolutionize agriculture sec tor

KARACHI PR

K A R A C H I: National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) celebrated Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAWW) with great religious zeal and fervor at its Head Office in Karachi A special program of Mehfil-e-Milad was arranged to pay respect to the last messenger of Allah, whose life and teachings are a beacon of light for the whole of mankind Renowned Naat Khuwans recited soulful Naats to pay tribute to our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) The event was graced by Mr Rehmat Ali Hasnie President & CEO NBP as the guest of honor Senior Executives of the Bank were also present at the occasion In his address, Mr Hasnie said that the Prophet s (PBUH) teachings on cooperation, and tolerance are essential for a peaceful and prosperous world He urged everyone to follow the Prophet's (PBUH) footsteps and strive to create a better world for all At the end of the event Mr Hasnie presented honorary shields to the Naat Khawans and Master of the ceremony PR

Joint Ventures, technology transfer solution to economic crisis: Motiwala

K A R A C H I: Pakistan can come out of its current worst economic crisis through increasing production joint ventures and technology transfers

This was stated by M Zubair Motiwala Chief Executive Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, at the inauguration of the 12th IEEEP Fair being held at Karachi Expo Centre from October 35 He added that Pakistan is shy of joint ventures, so I suggest to our industrial sector that they should look for technological transfer through joint ventures and help the national economy by creating strong base for import substitution The IEEEP Fair offers a distinctive platform for exhibitors in the fields of electronics, electrical engineering, and renewable energy, along with consultants and trade visitors to exchange insights foster an in-depth understanding of the latest advancements and technological expertise within the engineering industry said Zubair PR

Thar Foundation organizes free eye c amp in Tharpark ar

KARACHI: Thar Foundation (TF) recently organized a three-day free eye camp, achieving a remarkable milestone in the field of eye health in Tharparkar by providing consultations to over 100 people from the local communities Through this initiative Thar Foundation in collaboration with AlBaseer Eye Hospitals Karachi, conducted 109 free eye surgeries saving individuals from experiencing blindness This significant accomplishment underscores TF's unwavering commitment to improving health and enhancing overall well-being and quality of life in the Tharparkar region and its surrounding areas With a focus on ensuring a healthier future for the community, Thar Foundation s efforts have extended beyond just cataract surgeries The Foundation has also undertaken a comprehensive approach to eye health, which includes supporting 1 200 people through eye screening initiatives Mr Amir Iqbal Chief Executive Officer Thar Foundation expressed his enthusiasm for the organization s accomplishments says Preventing over 100 people from experiencing blindness and preserving their sight is a commendable effort and achievement of Thar Foundation PR

Unity Plantations (Private) Limited [a wholly owned subsidiary of Sunridge Foods (Private) Limited, which in turn is a wholly owned subsidiary of Unity Foods Limited, hereinafter collectively referred to as Unity Group] and Green Corporate Initiative (Private) Limited are proud to announce a groundbreaking Master Collaboration Agreement that is set to reshape Pakistan s agriculture and livestock sector, bolstering food security and promoting sustainable development This strategic partnership is dedicated to addressing critical challenges within Pakistan s agricultural landscape with a sharp focus on enhancing food security, reducing reliance on imports, elevating seed productivity,

preserving the nation s rich biodiversity by establishing a complete eco system and developing integrated supply chain within and outside Pakistan Unity Group, will be leveraging modern technologies international networks technical prowess its existing state of the art processing facilities and substantial financial resources, for spearheading efforts

Foundation Universit y Islamabad holds Convocation for Session 2019 – 2022, batches spring 2019 & 2021

ISLAMABAD: The convocation ceremony 2023 of Foundation University Islamabad (FUI) for Foundation University College of Dentistry (BDS) and Foundation University College of Nursing BSN, BSN-PRN of Session 2019 – 2022, Batches Spring 2019 & 2021 was held on 3rd October 2023 in Jinnah Auditorium Foundation University School of Health Sciences in the presence of the honorable chief guest Dr Arif Alvi the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan The ceremony was also graced by Maj Gen Nadeem Ahmed Rana HI(M), Commandant Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Rawalpindi as Guest of Honour Major General Nasir Dilawar Shah HI (M) (R) Rector Foundation University Islamabad and Maj Gen Imran Fazal HI

(M) (R) Director Foundation University School of Health Sciences PR

TDAP’s annual Lahore WEXNET exhibition remained a success

The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan's annual WEXNET exhibition held in Lahore this year was a resounding success

To date the ZABA Eye Project has reached out to eight schools, screening an astounding total of 2,556 students One striking revelation from the project’s work is the high prevalence of visual impairments amongst these students In each of the schools visited a significant percentage of students ranging from 20 to 30 percent were in need of corrective glasses The ZABA Eye Project has been able to provide 700 free glasses In addition to the students, the teachers of the school are also screened and in a recent school all 25 teachers needed glasses This collaboration serves as a beacon of hope for these young learners by improving their vision and hence enhancing their educational experiences

The impact of visual impairment on a child’s education in Pakistan cannot be underestimated When students can’t see clearly their ability to read write or effectively engage with classroom materials is hindered which in turn affects their future prospects The glasses distributed by the ZABA Eye Project are poised to bring about a brighter future for Pakistan By providing clear vision to these young minds, the project opens up avenues for them to explore the world of knowledge and opportunities ultimately paving the way for a better and more promising future for the students of Pakistan

IESCO power suspension schedule for today

to cultivate corporate farms and livestock This ambitious endeavor will encompass a minimum of 75,000 acres of designated land, and utilization of the produce by establishing and further enhancing the operations of its processing facilities and related infrastructure to enrich the value of agricultural and livestock products

State Life prioritizes fight against cancer by par tnering with Pink Pakistan

KARACHI: State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan (SLIC) the nation's largest and leading life and health insurance provider announces strategic partnership with Pink Pakistan a non-profit and nongovernment organization dedicated to improving the lives of the women This collaboration demonstrates a shared commitment to addressing the pressing issues related to women's health and well-being in Pakistan By focusing on raising awareness about women s health and providing financial enablement through SLIC s Sinf-e-Aahan Cancer Protection Plan this partnership recognizes the multifaceted challenges women in Pakistan face, especially concerning healthcare and financial security PR

Beaconhouse elevates learning with google for educ ation tools through par tnership with Tech Valley

A transformative collaboration has been initiated by Beaconhouse the largest education network in Pakistan, with Tech Valley, the partner for Google for Education in Pakistan The initiative is aimed at revolutionizing educational experiences for over 100 000 students across Pakistan This collaboration integrates Google Chromebooks with Google for Education s Education Plus Workspace a comprehensive suite that provides a multitude of educational tools and features The approach aims to foster enriched learning, enhanced collaboration, and a secure learning environment PR

Jazz, UNDP collaborate to launch women initiative in Social Entrepreneurship Bootc amp

Jazz, Pakistan s leading digital operator, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pakistan inaugurated the Women's Initiative in Social Entrepreneurship (WISE) Bootcamp a transformative program that aims to empower and uplift 400 women social entrepreneurs across 12 cities in Pakistan

This innovative initiative equips women entrepreneurs with essential skills and business knowledge to effectively manage sustainable social enterprises Through the WISE Bootcamp, Jazz and UNDP Pakistan are committed to fostering positive change and economic empowerment among women in Pakistan s social entrepreneurship landscape During the inauguration ceremony of the WISE Bootcamp, delegates from Jazz and UNDP Pakistan conveyed their enthusiasm for this dynamic initiative aimed at bolstering women s social entrepreneurs PR

MIXED QUARTER FOR THE CEMENT INDUSTRY COMES TO AN END

decline of 7%, dispatching 3 035 million tons of cement, while the Southbased mills managed to fare slightly better, exhibiting a 5 79% increase in despatches totaling 1 079 million tons of cement during September 2023

PTI chief’s life ‘in danger’ in Adiala Jail: Panjutha

the corresponding period of the last fiscal year

However there are two sides to this coin Even though the local market took a notable hit the exports market grew Cement shipments within the country dropped by 6 87% Specifically, the North-based cement mills witnessed a

The international market painted a different picture for the industry with exports experiencing a significant upswing Exports surged by 19 24%, with volumes reaching 570,101 tons in September 2023 compared to 478 097 tons during the same month in 2022 The growth in exports was partially accredited to the north based mills recording a 12 43% increase Meanwhile the South-based mills spear-headed the growth and outperformed with an impressive 21 70% rise in exports

Despite the domestic decline in September the overall performance of

10 terrorists killed in Tank IBO: ISPR

RAWALPINDI

S TA F F R E P O R T

Ten terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Tank district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Tuesday, reported the ISPR

The ISPR – the military’s media affairs wing, in a statement said that security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Pezu area of Tank district During conduct of the operation intense fire exchange took place between our troops and terrorists and as result ten terrorists were sent to hell the ISPR said

Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed terrorists who remained actively involved in terrorist activities against security forces as well as extortion and targeted killing of innocent citizens ” it said The ISPR further stated that sanitisation of the area was being carried out to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area

Locals of the area appreciated the operation and expressed their full support to eliminate the menace of terrorism,” the military’s statement added

The security forces of Pakistan are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country S H A R P R I S E T E R R O R A C T I V I T I E S: Pakistan

has seen an uptick in terror activities especially in KP and Balochistan, after the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban

Pakistan (TTP) ended its ceasefire with the government in November

Last month at least three terrorists were killed by security forces in an operation carried out in Tirah valley of Khyber district

According to ISPR three terrorists including a commander, were killed in a fierce exchange of fire with security forces

“The security forces conducted an operation in the Tirah area of Khyber district following a tip-off about the presence of terrorists

This led to a heavy exchange of fire between the terrorists and security forces As a result three terrorists including Commander Kifayat alias Toor Adnan, were killed, the ISPR said in a statement

The commander was reportedly involved in attacks on civilians and security forces

the cement industry in the first quarter of the current fiscal year displayed resilience Total cement despatches, encompassing both domestic and exports, stood at 11 873 million tons marking a robust 23 40% increase from the 9 621 million tons dispatched during the same period in the last fiscal year Domestic despatches surged by 17 67%, reaching 10 122 million tons, while exports skyrocketed by 71 79%, totaling 1 751 million tons during the first three months of the current fiscal year

North-based mills were a driving force behind this quarterly growth dispatching 8 333 million tons of cement domestically, a significant 14 80% increase from the previous year Their exports also soared, marking a 48 33% rise reaching 428 235 tons during JulySeptember 2023 Meanwhile South-

based mills exhibited remarkable growth, with domestic despatches increasing by 33 18% and exports surging by 81 07% during the same period

Amid these fluctuations a spokesperson from the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association highlighted concerns within the industry

The rising import duty on coal, currently at 5%, poses a significant challenge, according to him Additionally, serious concerns were expressed by the industry about escalating power tariffs and petroleum prices

The spokesperson emphasised the need for government support including relief in duties and taxes, to enhance the industry’s competitiveness in international markets As the industry navigates external challenges stakeholders await government interventions to bolster the sector

S H C o r d e r s p o l i c e t o f i l e P T I l e a d e r U s m a n D a r ’s m i s s i n g c a s e

The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Tuesday ordered the police to register missing case of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Usman Dar

The high court on a petition ordered the police to file Usman Dar’s disappearance case today and report to the court on October 18 B a r r i s t e r A l i Ta h i r e a r l i e r told the bench that the high court h a d o r d e r e d t h e p o l i c e i n a p r e -

vious hearing for filing the missi n g c a s e The bench expressing its resentment asked the police why the case was not registered The applicant didn t approach the police, SHO told the court B a r r i s t e r A l i Ta h i r s a i d t h a t t h e c a r e t a k e r h o m e m i n i s t e r o f S i n d h h a d e a r l i e r c o n f e s s e d t h a t U s m a n D a r h a s b e e n i n p o l i c e c u s t o d y n o w t h e p o l i c e i s s a yi n g t h a t t h e P T I l e a d e r w a s n o t d e t a i n e d The police has been ordered

to file the case, the matter will be investigated, and everything will come to surface ” Justice Naimatullah Phulpoto remarked The court also summoned a written reply from the home secretary Sindh by Oct 18

Earlier, a petition was filed in the high court that former SAPM Usman Dar was detained by unidentified men in plain clothes from Malir Karachi Barrister Ali Tahir filed petition in the high court on behalf of Kamran, a close relative of Usman Dar

ECP writes to MoFA for inviting int ’l obser vers for general elec tions

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) dispatched a letter to Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Tuesday seeking to invite international observers for upcoming general elections

The ECP in the letter to Foreign Office said that it wanted to invite international observers under section 238 of the Election Act

The ECP ensures the participation of international observers for the transparency of the general elections, urging the Foreign Office to provide the list of organisations of foreign observers,” the letter read

The letter noted that Secretary Election Commission has summoned a meeting regarding the participation of observers in polls The Foreign Office will be informed about the meeting it added

The decision to international observers was taken at a meeting of the Commission in Islamabad with

Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja in the chair It was also decided to expedite process of cases of those international observers who have already made request to observe the electoral process

The Commission also directed to convene Inter Ministerial Meeting on 16th of this month in which a course of action will be decided on this issue

The Election Commission accorded approval to the code of conduct for International Observers and also allowed to publish it on priority basis

Last month the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced that general elections would be held in the last week of January 2024

The final delimitation list will be published on November 30, said ECP, adding that general elections will be held in the last week of January 2024 following the 54-day election schedule

The electoral body was under immense pressure from the political parties regarding the announcement of the election date

PTI loses one more seat in A JK Assembly

MUZAFFARABAD S TA F F R E P O R T

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lost one more seat in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Tuesday, after the Election Tribunal declared the election in LA 35 Jammu 2 null and void due to rigging The tribunal s judgment was issued on an application filed by Muslim League (N) candidate Chaudhry Ismail, who had alleged irregularities in the polling process The tribunal found that the rigging allegations were substantiated and or-

dered the Election Commission to take action against the officials involved The tribunal also ordered the Election Commission to re-conduct the election in LA 35 Jammu 2 The PTI had won 26 seats in the 2021 Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections, but its tally has now come down to 25 The Muslim League (N) has gained one seat, bringing its total to 7

The loss of another seat in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Assembly is a major blow to the PTI which is already facing a number of challenges at the national level

Naeem Haider Panjutha, lawyer of former prime minister Imran Khan on Tuesday feared that life that the PTI chief was in a danger following his shifting to a lower class cell at Adiala Jail last night

Talking to reporters in Islamabad on Tuesday

Panjutha spokesman for Imran Khan on legal affairs said Imran s wife Bushra Bibi met the former prime minister in Adiala Jail today There is danger to Imran Khan s life, he claimed Imran can be slow food poisoned he is being mentally tortured and his movement has been restricted ” Imran was shifted to Attock jail on August 5 2023 after a court sentenced him to three years in prison in the Toshakhana case for concealing details of gifts he received as the prime minister of Pakistan

After his sentence in the Toshakhana case was suspended by the Islamabad High Court, the government detained the ex-premier in the cipher case

He has since remained behind bars on judicial remand On September 26 Imran was shifted to Central Jail Adiala from District Jail Attock following IHC orders passed on a plea filed by the PTI

Last night, the police ramped up security in the vicinity of the Adiala jail by deploying elite commandos and setting up additional security pickets to ensure foolproof measures The decision was taken in light of recommendations by the Special Branch and relevant departments following a survey of Adiala Jail

Panjutha alleged that he had received reports last night that the PTI chief was moved to a lower class cell Security personnel have been stationed outside the cell and mobile phones have been taken for them,” he said, claiming that these were new ways of “breaking” Imran

The PTI lawyer added that a petition pertaining to Imran s conditions in jail was filed in the IHC and the application was fixed for hearing on October 5

There were objection [by the court] earlier that the matter has already but decided but no directions have been passed on Imran Khan’s health, which is a basic fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution,”

Pakistan, China to sign pact allowing third par t y par ticipation in CPEC projects

Pakistan and China are poised to ink a pivotal pact during the upcoming Belt and Road Forum (BRF) allowing for the participation of third parties in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects

The move comes after a year-long ban on public announcements regarding third-party involvement Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) made it clear that as per policy pronouncements on third-party participation are to be made only after mutual consultation and consensus

In a letter written by the Director General (China)

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it is mentioned that there have been several instances regarding third-party inclusion in CPEC The letter says that the CPEC Joint Cooperation Committee has entrusted the Joint Working Group on International Cooperation and Coordination (JWG-ICC) with the responsibility of managing all matters related to the prospective inclusion of third parties in CPEC initiatives

This announcement follows a detailed briefing by MoFA on September 22, 2023, which outlined the progress achieved by the JWG-ICC a group formed in 2018 with the primary objective of fostering a conducive international environment to facilitate the development and promotion of CPEC Since its inception, the group has convened four meetings, with the fourth one scheduled for this year Sami Saeed, the caretaker minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives expressed his satisfaction with the progress made by the JWG-ICC

He emphasized the significance of finalizing Modalities/Terms of Reference (ToRs) for third-party involvement in CPEC projects and directed that these matters be concluded expeditiously for signing during the forthcoming Belt and Road Forum

This imminent agreement to permit third-party participation in CPEC projects underscores the continuing commitment of Pakistan and China to advancing economic cooperation and expanding the scope of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor

The Belt and Road Forum 2023 is expected to serve as a prominent platform for the formalization of this crucial arrangement, with potential implications for the future of regional and international trade and development

Nawaz will surrender to cour ts af ter reception on return: S anaullah

S

LAHORE

PML-N Punjab president Rana Sanaullah on Tuesday said that absconding party supremo Nawaz Sharif would return to the country with protective bail and would surrender to the court after his (welcome) reception in Lahore on October 21 Addressing a press conference in Lahore today while flanked by the party’s local workers, Sanaullah dispelled the impression of PML-N striking a deal with the military establishment

This impression is wrong and baseless he said Our legal team has made all the preparations regarding Nawaz Sharif s protective bail He will come back with a protective bail and surrender to the courts after his reception ” The former prime minister, who has been in self-imposed exile since 2019 left for London in the middle of his seven-year jail term on medical grounds In the four years that transpired Nawaz was declared a proclaimed offender in the Al Azizia and Avenfield graft cases for his continuous absence from proceedings

On Sept 12 this year Nawaz’s brother Shehbaz had confirmed that his elder brother was returning to the country on Oct 21 On Sept 30 the PML-N had declared that Nawaz was ready to face all kinds of circumstances upon his return from London When asked whether he or the party had received any hint that Nawaz would be granted protective bail Sanaullah asserted: We don t believe in such hints

The former interior minister maintained that the PML-N supremo s case was based on facts, adding: We fully believe in Nawaz Sharif s innocence and since this case holds no weight, it’s unlikely that we won’t get relief ” Sanaullah also mentioned how many people had availed relief in the past and that the party had complete faith in the legal process

The entire public is waiting to welcome their leader Nawaz Sharif He s coming to Lahore and will address the public at Minar-i-Pakistan People from all walks of life and all over the country will come to Lahore They will hear Nawaz live and the media will cover it throughout ” Listing Nawaz s contributions to the na-

tion and “how he always led the country out of crisis Sanaullah recalled the pre-2013 election situation when the country was beset with terrorism and how the former PM steered the country out of it after his election victory “There were many martyrs every day Mosques, markets, imambargahs nothing was safe Many people lost their lives in the Lahore market blast But when people gave him the mandate we proved to the world that we solved the country s problems and put it on a path to recovery in the next four years, he added Sanaullah said the PML-N chief would “give hope to the people” while addressing them in Lahore and also “transform it into a reality” He added that the PML-N would also release its manifesto then The aim is to make the common man s life easier Criticising the experiments carried out in the country, the PML-N leader claimed that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would have been completed by now and Pakistan would be in the G20 if Imran Khan had not been brought into power