E-Paper PDF 1st November (LHR)

CMYK

Friday, 1 November, 2019 I 3 Rabi-ul-Awwal, 1441 I Rs 20.00 I Vol X No 122 I 16 Pages I Lahore Edition

TrAin inferno devours over 74 rAiwind pilgrims g

RailwayS MiniSteR ClaiMS fiRe CauSed by lPG CylindeR exPloSion, eyewitneSS SayS it waS CauSed by ShoRt CiRCuit in fan

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PM oRdeRS iMMediate inquiRy, Punjab CM deClaReS eMeRGenCy in hoSPitalS

Resignation not an issue, says Sheikh Rasheed STORY ON PAGE 02

RAHIM YAR KHAN

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STAFF REPORT

t least 74 people were killed and over 40 were injured on thursday morning when fire engulfed three bogies of KarachiRawalpindi tezgam train near Liaqatpur city of Rahim Yar Khan district.

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar declared emergency in all hospitals of the area. He announced that all resources, including helicopters of the provincial government, had been made available for rescue and emergency activities.

Earlier in the day, Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid said that according to information received from the site of the accident, over 73 people were killed while more than 40 were injured.

Rescue 1122 said that the bodies would be identified through DNA testing. talking to reporters, Rahim Yar Khan District Police Officer (DPO) Ameer taimoor Khan said the dead and injured, which also include women and children, were shifted to DHQ Hospital in Liaqatpur. Some of the injured were also shifted to Bahawal Victoria Hospital in Bahawalpur due to their critical condition.

According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Rescue 1122 teams extinguished the fire and carried out a cooling and search operation under the supervision of Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed. Army troops, including doctors

and paramedics were also dispatched to assist rescue teams in the operation, the statement added. the military’s media wing further stated that an army helicopter was dispatched from Multan in order to rescue the injured. the site of the incident portrayed a horrible image. television footage aired in the immediate aftermath of the incident showed flame rising from the train carriages whereas people could be heard crying and screaming for help. Another video which went viral on social media showed a man crying for his father as his father’s body burned right in front of his eyes.

Addressing a presser following the incident, the railways minister claimed that the fire was caused by a LPG cylinder blast that occurred in the morning when passengers were preparing their breakfast.

Rasheed also said that it was a “failure” on part of authorities as they failed to carry out a thorough checking of the passengers’ luggage.

PASSENGER DISPUTES CLAIM: However, a passenger of the train disputed the statements of Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed that the incident took place due to gas cylinders carried by tableeghi jamaat members.

In a video that went viral, the eyewitness claimed that the fire could not be attributed to the gas cylinder blast as all the cylinders were emptied at the station. the fire broke out in the AC sleeper where the cylinders were not allowed, he said, adding that

PML-N throws spanner in Fazl’s ‘Azadi’ plans

they were told by railway personnel that it was in fact due to a short circuit in the ceiling fan.

He claimed the fan had not been repaired for the past four days. the eye witness added, there were no fire extinguishers in the carriages and rejected the railways minster’s statement that tableeghi jamaat passengers were behind the incident.

PM ORDERS IMMEDIATE INQUIRY: Prime Minister Imran Khan said he was “deeply saddened by the terrible tragedy of the tezgam train”.

“My condolences go to the victims’ families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.

I have ordered an immediate inquiry to be completed on an urgent basis,” he said via twitter.

President Arif Alvi “expressed profound grief on the loss of precious lives in the tragic blast”.

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said, “tragedy must immediately be investigated and accountability ensured.

PM should keep his pre-election promise and sack the minister until investigation is complete.”

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif said he was “heartbroken at such a massive train tragedy” and offered condolences to the bereaved families.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman issued a condolence statement and said that such events were a result of “poor planning”. He demanded a thorough probe into the incident.

Verdict reserved on Maryam’s bail plea in CSM case STORY ON PAGE 03

STORY ON PAGE 11

Government jacks up petrol price by Rs1

Streets deserted as India divides occupied Kashmir STORY ON BACK PAGE

STORIES ON PAGES 02 & 03

Govt warns azadi marchers against crossing ‘red lines’

China says division of IOK into union territories Pakistan rejects illegal, ineffective ‘illegal’ bifurcation of Kashmir STORY ON BACK PAGE STORY ON BACK PAGE

CMYK Friday, 1 November, 2019

02 NEWS

Govt warns azadi marchers aGainst crossinG 'red lines' ISLAMABAD

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STAFF REPORT

He federal government on Thursday reminded the Jamiat Ulemae-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) protesters that Islamabad, besides being the seat of the government, was also home to a large community of expatriates and residents whose security was the responsibility of the state.

Holding a list of 7,000 names of people who she claimed “connect Pakistan to the world”, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Communication Firdous Ashiq Awan said that after the 2008 Marriott Hotel bombing, the United Nations had declared Islamabad to be a ‘non-family station’.

“From 2008, after a continuous struggle, the incumbent government was finally able to reverse that decision thanks to the Prime Minister’s international image building efforts,” she noted, sitting next to Interior Minister Brigadier (r) Ijaz Shah.

“We are very familiar with political muscle flexing, protest — we ourselves are political players. We have no worries about answering political challenges. But when there is unrest in the capital […] the Pakistani diaspora — which is fighting for Pakistan — is hindered in doing its job,” she said.

“I am therefore hopeful that Mullah Fazlur Rehman’s […] political adventure — his peaceful protest, to which his full right

SAPM SAYS AZADI MARCH PROTESTERS SHOULD NOT ENDANGER SECURITY OF EXPATRIATES AND RESIDENTS LIVING IN ISLAMABAD is acknowledged by the government and given him space — will proceed [as agreed] and the commitments they [the JUI-F] have made will be upheld and they will not endanger the stability of the country.

“Their political grievances — which have no weight, which are baseless, emotional and are detached from reality — [should not make them forget that] they have a relationship with Pakistan which they should not try to weaken. [They should not] do anything that endangers national security or our national standing in the world,” she warned.

Interior Minister Ijaz Shah then took the mic to detail the preparations done by the government to facilitate the protesters.

“Maulana sahab first decided that we will agitate against the government two months ago, in the [opposition’s] first ‘All Party Conference’. If I remember correctly, this happened on July 19, 2019. There were two more APCs after that. They [JUI-F] weren’t sure when and if they would march or not. They weren’t sure of what they would march for, or what their demands would be — this is all on the record.”

“However, on October 3, it was decided by Maulana sahab that [he would march on Islamabad]. They had only one

demand at the time, but they kept increasing over the days. You must remember what those demands were.

“The decision had been taken by Maulana sahab and apparently only he knew about what he would do — even his allied parties had no idea about what he wanted.

This is what you all [the media] reported and we heard it from you,” Shah said.

“When all of this was happening, political statements from both sides […] raised the political temperature. Nonetheless, for the first time the prime minister of Pakistan took the decision […] that he would allow the march to proceed. He said ‘I am a politician, I have marched myself, I will not stop Maulana sahab’. This is the first time in history a prime minister took this position,” Shah said.

“The prime minister also said that [whoever follows] the courts’ decisions in this regard — the Supreme Court decision penned by Justice Qazi Faez Isa and the decision of the Islamabad High Court — is most welcome to Islamabad.”

“Those people or segments of society which wanted unrest in Pakistan were caught off-guard by [the prime minister’s] decision. These groups included those who wanted to settle scores and fire shots from

Resignation not an issue, says Sheikh Rasheed MULTAN STAFF REPORT

Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed on Thursday said that the people who want him to resign after the Tezgam inferno must wait till Sunday.

Addressing a presser following the incident, the railways minister claimed that the fire was caused by a LPG cylinder blast that occurred in the morning when passengers were preparing their breakfast.

“Two cooking stoves blew up.

They [the passengers] were cooking, they had [cooking] oil which added fuel to fire,” he said.

The minister said that the passengers who had been using the cylinder had been stopped by a guard and the driver from doing so. “In front of the guard they turned off the stove, but when he left, they turned it back on,” he added.

Rasheed said that it was a “failure” on the part of the authorities since they failed to carry out thorough checking of the passengers’ luggage.

Many people saved their lives by jumping off the train, the minister said, adding that the damaged track will be made operational within two hours.

The minister said that 134 trains had been making a minutelong stop for passengers in Raiwind. “The whole world earns from freight and we are the only ones who earn from passengers,”

he said, adding that the ministry was now earning up to Rs180190 million versus the previous Rs130 million figure but “then this tragedy unfolded”.

The minister thanked all those who participated in rescue operations, especially Pakistan Army ambulances, who saved many lives by transporting them quickly to hospitals.

Rasheed rejected the impression that there was a non-availability of “pull chains” to alert the driver to stop the train. “The train stopped due to the chain being pulled, otherwise the whole train would have been on fire,” he added.

When asked about whether he would resign from the ministry, he said that it is “not an issue” and he would speak about the matter on Sunday. He added that an inquiry will be conducted within 15 days and the parties responsible would be punished.

The minister also paid a visit to the Shaikh Zayed Hospital in Rahim Yar Khan where some of the injured were being treated. He instructed the hospital staff to ensure the best possible treatment to all those wounded. He was also expected to visit Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Multan.

Later, in a video message, the railways minister announced that a compensation of Rs1.5 million will be paid to the heirs of the deceased while Rs500,000 will be provided to those who are injured.

CMYK

the Maulana’s shoulders.”

“Then, again for the first time in Pakistan’s political history, the government created a committee under [Defence Minister] Pervaiz Khattak to go ask the opposition what they wanted.

“Around the time the Maulana’s march was being ‘converted’ to an opposition march, they [opposition politicians] created their Rehbar Committee. After that committee was formed, these people were approached by the PTI’s core team multiple times. The Rehbar Committee told them on the third attempt at contact that yes, they would meet the government functionaries.

“After that, there were two meetings in a single day. It was reported that the negotiations had failed. After a day, there was another round of talks, in which both committees sat in one place to discuss.

We had meanwhile kept apprising the opposition of all threats, some of which were also reported in the media. They insisted they wanted to march on DChowk. Nothing else was discussed.

They were told that the judiciary had forbidden a sit-in at D-Chowk and they should go to Parade Ground. They said they would not go there — it is clear why, and I will not say so myself. They later told us that they wanted Peshawar More instead. They were eventually granted that wish and their local leadership was shown the venue and they agreed to it.

JUI-F leader Mufti Kifayatullah released on bail PESHAWAR STAFF REPORT

The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Thursday ordered the release of Mufti Kifayat ullah, a central leader of Jamiat Ulema-eIslam-Fazl (JUI-F), on bail.

Kifayat ullah was arrested by the Islamabad police on Sunday on charges of inciting people for participation in the October 31 anti-government ‘Azadi March’ and collection of donation for the protest. A two-member bench of the high court based in Abbottabad comprising Justice Ijaz Anwar and Justice Shakeel Ahmad heard the bail petition which had been filed by the JUI-F. Kifayatullah will be released once the court orders reach Haripur Central Jail, where he is imprisoned. Once free, he will join the caravan heading to Islamabad to partake in the JUI-F protest. The JUI-F leader’s arrest had come a day after the signing of an agreement between the government and the JUI-Fled opposition regarding the venue of the Azadi March in Islamabad.

Lawyer approaches Punjab govt for shifting Abbasi to hospital ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

The counsel of former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has approached Punjab Home Secretary Syed Ali Murtaza Shah asking him to comply with a court order to shift his client to a hospital for medical tests.

A medical board, comprising doctors from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), on Monday suggested shifting Abbasi, who is currently incarcerated in the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) scandal, from Adalia jail to a hospital after his health deteriorated.

The medical board has recommended a hernia surgery for the 60-year-old Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader.

Medical reports also suggest that Abbasi has stones in his bladder and kidney.

In a letter to Shah dated Oct 28, the defense counsel said that he had informed the accountability court in Islamabad that jail authorities were not having Abbasi’s medical tests conducted.

To which, the court had directed the jail authorities to comply with instructions of the medical board that examined Abbasi, the letter disclosed.

However, Adiala Jail superintendent told the court that the home department is the relevant forum to approach for permis-

sion to shift an under-trial prisoner to a hospital.

Abbasi’s counsel requested the home secretary to comply with the accountability court’s directives and immediately order his client’s transfer to a hospital to prevent further deterioration of his health.

During Abbasi’s appearance before the accountability court on October 28, the political leader’s counsel submitted a plea praying upon the court to broadcast the LNG scandal trial on television.

Former Finance Minister Miftah Ismail and Imran-ul-Haq were presented before the court. Judge Muhammad Bashir heard the case.

“Imran Khan claims he is behind the accountability drive in the country while the NAB chairman also claims he is behind the accountability drive in the country. People should know what is happening and they should be able to watch everything on TV,” said Abbasi.

The former premier also moved a petition in the accountability court seeking permission to be treated at Al-Shifa Hospital at his expense.

“I want to undergo surgery at Al-Shifa Hospital at my expense. The Punjab government is not ready to take any responsibility,” he added.

The court, meanwhile, extended Abbasi’s judicial remand till Nov 19 and adjourned the hearing.

CMYK Friday, 1 November, 2019

NEWS

03

Pml-n throws sPanner in Fazl’s ‘azadi’ Plans FAZL WARNS OF CHAOS IF IMRAN FAILS TO RESIGN RAWALPINDI

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STAFF REPORT

He Azadi March led by the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) entered Islamabad on Thursday, where it will be likely to culminate in a sit-in at H-9 venue that would be attended by the opposition parties, including the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Awami National Party.

The opposition, however, is divided on the date of the sit-in, especially after a ‘unilateral’ announcement made by the PML-N, wherein it announced a one-day delay in the jalsa owing to a train accident in Rahim Yar Khan which claimed 73 lives.

In a statement to the media, PML-N Spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb said the rally will now take place after prayers on Friday.

The statement initially opposed by Maulana Fazl was later agreed upon

BILAWAL SAYS AZADI MARCH CLEAR MESSAGE TO ‘INCOMPETENT’ GOVT TO GO HOME when the JUI-F chief’s spokesperson and Rehbar Committee head Akram Khan Durrani confirmed the postponement of the rally till Friday.

Sources said that Faz agreed to the PML-N’s suggestion for delaying the jalsa after PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif spoke to him on the telephone.

According to reports, PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif will address the Azadi March participants on Friday.

A JUI-F leader, on the condition of anonymity, told Pakistan Today that the “party leadership felt being backstabbed due to what he called a last-minute betrayal by the PML-N and PPP”.

Though, the agreement to the PMLN’s ‘demand’ seemingly bridged the difference between the two parties, Fazl’s Azadi March found itself mired in yet another problem after the PPP and ANP refused to budge from the ‘scheduled’ Thursday sit-in.

PPP chief Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, whose participation in the sit-in was confirmed by spokesperson Mustafa

Nawaz Khokhar earlier in the day, has refused to attend the rally on Friday due to his prior engagements.

“On return from Rahim Yar Khan tomorrow, Bilawal will try to join the opposition’s jalsa but nothing is confirmed yet,” said Khokhar, adding that his party was ‘concerned’ about the “prevailing confusion” regarding the sit-in. “Bilawal would skip Friday’s rally if the confusion persisted,” he added.

At midnight, PPP chief Bilawal reached the venue at midnight. During the address, he slammed the ruling PTI for its inability to solve problems faced by masses and blamed the “incompetent” Prime Minister Imran Khan for pushing Pakistan towards economic disaster.

He said he was there to represent his party and paid tribute to the Azadi marchers, saying the protest was a “clear message to the government to go home”.

He said the people of the country were against the ‘puppet’ government, as they favoured democracy and free-

LHC reserves verdict on Maryam’s bail plea in CSM case NAB PROSECUTOR OPPOSES BAIL TO PML-N VP, SAYS MARYAM’S CASE DOES NOT QUALIFY AS ‘EXTRAORDINARY’ AS PER SC RULING LAHORE STAFF REPORT

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday reserved its verdict on a bail plea filed by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz in the Chaudhry Sugar Mills (CSM) case after the petitioner’s lawyer and National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecutor concluded their arguments.

Maryam had approached LHC on Sept 30 seeking post-arrest bail in the case, which is being investigated by NAB. Following the sudden deterioration in the health of her father, Nawaz Sharif, she then filed a miscellaneous petition on Oct 24 seeking immediate bail on the basis of “fundamental rights” and “humanitarian reasons”. A twomember LHC bench comprising Justice Ali Baqar Najafi and Justice Sardar Ahmad Naeem heard the petitions on Thursday.

During the proceedings, NAB prosecutor Jahanzaib Bharwana opposed Maryam’s request for bail on humanitarian grounds and said: “It has been established by Supreme Court’s verdicts that a suspect can only be granted bail in extraordinary circumstances,” he said, adding: “Maryam Nawaz’s case does not qualify as an extraordinary one.”

“The jail superintendent had allowed Maryam Nawaz to meet her father [according to her wishes],” Bharwana argued.

In a previous hearing of the appeal, the court had asked Maryam’s counsel if she had been granted permission to meet her ailing father Nawaz Sharif, to which her lawyer, Azam Nazir Tarar, responded in the affirmative.

Nawaz was rushed to the Services Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS) last week after his personal physician raised alarm about his deteriorating health. He is currently admitted at the hospital. Bharwana said that Maryam had played an “important role in money laundering” and added that a hefty amount of money was transferred from accounts opened by CSM to the petitioner.

NAB suspects Maryam of involvement in money laundering through investments of variable heavy amounts being the main shareholder of the CSM. It has alleged that she was involved in money laundering with the help of some foreigners during the period of 1992-93 when her father Nawaz Sharif was the prime minister.

The court was informed that Maryam had not been able to give satisfactory answers to NAB’s inquiries regarding her shares in CSM. She was also unable to explain how she attained the funds to establish Shamim Sugar Mills, Bharwana said.

The lawyer further said that the PML-N vice president had not filed her tax returns for many years and was suspected of owning assets beyond known means.

Maryam and her cousin Yousaf Abbas were arrested by NAB on Aug 8 in the case. Later, on Sept 26, they were sent to jail on judicial remand by an accountability court in Lahore.

Nawaz’s platelets count to improve gradually, says Dr Ayaz LAHORE STAFF REPORT

Professsor Dr Mehmood Ayaz, the head of medical board formed for former Nawaz Sharif’s health, on Thursday that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supreme leader’s blood platelets count is presently 35,000, which will further increase gradually.

Speaking to the media after a meeting of the board, he said that the blood platelets will now gradually increase by around five to six thousands daily.

“His health has improved,” he added. The

doctor said that Nawaz’s medical treatment will be continued and he will not be discharged from the hospital at the moment. earlier, he said that a course of injections has been completed and the senior doctors will be consulted over the health of former premier in the meeting of the medical board. Platelets are tiny blood cells that help the body form clots to stop bleeding. If blood vessels in the body get damaged, platelets rush to the site of damage and form a clot to fix the damage.

Sharif was admitted to the Services Hospital in Lahore after his blood platelets count went down to dangerous levels.

CMYK

dom of expression rather than living under a ‘selected’ regime. He said the incumbent government was an attack on the democratic system.

He said slain prime minister Benazir Bhutto gave her life rather than giving to a dictator and the PPP was carrying on her tradition of resistance.

Meanwhile, ANP President Asfandyar Wali said that his party’s caravan had arrived at the venue per agreed plan and they would also leave the rally the same night after addressing the participants.

“We have arrived here at H-9. We will address the rally participants and leave tonight irrespective of the fact who arrives or not,” he said while addressing the media persons. In a question pertaining to an apparent rift between the opposition parties, Wali said: “There is no rift among the opposition parties about attending the march.

Today was the date for the rally… even if anyone reaches here or not, the ANP is here. We will address here and leave.”

“In any jalsa, someone comes first and others later. But it doesn’t make any difference,” he added. In an interview with senior journalist Asma Sherazi, JUIF chief Fazlur Rehman said there would be “chaos” in the country if Prime Minis-

ter Imran Khan failed to resign.

“We have to finally get the resignation from them (the government). And we will fight for it,” he said, refusing to back down. “The JUI-F wants to give the government a time period of 2-3 days while sitting in Islamabad,” said Fazl, adding the next strategy for the sit-in would be decided by the people.

The chance of JUI-F giving time to the PTI-led government has ended, said Fazl, doubling down on his anti-government rhetoric.

The JUI-F, which kicked-off its much-trumpeted anti-government rally on Sunday from Karachi’s Sohrab Goth area, reached Lahore on Wednesday morning where it gathered a large crowd at the Greater Iqbal Park, the same venue where, in 2011, the incumbent premier had held one of the biggest political rallies in the history of Pakistan.

Addressing a charged crowd of his supporters he had brought along, Fazl had said, “Pakistanis, from Karachi to Islamabad, are in agreement that Prime Minister Imran Khan should resign.”

“The premier still has time to ‘respectfully’ submit his resignation,” he had said, adding that Pakistanis now would not give him further time to do so.

04 LAHORE

Friday, 1 November, 2019

WEATHER UPDATES FRIDAY

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Smog chokeS Lahore once again GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS DENY FAILURE TO IMPLEMENT SMOG COMMISSION’S FINDINGS, BLAME INDIAN FARMERS FOR POLLUTION LAHORE

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SHAHAB OMER

UNjAB government’s claims of making efforts for controlling smog fell short when pollutants once again engulfed several areas of the province, including the capital.

Government officials, on the other hand, are blatant in their denial of their failure to implement the findings of the smog commission, as they continue to blame Indian farmers for the recent spell of smog in Punjab.

A day earlier, Air Quality Index in Lahore had reached 484 at 10am, adding that the threshold for hazardous level of

air quality was 300. The index warned that the soupy air in Lahore is hazardous to breathe, especially for young children.

Another index ranked Lahore as the second most polluted city in the world.

Haziness, and nose and eye irritation is a clear indication of the beginning of the phenomenon which has been pestering Lahore and other cities of Punjab in October and November for the past few years.

Amnesty International also blamed the Punjab government for exposing people to hazardous air risks in violation of their human rights to life and health.

Health experts warn that if the air quality continues to deteriorate, the average lifespan would be shortened and a series of health problems will arise for the residents of Pakistan’s most populous province.

Smog first engulfed Lahore in November 2016 and culminated only after a spell of rainfall. The citizens panicked after facing a phenomenon which was previously unknown to them and urged the government to act before it becomes a serious health hazard.

INCOMPETENCE OR CORRUPTION? In 2017, after a number of petitions were filed by citizens against the concerned government departments and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), the Lahore High Court (LHC) ordered the formation of a smog commission.

The commission released its report in May 2018, wherein it was suggested that there was a dire need for immediate actions to prevent reemergence of smog in winter. The commission also stated that EPA should install at

IGP says police facilitating train inferno victims LAHORE: Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) captain (r) Arif Nawaz Khan on Thursday expressed grief, sympathy and condolences with families of the deceased and injured persons who became victim to the Tez Gam train fire near Liaqatpur in the area of Raheem Yar Khan. In his message, the IGP said that every official of the Punjab Police equally shares the grief of the victim families whereas all steps shall be taken to help the affected citizens. Upon receiving information of the tragic incident, the IGP directed the Bahawalpur RPO Imran Mehmud and Raheem Yar Khan DPO Ameer Taimur Khan to constitute police teams, reach the spot and stay there to provide help with all available resources.

Police officials participated in a rescue operation under the supervision of the Bahawalpur RPO and Raheem Yar Khan DPO. They ensured the provision of food, medicine, water and transfer of injured and dead passengers to hospitals. Further, traffic police kept routes towards the railway track open so that uninterrupted aid activities could continue without hiccups and relief operation might be fulfilled.

STAFF REPORT

least 10 stations to monitor air quality immediately and 20 later on.

However, EPA failed to meet the recommendations of the commission could only install nine monitoring stations in different cities of the province.

According to sources familiar with the matter, only one out of the nine monitoring stations was producing accurate results. They also said that EPA had also failed to compile any accurate data about air quality in the province.

Sources further said that in 2017, when EPA allegedly procured substandard equipment for the station, a number of citizens filed complaints against the authority and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) is still looking into the matter.

On the condition of anonymity, an official familiar with the details of the scandal, said that former director laboratories Tauqeer Qureshi, who is now the director of EPA, was responsible for procurement of sub-

standard equipment. The official said that vehicular emissions are the primary cause of smog in the province. “It is the responsibility of EPA to keep a check on vehicular emissions but they are more concerned about industries and brick kilns. They have turned a blind eye towards more serious mattes,” the official said.

Another source offered a conflicting version of the situation. The source said that while the air quality is being accurately measured, the EPA is intentionally revealing better air quality so as to avoid tussle with industrialists and brick kiln owners.

When contacted, Qureshi said that best air quality monitors were procured by the authority in 2017 and NAB cleared them of allegations as well.

“We are doing our best to control this issue in Punjab but as we know smog cannot be predicted,” he added.

Speaking to this scribe, EPA Spokesperson Mian Ijaz said that the authority is monitoring the situation. “We are issuing fines over excessive vehicular emissions at the entry and exit points of Lahore. Moreover, our teams are keeping a check on pollution in nine towns of the city,” he said.

Friday, 1 November, 2019

NEWS

05

Vulture population shows tentative signs of recovery in Pakistan KARACHI AGENCIES

Once a prime candidate for extinction, the population of vultures in Pakistan has shown tentative signs of recovery in the past five years, but nature’s “garbage disposal” is still facing looming threats on several fronts, experts said.

The population of several species of vulture started declining in the mid-1990s due to the ingestion of livestock carcasses

Kashmir situation is of 'profound concern' to UK: PM Johnson

containing residues of deadly cattle drugs.

Apart from drugs, food shortages, and an increase in tree felling, especially those with vulture nests, have all been important contributors in the declining number of vultures. The critically endangered oriental white-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis) and long-billed vulture (Gyps indicus) have declined across most of their range by over 95% since the mid1990s, according to a recent report published by the Pakistan chapter of the

Rights body seeks Munir Akram’s removal as ambassador to UN KARACHI

LONDON

STAFF REPORT

INP

The Women's Action Forum (WAF) on Thursday filed a petition in the Sindh High Court seeking the removal of Munir Akram as Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations In its petition, the WAF said Akram's appointment by the government and the ministry of foreign affairs as a Pakistani diplomat was “illegal, unlawful and void-ab-initio”.

The petition called upon the court to restrain Akram “from performing functions of the Ambassador / Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations”. In their petition, the women’s rights organisation noted that, according to Pakistani the law, a retired civil servant cannot be re-hired by the federal government unless the grounds for the re-employment are concerned with the public interest.

The organisation lashed out at the government and the ministry of foreign affairs for whimsically and capriciously making appointments of civil servants.

The petition mentioned the allegations of domestic abuse against the

After describing the situation in Jammu and Kashmir as serious, Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday expressed profound concern when asked in the House of Commons about allegations of human rights violations there. Several British MPs have voters with origins and links in Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, many of whom participated in recent protests in London against the structural changes made by the Indian government in August.

Steve Baker, Conservative MP from Wycombe, asked Johnson during Prime Minister’s Questions: "Thousands of British people in Wycombe have family and friends on one or both sides of the Line of Control in Kashmir". "With so many serious allegations of human rights abuses being made, does the government accept that this is not merely some foreign policy issue to be dealt with by others but that it is an issue of the most immediate and profound concern in Wycombe and in towns across the UK". Johnson responded: "He is absolutely right. This matter is very much not just to him and his constituents but the welfare of communities in Kashmir is of profound concern to the UK government". "He also knows that it is the long-standing position of the UK government that the crisis in Kashmir is fundamentally a matter for India and Pakistan to resolve.”

World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

Tharparkar district, mainly the Thar desert, which borders India, hosts the largest population of vultures, followed by scattered spots in southern Punjab, Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK), and the southwestern Balochistan province.

According to a 2016-17 survey conducted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the population of vultures was found mainly in the Nagarparkar and Islamkot areas of Tharparkar,

diplomat that had made headlines around the globe. Citing reports from international media, WAF said Akram was involved in assaulting a woman in an incident of domestic violence in 2003.

“It was also reported that the gravity of the actions of Respondent No. 3 [Munir Akram] produced an official request by the State Department of the United States of America to Pakistan to withdraw the diplomatic immunity enjoyed as a diplomat by Respondent No. 3 [Munir Akram] so that he could be proceeded against under American law,” it noted. “In light of the accusation of domestic violence, it is requested of the Honorable Court, to reflect on the impression this creates in the global environment, and also the impression made of the standards of behaviour reflective of official representatives,” read the petition.

WAF’s petition called upon the court to direct Munir Akram to show on what authority he claims to hold the office of the Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations.

The women’s rights organization urged the high court to declare that Akram’s appointment letter was illegal and was issued without lawful authority.

Zartaj blames Opp's Azadi March for Lahore smog Minister of State for Climate Change Zartaj Gul has said that the pollution in Lahore is increasing due to the extra number of vehicles entering Lahore for Azadi March.

In a video posted on Twitter from Gul’s official account, the minister has termed all reports fake which claimed that Lahore has entered into the list of most polluted cities of the world.

She said that the company which has released this data wants the government to install their equipment for monitoring air pollution and is spreading misleading reports for the past two years.

“They take their equipment out for

recording data when the traffic is dense and use these reports to spread panic”, the minister added.

Yesterday, the air quality monitoring station installed in US Consulate Lahore indicated that the Air Quality Index (AQI) of the city is near 469, while the threshold for hazardous levels of air quality is 300. Moreover, the London-based non-governmental organisation, Amnesty International in a statement released to the media on Wednesday stated that the levels of air quality in the province has been rated “near unhealthy” to “very unhealthy” for most of the year. NEWS DESK

A timeline of major train accidents during PTI govt’s tenure LAHORE STAFF REPORT

The Tezgam daily express, one of the oldest and most popular trains of Pakistan started in the 1950s, was engulfed in fire in the wee hours of Thursday morning, killing at least 74, include women and children.

While passengers of the train disputed the statements of Federal Minister for Railways Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed claiming that the incident took place due to gas cylinders carried by tableeghi jamaat members, the incident is an addition to the many accidents that have occurred during the Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaaf’s (PTI) government.

Below are the train accidents to take place since Sept 2018: September 16, 2018: Nine bogies of the Peshawar-bound Khushal Khan Khattak Express from Karachi derailed near Attock. 20 passengers were injured.

September 27, 2018: Another Peshawar-bound train derailed in which 11 bogies overturned in Se-

hwan, Sindh. December 18, 2018: 12 children were injured as a passenger train crashed into a school van near Narowal, Punjab. Local witnesses said the accident happened due to dense fog and because the gate at the crossing was left open.

June 9, 2019: Twenty-three bogies of a Karachi-bound freight train derailed in Sukkur.

June 20, 2019: Three people were killed when a passenger train collided with a stationary cargo train at Makli Shah, near Hyderabad.

July 11, 2019: At least 24 people died when the Akbar Express had a parked cargo train at the Walhaar Station near Sadiqabad.

August 30, 2019: At least 12 people were injured when three coaches of Karachi-bound Rehman Baba Express, along with their locomotive, derailed near Toba Tek Singh.

October 4, 2019: At least two passengers were injured when two bogies of Peshawar-bound Rehman Baba Express derailed at the Taxila railway station.

October 21, 2019: 73 killed in

Tezgam train inferno near Rahim Yar Khan after a cylinder bursts.

It may be mentioned here that while negligence and incompetence of railways authorities are responsible for most major train accidents, violations of rules and regulations by passengers also become the reason behind accidents that affect both the perpetrators and other innocent lives.

A few common misconducts by railway commuters commit while travelling are as follows: • Doors are not closed when the train starts running • Passengers take their heads out of the windows • People travel on train roofs when tickets are unavailable or when they intend to save money • Passengers jump off running trains to avoid the ticket checker • Passengers travel with excess baggage and animals • Passengers carry flammable dangerous materials such as gas cylinders • Several tickets are reserved on a single identity card.

CMYK

and estimated between 500 and 600. A majority of vultures found in Pakistan are Egyptian vultures, followed by long-billed, white-rumped, and red-headed vultures.

The Sindh Wildlife Department in collaboration with the WWF established a Vulture Safe Zone in 2012, which covers an area of 100 kilometres in Nagarparkar to retain and increase the vulture population.

Ornithologists recently spotted hundreds of vultures along a water reservoir in Gorano in the Thar desert, raising

hopes of saving the bird from extinction.

The reservoir was recently created using water pumped out from a coalfield.

In addition, 60 new vulture nests have also been identified in the Nagarparkar and Islamkot areas.

“We spotted a concentrated population of around 300 vultures along the reservoir in July, which has given us new clues for further research and investigation,” said Naveed Ali Soomro, head of the IUCN’s vulture conservation project.

Friday, 1 November, 2019

06 WORLD VIEW

Anxious And cooped up, 1.5 million KAshmiri children Are still out of school WITH SOLDIERS AND MILITANTS CLAIMING THE STREETS, AND MOST SCHOOLS SIMPLY SHUTTERED, EDUCATION HAS BEEN ON HOLD THROUGH MONTHS OF CRISIS IN INDIAN HELD KASHMIR

New York Times

e

Sameer YaSir and JeffreY Gettleman

very day, Aliya Khan, a fifth-grader in Indian Held Kashmir (IHK), steps out of her house and walks down a dirt lane lined by tall maple trees to check on what’s happening at her school.

And every day, a few minutes later, she walks back to her house with her head hanging down, totally dejected. It has been nearly three months, and no one knows when her school, like so many others in IHK, will reopen. “I’ve told you, the school is shut,’’ her mother, rubeena Khan, scolded her the other day as Aliya walked inside. “Why do you keep going to look?”

Thirteen weeks after India unilaterally revoked IHK’s autonomy, education stands as one of the crisis’s most glaring casualties. At least 1.5 million Kashmiri students remain out of school. virtually all private schools are closed, and most government schools are shut — one of the clearest signs of the fear that has gripped IHK since the Indian government locked down the disputed territory and separatist militants began carrying out attacks to disrupt its control.

The Indian government wants students to return, and teachers at the few open schools are reporting for duty. But their students are not: Officials estimate attendance at those schools to be around three percent.

Parents in the Kashmir valley say they are terrified of sending their children out with troops everywhere and separatist militants on the prowl for trouble.

The militants are demanding that civilians boycott

work and school, and they have killed several people to assert their resistance to tightening Indian rule.

This week, militants dragged construction workers onto the street and shot them, witnesses said, leaving five dead and one wounded. It was the deadliest single attack on civilians since IHK’s autonomy was stripped.

“What if the school or a bus carrying children is attacked?” asked Saqib Mushtaq Bhat, a father worried about violence by Indian troops or militants. “What if there are protests and their faces get shot by pellets?’’

He would never forgive himself, he said, so he keeps his three children home. The result is fear, bewilderment, sullenness and boredom. Some of the older students worry that their dreams of becoming professionals were ruined. And many children said they were lonely and depressed, relegated to watching television for hours a day. “There’s nothing else to do,” said reyan Sofi, a fourth grader. The dispute between India and Pakistan over Kashmir has smoldered for decades, at times flaring into major disruption to life in the valley.

This generation of Kashmiri children has been among the hardest hit. They have known nothing but conflict. For the past 10 years, huge protests and clashes keep erupting. Many young people have seen friends killed, maimed or hauled off by security forces. Their schools are constantly closing, sometimes for months at a time. “The long school closures in the valley are causing major disruptions in young people’s educational and professional development, producing feelings of insecurity, helplessness, and demoralization,” said Haley Duschinski, an anthropologist at Ohio University specializing in Kashmir.

This latest round of trouble has felt particularly ominous, many Kashmiris say. The Indian government’s move in August to strip statehood away from IHK became official on Thursday, turning what was once an Indian state into federally controlled enclaves.

People are angry and scared that India’s move could lead to another war with Pakistan, which also claims the area, or to pitched combat with an intensifying militant movement. No one knows what will happen next.

Indian-backed officials insist it is now safe for children to go to school, and blame parents for not sending them back. “It’s a big loss,” said younis Malik, IHK’s director of school education. But many here blame the government for creating this crisis and say that officials are not serious about guaranteeing the children’s safety or resuming education. The children, meanwhile, are desperate to get out of the house and go back to school.

They want to see their friends. They want to learn new things. They know their futures depend on it. “you should either burn my books and my uniform or send me to school,” reyan, the fourth grader, grumbled to his father on a recent day as they sat in their house in Baramulla, a town in northern IHK. His father, Pervaiz Ahmad Sofi, a forestry professor, threw open a window and pointed toward a group of soldiers in riot gear, stationed just outside their house, guarding a highway.

“Now tell me, do you still want to go to school?” he said. reyan looked down and walked away, back to the Tv. Indian schools are intensely competitive. Mehak Javid Bhat, an 18-year-old, was preparing for medical school when her high school shut. With just four months to go before her make-or-break exam, she can’t compare study notes with her friends because none of their phones work. She can’t get on the internet to look things up she doesn’t understand. She can’t get in touch with her teachers. “My dream of becoming a doctor is ruined,” she said. “Sometimes I wonder why was I even born here.” Her father, Javid Ahmad Bhat, feels helpless. He had been tucking away a little money from his apple orchards each year to help pay for medical school. “It’s like my 10 years of savings are being destroyed every day when I see her suffer,” he said. “you need a guide, a teacher and a friend — but she has none these days to solve her problems,” he said. Some Kashmiri educators refuse to give up. Mufeed Ahmad Malik, a high school physical education teacher, walks through villages in south IHK like a letter carrier, delivering homework assignments door to door. “read it and prepare yourself,” Mr. Malik repeated at each door, his shoulder bag bulging with pa-

pers. “And come to school on the day of the exam.”

The nearby government school, where he teaches, keeps its gates shut. The teachers arrive in the morning and sit in a courtyard savoring the fading sun — winter is on its way. Some have taken up knitting, and as they talk about the situation and how it affects their lives, they make woolen sweaters. Then they leave in different directions to deliver homework. They were not confident that many children would show up for exams. Mr. Malik fears that if the schools don’t reopen soon, some children will go down the wrong path. In southern IHK, many boys revere the militants. They have grown up playing games in which they dress up as militants or Indian soldiers, hiding behind apple trees, firing wooden guns at each other. “If they don’t even sit for exams,’’ Mr. Malik said of his male students, “they will end up becoming militants.”

The security forces already assume that is happening, focusing their suspicions intensely on teen boys or young men. Many have been jailed, at times hauled off without process or explanation, and that number is only increasing. Other young people are being put to work, like Musaib Amin, 15, who now helps his grandmother in the fields, picking tomatoes. In August, one young man who should have been in college (colleges and universities are empty, too) died after he was bit by a snake while herding sheep. His bite was treatable. But his family could not call an ambulance or find the antivenin. Aliya, the fifth grader who keeps checking on her school, hasn’t given up hope. The other day, she opened her closet and stared at her white and gray uniform. It remains crisply ironed, untouched since August. “I miss wearing it,” she said. She ran outside to play in the yard, by herself.

Sameer Yasir reported from Kapran, Indian Held Kashmir, and Jeffrey Gettleman from New Delhi. Iqbal Kirmani contributed reporting from Srinagar, Indian Held Kashmir. Jeffrey Gettleman is the South Asia bureau chief, based in New Delhi. He was the winner of a Pulitzer Prize in 2012 for international reporting.

Internationalising the Kashmir issue AFTER THE VISIT BY MPS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE VALLEY, INDIA’S REJECTION OF MEDIATION WILL SEEM CONTRADICTORY

HiNdu Karan thapar

Now that the visit of european Union (eU) parliamentarians to Indian Held Kashmir has ended, it is time to assess what it achieved. Was it a clever gambit that could change the discourse in the european Parliament or was it a foolish risk that has left egg splattered on many Indian faces?

Let’s attempt an answer by analysing its different but significant parts.

MINORITY VOICES First, only 23 eU MPs visited the valley. Four chose not to. These 23 did so in their individual capacity as the european Union mission in Delhi has made clear.

They were drawn from parties such as France’s National rally, Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD), the U.K.’s Brexit, Italy’s Forza Italia and Poland’s Law and Justice Party. These are right-wing parties best known for their anti-immigrant stand, which often means they are antiMuslim. equally importantly, these parties do not represent the political mainstream in their countries. They’re minority voices.

However one MP, Chris Davies, a Liberal Democrat from Britain, says he was disinvited when he said he wanted to meet ordinary people without police and army security. “I am not prepared to take part in a Pr stunt for the Modi government and pretend that all is well,” he said. Another British eU MP, Theresa Griffin, tweeted along similar lines. Do these discordant voices suggest the others were willing to be co-opted as part of a thinly-disguised Pr exercise?

A second concern is the organisers. It was arranged by Madi Sharma, a Brusselsbased British Person of Indian Origin, who runs a non-governmental organisation called Women’s economic and Social Think Tank. She describes herself as an “international business broker”. In her invitation letter she offered a visit to IHK and a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi who, she claimed, “would like to meet influential decision-makers from the european Union”. Does this suggest some form of prior contact with the Prime Minister, whether direct or indirect? Newspaper reports say the cost of the visit (flight and accommodation) was sponsored by the hitherto little-known Delhi-based International Institute for Non-Aligned Studies (IINS), whose gates are inexplicably locked. This raises the further question how has Madi Sharma become so influential and where does the IINS get its resources from?

The eU MPs had access right to the

very top which is, in fact, a third intriguing issue. They met the Prime Minister and the vice-President of India, lunched with the National Security Adviser and dined with the external Affairs Minister.

In IHK, they met the Governor, the GoCin-C of 15 Corps and the Chief Secretary.

Clearly the Indian establishment went out of its way. Does this suggest Madi Sharma and IINS are fronts for the government?

A fourth issue is the Kashmiri people they met as well as those they were not permitted access to. reports say they interacted with 15 delegations comprising traders, panchayat leaders, students, exservicemen, a women’s group and some civil society members. They did not, however, meet officials of the state’s Chamber of Commerce & Industry, houseboat owners or top politicians.

SANITISED VISIT At least one report claims their conversations were carefully monitored. The

economic Times says “a group of businessmen who raised (the) issue of abrogation of special status and business losses due to the ongoing clampdown were interrupted by local administration officials and cued to change the topic”. equally telling is what happened in Srinagar and the valley on the day the eU MPs visited. Militants shot dead five labourers in Kulgam, perhaps the worst terror incident since August 5. In Srinagar, according to The Times of India, “there were reports of massive stone pelting” and “intense clashes … where security forces fired tear gas”. The paper also reports “protestors targeted private vehicles set(ting) some on fire”. Finally, there was a complete shutdown of shops and business establishments. Would this look like normalcy to the visiting eU MPs? After all, that’s what the NSA had told them to expect.

At least two of the MPs accepted they were given a sanitised view. Hermann Tertsch and James Heappey said they

were “kept away from some people”. Another, Bernhard Zimniok of Germany, said the european community should be willing to mediate between India and Pakistan if asked by the two countries. Were these responses Mr. Modi anticipated?

On their last morning at a carefully controlled press conference, where only select journalists were invited and the questions vetted, the eU MPs maintained a discreet silence over the controversy their visit has created. They said they had come to get facts and information. They claimed they are not interfering in India’s politics but terror is a common problem. If this suggests they are interpreting developments in IHK in terms of the impact on terror, that would be only part of the government’s justification for what it’s done. And we don’t know whether they accept the government’s line that the majority of Kashmiris are happy with the constitutional changes.

However, some of them publicly advised the Modi government to talk to Pakistan.

But is that what it wants to hear?

On the key issue of human rights, which is a cause for concern in western chancelleries and media, we don’t know what impression the MPs took away. Their visit happened on a day when the UNHrC said “there have been several allegations of excessive use of force including … pelletfiring shot guns, tear gas and rubber bullets by security forces … unconfirmed reports of at least six civilian killings … (and) a number of allegations of torture and illtreatment of people held in detention”. Will the eU MPs rebut this? Finally, there’s a question of paramount domestic interest.

Whilst India as a democracy should welcome anyone who wants to visit IHK, has this visit internationalised the State to the country’s disadvantage? It happened at a time when Indian MPs, foreign journalists and Delhi-based diplomats are not permitted to visit the valley. This is not unknown outside India. One of the MPs, Nicolaus Fest, said opposition MPs should be permitted. So, now, if european foreign offices ask is India inviting or, at least, welcoming the endorsement of their politicians, what would be our answer? After this visit won’t our traditional ‘no’ seem contradictory or, at least, overtaken by events?

Karan Thapar is a television anchor.

Friday, 1 November, 2019

FOREIGN NEWS 07 SEOUL

N

AGENCIES

ORTH Korea fired two suspected missiles into the sea between the Korean peninsula and Japan on Thursday, according to military officials in Japan and South Korea, ending nearly a month-long lull in testing after denuclearisation talks stalled.

The launches, which Japanese authorities identified as likely ballistic missiles, were the first since one day of talks between the United States and North Korea ended without an agreement on Oct 5 in Sweden. American officials have played down previous missile launches this year, saying they were short-range weapons.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has set an end-of-the-year deadline for denuclearisation talks with Washington, however, and in a statement on Sunday North Korea said it would be a mistake

NOrTH KOrea lauNcHes 2 susPecTed missiles aFTer WarNiNgs TO WasHiNgTON for the United States to ignore that deadline. A US State Department spokesman said: “We are aware of reports of a North Korean missile launch. We are continuing to monitor the situation and consulting closely with our allies in Japan and South Korea.” Analysts said the launches underscore how tense the situation has become after three meetings between Kim and US President Donald Trump - unprecedented top-level contact between the countries - failed to lead to any agreement over North

Third deadly quake in weeks hits south Philippines MANILA: A powerful earthquake struck the southern Philippines on Thursday, killing at least five people and sparking searches of seriously damaged buildings that had already been rattled by two previous deadly tremors in recent weeks. The 6.5 magnitude quake hit the island of Mindanao, the US Geological Survey said, causing locals to run to safety in the same area where a strong tremor killed eight people on Tuesday. The powerful shaking caused serious damage to a condominium building in the major southern city of Davao, about 45 kilometres (28 miles) from the epicentre. Nine people were hurt at the building, and rescuers believed at least one was trapped in the rubble, a local disaster official said. Five people were killed in nearby Cotabato province, including a local official who was crushed to death, a police officer said. A hotel partially collapsed in another area, but a disaster official said the building had already been evacuated. Locals have been left terrified by a string of powerful quakes, and hundreds of aftershocks since the first powerful tremor struck on October 16. “I panicked and I rushed outside. I was afraid the building might collapse,” said Beth Lancian, a restaurant cashier in Davao. “There’s been an earthquake almost every week.” President Rodrigo Duterte was in his hometown of Davao when the shaking began, but his spokesman said he was unharmed. Some 12,000 people were already in shelters on Mindanao island before Thursday’s quake hit, the government said, either because their homes have been destroyed or they were too afraid to return to their residences. The Philippines suffers regular tremors as part of the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, an arc of intense seismic activity that stretches from Japan through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific basin. In the 6.6 magnitude quake on Tuesday, a teenage boy was crushed by a falling wall as he tried to escape his school in Magsaysay, the town spokesman told AFP. Rock and landslides unleashed by the violent shaking killed four others, while a collapsing wall crushed a man, authorities said. Nearly 400 people were hurt, including some seven pupils and teachers hurt escaping their crumbling elementary school. The area was still suffering the effects of a 6.4-magnitude quake that hit less than two weeks ago, killing at least five people and damaging dozens of buildings. Residents fled homes across the Mindanao region and a mall caught fire in the city of General Santos shortly after the quake struck on October 16. AGENCIES

Korea’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes.

“Make no mistake, if there is no change in the current trajectory of US-North Korea relations there is only one possible outcome: a longrange missile or nuclear weapons test by Pyongyang that will spark a crisis just like in 2017,” said Harry Kazianis, senior director of Korean Studies at the Centre for the National Interest in Washington.

TWO PROJECTILES FIRED: The first of two “unidentified projectiles” was fired on Thursday at

4:35 pm local time (0735 GMT) from South Phyongan Province, in the centre of North Korea, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said in a series of statements. A second projectile was detected at 4:38 pm (0738 GMT). The projectiles travelled an estimated 370 kilometres (230 miles) and reached an altitude of 90 km (56 miles), the JCS said, calling them “short range”.

“Objects that appeared to be ballistic missiles were launched from North Korea,” Japan’s defence ministry said in a statement.

“They did not land within our territory.” An American air base at Misawa, 1,130 km north of Tokyo, posted a “real world missile alert” and urged personnel to seek shelter, before later issuing an “all clear”.

RISING TENSIONS: The launches occurred on the day that South Korean President Moon Jae-in attended the funeral of his mother, who died on Tuesday. In a message delivered via the bor-

British election campaign kicks off on no-Brexit day LONDON AGENCIES

On the day Britain was supposed to have left the European Union, voters instead faced the start of an election campaign, with opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn pledging to overthrow a “rigged system” he said was run by billionaires and tax-dodgers.

After failing to deliver Brexit by the Oct 31 deadline, Prime Minister Boris Johnson called the Dec 12 election to break what he cast as a political paralysis that had thwarted Britain’s departure and undermined confidence in the economy.

Opinion polls suggest the election is Johnson’s to lose. His Conservative Party is leading Labour by 15 to 17 percentage points, according to IpsosMORI and YouGov. Yet the overshadowing issue of Brexit, which has divided both major parties and their voters, could confound conventional calculations. While Brexit frames the election, with Labour pledging to hold a second referendum on it, it is being fought by two of the most unconventional British politicians of recent years who offer starkly different visions for the world’s fifth-largest economy.

In his first major speech of the campaign, Corbyn said the election was a once-in-a-generation chance to overthrow what he cast as a corrupt elite which profited by exploiting workers, lying to the public and polluting the environment.

“Together, we can pull down a corrupt system and build a fairer country that

cares for all,” Corbyn, a 70-year-old veteran socialist campaigner, said at a speech in London. “Even if the rivers freeze over, we’re going out to bring about real change for the many, not the few,” Corbyn said.

Corbyn named prominent billionaires such as landowner Hugh Grosvenor, Sports Direct owner Mike Ashley, Ineos CEO Jim Ratcliffe, hedge fund manager Crispin Odey and US media tycoon Rupert Murdoch as representatives of Britain’s “rigged system”.

He proposed nationalisation of rail, mail and water services and higher taxes on the bankers who have made London the pre-eminent international financial capital. The first December election in Britain since 1923 will be one of the hardest to call in years. Brexit has variously fatigued, enthused and enraged swathes of voters while eroding loyalties to the two major parties.

HEALTH NOT BREXIT? IpsosMORI said the Conservatives were on 41% with Labour on 24%. But that still leaves a third of the electorate up for grabs - and voter poaching could decide the final result. The Liberal Democrats want to win over the opponents of Brexit while the Brexit Party is courting supporters of the divorce. The Brexit Party is expected to set out some of its strategy on Friday.

A five-year flurry of two historic referendums - on Scottish independence in 2014 and Brexit in 2016 - and two national elections in 2015 and 2017 have delivered often unexpected results that ushered in political crises.

California fires: New blazes as dangerous winds fan the flames SIMI VALLEY AGENCIES

Firefighters in California struggled to contain a new fast-moving blaze on Wednesday that threatened thousands of homes and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, as rare “extreme” red flag warnings were issued for much of the Los Angeles region.

The so-called Easy Fire in the Simi Valley northwest of Los Angeles erupted around 6:00 am, forcing the evacuation of the library and nearby homes as it spread to more than 1,500 acres (526 hectares), officials said.

Fire crews raced to protect the hilltop library surrounded by dense brush as helicopters and aircraft dropped water and fire retardant on the flames fed by powerful wind gusts.

“The fire outflanked us very rapidly, pushed by those 40 to 50 mileper-hour winds,” Ventura County Fire Assistant Chief Chad Cook told reporters. Authorities said 7,000 homes were under mandatory evacuation orders affecting some 30,000 residents.

By evening, the fire had spared the building, though authorities warned the situation could quickly change because of the fierce winds that can spread embers for miles.

“We are still not through this,”

der village of Panmunjom late on Wednesday, North Korean leader Kim had expressed “deep condolences” and “consolation” over Moon’s loss, Moon’s office said on Thursday. Relations between the two Koreas have cooled since a flurry of personal meetings between Moon and Kim last year, and denuclearisation negotiations between North Korea and the United States appear stalled.

Ventura County Fire Chief Mark Lorenzen told reporters. “We have another 24 hours of significant weather conditions, and a lot of threats.” Library officials said the archives and much of the memorabilia from the Reagan administration and from his time as governor of California were safely stored in an underground fireproof vault at the facility.

“It was a crazy morning, it was unexpected,” Duke Blackwood, executive director of the library told AFP. “At this point, most of the fire

danger is out but there (are) still a lot of hot spots and smoke.”

Authorities said it was unclear what caused the fire, which started near Easy Street and raced through hillsides toward neighborhoods.

The blaze broke out amid unprecedented “extremely critical” red flags warnings in parts of southern California because of so-called Santa Ana winds, with potential gusts of up to 80 miles per hour (130 kilometers per hour) in mountainous areas.

“We expect the Santa Anas to be

howling,” the National Weather Service said, adding that the red flag warnings were in effect through Thursday evening. Some 18 million Californians live in the areas affected. Several brush fires also erupted throughout the day Wednesday in other areas of southern California, stretching resources, shutting down schools and creating a traffic nightmare.

Closer to Los Angeles, firefighters were battling the Getty Fire, which began near the famous Getty Center museum on Monday and by Wednesday afternoon had burned 745 acres, with 27 percent containment.

Evacuation orders were lifted Wednesday afternoon for most people affected by the blaze as fire crews appeared to gain the upper hand. Los Angeles Fire Department spokeswoman Margaret Steward said that in anticipation of the record-strong Santa Ana winds, all staff had been mobilized and additional backup brought in. “These resources will be strategically placed in key locations that have a history of being prone to wildfire,” she said. Mandatory evacuations were also ordered on Wednesday in the Jurupa Valley, about an hour’s drive east of Los Angeles, after a fire broke out near a freeway and quickly spread to 250 acres.

Fire engulfs World Heritage castle in Japan’s Okinawa OKINAWA: A major fire devastated a historic Japanese castle on the southern island of Okinawa on Thursday morning, destroying large parts of the World Heritage site’s complex, local authorities said. The Shuri castle is a key part of a complex dating back to the Ryukyu Kingdom, and is believed to have been in use from around the 1400s. Most of the current structures are reconstructions based on original plans and photos of the old castle. The fire was brought under control by early afternoon, a local fire department spokesman told AFP, adding that the blaze had consumed more than 4,800 square metres (51,667 square feet) of the castle complex. “All the (three) main buildings have burnt down, with nothing left behind,” Daisuke Furugen, another official with the Naha fire department, told AFP. On the scene, a local fire spokesman said the blaze had proved extremely difficult to control. “The radiant heat was very strong.

Firefighters had serious difficulty approaching it,” he said in comments shown on national broadcaster NHK. It was not yet clear what caused the blaze, which was reported to authorities around 2:40 am. There were no reports of injuries. The fire started in the elaborate main building of the complex, a grand red structure with traditional tiling on the roof, and spread quickly to nearby buildings. Television footage showed large orange flames engulfing the castle before sunrise, with daylight revealing the extensive damage done to the site. In some cases, little more than charred and smoking wood was left behind. “I am extremely saddened by this. I am utterly in shock,” Naha Mayor Mikiko Shiroma told reporters. AGENCIES

Tear gas used to break up Halloween party protests in Hong Kong HONG KONG: Hong Kong police fired tear gas to break up masked anti-government protesters mingling with Halloween revellers in fancy dress near the upmarket club district of Lan Kwai Fong on Thursday after a standoff lasting hours. Police also used tear gas to disperse hundreds of protesters, many dressed in black and wearing now-banned face masks, in Nathan Road, one of the main arteries of Kowloon on the other side of the harbour. Protesters have for five months taken to the streets of the Chinese-ruled city in a sometimes violent response to perceived Chinese meddling with its promised freedoms. This was the first time Lan Kwai Fong had been targeted. Shouts of “Give us back Halloween!” rang out as police used their shields to push the crowds forward on the sloping, narrow streets, scene of a deadly New Year stampede nearly 27 years ago.

Revellers and some demonstrators were penned in by police trying to keep the protesters away. Many of the protesters wore the Guy Fawkes masks made popular by anti-establishment hackers, others wore the clown make-up of the deranged title figure in the movie “Joker”. One was dressed up as Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam in a dog collar and on a leash. AGENCIES

Friday, 1 November, 2019

08 COMMENT

The man who would be Caliph

The Tezgam tragedy No effort to put railways on track

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EEPInG in view the number of casualties, the Liaquatpur incident is the third biggest disaster in Pakistan Railways history. In the latest case of sheer mismanagement, at least 73 people died and several were injured when two economy-class bogies of Tezgam Express caught fire near Liaquatpur and subsequently fire engulfed a third bogey also. Many passengers jumped out of the running train to save their lives. Some of them succumbed to serious injuries. Many inside the bogies were burnt alive or suffered serious burns.

Sheikh Rashid, the Railways Minister, initially maintained that the tragedy was not caused by any negligence on the part of the Railways staff but by a group of Tableeghi Jamaat passengers who were cooking breakfast on gas cylinders which burst inside the bogies.

A little later he apologized, a routine reaction by him after every railway incident, and conceded that it was “our negligence” that the passengers managed to carry the gas cylinder into the train.

Sh Rashid spends most of his time in issuing political statements, targeting opposition leaders and making sensational political forecasts. He has little time to find solutions to some of the chronic problems that face the Railways. Measures being introduced now like requiring every passenger to carry his CnIC, barring nonpassengers from entering the compartments and verifying that disallowed items were not smuggled into the train could have been enforced earlier had Sh Rashid found time to focus on safety-related issues faced by those traveling by the country’s trains.

Thanks to the indifference shown by the minister the country’s railway network has further degenerated during the PTI tenure. In August the government conceded that Pakistan Railways suffered 74 accidents nationwide over a period of 11 months between August 2018 to June 2019.

The Liaquatpur tragedy is the third major railway incident in the last four months. At least 21 people were killed in an accident in July and four in another in September.

During the PML(n) tenure Mr Imran Khan invariably demanded the resignation from the concerned minister after every train accident. In a display of double standards, the concerned minister is allowed to hold the office despite all these accidents.

Lahore’s air pollution Being ranked second in the world no compliment

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EInG the world’s second most polluted city in the world should be cause for concern for Lahore, and it should be no consolation that new Delhi is the most. It should be an even deeper cause of concern that Lahore was briefly the most polluted, before falling back. The causes are variously given as burning rubbish, fuel exhausts, industrial emissions and dust from construction sites. One sign that the problem is growing beyond control is that Amnesty International has seen fit to issue a statement on the issue. It said that the government’s “failure to protect people from exposure to hazardous air in Punjab risks violating their human rights to life and health.” Experts agree that the pollution is linked to climate change, but now it is becoming a fundamental rights issue.

One of the most obvious manifestations of the pollution measured by instruments has been the smog, which has become a more or less permanent winter feature throughout the province for decades. Blame has been thrown on India, most recently by Science and Technology Minister Fawad Chaudhry who allowed his legal education restrict him from holding forth on the most complex technical issues, along with a complete disregard of scientific realities. If indeed there were issues with the Indian Punjab’s farmers burning rice and other Kharif crop stubble to clear their fields, they have not been raised with India at any forum.

It seems that Indian farmers’ shenanigans are more in the nature of an excuse for the government to use so that it can wash its hands of the whole issue, and continue to pretend that the problem does not exist. Instead, there is a need for the government to act responsibly as well as sensibly in dealing with the problem. As the climate does not always respond to actions by a single government, and may require actions by more than one country, it will be necessary to identify the actions that particular countries need to take, and then build the necessary international consensus needed. Pakistan needs to develop that international consensus, and cannot allow its diplomats to hide behind their (no doubt excellent) liberal-arts educations. Just as it itself campaigned against night-time and early-morning smog with some success, so must it campaign against air pollution.

Dedicated to the legacy of the late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami Editor Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad

Umar Aziz

Asher John

Joint Editor

Executive Editor

Deputy Editor

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

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Al-Baghdadi headed a military organisation, not a political at Penpoint M.a. nIazI

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y killing Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi, the USA might well have disposed of the greatest threat it faces, but it has also killed a claimant of the Caliphate, and thus someone more important than Osama bin Laden, who at best claimed to be head of an organisation. However, Osama did claim that his organisation was a preliminary to the forming of the Caliphate, or rather its re-forming.

Al-Baghdadi seemed to have lacked one of the most basic qualifications of the caliphate, the ability to move around freely, but he did highlight one of the most basic problems of the Muslim world since the Caliphate was abolished in 1924: that essentially, Muslims can only exist within the confines of an Islamic state, and must have a government carrying out the functions of implementing the system of Islam. Further, that orthodoxy specifies a particular form of government, the caliphate.

It should be noted that the caliphate had been abolished before, rather more savagely than in 1924.

In 1924, the abolition was by the Grand national Assembly of Turkey. The Caliph became an excaliph. In 1258, when the Mongols took Baghdad, the Caliph was killed, and no successor installed. In 1261, a survivor of the Abbasi family declared his Caliphate, in Cairo. Actually, this was a means of legitimation for the Mamluk rulers of Egypt, and the Caliph was limited to giving legal cover to the latest Mamluk coup. (The Mamluks were military rulers, and the only means of transfer of power was a coup.

The caliph then declared the coup-maker legitimate). The caliphate transferred to the Ottomans in 1517 as part of their conquest of Egypt, and the Ottoman caliphate was separated from the sultanate in 1924, and then abolished. The present interregnum, at 95 years and running, has thus been very much longer than at the fall of Baghdad.

The declaration of his Caliphate by Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi began a process, but was not followed by an important component, public oaths of allegiance. The ascension to the Caliphate is not a hole-and-corner business. One of the essentials of the office, which Al-Baghdadi lacked, was security. Going back to the founding

of the State of Madina, made more famous as the Riasat-i-Madina by Prime Minister Imran Khan, there was the Second Pledge of Aqaba, made by 72 representatives of the Aus and Khazraj, who pledged obedience to the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) including a readiness to fight for the security of his person.

It is true that of the Khulafa-i-Rashidin, the last three were assassinated. However, of the Umayyid Caliphs, only one was assassinated, yazid ibn Walid, in the beginning of the troubles that would lead to the coming of the Abbasids. none of them were assassinated until Al-Mutawakkil in 861, after which the Caliphate became the plaything of the soldiery, and Caliphs were made and unmade depending on which military faction dominated. Security of person, therefore, must be guaranteed.

The USA manged two assassinations, and they have involved command of the air, as troops were flown in by helicopter. In both bin Laden’s and Al-Baghdadi’s cases, the landings were unopposed by any air defences. The crash of a helicopter in the Abbottabad attack on bin Laden showed that air assets are vulnerable even if there are no air defences.

One of the things noted about the Islamic State is its global outreach. It was a demonstration of the effect of having a state, but it also reflects how Muslims want a state to act as a protector. The OIC, though its members are impeccably Muslim, does not do enough, except provide an example of impotence. The Rohingya, the Kashmiris, the Palestinians, the Uighurs, the Syrians, the Afghans, the Kurds… the list only seems to grow. How far did AlBaghdadi help any of these?

All of these would like a Caliph to help defend them. However, the Caliph should then not have to worry about his own safety, go about scurrying to find safety. The option of turning to the USA also does not exist for these people, as the USA is either ignoring them or is actually supporting their oppressors.

Al-Baghdadi’s method of claiming the Caliphate was also problematic. Previous claims had been made because of dynastic relationship, or because the holder was unworthy (Imam Hussain refused to swear allegiance to yazid because he felt the latter was unfit, not because he felt he

would do a better job. As a matter of fact, he never laid claim to the Caliphate.) The Abbasids claimed it because of Abbas ibn Abdul Muttalib, the ancestor who made them of the bloodline of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). The Usmanlis made the claim when they took Egypt, but ever since Muhammad Al-Fatih had taken Constantinople in 1453, there had been calls for the dynasty to take the Caliphate. Was Al-Baghdadi basing his claim on being the successor of Musab Az-Zarqawi as head of Al-Qaida in Iraq? Osama bin Laden never made a declaration, even though he was the head of Al-Qaida overall.

A Caliphate will not be established by a military organisation (of which a militant group is a type), but by a political one. True, such an organisation will need a military organisation obedient to it, so that it can perform such functions as providing the political government (not just the Caliph) security, securing the borders, bringing other areas within its ambit, and performing normal military functions. But if the political organisation is not committed to forming a Caliphate, it will not be able to so.

Perhaps that was the flaw that Al-Baghdadi never succeeded in overcoming; he made the claim, even though he had only been a militant commander. That may have sharpened his organisational skills, but he never grew beyond his origin. His claim to the Caliphate may have rested on a declaration, but its attraction relied on a feeling among Muslims that they needed protection.

That protection might not be actual help, though that too has been recorded (Muhamad bin Qasim came to India because of one such appeal for help). The protection is mental, and the very fact that Al-Baghdadi attracted so many recruits from various diasporas in Europe, and allegiance from so many groups ranging from Africa to Afghanistan, shows that Muslims, and not just militants, want a Caliph, an overarching authority to permit jihad or otherwise. It must not be forgotten that jihad cannot be performed, except locally, without orders from the Caliph.

Just as the Mamluks converted the Caliph from a ruler into a source of legitimacy for their military coups, Al-Baghdadi tried to use the institution for the narrow purpose of providing a cover for militancy. That might explain why he was unable to convert the declaration into the sort of reality that Muslims want.

M.A. Niazi is a member of the staff.

Fundamental right Vs Section 144 Fundamental rights and public peace sometimes clash Hasan Ejaz KHan

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n november 2016, Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI), now the ruling party of Pakistan, had called its youth members to attend a convention. Iy was held inside a hall that was private property and it was managed by a private person inside Islamabad.

Section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code 1898 (Cr.P.C) was imposed in Islamabad after PTI chief Imran Khan announced a countrywide protest at that time which did not allow 4 or more persons to assemble together. Over 100 were arrested, PTI Leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi accused the police of manhandling female workers and stated that none had any weapon. Was that assembly unlawful? It could not be categorized as a riot because the individuals were in a closed vicinity and practicing their right of freedom of association under Article 17 of the Constitution.

The nature of their assembly can be categorized as a rout though, which is the planning of a riot before it takes place. Imran did call on his supporters to protest, as the government at the time was not pursuing a case of corruption which was to be looked at after panama leaks and had the names of many officials holding public office including the Prime Minister. The government at the time tried to restrict access of people into Islamabad by placing containers to block their passage, in contempt of court as the court of Mr Justice Shaukat Siddique categorically stated that, the right of protest is a fundamental right of every individual. now, JUI(F) chief Maulana Fazul-ur-Rehman is coming to Islamabad leading people who want to exercise their right to protest. Again, the PTI is doing what was done to them, blocking Islamabad using Section 144.

But what do the courts think of Section 144 being used to curtail rights of individuals.

The Constitution allows for freedom of speech, of association, of assembly, while Section 144 exists under the CrPC. Its ingredient is pre-

Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

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vention of any sort of trouble that can disturb public order. The word prevention allows the ordering body to pass any order that would allow them to control the public. Public peace is the main purpose of this law, but time and time again it has been proved that fundamental rights are also compromised because of it. The battle between fundamental rights and public peace is ongoing.

Court precedents have detailed to an extent where passing such orders is valid. It has been held that in passing orders under section 144, the authorities will no doubt pay due regard to the observations contained in the civil court’s judgment with regard to private rights, but the paramount consideration should be that of maintenance of law and order. The contention here is that private rights and public peace needs to be weighed. The passing of such orders may interfere with the person’s enjoyment of private rights. Like in M.D. Tahir’s case, it was contended that Basant be banned according to the order passed under Section 144. The court in the case explained that Article 8 of the Constitution enabled laws inconsistent with or in derogation of fundamental rights to be void explicitly. The order passed under Section 144 at the time was because of the deaths caused by the steel threads being used to fly kites. Moreover, the order also banned Basant because the people were using guns for aerial firing and also playing loud music during the night which caused nuisance. The order also banned the manufacturing of the threads as well which caused disruption in business. The court held that the ban on the festival is justified only because of the great injuries and disturbance caused in the community during the night. The firing of guns has laws already placed in the country, the Arms Act 1878. The plaintiffs also contended that banning the manufacturing and sale of threads was not prohibited under any law, but Section 144.

The court made the order void as every individual has freedom of trade, business or profession. This case reflects how if there is no threat of large public injury, then the fundamental right will be allowed. This case did not state however that any

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

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Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

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business cabbot be regulated by law.

In Rizwan Zaka Gill’s case, it was laid down that any business can be regulated under Section144 if it is in the interest of the public safety.

The petitioner contended that, the closing of marriage halls at 10 pm affected the life and liberty of the persons and the fundamental right of conducting free trade and business. Although in the previous precedent it was held that a law needs to be made by the government and an order under Section 144 cannot be indefinite unless notified by the government, while a law made by the legislature is indefinite until amended. The defendant raised the question of regulating one’s rights and the court in this case also did understand the argument that rights should be regulated and made the order a valid one. The court allowed the order to be valid on the basis of “restricting” one’s rights so that the larger public can served. It can be understood that the fundamental rights are not absolute but also not unlimited, there needs to be a substantial weight given to both fundamental rights and public peace. Freedom of enjoyment of life itself is curtailed by the use of section 144, and marriage halls are closed by 10 pm, the reasoning given being of immorality. It is immoral for one to stay out late and hold a function according to the local government of Islamabad. The court in Rizwan Zakka Gill’s case limited the use of Section144 for a maximum of 2 months, but the local government renews the rules every two months now and restricts the local marriage halls from entertaining the guests after 10 pm.

As a community, we need to realize that the legislature is there to enact laws and the local government is still acting like the colonizers who set the law and implemented it. Section 144 is a chain attached to our fundamental rights and every government holds these chains to control the fundamental rights of the people. These chains can only be broken when we realize our potential to use the system to our advantage and not to that of certain individuals. Until then our fundamental rights to life can never be certain.

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

Friday, 1 November, 2019

COMMENT 09 Editor’s mail Will Imran Khan fulfill his promise?

Send your letters to: Letters to Editor, Pakistan Today, 4-Shaarey Fatima Jinnah, Lahore, Pakistan.

E-mail: letters@pakistantoday.com.pk Letters should be addressed to Pakistan Today exclusively

Indian fake narratives continue unabated Indian claims are exposed all the time

sultan MEHMood HalI

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HE Indian Army Chief’s false claim of having destroyed alleged terrorist training camps in Azad Jammu Kashmir was exposed when diplomats from 28 countries accredited to Islamabad were flown in to the locations. The visiting envoys saw the devastation to civilian lives and property owing to brutal and incessant Indian artillery barrage but no sign of any alleged terrorist training camps. They were fully cognizant of the fact that India was resorting to such tactics to divert attention from its own atrocities against the Kashmiris.

The Indian chargé d’affaires refused the invitation by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to join the visiting group of diplomats because he was privy to the falsehood of his own Army Chief’s narrative. DG ISPR Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor tweeted that the Indian media was “falsely” claiming targeting of “alleged” terror camps. He implored them to show moral courage and follow the journalistic ethos of the Pakistani media for “reporting with responsibility”.

Instead of picking up the gauntlet, the Indian media retaliated by mudslinging against Pakistan Army. In an apparently scathing but ludicrous opinion piece titled ‘Pakistan Army Killing Press Freedom? Award-winning Journalist Quits’ published in The Week of 21 October, two incidents are cited as Pakistan Army’s alleged transgression against its own media. The first incident was based on a tweet from Dawn’s journalist Cyril Almeida that he was effectively leaving journalism. The second incident was the Pakistan government denying entry to Steve Butler, the Asia Program Coordinator of the Committee to Protect Journalists.

The two contexts have been deliberately and wrongly aligned to suit India. While one stance of the DG ISPR refers to Indian media for reporting irresponsibly as the conflict involves two nuclear-armed rivals, the second is a pure domestic issue of an individual with a media house with no state intervention. nowhere the journalist has mentioned that he is being forced to leave or that his media house has been pressurized. The Indian media failed to identify that the same .ournalist was involved in famous Dawn Leaks fiasco and the notorious

interview of then PM nawaz Sharif a few years nity and the dwindling Indian image because of ago. If he has continued to write years after that, Modi treating minorities poorly, India would there seems no reason why he would be forced have never agreed to this proposal by Pakistan by state apparatus now? Almeida, who won this of opening up the Kartarpur Sahib Shrine.

A lot is being propagated that Chinese Presiyear’s International Press Institute ‘World Press Freedom Hero’ award in April, has cited no rea- dent Xi Jinping did not discuss Kashmir during sons for his leaving Dawn. If he is moving to his recent visit to India, underlining that any degreener pastures, that is certainly due to his own cision on Kashmir was an internal matter of India.

The Chinese flagship project BRI and free will, but to conjecture malice or belated coCPEC are close to China’s heart and Indian obercion is uncalled for.

Pakistan’s diplomatic initiative in establish- jections to them have been rejected by China. ing the Kartarpur Gurdwara Corridor, has left Moreover, before visiting India, China had inIndia bewildered and at a loss. It has been op- vited Prime Minister Imran Khan to discuss pressing its minorities with disdain, with little sensitive issues. The matters relating to IOK or no regard even for their religious sentiments. and Azad Kashmir have a Sino-Pak alignment While the Muslims have been massacred and and merited no discussion with India.

A rift has emerged in the Indian Waqf Board, their mosques demolished, the Sikhs too have faced the wrath of extremist Hindus. In 1984, which has claimed to be a stakeholder in the Aythe holiest of Sikh shrines, the Golden Temple odhya land dispute case. On one side, the Sunni of Amritsar was attacked, and, in its wake, thou- Waqf Board counsel strongly argued claim of sands of Sikhs were butchered. The community ownership of the disputed land while, on the has been estranged since but on occasion of other side, Advocate on Record Shahid Rizvi the 550th birth anniversary of Sikhism’s said that the parties involved in the Ayodhya title founder, Guru nanak Dev in november 2019, dispute have reached a settlement and thus there Pakistan decided to construct a corridor. This will be no need of any judgment in the issue.

India is trying to wrigpathway is connecting the gle out of an ugly situation Sikh shrines of Dera Baba through various tactics and nanak Sahib (located in judicial loopholes, which if Indian Punjab) and GurdThe Chinese PM not coupled with the Babri wara Darbar Sahib Karand the murder of tarpur (in discussing Kashmir does Mosque Hindu leader Kamlesh TiPunjab, Pakistan). The corridor is intended to not imply acceptance of wari for blasphemy can ignite an ethno-religious allow religious devotees Indian point of view, but fiasco throughout the from India to visit the GurHowever, the indwara in Kartarpur, 4.7 km rather illustrates the fact country. tent of Indian government from the Pakistan-India that Chinese have clarity has already been exposed border, without a visa. her actions in Hailed by not only the on the issue and have no through IOK, launching of nRC, Sikh community worldstatements towards Muswide, but also neutral obneed to discuss it lims and minorities, public servers like the US State lynching incidents etc. The Department and the EuroIndian judiciary has now pean Union, the Kartarpur Corridor has been deemed as a welcome peace become a party and is not expected to serve jusinitiative. Stung by the accolades being show- tice to her citizens.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has ered upon Pakistan, India has tried to be vitriolic and critical of Pakistan’s diplomatic stated that the entire area from Siachen Base success. not being able to physically hinder the Camp to Kumar Post has been opened for progress, Indian Union minister Harsimrat Kaur tourism purposes. Singh also inaugurated the Badal has slammed Pakistan for its insistence newly constructed ‘Colonel Chewang Rinchen of charging $20 as service fee from Indian Bridge’ over the Shyok River, Ladakh, which devotees for visiting Kartarpur Gurdwara, say- will provide all-weather connectivity in the reing that the neighbouring country has made a gion and will also be a crucial strategic asset in business out of faith. She tweeted: “The $20 fee border areas.

Such a claim lacks veracity because Pakistan each charged by Pak for Kartarpur Sahib darshan is atrocious. How will a poor devotee pay considers Siachen as an area under conflict and this amount? PM Imran Khan’s statement that cannot guarantee peaceful tourism under the cirthis fee will boost Pak’s economy and result in cumstances. Additionally, by allowing tourism any attempt to settle or legalize the occupation is earning foreign exchange is highly shameful”.

The Indian government’s objections are not acceptable to Pakistan. Moreover, the Chihighly misplaced as all famous religious pilgrim nese PM not discussing Kashmir does not imply centres have a cost borne by the pilgrims for the acceptance of Indian point of view, but rather ilupkeep of the site as well as welfare of the visi- lustrates the fact that Chinese have clarity on the tors. Commencing from Makkah and Medina to issue and have no need to discuss it.

Indian fake narratives are fortunately being the Vatican, all charge fees under varying heads.

This is a norm practiced all over the globe and rejected by their own domestic audience, too.

Pakistan has done nothing that is out of place.

Sultan Mehmood Hali is a retired Group However, it does reflect that a nominal fee of $20 per devotee is going to add up to Pakistan’s Captain and author of the book Defence & economy which seems to be the pinching issue. Diplomacy. Currently he is a columnist, If it was not for the sensitivity of Sikh commu- analyst and TV talk show host.

JAMIAT Uelma-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) announced its ‘Azadi march’ on Islamabad, despite the request of other opposition parties to postpond the march Fazlur Rahman, leader of the JUI-F decidied to march solo on OCT 27.

On the other hand government has started taking steps to stop this anti-government march a control center has been established to monitor the March.Authorities have started placing containers around the red zone and bridge connecting KPK with Punjab. Moreover section 144 will be imposed in Islamabad’s Red Zone and police would be deployed to stop anyone entering the area. Interior Minister Ijaz Shah said that no one will be allowed to take law in hand and government would take help from Pakistan Army. He said to call in the military would be the last option, “but I hope situation won’t deteriorate to that level.’’

JUI-F Senator Abdul Ghafoor Haideri said it was the democratic right of the opposition to hold a peaceful protest. Prime Minister Imran Khan during his first speech in parliament as the prime minister said that his government would facilitate antigovernment protests and even provide protesters with containers to stage sit-ins in Islamabad’s D-Chowk. But the action taken by the government so far doesn’t seem to fulfill that promise.

MuHAMMAD HASSAN AMiN islamabad

Kashmir solidarity IT seems that tensions between Pakistan and India may keep on escalating until the Kashmir issue is resolved. The dispute has come under International light and is being discussed and struggling to resolve the problem and reduce tensions between Pakistan and India. no one can denied the fact that India is taking no any steps to bring peace in the region. As India on August 5 unilaterally decided to revoke Article 370 of its constitution which granted special autonomy to occupied Kashmir. Undoubtedly, Pakistan has been struggling to make the region peaceful, but due to the lack of support the region has yet not been peaceful. As newly on Tuesday Combined Opposition leaders from the capital announced that they would observe October 27 as black day in protest against the ongoing repression in India-held Kashmir. Actually, the decision was taken at a multi-party conference held to discuss matters related to Kashmir Solidarity Day and the upcoming Azadi March. The conference decided that a protest demonstration would be staged outside the national Press Club on Oct 27 against the India attempts to jeopardise regional peace and stability, and express solidarity with the oppressed Kashmiris. iMRAN RASHEED Kech

How many election petitions?

EVER since the PTI government has come into power in Islamabad, the opposition parties and their leaders called Prime Minister Imran Khan and his government with all sorts of names and labels like it is fake and has come into power through massive rigging etc.

Without going into further allegations which the opposition leaders keep on harping day and night, this is ask the Election Commission of Pakistan to apprize the nation as to how many election petitions on rigging and other charges were filed by opposition parties loser candidates after July 25, 2018 with the Election Tribunals throughout the country, how many of them have decided in favour or against the complaining losing candidates and how many are still pending at different forums. This information naturally will be available with the Election Commission and if made public will greatly help in setting the records straight and making it clear to the people as to who is right and who is wrong in this regard, please. This scribe still remembers that in 1977 also, MMA led opposition had also leveled massive rigging charges against Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s PPP which had won the early called polls. Against all such hullah gullah, leading to violent protest, rigging charges were not proved even in 10 constituencies but the opposition had achieved its ulterior objective of toppling of the people’s elected government through imposition of martial law on July 5, 1977.

The opposition parties and their leaders, who have not somehow accepted their defeats in last year’s general election may continue opposing and criticizing the prime minister and PTI government. But in doing so they should at least keep the national interests as well as the interests of the country and the nation uppermost, please.

M Z RiFAT Lahore

The Molana’s Azadi RECEnTLy Molana Fazal ur Rehman has announced a protest and a sit in in Islamabad calling it as the “Azadi March”.

However it is still unclear what the ultimate motive of this azadi march is, whether it is to show solidarity with the Kashmiris against the Indian aggression in Indian Occupied Kashmir or it is merely to topple the government of Imran Khan. But one thing is crystal clear that the azadi march is going to create an environment of chaos and conflict in the capital which will not just be the ultimate challenge for the government but it will not be in the greater national interest of Pakistan. A protest and march against the government at this time when geopolitics is very active in the region and Kashmir issue is at its peak of either exploding or dissolving, although protest is their democratic right but the opposition must reconsider it for the sake of national issues and national interests.

MuHAMMAD ASiM KHAN islamabad

Friday, 1 November, 2019

10 FOREIGN NEWS

LeBanon’S HezBoLLaH, France caLL For new governmenT BEIRUT

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AGENCIES

ebanon’s powerful Iranbacked Hezbollah movement said on Thursday saad al-Hariri’s resignation as prime minister would waste the time available for reforms that are widely seen as vital to steering the country out of a deep economic crisis.

France, which backs Hariri, also called for the quick formation of a new government that can enact urgent reforms. Hariri resigned on Tuesday, propelled by an unprecedented wave of protests fuelled by rising anger at a ruling elite blamed for steering the country toward economic collapse.

“Hariri’s resignation will contribute to wasting the time available to enact the reforms,” Hezbollah said in a televised statement. It also accused the United states of meddling in domestic affairs to spread chaos. Parliamentarians from the Hezbollah movement called on Lebanon’s central bank to take steps to “guarantee avoiding the monetary situation spiralling out of control”. before he resigned, Hariri’s feuding government - which includes Hezbollah - had announced a list of reform plans last week, but these failed to defuse popular anger.

The proposals also failed to prod foreign donors to release $11 bln in

badly needed aid that they pledged at a Paris conference last year. after protests had largely subsided on Wednesday, protesters took to the streets again overnight and on Thursday, with many demonstrators demanding more resignations.

In a separate statement, the heavily armed Hezbollah said it targeted a drone over south Lebanon with “appropriate weapons” on Thursday, forcing it to leave the country’s airspace. Israel’s military said an anti-aircraft missile was fired from Lebanon at one of its drones but the aircraft was not hit. Hezbollah had vowed in august to shoot

record 45 million people in southern africa facing food crisis: Un agencies CAPE TOWN: a record 45 million people across southern africa face severe food shortages in the next six months, with around a quarter of them currently enduring drought-induced “crisis” food insecurity, three United nations agencies warned on Thursday. The 16-member southern african Development Community is in the grips of a severe drought, as climate change wreaks havoc in impoverished countries struggling to cope with extreme natural disasters, such as Cyclone Idai which devastated Mozambique earlier this year. “We’ve had the worst drought in 35 years in central and western areas during the growing season,” said Margaret Malu, acting regional director for southern africa at the World Food Programme (WFP). “We must meet the pressing emergency food and nutrition needs of millions of people, but also invest in building the resilience of those threatened by ever more frequent and severe droughts, floods and storms,” Malu said in a statement. WFP, the Food and agriculture organisation and the International Fund for agricultural Development (IFaD) appealed jointly for urgent funding to help mitigate the effects of climate change in africa. southern africa’s temperatures are rising at twice the global average, according to the International Panel on Climate Change, and the region includes six of the nine african countries set to be hardest-hit by adverse weather in coming years - DR Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. “With the region so prone to shocks and afflicted by high rates of chronic hunger, inequality and structural poverty, climate change is an existential emergency which must be tackled with the utmost urgency,” said Robson Mutandi, IFaD Director for the southern africa hub said. AGENCIES

down Israeli drones that violate Lebanon’s airspace on almost daily basis. That came after a suspected Israeli drone attack in a beirut suburb.

TWO WEEKS OF PROTESTS: banks, shut for nearly two weeks, are due to reopen on Friday. Lebanon’s dollar bonds rose for the first time in 10 working days with 2021 maturity debt rising 0.8 cents to 68.5 cents in the dollar, its biggest jump in six weeks.

The bonds have been under huge selling pressure in recent days amid simmering concerns about the government’s ability to meet its debt obligations. at nearly 150 per cent of GDP, Lebanon has one of the

world’s highest public debt burdens.

President Michel aoun has formally asked the cabinet to continue in a caretaker role until a new one is formed, as required by Lebanon’s system of government. a senior official familiar with Hariri’s thinking said he was ready to return as premier of a new Lebanese government on condition it includes technocrats and can quickly implement reforms to stave off economic collapse. seeking to restore a semblance of normality, troops and riot police deployed on Thursday morning, reopening roads including a major highway north of beirut and a bridge in the capital. “We’ve been on the streets for 14 days. The politicians have been taking this as if nothing’s happening,” said simon nehme, a protester at the Ring bridge in beirut. “They’re stalling to get us bored and tell us to leave the streets. This won’t happen.”

Lebanon’s army command has said people have the right to protest but only in public squares. soldiers fired tear gas after clashing with protesters blocking a road on Wednesday night in the akkar region. The education minister has called on schools and universities to reopen their doors but in the capital, as well as parts of the north and south of the country, most schools remained shut on Thursday, Reuters witnesses said.

Iraqi PM will only resign if replacement found: president BAGHDAD AGENCIES

Iraqi Prime Minister adel abdul Mahdi is ready to resign only if parliament’s main blocs can agree on his replacement, President barham salih said on Thursday, as tens of thousands gathered in baghdad to demand an end to the current system of government. abdul Mahdi, who despite promising reforms and a broad reshuffle of his cabinet has struggled to address protesters’ demands. He has refused calls for an early election made by his erstwhile main supporter, populist cleric Moqtada al-sadr.

“The prime minister had previously agreed to submit his resignation, if the blocs agree on an acceptable replacement in order to adhere to constitutional and legal frameworks,” salih said in a live televised address. early elections cannot be held until a new electoral law is passed, salih said, adding that he expected a bill to be introduced in the baghdad parliament by next week. abdul Mahdi said on Tuesday it

would be quicker if sadr and his main rival Hadi al-amiri agreed on a replacement, and would prevent months of chaos.

It took more than six months of negotiations before abdul Mahdi was appointed a year ago and finding a replacement all blocs can agree to will not be easy.

He emerged as a compromise candidate between amiri – who leads an alliance of Iran-backed shi’ite militia fighters that holds the second-largest amount of seats in parliament - and sadr, a shi’ite cleric who heads the largest bloc.

Iraqi security forces killed one protester and wounded more than 50 on Thursday as tens of thousands resumed mass demonstrations to demand an end to the sectarian power-sharing system they blame for endemic corruption and economic hardships. More than 250 people have been killed in clashes with security forces and pro-government paramilitary groups since protests began on oct 1 and eventually swelled into the worst mass unrest in Iraq since the 2003 fall of saddam Hussein.

US forces seen near Turkish border for patrol in northeast Syria BEIRUT: Us forces in armoured vehicles were seen on Thursday near the syria-Turkey border in a part of northeastern syria where they had not been observed since the United states announced a decision to withdraw from the area, a witness said. a military source from the Kurdish-led syrian Democratic Forces (sDF) described the movement as a patrol running between the towns of Rmeilan to Qahtaniyah, 20 km (12 miles) to the west. The source said it would “not be a one-time” event. The head of the sDF’s media office could not immediately be reached for comment. The witness saw the vehicles outside the town of Qahtaniyah, roughly 6 km (4 miles) south of the border.

President Donald Trump announced this month that Us forces would withdraw from northeastern syria, where the United states had allied with the sDF to oust Islamic state forces. In response to a question about the reported troop movement, Colonel Myles Caggins, a spokesman for the Us-led coalition, said, “all Coalition military operations are de-conflicted with other forces operating in the region”. “We have begun repositioning Coalition troops to the Deir al-Zor region, in coordination with our sDF partners, to increase security (and) continue our mission to defeat (Islamic state) remnants,” Caggins added. The Us military said last week it was reinforcing its position in syria with additional assets, including mechanised forces, to prevent oil fields from being taken over by remnants of the Islamic state militant group or others. AGENCIES

US envoy says Tehran spent $16 billion on ‘militias’ in Iraq, Syria DUBAI: Iran has spent $16 billion on its “militias” in Iraq and syria, Us special Representative for Iran brian Hook told saudi-owned al arabiya TV on Thursday. He did not give more details on the militias or say when Iran had spent the money. AGENCIES

TB drug price slashed in global push to thwart killer disease NEW YORK: a pharmaceutical multinational on Thursday slashed the price of a key anti-tuberculosis drug boosting the battle against the world’s deadliest infectious disease, as a new treatment was also set to begin extensive testing. The initiatives came as the United nations seeks to galvanise the campaign against Tb, which killed 1.5 million people worldwide last year and saw 10 million more infected. “This lifesaving drug has, until now, been completely unaffordable in developing countries,” said Lelio Marmora, head of Unitaid, a global health initiative that helped broker the landmark deal, which will see the sanofi company cut the price of its rifapentine drug by two thirds. The cheaper price will apply in 100 of the world’s poorest nations. south africa, where Tb is a big killer, will roll out the drug from next year, Unitaid’s programme director Robert Matiru told aFP. other major markets that could take up the treatments include India, which has a quarter of the world’s Tb cases, Indonesia, Philippines and Kenya, sanofi’s global health business chief Thibaud Lefort told aFP. “We are looking realistically next year at adding at least five major countries and a dozen other smaller countries accelerating their efforts,” he said. AGENCIES

Pentagon releases video, photos of Baghdadi raid WASHINGTON AGENCIES

The Pentagon released video and photos on Wednesday of the Us special forces raid that resulted in the death of Islamic state group leader abu bakr al-baghdadi. among the images released by the Defence Department was grainy black-and-white footage of Us troops approaching on foot the high-walled compound in northwestern syria where baghdadi was holed up. The Pentagon also released video of airstrikes on a group of unknown fighters on the ground who opened fire on the helicopters that ferried Us forces in for the assault on baghdadi’s compound in syria’s Idlib province. before and after pictures of the isolated compound were also released.

The compound was razed by Us munitions after the raid, leaving it looking like “a parking lot

with large potholes,” said Marine Corps General Kenneth McKenzie, commander of Us Central Command. McKenzie, speaking to reporters at the Pentagon, also provided several new details about sunday’s raid. He said that two children were killed — and not three as President Donald Trump previously said — when baghdadi blew himself up with a suicide vest in a tunnel as he tried to escape Us troops.

He said the children appeared to be under 12 years old. McKenzie was asked about Trump’s claim that baghdadi had fled into the tunnel “crying and whimpering.” “about baghdadi’s last moments, I could tell you this,” he said. “He crawled into a hole with two small children and blew himself up while his people stayed on the ground.” baghdadi “may have fired from his hole in his last moments,” he added. McKenzie said

that in addition to baghdadi and the two children, four women and one man were killed at the compound. He said the women had acted in a “threatening manner” and were wearing suicide vests.

BURIED AT SEA: an unknown number of nearby fighters were also killed when they opened fire

on Us helicopters, McKenzie said. Video released by the Pentagon showed airstrikes on a group that appeared to consist of up to a dozen or so people on the ground.

McKenzie declined to provide any further details about the two men captured in the raid, but said that a “substantial” amount of elec-

tronics and documents had been recovered from the compound. He said baghdadi had been identified through comparison with his Dna, which had been on file since his 2004 detention in an Iraqi prison.

He said baghdadi’s remains had been flown back to the staging base for the raid for identification. baghdadi was then buried at sea within 24 hours of his death “in accordance with the laws of armed conflict,” McKenzie said.

He also provided details about the dog that pursued baghdadi into the tunnel. He said it was a four-year veteran of 50 combat missions and had been injured by exposed live cables in the tunnel, but has returned to duty. McKenzie said that despite baghdadi’s death, Is remains “dangerous.”

“We’re under no illusions that it will go away just because we killed baghdadi,” he said. “It will remain.”

IS CONFIRMS BAGHDADI’S DEATH CAIRO: The Islamic State militant group confirmed on Thursday its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has been killed, the group’s news agency Amaq said in an audio tape following a US weekend raid. The Sunni Muslim group also confirmed its spokesman Abu al-Hassan al-Muhajir was also dead, it said, adding that Ibrahim al-Quraishi had been appointed as new leader. AGENCIES

Friday, 1 November, 2019

BusiNess 11 CORPORATE CORNER

LAHORE: The Fatima Group recently signed a strategic memorandum of understanding with renowned Chinese companies, China Machinery Engineering Cooperation and Xinjiang Tianye Group, at the Pak-China Agricultural Cooperation Forum. PRE S S R E l E a S E

KARACHI: Engro Polymer and Chemicals, the only manufacturer of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) in Pakistan, has won the distinguished ‘7th Employer of the Year’ award, organized by the Employers Federation of Pakistan. PRESS RElEaSE

PM IMRan uPdates WB PResIdent on econoMIc ReFoRMs PM SAYS EASE OF DOING BUSINESS, ENHANCEMENT OF TAX BASE AND MOBILISATION OF DOMESTIC RESOURCES AMONG TOP GOVT PRIORITIES islamabad

P

STaFF REPORT

RIME Minister Imran Khan on Thursday appreciated the World Bank's financial and technical support to Pakistan and reiterated the government's resolve towards the strengthening of economy, transparency and good governance.

Talking to World Bank President David Malpass, the PM said that ease of doing business, enhancement of the tax base, mobilisation of domestic resources, foreign investment and financial reforms were among the foremost priorities of the government.

He apprised the WB president of various ini-

WB PRESIDENT LAUDS PAKISTAN FOR MAKING SUBSTANTIAL PROGRESS IN ECONOMIC INDICATORS DESPITE FISCAL CHALLENGES

tiatives launched by the government to ensure the welfare of the youth, alleviation of poverty and facilitation of housing sectors.

Speaking on the occasion, Malpass said the World Bank recognised the government's efforts towards economic turnaround; reducing expenditures, practising austerity and initiating reforms in critical sectors of the economy.

He appreciated Pakistan for making substantial progress in economic indicators despite global and internal fiscal challenges.

The WB president was accompanied by South Asia VP Hartwig Schafer, Equitable Growth, Finance and Institutions (EFI) VP Ceyla Pazarbasioglu-Dutz and World Bank Country Director for Pakistan Patchamuthu Illangovan.

Market Daily

KSE-100 gains 442 points as traders end protest KaRaCHi STaFF REPORT

KARACHI: The 7th NED scholarship awarding ceremony was held recently at NED University of Engineering & Technology. On behalf of Pak Suzuki Management, M Ashhad Khan awarded scholarships among six qualified students. PRESS RElEaS E

KARACHI: SINA Health, Education & Welfare Trust has inaugurated its clinic, ‘Mr Riaz & Mrs Jamshed Malik Centre’, sponsored by Master Molty Foam, at Sherpao Colony. PRESS RElEaSE

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) marched north on Thursday, a day after traders called off their protest against the government's taxation measures.

On the economic front, the State Bank of Pakistan sold Pakistan Investment Bonds (PIBs) worth Rs101 billion as against the target of Rs100 billion. Cutoff yields for 3-year, 5-year and 10-year have come down by 115bps (11.80pc), 90bps (11.60pc) and 90bps (11.35pc), respectively, due to heavy demand for fixed-rate bonds.

The KSE-100 Index remained positive throughout the session, recording an intraday high at 34,306.00. It settled higher by 442.27 points at 34,203.68 points. The KMI-30 Index jumped 1.11pc to close at 55,842.17, while the KSE All

Share Index gained 126.30 points, ending at 24,698.78.

The advancers to decliners' ratio stood at 209 to 89.

For the outgoing month, the KSE-100 Index surged by 2,124.83 points (+6.62pc) thanks to Engro Corporation Limited (ENGRO +10.94pc), Mari Petroleum Company Limited (MARI +33.44pc), Habib Bank Limited (HBL +8.28pc), Pakistan State Oil Company Limited (PSO +20.81pc) and Dawood Hercules Limited (DAWH (+14.45pc) for their phenomenal performances in October.

Gains in today's session were attributable to Engro Corporation Limited (ENGRO +2.72pc), MCB Bank Limited (MCB +3.36pc), Dawood Hercules Limited (DAWH +4.99pc), Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL +2.24pc), Pakistan State Oil Company Lim-

ited (PSO +5pc), United Bank Limited (UBL +1.88pc), Lucky Cement Limited (LUCK +1.84pc), Habib Bank Limited (HBL +0.67pc), DG Khan Cement Company Limited (DGKC +0.67pc) and Oil & Gas Development Corp (OGDC +0.69pc).

The overall market volumes were recorded at 183.98 million with Worldcall Telecom Limited (WTL +1.67pc) topping the chart; 24.26 million shares (13.18pc of the total volume) were traded following ARY Communications' announcement that it was interested in acquiring a majority stake in WorldCall.

The earnings season came to an end with Al Shaheer Corporation Limited (ASC +4.93pc) reporting a profit of Rs190.92 million for FY19. The company's earnings per share stood at Rs1.34 (-Rs0.31 in FY18).

ary Communications to acquire 51pc stake in WorldCall telecom islamabad ahmaD ahmaDaNI Daraz has announced that the second edition of Gyara Gyara (11.11) sale will kick-off at midnight on November 11. P R E S S R E l E a S E

KARACHI: Avari Towers, in collaboration with Shaukat Khanum Hospital, arranged a breast cancer awareness session for their female associates. P R E S S R E l E a S E

ARY Communications Limited has made a Public Announcement of Intention to acquire 51pc of the issued and paid up share capital and control in WorldCall Telecom Limited, according to a notice sent to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Thursday.

Shajar Capital Pakistan, working on behalf of ARY Communications, has sent the notice to PSX in which it says that ARY Communications and ARY Digital FZ LLZ have expressed interest in acquiring the managerial control of WorldCall Telecom.

Major shareholders of WorldCall Telecom

FBR extends deadline to file income tax returns The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Thursday extended the deadline for filing of income tax returns for the tax year 2019 to November 30. According to the official notification, “In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 214A of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, the Federal Board of Revenue is pleased to extend the date of filing of income tax returns/statements for the tax year 2019.”

The FBR said individuals and “associations of persons” who were required to file their income tax returns for the tax year 2019 first by Sept 30 and then by an extended deadline of Oct 31 but failed to do so will now be able to file their income tax returns by Nov 30. “The date of filing of total income/statements of final taxation for companies for the tax year 2019, which were due on 30th September 2019 and extended up to 31st October 2019, in respect of those companies who have paid 95pc of the admitted tax liability on or before 30.09.2019 is hereby further extended up to 30th November 2019,” read the notification. BUSINESS DESK

Petrol price increases by Re1 per litre The government has increased the price of petrol by Re1 per litre and that of highspeed diesel by 27-paisa per litre for the month of November, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Finance. However, the price of light diesel has been decreased by Rs6.56 while that of kerosene by Rs2.39 per litre. With the increase, the price of petrol now stands at Rs114.24 per litre and HSD at Rs127.41 per litre. The new fuel prices will come into effect from November 1. Earlier on Wednesday, the Oil Gas and Regulatory Authority (OGRA) had sent a summary to the Ministry of Petroleum to increase the prices of POL products. BUSINESS DESK

Banking sector profits surge 48pc in 9M2019 NEWs dEsK

KARACHI: Onederland Chief Executive Officer Umar Dar receives ‘Best Indoor Rollercoaster Award’ from IT and Telecom Minister Khalid Maqbool Saddiqui at the Consumer Choice Award 2019. P R E S S R E l E a S E

Limited include WorldCall Services with 27.79pc holding, Ferret Consulting with 17.97pc holding and ABM Management Consultants with 7.51pc share.

According to the annual audited accounts for the year ended Dec 31, 2018, the total number of issued shares of WorldCall Telecom stood at 1,805,921,917 at the price of Rs10 per share.

Earlier this month, according to a PSX notice, US company Elko Broadband Inc. also showed interest in buying issued and paid up shares of WorldCall Telecom. According to that notice, Elko Broadband showed interest in buying “more than 30pc of the issued and paid up capital of World Call Telecom Limited together with management control.”

World Bank President David Malpass arrived in Pakistan earlier today and visited Tarbela Dam. He was accompanied by Water Resources Minister Faisal Vawda.

The WB president inspected Tarbela Dam, Tarbela Hydel Power Station and the powerhouse of the Tarbela-4 Extension Hydropower Project.

He lauded the government for bringing improvement in the water resources sector, including removal of hiccups in the completion of the Dasu Hydropower Project and construction of dams.

Speaking on the occasion, Faisal Vawda said steps were being taken under a comprehensive strategy to improve water resources in the country.

He expressed confidence that the sector would further grow with the cooperation of the World Bank.

Banking sector profitability rose to Rs45.5 billion in the third quarter of 2019, up 48pc when compared with the same period last year.

The increase in profitability is primarily on the back of a 33pc YoY increase in net interest income and 17pc YoY growth in non-interest income. The biggest increase was posted by BankIslami (+176pc), followed by HBL (+175pc) and Meezan bank (+86pc).

The listed sector’s cumulative profits for the first nine months of

2019 grew by 20pc YoY to Rs127.7 billion.

In absolute terms, the highest quarterly profit was earned by MCB Bank (Rs5.7 billion), followed by National Bank (Rs5.2 billion) and UBL bank (Rs5.0 billion).

Net Interest Income (NII) of the banks during the outgoing quarter improved by 33pc to Rs158 billion.

Over the 12-month period, average policy rate increased by 5.5pc, resulting in the higher NII of the sector.

NII of Meezan bank, Bank Islami and Standard Chartered bank recorded the highest pace during the

period; up by 87pc, 73pc and 52pc, respectively.

On a sequential basis, NII growth was 9pc on a quarterly basis primarily due to 1ppt hike in July2019 MPS and delayed asset repricing which increased the sector’s interest expenses for the quarter.

It is pertinent to mention that mid-tier banks outperformed the larger peers in terms of NII growth owing to better sensitivity to interest rates.

Non-Interest income during the quarter was up by 17pc (Rs46 billion) which was driven by fee in-

come (+15pc). Forex income was up 30pc YoY due to volatility in currency market. Non-interest expense increased 17pc primarily driven by growth recorded in operating expense due to inflation, devaluation and branch expansions.

During the quarter, as expected, the listed banking sector recorded provision expense of Rs12.8 billion, rising by 82pc YoY. The highest provision was booked by NBP (Rs3.4 billion), followed by UBL (Rs2.0 billion) while reversal in provisioning was recorded by Allied Bank Limited (Rs67 million).

Friday, 1 November, 2019

12 BusiNess

uBL president awarded Honorary doctorate by Kingston university UBL President & CEO Sima Kamil was recently conferred with the prestigious honorary degree of ‘Doctor of the University Honoris Causa’ by the Kingston University in London. The doctorate was awarded at the graduation ceremony of the Faculty of Business and Social Sciences held at the University. Kamil is a Kingston University alumna. The honorary degree has been awarded to Kamil for her outstanding contribution to diversity in business leadership.

Vice Chancellor of Kingston University, Professor Steven Spier, while commenting on the occasion, said, “Ms Kamil’s career and extraordinary success are an inspiration to all of our students, to have achieved what she has achieved in the culture in which she lives is impressive. She is a role model for aspiring women in business.” BUSINESS DESK

Govt borrows $2.07bn in loans, grants during 1QFY20 ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek Insaf (PTI) government has taken Rs2.075 billion loan/grant during the first quarter of current fiscal year (FY20). As per the documents available with this scribe, the government has borrowed $1.9 billion from friendly countries as well as from different lending organizations. The government borrowed $26 million from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), $97 million from International Development Association (IDA), $303.68 from IDA (S-term), $0.04 million from Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and $23 million from International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

Similarly, the government also has received grants from multilateral organizations such as IDB, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and MultiDonor Trust Fund (MDTF). The above stated organizations have given $22 million to Pakistan in various projects.

Overall, Pakistan has received $1.01 billion from multilateral organizations. Documents further revealed that the government took a loan of up to $1.4 billion from bilateral organizations during the first quarter of FY20.

Saudi Arabia gave Pakistan $141 million short-term loan during the first quarter. The loan taken from commercial banks stood at $514 million against the $2 billion yearly budget estimates of the finance ministry. ShahZaD PaRaCha

sindh govt introduces onewindow system for businesses Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said on Thursday that the provincial government has introduced a one-window system to provide maximum facilities to the business community, a private media outlet reported. Addressing a ceremony in Islamabad, CM Murad said that the Sindh government has taken this step to ensure the provision of all facilities to the business community under one roof. He said the new digital system would help reduce traders' issues, besides saving their time. The chief minister said that the provincial government was committed to introducing economic reforms to boost business activities in the country, adding that the government intends to bring automation in its institutions. CM Shah maintained that Pakistan's ranking on ease of doing business index improved owing to positive steps taken by the government. Earlier on May 11, the chief minister had inaugurated the Sindh Building Control Authority's online one-window facility for grant of construction permits in the metropolis. BUSINESS DESK

KcR PRoject LIKeLY to ReMaIn In LIMBo islamabad

t

CENTRE RELUCTANT TO GIVE SOVEREIGN GUARANTEE IN KARACHI CIRCULAR RAILWAY PROJECT

GhUlam aBBaS

HE much-delayed mega project of Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) is once again likely to be neglected at the highest forum of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Pakistan Today has learnt.

Although the mega project is included in the agenda of the 9th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) of CPEC, scheduled to be held on November 6, sources believe the progress on the same is unlikely as the centre has not given a green signal with regard to the required guarantee.

"The issue of guarantee is related not only to KCR but ML-I railway project as well; the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has objected against sovereign guarantees," sources said, adding that the government may take up the issue with the visiting IMF mission.

"Until the IMF is convinced regarding the guarantee, funding for mega projects under CPEC may not be possible," said a source at the Ministry of Planning, Development and Reforms.

Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Thursday met Planning Minister Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar to discuss financing for mega projects in the province, particularly KCR. However, the ministry high-

lighted various issues related to the project, including sovereign guarantee, land disputes and a lack of interest on part of financers.

The chief minister reportedly urged the ministry to take up these issues with the prime minister and relevant authorities ahead of the next JCC meeting. He also requested the minister to give priority to KCR against ML-I and other mega projects.

Bakhtiar assured that the project would be supported, however, a "workable model needs to be articulated to make it viable for financing".

As per documents available with this scribe, China was not ready to sign the framework agreement on the financing of KCR despite its in-principle decision to include the mega project in CPEC during the 6th JCC in 2016.

The project remained excluded in 7th and 8th JCCs for want of required documentation, feasibility studies and approval from relevant forums etc.

KCR, with a revised cost of Rs207 billion, was approved by the Executive Committee of the

FBr misses four-month revenue target by rs167bn islamabad GhUlam aBBaS

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has missed the revenue collection target for the first four months of the current fiscal year (July-October FY20) by Rs167 billion, as the collections for the said period clocked in at Rs1,280 billion, against the target of Rs1,447 billion.

In the month of October 2019, FBR managed to collect Rs320 billion, up 16pc on a yearly basis but Rs56 billion short of the target (Rs376 billion) set for the outgoing month.

The revenue board had collected Rs960 in the first quarter of FY20. The IMF had set the first-quarter (Jul-Sept) revenue target at Rs1.070 trillion.

As per the documents, total revenue collection in September was recorded Rs373 billion as against Rs494 billion required to meet the first-quarter target. The revenue deficit in September was Rs50 billion as the initial target for September was Rs423 billion.

The FBR had provisionally collected Rs293 billion in August as against the target of Rs352 billion, reflecting a shortfall of Rs59 billion. Earlier, the FBR had faced around Rs10 billion shortfall in July this year.

According to the FBR’s officials, the long Eid-ul-Azha vacations during August 2019 had negative impact on revenue collection. In order to achieve the target set for this financial year, FBR needs to collect Rs5.5 trillion by June 2020.

ZAIDI CONTENT WITH RESULTS: FBR Chairman Syed Shabbar Zaidi on Thursday expressed satisfaction over the collection of Rs320 billion during the month of October.

“Alhumdullilah, FBR has collected Rs320 billion during the month October 2019 and has maintained overall increase over last year of 16pc and domestic tax over 25pc,” Zaidi twitted on Thursday. “This is after taking into account negative aspect of import contraction of around Rs50 billion.”

In another tweet, he said, “FBR reiterates its query relating to cases of ‘Bond Washing’ for T-Bills under trust to avoid deduction of withholding and strongly reaffirms its position that there is no issue banking secrecy law in this respect. Banks are suggested to divulge such information soon.”

Samsung electronics third-quarter net profit slumps 52pc Samsung Electronics, the world’s largest smartphone and memory chip maker, saw net profits slump by more than half in the third quarter, it said Thursday, hit by an enduring downturn in the global chip market.

Net profits in the three months to September were 6.29 trillion won ($5.40 billion), it said in a statement — down 52pc year-on-year.

“Earnings from the memory business slumped significantly year-onyear as memory chip prices continued its downward trend,” the company said.

The firm is the flagship subsidiary of the giant Samsung Group, by far the largest of the family-controlled conglomerates known as “chaebols” that dominate business in the world’s 11th-

largest economy.

But in recent months it has been battered by falling chip prices as global supply increases.

Samsung also faces challenges from the US-China trade war and tough export restrictions imposed by Tokyo on key supplies as part of a dispute with Seoul over wartime forced labour.

The South Korean tech titan leads the global smartphone market with a 23pc share, trailed by Chinese competitors Huawei and Oppo, with Apple in fourth place, according to sales tracker IHS Markit.

The premium smartphone market has grown fiercely competitive and overall sales have cooled as a lack of major innovation has seen buyers

waiting longer before upgrading to new models.

But Samsung said profits in its mobile division had been boosted by strong sales of the Galaxy Note 10 and its A series devices, along with bigger margins for mass-market models.

“The business also expanded its 5G product offerings and launched the Galaxy Fold, demonstrating Samsung’s technology leadership,” it added.

‘SIGNIFICANT ADVANTAGE’: Samsung released its top-end S10 5G smartphone earlier this year after South Korea won the global race to commercially launch the world’s first nationwide 5G network.

But in April it was embarrassingly

forced to delay the release of the hotly anticipated Galaxy Fold after reviewers provided with early devices reported screen problems within days of use.

In another setback, earlier this month it also acknowledged a major flaw with its fingerprint system allowing non-users to open other people’s top-end smartphones.

But Tom Kang, research director at Counterpoint Research, noted Samsung’s flagship Note 10 device had sold far better than previous models — and that the firm would benefit from restrictions imposed by Washington on its key Chinese competitor.

“From September, Huawei’s devices have been unable to have Google mobile services,” he told AFP. aGENCIES

National Economic Council (ECNEC) in 2017.

However, the project is continuously facing delays owing to unresolved guarantee issue and land dispute between Pakistan Railway and the Sindh government.

Japan, which earlier intended to invest in the project, had also backtracked due to the unfriendly approaches of centre and Sindh government towards resolution of the issues. In 2010, JICA had begun a three-year survey to assess the feasibility of reopening the loop line. The Japanese aid agency had offered a 40-year loan at a 0.2pc interest rate to fund the project, but it was stymied by administrative delays.

The KCR served commuters in Pakistan's largest metropolitan area from 1969 to 1999.

The meeting on KCR and other projects was attended by Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Mohammad Jehanzeb Khan, Planning Secretary Zafar Hasan, KP Board of Investment Chairman Hassan Daud and senior officials of the ministry.

Separately, in a meeting on the proposed Punjab-related projects to be taken up in the upcoming JCC, the planning minister stated that emphasis would be laid on socio-economic development projects under the second phase of CPEC. He said that projects would be recommended based on economic viability and after due diligence under CPEC plans.

Mercantile Pacific becomes apple’s authorised distributor for Pakistan Apple has appointed Mercantile Pacific, Singapore, one of the leading global mobile phone distribution companies, as a regional distributor for Pakistan and Afghanistan. The company has a well-established and constantly growing network of partners, suppliers, and customers across the world and a powerful portfolio that includes popular models of all premium brands. Mercantile Pacific is now expanding its network into Pakistan by signing up Airlink Communication as its distribution partner across the country. Mercantile Pacific Head of Global and Business Development Simon Mallitte expressed his delight by saying, "We are thrilled to partner with Airlink Communication, one of the leading Mobile Phone Distributors, in the country.” Speaking on the occasion, Airlink Communication Ltd CEO Muzzaffar Hayat Piracha said, "Airlink Communication is committed to offering the best products to the consumers through this alliance.

The market for premium products in Pakistan is growing and we should expect the best from the future.” BUSINESS DESK

PM apprised of measures to control interest, inflation rates State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Dr Reza Baqir on Thursday apprised the prime minister on the financial strategies to control interest and inflation rates. The SBP governor also informed the premier regarding the matters related to the central bank and financial affairs, whereas they both discussed the foreign reserves and stability of the local currency against the US dollar.

Meanwhile, in a separate meeting, Prime Minister Imran Khan stated that promotion of industry was among the top priorities of his government. He was chairing a meeting in Islamabad on Thursday to review the steps taken for promotion of industry in the country, especially the tariff rates on imports, impact of the existing tariff on industry and exports and to further improve the tariff system. The PM said that the government was committed to providing all-out facilities to the business community. Welcoming the proposals regarding tariff system, Imran Khan said these measures will not only resolve the problems faced by the business community but would also provide traders conducive environment so that Pakistani products could compete in the region and enhance their share in the international market. NEWS DESK

FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA EXPERIENCED AT FPW WINTER/FESTIVE 2019

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By KauKaB Jahan

He most grandeur fashion event of Pakistan ‘Fashion Pakistan Week’ showcased its second instalment of the current year ‘FPW Winter/Festive 2019’ last week in Karachi. The three-day fashion affair featured the top most cutting edge designers from Pakistan and abroad, who showcased their formal, semi-formal and bridal collections, highlighting the latest trends of the season.

From the array of 20 designers with their diverse collection, five came on the runway on day one, seven on day two and the rest eight on day three.

Prior to the event, Alkaram Studio hosted an exclusive sundowner in association with the Fashion Pakistan Council. The sundowner was a first look at the collection ‘La Vie en Rose’ with hints of pinks, blushes and corals in the chic and luxurious décor. The event also collaborated with Pink Ribbon Pakistan for Pinktober, in solidarity with the patients and survivors of breast cancer.

The three-day event was all about glamour and style. Outside the ramp area, the evenings began with the presence of renowned personalities from the world of Pakistani fashion and entertainment at the purple carpet in dazzling dresses and dapper attire. A Physiogel booth was also buzzing with celebrities, media, stars and fashionistas as the stylish and light-hearted actor, Ali Safina engaged the comers in conversations revolving around trends and their personal style. Many also experienced the glamorously decked up Chocolatto booth, ultimately walking away with picture perfect moments, decadent desserts and giveaways.

Day one was opened by Alkaram Studio who displayed inclusivity and diversity of cultures in an extravagant hour-long showcase of their Luxury Pret collection titled ‘La Vie en Rose’ using feminine blush tones, pink roses and an array of different techniques, which was followed by ‘Gul-e-Nar’ by Boheme, in which prints in the form of bandhani dupattas, traditional Sindhi fashion with a mix of modern techniques in prominent striking colours.

Third show of the night was ‘Lost in my French Garden’ by Gogi Hasan Riaz, where sharp silhouettes, vibrant colours, and classic couture to flamboyant looks in silk, organza and old french embellishment techniques were seen on the runway.

Tirana’ by Yasmin Zaman was a collection of deep colours and rich fabrics of Pakistani formal wear with loose jackets and elaborated sleeve details. The grand closing of day one was with ‘Mahnoor’ by Ayesha Farook, which featured flat braid work with a strong emphasis on gold and geometric designs.

Celebrity showstoppers started off with the Muneeb Butt and Ayeza Khan for Alkaram Studio, Saboor Aly for Boheme, Nimra Khan for Gogi by Hasan Riaz, Sarwat Gilani for Yasmin Zaman and Fauzia Aman for Ayesha Farook’s opulent closing.

Many prominent personalities attended day one, including Hajra Yamin, Azekah Daniyel, Alishay Adnan, Maheen Khan, Aamna Aqeel and key media personnel amongst others.

The evening of Day two of the event opened

with Stella Jean, a Haitian-Italian designer who works in Rome and is considered to be Giorgio Armani’s protégé, unveiled her collection ‘Laboratorio Delle Nazioni’ meaning an Italian-Pakistan bridge which was a multicultural collaboration with the local artisans of Chitral, Gilgit and Hunza. Following that was an energetic fashion display by Humayun Alamgir with his collection, ‘Style Mara Tou Darna Kya’ that highlighted the bold, flamboyant designs needed in fashion. The Pink Tree Company showcased, ‘Color in Technicolor’ homage to old movies and the nostalgia that comes with it. Zuria Dor continued the bold take on fashion with ‘Centre of Gravity’, a mix of craftsmanship and the artistry of couture on rich, pure fabrics. Fifth designer of the night, Zellbury brought to the ramp their collection ‘Shahi Rendezvous’ which was a 21st century take on the bright flora and fauna of Mughal Art, with an emphasis on inclusivity and independent women. Splash showcased a global ‘Streetwear’ trend with their vibrant, funky, young designs perfect for the trend-following fashionistas. Fashion maestro, Maheen Khan closed the evening with a breathtaking collection titled ‘Something old, something new, something borrowed, something not so blue’ showcasing the intricacy of designs and bold colours perfect for the Winter season.

Celebrity showstoppers ramped up the style quotient, starting off with Karishma Ali for Stella Jean followed by the dapper boys; Shehzad Sheikh, Agha Ali, Fahad Mirza, Ali Safina and Asad Siddiqui for Humayun Alamgir, Navin Waqar for Pink Tree Company, Hina Altaf for Zellbury and Areeba Habib for Maheen Khan’s sumptuous closing.

Many prominent personalities were present on day two, including Momal Sheikh, Khalid Malik, Zara Noor Abbas, Sarwat Gilani and many embassy Consulates including The US CG Robert Silberstein, German Consul General eugen Wollfarth,

Italian Ambassador Stefano Pontecorvoste with his wife Lidia Pontecorvoste, Mike Nithavarnkis from the UK embassy, key TDAP members and Zahir Rahimtoola amongst others.

The third and final day of Fashion Pakistan Week Winter/Festive 2019 concluded in a rather extravagantly ritzy manner where the last eight of the 20 designers marked the latest trends and must haves for the Winter Festive season.

Zainab Chottani commenced with an opulent collection titled ‘Khwahish’ which was a visit to an inexorable classical feminine personification of a majestic look with contemporary silhouettes. This was followed by ‘Darwaish’ by Huma Adnan who took inspiration from the pattern, prints, embroidery, vibrant colours that she sees every day.

‘Uraan’ by Nauman Arfeen illustrated the story of a man learning to let go of his son as he grows into an adult and gets married. ‘Limitless’ by Saba Asad unveiled the glamour of the new generation and ‘Talea’ by Shiza Hasan weaved in a myriad nuance of femininity, recreating a magical tale in fabric and bridal wear. Sixth designer of the night, Sadaf Fawad Khan showcased her latest bridal collection ‘Adam & eve’ which comprised of an assortment of pastels as well as traditional colours that are forever classics. ‘Ishq-e-Raag’ by Ayesha Ibrahim juxtaposed the traditions of the Mughal with dainty details, soft feminine colours and a blend of traditional craft and modern sensibility. A head-turning closing show by Deepak Perwani’s latest bridal range ‘Shalimar’ ended the night on a high note.

Celebrity showstoppers further elevated the glamour on the ramp starting off with Mawra Hocane and Fahad Mustafa who walked for Zainab Chottani, Deputy Counsel General of USA Darian Arky and Noor Khan for Huma Adnan, Wasim Abbas and Ali Abbas, the father-son duo for Nauman Arfeen, Shaneira Akram for Saba Asad, Wasim Akram for Shiza Hasan, Hania Amir and Feroze Khan for Sadaf Fawad Khan, Sumbul Iqbal for Ayesha Ibrahim and Wahaj Ali and Sarah Khan for Deepak Perwani’s opulent closing.

Amongst the lit lighting and décor were famous faces with the likes of Fawad Khan who came out support his wife Sadaf, Physiogel brand ambassador Ayesha Omer, Asim Azhar, Nina Kashif, Sharmeela Farooqui and Sarwat Gilani amongst others.

The make-up maestro Nabila from N-Pro and N-Gents, styled the models and showstoppers with her signature finesse and style throughout the event.

Prior to his showcase, Chairperson of Fashion Pakistan Council (FPC), Deepak Perwani said a few words, “This is my last term as Chairperson of FPC and I’d like to thank everyone who supported me throughout my tenure and also the Pakistani fashion industry which is only growing by the day.

I encourage all designers to participate in our elections next month.”

Fashion Pakistan Week Winter/Festive 2019 had many other names at the back like Nubain Ali as the show director, Production 021 as the official event management partner, Faisal Farooqui as the official photographer, and Talking Point as the official PR and Digital partner.

Coke Studio to release Episode Three of Season 12 on 1st November 2019

Coke Studio is all set to release the third episode of Season 12, featuring Aadam by Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammad with Humnawa, Chal Raha Hoon

by Umair Jaswal, and Mubarik Mubarik by Banur’s Band and Atif Aslam. This episode of Coke Studio Season 12 will air on 1st November 2019. Presenting the story of mankind’s innate connection to music are Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammad with Aadam, a composition by Hazrat Amir Khusrow that has been handed down to them through Sufi tradition. The piece, as presented by the duo, brings together three couplets and two taranas expressing the legacy of music in the Sufi tradition as well as the collective human inheritance. The first couplet narrates the incident of Hazrat Aadam’s creation, as told by Khusrow, presenting music as humankind’s Divine inheritance and an integral part of our story in the Divine Order. It is joined by two other couplets, celebrating the Sufi Chishti Order’s religious practice of using music as a vessel to gain connection with the Divine, and recalling the famed musical gatherings of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. A piece that follows its own ebb and flow, Aadam is presented by Coke Studio with Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammad at the helm, leading the rise and fall of this composition as it climbs towards its crescendo. “Your soul and your ears seek purity. What are you giving your soul? It is important for the soul to hear what is pure and to be able to understand it. The soul gets nourishment from this. You will find peace in the qawwali.” says Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammad. Revisiting the heartache of a loss experienced years ago, Umair Jaswal brings Chal Raha Hoon to Coke Studio Season 12.

Aries: Soliciting a mentor or elder for sound advice about your career and finances saves you time and money.

Taurus: Honesty is a double-edged sword. Simmering tensions between you and a loved one likely boil over now.

Gemini: m A caring yet inspiring tone convinces people to listen to your ideas. Others are likely receptive because they see that you value and appreciate their contributions toward a common purpose.

Cancer: Discussing controversial topics might require extra caution and thoughtfulness today.

Leo: Your emotional bias might skew your judgment about an important decision.

Virgo: People may feel quite enchanted and heartened by your words today.

Libra: A beloved soul reminds you that money can’t buy the most precious facets of life. Perhaps you’re really seeking connection as you shop for sales and special discounts.

Scorpio: Striking a moderate tone on a sensitive matter with a person close to you could be a source of struggle today.

Sagittarius: Ironically, recalling the past is often an effective way to process your present and future.

Capricorn: Engaging in conversations with loved ones of all ages brings a smile to your face today.

Aquarius: Try as you might, life probably won’t let you remain in a comfy bubble now.

Pisces: Your powers of perception are heightened today. Perhaps you’re not inclined to enjoy reading the fine print of anything, but you can read between the lines fantastically well.

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Friday, 1 November, 2019

14 SPORTS

ROnaldO hiTs laTe JUvenTUs winneR as napOli Rage aT 'pOTaTO-peeling' ReFeRees TURIN

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AGENCIES

RISTIANO Ronaldo converted a 96th-minute penalty as Juventus defeated Thiago Motta's Genoa 2-1 to reclaim top spot in Serie A on Wednesday, while Napoli were left seething after conceding a disputed late equaliser against Atalanta.

Ronaldo sat out the 1-1 draw at Lecce over the weekend but Juve looked set to drop more points on his return in Turin as Christian Kouame's fluke equaliser cancelled out a header from Leonardo Bonucci.

The Portuguese forward saw a stoppage-time strike ruled out by VAR for offside before he won a last-gasp penalty after he was fouled by Toni Sanabria. Ronaldo drilled the spot-kick low beyond IonutRadu for his fifth league goal of the season to send Maurizio Sarri'sJuve back above Inter Milan at the summit. "It was a difficult game against a well organised team but Juve must keep going until the end," Ronaldo told Sky Sport.

"We suffered a lot tonight but we created a lot and deserved this win."

Genoa, in their second game under Motta, played most of the second half with 10 men after Francesco Cassata

was sent off, while Juve substitute Adrien Rabiot was dismissed late on for two bookable offences.

Atalanta twice fought back from a goal behind to hold Napoli to a 2-2 draw at the San Paolo, where a fiery ending resulted in red cards for Carlo Ancelotti and his assistant.

Josip Ilicic struck a contentious 86thminute equaliser that was upheld following a lengthy VAR review, as Napoli appealed for a penalty. Napoli forward Fernando Llorente tumbled to the ground after jostling with Simon Kjaer in the Atalanta area before the visitors countered and scored through Ilicic.

A five-minute interruption followed

LONDON AGENCIES

Liverpool reached the League Cup quarter-finals in thrilling style as their incredible 5-5 draw against Arsenal was followed by a 5-4 penalty shoot-out triumph, while Manchester United won 2-1 at Chelsea on Wednesday.

Both Liverpool manager JurgenKlopp and Arsenal boss Unai Emery made 11 changes for the fourth round tie, but the understudies served up one of the most entertaining games of the season at Anfield as the Gunners squandered multiple leads.

In the shoot-out, Dani Ceballos' penalty was saved by 20-year-old Irish keeper Caoimhin Kelleher before Liverpool-born 18-year-old Curtis Jones converted the winning kick.

Liverpool have won the League Cup a record eight times and they remain on course to lift the trophy for the first time since 2012.

"We were too open at times. We can talk about tactics but who cares on a night like this? I hoped for the boys they would have a game to remember," Klopp said. "It's like a dream for them to play for the first time at Anfield. All our goals were wonderful."

After Granit Xhaka's astonishing outburst at Arsenal fans during Sunday's traumatic Premier League draw with Crystal Palace, this was another body blow for Arsenal, who lost despite leading 3-1, 4-2 and then 5-4 with seconds to go.

"A crazy match. At the end we were winning until the last action. Penalties are 50-50 and we lost. We are sad but we deserve more," Emery said.

With an average age of 23 years and 122 days, it was Liverpool's youngest starting eleven in any competition since January 2017 as teenagers Neco Williams, Harvey Elliott, Rhian Brewster and Sepp

before the referee awarded the goal without reviewing the incident on the touchline monitor. "I consider what happened an attack on my professionalism, my players and my club," Ancelotti said.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis was livid with the officiating.

"If there is VAR it's pointless creating eight minutes of additional time because all that happens is pushing and shouting," he told Sky Sport Italia.

"And what is this buffoonery from the referee who kicks out a gentleman like Ancelotti? "We're fed up. Without us the referees would be peeling potatoes. We're tired of paying for this standard of refereeing."

ROMA, LAZIO MOVE ABOVE NAPOLI: Nikola Maksimovic had headed Napoli into the lead on 16 minutes, but Remo Freuler levelled just before half-time when his shot squirmed through goalkeeper Alex Meret.

Polish striker ArkadiuszMilik hit the post and crossbar before putting Napoli back on top on 71 minutes when he raced onto a Fabian Ruiz pass and rounded PierluigiGollini.

However, Ilicic levelled and nearly grabbed a winner in stoppage time for Atalanta, who stayed third but now trail leaders Juve by five points.

"From the pitch, I thought it was a penalty. Then, seeing the images, I saw a big elbow to Kjaer's face," Atalanta boss GianPieroGasperini said of the passage of play that led to his team's controversial equaliser. "The images are very clear. Whoever was in the VAR booth confirmed what the referee saw, but I'm rightly biased."

Roma climbed above Napoli into fourth after a 4-0 rout of Udinese despite losing Federico Fazio to a red card on 31 minutes. NicoloZaniolo opened the scoring before the dismissal of Fazio for a foul as the last defender.

Chris Smalling doubled Roma's lead early in the second half with a Justin Kluivert goal and AleksandarKolarov penalty wrapping up victory.

Liverpool reach League Cup quarters after 10-goal thriller against Arsenal

Van Den Berg all featured.

Liverpool's rookies went ahead after just six minutes as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain sent over a low cross and Arsenal defender ShkodranMustafi, sliding in to clear, accidently deflected it onto his knee and into the back of his own net.

Arsenal drew level in the 19th minute via an assist from the rarely used Mesut Ozil, who was making his only his third appearance of the season and his first since September 24. Ozil picked out Bukayo Saka in space and when his shot was saved, the unmarked Lucas Torreira slotted home.

Fourth-tier Colchester get dream draw with Manchester United LONDON: Fourth-tier Colchester United's chairman expressed his delight at being drawn away at Manchester United in their League Cup quarter-final declaring "You come into football for days like this."

Colchester -- the lowest ranked side remaining in the competition -- have lost both times they have faced United: 1-0 in the FA Cup fifth round in 1978-79 and 2-0 in the League Cup third round in 1983-84.

However, that did not diminish the joy at the prospect of playing at Old Trafford.

Having knocked out last season's Champions League finalists Tottenham Hotspur in the third round, Colchester are keen for another high-profile giant-killing act. "Everyone's delighted with the draw," their chairman Robbie Cowling told the BBC. "You come into football for days like this. We're going to enjoy every minute."

Holders Manchester City also face lowerleague opposition as they travel to third tier Oxford United -- who knocked out Manchester United in the fourth round of the 1983-1984 edition. There are two allPremier League ties with Aston Villa to host Liverpool and Everton at home to Leicester City. After their thrilling win on penalties over Arsenal following a 5-5 draw, Liverpool manager JurgenKlopp threatened to call a halt to his side's participation because the quarterfinal is too close to the FIFA World Club Cup. AGENCIES

Three-time Olympic rowing gold medalist Reed paralysed Triple Olympic rowing champion Pete Reed has been left paralysed from his chest down following a spinal stroke, he announced. The 38-year-old -- a lieutenant commander in the Royal Navy -- won the coxless four Olympic gold in Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012 before adding a third when the eight triumphed in Rio de Janeiro three years ago.

Reed had tweeted earlier this month he had suffered a spinal stroke which he added is "very rare" and he took to Instagram to reveal the fall-out from it. "There is a very small chance I will make no recovery and a very small chance I will make a full recovery," he said in his post. "Much more likely it will be somewhere in between. To what extent depends on the extent of the damage (which we can't see) and how well I rehab." A spinal stroke is a disruption in the blood supply to the spinal cord and five-time world champion Reed says doctors do not know what caused his. "It was in the middle of my spine so I'm currently paralysed beneath my chest," said Reed, who retired from rowing last year. SPORTS DESK

Benzema stars as Madrid put five past limp Leganes MADRID AGENCIES

Real Madrid registered their biggest win since Zinedine Zidane's return as coach on Wednesday as they demolished struggling Leganes 5-0 to move up to second in La Liga.

Karim Benzema was the star of the show, the Frenchman rounding off a superb attacking display with a goal from the penalty spot after Rodrygo, Toni Kroos and another spot-kick from Sergio Ramos had already put Leganes out of sight. Luka Jovic added a fifth in injurytime. "We have not scored five goals for a long time," said Zidane. "We needed a victory like that. When you start scoring goals, it makes everything easier."

Gareth Bale was absent as he continues to recover from a calf injury but Madrid hardly missed the Welshman, whose future has again been up for discussion this week after he was pictured returning to London. Zidane said he has spoken to Bale and saw him in the chang-

ing room at the Santiago Bernabeu. He was also asked if Bale had permission to leave the game five minutes before fulltime. "I think so," Zidane said. "If he leaves five minutes before the game finishes, he can get home more easily."

Zidane had struck a conciliatory tone on Tuesday too but Bale's team-mates flourished in his absence, albeit against a limp Leganes side, who remain rooted to the bottom of the table after sacking their coach Mauricio Pellegrino last week.

This was not a performance to recommend caretaker manager Luis Cembranos for the job long-term. Yet there were some impressive Madrid showings nonetheless, not least from Benzema, who has been Zidane's most consistent performer by far in recent months and now has seven goals already in all competitions.

"It's not just the goal, it's what he does for the team," Zidane said. "He doesn't surprise me." Rodrygo, the 18-year-old making only his fourth senior appearance, came into Bale's position on the right and, particularly in the first half, he shone,

grabbing an early goal and providing the frightening turn of pace that Bale once offered before injuries took their toll. "He is 18 but you don't have to be old to score here," Zidane said. "He has character and he is getting better and better."

Perhaps the only question mark was Eden Hazard, who still appears short of his best in a Madrid shirt.

There were glimpses of the Belgian's undeniable brilliance but moments of indecision too, that suggest he is finding his feet, and fitness, at his new club.

Madrid's victory keeps them just a point behind Barcelona, who thrashed Real Valladolid on Tuesday, and pushes them one ahead of Atletico, with a game in hand over their city rivals. Two goals arrived in the seventh and eight minutes and Benzema provided each of them, first keeping alive Hazard's cross for Rodrygo to poke home before teeing up Kroos to flick in at the near post.

Leganes looked jaded, without belief or direction, and they fell three down before the interval as Hazard was fouled by

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Juan Soriano after a superb through ball from Casemiro.

Ramos missed the penalty but was given a second attempt, VAR prompting a re-take for the first time in La Liga after Soriano sprung off his line too early. This

time, Ramos made no mistake. Benzema had hit the post after a smart dummy from Hazard before finally he got the goal he deserved after Luka Modric earned a spot-kick with a slick turn around Kenneth Omeruo.

Friday, 1 November, 2019

SPORTS 15

Only way is Up FOR sRi lanka as aUsTRalia eye whiTewash MELBOURNE

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AGENCIES

ARGINS of 134 runs and nine wickets (with seven overs to spare) have made the opening two matches of this series horrendously

one-sided.

David Warner has filled his boots while Aaron Finch, Steven Smith and Glenn Maxwell, who has now sadly stepped away from the game for a period of time, profited from time in the middle.

But Australia's middle order has barely needed to pad up. The bowling has been

impressive although has hardly been tested by some insipid Sri Lanka batting.

So it's on to Melbourne for the final match, a place where Sri Lanka have enjoyed some success against Australia in this format with two wins from two matches. They should have strong support, so hopefully those things combined can help rouse them from their slumber, although it may not be enough to bridge the gap - or chasm - that appears to exist between the two teams.

Quite how much Australia are learning is a moot point, but they have certainly looked a slick outfit with the makings of a team that could be formida-

ble on home soil in next year's T20 World Cup. It would be interesting to see how the likes of Ashton Turner, Alex Carey and Ashton Agar respond under some pressure with the bat, but can Sri Lanka get them in that position?

Billy Stanlake made an excellent return to Australia colours with 2 for 23 on a Gabba pitch that provided him with plenty of bounce. It's not very often you see a short leg in place during a T20I, regardless of how much the opposition is struggling. The question for Australia is how they fit him in when all first-choice players are available - Kane Richardson would seem the most vulnerable.

It might sound harsh just a few weeks after a 3-0 series win in Pakistan, but the whole Sri Lanka team is under the scanner after these two matches. The highest individual score is 27 and they have managed three wickets in total, while conceding 10.63 runs per over. You would hope the only way is up from there.

PITCH AND CONDITIONS: The

MCG has come under significant scrutiny for its pitches over the last couple of years and there has been extensive work done to try and revilatise them. A T20I will probably not give a full picture of how things will play, but it should be an early indication. Weather-wise, it's been a hot few days in Melbourne and it's expected to touch the low-30s again on Friday.

Glenn Maxwell takes break to deal with 'difficulties with his mental health' BRISBANE AGENCIES

Glenn Maxwell has been praised for his "courage" after opting to step away from the game due to mental health reasons. He confided in Australia men's head coach Justin Langer before the opening game of the ongoing T20I series against Sri Lanka, in Adelaide, that he was struggling, with Langer saying there were times over the last 12 months when he thought things might not be quite right for him.

No timeframe has yet been put on Maxwell's spell away, but he will certainly miss the rest of the T20I matches against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. He will have further assessments with the Cricket Australia doctors and psychologist over the coming days, with his proactivity in seeking out help being praised.

Maxwell played the opening two matches of the ongoing series against Sri Lanka, hitting 62 off 28 balls in the first fixture in Adelaide and not getting a chance to have a hit in the second, in Brisbane. It was during

training on the eve of the first T20I that Langer pressed Maxwell on his well-being, and discussions had begun before the team members were informed about the matter at the conclusion of the game in Brisbane.

"There's been a few times over the last 12 months where I've suspected that he was probably battling a little bit, but mainly in Adelaide last week before the first game," Langer said. "A few little things just weren't quite adding up. I just asked how he was going and he said, 'No, I'm not going that well actually'. I'm pleased he feels he has got that trust in the environment to be able to do that and he has got to do some work now to get himself right." Langer said that Maxwell was "not having that much fun at the moment" and that his upbeat outward persona, which had been on show during the first two matches, including when on mic for the host broadcaster, were a "mask".

"It took great courage to tell us that he wasn't okay," Langer said. "Behind the mask of the great entertainer and the great talent and the great team man and everything we see publicly - a lot of these guys, they are human and they are hurting a bit. Hopefully, he'll be fine. "Even though in Adelaide he had that brilliant innings and he fielded like a genius like he can, I don't think he got much joy out of it to be honest and that's not much fun. Not just doing to win games of cricket, you have to have fun while you do it. He's

probably not having as much fun as he would have liked at the moment, even though he had a smile on his face when he played. "That's the mask he puts on; it's his armour, his energy and the way he plays. He is the great entertainer but underneath the mask - you probably just sense it. When you build relationships with people, you sense when they're not quite right."

Maxwell has played and travelled extensively over the last 12 months including stints in county cricket either side of the World Cup on the back of the last Australia summer and tours to India and the UAE. "I think just mentally and physically it's exhausting and we've always got to try and find the balance," Langer said. "That's part of the world we live in now and I'm sure that's a part of how he's feeling." Team psychologist Dr Michael Lloyd said, "Glenn Maxwell has been experiencing some difficulties with regards to his mental health. As a result, he will spend a short time away from the game. Glenn was proactive in identifying these issues and engaging with the support staff."

Ben Oliver, the executive general manager of the national teams, said: "The well-being of our players and staff is paramount. Glenn has our full support.

Cricket Australia will work collaboratively with Cricket Victoria's support staff to ensure Glenn's wellbeing and his reintegration into the game.

ICC could scrap global qualifier for 2021 men's T20 World Cup DUBAI AGENCIES

The men's T20 World Cup qualifier, a fixture of the Associate calendar since 2008, could be scrapped as part of the pathway to the 2021 men's T20 World Cup in India. Instead, under consideration currently is a plan that could see as many as 12 teams from the 2020 T20 World Cup gaining qualification and four teams coming through the regional - not global - qualifiers.

With the T20 World Cup now taking place two years in a row - the one in India (originally a Champions Trophy) coming just 12 months after Australia - squeezing in a global qualifier in between looks impractical as some of the regional qualifiers that lead into the global qualifiers are unlikely to conclude until April or May 2021.

The hosting of the global qualifiers within a small window has happened once before, in 2010, when it was held just two months prior to the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean. However, the current proposal has found backing from some of the lower-ranked Associates, who stand to benefit financially, with the budget set aside for the global qualifiers being equally distributed among members.

The lower-ranked sides, who would have little chance of progressing to the qualifier, could end up outvoting higher-ranked Associates in exchange for a one-off payment.

In the proposed plan, the Super 12 teams from the 2020 edition would gain

automatic entry to the 2021 edition.

Eight of those 12 are in the main draw for 2020 based on the ICC rankings, while four others - among Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Ireland, PNG, Netherlands, Namibia, Scotland and Oman will join them from the opening round of the tournament. The four remaining berths for 2021 would be decided by the winners of four regional finals.

But the only wrench in this plan is the presence of five Associate regions.

To work around this, it seems most likely that the ICC will give one berth each to Americas, Europe and Asia,

with the fourth coming through a playoff final between a team from East-Asia Pacific - traditionally the weakest region, dominated by PNG - and Africa.

This format could mean only one of Netherlands, Scotland and Ireland could qualify for 2021, with several other European teams such as Jersey and Germany in the fray (if none of the European trio progresses to the Super 12 stage in Australia).

Likewise, should Oman, Sri Lanka or Bangladesh not make it to the Super 12s, it could mean that they fight with UAE and Nepal as well as

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Singapore and Hong Kong for one spot in India in 2021.

If PNG or Namibia do not make it into the Super 12s in Australia, they could face a showdown with Zimbabwe - who would also have to go through a regional qualifying final after missing the current qualification cycle due to an ICC suspension - along with other African sides such as Kenya, Uganda and Nigeria.

A final decision on qualification for the 2021 T20 World Cup may not be taken until an ICC board meeting in March 2020.

darren Bravo too good a player to be 'washed up on the shore', says Michael holding LUCKNOW: Darren Bravo was dropped from West Indies' squad for the one-off Test against Afghanistan, but former fast bowler and current commentator Michael Holding believes the left-hand batsman is "too talented to be left out". Holding's endorsement comes after chief selector Roger Harper also backed Bravo to return to the side. "I would tell him to find something that works. If he has a technical problem and I don't know if that is the case - I would tell him to find someone and get it sorted," Holding said on the Line & Length podcast this week. "If it's just a matter of going through a bad rut and you don't know exactly what the problem is, again find someone who is highly qualified and skilful enough to look at you and suggest something that may be going wrong and try and get it sorted." Bravo still has a central contract, having been awarded an all-format deal in July. "Him being out of the team, I hope he will not take it personally and won't be upset," Holding added. "I just read that Jonny Bairstow was left out of the England team, and I also read that the chairman of the selectors and another selector actually went to visit him and sat down and talked to him. I hope that they will do the same thing for Darren Bravo. He is too skilful and talented a player to just be washed up on the shore. He is too talented to be left out."

Holding also advocated for West Indies going back to their traditional strength of fast bowling, and supporting upcoming pace bowlers by preparing pitches accordingly.

He cited India's example, and their recent stock of pace bowling riches, to emphasise his point. "I would hope that the pitches in the Caribbean will be prepared to encourage fast bowlers," Holding said. "Because if you don't have pitches that encourage fast bowlers, you're going to struggle. Look at India. They have started [to] prepare different pitches over the last six-seven years, and they've started to produce a lot of fast bowlers. And they are now winning series away from home. That is what you need. "Look at the quickest pitches renowned in the Caribbean - Jamaica and Barbados. Where have most of the Caribbean fast bowlers come from? Jamaica and Barbados. In recent times, a few more have been coming out of Antigua. But Trinidad have not produced a lot. Ian Bishop definitely would have been a great but for injury. Colin Croft was from Guyana. But those flat pitches that don't encourage people to run in and work hard, will not produce fast bowlers. So one would hope that pitches that have good pace and bounce will be prepared in that manner so that we can encourage our youngsters to bowl fast.� AGENCIES

Friday, 1 November, 2019

NEWS

StreetS deSerted aS IndIa dIvIdeS OCCupIed KaShmIr NEW DELHI TO DIRECTLY RULE OVER JAMMU AND KASHMIR, BUDDHIST-DOMINATED LADAKH REGION SRINAGAR

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AGENCIES

HOPS and offices were shut in Indian occupied Kashmir (IOK) on Thursday and the streets largely deserted as federal authorities formally revoked the restive area’s constitutional autonomy and split it into two federal territories.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision in August to change occupied Kashmir’s status and tighten its grip over the region has stoked anger and resentment among Kashmiris.

Just after midnight on Wednesday, the federal government’s orders went into effect, dividing up occupied Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories; one Jammu and Kashmir, and the other the Buddhist-dominated high altitude region

of Ladakh.

Both will be directly ruled by Delhi, and new lieutenant governors were due to be sworn in at a high-security governor’s premises later on Thursday.

But the most contentious change for many people is the threat of land grabs by Indians outside the region with the formal abrogation of a clause in the Indian Constitution that safeguarded Kashmiris’ exclusive right to land ownership.

“Everything changes on Thursday,” said a retired Kashmiri judge, Hasnain Masoodi, a member of India’s Parliament. “The entire exercise is unconstitutional. The mode and methodology have been undemocratic. People were humiliated and never consulted.” Masoodi represents the National Conference, a powerful pro-India Kashmiri political group whose leaders have been detained.

INFORMATION WARFARE: Ahead of the biggest change in occupied Kashmir on August 5, authorities shut down internet access, mobile and landline phone service and cable TV for the region’s 12.5 million people.

The shutdown disrupted businesses and schools and demoralised the people.

With international pressure mounting to restore freedoms, authorities have begun easing the restrictions, lifting roadblocks and restoring landlines and some cellphone service. They have encouraged students to return to school and businesses to reopen. But Kashmiris have largely stayed home, in defiance or in fear amid threats of violence.

Authorities continue to limit internet access, saying it is likely to be used to organise anti-India protests and violence.

PROTESTS AND ARRESTS: Despite a siege by tens of thousands of government forces, hundreds of anti-India protests and clashes have erupted across the region. Government forces have fired tear gas, shotguns and firearms to prevent

stone-throwing protesters from marching in the streets, leaving at least three people dead and hundreds injured.

At least 4,000 people, mostly young men, had been arrested since the security lockdown was imposed in the first week of August. Indian officials say at least 3,000 have since been released.

About 250 of those still being held have been moved to various Indian jails outside occupied Kashmir.

Records show that about 300 of those are being held under the contentious Public Safety Act, which allows authorities to detain people for up to two years without trial.

Pakistan rejects 'illegal' bifurcation of Kashmir ISLAMABAD STAFF EPORT

Pakistan on Thursday said that “no step by the government of India” can change the status of disputed Kashmir issues as it rejected the “void” and “illegal” bifurcation of India-occupied Kashmir into two union territories.

In a statement issued by the Foreign Office on Thursday, Islamabad termed the move a “complete violation of the UN Security Council Resolutions and bilateral agreements between India and Pakistan, especially the Simla Agreement”. The statement underscored that India-occupied Jammu and Kashmir is an “internationally recognised disputed territory”.

“No step by the government of India can change this. These changes are illegal and void as per the relevant UNSC Resolutions, and do not prejudice the right to self-determination of the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir,” it added.

Pakistan particularly highlighted that the August 5 measures announced

by India “were forced upon” the people

of India-occupied Jammu and Kashmir “through the barrel of a gun”. The FO statement said that the region has been turned into a prison with the deployment of over 900,000 Indian security forces.

The statement further observed that many people including political leaders, civil society members, women and children “remain under illegal detention”.

“An iron curtain remains in place on more than 8 million Kashmiri people snapping their communications with the outside world,” said the statement.

“Curfew remains imposed and movement of people restricted. Many people,

especially women and children, are being continuously abused and tortured

by Indian occupation forces,” it added.

Pakistan rejected the narrative that the changes are India’s “internal matter” and termed them as “illegal and unilateral” as the dispute “remains on the agenda of the Security Council”.

The FO, in its statement said that the purpose of these changes “is neither development of the region nor welfare of the Kashmiri people”. “The real motive is to alter the demographic structure of the Muslim majority state in pursuance of the extremist ‘Hindutva’ ideology.”

Pakistan called upon the international community to “take notice that the transfer of civilian population from outside into India-occupied Jammu and Kashmir is in grave violation of the international laws particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention”. The statement laid emphasis on the fact that this forceful occupation by India will never be accepted by the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir. India’s unilateral actions “would only further aggravate the human rights situation in the region

and threaten to destabilise the peace, security and stability of the South Asian region as well as the world”.

Pakistan called on India to “stop brutalising the innocent Kashmiris under its illegal occupation for the last seven decades”.

“India should immediately withdraw its military forces from the region, remove draconian laws, restore basic human rights of the people, free all detainees, lift all restrictions on the free movement and communications, allow unimpeded and full access to the UN and other international human rights observers, including independent foreign media,” urged the Foreign Office.

“It is imperative that India implements the UN Security Council Resolutions on the right of Kashmiris to self-determination, without further prevarication.” The statement also asserted Pakistan’s resolve to continue to “extend its full moral, political and diplomatic support to the suffering Kashmiri brothers and sisters” until their right to selfdermination in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions is realised.

CIA-backed Afghan militias kill with impunity, rights group says KABUL AGENCIES

CIA-backed Afghan paramilitary groups operating with impunity are summarily executing civilians during botched nighttime raids and are responsible for the disappearances of suspects, a rights group said Thursday.

The secretive militias, whose support from America’s Central Intelligence Agency continues a tradition stemming from the Soviet-Afghan war of the 1980s, have long hunted the Taliban and are seen as an important tool as the war against the insurgents intensifies.

But their rough tactics have long sparked controversy across Afghanistan.

In a report, Human Rights Watch (HRW) documented 14 cases from late 2017 to mid-2019 in which it said CIA-backed “strike groups” committed serious abuses during night raids, such as one in the southeastern province of Paktia in which a paramilitary unit killed 11 men, including eight who were home for the Eid holidays.

The CIA disputed the HRW report, saying many of the claims against Afghan special forces were “likely false or exaggerated.” In several cases, the raids — usually in Taliban-controlled areas — were accompanied by air strikes that “indiscriminately or disproportionately” killed civilians, HRW said, and sometimes, troops detained men and didn´t tell families where they were being held.

According to data released this week by NATO, the US conducted 1,113 air and artillery strikes in September, a big increase on previous months that came as talks between the US and the Taliban collapsed.

Night raids — where special forces troops blast

doors and rush a building under the cover of dark — are a popular tactic that combines surprise, overwhelming firepower and night-vision equipment to stun occupants.

“In ramping up operations against the Taliban, the CIA has enabled abusive Afghan forces to commit atrocities including extrajudicial executions and disappearances,” said Patricia Gossman, the report author and HRW´s associate Asia director.

“In case after case, these forces have simply shot people in their custody and consigned entire communities to the terror of abusive night raids and indiscriminate air strikes.”

‘DEATH SQUADS’: Afghan authorities and US forces have increased the use of paramilitary groups to combat a resurgent Taliban that has been hammering Afghanistan´s beleaguered national security forces. Ostensibly part of the National Directorate of Security (NDS) but often operating almost independent of Afghan authorities, paramilitary forces do not fall under normal command chains and so have less oversight.

Speaking to HRW, one diplomat referred to them as “death squads.” CIA spokesman Timothy Barrett said the clandestine agency conducts its global operations in “accordance with law and under a robust system of oversight.” He blamed the Taliban for sowing misinformation and noted that the insurgents do not operate under any similar rules. “Unlike the Taliban, the United States is committed to the rule of law,” CIA officials added in a statement.

“We neither condone nor would knowingly participate in illegal activities, and we continually work with our foreign partners to promote adherence to the

law.” The NDS did not immediately comment.

Afghan militias have largely been recruited, trained, equipped, and overseen by the CIA, according to HRW. Ties date back to the 1980s, when the CIA was funnelling money and equipment to Afghan rebels fighting Soviet troops.

After a lull during the Taliban regime in the 1990s, the CIA re-established ties with warlords and militias fighting the insurgency following the September 11, 2001 attacks.

According to the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), a US government watchdog, Afghan special forces conducted 2,531 ground operations from January-September this year, more than the total of 2,365 for all of 2018.

A UN report earlier this month found an unprecedented number of civilians were killed or wounded in Afghanistan from July to September this year.

The tally — 1,174 deaths and 3,139 injured from July 1 until September 30 — represents a 42 per cent increase over the same period last year.

Published by Arif Nizami at Qandeel Printing Press, 4 Queens Road, Lahore. Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965. Email: newsroom@pakistantoday.com.pk

CMYK

SUPREME COURT BATTLE: Kashmiri people’s hopes rest with India’s Supreme Court, which is set to begin hearings in early November on petitions challenging the validity of the abrogation of Article 370 of the constitution, which gave a special status to occupied Kashmir. A decision is expected within several months.

WHAT DOES MODI PLAN ON TO DO? The Modi government claims occupied Kashmir’s new status gives its people rights that were denied to them under its past special status, including a right to education, a minimum wage law and statutes ensuring the rights of minorities.

China says division of IOK into union territories illegal, ineffective ISLAMABAD APP

China on Thursday deplored and firmly opposed India’s formation of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh union territories as illegal, invalid and ineffective and said this move would not change the facts. “India unilaterally changed its domestic laws and administrative divisions challenging China’s sovereignty. This is unlawful and void and this is not effective in any way and will not change the fact that the area is under Chinese actual control.” Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Geng Shuang said during his regular media briefing. He said that the Indian government officially announced the establishment of so-called Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh union territories which included some of China’s territory into its administrative jurisdiction.

“China deplores and firmly opposes that,” he added. The spokesperson urged India to earnestly respect the Chinese territorial sovereignty, abide by bilateral treaties and uphold peace and tranquility in the border areas and create favourable conditions for the proper settlement of boundary questions.

On his government’s stance on Kashmir, he said, “China’s position on the Kashmir issue is consistent and clear. This is a dispute left from history and it should be properly and peacefully resolved based on the United Nations (UN) charter, the relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and other bilateral treaties. He said that the relevant side should resolve the dispute through dialogue and consultations and uphold regional peace and stability. To a question pertaining to China’s opposition to blacklisting Pakistan, he said that the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) was an important platform for anti-money laundering and fighting terrorist financing activities. Geng Shuang said that the aim of FATF is to better help all countries fight the illegal activities of money laundering and terrorist financing or the abuse of international financial system, adding that its aim is not to sanction or punish any country. China, he said, supported Pakistan improving its domestic anti-terrorist financing system, adding that it will work with all parties of FATF to provide constructive support and assistance to Pakistan. While commenting on President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to India, he said that regarding President Xi and Indian Prime Minister Modi’s meeting in Chennai, the two sides had released statements and press releases. Both sides exchanged views on the global, regional, long term and strategy issues in a friendly atmosphere and agreed to develop closer partnerships. They also discussed cooperation in various areas in the next stage, he said, adding that this includes cooperation in people-to-people exchanges.