E-paper PakistanToday ISB 30th December, 2011

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Rs15.00 Vol ii no 183 22 pages islamabad — peshawar edition

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Friday, 30 december, 2011 Safar 4, 1433

Who to believe on Haqqani’s resignation? Silenced! g

Asma says her client was forced to resign because govt couldn’t stand up to army ISLAMABAD

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MaSOOd rEhMaN

He government continues to change its position on the resignation of former ambassador to Washington Husain Haqqani, whose counsel Asma Jahangir

contradicted Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani’s public statement on Thursday, which was also in contradiction with his earlier statement, as she informed the nine-member Supreme Court bench hearing the memo case that the former envoy had resigned under pressure as the government could not take a tough stand, being in a transitional pe-

riod, against the army.

In its affidavit, submitted to the Supreme Court on behalf of the federation, the Interior Ministry had said that Haqqani was not asked to resign, while a statement issued by a PM’s House spokesman on November 22 had said that the prime minister had asked the former ambassador to resign. Later, the prime minister contradicted the official statement and said Haqqani was not asked to resign as he had already handed in his resignation.

Continued on page 04

QUETTA

Shahzada zulfiqar

Masked gunmen shot dead police surgeon Dr Syed Baqir Shah, who had contradicted police and Frontier Corps’ reports of the Kharotabad incident in Quetta on Thursday. Superintendent of Police Fareedullah Bareach told reporters that the identity of the killers was yet unknown.

However, he said he would be able to comment in this regard after an investigation. Shah was going home from hospital when the gunmen ambushed his car and shot him in the head five times, killing him on the spot, Bareach said. His personal staff officer, Abdul Hameed Mengal was accompanying him when the armed men opened fire at them Continued on page 04

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02 News

friday, 30 December, 2011

iSLAMABAD

Today’s

NewS

foreiGN NewS

6 new polio cases unravel govt’s hollow claims 2011 sees uS-pakistan ties go downhill

Gaza rockets hit israel after overnight air strikes

Quick Look

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Story on Page 09

Story on Page 14

Pasha went to Doha to meet US military officials

ISLAMABAD Staff rEpOrt

faiSalaBad: textile workers take out a mock funeral to protest against prolonged gas load shedding on thursday. OnLInE

CNG stations to be closed down next month: Dr Asim ISLAMABAD/LAHORE

ISI hopeful of breakthrough in talks with Taliban

ONliNE

Federal Petroleum Minister Dr Asim Hussain said on Thursday that all the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations would have to be closed down in January as the country was struck with an acute gas shortage.

The minister told the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Petroleum that gas pressure was so low that gas supply to all consumers would have to be suspended if the CNG stations were not closed next month.

According to our staff reporter, in Lahore, despite Thursday being the day all CNG stations were supposed to reopen after the weekly three-day holiday, all the stations were forced to shut down.

All pumps in Garden Town, Faisal Town, Iqbal Town and Cantt were closed down at around 5pm, after which gas was not available anywhere in the city. The reason cited was low gas pressure.

ISLAMABAD Staff rEpOrt

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He Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) on Thursday told the Senate Standing Committee on Defence that security establishment’s talks with the Taliban had entered an advanced stage and some major breakthrough was expected in the coming days, Pakistan Today has learnt reliably.

The Senate defence body was given briefing at the ISI Headquarters, but Senator Raza Rabbani of the PPP and Senator Professor Khurshid Ahmed of the JI did not attend the briefing. “The senior officials of the ISI told parliamentarians that they would continue seeking guidance from parliament regarding the matters of national security,” said a participant of the meeting, seeking not to be named. He said the memo issue was not discussed in the meeting as it was not on the agenda.

The meeting of Senate Standing Com-

mittee on Defence and Defence Production was attended by committee chairman Javed Ashraf Qazi, Senator Raja Zafarul Haq, Senator Haji Adeel, Tahir Hussain Mashhadi and Senator Sardar Ali Khan and Senator Faisal Raza Abidi. Senate Deputy Chairman Jan Jamali and Senator Tariq Azim are abroad, while Maulana Muhammad Khan Sherani could not turn up due to poor health. ISI Director General Ahmad Shuja Pasha briefed the committee about the mission, working and activities of ISI in the war on terrorism.

According to another participant of the meeting, Lt Gen Pasha and his deputies informed parliamentarians that Pakistan’s policy in the war against terror was undergoing an overall review to correspond to changes in American plans in Afghanistan.

“Some of the parliamentarians wanted to know about ISI’s working in political affairs, but the ISI officials evaded these questions, saying the ISI was not engaged in the country’s political mat-

ters,” a participant of the meeting said, adding that ISI officials told lawmakers that they had been doing what the government of the time asked them to do.

The sources further said that members of the committee were briefed about the Tribal Areas, important issues of frontiers, situation in Afghanistan and policy about the war or terror. They said during the briefing, the ISI chief and his subordinates confirmed that parleys with the Taliban, particularly those operating inside Pakistan, were at an advanced stage and some major breakthrough was expected.

Another participant of the meeting said the ISI officials were confidant that there would be some big surprises on this front.

“When a member of the committee asked about the presence of Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan, ISI officials said that it was not only its failure, but a failure of the CIA and other top spy agencies of the world that were allies of the US in the war on terror,” the source said.

As part of behind-the-scenes efforts aimed at the normalisation of PakistanUnited States relations, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Chief Lt General Ahmad Shuja Pasha rushed to Doha, Qatar a few days ago to meet senior American military officials, Pakistan Today learnt on Thursday.

This visit to Qatar was important in a sense that it came a few days after the US military announced the findings of its probe into a deadly air strike by NATO helicopters on Pakistani border posts last month, which killed 24 Pakistani soldiers.

A security official confirmed the visit of General Pasha to Doha, but he would not give the purpose of the ISI chief’s visit to the Gulf state. However, it is believed that the visit was linked to the US enquiry.

A diplomatic source said Pakistan Army had already rejected the US probe report but a detailed response would be given after a review of the report handed over

by American officials to Pakistani authorities.

“The US administration is still trying for a patch-up and efforts are afoot on its part to win back Islamabad’s support for counter-terrorism,” he said. “I think the US officials would have made the same request of revival of counter-terrorism cooperation to General Pasha and resumption of NATO supplies through Pakistan and in return could have given assurances that no violation of the Pakistani border would take place in future,” he added.

Interestingly, it was Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani who gave the information to journalists about Pasha’s visit to Doha a couple of days ago, but the prime minister did not say what the purpose of the ISI chief’s trip was.

It is also believed that Pasha would have spoken to Qatari authorities and US officials there on the opening of a Taliban office in Doha to carry forward the reconciliation process with the Taliban.

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friday, 30 December, 2011

ArtS & eNtertAiNMeNt

SPortS

Big B has a fan in farah Khan’s son

australia thrash hapless india

News 03

CoMMeNt the rot in pMl(N): It’s growing.

the corruption scorecard: TI releases its report.

Ejaz haider says: Beyond hyper-jalsas…: Running the house is dreary business.

qudssia akhlaque says: Challenges await: 2012 isn’t going to be any easier.

Quick

zeeshan Shah says: A flawed paradigm: Pak-US relations in a muddle.

Story on Page 17

Story on Page 18

14 killed in village near Gujranwala over longstanding feud GUJRANWALA MuhaMMad ShafiquE

In a shockingly brutal incident, three women, nine children and two men lost their lives over an old feud in the village of Piplywala, some 10 kilometers east of Gujranwala, in the Saddar Police precincts on Thursday. The two men were shot dead by members of a rival ‘party’ in the morning over an old enmity, after which their family members set ablaze the houses of the assailants, killing the women and children inside.

Reportedly, Chaudhry Saifullah Goraya and Javed Goraya were rivals who had an ongoing feud that had already claimed three lives in the past. On Thursday morning, Saifullah and his nephew Usman were gunned down near their house by Javed’s men and a passerby, identified as Ashiq Hussain, was critically wounded. In retaliation, Saifullah’s brother Amjad and his four armed accomplices doused four houses of Javed’s family with petrol and set them on fire, waiting outside with guns to ensure the families inside the houses were killed.

Those who burned or choked to death inside the house were identified as Tanzila, Farah Bibi, Irshad Bibi, Fajar, Hajira, Maria, Abdullah, Wali Muhammad, Khushi Muhammad and two other children. The victims included a 6month-old infant as well. The villagers did not dare to come to the besieged families’ aid since the culprits were standing outside the houses and sporadically firing shots in the air. Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has taken serious notice of the incident and ordered the CPO to arrest all those involved in this heinous crime.

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Articles on Page 12-13

Hashmi calls for snap polls before it’s too late ISLAMABAD Staff rEpOrt

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ORMeR Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MNA Makhdoom Javed Hashmi on Thursday urged Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani not to insist on completing his government’s five-year term and rather hold snap polls taking onboard all stakeholders to seek a new mandate from the people to save the country.

Addressing the National Assembly (NA) prior to resigning from the lower house in wake of his decision to part ways with his party–the PML-N and join the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), Hashmi spoke his heart out and took an overview of the challenges faced by the political leadership and the widening gulf between people and politicians.

Visibly perturbed over his party leadership’s cold shoulder and continued disregard to his 45-year-old struggle for democratic order in the country, Hashmi and his daughter, Maimoona, tendered their resignations from their respective membership of the lower house. While leaving the house, Hashmi was given a standing ovation by Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) members, some of Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PMLQ) ministers and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) MNAs while PML-N members, except for Opposition Leader Chaudhry Nisar Ali, the main opponent of Hashmi in the PML-N, and Mehtab Abbasi, all MNAs applauded Hashmi who waved to

Today’s

the house before departing it. Hashmi had won general elections from NA-149 Multan while his daughter had been elected on a reserved seat for women on a PML-N ticket. In his speech, Hashmi gave an overview of his parliamentary struggle for peoples’ rights since 1985 when he had been elected to the NA for the first time. Hashmi said that parliament was fast loosing its objectives and turning out to be meaningless.

He said that this was the right time for the political elites of the country to review their attitudes and autocratic mindsets, otherwise, people were fast loosing confidence in parliament, which was also becoming powerless. “Today, around 47 lawmakers have resigned from assemblies. Would you act when assemblies would become empty? These resignations reflect that the assemblies

are failing to come up to the expectations of the people and it is about time to seek ways and means to restore confidence of the people in democratic order,” he said. Rather than saving the system, Hashmi added, it was better for the political leadership to save the country. The former PML-N MNA also criticised the leadership of his previous party–the PML-N–stating that party chief Nawaz Sharif had visited his house and sought his blessings to enter into politics and it was none other than him who had informed Nawaz about his appointment as an adviser in the mid-80s.

Crticising his own former party leadership for accepting former PML-Q leaders, Hashmi came down hard on Nawaz and said that not only he had been ignored by his party leadership despite his sacrifices but also former law minister of PML-Q Zahid Hamid had been given a ticket in 2008 elections despite the fact that Zahid had attacked his daughter in the NA. “Here in this august house, a former PML-Q minister had attacked my daughter while I was imprisoned and Hanif Abbasi had saved my daughter.

But I did not raise my voice following the party discipline. I may also have not spoken, as my voice had been suppressed,” Hashmi said in an emotional tone. On this occasion, Hanif Abbasi came to rescue Zahid and stated that he had saved Maimoona who was attacked by PML-Q MNA Tariq Javed and not by Zahid. But Hashmi confronted Abbasi and asked him not to distort facts, as he had photographs of Zahid attacking his daughter.

inspector among eight killed in police operation TAxILA ONliNE

Around eight people, including a police inspector and a hostage, were killed in a clash between police and kidnappers in Taxila on Thursday, police said.

Sub-Inspector Raja Hussain, hostage Dr Talal and six kidnappers, including two women, were killed in cross firing during the operation. A DSP and several other policemen were also injured in the operation and shifted to nearby hospital. Talal was kidnapped from Haripur last month and kidnappers had demanded Rs 60 million in ransom. According to sources, the operation was carried to free hostages but Talal was killed in the cross firing.

Govt employee, son killed in Quetta QUETTA Staff rEpOrt

Unidentified armed men gunned down a government employee and his son at Link Badini Road in Sariab locality on Thursday. According to police, Sher Sumlani, a Balochistan excise and Taxation Department employee was going to his office along with his son Muhammad Rafique when armed motorcyclists fired at their vehicle. As a result, both the father and son died on the spot. Rafique was working with the National Highway Authority (NHA).

Police said that the murder appeared to be a case of old enmity, adding that a case was registered against unidentified assailants and investigation was underway.

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friday, 30 December, 2011

PML-N walks out of NA over ministers’ absence ISLAMABAD

iSlaMaBad: pakistan’s ambassador designate to uS Sherry rehman called on interior Minister rehman Malik on thursday. OnLInE

NADrA to issue CNiCs to orphans from today, NA told ISLAMABAD Staff rEpOrt Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Thursday said the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) had been directed to issue Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) to orphans and the process would start from today (Friday). “I have directed NADRA to issue CNICs to orphans on production of an authority letter from any registered orphanage centre,” Malik said while responding to supplementary questions during the National Assembly question hour. He said Pakistan’s name had been removed from the international watch list on human trafficking due to efforts of the FIA. On its role in addressing corruption, the minister said the FIA had so far recovered Rs 808 million lost in corruption. To a question, the minister said Transparency International was a small institution, therefore, its report was not final and it should be noted that corruption in Pakistan could never measured on the same tools used in europe.

world’s youngest MCP Aarifa Karim in critical condition LAHORE ONliNE

Aarifa Karim, a Pakistani girl from Faisalabad who became the world’s youngest microsoft certified professional (MCP) in 2004 at the age of nine, is in a critical condition in a hospital in Lahore.

Aarifa’s father told a private news channel that she had an epileptic attack on December 22 which damaged her heart and her brain. Doctors said she was on a ventilator and they might have to unplug her machines as there were very little chances of her survival. After the news of her condition emerged, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif took notice of it and announced economic support to the family, which the family refused. Aarifa had also earned the Fatima Jinnah gold medal and Salam Pakistan Youth Award in 2005 on her achievement, and was also invited to the Microsoft Headquarters in the US by Bill Gates for being the world’s youngest MCP. Aarifa earned her first flight certificate at a flying club in Dubai at the age of 10, and was invited by Microsoft in 2006 to be a key-note speaker at the Tech-ed Developers Conference, where she was the only Pakistani among over 5,000 developers. She is currently 16-year-old and is studying at Lahore Grammar School Paragon Campus.

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Staff rEpOrt

He Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N) on Thursday staged a walkout from the National Assembly (NA) over absence of ministers of petroleum and finance after Opposition Leader Chaudhry Nisar Ali’s announcement that the PML-N would not tolerate business as usual anymore.

Speaking on a point of order after former PML-N MNA Javed Hashmi’s speech, Nisar criticised the treasury benches for enjoying Hashmi’s resignation saying that like Hashmi, former foreign ministers Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Sardar Assef Ahmed Ali of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), who joined the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), should be given time for a speech in the house. He said that the masses were facing enormous troubles due to load shedding of gas and electricity but the petroleum minister was not present in the house to brief parliamentarians on the issue. “either the petroleum minister be asked to find a solution for gas shortage or be sent home,” he said, adding that Finance Minister Dr Abdul Hafiz Sheikh was not attending the NA session since long. Federal Religious Affairs Minister Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah endorsed Nisar’s criticism on absence of ministers saying that ministers should be present in the house, as they

Saudi Arabia to provide $172m soft loan ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Thursday signed two agreements worth $172 million soft term loans for constructing infrastructure in Malakand region and importing urea fertilizer in Pakistan. The first agreement is a soft loan worth $72 million to finance the Reconstruction of Malakand Region Project. The project is aimed to improve roads in Malakand region and contribute to increasing agricultural productivity and enhancing education and health standards in the region. The second agreement is a loan worth $100 million for the import of urea fertilizers for the agriculture sector. Staff rEpOrt

MQM wants Hazara and South Punjab provinces ISLAMABAD Staff rEpOrt

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) on Thursday submitted a resolution in the National Assembly Secretariat which demanded to carve out ‘Hazara Province’ out of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and dividing Punjab into more than one province. MQM Deputy Parliamentary Leader in the National Assembly Haider Abbas Rizvi submitted the resolution in the secretariat which carried signatures of 25 MQM parliamentarians. The resolution suggested creating ‘Hazara Province’ which included Mansehra, Abbotabad, Kohistan, Haripur, Batagram and Toor Garh districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The resolution also demanded a separate province consisting of South Punjab. It suggested a referendum in South Punjab to observe whether the people of the area wanted a separate province or wanted to remain part of Punjab. were answerable to parliament. Nisar said, “The finance minister should brief the house on the present economic condition of the country. There were reports in the media that the government printed Rs 78 billion currency notes last month. The finance minister should take the house into confidence over these reports.” The opposition leader criticised the petroleum minister’s statement of closing CNG stations in January to tackle the gas shortage. “Why did the government not focus on the issue in the last four years,” he questioned.

He said that the PML-N would not

tolerate if the federal government continued to run the house as routine.

“Today, we are going on a silent protest but from tomorrow we will lodge a strong protest in the house and block its routine business,” he added. Responding to Nisar’s point of order, Khurshid said that PML-N MNA Rana Tanveer had himself floated the suggestion of closing CNG stations for a month in the NA Standing Committee on Petroleum. “Our government discovered 250 million cubic feet natural gas in Sindh but the project was stayed by courts for three years,” he said.

SC fixes Benazir murder case hearing for January 4 ISLAMABAD Staff rEpOrt

Just two days after President Asif Ali Zardari had criticised the judiciary, directly naming Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and questioned what the Supreme Court had done in the assassination case of Benazir Bhutto pending before it, the CJP on Thursday fixed for January 4 the hearing of a plea seeking registration of a second first information report (FIR) against former president General (r) Pervez Musharraf and others in the Benazir murder case. Responding to the president’s concerns, the CJP constituted

a five-member special bench to hear the plea filed by Chaudhry Muhammad Aslam, former protocol officer for Bhutto, for registration of a second FIR in the Benazir Bhutto assassination case against Musharraf, Interior Minister Rehman Malik and 12 others. On August 1, the court had admitted the plea, filed against the June 23 decision of the Lahore High Court, for regular hearing and sought reports from the United Nations, Scotland Yard, Police Inspector General Mian Majeed, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the attorney general on the assassination and fixed its next hearing for September 21. It was, however,

de-listed on September 21 because of the hearing of the 7th Wage Board Award and other cases. On the last hearing, the CJP had questioned whether the government had implemented the recommendations of Scotland Yard and the UN, as they had investigated the case. The court had also hinted at the constitution of a larger bench in the case after receiving the UN, Scotland Yard and police reports in the case. On June 23, the Rawalpindi Bench of the Lahore High Court had dismissed Aslam’s plea, in which he had requested the court to order placement of Babar Awan and Rehman Malik on the exit Control List (eCL).

Silenced!

Continued FRom page 1 on Sabzal Road.

Mengal, the only witness who was sitting in the backseat, told police that when Shah slowed down his car near his house, one of the two gunmen, who were waiting there, rushed towards the car and started firing at them. He said both the assailants had their faces covering and fled soon after. The police surgeon received fame after the Kharotabad incident when he contradicted police and Frontier Corps’ version that five foreigners, four Russians and one Tajik, were killed in hand-grenade explosions which they were carrying. Dr Shah, who performed the autopsy on the victims, declared in his report that no sign of splinters was found on their bodies and the cause of the death of the foreigners, including three women, one of them seven months pregnant, were bullet wounds.

He had also told an enquiry tribunal investigating the incident that he had been receiving life threats from some “quarters” who were pressurizing him to change his postmortem report.

Dr Shah is survived by his wife and two sons, aged eight and 14.

Kashmir body annoyed over fahim’s absence ISLAMABAD Staff rEpOrt

The Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir on Thursday expressed annoyance over the absence of Commerce Minister Amin Fahim from the committee meeting as he was supposed to brief the meeting on what made Pakistan declare India the most favoured nation. The committee met at the Parliament House with Fazlur Rehman in the chair. Neither the minister nor any official from the Commerce Ministry attended the meeting which irked the committee members.

It decided to write a protest note on the absence of the minister and wanted assurance that Fahim along with the secretary of the ministry would attend the next meeting.

Who to believe on Haqqani’s resignation?

Continued FRom page 1 During the hearing, when Asma strongly criticised Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General Lt General Ahmad Shuja Pasha, asking how Pasha had met PakistaniAmerican businessman Mansoor Ijaz without the permission of the prime minister and how had Kayani termed the memo “a reality” based on Pasha’s report, Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, who was heading the bench, said: “We respect the army and its chief as these people have rendered sacrifices for the defence of the country.”

The counsel indulged in arguments with the chief justice and said army officers ruled the country while the soldiers gave their blood for the defence of the country.

“We have respect for the army and we are indebted to the soldiers for their sacrifices,” the

chief justice said. “But history tells us that wisdom is sometimes in the knees,” Asma remarked in response to the chief justice’s observation. On this, the chief justice told her not to use insulting remarks for anyone and argue her case.

She then said she also respected the office of the army chief, but he could also make a mistake. She said her client worked hard for the prestige of Pakistan, but in return he was disgraced. To a court query, she said the government, being in a transitional phase, could not take a tough stand against the army, thus her client resigned under pressure. She said Haqqani was pressed between two institutions.

She said the ISI chief probed Ijaz on an article in which the involvement of the president was claimed. “Why did an article compel the ISI chief to probe Mansoor Ijaz?” she questioned. The court then noted that the article in question was also against the army, thus it was the responsibility of

the ISI head to investigate the matter. The chief justice questioned that if it was a matter of an ordinary nature, why was a key meeting held at President’s House over it, in which the prime minister, army chief, ISI chief and Haqqani were present? Asma said the affidavit of the army chief was based on his team, which brought the memo issue to his knowledge.

She said further that Ijaz had been writing against the ISI for the last three years and questioned why the spy agency had not noticed that. She said this was the same Mansoor Ijaz whose reference had been quoted by a Hindu writer who claimed there had been a meeting of Mansoor Ijaz with the spymasters of the Indian Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) in Kashmir. She said the memo was not a legal issue, but a political matter.

“How has Mansoor Ijaz become so credible?” she asked.

Justice Mian Shakirullah Jan said there was an exchange of messages between Haqqani

and Ijaz. When Asma contended that the affidavit of General James Jones, former US national security adviser, proved that the memo was neither credible nor written by her client, the chief justice said instead of giving credibility and importance to others, we should consider giving credibility to our own people, referring to the army chief.

Asma said the memo was a matter of tension between the civilian government and the army. Justice Jan questioned that if Ijaz had a bad reputation, why had Haqqani remained in contact with him?

At one point, Asma said the court was using respectable words for the prime minister, however did not accept the forum of investigation made by him to probe the memo issue.

The chief justice remarked that in the presence of the president, after much thought, Haqqani was asked to resign.

“I am still wondering from where Mansoor Ijaz came and expressed his willingness to ap-

pear before the bench,” Justice Jawwad S Khawaja said. Asma contended that the court’s December 1 order forbidding Haqqani from leaving the country was against the constitution. The chief justice said the court had not stopped Haqqani from going out of the country, instead he was told to inform the court before doing so.

Giving arguments on the maintainability of the petitions, Asma again contended that the memo was nothing other than a worthless piece of paper, which was written by a US citizen and delivered to US authorities. She said no Pakistani was involved in the memo episode. She said except Ijaz, who was a foreign national, no one else had claimed the involvement of her client in the memo issue.

She said the petitions were not maintainable under Article 184(3) of the constitution. She said the court’s jurisdiction to hear the cases involving violation of fundamental rights was limited to addressing the griev-

ances of poor people who were unable to get justice. The chief justice then noted that neither the president and prime minister nor the army chief had denied the reality of the memo.

He said all the petitioners and respondents as well as Haqqani were agreed that the memo issue should be probed.

At the outset of the hearing, the chief justice observed that had parliament validated the November 3, 2007 emergency, superior courts’ judges would not have been restored. He observed this in response to a news item published in sections of the press quoting him (chief justice) as saying the memo issue would not have been brought before the court had the assemblies been functioning properly and the memo issue was heading towards the impeachment of the president.

The chief justice asked the newspapers who published wrong news item to issue clarifications, otherwise it would be made part of the ju-

dicial order.

Meanwhile, in their arguments, lawyers Zafarullah Khan and Tariq Asad, who are also petitioners, contended that the memo issue was not of a political nature but a matter of national security and sovereignty. Asad told the court that Asma had defamed his reputation in her reply by terming him a ‘habitual petitioner’. Asma, however, apologised to Asad and assured the court that the words were not written deliberately in her reply and she would file an application in the court for deletion of these words. Another petitioner, Senator Ishaq Dar of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, filed an application in the court requesting that he may be allowed time to separately argue, being a member of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security. The court asked the counsels for both sides to positively conclude their arguments by Friday (today).

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iCt admn to provide land for Jamia hafsa’s alternative site PAGe 07

Ombudsman orders probe against CDA

ISLAMABAD

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fazal ShEr

He Federal Ombudsman has initiated an investigation against the Capital Development Authority (CDA) over an inordinate delay in the execution of its plan regarding the construction of two pedestrian bridges at the Faisal Avenue and one at the Kashmir Highway.

“The Federal Ombudsman has initiated the investigation after receiving public complaints as well as on reports appearing in the media. The ombudsman has sought explanation from the CDA’s relevant directorate regarding the delay in the execution of the said projects,” an official source told Pakistan Today.

The source said some citizens had told the ombudsman that the residents of sector G-7 and G-8 had to cross the busy road during rush hours due to lack

of the bridge there. They said the CDA had constructed flyover over the Zero Point Interchange (ZPI) and Faisal Avenue with millions of rupees but the project failed to provide any facility to the pedestrians, he said.

He said that ZPI had failed to ease the traffic flow due to a delay in the construction of pedestrian bridges at the Faisal Avenue and Kashmir Highway.

The official said that the concerned directorate of CDA had also prepared

PC-1 of worth Rs 48 million for construction of the pedestrian bridges and it was decided that Highway Mechanical Complex would execute the project. But the authority’s finance wing was yet to release fund for the work. He said that the main purpose of construction of ZPI was to ensure smooth flow of traffic over Faisal Avenue and Kashmir Highway but due to lack of pedestrian bridges there traffic jams and road accidents had become a routine matter.

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6 new polio cases unravel govt’s hollow claims

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Parents of newly-infected children say they had them vaccinated seven times under official campaign ISLAMABAD

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aSMa KuNdi

LeARLY reflecting the ineffective government measures to control polio, six new cases of this fatal disease have been reported across the country during the current week, causing fears and concerns among the parents about the health of their children.

The emergence of six new cases of polio (type-I wild virus) this week has showed that the federal government’s campaign has failed to achieve the desired results despite the fact that 2011 was declared as the polio-eradication year. They year is coming to an end but there is still no end in sight of the crippling disease.

The number of polio cases nationwide became 181 after the 6 new cases.

Out of these two cases were reported from Tank and Peshawar (Khyber

Pakhtunkhwa) and two from Muzaffargarh & Dera Ghazi Khan (Punjab) whereas one case each was reported from Thatta (Sindh) and Khyber Agency (FATA). The emergence of new cases of polio this week has exposed the Prime Minister’s Polio Monitoring and Coordination Cell, as it is being reported that the most of the infected children were vaccinated seven times against the disease during various campaigns.

According to an official letter written

by Dr Altaf Bosan, the ePI’s National Programme Manager, available with Pakistan Today, Atiqa Bibi, daughter of Inayat ullah, is a 13-month old female child and she suffered from paralysis on 09 December, 2011.

The child resides in village Thattor, Tehsil Tank and according to her parents; the child had been given at least seven OPV doses including 2 routine OPV doses. The letter says further, “It is important to highlight that this is the sec-

ond polio case reported from Tank district this year; both from the same union council (the earlier case had onset of paralysis on 17th November 2011).”

It claimed that the said union council borders on the tribal area of FR Tank, with volatile law and order situation there and a total of 10 vaccination campaigns have been conducted in district since January 2011; all using vaccine containing contents against type-1 poliovirus.

Arshad, son of Faiz Muhammad, is a 30-month old male child who had the onset of paralysis on 06th December, 2011; he lives in Village Haji Muhammad Memon, Doomani Union Council and Thatta taluka.

It is important to mention that, as per recall of the parents, the child had received more than 7 doses of OPV all through SIAs. This is the eighth polio case reported from district Thatta this year (3 from taluka Shah Bander, 2 from

Thatta and 1 each from Mirpur Sakro, Sujawal and Mirpur Bathro); indicating a significant immunity gap.

A total of 7 vaccination campaigns have been conducted in district Thatta since January 2011; all of which were conducted using the vaccine containing component against type-1 poliovirus According to the official data 181new cases of polio had been registered in Pakistan this year so far, whereas the number of such cases in previous year was 144.

The report said 69 polio cases were registered in Balochistan, 52 in Federally Administered Areas (FATA), 21 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 31 in Sindh, 7 in Punjab and one in Gilgit-Baltistan, whereas Islamabad maintained its polio free status.

When contacted Mazhar Nisar, representative of PM’s Polio Monitoring and Coordination Cell, told Pakistan Today, “The results in term of decline in polio cases number would be seen in June next year as we have improved the perform-

CDA bids farewell to its chairman

KArCPP to fund water supply schemes

ISLAMABAD Staff rEpOrt

The workers of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) bade farewell to the outgoing chairman Imtiaz Inayat elahi in a reception organised by the CDA Mazdoor Union at fire headquarters on Thursday. Islamabad Task Force Chairman Faisal Sakhi Butt was the chief guest at the occasion. CDA Chairman engr Farkhand Iqbal said: “Workers are the back bone of the national economy as well as the organisations they work for. The prosperity of the workers would pave the way for national development. The development projects of the city speak of the tireless efforts of the CDA workers.”

Iqbal added that the present CDA administration was working on a comprehensive strategy to solve the residents’ problems and to complete the development projects within the specified time frame. He stated that the CDA workers cooperated fully in the development and beautification of the city.

Sakhi Butt called upon the CDA chairman to prioritise and resolve the problems of the workers.The outgoing chairman said during his tenure of two and a half years, he completed the development projects despite severe financial crisis and shifted focus from the development of posh areas to the neglected G and I sectors.

Mazdoor Union Secretary General Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin said the workers would continue their constructive role in the city’s development. He added that the contribution of the outgoing chairman to the welfare of the workers would always be remembered. He extended his cooperation to the Islamabad task force chairman for the development of Islamabad.

ISLAMABAD: King Abdullah’s Relief Campaign for Pakistani People (KARCPP) will provide funds amounting to US$ 1.6 million to UNICeF for clean drinking water to benefit nearly 84,000 people living in the flood-hit areas of Balochistan.

According to KARCPP Regional Director Dr Khalid M Al-Othmani, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) has already been signed in Riyadh between KARCPP and UNICeF to provide maximum help to the people affected by the floods that hit many parts of the Balochistan province. He said 76 clean drinking water supply schemes would be initiated in 10 districts of Balochistan. These water schemes were damaged during the 2010 floods that hit almost all parts of Pakistan. It is pertinent to mention here that KARCPP has done a lot of work since the start of the campaign for the areas affected by floods in 2010 and 2011. Staff rEpOrt

Art exhibition at NUML

iSlaMaBad: federal information Minister dr firdous ashiq awan inaugurates a complaint centre at the pEMra office. STAff pHOTO

fBiSe fails to form body to correct certificates ISLAMABAD Staff rEpOrt

The Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary education (FBISe) has failed to form a five-member committee to correct students’ result cards despite its decision announced on November 16. earlier, students used to go to courts to get their documents corrected.

The policy was welcomed by the students and their parents. However, the delay in the formation of the proposed committee is causing serious problems for students.

“I have been coming here for the past month to get my name corrected in my matriculation certificate. But no board official is telling me when I will get a corrected certificate,” said Aslam Ali, a student.

ance of our polio teams and covering the maximum number of children.”

While talking about the reason of increasing number of polio, he said the causes of increasing number of polio cases were different in different areas as in FATA, KPK and Balochistan due to the security concerns the polio vaccine could not reach each and every child. Whereas in Punjab and other areas, he said, they have controlled the virus.

During last 23 years, the World Health Organisation-led Global Polio eradication Initiative, with billions of dollars and moving 20 million health workers have vaccinated over two billion children in 125 countries around the world.

The campaign has successfully almost wiped out the disease from all countries except four which have been continually harboring the polio disease and Pakistan is the only country where polio cases have been steadily increasing since 2008.

He said whenever he approached the board officials they told him a committee was being formed to look into the corrections. Another student, Maria Muzaffar, said her documents were with the board for the last three weeks for the correction of her father’s name. She added that she wanted to go abroad but she could not get her national identity card and passport because of the incorrect certificate.

“The board’s official do not realise how much the students are suffering,” she said.

It is relevant to note here that the FBISe amended its policy to avoid litigation costs, which amounted to Rs 6 million in years 2010 and 2011.

When contacted, FBISe chairperson Shaheen Khan said the names of the committee members had been finalised and the committee would soon be functional.

ISLAMABAD: An exhibition on the theme ‘Afro-American Art Movement’ was organised on Thursday by the M.Phil (Literature) students of the Faculty of Advanced Integrated Studies and Research (AIS&R) at the National University of Modern Languages (NUML).

“The pieces depict a century-long journey from slavery to presidency.

Following the theme of ‘Black Art Movement’, the landscapes do not have colours of romance, affection, warmth and life. Staff rEpOrt

VC AIOU promotes extra curricular activities ISLAMABAD Staff rEpOrt

In addition to expanding facilities for the students of the Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) across the country, Prof Dr Nazir Ahmed Sangi, Vice-Chancellor of the university is taking keen interest in promoting extra-curriculum activities.

This was stated by Dr Attaullah Shah while addressing a prize-distribution ceremony of the final match of the Cricket Tournament 2011, organised by the AIOU Sports Club at its cricket ground.

Shah said: “Dr Sangi wants to promote a healthy environment in the university and its staff colony. Work

on open gyms and walking tracks has already been initiated. The university is progressing daily under his active leadership.”

The final match was held between Sain eleven and University Unity.

University Unity won the match by 3 wickets. The captain of University Unit, Khawar Mashhood, received the winning trophy while the captain of Sain, Rizwan received the runnerup trophy.

As many as 12 teams, including Friends-A, Friends-B, Leading, Print Production Unit, University Unity, Valorous, Khazen, Jeo, F/o Sciences, Saeen and Networking participated in the tournament.

Imran of Khazen eleven was de-

clared the ‘Best Batsman of the Tournament’ and Zaheer (Leading) was the ‘Best Bowler’. Qaiser (Saeen eleven) the ‘Man of the Match 1st Semi Final’, Sajid (University Unity) the ‘Man of the Match 2nd Semi Final’ while Sirzeb was the ‘Man of the Match’ for the final match.

Appreciating the VC’s support, chief organiser of the tournament, Sajjad Ahmad, said under his leadership the university would progress not only in imparting quality education but also in extra-curricular activities.

Ahmad congratulated all the winning players and expressed his gratitude to the committee members, the teams and the audience for their cooperation.

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fashion show held ICT administration to provide for the disabled alternative land for Jamia Hafsa ISLAMABAD

Staff rEpOrt

ISLAMABAD

T

KaShif aBBaSi

He issue of Jamia Hafsa’s rebuilding has finally been resolved amicably as the district administration Thursday agreed to allot 20 kanals of land in Sector-H/11 for rebuilding the women’s seminary, a research centre and a hostel.

The issue remained a cause of stand-off between administration of Red Mosque (Lal Masjid) and the district administration as the former was insisting to rebuild the seminary on its previous site. Jamia Hafsa was razed to the ground after a bloody military operation in 2007.

Last Friday, a large number of burqa-clad women led by Umm-eHissan, the wife of chief cleric

Maulana Aziz, had assembled at the site of destroyed seminary and announced that they would rebuild the seminary there at any cost.

They were of the view that Supreme Court in 2007 had directed the administration to reconstruct the seminary but they administration was delaying the matter. Later, the mosque’s chief cleric, Maulana Aziz, announced to start the construction work on December 30 (today) at its previous place. The district administration was reluctant to allow administration of Lal Masque to rebuild seminary at its previous site fearing the construction of Jamia Hafsa at its old place would keep reminding its students of the bloody operation.The ICT administration had been offering various plots to the mosque administration, but the chief cleric remained stuck to its

stance. On Thursday, however, a four-member committee constituted

by Interior Minister Rehman Malik managed to convince Maulana Aziz for the construction of Jamia Hafsa in Sector H/11 instead.

An agreement was signed between city’s chief commissioner and administration of Lal Mosque and it was decided that a 20 kanal piece of land would be allotted for construction of seminary.

“The federal government, through Islamabad chief commissioner, has agreed to provide 20 kanals of land in Sector-H/11/4 in Islamabad, for the seminary’s construction, a research centre and a hostel for the students of Jamia Hafsa in lieu of the land previously being used for the seminary, adjacent to the Markazi Jamia Masjid (Lal Masjid) Sector-G/6, Islam-

abad,” said the agreement.

It was deiced that Red Mosque administration would use the entire land 250,56 sq.yds, previously being used for Jamai Hafsa, adjacent to Lal Masjid, G-6, solely as a prayer ground of Markazi Jamia Masjid, G/6 Islamabad. It was also decided that the mosque administration would not use this land for any other purposes, institutional or residential. According to the agreement, after allotment of the said 20 kanals land, the administration of Lal Masjid would not claim any further monetary or land compensation in whatsoever nature, form or plea, in future regarding this issue. After striking the deal, Maulana Abdul Aziz, while addressing a press conference here, expressed his gratitude for the ICT administration for amicably resolving the matter.

Police nab 12 pILDAT kicks off survey outlaws on quality of democracy ISLAMABAD

Staff rEpOrt

The capital police have arrested 12 outlaws from various areas of the city and recovered looted items worth Rs 90, 000, 15, liqour, 1.8 kg hashish, three 30bore pistols and two rifles from their possession.

According to details, the patrolling team of the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) of the Islamabad police, consisting of Sub Inspectors Syed Haider Ali Shah and Zulfiqar Ahmed, recovered 1.100 kg hashish from Qaisar Zaman and a 30 bore pistol from Syed Ibrar Hussain Shah. Assistant Sub Inspector Riaz Hussain nabbed a thief, Anees-urRehman and recovered stolen items from his possession.

Sub-Inspector Muhammad Aslam and ASI Mian Imran recovered valuables worth Rs 1, 80,000 from Basharat Masih, 200 gm hashish from Malik Mudassar and a 30 bore pistol from Fareed Ullah. Sub Inspector Manzoro Ahmed and ASI Javed Iqbal from Shailar police recovered 520 gm hashish and 10 bottles of liqour from Aslam and Sabir Qureshi respectively.

Sub Inspector Ahmed Khan from Sabzi Mandi police arrested Abdul Qadoos for possessing two rifles and a dagger.

Sub Inspectors Muhammad Ishaq and Javed Iqbal from Bhara Kahi police recovered a 12-bore gun and a 30-bore pistol from Ayaz Ahmed and Nusrat Bilal respectively.

ISLAMABAD Staff rEpOrt

In order to get the opinion of a cross-section of society on the performance of democracy in 2011, including MPs, academics, the media and citizens groups, Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT) Thursday kicked off a national workshop ‘Assessment of the Quality of Democracy in 2011’.

The Democracy Assessment Group convened by PILDAT led the workshop. The PILDAT began its assessment of the quality of democracy in Pakistan in year 2011 through facilitating a national dialogue held here. The organisation is using an international framework for the assessment of the Quality of Democracy that has been developed by the International IDeA. PILDAT executive Director Ahmed Bilal Mehboob said on the occasion that PILDAT had been assessing the quality of democracy in Pakistan and had earlier prepared a report on mid-term assessment of the quality of democracy in Pakistan in September 2010. Javed Jabbar, who coordinated the discussion at the workshop, said the quality of democracy in September 2010 had received a score of 45% and the scores for 2011 would be available after the completion of the January 2012 report. He termed the initiative as a collective exercise by the Democracy Assessment Group to review democracy in 2011.

The list included positive aspects of quality of democracy in 2011, as the public support for democracy, emergence of PTI as a 3rd force, demonstration of wider public interest and participation of youth in politics, formation of full-time election Com-

mission by bipartisan committee, electoral reforms, independence of media and independence of the Supreme Court. The negative aspects, in views of the group, were poor quality of governance, corruption, deterioration of civil-military relations, poor quality of leadership, hereditary politics, weak parliamentary performance, a weak foreign policy and deteriorating public services. PPP Information Secretary Qamar Zaman Kaira said a democracy could not sustain itself by merely passing laws. “When we talk of democracy we should have some context in mind especially our context. The government, parliament and political parties are not the only thing, forming a democracy. The issues of federal-province relations are centuries old. We have historically tried to govern the country with a centrist approach,” observed Kaira.

He said the Constitution of 1973 was consensus-oriented but repeated martial laws afterwards destroyed the federation and political parties. The present parliament had brought the 18th Amendment which at least defined the federation again. The government at least tried to define the federal-province relations, he said, adding that the government might not be able to perform as good as the democracy in Britain since both countries had different history.

U S Ambassador Munter’s wife, Dr Marilyn Wyatt, on Thursday recognised the outstanding efforts of ‘Special Talent exchange Programme’ (STeP), ‘Pakistan Special’ and ‘Youth for Peace’ for the disabled people of Pakistan.

At the ‘Cultural Fashion Show of People with Disabilities’, Dr Wyatt expressed her personal interest in the rights of the disabled, as the mother, sister, and sister-in-law of disabled people. Dr Wyatt congratulated Pakistan for ratifying the United Nations Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities this year. She said the convention was a powerful tool for promoting human rights and supporting the inclusion of disabled people into Pakistan’s workplaces, communities. Speaking to the audience she said, “It won’t be an easy job. If it were easy, everybody would be involved. But as we see here today, you are not everybody. You do not want to be everybody. You are unique. You are powerful. You are inspiring.”

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raWalpiNdi: the wife of the Saudi ambassador to pakistan and pakistan Baitul Maal Md zamurrad Khan with children at a sweet home. STAff pHOTO

NatioNal DraMa FeStival-2011

Ajoka Theatre presents hilarious ‘Amreeka Chalo’ g

PNCA arranges first-rate entertainment for islooites ISLAMABAD

M

MahtaB BaShir

ANY Pakistani believe that American love towards Pakistan is just like a date-palm tree. When we need its fruit – it’s too high to be accessed while when we want its shadow in the sizzling heat, it denies that to us. But it is ironic to see that many of them also want to get settled in USA to live their lives there. exposing these dual standards of Pakistanis with regard to the USA, Ajoka Theatre has presented here a stage play ‘Amreeka Chalo’ (Destination USA) for the first time in federal capital making a strong statement about sensitive and serious issues in a satire.

This play ‘Amreeka Chalo’- an Ajoka Production, Lahore has been the 21st stage play out of total 22 included in ‘National Drama Festival2011’ organised by Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) with an aim to promote theatre art in the country.

Written by Shahid Mehmood Nadeem and directed by his spouse Madeeha Gaohar, this Urdu comedy ‘Amreeka Chalo’ is a light-hearted, self-critical view of double standards, hypocrisies which mocks the love-hate relationship between Pakistan and the USA.The set, which displayed images of different American icons including King of Pop- Michael Jackson and superstar Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie made quite an im-

pact on the fully packed PNCA hall.

Correctly depicting the incongruity between the public’s hate for US policies and its relative fascination of the US lifestyle, the play raised several interesting questions especially those regarding the contradictory nature of American policies towards military interventions, drone attacks and its definition of liberty, freedom and morality.

Set at the visa section of the US embassy, where a number of applicants for the US visa have gathered for interviews, the play starts off with the song “Chalo Chalo America” which has been composed primarily for the play. The visa seekers include a businessman, a probable illegal immigrant, a student, a puppeteer, a politician, a maulvi and the aged parents of a PakistaniAmerican resident. each one of the visa seekers has a completely different reason for visiting the land of opportunities, ranging from seeking refuge, pursuing an academic career to even selling samosas (snacks).

A businessman, a possible illegal migrant pretending to be a tourist, a politician, a cleric, a student, a puppeteer, and an aged couple— all suffer humiliation at the visa section. each one of the visa seekers had a completely different reason for visiting the land of opportunities.

During the visa processing, a US official named Raymond who is in charge of the security comes into the limelight. Although Raymond isn’t overtly dubbed as homosexual, his tendencies are evident from the special attention he

aliF laaM MeeM

pays to the male applicants.

One of the most interesting situations in the play takes place when a US embassy visa counsellor tells the eight visa seekers that only four of them will get the US visa as the quota set for the day has been reached.

Strangely enough, a little while later, suicide bombers raid the embassy and take all the embassy officials as well as the visa seekers hostage.

The billboard outside the embassy quickly changes from ‘Welcome to America’ to ‘Welcome to Waziristan’. After successful negotiations with the US official, the matter is finally settled when the demands of the terrorists are met. The demands include processing visa for the four wives and 37 children of the commander of the terrorist group.

“Amreeka Chalo’ is a satirical response to the love-hate relationship between Pakistan and the US dilemma. Pakistanis will always hate US policies but when it comes down to the real question many would opt for settling down in the US. Meanwhile, the list for hating America is long and unending that includes military interventions, “do more” demands, drone attacks, etc,” commented Hashim Raza, an Ajoka production lover adding but the play did not end up being a political statement about international politics or US-Pak relations.

The performances of Furqan Majeed as Raymond, as well as that of the puppeteer played by Suhail Tariq were commendable. Additionally, Ahmer Khan played the maolvi very well.

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DAte: DeC 21 - 31, 2011 VeNUe: JhAroKA Art GALLery iSLAMABAD

DAte: DeC 22, 2011 - JAN 05, 2012 VeNUe: GALLery LoUVre iSLAMABAD

Please join us for the opening reception of “alif laam meem” A group exhibition of recent work of Calligraphy by Arif Khan, hamid Nasir & Muhammad Anwar on thursday,Dec 22nd ,2011 At 4:30pm preview December 21st ,11 am onwards the exhibition on Continue till Dec 31st , 2011 Gallery hours: Mon-Sat 11am to 6pm

Gallery Louvre islamabad invites you to the solo exhibition of Mansoor rahi. the exhibition will be showcasing all three sketching school of thought by the artist Synergy; a mix of harsh and soft sketching medium iconography: a sketch developed by singular line without ant support or color.

DAte AND tiMe: eVery friDAy 6:30-7:30PM VeNUe: KhAAS Art GALLery iSLAMABAD Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dancing, ritual combat & music in a unique synthesis of self defense and rhythm.

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News 09

2011 sees US-pakistan ties go downhill ISLAMABAD Shaiq huSSaiN

Year 2011 proved to be a hard time for Pakistan’s foreign policy managers and the foremost challenge that they had to face during all these months was how to improve the strained relationship between Pakistan and the United States which eroded from bad to worse, and by the end of the year, almost reached the break up point.

At the start of 2011 no one could even think about such an impasse in US-Pakistan relations despite the persistent tension since 2001 when the Bush administration invaded Afghanistan to dislodge the Taliban government that it blamed for backing Al Qaeda, which carried out terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.

Nonetheless, over the past year, the bilateral relationship deteriorated and reached the lowest ebb in the wake of some untoward incidents such as the Raymond Davis episode in January, the US raid that killed Al Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden in Abbottabad on May 2, US allegations that Pakistan supports the Taliban and Haqqani Network, rise in the US drone strikes against alleged terrorist hideouts in the tribal areas, and finally the cross border NATO strike on November 26 in Mohmad Agency, where as many as 24 Pakistani troops were killed.

It was in response to the NATO strike for which Pakistan holds the US responsible that Islamabad announced the blockade of the NATO supply routes to Afghanistan running through the country.

In addition to that Pakistan also asked the US to vacate the Shamsi air base in Balochistan, which was used for drone strikes in the tribal areas. Islamabad also boycotted the Bonn Conference on peace and security in Afghanistan.

The latest development in US-Pakistan ties is that the American army has come up with the findings of its enquiry into the NATO air strikes on two Pakistani border posts but Islamabad has rejected them by saying that the report fell short of facts.

The US wants an early resumption of NATO supplies through Pakistan, but its South Asian ally is not budging from its hard stance of ‘NO’ to any such American demand unless and until there was a firm assurance by Washington that no violation of Islamabad’s sovereignty would occur in future along with an apology by the White House over the killing of Pakistani soldiers.

The US administration is not willing to tender an apology but saying it could take certain measures with the help of Pakistan to prevent such unfortunate incidents in future such as doing away with the improper border coordination between the troops on both sides of the Afghan border that it believes was the main cause of Mohmand Agency’s incident. Meanwhile, all counter-terrorism cooperation between Islamabad and Washington has come to a halt and the diplomatic ties have also received a severe blow. The US officials are

now even talking about curtailing relations with Pakistan, instead of broad based economic and defence ties in the months and years to come.

One vital outcome of the current US-Pakistan standoff is Islamabad’s further leaning towards Beijing with efforts being made with renewed vigour to enhance political, economic and defence relations and China has also assured its old friend and neighbour that it will never let it down.

Another important aspect of Pakistan’s foreign policy in 2011 was the recommencement of Pakistan-India peace process, which India had suspended back in November 2008 in the aftermath of Mumbai terror attacks.

The archrival nuclear neighbours concluded their expert level talks on conventional and nuclear confidence building measures (CBMs) on Tuesday, with both sides deciding to extend two

vital nuclear accords: ‘In advance notification of missile tests’ and the ‘Agreement on Reducing the Risk from Accidents Relating to Nuclear Weapons’ for another five years.

The two sides also reviewed the existing nuclear and conventional CBMs and proposals for additional measures were swapped. Pakistan also came up with an important proposal to remove the cannons from the Line of Control (LoC) in divided Kashmir. The CBMs reviewed at the meeting included hotline between the foreign secretaries, the ceasefire put in place along the LoC since November 2003, and the agreement on advance notification of military exercises.

The two sides also discussed ideas on preventing incidents at sea involving the navies of both countries.

However, the nuclear rivals have yet to settle their major issues like

Kashmir, Siachen, Sir Creek and Wullar Barrage despite their talks within the ambit of current peace process since 2004, with a couple years’ suspension back in 2008.

Foreign policy experts believe that unless and until there is resolution of these conflicting issues or at least some concrete movement in that direction, the real improvement in the ties between Islamabad and New Delhi will remain a distant dream.

Still another important facet of the Pakistani foreign policy in 2011 was Islamabad’s efforts to reach out to Russia for developing relations in economic, defence and other sectors after stalemate in ties with the US. Russia, once an ally of India and always opposed to Pakistan, is now reviewing its policy towards Islamabad and opening up its defence and economy related sectors. One major reason

of that is India’s decision to move closer to Washington and start ignoring its old friend, Moscow.

Pakistan’s civilian and military leaders have also seen an opportunity in the lukewarm relations between New Delhi and Moscow at a time when Islamabad is revising its foreign policy and instead of banking totally on the US and other western states, it has decided to reach out to regional actors like China, Russia and Iran to meet its defence and economic challenges in an effective way.

In addition to that, Pakistani foreign policy managers also started fresh efforts in 2011 to cement ties with Saudi Arabia, United Arab emirates (UAe) and other important Arab states in order to avert isolation at global level and to meet the serious economic challenges, especially those in energy sector.

Executive-judiciary cold war persists in 2011 ISLAMABAD MaSOOd rEhMaN

Like the previous year, a cold row between the superior judiciary and the executive continued throughout 2011, however the judiciary continued showing judicial activism as well as judicial restraint, despite the fact that the executive did not implement in letter and spirit most of the verdicts in high profile constitutional cases.

Although the superior judiciary emerged as an independent organ of the state after the incumbent government came into power in the February 18, 2008 general elections, its decisions kept the executive confused and irked during the whole period after its restoration on March 24, 2009.

However, the judiciary remained

unsuccessful in living up to the expectations of the people as it could not take to their logical end most cases involving violation of human rights or constitution and law, which it initiated through suo motu notices or after receiving petitions.

Because of the uncooperative attitude of the ‘executive’, despite witnessing dozens of hearings, the high profile cases pertaining to billions of rupees worth of corruption in the National Insurance Company Limited (NICL) scam, illegal award of Reko Diq gold mines’ contract, mismanagement and corruption in Haj affairs, billions of rupees in tax evasion by ISAF containers, multi-billion rupee corruption in the contracts of Rental Power Projects, Rs Rs 9 billion scam in the Bank of Punjab, huge corrup-

tion in Pakistan Railways, illegal appointments in eOBI and Port Qasim Authority, recovery of Rs 256 billion loans waived of between 1979 to 2009, unauthorised diversion of floodwater by influential people, missing persons, existence of 37 million bogus votes in the electoral rolls and many more cases could not see their logical end.

During the year, the court disposed of thousands of cases of routine nature including many high profile cases pertaining to the 18th Amendment, government’s review petition against the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) verdict, appointment of Justice (r) Syed Deedar Hussain Shah as the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman, privatisation of Habib Bank Ltd,

PCO judges, promotion of 54 bureaucrats, targeted killings in Karachi and the Mukhtaran Mai case. Other high profile cases such as a presidential reference filed by President Asif Ali Zardari under Article 186 of the constitution seeking to revisit the death sentence awarded to former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and petitions filed by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif and others seeking a probe into the memo controversy instituted during the year are also under adjudication. The court also brought eunuchs to the mainstream by ensuring their right of vote and right to inheritance.

Despite repeated orders of the Supreme Court, the government has so far failed to implement its Decem-

ber 16, 2009 verdict in letter and spirit, which declared the NRO illegal and unconstitutional. Despite continuous court orders, all the cases, particularly money laundering cases against President Zardari before the Swiss courts, have not been brought back to their pre-NRO position.

Similarly, the court’s orders that the plundered national wealth be brought back from Swiss accounts have not been implemented yet. Despite the government’s defiance in implementing the court’s verdicts in many cases, the court showed judicial restraint but continued to stress true implementation of its orders. With the court showing continued judicial activism, delays in implementing its verdicts is not a good omen for the country.

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friday, 30 September, 2011

Government walked tightrope throughout the year g

Devolution only major achievement by government in 2011 ISLAMABAD MiaN aBrar

The year 2011 proved to be a challenging year for the coalition government, which saw many disputes throughout the year, with Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani crying foul against state institutions, including the military and judiciary, but later reversing his claims and saying he respected both institutions.

However, the biggest achievement this year was the successful devolution of powers from Centre to the provinces, which completed provincial autonomy as concurrent list was abolished and powers were devolved to provincial governments.

This process also saw some hot debates on the devolution process, as some rifts between the Centre and provinces emerged over devolution that remain unresolved to date.

November and December proved to be fatal for the regime, as the government took the military and judiciary head-on over in the controversy over a memorandum (memo) allegedly written on the behest of former ambassador to US Husain Haqqani allowing concessions to the US and seeking its help by President Asif Ali Zardari against a feared military coup.

The matter is still pending with the apex court.

The country’s sovereignty also came into question after the US special forces raided a compound in Abbottabad on the night between May 1 and May 2 in open breach of the country’s sovereignty. The US troops also claimed to have killed al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in the operation without taking Pakistani authorities into confidence.

DevoLuTIoN ProceSS: The government made a historic achievement by devolving 17 ministries to the provinces and abolishing the concurrent list.

A total of 17 ministries were devolved from Centre to the provinces under the devolution process evolved in accordance with the 18th Amendment. The implementation commission on devolution process successfully met its deadline of June 31 as all the ministries were de-

volved and the cabinet approved the last seven ministries on June 28.

The federal cabinet in its special meeting unanimously approved the transfer of last seven remaining ministries to the provinces.

Those ministries which were devolved included ministries of women development, food and agriculture, sports, environment, labour and manpower, health, minorities affairs, youth affairs, population welfare, zakat and ushr, special initiatives, local government and rural development, tourism, culture, social welfare, dairies and livestock.

DevoLuTIoN chALLeNgeS: The year also saw some controversies triggering off between the federal and provincial governments over devolution, which are yet to be resolved. The incomplete agenda of the devolution process is between the federal and Punjab governments, which includes devolution of ShaikhZayed Hospital Lahore to the Punjab Government and devolution of Workers’ Welfare Fund and employees’ Old Age Benefits Institution (eOBI) to the provinces. coNfroNTATIoN WITh JuDIcIAry, MILITAry: The government continued confronting the state institutions.

Following a decision on National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO), the apex court took up a petition by PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif on the memo controversy. This created panic in the government circles and the government challenged the court’s jurisdiction, claiming that the parliamentary committee on national security was tasked to probe the matter.

Interestingly, after adopting a confrontational path against the judiciary, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani in December claimed that conspirators were plotting to bring down his government, adding that “a state within a state” would not be allowed. Making two hard-hitting speeches in a day, the premier hinted towards the military leadership for conspiring against his government.

However, within hours, the army chief and chief justice responded strongly, clearing the air about Gilani’s claims. Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad

Chaudhry said no one would be allowed to go for intervention in violation of the constitution and army chief said the army was committed to democratic process and no military takeover would occur.

After some quiet messaging, things returned to normalcy, but the case is still pending with the apex court. fAILure To Woo BALoch reBeLS: The government also failed to make a breakthrough in its talks with rebel Baloch leadership and despite 80 percent implementation of the Aghaz-eHuqooq-e-Balochistan Package, no headway could be made in talks.

Meanwhile, PPP Senator Lashkari Raisani blamed “non-serious” attitude of the prime minister and Interior Minister Rehman Malik for failure of peace talks initiated by him with some Baloch insurgent groups.

No STeP oN SerAIkI ProvINce: The government also failed to take any initiative on the creation of new provinces and despite making tall claims, the prime minister did not move forward on his repeated public assurances on Seraiki province.

Though the ruling party also formed a sub-committee of its manifesto committee on Seraiki province, which was headed by Textiles Minister Makhdoom Shahabuddin, the sub-committee failed to come up with its proposals on the new province. The PPP also appointed Shahabuddin the president of its Seraiki chapter, but he too failed to complete his provincial organisation to date.

DIffereNceS WITh MQM: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) left the PPP-led coalition government on June 27, leaving the government as a minority. MQM ministers Dr FarooqSattar, Babar Ghauri and Dr Nadeemehsan sent their resignations to President Zardari on June 28. In December 2010, the JUI-F had also quit the government.

The MQM announced to sit on opposition benches in the National Assembly, Senate and Sindh Assembly in protest against the postponement of election on two Karachi seats of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. Differences between both parties on revival of

magistracy also became a bone of contention.

However, On October 5, the MQM rejoined the government after continued talks between the two parties that also helped the provincial government control the law and order in Karachi.

PML-Q JoINS goverNMeNT: With the MQM departing, the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) announced to join the PPP-led coalition government on May 2 under a powersharing agreement. Despite differences erupting within the party cadres, the coalition sailed through successfully, as the Chaudhrys were satisfied with the conduct of the PPP leadership. kArAchI TArgeT kILLINgS: July and August became deadliest months in Karachi’s history, which left around 600 people killed in incidents of targeted killings. The attacks were part of a terrorist campaign of political, ethnic and religious violence that gripped the city in its worst form in recent years. By late August and September, the security situation in Karachi had stabilised and targeted killings had lessened, though isolated incidents still occurred – thanks to the intervention by Supreme Court of Pakistan.

Continuous targeted killings in the month of July claimed over 300 people – the highest death toll in a month in almost two decades of fighting linked to ethnic and religious tension. feDerAL cABINeT: The federal cabinet made a landmark achievement by holding its 100th meeting on December 25. Throughout the year, the cabinet saw many controversies with MQM ministers resigning and rejoining. Moreover, around fourteen ministers of the PML-Q also took oath as federal ministers and ministers of state on May 2, taking the size of the cabinet to 36.

However, despite several efforts, the deal between the PPP and the PML-Q remained inconclusive, as Chaudhry Pervaiz elahi was not made the deputy prime minister and had to act as a senior minister.

Later, two ministers of the Q league, Amir Muqam and Raza Hayat Heraj, resigned in protest of their party’s decisions.

An eventful year for parliament ISLAMABAD arif taJ

A lot of uproar, walk-outs, boycotts and protests over issues of load shedding of gas and electricity and ministers’ absence remained hallmark of parliament in 2011, which also passed around 30 bills during the same period leaving 41 bills, including 31 private members and 10 government bills, under consideration.

The most important bills passed by parliament include the Prevention of AntiWomen Practices (Criminal Law Amendment) Act, 2011, Islamabad High Court (Amendment) Act, 2011, the election Laws (Amendment) Act, 2011, the Recognition and enforcement (Arbitration Agreements and Foreign Arbitral Awards) Act, 2010, the Finance Act, 2011 and the National Commission for Women Bill 2011. The total number of bills and ordinances tabled in both the house was 107.

NATIoNAL ASSeMBLy: Around 31 bills were passed, but the total number of items related to legislative business in the National Assembly was 86 in 2011 and around 55 were still pending before the Lower House. In legislative items, 10 bills were tabled by the government, 27 by members as private member bills and five ordinances.

SeNATe: The total numbers of bills tabled in the Senate in 2011 were 21, including five government and 16 private member bills. The bills still pending before the Senate were 14, one bill passed by the National Assembly and 13 private member bills of senators.

ProceSS of DevoLuTIoN coMPLeTeD: Another significant achieve-

ment of parliament was that the devolution process under the 18th Amendment was completed which had been started in 2010.

The federal government had to devolve 18 ministries to provinces in three phases and the last phase was completed in June by giving seven more ministries... Women Development, Minorities, environment, Health, Food and Agriculture, Sports and Labour and Manpower ... to provinces in the third and last phase while ministries of Special Initiatives, Zakat and Ushr, Population Welfare, Youth Affairs and Local Government and Rural Development were devolved in December 2010 in the first phase and ministries of education, Social Welfare and Special education, Culture, Tourism and Livestock and Dairy Development were devolved to provinces in second phase in April 2011.

JoINT SITTINg of PArLIAMeNT AND reSoLuTIoN PASSeD uNANIMouSLy: The joint session of parliament was convened on May 14 against the US unilateral action in Abbottabad in which Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was killed. Parliament condemned the US action terming it a violation of international norms and Pakistan’s sovereignty and airspace and passed a resolution unanimously in this regard calling upon the government to ensure independent foreign policy by strict adherence to Article 40 of the constitution, the UN Charter and observance of international laws. The government constituted the Abbottabad Inquiry Commission in light of the resolution.

Public Accounts Committee became dysfunctional AccouNTABILITy BILL: The National Assembly Standing Committee on

Law and Justice could not evolve a consensus on the important accountability bill. The bill is before the committee for the last two years and it was not sent back to the National Assembly for passage owing to serious difference between the government and opposition. The PML-N wanted that an institution for accountability should be headed by a Supreme Court judge to ensure complete independence of the commission from political influence and the process of accountability should begin from 1947 whereas the treasury members wanted the institution to be headed either by a judge of the apex court or a person who is qualified to the judge of the apex court.

The treasury benches also want that accountability should start from 1985 instead of 1947 as cases from 1947 would include many persons who had died and massively increase the workload of the institution. The bill is still under consideration of the standing committee.

IN-cAMerA MeeTINgS: The mushroom growth of in-camera meetings of standing committees and special parliamentary committees was witnessed this year. The standing committees of both houses on foreign affairs, defence and the Parliamentary Committee on National Security held all of its meetings in-camera.

This increase in in-camera meetings by a democratic government was criticised by civil society terming them undemocratic.

WALk-ouTS, ProTeSTS AgAINST LoADSheDDINg, MINISTer’S ABSeNce: In 2011, parliament witnessed a number of walk-outs, boycotts and protests within and outside parliament in which sometimes even members from the

treasury benches took part in exposing the fragility of the government coalition.

Minister’s absence from both the Houses remained a big issue this year and led to walk-outs in the Senate and National Assembly. The ministers are supposed to be accountable to parliament and answer questions of parliamentarians during question hours. No such business could be held in ministers’ absence. Although, the ratio of ministers’ absence from the National Assembly was comparatively less than in the Senate but members of the Upper House made uproar on a number of occasions, staging a number of walk-outs even sometimes two or three times a day or even everyday during the session. The Senate chairman once gave a ruling and directed the leader of the house in the Upper House to ensure ministers’ presence during the question hour at least. But nothing made ministers’ fulfill their parliamentary responsibility.

Senators’ helplessness reached its peak and a member proposed to march from the Senate to the Prime Minister’s House against ministers’ absence but the problem remained chronic which could not be tackled.

The other issue which caused most walk-outs or protests was the issue of gas and power load shedding in the country and treasury members also joined the opposition on certain occasions. PML-N members and PPP MNA from Quetta Nasir Shah joined the opposition in a protest against the federal government and President Asif Ali Zardari outside the Presidency. Nasir Shah also boycotted the whole session once and staged a sit-in outside the Parliament House.

PML-N’s inaction helps govt survive another tough year ISLAMABAD irfaN BuKhari

The government’s maneuvering tactics and the confused politics of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) gave a lease of life to the former for another year but Nawaz Sharif’s inaction cost the PML-N dearly as the vacuum created by the PML-N was filled by Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI).

Despite making tall claims in the media and staging frequent walkouts from parliament throughout the year, the major opposition party, the PML-N, failed to play the role of a dynamic opposition in leading the people annoyed with “bad governance and poor management” of the PPP government until October when the Nawaz-League in response to Imran Khan’s growing popularity, launched the ‘Go-Zardari-Go’ movement which also lost its momentum in few weeks on unknown grounds.

Though the PML-N decided to be a real opposition to the PPP in the beginning of the year, to win masses’ sympathies and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif following the same line of action ousted PPP ministers from his cabinet in February, the Nawaz-led party could not resume the role of a vibrant opposition and failed in developing working relationships with the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) to give tough time to the government in and outside parliament until the latter was convinced by the PPP leadership to join ruling coalition.

Upon realising that the PML-N’s policy of tolerance was providing a lot of political space to the cricketer-turned-politician, the PML-N launched the ‘Go-Zardari-Go’ movement in October 2011 and also staged massive public rallies in Lahore and Faisalabad but the delayed movement also died halfway as the PML-N could not carry on with the same tempo due to differences of opinion within the party ranks.

While the PML-N failed to become a tough opposition to the PPP in the Centre, the ouster of the PPP from the coalition government in Punjab and later the PML-Q’s joining of the federal government in May, turned the PPP and the PML-Q into a joint force to challenge and criticise Shahbaz’s government in the PML-N’s stronghold. The PPP-PML-Q alliance continued giving a tough resistance to the Shahbaz Sharif government but only in the Punjab Assembly as the alliance too remained unsuccessful in destabilising PMLN’s provincial government by bringing the people to the streets.

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s flip-flops also pushed it to play role of opposition for the PPP in the Centre and in Sindh for around three months.

In June, the MQM ministers resigned from the federal and provincial cabinets as well as its leader and Sindh Governor Ishratul ebad also resigned from his post. The separation from the coalition government was in reaction to the last-minute postponement of the AJK elections from the Karachi seat which the MQM considered cheating by its ally, the PPP. “The dictatorial and unconstitutional steps by the PPP government have compelled the MQM to part ways and sit on the opposition benches in the centre and Sindh,” said Farooq Sattar.

Apart from its failure in exerting pressure on the PPP government, the opposition parties also failed to present a comprehensive roadmap for the resolution of problems confronting the nation. The PML-N could not compile its manifesto despite numerous rounds of intra-party deliberations on the piece of policy paper.

Other smaller opposition parties like the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl, the Jamaat-e-Islami, and the PPP-Sherpao too could not bring forward their roadmaps for steering the country out of crises. The PML-N presented a 10point agenda asking the government to implement and also form a four-member committee to negotiate with the government’s team for its implementation but the talks between the two sides ended in a fiasco and the agenda evaporated in the air.

Despite being on the opposition benches, the JUI-F remained the government’s ally and the efforts launched by Fazlur Rehman in March to present a unified front of the opposition parties also went in vain primarily because to mistrust between various parties representing the opposition. Leaders of various parties including Nisar Ali Khan, Shujaat Hussain, Farooq Sattar, Prof Khursheed and Hasil Bazinjo had sat together for an informal chat at the residence of JUI-F chief and vowed to play the role of an “effective opposition in an effort to steer the country out of crises” but it proved to be their last meeting.

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friday, 30 December, 2011

Editor’s mail 11 if i were zardari

Pakistan and US: heading for divorce or reconciliation?

It is a known fact that US Pakistan relations have shown a downward trend over the recent years for several reasons namely: US drone attacks on Pakistani ground in North Waziristan under the banner of counterterrorism which breaches the concept of Pakistani sovereignty, the Raymond Davis case where he shot two innocent boys for alleged links with the ISI and then recently there were the NATO attacks on 25 Pakistani soldiers which according to the words of Ms Hina Rabbani Khar was also “a direct negation of Pakistan’s sovereignty.”

Keeping these instances in mind and a long history of mistrust between the United States and Pakistan, it has had a bad marriage but divorce is highly un-

likely for several reasons. It is a fact that the US is the biggest super power of the world and Pakistan relies on it for military aid, especially when considering the war on terrorism, thus our crumbling economy can under no circumstances finance such a war that we have already agreed to fight.

Given the financial crunch we have suffered and the recent global economic crisis, we need financial backing. Thus, we rely on the US for a substantial amount of aid. Our economy depends on the US as we have major cotton exports to the US and Pakistani citizens living abroad send remittances back home.

Furthermore, balance of power with India can only be ensured through the

US support because even though China has our back, its military and economic dominance is still below that of the US’.

Pakistan needs to put forward certain demands that should be accepted for protecting the integrity and sovereignty of the country. These demands should include bringing drone attacks to an immediate halt. Further attacks should only take place with the permission of the Pakistani Army. US should officially apologise for the NATO incident and blood money should be paid to the martyred soldiers’ families. This should be the LAST of such attacks, and we should make it clear to them that a failure to follow this ultimatum would result in unfavourable circumstances.

There should be a shift from military aid to public sector aid and a change in US policy towards Pakistan, seeing us as an equal victim of the war on terror. Basically, there should be no more infringement on our sovereignty, no more instances like the Osama bin Laden incident and no more unilateral decision making. Pakistan should be consulted in all such cases. It is a known fact that emotions have no place in international relations and hence, in all practicality, reconciliation would be the best step forward but that too when the US agrees to these demands from Pakistan, ensuring its due right over its territory.

SHEHLA SALAM Lahore

Corruption in society While there is an uproar in every nook and corner of Pakistan against the present regime of PPP, accusing the higher authorities to be highly corrupt, no one bothers to raise its voice against the corruption that exists within the civil circles of the country at individual level. It is a common practice to enjoy liberal individualism by debating in favour of midterm elections and highlighting the blunders committed by the present regime but no one points out at the "corruption termite" that has been hollowing the basis of our cultural and individual integrity since the time of independence.

If we try to statistically analyse the losses that the government suffers due to this "individual corruption", we are shocked to observe that only within a single public sector of an urban city, more than several hundred thousand rupees are lost. For instance, the public transport sector of Lahore includes more than 650 buses. At present, majority of bus conductors abuse their authority. They do this by circulating the same ticket twice and keep the additional money for themselves.

According to a bus conductor, they earn Rs 150-200 everyday using this technique making a good sum of Rs 30005000 as "extra income" at the end of the month. Calculating this loss per head for more than 650 buses takes up to a hundred thousand figure which is the loss per month of such a public sector where there are not much opportunities to play a big poker hand. The gist is that the people of Pakistan should look up to themselves as well to lead the country towards the rise of collective dignity and integrity.

HASSAN AFTAB Lahore

why imran Khan?

It comes as a surprise that Imran Khan’s PTI has suddenly become a political force in Pakistan. Some people might just call it establishment’s game, but it doesn’t look as simple. The fame of party among the youth of Pakistan is remarkable. Youth has a big role in giving Imran Khan the weight he has come to posses right now. A marketing strategy suggests that profits can be increased multifolds if you take your business to uncontested markets instead of head-to-head competition with already contending firms within the market. Imran Khan has been at least successful in taking his “product” to the uncontested youth of Pakistan which has been politically ever indifferent.

Is he really able to deliver? Has he got something besides his charisma? Or is the Pakistan youth in a state of denial explained by Freud? The media has to play a big role in this. The corruption and incompetence of the government has been made known to public by long hours of TV talk shows. Youth is more aware of politics now, and they want to participate.

However, they don’t see many options because all the big guns are either crooked or inept. In the midst of this bedlam, the only option they saw was charismatic Imran Khan, the man who won World Cup and made a free cancer hospital.

Most people didn’t know anybody besides Imran Khan from PTI even after 15 years.

Nevertheless, he is promising the muchawaited change in Pakistan, a political setup and government that will be corruption-free, and might end insecurity. It doesn’t matter if it is Imran Khan fulfilling it or not, but let’s hope that this dream that has inspired the youth throughout the country comes true.

ASSAD ULLAH KHAN Lahore

One would think how does Mr Asif Ali Zasrdari pull it off all the time? He made a fool out of PML(N) more than once. He unleashed Zulfiqar Mirza in way that the MQM didn’t know a place to hide.

In the recent crisis, there were voices which suggested Zardari might quit.

However, if there is one thing Zardari doesn’t know, it is to quit. He spent almost a decade in jail, didn’t quit.

Knowing the political genius he is, I thought to myself, what would I do if I was Zardari? Well, I would repent, but the trouble is, then I couldn’t be Zardari.

I tried harder, and unbelievably I came up with a scheme to get in the power for next term too. Currently, I have started seeing some of it on the media already. I promise I will repent later, but for the moment consider that I am Zardari: I would bring in my son Bilawal BhuttoZardari and crowd of the popular leaders of PPP around me. I might even fire a few, like Rehman Malik. The best would be to somehow get the government ousted to become a siyasi shaheed. After all, we have to live up to the name, “the party of martyrs”.

Poor Pakistanis will feel that this is the change they wanted. Now, there is no need for Imran to ring or Shahbaz to sing.

Bilawal can be the president and Aitzaz can be Prime Minister or I won’t mind a vice versa either, because I am the one running the show.

PS: I offered Nawaz Sharif my teachings; he better not whine about his turn after next elections.

SULTAN MEHMOOD Lahore

Great expectations

Solutions, not confrontation Among the news of impeachment of the president, downfall of the PPP-led coalition government and prospects of martial law, the news of price hike in CNG and LPG prices have been totally sidelined. Though political instability is not in country’s favour – we are passing through a difficult phase – there are severe economic and governance problems to be addressed.

Our economy is in serious trouble because of high fiscal deficit, high inflation and unemployment rates and low foreign as well as domestic investment on one hand, and on the other hand large cuts in aid (both military and development) given by America has added to a plate which is already full of economic problems. These economic difficulties along with government’s

health sector of Pakistan The health sector in Pakistan has always lacked in meeting the needs of rapidly growing population. The blame simply falls upon the level of corruption with the sector, lack of research based practices ie, more stress upon curative rather than preventive measures, mismanagement of fund allocated for the sector and the infrastructural weakness of hospitals under the public system.

Corruption overshadows the health sector and can be classified into financial and non-financial aspects. Financial issues include illegal fees from the patients, informal payments, alteration in financial records for personal gains,

bad governance and corruption have destroyed almost all government institutions like WAPDA, Railways, PIA, and Steel Mills. Textile and CNG industries are on the verge of collapse due to power crisis. So, instead of creating an atmosphere of confrontation and political instability, opposition parties should put pressure on government to solve these serious problems so that common man could get some relief. But if this government continues its bad performance than a peaceful transfer of power, through new elections, should be the next option which is never considered in our political history.

MUHAMMAD EJAZ SARWAR Lahore

draining out from public fund etc. The non-financial aspects may be listed as preferred treatment to patients (patients having some sort of political support or somehow knows the doctors are preferred over those who do not), staff absenteeism, biased hiring practices and rude staff behaviour.

Lack of research in order to curb the disease before it spreads all over the country has remained Pakistan’s top most problem in improving the health sector. Our officials simply neglect the quote “Prevention is better than cure” and still are pursuing with the same degree of ignorance, unmindful of the vast research for health based issues throughout the globe.

This is in response to a recent letter in Pakistan Today by Um-e-Ammara named as “Premature expectations”. I disagree with the writer as it is unfair to say that Imran Khan has opted for the style of other political parties. His differences with Gen Musharraf were not personal, he was against dictatorship. As Musharraf is now a part of political party, he sure is on a different path. As far MQM is considered, as Imran Khan had to hold a successful jalsa in Karachi, it was not possible without MQM’s support. Unless he gets into government and starts working, you can’t blame him.

Whether he is brought into government by the establishment or he comes through his popularity, what matters the most is his performance.

RAAFAY AHMAD QURESHI Lahore

Good governance

Yet, another weakness that prevails in the health sector is the lack of proper planning while utilising the funds allocated for the sector. Officers, who implement the distribution of funds, are sometimes or on most occasions, lack necessary skills required for that particular position.

Moreover, one cannot deny the amount allocated for this sector in barely enough to meet the growing demand for health provision. Public hospitals by far have portrayed the worst of scenarios where lack of proper facilities and poor condition of infrastructure places the nail in the coffin.

SHAIKH USAMA NASIR Lahore

The Punjab government has decided to distribute a hundred thousand laptops among graduate students and more recently Mr Nawaz Sharif has promised five hundred thousand more after the budget has been announced. The question is whether the cash strapped provincial government can afford such a huge expense, especially with floods playing havoc with the economy of the province for three years in a row. One can’t help but notice that the decision comes only weeks after a successful political rally was held by an upcoming political party that has a major support base amongst the youth of the country. So much for good governance!

ASAD KHAN Lahore

not gone unnoticed. The lawmakers in Washington DC have debated and quarrelled about the desirability of such a cut.

It can be rightly observed that their opinions are far from unanimous. Conservative members of the house such as Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham have openly condemned the proposal while Newt Gingrich has also expressed his reservations but remained relatively less critical than his other two counterparts. On the other hand, Grover Norquist and other Tea Party advocates are in the favour of reducing the budget in lieu of streamlining of the activities of the Pentagon.

It’s obvious that the country’s influence and prestige is directly correlated with its military strength and the USA is no exception. Currently, the USA is on a high position, but it has to balance out its

national security interests against economic interests. Putting it crudely, if the sequestration comes in to effect, one should expect many US bases overseas to be closed down.

Along with suspension, if not the cancellation of new procurement programmes such as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter programme. On the flip side, some view the budget cut as a means of financially restructuring the Pentagon’s spending patterns which has been plagued by bureaucratic inefficiencies.

Only time will tell whether the so-called doomsday mechanism comes in to effect.

However, it remains clear that the United States is at a crossroad at the moment where either path is shrouded with uncertainty.

SHEHARYAR KHALID Lahore

Gargantuan US defence budget Recently, apparent failure of the Congress to reach a proactive decision regarding budget cut has put the fate of the entire US military in jeopardy. If the committee fails to achieve to find some common ground, it would automatically pave way for “sequestration” to fill in the void.

This mechanism, also coined as ‘Doomsday Mechanism’ will greatly slash a major chunk of the US government spending hitting the defence department the hardest. It is speculated that the proposed budget cut will reduce the military expenditure by 500-600 billion dollars over the course of next decade, severely impairing the existing as well future military capabilities of the nation.

Authorities have expressed explicit concern over the proposed cut in the light that the United States’ vital strategic interests will be rendered compromised.

Leon Panetta, Defence Sectary of the Obama Administration, has expressed his reservations against the cut and has termed the likely consequences as “devastating”.

He believes that such a measure will result in smallest ground force since 1940 along with smallest aerial capabilities by the end of ten years. This creates a cloud of uncertainty over the nation’s lawmakers as the USA’s place as the number one in the military rankings is greatly challenged. Moreover, the excessive US’s involvement in the counter-insurgency programs in Iraq and Afghanistan, which has already drained much of the country’s financial health, will also be in need of massive restructuring which may prove hazardous for the country’s national security interests in the future.

Undoubtedly, such a revelation has

Send your letters to: Letters to Editor, Pakistan Today, 4-Shaarey Fatima Jinnah, Lahore, Pakistan. Fax: +92-42-36298302. E-mail: letters@pakistantoday.com.pk. Letters should be addressed to Pakistan Today exclusively.

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12 Comment the rot in PML(N) More to come?

A

s Mian Nawaz Sharif runs after red herrings, desertions have started in the PML(N) at the level of senior leadership. These are accompanied by complaints of maltreatment and sidelining of both party workers and seasoned leaders. The largest number of complaints have so far emerged from Punjab which is the stronghold of the PML(N). Before the rise of Imran Khan, the dissidents had no option but to join the PPP which was unacceptable to many on account of traditional rivalries and personal animosities. Now suddenly, they have a third option before them. Tehrik-e-Insaf is likely to turn into a catalytic agent that could hasten the process of the departure of workers and leaders from the PML(N). Among other things, the party opens up more opportunities of a rise in the hierarchy as unlike the PML(N) and PPP leadership does not revolve around a particular dynasty. With mostly new faces in the party, Imran does not have any favourites. One had hoped that Nawaz and Shahbaz would concentrate on removing the inner party differences before doing anything else. Both have however diverted their energies to bring down the PPP government before the March Senate elections. Instead of utilising the parliamentary forum for resolving the issues and criticising the government performance the PML(N) has declared parliament ineffective and has gone to the SC to settle issues with the PPP leadership. Shahbaz is meanwhile resorting to vitriolic speeches against his PPP rivals.

Many had hoped that Javed Hahmi’s sudden and unexpected departure would force the PML(N) leadership to focus on resolving the conflicts in the party. The resignation of veteran PML(N) leader in KP Saranjam Khan and Punjab Vice President Inamullah Niazi indicates this has failed to happen.

The former has complained that party veterans were increasingly being sidelined. Niazi has raised his voice against what he calls the continuous humiliations of senior leaders and he has charged that the PML(N) has turned into a pack of conspirators.

PML(N)’s performance in elections would largely depends on its organisational strength. Unless the party is able to infuse confidence among its senior cadre, it might encounter serious setbacks.

the corruption scorecard it’s all about the perceptions

T

he one thing that is possibly more pervasive than corruption itself – anti-corruption sentiment. And capitalising on this sentiment seems to be the new ‘it’ thing to do politically. It is part of the Khan charm here at home and the thrust behind the Anna Hazare bandwagon in our neighbouring country. It is the issue that gets the traditionally apolitical, apathetic urban middle classes worked up. The issue is au courant and likely to remain so.

TI, whose methodology it must be said is not entirely beyond reproach, released its corruption scorecard and top honours went to the land department, the police and the income tax department. The usual suspects were all there but one not so usual suspect, the military, also inched up on the list. What needs to be stressed here is that this is a report on corruption perception and not an evaluation of how corrupt a department is in actuality. This could explain much of the list and its ordering.

Departments that the general public come in direct contact with, and hence the corruption that intrudes in their daily lives and irks them on a personal level, will rank higher on the list.

Moreover, it is not just personal experience that is cardinal to perceptions but also the media machinery. That which attracts the sound and fury of our media pundits is also bound to be more hated by the wider public. Something that would explain why we think the political class as most crooked of the lot even though most corruption is administrative and apolitical (e.g. that of the civil bureaucracy).

Hence, what is perceived as a corrupter kind of corruption depends on many variables. For instance, the amount that a patwari charges a person for doing his job is probably peanuts compared to the killing made in military contracting. But the former will take top spot because it takes place in the public sphere and affects people on an individual level whereas the latter is more of an abstraction to the average Joe and also because it is well-kept under wraps and gets little airtime and printspace.

Corruption is indeed bad, very bad but some of it is endemic structurally and not easy to get rid of in 90-day programmes. Furthermore, the hefty kickback the minister got is also corruption but so is the fifty-rupee bribe the rehriwallah paid to keep his cart on the road. They can’t be tarred with the same brush. Public perceptions of the issue are blackand-white and the grey area needs to be reintroduced. Not just on what corruption is and who does it but also on how it can be dealt with.

Dedicated to the legacy of the late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami Editor

Lahore – Ph: 042-36298305-10 Fax: 042-36298302 Karachi – Ph: 021-34330811-3 Fax: 021-34330900 Islamabad – Ph: 051-2287414-6 Fax: 051-2287417 Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

friday, 30 December, 2011

Beyond hyper-jalsas... ... lies unsexy work

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By Ejaz Haider

he problem with revolutions, as also tsunamis, is that they are destructive. Of course, one can use kitchen imagery and argue that making an omelette always necessitates breaking eggs. Much the same is said about volcanoes that spout the burning, destructive lava that leaves the land mineral-rich. Shelley, in one of his less profound poetic moments, talked about the cycle of life and death by referring to spring succeeding winter. But there’s a problem with the application of these images to political life.

Politics is about interminable processes of negotiations. even when the fundamentals of a social contract are agreed upon, negotiations never end. Solutions to a set of problems throw up their own problems. Individuals, groups and interests continue to clash. Very often, to borrow the concept put forward by jurist Cass Sunstein, everyone has to live with “incompletely theorised agreements”. In other words, there is no final solution and nothing is linear.

Processes are a function of evolution, cutting the Gordian knot of revolution. There are times when societies are so desperate for change that they are prepared for, and actually seek, major disruptions that would somehow lead to a new contract, a change so massive and sweeping that the ancien regime would give way to the dawn of a new era.

There are two problems with this approach. One, it ignores the factors that might have led to that point in the collective life where people ask for such a change; and, two, because such an approach ignores the first requirement, it wrongly assumes that a disruption would in and of itself remove those factors that necessitated the desire for disruption in the first place.

It cannot be gainsaid that there are, can be and have been extreme situations. Systems can get locked down so badly and throw up such inequities that a smothered people looking for air would have no time for conceptual niceties. They would even be prepared to lay down their lives for a utopia knowing that they would not enjoy its presumed idyllic charm. even if one were to make space for such exceptions, while knowing full well that people are likely to be moving from one oppressive system to another, is it correct to talk about a revolution in Pakistan?

Those who ask for one are in two categories. One set

desires it and thinks that a major sweep is the only way to get this country out of the current mess. The other, desiring for a change, laments the fact that this society is incapable of making a revolution happen.

I find this incapability, if it could be described such, a blessing. This is a country which, despite its many problems, has remained wedded to a democratic expression. even its military dictators, unlike Latin American juntas, have to seek legitimacy for themselves through the courts. It is no use arguing that their actions were ham-handed nonetheless because the very fact that they had to seek legitimacy shows the limits and limitations of their power.

The form of democracy here is advanced even when it falls short of substance. In any case, this chicken-egg problem is an old one in the debates on democracy: should the form come first and lead to substance or should we wait for substance before allowing people the right to expression and practising democracy.

Fareed Zakaria talked about illiberal democracies. He even argued that constitutional liberalism in england developed separately from the form of democracy. True. Yet, it is difficult to see how, in a country as diverse as Pakistan, administrative and economic efficiencies can lead to conditions that are finally, and presumably, propitious for the full functioning of democracy – especially, if political life is accepted as comprising aggregation of interests through negotiations that would often lead to essential compromises at the cost of administrative and economic efficiencies.

We are thus faced with two sets of problems: the debate between evolution, or what I have elsewhere described as the good, old english gradualness, and revolution, the storming of the Bastille. And the thought that what is undesirable in a system can somehow be changed through a sweep whether violent or non-violent rather than small steps.

It is important to note that these are two different sets of issues and it seems

to me that most people would settle for non-violent means if any moribund system could in fact be changed entirely.

Because while people desire change, they would much rather have it non-violently than through the use of guillotine.

Which brings me to the IK phenomenon. It is a matter of some satisfaction that Mr Khan is promising change through the existing system. I also assume that by the use of the term tsunami he unwittingly refers to cleaning the Augean stables by harnessing peoples’ energies a la Heracles who diverted two rivers as part of his fifth labour. To this extent I am fine with what he is doing. People should have choices and if Mr Khan can offer one within the democratic system, he has done well to yank the debate out of the civil-military binary: let’s get the army in if the civilians cannot deliver. He now tells us he can. Nothing can be better.

Beyond this point, however, lies hard, unsexy work. He is untested on that score yet and may pull surprises on that count. However, to think, as he seems to, that he can fulminate against other political entities for being dysfunctional because they are decaying and then, to mix metaphors, picking up their detritus to spearhead a major change is somewhat naive, if not entirely self-serving.

It may be so that he could turn these donkeys into useful Athenian mules and get us the Parthenon. That would be a miracle and I am not much into that exciting stuff. Chances are that after the high tide of the current romance would come the dull routine of running the house. That would allow for some changes within the general boredom of sameness. That is likely to disappoint many of his admirers. Not me, though because selective interventions in key areas are far more robust than sweeping changes that come unstuck.

The writer is Executive Director of Jinnah Institute. The views expressed are his own and do not necessarily reflect JI’s policy

regional press

rumour mongering Daily Pashtun Post

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nly a few weeks ago, the President of Pakistan had to face medical problems and had to leave for Dubai.

After getting medical attention, he came back to the country despite a flurry of rumours about him being medically unfit to carry on his duties as a president.

Certain quarters were quite busy in churning out rumours that suggested that he was to lose his job soon. People even had various logical and some illogical reasons at hand to justify their rumours. One of them said that the president would be unable to run the affairs of the country due to his medical issues. even though the doctors that took care of Zardari in Dubai had reported candidly that the president was not suffering from any serious problem and had rubbished such reports, people still seemed to offer their versions of rumours and kept creating chaos and confusion among the political and civil circles of the country.

To quell all these rumours, the president on his return met with the prime minister and agreed to continue their struggle for the continuity of democracy in the country despite all the hurdles it faced such as the memo controversy. even though his opponents have stood up against him in unison and want him deposed of his seat, they just are not able to do so. He also reaffirmed this resolve in Garhi Khuda Buksh on the fourth death anniversary of his deceased wife. His coming back and speaking at rallies and meeting with his government functionaries prove that he is fully fit for the job.

The political parties should not push for their partisan agendas and must work to strengthen democratic processes and institutions. All new players are welcome on this stage as long as they play fair. In a time of political turbulence in the country, the political actors would do well not to add fuel to the fire by rumour-mongering.

– Translated from the original Pashto by Abdur Rauf Khattak

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friday, 30 December, 2011

Comment 13

Challenges await

A flawed paradigm

2012: Expect even more ups and downs

things have to change

Cross Currents

By Qudssia Akhlaque

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or Pakistanis, 2011 had it all the good, the bad and the ugly. Recapping events is like going through a roller-coaster ride.

Into the 100th hour the shocking murder of Governor Salmaan Taseer by his own police guard followed by the covert CIA operative Raymond Davis's saga to the embarrassing discovery of the world’s most wanted terrorist in Abbottabad in the dead of the night by invading US Special forces helicopters, to the attack on the Mehran Naval Base to the mysterious high profile abduction and murder of journalist Saleem Shehzad to the international cricket match-fixing shame, from the most hotly contested memo bombshell to the death of Pakistani troops by USled Nato forces at the Salala border post to the President’s all-too-mysterious illness, departure and return and then return. Peppered throughout 2011 have been strikes, shut-downs and protests against all modes of load-shedding.

From Pakistan’s perspective, it was undoubtedly an extremely significant year both on the domestic and diplomatic fronts. Certain events proved to be a blessing in disguise, a wake-up call and a turning point for the country in reclaiming its lost ground - sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Raymond Davis episode in January, the US commando operation in Abbottabad in May that killed Osama Bin Laden and the unprovoked airstrike on the Pakistani border posts last month forced the top political and military leadership towards a fundamental review of its flawed policies towards the US and international cooperation in the war against terrorism.

Interestingly, 2011 also cleared deliberately created ambiguities on issues like the US military presence

and CIA footprints in Pakistan, the drones parked and operated from our military base. Also the little known but most talked about post 9/11 security agreements and MOUs between Pakistan-US and Nato also surfaced after almost a decade under pressure from the parliament. It ended the myth of the Pak-US strategic partnership.

While shocking revelations, scandals, judicial activism, protests, rallies, suicide attacks, explosions and palace intrigues marked the year, it ends with guarded optimism of beginnings of a positive change in the offing; maybe more accountability, more serious policy-making and more responsive to protesting peoples' concerns. On US especially, more chances of wisely crafted policies; responding to the US-led NATO-ISAF forces attack,

TV news channels did live telecast of Imran’s historic rally in Karachi the more loyal than the king state PTV News opted to focus on SinoPak currency agreement and trade relations! As always a little out of touch!

The government’s popularity graph is now at its lowest and disillusionment with state of affairs at its peak. With major state enterprises like the Railways, Pakistan Steel Mills and PIA on the verge of a collapse, unending and unannounced gas-shedding and electricity outages, runaway inflation, and rising unemployment have sparked country-wide agitation and rallies calling for the PM’s resignation and early elections.

As the year ends, there is the legal battle over which should be the forum for conducting inquiry

from pakistan’s perspective, it was undoubtedly an extremely significant year both on the domestic and diplomatic fronts. Certain events proved to be a blessing in disguise, a wake-up call and a turning point for the country in reclaiming its lost ground quick and significant decisions including boycotting the Bonn conference and refusing land transit to NATO supplies, made at the DCC meeting. There is now talk of Pakistan focussing on regional trading bloc involving Iran, Russia and China.

Who could have ever thought that we would finally see the back of most CIA operatives, an end to the deadly dronse attacks, American troops and military hardware out of the Shamsi Airbase, passage to US-Nato supplies denied for over a month and finally Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf(PTI) Imran Khan emerging as a serious third force on the country’s political horizon.

The once marginalized PTI with huge rallies and having pocketed Shah Mahmud Qureshi and JavedHashmi and others, is a definite third force. Many see Imran Khan as the credible leader who can pull Pakistan out of the current crisis.

But some things never change.

On December 25th when all private

over memo issue, whether the apex court the parliamentary committee on national security. All this is taking place against the backdrop of ongoing civilian-military and government-judiciary tensions.

In the closing hours of 2011, CNG dealers are also threatening to go on a strike. Will the power and gas-shedding hours increase dramatically, hurting businesses beyond a point of no return? Will angry protests by people living on the edge eventually turn more violent and lead to civil disorder? On the home front, these are the serious challenges that welcome the government and the people into the year 2012.

The writer is a senior journalist and has been a diplomatic correspondent for leading dailies. She was an Alfred Friendly Press Fellow at The Chicago Tribune in the US and a Press Fellow at Wolfson College, Cambridge, UK. She can be reached via email at qudssia@hotmail.com

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he latest standoff between the United States and Pakistan was explosive. In recent history, hardly have we seen such damage being inflicted on each other by countries that are allies.

The attack that took place on the 26th November was a clear cut infringement. It was lethal and unprecedented. For the first time, we actually hit back at the US with rage. The attack was not an accident; it was an attack that “defies military logic” (as was stated by the DGMO).

The position of the posts that were attacked were already conveyed from our side to the ISAF and NATO knew that these were Pakistani checkposts with no militant sanctuaries anywhere near. Similar incidents involving US aggression have taken place on 10 June 2008, 30 September 2010 and 17 July 2011. Hence, NATO and ISAF are repeat offenders.

As expected, Pakistan has clearly rejected the NATO report findings deeming them unacceptable. But Pakistan needs to straighten out the facts to set the course for its foreign policy regimen like whether or not to open supply routes for NATO. The war in Afghanistan has been costly for our poor country. This is something we have in common with the US. Due to economic instability, the political landscape in the US is almost as turbulent as that of Pakistan. The Pentagon has enforced a legislation which will cut

By Zeeshan Shah their defence expenditure by 450 billion dollars as people in the US demand jobs, lower taxes and health care. Obama is facing severe challenges as he supports ongoing reforms and his announcement of withdrawal of troops earlier than expected is generating a lot of heat for his administration from the right wing.

Whether or not Obama gets reelected may have direct effects on Pakistan and Pak-US relations, especially as the Afghan endgame unfolds.

Here in Pakistan too, things are in flux. The latest memo scandal has rocked the political landscape and the emergence of Imran Khan has introduced another variable into an already tumultuous scenario. Civil-military relations are at the nucleus of this tumult. There are talks of a national security council within Pakistan, something that will eventually pave the way forward for long term change within Pakistan. Transparency will not be an easy road but building blocks are emerging.

If we analyse the history of Pak-US relations, we can deduce

that the paradigm within which they have operated is flawed. It has been more or less a transactional relationship where Pakistan has been hugely dependant on US aid, both in terms of weapons and money, the stoppage of which is a lever which the US can employ at will. We have to dispassionately evaluate the situation we are in and see whether this state of affairs is sustainable.

Today, we stand on the offensive and the situation today is different than in the past. It cannot be denied that this incident has caused damage to the US administration as well. Thus, this may be an opportune time to revise our rules of engagement with the US and our place in the post-US Afghanistan framework. The US is being forced out of the region because this war is bleeding the Americans dry. They cannot make a safe exit without the help of Pakistan and this can be used as a bargaining chip.

With respect to the Afghan endgame, ignoring the Bonn Conference was not a great move and it is critical that Pakistan attend any future forums to present the country’s perspective effectively to a global audience. No more giving mixed signals as we cannot afford to be unclear as a country. The next Bonn Conference cannot be abandoned under any pretext. Pakistan has to stand tall within the eastern bloc – any attempts at aggression against Iran must be prevented and Saudi Arabia has to be on that negotiation table supporting Pakistan as this has direct consequences for both. Our key success always must be our strategic defence policy and our foreign policy mandate, clearly in our own interest.

Realistically, we cannot ignore the fact that the US has been our biggest ally to date and we cannot simply say goodbye to it in a day. What lies ahead is uncertain but what we are certain of is that we need to start leading our horses towards the Big Four – China, Russia, Iran and Turkey.

We are not self sufficient as yet and we need a certain level of backdoor diplomacy to seek solid ground.

Pakistan has suffered many casualties because of its alliance with the US and its involvement in the war in Afghanistan.

But our own flawed policies cannot be exonerated in this respect. Those who have become casualties of this war were also casualties of our defective policy paradigms – on the strategic and foreign policy fronts. As we enter the new year, we must rectify these problems and try to establish our relations with the US on a basis that is more equitable and protective of our national interest.

The writer is a freelancer and broadcaster for a local FM channel.

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14 Foreign News

friday, 30 December, 2011

Iran-US brinkmanship over oil strait worsens g

iran’s revolutionary Guards say they will act decisively ‘to protect our vital interests’ TEHRAN

A

afp

showdown between Iran and the United States over Tehran’s threats to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz to oil tankers worsened Thursday with warships from each side giving weight to an increasingly bellicose exchange of words. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards rejected a warning that the US military would “not tolerate” such a closure, saying they would act decisively “to protect our vital interests.”

The tough language came as Iran’s navy said a US aircraft carrier entered a zone where its ships and aircraft were in the middle of 10 days of wargames de-

signed to be a show of military might. The area was in waters to the east of the Strait of Hormuz, a choke point at the entrance to the Gulf through which more than a third of the world’s tanker-borne oil passes.

Iranian Vice President Mohammad Reza Rahimi warned this week that “not a drop of oil will pass through the Strait of Hormuz” if the West followed through with planned additional sanctions against Iran over its nuclear programme. A US Defence Department spokesman replied with a declaration Wednesday that “interference with the transit... of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz will not be tolerated.” But Brigadier General Hossein Salami, the deputy commander of Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guards, told Fars news agency Thursday that “our response

to threats is threats.”

“We have no doubt about our being able to carry out defensive strategies to protect our vital interests -- we will act more decisively than ever,” he was quoted as saying. “The Americans are not qualified to give us permission” to carry out military strategy, he said.

Iran’s navy chief, Admiral Habibollah Sayari, said the US aircraft carrier was monitored by Iranian forces as it passed from the Strait of Hormuz to the Gulf of Oman, according to state television.

The network showed footage of an aircraft carrier being followed by an Iranian plane. An Iranian navy spokesman, Commodore Mahmoud Mousavi, told the official IRNA news agency the aircraft carrier went “inside the manoeuvre zone”

where Iranian ships were conducting their exercises. He added that the Iranian navy was “prepared, in accordance with international law, to confront offenders who do not respect our security perimeters during the manoeuvres.”

The US aircraft carrier was believed to the USS John C. Stennis, one of the American navy’s biggest warships.

US officials said Wednesday that the ship and its accompanying carrier strike group was moving through the Strait of Hormuz. The United States maintains a navy presence in the Gulf in large part to ensure oil traffic there is unhindered.

Iran, which is already subject to several rounds of sanctions over its nuclear programme, has repeatedly said it could target the Strait of Hormuz if attacked or

its economy is strangled. Such a move could cause havoc on world oil markets, disrupting the fragile global economy.

Its navy manoeuvres included the laying of mines and the use of aerial drones, according to Iranian media. Missiles and torpedoes were to be test fired in coming days.

Analysts and oil market traders are watching the developing situation in and around the Strait of Hormuz carefully, fearing a spark could ignite open confrontation between the longtime foes.

The United States had proposed a military hotline between Tehran and Washington to defuse any “miscalculations” that could occur as their navies brush against each other. But Iran in September rejected that offer.

Gaza rockets hit israel after overnight air strikes GAZA CITY afp

Palestinian militants fired two rockets at southern Israel on Thursday, after Israeli warplanes attacked “terror sites” inside the Gaza Strip, the army said. The first, which landed in an open field on Thursday morning, was claimed by the Popular Resistance Committees in a statement sent to AFP. A second fell during the afternoon, the military said, reporting no injuries or damage in either case. Overnight, Israeli warplanes targeted “terror sites” in central and northern Gaza in retaliation after rockets were fired across the border on Wednesday.

“Israeli air force aircraft targeted a terror activity site in the central Gaza Strip, and a terror tunnel in the northern Gaza Strip,” a military statement said, indicating it was a response after five rockets landed in Israel, none of which caused any damage or injuries.

Palestinian security sources said the air strikes hit a training ground used by Islamic Jihad militants near central Gaza and another training ground northeast of Gaza which belonged to Hamas’s armed wing, causing no casualties.

An earlier series of Israeli strikes overnight Tuesday had killed a Palestinian and wounded about 20 others, as the military struck what it described as “global jihad” targets who were planning cross-border attacks on southern Israel from the egyptian Sinai.

GAzA City: A masked Palestinian islamic Jihad militant surveys the damage at a training camp after an israeli air strike in Gaza City on thursday. Afp

north Korea acclaims new supreme leader at huge parade SEOUL afp

North Korea Thursday staged a massive memorial service for Kim Jong-Il to end almost two weeks of official mourning, and formally declared his untested young son Jong-Un as the new supreme leader.

Addressing tens of thousands of troops and civilians packing a wintry Pyongyang square, ceremonial head of state Kim Yong-Nam praised the late leader for contributing to “global peace and stability of the 21st century”.

Kim Jong-Un, “the supreme leader of our party and army and people”, had inherited his late father’s spirit, leadership, personality, morality and fortitude, he added.

A sombre Jong-Un, clad in a black overcoat, presided from a balcony over the ceremony along with other members of the regime.

The service in Kim Il-Sung Square, named after the communist country’s founder and father of the late Kim, concluded the mourning following Kim Jong-Il’s death on December 17 from a heart attack at the age of 69.

The country observed three minutes of silence nationwide at noon (0300 GMT), punctuated by the horns of ships

and railway engine whistles.

Analysts said the vast assembly was a show of confidence in Jong-Un, who inherits a daunting in-tray -- severe food shortages, a crumbling economy, acute power shortages and a nuclear programme which has alienated the West.

UN agencies have said six million people -- a quarter of the population -urgently need food aid.

Whatever its internal difficulties, the North Korean regime presented a proud face to the outside world at the Pyongyang rally and further polished the cult of personality surrounding the Kim dynasty.

“The great heart of comrade Kim Jong-Il has ceased to beat... such an unexpected and early departure from us is the biggest and the most unimaginable loss to our party and the revolution,” Kim Yong-Nam told the crowd, his voice throbbing with emotion.

The North would “transform the sorrow into strength and courage 1,000 times greater under the leadership of comrade Kim Jong-Un and will march firmly along the path of Songun taught by great leader Kim Jong-Il”.

The Songun military-first policy prioritises the welfare of the 1.2 millionstrong armed forces -- the world’s fourth-largest -- over civilians.

Bosnia ends long crisis but future remains unclear SARAJEVO afp

Bosnia ended a 14-month deadlock after its Muslims, Croats and Serbs agreed to form a government, but analysts said Thursday it was just a tiny step forward in the ethnically-divided country. In the Balkan country where most powers are divided between two entities -- the Muslim-Croat Federation and the Serbs’ Republika Srpska -- the central government is weak and tasked notably with bringing it closer to the eU. On Wednesday, the main parties pledged to form a new cabinet quickly after the accord to pull Bosnia out of the political limbo where it had lingered since the October 2010 general elections. “This deal allows for optimism. It shows that a political compromise is possible between politicians who want a european future for Bosnia,” analyst Zoran Tomic told AFP. The european Union on Thursday welcomed the end of the marathon deadlock. eU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton and eU enlargement commissioner Stefan Fuele said in a joint statement that they were “encouraged by this development and look forward to further concrete steps to put BosniaHercegovina firmly back on track towards the eU”. The deal was also hailed by the US embassy here, which voiced hope that “this spirit of compromise will carry forward into the new year so that leaders can continue to make reforms necessary for euro-Atlantic integration.”

India’s prime Minister, anti-graft law face parliament test NEW DELHI afp

India’s government and ruling Congress party faced a tough battle to pass its proposed flagship anti-corruption law on Thursday as the upper house of parliament prepared to vote on the draft.

The legislation to create a new ombudsman tasked with investigating public officials was approved by the lower house of parliament on Tuesday, before being taken up by the upper house where the ruling party is weaker.

Congress has been lobbying furiously behind the scenes and is counting on independents, small regional parties and its unreliable parliamentary ally the Trinamool Congress in the upper chamber known as the Rajya Sabha.

The 243-member upper house was set to vote on the draft “Lokpal” (ombudsman) bill later Thursday after a day-long debate.

Arun Jaitley, leader of the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), attacked the government for ducking the chance to enact an effective antigraft bill.

“This law is vulnerable to constitutional challenge,” he said. “We will be leaving a lot for the next generation to do... You are creating a Lokpal so that it

becomes a rudderless institution.”

A defeat would be a heavy blow to the ailing fortunes of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, whose administration had to withdraw another major reform earlier this month allowing foreign supermarkets to operate in India.

“You must support this bill for the sake of the nation,” Congress spokesman Abhishek Singhvi told opponents in parliament.

“You want to pretend that you want to have a strong Lokpal bill (but) you are not doing any constructive debate,” he added. “You are opposing for the sake of opposing.”

The anti-corruption law has been one of the biggest political issues in India for months, the subject of an angry wrangle between the government, the opposition and civil society activists.

On Thursday Hazare returned to his village in Maharashtra state, where aides said he would rest for a week.

V. Narayanasamy, junior parliamentary affairs minister, admitted to the Times Now news channel that the government was relying on other groups to get the bill through.

“We need the support of other parties. We are making all efforts to see that the bill is passed,” he said.

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Foreign News 15

iran may not be ‘existential threat’ to israel: Mossad JERUSALEM afp

The head of Israel’s Mossad spy agency has said a nuclear Iran might not pose an “existential threat” to the Jewish state, in remarks reported Thursday by Haaretz newspaper.

“Does Iran pose a threat to Israel?

Absolutely,” the daily quoted Mossad chief Tamir Pardo as telling a group of Israeli ambassadors. “But if one said a nuclear bomb in Iranian hands was an existential threat, that would mean that we would have to close up shop and go home. That’s not the situation. The term ‘existential threat’ is used too freely,” he said.

His remarks, which were made on Tuesday, stood in contrast to the position of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu which was laid out two months ago in remarks at the opening of the parliament’s winter session.

“A nuclear Iran would pose a dire threat to the Middle east and to the entire world,” he told MPs. “And of course, it poses a grave, direct threat to us too.”

Speaking with the same ambassadors earlier on Tuesday, President Shimon Peres said Israel had “answers” to any threat posed by Iran but it was not the Jewish state’s sole responsibility to deal with the issue.

turkish air strike kills 35 Kurds near iraq

hefei: Vehicles make their way on a road in a smoggy day in hefei, east China's Anhui province on thursday. Afp

Syrian forces kill 11 as observers fan out DAMASCUS

DIYARBAKIR afp

A Turkish air raid on a Kurdish area near the Iraq border killed at least 35 people, with the military apparently mistaking smugglers for separatist rebels, officials said Thursday.

The Turkish authorities said its warplanes targeted militants from the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) on the Iraqi side of the border.

“Thirty-five people were killed and another person wounded in an aerial operation,” the local Sirnak provincial governor’s office said in a statement.

“A crisis centre has been set up in the area and prosecutors and security officers have been sent there,” Governor Vahdettin Ozkan said.

Provincial officials said earlier they had found 23 bodies at the village of Ortasu in Sirnak, according to ertan eris, a local councillor of the pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BPD). eris told pro-Kurdish Roj TV from the bombing site that the dead were among a group of up to 40 people, ranging in age from 16 to 20, who were engaged in smuggling gas and sugar across the mountain border with Iraq.

Sri Lankan politician held over Briton’s death COLOMBO afp

A ruling party politician has been remanded in custody in connection with the killing of a British tourist at a beach resort in southern Sri Lanka over Christmas, a minister said Thursday. The politician surrendered following a manhunt for those responsible for the Christmas Day killing of Kuram Shaikah Zaman, a British national of Israeli origin, acting economic Development Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said.

He said eight police teams had been deployed to investigate the killing as well as the wounding of the victim’s Russian companion who was recovering at a hospital in the capital Colombo. “I can assure you that there will be no cover-up and all steps are being taken to ensure justice is done,” Abeywardena said. He said the victims appeared to have tried to intervene to break up a brawl between two local groups when they were stabbed and shot at a beach hotel in the southern town of Tangalle.

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afp

eGIMe forces fired on protesters at a protest hub near Damascus and killed at least 11 people around Syria on Thursday, even as peace monitors spread out across the country, activists said.

At least three demonstrators were killed and several others wounded in Douma, the protest centre just north of the capital, when security forces sprayed protesters with bullets outside a mosque, a rights group said. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the shooting broke out as a Arab League observers arrived at Douma’s city hall, on the

third day of a mission designed to halt a lethal government crackdown on dissent. The monitors were due Thursday to visit flashpoints around Damascus, as well as the northern and central cities of Idlib and Hama and southern Daraa province.

Daraa is the cradle of an unprecedented nine-month protest movement against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, which has ruled Syria with an iron fist for 11 years.

Activists say that more than 70 civilians have been killed by security forces since a first group of monitors arrived Monday in Syria on a monthlong renewable mission to implement an Arab League peace plan.

“A third civilian wounded by gunfire from the security forces has died of his injuries and there are many in-

Chinese police kill seven in restive Xinjiang BEIJING afp

jured people in critical condition,” said the Britain-based group.

Gunfire rattled in Douma where “tens of thousands” of protesters rallied outside the Grand Mosque and regime forces opened fire on the demonstrators “as Arab observers arrived at the city hall,” it said.

The Observatory also reported that security forces shot dead three people in the Damascus suburbs of Aarbin and Kiswah, and two more people further north in Idlib province, while three others died in the central city of Hama.

“Security forces are raiding a private hospital in Hama and are arresting the wounded,” it said.

“Huge protests” also took place in Hama’s Hamidiyeh and Bab Qubli neighbourhoods, said the watchdog.

China said Thursday a police operation to free hostages in the restive Xinjiang region had left seven “terrorists” dead, but an exile group described the incident as a protest by local Uighurs.

The incident is the latest reported violent confrontation in the region -- home to roughly nine million mostly Muslim Uighurs who have long bristled under Chinese rule -- since three deadly attacks in July left dozens dead.

The Xinjiang government said on its official Twitter-like weibo account that a “violent terrorist group” kidnapped two people in the northwestern region’s remote Pishan county late Wednesday night, prompting a stand-off with police.

During the stand-off, the kidnappers killed one police officer and wounded another.

Police opened fire and killed seven of the suspects, and wounded and arrested four others, it added. The two hostages were subsequently rescued, it said, without providing further details. It did not say whether the kidnappers were Uighurs.

Man in Afghan uniform kills french soldiers g

taliban kill 10 local policemen in helmand roadside bombing KABUL afp

A man dressed in Afghan army fatigues on Thursday shot dead two French soldiers in what appeared to be the latest attack by Afghan security forces on NATO troops. The Taliban claimed responsibility, saying the soldier joined the army in order to carry out his attack in Kapisa province, which is in the volatile east of the country where many of the 3,700 French troops in Afghanistan are based. The insurgent group, which has been waging a 10-year insurgency against US-led NATO and Afghan forces, also said they carried out a roadside bombing in the southern province of Helmand that killed 10 local police. “An individual wearing an Afghan National Army uniform turned his weapon against two International Security Assistance Forces service members in eastern Afghanistan, today, killing both service members,” an ISAF statement said. The Taliban, who frequently exaggerate their claims, said three French soldiers were killed and several others wounded. “Ibrahim (the soldier)... achieved his aim by taking out three French invading troops and wounding a number of them after he opened fire,” spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on their website.

The perpetrator was also killed, he added. The incident brings the total number of coalition military fatalities this year to 563, according to an AFP tally based on independent website iCasualty.org, down from a wartime high of 711 in 2010. The victims were members of the French Foreign Legion, Paris confirmed.

“During a support mission with the Afghan National Army (ANA) in the Tagab valley, the two noncommissioned officers were mortally wounded by deliberate fire from an Afghan soldier,” the French presidency said. In a series of incidents, Afghan government security forces -- or those purporting to be -

- have turned their weapons on foreign troops.

One such bomb Thursday killed 10 Afghan police returning from a recruitment centre in Helmand, the local government said. The victims were members of the US-funded Afghan Local Police (ALP) set up last year and touted as key to the security handover by 2014.

“Ten local police were killed and one was injured after their vehicle struck a roadside bomb in the Nade Ali district of Helmand province,” provincial governor’s spokesman Daud Ahmadi said. “Our mujahedeen fighters attacked a police vehicle and as a result 10 police were killed including a police commander,” claimed Taliban spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmadi.

US pulls advisers from afghan media centre kABuL: The United States has withdrawn its advisers from the Afghan government’s media centre following a news conference in which NATO air strikes and night raids were heavily criticised.

The US embassy confirmed the withdrawal but said the move had been under consideration for some time and was part of the transition to Afghan control, and that the timing of the press conference was coincidental.

heArt: taliban fighters stand near their weapons after they joined Afghanistan government forces during a ceremony.

Afp

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16

friday, 30 December, 2011

Ustad Shafqat Ali enthralls audience with

‘Raag Saraswati’ LAHORE

O

Staff rEpOrt

N the last day of a classical music show organised by the Lahore Music Forum, Ustaad Shafqat Ali Khan, who is the son of famous classical vocalist Ustaad Salamat Ali Khan, struck a chord with the audience as he sang ‘Raag Saraswati’ for the closure of the session. Those well-respected in the circle of classical music were present in the audience, along with fans of the genre and students of music who came to listen to their mentors. Saraswati is a derivative raag. It is called ‘janya’

IN LIMELIGHT MUMBAi: Naseeruddin Shah, ravi Kishan and Atul Kulkarni the music launch of ‘Chaalis Chauraasi".

MUMBAi: Bollywood personalities ritu Jain and Shweta Bhardwaj attend the music launch of ‘Chaalis Chauraasi’.

since its root raag is called ‘janaka’ raag.

The ‘Raag Saraswati’ is also a ‘shaaDava’ raag which means that it has about six notes in ascending order and six in descending order. The actual notes in Indian notation are ‘Sa, Ri, Ma, Pa Da Ni’. In his over 10-minute vocals for this raag, Ustaad Shafqat Ali held the audience in hypnotism while his voice change modulations over the seven notes, stretching to its height while dropping at its lowest note. He was aided by a sarod, the sarangi and the tanpura which he himself was playing while singing, along with the basic harmonium, sitar and tabla. As soon as the performance was over the audience flocked to meet and congratulate him.

Erum Ashfaq’s exhibition

AhMeDABAD: Sonam Kapoor and Bipasha Basu pose during a promotional event for ‘Players’.

a colourful revival of cultural heritage LAHORE Staff rEpOrt

The solo paintings exhibition of upcoming talented artist erum Ashfaq titled ‘The Revival of Cultural Heritage’ opened in a colourful inauguration ceremony at the Shakir Ali Museum of the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) on Thursday evening. The show was inaugurated by social and cultural figure of Lahore Mian Yousuf Salahuddin otherwise known as Yousuf ‘Salli’ who was also the chief guest. Salahuddin highly appreciated the art work of erum Ashfaq and said that it was an excellent attempt by the artist to project historical heritage in colour on canvas. He wished her success in her art career in future.

More than 24 paintings are on display depicting old historical buildings of Moghul era of Lahore and Bhera including Shalimar Garden, Masjid Wazir Khan, Haveli Chuna Mandi, Lahore Fort, jharoka of an abandoned building of Bhera among others.

This was erum Ashfaq’s second solo show in about one year. She has also participated in some group shows held at different art galleries of the provincial metropolis.

Ashfaq says she hails from a family which has rich academic and artistic background. She is a naturally gifted artist who has no formal art education from any-

Ash and I

where but still her creative work attracts the attention of the viewers within no time and keep them spellbound for some time. erum Ashfaq’s interest in architectural heritage of the land has resulted in exploration of an area that has so far been largely ignored by most of the artists. She is putting up an exhibition which aims at the promotion of historical monuments and architectural legacy mostly of the Mughul rulers who had erected such marvelous structures which would keep on inspiring the generations to come. Ashfaq said she has a passion for painting since childhood.

“My interest area has always been the historical architectural legacy that we have today,” she said. “As a continuation to my journey of passion towards painting, this time I have extended my canvas to highlight the most promising city of Bhera that was lost in obscurity. Bhera has a history which dates back to thousands of years, evolved through centuries, had a rich heritage that is known to very few. The Walled City of Lahore that was built and rebuilt during the Moghul era, has its magnificent remnants that captured the artists vision to brought into knowledge of this elegant city of its times. I have reflected the intricate masonry and wooden works within the buildings, jharokas and streets. My aim is to restore on canvas the magnificence of such an enduring asset.”

do everything ourselves for Beti B: Abhishek

MuMBai: Ask Abhishek how life has changed after his daughter's arrival and he shrugs, "Life hasn't really changed for me," but hurries to clarify as reporters look on astonished, that, "i have been very busy promoting my film and so i didn't get enough time to spend with my

daughter. Ash is looking after her 24/7, but whenever i get time i do help her out." in fact, Abhishek calls himself a pretty hands-on dad. "i do change her nappies if she wakes up in the night. As a couple we decided to do everything ourselves and not take the help of any maid." At the same time, Abhishek says he's pretty confused. "My daughter's looks keep on changing. when she was born, i thought she looked like Aishwarya, but then after a few days she began resembling me. even people who visit us have different opinions. there isn't any uniformity. But i hope she looks like her mother though... it will be scary to have a girl with a stubble and all!” (laughs out loud). Are there any plans of releasing the Bachchan kid’s first picture?

"She is too small right now.

Plus, i don't understand why everybody wants to see her?

But don't worry. we will organise a press conference for her first picture," laughs Abhishek. aGENCiES

AhMeDABAD: ‘Players’ film director duo Abbas-Mustan, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Sonam Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan and Bipasha Basu pose during a promotional event for ‘Players’.

Akshay’s production

No long

maternity ‘Breakaway’ breaks leave for Lara tOrONtO: Akshay Kumar has a lot to smile about this year end. "we are extremely proud of the success we have achieved with ‘Breakaway’. we are glad to report that ‘Breakaway’ is now the highest grossing Canadian english movie in 2011 in Canada as it has struck a chord with foreign audience looking for stories they can connect with," says an ecstatic Akshay.

records in Canada ‘Breakaway’, the cross-cultural hockey drama set in the indo-Canadian community of toronto’ has done a brilliant job and was well accepted by the audience. the movie, released as ‘Speedy Singhs’ in india, has broken all box office records to become the highest grossing cross cultural movie in Canada breaking the records of movies like ‘3 idiots’, ‘Monsoon wedding’ etc. it has even broken the records of the critically acclaimed oscar-nominated movie 'water'. honourable Stephen harper, the Canadian Prime Minister, who is an avid hockey fan, has highly acclaimed the movie, calling it a mustwatch. aGENCiES

Dutta

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17 Tablets, e-readers closing book

on ink-and-paper era SAN FRANCISCO aGENCiES

T

ABLeT computers and electronic readers promise to close the book on the ink-and-paper era as they transform the way people browse magazines, check news or lose themselves in novels.

“It is only a matter of time before we stop killing trees and all publications become digital,” Creative Strategies president and principal analyst Tim Bajarin told AFP. Online retail giant Amazon has made electronic readers mainstream with Kindle devices, and Apple ignited insatiable demand for tablets ideal for devouring online content ranging from films to magazines and books. Readers are showing increased loyalty to digital books, according to the US Book Industry Study Group (BISG). Nearly half of print book buyers who also got digital works said they would skip getting an ink-and-paper release by a favourite author if an electronic version could be had within three months, a BISG

survey showed. “The e-book market is developing very fast, with consumer attitudes and behaviors changing over the course of months, rather than years,” said BISG deputy executive director Angela Bole. Concerns about e-book reading are diminishing, with people mainly wishing for lower device prices, according to the survey. Bajarin believes it will be at least a decade before print is obsolete. “For one thing, there is a generation of people above 45 who grew up with this reading format and for many this will remain the most comfortable way for them to consume content for quite a while,” he said. “However, younger generations are already moving rapidly to digital representations of publications and, over time, they will be using e-books and tablets to consume all of their publications.”

Newspapers spend a lot of money printing and distributing daily editions that can’t be kept as fresh as stories on the Internet. Meanwhile, advertising has been moving online where audiences can be better targeted and advertisers pay when people actually click on ads. As if online competition weren’t enough for the print magazine business, the US Postal Service is proposing to do away with weekend deliveries in a move that could make weeklies seem like even older news by the time they arrive.

MUMBAI zEENEWS

For those who don’t know, Badhsah of Bollywood has his ancestral base in Peshawar, Pakistan. And for all obvious reasons, the Pathan has a soft corner for the country and its people. The actor gave an interview to a leading Pakistani english daily and expressed his desire to visit Pakistan as and when work takes him there. On being asked if he would ever oblige his Pakistani fans by meeting them in person, SRK had said, “One of these days, I will come to Pakistan. I will come to Pakistan when work takes me there.” King Khan, as he is lovingly addressed, does not find a mention in the good books of Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray and his nephew Raj, for they believe he favours Pakistan. SRK’s fondness for celebrities from across the border was apparent when he spoke about the inclusion of Pakistani cricketers in the Indian Premier League even as India was trying to overcome the 26/11 terror attacks. The actor’s fan following increased manifold post ‘My Name Is Khan’.

Talking about the film, Khan said, “I’m glad people liked Khan (‘My Name is Khan’) all over the world for a very simple reason. I’m not claiming to know everything but I do know that as a Muslim it’s important for me to tell the world who we really are. It’s important for us to explain Islam to the world and it’s important for the world to know Islam and what it truly stands for. But that’s not the only reason I did the film. It was a good experience.”

NEW dElhi: Lara Dutta is not planning to take a very long maternity leave. After her baby at the end of february, she plans to produce a film in May and says she may or may not feature in it. Lara, who tied the knot with tennis player Mahesh Bhupati this year, says this is a crucial time for the couple.

"Mahesh has the olympics. i've motherhood to look forward to.

So we've other important commitments. But i most certainly plan to remain an actress and a producer. it's something that i learnt from Shah rukh Khan during 'Don 2'. he told me he was happy to see actresses turning producers and advised me to continue with my career," said the former beauty queen. for now, the 33-year-old is all charged up for motherhood. "it's by far the most important role of my life.

But there are other roles too. i don't do anything half-heartedly. i never became an actress to enhance my bank balance."

Asked whether she wants a boy or a girl, she said: "Mahesh and i have no preferences. we're just happy we'll be parents." aGENCiES

Big B has a fan in

in the world of exercise LONDON Mail

While many of us think walking is ‘cheating’, a growing body of evidence suggests that it’s actually one of the best forms of exercise for both body and brain. experts reveal what walking could do for you. The human ability to walk has been a crucial part of our success as a species. Scientists think part of the reason walking is so good for us is that our bodies have evolved to move in this way. Our ancestors weren’t running around. They were walking, an estimated 15 miles a day when they were hunter gatherers.

Bodies hate jolty, aggressive movement as you get with jogging.

Walking allows your heart to pump in a rhythmical way, meaning your circulation is at its most efficient.

The pelvis, the sacroiliac joint in the lower back, and the S-shaped curve of the spine are designed for shockabsorbing vertical force. Walking nourishes and ‘juices’ the discs and joints of the back. Cardiovascular activity boosts blood flow to the brain, triggering new neurons to grow, giving the brain a 'cushion' that protects from dementia. A U.S. study last year showed a daily stroll may increase the size of your brain. Walking is good for the brain because it makes it multitask. When we walk we integrate visual input, auditory input and input coming from joints and muscles. Like all exercise, walking releases the ‘feelgood’ hormones endorphins, serotonin and dopamine — but its gentle pace is thought to be one of the best for depression. Walking outdoors is better for you: being in contact with nature seems to provide mental restoration.

Akshay's

Farah Khan’s son MuMBai: if Shirish Kunder is making a film with Amitabh Bachchan, his wife, director farah Khan, is teaching their little son to recite Big B’s famous ‘walk in english, talk in english’ speech from ‘Namak halaal’ to improve his english. Apparently Big B has inadvertently aided Czar’s enhanced performance in school. when Czar was under-performing in his english speech, it was Big B’s famous monologue that came to the child’s rescue. "i taught it to him. you see, Czar’s teachers told me he only spoke in hindi and Marathi. i was advised to encourage him to speak in english. So i taught him Amitji’s ‘Namak halaal’ monologue which according to me is a most comprehensive english primer for any child. filmy maa hoon na,"

runaway winner

said farah, who gave birth to triplets in february 2008. At the house-warming party at farah’s place, Czar got his chance to have his say in front of the man who came to his rescue in school. Czar recited his ‘Namak halaal’ monologue, much to the Big B’s delight as he realised that a new generation of Bachchan fans in the tiny-tot section is gearing to keep the legend going. aGENCiES

special birthday gift to Rajesh Khanna, Twinkle

MuMBai: rajesh Khanna and twinkle Khanna share a birthday - December 29. So there's always reason for a double celebration on this day in the Kumar-Khanna household. Actor Akshay Kumar, husband to twinkle and son-inlaw to rajesh Khanna, has ensured that the day remained a day to remember for the birthday boy and girl. the actor has taken the entire family to Goa, and celebrated rajesh Khanna's birthday in the land of sand and surf. if sources are to be believed, there were about 25 guests - family and close friends – who were in attendance. Dimple Kapadia and her younger daughter rinke with her family were also there to wish rajesh and twinkle 'happy Birthday'. we also hear that Akshay had some surprise gifts in store to make the day bigger and more special. the family and friends intend to bring in the New year in Goa itself. aGENCiES

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friday, 30 December, 2011

Clijsters set to serve up her best Page 21

Australia thrash hapless India MELBOURNE

A

SCOrEBOard

afp

USTRALIA crushed India by 122 runs in the opening Test on Thursday, destroying their vaunted batting lineup with aggressive pace to claim a decisive victory inside four days in Melbourne.

India, chasing a historically challenging 292 runs for victory, were never in the hunt after they crashed to 81 for six with the crucial loss of Sachin Tendulkar's wicket late in the middle session.

The tourists, who have yet to win a series in Australia in 64 years, were routed for 169 off 47.5 overs after Australia squeezed another 61 runs from their remaining two wickets earlier in the day.

James Pattinson led the way with four for 53 while Peter Siddle claimed the prized scalp of Tendulkar for 32 to again keep the Indian star's 100th international century on hold.

"It's fantastic to get a win against India, who we love beating, and put the disappointment of the New Zealand loss in Hobart behind us," said Pattinson, who won his second man-of-the-match award in his three Tests. "We were in a bit of trouble last night but credit to Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey to get us out of trouble. "We've just got this never-say-die attitude sort of feeling in the camp at the moment and it's a great feeling." India were always up against it as they faced up to the highest fourth-innings run chase in almost 60 years at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

South Africa were the last team to achieve a higher fourth-innings target of 297 for four in beating Australia at the MCG in 1953. "We should have been able to chase 300 with the kind of batting we've got, so another bad start to a Test series," said captain M.S. Dhoni after India's fifth consecutive loss in an away Test.

"I think all the bowlers did a very good job and got us back into the game, but I just think the batting needs to click a bit more." It was a bowlers' Test match with no batsman scoring a century.

Australian Hussey came the closest with 89 in the second innings. Australia's pace trio Pattinson, Ben Hilfenhaus and Siddle maintained a full line and length and never let up on the Indian batsmen.

India, 24 for one at lunch after losing Virender Sehwag for seven, unravelled in the middle session

MeLBoUrNe: James Pattinson (r) celebrates bowling rahul Dravid. (right) Sachin tendulkar walks off after he was dismissed by Peter Siddle, india’s champion batmen was yet again exposed on a bouncy track. Afp with five wickets tumbling for 93 runs.

Gautam Gambhir fell to a fired-up Siddle, edging to the safe hands of Ponting at second slip for 13. Rahul Dravid was bowled for the second time in the match with a pearler from Pattinson that crashed into his middle-stump for 10.

V.V.S. Laxman was out cheaply again flicking Pattinson to ed Cowan at square leg for just one after scoring two in the first innings. Virat Kohli was out first ball, leg before wicket to Hilfenhaus with Tendulkar fast running out of batting part-

ners. But Tendulkar was next to go, slicing Siddle to Hussey in the gully for 32. With his departure India's chances dipped considerably, silencing the "Swarmy Army" India supporters and prompting many to leave the ground. Tendulkar now takes his quest for his 100th Test and one-day century to next week's second Test in Sydney.

Ravi Ashwin went shortly after tea to a rearing Siddle delivery which he lobbed to Cowan for 30.

Zaheer Khan blasted a six off Pattinson but when he shaped to do the same on the next ball, he

auStralia, 1st innings: 333 (E. Cowan 68, r. ponting 62; zaheer Khan 4-77) iNdia, 1st innings: 282 (S. tendulkar 73, r. dravid 68, V. Sehwag 67; B. hilfenhaus 5-75) auStralia, 2nd innings: (overnight 179 for 8) d. Warner b Yadav 5 E. Cowan lbw b Yadav 8 3 S. Marsh b Yadav 60 r. ponting c Sehwag b zaheer Khan 1 M. Clarke b Sharma 89 M. hussey c dhoni b zaheer Khan B. haddin c laxman b zaheer Khan 6 p. Siddle c dhoni b Yadav 4 N. lyon lbw b ashwin 0 37 J. pattinson not out 14 B. hilfenhaus c laxman b Sharma 13 EXtraS: (b5, lb2, w1, nb5) 240 tOtal: (all out; 76.3 overs) fall of wickets: 1-13 (Warner), 2-16 (Cowan), 3-24 (Marsh), 4-27 (Clarke), 5-142 (ponting), 6-148 (haddin), 7-163 (Siddle), 8-166 (lyon), 9-197 (hussey), 10-240 (hilfenhaus) BOWliNG: zaheer Khan 20-4-53-3 (1w, 3nb), Yadav 20-4-70-4, Sharma 12.3-043-2 (2nb), ashwin 22-4-60-1, Sehwag 2-0-7-0 iNdia 2nd innings: 13 G. Gambhir c ponting b Siddle 7 V. Sehwag c hussey b hilfenhaus r. dravid b pattinson 10 32 S. tendulkar c hussey b Siddle 1 V.V.S. laxman c Cowan b pattinson K. Kohli lbw b hilfenhaus 0 M.S. dhoni b pattinson 23 30 r. ashwin c Cowan b Siddle 13 z. Khan c Cowan b pattinson i. Sharma not out 6 21 u. Yadav c Warner b lyon 13 EXtraS: (lb10, w2, nb1) tOtal: (for all out; 47.5 overs) 169 fall of wickets: 1-17 (Sehwag), 2-39 (Gambhir), 3-58 (dravid), 4-68 (laxman), 5-69 (Kohli), 6-81 (tendulkar), 7-117 (ashwin), 8-141 (zaheer), 9-142 (dhoni), 10-169 (Yadav) BOWliNG: pattinson 15-2-53-4 (1w, 1nb), hilfenhaus 18-4-39-2 (1w), Siddle 9-142-3, lyon 5.5-0-25-1 australia won by 122 runs,australia lead series 1-0, Man of the match: James pattinson (auS), Crowd: 25,865 (aggregate 189,347) toss: australia umpires: ian Gould (ENG), Marais Erasmus (rSa) third umpire: paul reiffel (auS) Match referee: ranjan Madugalle (Sri)

popped a gentle catch to Cowan close-in for 13.

Pattinson bowled Dhoni for 23 and Umesh Yadav was the last wicket to fall, caught athletically on the boundary by David Warner off spinner Nathan Lyon for 21, with Ishant Sharma six not out. India began the day poorly when Australia added 61 runs for their last two wickets off 16.3 overs to exasperate the tourists' bowlers. Hussey had a charmed life before he went 11 short of a century, and Pattinson remained unbeaten on 37 not out as he put on 43 runs for the last wicket before Hilfenhaus was the last man out for 14.

Bounce India with four quicks at Sydney

Melbourne: rahul Dravid looks at his shattered stumps. (right) Australian paceman Ben hilfenhaus (L) celebrates dismissing Virat Kohli. Afp

Comment ANDREW WU

I

NDIA'S capitulation in the face of another onslaught from Australia's quicks has left selectors toying with the idea of taking an all-pace attack into the second Test in Sydney.

With Ryan Harris edging closer to full fitness, John Inverarity suddenly finds himself with an embarrassment of riches in his pace stocks that was not available to Andrew Hilditch last summer.

Until Nathan Lyon struck for the last wicket, all but one of the 20 Indian wickets fell in Melbourne

against pace. Harris, who left the Australian camp on Wednesday, bowled last night in Perth for Brisbane in the Big Bash and has been steadily increasing his workload in recent weeks.

The talented but injury-prone 32-year-old has been Australia's most consistent paceman, taking 35 wickets at 21 in eight Tests since his debut in March 2010. But he now finds himself down the pecking order after James Pattinson's excellent start to his Test career and the recent strong form of rejuvenated pair Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus.

If passed fit, though, Harris is likely to tip out the unlucky Mitchell Starc from the 12 named in Melbourne. Hilfenhaus, in his first Test for nearly 12

months, claimed his maiden Test five-for in the first innings and was again incisive yesterday, capturing the wickets of Virat Kohli and danger man Virender Sehwag to finish with match figures of 7-114.

Harris' best chance of a recall in Sydney could depend on selectors lining up with four quicks - an idea not ruled out by skipper Michael Clarke last night before today's squad announcement. ''That's something we'll need to talk about as a selection panel, it's a good option to have,'' he said. ''It's great news for us if Ryan Harris is fully fit. He puts pressure on our bowling attack, he gives us an extra string to our bow. ''Ryano's had a lot of success for us and he's a quality bowler. We need to see the conditions, have the option, I guess. ''If it is going to spin and it's a bit dry, we can talk about two spinners, we can talk about an all-rounder.

But if it has got grass on it like it did last year, there's a chance we could play four fast bowlers.'' The most recent first-class match at the SCG, played last month, was a paceman's paradise due to the wet start to Sydney's summer. But Clarke is a big fan of spin and will be wary of entering a Test without a slowbowling option.

Lyon has hardly put a foot wrong since making his shock Test debut in Sri Lanka and has 23 wickets at 27 after eight matches. ''Right now I'm really happy with how Lyono's going, he's bowled really well, he's learning a lot,'' Clarke said. ''He probably didn't have the success he wanted in this Test match, that he would have liked to have seen, but he did an important role for us and I'm sure come Sydney it will be no different.'' Overlooked for the New Zealand series and again in Melbourne, all-rounder Daniel Christian's chances of making his Test debut in Sydney are slim after Michael Hussey's form reversal this week and the strong effort by the quicks. Vicecaptain Shane Watson is unlikely to be available after being sent back to Sydney yesterday to continue his rehabilitation from hamstring and calf injuries. He will be assessed by team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris on Sunday.

Dhoni not happy with ‘star batsmen’ MELBOURNE afp

Skipper M.S. Dhoni said India's big-name batsmen flopped as his team came up well short in their run chase to comprehensively lose the opening Test to Australia in Melbourne on Thursday. Set an imposing 292 runs for victory, India fell apart to finish all out for 169 off 47.5 overs late on the fourth day. It was India's fifth consecutive loss in away Tests and conjured memories of their wretched series in england earlier this year when they relinquished their top ranking in a 4-0 thrashing. Sachin Tendulkar was India's top scorer with 73 in the first innings and just 32 in the second. Dhoni, who now has the task of lifting his team of batting superstars for next week's second Test in Sydney, said the tourists had to show more consistency to get back into the four-Test series. "Our batting flopped in both the innings. We have to show more consistency," Dhoni said after the defeat. "We need to score more runs. Otherwise, it would be very difficult for us to win. We need to apply ourselves a lot more and if we do that I have no doubt that we would come back strongly." It was a miserable effort Thursday from the Indian batsmen with Virender Sehwag (7), Gautam Gambhir (13), Rahul Dravid (10), V.V.S. Laxman (1) and Virat Kohli (0) showing little appetite for the fight. Australia converted a 51run innings lead into a challenging 291 advantage heading into the fourth innings and India were soon back-pedalling, left at 81 for six by Tendulkar's crucial dismissal in the 27th over.

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friday, 30 December, 2011

Argentine hockey team likely to visit Pakistan ISLAMABAD

Former players back Wahab to perform against England

app

LAHORE

Ambassador of Argentine to Pakistan Rodolfo J. Martin Saravia on Thursday said that his country's hockey team will visit Pakistan in March 2012.

He said this here after the final of the Pakistan Premier Soccer League, held at Jinnah Stadium here at Pakistan Sports Complex. expressing confidence over the security arrangements in Pakistan the Ambassador said, "I move freely in Pakistan and see no security threat.”

The Ambassador further stated that Pakistani people were very talented. "We are ready to provide training and coaching facilities to Pakistani players in football".

Rodolfo J added that Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) organised the Premier Soccer League Championship successfully and congratulated PFF chief, Fasial Saleh Hayat.

Staff rEpOrt

AKISTAN cricket authorities and former players have backed Wahab Riaz's selection in the side for the upcoming series against england and termed British media's criticism of the paceman's inclusion as "unfair". A section of the British media has described as negative the PCB’s decision to select Riaz, whose name figured the spot-fixing scandal.

"We know there is history between the two teams after last year's spot-fixing scandal in england. But we just want to focus on cricket and on keeping the series free of controversies and issues," Pakistan coach Mohsin Khan said.

Riaz was overlooked for the one-day series against Sri Lanka and the tour to Bangladesh after his name was men-

Aisam to leave for Australia tomorrow

pU honours athletes

P

tioned during the spot-fixing trial but he has been recalled for the england series.

Mohsin said PCB has its own system of scrutinising and clearing players and it was only after they gave a green signal to the selectors that Riaz was considered for selection.

"As far as I am concerned once a

player is made eligible for selection by the board, he is like any other member of the team. And he is in the side because of his ability to reverse swing the old ball which will be a big asset for us on the pitches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi," Mohsin said.

The english press has also warned of bad blood between the two teams because of Riaz's selection, recalling his clash with england batsman Jonathan Trott last year during the fourth Test at the Oval.

However Mohsin said he did not expect such a situation. "All that is now history. We are moving ahead. I think a strong match referee and the umpires will have important roles to play in the coming series. I am just happy that we have the Umpires Decision Review system for the entire series," he said.

Pakistan's former captain Rashid Latif and ex-chief selector Iqbal Qasim also said that the Pakistan team should not come under pressure because of the negative

LAHORE

Amir wants to fight Peterson at his home ring app

Pakistan's top tennis player Aisam-ulHaq Qureshi will leave for Australia on Saturday (December 31). He will participate in the ATP championship in Brisbane starting from January 2 followed

by ATP Championship in Sydney starting from January 9 and then Australian Open in Melbourne starting from January 16.

LAhore: Punjab University Vice Chancellor Dr Mujahid Kamran with the outstanding athletes of the university. STAff pHOTO LAHORE

LAHORE

Staff rEpOrt

Staff rEpOrt

Messages of condolence came from every quarter of cricket fraternity on death of former LCCA president Aamer Hayat Khan Rohkri who died of heart attack on Thursday.

Chairman PCB Ch. Zaka Ashraf, Chairperson PCB Women’s Wing Mrs. Bushra Aitazaz, and PCB COO Mr. Subhan Ahmed have extended their deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Amir Hayat Khan Rokhri.

Rokhri was a seasoned cricket administrator, a current member of Punjab Assembly and a former member of PCB BOG. He died due to cardiac arrest on December 28 at Lahore.

campaign launched by British media.

"Wahab is a strong character and should be prepared for some harsh words. But as far as I am concerned it is unfair to pass judgements on any player once he is selected by his Board," Latif said. Latif said historically there had always been controversies and issues when Pakistan played england and this time the British media was out to make Riaz the scapegoat.

"They are launching an unfair campaign against him because as far as I know our Board has done the most to keep the game free of corruption." Qasim said that he believed that no player should be branded unless proven guilty.

"There is nothing to stop Wahab from playing for Pakistan. I see all these negative comments as a ploy to disturb our team which is doing very well and is perfectly capable of upsetting the world's number one Test side," he said.

ISLAMABAD

Staff rEpOrt

Cricket bodies remember rokhri

Sports 19

Around 30 female players of the Punjab University Sports Department were awarded scholarships for their national and international performances here in a simple but impressive ceremony at the department’s ground on Thursday. Vice Chancellor Punjab University Prof Dr Mujahid Kamran was the chief guest of the ceremony.

On the occasion Attiya Mumtaz and Shamsha Hashami were also present. The Vice Chancellor also presented trophies to the captains and managers of the PU female teams for winning all the four Intervarsity Tournament trophies - handball, hockey, badminton and rowing - which the PU ladies won with flying colours.

The evening started with taekwondo, judo

and karate display from girls of different colleges and later scholarship money ranging from Rs 3000 to Rs 8000 and trophies were awarded to the winners of different events.

Shamsa informed that there were 30 scholarships for the year which were now being raised to 52 prominent players while two-Suzuki Bolan were also given for the use of the department.

She further informed that 25 students were given free accommodation while around 41 were given fee concession and now on the recommendation of the Vice Chancellor, two Chinese coaches in athletics and wushu will be joining the department to train the students.

In the end Dr Mujahid praised the efforts of the players and revealed the measures he had taken for the promotion of sports. He also urged the government to reserve at least four percent of the total budget for education.

olympia, Guard Group advance in MMA Cup Polo LAHORE Staff rEpOrt

LAhore: riders in action the MMA Cup Polo tournament. STAff pHOTO

As many as four matches were played in the MMA Polo Cup on Thursday here at the Lahore Polo Club ground. There were two four chukker matches and a similar number of two chukker matches and win came for Olympia, Guard Group, PAF Whites and PAF Blues.

Olympia beat PAF (Blue) 5-4 and Guard Group defeated Lahore Garrison 6-5 in four chukker matches while PAF (Blue) moved past PAF (White) 4-0 and then Whites edged aside Olympia 4-3. Saqib Khan Khakwani, Agha Murtaza Ali Khan and Omar Asjad Malhi supervised the matches.

British boxer Amir Khan ready to fight with Lamont Peterson at his home ring to regain his belts of WBA and IBF light-welterweight. He withdrew his urge to fight at neutral venue. "I am willing to face Peterson at Los Angeles's ring if the decision of jury will go in my favor on written appeal against the injustice decision.

"I have make my mind to fight again but I am waiting the decision of appeal which would be announced in February," he said. The young star informed that he would start his training in of February. He said it would be a tough match and he would have have to work hard while focussing on more training. The talented boxer complained that both his World Boxing Association (WBA) and International Boxing federation (IBF) light-welterweight belts were stolen by Peterson after a controversial decision. Amir’s appeal of rematch would be heard by IBF in January, 2012. In the appeal Amir Khan challenged the deduction of two points by referee Joe cooper. He appreciated the efforts and steps taken by the boxing federation of Pakistan and advised to get the services of professional coached for the training of local boxers.

ISB 30-12-2011_Layout 1 12/30/2011 2:13 AM Page 20

20 Sports Shabbir in forefront at Pakistan open Golf KARACHI Staff rEpOrt

The 41st Pakistan Open Golf Championship, endorsed and sponsored by AKD Securities, commenced at the par 72, Defence Authority Country Club Golf Course on Friday, and at the end of the first day, the champion in the forefront was Shabbir Iqbal of Islamabad, who excelled with a score of gross 69, three under par.

Out of the 90 other aspirants in the professionals section, some very capable and accomplished and some eager to get recognised, only six showed an urge and application of golfing skills to do well and appear as golfers of strength when it comes to facing Shabbir. The second slot in the first day’s leader board is occupied by Mohammed Munir from Islamabad. A golfer rated highly with outstanding attributes like courage and temperament.

With a first day’s round of gross 70, Munir is one stroke in arrears and possessing ample experience to tilt the battle his way.

Lagging behind Shabbir and Munir are champions like Matloob Ahmed (Garrison, Lahore), at a score of 71, and three able ones like Shahid Javed Khan (Royal Palm), Talib Hussain (Islamabad), Ansar Mehmood(Islamabad), all four bracketed a score of par 72. Imran Ali Khan of the host club is at 73.

During the first round, Shabbir reflected the flair of a champion, the cool calm shot making reflecting superb control over his swing, and accuracy was the hall mark in every shot, be it off the tees or perfectly maintained fairways.

Starting from tee number 10, Shabbir completed the back nine in 35 and going into the front nine, he improved on his putting and finished it in 34.

Along the way Shabbir birdied holes 10, 17 and 18 on back nine and 3, 5 and 8 on front nine, supplemented by nine regulation pars. Stroke losses were also encountered on three holes, but the collection of six birdies helped overcome possibility of damage to the aggregate score of the first 18 holes.

As for Munir's first round, it was equally excellent 35 in and 35 out, birdies on holes 2, 5, 12 and 13, twelve pars and a couple of stroke losses on holes 9 and 16, his round of 70 placing him next to Shabbir.

Another competitor of good standing is Matloob Ahmed and it is always a treat to watch him in action. His card of gross 71 looks exceedingly good and Matloob was overflowing with optimism when he said, "I enjoyed my game at a very good golf course where playing conditions were as good as can be. I would love to look more competitive in the second round".

Another significant feature for golf in Pakistan is that out of 90 competing professionals, 25 participants had good scores and though they are not amongst the top ones, the ability is there and definitely optimism about their passion is very much apparent. As the championship moves into the second round the top ones look determined to outdo each other without being overawed by Shabbirs giant like strength.

friday, 30 December, 2011

Sri Lanka complete historic triumph DURBAN

S

SCOrEBOard

afp

RI Lanka took the final three wickets in four balls to complete an historic 208-run win over South Africa on the fourth day of the second Test at Kingsmead on Thursday. There were wild scenes of celebration on the pitch when Rangana Herath bowled Marchant de Lange in fading light with only nine balls remaining in the day. The team reserves and management ran on to the field to join their triumphant teammates.

It was Sri Lanka's first win in South Africa on four Test tours and their first win of a previously bleak 2011. It was also the team's first win under Tillekeratne Dilshan's captaincy and levelled the three-match series at 1-1.

Set to make 450 to win, South Africa were bowled out for 241. Leftarm spinner Herath took five for 79 and had match figures of nine for 128.

He was named man of the match. Sri Lanka seemed set for an early victory when South Africa lost five wickets between lunch and tea to be reeling at 133 for six shortly before the interval.

But AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn denied the tourists any further success as they put together a seventh wicket partnership of 99 which threatened to take the match into a fifth day. De Villiers atoned for a reckless shot which cost him his wicket in the first innings with a solid 69, while Steyn again showed up some of his top order teammates, following up his first innings 29 not out with a fighting 43. Sri Lanka were forced to take the second new ball but with the light fading rapidly the fast bowlers sent down only three overs before Dilshan returned to spin. Herath trapped De Villiers leg before wicket and the last three wickets fell rapidly. Morne Morkel hit five runs before he was also lbw after missing a wild slog against Dilshan off the last ball of an over and Steyn fell to Herath off the next delivery, to be followed two balls later by De Lange.

South Africa's problems started when fast bowler Dilhara Fernando dismissed Graeme Smith for 26. The South African captain was surprised by a ball

Sri Lanka’s bowler rangana herath delivers a ball on fourth day of the second test. Afp which lifted sharply for him to be caught at first slip off the shoulder of his bat.

Hashim Amla and Jacques Rudolph stabilised the innings with a second wicket stand of 51 but the match swung dramatically in Sri Lanka's favour in the first over after lunch when Rudolph fell to a spectactular diving catch at second slip by Mahela Jayawardene off Thisara Perera.

Jacques Kallis completed his first 'pair' in 149 Tests when he was caught at short leg off Herath when he attempted a sweep, the ball skidding off a top edge onto his helmet and then up in the air to present Tharanga Paranavitana with an easy catch.

Sri Lanka's chances soared when Amla, after making a fluent 51, drove Herath to Chanaka Welegedera at midon and set off for a suicidal run. Batting partner Ashwell Prince did not respond and Amla was given out when both batsmen found themselves at the wrong end when the wicket was broken. The

Sri laNKa, first innings, 338 South africa, first innings, 168 Sri lanka, second innings (overnight 256-7) 9 t. paranavitana c prince b Morkel 4 t. dilshan c Smith b Steyn K. Sangakkara c Smith b imran tahir 108 M. Jayawardene lbw b de lange 14 t. Samaraweera b imran tahir 43 a. Mathews c Boucher b Steyn 3 d. Chandimal c Boucher b Steyn 54 12 t. perera c Kallis b Steyn r. herath not out 8 10 C. Welegedera c amla b Steyn 3 d. fernando c prince b Morkel 11 EXtraS: (b5, lb3, nb2, w1) tOtal: (78.2 overs) 279 fall of wickets: 1-4 (dilshan), 2-20 (paranavitana), 3-44 (Jayawardene), 4-138 (Samaraweera), 5-141 (Mathews), 6245 (Chandimal), 7-245 (Sangakkara), 8-262 (perera), 9-276 (Welegedera) BOWliNG: Morkel 18.2-4-46-2, Steyn 20-3-73-5, de lange 13-2-45-1 (1nb, 1w), Kallis 11-1-43-0, imran tahir 16-164-2 (1nb) SOuth afriCa, second innings: J. rudolph c Jayawardene b perera 22 G. Smith c Jayawardene b fernando 26 51 h. amla run out (Welegedera) J. Kallis c paranavitana b herath 0 a. prince c paranavitana b fernando 7 a. de Villiers lbw b herath 69 7 M. Boucher lbw b herath 43 d. Steyn lbw b herath 5 M. Morkel lbw b dilshan 0 imran tahir not out M. de lange b herath 0 EXtraS: (b6, lb1, nb1, w3) 11 tOtal: (87.3 overs) 241 fall of wickets: 1-37 (Smith), 2-88 (rudolph), 3-97 (Kallis), 4-106 (amla), 5-116 (prince), 6-133 (Boucher), 7-232 (de Villiers), 8-241 (Morkel), 9-241 (Steyn) BOWliNG: Welegedera 16-5-33-0 (1w), perera 13-0-48-1, fernando 13-3-29-2 (1nb, 2w), dilshan 11-2-35-1, herath 30.3-7-79-5, Mathews 3-0-9-0, Samaraweera 1-0-1-0 result: Sri lanka won by 208 runs Series: the three-match series is tied at 1-1 toss: Sri lanka umpires: Steve davis (auS), richard Kettleborough (ENG) tV umpire: rod tucker (auS) Match referee: Chris Broad (ENG) remaining match: Jan 3-7, Cape town.

out-of-form Prince fell to another lifting delivery from Fernando, caught at first slip, and a miserable afternoon for the hosts was completed when Herath trapped Mark Boucher leg before wicket, leaving De Villiers as the last recognised batsman. Sri Lanka were all out for 279 in their second innings earlier in the day, losing their last three wickets for 23 runs. Two of the wickets fell to fast bowler Dale Steyn, who took five for 73. It was his 17th five-wicket haul in Tests.

wAPDA win National Beach wrestling title LAHORE Staff rEpOrt

WAPDA with 38 points won the third National Beach Wrestling Championship that concluded here at the WAPDA Sports Complex on Thursday.

Army with 34 points got the second place while Railways with 30 points.

Teams from all the four provinces, Army, WAPDA, HeC, Railways and Police took part in the championship.

MD PePCO/NTDC Rasul Khan Mahsud with other guests during the finals of the Championship and distributed the prizes among the winners and other participants.

LAhore: MD PePCo/NtDC rasul Khan Mahsud presents trophy to the winning team after the finals of the National Beach wrestling Championship. STAff pHOTO

Abbottabad prevail in Pepsi-PCB Cricket final LAHORE Staff rEpOrt

Abbottabad defeated Quetta in an interesting finale to clinch the PCB-Pepsi Cricket Stars U-16 One Day Tournament title here at the Gaddafi Stadium.

The under-16 initiative that started six years ago has now started to give results and now 10 of the under-19 players announced for the upcoming South Africa tour are from this same programme.

In the final on Thursday, Quetta batting first gathered 125 runs in 36.4 overs. Faizan Ali and Khalid Kail did not let the Quetta batsmen settle for big innings and grabbed four and three wickets respectively.

In reply, Abbottabad achieved the score in 41.3 overs losing seven wickets and their batsmen Mazhar Fareed and Mustafa Hanif, who also remained not out, made the win easy for their team with 39 and 32 runs respectively.

In the end, Abbottabad U-16 apart from the winner’s trophy, also received Rs 200,000 while Quetta were awarded Rs 100,000 and the trophy.

Faizan Ali of Abbottabad was declared the Man of Final for having taken four wickets for 29 and was given Rs 10,000.

Zawan Hikmat Ullah (Peshawar) with 296 runs was the best batsman, best bowler was Faizan Ali (Abbottabad) with 20 wickets, fielder award went to Khalid Kail (Abbottabad) having taken five catches and best wicket keeper was Raheel Meo (Hyderabad) and all were give Rs 10,000 each.

SCOrES: Quetta U-16 – 125 in 36.4 overs: (Mir Saeed Ullah 24, 47 balls, 2x4s, Mukhtar Ahmed 20, 10 balls, 5x4, faizan Ali 4-39, Khalid Kail 3-18) v Abbottabad U-16 – 127-7 in 41.3 overs: (Mazhar fareed 39, 69 balls, 6x4s, Mustafa hanif 32*, 61 balls, 2x4s, faizan Ali 20*, 20 balls, 3x4s, Mir Saeed Ullah 3-30, zain Ullah 2-11), result: Abbottabad U-16 won by 3 wickets, toss: Quetta U-16, Umpires: rana Sohail Manzoor & irfan Dilshad, official Scorer: Masood Ahmed.

PCB allows Malik to play in BD League LAHORE Staff rEpOrt

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has allowed former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik to play in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). The no objection certificate (NOC) to Malik was issued at a time when several other national players were barred to play in the BPL and even Kamran Akmal was not allowed to participate in the event. A PCB spokesperson said that PCB has issued NOC to Shoaib Malik and he will leave for Dhaka on Friday. Shoaib Malik has an offer of playing in the Bangladesh Premier League and will come back to Pakistan on January 17.

KRL clinch Pakistan Premier Football League title ISLAMABAD Staff rEpOrt

iSLAMABAD: Ambassador of Argentina rodolfo J. Martin-saravia, Senator Abdul rahim Mandokhail and Lt. Col (retd) Ahmed yar Khan Lodhi with the KrL team. OnLInE

Khan Research Laboratory (KRL) won the 8th Pakistan Premier Football League title in Islamabad and finished their campaign with 77 points in 30 matches while Afghan FC Chaman and Army finished at third spot with 57 points each. Afghan FC Chaman was declared second on goal average basis.

WAPDA secured fourth place with 52 points while KeSC finished fifth (51 points). Muslim FC Chaman (51) finished sixth, followed by PIA (49), NBP (45), HBL (both 40 pts) in seventh, eighth and ninth places respectively.

Navy finished 10th. PAF, KPT, Baloch FC Noushki and PMC Ath-

letico FC ended on 11th, 12thand 13th place respectively.

Rodolfo J. Martin-saravia, Ambassador, High Commission of Argentina, Senator Abdul Rahim Mandokhail and Lt. Col ® Ahmed Yar Khan Lodhi, General Secretary PFF, were the guests of honour and presented cash awards and trophies to the teams and players.

KRL lifted the winning trophy and gold medals in addition to Rs 700,000 while their last edition’s winners Afghan FC Chaman had to be content with silver medal and Rs 500,000. Army got bronze medals and Rs 400,000.

Afghan FC captain and striker Jadeed Khan won top goal scorer award with 22 goals and pocketed 100, 000/-PIA. Best goal keeper of the league was Jaffer Khan of Army

who pocketed 100, 000. Best player of the league was Samar Ishaq of KRL and he pocketed Rs150, 000.

In order to promote sportsmanship, the PFF Chief also decided to hand over Rs 100,000 to PIA, winner of the Fair Play trophy.

Best referee of the league was awarded to Waheed Murad for 100,000/-, Best Assistant Referee of the league was Adnan Anjum with 50, 000/- award and the best match commissioner of the league was given to Mr. Muhammad Zaman Khan from Islamabad/Rawalpindi Centre were given Rs. 100,000.

The KRL lifted second title in year 2011 of National Challenge Cup-2011 under the supervision of national coach, Tariq Lutfi.

ISB 30-12-2011_Layout 1 12/30/2011 2:13 AM Page 21

friday, 30 December, 2011

Pakistan not to compromise on sovereignty: FO ISLAMABAD

P

Shaiq huSSaiN

AKISTAN on Thursday said that it wanted good friendly relations with the international community, including the United States, but would not compromise on national sovereignty. “Pakistan-US relations have witnessed many ups and downs. From the Raymond Davis case to the 26 November US/NATO attacks on the two Pakistani posts at Salala, things have come to a point where it is necessary to rewrite our bilateral terms of engagement,” said Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit addressing his weekly press briefing.

“This will be good for both our countries as policies based on realistic and shared objectives would be far more tenable than a relationship facing frequent strains because of opaqueness and unilateral actions. We want our relations with the US to be based on mutual respect, mutual trust and mutual interest,” he said. “We want good relations with the international community including the United States but there will be no compromise on national integrity and sovereignty,” he said.

Asked what action Pentagon had indi-

PM orders review of ‘PIA Business Plan’ ISLAMABAD app

cated to be taken against the personnel involved in the November 26 NATO strike on Pakistani border posts, he said, “I am not sure about these media reports. As I have been saying all along, we want to have a good relationship with the US, a relationship that is based on mutual trust and mutual respect.

Let us wait for the parliament to complete the review process.” To a question, he said, “We would like the Jammu and Kashmir dispute to be resolved according to the relevant UN resolutions. Meanwhile, it is important that the overall situation improves for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”

“We support their legitimate aspirations and there is a debate going on in India as well, to this effect. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are against the Public Safety Act, the Disturbed Area Act and the Armed Forces Special Powers Act. One hopes that these black laws would be revoked in order to improve the overall situation,” Basit said.

To a question on Iran threatening to block the Hormuz strait, if needed, he said, “We believe that the issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme should be resolved peacefully and there is already a mechanism in place. escalation of the situation will be in no one’s interest.”

Babar Awan appointed ppp vice president

ISLAMABAD MiaN aBrar

PPP Co-chairman President Asif Ali Zardari has appointed former law minister Senator Dr Babar Awan vice president of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and a notification in this regard was issued on Thursday after President Zardari’s approval. Talking to Pakistan Today, president’s spokesman Farhatullah Babar confirmed the appointment. With the appointment, Awan be-

News 21

comes the first vice president of the PPP as there is no precedence in the history of the party of appointments like president or vice president. However, the appointment might trigger a new controversy as traditionally, the PPP has always appointed chairman and vice chairmen and according to the party sources there was no mention of the office of president and vice president in the party’s constitution.

The official website of the PPP also reflects the same. On the party’s website, Nusrat Bhutto has been mentioned as chairperson rehbar, while the name of Benazir Bhutto is mentioned as chairperson.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is chairman while President Asif Ali Zardari has been mentioned as co-Chairman of the party. Amin Fahim and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani are vice chairmen while Jehangir Bader is secretary general of the party.

Apparently, this appointment aims at accommodating the lawyer-turned-politician Babar Awan who had submitted resignation as law minister to represent the federation in presidential reference for reopening the case of PPP founding chairman Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Thursday rejected a business plan submitted to him by the PIA management and ordered a new plan to make the airline efficient and profitable.

Chairing a meeting at the Prime Minister’s House to review PIA’s plan, the prime minister directed the committee of secretaries of cabinet, finance, establishment and defence to formulate final recommendations before submission to the Cabinet Committee on Restructuring.

The meeting, scheduled for next week, will discuss the new plan threadbare, a statement from the

Govt likely to amend rules for monetisation of transport facility ISLAMABAD tahir Niaz

The Cabinet Division is likely to amend rules for monetisation of transport facility so as to exclude contractual civil servants working in BS-20 to BS-22 from the list of beneficiaries of the policy when it comes to purchase of entitled car on depreciated price. According to the policy, civil servants in BS-20 to BS-22 who have been provided the official transport may be given the first option to purchase the allocated car on depreciated price.

Per the prescribed formula, the depreciated price of a vehicle is calculated by depreciating the original price of the vehicle at the rate of 15 percent for the first year and 10 percent for the subsequent years. However, keeping in view the existing condition of vehicle that is extensively used, it has been decided to allow 15 percent depreciation for each completed year of life of the vehicle. According to the formula per 15 percent depreciation, a 2006 model Toyota Corolla car had a price tag of Rs 870,000, but if a civil servant retires in 2011, he can purchase the same car for Rs 386,025. According to the sources in the Cabinet Division, the section officer dealing with the implementation on the policy which is going to be implemented from January 1, 2012 has verbally asked the contractual officers not to initiate any process for purchase of the car, saying the division was going to amend the rules so as to exclude them from the beneficiaries’ list.

Democracy cannot be brought via polls: Asma ISLAMABAD Staff rEpOrt

Asma Jahangir, lawyer for former ambassador to the US Husain Haqqani on Thursday said elections could not bring democracy but it was an evolutionary process, which could only be stablise after changing the mindset of the people and urged the media to play its role in the matter.

Talking to reporters, Asma said time had come that the security state was converted into a welfare state.

She said no one was facing any threat due to the memo, which was nothing but a worthless piece of paper.

She said the army chief should examine why the ISI DG met Mansoor Ijaz without the prime minister’s permission.

She said the petitioners could not get relief in the memo case, adding that the “memogate” was a political issue and her client was being pressed, although he was innocent in this matter.

Asma said she would accept the court’s order on the memo case but it should give the reply on the six points, which she said she had raised during her arguments.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Maulvi Anwarul Haq said President Asif Ali Zardari would not file a separate reply and the federation’s reply

BRISBANE aGENCiES

The fire is burning hotter than ever in Kim Clijsters' belly and there's no way she's ready to bow out of tennis with a whimper in 2012.

In fact, the ever-popular Belgian has given Australian fans strong hope this won't be her last visit Down Under after stressing retirement isn't in her thoughts.

Although injuries spoiled 2011 following her ''dream'' Australian Open triumph, Clijsters has regained her motivation to take dates of a potential swansong off the agenda.

The 28-year-old said yesterday she had set the London Olympics as a farewell stage when she started her comeback two years ago, while coach Carl Maes recently indicated this would be her final year. But now Clijsters is far more open-minded as she prepares for her 2012 campaign at the Brisbane International. ''At the moment, I'm not even thinking about the Olympics,'' she said of retirement talk. ''I

don't think like that. In tennis, the season is long and it's tough and I just try to focus on one week at a time and my next focus is Brisbane and that's what I'm training

for. ''That's why I came here [before Christmas] to be ready to try and be the best Kim I can when I play my first match here. One day at a time.''

Abdominal, shoulder, wrist and ankle problems reduced Clijsters to just eight tournaments in 2011 and saw her rankings go from No1 to 13.

Clijsters will line up in Brisbane as the fifth seed behind Sam Stosur, Andrea Petkovic, Francesca Schiavone and Serena Williams but is hitting the ball as powerfully as ever, as in her recent exhibition win over world No1 Caroline Wozniacki. ''The motivation is there. Because of the injuries maybe last year it was a little down and it was frustrating,'' Clijsters said. ''I push myself hard every practice now and that's the motivation factor that's there and to achieve that little bit extra that's a detail you definitely need to have.''

Stosur will be the home favourite, but ''Aussie Kim'' will have huge support in Brisbane and Melbourne next month. Clijsters kicks off the main draw on Sunday at Pat Rafter Arena.

was his reply.

The federation in its reply had stated that the president and the prime minister had no link with the memo issue.

The attorney general told reporters that he would inform the court about the Parliamentary Committee on National Security’s mandate today (Friday). He said according to the constitution, not the army chief, but the prime minister was the supreme commander.

LHC shocked over 22,554 pOs roaming in Lahore LAHORE

Clijsters set to serve up her best

PM House said.

The prime minister said being a commercial entity, an organisation like PIA had to work out a strategy to overcome its difficulties, make up for the losses and provide satisfactory service to its passengers.

The proposed restructuring plan entails corporate governance, financial restructuring, operational restructuring, marketing and fleet.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Minister for Defence Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar, secretaries of finance, cabinet, establishment and defence, the FBR chairman, PIA managing director and senior officials of the concerned ministries.

Staff rE pO rt

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday ordered the Police Operations Deputy Inspector General (DIG) to submit a report about the un-arrested proclaimed offenders (POs) of the Lahore region.

The court was hearing a petition of Mohammad Ali who had approached the LHC for not arresting four POs involved in a fake deal of his 12 kanal land located near Saggian bridge worth Rs 1 billion.

The petitioner said that accused Ifat Nadeem, Haroon Aziz, and Shahzad Sultan in 2009 tried to grab his land, which his father had purchased in 1954, in connivance with the Patwari.

A case was registered by him against the accused in the Lower Mall Police Station and since then they are POs, while the police was not making any efforts to arrest them.

Upon this Justice Rauf Ahmad Sheikh summoned Lahore Police Operations Wing DIG Ghulam Mahmood Dogar to inform the court about all such POs in Lahore. The LHC ordered the DIG to submit a re-

port with all the details of the Pos, including the nature of their offence and names of the police stations where the cases were registered against them.

Appearing in the court, the DIG said that there were 22,554 POs in Lahore alone, who were still at large.

The judge expressed shock on the disclosure, observing that 22,554 POs were a threat for the citizens of Lahore. The judge directed the DIG to file a report on why the police have failed to arrest the criminals.

Justice Sheikh asked the DIG whether the police have arrested any POs in the recent past and if yes, the details of those criminals should also be shown in the report which should be submitted to the court till the third week of January.

The judge said it was regrettable that the police arrested the accused involved in the minor offence only, while the accused in heinous crimes were declared POs to save their skin.

The DIG under took before the court that an effective campaign to arrest the 22,554 POs would be started soon. The court adjourned the hearing till the third week of January.

ISB 30-12-2011_Layout 1 12/30/2011 2:13 AM Page 22

friday, 30 December, 2011

Published by Arif Nizami for Nawa Media Corporation (Pvt) Ltd. Printed by Ghulam Akbar, AA & NHT Group, Plot 24, Shalimar Road, Lilly Market, Soan Garden, Islamabad.

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