E-Paper November 11, 2012

PM: 2013 general elections year Polls to lay foundation for sustainable political system STAFF REPORTER Raja Pervez Asharaf on Saturday said 2013 is the year of general elections and expressed his confidence that

the country. Addressing the inaugral ceremony of the first 2-day convention of South Asia Photo Journalists Association (SAPA) and a photo exhibition here at Sadeqain Gallery Ferer Hall, he said that

these elections will not only nourish democracy but also lay the foundation for a sustainable political system in

the government has been nized by SAPA and Pakistan following this policy to com- Association of Photo Jourbat all kinds of challenges in nalists (PAPJ). Prime Minisa bid to strengthen democContinued on Page 7

K ARACHI —Prime Minister

racy in the country.

He said completion of tenure by the democratic government is surely a tribute to the vision of Shaheed Mohtarama Benazir Bhutto.

The event was jointly orga-

MQM again puts off referendum KARACHI—The Coordination Committee of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) has announced that the public referendum which was due to be held throughout the country on 14 November has been postponed in deference to the month of Moharram.

The decision to put off the referendum has been taken in a joint meeting of the Co-ordination Committee in London and Pakistan.

Mr Altaf Hussain, the

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PIA to start new flights from Medina AMANULLAH KHAN MADINA—In order to facilitate and tap the huge traffic from southern Punjab, central Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, three direct flights from Madina to Peshawar, Lahore and Multan are in the pipeline, said Shahid Hussain, manager PIA Madina station told Pakistan Observer on Saturday. The Lahore and Multan flights to be started soon while direct flight from Madina to Peshawar would go in to operation after acquiring aircraft for this important flight. These three flight to Punjab KhyberPakhtunkhwa province are expected to give a boost to revenue traffic of PIA from Medina station.

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PAF JF-17 Thunders undertake aerobatic sortie in China ZHUHAI (China)—Pakistan Air Force is participating with three JF-17 Thunders in Zhuhai Air Show-2012, China. Two JF-17 are taking part for aerobatics whereas third one is positioned for static display. Preparations are at full swing and a number of combats and commercial aircrafts of various countries are participating.

PAF Thunders undertook aerobatics sortie on Saturday and performed exceptionally well in the cloudy weather of Zhuhai.

The highly maneouverable,light combat JF-17 has a cutting edge technology with affordable cost .

The combat skills of PAF

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ISLAMABAD: UN Special Envoy for Global Education Gordon Brown having a press briefing along with Federal Minister for Education and Training Sheikh Waqas Akram.—Story on Back Page

All bound to respect constitution: Iftikhar A BBOTTABAD —Chief Jus- constitution. He acclaimed vance and protection of the tice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry while hailing the incumbent parliament and judiciary has said that all are bound to respect the constitution.

Speaking at a function of Abbottabad High Court Bar here Saturday, the chief justice said there is sheer difference between the past and today’s parliament and judiciary.

He said they do not believe anything except the constitution, adding that today’s parliament and judiciary are bound under the

the present parliament for elimination of 8th and 17th Amendment through the 18th constitutional amendment. He said four governments were removed through 58(2b) and it was heartening that the present parliament was completing its five year term.

Justice Iftikhar said Pakistan’s constitution demanded a democratic system in the country. He added that after religious texts, the constitution was the most sacred document in the lives of nations.

Therefore, he said, obser-

constitution was mandatory for every individual whether or not they had taken an oath to safeguard it. “Pakistan today has become a civilized country and the system should run under law and constitution,” he said.

He also said that the country will be developed if the parliament and judiciary are strong.

He also referred to the lawyers’ movement for the reinstatement of the deposed judges and said the lawyers had waged a commendable

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Karachi targeted killings continue, 18 more die STAFF REPORTER K ARACHI —At least 18 people died and several injured on Saturday as the menace of targeted killings continues to spread havoc in Karachi. In Gulshan-i-Iqbal block-II, unidentified gunmen opened fie at a local tea restaurant killing five and injuring two people. Four of the deceased were identified as Abdul Khailq, Imran, Shamsur Rehman and Abdullah. The incident spread panic among the lo-

cal residents. Meanwhile a heavy contingent of police cordoned off the site immediately after the attack.

In North Nazimabad, near Saifi College, three people lost their lives when an unidentified gunman opened fire at them. The bodies were shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital later. Meanwhile, three people were killed in two different incidents in Korangi area.

Earlier, in Old Golimar’s locality of Pak Colony, four people were shot dead when

unknown gunmen opened fire on them near the Rexer Bridge area. Subsequently, police and rescue teams reached the site and shifted the bodies to Civil Hospital.

Police said the killing was the result of a personal dispute and the deceased were involved in gang warfare. In a separate incident, a man was gunned down in the Jumma Goth area of Korangi. Moreover, funeral prayer of Saeed Haider was offered at Rizvia Imam Bargah. Haider was targeted killed on Friday.

Every minute under present setup is punishment to people: Nawaz L AHORE —Pakistan Muslim League (N) President Nawaz Sharif has said that the nation was being punished with each passing minute under the present rulers and once again called for immediate announcement of elections.

Talking to senior party leaders Iqbal Zafar Jhagra and Saranjam Khan at his Raiwind residence here on Saturday, Nawaz Sharif said due to self motivated policies Continued on Page 7

106 illegal Pak immigrants reach home I SLAMABAD —At least 106 Pakistani nationals deported from Greece arrived home on Saturday. Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officials took into custody the deported persons.

According to details, 106 illegal Pakistani immigrants who were deported by Greece landed at Benazir Bhutto International Airport Islamabad. The FIA officials took all the deported persons into custody for interrogation.

Officials said that majority of the deported persons belonged to Punjab

Match-fixing

Ex-PCB chief calls probe into Pak-India World Cup semi SPORTS REPORTER

the match, but Ijaz Butt, the chairman of the PCB at the LAHORE—The former head of time, said there should be a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) probe. “My suggestion Ijaz Butt on Saturday called for would be that the matter an investigation into his should be investigated,” country’s 2011 World Cup Butt told media. “There were semi-final against India after a a lot of allegations in Indian new book raised the possibil- newspapers and even in Pakistani newsity that the game See also Page 16 papers but was fixed. there was no Britain’s Daily Mail newspaper published ex- investigation,” he added.

Pakistan were in the thick cerpts of a book by sports-betting journalist Ed Hawkins in of a fixing scandal a month which he claimed an Indian before the semi-final when bookmaker had accurately pre- three of their top players dicted what would happen in Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif Pakistan’s innings against their and Mohammad Aamer were handed long bans by the ICC arch-rivals.

The International Cricket for arranging no-balls to orCouncil (ICC) rejected the al- der during a Test against Enlegations in April 2011, say- gland in 2010. The PCB reing there was no evidence to fused to give any official rerequire an investigation into action to the allegations.

K ARACHI —Saturday, the fourth day of the 7th International Defence Exhibition and Seminars 2012 (IDEAS2012) witnessed Pakistan and Turkey singing a Memorandum of Agreement to enhance mutual cooperation in the field of simulation and training systems.

Also, Pakistan, where the conventional arms and ammunition industry is clinching new milestones, has developed a state-ofthe-art “shooting simulator”

which has attracted the attention of around 85 foreign delegates from more than 50 countries participating in the five-day international moot underway here at Expo Center.

On sidelines of IDEAS2012, Pakistan’s Military Vehicle Research and Development Est. (MVRDE) and M/s Havelsan, a Turkish Armed Forces Foundation-funded software and systems integration company, inked the MoA. Under the pact, the two sides agreed to collaborate on research and develop-

ment projects and simulation and training systems related to the war aircrafts including JF-17, F-16, C-130 Super Mushak and MI-17 respectively.

According to official sources, the Turkish firm is shortly due to sign two more agreements with local military hardware producers: Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Karma (PAC) and C4I (Command, Control, Communication, Combat and Intelligence).

Havelsan has already delivered at least three systems to the armed forces of broth-

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erly country, Pakistan. The three systems given to Pakistan include Artillery Forward Observer Simulator, Electronic Warfare Test and Training Range and Military Enterprise Information System.

On the occasion, Major General Muhammad Owais Mustafa told the reporters that this was a training venture signed with the Turkish firm.

Talking to media, the Turkish officials expressed their surprise over Pakistan’s advancement in

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NEW YORK —The Statue of Liberty was illuminated Friday evening for the first time since it was closed due to damage on Liberty Island caused by Superstorm Sandy. The statue, one of the city’s top tourist attractions, has been closed because of damage to the island resulting from the storm that hit New York Oct. 29, with no estimate on when it will reopen to visitors.

The statue sits on a small island in New York Harbor, and can be seen from many vantage points around New York City. The monument was re-lit through temporary measures made possible by a donation of equipment and services from Musco Lighting to the National Park Foundation, which is the official charity of America’s national parks.—AFP

Woman linked to Petraeus is a lifelong high achiever

Pakistan, Turkey sign pact on simulation, training systems SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

Statue of Liberty lit for 1st time since Sandy

Paula Broadwell

W ASHINGTON — Paula a graduate degree from Broadwell, whose affair with the nation’s C.I.A. director led to his resignation on Friday, was the valedictorian of her high school class and homecoming queen, a fitness champion at West Point with

Harvard, and a model for a machine gun manufacturer.

Paula Broadwell, who wrote a biography of David H. Petraeus, moved into public view on Friday after an affair with Mr. Petraeus was

uncovered. It may have been those qualities — and a string of achievements that began in her native North Dakota, where she was state student council president, an all-state basketball player and orchestra concertmistress — that drew the attention of David H. Petraeus, the nation’s top spy and a four-star general, as the two spent hours together for a biography of Mr. Petraeus that Ms. Broadwell co-wrote.

Ms. Broadwell’s name burst into public view on Friday evening after Mr. Petraeus resigned abruptly amid an F.B.I. investigation that uncovered evidence of their relationship.

But Ms. Broadwell was hardly shy about her interactions with Mr. Petraeus as she promoted her book, “All In: The Education of General David Petraeus,” in media appearances earlier this year.

She had unusual access, she

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SC decision exposed Nawaz Sharif, others OUR CORRESPONDENT HYDERABAD—Federal Minister for Political Affairs Senator Moula Bux Chandio has said that the decision of the Supreme Court on Asghar Khan’s petition has exposed the politicians including Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and now the PML (N) Chief should apologise the nation for his undemocratic act.

Speaking as chief guest at six days long training programme of SAFMA and later talking to media persons here at the Press Club on Saturday, he said that the decision of the Supreme Court has proved that formation of the IJI in 1990 was aimed at depriving Pakistan People’s Party of serving the masses who always gave heavy mandate to it.

The PML (N) leaders were not realizing the fact at first, however after media pressure,

Singapore artist to paint Iqbal poetry in Chinese

Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has accepted the decision, but whenever the present PPP government start action in respect of the decision of the Supreme Court, baseless propaganda will be started against the government, the minister said and added that the Supreme Court has authorized the FIA to carry out investigation against those who receiving money in 1990.

The decision of the Supreme Court has proved the claim of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto what she said that the elections results were stolen. Senator Moula Bux Chandio alleged that NRO was promulgated because of Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif who signed an agreement and escaped from the country. The scenario of the country could be different if Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif had faced the situation by staying

in the country, the minister.

Federal Minister for Political Affairs Maula Bux Chandio said on Saturday that Pakistan

Peoples Party (PPP) always protected women rights during its tenure and the same would continue in future.

Talking to APP, he said that it is simply unimaginable for any country to grow without vibrant and equal

participation of women in its economic, social and political life. To a question, he said without attending to 49 percent of Pakistan’s potential, the dream of self-sufficiency will remain only a dream. He said in line with the vision of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, the present PPP government has made strides in the realm of women’s social, political and economic empowerment.

He said in order to provide the working women with an enabling environment, a separate law against harassment at workplace has been passed, 10 percent quota has also been fixed for women in all federal jobs.

Chandio reviews Muharram security plan: Federal Minister for Political Affairs Senator Moula Bux Chandio has directed the officers of divisional and district administration of Hyderabad to

Combined efforts to control pneumonia stressed

I S L A M A B A D — P a k i s t a n ’s High Commissioner in Singapore Syed Hasan Javed in a meeting with the famous Chinese artist, painter, calligrapher and singer Sichuan born Huang Aojin, on the occasion of the 135th birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal said that the visionary poet of the East had foreseen the emergence of China on the world stage.

Huang Ao Jin is the President of Calligraphers Society, Head of the Artists Union and Singers Association of Singapore. He has been invited by External Publicity Wing, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, says a report received from Singapore on Saturday. After the lapse of nearly 30 years, when the legendry paintings portrait of Pakistan by the Canton based artists couple Lin Yong.—APP

SATFF REPORTER L AHORE —Pakistan

is among one of those countries where diseases like pneumonia play havoc on children. Now with the availability of pneumococcal vaccine in EPI centers for free, all stakeholders including pediatrics, government, public health experts, Social and community leaders, elected representatives and medical practitioners should play an active role to minimize the deaths from pneumococcal diseases. This was stated by Dr. Iqbal Memon, President Pakistan Pediatric Association while briefing media about the pneumococcal diseases and their prevention.

He said that Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacterium, also

known as pneumococcus. It is quite clear that nobody is safe from pneumococcal disease, especially infants and children younger than two years of age. “Children in poor areas of developing countries are more vulnerable to this disease, so there is a dire need of extra care,” he added. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) pneumococcal disease is the world’s number one, vaccine-preventable cause of death among infants and children of below 5 years of age, as around 0.8 million of them die each year globally in developing countries.

“Nobody is safe from pneumococcal disease, but infants and children younger than two years of age are more vulnerable owing to their notfully-developed defensive system, especially children in

poor areas of developing countries, so there is a dire need of extra care,” he added. The international authorities say child deaths are falling, but not quickly enough to reach the target, so there is a need of revitalizing efforts against pneumonia and diarrhea, while bolstering nutrition, as it could save millions of children. “Today, successful use of vaccines has minimized the impact of these diseases but these diseases are still dangerous and can kill people who are not adequately immunized,” he added.

“Free of cost availability of this vaccine at EPI centers will be a big relief for poor parents as otherwise it will cost Rs. 4,800 per dose making it rs 14-16000 per child,” said Dr. Memon. Punjab has already included the vaccine in its EPI program.

ensure comprehensive contingency plan to ensure law and order and to pre-empt any untoward incident during Muharram-ul-Harram.

Presiding over a meeting with the officials of the divisional and district administration here on Saturday, he maintained that protection of the life of law abiding people is the top priority of the government and no negligence in this regard will be tolerated.

He emphasized the need for preparation of effective security plan. The security should be beefed up during Muharram so that the people could carry out their religious activities without any fear, he added. The minister also underlined the need of establishing first aid camps along the RAJANPUR: A doctor examining the patients during a free medical camp arranged by route of mourning procession Pakistan Army for flood affected people at Hajipur. so that the mourners could get first aid without delay and at the nearest.

Dry weather expected

Police raid criticised OUR CORRESPONDENT H YDERABAD —The Faculty Members of University of Sindh Jamshoro have strongly criticized the raid of the police of Mehar Police Station at the village of Dr Ghulam Murtaza Mastoi Member of the Syndicate of University of Sindh.

In a joint statement, issued here on Saturday, the Faculty Members including Professor Syed Ahsan Shah Rashdi, Professor Dr Abdul Sattar Almani, Dr Jabbar Leghari, Professor Dr Akhtar Mughal, Professor Dr Noor Ahmed Jamali and Professor Aftab Mangi alleged that the police have attacked and cordoned off the village Banhon Lakhir for 8 hours making the villagers hostage.

They demanded of Sindh Chief Minister and Inspector General Sindh Police to take notice of the incident and order for the arrest of those who were involved in creating panic amongst the innocent Professor and villagers.

ISLAMABAD—The Met Office last 24 hours, the weather resaid, cold/very cold weather is likely to prevail in Quetta and Kalamat divisions of Balochistan. Dry weather is expected elsewhere in the region over the period. Dry weather for KP Fair/partly cloudy weather with misty morning is likely in the city during the next 24 hours. According to Met office’s weather report issued on Saturday, the minimum temperature is expected to remain in the range of 19 to 21 degrees centigrade.

The Met Office said, cold/very cold weather is likely to prevail in Quetta and Kalamat divisions of Balochistan. Dry weather is expected elsewhere in the region over the period. The Peshawar Met Office here Saturday forecast dry weather in Khyber Pakthunkhwa and most parts of FATA during next 24 hours. According to Met Office, continental air is prevailing over most parts of the country leading to dry weather in Khyber Pakthunkhw and FATA. In

All set for polio campaign in SWA: PA

mained dry in most parts of the country. Minimum -05 and -02 Celsius temperature OUR CORRESPONDENT was recorded at Skardu and Astore respectively while pollen count remained 12 per SOUTH WAZIRISTAN—Politicubic meter. Dry weather cal Agent South Waziristan Agency Shahidullah Khan chaired a high level meeting here at his office to review arrangements for the upcoming anti-polio campaign in the agency starting from November 19. APA Ladha Abdul Nasir Khan, Agency Education Officer Gul Nawaz Khan Mahsud, Agency Surgeon forecast for Multan The Multan Met office has Dr Azmatullah, EDO (H) Muhammad forecast dry weather for Khayal Multan and its suburbs dur- Mahsud, Dr Farman from ing the next 24 hours. On Sat- WHO and other concerned urday, the maximum and mini- officials were in attendance.

The meeting was told mum temperature was recorded at 28.2 and 15.5 degree that 0.82 million children centigrade respectively. Hu- would be vaccinated against midity was recorded at 84 per the crippling disease in tribal cent at 8 am and 53 per cent at areas in the upcoming cam5 pm. Like the other districts paign. Political Agent of the of Gilgit- Baltistan cold weather agency Shahidullah Khan started again in the hunza told the meeting that arrangeNagar district. Recent heavy ments have been finalized to snowfall and rain occurred successfully conduct the which turn weather cold in the anti-polio drive in the area here on Saturday.—APP agency.

Extremism to be defeated through education: Hoti Mohen-jo-Daro conservation Our Correspondent

HYDERABAD—Sindh Minister for Culture Sassui Palijo chaired the third meeting of the Executive Board of National Fund for Mohen-jo-Daro. A spokesman of Sindh Information Department informed that the issues of protection, conservation and promotion of Mohen-jo-Daro were discussed at length in the meeting, which attended among others by Sindh Secretary for Culture, Commissioner Larkana, Director Archeology Sindh and representatives of UNESCO Islamabad. After detailed deliberations, the meeting decided to prepare a master plan for Mohen-jo-Daro with the assistance of UNESCO within one month time, organize an international seminar on at Mohen-jo-Daro in the month of February 2013, prepare a comprehensive development schemes for Mohen-jo-Daro for next three years, procure new machinery for draining out the subsoil water in respect of protection and preservation of Mohenjo-Daro, speed up the conservation work on priority basis, appointment of at least 12 professionals for conservation of Mohen-jo-Daro and plantation of saplings in the area under the supervision of Commissioner Larkana Division.

Daanish Schools empowering poor students Staff Reporter

L AHORE — Minister for Education Punjab, Mian Mujtaba Shuja-urRehman has said the government is implementing a comprehensive programme for providing modern education and Daanish School project is a revolutionary step of Punjab government. Talking to various delegations on Saturday, Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman said the network of Daanish Schools would be spread to the whole province as this programme of the Chief Minister Punjab would not only help in this direction but would also open up new avenues of progress and development whereas poorest of the poor students will also avail modern education facilities through the project of Daanish School. He said the government was working hard to achieve 88 per cent literacy rate till 2015 to fulfill the international commitment under millennium development goals. He said that 262,500 students under the age of 4 to 15 years were getting education under non-formal basic education schools. The Minister said that Daanish schools would spread knowledge in every nook and corner of the country and would remove poverty and ignorance from backward areas and a new era of progress and development will usher in.

No progress sans peace Staff Reporter

P E S H AWA R —Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Agriculture Arbab Muhammad Ayub Jan has expressed deep shock and grief over the death of SSP Investigation Hilal Haider and other police officials in a suicide attack the other day saying that the brutal act has once again dismayed the atmosphere of the provincial capital. Talking to media persons here on Saturday, Provincial Minister said that insurgency has become a big challenge for the government and the masses adding that economy of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been badly hit by the growing incidents of terrorism in the province. He said that unemployment and poverty was on the rise as the natural outcome of growing insurgency in the province and added that development and prosperity was not possible without rooting out terrorism and restoring peace in the region. Provincial Minister said that thousands of personnel from the law enforcement agencies, political parties including ANP and people have embraced martyrdom in the war against terrorists. He opined that restoration of peace was not only the problem of the ANP but of the entire nation and unless everyone plays part in it the dream of lasting peace would not materialize.

STAFF REPORTER

tempts to suppress women’s paigning that had pitted the Taliban commanders, Mullah Malala’s native Swat Valley rights. Her shooting was the young girl against one of Fazlullah. Fazlullah and his men and blew up girls’ schools and PESHAWAR—Chief Minister culmination of years of cam- Pakistan’s most ruthless had in the past taken over publicly executed those they Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ameer Haider Khan Hoti on Saturday said that Malala Yousufzai, was a guiding light for the cause of girls’ education not just in Pakistan but the world over. In his message on Malala Day, the chief minister said that the child activist had become a symbol of peace and education.

He added that Malala’s sacrifice against terrorist forces was a source of pride for the Pakhtun nation.

Chief Minister Hoti said his government would employ education to defeat the extremist mindset, adding that, Malala’s services to the cause of girls’ education had been recognised across the world. The 15-year-old is currently receiving specialist treatment in the English city of Birmingham after gunmen shot her on Oct 9 for standing up against the Taliban and openly advocating education for women.

The attack drew widespread international condemnation and with Malala becoming a powerful symbol of PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Information, Mian Iftikhar Hussain attending a function to mark resistance to the Taliban’s at- International Malala Day.

5 killed, 29 injured in road accidents CHICHAWATNI/SARGODHA/ the spot while 15 others in- children were injured. ResP ESHAWA R —Two persons cluding five children aged cue 1122 shifted the injured including a woman were killed and 15 others including children and women were injured in pileup of racing wedding party vehicles here on Saturday. According to details, three cars carrying participants of a wedding ceremony in attempt to take lead pileup, when two motorcyclists suddenly appeared on road from opposite direction in Chak No 22/ 11-L of Chichawatni. As a result of multiple collision of vehicles, a woman among two persons were killed on

between 5 to 7 years sustained injuries.

Sargodha: A man was killed while eight others including two children were injured in a road accident in Sahiwal tehsil limits on Saturday. According to police, Abrar Hussain of village 71 NB along with eight family members was going home after attending a marriage ceremony when their van overturned near 92 Morr.

Abrar Hussain died on the spot while eight persons including four women and two

persons to DHQ hospital where their condition was critical.

Peshawar: Unknown assailants killed a man and injured his wife by indiscriminate firing in Chamkani, suburban area of provincial metropolis, police said on Saturday. According to details, unknown attackers barged into a house and started firing on owner of the house Sartaj and his wife. He died on the spot while her wife sustained critical injuries.—INP

Ayunis warn of Jail Bharo Movement if demands not fulfilled GUL HAMMAD FAROOQUI C HITRAL —Residents

of Ayun has demanded ofthe district administration for early releaseof their arrested colleagues and banning the cutting of forests. A public meeting was held here at Ayun under the chair of Qazi Maulana Yahya which was attended by different politicians and elites of the area.

Hence they postponed their protest and agitation due to imposition of section 144 by the district administration.

Earlier they held a peaceful rally and reached the polo ground in procession to register their protest. The speakers said that they always obeyed and respected courts orders and administration but this was their genuine right to express their views. They demanded of the district administration to immediately ban the cutting of forests and release their arrested colleagues.

They said that had raised their voice in a peaceful way against cutting of forests but the district administration lodged an

FIR against 53 people and 20 people were arrested who remained in prison even on the eve of Eidul Azha.

They said First Information Reports were lodged under section 382, 17-3 Harba act, 341, 186, 353, 506, 504, 147, 148, 149, 109, 20 HO, 16 MPO (Maintaining of peace Ordinance) 7 Anti Terrorist Act, they added. They said that they challenged 7 ATA in the court which was withdrawn on court orders because there was no terrorism nor they had damaged any official building.

No alliance, seat adjustment may be considered: PTI RAZA NAQVI ATTOCK—The power of PTI will come to fore only when assemblies will be dissolved.

PTI is not a family league but a political party of the people having strong leadership, vision and will. Former MPA and PTI leader Syed Ejaz Hussain Bokhari said this while addressing a press conference here Saturday. He said, print and electronic media has played a vital role in broadening the vision of the people and has created awareness among them.

Bokhari said, if media will highlight all the irregularities in respect of election code of conduct, then certainly free, fair and transparent elections could be ensured.

He said, by quitting or joining the strength of a political party could not be affected.

Every party has its own power and vision and PTI is also having all this. He said next elections would be held on time.

He said, word “pre poll rigging” has become a tradition uttered by every one and this word will not affect the coming elections. He said PTI would have no alliance with any political party however seat adjustment may be brought under consideration.

deemed immoral. An army offensive in Swat however forced many Taliban fighters to flee.

Meanwhile Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain on Saturday said that regardless of ethnic identity, those who engaged in terrorist activities were terrorists. Talking to media persons here, he said terrorists had no national affiliations, adding that the army should eliminate them. He said he was not afraid of terrorists and had exposed them.

The minister said the country’s previous governments were afraid of speaking to the international community on Pakistan’s terrorism problem. He said Peshawar was not only celebrating Malala Day on Saturday, it was, in fact, celebrating all those brave men and women who had given sacrifices against the scourge of terrorism. The minister thanked the international community for standing up for Malala. He said Pakistan, Afghanistan and the United States would have to fight terrorism through a joint strategy, adding that, whether the decision would be to launch an operation or to engage in talks.

Auto rickshaws distributed among PPP workers SHER GONDAL MANDI BAHAUDDIN— Fourteen rickshaws were distributed amongst PPP workers under the programme to provide earning opportunities to poor workers. PPP district president Devan Shameem gave away the keys of rickshaws to lucky workers on Saturday. Speaking on the occasion, Devan Shameem said PPP was a party of the poor and downtrodden and workers were its real backbone. That was the reason PPP always came into power with the support of people whereas other mainstream parties sought support of establishment to occupy power corridors.

Referring to PPP achievements, he said during present government tenure Pass port office was opened at Mandi Bahauddin to facilitate people of this district to get passports.

Previously people had to make many trips of Gujrat or Jhelum.

Similarly branches of Agriculture Bank were opened in rural area at Gojra and

Bhagat to facilitate farmers to get loans without wasting time in visiting main branches of Agriculture Bank at Mandi Bahauddin, Malikwal and Phalia towns.

He said thousands new electricity and gas connections were provided to people in rural and urban areas. Besides PASCO purchasing centre was established at Gojra where farmers of Malikwal could easily bring agriculture produce for selling. New roads were built and old roads were renovated.

Gilani road was one of the examples.

He further said during his visit to Malikwal on 14th November, the President would announce big development package including construction of a bridge on Jhelum River near Chak Shehzad. He said it was PPP’s mission to serve people and in this respect there would be no letup. He said next general elections were approaching fast and it was time that workers should accelerate their efforts to motivate people to support and vote for PPP.

The arrival of spring has reopened all the accounts QAMAR ZAMAN KAIRA

I

T is hard to fix the bungled up things. When extraconstitutional arrangements are made they create such convolutions which are difficult to untangle through legal discourses. They can best be resolved through a combination of the vision of the elected representatives and the uninterrupted continuity of the political process.

When the matters take an ugly turn, the ball is again thrown back in the court of the people. But the question is, can one or two elections and the governments with truncated tenure come up to the expectations of the people? Surely, election means complete power and independence of action. In our country the elected representatives have rarely been allowed freedom of action.

Those were indeed towering personalities who made their way through this maze to serve the masses and are now alive in their graves.

After the martyrdom of Shaheed Muhtarma Benazir Bhutto when the people of Pakistan mandated the Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s PPP to serve them, the politicians, the people with leadership experience, those who suffered the rigours of imprisonment and exile and a number of diehard PPP workers who had faced trials in the courts and media, responded to their call under the leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari.

The vision of the leadership assumes greater significance in the times of adversity. The leadership of PPP in deference to the mandate

of the people adopted a sagacious but arduous path of rectifying the maladies through a broader national consensus. Through eighteenth amendment the aberrations introduced in the constitution by two dictators were removed. An extensive process of sifting the text of the constitution was undertaken and a decisive advancement was made in strengthening the federal units in line with the aspirations of the people.

The election commission was given full autonomy and initial steps were taken to ensure transparent appointment of the judges. The constitution can be amended and recast with two third majority, but President Asif Ali Zardari following the footstep of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, accomplished this historic task with the support of all the parties.

Perhaps it is a rare phenomenon in the history of democracy that a political party not having simple majority in both the houses has introduced such far- reaching amendments in the constitution. Such achievements are only possible through exalted vision and sincerity of purpose.

PPP has always espoused the sovereignty and ascendancy of the people. It is our perennial slogan that people are the source of all power.

Bhutto Shaheed, Shaheed Bibi and workers of PPP have sacrificed their lives and endured hardships of incarceration to uphold people’s right to rule.

If today anybody dares to snatch this right from the people and using some self created logic tries to bestow it on any other entity or person, the people of Pakistan will

fiercely resist the effort. A few days ago, President Asif Ali Zardari while enumerating the impediments in the way of democratic journey again emphasized the need for patience, tolerance and mutual respect.

He said the next step in the journey of democracy is to hold transparent elections and transferring power to the new elected government and the Pakistani nation has taken long strides in this direction.

He said some people still believed that the parliament was under attack. But during the transfer of power from nonelected entities to the elected institutions some amount of pain is inevitable. The President said that it were the last pangs of the dying system.

In the backdrop of this scenario some statements were made on 6th November which are being given lot of importance by the media. The army chief addressing the military officers urged the state institutions to respect the democratic values and accepted the fact that mistakes have been made by all of us in the past and now we are engaged in the process of rectifying them.

Since some of the generals were involved in disrupting the democratic process in the past, this statement of the COAS is a pleasant turning point because we can move forward by learning from our past mistakes. He also said that no individual or institution has the right to determine the national interest without creating consensus of opinion. It is a matter of principle that no person or institution is the ultimate authority. This prerogative lies with the people. The people and their elected representatives are the highest author-

ity. The constitution has strictly defined the roles of all the institutions. The nation decides who will determine the national interest. It then sends its representatives in the parliament who run the affairs of the state.

The judiciary has a separate role. It has no concern with matters pertaining to governance. Similarly the military and civil bureaucracy works under the elected government.

They discharge their duties in line with the priorities fixed by the government and are answerable to it for their actions.

The government is answerable to the people. In spite of these irrefutable realities the court issued instructions for the appointments of the heads of different departments and transfers of the bureaucrats. We must now understand that nobody has self-arrogated authority. All are answerable to the people who are the real rulers. Through their votes they can send the governments home or re-elect them. The ultimate decision rests with them.

In the statement, reference has also been made of separating the acts of individuals from the institutions,

strengthening of institutions, supremacy of law and institutions working within the ambit of the constitution. Some times ago President Zardari had said that PPP was aware of the distinction between individuals and institutions.

The founding father of PPP was martyred through a judicial verdict but we have not adopted the course of revenge, whereas those who sing praises for the court destroyed its sanctity. We had serious reservations over the deposition of Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani but we implemented the decision.

The PPP has repeatedly urged the need for legislature, executive and judiciary to work within their own demarcated territory. But we have seen people crossing the red-line off and on. We were subjected to undeserved opprobrium from different quarters.

Even those elements issued statements who are prohibited from going to the media. We tolerated all this. Several efforts were also made to use constitution and parliament against each other but these efforts of the dying system were reduced to a whimper by the acumen of the parliament and the political leadership.

Some newspapers through their threatening headlines based on the arguments in the court attempted to give the impression that the Supreme Court was the ultimate decision making forum. It was the most simplistic disposition.

Political sciences, philosophy and the constitution of Pakistan are in disagreement with this thinking. The constitution and philosophy do not recognize Supreme Court as an institution but a part of an insti-

tution known as judiciary having several other courts which do not work under the Supreme Court. Legislature, executive and judiciary are independent in their own sphere of responsibility and each of them has a separate final authority. The President is above all these institutions in whose name all the high profile appointment are made.

The President is also the ultimate authority with regard to reduce the punishments awarded by any court. It is his discretionary power and no court can give any further verdict on it. So the buck stops with the President and not the Supreme Court. It may be remembered that in parliamentary democracy, the President exercises his powers in consultation with the Prime Minister. In that respect, the Prime Minister who is head of the executive and leader of the house in the parliament, has the power to take a final decision in any matter. But the Prime Minister is appointed by the parliament and can maintain his position with the support of the majority of its members, because only the people have the right to rule and it is they who constitute the parliament. The rest of the institutions are created by the parliament and therefore it is above all of them. The ultimate decision comes from there.

No court enjoys ascendancy over all other institutions because it is not answerable to the people. The institution which is answerable to the people is Supreme and that status is only enjoyed by the parliament. Judiciary has different courts and the biggest court is the Supreme Court but

it is wrong to say that all the final decision are taken by the Supreme Court. According to the laws of the country each court is empowered to make certain decisions and its parameters are clearly defined.

No court can interfere in the spheres of powers of the other court. The truth is that in a number of cases, the final decisions are taken outside the glare of the Supreme Court. We respect all these courts. Similarly from village registrar ( Patwari) to Secretary there are a number of final authorities with regard to different matters.

Rule of law will be established when the authority of a policeman controlling the traffic and the Prime Minister are given equal respect. No personal ego is greater than the national ego.

According to law and constitution, neither any court is under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court nor judges of any court are under any other judge or the Chief Justice. There is no concept of chain of command in the Judiciary. So the statement made by the former Chief Justice of Lahore High Court in a political gathering has no legal status. All judges are independent in their judicial functions, whereas all the civil and military authorities work under a political dispensation headed by the Prime Minister. The correct position is that the constitution is the supreme law of the land; Supreme Court is the highest court and amongst the legislature, judiciary and executive, the parliament is the supreme organ of the state because it represents the people and is answerable to them. All institutions derive their powers from the parliament whereas

the executive emerges from its womb.

The parliament draws up the constitution and can make amendments in it. No court, no matter what it does, can add even a dot in it. Years may go by but it cannot even replace the alphabet O with U in the word Balochistan. Setting up courts and conferring power on them, preparing budgets, determining remunerations of the judges, enhancing pensions and allocating funds for running day to day affairs of the government is only within the powers of the parliament. Only parliament has been deciding about the right or wrong use of these expenditures. It is however a different matter that for the last six years the accounts have not been presented in the Public Accounts Committee of the parliament. But how long? Ultimately every body will have to traverse through the accountability process determined by the democratic institutions. If not today then tomorrow. In the words of Muneer Niazi” Tabdeelion key din hein zamaney mane Muneer” ( O Muneer it is a time of changes in the world).

The defence budget has been presented in the parliament and ultimately the accounts of the Supreme Court will also come to the Public Accounts Committee.

There has been a talk of safeguarding the constitution but the constitution is drawn up by the people through their elected representatives, therefore, only they can safeguard it. The judiciary cannot make the constitution and the laws.

Continued on Page 7

Massive primary literacy plan

MEDIA WATCH

A united rebellion?

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N yet another move aimed at easing life of the poor, the Govern ment, on Friday, launched ‘Waseela-e-Taleem’ initiative under Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) aimed at enrolling three million children in primary schools during next four years. It envisages cash grant of Rs 200 per month per child to enable poor families to send their kids to schools.

Benazir Income Support Programme was originally initiated as a means to provide cash subsidy of Rs 1000/- per family and the idea was to provide relief to poor families and empower women as only women members of the family are eligible to receive the assistance.

However, credit goes to President Asif Ali Zardari and Chairperson of the Programme Farzana Raja for expanding not only reach of the programme but also its scope to ensure provision of meaningful relief to underprivileged segments of the society. Now it has gained credibility to the extent that multilateral institutions and countries are willing to join hands in alleviating poverty and address issues like disease and illiteracy. The new initiative ‘Waseela-e-Taleem’ is important in the sense that a considerable percentage of worldwide children not going to primary schools belong to Pakistan and many others drop out in initial stages in the face of abysmal poverty. Assistance worth rupee two hundred per child and that too for only two children of a family might not be too attractive an incentive for the poor to send their children to schools yet it is a good beginning and we hope with the passage of time amount and scope would be expanded further. As education is now a provincial subject, the President has rightly called upon them to extend a helping hand to BISP in implementing the programme for enrolment of three million children in primary schools in four years. As there would still be a significant number of out-of-school children, the provinces should also launch similar initiatives to ensure that every child is in school within the next few years. At the same time, as progress and development is intrinsically linked to higher education, this aspect should also not lose sight of our planners and decision-makers.

KP’s total apathy towards Iqbal T

HIS year, the 135th birth anniversary of poet philosopher Allama Muhammad Iqbal was commemorated by different segments of the society in a befitting manner. In functions and ceremonies that marked the day, speakers analysed the real message of the leader who visualized Pakistan and related his thoughts to the current day problems confronting Ummah in general and people of Pakistan in particular.

It was heartening to hear calls for reformation and awakening of the society as envisioned by the great Muslim philosopher, yet it was equally painful to note that unlike rest of the country there was no function in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province on the auspicious occasion of Iqbal Day. Neither governmental authorities, nor institutions and political parties thought it appropriate to arrange functions to highlight the message of Allama Iqbal, who is respected not only by Muslims but also people in other countries for his unparallel contribution to literature and philosophy. The total silence observed by the province sent a message as if KP was an isolated island that has nothing to do with what is happening in the rest of the country. There are already historical issues involved and in this backdrop apathy of the KP towards Iqbal has further dented the damaged image. No doubt, there are some elements in the province who always go their own way and strangely enough feel proud of that but one is pained to point out that others too are adopting somewhat carefree attitude which does not augur well. We believe that the Governor who represents the federation should have arranged some function and addressed it is more important for young generation of KP to understand the message of Iqbal. Similarly, those political parties who consider themselves as champions of national causes should have devised programmes commensurate with the day besides educational and literary organizations of the province. You have every right to promote and remember regional heroes but not at the cost of national heroes.

Hina’s right advice to BD I

t is unfortunate that periodically statements emanate from Bangladesh in which 1971 tragedy is exploited. It is also a known fact that to keep wounds of Bengalis alive about alleged atrocities, propaganda literature is fabricated in India and stories are highlighted without loosing any occasion to keep people of Pakistan and Bangladesh poles apart.

It is in this perspective that Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar during her brief visit to Dhaka advised the Bangladesh leadership to bury the past and move forward in bilateral ties to their mutual advantage. During meeting with Khar, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dipu Moni once again raised the contentious issue saying her country expects an apology from Pakistan for the genocide carried out in 1971.

Every one in Pakistan feels extremely sad over the tragedy but all should remember, particularly our brothers and sisters in Bangladesh that it was a deep-rooted conspiracy, which resulted in the 1971 episode and both sides committed excesses. Regrettably it is a culture in South Asia that people keep on trumpeting wrongs or misdeeds of the past instead of looking how to improve things for a better future. Bangladesh and Pakistan need to follow the examples of other countries who buried past hatchets and moved ahead for long term benefits. Keeping this in view, Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar gave the right advice to her counterpart and we expect that this would be given serious consideration. We also expect that Pakistan’s gesture of sending the Foreign Minister to invite Sheikh Hasina for the D-8 summit in Islamabad, instead of extending the invitation through normal diplomatic channels would be reciprocated and the Bangladesh leader would pay her first visit to Pakistan. This would provide a good opportunity to leadership of the two countries to discuss all issues and decide how to take forward bilateral relationship to advantage of the brotherly people.

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Selective decision-making cision making to someone who does not fall in the same category of cronyism. usual comic in Dr Zafar Altaf The those selective funcEmail: dr_altaf@hotmail.com tioning is none other than the bureaucrat who is supposed to advise and put up papers to the political boss. have been arguing for a long The Cabinet Secretary is generally time that the ministries and responsible for overseeing the acministers have to go through a tions of the cabinet and the princimanagement audit so that the even- pal secretary is responsible for the ness of decisions is understood. The support to the powerful people-in a legacy of financial audit is alright democratic set up the PM. Now are and one may go through it but it our PM’s properly advised and has lost its efficacy. Why? It’s the guided by the bureaucrat. Or are our same old rut of finding a needle PM’s too ego oriented to underin a haystack. The ultimate that stand that variation in action cuts does happen that the people who across the credibility of the decido this job are the ones that do sion maker. On such occasions, the same routine job year after when the public are unable to take year and the latest that I have seen any action, then the use of chaste is that they end up with the mis- Punjabi comes into force. use of cars. The misuse of cars That is what happened when the also excites the audit committees. Punjab government created the elite It is a one to one action that is easy force. This elite force comprised ento identify and does not require any tirely of selective people not selected deep knowledge. people and belonged to an area.

The loss through such financial People have still not forgotten the loss is a one-time loss but the real event as deserving people were left recurring loss is when the decisions out. In such cases when the deservare so taken that the loss is reflected ing are left out the public is really in the economy via galloping infla- angry. In the Karachi sector the setion. Despite all that the action by lection of inefficient persons is now the audit party it does not touch the manifested in the killings and the sosoul of the economy it merely tink- cial tensions that prevail. Police work ers with it. It is also selective in its is not easy and requires much more actions. This selectivity is visible deft actions then normal functioning when the powers that be take a de- of the government. If corruption is cision in respect of their favorites linked to this then the action is easier and yet deny that very facet in de- and all one has to do is to collect ac-

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tion and go for those that are responsible. If that is not available then the usual method is to take note of the damage done and hold those responsible for the selection as accessory after the crime. This would require a serious debate on the responsibility and the functional inefficiency that has accrued and left a number of people dead. No political party can be absolved of the dire consequences of what has taken place as a result of the parochial polices followed. One does remember Skipper Kardar who while a member of the Punjab Cabinet took up this issue when the Federal government was all set to modify the Federal Public commission act.

It was placed before the Cabinet and Mehraj Khalid was the Chief Minister. Skipper opened the debate saying that public service should not be so diluted [as it has been over the years] and that we should go back to the federal government saying that this should not be done. Tari was also a minister in the same cabinet and opposed the view saying that they also needed to have jobs for their relatives and appealed to the international sense of Skipper Kardar. Not to mince words skipper let him have it. Mehraj Khalid was never in any position of implementing his authority allowed the cabinet meeting to go up in smoke. The Chief secretary asked me to travel back is his car as the meeting was called off.

Mehraj Khalid used to have these meetings at the Social Welfare Directorate next to the governor house.

Why? Because he was such a weak person that he used to take his decisions before the meeting from the

governor house and then report back on the actual decisions. Skipper went via the main gate to tell Governor of what had happened but Mehraj Khalid probably beat him to it and filled the mind of the governor with poison. By the time Skipper could get to the governor house the gates were closed on him. That very minute Skipper Kardar had a heart attack and was admitted to the services hospital. Kardar was an intense and passionate person and I knew that he had worked very hard on the provisions of the new act.

Over the years the services have been so badly mauled that there is no one who is willing to stand up to the corrupt decision makers. The result is before us. Wherever there have been recruitments the rules have been flouted and cronyism is brought in. Karachi and other areas will burn. The realization must come that the recruitment has to be on reason and merit. Not on relationships.

It is idiotic to defend the idiotic. No party loyalty can be above the national needs. Railways have gone under, PIA too and so has WAPDA. All the energy sector gas companies have had a field day in corrupt practices. So unless the political system is truly democratic matters will be pathetic. Take my word for it.

Take Skipper Kardar’s words for good. Have you ever seen such a disaster as Pakistan is? Have you lost a relative to terrorism? May God be with you? May you never see the days that those families have seen where they have lost a bread earner or a brother or a son?

May you never see that day? Amen.

Durand Line: Bone of contention!

Lutfur Rehman Email:lutfurrehmanpk@yahoo.com

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ow-level tension was wit nessed in Pak-Afghan rela tions last month on the question of the Durand Line. The tension erupted with the statement of the US Special Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan Marc Grossman. He reaffirmed Washington’s stand about the PakAfghan border. In an interview with Channel One TV network in Kabul, Marc Grossman said that the Durand Line is an internationally recognised border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly reacted to the statement.

A spokesman of the ministry Janan Musazai said that the status of the Durand Line was a matter of historic importance for the Afghan people.

Washington rejected the Afghan criticism regarding its stand on the Durand Line. Talking to journalists in Kandahar, the US Ambassador to Afghanistan, James Cunningham said a number of countries, including America, recognised the Durand Line as an international border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. In addition to this, the State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland told newsmen at press briefing that the US policy on Durand Line has not changed. She clarified that “it was correctly stated by Ambassador Grossman that we see this as the internationally recognised boundary.” Explaining Pakistan’s stand regarding the Pak-Afghan border at weekly press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Mozzam Ahmed Khan Pakistan said “the Durand Line is a closed and settled issue. We regard it as the recognised international border, and the international community also recognises it so.”

The question of the Durand Agreement is a bone of contention between the two countries since creation of Pakistan in 1947. PakistanAfghan diplomatic relations were severed twice on this very issue in 1950s and 1960s. It is still the main hurdle in improvement of Pak-Afghan relations. Pak-Afghan border was demarcated under the Durand Agreement signed in Kabul on November 12, 1893. This is perhaps the only treaty of the world so widely misquoted. Some circles claim that the Durand Agreement was to stay for one century and it expired in 1993.But this is perpetual treaty with no time limit. Article 2 and 3 of the agreement say that Afghanistan will at no time interfere on this side of the border. Similarly, under international law, treaty relating to border can’t be cancelled unilaterally.

Some writers say that Pak-Afghan border has not been demarcated anywhere with the exception of Torkham and Chaman. However, this is not the case. The whole border has been demarcated by three special commissions. These include the Asmar Boundary Commission, Waziristan Boundary Commission and Baluch-Afghan Boundary Commission. Only 28 km of the 2590 km long Pak-Afghan is un-demarcated. It includes 24 km long Mohmand Agency and 4 km at Sikaram hill top in Kurram Agency.

It is incorrect to say that Amir Abdur Rahman signed the treaty under duress. The Amir says about this treaty that “the misunderstandings and disputes which were arising about these frontier matters were put to an end, and after the boundary lines had been marked out according to the above-mentioned agreements by the Commissioners of both Governments, a general peace and harmony reigned between the two Governments, which I pray God may continue forever.”

Afghans argue that the Durand Agreement is of suspicious nature as it is in English and the Amir did

not understand English. But this is not the case. Durand Agreement is bilingual treaty having text both in Persian and English. The whole discussion between Amir Abdur Rahman and Mortimer Durand was held in Persian as the later was a scholar of Persian language.

Mortimer Durand even delivered ex tempo speech in Persian at signing ceremony of the treaty in Kabul.

Afghanistan did not cede a single inch territory to the British India under the Durand Agreement.

Kabul achieved maximum benefits from this treaty. It gained control over Asmar, Hissara, Marawara and Shortan areas of Bajour under this accord. It may be recalled that Afghanistan since 1861 was making hectic efforts to gain control over Asmar. But its hopes were always dashed to the ground by the British authorities. When this area was occupied by the Afghan Commanderin-Chief, Ghulam Haider Khan in 1892, the Viceroy sent a letter to Amir Abdur Rahman in June 1892, registering protest over the intrusion. The issue of Asmar was the toughest topic of negotiations between Amir Abdur Rahman and Sir Mortimer Durand. In order to achieve the breakthrough, Mortimer Durand acceded to the Amir’s demand and allowed him to have Asmar under his control.

Afghanistan also benefited at the time of the delimitation of the border in Chitral, Dir and Bajour. A vast area of Bajour on the southern side Kunar River was given to Afghanistan by the British Commissioner in the Asmar Boundary Commission, Sir Richard Udny. This resulted in the siege of Chitral in 1895. Sir Richard Udny also allowed Afghanistan to occupy Bashgal valley of Chitral thus depriving the later from its all weather road. Afghanistan occupied another area of Chitral i.e.

Dokalim in 1916 and wanted to capture the whole area upto the Lowari top. However, the British authorities approved Chitral-Gilgit Defence

plan whereby security posts were established along the border in Chitral to foil the designs of Kabul regarding Chitral state.

Kabul is exploiting the ignorance of Pakistani authorities about the Durand Line. It is need of the hour that Pakistani high ups should get maximum knowledge about the issue from academic perspective. It is also in the interest of Afghanistan to desist from making hostile propaganda against Pakistan. It should expel the Swati Taliban headed by Maulvi Fazullah from Kunar and Nuristan province. They are regularly attacking Pakistani villages and security posts along the PakAfghan border in Chitral, Bajour and Dir. About twenty such raids have taken place from across the border during the current year.

Improvement in Pak-Afghan ties is need of the hour. The two neighbours need each other. They will further suffer if they did not resolve their differences. But their mutual cooperation will usher a new era of development and prosperity in the region. They should revive the historic Silk route connecting South Asia with Central Asia through Wakhan Corridor.

This will result in more trade, investments and creation of more job opportunities. Their future will remain secured if they left behind the legacy of British colonial era and cooperate with each in all walks of life. People of the two countries have already suffered too much due to the ongoing waves of terror. You can easily change your friends but not neighbours. A good neighbour is a blessing. A Greek poet, Hesiod once remarked that a bad neighbour is as great a calamity as a good one is a great advantage. Instead of enmity, Kabul and Islamabad should cooperate with each other to overcome their problems.

—The writer is Islamabad-based research scholar & author of a book on Durand Line.

lthough it first seemed like the Syrian rebels would end lessly bicker over power and organisational issues in Doha, they are now seriously considering forming a united front. The exiled Syrian National Congress (SNC) now faces the option of uniting disparate military and political groups under the Syrian National Initiative, which is supported by the Western and the Gulf states.

Not only does the emergence of a cohesive political alternative to Bashar Al Assad’s government seem likely, even the situation on ground appears to favour the rebels.

On Tuesday, rebels carried out new attacks on government facilities and strongholds in Damascus. Mortar shells struck Mezzeh 86— an Alawite stronghold near the presidential palace— and struck prime minister’s offices and a military airfield. These attacks came just a day after rebels carried out a series of bomb attacks, that ended up killing the brother of the parliament’s speaker. Moreover, on Sunday, reports surfaced that anti-regime dissidents had captured an oilfield in the east of the country, which Assad’s cashstrapped regime had been relying on to finance his offensive.

So now is the time — when the rebels seem to have the capacity to attack the regime’s Achilles’ heel — that world leaders should fully support their struggle. British Prime Minister David Cameron has pledged to assist Syrian rebels to help shape opposition against Assad, in cooperation with the newly reelected Barack Obama. Perhaps, now that Obama is free from the pressure of campaigning and winning an election, he can pay attention to the task of uniting the Syrian rebels and aiding them in toppling a tyrannical regime. Lakhdar Brahimi should also strike when the iron is hot; he should lobby for international support for the a cohesive rebel organisation, instead of coaxing Assad for concessions. Syria is at its most critical juncture; now is the make or break moment for Syria’s dissidents who have been battling a rogue regime since several months.

The international community needs to jump to their side and it need to do this now. — Khaleej Times

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Political reforms

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opular demands for more po litical rights and better gover nance are an inevitable result of economic success as people try to throw off the shackles they perceive as restricting their ability to take advantage of new opportunities to improve their living standards. This is the main challenge facing the new leaders of China’s ruling communist party, who take power next week under presidentin-waiting, Xi Jinping.

While the Chinese economy is still expanding at about 7.5 per cent annually by some estimates — a blistering pace compared to most other countries — its large population and high levels of disparity mean it must maintain an even higher growth rate if it is to sustainably improve living standards. There have been calls for the radical reform of the communist party and the Chinese political system. Despite growing social pressures, this is not likely to happen very fast. Even those in favour of reforms in the communist party leadership prefer a careful, managed approach — and there are still influential blocs that oppose significant change. In the absence of radical reforms, China must concentrate on getting the basics of good governance right: Eliminating corruption, ensuring the rule of law and holding party and government officials accountable for their actions.

These will do much to address popular and international concerns and buy some time for the implementation of necessary democratic reforms. But, as the global economy slows, it needs to get its own, huge population to invest and spend to replace foreign markets and investment. Better governance will help convince Chinese consumers and entrepreneurs to invest in their country, rather than simply hoard cash or send their savings offshore because they lack confidence in the future. China’s leaders have recognised the need for reforms.

Now they must back their words with actions. — Gulf News Who spits against the wind, it falls in his face — Proverb

Obama’s speech meetings as part of Pakistan’s delegations on health at Geneva and elsewhere in the world.

Listening to Dr Ghayur Ayub Obama’s victory Email: turi555@hotmail.com speech the other night, he intelligently linked ‘hope’ with ‘actions’ projecting four important points with the lathen Asif Ali Zardari visited ter: First, to reduce the fiscal defiQuaid’s tomb after he was cit; Second, to bring tax-code reelected as the President of forms; Third, to fix immigration Pakistan, he wrote some interesting system; Fourth, to free America (he comments on the visitor’s book. The used the word ‘ourselves’) from comments were so inspiring that the foreign oil. agencies had to rush in at odd hours Although all the above-mento change the page and the comments. tioned points were directly or indiAccording to Ardesher Kausjee, the rectly linked to the economy, the president spelled the word God as fourth point however carried a strong ‘Goad’. The president’s oratory ca- message to the oil producing counpability shined when Sarah Palin tries such as Saudi Arabia. We all called on him at a hotel in Washing- know that two major problems face ton DC. What I am trying to say, is, the Americans; the economy and terthe formal written and spoken words rorism. After 9/11, terrorism has been of a head of state should be focused linked to a particular sect of Islam and should carry meaning. A typical spearheaded by Saudi Arabia. As long example is Barack Hussain Obama. as the Americans rely on oil from It is known that he writes his own Saudi Arabia, the strong stand the US keynote speeches or when speeches government can take against terrorare presented to him as drafts, he ism will keep blunted thus comproamends them according to his astute mising its foreign policy. understanding. So whether it is the America cannot turn to Iran be‘spiritually-inspired’ (that’s what he cause of strong opposition from Isconsiders himself) Zardari or busi- rael and Saudi Arabia. Obama and ness-minded Obama, when a head Netanyahu personally do not like of state writes or speaks at formal each other as it was revealed last year occasions every word he utters car- by a ‘off the record’ chat that was ries significance. No word is out of leaked to the media by mistake. But place or meaningless. I learnt this when it comes to policy matters, fact when I attended international Obama cannot annoy Israel because

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of deep infiltration of Jewish lobbies in the political fabric of American society. Similarly, he cannot distance himself from Saudis because American economy heavily leans on oil.

The American researchers are actively involved to find alternate sources of energy. Was he hinting about success in that direction in his fourth point? As I mentioned earlier when a president speaks each word carries meaning.

Otherwise, the particular sect linked with terrorism in the Muslim countries is nurtured by Saudi Riyal and supported by the wealthy and powerful Saudis. Some people believe that members of the of the royal family might be behind it all. As opposed to this, there are other sects of Islam such as Sufis and Shias, which are against the rigid and harsh policies practised by that particular sect. But as the present regime in Saudi Arabia stays in power, compromises will be made by the American hierarchy on curbing terrorism in America and for that matter across the globe. So when Obama said that ‘the decade of war is ending’ and ‘the economy is recovering’; is the war (war on terror) really ending? Some analysts predict the war on terror will continue for another three to four decades. And as the war continues can the American economy really recover?

His speech was passionate and forceful, especially when he talked of ‘shared destiny’, which according to him, came with ‘responsibility, love, charity, duty, patriotism’ and which made the US strong and proud.

He made his ‘healthcare plan’ appeal-

ing to the ordinary Americans when he linked it to a 8 year old girl suffering from leukaemia whose father could not afford to treat her because of high cost. He said, his healthcare plan protected her health and reduced the unbearable and unavoidable financial burden on her father.

He intelligently, made his speech powerful when without repeating JFK’s famous words ‘ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country’, he loudly and passionately told his countrymen not to think ‘what can be done for us, but what can be done by us’. He kept on pounding words of wisdom in a firm but humbled tone.

As I was listening to Obama choosing his words carefully with focused intention and giving a strong message to the Americans and the leaders across the world, I could not stop comparing him to the political leaders of Pakistan in values, honesty, charisma and sincerity. I came to the conclusion that leaders are known by the nations they lead and nations are known by the leaders they choose. We are at loss in both aspects in Pakistan.

Looking at Obama again, I asked myself how many decades will it take for our nation to grow and chose a leader of integrity, honesty and uprightness? An answer flickered in my mind saying probably not in my lifetime. Was it despondency scratching my feelings or reality tickling my enthusiasm, I guess I will never know.

Where will they hide?

Malik M Ashraf Email: ashpak10@gmail.com

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he SC verdict in Asghar Khan case is one of those divine in terventions. The coup generals supported by the rightists political parties, religious entities and the reactionary elements not only pummeled the constitution and destroyed the state institutions but also made sure that the progressive and genuine parties enjoying support of the masses remained away from the corridors of power. The short verdict announced a few days ago and now the detailed decision has confirmed the sinister conspiracies that were hatched to obstruct the democratic process by depriving the PPP of its legitimate right and stealing the mandate of the people.

The names of the generals, the real and central characters of the plot, were already known and now an authentic list of the politicians

who were part of this profane enactment have also been revealed. What a shame it even includes the name of a person who twice has been the Prime Minister of Pakistan and currently is the leader of the second largest political party. The verdict also raises questions about the legitimacy of his rule and the decisions taken by his government after the 1990 elections.

Before and after the short verdict the leadership of PM (N) including Nawaz Sharif have been vehemently denying having received money or done any thing wrong.

Opposition leader in the National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar in a press conference had even posed a question; What have we done? Ahsan Iqbal also talked in the same vein.

The list also includes the name of another stalwart Javed Hashmi a former leader of PML(N) and now Vice President of PTI, the party promising to usher in a revolution through the much trumpeted tsunami One wonders where would they hide

their faces now that the SC has made public their names and also asked for the recovery of the amounts given to them along with interest and appropriate legal action against them for playing an abetting role in that un-constitutional manoeuvre by the then Army Chief and DG ISI, reportedly at the behest of late President Ghulam Ishaq Khan. Wait a minuet.

Why would they hide their faces?

There exists no tradition in this country of politicians and people in authority feeling pangs of their conscience and expressing remorse for their misdeeds. After listening to the arrogant and uncouth diatribe of Lt Gen Hamid Gul (R) and his taking pride in putting together IJI, a proven act of sedition as per the constitution, I am sure he and his colleagues in the Khakis will still remain adamant and remorseless. Similar behaviour can be expected from the politicians involved. They still stand a chance of getting away unscathed because of the legal lucanaes in our investigative, prosecution and jus-

tice system and the corruption that exists in these institutions. It might take years for the investigations to be completed or the courts dealing with those cases.

The SC in its verdict has unequivocally stated that the involved generals did what they did in their personal capacities and their respective institutions were not involved. That probably is the most redeeming factor of this shameless episode. The army chief in a statement issued on 6th of November has emphasized the need for law taking its own course. It is an encouraging development. General Kiani has already shown his commitment to justice by initiating court martial proceedings against former generals involved in the NLC corruption case. It can therefore be hoped that the generals involved in the formation of IJI and using public money to steal the public mandate will also be held accountable and punished for their unconstitutional actions.

Views From Abroad

Petraeus’s bumpy ride tions, and pushing in his annoyingly relentless way for results.

The smartest thing Petraeus did was to David Ignatius form a partnership early on with Michael Morell, who was acting director before his arrival and resumed that role Friday.

Morell is a career analyst avid Petraeus achieved genu and veteran of the mill that produces inely great things in his career, the famous “PDB,” or president’s so his fall as CIA director over daily brief, and he knew the agency’s what he bluntly described in his res- culture — or at least the analysts’ ignation letter Friday as “extremely version of it. His task was to encourpoor judgment… engaging in an ex- age Petraeus when his commander’s tramarital affair” has the poignancy instincts made sense for the agency, you might find in a novel by Leo and dissuade him when his ideas were Tolstoy or Victor Hugo. Petraeus may counter-productive. Petraeus’s critics have seemed larger than life in uni- within the agency think Morell was form, but beneath the ribbons his was co-opted by Petraeus. But there’s cona very human story. Petraeus’s 15- siderable evidence that, when appromonth tenure as CIA director was priate, the deputy director was preshort and something of a bumpy ride. pared to tell the boss the unpleasant It wasn’t an easy fit, and within truth. In any event, Morell came away weeks, you began to hear grumbling a fan—recognizing that although from the CIA’s ranks about how Petraeus had a rocky start, his ceasePetraeus was trying to put his per- less pressure had been good for the sonal mark on every tree and fire hy- agency. “Petraeus is one of the best drant in sight, asking too many ques- managers I have seen,” Morell said

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through a spokesman Friday. “He figures out where he wants the organization to go, and he drives it in that direction. He does this through relentless focus. He remembers what he asked for. Three weeks later he’ll say at the morning meeting, ‘Whatever happened to that? Is that done yet?’ I’ve never seen anyone with his drive — ever.”

The transition was complicated by the fact that Petraeus was moving from being the most visible and celebrated general in modern American history to operating in the shadows, away from the TV cameras and the journalists he had courted as a military officer. This reticence was at the insistence of the Obama White House, which gave Petraeus the CIA job despite deep worries about whether he would be a team player and stay out of the limelight. What Petraeus has always done best, in the military and at the CIA, is pushing at the edges of what people assume is possible. When he took over command of US forces in Iraq in 2007, most of the US military leadership had given up on the war and wanted out. Petraeus had spent several years

thinking about counter-insurgency strategy after his two-star stint as head of training of the Iraqi army.

So when President Bush decided he wanted to fight on in Iraq for a more decent withdrawal, Petraeus was armed and ready with a strategy.

Petraeus next became Centcom commander, where he roamed across the post-9/11 battlefields of the Middle East. I spent nearly three weeks travelling with him during his Centcom assignment, and I saw how he fused the political and military aspects of command, as he met with sheiks and presidents and intelligence chiefs, in a way that should have been captured in a textbook for future commanders.

In every job he had over the past decade, Petraeus liked to ask: “What’s the big idea here?” It was his way of getting to the intellectual centre of a problem.

And he used that same approach at the CIA. But it’s still interesting to ask the same question people have been posing about him for more than a decade: What’s the next chapter?”

—Courtesy: The Washington Post

Living together..!

M

an, was never made to live alone. We are meant to live together as a community, and in the process there is a lot of sharing of fellowship and resources that we need to do. Very often however we are selfish. “Sir your TV was a little loud last night!” “So?” “Could you tone it down a bit, my children have their exams!” “I paid fifty million for this flat and you

don’t want me to enjoy TV?” These are the so called bullies, who use voice, political muscle or just sheer muscle and shove their way around using money and their connections, till one fine day at some point in their lives or after they find they’re alone.

“When did you last see the diseased?” ask the police as they take away the body of your neighbour who’s been dead five days.

“We don’t know, we never noticed whether he came or went, we didn’t know he was sick either, and since his TV was on, we assumed he was okay till we got the dreadful smell! Ughh!” There’s this revealing story of a bulldog and a poodle who

were arguing one day. The bulldog was making fun of the poodle, calling him a weak little runt who couldn’t do anything.

The bulldog said, “I challenge you to a contest. Let’s see who can open the back door of their house the fastest and get inside.” The bulldog was thinking he would turn the doorknob with his powerful jaws, while the poodle was too small to even reach the knob of his back door.But to the bulldog’s surprise the poodle said, “I can get inside my house faster than you can.

I accept the challenge.” So with the poodle watching, the bulldog ran to the back door of his house and

jumped up to the doorknob. He got his teeth and paws around it and tried to turn it, but he couldn’t get enough of a grip on the knob to do so and finally quit in sheer exhaustion. Now it was the poodle’s turn.

The difference was in involving others. So many of us are bulldogs aren’t we? We think we can live our lives without help till at sometime we face a ‘doorknob’ problem and find it’s beyond us, whereas that friendly person in the neighborhood has everybody with him during his or her time of trouble and difficulty. Learn to live together..!

—Email:bobsbanter@gmail.com

Voice of the People Balochistan survey LUBNA HAMEED

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ccording to the Gallup survey conducted in 2012, it has been revealed that among the Baloch and Pashtun Population in Balochistan more than 67% oppose the idea of an independent Balochistan.

They are in favor of and support greater provincial autonomy. Furthermore, the fact that only 12% of the Pashtun population support the idea of an independent Balochistan goes to exemplify that it is a very small minority that favors such extreme views. A vast majority still believes that issues no matter how problematic, can be resolved by an enhanced representation of the locals in the province and an increased capacity and control of the locals. This is surely indicative of what needs to be done by the federal government in order to resolve the Balochistan issue that keeps on simmering for much longer than is required. Furthermore, the survey also highlights the difference between the mindset of the two main ethnic groups residing in Balochistan. Despite the fact that a great number of the population want to see a stronger Balochistan with a stronger provincial hold on its own political affairs, the Baloch are wary of all others. They too need to become more tolerant towards other provinces and stop believing the worst of them. Instead of finding solace in the backstabbing consolation offered by foreign forces, one needs to work with own people for a plausible solution where we can strike a harmony between all stakeholders to bring normalcy back.

—Rawalpindi

FBR new amnesty scheme SHAHRYAR KHAN BASEER Dr Abdul Hafeez Shiekh, Federal minister of Finance and revenue, has in principle approved the new FBR scheme for tax defaulters. With this scheme all the people who have not paid any taxes since 1947 and who have been doing regular business in Pakistan for 50 years without paying a single tax, will now be able to pay only a 1 % charge and have all their illegal and black money, cleared for their own use.

With the approval of this scheme I would like to ask all the real tax payers of Pakistan (0.5% of the population), on whose monthly and yearly tax, the Government of Pakistan has been able to provide facilities to the 190 Million Pakistani’s, to stop paying taxes from this day onward. They should stop being naive and should wait for a new FBR scheme to arrive in 4 years time, at the close of the new governments time. It is disgusting and also very sad to see how the FBR, the biggest organization of Pakistan, is so lazy, that they have found shortcuts for their jobs. In fact I think the Police should also take a cue from the FBR and stop doing any work. They can offer an “FIR day” every year, where any citizen of Pakistan can register a case. Apart from that day no cases should be registered. I am sure this will help bring down the crime rate in this country, as zero cases is equal to no crime rate.

I would also like to take this opportunity to taunt the FBR and their so called “3.5 Million tax dodgers”.

FBR have been promoting for the past 3 years that they have 3.5 Million (initially it was 1, then 2 and then 3 Million) tax dodgers in their list and they will recover all the taxes from these 3.5 Million citizens.

Unfortunantly, we have been hearing this statement from FBR for 3 years now with no action. It seems that going after these 3.5 Million tax dodgers is difficult business and a lot of work, therefore Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shiekh thinks that it would be less work by simply offering an amnesty scheme and let these 3.5 Million tax dodgers come to FBR themselves. He might be right as this surely will save a lot of fuel and travel charges for FBR, which they can then promote as a “saving” for the next 4 years or until the next amnesty scheme.

—Peshawar

US & Haqqani network KHAWAJA UMER FAROOQ According to news US high authorities have declared Haqqani network as a terrorist organization and ordered to freeze all its assets in US and neighboring countries. US again accused Pakistan of links with Haqqani network which is operating in Afghanistan and Pakistan. US also blamed several deadliest attacks targeted NATO bases in Afghanistan to Haqqani network, which killed several people. Now in his recent meeting with Pakistani foreign minister Hillary Clinton urged Pakistan to do more against militants groups on Pakistani soil.

Recent allegations of US high authorities regarding Pakistan links with Haqqani militant are astonishing for everyone. True reality is that US allegations are against the ground realities in Pakistan.

If Pakistan is enjoying good relations with militant groups like Haqqani network why country is facing worst wave of terrorist and suicide attacks. At the same day when US high authorities made their comments several Pakistani security forces personals lost their lives in an attack on security checkpost bordering Afghanistan. Next day militant’s targeted high level security Para military base and Rangers head quarter in heart of Karachi and killed several people. Several people lost their lives in a busy shopping center in Peshawar when militants targeted senior police officer. Gov-

ernment supported tribes and peace committee members have become main targets of militants groups and even mosque, shops, schools are not save. Militants’ attacks from Afghanistan Kuner Province have become daily routine in Pakistani border cities. Afghan border cities have become safe haven for militants but NATO is doing nothing to stop aggression. After participation in US led war on terror more than seven thousand Pakistani security personals have lost their lives more than US and NATO soldieries who lost their lives in Afghanistan. Due to increasing militant’s attacks Pakistani economy suffered badly and total financial lost now have reached to 68 billion dollars.

—Jeddah, KSA

Is climate change cause?

MUHAMMAD DAHEEM The estimated loss of commercial and residential properties reaches billions of dollars. Sandy has done the damage and the danger of serious problems, in the aftermath of the hurricane, seems to be enormous. Nonetheless, reconstruction efforts are in progress and repair work has been resumed. The rescue teams are making their efforts through rubbles, fallen trees and power lines. The social workers and members of community are collecting winter clothes for affected persons including warm socks, sweatshirts, jackets, beanies, gloves, shoes and other basic necessities. This country is passing through a critical phase. The devastated areas immediately need pumping water out of troubled places, debris’ removal and revival of transportation.

This once-in-lifetime super storm would certainly have its impact on the political and social life of the people.

The bleeding and crippling economy would go from bad to worse. It’s time for American government to pull out its forces from Afghanistan to save its economy. It should tackle with disastrous situation on emergency basis. Though not confirmed, it is generally believed that climate change can be the cause of storms in America. The hurricane did not have a strong impact on the election but it may prove to be the last nail in the coffin of American economy. This region has not seen such a catastrophe in the last 100 years. The situation seems to be more grim than previously perceived. The coastal communities are much worried about another storm that may cause more devastation in near future.

—Lahore

Kalabagh Dam a bargain chip UMME RUBAB According to a press report 5 ANP (Awami National Party) provincial ministers and Senator Afrasiab Khattak criticized remarks of Chief Justice Lahore High Court (LHC) that “objections of KhyberPakhtunkhwha (KP) and Sindh to the construction of Kalabagh Dam (KBD) were political in nature.” He was hearing several petitions submitted in the public interest urging construction of Kalabagh Dam. (Oct 27).

Remarks by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial were fully justified. ANP criticism was mostly political rhetoric. However, comments on certain relevant observations by Senator Afrasiab Khattak ANP spokesman follow. 1) KBD issue already settled since provincial assemblies of KP, Sindh and Baluchistan passed resolutions against it. Re 1): Forgoing ANP statement endorsed Chief Justice Bandial’s above noted remarks as decision of the three assemblies was political one being by politicians since no competent engineer was consulted by any assembly regarding technical aspects of the multi-purpose great dam. 2) ANP claimed that according to reports by Pakistan and foreign engineers that “KBD would be detrimental to the interest of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwha as the most fertile land of the province would be seriously affected.”Re 2): I never came across such a report though as-

sociated with Kalabagh, Mangla and Tarbela dams since June 1956 before WAPDA came into being. Regarding damage to fertile lands of the province it is wrong KBD backwater would remain at least 10 miles downstream of Nowshehra in the event of worst-ever flood in the River Indus.

3) Bhasha Dam a useful alternative to the KBD. Re 3): Diamer Bhasha Dam of roller compacted concrete dam with unprecedented height of about 900 feet would be of deadly risks for the people and their Country as repeatedly forewarned by me for the last over four years through the media.

Furthermore Basha Dam may not be built for decades since premier funding institutions like World Bank and Asian Development Banks have declined to finance it being risky investment. Be that as it may, my KP friends should be aware that KBD was used by their predecessors as a bargain chip by preferring construction of Bhasha Dam instead of KBD in exchange for its hydel royalty which was not available in the case of the latter since its powerhouse was to be located in Punjab instead of KP. —Karachi

Pillion riding ban M RAFIQUE ZAKARIA Government of Sindh has once again imposed ban on pillion riding for 17 days in Karachi, Hyderabad and Khairpur on the pretext of maintaing law and order situation during the month of Muharram. This ban will only add misery to the life of common man and we all know that killings will continue in Karachi as usual and Sindh government will not hold anyone responsible for the loss of innocent lives. As our Supreme Court said in one of its recent judgements that no one is allowed to take, obey or act on unofficial orders of their superiors.

To cover up their poor performance, Sindh government and police have been using this tactic of imposing ban on pillion riding with zero percent success. I think it is high time that Supreme Court takes notice of this ban which is frequently imposed and order the Sindh government that if the situation does not improve in 17 days, this ban should be termed as the last ban. Such ban does not bring improvement in law and order situation but definitely brings lot of money in the pockets of our policemen.

—Via email

Punjab youth festival ASGHAR MAHMOOD Lahore has never been a conservative city for hosting cultural and sports activities; it is the hub of film industry, stage dramas, cricket, hockey and what not.The people of Lahore are known for their gluttony and entertainment flair. However, the current gala of Youth Festivals and Sports in Lahore is a refreshing dimension to the depressing national scenario.

The presence of foreigners, especially friends from East Punjab, has added colour to these occasions.

It all looks normal. Young girls are also participating in these events enthusiastically. Parents have apparently allowed their daughters to participate in singing, dancing and Hulla Gulla events unhesitantly and unreservedly. It is not surprising. Everybody is enjoying, perhaps the dreadful Taliban outfits too. It reflects confidence of the Punjab leadership. Why such events cannot be organized in Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta; is it the fear of Taliban or lack of political vision?

—Islamabad

READERS are requested to type their letters legibly with double spacing and only on one side of the paper.

—Editor Email:editorial@pakobserver.net

Power struggle looms for Syria’s Kurds PATRICK MARKEY

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N the northeast corner of Syria a power struggle is developing over the promise of oil riches in the remote Kurdish region, threatening to drag Kurdish rivals, Syrian fighters and Turkey into a messy new front in an already complex civil war. In Syria’s 19-month popular revolt against President Bashar Assad, the Kurdish minority is grabbing the chance to secure self-rule and the rights denied them for decades.

With Syrian forces and Syrian fighters entangled in fighting to their west, a Syrian Kurdish party tied to Turkish Kurd separatists has exploited a vacuum to start Kurdish schools, cultural centers, police stations and armed militias. But the growing influence of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) is concerning not only Turkey, which is worried that border areas will become a foothold for Turkish Kurd PKK rebels, but also Syrian fighters who see the Kurdish militias as a threat.

At the PYD’s office in the Syrian Kurdish town of Derik, where walls bear a portrait of Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan and pictures of members the party says were killed by the Assad regime, the mood is defiant. “We have our rights, we have our land. We are not refugees here and we will protect ourselves,” said PYD activist Mohammed Said. “We cannot accept any force from outside coming here.”

Along Syria’s border with Iraq, Kurdish militants in jeans and armed with Kalashnikov rifles now guard a frontier post where Assad’s army once patrolled the sparse hillsides dotted with now lifeless oil pumps. In a classroom in nearby Derik, teenage girls practice reading their own Kurdish language, banned in schools until a few months ago, and Syrian Kurdish leaders express ideological loyalty to Ocalan who is jailed in Turkey.

Under Assad’s rule and his father’s before him, Syrian Kurds were forbidden to learn their language or even to hold Syrian identity and often forced from their land, while their activists were targeted by Syrian intelligence agents. But after Assad’s forces pulled out from the Kurdish region to fight elsewhere six months ago the PYD and its allied People’s Defense Units or YPG militia began to claim control of towns up against the Turkish bor-

der Derik, Efrin, Kobane and Amuda.

In Derik, a town of 70,000 sitting amid parched fields, daily life appears normal apart from long lines of people waiting for cooking gas. Kurdish militia forces man improvised checkpoints made of boulders and tires. Committees run a Kurdish court and services such as fuel deliveries. At the city’s one open school, Syria’s Kurmanji Kurdish dialect is openly taught. “We could never say we were Kurdish before,” said Palashin Omar, 18, in the classroom running through grammar drills.

“We were never respected before now.” But there is also a clear coexistence with the Syr-

ian state.

The Syrian Army maintains its own checkpoint unmolested. The PYD party office is 100 meters from the Syrian intelligence agency office and Assad’s Baath party headquarters where portraits of Assad are still on the wall.

PYD activists say they allow a limited government presence for now so they can receive gasoline from Damascus, and that government forces just stay where they are, unable to act.

But suspicions have sharpened dangerous splits with other Syrian Kurdish parties who believe Assad allowed the PYD to con-

solidate its power and flout an agreement brokered with the smaller Kurdish National Council, or KNC alliance. “We can say the Kurdish region is liberated once the Syrian Army cannot reach it,” KNC leader Abdul Hakim Bashar said. “Right now there is not a single place they couldn’t reach if they wanted.”

The fate of the Kurdish region will be key in any post-Assad Syria. Most Syrian Kurds — the country’s largest ethnic minority — are wary of an opposition dominated by extremists who are hostile to Kurdish self-rule.

Even Syrian Kurdish rivals are split over what

dispute with Baghdad’s central government over their region’s oil. But the PYD’s powerful position poses a dilemma for Iraqi Kurdistan’s president Masoud Barzani next door: How to balance support for panKurdish aspirations with Iraqi Kurdistan’s growing political and business alliance with Turkey?

Barzani, seen by many Kurds as their natural leader, has worked to unite Syrian Kurdish

Assad’s late father sheltered Ocalan until Turkish tanks massed on the Syrian border in 1998 forcing him to expel the PKK leader who was later captured by Turkish agents in Kenya. Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan has said his country will take action if the PKK launches attacks from Syrian territory, and has conducted military exercises along the border in a clear warning to Damascus. But for now, he has few options.

type of government they want if Assad falls, whether to follow Iraqi Kurdistan’s model of autonomy or simply more self-administration in their areas under a new Syrian government.

Whoever seizes the Kurdish plains nudging against Turkey will control a chunk of Syria’s estimated 2.5 billion barrels of crude oil reserves, including fields run by British-based Gulfsands Petroleum until international sanctions on Assad stopped its operations there.

Any eventual Kurdish self-rule in Syria will also have repercussions for Kurdish minorities in neighboring Turkey and Iran, and strengthen autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan in its

F

IRST, a comment about the exit polls from which most of these data are drawn: They were conducted only in 30 states. And, unfortunately, the balance of states polled tilted heavily toward those won by President Obama. Of the 25 states Obama won, exit polls were conducted in all but three. Obama also won the District of Columbia, which had no exit polls.

Of the 24 states Mitt Romney won, exit polls were conducted only in eight. (Obama is leading in Florida, which would be a 26th state won by Obama and a state for which there are exit polls. However, The New York Times had not yet called the state at the time of publication.) With those caveats, let’s dive in: My analysis of the 2008 election found that even if every black person in America had stayed home on Election Day, Obama would still have won the presidency. That’s because the white vote and Hispanic vote were strong enough to push him over the needed 270 votes to win the Electoral College. This year is a different story.

This year, his path to victory required a broader coalition. Without the Democratic black vote joining with that of liberal whites and Hispanics on Tuesday, Obama would likely have lost half the states that he won. This fact may embolden those who say that the president should more directly address issues facing the AfricanAmerican community. • There may have been a backlash against voter suppression laws, bringing more minorities to the polls, not fewer. The share of Hispanic voters rose in many states won by Obama. That can be attributed both to the surging Hispanic population in the country and to the Obama campaign’s incredible get-out-the-vote operation. It is less clear why the black vote held steady or grew in many of those states. In Ohio, for example, blacks jumped from being 11 percent of the voters in 2008 to 15 percent this year. Threaten to steal something, and its owner’s grip grows tighter.

Romney won nine of the 11 states that were once in the Confederacy.

Romney also won eight of the 10 states with the lowest population density: Alaska, Wyoming, Mon-

tana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Idaho, Nebraska and Utah. Obama

came in Utah, home of the Mormon Church. Utah was one of three states in which Romney won every county.

The other two were West Virginia and Oklahoma. Obama won every county in four states: Hawaii, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont.

Among the states in which exit polls were conducted, Obama won the lowest percentage of the white vote in the state with the highest percentage of black voters. That state was the ever-reliable Mississippi, where Romney made his famous “I like grits” comment. Thirty-six percent of the voters in Mississippi are black. Obama won a mere 10 percent of the white vote there.

Conversely, Obama won one of his highest percentages of white voters in the state with the fewest minority

AFGHANI BARAKZAI A full withdrawal of US and coalition forces from Afghanistan appears inevitable. Reading and watching news in Washington, I can appreciate the intense focus on the military mission and on the men and women who have sacrificed to help my country. I worry, however, what will happen to Afghanistan after the US military departs. I have found little discussion of Afghanistan’s future or of what will become of US civilian and military efforts to help make the country a better place to live. Like many Afghans, I fear that Afghanistan will once again fall prey to civil and political discord, through either an expansion of the insurgency or a return to warlordism and widespread criminality. I also worry that the slow progress in women’s rights will falter and may even revert to the norms that existed before 2001. Afghanistan observers are familiar with the litany of depressing facts and statistics that describe the lives and struggles of Afghan women: A 1-in-10 chance

TOM PLATE

voters: Maine. Ninety-five percent of Maine’s voters were white, and 57 per-

This year was the first presidential election in which there were more Asian-American voters (11 percent) in California than African-American ones (8 percent). In 2008, six percent were Asian-American and 10 percent were AfricanAmerican. In fact, there were more Asian-American voters than African-American voters in Washington and Oregon, the other two Pacific Coast states, this year, too. won New Mexico and Nevada. (Hello.

Hello. Hello. Is there an echo in here?)

Romney’s biggest margin of victory

parties. He helped create the KNC alliance and trained Kurdish refugees to go back to protect Kurdish areas in a challenge to PYD and PKK influence. For Ankara though, the presence of Kurdish militants on its border shows Assad has allowed the PYD to take over as a way to strengthen the PKK and help it step up its attacks in Turkey and hit back at Turkish support for the rebels fighting Damascus.

“Turkey has time to watch how this develops,” said Hugh Pope at International Crisis Group. “The PKK are on the offensive in Turkey and Turkey does not need another front.” The PYD dismisses claims it has anything but a political affiliation to PKK militants. But Ocalan’s influence is clear.

Syrian Kurds chant at protests, “long live Apo,” the PKK leader ’s nickname, and Kurdish border guards greet visitors wearing Ocalan badges on their jackets. His face stares out from a flag above the sandbagged frontier post near Iraq. “We don’t want to establish our own country, we just want a democratic Syria and the right to administer our areas,” said militia commander Ahmed Barhodan, sitting in a home in Derik. More worrying for the Syrian Kurdish region now though are the recent clashes with Syrian fighters battling against Assad.

Dozens of Kurdish militiamen were killed in battles with Free Syrian Army fighters this month over control of Aleppo’s Kurdish dis-

cent of them voted for Obama. That ties with one other state for the highest percent of whites voting for Obama:

Massachusetts, where 86 percent of the voters are white. In fact, Obama won the white vote only in states with small minority voting populations. The others Obama won were Iowa (93 percent white), New Hampshire (93 percent white), Oregon (88 percent white), Connecticut (79 percent white) and Washington State (76 percent white). This is quite a curious phenomenon.

Obama won all four states that begin with “New” (New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico and New York), but he lost all five that begin with a direction (North Carolina, South Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota and West Virginia). O.K., I threw that one in for fun. Now, political junkies, go forth and spout facts!

—Courtesy New York Times

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MERICA STILL has much to decide. Among major is sues, the US presidential campaign did not and without comprehensive national review could not clear up the daunting question of China. The policy differences between the two parties and their candidates, exaggerated for effect, were miniscule in comparison to the questions China raises. The ultimate stakes for America are huge.

At some point, a decision should be made on an overriding question that might roughly be put this way: If this planet is, in fact, big enough for not just one but two superpowers, can’t the U.S. accept that a new Cold War is not inevitable? If so, what should be the optimal Sino-U.S. relationship? What is in the national interest of each side and how large an area is the overlap of the two national interests? But such calculations are hard to make when Beijing deviates from its “peaceful rising” policy and adopts what might be termed an it’sour-way-or-the-highway attitude that tends to chill the living life out of people. Here’s what I mean: Look back a bit in time: China awoke from its long sleep (or perhaps tossing-and-turning insomnia) during the reign of (1978-1992) Deng Xiaoping. Very few historians or economists quarrel with the claim that this government and its successors raised more millions out of poverty in a relatively short period of time than any other in modern recorded history.

No sensible definition of overall human rights can exclude a measure of economic security and opportunity.

This deserves respect and recognition: We are talking 1.4 billion mouths to feed, not a mere 315 million! But let us look forward a bit: Instead of applauding China, more and more neighbors are tending to rearm precisely because of China and are looking at Washington to take out a homeowner’s insurance policy for protection.

Many nations in Asia have had territorial disputes with Beijing, but in all cases Beijing says it is in the right and all their neighbours are wrong. But how can this be? How can everyone in Asia be wrong except China? Consider the absolutely

senseless quarrel with Tokyo over a pool of islands known as Diaoyu Dao, if you’re China or Taiwan, or as Senkaku, if you’re not. Previous Chinese leaders wisely looked the other

Women’s rights will be among the first gains revoked as tribal courts reassert their power.

Girls will be pulled out of schools. Women’s businesses will be forced to close, first in the provinces and then in Kabul. Female political leadership will disappear.

Much can and needs to be done to promote civil, gender and human rights in Afghanistan. The country needs a strong central government that represents all Afghans.

Afghan people need civic participation at the village level that promotes respect for the rule of law. We need strong leaders committed to and able to implement democratic practices and equal rights for women, promote universal education and strengthen border control while stopping trade in drugs. Afghan government institutions must mature. To develop popular respect for national laws, Afghanistan needs strong courts and a justice sys-

tually likened Tokyo’s presumption to challenge Beijing’s Diaoyu claim to a brand of Nazi attitude. Harkening back to the aggression that lead to the Second World War in the Asia, he painted

Liu was referring to Japan, of course, but Americans might be forgiven for wondering whether China’s own human rights history and current record is so impeccable as to qualify Beijing as moral judge of Japan. Fair-minded Americans can only shake their head and wonder what has gotten into the Chinese. Maybe their leadership-change process requires top officials to be as finger wagging about Japan as ours requires our own hypocritical politicians to lecture China. way and played down the disagreement, on the sensible ground that nothing should stand in the way of China’s economic development. Japan was becoming both a huge market for China’s low-cost goods and an exporter of many of the quality products it required to develop.

That’s still the basic deal, but sometimes you get the sense of a kind

Japan as Asia’s potential Nazi Germany and cited a recent BBC broadcast Nazis: A Warning from History as a warning to us all to “be on guard to prevent the rise of military fascism.”

Or maybe Beijing is losing sight of what has made its governance credible: economic development. For the good of China, that needs to continue.

And the territorial quarrels need to be

of unwarranted hubris among China’s elite, now meeting to decide its country’s new leadership. Take the recent newspaper op-ed in which a prominent and respected Chinese diplomat berated the Japanese for their claims on the islands in the scolding manner of a schoolmaster.

Worse yet, Liu Xiaoming, China’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, ac-

handled by skilled diplomats. And, for the good of the United States, a grand reexamination of our relationship with China needs to begin soon. It’s the most crucial issue of this past presidential campaign not seriously dealt with. The writer is the author of ‘Conversations with Ban Ki-moon’, the latest in the ‘Giants of Asia’ book series.—Courtesy khaleej Times

Rights of Afghan women at risk of dying during childbirth, chronic poverty, forced starvation for widows and their children, widespread domestic violence, lack of protection in tribal courts and a staggering number of attempted suicides each year.

Women in Afghanistan are still bought and sold in specialised markets. With international help, Afghans have achieved significant milestones over the past 10 years. More than 10,000 women are estimated to have started small businesses. Sixty-five women represent constituencies in parliament. A few dozen women have even joined the military. Moreover, an estimated 2.4 million girls are receiving some degree of schooling; several hundreds have made it to college. These steps are all critical, but equality remains far from inevitable. Tragically, these modest gains and other advances are likely to be lost if the US completely disengages from Afghanistan.

production infrastructure. Many oil production pumps scattered a cross the hillsides around Derik stand idle and lines of cars waited in the town for gasoline deliveries to arrive from the Assad government.

Before the crisis erupted Syria was an oil exporter to Europe. But its strategic position as a transit route from neighboring Iraq, Iran and Turkey outweighs its modest production of 400,000 barrels per day before the turmoil.

Gulfsands operated a production-sharing contract with China’s Sinochem on Block 26 spread throughout the middle of the Kurd region, with oil output running at 24,000 bpd before sanctions hit. But Syrian Kurds only have to look across their border into neighboring Iraqi Kurdistan for an insight into how oil mixes with sectarian and ethnic conflict in the region.

Ten years after the invasion to oust Saddam Hussein, petroleum is still the center of a simmering dispute between Baghdad’s central government and Iraqi Kurdistan. At the heart of the feud is the city of Kirkuk, which sits atop some of the world’s largest oil reserves and is claimed by both the Kurds and the Arab-led central government. “This area will be just like Kirkuk,” said one Syrian activist in Derik pointing to the oil derricks just outside the city. “Everyone will come to fight for this.

—Courtesy Arab News

Taming the dragon

Election data dive CHARLES M BLOW

tricts. Rebels see the PYD working with Assad. “It’s a sign of what will happen in the future,” said PYD activist Mohammed Said.

Already Free Syrian Army rebels are claiming control of oil assets elsewhere.

The Jaafar bin Tayyar Division, a Syrian fighter unit in Deir Al-Zor, said its fighters had taken control of the Al-Ward oil field near the Iraqi border on Sunday. But so far there is little evidence of PYD controlling any oil

tem that promotes fair outcome at the local level. All of these things would help improve the security situation in Afghanistan and the Afghan economy will grow as the country becomes more secure. But to achieve any of this, Afghanistan needs continued support from the US. The international community has already helped Afghanistan a great deal. The constitution enshrines many of the universal, democratic values. I hope that as foreign forces withdraw, development groups will remain engaged. As US and coalition military power decreases, a commensurate increase of “civilian power” is necessary to sustain the modest advances of the past decade. Development programmes such as those run by the US Agency for International Development and the United Nations Development Programme could focus on recruiting aid from

Afghans abroad. Such measures could help provide the skills and capacity that Afghanistan desperately needs, while speaking of women’s rights — and human rights — with a compelling Afghan voice. Article continues below In Afghanistan, most people I have encountered in research and in my daily life are thankful for US and international efforts to modernise the country. We realise that the nature of foreign engagement will change.

To evolve towards a society that respects the rights of women and all minority groups, Afghans hope the US will increase support and incentives for programmes geared towards civil and human rights and for those who can come from abroad and set positive examples while speaking with an Afghan voice. During my time in the US, I have seen the promise that a civil society can hold. I hope that when I return to Afghanistan, citizens of the country will be able to work with US partners to reflect this promise in Afghanistan.—Courtesy Gulf news

MQM again puts off referendum From Page 1 founder and leader of the MQM, has endorsed the decision of the Co-ordination Committee.

It was noted in the meeting of the Co-ordination Committee that the MQM leaders, elected representatives and other office-bearers would be busy in meeting with religious scholars in order to ensure sectarian harmony during the month of Moharram.

Taking stock of all the aspects, the Co-ordination Committee unanimously decided to postpone the referendum. The new date of the referendum will be announced at some later stage.

Earlier, referendum date was fixed 14 November after first postponement.

Every minute under present setup is punishment to people: Nawaz From Page 1 of the rulers, the country has reached to a destination where there was nothing else but darkness ahead.

He said due to corruption and country is faced with serious economic and other crises and the only way was the holding of immediate elections. He said the rulers have no concern for the pain of the people who are denied of even one time meal. He asked the party leaders and workers to prepare for the elections to defeat the anti people forces with the votes of the masses. —INP

106 illegal Pak immigrants reach home From Page 1 while others belonged to three provinces and also Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

It should be mentioned that hundreds of illegal Pakistani immigrants reach Greece and other countries through various routes every month using illegitimate means for their entry into Europe to seek jobs and held in Greece for illegal entry.—INP

POF arms turn heads at Karachi Expo

STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Small and heavy armaments of Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF), put on display at Karachi Expo Centre during IDEAS have been dominants since the show kicked off receiving extraordinary coverage from the media and visiting dignitaries. Foreign delegations, who declared POF products as ‘hot cake’, continued flooding the stalls, decorated with small and heavy munitions, and took keen interest in their details.

“POF is a reliable trademark in weapon manufacturing which has all required capabilities to not only produce innovative weaponries but also to export them to the larger world”, this was ex-

pressed by visiting foreign delegations who kept visiting the stalls of POF. POF Chairman who welcomes foreign military delegations said on the occasion that POF was well aware of its responsibilities to fulfill the high requirements of Pak forces. He said that POF was committed to manufacture the best quality armaments. “We have met foreign delegations during ongoing IDEAS” the POF Chairman added and said that joint venture projects with other countries have been discussed and soon such projects could be initiated.

The chairman hoped that positive results will come out of the dialogues and contacts the POF had with foreign parties. He further said

that IDEAS will go a long way in defense production of the country which has reliable and bright future. He was optimistic to declare that POF had been successful to come up to the modern day challenges and expectations of countrymen for defense production.

POF stalls were visited

by Commander Chief Naval Staff of Oman, Military Attaché Iran Mr. Waliullah Darvesh, Aimel Chu, Romania, Delegation from Chek Repulic, Nigerian Air Chief, and Governor Sindh Mr. Ishrat-ul-Ibad, Gen. Khalid Qudwai, Gen. Shujaat Zamir Dar and Naval Chief Muhammad Asif Sandhela.

Media noticed the huge reception of guests at POF stalls and kept covering every arrival.

Pakistan, Turkey sign pact on simulation, training systems the filed of simulation technology. Sadiq Yemach, chief executive officer of Havelsan, said the two sides could learn a lot from each other’s research and experiments.

He said his firm was providing the armed forces of Turkey as well that of other trading countries with highly sophisticated simulator systems for last three decades.

Sadiq said the transfer of e-government solutions was

From Page 1 also under discussion with Islamabad that would make the governance more efficient in Pakistan by computerizing all the documents.

Meanwhile, Major Atif of MVRDE told the reporters that his side had developed a modern “shooting simulator” which was being displayed at the exhibition for the first time.

He said foreign delegates were taking special interest in

the newly-manufactured product. The simulator, Atif said, would save billions of rupees the resource-constrained country has been spending every year on providing ammunition to the trainee soldiers. According to a rough estimate, an exhibitor said, one shell of a tank costs the government Rs 5 lac. “This would improve training procedures of the armed forces,” Major Atif said.

Woman linked to Petraeus is a lifelong high achiever From Page 1 noted in promotional appearances, taping many of her interviews for her book while running six-minute miles with Mr. Petraeus in the thin mountain air of the Afghan capital.

Ms. Broadwell said in an interview in February that Mr. Petraeus was enjoying his new civilian life at the C.I.A., where he became director in September 2011. “It was a huge growth period for him, because he realized he didn’t have to hide behind the shield of all those medals and stripes on his arm,” she said. Ms. Broadwell was 39 at the time.

Her biography on the Penguin Speakers Bureau Web site says that she is a research associate at Harvard’s Centre for Public Leadership and a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of War Studies at King’s College London.

She received a master’s in public administration from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.—Agencies

1990 polls, subsequent govt were bogus: Kaira From Back Page sult of the 1990 elections had lost its legal standing.

“It was Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)chief Nawaz Sharif who licensed Younis Habib’s Mehran Bank to operate in the country “, information minister added.

The truth had finally seen the light of the day, Kaira said.

“Who were the people who gave money, and to whom was the money given was now written on the wall for everyone to see”, he said.

Information Minister said Malala Yousufzai was symbol of the school of thought followed by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto, adding that, the Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) followed the school of thought of the Taliban.

Kaira said PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif will have to answer for taking funds from Osama bin Laden and formation of the IJI. He said Mian Nawaz Sharif should not show haste as elections would be held on schedule. —INP

PM: 2013 general elections year ter Raja Pervez Asharaf said that media likes action and there is no better action than a general election. “Those of you who know our history would appreciate the reconciliatory politics envisaged

by Shaheed Mohtarma Shaheed Benazir Bhutto and implemented by President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari”, he added.Prime Minister Raja Pervez Asharaf said that being a student of politics for more than two decades, he acknowledges the role of media in the development of a country.

Media not only builds the image but also creates perceptions, he added. He said the media also keeps the government in check by holding it accountable for its policies and measures. He said media and governments always work for the common good of a society. Their roles may differ sometimes, but their goal remains the same that is the collective well-being of the people, he added.

He said, “We believe that

also sets limits. The interpretation of the constitution is not a curricular or extra-curricular activity of the courts that they should start interpreting it on their own and change the real text. Nobody has bestowed this power on the court.

The court has the power of interpreting the constitution only when a constitutional body or person needs an interpretation of any clause of the constitution and approaches the court for help. Otherwise as it is said—to make the people understand— the justice is blind.

The court cannot see any thing itself except what is shown to it. Last year a judge in a Western country was removed from the jury because he had come after doing research about the case on the internet. It was concluded that he had already made up his mind and his mind was not in a position to assimilate new facts. But when the judges start reading newspapers, meeting the columnists, watching the talk shows and indulge in similar activities, they will surely lose their impartiality.

Because, apart from dissemination of news through the newspapers some people are also engaged in engineering information to change the landscape of realities according to their own perceptions and faith.

If a judge listens to them he might be influenced by their opinion in which case there is a likelihood of their impartiality being affected. If you ask a reporter of a bureaucrat recently turned Mullah, what is obscenity, the answer will be typical of the custodian of a mosque.

Creating a balance in opinion on policy matters is the responsibility of the political institutions and not the courts. Do we have to listen to the 180 million people or a few individuals?

This is a decision to be made by the authority which has to go back to the people. The court should not have any concern with it.

Emphasis has also been

From Page 3 given on closing the rumour actions rather than haste. Ismill. It has been observed that sues cannot be resolved by some journalists and anchor someone sitting till the evening. persons present their own men- The uncalled for alacrities can tal contrivances as news, then be harmful. We must ponder the make it a subject of their edito- question, aren’t we harming the rials and hold talk shows on national interest through our them in the evening. Specially limited perceptions? Rule of law an editor of a newspaper sit- should not mean rending the ting in USA churns out news things as under. A Prime Minisbased on his whims and wishes ter is sent home, the second is and then indulges in offering sent warrants on the morning comments on those of elections like giving a guilty fabrications.This behaviour verdict before even the allegamust be discouraged and tion is proved right and the third checked. Similarly the political is under the scepter of allegapersonalities are ridiculed and tions. allegations hurled on them One day the newspapers come openly. Though there are defa- up with roaring headlines that mation and libel laws in exist- the provincial government has ence but if any person files a lost the authority to govern case against irresponsible re- and the next day it is declared porting or false allegations, the that even the federal governdecision is not delivered for ment has lost its writ. But since years with the result that the when the Supreme Court has law loses its efficacy. Human the authority to decide it? It is Rights Watch report for 2011 the prerogative of the people. confesses that the political As is said in the folk wisdom, leadership of Pakistan takes the the horse is ready and so is flak directed at it cheerfully and the field. The field is being the media enjoys complete free- readied for the contest. The dom. elections are going to take However the report points out place. The President has apthat the court has considerably pointed such an honourable succeeded in gagging the me- person as the Chief Election dia and secured its prestige Commissioner through nathrough a court decision. But tional consensus, who has no preventive measures have never taken an oath under been taken to safeguard the PCO, has not been subservireputation of the elected repre- ent to any dictator and not sentatives, representative insti- authorized any non-elected tutions and national security person to amend the constituagencies against the indiscre- tion. Take it easy my Lord, the tions of the anchor persons and time for taking decisions is althe clucky-marginal notes of ready determined. Elections the newspapers based on com- will be held and the people will ments made about political per- tell who was doing good govsonalities in the court. Even the ernance and whose good govmasses do not have this facil- ernance was only a fake enity because decisions are not actment. People are the best delivered and their reputation judge and we should wait for remains hanging in balance. their verdict. It is not for the It has also been said in the court to decide on good govpress release that all the insti- ernance. This has to be detutions want to do something cided by the people. Every inbut haste can bring both posi- stitution has its own respontive and negative implications. sibilities. And the job is well Otherwise, the truth is that un- done by those whose responnecessary haste generates sibility is it and if someone else negative consequences. The tries to do it, he will make a state affairs can be handled and mess of it. resolved through thoughtful The court will not decide every

thing. Gone are the days when democratic governments were sent packing on the pretext of good governance and six to seven judges would decide what was good for the people.

Now a lot of water has flown under the bridge and a lot of blood has also been shed. Now the people will not allow anybody to tamper with the constitution. It is not fair to continue blaming the elected parliament, governments and the institutions. A suggestion was preferred that FC may be withdrawn and sometimes it was said that the police may also be relieved of its duties. If all of them are removed then who will take their place and maintain law and order my brother? One morning on the basis of a news item in the newspaper it is said that the Taliban have arrived and should be arrested. Have the Taliban arrived only yesterday and will they welcome you when you go to arrest them? It requires consensus and planning. The terrorists are even caught but they are released. It is said that the prosecution had a weak case and could not prove it. The prosecution had requested the court that the son of the Syed was not guilty but he was sent home. If the court can send a Prime Minister home against the will of the prosecution, then which holier place (Mecca) the terrorists have come from?

The constitution has delineated the roles of all the institutions. Who will work where and how the Police will conduct itself, how the crimes can be controlled, on what rates the sugar will be sold and how the flow of traffic can be made hazardless. Like all the civilized nations the people of Pakistan appoint the federal and provincial administrations and if they do not perform well they are rejected by the people.

If the court starts deciding these issues it will constitute a breach of the constitution.

This will harm the people instead of serving their cause. It

facilitating more exchanges within the SAARC region and beyond.

The Prime Minister also mentioned a quote by James Nachtwey that “Photography can put a human face on a human situation that would otherwise remain abstract or merely statistical.” “Photography can become part of our collective consciousness and our collective conscience. It is a way to remember history and try not to relive the mistakes of the past.” He said “It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words.

This emphasizes the importance of photographs in dissemination of our messages.” He said the role played by photographers and photo journalists in a society cannot be over emphasized.

“This is why this first Convention of South Asia Photo Journalists Society is so important and in my opinion marks a watershed in the promotion of photo journalism in our region,” he added.

PIA to start new flights from Medina Currently three flights in a week are operating from Medina to Pakistan; These are: Madina-Karachi; Medina-Karachi-Multan and Medina-Islamabad. Madina office became online from last year and since then the revenue has increased considerably.

There was revenue of about 16 million Riyals when the Medina station was off line which enhanced to 20 million Riyal in 2011.

Shahid further pointed out that the revenue of PIA’s Madina station was 20. 43 million last year whereas the

From Page 1 revenue till October this year has enhanced to 22 million while the target for the year has been set at 26 million Riyal.

He said that from Madina some seven airlines operate and besides PIA these include Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Emirates, Gulf Air and Turkish Airline etc.

Last year 11,992 passengers travelled to Pakistan by PIA from Madina and this year this number so far has increased to 13,068. Around 43,000 Hajis from Madina would travel via bus to

Jeddah from where they will take their flights to Pakistan.

The Hajis would be transported by Pakistan Hajj Mission in Saudi Arabia and we expect on time departures of Hujjaj by buses from Medina to Jeddah Hajj Terminal.

PIA has, so far carried over 33,000 Hajis to Pakistan on board 79 Hajj flights while over 5,700 Hajis have travelled through PIA regular scheduled flights to Pakistan. The airline’s Post Hajj Operation is continuing with on time Departures from Jeddah to Pakistan.

All bound to respect constitution: Iftikhar

PAF JF-17 Thunders undertake aerobatic sortie in China

From Page 1

From Page 1

struggle to uphold the country’s constitution and its laws.

The chief justice said the courts are solely held responsible for imparting justice but they alone cannot impart justice without proper assistance of the lawyers and other stakeholders. “The well prepared lawyers with their valuable and logical arguments assist the courts in order to achieve

the ends of justice. They have to raise voice for the protection of the fundamental rights of the people.”

The CJP said unprecedented, unique historic lawyers’ movement has taken the country to such an exalted position that the whole world has never witnessed such glory before. “The sacrifices of the civil society and the media cannot be separated from the pages of historic movement,” he added.

He said the great and historic lawyers’ movement for the independence of judiciary was to ensure the noble cause of justice. The chief justice does not add to the prestige said the judiciary is aware of of the court and it also be- the confidence which was reposed through the efforts for comes controversial.

As a forum for hearing com- its independence.—INP plaints against orders of the administration, it is essential to CHANGE OF NAME separate the judiciary from the MUHAMMAD OZAIR On my executive. Democratic states I,(Certificate & NIC) my name achieve success through the has been mentioned as principle of tri-chotomy of pow- KAMRAN ATIF which is incorers. According to the collective rect. I want to get change my form wisdom of humanity, the pur- name ATIF to MUHAMMAD pose of keeping judiciary away KAMRAN OZAIR and if any person / orfrom administrative affairs is ganization / that the adjudicator between agency has any objection, the the parties should be accept- same may be intimated in writto able to all of them. Whereas in ing & NIC) and Any the administrative affairs there (Certificate D o c u m e n t s . are certain issues where one Candidate Name option is preferred over the MUHAMMAD QZAIR other. These decisions can be ADRESS, H NO-ZA-2661 wrong and the authorities mak- STREET NO-2 Nawab Colony ing the decision are likely to Near Karaj Factory Rawalpindi come under criticism. That is why the judiciary is protected from it. The executive is elected and dismissed by the people.

The people do not have the authority to dismiss a judge.

The right to rule belongs to the people and they or the parliament that they elect are the final authority in this regard.

Whether a government can deliver or not is to be decided by the people and not the court.

The constitution has prescribed a period after which a reference to the people is mandatory. The court has no concern with it. Any judge has the right to differ with a policy or decision and express his opinion but for that he will have to wait for the next election. And mind you, one man has one vote in the elections irrespective of the position he holds.

How did the government perform, is decided by the people not the judges. In the end let me point out a matter of principle that the judges ought to speak less so that less is said about them. There are many other professions for clucking of the tongue. The persons opting to become judges have to render this sacrifice. It is good for judges not to speak much, if they do, they will (have to) hear much as well.

The arrival of spring has reopened all the accounts It neither has the responsibility to protect it. The judiciary is only bound to dispense justice according to the constitution and law in a situation where it is called upon for arbitration. It is utmost essential for an arbitrator to maintain impartiality.

The International Judicial Commission in its report for September 2011 has pointed out that the Supreme Court of Pakistan is transgressing its limits in regards to its Suo Moto jurisdiction which is harming the process of justice. An eminent member of the Commission Judge Graham Lewing observed that due to the institution of cases by the Supreme Court using its Suo Moto powers and then hearing those cases itself, the right of appeal of the petitioners is being undermined. The authenticated legal experts of Pakistan also accept the right of appeal.

The Commission also expressed concern over corruption in the courts and said it was vitiating the trust of the people in them. It further said that taking notice of the government initiatives by the court could be beneficial in certain cases. Nevertheless the court must avoid to interfere in everything because it can be damaging instead of ensuring success of justice. Therefore the court must exhibit restraint.

A representative body of the lawyers has endorsed the observations of the Commission report and urged the Supreme Court to be careful. They have said that the Commission has rightly advised the Supreme Court not to tresspass into the affairs of the executive because the countries are run according to a system under which all the institutions have their own limits. They also expressed disapproval of the SC interference in the lower courts and advised it to avoid it. The power to interpret the constitution is not absolute. No court can go beyond the unambiguous clauses of the constitution. Similarly the case law, in vogue for years,

From Page 1 an independent and free media is essential for strengthening of democracy and institutions.” Nations can only develop and progress when media is independent and plays its role freely, the Prime Minister added. He said the government of Pakistan Peoples Party is committed to media freedom. The party struggled for media freedom and rendered sacrifices for this cause, he added.

Raja Pervez Asharaf said even the staunchest critics of his government would bear testimony to the fact that “We have shown great restraint and tolerance in the face of harshest criticism.”

He congratulated Pakistan Association of Photo Journalists (PAPJ) and all other organizations for hosting the event in this city. He said the event not only presents a great opportunity for photojournalists within Pakistan to share their experiences and develop their skills but also highlights the imperative of

pilots was witnessed by a large crowd including International media. The inverted flying manoeu-ver by JF-17s pilots while staying parallel to runway was greatly admired by the crowd .

JF-17 is co-produced state of the art combat aircraft in its category and is a symbol of deep rooted friendship between China and Pakistan.

The 9th Zhuhai Air Show-2012 will formally be inaugurated on 13 November and will continue till 18 November. This is the second time that Pakistan Air Force is participating in this International Air Show.—APP

CORRECTION OF NAME I, RIZWANA AKHTAR On my (NIC) my name has been mentioned as RIQWANA which is incorrect.

I want to get change my name f o r m RIQWANA AKHTAR to RIZWANA AKHTAR and if any person / organization / agency has any objection, the same may be intimated in writing to (NIC) and Any Documents. My NIC NO-37405-8948533-8 Candidate Name RIZWANA AKHTAR Father ’s Name MUHAMMAD AKHTAR ADRESS, H NO-30, STREET NO-7, Mohallah Nai Abadi Dhowk Gangal, Rawalpindi

Pak-India ties witnessing all-round progress: Kumar KARACHI—Making his first suring an all round develop- graph in the state. “Improved

CSTC to provide ships to Pak Navy KARACHI—China Shipbuilding Trading Corporation will provide four new F-22P ships to Pakistan Navy this year, a senior naval official confirmed. The Chinese company has been involved in Pakistan since 1980s, and has also been working with Karachi Shipyard and Pakistan Navy. Pakistan has been importing the F-22P multi-purpose frigates from China for last three years. —Online

Gas supply to industries suspended FAISALABAD—The production process in Faisalabad industries has been marred by the two days gas closure while the daily wageworkers are also jobless.

Following a gas load management program issued by Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited for Faisalabad industrial zone, gas supply was restored from Nov 5 to Nov 10 but the supply was again closed at 6 am on Saturday for two days. This situation has pushed the labourers into severe difficulties, leaving them jobless while the production process has also halted.—INP

CDs shop blown up in Charsadda CHARSADDA—Some unidentified militants on Saturday blew up a CD shop with explosive device in Purana Bazaar area on Saturday. According to police sources, some militants planted explosive material with a wall of CD shop overnight that went off with a big bang in which the shop was completely destroyed. Police sources said that three other neighbouring shops were also damaged in the blast. Police cordoned off the area and started investigation in this regard.—INP

PCNS to meet on Nov 16 ISLAMABAD—Meeting of Parliamentary Committee on National Security (PCNS) has been convened on November 16 to accord approval to the recommendations about missing persons. The meeting will take place in Parliament house with Senator Mian Raza Rabbani in chair.

The members of committee will sign the recommendations. All the members of the committee through a notice issued from National Security Council secretariat have been directed to ensure their presence in the meeting so that the recommendations on missing persons could be sent to the government with their signatures.—Online

visit to Pakistan, chief minister ment,” which was both “a chalof Indian Bihar state Nitish lenge and an opportunity”.

Kumar Saturday said he was cap- “With our resolve for growth tivated by the warmth of broth- with justice manifold achieveerhood and goodwill here as he ments have been marked across shared his experiences in realiz- sectors like governance, law and ing his quest for ensuring an all- order, human resource developround development in his state. ment, infrastructure and agricul“Pakistan and India have ture,” he said.

Kumar said there is strict common history and heritage.

Our bilateral relations are wit- control over organized crime renessing an all-round progress. sulting in overall dip in crime We take pride in shared history that goes back to time immemorial,” Kumar said at a luncheon hosted by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah.

“I feel happy to be in Pakistan. I bring good wishes and greetings for people of PakiKARACHI: Indian Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar along with Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali and members of Sindh stan,” said the chief minister, Assembly coming to lay floral wreath at mausoleum of Quaid-i-Azam on Saturday. who arrived here Friday on a week-long visit to Pakistan.

He said he was “deeply touched” by the hospitality extended to him on his first visit to Pakistan. “I have been captivated by the warmth of brotherhood and goodwill.” Sharing his experiences, Kumar, who became Bihar’s chief minister in 2005, said that “seven years ISLAMABAD—United Nations ponent of girls’ education. He cities in the United States. “Toback we started our quest for esSpecial Envoy for Global Edu- believed that the silent majority day, we can say with certainty LAHORE—Secretary General, tablishing governance and encation Gordon Brown Saturday is speaking and that there is now that as long as there are girls out Jamaat e Islami Pakistan, Liaqat said Pakistan can achieve more national consensus that the of school anywhere in the world, Baloch has demanded of the US progress during next three years country can delay no longer in Malala will be their beacon of to end intervention in the region than any other country in the ensuring girls and boys have hope. Visiting Pakistan and ev- and pull out its forces for the world as the whole nation has schools to go and teachers to erywhere I go, the message I have sake of peace in the region.

In a statement issued here on received is the same: we are all consensus for promoting educa- teach them.”

Saturday, he deplored that hun“Country after country is with Malala,” Brown said. tion as basic right of every child.

Brown also appreciated dreds of innocent people includ“This is a breakthrough mo- adopting Malala as their symbol ment for Pakistan’s five million for a girls’ right to school,” Pakistan’s creation of four new ing women and children had Malala schools, a Malala Centre been killed in drone attacks on out-of-school children as result Brown commented.

Brown who also telephoned for Women Studies and a Malala Pakistani soil. of Malala’s courage,” Brown He said the drone strikes said addressing a news confer- Malala’s two friends Kainaat and Postgraduate Institute.

During his meetings with should be stopped and the inence after his two-day visit to Shazia, both injured in attack, Pakistan that also coincided with said not just in Asia but Malala ministers of education from ev- ternational community must Malala Day observed worldwide Day is being observed with ery province, he said everyone feel its negligence over the vioto honour the girl who has be- people taking action on every expressed their commitment to lation of human rights and income a symbol of resistance continent from Latin America delivering educational opportu- ternational laws.

He further demanded that against Taliban and strong pro- and Europe to Africa and several nities for girls and boys.—APP the US should avoid supporting India for initiating subversive activities in Pakistan and the international community should play its role to solve the KashBAGHDAD—Iraq is reconsider- fense missiles. The deal would has been formed to avoid any mir issue in accordance with the UN resolutions. ing plans to buy more than $4 have strengthened Russia’s ties suspicions.”

Liaqat Baloch demanded of The comments came a day billion in arms from Russia, of- to oil-rich Iraq at a time when ficials said Saturday, throwing the ruling regime of longtime after Russian President the government to recover the KARACHI: Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira adthe proposed purchase into Mideast ally Syria risks falling Vladimir Putin reshuffled the missing persons and take the dressing a press conference at Bilawal House. Sindh Infornation’s top military brass fol- path of result oriented and mation Minister Sharjeel Memon was also present. question just weeks after it was in the country’s civil war.

It now appears unlikely the lowing the removal of Defense peaceful dialogue for solving announced.

The turnaround follows the sale will go through as previ- Minister Anatoly Serdyukov political and economical issues. KARACHI—Federal Minister that millions of fake identity He was of the opinion that for Information and Broadcast- cards were used against the Paearlier in the week. ouster of Russia’s defense min- ously planned.

“When the prime minister Putin tied Serdyukov’s re- the government should act upon ing, Qamar Zaman Kaira, has kistan Peoples Party in 1988 and ister earlier this week, and allegations by Iraqi lawmakers returned from his trip to Rus- moval to an inquiry into alleged Parliament resolutions in order said that both the elections of 1990.“Many phony campaigns and local media that the pend- sia, he started reviewing the military corruption, though to get rid of US intervention in 1990 and the subsequent govern- were set in motion to undermine ment formed were bogus.

PPP in those days”, Kaira said. deal as a whole,” the prime many in Russia believe he was the domestic affairs. ing deal is tainted by graft.

“That government now “The anti-education policies The Minister added that in Prime Minister Nouri al- minister’s spokesman, Ali al- fired because of a brewing battle over the distribution of be ended and strict measures be stands illegal”, Kaira said while the wake of the Supreme Court’s Maliki traveled to Moscow in Moussawi, said Saturday.

“The deal now is under in- hundreds of billions of dollars’ taken against the anti-education speaking at the Pakistan Peoples verdict in the Asghar Khan case, October and outlined plans to buy the weapons, including he- vestigation. So far, nothing has worth of defense spending over elements,” he further de- Party Media Cell here in Karachi the government elected as a reon Saturday. He also claimed manded.—INP licopter gunships and air de- been proven. A new committee the coming years.—AP Continued on Page 7

Brown optimistic for Pak in achieving educational targets

Police recover kidnapped govt contractor DERA ISMAIL KHAN —The police recovered a kidnapped government contractor after exchange of fire with abductors here on Saturday. Two persons were injured in the clash.

According to details, the police signalled to stop a suspected vehicle near FC fort but the accused present in the car started firing at police. The kidnapped govt contractor Pervez Iqbal taking advantage of fire exchange managed to free himself from abductors and reached to the police for security.—INP

Syrian opposition blames West D OHA —The newly elected leader of Syria’s main opposition bloc in exile struck a combative tone Saturday, saying international inaction rather than divisions among anti-regime groups are to blame for the inability to end the bloodshed in Syria.

George Sabra, the new head of the Syrian National Council, told The Associated Press in an interview that the international community should support those trying to topple President Bashar Assad without strings attached, rather than linking aid to an overhaul of the opposition leadership.

Sabra, a Christian and a veteran left-wing dissident who was repeatedly imprisoned by the regime, said he and others in the opposition feel let down by their Western and Arab allies. The Syrian opposition may have

Baloch demands withdrawal of US forces for peace in S Asia

1990 polls, subsequent govt were bogus: Kaira

Iraq reconsiders $4b Russian arms plans

many foreign friends, he said, “but unfortunately we get nothing from them, except some statements, some encouragement.” The regime “has few friends, but these friends give the regime everything,” he added, referring to Assad allies Russia, China and Iran.

The U.S. has become increasingly frustrated with the SNC’s failure to forge a cohesive and more representative leadership, which would provide a single conduit for future foreign support. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton harshly criticized the group late last month.

Sabra, 65, headed an SNC delegation Saturday in talks with rival opposition groups on forging a new, broader opposition leadership.—AP

law and order has paved the way for restoring the authority of the state. No communal riots or social discord has been witnessed in the last seven years.”

Multifarious schemes and programmes have been launched for socio-economic development of minorities with special emphasis on their educational development, the chief minister said.—INP

Four more shot dead in Quetta violence QUETTA—Gunmen shot dead four more people and wounded three others in Saturday in a fresh sectarian attack.

According to police, six persons from the Shiite Hazara community were passing from the Jinnah road in a taxicab when they were targeted by two gunmen waiting for them at a traffic signal.

Two persons were killed at the spot while one succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.

The gunmen fled the crime scene on a motorcycle, the police said.

On Tuesday gunmen shot dead three Shiite Muslims from the Hazara community in a similar attack in Quetta which also left two others wounded.

In Barkhan, a Bank Manager was killed in firing during dacoity. The unknown armed men later escaped from the scene before the police and FC could reach the site of the incident.

Meanwhile Hazara Democratic Party has condemned the firing incident in Quetta.—INP

The dangers of diet soda

T

HE ads for soda with “zero calories” are very tempting. The only other beverage that can boast that desirable feature is water, and while it may be good for hydration, it’s far more tempting to the taste buds to grab a can of diet soda.

But calories are not the only thing you should be concerned about in the beverages you drink. Many of the ingredients in diet soda have been proven to be harmful to your health and can lead to a host of chronic illnesses. Suddenly that glass of water isn’t looking so bad!

A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine that was conducted by researchers at the Columbia University Medical Center and the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine found that people who drank diet soft drinks on a regular basis had an increased risk of suffering a vascular event such as a stroke or heart attack. The results were based on data taken from the Northern Manhattan Study, which surveyed 2,564 adults as to their diet and rate of soft drink consumption.

Participants were categorized into one of three groups: no soft drink consumption, light soft drink consumption (1 per month to 6 per week) and regular consumption (one or more per day). The mean follow-up lasted for 10 years, after which they examined the association between soft drink consumption and vascular events.

Even after controlling for age, sex, ethnicity, smoking, physical activity, body fat, daily calories consumed and general

diet, and including taking any pre-existing vascular conditions such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome and high blood pressure into account, it was found that those who drank diet soft drinks every day had a 43% greater risk of suffering a vascular event than those who drank none. Interestingly, those who drank regular soft drinks or who drank diet soda only occasionally had no increased vascular event risk, so the danger appears to lie in the “diet” aspect of the beverage.

The sweetener that is commonly used today in diet sodas is aspartame (more commonly known as NutraSweet or Equal), which is about 200 times sweeter than sugar and is synthesized from genetically modified microorganisms. Our metabolism breaks aspartame down into aspartic acid, phenylalanine and methanol, with further breakdown producing formaldehyde and formic acid.

There is 180 mg of aspartame in a 12ounce can of diet soda.

Dr. Russell Blaylock, a board-certified neurosurgeon who wrote the book, “Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills,” noted that aspartame is “a poison that affects protein synthesis; affects how the synapses operate in the brain, and affects DNA, it can affect numerous organs. So you can get many different symptoms that seem unconnected.” Aspartame is an excitotoxin that can accumulate in the brain and excite the neurons there to the point of death in some cases.

ISLAMABAD: Women light earthen lamps during a vigil by PPP Women Wing to celebrate Malala Day at National Press Club.

PIMS enquiry completed against 4 young doctors CITY REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—Enquiry report against four junior doctors for ransacking and scuffling with senior doctors during the young doctors strike has been completed.

According to PIMS sources, PIMS EDO Dr Riaz Warriach had formed a committee to probe the incident in which 4 young doctors ransacked the EDO office and scuffled with the senior doctors during the YDA strike.

Sources said that the completed report would be sent to CAD by the hospital administration after which punishment for the rowdy doctors would be suggested.— ISLAMABAD: Zahid Malik, Editor-in-Chief, Pakistan Observer addressing during APNS Online Capital Committee Meeting at Islamabad Club. Sarmad Ali, President APNS, Mehtab Khan of Ausaf, M. M. Gurmani of Nawa-e-Waqt, Tahir Mughal of Nawa-e-Pak, Ghulam Akbar of Al-Akhbar, Rukhsana Saulat of Nikhar, Owais Ahmad of Dawn, Amjad Ali of Jang Group, Inyat Ullah Khan Niazi of Pakistan, Gauhar Zahid Malik, Executive Editor, Pakistan Observer, Khushnood Ali Khan of Jinnah & Sahfat, Kashif, Khabrain and Waseem Ahmad, Awam are also present on the occasion.—PO photo by Sultan Bashir

International Malala Day celebrated

Malala Zindabad Convention pays tributes to symbol of Edu, peace STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Malala Zindabad Convention has appreciated the United Nations declaration of November 10 as Malala Day. Malala Zindabad Convention was arragned by the International Human Rights Observer (IHRO) Pakistan which is member organization of the United Nations.

The chairman of International Human Rights Observer (IHRO) Dr Khalid Aftab Sulehri said that this is historical day and initiative and would help to promote education, especially female

education in Pakistan.

IHRO would continue its efforts to promote the Malala,s mission on each and every level without any fear and doubt. IHRO receiving threats for arranging “Malala Zindabad Convention “ but it will be continued shoulder to shoulder all supporters of theMalala including , Gardon Brown, United Nations, Government and civil society organizations he added.

Mr. Khalid Sulehri said that Malala is hero of the nation and great example of courge for all the member

states of the United Nations.

He also appreciated the messages of the Secretary General of the United Nations Mr. Ban Ki Moon and President of Pakistan Mr. Asif Ali Zadari on Malaladay.

Former Federal Minister for Human Rights Syed Mumtaz Alam gillani said thatMalala is a great example to wash the terrorism from the face of the nation.Malala ‘s day recall the world that girls and entire nation is brave and can stand against any evil and terrorism.

Malala will be remembered in the history of the world as a brave young girl

Iqbal Day celebrations

Human rights activists pay rich tributes to Malala

PPP protects women rights ISLAMABAD—Federal Minis- pation of women in its eco- political and economic emter for Political Affairs Maula Bux Chandio said on Saturday that Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) always protected women rights during its tenure and the same would continue in future.

Talking to APP, he said that it is simply unimaginable for any country to grow without vibrant and equal partici-

nomic, social and political life.

To a question, he said without attending to 49 percent of Pakistan’s potential, the dream of self-sufficiency will remain only a dream.

He said in line with the vision of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, the present PPP government has made strides in the realm of women’s social,

powerment.

He said in order to provide the working women with an enabling environment, a separate law against harassment at workplace has been passed, 10 percent quota has also been fixed for women in all federal jobs.—APP

Poets enthrall audience at Aiwan-i-Quaid

I SLAMABAD —Chairperson Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has said that Malala Yousufzai is a symbol of courage against militancy and promotion of education in the country.

Talking to Radio Pakistan, she said Malala deserves noble prize for her great struggle against militancy.

US based human rights activist Bina Sarwar has also appreciated the step to celebrate Malala Day and said Malala Yousufzai is a symbol of ISLAMABAD: Bakhshi brothers presenting Kalam-e-Iqbal in connection with Youm-ecourage for even Ameri- Iqbal organized by Nazriya Pakistan Council (Trust) at Aiwan-e-Quaid Fatima Jinnah cans.—APP Park.—PO photo

Strokes of perception in vibrant colours SANA JAMAL

ISLAMABAD: CEO Roots International Schools Walid Mushtaq, Dean of Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Argentine Rodolfo J. Martin Saravia, High Commissioner of Malaysia Dr. Hasrul Sani Bin Mujtabar, Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic Alik Orozov, Ambassador of Tunisia Mourad Bourehla, High Commissioner of Kenya Mishi Masika Mwarsahu, High Commissioner of Mauritius Muhammad Rashad Daureeawo and others after a session of RYMUN General Assembly.—PO photo

he added. President of Pakistan is a great leadership who stood first to facilitate all facilities for Malala,s treatment and her safety.

Renowned women rights activist Dr Farzana Bari said that Malala is a name of the love, peace and ambassador of education for each and every child in theworld now.

She admired the message of the Secretary General of the United Nations Mr. Ban ki moon and Mr. Gardeon Brown and also federal Government for supporting and promoting the Malala ,s mission and day.

ISLAMABAD—The latest art display in the city, the work of Fariya Zaeem, that opened here at Gallery 6 on Saturday evening, was regarded as refreshing and delightful by the art lovers.

The exhibition, titled ‘Lyrical Waves,’ present remarkable set of abstract paintings done in varied and rich mixed media including watercolours, acrylics and pastels.

Fariya Zaeem’s paintings reflect on her artistic journey that began when she was 11-year-old and started painting landscape and still life in oil and watercolours. The current

art exhibit is Fariya’s third solo exhibition, the first one in Islamabad.

Fariya identified herself a contemporary expressionist painter, while speaking at the preview day. She said watercolours were her preferred medium as she enjoyed the translucent effects it brought to the substrate. She has experimented with weton-wet, dry-on-wet, salt technique, shrink-wrap, bubblewrap, dry flat, round and all kinds of brush strokes and bleeding effects. The artists enjoys the juxtaposition of both watercolours and acrylics to bring paradoxes in her work. She believes that combination of two opposites brings an interesting procre-

ation such as the play of transparency and opaqueness, dark and light or ying and yang. She has also introduced pastels in her work as they blends well with the softness of water colours and acrylics to create further depth in her works.

Explaining the nature of Fariya’s artworks, Dr Arjumand Faisel, the curator of Gallery6, said: Her work is more about a certain temperament, a desire to communicate concepts, thoughts, ideas, and emotions abstractly, beyond merely exploring art principles of composition, tone, value, line, hue, texture. Her paintings are based on lyrical abstraction that primarily conveys

a sense of the larger spiritual outlook.”

Commenting on her own work of art, Fariya stated, “I paint intuitively with spontaneous strokes, gestural elegance and fluidity a transportation for both artists and viewers into a visual landscape and dialogue of vibrant hues, unfolding swirls, textural depth and layers forming their own narratives. I have experimented various techniques and embraced serendipitous moments on my substrate to bring the unexpected out of the ordinary.”

The exhibition will continue daily, including Sundays, till November 24.

STAFF REPORTER I S L A M A B A D —In the Mushaira arranged by Nazriya Pakistan Council (NPC) Islamabad at the Aiwan-i-Quaid in connection with weeklong celebrations to pay tributes to Allama Iqbal, the poets mesmerized the audience comprising senior citizens, students and literature loving families from all walks of life.

Presided over by the veteran poet Anwar Masood with Amjad Islam Amjad in the chair as chief guest, the Mushaira featured a number of prominent poets including Shabnam Shakeel, Dr Ehsan Akbar, Dr Waheed Ahmad, Noureen Talat, Anwar Feroze, Mujtaba Sherazi, Asghar Abid, Tariq Naeem and many others representing all modern trends of poetry.

NUST-SEECS holds 5th undergraduate convocation STAFF REPORTER

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06:00 01:30 04:00 07:00

November 12 LAUNCHING of book ‘Confronting the Bomb’ edited by Pervez Hoodbhoy at 4:30 pm at Kuch Khaas, House No 1 Street 1, F-6/3 Islamabad. ***** HUSSANIA conference organised by the Markazi Imam Hussain Council, at the Pearl continental, The Mall Rawalpindi, 2 pm. ***** TWO-DAY 35 th annual ‘World Haseenia Conference’ will be held at Pearl Continental Hotel, Rawalpindi at 2:00 pm.

Ulema and Mashaikh will address on the occasion. ***** SDPI Screening of Documentaries on Sufi Message: Love, Peace and Harmony, 3-5 pm at SDPI Seminar Hall, 38, Embassy Road, G-6/3.

I SLAMABAD—As many as 259 graduating students received degrees in the disciplines of Electrical Engineering, Information and Communication Systems Engineering and Information Technology during 5th Undergraduate Convocation of NUST School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Held at the main campus of National University of

Sciences and Technology here on Saturday, the ceremony was attended by distinguished guests from academia, government departments and corporate sector, besides parents of the graduating students. Sikandar Mustafa Khan, Chairman Millat Group of Companies graced the occasion as the chief guest.

President and Rector gold medals were awarded to outstanding graduates on the basis of academic perfor-

mance and final-year projects.

Additionally, three gold medals sponsored by TechAccess, National Radio and Telecommunications Corporation and University Research Centre were awarded to students based upon their merit positions.

Muhammad Imran and Maheen Khalid from BIT-9 won President and Rector’s Gold Medals respectively.

Essam Muhammad Idris Khan and Ameen Yousuf from BICSE-5 won the President

Rampant violations of Marriage Act in Pindi R AWALPINDI —Contrary to is given to union council sec- ies of the union councils. the directives of Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, the one-dish ordinance and closing wedding functions before 10 ‘O’ clock could not be implemented in Rawal Town and Cantonment Board Rawalpindi.

Some of the marriage halls remain open till late night besides one-dish ordinance is being violated in the wedding ceremonies while district administration and other relevant authorities are least concerned over the issue.

Citizens talking to INP said that the important task

retaries in Rawal Town, adding that these secretaries lack authority as people resort to aerial firing and fireworks causing inconvenience to dwellers of the localities.

On the other hand, a marriage hall located on Sixth Road in the jurisdiction of New Town Police Station remained open and loud music was coming out as people were offering morning prayers in nearby mosques.

They suggested that the task should be handed over to high official rather than giving the same to secretar-

Sources said that as next general election was drawing near, some local politicians have directed relevant officers to be lenient in this connection.

Administrator Rawal Town Saif Anwar Jappa, when contacted about violation of one-dish ordinance and timely closure policy of marriage halls, said that secretaries perform duties at union council level, adding that upon identification strict action would be taken against marriage halls defying the policy.—INP

***** NAZRIYA Pakistan Council (Trust) is holding a lecture in Arabic on Fikar-e-Iqbal at 3:30 pm.

Former Ambassador Javed Hafeez will deliver the lecture at Aiwan-eQuaid F-9 Park.

ATC grants time to Sehba’s lawyer, adjourns hearing R AWA L P I N D I—The

R AWALPINDI —The District Consumer Court on Saturday summoned Chief Executive Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) for not supplying water to a bill paid consumer.

The complainant, Barkat Ali submitted a petition in the court of Judge Suhail Nasir on the poor services and non-availability of water. He prayed to the court that he is facing acute shortage of water despite paying heavy bills per month.

In the application, he said that it is the prime responsibility of the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board to provide and ensure the proper provision of water supply in the locality.

He said that RCB should use other resources like water tanker for the supply of water to meet the water requirements.

The honorable judge directed RCB to submit written reply on this complaint.— APP

R AWALPINDI —Illegal con-

I S L A M A B A D —The federal ISLAMABAD: An old disable person selling newspapers to earn his livelihood at a busy square in Federal Capital.

Murree Road occupied by auto showrooms

Japan provides relief for flood affectees

I SLAMABAD —Japan is to the damage update issued by R AWALPINDI —TMA Rawal provide emergency relief the National Disaster ManTown has failed to end car showrooms on footpaths and service roads on Benazir Bhutto Road (Murree Road).

The service roads and footpaths in Rehmanabad and Liaquat Bagh are fully grabbed by the auto showrooms, depriving the pedestrians from a facility specifically provided to them.

Sources said that inquiry into the allotments to the showrooms owners at Shamsabad on the directives of high officials was buried upon political pressure.

Similarly, pedestrians and visitors are very irked by the transporters who park their vehicles on pedestrian areas blocking the way of the commuters and smooth flow of the traffic. Moreover, the visitors of the Nawaz Sharif Park have to face problems in parking their vehicles as the parking is occupied by the small merchants and handcart vendors, besides the vehicle show rooms.—INP

goods worth up to 35 million yen (around 437,000 US dollars) to Pakistan. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will implement the assistance by providing tents, blankets and plastic sheets to meet the dire needs of those affected by the floods in 2012.

Even after two months since the monsoon caused floods in the southern Punjab, the northern Sindh and the north-eastern Balochistan, a large part of these regions still remains under water. According to

agement Agency of Pakistan on November 7, 474 deaths have been reported and approximately 5.04 million people (including approximately 160,000 persons in relief camps) have been affected so far. As the winter approaches, items such as tents, blankets and plastic sheets are urgently needed.

In the light of friendly relations between Japan and Pakistan, the Government of Japan has decided to carry out emergency assistance to alleviate the sufferings of those affected in the regions.—INP

IHC’s six benches ISLAMABAD—Chief Justice of Justice,Justice Riaz Ahmed Islamabad High Court Iqbal Hameed-ur-Rehman has constituted five single and one division bench to hear over 300 cases during next week starting from Monday (Nov 12).

Five single benches will comprise the Chief

Khan,Justice Muhammad Anwar Khan Kasi, Justice Noorul Haq N Qureshi and Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui.

The division bench (DB) comprises Justice Muhammad Anwar Khan Kasi and Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddqiui.—APP

Rawalpindi Anti-Terrorism Court on Saturday adjourned the hearing of the petition against the seizure of the assets of former military ruler Pervez Musharraf ’s assets filed by his wife, Sehba Musharraf, to Nov 17.

The petition, filed in response to the Benazir Bhutto assassination case, was heard by Justice Chaudhry Habibur Rehman.

During the hearing, Sehba’s counsel Advocate Ilyas Siddiqui informed the court that he had been unsuccessful in contacting his client regarding the details of her assets and would not be able to submit the said information in court today.

Subsequently, the court granted him time and adjourned the hearing until Nov 17.—Online RAWALPINDI: A gypsy family seen travelling on donkey cart on IJ Principal Road.

tives and efforts to promote research and innovation in the country. Expressing his admiration, he said, “Universities in the developed countries are important tools to expedite national development.

They are the wellsprings of research and intellectual activity in a country. It is a matter of great satisfaction that in alignment with NUST traditions, SEECS has attained a high mantle of excellence in a very short span of time.

Especially praiseworthy are the strides achieved in the field of research and collaboration with world class universities and research centres. I salute the initiative and sustained efforts of NUST in building meaningful linkages with industry.”

Earlier, Rector NUST, Engineer Muhammad Asghar congratulated SEECS team of highly capable and gifted people on transforming this premier NUST School into a model institution with envi-

able international credentials. “Here is a living and vibrant example of what focused vision with a matching passion, dynamism and commitment can accomplish.

The newly formed NUST schools will find in the success story of SEECS much to learn and emulate,” he appreciatively remarked. The convocation concluded gracefully, leaving its indelible imprint on the minds of young graduates and their families.

Consumer Court summons RCB Chief Executive

Encroachments persist along Nullah Leh Road

Moharram security plan chalked out government has issued directives to the law-enforcers for strict security arrangements during the approaching holy month of Moharramul Haram.

The federal government has directed the lawenforcement agencies including police to ensure fool-proof security arrangements to avert any untoward incident during the holy month of Moharram.

The provincial governments have been directed to ramp up security at mosques, imambargahs and madaris (seminaries) and set up control rooms at vital points in the city.

According to the security plan, surveillance cameras will be installed on routes of the processions to be taken out in the holy month.

Police’s quick response force and ambulances would also be available on duty on the rallies’ routes.

The units of bomb disposal squad will also move with the mourning processions.—Online

and Rector’s Gold Medals respectively. Syed Kamran Haider and Bilal Zafar from BEE-4 claimed President and Rector’s Gold Medals respectively. Ameed Khalid from BIT-9, Kinza Nasrullah from BEE-4 and Hifza Javed from BICSE-5 achieved the Industry gold medals.

In his convocation address, the chief guest extended felicitations to graduating students, their parents and faculty. He complimented NUST on its dynamic initia-

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar is addressing South Asian Youth Conference.

Locals resents school shifting R AWALPINDI —Despite tall School is the oldest school claims of the Punjab government to promote education, shifting and amalgamation of various schools has endangered the future of a large number of girls students studying in these institutes.

Residents of Saddar area talking to INP deplored the Punjab Education Department for merging and shifting policy of schools, saying that first, Fatima Jinnah Girls School was shifted to Ratta Amral then Shoukat Middle School and now Govt Pak Islamia Elementary Girls Middle School located in Sheikh Fazal Elahi is being transferred.

“I have decided to withdraw my four daughters of getting education in protest of the merging of schools,” said, Naeem Awan, a resident of Cantonment Board.

“Fatima Jinnah Girls

in Sheikh Fazal Elahi area. My mother got education from this school. The school is shifted to Rata Amral under conspiracy” he added.

Residents said that shifting of the school might cause massive dropout of girls’ student as their parents were not in position to afford exorbitant pick and drop charges.

They said that delegation of the locals called on EDO (education) Dr Qazi Zahoorul-Haq in his office but no effective steps could be taken in this connection.

Despite repeated protests against merging of schools, the education department was seen adamant to the miseries of masses, the residents lamented.

Residents appealed Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif to open Danish Schools in Saddar area.—INP

Education must not be made victim of militancy: Bakhtawar I S L A M A B A D —Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari has said that Pakistan needs world attention for its courage against the forces of extremism.

In a message she said “we must not let education be a victim of militancy‚ but make it our most effective weapon against it.”

She says that the National Commission for Human Development has announced a campaign to build Malala Schools in about 16 flood hit districts of the country.

She said Pakistan needs all the global attention‚ not for our tragic terror attacks and our losses‚ but for our courage demonstrated again and again.— NNI

struction and encroachments continue alongside Nullah Leh on Murree Road due to the apathy of Tehsil Municipal Administration, Rawat Town.

The wall constructed on the Murree Road flanking Javed Colony nullah has been demolished and illegal parking slot was established allegedly in connivance with the TMA Rawal Town.

Moreover, after filling both sides of the nullah on Murree Road with mud and construction of concrete walls plots were also allegedly developed.

Resultantly, water enters houses in low laying areas during rainy season due to decreased width of nullah because of illegal construction but RTMA staff including local lawmakers plays the role of silent spectators over the issue.

The damaged wall flanking Murree road was repaired two months back but some elements demolished the same after few days and established parking slot.

Citizens demanded district government to take notice of the illegal constructions on nullahs and stop encroachments in the RAWALPINDI: Vendors busy in sorting the good quality onion at Shamsabad Suncity.—INP day Bazaar.

4 more martyred in ongoing military operation

Authorities prevent Geelani’s forum from holding seminar S R I N A G A R —T he Indian the operation. The army leader from holding a semi- Kashmir Assembly, Engineer troops in its latest act of state terrorism have killed four more youth at Hanuman in the Keran area of Kupwara district. The killings took place during the siege and search operation being carried out by the Indian army and paramilitary forces in the area.

Helicopters are being used in the action by the Indian forces. More troops have been sent to the area to join

Massive anti-Indian army protest SRINAGAR—People staged a massive anti-Indian army protest at Nowgam Langate in Handwara.Residents of Nowgam and other adjoining villages led by MLA of socalled Kashmir Assembly, Engineer Abdur Rasheed assembled in front of an Army camp and staged protests against harassment and inconvenience being caused to the people by the Indian army in the name of security checks.

People including Panchs and Sarpanchs joined the protest and demanded that people should be granted free movement in the areas.—KMS

Kashmir settlement imperative for peace: Mirwaiz SRINAGAR—The Chairman of All Parties Hurriyet Conference (APHC), Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has said that amicable settlement of Kashmir dispute is imperative for permanent peace in the region.Mirwaiz Umar Farooq in a media interview in Srinagar said that it was unreasonable to expect peace from New Delhi, which had stationed 700,000 troops in the occupied territory.

Criticising Defence Minister AK Antony for saying that no hasty decision can be taken on the draconian law, Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) revocation, Mirwaiz said, “This is the unrealistic approach of the Indian Defence Minister. The Minister cannot be in any haste to remove AFSPA because their boys are not asked to report to police stations on Eid or their Republic Day and Independence Day. Neither do they have to face harassment at the hands of forces everyday; nor have they to live under the constant fear of army.” Mirwaiz said that the Indian government should change its approach towards the Kashmir dispute if they want peace to return to Kashmir and start a purposeful dialogue process. “In 2006, we had proposed five Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) to start dialogue on Kashmir, but Government is yet to fulfill those,” he added.

Reminding US President Barack Obama of the reference he made on Kashmir four years back, the APHC Chairman said, “In 2008 he raised the dispute of Kashmir, but in last four years he has backtracked from his word.”

He said that the Hurriyet leadership could not remain a mute spectator to the problems faced by a common man. With the onset of winter, ministers and bureaucrats as a routine flee to Jammu and leave a common man at the mercy of God.—KMS

claimed that the martyrs were militants.The veteran Kashmiri Hurriyet leader, Syed Ali Geelani in a statement in Srinagar said that India was bent upon dividing Jammu and Valley on communal basis. He warned that New Delhi had planned to repeat the 1947-like massacre in Jammu.

On the other hand, the authorities prevented the forum patronised by the veteran

Abdur Rasheed.

An Indian army official in a media interview in Srinagar said that a colonel was killed when fire broke out in a barrack in Bandipora town, this morning.

In New Delhi, the Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front, Muhammad Yasin Malik underwent surgery at a hospital for kidney ailment. According to doctors, his condition is stable.—KMS

Women participants call for easing cross-LoC travel, trade MUZAFFARABAD—An intraKashmir dialogue of women concluded here, with more than a dozen recommendations regarding free and trouble free traveling between the divided parts of Jammu and Kashmir as well as empowerment of Kashmiri women for a tangible role in peace-building.

Held in a local hotel here the event saw participation by women from Kashmir Valley, Jammu and Ladakh, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC). Organizers said six formal sessions were held during the two days of conference wherein three broad inter-linked themes came under discussion.

These themes included ‘gender and peace building: understanding women narratives,’ ‘em-

powering women in peacebuilding,’ and ‘women inclusive security and sustainable peace building in Kashmir.’

According to a consensus statement, released at the conclusion, the participants called for easing of cross-LoC travel regime by simplifying the administrative cum security clearance procedures, particularly hassle free travel for senior citizens and emergency travel. In this regard, they reiterated introduction of a smart card for free movement of state-subjects across the LoC besides improvement of facilities along the travel route and at the crossing points, provision of gender sensitive public convenience system, such as better roads, better communication facilities and monetization of trade.

The travel facility should be extended to post-1990 refugees living in Azad Kashmir as well, they aid. Calling for increased cross-LoC interactions between women entrepreneurs, educationalists, lawyers, journalists, students and conflict resolution experts, the stressed that women should form cross-LoC coalition for peace in Kashmir and act as an advocacy cum pressure group to make their voices heard.

An intra-Kashmir confidence building measure and common agenda regarding preservation of environment specifically forests and water management and natural disaster response was also recommended. For sustenance of the ceasefire along the LoC, they suggested relocation of heavy artillery.—NNI

ISLAMABAD: AJK Prime Minister Ch Abdul Majid comforting Information Advisor Murtaza Durrani over death of his father.

Govt reviews security of Hurriyat (M) leaders SRINAGAR—In a significant

development Government is reviewing the security of the Hurriyat Conference leaders ahead of their Pakistan visit next month. Sources told Greater Kashmir that decision to review the security of pro-freedom Kashmiri leaders was taken during a high level meeting here.

“The review commenced two days after the Hurriyat Conference Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq chaired a meeting of conglomerate leaders to finalize the modalities of their visit to Pakistan,” said a source. He said the team comprises Additional District Magistrate Srinagar, Inamul-Haq Siddique, Deputy Superintendent, Nighat Amaan, Inspector, Suhail, Assistant Executive Engineer PHE, Assistant Executive Engineer PDD and a Fire Brigade official from J&K Fire and Emergency Service.”

The team, according to the sources, called on Mirwaiz and Ithad-ul -Muslimeen Chief, Abass Ansari, “And they visited the residence of Peoples Conference Chairman, Bilal Gani Lone, Hurriyat (M) spokesperson, Shahid-ul-Islam and Fazl ulHaq Qureshi and discussed various issues related to their security.” Interestingly for the first time, government has included officers from Power Development Department, Public Health Engineering and Fire and Emergency Service.

MUZAFFARABAD: AJK Education Minister Mian Abdul Waheed and Irrigation MinisSources also said that based ter Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore at a function. on the threat perception to separatist leaders, team has recommended additional security to them.—NNI

High Court verdict on Talaaq: Justice Kirmani files petition for rehearing

S RINAGAR — Former High interpretation but there is limi- told KNS, that the writ petition Court judge, Justice (Retd) Bashir Ahmad Kirmani has filed a writ petition in the Jammu and Kashmir High Court for rehearing of the Bilquees case, in which the court had given its verdict on October 29 holding that the practice of ‘arbitrary’ divorce or “power of husband to pronounce Talaaq (divorce) is not absolute or unqualified.”

In the 23-page judgment by Justice Hasnain Massodi, the court had held the view that “husband cannot have unrestricted or unqualified power to pronounce the Talaaq.”

Justice Kirmani confirmed to KNS that he had filed the petition in the state High court.

“The case involves the question of interpretation. There can be two opinions when it comes to

PROF ALI SUKHANVER

T

nar on ‘Shrine Board’s plans and their negative impacts’ in Srinagar, today.

Troops were deployed in strength around the residence of Syed Ali Geelani in Hyderpora where the seminar was to be held. People staged a protest demonstration against excesses of Indian army at Nowgam Langate in Handwara.

The demonstration was led by the MLA of so-called

hey hang the victims upside down; they stab them with sharp instruments, force ob jects such as chilies or thick sticks into their rectums and most of the time the victims have to face severe beatings, electric shocks and crushing heavy rollers”, says a report of Amnesty International on the situation of human rights violation at the hands of Indian forces in the Indian Occupied Kashmir.

Human rights violation is one of the most favourite topics for research and discussion for the western society which feels pride in calling itself a philanthropist society. But unfortunately all its humanitarianism and preaching of kindness comes to an end when the victims of human rights violations are the Muslims. Be it Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Palestine, Afghanistan or Pakistan; the western countries display the same unconcern and indifference to the situation.

And when it is the issue of human rights’ violation in the Indian Occupied Kash-

tation in interpretation of the Qur’an. Quran is the principal source of the Muslim Law and the interpretation of any Muslim Law should not contradict with its primary source (Qur’an)”, said Kirmani while talking to KNS. He said objective of the rehearing is to put another opinion before the court. “Let it decide which one is more appropriate among the two. Methods of interpretation in Muslim Law is itself prescribed by the Qur’an”, said Kirmani. Justice Kirmani said that he will himself be pleading the case before the court. In the petition Justice Kirmani has mentioned para 26 and 27 of the judgment praying for the allowance of his writ petition for re-hearing. Sources

was filed and was entertained by the High Court Registrar. Case has been listed and the date of hearing will be enlisted soon, the sources added.

“The judgment touches upon some very crucial questions of the Family Law applicable to the vast of majority of the population of the State and is likely to operate in a wide area, as such, in its given texture requires a thorough second look”, reads the petition. “…while determining the certain basic facets of ‘Talaaq’ under Muslim Law, the judgment limits consideration of the subject in fullness, leaving certain elements integral thereto out of its purview, rendering the findings inapt and hence to pen to misapplication.—NNI

Indian colonel killed in barrack fire

Panchs, Sarpanchs unintentional agents of New Delhi SRINAGAR—Calling panchs and sarpanchs as ‘unintentional agents of New Delhi’, senior resistance leader and National Front Chairman Nayeem Ahmad Khan has expressed apprehensions that the panchayat members may be provided arms on the pattern of infamous Village Defense Committees. This may be done so that Kashmiri society will get divided and Kashmiri people will forget the illegal occupation of India over the state, he said.

Addressing party workers at Baramullah Khan said “The issue of panches and sarpanches is being taken in such a manner from Srinagar to New Delhi that it has become clear now that

India is working on a plan to provide arms to some panches and sarpnaches on the infamous VDC’s pattern so that Kashmiries can be divided more and more”. “India is working through its local collaborators to divide Kashmiri people since long. Presently Panches and sarpanches are being used to divide Kashmiri society,” he added.

Khan elaborated and said, “These panches and sarpanches have become unintentional agents of India and so called state Government that is why they are being used by police, agencies pro-India political parties and everybody, they are being asked to participate in

Kashmir is in my blood: Javed Iqbal MUZAFFARABAD—Urging the Kishan Parshad. He wrote a let- Din Foq, Maulana Anwar Shah leadership of India to “give a chance to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to decide their future”, Justice (Retd) Javed Iqbal, the son of poet-philosopher Sir Muhammad Iqbal, has said that like his legendary father “Kashmir runs in my blood as well.” “My father was in love with Kashmir. I am also in love with Kashmir. Kashmir is in my blood,” Dr Javed told Kashmir Reader on the sidelines of the three-day cross-LoC women’s dialogue in this capital of Azad Kashmir.

Recalling the historical visit of his father to the Valley in early ‘20s, Dr Javed said Iqbal was “deeply impressed” by the beauty of the Valley. “During his stay in Lahore my father was in contact with Maharaja

ter to him on May 5, 1915 and expressed his wish to visit Kashmir. Ultimately, the dream came true in 1921 when Iqbal visited Kashmir to appear as a lawyer in the case of Rehman who was a resident of Srinagar.

Rehman was not freed but his death sentence was turned into life imprisonment,” Dr Javed, who and his wife Nasra, were specially invited by the organizers to attend the cross LoC-women’s dialogue, said.

“My father spent two weeks in Kashmir also stayed in a houseboat in the Dal lake,” Dr Javed said. He said Iqbal wrote the poem ‘Saqinama’ in Nishat garden during his Kashmir visit in 1921. “In Lahore, Iqbal was in close contact with his Kashmiri friends like Munshi Muhammad

of a tradition, a culture and a civilization. The people of the Indian Occupied Kashmir are looking towards the world peace-makers for the remedy of their pains and sorrows. They also want a peaceful and prosperous life of independence liberty and sovereignty. They are waiting for someone who could save them from the clutches of this neverending series of atrocities.

The unending series of human rights violations is agonizing and painful not only to the people of the Indian Occupied Kashmir but also to the Indian soldiers deputed there in the valley. Most of the officers and soldiers are well aware of the fact that in the name of responsibility and duty they are compelled to support the forces of wickedness and villainy against innocent people but they are unable to detach them from this vicious circle of tyranny and oppression.

The situation casts a very negative impact on their personality and as a re-

Kashmiri, Mir Khurshid Ahmad, Sheikh Abdullah, Abdus Samad Kakru, Dr Muhammad Rafi-ud-Din, Pirzada Ghulam Ahmad Mehjoor and Munshi Siraj-udDin,” he said.

On his return to Lahore, Dr Javed said Iqbal was frequently talking about Kashmir. “He was worried about the situation then prevailing in Kashmir when Pakistan was not created. So it is an ample proof that Kashmiris have been suffering even before Partition. Now it is time to end the miseries’ of these peace-loving people,” Dr Javed said. Dr Javed said Iqbal’s poetry is still source of inspiration for the whole Muslim world and “I am pleased to hear that Kashmir University has done a lot work on Iqbal.”—NNI

SRINAGAR—An Indian army colonel was killed when fire broke out in a barrack in Bandipora district, today.A spokesperson for the Indian army’s Srinagar-based 15th Corps in a media interview said, “A colonel died in the fire which gutted a barrack in Bandipora.”

The spokesperson said that probe had revealed that the fire was triggered by an electrical short-circuit, which killed the army officer.

However, the army did not release the name of the deceased colonel. The incident occurred in an army camp located about four kilometres from Bandipora town on the Bandipora-Gurez road, it was said.—KMS

KUPWARA: Indian troopers detaining a group of people during siege and search operation in Keran area of Kupwara district in IHK.

The miserable fate of Indian soldiers mir, this cold apathy reaches its climax.

In the blood-dripping valley of Kashmir, every day dawns with fear of new episodes of terror and horror and every sun sets with so many sad incidents of cruelty and brutality in its lap.

Today the people of the Indian Occupied Kashmir are living in a hell where all that belongs to them is at stake. Their sons are slaughtered, their daughters are raped, shops are ransacked and homes are burned, the heads of families are kidnapped and kept in illegal detention for years and years by the Indian military troops. The people of the Indian Occupied Kashmir have been facing this worst situation of human rights violation for the last many decades but none of the so-called caretakers of human rights violation is ready or even willing to listen to their painful sighs and cries.

Turning a deaf ear to the agonizing cries of the Kashmiris and crushing all their basic rights has simply become the name

Government and pro-Indian political events so as to prove these events a success”. “India wants to divide Kashmiris to the extent that they will have no time to think about Indian occupation and will remain busy in fighting each other,” Khan said.

Nayeem Khan warned that if New Delhi by the help of it’s local Collaborators succeeded in its plan that will be a repetition of the black Ikhwani age that was used by India to divide the Kashmiri society. “Earlier infamous Ikhwani’s were used by India and pro-Indian politicians and now the preparations are on to use panches and sarpanches,” Khan warned.—NNI

sult of this impact so many soldiers and officers of the Indian army start behaving abnormally; many of them have been declared psycho patients by the doctors.

Committing suicide, killing their fellow officers and soldiers with their official weapons and most of the time sexual exploitation of the female members of the army staff; these are very common and frequent incidents.

According to the Kashmir Media Service, since 2003 till today, more than one thousand soldiers and officers from the Indian troops in the Kashmir valley have committed suicide. Only this year till 31st July, more than 62suicides have been reported in the Indian forces. 2006 was the ever worst year when the number of the suicides in Indian army officers and soldiers touched its climax, i.e.129.

The Defence Institute of Psychological Research India (DIPR) says in a recent analysis on the increasing

trend of committing suicide in the Indian army that mental stress is one of the major causes of suicides in the Indian army. Dr Mushtaq Marghoob, a noted psychiatrist in the Kashmir Valley, says that stress in the Indian armed forces has to be considered an expected outcome, and should be planned for as such.

He says, “They too are human; being on the forefront, they are witness to severity, and are exposed to traumatic experiences. When facing life-threatening incidents, their coping mechanisms give up, and they fall prey to psychological disorders. A few months back the Rediff News published a report on the increasing number of suicide attempts in the Indian army, the title given to the report was shocking as well as alarming; “Suicides killing more Indian soldiers than wars”.

Vicky Nanjappa of the Rediff News

said in the report, “The Indian army has been in the news and off late, and more often than not, for the right reasons. The startling statistics in this context paint a very grim picture – the number of suicides in the armed forces is on a steady rise.”

The situation demands no doubt a care and understanding of a very compassionate and sympathetic nature.

The soldiers and officers of the Indian army are not the robots.

They are also living beings blessed with caring hearts and loving brains. The cruelties they are compelled to do against the helpless people of Kashmir, leave a saddening impact on their hearts and brains and ultimately they have to surrender themselves against their own internal emotional pressure which results in form of suicide.

The only solution to this crisis is that the people of the Indian Occupied Kashmir must be given the right of self determination. It is the only viable, original and the most universally accepted way out to this problem. Courtesy—Kashmir Watch.

Govt takes economy from collapse to growth path

Special visa service L AHORE —India has announced special visa service for All Pakistan Textile Mills Association [APTMA] members to promote bilateral trade and investment. Addressing an APTMA meeting in Lahore, Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan Sharat Sabharwal announced one year triple entry visas covering ten cities for Pakistani textile manufacturers. He also informed that India can export electricity and refined petroleum products, including liquefied natural gas to Pakistan.—Online

STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—Federal Minister for Finance, Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh said on Friday notwithstanding eight big inherited challenges, the government’s prudent polices brought about macroeconomic stability, reduced inflation to single digit, maintained fiscal discipline, created jobs, doubled revenues and bolstered the vulnerable segment of the society.

The government focused on sound monetary policy to FCCI’s conference bring down inflation rate and F AISALABAD —Faisalabad ensured fiscal discipline by Chamber of Commerce and taking austerity measures, he Industry (FCCI) is holding a said while talking in a talk conference on “Revival of Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf cutting the ribbon to inaugurate the Al-Haj FAW Motors Automobile assembly show on Pakistan Television.

Pakistan Economy” on The inflation rate has plat at Bin Qasim Karachi.

Monday. Eminent intellecbeen reduced from the peak tuals and economists of the 25 percent in 2008 to 9 percountry have confirmed to cent now, which he described address the conference. as a great achievement of the More than 500 participates from wide spectrum of society are expected to attend this conference W ASHINGTON —The United being organized by FCCI, K ARACHI —Prime Minister and the government is ready mands and fuel efficiency States plans a $6.7 billion sale said Mian Zahid Aslam, President FCCI. Outlining Raja Pervez Ashraf has as- to provide them experimen- vehicles manufacture. Prime of 20 heavy cargo aircraft and the concept and details of sured the government’s tal opportunities. He said no Minister said we are proud five refueling planes to Saudi STAFF REPORTER the Conference, Mian Zahid commitment to adopt all pos- country would touch the of our time tested friendship Arabia, the Pentagon anAslam said that the sible measures for the devel- fruits of development with- with China which is taller than nounced on Friday, in a deal LAHORE—Pakistan’s leather Conference will circle the opment of automobile indus- out the active participation of Himalaya‚ deeper than to be approved by Congress. exports have declined during The multibillion-dollar the last five years due to inthe private sector. He said oceans and sweeter than top economic issues faced try in the country. deal includes the cost of train- consistent policies and neby the economy and He was addressing the Pakistan has the full poten- honey.

Raja Pervez Ashraf said ing, logistical support, parts glecting attitude of the govproposals and recommeninaugural ceremony of FAW tial to fulfill the demands of that there is no collision of and associated equipment ernment towards this sector dations arrived in the Al-Haj Automobile Assem- the private sector.

He said as the business any national institute and the for the aircraft, said a state- and the poor law and order Conference will be forbling Plant here. Prime Minwarded to the authorities ister expressed satisfaction flourishes the country would government completed its ment released by the Defense situation, according to a enabling Government and that with the commissioning go towards progress and five years’ democratic tenure. Department’s agency for for- working paper of Pakistan policy makers to make Tanners Association (PTA). of this plant‚ 1500 persons prosperity. Raja Pervez He said democracy is flour- eign arms sales.

Notice of the deal was sent decisions in order to put The leather sector exhave been given jobs. He Ashraf said we could reduce ishing and we have to ignore the economy of Pakistan on said each one of us has to the trade deficit by increas- the negative elements ham- to Congress on Thursday, the ports of India, Bangladesh, pering its growth. He asked US Defense Security Coopera- China, have increased during the right direction and play his role for the develop- ing our local industries.

He asked for the adop- the labors‚ technicians and tion Agency said, noting the this period, it said. track. Chamber Chief said ment of the country. that almost all the arrangeThe PTA’s working paper He expressed the hope tion of the latest technology those gifted with capabilities proposed sale of 20 C-130J-30 ments for successful that the motor plant would in all the industries to cope to come forward and serve Super Hercules planes and five asked the ministry of comKC-130J aircraft, an extended- merce to provide 50 percent organizing of the Confermanufacture low price cars with the international de- their country. range tanker version of the C- subsidy to the sector for parence have been finalized 130s ,would sustain Saudi ticipation in the international while the eminent speakers Arabia’s “aging fleet.” have confirmed to address fairs so that Pakistan’s secCongress has 30 days to ond largest exporting sector the Conference.—INP raise objections, otherwise the can be promoted. deal will be concluded. The Pakistan’s leather sector PQ shipping activity statement said the sale would exports have declined to K ARACHI —Three ships STAFF CORRESPONDENT mendations by Nov 12. Profit “contribute to the foreign $1,043 million in 2011-12 from STAFF REPORTER arrived at the Port to load/ margin of the CNG stations policy and national security of $1,220 million in 2007-08, it offload containers at QICT would be decided on the the United States by helping said. Total world market has I SLAMABAD —The Oil and and diesel oil at FOTCO on ISLAMABAD—The capital-in- Gas Regulatory Authority recommendations of the au- to improve the security of a grown by $39 billion during tensive Reko Diq mining November 9. Berth occudit report, the sources said, friendly country that has been, project will create 2,500 jobs (Ogra) has issued a contract adding, that Owais Haider and continues to be, an impor- this period, reaching $137 bilpancy was maintained at lion from $97 billion. Contrary for conducting emergency during construction and 200 71% at the Port on Friday audit of CNG stations to as- and Noman Liaquat Com- tant force for political stability to this, India has increased afterwards, according to a where a total of nine ships pany is among the 14 best and economic progress in the its share in the global market World Bank report on jobs certain the actual and pru- auditing firms as ranked by Middle East”.—INP namely M.V Karadenizby more then $1.3 billion and dent cost.

Powership, M.V DN Vatan, which also raised concern The contract of audit the State Bank of Pakistan. over extremely low women M.V Leo Pard-B, M.V Maha Earlier, the regulator inhas been issued to Owais Deepa, M.V Lantau Arrow, participation in the labour Haider and Noman Liaquat vited reputable audit firms force and youth unemployM.V MSC Jade, M.V auditing firm. They said the through expression of interment in the country.

Beagle-III, M.V Phutal-19, est (EoI) to conduct a cost The World Development firm would recommend the audit/cost analysis of CNG M.V Double Prosperity, production cost and the Report on Jobs says that the M.T AL Salam-II are profit of the CNG stations. industry while acting upon STAFF REPORTER currently occupying berths Reko Diq project needs an inSTAFF REPORTER The audit company is the decision of the apex to load/offload containers, vestment equivalent to 4% of likely to present its recom- court.

Continued on Page 14 K ARACHI —Karachi Stock L AHORE —Consumers are cement, rice, wheat.—APP Exchange Managing Director not only braving the high Nadeem Naqvi has said lack cost of edibles but are also Work together of adequate financial literacy forced to bear the hidden and capability coupled with costs charged from them for energy inadequate level of under- through adulteration, subStaff Reporter standing and due diligence standard weights and meaL AHORE—Indian High makes investors vulnerable sures as state regulators igCommissioner Sharat and their response so far is areas of bilateral defence co- to unscrupulous activities nore these malpractices.

STAFF REPORTER Sabharwal has said that very over whelming. Turkey operation and the extent of in- and unwise investment deciThe impact of high comIndia is engaged in a and China are the biggest dustrial cooperation between sions as they may ignore ba- modity rates have been comI SLAMABAD —IDEAS 2012 dialogue with Pakistan in sic prudent measures before the energy sector, particu- has seen a remarkable re- exhibitors and Heavy Indus- Pakistan and other countries. entering into a contractual pounded by these practices tries Taxila and NORINCO The meetings expressed sponse as 56 countries from that reduce the quantity of larly in three areas, includaround the globe are partici- China have signed an MoU satisfaction over the ongo- agreement with a financial the product purchased ing export of refined ing collaborations in the field service provider. pating with 209 companies in for Al Khalid tank. through the use of substanpetroleum products to He was talking to the stu- dard weights, flushing water According to it, the comof defence. The minister also total out of which 135 are forPakistan, supply of 500MW panies will be working for the visited the exhibition and dents and faculty Members of in the meat, adulteration of eign and 74 are Pakistani. electricity to Pakistan and joint marketing of Al Khalid said; “Weapoms aren’t pro- IBA, University of Sindh who milk and chilies, they said.

In the current security LNG project for next five tanks and several other prod- duced for utilization in war participated in the 5th scenario, the participation “The weights used by the years. He was addressing ucts. Minister for Defence but in present times the main Programme of Interactive retailers and roadside venthe members of All Pakistan and coming together of so many countries under one Production Sardar Bahadur purpose is to utilize them for Learning Series “Preserving dors, particularly for vegTextile Mills Association roof speaks volume of the Ahmed Khan Sihar met many peace and prosperity of the and Growing your Savings” etables, fruits and meat are (APTMA). “The private success of the defence exhi- defence delegates who called nation. Pakistan he added, which has been specifically tai- not of uniform standard,” sector’s role is crucial for on him at the sidelines of believes in global peace and lored for school/ college/ uni- said Nishat Yusuf, a profesbition. trade normalisation expect the same from the rest versity students, and Jointly sor in a government girls colThe interest of the re- IDEAS 2012. between Pakistan and Organised by KSE and ICM. lege.

The Minister discussed of the world.” gional defence companies India,” he said. “The dialogue process resumed in 2011 when India withdrew its objections related to EU concessions to Pakistan”. It increased the degree of trust between the two countries with reciprocthe IPPs and other power 28.41 billion to the gas com- as well as government de- injection enabled DISCOs to STAFF REPORTER ity from both sides, which producers, resulting in panies, Rs 32.77 billion to partments, which resulted pay the outstanding bills of led to serious trade talks, he I SLAMABAD —The cash- long-hour power outages. the oil companies, Rs 78.72 in non-payment to the IPPs IPPs to overcome fuel shortadded. “India allowed starved government is The outstanding payments billion to WAPDA hydel and other power producers. age. investment from Pakistan Sources further added struggling to make pay- of the IPPs and power pro- and Rs 26.67 billion to other Sources said if Discos reby lifting restrictions,” he ments to the Independent ducers have affected their companies. Meanwhile, the cover said outstanding bills that government has desaid.

Power Producers (IPPs) and capacity to purchase the government has to pay Rs from private consumers as cided now to recover outother power producers due fuel and other supplies 321.37 billion to Indepen- well as government depart- standing bills from private to severe financial con- used to generate electricity. dent Power Producers ments the issue of out- consumers as well as govstanding payments to IPPs ernment departments on straints, as outstanding Non-payment of Rs 488 bil- (IPPs).

Sources were of the and other power producers priority basis in order to repayments surged to Rs 488 lion has deteriorated the solve the issue of payments billion that deteriorated the power supply in the coun- view that Discos (power could be resolved. distribution companies) Sources said that govern- to IPPs and other power power supply in the coun- try.

Inflation isn’t an Act The break-up of Rs have failed to take any ac- ment was forced to provide producers to improve the try. of God. High inflation The government has 487.93 billion outstanding tion to recover power dues huge subsidy of Rs 1100 bil- electricity situation. The is a man-made failed to give outstanding payments revealed that that surged to Rs 420 bil- lion in last four years to the government would issue disaster. amount of Rs 488 billion to government has to pay Rs lion from private consumers power sector. The subsidy notices to disconnect the

PM assures govt’s commitment to develop automobile industry

Reko Diq mining project can turn economy around

US plans $6.7b aircraft deal with Saudi Arabia

Leather exports fall due to damaging policies

Contract issued for CNG stations audit

Financial illiteracy hampers investment

government.

On the other hand, the government implemented fiscal discipline which is evident from the fact that as compared to 10-11 percent increase in inflation rate, the federal government expenditures have gone up by just 6 percent while that of provinces increased by 21 percent.

These expenditures included defence, payback loans and civil government expenditures, which he said remained stagnant at Rs 200 billion.

Giving details about the performance of revenue collection system, the federal minister said that the tax collection has been more than doubled from Rs 1000 billion to Rs 2300 billion during the past four and a half years.

The Federal Minister for

fetching $4.86 billion market share from $3.548 billion share during this period.

China’s share has increased to $41.325 billion from $28.171 billion and Bangladesh is fetching $765 million from $719 million.

Explaining the reason of substantial growth in Indian market share in the world, PTA Chairman Agha Saiddain said that prudent policies give India an upper edge in the world markets.

“The share of India in the global market of $137 billion is 3.55 percent, or $4.86 billion (2011-12). With an increase in the global market of leather and leather products from $98 billion to $137 billion, India has not only retained its market share but has been successful in increasing it, he said.

The market share of Pakistan has squeezed from one percent to 0.73 percent, which is alarming,” according to the working paper.

It explained the Indian strategy for promotion of its leather sector. India has a

Finance, Dr Hafeez Shaikh said the tax collection ratio has increased by 21 percent as Rs 350 billion additional revenues was collected in the financial year 2011-12.

The government is following the strategy of selfdependence and in this regard more and more new tax payers are being brought under tax net.

He said there were some sectors which were enjoying zero rating facility but have now been brought under tax.

Dr Hafeez Shaikh said the people who are not paying their due taxes and non-filers will be brought under tax net, whereas the people who are already paying their taxes are being facilitated by reducing tax burden on them.

“In the current fiscal year’s budget, we have done away

Continued on Page 14

Pakistan, Iran moving towards barter trade STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —Pakistan and

Iran are slowly moving towards barter trade as Iranian inspectors have collected samples of Pakistani wheat for quality check, a step that may lead the two countries to an arrangement under which Pakistan will export one million tons of wheat.

An Iranian team recently visited Pakistan and took samples of wheat to soothe away fears about quality. In exchange for wheat, Tehran will export fertiliser and iron ore to Pakistan. “Yes, Iranian quality inspectors came to Pakistan and got samples of wheat to pave the way for export,” Ahmed Bakhsh Lehri, Secretary Food Security and Research, told reporters.

After examination of wheat, Pakistan will start exporting the commodity to Iran, he said. In July this year, Pakistan agreed to supply wheat at $300 per ton, the price prevailing at that time.

Continued on Page 14 In exchange, Pakistan will import fertiliser, but the two sides have yet to finalise a price. Pakistan has a surplus wheat stock of 1.5 million tons and even after export of one million tons, 500,000 tons will be left in reserves.

“I have verified this by buying fruit or grocery from one shop or vendor and then checking the quantity at various shops,” she said, adding, “In seven out of 10 cases, the weight of the commodity purchased was less than what I paid.”

STAFF REPORTER “On my complaint, the district regulators did raid a K A R A C H I — M u h a m m a d few outlets but it was only Haroon Agar, President of for public consumption as Karachi Chamber of Comthe practice continues un- merce & Industry has exabated.” Raheela Ahmad, a pressed deep concern over school teacher, said that the law and order situation in shops or vendors involved the city and target killing of in this malpractice keep two three brothers engaged in sets of weights; one accord- electronics business and ing to the standard and an- senior members of Karachi other set that is 10 percent to Electronics Dealers Asso15 percent lighter. ciation.

She said in case they see In a statement issued here that a raid is being conducted on Saturday he deplored that they conceal the substan- despite assurances by the dard weights and start using Governor Sindh to Karachi those attested by the munici- Chamber situation could not pal authorities. improve. He said that in view of the prevailing situation it was decided by the KCCI, all industrial town associations along with Small Traders/ Market Associations to go for protest by dharna and electricity of defaulting strike.

He said that Chairman consumers, give orders to Businessmen Group Siraj remove electric equipments (meter, cable and Kassam Teli during his meettransformers) of the de- ing with the Governor Sindh has conveyed that if the faulters.

The independent stuation does not improve extortion economists believed that particularly power situation could im- (bhatta), kidnapping for ranprove in the country if som, hijacking of vehicles distribution companies loaded with goods.

Killings of businessmen recover dues from all kinds of consumers and etc not controlled in the of November, pay it to the IPPs and month other power generating Karachi Chamber of Comcompanies without any merce & Industry will call a meeting to decide future line pressure. of action.

Cost of edibles making life difficult for majority

56 countries with 209 companies participating in IDEAS-2012

IPPs yet to get their dues

Agar worried over insecurity fear

Oil rebound on strong consumer data N E W Y ORK —U.S. stocks and oil prices gained on Friday on a rise in U.S. consumer sentiment to a more than five-year high, outweighing gloom that the “fiscal cliff” in the United States and Europe’s economic woes may lead to a world recession.

Stocks later trimmed their gains after President Barack Obama said any deal with Congress to avert a fiscal crisis must come with higher taxes on the wealthiest Americans.

U.S. Treasury bonds cut losses to trade almost flat on Obama’s remarks, in which the newly re-elected president invited congressional leaders to the White House next week to start negotiating.

A 3.5 percent gain in gold prices this week was bullion’s biggest weekly rise since late August and reflected a hedge against economic uncertainty.

The so-called fiscal cliff, aimed at cutting the federal budget deficit, could take an estimated $600 billion out of the economy in automatic spending cuts and tax hikes, severely hindering economic growth.

“Clearly taxes are going up and that is something the market doesn’t like.—APP

Leather From Page-13 clear roadmap till 2026-27 to increase their leather exports from $4.860 billion to $38.448 billion during 2026-27.

During the last seven years, India announced three leather development plans.

The 10th leather development plan with an outlay of Rs4 billion, 11th with an outlay of Rs9.126 billion and 12th with an outlay of Rs12.51 billion, it said.

With this huge amount of Rs25.636 billion kept for uplift of their leather sector, the target for exports for the next five years has been fixed at $14 billion.

The amount of Indian leather development plans is being invested for technology upgradation, modernisation of their leather sector, establishment of footwear design and development centres, Saddlery development, support for rural artisans, leather and footwear parks with infrastructure facilities like combined treatment plants and landfill sites, it said, adding that all the three ILDPs are available on the website and Pakistan can benefit from their research and future planning.

Reko Diq From Page-13 the total size of Pakistan’s economy.

Once dubbed a project that will change the destiny of under-developed Balochistan, the project has become controversial after the provincial government and the mining company got locked in a dispute.

In Pakistan, female participation rate in the labour force is only 28%, which is further low in urban areas, said Rachid Benmessaoud, WB’s chief for Pakistan.

He said this depressing trend has nothing to do with religion as these ratios are very high in Indonesia and Malaysia. He said Pakistan cannot expect sustained economic growth similar to Far East Asian countries when half of its population is not working.

Traders uneasy over lack of security STAFF REPORTER K A R A C H I —Small traders have said that the government had not yet attended to their key demands for better security arrangements in the markets, saying that a key Sindh government coalition party had pressurised the businessmen community into postponing their strike.

Traders had announced that they would observe a strike across the province to press the government for

better security for their supplies on the highways and businesses in the markets.

The strike was to take place on Oct 16, this year.

Traders had completed their preparations for a shutter-down strike in the province against the hijacking of cargo loaded trucks on the highways of the province and extortionism and abduction of traders in Karachi, said a senior trader, Abdul Shakoor.

He said that the traders

were forced to put off their strike by one of the key political parties in the Sindh government. As a result, traders were left with no option except to postpone the protest, he said.

He regretted the fact that the political government had never paid attention to the increasing crime level in the city. He said that traders were aware of the situation and doubted the government’s claims of restoring law and order in the city.

Customs clearance facility at Wagha soon STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—The government is likely to set up a customs clearance facility at Wagah border in a bid to facilitate trade normalisation with India which is expected by December.

According to sources, both countries are in the process of finalising the agreement for customs cooperation after the resumption of formal peace talks.

The sources maintained that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) had been di-

rected to install a customs facility at Wagha, facilitating traders of both countries.

They said the talks between these two countries were moving in the right direction as India had given a positive response over the sensitive list of items under the South Asian Free Trade Agreement (Safta).

In return, Pakistan also agreed to grant Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to India. The sources said that Pakistan and India also maintained lists of items allowed to be exported from

Farmers awaiting Rabi package STAFF CORRESPONDENT SUKKUR—The Sindh government has yet to announce the Rabi package for farmers and workers who were affected by rain and flash floods in 2012 in the districts of Jacobabad, Kandhkot Kashmore, Gohtaki, Shakirpur, Khairpur and other districts. This was revealed in a civil society flood situation report released by the People’s Accountability Commission on Floods (PACF).

The report titled ‘Community Perspectives on 2012 Floods’ said that in the 2012 floods, 1,018,194 acres of land were badly affected but the government did not announce any rehabilitation packages for the farmers. An inadequate government response exacerbated malnutrition in the devastated districts of Kandhkot Kashmore, Jacobabad and in Ghotki districts where farm-

ers continue to struggle in unhygienic conditions. The report further says that in districts Kashmore Kandhkot, Jacobabad, Shikarpur and Ghotki, more than 70 percent crops perished in the floods.

Farmers were unable to cultivate Rabi crops in winter and floodwater still inundates the lands.

A large number of flood affectees, who had settled in camps in government buildings, were made to evacuate these camps. The report cites Bablo Jakhrani of Jacobabad district as saying, “our land, houses and livestock perished during the floods but the district administration is forcing us to evacuate government buildings without draining out flood water from our land.”

Although two months have passed since the floods, many are still living in spontaneous settlements without proper facilities.

EU waiver provides opportunities STAFF REPORTER L AHORE —European Union waiver on customs duties for 75 items (mostly textiles) from Pakistan with effective from November 1 to December 31, 2013 has opened tremendous opportunities for Pakistan to increase its exports to 27 EU member countries, French Ambassador Philippe Thiebaud said.

Ambassador Thiebaud said that EU has given waiver to 87 percent items that are exported to EU member countries. The bilateral trade between Pakistan and EU is over 10 billion euros. In case of France and Germany the trade balance is already in favour of Pakistan, he added.

He said Pakistan will get

the GSP (Generalised System of Preferences) Plus Scheme effective from 1st January 2014, which would allow Pakistani goods to enter duty free into the EU markets.

He said Pakistan should prepare itself to get full benefit of GSP plus scheme and increase production of its exportable items and generate significant economic activity in the country. The EU countries are in the process of finalizing the mechanism to provide preferential trade package to Pakistan from 1st January 2012, he added.

He said that Pakistanis were overwhelmingly peaceful, hardworking, honest and tolerant engaged in economic development of their country.

both sides through the border post at Wagha.

Keeping this in view, issues relating to the extension of customs clearance system at Wagha border were discussed in the collectors conference, which was recently held in Karachi, the sources said.

The sources said that major exports from Pakistan to India included fruits, mineral fuels and organic chemicals while top imports from India included sugar, cotton, man-made filaments and chemicals.

EU 2013 budget talks end in failure

Equal opportunities for women demanded STAFF CORRESPONDENT MULTAN—Begum Roomana Tanvir Chairperson of Women Entrepreneur Committee of Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) said that the poverty alleviation efforts can only be successful by providing equal opportunities to work to women in Southern Punjab. Roomana said an inactive role of the 50 percent of the country’s population in building economy is one major reason behind the rising poverty levels in Pakistan. It is fanning intolerance in the society at large, she added. It is proven worldwide the recent past economic development of the developed countries was mainly due to brilliant role of women in their respective economies. Women are the best managers and financial assistance at the micro level besides building up their working capacities can bring revolution in the cottage industry.

She lamented both the economy and the population in Pakistan are growing at an equal pace of 3 percent per annum, which leaves very little room in creating new jobs. Therefore, she stressed on promoting small businesses amongst women to control poverty. Latest surveys show women in Asia are making better progress in their careers than those in more Western economies; therefore, Pakistan should also benefit from the trend and let the women to grow.

Govt takes

BRUSSELS—Talks on the Eu-

From Page-13

ropean Union’s 2013 budget collapsed in acrimony on Friday, denting hopes of a swift deal later this month on the bigger issue of the bloc’s longterm spending for 2014-2020.

Negotiators for EU governments and the European Parliament walked out without even discussing next year ’s spending blueprint, after 8 hours spent squabbling over a request for 9 billion euros in extra cash to fill a funding gap in 2012.

“Under these conditions, we felt that negotiations which hadn’t really begun by six o’clock in the evening couldn’t reasonably be expected to finish during the night,” said the parliament’s lead negotiator, French lawmaker Alain Lamassoure.

Sources in the meeting said the talks ultimately failed because lawmakers from the European Parliament refused to discuss the 2013 budget before an agreement on the extra funds for 2012, while governments wanted to negotiate both as a package.

Asked whether the parliament took the decision to walk out of the talks, Lamassoure said: “I would say rather that it was the ministers who didn’t walk in.”

Before Friday’s talks, negotiators warned that failure could affect the outcome of an EU summit on Nov. 22-23, where leaders will try to agree plans for the bloc’s next longterm budget worth roughly 1 trillion euros ($1.27 trillion).

“If we succeed in these negotiations now, we will create a better atmosphere for convergence and agreement in the (summit) negotiations,” said Cyprus’s deputy minister for EU affairs, Andreas Mavroyiannis.

“If not, I suppose this will poison a little bit the atmosphere,” he told Reuters ahead of the meeting.—Newswire

with many taxes and tax slabs have also been reduced to benefit the tax payers”, he remarked.

He said that this year, the focus would be on expanding income tax base while the government during the past year had focused on sales tax and had brought about many changes in the overall taxation system.

On the other hand, the borrowings of the government have also reduced as compared to its income, he said and added the country’s income was Rs 10,000 billion four years ago, which is now Rs 20,000 billion.

Support assured to small traders STAFF CORRESPONDENT L AHORE —A delegation of traders that included All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajiran general secretary Naeem Mir, Shahid Bilal, Rana Shehbaz, Shahid Iqbal Dar, Sheikh Israr, Sheikh Irfan, Farooq Azad, Nadim Alvia and Khalid Mehmood called on newly-elected JI Lahore chief Mian Maqsood Ahmed.

The traders’ delegation greeted him for his second time election.

The APAT general secretary urged the JI leadership to support traders for the cause of small chambers of commerce in the country, asking him to visit city markets with a view to get awareness on the issues of business community.

Mian Maqsood, on this occasion, announced that JI always supports the cause of small chambers to secure the interest of business community. JI leader called for early election of local bodies, as the local bodies polls will resolve the issues of small traders.

LAHORE: Ahmed Khizer Khan, CEO of Burj Bank and CEO of Atlas Honda Takeharo Aoki shake hands after signing an MoU.

ROZs trade package shelved STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —Trade incentives worth billions of dollars annually will not be available to Pakistan as the United States (US) has shelved the proposal for allowing trade concessions to Pakistan through Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs) legislation and US administration’s decision has been formally communicated to Pakistan in this regard.

According to a document of the Ministry of Commerce, long delay in getting the programme implemented, negative sentiment in the context of Pakistan currently prevailing in the US Congress, and difficulties created by the US po-

litical calendar, particularly the US presidential election scheduled for November this year have been cited as the major reasons behind this decision by the US authorities.

However, as an alternate to ROZs proposed incentive package, US side has proposed that a working group on trade and investment matters of bilateral interest could be set up under Pak-US Trade and Investment Facilitation Agreement (TIFA) Council. It has been decided that Pakistan may suggest a set of enhanced trade market access proposals, which the proposed working group will discuss and evaluate, and subsequently recommend for implementation to the US administration.

Auto show in Islamabad STAFF REPORTER I S L A M A B A D —PakWheels. com is organizing a fascinating Automobile-Show in collaboration with Glow by Warid Telecom on Sunday November 11 at Islamabad. A static display of more than 500 exclusive cars and motorbikes will be presented to a large audience.

It will be the biggest gathering of automobile enthusiasts in Pakistan, where more than 15,000 participants are expected to attend and share their passion for cutting-edge automobiles technology. This extravaganza is aimed at nurturing the automotive industry in Pakistan, through a flashy event, where the young fans can also gain insight on the hazards of street racing and reckless driving.

Khosa urges businesspeople to explore new avenues STAFF REPORTER LAHORE —Punjab Governor Sardar Latif Khan Khosa has said the government is encouraging the private sector as well as foreign investors to seize the business opportunities available in Pakistan.

He said this while inaugurating a Business Professionals Conference. The opening ceremony marked the start of a series of events being organised by the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan (ICMAP), including a three-day mega trade exhibition by the title and brand name of Corporate Pakistan.

The governor urged the Pakistan businessmen to explore new business avenues

in the international market so as to fetch forex, and assured that the government would extend all possible support to the Pakistani corporate sector to play its due role for the economic progress.

The governor also presented excellence awards to the professional and leading business representatives and leaders.

Khosa on the occasion applauded the role played by the ICMAP and said that Cost and Management Accountants were the specialist in this area who could help businesses reduce costs, optimise the use of inputs, synergise the same and enable business to produce goods and services at affordable prices with quality orienta-

tion for the benefit of the consumers.

He further said that by organising the Business Profession Conference, the ICMAP had proved that it was fully aware of the challenges faced by the competitive and demanding business world and equipping and training professionals to meet those challenges with full accuracy and efficiency.

ICMAP President Zia ul Mustafa, in his address, highlighted the role of ICMAP in the national economic development and assured that the ICMAP would be at the disposal of the government for any professional task that might be assigned to it for the economic development of the country.

Investment opportunities available in FATA STAFF REPORTER PESHAWAR—The Additional Chief Secretary Federally Administered Tribal Area (Fata) Dr Tashfeen has said that there were great opportunities for investment and interventions despite threats and unstable situation in region, adding that Fata was not a no-go-area, as lot of opportunities available for investors and businessperson.

Dr Tashfeen said that we cannot sit and wait for the war to be over, adding that the space to militants needed to be squeezed and that needed commitment. He added that

the government despite all odds was doing its best to give all facilities to the people of Fata, available to the rest of the people in the country.

The government is spending a considerable amount on Fata however the devastation made and the current situation demands even for a huge investment, he maintained, while speaking at the first ever meeting of the Donors Coordination Steering Committee at federal capital Islamabad.

He went on say that schools, health care facilities, roads and bridges were in a real dilapidated condition adding that no matter how

much risk is there we need to be as innovative as we can be ACS informed the developments partners that despite having lost posts and picket, schools and hospitals, roads and bridges, the government was committed to keep on construction in Fata. The new schools and health care facilities being reflected in each Annual Developmental Plan is a glaring example of our commitment said the ACS. Portraying the real situation in Fata, Dr Tashfeen said that region was at a crucial stage for so many reasons like unregulated Afghan border, dearth of economic.

Emerging trends in professional accountancy discussed STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—The representatives of the professional accounting bodies from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal, who assembled at the South Asian Federation of Accountants’ (SAFA) Summit and 12th Management Accounting International Conference (MAIC), at Lahore International EXPO, discussed the emerging trends in professional accountancy and presented innovative ideas to upgrade the profession in order to accelerate the pace of economic development, promote investment, create jobs and alleviate poverty in the region.

Accountants can play

an effective role, incoming to grips with the emerging challenges. Serving as Accountants, Controllers, Administrators, Advisors, Business Managers, CEO, CFO etc, they influence every aspect of business enterprises.

They create value by their roles in planning and control, decision support, strategy formulation through promoting effectiveness and efficiency which ever organization, public or private, they work for. To keep abreast the Accountants with the changes taking place in the global scenario, ICMAP has chosen theme “Emerging Trends in Professional Accountancy” for the SAFA Summit & 12th MAIC. Eminent experts from home and abroad will share their views on the occasion.

The Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan is one of the leading professional Institutes, with the distinction of being the sole regulatory body of Management Accounting profession in Pakistan. Its foundation was laid, way back in 1951, by the then Finance Minister, Late Mohammad Shoaib, who was also its founder President. ICMAP has been granted statutory status through CMA Act, 1966 of the Parliament.

Over the last sixty one years, ICMAP has been catering to the average population by providing them quality professional education at comparatively competitive fee, than being offered by other professional Institutes in the country. It

has produced high-caliber Management Accountants who are contributing towards national economic development. Presently over 5000 members of ICMAP are holding senior positions in federal government, semigovernment and private sector organizations, in Pakistan and abroad. Besides fulfilling the important human resource need, the Institute is actively involved in the activities for the promotion of industry, trade and businesses leading towards economic growth of the country.

The objectives of the above events are (1) to portray the corporate face of Pakistan to the world (2) to improve the corporate image of Pakistan, (3) to motivate the entrepreneurs for business growth, (4) to enhance

the confidence of investors in Pakistan’s business market, (5) to encourage youth of Pakistan to explore new horizons, and (6) to provide opportunity to Pakistani companies to introduce and market their products and services to customers.

The Summit started by welcome address presented

by Mr. Muhammad Rafi, President SAFA, in which he highlighted the role played by the South Asian Federation of Accountants in promoting the accounting profession in the region. He also outlined the achievements and milestones of SAFA and the future action plan of his organization.

Ghulam Mustafa Qazi, Vice President ICMAP in his brief remarks thanked the Chief Guest for sparing his

precious time to grace the Summit with his presence. He informed about the objectives of holding the Corporate Pakistan mega event to promote the corporate sector of Pakistan.

Muhammad Hanif Ajari, Former Vice President ICMAP presented the keynote speech on “Enterprise Performance Management in the 21st century’.

There were four technical sessions. In the first session, the key speaker was Mr. Abdul Rahim Suriya, former President and current national council member of ICAP, who presented his paper on ‘Corporate Reporting’.

Another paper on ‘New role of Internal Auditor in Risk Management’ was presented by the representative from ICA India. Mr. Abbasuddin

Khan, FCA and Council member ICA Bangladesh was the Session Chairman.

In the Second Session, Mr. Muhammad Iqbal Ghori, Finance Director, FESCO, presented a paper on ‘Corporate Governance in Public Sector’. Another paper was read in this session by Mr. Nazmul Haider of ICMA Bangladesh on ‘Cultural Studies in International Accounting’. Mr. Srinivasa Prasad, Chairman SAFAPAIB Committee was the Chairman Session.

In the third Session, Dr. Nachiket Vechalekar, Associate Dean of India Search presented his paper on ‘Cloud Computing – A Future of Corporate Leader’. Prof. Dr. Lakhsman R. Watawala, President CMA Sri Lanka made a presentation on “Sustainability Accounting

and How to Value Sustainability”.

In the valedictory session, Prof. Dr. Khawaja Amjad Saeed, Past President SAFA presented a keynote speech on ‘Cost and Management Accountants as Future Leaders’. Mr. Javed Hasan, CEO of Institute of Capital Markets and Mr. Tahir Khursheed, CEO of Punjab Land Development Company, presented their papers on ‘Segregation of Client Assets’ and ‘Low Cost Housing Unit Project’, respectively. Thereafter, the heads of SAFA delegations presented their overviews at the conclusion of the Summit and MA International Conference. The Chief Guest the addressed the occasion and distribute plagues to the international delegates.

Taxes on wealthy Americans

Gunfight at Sri Lanka’s biggest prison kills 27

WASHINGTON—After two years of get- C OLOMBO —At least 27 wounded in a gunfight in Sri der fire from inmates, officials lence under control before prison in the capital Co- said a large number of weap-

ting pummeled in Wisconsin, Indiana and people were killed and a se- Lanka’s biggest prison that and police said on Saturday. dawn and freed staff held other battleground states, leaders of the nior police officer seriously began when police came un- The army brought the vio- hostage at the Welikada nation’s big labor unions were beaming on election night. Labor’s massive voter turnout effort played a major role in helping President Barack Obama win Ohio, Nevada and Wisconsin, according to exit polls, and its leaders are now looking for a more liberal, pro-union agenda from the White House. “There are things the president can do, and we’ll be expecting that leadership from President Obama,” AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka told reporters after the election. Topping labor’s wish list - for now is a push to raise taxes on wealthy Americans and discouraging Obama from agreeing to any deal with Republicans over the looming “fiscal cliff” that cuts into Social Security and Medicare. But unions are also pressing for new measures that might help boost their sagging membership rolls. New investment in infrastructure would bring construction jobs for trade unions. Immigration reform - and a path to citizenship for 11 million undocumented Latino immigrants - would create a vast new pool of potential union members. And new regulations could remove some obstacles to union organizing. Business groups that have vigorously opposed efforts to help unions draw new members say they will keep playing defense. “My primary concern is in the regulations,” said Randel Johnson, vice president at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for labor issues. “We are afraid that on employment issues, the administration will stay firmly to the left and follow the lead of the unions.”—AP

Russia crackdown MOSCOW—Prominent Russian opposition activist Alexei Navalny said on Saturday the jail sentence handed to a pro- COLOMBO: Police officers investigate a damaged three-wheeler after a clash between tester against President Vladimir Putin prisoners at Welikada prison. highlighted the government’s harsh approach to dissent. Fitness club manager Maxim Luzyanin, the first of 17 people arrested during a protest on the eve of Putin’s inauguration in May, was sentenced to four-and-a-half years on Saturday for “mass disorder” and violence against the police. “If earlier there were minor administrative arrests, soft harassment, now - jail time,” Navalny, one of the L ONDON —For the last era. The network did not name With the country reeling top faces during the past year of protests against Putin’s 12- month, the BBC has been the politician, but Internet over how to respond to a toryear rule, told the OpenSpace.ru political internet portal. “The heavily criticized for not air- chatter identified him as rent of new abuse claims, time has passed when they were afraid to jail because they ing allegations of child sex Alistair McAlpine, a Conser- Prime Minister David didn’t want people to think about ’37,” the blogger added, abuse committed by one of vative Party member of the Cameron on Friday warned referring to Great Purge of the 1937, a year of mass political its star hosts, the late Jimmy House of Lords. the media and the public of repressions and murders orchestrated by Joseph Stalin. Savile. Now it is in crisis beAngry about the rumors, the danger of shredding the Luzyanin, one of the “Bolotnaya 17” detained - named after cause it did broadcast claims McAlpine came forward Fri- reputations of innocent figthe square where they protested, was the only member of the against a former senior poli- day to denounce the claims ures. “Effectively, you are group to plead guilty. Opposition activists say the Bolotnaya tician that turned out to be as completely false. His ac- casting lots of aspersions case could achieve the notoriety of the Pussy Riot trial, in wrong. In a humiliating re- cuser, abuse victim Steve about lots of people without which three members of the punk band were sentenced to treat for one of the world’s Messham, then apologized any evidence,” Cameron two years in jail after performing an anti-Putin song in leading broadcasters, the and said he had identified the said. “You have to be careful Moscow’s main cathedral in February. Luzyanin’s sentence BBC apologized Saturday wrong man. That led the BBC you don’t start some sort of does not bode well for the rest of those detained, Navalny for airing a report featuring to say it apologized “unre- witch hunt against some said. “This is either a sign that they will give long sentences accusations from a child servedly” for broadcasting people who might be entirely to those who will not agree to a deal with investigators, or a abuse victim which the vic- the report. The apology came innocent.” Cameron’s words, sign of the widespread Russian.—Reuters tim later retracted. The BBC after McAlpine’s lawyer coming a day after he was also said it was suspending threatened legal action. The handed a list on live televiKilling in Nigeria investigations at BBC’s apology came after a sion of high-profile figures LAGOS—Nigeria is “at war” with Islamist “Newsnight” — its premiere week of claims and counter- named in Internet rumors as sect Boko Haram and should not negoti- investigative program on the claims in the spreading abuse possible sex offenders, took ate with its leaders who are “mass mur- hot seat for both decisions. scandal. Since accusations on greater significance Friday derers”, Nigerian Nobel laureate Wole That’s the same show under surfaced last month that re- after it emerged that Soyinka said on Saturday. Author Wole investigation for not airing a nowned BBC host Savile McAlpine was wrongly acSoyinka, who won the Nobel Prize for Lit- report on Savile. Saturday’s sexually abused young vic- cused in a case of mistaken erature in 1986, gestures during an inter- apology stems from a BBC tims for decades without be- identity.

Last week, BBC’s view in Lagos. President Goodluck report aired last week that ing exposed, scores of adults Jonathan said earlier this year his gov- indicated there were child have come forward to claim “Newsnight” aired a report on ernment was open to dialogue with the abuse allegations against an that their own allegations of allegations related to sex sect, whose insurgency has killed an esti- unnamed senior politician sex assault in the past were abuse in Wales in the 1970s and 1980s.—Arab News mated 2,800 people since 2009. The sect is styled on the Af- from the Margaret Thatcher ignored. ghan Taliban and while it usually targets security and government officials, it has also struck churches, mosques and universities, becoming the biggest security threat in Africa’s top oil producer. “Don’t talk to mass murderers. You are not obliged to talk to those who made the killing of innocent people their philosophy,” Soyinka told reporters at a conference in Lagos. “This is a security issue. It becomes a question of who goes down: is it the community? Is it society? is it the nation? Or is it a bunch of killers who are totally beyond control?” Soyinka, 78, who sports a distinctive white Afro J OINT B ASE L EWIS - with the words: “My request lost. The bodies were buried quickly under Islamic custom, hairstyle, is a playwright and one of Africa’s leading intellec- M CCHORD, WASH —Sto- is to get justice.”

The hearing at Joint Base and no forensic evidence was tuals. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986. ries of the massacre came, He said the violence in the north of Nigeria was the fault of one by one, over a live video Lewis-McChord is meant to available to prove the numreligious “extremists” who had “brainwashed” youths who link from Afghanistan into a help determine whether Bales, ber of victims.

The youngest witness were now out of control. He also blamed the government for military courtroom outside 39, will face a court-martial in “abysmal” leadership, which he said had left vulnerable youths Seattle: torched bodies, a son the deaths of the seven adults was Sadiquallah, a slight boy in poverty. A purported spokesman for Boko Haram told re- finding his wounded father, and nine children. He could of about 13 or 14 whose head porters in the sect’s stronghold in Maiduguri.—Reuters boys cowering behind a cur- face the death penalty if he is rose just above the back of tain while others screamed convicted. Bales, an Ohio na- the seat he was sitting in.

Prospects of agreement “We are children! We are tive and father of two from With his ears sticking out Tapps, Wash., has not from beneath a white cap, he BUDAPEST—Hungarian Prime Minister children!” As the Afghans Lake entered a plea and was not described being awakened recounted the horror that left Viktor Orban on Saturday struck an optiexpected to testify. His attor- screaming that an American mistic tone that a financing deal with for- 16 dead in the darkness early neys have not discussed the had “killed our men.” eign lenders was within reach, at odds on March 11, the U.S. sol- evidence, but say he has He said he and another with signals from his negotiating partners dier accused of carrying out post-traumatic stress disor- boy ran to hide in a storage that the year-old talks were at a stalemate. the rampage sat quietly in der and suffered a concus- room and ducked behind a Central Europe’s most indebted nation the courtroom.

At one point, Staff Sgt. sive head injury while serv- curtain. It provided no prosignaled a year ago its plan to seek Intering in Iraq. tection from the bullet that national Monetary Fund and European Robert Bales moved closer The hearing, which be- grazed his head and fractured to a large monitor showing Union help to stabilize its economy when gan last Monday, was held his skull. Sadiquallah said the its debt rating was cut to “junk” due to a the testimony. At other times, overnight Friday to accom- shooter had a gun and a light, weak growth outlook and unpredictable policies. Hungary he watched as it played on a modate the Afghan wit- but he could not identify the wants insurance from the prospective lenders to shield its laptop screen in front of him. nesses. They recounted the man. markets against turmoil in the euro zone and rein in borrowing Either way, he gave no dis- villagers who lived in the atThe other child was hit in costs but is not ready to give up its free hand in policy mak- cernible reaction to the sto- tacked compounds and listed the thigh and also survived. ries he heard.

Speaking ing, which has complicated progress towards a deal. “Over the names of those killed, to He is scheduled to testify the past two months we have made enormous strides to- through an interpreter, one provide a record of the lives Saturday night.—AP Afghan closed his remarks wards an IMF/EU agreement,” Orban, whose government is running a media campaign against any IMF-imposed austerity measures, told the national news agency MTI in an interview. There is no date for the next round of IMF/EU talks.

Orban, who reneged on a pledge to halve Europe’s highest bank levy next year and plans to launch a new tax on financial transactions and public utilities to plug budget holes, abruptly ended another IMF program just after taking power in 2010.

He said after the European Commission unveiled its assessment of Hungary’s budget earlier this week, forecasting a NEW YORK—You might be with no family nearby. “I said: bers, and a spirit, have perdeficit below its 3 percent ceiling this year and next, the main surprised at what has be- `Occupy? You mean Occupy sisted and found a new cause obstacles to an agreement were removed.—Reuters come a lauded and effective Wall Street?’” he said. “I said: in Occupy Sandy.

It started at St. Jacobi relief organization for victims `Awesome, man. I’m one of Thailand, Myanmar ties get new verve of Superstorm Sandy: Oc- the 99 percent, you know?’” Church in Brooklyn the day Occupy Wall Street was after the storm, where OccuB ANGKOK —Former PM Thaksin cupy Wall Street. The social Shinawatra will go on a three-day visit media savvy that helped Oc- born in late 2011 in a lower piers set up a base of operato Myanmar next week during which he cupy protesters create a Manhattan plaza called tions and used social media will meet President Thein Sein, the ex- grass-roots global move- Zuccotti Park, with a handful like Twitter and Facebook to leader’s legal adviser Noppadol Pattama ment last year - one that ulti- of protesters pitching tents spread the word. There is a said yesterday. Thaksin will be in mately collapsed under its and vowing to stay put until sense of camaraderie reminisMyanmar from next Thursday to Satur- leaderless format - is proving world leaders offered a fair cent of Zuccotti, as young day and will meet the president in Nay a strength as members fan share to the “99 percent” who people with scruffy beards Pyi Taw upon arrival. On Friday, Thaksin out across New York to de- don’t control the globe’s and walkie-talkies plan the met with some key Pheu Thai MPs and liver aid including hot meals, wealth. The world heard the day’s activities. Donations cry as that camp grew and come in by the truckload and Thai businesspeople in Tachilek, which medicine and blankets.

They’re the ones who inspired other ones around are sorted in the basement, is directly across the border from Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district. Noppadol told the media that Thaksin would first make took food and water to Glenn the globe. Ultimately, though, which looks like a clearingmerit at Shwedagon Pagoda on Saturday morning before Nisall, a 53-year-old resident little was accomplished in the house for every household meeting with his red-shirt supporters, adding that people of Queens’ hard-hit and iso- ways of policy change, and product imaginable, from were advised to spend the night on the Thai side of the lated Rockaway section who Occupy became largely a canned soup and dog food lost power and lives alone, punch line. But core mem- to duvet covers.—AP border because accommodation is cheaper.—AP

BBC apologizes for broadcasting child abuse allegations

Victims testify about details of Afghan massacre

Occupy Sandy: Onetime protesters find new cause

the Special Task Force and

lombo, jail officials and military said.

Twenty seven people have been confirmed dead, prisons minister Chandrasiri Gajadeera told parliament.

The violence erupted when officers from the Special Task Force (STF), Sri Lanka’s elite police commandoes, were searching the jail for drugs and illegal mobile phones.

“When they were coming out, prisoners started to attack them with stones. The STF used teargas and the prisoners fired at the STF,” Police Spokesman Prishantha Jayakody said.

Witnesses said they saw police shooting towards the jail, where armed prisoners were on the roof during the clash.

Prisons Commissioner P. W. Kodippili told Reuters that the prisoners had obtained the weapons - some of them machineguns - by breaking into the prison armory. “The search operations are continuing to clear the place and recover the weapons and also to find the escapees,” he said, Army Spokesman Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasooriya

ons were found along with six bodies during the search operation. The commanding officer of the elite police force that had come under attack was in intensive care, the head of Colombo National hospital said.

“We’ve got 59 injured and 51 are still taking treatments and 16 are dead bodies,” an official at the hospital told Reuters. The jail has about 4,500 inmates, including members of the former defeated Tamil rebels from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) movement that fought a protracted war of independence, ending in 2009, but officials said it was unclear how many, if any, of them had been involved in the uprising.

We don’t know who is involved in this, I don’t think any LTTE suspects are involved but I don’t know,” Commissioner Kodippili told Reuters. Kodippili also said the officials are taking the count of inmates to find out how many escaped. “We don’t know exactly how many have escaped now we are taking the count,” Kodippili said.—Reuters

Myanmar train crash fire kills 25 people

Blasts in Syria kill, wound dozens of troops

Y ANGON —A train in Myanmar carrying petrol derailed and burst into flames, killing 25 people and injuring 62, most of them villagers trying to collect fuel spilled in the accident, state television said.

MRTV said The fire started after three cars loaded with petrol turned over near a village in Kanbalu township, near the Indian border, just over 500 km (300 miles) north of Yangon, Myanmar’s biggest city.

Residents of Chekgyi village were gathered around the accident site trying to collect spilled petrol when they were trapped in the fire. Some 70 percent of Myanmar’s 60 million people live on farms, where fuel is scarce. An official from Myama Railway Department told Reuters the death toll might rise as some villagers were seriously injured. Myanmar is among Asia’s poorest countries. Its quasi-civilian government has opened up the country since taking over in March 2011 from the military, which had ruled for nearly 50 years, and pushed through political and economic reforms, leading Western countries to relax sanctions.—Reuters

B EIRUT —Twin explosions morphed into a vicious civil

China turns corner on economy BEIJING —China announced on Saturday that it is effectively turning the corner on the economy and likely to meet its growth target for the year, more good news for Communist Party policy makers meeting in Beijing to anoint new leaders for the next decade. The world’s second-biggest economy had halted a slowing trend, the chief of the economic planning agency said, adding that he was confident GDP growth would exceed 7.5 percent in 2012 though at the same time warning against complacency.

Zhang Ping, head of the National Development and Reform Commission, was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the 18th Party Congress at which outgoing President Hu Jintao said China should double its 2010 GDP and per capita income by 2020, as previous targets have implied. Hu said China’s development should be “much more balanced, coordinated and sustainable”. The party, which has constantly stressed the need for continued one-party rule, has in recent years tied its legitimacy to economic growth and lifting hundreds of millions out of poverty.

“Signs of stabilization in the economy were getting more obvious in October,” Zhang said. “We are fully confident that we can achieve the economic growth target for this year. In other words, we are able to maintain economic growth of above 7.5 percent. “But we dare not lower our vigilance. The foundation of the economic stabilization is not solid enough... Under the backdrop of a persistent global financial crisis as well as a new situation.—AP

set off by a pair of suicide bombers shook a southern Syrian city on Saturday, killing and wounding dozens of regime forces, an activist group said. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which relies on a network of activists on the ground, said the early morning blasts in Daraa targeted an encampment for government troops in the city. The Observatory said the explosions were followed by clashes between regime forces and rebels fighting to topple President Bashar Assad.

The state-run news agency SANA said the blasts caused multiple casualties and heavy material damage, but did not provide further details.

The southern city of Daraa was the birthplace of the uprising against Assad, which erupted in March 2011. The conflict began largely with peaceful protests against Assad’s rule but turned bloody after rebels took up arms in response to the regime’s crackdown.

The crisis has since

war and in recent months, rebels have driven regime forces out of much of a pocket of northwestern Syria and are battling troops in several key cities and towns.

The fight has also taken on dangerous sectarian tones between a mainly Sunni opposition and a regime dominated by Assad’s minority Alawite sect, an offshoot of Shiite Islam. “I heard two very loud explosions and a third smaller one followed by bursts of gunfire,” said Mohammad Abu Houran, an activist in Daraa. He said the first two were likely car bombs and the third a mortar shell or rocket propelled grenade.

Abu Houran said black smoke could be seen over the high-security area, which was sealed off. Heavy shooting could be heard from the area for about 10 minutes after the explosions, he added. Bombings targeting state security institutions have become frequent in recent months, and military intelligence branches in Damascus and other cities have been hit.—Reuters

Egypt Muslim Sisters rise with conservative vision C AIRO —The rise of the Muslim Brotherhood to power in Egypt has brought with it a new group of female politicians who say they are determined to bring more women into leadership roles - and at the same time want to consecrate a deeply conservative Islamic vision for women in Egypt.

Women’s rights have sprung to the forefront of the debate in Egypt as members of an Islamist-dominated assembly wrestle over the writing of a new constitution for the country. The power of Islamists, who dominated parliament elections last winter and who seized the presidency with the election this year of the Brotherhood’s Mohammed Morsi, has worried secular and liberal Egyptians who fear they will restrict rights of women and minorities.

The women of the Brotherhood say the fundamentalist group is doing more than

any other political movement in Egypt to promote women in a political scene where men have always held a near total monopoly. Confident and articulate, the women say they are pushing for a greater voice within the Brotherhood itself and its political party, the Freedom and Justice Party, where the leadership is entirely male.

The number of women in prominent positions in Egyptian politics remains tiny, as it was under the ousted secular president, Hosni Mubarak. But in the new Egypt, if a woman does hold a high post, she’s most likely a member of an Islamist group. Morsi has appointed three women - two of them Islamists - to his 21member team of advisers and aides. Of the six women on the 100-member assembly writing the constitution, three are Brotherhood members.—Reuters

Turkey: 17 soldiers killed in helicopter crash ANKARA—A Turkish military the rebels. The provincial helicopter carrying soldiers on a mission against Kurdish rebels crashed because of bad weather on Saturday, killing all 17 troops onboard, officials said. Thirteen soldiers and four military crewmembers were killed in the crash in a mountainous part of Pervari district in Siirt province, in southeastern Turkey, where the rebel Kurdistan Worker’s Party is fighting for self-rule.

President Abdullah Gul said the soldiers were on their way “to help their friends” in an operation against the rebels who have escalated attacks in recent months, adding the incident would not deter Turkey from its determination to fight

governor, Ahmet Aydin, blamed the crash on heavy fog and ruled out an attack by the rebel group. “The weather during the transportation (of troops) was bad. There was extreme rain. The helicopter crashed into rocks because of the fog,” Aydin said in televised statements. Several days ago, Turkish media reported that Turkish soldiers were airlifted into northern Iraq for a brief operation against suspected rebels, who have bases there. There were no reports of casualties on that mission. Turkey periodically carries out artillery and air strikes on PKK positions in northern Iraq—Reuters

Djokovic, Murray advance to semis at ATP finals

ISLAMABAD: Players in action during Annual Invitational Golf Tournament held in Islamabad Golf Club.

Day two of Brisbane Test washed out B RISBANE —Rain washed out the second day of the first test between Australia and South Africa at the Gabba on Saturday.

A torrential downpour some 45 minutes before the scheduled start was followed by drizzle which persisted throughout the day. It was the first time a whole day’s play had been lost to rain at the ground since 1983, when Australia’s test against Pakistan was similarly disrupted.

South Africa were set to resume on 255 for two in their first innings with Hashim Amla (90) and Jacques Kallis (84)closing on centuries.

The tourists have been reduced to 10 batsmen after JP Duminy was ruled out for the series after rupturing his Achilles tendon in training on Friday. Duminy was also expected to play a key role with his offspin after specialist spinner Imran Tahir was dropped from the side to make way for a fourth pace bowler.—AFP

Wapda win two gold in women karate LAHORE—To a sterling start in the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto 8th National women karate championship, Wapda’s female martial art experts won two golds at stake here at Wapda sports complex . Punjab Governor Sardar Muhammad Latif Khan Khosa was the Chief Guest at opening ceremony and witnessed the bouts with keen interest.—APP

Deaf Dosti Cup

Pak win deaf cricket, table tennis, badminton and chess L AHORE —With a rousing display of skills and talent Pakistani deaf teams outshone their Indian opponents to win the cricket, table tennis, badminton and chess titles of the Deaf Dosti Cup of the Punjab international sports festival here on Saturday at different venues.

Pak special cricketers outplayed India by 29 runs in the last match to make a clean sweep in a three match series at Iqbal park sports complex ground. Pakistan won the opening match by 29 runs followed by 40 runs success in the following match.

In the third match reduced to 12-overs-a side, Pakistani side elected to bat after winning the toss posted 124 runs for the loss of two wickets in allotted number of overs, thanks to brilliant batting display by Kashif 43 notout and Shfqat who was the second highest scorer with 42 runs.

Indian medium pacer Tirth got one wicket for 21 runs as Sandeep took one wicket for 19 runs.

In reply Indian side was restricted to 95 for 5 in 12 overs as man of the match pace bowler Mohammad Umer ripped apart their inning

with deadly bowling finishing with foru for 11 runs in just two overs Home captain and spinner Iqbal got one wicket for 10 runs.

In table tennis Pak deaf players swept the Indian side winning the title 3-0 winning their both the singles and double tie . However in the badminton , the Indian players offered little resistance before home team overcome them 2-1, taking one single and one double match before losing their reverse single encounter. Deaf players continued to win laurels for their country , winning the chess title 2-1.—APP

South Africa seek replacement for injured Duminy B RISBANE —South Africa said. will be seeking a replacement for batsman JP Duminy after he was ruled out for the rest of their three-Test series with Australia with a tour-ending injury, coach Gary Kirsten said Saturday.

Duminy ruptured his Achilles tendon while warming down kicking a rugby ball after the end of play at the Gabba on Friday.The batsman, who was a star of South Africa’s historic 2-1 series victory in Australia four years ago, went for hospital scans after being helped off the ground and will undergo surgery Saturday, team officials

Kirsten said Duminy’s injury was a “very unfortunate” mishap. “He just ran for some training runs which is a standard thing we do with the team and it was literally as benign as making a turn on a run and he snapped his Achilles,” Kirsten told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

“He will be out for about six months. It’s been tough for him and the team, but we’ve just got to step up now.

“Kirsten said a replacement from South Africa would be summoned, but as yet he was unsure of who would come to Australia for the remainder of the threeTest series. Ashwell Prince or fellow left-hander Dean Elgar are in line to come to Australia to replace Duminy.It was Prince’s broken thumb that opened the door for Duminy to star in South Africa’s last tour to Australia.—AFP

Punjab international sports festival

Baseball: Pakistan beat Nepal

LONDON—Needing only one set to join Novak Djokovic in the semis at the ATP finals, Andy Murray delighted the adoring home crowd by winning two.

The U.S. Open and Olympic champion beat JoWilfried Tsonga 6-2, 7-6 (3) Friday to reach Sunday’s semifinals, hours after Djokovic advanced by beating Tomas Berdych 6-2, 7-6 (6).

Because Djokovic won the early match at the O2 Arena in straight sets, Murray needed to win only one set to ensure his place in the semis. However, he said he was unsure about what would get him through when he took the court, adding that coach Ivan Lendl told him to simply focus on winning and not worry about winning one set. ‘’I didn’t know exactly what I needed to do. But obviously when he said that, I kind of realized,’’ Murray said. ‘’Then I just asked the umpire at the change of ends after the first set whether I was through or not. Then he said I was. That was it.’’

He won that set easily, too, breaking Tsonga’s serve in the first and third games en route to a 4-0 lead.

Murray had another early break in the second set, but Tsonga rallied to even the set 3-3 and eventually forced the tiebreaker. ‘’I’m somebody who never gives up,’’ said Tsonga, who lost all three of his matches. ‘’So sometimes ... you not playing a good tennis, and you keep fighting, you keep believ(ing) in you, and then it comes better and better, and that’s it.’’

Pak-India WC semi-final was fixed: British Journalist L ONDON —The semi-final between Pakistan and India of the Cricket World Cup 2011 was fixed according to a claim made by British Journalist Ed Hawkins in his new book.

According to Hawkins, the bookie had a contract with Pakistan which stipulated that the team would lose the match by a margin of over 20 runs.

The bookie had further said that India batting first would make 260 runs and their first three wickets would fall in 15 overs, while Pakistan would make 100 runs and then lose two quick wickets.

Another claim made is that bookies had used Bollywood actresses in the fixing process.

Hawkins a sport betting journalist spent months investigating corruption in cricket. His book ‘Bookie Gambler Fixer Spy: Journey to the corrupt heart of cricket’s underworld’ will be published on November 15.—AFP

LONDON: Novak Djokovic of Serbia serves to Tomas Berdych of Czech Republic during their ATP World Tour Finals singles tennis match.

Murray (2-1) finished he would face Murray in the physically. But against second in Group A, while semifinals.

Berdych, the top-ranked Djokovic (3-0) was first. ‘’I think over the years, I Serb ran all over the court, The ATP finals is the last got used to playing those retrieving ball after ball and tournament of the season, guys a couple of times in a making his opponent work and only for the top eight week or whatever,’’ said hard on nearly every point. players in the world. In Group Murray, who lost to Djokovic ‘’If you are winning B, six-time champion Roger in the group stage. ‘’It’s not matches, I mean, obviously Federer has already qualified something that I’m afraid of. you feel better,’’ Djokovic for the semifinals and will I know it’s incredibly difficult said. ‘’But still, I mean, the face Juan Martin del Potro in and challenging to beat guys fact is that it being the last his final group match on Sat- like that back-to-back, but it’s tournament of the year here urday. David Ferrer is also in do-able.’’ in London for most of the the group and can still Before coming to Lon- players, it is a challenge findqualify for the semifinals, don, Djokovic lost in the sec- ing that last drop of energy, while Janko Tipsarevic has ond round of the Paris Mas- physical, mental, to find their been eliminated. ters, and said after that match best game and go as far as If Federer wins his group, that he felt a bit deflated they can.’’—AP

Court ruling on Azhar’s life-ban brings smile on Ajay Sharma’s face BIPIN DANI OBSERVER CORRESPONDENT M UMBAI —Among several congratulatory messages to former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin, there was a call from his close friend Ajay Sharma too.

Court ruling on Azhar’s life-ban has brought some hope to his close friend Ajay Sharma, who too has been serving the life-ban since 2000.

Speaking exclusively over his mobile from Delhi yesterday, he said, “yes, I am the only player left in this situation, but I am now more hopeful that one day my life-ban too will be revoked”.

Manoj Prabhakar and Ajay Jadeja have completed their ban period and Dr. Ali Irani, the physiotherapist has been least affected with lifeban. (He has been practising in Mumbai’s Nanavati Hospital).

“My case against BCCI is also pending in Delhi’s lower court and I am being asked by my lawyer (Mrs. Anupama Sharma) to collect the certified copy of court order, which has ruled Azhar’s ban illegal and it will be very vital and advantageous in my case. I am also considering to write a mercy letter to the BCCI”, Ajay Sharma added.

The 48-year-old Sharma, who played one Test and 31 ODIs’ claims he was not involved in match-fixing. “I

was banned because I was close to Azharuddin. Being friend is not a crime. We are still friends and remain in touch with each other. I am happy for the court ruling in his favour and I congratulated him”, he added.

“The time was bad but I have moved on in my life. I am happy for my son’s (Manan) debut in the Delhi team and my only dream is to see him play for the country. I have been encouraging him. Tarak Sinha, who also coached me is his coach too”, Ajay Sharma concluded.

Ajay Sharma has been working with the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) as his Assistant General manager (AGM) in Delhi.

L AHORE —Pakistan gave Mongolia 1-0 as both the outplayed Siaf Khuder of baseball lesson to Nepal with 15-0 thrashing in Punjab international sports festival here on Model town ground on Saturday before a big audience.

Pakistan kept Nepal under persistent pressure throughout the play and rocked them with scoring goals one after another. The home side demonstrated a higher level of baseball to enjoy all time supremacy in the play and led 3-0 at the end of the first innings Sumair Zawar was the pick the home teams players and shone with three scores followed by two each from ,Asif Mushtaq, Usman Azim ,Umair Bhatti , Zubair Nawaz, Zaheer Bashir as Ahsan Baig and shared one score apiece to dump their ever struggling opponents.

Secretary, Pakistan Baseball Federation, Syed Khawar Shah was the chief guest on the occasion and he was introduced with both the teams before the start of the play.

In international football Yemen hardly defeated

teams played an empty first half at Punjab stadium.

Defencive tactics and long time ball possession confined the game to the mid field most of the play.

The match between two equally balanced teams failed to produce and sparkle or dazzling moves by either sides for the disappointment a handful crowd.

The second half produced some quality play as Yemen went all out to hunt a goal and their desperate efforts bore early in the half in 61st minute when Akram Ali showcased his talent with a swift shot which beat the onrushing goalkeeper.

In international Ju jitsu Pakistan ended the day with two victories to maintain its fine run in the event. Asim Moeen and Mohammad Ali led their country to success in their respective bouts by exhibiting finer points of the game superior technique.

Asim Moeen of Pakistan beat SO sang Boem of South Korea, Yang Hyengju defeated Ajbekov of Kyrgyztan .Yasan Ali Nabizo of Iran

Iraq and Mohammed Ali of Pakistan beat Husain Mohammed of Iraq.

In international Kabaddi , two matches were decided in which Pakistan (Punjab) and India fashioned out victories against their respective rivals. Pakistan Punjab defeated Afghanistan 73-40.The winning teams main point getters were Imtiaz Alam, M.Ashfaq, Khalid Bhatti, Akmal Dogar, Waqas Butt, Rana Naeem , Mohsin Naseer, Mansha, Neeem Jutt, Asif Mola, Waqas Gujjar, Arslan Aslam Dogar and Saifullah.

In the second match: India beat Nepal 47-20.Pakistan Punjab defeated Afghanistan 73-40.The Indian teams main scorers were :Sukhveer Singh, Gorlal Singh, Sukhder Singh, Lakhwinder Singh, Gagnandeep Singh, Malvinder Singh, Harjinder Singh, Guwinder Singh, Gurjeet Singh, Balraj Singh, Yadwinder Singh, Vilveer Singh, Gurjeet Singh and Balram Singh.—APP

CHAMAN: Players of Afghan Football Club and KPT in action during Pakistan Premier Football League. Afghan Football Club won the match 1-0.

The dangers of diet soda

T

HE ads for soda with “zero calories” are very tempting. The only other beverage that can boast that desirable feature is water, and while it may be good for hydration, it’s far more tempting to the taste buds to grab a can of diet soda. But calories are not the only thing you should be concerned about in the beverages you drink. Many of the ingredients in diet soda have been proven to be harmful to your health and can lead to a host of chronic illnesses. Suddenly that glass of water isn’t looking so bad!

A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine that was conducted by researchers at the Columbia University Medical Center and the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine found that people who drank diet soft drinks on a regular basis had an increased risk of suffering a vascular event such as a stroke or heart attack. The results were based on data taken from the Northern Manhattan Study, which surveyed 2,564 adults as to their diet and rate of soft drink consumption.

Participants were categorized into one of three groups: no soft drink consumption, light soft drink consumption (1 per month to 6 per week) and regular consumption (one or more per day). The mean follow-up lasted for 10 years, after which they examined the association between soft drink consumption and vascular events.

Even after controlling for age, sex, ethnicity, smoking, physical activity, body fat, daily calories consumed and general

diet, and including taking any pre-existing vascular conditions such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome and high blood pressure into account, it was found that those who drank diet soft drinks every day had a 43% greater risk of suffering a vascular event than those who drank none. Interestingly, those who drank regular soft drinks or who drank diet soda only occasionally had no increased vascular event risk, so the danger appears to lie in the “diet” aspect of the beverage.

The sweetener that is commonly used today in diet sodas is aspartame (more commonly known as NutraSweet or Equal), which is about 200 times sweeter than sugar and is synthesized from genetically modified microorganisms. Our metabolism breaks aspartame down into aspartic acid, phenylalanine and methanol, with further breakdown producing formaldehyde and formic acid.

There is 180 mg of aspartame in a 12ounce can of diet soda.

Dr. Russell Blaylock, a board-certified neurosurgeon who wrote the book, “Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills,” noted that aspartame is “a poison that affects protein synthesis; affects how the synapses operate in the brain, and affects DNA, it can affect numerous organs. So you can get many different symptoms that seem unconnected.” Aspartame is an excitotoxin that can accumulate in the brain and excite the neurons there to the point of death in some cases.

KARACHI: Speaker Sindh Assembly Nisar Ahmad Khuhro with children at a ceremony marking “Malala Day” organized by SAFMA outside Assembly building.

Hundreds throng exhibition STAFF REPORTER KARACHI– Saturday being the forth day of IDEAS-2012 saw hundreds of local and international visitors thronging the Expo Centre.

According to official sources, over 86 foreign delegates from some 50 countries had arrived in the city to attend the moot.

The number of local and foreign companies showcasing their defence related products at the exhibition is 135 and 70, repectively. Some 209 stalls are said to have been erected at the show. Sunday would be the last day of biannual exhibition.

KARACHI: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad visiting stalls at 7th International Defence Exhibition IDEAS-2012.

PML-F nominates Shah Muhammad as Dadu President STAFF REPORTER

Fresh graduates advised not to go abroad OBSERVER REPORT K ARACHI — Thousands of medical graduates pass out each

but many of them end up K A R A C H I — Former MPA year going abroad instead of paying Syed Muhammad Shah has been nominated as President of Pakistan Muslim League Functional (PML-F) district Dadu.

General Secretary PML-F Imtiaz Ahmed Sheikh said that Muhammad Shah has been nominated as President of the PML-F Dadu by President PML-F Sindh Pir Sadaruddin Shah Rashidi, said a statement issued on Saturday.

back to society due to lack of proper career guidance and opportunities. This was stated by the doctors affiliated with Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) during a seminar on career guidance held here at Agha Khan University Auditorium on Saturday.

PIMA’s career guidance seminar for fresh medical graduates is attended by large number of fresh medical graduates from almost all medical schools in

Karachi, as it provides an opportunity to them to communicate with such a large number of fresh doctors but future medical specialists, general practitioners, and surgeons from different hospitals of Karachi. “Fresh medical graduates should not go abroad and serve extremely neglected poor patients in the country as if all literate persons move abroad nobody will take care of this society,” said Dr. M. Kashif Shazlee, assistant professor at Dow University of Health Sciences and at Ziauddin Medical University and Hospital. “‘You think you need better academics, then take this as a challenge and see what happens.

25 Chinese Movers inducted into NLC fleet STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Twenty five Chinese North Benz Prime Movers were handed over to National Logistics Cell (NLC) by NORINCO China, here on Thursday.

The Chinese Movers were inducted into NLC fleet at an impressive ceremony at Headquarters Freight Services National Logistics Cell (NLC).

Lieutenant General Sajjad Ghani, Lieutenant General Ayaz Saleem Rana, Chairman HIT, Wang Li, Vice President NORINCO, and senior officials of Heavy Industries Taxila / NLC / Chinese company NORINCO and honorable guests from public and private sectors attended the ceremony, said an official statement.

PPP believes in continuity of political system: Bukhari STAFF REPORTER KARACHI–Chairman Senate, Syed Nayyar Bukhari on Saturday evening said Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) believes in continuity of the political system that is strongly embedded in democratic culture. Addressing a session arranged by Karachi Press Club to pay tribute to Fauzia Wahab, he said the political system guarded by PPP is well reflected in the party’s culture whereby workers are groomed and catapulted to higher echelons accordingly, “My late colleague as well as myself are examples of the PPP culture who on the basis of

their long association with the party and service to the public cause were given important party positions,” he said.

Acknowledging that the PPP was blessed with die-hard and committed political workers, Chairman of the Senate said presence of such treasure in the ranks of PPP as well as all other parties would remain the strong protectors of democracy in the country. He said honesty, sincerity, sense of just-ness were the integral components of Fauzia Wahab’s personality.

“These traits are cherished by all honest souls is established through the large presence of political leaders and workers

from different political parties, other than PPP itself, activists and journalists who have gathered to remember their colleague whom they could never forget,” he said.

Nayyar Bukhari while assuring her late colleague’s family that are and would remain to be part of the PPP family also appreciated Mujahid Barelvi, a senior journalist for his compilation about Fauzia Wahab, making people realize what made a woman worker from a middle class background to attain one of the four most important party position in the largest political party of the country.

Security measures for Muharram STAFF REPORTER KARACHI —As per the security plan, pillion riding to be banned in Karachi, Hyderabad and Khiarpur during the first 10 days of Muharram ul Haram, a private television channel reported Saturday.

Meanwhile, Inspector General of Sindh Police, Fay-yaz Ahmed Leghari chaired a meeting of a 50-member delegation of ulema at the Central Police Office here.

The delegation of the ulema led by prominent scholar Allama Abbas Kumeli called on the IGP here, said a statement. Additional IG Karachi Iqbal Mehmood, DIGs headquarters Sindh, AIG Operation Sindh, SSP SIU, Divi-sional SP, Additional Commissioner Karachi, Kamran Shamshad and all deputy commissioner

Karachi also attended the meeting. The meeting approved Post Disaster Management Plan and formed a strategy in his regard to cope with any untoward incident on the occasion of Muharram.

They decided that the SSPs of districts, divisional SSPs of Karachi, ulema and organizers of different majalis and processions will remain in close contact in connection with the security during the month of Mu-harram-ulharam.

The focal persons will also be nominated to remain in contact with the ulema and zakireen at divisional level.

The lists of contact telephone numbers will also be shared, they decided.

The meeting also decided that the display of weapons will also be banned under sec-

tion 144 CrPC and the implementation of the ban will be ensured at all levels. They decided that the sale and distribution of pro-vocative material and wall-chalking will also be pro-hibited.

The Additional IGP Karachi briefed the meeting that the sweeping by the bomb disposal squad of the shops and houses which are situated on the route of Ashura-eMuharram procession will be carried out.

The shops and houses which are situated along the route of main Ashura-e Muharram will be sealed, the meeting decided. Additional IGP Karachi, Iqbal Mehmood informed the meeting that the senior police officials will monitor the Ashura procession via surveillance cameras in the CCPO office.

CM of Bihar calls on Speaker Sindh Assembly STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Chief Minister of Bihar (India) Nitish Kumar along with his cabinet members called on Speaker Sindh Assembly Nisar Ahmed Khuhro here on Saturday.

The visiting Indian dignitaries on the their arrival at Sindh Assembly building was accorded warm welcome by the Speaker and provincial ministers including Agha Siraj Durrani, Jam Madad Ali, Syed Sardar Ahmed, Raza Haroon, MNA Shazia Marri and others.

They discussed relations between Pakistan and India, political situation and the matters of mutual interests as well as the legislation carried out in the Sindh Assembly. They expressed satisfaction over the improvement in relations between the two countries after suffering the serious set back in the wake of Mumbai attacks.

After the meeting, Bihar Chief Minister while talking to media persons said that Sindhi culture is our culture.

Shura Hamdard calls for promotion of women education STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Speakers at the meeting of Shura Hamdard Karachi chapter have stressed the need of promotion of women education in the country which is essential for the empowerment of women and economic development of the country. The meeting was held on the theme: “ Important role of women education in the reconstruction of the society “ presided over by former chief justice of federal Shariat court, Justice (Retd) Haziqul Khairi at a local hotel. Mrs. Sadia Rashid, President, Hamdard Foundation Pakistan was also present at the meeting.

Speaking on the occasion Prof. Dr. Khalida Ghaus, former head of the department

of Inter-national Relations, University of Karachi and at present the head of Social Policy Develop-ment Centre, Karachi said that according to UN report 2012, 5.1 million children were out of school in Pakistan, In the world there were 12 countries that spent less than 2 % of their GDP on education and Pakistan was one of them which showed the poor condition of education in the country and it seemed that socio-weight to education , she added “Pakistan has failed the develop its human resources. It is the importance of transformation of societal and stale values and structures that the development of human resource cannot be ignored”, she said adding that Pakistan ranked 145 among the KARACHI: Former Chief Justice of Federal Shariat Court, Justice Haziqul Khairi presidlist of 187 countries of human ing over a meeting on the theme: “Important role of women education in reconstruction of the society”.

development resource (HDR) .

Highlighting the condition of female education in the country, she said that the ration of literacy was lowest in Pakistan in South Asia and the ration of female literacy stood at 32 %, lowest being 17% in Balochistan and highest being 55 % in Gilgit – Baltistan. Dera Bughti had the lowest female enrolment of One percent and hiking thing was that in 4 districts, iof Musa Khel, Pangur, Kohlu and Dera Bughti of Balochistan there was no female matric enrolment, she said, adding that greatest gender disparity with regard to population ever attended school was found in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. She said the ratio of female to make combined enrolment rate was 0.6 % in Pa-

kistan, which was lowest in South Asia and indicated a bias favor of males. “ Woman rights are human rights and a woman does not only follow the cultural values byt also responsible for character building of new generation” She said adding, “But she cannot do it properly without education”.

She said that education was now a engine of growth” and clearly it was the production of ideas rather than the “Production of goods” that provided a comparative advantage and the impetus for economic development. In 21st century the world had entered the age of knowledge-based economy, which necessarily required a higher average standard of education.

This however, did not merely need a skilled workforce but

also required a more multi disciplinary and holistic body of institutional knowledge both for economic productivity and ensure central enriched life style, she added.

Shamim Kazmi, a social worker while addressing the meeting said that 70% drop out was of female students from schools. Government has no funds thus our public Government private (NGO) sectors partnership could do something for promotion of female literacy. She suggested that for collecting finance for female education, taxes on marriage celebrations (Halls) be imposed for serving more than one dish. All such money thus collected to be monitored citywide by a council of honest citizens.

How many calories should I eat?

T

HE number of calories people should eat each day depends on several fac tors, including their age, size, height, sex, lifestyle, and overall general health. A physically active 6ft 2in male, aged 22 years, requires considerably more calories than a 5ft 2ins sedentary woman in her 70s.

Recommended daily calorie intakes also vary across the world. According to the National Health Service (NHS), UK, the average male adult needs approximately 2,500 calories per day to keep his weight constant, while the average adult female needs 2,000. US authorities recommend 2,700 calories per day for men and 2,200 for women. It is interesting that in the UK, where people on average are taller than Americans, the recommended daily intake of calories is lower. Rates of overweight and obesity among both adults and children in the USA are considerably higher than in the United Kingdom.

The NHS stresses that rather than precisely counting numbers (calories), people should focus more on eating a healthy and well balanced diet, being physically active, and roughly balancing how many calories are consumed with the numbers burnt off each day. According to the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the average person’s minimum calorie requirement per day globally is approximately 1,800 kilocalories. Daily calorie consumption varies considerably around the world (countries in gray indicates “no data available”) Scientifically speaking, one kilocalorie is 1,000 calories. However, the term calorie

in lay English has become so loosely used with the same meaning as kilocalorie, that the two terms have virtually merged. In other words, in most cases, a calorie and kilocalorie have the same meaning.

A kilocalorie is the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water from 15° to 16° Celsius (centigrade) at one atmosphere. A “small calorie” refers to the traditional scientific term of calorie, meaning one-thousandth of a kilocalorie.

Internationally, most nations talk about food energy in kJ (kilojoules). 1 kcal (kilocalorie) = 4.184 kJ. In industrialized nations and a growing number of emerging economies, people are consuming many more calories than they used to. Portion sizes in restaurants, both fast food ones as well as elegant places, are far greater today.

The average cheeseburger in the USA 20 years ago had 333 calories, compared to the ones today with over 600 calories The human body and energy usage For the human body to remain alive, it requires energy. Approximately 20% of the energy we use is for brain metabolism. The majority of the rest of the body’s energy requirements are taken up for the basal metabolic requirements - the energy we need when in a resting state, for functions such as the circulation of the blood and breathing.

The Harris-Benedict equation, also known as the Harris-Benedict principle, is used to estimate what a person’s BMR (basal metabolic rate) and daily requirements are.

LAHORE: Visitors taking keen interest in pictures displayed during cultural exhibition at Al-Hamra Art Gallery.

War against dengue to continue till its elimination: Shahbaz SALIM AHMED L A H O R E —Punjab

Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that due to the steps of Punjab government and cooperation of the people, dengue has been controlled effectively this year, but war against dengue is not over rather continuing and we will not rest content till its complete eradication. He said that the worst virus of the history was faced with courage, commitment and determination and by the grace of Almighty Allah and with the help of the entire government machinery and political companions no death was occurred due to dengue this year upon which we are thankful to Almighty Allah.

He said that this is such an everlasting example of the teamwork which will be written in golden words in the history. He said that if the work is done in every walk of life keeping in view this example, we can change the history and Pakistan can be included in those countries which issue orders rather take dictation.

He expressed these views while addressing the inaugural ceremony of International Dengue Conference at Aiwan-e-Iqbal, here Saturday. Special Assistant Khawaja Salman Rafique, Perviaz Malik, members assembly, expert doctors from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia, secretaries of concerned departments, Commissioner Lahore Division, District Coordination Officer Lahore, doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, spray men, volunteers who took part in anti-dengue campaign and a large number of citizens were present on the occasion.

Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that the joys of inauguration of flyover on Kalma Chowk Ferozpur Road which was completed only within four months on August 2011 were not over

Ban on pillion riding

Nation’s prayers are with Malala: Shahbaz

STAFF REPORTER

LCWU announces Malala scholarships

LAHORE:—There will be ban on pillion riding in the city during Muharram 9 and 10, CCPO Lahore Aslam Tarin said on Saturday.

He told the media that holidays of all security personnel had also been cancelled in view of the sensitivity of the month. Besides, he said, Section 144 will also be imposed.

He said a foolproof security plan has been chalked out according to which around 3,000 police officials would perform their duties in various parts of the city while contingents of rangers and army would be on standby to meet any eventuality.

He confirmed that search operations were being carried out in the city while several suspects had also been taken into custody.

STAFF REPORTER L AHORE —On Malala’s UN International Day on Saturday, Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) has announced “15 Malala Yousafzai scholarships” for girls from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Nothern Areas.

University Vice Chancellor Dr Sabiha Mansoor, in a statement, said the scholarships would be awarded on the request of the student council and comprised 10 scholarships for the four-year BS degree and five scholarships for the MS-PhD degrees.

The scholarships, she said, will include hostel accommodation. She said Malala Yousafzai was a symbol for girls’ education and defiance against those who wish to impose their obscurantist agenda in the name of religion. Meanwhile, the Human Rights Com-

mission of Pakistan (HRCP) here Friday hailed the United Nations’ decision to declare November 10 as Malala Day. In a press releas, the commission said that Pakistani government and the people must make a solemn pledge to devote their energies to guaranteeing their children, girls especially, their right to education.

It said, the people of Pakistan have reason to take pride in the fact that today (Malala Day) the whole world will be joining them in a tribute to Malala, who has been accepted as a symbol of girls‘ aspiration to receive education and of their courage to stand up for this right.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif has said that the entire nation’s prayers and wishes are with Malala Yousafzai and expressed hope that she will soon be back af-

ter recovering from her injuries.

CM Shahbaz Sharif expressed his views in a message on ‘Malala Day’ which was observed on Saturday. He said that Malala is the daughter and pride of the nation and that he was receiving positive reports about her health. He hoped that she will recover soon and return to her homeland to be with her supporters.

Shahbaz Sharif said that Malala’s sacrifice for promoting education will not go in vain and the entire country feels proud on her courage. He said that the nation is praying for her prompt recovery.

The United Nations has announced to observe ‘Malala Day’ under its supervision across the world in the honour of child activist from Swat, Malala Yousafzai, who was shot in the head by the Taliban.

List of names finalized for appointment as addl judges LAHORE—List of 12 names by the end of this month for and Shahid Bilal Hassan have been finalized for appointment of additional judges in Lahore High Court (LHC). LHC Chief Justice Omar Atta Bandial will accord approval to the names after taking formal interview.

These names will formally be sent to Judicial Commission

approval.

The list includes Aamir Mehmood, Shams Mehmood Mirza, Abid Aziz Sheikh, Aalia Neelum and Maqsood Buttar from Lahore, Azhar Nafees from Rawalpindi, Mehmood Ashraf Khan from Multan, Mian Mansoor Ali

from Faisalabad and Jawad ul Hassan Jawad, additional advocate general Punjab of LHC Rawalpindi bench. 2 judicial officers include Nazir Ahmad, district and session’s judge Lahore and Salim Khan district and sessions judge.—Online

LAHORE: Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif addressing the inaugural ceremony of International Dengue Conference at Aiwan-e-Iqbal. that after a few days, den- his political colleagues, doc- and commitment, the lesson entire nation. Shahbaz Sharif gue snatched us happiness tors, nurses, paramedics and of which has been given to said that he can say a lot of of Independence Day and secretaries of the depart- us by Quaid-e-Azam and about the criticism of critics flyover and the worst virus ments took active part in this Allama Iqbal. He asserted but this will be responded in of dengue spread in other war. He said that due to the that if we work with same political meetings. Referring cities of Punjab including tireless efforts of the Punjab devotion and hard work, we to the metro bus project, the Lahore. He said that Punjab government, thousands can make Pakistan, the Chief Minister said that this government stood against lives were saved. country of Quaid-e-Azam is an excellent public welfare the storm of dengue. AlHe salutes to those who and Allama Iqbal and we will project through which best though we had no knowl- worked day and night dur- be able to give orders in- travelling facilities would be edge and experience about ing anti-dengue campaign stead of taking dictation. available to the common dengue yet it was our com- and declared them as hero. Shahbaz Sharif said that man. He asked whether it is mitment to face this virus at He said that we have fought there were 21 thousand den- not the right of the people all cost. such a war which is unpar- gue patients last year and to have affordable and modThe Chief Minister said alleled in the history. about 252 deaths were oc- ern travelling facilities. that medical experts were inHe said that the com- curred but this year only 252 Shahbaz Sharif said that vited from Sri Lanka and mendatory certificates patients have been reported sometimes it is said that this Thailand and the war was given to those who showed and no death was occurred. project will cost Rs.80 billaunched against dengue excellent performance durHe said that due to un- lions or Rs.90 billions with commitment and deter- ing anti-dengue campaign tiring and joint efforts, great whereas the cost of this mination. He said that meet- are more precious than dia- success was achieved and project has been estimated ing was held at 7:00am daily monds. The Chief Minister dengue has been defeated. to Rs.27 billion. He said that and we took solid steps for said that the spirit which has However, we have to still if provision of latest transovercoming this serious been shown by the political continue our tireless efforts, port facilities is a crime than challenge. colleagues and government he added. He said that our he will continue to commit Shahbaz Sharif said that machinery is the same spirit performance is before the such crime again and again.

3 suspected terrorists arrested STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—The law enforcement agencies and the Lahore police on Saturday arrested three suspected terrorists who were allegedly planning to target Shia processions during the Islamic month of Muharram in Lahore.

Policemen working in collaboration with personnel of an intelligence agency raided a house on the outskirts of the

Defence Housing Authority and arrested the three men, Lahore Police spokesman Niyab Haider said.

Weapons and grenades were recovered from the men.

The hand grenades were handed to the Bomb Disposal Squad and were defused.

Their initial interrogation revealed that they were planning to target Shia processions during Muharram, which begins later this month, he said.

The arrested men were taken to an undisclosed place for questioning.

According to the sources in the police department, nine alleged militants who were released on bail from various jails of Punjab in September are believed to be planning attacks against rival sects in Moharram, warns a report of an intelligence agency forwarded to the IG Police Punjab.

Green Valley celebrates first foundation anniversary STAFF REPORTER

its operations last year and has set its position as one of the most successful retail stores in Pakistan. It also won Pakistan’s first international Retail award for its category, ‘Most commendable retail interior’ in Malaysia this year.

Notable makeup artist Khawar Riaz was the chief

guest at the ceremony, accompanied by a large numLAHORE—Green Valley Preber of socialites and Green valley’s management. The mium Supermarket , Shaping event baked off with a cake the Retail Industry on its first cutting ceremony followed Anniversary Green Valley, a by prize balloting & distribuproject of Bahria Town celtion for loyal customers of ebrated its first year anniverGreen Valley. sary at the Mall of Lahore.

“These are changing Green Valley- an upscale times for Pakistan”, said premium supermarket started Baber Tanoli who is Head of Operations and he expressed great satisfaction over the overwhelming response from customers. He added, we are now opening a Hyper store in Rawalpindi within the next 4 months in addition to 100% expansion of the flagship store in Mall of Lahore.

Green valley Lahore will be adding 7 more departments to provide the concept of “everything under one roof”. Muhammed Muslim, the Store Manager added “We are providing fresh imported stock on an international standard in a 5 star ambiance with the most affordable prices, I can confidently state that our prices are guaranteed to be the lowest in the country with a wealth of variety in stocks providing anything from baLAHORE: Notable makeup artist Khawar Riaz with others cutting the commemorative sic necessities to lifestyle cake of Greenvalley on 1st foundation anniversary. premium products.

Farooqi’s solo paintings exhibition gets underway MUZAFFAR ALI L AHORE —Solo paintings exhibition of well-known Karachi-based artist Salman Farooqi got underway at the Revivers Galleria in Gulberg here this evening in a colourful manner.

On display in the exhibition titled “Reflection” are Salman Farooqi’s 32 selected paintings.

The artist has used acrylics on canvas medium to express his artistic approach and thinking in absorbing manner.

The exhibition will continue for a fortnight and end on November 25.

Talking to Pakistan Observer Salman Farooqi said that he was very happy to be in the cultural capital of Pakistan, Lahore, once again and by the enthusiastic and quite encouraging response from the fellow artists, art lovers from different walks of life and the art collectors about his paintings which are on display in the exhibition.