E-Paper November 21, 2012

Empowering provinces, people vital: Zardari Collective wisdom is always better than individual Parliament has decided President’s political role No ban on protests against Israeli aggression Energy is driver of economy ISLAMABAD—President Asif Ali Zardari Tuesday said that it was his priority to empower people and provinces for strengthening Pakistan and safeguarding future of the coming generations.

“The first thing I did after assuming office was to create consensus in the Parliament for the empowerment of the people,” the President said while addressing the second ‘Pakistan Leaders of Tomorrow’ conference here at Aiwan-e-Sadr. It was organised by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on the special initiative of President Zardari.

He said that he voluntarily gave all the powers of the Presidency to the Parliament in order to strengthen democracy in the country. He said Parliament has decided President’s political

French combat troops withdraw from Afghan war KABUL—France withdrew its combat troops from Afghanistan on Tuesday, marking the end of its battlefield role in the NATO-led war after a presence of more than 10 years.

Four hundred French troops returned to the Afghan capital after four years of combat operations in nearby Kapisa province and Kabul’s Sarobi district, a spokesman for the French military said, adding they would return to France within days.

“Today is the end of our forward operations. By the end of the year, we will have 1,500 French troops remaining in Afghanistan in non-combat operations,” said Lt. Col Guillaume Leroy.

Continued on Page 7

Raja asks D-8 to build roadmap for closer coop SHARAFAT KAZMI ISLAMABAD—Prime Minister

Raja Pervez Ashraf has called upon the D-8 countries to build a focused roadmap for closer economic integration.

Addressing the D-8 Business Forum here Tuesday, he expressed satisfaction that the PrefPESHAWAR—Gunmen on erential Trade Agreement among Tuesday killed the driver of a the member countries has entered Nato supply truck in tribal into force. This is a significant areas close to the Afghan milestone towards economic inborder, officials said. The tegration among the D-8. shooting took place in the Expeditious implementation Jamrud area of Khyber, one of will help the countries achieve seven agencies in the semithe intra D-8 trade target of 500 autonomous tribal belt.

“Two gunmen on a motorcycle fired at a Nato Asghar Khan case truck and killed its driver when a convoy of three trucks was passing,” local government official Asmatullah Wazir told AFP. He said an assistant of the driver was wounded and that the gun-men I SLAMABAD —The Pakistan escaped.

Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) president Imran Ahmed, a doctor at Makhdoom Javed Hashmi on the lo-cal hospital, said the Tuesday warned the leaders of driver was shot in the head, Pakistan Muslim Leagueand that his assistant was shot Nawaz (PML-N) and some metwice on the shoulders.—AFP dia outlets to abstain from propagating against him in the Asghar Khan case otherwise he will file contempt of court cases against them.

Addressing a press conference here at the PTI secretariat, OUR CORRESPONDENT Javed Hashim said initially the People’s Party (PPP) CHARSADDA—District Police Pakistan spread negative propaganda Officer (DPO) Charsadda Nisar against him and also former dicMarwat on Tuesday escaped a tator Pervez Musharraf left no roadside Improvised Explosive Continued on Page 7 Device (IED) attack but his guard and driver were injured in the explosion.

Marwat’s vehicle was targeted with a remote control IED planted on a bicycle near Lasania Restaurant in Kulladher Bypass area on Mardan Road when he was going home from his office.

The DPO told media JAVED MAHMOOD representatives that he servived as he was travelling in another vehicle. He said his official car ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Muslim League (Q) is going to prowas damaged in the explosion. pose Senator Mushahid Station House Officer Hussain Syed as caretaker Charsadda Police Station Prime Minister to lead the team Rokhanzeb informed that of caretakers who would superaround three kilograms of vise general elections to be held explosive was used in the blast in the country next year, sources and it was fixed on a bicycle. told Pakistan Observer on Tuesday.

Sources said that the PMLQ has discussed the name of Senator Mushahid Hussain for

Gunmen kill Nato driver in Khyber Agency

Hashmi warns PML-N leaders

Charsadda DPO escapes IED blast

billion dollars by 2018. Emphasizing upon the strategic positioning of D-8 countries, the Prime Minister said trade volume of the D-8 member countries has increased from 433 billion dollars in 1997 to 1.725 trillion in 2011.

This reflects more than 20 percent annual growth confirming their trade potential.

He, however said the Intra D8 trade was 130 billion dollars in 2011, which was 7.5 percent of the total trade of D-8 trade bloc.

He said the bilateral trade and investment among D-8 member countries is yet to reach its full potential. Raja Parvez Ashraf

said all member countries have undertaken reforms, liberalized markets and integrated better in the world economy. GDP growth rate of D-8 countries averages around six percent, with one member state Turkey registering 9 percent growth rate. He said the D-8 Business Forum has the potential to create entrepreneurial synergies leading to increased wealth and prosperity of our people.

He said the member countries need to create an enabling environment with strong publicprivate partnership to achieve the

Continued on Page 7

NA adopts resolution to deweaponise country STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD —Despite resistance from ruling coalition members and the main opposition party, the National Assembly on Tuesday adopted a resolution calling for steps to deweaponise the entire country.

The resolution, tabled in the NA

by Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Dr Farooq Sattar, was opposed by the Awami National Party (ANP), the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) and the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N).

Sattar said that criminals and terrorists have disrupted peace in Pakistan, thus must be taken to deweaponise the entire

country. The Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) Minister for Religious Affairs, Khursheed Shah also spoke in favour of the resolution, urging deweaponisation of the entire country instead of just Karachi to take a grip on the country’s security situation.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman, how-ever, criticised MQM’s “deceptive” resolution, saying that law enforcement authorities had failed in providing security to the people and that the common man needs weapons to ensure his own safety.

Tuesday’s motion comes follows a similar ANP-backed resolution adopted by the Senate on Mon-day recommending

Continued on Page 7

Two suicide bombers held in Peshawar

Hussain as caretaker prime minister for his cordial relationship with the establishment.

The PPP leaders also believe that the combined nomination of Mushahid Hussain as caretaker prime minister could annoy the PML-N and PTI, said sources. Sources said that so far the two coalition partners in the government, PPP and PML-Q are not on the same page for the nomination of Mushahid Hussain as head of the caretakers set-up.

promote unity and harmony, and to counter those designs. The President said the Government not only pursued policy of reconciliation at home but also took

Continued on Page 7

Bilawal seeks political support to fight terrorism ISLAMABAD—Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Tuesday called upon all political parties to unite and cooperate with each other to fight terrorism for the sake of safe and secure future of the country.

“Pakistan has been facing menace of extremism and terrorism and there is a need for united efforts by all the politi-

Sindh govt gives nod to operation in Karachi

cal forces to face this challenges,” Bilawal said while addressing the second conference of “Pakistan Leaders of Tomorrow” here at Aiwan-eSadr, organised by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on the special initiative of President Zardari to interact with the youth. Referring to joint responsibilities to face the

Continued on Page 7

President ratifies Pak, India visa accord STAFF REPORTER

KARACHI—Sindh government Party. Underscoring that the op- ISLAMABAD—President Asif Ali PESHAWAR—Police on Tuesday on Tuesday gave approval for eration in Karachi is need of the Zardari endorsed the liberalized apprehended two individuals one of them wearing a suicide jacket on Bara Road.

According to details, police personnel on a check post ordered two lads on a motorcycle but they not only refused to obey the police order but also warned of dire consequences.

At this, police cordoned off the related area and arrested the alleged suicide bomber. So far

Continued on Page 7

IHC quashes Rimsha ‘blasphemy’ case STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday threw

launching of an operation in Karachi to deweaponis the city.

This was stated by Sindh Minister for Prisons Manzoor Wassan, while addressing a press conference on Tuesday.

The would-be operation could encompass the city’s greatest political party, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, and the ruling Pakistan People’s Party, said Manzoor Wassan, and added, the provincial government has voiced support for an operation in the provincial capital.

He said the operation is likely to be directed against the armed activists of different political parties including Muttahida Qaumi Movement and Pakistan People’s

hour, Wassan noted that reservations expressed by the Muttahida chief Altaf Hussain regarding the operation are not correct. Addressing the party workers of Lahore and Rawalpindi zones via telephone yesterday, self exile leader had said that relying on false allegations; certain elements were trying to suppress the MQM in Karachi.

“Ninety eight per cent deprived people of the nation would protest against any attempt of suppressing the MQM,” he said.

Shah said all political parties including the MQM and the ANP supported Karachi operation. He said government had to decide the method of action—INP

visa agreement between Pakistan and India on Tuesday.

The two nations had already signed the visa agreement on September 8, 2012, to pave the way for greater people to people contacts and boost trade.

According to the spokesman of President’s House, the main objective of the Pak-India visa agreement is to facilitate the peoples on both sides of the border. Pakistan Cabinet had granted approval to the agreement on September 5, 2012, under which visit visas will be issued to the people intending to travel across the border for visiting their family member(s) or for any other legitimate purpose.

TPC signs Border Coordination Mechanism in Kabul COAS Kayani meets Karzai KABUL—The 36th Meeting of

out all charges against a Christian girl accused of blasphemy in a case that drew international condemnation,

Continued on Page 7

PML-Q to propose Senator Mushahid as caretaker PM the top slot of the caretakers with President Asif Ali Zardari and other top leaders of the PPP. Senator Mushahid Hussain, who is also the Chairman of Senate’s Foreign Relations Committee and the SecretaryGeneral of PML-Q, is trying to build more friendly relationship with the important leaders of important political parties in government and opposition.

Sources said that most of the decision makers in the PPP are reluctant to pitch Mushahid

role. Referring to geo-strategic environment, the President said that the attempts were being made to weaken Pakistan, but he strengthened federating units in order to strengthen the country,

According to the election laws, an interim set-up could be established before or within 8 working days during which the outgoing prime minister, chief ministers and the Speaker of National Assembly would continue to work as part of interim administration.

Meanwhile, as per Constitution, when the process of interim set up starts, the interim system could be created within three days after consultation

Continued on Page 7

Tripartite Commission (TPC) was held at Afghan Ministry of Defence, Kabul on Tuesday.

The meeting was part of ‘Tripartite Coordination Mechanism’ and attended by COAS Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Acting ISAF Commander Lieutenant General Nicholas Carter and Afghan COGS General Sher Muhammad Karimi along with their delegations.

Morsi to address parliament on Friday ISLAMABAD—Egyptian President Mohammad Morsi will address Pakistani parliamentarians on Nov 23 (Friday). Morsi is due in Islamabad on Thursday for Developing-8 Summit, an official said, adding that his bilateral agenda will be initiated at the end of the multilateral moot.

President Asif Ali Zardari has convened joint session of the Parliament on Nov 23 at 11am.

Morsi is the first Egyptian president to address Pakistani parliament.

A hectic programme is being chalked out for the Egyptian Continued on Page 7

Participants reviewed ongoing military operations in Afghanistan and adjoining tribal areas of Pakistan.

The meeting was significant due to the fact that a document for ‘Tripartite Border Coordination Mechanism’ was also signed to improve near border coordination.

Participants also discussed transition of responsibility from ISAF to ANSF as per the ISAF drawdown plan 2014 and mea-

sures to gradually enhance Pakistan - Afghan bilateral border coordination arrangements till and beyond 2014. The three sides agreed to continue cooperation for enduring success, peace and stability on both sides of the border.

Before the TPC meeting, COAS Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani called on Afghan President Hamid Karzai at the Presidential Palace. Matters of mutual interest were discussed.—INP

Every political party in Karachi involved in bloodshed: Fazl ISLAMABAD—Chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Tuesday said that every political party in Karachi is involved in bloodshed. He said those who are talking about elimination of arms from country should first lay down their weapons.

Talking to media outside Parliament House, the JUI-F chief said that there is no justice in the country; he proposed effective initiative in order to root out the terrorist mindset from the country. While criticizing the Resolution proposed by the MQM for deweaponisation of

the country, Fazl said those who tabled the resolution should first eliminate “militant wings” from their own party ranks.

Fazl said that our so-called rulers have deteriorated the Quaid’s Pakistan; they do not deserve to use the name of Quaid-e-Azam.

He said that Taliban are declared criminals for carrying weapons similarly the political parties possessing weapons should also be declared the same. The JUI-F Chief condemned the brutal strike on innocent Palestinians by Israel forces. —Online

‘Mafia eroding foundation of country’ STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —Minister for religious affairs Syed Khurshid Shah has said mafia is plundering the country, therefore, all have to work together for its eradication.

Presently mafia of every department has eroded the foundations of the country; he said this while giving reply to calling attention notice in National Assembly Tuesday. Somewhere drug mafia is operating, somewhere transport mafia and somewhere some other mafia, he added.

He went on to say hepatitis has reached alarming proportion in the country turning into an epidemic.

People will be worried if statistics in this respect are

made public, he held. It is corporate responsibility of federation and provinces to work together to eliminate this disease, he urged.

International donors are facing problems due to devolution of health department to the provinces, he stated. The need is there awareness be created among the people for elimination of hepatitis, he stressed.

Responding to a question he said the standard of medicine will have to be checked before allowing sale of low-rated vaccine.

Replying to a question from Dr Azra Afzal he said government will conduct inquiry into the matter of non-allowing sale of interferon injection in the country.

UNHCR package increases Afghans repatriation ratio in KP RAHMATULLAH KHAN P ESHAWA R —The UNHCR facilitated voluntary repatriation for Afghan refugees have gained momentum in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province following the increase in the return package.

Since the start of November, UNHCR Pakistan has enhanced the return package available to every registered refugee returning to Afghanistan under the agency’s facilitated return programme.

Qaiser Khan Afridi, spokesperson UNHCR while talking Pakistan Observer said the number of returning refugees has increased by 38 percent com-

pare to last year this time.

The number of families returning on weekly bases has witnessed a surge. During the first half of November more than 6000 Afghans have returned to Afghanistan; indicating a 127 increase in the number of people returning during the first and second week of the current month.

Khyber Pakhtukhwa is the largest refugee hosting province of Pakistan.

So far this year, 69,000 Afghans have returned while many others are intending to avail the enhanced package.

The new assistance package offered includes the provision of non-food item (NFI)

kits distributed to the returning families at the Chamkani, Timargara and Quetta Voluntary Repatriation Centres (VRCs). These items include jerry cans, buckets, soap, mosquito nets, sleeping mats, blanket, cooking set, plastic tarpaulins, quilt, sanitary cloths and winter clothes.

Refugee families are also offered limited transport assistance from the Voluntary Repatriation Centres in Pakistan to the Encashment Centres in Afghanistan. This assistance package is in addition to the USD 150 cash grant provided to returning families, and will continue until the end of December

2012.

Since September this year, UNHCR has also started facilitating the group return of families that originate from the same areas inside Afghanistan. Overall, this year’s voluntary repatriation trends indicate a 34 per cent increase in the number of Afghan refugees returning to their home country, when compared to 2011. A total of 69,000 individuals have returned so far this year. Pakistan is one of the major refugees hosting country, with the return of some 3.7 million Afghan refugees since 2002.

The country still hosts 1.64 million registered refugees on its soil.

Deranged youth kills mother

World Television Day today

OUR CORRESPONDENT

STAFF REPORTER

SARGODHA—A mentally challenged youth clubbed his mother to death in Kirana police limits on Tuesday. Police said that mentally challenged Sarfraz of 93-SB quarreled with his mother Zahida Perveen and clubbed her to death. Police have registered a case and arrested the accused. Meanwhile, it is reported that Multan police claimed to have arrested a man allegedly involved in killing of his daughter for honour in the limits of City Shujabad police station.

According to police, Shahnaz Bibi d/o Khadim Hussain resident of Shujabad married to Tariq Patoli some years back without consent of her father. After sometimes, her husband who was involved in robbery incidents was killed in an encounter with police.

Shahbaz wanted to contract second marriage but her father was not willing over it.

On her insist, Khadim Hussain had killed his daughter and buried her in a nearby graveyard without offering funeral prayer. Later, he submitted an application to police alleging that his rivals killed his daughter. On suspicion, the police interrogated him who confessed his crime. City police Shujabad have recovered body on pointing out of the accused.

ISLAMABAD—The United Na-

Sindh govt approached for doctors’ house jobs OUR CORRESPONDENT

QUETTA: Dr Shahnaz Naseer Baloch addressing a protest demonstration against police action on doctors’ rally.

JI condemns attack on Qazi STAFF REPORTER P ESHAWAR —The Jamaat-eIslami (JI) activists condemned suicide attack on the party ex-central Ameer Qazi Hussain Ahmad and alleged that the attack is a preplanned conspiracy against JI. The JI workers led by former provincial minister Hafiz Hashmat Khan, Behrullah Advocate and Hamdullah, a district Peshawar Ameer held the protest here opposite cantonment Railway Station on Tuesday.

Holding banners inscribed with slogans against the attack on the former central ameer of the party in Mohmand agency the other day and termed it a conspiracy; they were also raising their slogans against the political administration of the agency. While speaking the occasion, they claimed that it was not a suicide attack but was a remote control device, which they alleged that the enforcement agencies and political administration were trying to show it as suicide attack

aimed at hide their failure.

“The JI had defeated Russia on the soil of Afghanistan and now it is the US turn to face worst defeat and due to pro-American policies, it was started to assault the party (JI),” they claimed. They also termed the attack as a pressure on the party to keep it away from the upcoming general elections. They also announced to take out a protest rally of famour Masjid-eMahabat Khan after coming Jumma’s prayers against Israelis’ barbarism on innocent Palestinian.

HYDERABAD—On the directives of the Vice Chancellor Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro, a meeting was convened to discuss various issues related to the Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad and Jamshoro Branches.

The university spokesman informed here on Tuesday that meeting which was attended by the Medical Superitendent Liaquat University Hospital, Registrar, Deans, Director Academics, Project Director, Director Finance and the Consultant Security and Colony affairs, discussed at length the issue of House Job and decided that the Director Academics and the Medical Superintendent will approach the Sindh Health and Finance Departments to allow house job with stipend simultaneously to the two batches of graduates with effect from February 2013.

US govt funds FCC policy research centre STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—US Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director for the Punjab, Mr. Jeffrey N. Bakken inaugurated a USAIDfunded Resource Center at Forman Christian College (FCC) Center for Public Policy and Governance. The 22.8 million rupee Resource Center will support and promote empirical research in Pakistan. The Center will be a consolidated resource to provide students, researchers and policymakers with literature, data and training facilities to pave the way

for informed decision making at all levels.

At the same event, USAID’s FIRMS Project Chief of Party Mr. Donald Hart and FCC’s Director of the Center for Public Policy and Governance Dr. Shafqat Saeed, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop ‘Vision 2035’ for the city of Lahore.

This collaboration provides a framework on policy, institutional and regulatory reforms which would help the policymakers in the Punjab to establish systems that are efficient and conducive to economic advancement.

Mr. Bakken emphasized U.S. support for improving the policy and decision-making processes in the Punjab and ensuring a better future for the city of Lahore. He remarked, “The establishment of this Resource Center at FCC’s Center for Public Policy is a step in the right direction for creating favorable conditions for research, policy formulation and development in Pakistan.” He further added, “the collaboration between the Center for Public Policy and Governance and USAID FIRMS Project is a futuristic venture,.

Man burned by in-laws dies MUZAFFARGARH—The man who was allegedly set ablaze by his in-laws over love marriage in Muzaffargarh died on Tuesday in hospital. It should be mentioned here that Majid was burned down on Sunday by his brothersin-law who did not approve his wedlock with their sister.

The affected person was shifted to Nishtar Medical Hospital in critical condition.

However, suffering the torments of burn injuries for a day, he passed away at the hospital.—INP

tions’ (UN) World Television Day will be observed in many places around the world on November 21 to recognize that television plays a major role in presenting different issues which affect people. World Television Day is a day to renew governments’, organizations’ and individuals’ commitments to support the development of television media in providing unbiased information about important issues and events that affect society.

Educational institutions may mark World Television Day on their calendars and educators may use this day as an opportunity to invite guest speakers to discuss media and communication issues relating to television.

Discussion topics may include: how television promotes cultural diversity and a common understanding; the links between democracy and television; and the role of television in social, political and economic developments.

The UN acknowledges that television can be used to educate many people about the world, its issues and real stories that happen on the planet. Television is one of the most influential forms of media for communication and information dissemination. It is used to broadcast freedom of expressions and to increase cultural diversity. The UN realized that television played a major role in presenting global issues affecting people and this needed to be addressed.

On December 17, 1996, UN General Assembly proclaimed November 21 as World Television Day.

Faiz Ahmed Faiz remembered SIALKOT/LAHORE—One of and style, Faiz may be called the most influential intellectuals, a revolutionary and most famous poet of the Urdu language, Faiz Ahmed Faiz was remembered on his death anniversary Tuesday.

Faiz Ahmed Faiz was born in 1911 at Sialkot. He began his career as a lecturer in English at Amritsar. After the Second World War, he turned to journalism and distinguished himself as the editor of The Pakistan Times.

He was charged with complicity in the Rawalpindi conspiracy case and condemned to four years’ imprisonment in 1951. The jail term gave him a first-hand experience of the harsh realities of life. Two of his books, Dast-e-Saba and Zindan-Nama are the products of this period of imprisonment. As a poet, Faiz began writing on the conventional themes of love and beauty, but soon these conventional themes got submerged in the larger social and political issues of the day.

In the matter of diction

the inheritor of the tradition of Ghalib. His admiration for Ghalib is also reflected in the title of his first published work, Naqsh-e-Faryadi. Faiz was a “committed” poet who

regarded poetry as a vehicle of serious thought and not a mere pleasurable pastime. An admirer of Karl Marx and a poet of the people, Faiz was honoured by Soviet Union with the prestigious Lenin Award for Peace and his poems have been translated into the Russian language.—INP

Misty mornings wrap Punjab, upper Sindh I SLAMABAD —Mainly dry hours. weather is expected, in most parts of the country, though mist/fog may cover plains of Punjab and upper Sindh during next 24 hours. According to weather experts on Tuesday no significant change is likely in the existing weather pattern. City temperatures: minimum 11.2 degree celcius, relative humidity at 0800 pst Lahore: 83%.

Maximum Temperature 27.0 C; relative humidity at 1700 PST (Lahore) 44%. Highest Maximum Temperature in the country, 32.8C, was recorded at Mithi. Highest Maximum Temperature (Punjab) 30.0C, recorded at Noor Pur Thal. Lowest Minimum Temperature (Pakistan) -6.3 C was recorded at Skardu, whereas lowest minimum temperature (Punjab) 7.0 degree C was at Islamabad Zero Point. Dams: Tarbela Mangla Level 1496.60ft Level 1175.15 ft Inflow 27,200 cusecs Inflow 8,580 cusecs outflow 56,000 cusecs Outflow 30,000 cusecs Minimum/maximum temperatures in Celsius on Nov 19: Bhakkar 11.0/ 28.5 D.G Khan 15.8/ 26.6 Jhang 9.0/ 28.5 Lahore city 11.5/ 26.7 Murree 7.0 / 15.1 T.T.Singh 9.5 / 26.7 Parachinar 0.0 / 10.6 Rohri 14.5/ 28.5 Gilgit 3.7 / 17.5 The Karachi Met Office has forecast a dry weather in the city over the next 24

According to Met office’s weather report issued on Tuesday the minimum temperature is expected to remain in the range of 15 to 17 degrees centigrade. The Met Office said, mainly dry weather is likely to prevail over the region. However, cold/very cold and dry

weather may occur in Quetta and Kalat divisions of Balochistan.

The weather report said that night temperatures have fallen by 2 to 5 degrees centigrade at number of places in Sindh. These were generally 2 to 6 degrees centigrade below normal in the region. The Multan Met office has forecast partly cloudy weather with chances of mist in the morning for city and its suburbs during the next 24 hours.

On Tuesday, the maximum and minimum temperature was recorded as 27.2 degrees celsius and 11.9 degrees centigrade, respectively. Humidity was recorded 88 per cent at 8 am and 44 per cent at 5 pm.—APP

Imam Ali’s Urs begins FAISAL KHAWER BUTT SIALKOT—The four day Urs of Hazrat Imam Ali-ul-Haq, the Shaheed-e-Sialkot commenced on 5th of Muharram will conclude on the 8th of Muharam. The tomb (Mazar) has been decorated with colorful lights and verses of Quran and slogans. Hundreds of shops of every nature have been raised for the convenience of the visitors who are coming from all over Pakistan. The devotees and well to do are daily serving the people with langar (Food), which is continuing for twenty-four hours. Flowers and beautiful sheets with Quranic verses are being spread over the mazar as a PESHAWAR: Relatives of missing persons hold pictures of their dear ones during a token of love and devotion. protest.

Kalash people warn to leave country GUL HAMAAD FAROOQI C HITRAL —Elites of Kalash

DERA GHAZI KHAN: Policemen taking part in a flag march on 5th Muharram.

community belonging to Berir valley warned that they will leave the country if the government did not evacuate their land from land mafia.

Talking to local journalists Mir Bacha, Wazir Azam, Baz Mir, Zar Bibi and Shamshad Kalash told that they have ancestral land at Khair Abad since centuries but an influential person Mumtaz from Muslim community has occupied their land and settled some criminal persons from Damil in Tents at Kalash property. A family from Kalash settled in Khairabad locality near Chitral is one case in point whose members are running from pillar to post after their land was occupied

by a mafia belonging to Damel. The family said one Mumtaz and his gang from Damel had occupied their land in Khairabad by opening fire and terrorizing the owners.

However, the police remained silent to the illegal activity of the occupants who are sitting on the land by pitching tents openly. On Monday, women belonging to the victim family held a protest demonstration near their occupied land but even then the police did not take any action against the accused persons.

Residents of the area told this scribe that the land belonged to the Kalsh family of Mir Bacha, Baz Mir and Wazir Azam. The family owned cattle and in the summer they usually left the area to graze their animals in pastures out

of the town. In the meantime, a group of people from Damel occupied their land. The residents said arms and empty shells of bullets had been recovered from the piece of land but the police were still hesitant to taking action against the culprits and protect the property of the Kalash family.

Drosh police have registered a case against the culprits under section 506, 447, 34 of Pakistan Panal Code.

It was revealed that Drosh police has sent a case to DCO for arresting these criminal persons under 3 MPO for 3 months at least but no action has been taken on the same so far. Of late the Chitral police have made headlines not for a good work but for rounding up innocent people of Ayun, putting them behind bars under

different sections of the law, even anti-terrorism ordinance, for registering their protest against cutting of trees in their vicinity. But when it comes to protection of property, especially belonging to the poor, the police remain as callous as one can be.

The protesting women said their men had been requesting the police to register a case against the occupiers of the land and release their land from Mafia but to no avail. They called upon the authorities concerned to take notice of the injustice being meted out to them by the land grabbers as well as the police, who seemed hand in gloves with the accused.

Public circles here also said that the police should retrieve the land and hand it over to the Kalash family.

JI opposes military operation Our Correspondent

O KARA —Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Syed Munawar Hassan has said that military operation in Balochistan would not be in favour of country and people and the government should avoid any such step that has dangers of confrontation and widening the gaps further. Talking to media persons after condoling the death of mother of senior journalist here on Tuesday, Syed Munawar Hassan blamed that Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) was for terrorism and allied political parties including Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Awami National Party (ANP) were also practicing the former ’s deeds in Karachi. He urged the government for taking strict action against the violators of law without differentiation of political affiliations and their influence. The JI leader said that nothing regarding political alliance or seat adjustments could be finalized till the date of general polls was announced. However, option of seat adjustment with Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) and other political parties was open, he added. To a question regarding restoration of Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA), he said that JUI-F chief has restored the MMA and should concentrate on functionalizing it rather than issuing statements and raising concerns over non related issues.

Rights of children Staff Reporter

P E S H AWA R —Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Information, Mian Iftikhar Hussain said that present government of the province has taken result oriented steps after 18th Amendments steps to safeguard the rights of children and is continuously working for enabling them to perform a efficient role in practical life. He expressed these views in a ceremony held under the auspices of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Rights and Protection Commission (KPCRPC)and UNICEF in connection with International Children Day, here on Tuesday. The ceremony was also addressed by Provincial Social Welfare Minister, Sitara Ayaz, Chief KPCRPC, Murad Afridi, Chairman Sheikh Zaid Islamic Centre, Dr. Dost Muhammad wherein among others attended by Chairman Standing Committee for Social Welfare, Yasmin Zia and MPA, Dost Muhammad Khan.

Mian Iftikhar said that protection of people’s rights including children is the responsibility of government adding no one is safe in the current situation and precious lives are being felling pray to menace of militancy.

Information Minister termed the population growth a factor contributing to the problems of children and said it is need of us to control population index for avoiding crises in future. He said that people should not totally rely on government to solve their problems instead play a positive role by pointing out basic issues with effective suggestions for their solution. Provincial Minister said that government is not oblivious of the problems confronting by female inmates of prisons and working under an ambitious plan to resolve their issues besides making children a significant part of our social edifice.

Mian Iftikhar urged parents to give proper concentration and affection to their children adding indifferent attitude and turning a blind eye towards their need and requirements is also a factor that is affecting the growth of healthy society.

Karachi operation need of hour Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD—State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Syed Sumsam Bukhari said that an indiscriminate operation is needed to maintain peace and revive business in Karachi. Talking to a private TV news channel, he said that terrorism is a mind set which have no any affiliation with any lingual or political group.

He said that terrorists give economic destability and tarnish thecountry,s image in the civilized world. Replying to a question, ,the minister said that operation in Karachi would not against any political party or group. He said that Karachi is the gateway for trade and considered the hub of economy of the country. Sumsam Bukhari said that after the passing of 18th amendment, all provinces are autonomous in their matters but if any province requested to the federal government on any problem then federation could help on that specific matter. Meanwhile, the JUIF has also demanded that the ruling parties should dissolve their militant wings for restoring peace to Karachi.

Speaking at a press conference here, secretary-general Abdul Ghafoor Haideri said “unless the ruling coalition parties disbanded their militant wings and conduct an across the board operation lasting peace cannot be ensured in the port city.” Asked if the armed forces could be called for the operation, he said his party had always opposed handing over the city to the army since military operations never proved useful in solving issues and eliminating violence. He recalled that military operations in Fata, Swat and Karachi did not yield results, while five army operations in Balochistan added fuel to militancy and violence there.

PhD scholars strength growing Our Correspondent

F AISALABAD —A 17-member Twelfth Senior Management Course delegation of National Management College Lahore visited University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF). Briefing the delegation, UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said the University was revamping its curriculum in accordance with emerging challenges being faced by agricultural sector of the country. He maintained that 15 new degree programs have been initiated during last five years.

Highlighting the achievements of the university Dr. Khan said “In 2008 we had 190 PhD faculty and now we have 385 PhD faculty members and this strength is growing day by day.” The VC said that initiation of BSc (Honors) Food Engineering & Human Nutrition and Dietetics would become a milestone for human resource development perspectives in the country. Highlighting the financial assistance initiative, he said that during last five years the amount was increased from Rs 15 million to 85 million to provide financial support to students from under developed and under privileged areas. The convener of 12th Senior Management Course (NMC) Ms. Arifa Saboohi lauded the standard of education and research of the university and said the pace of advancement had been witnessed at UAF in spite of present financial crises to the Higher Education Sector. Delegation visited Institute of Soil & Environmental Sciences, Post Harvest Lab of Inst. Of Horticultural Sciences and Centre for Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology and witnessed the research and development activities.

Hundreds protest Israeli aggression OUR CORRESPONDENT TIMERGARA—The Jamaat-eIslami, Islami Jamiat Tulba and Jamiat Tulba Arabia, Dir Lower chapter, on Tuesday held a protest rally against the Israeli aggression on the Gaza strip and killing of innocent Palestinians. Hundreds of activists marched on the road from Balambat and chanted slogans against the Israeli barbarism. They were carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans against the US and Israel. The JI Dir vice chief Izaz ul Mulk led the procession. Addressing the rally Izazul Mulk and Maulana Aminullah termed the Israeli attack as attack on the entire Muslim ‘ummah’. **** Taking notice of the alleged embezzlement of over Rs 10 million in health depart-

ment, the District Coordination Officer, Dir Lower, Mahmood Aslam Wazir on Tuesday ordered an inquiry committee to probe the scandal, official sources told. Sources said the DCO while taking notice of the complaint that officials of the Health Department had fraudulently received Rs 10,000 in lieu of original admission fee of Rs 2,800 for Pharm B and Pharm C examination.

The committee would be headed by sub-divisional magistrate Zia ur Rahman Marwat while HRDO Noorul Amin and EPI district coordination Dr Jehan Zeb would be its members. Sources said that more than 1,000 candidates had applied for pharmacy B and pharmacy C examination this year.

The office concerned had been blamed of receiving Rs 10,000 instead of Rs 2800 per candidate as admission fee.

PESHAWAR: Local residents holding placards during a protest against the Israeli barbaric attacks on Gaza.

Zardari seeks Japanese engagement in agro industry, gasification of Thar coal STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —Mr. Hiroshi Oe, Ambassador of Japan, called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e- Sadr.

Tuesday and discussed PakJapan bilateral relations and ways and means to further strengthen the economic interaction between the two countries. Senator Saleem H. Mandviwalla, Minister of State for Finance, and Secretary General to the President Mr. M. Salman Faruqui were also present during the meeting.

The President during meeting said that Pakistan greatly values its relations

with Japan and considers Japan as a strong and reliable development partner of the country. Appreciating development assistance provided to the country by Japan the President noted that during past six decades, Japan has always supported socioeconomic development of Pakistan. In this regard, the President mentioned Japanese assistance during the 2005 earthquake, the flood relief efforts and the assistance it provided in eradicating the menace of polio from the country. He also lauded Japan’s role as founding member of Friends of Democratic Pakistan forum.

The President said that it was encouraging to learn about various events being held in both the countries to celebrate the 60th anniversary of our diplomatic relations which, he said, would further strengthen our ties and help promoting peopleto-people contacts. He said that Pakistan acknowledges Japan’s role in promoting stability and development in the region and we greatly appreciate the constructive the role being played by our Japanese friends.

Discussing bilateral relations, the President noted the huge potential that existed between the two countries to

further strengthen economic ties and said that our trade and economic cooperation was far below the existing potential. Inviting Japanese corporations to seriously consider Pakistan for undertaking long term business ventures, the President recounted various incentives being offered by the Government to the businessmen, investors and entrepreneurs.

On this occasion the President appreciated the efforts made by the Japanese Ambassador in holding investment seminars to promote trade and economic activities. The President said that continuation of such ef-

forts and initiatives to attract Japanese manufacturers and consumers towards Pakistani products would be greatly appreciated. He said that with our surplus produce of fruits, vegetables and rice, we would welcome Japanese assistance in establishing a Center of Excellence in agroprocessing industry as well as packaging with Japanese standards in Pakistan.

He said Pakistan looks forward to Japan’s long-term engagement in the development of Pakistan’s agro-industry in terms of land development, high quality seeds, crop farming, cultivation, dairy and fisheries sec-

tors development. He said that Pakistan was keen to increase its exports of agriculture produce, textiles, surgical instruments and leather products to Japan through enhanced market opportunities. In this context, the President said we look forward to Japan for a greater market access as provided by the European Union for Pakistani products. Inviting Japan to build grid stations in Islamabad and Faisalabad, the President said that we would welcome Japanese assistance in construction of Peshawar-Torkham road and coal gasification technology for Thar Project.

Legislation sought on corporal punishment OUR CORRESPONDENT Q UETTA —The Society for the Protection of the Child Rights (SPARC) has urged the Balochistan Assembly to legislate to check the corporal punishment in the province. Imtiaz Ahmed Khan, National Manager of SPARC at a consultative workshop on ‘Violence against Children” organized by SPARC here on Tuesday, said that a special legislation was needed to prohibit the corporal punishment.

The Balochistan governMULTAN: Corps Commander, Multan, Lt. Gen Shafqaat Ahmad giving away School of The Year award during annual prize distribution ceremony at a local school.

20-scholar entry banned for 2-month BASHIR AHMAD REHMANI Majalis have also been ad- main enforced for 2 months.

HAFIZABAD—Foolproof security plan has been chalked out by the district police on the basis of latest security tips and deputed 2,100 policemen including police Qoumi Razakars and special police to protect participants of 735 Majalis and 132 Alam, Zuljinah, Mehdi and Tazia processions at different places in the district. Twentyfour places have been declared most sensitive in the district and policemen particularly SHOs have been put on red alert at these places.

Meanwhile, the licencees of different processions and organizers of different

vised to keep vigilant eye over the suspicious persons and intimate about their activities to the authorities promptly.

Meanwhile special pickets have been set up at all entry points of the district and in pursuance of the directive of Punjab Government recording of all Majalis, religious gatherings and processions would be made and unlawful use of loudspeaker has been totally prohibited.

In this connection 62 persons have been booked for misusing loudspeaker.

For ensuring complete peace in the district entry of 20 religious scholars has been banned which will re-

According to security plan trained dogs, mobile phone jammers and walkthrough gates have been provided to the Cops for ensuring fool proof security. **** Teachers of Non-Formal Basic Education Centres were playing vital role in the promotion of education in the remote areas in the district, Dr. Iqbal Naeem Executive District Officer (Education) said here. While distributing appreciation certificates to the lady teachers of these centres he said that they were performing their duties with missionary zeal despite being low-paid.

No corruption evidence in PML-N’s white paper OUR CORRESPONDENT

ment should take measures in this regard, he added. He was of the opinion there were gaps in laws pertaining to Child Trafficking, Child Labor (Domestic Child Labor) and Corporal Punishment and Free Compulsory Education. He added that a draft in this regard has been prepared and there is need that it should be presented in the provincial assembly of Balochistan in form of bill.

He demanded for taking practical measures on child related issues including Birth Registration, Vaccination,

Under-5 Mortality Rate, Nutrition, Sanitation and others.

Hanif Khan Panezai, Regional Manager SPARC Balochistan said there is no single Borstal institution in Balochistan.

He stressed the need to set up a juvenile court where judge listen to only juvenile related cases. He also underlined the need to set up and appoint Child Protection Unit and Child Protection Officer in every district of Balochistan respectively. He added that children are vulnerable to violent behavior shown by various miscreants in the society.

Draft policy for HEC research journals

A STORE —Pakistan Muslim

STAFF REPORTER

League-Nawaz (PML-N) have provided no evidence of corruption in the white paper issued by it against Gilgit-Baltistan government as it is merely based on allegations. This was stated by senior leader of PPP’s women wing Dilshad Bano on Wednesday.

Talking to newsmen here she alleged that PML-N had lost its popularity among the masses. She said Chief Minister Syed Mehdi Shah had often declared that if anyone had evidence of corruption he should provide it to the government.

PESHAWAR—The Directorate of Quality Enhancement, University of Peshawar held a meeting to discuss the draft policy for improving the scope of research journal’s recognition by the Higher Education Commission. Twenty University Journals published by various departments were under discussion in the meeting, to make it in line with the HEC standards and update its category from “Z” to “Y” and “Y” to “X”.

Vice Chancellor University of Peshawar Prof Dr. Qibla Ayaz chaired the meeting while Dean Faculty of Management

and Information Sciences Prof Dr. Muhammad Qayyum along with senior faculty were present. The Faculty pinpointed necessary improvements in the Draft Policy to standardize the format. The Vice Chancellor constituted a three members committee under the chairmanship of Dr. Muhammad Imtiaz to formulize the necessary improvements in the draft and send it further to the concerned quarters at the HEC. Addressing the meeting the Vice Chancellor said that it is good to see to research journals being published from this University.

Tougher prosecution of pirates demanded I SLAMABAD —The United worst hit zones. Eliasson said been curtailed because of tion to eradicate piracy, and Nations called for stronger prosecutions of pirates and more action by shipping companies to deter bandits at sea. At a UN Security Council debate on maritime piracy, UN deputy secretary general Jan Eliasson said that while attacks had been reduced off the coast of Somalia this year, numbers could take off again unless countries take action, says a message received here.

According to International Maritime Organization (IMO) figures, there were 291 attacks against ships in the first 10 months of the year and 293 crew are still hostage. East Africa, West Africa and Asia-Pacific are the

there had to be tougher legal action against pirates.

“We need to strengthen the capacity of states to prosecute individuals suspected of piracy and to imprison convicted pirates,” he said.

“That effort must include deterring and suppressing the financing of piracy and the laundering of ransom money.”

Eliasson also called on shipping firms to do more to protect themselves. “Twenty per cent of vessels transiting high-risk waters do not implement security measures, and those vessels account for the overwhelming number of successfully pirated ships,” he told the Security Council.

Piracy off Somalia has

fleets of international warships patrolling in shipping lanes and because so many tankers and freighters now have devoted security guards, according to experts.

The maritime industry estimates it is now paying at least $6.6 billion a year in extra security costs. A Security Council statement released at the meeting called on all states “to criminalize piracy under their domestic law and to favorably consider the prosecution of suspected, and imprisonment of convicted pirates and their facilitators and financiers.”

At UN, Pakistan calls for ‘multilateral’ effort to eradicate piracy: Pakistan has called for “concerted and integrated” ac-

strongly condemned hostagetaking and the violence employed in the crime. “No single country can counter piracy by itself. We need multilateral effort. We need a cohesive UN role with inter-agency cooperation,” Ambassador Masood Khan, permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, told the Security Council on Monday. Speaking during a debate on maritime piracy as a threat to international peace and security, he said Pakistan is a “willing and committed” partner of international community in its fight against piracy, which was mostly localized off the Coast of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden.

“We are maintaining active surveillance and patrols to preempt any piracy or armed robbery,” the Pakistani envoy told the 15-nation Council. “Our territorial and regional waters in the Arabian Sea are peaceful and safe for maritime traffic.”

Masood Khan said that inadequate governance structure, lack of economic opportunities and exploitation of costal areas in Somalia were major contributors to modern piracy. In other regions, such as the Gulf of Guinea, he said it could be attributed to proliferation of armed groups and inadequate preparedness of merchant ships.

Elsewhere, piracy was an incident and not a pattern.

While that menace had diminished, it still posed a serious

threat, the Pakistani envoy said. Pirates presently held hostage more than 200 seafarers. He strongly condemned hostage taking, and lamented that the international community lacked a unanimous view on how to address that issue. The welfare of seafarers in captivity and after release was a priority, and in that context he welcomed the proposal of a hostage support programme developed by UNPOS (United Nations Political. Office for Somalia) and he said that eradicating piracy of the Somali coast would require a concerted and integrated approach, encompassing political, security and justice sector tracks.—APP

Weapons not just Karachi-specific

MEDIA WATCH

The peace brokers?

T

AKING note of the ever-deteriorating law and order situation in Karachi, the Senate on Monday passed a resolution urging the Government to take steps for de-weaponization of the city.

Though the resolution is not binding and similar recommendations and appeals in the past fell on deaf ears but one hopes that steps would be taken to address all aspects of the security situation in the mega city especially proliferation of all kinds of weapons.

We have been pleading in these columns that Karachi is sinking deep into chaos and urgent measures are needed to restore normalcy but unfortunately the stakeholders are not showing the desired level of interest to rectify the situation. What Senate has recommended definitely needs to be implemented in letter and spirit as Karachi is sitting on powder-keg because of proliferation of weapons and their indiscriminate use. It seems there is rule of jungle in the city and those having arms also have the license to kill. However, in the first instance one would like to ask from where these arms are coming and why the authorities and agencies concerned have not been able to dry up the supply. Similarly, any campaign for recovery of illegal arms should be across the board and the drive once initiated must be taken to the logical conclusion. But the main question is that weaponisation is not just the issue specific to Karachi as we see all types of weapons in different cities and even in small villages. No doubt, terrorism is mostly specific to Karachi, KPK, FATA and some areas of Balochistan but it is because of proliferation of weapons that killings and other crimes are on the rise in Punjab, GilgitBaltistan and Azad Kashmir as well. Therefore, a coordinated campaign with the involvement of all concerned agencies should be launched throughout the country and focus should also be on manufacturing and smuggling of arms. It is also need of the hour that the political parties should have an inward looking as well and disband their militant wings that are known to be involved in violent activities. It would be only then that the rule of law can be ensured.

Attack on Qazi Hussain Ahmad I

T was really shocking to hear about the terrorist attack on the cara van of Qazi Hussain Ahmad on Monday. Luckily, the JI leader, who is widely respected for his forthright approach to issues and honest opinion, escaped unhurt but the attack signifies the problems and its horrific dimensions.

The attack has widely been condemned by all sections of the society. President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf and leader of the main opposition political party Mian Nawaz Sharif all issued strong condemnatory statements expressing their resolve to get rid of the menace of terrorism. Though President Zardari, in his address to the KPK Assembly, pointed out that attack on Qazi Hussain Ahmad, a non-controversial figure and religious personality, is indicative of the negative mindset of those who carried out the dastardly act but Qazi Sahib himself believed it was not engineered

by Taliban but the agencies of the United States, India and Israel that are active to destabilize Pakistan. It is understood that a multitude of interests are at work to make Pakistan soft through different tactics including fanning of sectarian tension and attacks on prominent personalities. One would shudder to imagine what could have happened had the attackers succeeded in their design to harm Qazi Hussain Ahmad. Unfortunately, the incident occurred in an area which is already known for its volatility and some powers are pressurizing Pakistan to go for military operation in North Waziristan Agency. We believe that such incident are engineered to create confusion and also justification for the operation, which is rightly being resisted by the quarters concerned because of its serious repercussions for security of Pakistan as well as for the armed forces of the country. There is need for every citizen to be vigilant to foil designs of our enemies and work towards elimination of all forms of terrorism whether fuelled internally or externally.

Obama speaks for Rohingya Muslims P

RESIDENT Obama’s statement during visit to Myanmar that there was no excuse for violence against innocent Rohingya people and they held the same dignity as other people were enjoying in the country may serve as a source of consolation for the suffering Muslims. Though the first ever visit by a sitting US President was aimed at acknowledging country’s progress towards democracy, yet it was good of Mr Obama that he spoke of the ethnic violence largely directed against Rohingya Muslim minority and stressed on the government to find peace and embrace diversity as the US had done.

It was a clear message to the reformist government in Rangoon to ensure security of every citizen and one expects that it would carry weight. Ahead of Obama visit, there had been calls from the OIC Secretary General and Muslim countries that he should strongly raise the Rohingya persecution. The Human Rights Watch (HRW) also released in the West evidence of recent violence between ethnic minorities, which has so far killed hundreds and displaced tens of thousands, largely Rohingya Muslims. Therefore the US President rightly emphasised the need for changes to Burma’s restrictive nationality laws that rendered the Rohingyas stateless. The Government of Myanmar has a moral and legal obligation to protect the oppressed minorities, to restore their citizenship, allow them to return to their homes and to put an end to the hate campaign against them. In view of the influence of the United States world over and particularly in the emerging situation in Myanmar, we would urge President Obama that he should not leave the issue of Rohingya Muslims with one time statement and continue to persuade the government to ensure the security of Muslims and their right to live peacefully and in a dignified manner.

Hurmat Group Zahid Malik President & Editor-in-Chief Faisal Zahid Malik Editor Ph: 021-32211777, 32631102

Gauhar Zahid Malik Executive Editor Ph: 051-2852027-8

Islamabad Ph Exchange: 051-2852027, 2852028 Reporting Desk: 051-2262254, News Desk: 051-2252480 Marketing: 051-2262254, Fax: 051-2262258 Email: observer@pakobserver.net Website: www.pakobserver.net

Karachi

Lahore

Faisal Zahid Malik

Nadeem Syed

Editor Ph: 021-32211777, 32631102 Fax: 021-32626902 Email: obskhi@pakobserver.net

Quetta Ghulam Tahir Resident Editor Ph: 081-2829238-40 Fax: 081-2829072 Mobile: 0333-7944760

Resident Editor Ph: 042-37593341, 37566702 Fax: 042-36300043 Email: obslhr@pakobserver.net

Peshawar Resident Editor Ph: 091-5252157 Fax: 2591705

Muzaffarabad Abdul Hameed Shaheen Resident Editor Mobile: 0315-5010791 Email: abdulhameedshaheen@yahoo.com

E

Rulers’ sin in Judiciary’s plate! put on their plate. I would, however, like to see some bold judge returning the matter to the execuKuldip Nayar tive while stating Email:kuldipnayar09@gmail.com that it does not come under the purview of the judiciary.

That the executive is trusted less he outgoing Chief Justice of and less as the days go by is a matIndia, S H Kapadia, was in ter of concern. This is because what candidly aggressive mood has come to be known as policy pathe other day when he took the ralysis. The rulers have to govern to judges to task for pronouncing ver- sustain people’s faith in the parliadicts which sounded as if they had mentary democracy. The fact recome from the country’s rulers. mains that but for the judiciary even Indeed, the judges are to blame the limited confidence in the system but not as much as the rulers who would have gone away by now. have stopped governing. In cer- Take, for instance, the 2G spectrum tain cases, the judges have had scam. The Supreme Court had to no option except to intervene be- intervene to send the then Commucause the executive was indeci- nications Minister A. Raja to jail. sive. Obviously, matters could The coal scandal once again shows not have been left at that stage that the government is mixed up. because they related to urgent Again, the Supreme Court will have to come in at some stage to dig out problems in the country.

However, one condition which the real facts. It is not surprising that must be attached to the judgments the Samajwadi Party and the Left given by the judges encroaching have demanded a probe by a sitting upon the executive’s territory: they Supreme Court judge, not by any should be held accountable for the government agency, Central Bureau verdict they have given. It has been of Investigation or Central Vigilance found that the executive purposely Commission.

The government’s attack on the lets the judiciary to be the arbiter because the government at times Comptroller and Auditor General of is not sure which path to take. No India (CAG) is misplaced and meant doubt, it speaks poorly of the rul- to divert the people’s attention. Not ers who represent the people. But that many institutions have remained the judges have little option except untainted. Still by pointing a finger to deal with the matter when it is of suspicion at the CAG the govern-

T

ment has questioned his credibility, something seldom done. CAG has been proved right in the case of 2G spectrum and I have no doubt that he would be proved correct if and when the coal scam matter is sorted out.

Chief Justice Kapadia’s principled stand to keep the elected representatives at the top of the ladder, above the judiciary is laudable.

But what can one do when one-fifth of members in parliament and assemblies are corrupt? It is difficult to improve matters until some movement for cleansing the public life triumphs. The Anna Hazare protest gave some hope, but he seems to have entrusted the task to such team members who do not evoke confidence. Anna himself has to occupy the centre of stage because only his name has come to be associated with honesty.

Present at the meet of Chief Justice Kapadia was former Chief Justice of India P.N. Bhagwati who Justice Kapadia hailed for delivering ‘constructive’ judgments. Justice Bhagwati is the same judge who sided with the government when the suspension of the constitution was challenged in the Supreme Court. At that time, every one presumed that he, known for liberal views, would oppose the government. But he shocked the nation by casting his vote in favour of Mrs Indira Gandhi’s authoritarian rule during the emergency. He did not even tender an apology afterwards. What do other judgments of his, however laudable, mean if

he falters at the time when the polity was challenged by the undemocratic elements?

One other point which I liked in Chief Justice Kapadia’s address was the confidence he expressed in parliament, the apex of democratic structure. All protesters and demonstrators have every right to articulate their point of view even on the streets. But for them to run down the institution of parliament and suggest as if they are the arbitrators of the country’s affairs is to betray their ignorance in basic understanding of what democracy is. Chief Justice Kapadia was right in chiding the activists. They have to get elected to a state assembly or parliament to prove that their support is solid and that it springs from the public’s confidence in them. People’s power can no doubt be demonstrated through dharnas and fasts and these cannot be minimized in their importance. But ultimately, parliament is the last word in a democracy and it should remain so. The activists should never consider that their movement is the end by itself. In fact, it is the beginning. The movement is only a method to awaken people to corruption, injustice and human rights violations. The end is the victory achieved in an assembly chamber or parliament house because they alone give the stamp of people’s support to a measure.

—The writer is a veteran Indian journalist, syndicated columnist, human right activist and author.

No sole arbiter of national interest S R H Hashmi Email: srh_hashmi@hotmail.com

S

peaking at an event organized by the Peshawar High Court’s Abbottabad circuit bench, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Iftikhar Muhammed Chaudhry congratulated Parliament, which seems all set to complete its five-year term and said that every one is bound to respect the Constitution, adding that after the religious scriptures, Constitution is the most sacred document and it mandates a democratic system for the country. He went on to say that while judiciary took difficult decisions, Parliament deserved praise for invalidating the measures taken by a military dictator by approving the 18th Amendment, adding that the system must run under laws and constitution.

He also expressed the opinion that with judiciary being the custodian of the Constitution, in the presence of strong judiciary and parliament, no one can dare derail democracy. The CJ asserted that through the provision of sole right to interpret the constitution and to ensure that various acts promulgated by Parliament are in line with the spirit of the constitution which view is at variance with the one held by at least some judicial reviews, the Constitution empowered the judiciary to protect rights of citizens, check the acts of mal-governance and abuse of power by authorities.

The CJ also showered generous praise on the lawyers movement, the civil society, the media and the public at large which came out in support of the judiciary and expressed the hope that this will ensure that no one will dare make any unfair move against the judiciary.

I remember an incident during the early days of Pakistan when I was resident in Lahore. Some gangs had created a law and order situation and in one of their fights, a school girl returning home got killed in the cross fire on Nicholson Road,

if I remember correctly. The people took her body to the Governor House which was then occupied by a retired General. He just called a meeting of the law-enforcement personnel who rounded up the persons involved and shot them dead, claiming that they got killed in an encounter. Now, no law-abiding and lawrespecting person would or should approve of this course, because if the law-enforcement personnel are given such powers, they could also start settling personal scores apart from violating the due process of law, but still the people of Lahore loved it because it solved the problem which was of more practical utility to them than the observance of the due process of law which had proved incapable of coping with the situation for the simple reason that even if caught, the criminals got released through courts because people won’t dare testify against them for fear of revenge later.

The situation in Karachi which is reported to generate 70 percent of the country’s revenue is far more serious than the one in Lahore as described above. I won’t say that the method adopted in Lahore be applied but it is obvious that some special legal procedures, perhaps simplifying the law of evidence, need to be developed, the number of lawenforcement personnel increased and the methods of dealing with the situation modernized.

However, even after the killing of 24 people in Karachi in just as many hours, the provincial government merely states that the option to call in the military is there which, incidentally it has said on many occasions in the past, hence the people of Karachi are not too impressed and their respect and love for democracy, at least of the type that we have, is not enhanced., since it is failing dismally in its performance. And then the NAB chief tells us of Rs. 8 billion daily corruption in Pakistan, which is benefitting few at the cost of 180 million, snatching even the last morsel from poorest of the poor who consider themselves lucky

when they manage to get just one meal a day. Also, there is the energy crisis which shows no improvement and no prospect of any in the foreseeable future because no serious effort is being made to solve the problem, at least not with the urgency that the matter deserves. And the situation in tribal areas and Balochistan is even worse, with the government still not too perturbed and hoping to solve the problem merely with slogans, promises and optimistic statements.

In short, if the Supreme Court has to get involved in the price-fixing of sugar, CNG, with law and order situation, with corruption and other serious issues which are the primary responsibility of government officials, and Parliament whose members consider it to be a supreme body because it is the one which drafted the Constitution and has the power to amend it, yet does nothing to frame special laws to deal with the precarious law and order situation and other issues that need to be dealt with on a war-footing, it can hardly lay a claim to supremacy which, in the final analysis, can only be earned through the support of masses. The lack of calibre and integrity of very many of the people occupying positions in assemblies and elsewhere in the executive places another question mark on the respect people will have for the brand of democracy we have. After all, respect in the real sense of the word is earned through words backed by deeds and not merely through slogans and proclamations.

I would think that the essential pre-requisites for a properly-functioning democracy are reasonably well-informed voters who select members for assemblies purely on merit, a decent collection of prospective assembly members to choose from and neutral, capable civil servants who can ensure fair, free and transparent elections. A parliament coming to existence as a result of such a process would indeed be supreme though subject to oversight by the judiciary which would have

the final authority to interpret various laws and acts of parliament. In such a setup, the armed forces would be subordinated to the civilian government. However, the situation in Pakistan is nowhere near that.

Hence, to demand that the roles played in Pakistan by various state organs strictly conform to the practices and procedures prevalent in the established and well-run democracies is unrealistic to say the least.

We just heard that the decorated General David Petraeus of the Iraq and Afghanistan fame, who incidentally won gallantry medals by fighting, not worthwhile adversaries but irregulars in Iraq and Afghanistan, but is still considered as something of a hero in the United States, had to resign his post because of his extra-marital affair with a married woman, an act which is not considered too unfavourably in the western society, and despite the fact that no known security-lapse had occurred.

Compare that with the situation in our country where persons with serious blots on their integrity carry on regardless and even get placed in high offices, carrying no sense of shame and feeling rather proud of their manoeuvrings to ward off the ill-effects of ‘bad omens’ and smiling faces around them, admiring them and congratulating them on their ‘achievements.’

To sum up, we all know that now and/or in the past, the performance of none of the state organs has been anywhere near exemplary.

As such, until the time we develop all the essential ingredients required for a well-functioning democracy, people of Pakistan will feel much safer and happier if no single state organ took upon itself the role of being the sole arbiter of the national interest, which is what the army chief said recently. Luckily, we seem to have embarked on the path of democracy and hopefully we will arrive at the destination, sooner rather than later, provided at the coming elections we opt for a capable team to keep us on course.

gypt has by far the largest population of any Arab nation.

It is strategically placed between the Maghreb and the Levant.

And in Al-Azhar University it hosts the world’s greatest centre of Islamic learning. Befitting that status, it has played a key role in Arab relations with Israel, whether on the battlefield, as in the Yom Kippur War of 1973, or in making peace, as in the Washington treaty of 1979. In the past two years, the country has transformed itself from a dictatorship under former military officers to a democracy headed by a professor of engineering who belongs to the Muslim Brotherhood. What has remained unchanged, in the continued absence of serious American political engagement in the region, is its leverage as a peacemaker. The escalating crisis over Gaza is putting that to the test.

The meeting in Cairo over the weekend between the Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi, the Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Amir of Qatar brought together the coalition of Islamist forces with the best chance of persuading Hamas to stop the rocket attacks which have led to Israeli retaliation.

With one of its traditional backers, Syria, in chaos, the Palestinian party, whose leader was at the Cairo meeting, has become more dependent on its parent organisation, the Muslim Brotherhood. Turkey’s influence stems from the success of its moderate Islamist government, and Qatar’s from its financial support to the beleaguered Palestinian territory. Without foreign intervention, the tit-for-tat between Hamas and Israel could slip out of control. On the first, the main potential for restraint lies with Egypt; on the second, with America. The crisis is Mr Morsi’s sharpest external challenge since he took office in June. It is also a wake-up call to Washington. — The Telegraph

*****

Half-baked deals won’t help Myanmar

U

S President Barack Obama’s visit to Myanmar might be stow the long-awaited status of acceptability that this hitherto pariah state has been desperately trying to earn from the community of nations. Obama is one of many heads-of-state to step foot in Myanmar (though not the first), a country blessed with natural resources and offering hope for economic prosperity to its people and others who line up with the promise of engaging with it. This visit could lead to the decks being eventually cleared for a return to the mainstream and, with it, the junta being absolved of their abuse of power.

While it is natural for heads-ofstate to fraternise with Aung San Suu Kyi, the poster-girl for democracy, they must remember that their efforts will come to naught should they ignore the presence of President Thein Sein — the real driving force for reform and who holds the key to the treasure trove. A delicate diplomatic balancing act must be maintained.

Suu Kyi has grasped the wisdom of not rocking the political boat at what many analysts see as a critical phase for the country. She has subtly aligned herself with Thein Sein’s bigger blueprint, while leveraging her equity as a beacon for change and reform abroad. In doing so, however, she has subjected herself to self-imposed sightlessness on quite a few vital issues — the fate of the Rohingyas and the release of human rights activists being clear cases in point. By evading the issue of the Rohingyas in his speech, after his arrival in Myanmar, Obama too has fallen short of laying down some crucial markers.

In short, the world must not reward “partial reform” as Myanmar trundles forward. There is too much at stake and half-baked deals are not prudent. While it is legitimate for nations to court the junta, the question that arises is what is going to change on the ground after they are gone? The impact of reforms must be felt in the poor rural and urban areas and governance must be allinclusive. That alone is the appropriate measurement of accomplishment.— Gulf News None but a coward dares to boast that he has never known fear.

Marshal Foch — French soldier

Ethnic cleansing in Myanmar Voice of the People F R Chowdhury Email:fazlu.chowdhury@btinternet.com

W

e all know Buddhism is based on “hatred to none and no revenge”, so much so that even killing an ant is also prohibited. We always considered Buddhists as very peace loving people until the Second World War when we were shocked by the atrocities of the Japanese troops, most of whom were Buddhists. Then came the bigger shock when thousands were killed in Cambodia by Khmer Rouge, again most of them were supposed to be Buddhists. The modern day killing and ethnic cleansing in Myanmar has crossed the records set by previous atrocities.

About three hundred years ago, the Kingdom of Arakan was a very prosperous region. The King wanted more people to join the economic activities and welcomed people from Chittagong region of the then India which was a densely populated.

Those who emigrated to Arakan (now a part of Myanmar) were mostly Muslims though there were a few Buddhists as well. Chittagong (now a part of Bangladesh) and Arakan are close neighbours but lot of difference in their social and cultural life. Men who went to Arakan never returned because they found very obedient and hard-working women in Arakan. The

Burmese men were badly addicted by drugs. This is the early history of the settlement of Bengali Muslims in Burma though during the Second World War the British Indian Army under the command of Brigadier Bill Slim took lot of civilians with them for support role. Many of these civilians stayed back in Burma.

In 1947, British left India by creating another independent country Pakistan. Eastern part of Bengal also known as East Bengal became East Pakistan. This did not alter the status-quo of the Bengali Muslims (now referred to as Rohingas) living in Myanmar. They were happy and prosperous people in Burma. Since 1947 nothing ever happened that could cause large scale migration of people from East Pakistan or Bangladesh to Burma. It was after the military take-over in Burma in 1962 that the Burmese economy collapsed.

To hide their inefficiency and corruption the military blamed the Rohingas for all their misfortunes the same way as Idi Amin of Uganda blamed all the Indians. Before 1971 Burma tried to lay claim on the island of Saint Martin but because of strong presence of Pakistan Navy they gave up their claim. 1971 saw another change, East Pakistan becoming independent Bangladesh. Then in 1975 the killing of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman followed by several coup and counter-coup, Bangladesh passed through a very unsettled period and the military

government in Myanmar took advantage of this to send hundreds of Rohingas to Bangladesh claiming them to be illegal immigrants. By then General Ziaur Rahman steadied the situation in Bangladesh and raised the matter with Myanmar Government while keeping the full military might of Bangladesh along the border with Myanmar. Myanmar had to take them back.

The military regime in Myanmar resorted to another new technique. In 1982 they introduced a new Nationality Law in which they excluded the Rohingas. The Rakhains (Buddhists living in Arakan) were given Myanmar nationality. The Rohingas were declared as illegal immigrants (even after staying in for almost hundred years). Restrictions were imposed on their travel, education, employment, business, land ownership, marriage and religious activities.

Muslim families are not allowed to have more than two children. The military regime thought this would automatically drive the Rohingas elsewhere for better living. This actually hardened the resolve of the Rohingas who now started organizing things within their own community. The military regime got furious.

They forced many to flee again to Bangladesh and evicted many others from their homes to take shelter in various centres to make them look like recent refugees. Bangladesh already has over two hundred thousand

Rohingas in various camps for several years. Till today Myanmar has not agreed to take them back.

Bangladesh is the world’s most densely populated country. There is no way that Bangladesh can accept or integrate Rohingas. A solution has to be found for them. They are also human being. The new generations need education, health care and job opportunities. They cannot remain in Bangladesh as a total liability for eternal period as stateless people.

The Myanmar Government has refused any OIC representative to visit the country. It has also refused any discussion with ASEAN saying that it was their internal domestic matter. How long will the world remain silent spectator to all the ethnic cleansing in the Myanmar? Time has come for the civilized world to act together in a firm and decisive manner. Bangladesh is the worst sufferer of this crisis. Bangladesh supported by others must move the matter in the United Nations and every other international forum until Myanmar is compelled to give equal rights to all its citizens and grant equal protection to all.

Myanmar must allow all outside agencies to visit the country to see the fate of the Rohingas. The world must see to it that the Rohingas are settled back in their own country Myanmar with full respect and dignity. The world community must not fail. Humanity must prevail.

Public safety act — ‘a lawless law’ Urooj Raza

A

briefing titled ‘PSA-Still a Lawless Law’ released by Amnesty International shows that despite legal and policy developments in Indian Occupied Kashmir, authorities still use the Public Safety Act (PSA) to facilitate human rights violation in IOK. They are still using the Public Safety Act (PSA) to detain individuals without charge or trial in violation of their basic human rights. Of late, Amnesty International released a report in 2011 documenting how the PSA violates human rights. Not much appears to have changed in 2012.

The PSA provides for arbitrary detention, in violation of the right to liberty which India is obliged to respect under international human rights treaties. Further violations facilitated by the PSA include ‘revolving door detentions’, ill treatment in detention, the denial of medical care to detainees, and lack of reparations for victims. Amnesty International also found that PSA detention orders were still being used against children

despite it now being prohibited. To crush the Kashmiri Liberation movement, India has employed various techniques including black laws. Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA), Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Act 1990 (TADA) and Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1990, (AFSPA) are enforced in Kashmir despite the fact that they contravenes the Indian Constitution and international law.

These laws violate the basic human rights such as right to life, the right to liberty and security of the person and the right to remedy.

The Armed Forces (Jammu & Kashmir) Special Powers enforced on 10 September, 1990 authorized even a non-commissioned officer to search any place, fire at any person (and kill), or arrest on the basis of suspicion.

TADA gives security forces and armed forces special powers for unauthorized administrative detention without formal charges or trial for up to one year.

Under POTA, any person can be put into prison for not disclosing the information that can prevent an act of terrorism. The phenomenon of organized fake encounters, which started with the infamous Operation Tiger by the security personnel in IHK, is still

persisting today and its victims are mostly teenagers. It is an Indian strategy of annihilating the entire Kashmiri race. Indian army is continuously violating the human rights with complete impunity, thanks to black laws, in Jammu and Kashmir.

They victimize Kashmiris without any discrimination to gender, age, social and economic status.

The High Court Bar Association of Occupied Kashmir maintained that more than 100,000 Kashmiris had been killed by Indian troops in the last two decades, while 10,000 persons were disappeared in custody. It said that more than 300,000 Kashmiri’s were tortured in jails and interrogation centers. Women have been the worst victims of military violence during the last two decades.

Molestation of Kashmiri women by BSF officers and jawans has become a common practice in IHK. According to a recent report of the Research Section of Kashmir Media Service in occupied Kashmir, 2278 women were among 93089 civilians martyred during the last 20 years of unabated Indian State terrorism. Indian troops molested 9894 women during this period and the State ter-

rorism rendered 22708 women widowed. The report maintained that Kashmiri women had been worst sufferers of the harrowing conflict since 1989. The report deplored that the troops had been routinely involved in sexual harassment of Kashmiri women to suppress the ongoing liberation struggle. Director Amnesty International India, Ananth Guruswamy said, “The J&K authorities continue to use PSA to circumvent the rule of law and the criminal justice system. They resort to PSA detentions instead of charging and trying persons suspected of offences in court.”

Even the Chief of Police in Kashmir has acknowledged that around 15,600 people were detained under the PSA without charge or trial in the last two decades.

The Indian government’s failure to account for these abuses and to take rigorous action against its forces responsible for murder, rape and torture speaks volumes of its fake posture of secular and democratic state. These atrocities are true reflection of its policy of condoning human rights violations by the Indian security forces in Kashmir.

Views From Abroad

Why UK doing business with India’s ‘Nero’ Aditya Chakrobortty

B

ritain last month dropped a genuinely surprising bit of news, far more suggestive of how David Cameron wants to do business with the rest of the world – and which barely rated a few hundred words in the papers. The foreign office despatched its man in India to Gujarat, to meet the western state’s chief minister, Narendra Modi. And if that doesn’t sound like a big deal, consider some of the other names freely used by enemies of the politician: India’s Hitler, its Milosevic, its Pol Pot. Or remember this: for the past decade, Britain, along with the rest of the EU and the US, has boycotted the Hindu extremist for presiding over one of the worst massacres of Muslims independent India has ever seen.

The size of the pogrom is still disputed: around 1,000 killed according to official estimates, 2,000 or more according to independent researchers.

But what’s not controversial is that it was huge and that Modi did very little to stop the slaughter. His critics al-

lege that he actively encouraged it.

At the end of February 2002, a train carrying Hindu pilgrims caught fire in the Gujarati town of Godhra. At the time, it was widely reported that the blaze, which killed 59 passengers, had been caused by Muslims; it has since been suggested that it may have been an accident.

Bad as that was, what followed was some of the most horrific violence ever seen in contemporary India. Hindu mobs rampaged through nearly the entire state, besieging and torching Muslim homes. Pregnant Muslim women had their bellies slit open with knives, and the foetuses pulled out. One prominent Muslim former MP was forced out of his home by a mob, stripped naked and paraded up and down the street, before his fingers and legs were chopped off and his body tossed on an open pyre. Some of the murderers poured chemicals on their victims, the better to ensure their flesh was thoroughly burned off.

Amid all this bloodletting, most of the police stood by. Officers told victims: “We have no orders to save you.” Luke Harding was the Guardian’s correspondent in India at

the time: at one village, he reported that policemen actively co-ordinated the attacks, accompanying marauders as they torched fields and shooting at the Muslim farmers who tried to stop them. According to an extensive report filed in 2002 by the NGO Human Rights Watch: “The attacks were planned in advance and organised with extensive participation of the police and state government officials.”

Head of the local government, then as now, was Modi. At the very least, he did nothing to stop the bloodshed: “A modern-day Nero” in the words of the Supreme Court. But he also went on TV at the time to describe the murders as effectively brought on Muslims by themselves, and later described the refugee camps that afterwards housed thousands of homeless Muslims as “baby-making factories”. A courtappointed senior lawyer recommended that the chief minister be prosecuted for hate-mongering.

Beyond all of that is the allegation, still being pressed by campaigners in court, that Modi actually ordered his police officers to allow the genocide to take place. Ever since,

Modi has been persona non grata in the west. The US refused him visas; European diplomats will not shake his hand. Yet last month, for no obvious reason, the British government broke ranks and brought him in from the cold. For Modi, who contests state elections next month and wants a shot at running for prime minister in 2014, this was a massive boost. No sooner had he got the news than he convened a rally to announce that the British had rehabilitated him.

Ask government officials why, and you’re given the same list of reasons: there are tens of thousands of Gujaratis now in Britain, there are British businesses already trading in Modi’s state, and that the state is booming. Almost by rote, they’ll chuck in the fact that London still wants justice for the three Britons killed in 2002. So forget about questions of aid; the Modi case really tells you how Cameron wants to get on with the rest of the world. Sure, he’ll grandstand about human rights, but in modern, cash-strapped Britain, he’ll do business with anyone – even if they have presided over a pogrom. — Courtesy: The Guardian

A state of delusion..!

I

n a suburb close to Mumbai, two young girls are arrested for post ing their observations about a Mumbai bandh on Facebook. In my imagination I walk over to the local police station: “Yes what have you come for?” asks the inspector with a frown. “To teach the police

democracy!” “What’s that?” “It means that the people are the rulers of this nation!” “Constable call the doctor from the mental hospital we have a mad man here!” “Democracy,” I continue, “Also means that citizens have freedom of speech and expression.” “What is that big story book you are carrying in your hand?” “This is the Constitution of India!”

“That is what I said, a story book.

Are you going to hit me with it? Constable arrest him. This man has come to assault a police officer with the Constitution of the country!” “Sir you

are under arrest!” “What is my crime?” “You have used the Constitution against a police officer!” “But that is not a crime!” “Of course it is!”

“It is not!”

“Who says so?” asks the police officer. “This book says so! Here let me show you!” “You are going to use the very book for which you are arrested to attack me again?” “Yes!” “Constable arrest him again!”

“Double arrest sir?” “Yes, yes, double arrest, that will make it a water tight case from which he will not be able to get out. Two assaults on a police

officer using the Constitution!”

“Very clever sir!” “Here,” I tell the officer, “There is another book for you!” “What is it?” “A history book!” “Why are you giving me a history book?” “To show you that the British left India, sixty five years ago, and when they left it was the end of police rule!” “Ha, ha, ha!” laughed the constable and the officer together as the doctor from the mental hospital came in, “Here doctor, here’s a patient who is living in a state of delusion..!”

—Email: bobsbanter@gmail.com

Attacks on Palestine RIZWAN JAMIL JAFFERY I am writing this letter in great distress and depression with sad feelings for the Muslims brothers of Palestine in my heart. As a person it seems impossible for me to stop those attacks but I have the right to condemn it. What seems to be never ending, are the barbarous attacks of the Israeli forces on the Palestinans pushing the toll of deaths to rise each day. According to a report more than 6000 Palestinians were martryed during the past year in the blood conflict between both the countries.

On the other hand the super power leaders of the world seems ignorant to stop on such an act against humanity. There seems to be no power who can say or take action in Palestine interests. In absence of such dehumanized leaders it is inevitable that the tyranny in Palestine will continue to escalate. For now, it seems that there is no hope of peace for them and there is no road of peace leading to Paletines way.

—Karachi

Model Police stations MUHAMMAD UZAIR NIAZI A model police station is a place where services are around the people. The main theme of model police stations is to express and solve the genuine problems of the people. A model police station has the capacity to eradicate impurities from the police culture. Throughout the developed world, the police system is being transformed on modern basis. Police in the developed world is playing a key role in safeguarding the whole the society.

Many healthy developments are also being seen in Pakistan, where emphasis is being given to model police stations, in order to improve the overall structure of police. Many efforts are being done to make Police department in Pakistan as symbol of help and protection of the oppressed and outlaws can be taken to task. In Punjab work has been started to spread the structure of model police stations widely. Hundred of model police stations are being setup in thirty six districts of the province. These model police stations will help in triggering a positive change within the society, and will help in addressing the grievances of the people.

The formation of model police stations will help in polishing the professional performance of police department and will improve the environment of police stations. In order to strengthen the mutual confidence among the people and police, best police officers equipped with professional abilities will be posted to these model stations. The government on the other hand is also trying to introduce new technologies in these model police stations, so that people can be properly facilitated. An electronic complaint system is also being introduced, for the convenience of the people. At present the police department is also being facilitated by different management and professional trainings, so that the “thana” culture can be changed.

Many women and men police officials of model police stations have completed trainings to manage gender based crimes under the Gender Responsive Policing Project.

Funded by the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the project is being implemented by the German Agency for International Cooperation with the National Police Bureau of Pakistan. The setting up of model police stations is an important step in making police force modern and active, through which a crime free society will come in to existence.

—Mianwali

Global warming SHEIKH MOHAMMAD IQBAL The Kyoto protocol followed by several national/international Conferences and Meetings on the issue of Global Warming ; all have resulted in partial successes. 191 UN member states have signed and ratified the Kyoto protocol on climate change aiming at combating Global Warming but is regretful to note that USA Federal Government has not yet ratified the Convention, however, witnessing “Sandy- both the candidates for the next presidential candidature have realized adopting measures to combat the issue of Global Warming. Thanks to “Sandy” that has opened the eyes of the USA. The balance between energy absorbed by the earth and reflected back into space is fundamental in determining how warm or cool the planet becomes. The proportion of radiation reflected away by a sur-

Dilemma of nation WASEEM AHMED

M

alala’s injury has indeed been a sad event. Like any irrational mob, our reaction has been to both extremes (like always) i.e. philanthropy as well as apathy. Malala’s pain was felt more, because she had fame for her name, people knew her. How about anonymous grief’s? By now, Malala is a symbol for education and progress but those speaking for her rights in their ‘awkwardness of sincerity’ will make sure that she has no space or future in Pakistan, even if she survives her present physical injury. Even, thereafter we’ll be mourning her plight in individual capacity, whereas state will continue to shower more post-humus awards (God forbid), but what should these mourners or bereaved actually do? They don’t realize and even if they do, they won’t do it. This in fact is the real dilemma of mobs, trying to look a nation.

—Rawalpindi

face is called its “albedo” which ranges from 0 to 1. The earth’s albedo is 0.31 that means that overall planet reflects about 31% of incoming solar radiation back into space.

The technological developments depend on fossil fuels to produce power for the operation of machinery.

“Greenhouse Gases” that are collecting in the atmosphere due to human activity forms a thickening blanket, trapping the sun’s heat causes the planet to warm up.

Global Warming causes hurricanes, stormy seas, floods, droughts, dangerous diseases like cancer and others, destruction of ecosystem, extinction of species, animals, plants, earthquakes and development of unheard viruses caused in human and animals physiques etc.; create heat waves; water shortage; a sudden shift in the earth’s climate; makes huge areas of the world uninhabitable; causes massive food and water shortage; sparking wide spread immigrations and wars.Forests, farms and cities will face troublesome new pests and more mosquito borne diseases; rise in sea levels by melting of polar ice; more forest fires; tsunamis.

A number of countries worldwide have now adopted Euro-IV standards for petroleum products ; whereas large number of countries worldwide are using petroleum products of Zero-Euro standards; containing Sulphur contents ranging from 1000-2000 ppm /even more Sulphur contents that includes Pakistan. It is strongly recommended to launch an extensive awareness campaign and develop petroleum products of at least Euro IV standards. For lubricants “Dirty Oil Technology” should be banned worldwide and only “Clean Oil Technology” must be used. The need for curbing upon global warming is thus imperative to save the earth rather than finding ways and means to provide relief to the victims of disasters. It is the duty of all countries of the world to introduce an Awareness Campaign to inform public about the harmful effects of greenhouse gases and endeavor best to initiate positive steps to safeguard the planet.

It is recommended to reduce pollution from vehicles and power plants; use of alternative energy sources for power generation; use of more efficient appliances; introduction of an extensive Awareness Campaign; framing of strict laws to meet the challenges of Global Warming; adoption of “Clean Coal Technology”; reduce deforestation and grow more trees; avoid cutting of mangroves and other sea plants for reclamation of land; adoption of at least EURO IV standards for petroleum products. Above all a political will to save the planet “Earth” it is imperative to focus our attention on the issue of Global Warming-Climate Change, rather than causing an increase in the emission of green house gases; and subsequent upon any calamity provide relief to the victims.

—Via email

Researcher deserves recognition JAWED AHMED KHURSHEED This is apropos of an article, titled, Pakistan writers show renewed interest in Zafar Ali Khan’s work, by Dr. Rauf Parekh, published in a newspaper. What has compelled me to write this letter is to laud the pioneering research work done by Muhammed Tahir Qureshi to discuss the poetry of Zafar Ali Khan (1873-1956) with especial reference to Quranic words, phrases and verses used in his poetry artistically. The work has been published in the latest issue of Ghalib, a literary journal by the Idara-i-Yadgari-Ghalib, Karachi. The article writer deserves praise due.

With due respect, I think Dr. Parekh should have indicated Mr. Qureshi’s name in his piece of writing as to encourage him for the work done. What has Dr. Parekh done to introduce the work of Mr. Qureshi by saying ‘a detailed research paper’. By whom was ‘a research paper’ written. The article writer does not mention any thing. What else does a novice writer need from his / her seniors?

He only wants his scholarship to be recognized. I know Mr. Qureshi personally and when he was carrying out the research work, I saw him consulting as many books and articles as he

could to his well-cited piece of work on Zafar Ali Khan. He had to visit many personal libraries and specialized libraries in Karachi comprising literary collections like Bedil library, Ghalib library, library of Anjuman Tariq-i-Urdu, library of University of Karachi and Baitul Hikmat. His work is also reckoned as he spent a couple of month to undertake the task of writing a piece on Zafar Ali Khan while his prescribed time for his PhD research is on his verge of expiring.

Dr. Parekh is a humble man and generous to his students with reference to providing books and references from his well-stocked personal library. I am also indebted to his generosity. He is also a man of many talents: a lexicographer of outstanding merits, a researcher unearthing new avenues for the writers to come, a translator of exceptional clarity, an able editor and above all a teacher to inspire students. Many students and I hope from him to encourage new writers with their names in his weekly piece: Literary Notes.

—Karachi

NWA: Challenges and solution LT COL MUHAMMAD SHAHBAZ THUTTAL (R) Malala Yusufzai, a young girl from Swat, was attacked by the Taliban of Fazlullah group from across the border in Nuristan, Afghanistan. This also led to pressure on Pakistan to undertake operations in North Waziristan. But this is a serious matter; operations are undertaken in order to bring relief. Any operation has to be undertaken after gathering reliable intelligence, with able assistance of local population and keeping in mind the tribal traditions. Secondly there has to be a mechanism that ensures timely replacement by a proactive civil dispensation as and when the army vacates the area. Army is ever since managing the civilian affairs as the federal and provincial governments are unable to take the charge. The political administrations can’t move without army’s escort.

This did not happen even in worst operations during the British Raj. Challenges for army redouble as a large number of troops deployed on eastern front moved to western border, thus leaving the defense against India unbalanced. This situation has been exploited by neighboring countries and an invisible foreign hand seems to be working behind fuelling insurgency in the troubled areas of FATA as well as Balochistan. Vacation of posts by Nato-Isaf forces on the other side of the border leaves the Durand line vulnerable for Pakistan.

This indicates towards the plot to keep Pakistan Army engaged on its western borders, so that continued engagement weakens the armed forces from within. So Pakistan has more at stake than what seems at the face value. The human angle has never been given any priority. People of FATA, who are loyal to Pakistan, are fed up of terrorism.

The situation demands a strategy to be made afresh involving locals, all political parties and stakeholder, with an aim to win over the hearts and minds. Army must be relieved of the local administration burden. It can be redeployed in DI Khan. Development work must start with the cooperation of local tribes.

Politically elected representatives and civil society organizations must rally people and show their presence by sharing their grief and treating them with dignity. Political parties must establish offices inside North and South Waziristan. Political government should hold negotiations with the tribes to redefine social contracts. No joint NATO-Pak Operations should be conducted. We should not overstretch army’s deployment in FATA and Swat.

—Lahore

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

—Editor Email:editorial@pakobserver.net

Averting a Civil War in Afghanistan ARIF RAFIQ

M

EMBERS of the Afghan High Peace Council (AHPC) visited Islamabad recently and met with a broad set of civil and military officials to discuss collaboration in negotiating an end to the war with the Taliban. There were no dramatic breakthroughs—the meeting was part of the painfully slow process of building trust between Islamabad and Kabul—but the Afghan delegation did not return home empty-handed. With the release of up to thirteen prisoners associated with the Afghan Taliban into the Afghan government’s custody, and frank discussions with their Pakistani counterparts, the AHPC should have a stronger level of confidence in Islamabad’s claim that it seeks peace in Afghanistan. But that confidence needs to be built at a faster pace. The clock is ticking in Afghanistan. Afghan Presidential elections and the end of U.S. combat operations are scheduled for 2014. Already, Afghan power brokers are preparing contingencies for a post-American Afghanistan. Ismail Khan, a warlord from the eastern city of Herat, is rebuilding his militia. He’s just one of many militia leaders who are stockpiling weapons and men, preparing for a potential, though not inevitable, fight between the country’s many ethnic and political factions.

The windfall from the Western presence will soon dry up and much of the change the Western coalition has brought to Afghanistan will prove to be ephemeral. Afghanistan will be tested as to whether it has the resilience to build an economy more independent of foreign rent than today. The outlook is gloomy. Recently, President Hamid Karzai’s brother Mahmoud told the Associated Press, “Afghanistan became a game. The game is to make money and get the hell out of here. That goes for politicians. That goes for contractors.” He is certainly one to know. As corrupt as Afghanistan’s elites are, and as much blood as is on their hands, they’re essential to the prevention of an all-out civil war—a civil war that would cause a massive loss of life in Afghanistan, potentially embolden regional and transnational jihadists in the area,

and spill over into a deeply precarious Pakistan.

Afghan elites have been kept together by

a reduction of violence and the reconstruction of the Afghanistan state, economy, and society, after two decades of perpetual war.

The Taliban has been vague about the governance system it envisions for Afghanistan. During its reign, the Taliban implemented a swift and crude variant of Islamic criminal law. Its shadow governments behave similarly today. There is little indication of behavioral or attitudinal change. the Bonn Agreement, the governmental framework created by the UN-backed post-9/ 11 agreements that provided Afghanistan with

However, the system’s net positives are declining. Indeed, what we are witnessing today is the slow unraveling of the Bonn

an interim, and later transitional, system of government. In 2004, Afghanistan held its first presidential elections, followed by parliamentary polls the next year that would produce an increasingly confident body that seeks to check executive power. As flawed as the Bonn framework has been—for example, in its early years it overrepresented the non-Pashtun anti-Taliban Northern Alliance—it allowed for

framework. Karzai is a compromised political figure. Gone are the days when he was seen as a unifying force and a moderate who symbolized the hopes of a post-Taliban Afghanistan. Now, he is knee-deep in corruption and appears intent on maintaining power directly or indirectly after his current term comes to an end. Meanwhile, critical non-Pashtun power brokers are raising significant chal-

Civil society may hold key to peace in Pakistan MEHREEN FAROOQ

L

ESS than two years after the Pakistani military drew down its counterinsurgency opera tions in the picturesque Swat valley, Pakistan’s frontier region is once again being rocked by suicide attacks and targeted killings. While the country may appear to be locked in an entrenched conflict, Pakistan’s civil society could hold the key for a sustainable, peaceful future. The WORDE team travelled to over 35 cities and villages — from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas to interior Sindh — to interview over 100 organizations countering radical narratives and fostering social harmony.

Our research indicates that Pakistan’s civil society has the capacity to promote peace and regional stability through five powerful mechanisms. First, activists are leading bold public awareness initiatives to educate the population about the threat of radicalization. Public rallies, such as “Save Pakistan Conventions”, have galvanized the population and forged unity against terrorism. In 2009, for example, conservative Muslim parties teamed up with the Christian Progressive Movement of Pakistan to hold a 25,000-man National Flag Day march in Islamabad to demonstrate national solidarity against violent extremism.

Following examples from the Arab Spring, Pakistani youth are also using new media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook to promote peace often at great personal risk. Just last month, Malala Yousufzai, a female teenage blogger and girls’ education activist, was shot by militants in the Swat valley for speaking out against the Taleban. Second, concerted efforts are under way across the country to empower youth with alternatives to militancy. For example, schools such as the Dar ul Uloom Okara in Southern Punjab organize intensive two-week seminars on Qur’anic principles of peace and conflict resolution. Others, like the Dar ul Uloom Bhera, conduct individually tailored interventions for at-risk youth that refute the idea of violence in the name of Islam. Where possible, large schools are also offering advanced courses in English, sciences, mathematics and vocational training to prepare students for professional careers after graduation.

Third, public statements are also a

powerful mechanism to counter violent ideologies. Since 9/11, dozens of fatwas, or non-binding opinions by Islamic scholars, in Urdu and local languages have been issued to denounce terrorism at the theological level.

Given the high number of targeted killings in Pakistan, however, many scholars are hesitant to address the issue of extremism directly. Instead, they often embed their anti-terror messages within speeches on broader social issues. Fourth, religious scholars are organizing public lectures and debates to deconstruct radical interpretations of Islam using the Qur’an, stories of the Prophets and historical examples. In regions like southern Punjab, where robust civil society networks exist, public debates and lectures are held on a weekly basis. Those featuring prominent speakers such as Syed Arshad

Kazmi are televised or posted on YouTube.

U

impoverished communities at risk of militancy. For example, the Jamia Subhaniyya Rizvia, a school bordering the tribal regions, recently teamed up with the military and social welfare organizations to distribute emergency kits and over 30 tons of goods to internally displaced peoples in terrorism-affected regions. In short, there are many examples of Pakistani civil society’s constructive efforts to create change, and Pakistan’s future hinges on replicating and expanding these efforts across the country. However, security and a lack of funding and resources prevent activists from creating a sustained national movement.

Today, with the public outcry following the attack on Malala Yousufzai and other peace activists, the international community especially the Pakistani diaspora has been pre-

sented with a window of opportunity to provide training in capacity-build-

The World Organization for Resource Development and Education (WORDE), a non-profit, educational organization aiming to enhance communication and understanding between Muslim and non-Muslim communities, recently completed a year-long study to understand the capacity of Pakistan’s civil society for resolving conflict within its borders.

Fifth, Pakistani faith-based organizations are using their social networks to distribute humanitarian assistance to

YU LINTAO NDER the mediation and support of the United States and some Middle Eastern countries, a new coalition of Syrian opposition groups was formed on November 11 in the Qatari capital of Doha. The newly united opposition, which is named the “Syrian National Coalition for Opposition and Revolutionary Forces,” includes most Syrian opposition groups, but has yet to show whether it can bring long-awaited peace to the war-torn country. Observers said that as the strength of the Syrian opposition increases with the establishment of the new bloc, an opportunity will arise for the opposition to negotiate with the Syrian authorities.

But whether the newly formed bloc will seize the initiative is questionable.

“The reshuffle of Syrian opposition groups aims to strengthen the power of the opposition as a whole. But it is still hard to say whether the

lenges to the governance framework in Afghanistan. The two Jamiat-e Islami splinter groups—the National Front of Afghanistan

ing, technical assistance and material support to strengthen Pakistan’s civil society. —Courtesy - Arab News.

(NFA) led by Ahmed Zia Massoud and Amrullah Saleh, and the National Coalition of Afghanistan (NCA), led by Dr. Abdullah— both oppose Karzai. The NFA now even calls for a federalist system that weakens the power of president.

Amid this debate between relative moderates on how Afghanistan should be governed and by whom, there is also the challenge of reconciling the Taliban’s demands. It remains to be seen how all this can be done at once given the fact that NCA and NFA don’t appear to be talking. Nevertheless, that dialogue must begin now. The Taliban contends that it seeks the implementation of Islamic law. But what changes to the country’s present-day system does it demand? Officially, Afghanistan is an Islamic republic. Much, but not all, of its legislation comes from the Islamic legal tradition.

The country’s constitution states that “no law can be contrary to the beliefs and provisions” of Islam. But its laws are a mix of Islamic and non-Islamic in origin and the boundaries between these two are often ambiguous. A Taliban prescription for a legal and governance system for Afghanistan also lacks clarity. Can the Taliban come to terms with some form of a republican system of government? Or is it insistent on having a hardline Islamic emirate akin to the one that existed in the 1990s? Does the Taliban view representative government as permissible or even legitimate? Can a parliament exist? What should its powers be? Will it have the capacity to legislate? Can women exercise the right to vote, let alone serve in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government? And what will Mullah Omar’s status be? Can the so-called commander of the faithful play second fiddle to an elected president or prime minister?

The Taliban has stated that it has a national reconciliation plan ready for Afghani-

Price of American security ROBERT KAGAN

I

N the interest of national secu rity, and the preservation of the world order that the United States has upheld and benefited from since World War II, Republicans and Democrats must make the necessary compromises and agree on a deal to address the nation’s fiscal crisis in both the near and the long term. I am not an economist or a budget analyst, so I don’t presume to know exactly what a “grand bargain” should look like. It seems pretty obvious that a compromise will require both tax reform, including if necessary some tax increases and entitlement reform, since those programs are the biggest driver of the fiscal crisis.

What I do know, as a national security analyst, is that our continuing failure to address the crisis in a way that makes possible a return to stable economic growth has become a serious foreign policy problem. In a world that still looks to U.S. leadership on many issues, despite what some say, our utter dysfunction on matters involving the basic health of our economy does not inspire confidence. Nor will the U.S. act with confidence abroad while we are unable to address our problems at home. It is no accident that all the misguided talk of a “post-American world” came after the financial crisis exploded.

A principal victim in the absence of a deal to address the fiscal crisis has been and will continue to be the national security budget. Republicans and Democrats alike have been prepared to see hundreds of billions of dollars cut from the defense budget, with even more cuts coming if Congress fails to avoid the automatic “sequestration.”

The already shrunken foreign-aid budget is also being cut at a time when, in the Middle East, for instance, we need to be spending more, not less, to support stable economies as the basis for democratic reform. It would be one thing if the world were kindly affording us a time out, a nice period of placidity in international affairs, while we get our house in order. But the world is not cooperating. The international environment is becoming more, not less, challenging.

Iran continues to move closer to obtaining a nuclear weapon, and the prospect of a conflict cannot be dismissed.

The outcome of the Arab revolutions remains uncertain. The tumult in Syria threatens to embroil the entire region.

The future of Afghanistan and nucleararmed Pakistan remains worrying. Ter-

rorists continue to expand their efforts in the Middle East and Africa.

China’s military is growing, and at a time of changing leadership some forces in the Chinese system are pushing for greater assertiveness in the South China Sea and elsewhere. Even absent some

the defense and foreign affairs budgets, then the cost — including the dollar cost — could make the present budget arguments look absurdly petty. The point is, none of the elements of a deal to address the fiscal crisis — not taxes or entitlements or anything else — can

new crisis, both Leon Panetta and Bob Gates have warned of the catastrophic

be considered in isolation.

We should have learned the lesson

They think that if the U.S. would simply scale back its role in the world, it could save money and make raising further revenue unnecessary. This is a faulty assumption. The present global economic and political order, which has provided the environment in which the U.S. has grown and prospered for decades, is built on and around American power and influence. consequences of deeper defense cuts to the nation’s security. We need to dispel the illusion that cuts to the national security budget really save us money.

Some Republicans who oppose compromising on taxes make the same miscalculation as Democrats who favor deeper defense cuts.

Were the U.S. to cease playing its role in upholding this order, were we to retreat from East Asia or to back away from the challenge posed by a nuclear Iran, the result could only be global instability. From a purely economic perspective, it would be far more costly to restore order and stability — both essential to a prosperous global economy — than it would be to sustain it. Indeed, if there is no deal on the fiscal cliff and the long-term fiscal crisis because Republicans and Democrats won’t make a sensible compromise on raising revenue and reforming entitlements, and the result is further cuts in

Which Is the Way Out?

move is geared toward reaching military goals or achieving to negotiate with the Syrian Government,” said An Huihou, a senior visiting researcher with the China Institute of International Studies. The new Syrian opposition coalition won the recognition of the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council and some Western countries soon after its establishment. The Arab League recognized the opposition bloc as “the representative of aspirations of Syrian people.”

Washington also swiftly declared its backing.

“The reshuffle was led by the United States and some countries in the region. Washington wasn’t satisfied with the performance of the former coalition, which was loose and ineffective in confronting the Syrian authorities,” An said. He said the total opposition forces have increased somewhat, but whether they would

stan. But up to this point, there is no indication that it has conducted an internal dialogue and achieved consensus. It’s not even clear whether it has the capacity and competency to produce such a coherent vision for the country. If and once direct talks with its Afghan counterparts begin, they will need to know the Taliban’s ‘red lines’ and its demands for changes to the present constitution, even if they are untenable. An important forum in which these issues can be aired out indirectly is the conference of religious scholars proposed by the AHPC and Pakistani government in their joint statement. Neither the Taliban nor the participating religious scholars should have veto power over the future of Afghanistan. But this forum, should it take place, provides an opportunity to press the Taliban— and give its leadership the necessary cover— to make the necessary compromises on representative government and women’s rights.

The Taliban cannot be the sole definer of Afghanistan’s future. But as part of a political settlement—which is so crucial for peace and stability in the country and region—the Taliban would undoubtedly have some say in how Afghanistan would be governed. To dilute the Taliban’s conservative influence, intra-Afghan peace talks must be broad-based with ample weight given to relatively progressive forces within the country, including women.

And Afghan women whether they’re part of civil society or parliament must coalesce as a bloc and press for their fundamental rights.

Afghanistan’s greatest challenge is to avert a civil war by producing an amended governance framework that incorporates the Taliban but does not sacrifice the fundamental rights of Afghans, especially Afghan women. It is difficult to be optimistic about the prospects for a negotiated settlement with the Taliban.

And any optimism that one may have will certainly dwindle in the months ahead if no progress is made while 2014 nears. [Arif Rafiq is an adjunct scholar at the Middle East Institute and president of Vizier Consulting, LLC, which provides strategic guidance on Middle East and South Asian political and security issues. He tweets at @ArifCRafiq].

—Courtesy - The Diplomat.

take a unified position is uncertain. Xue Qingguo, a professor of Arab studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University, said that although the new coalition included most opposition groups, some military factions inside Syria are unwilling to join it. The military power of the new opposition bloc is not guaranteed.

“Besides the goal of overthrowing the Bashar al-Assad regime, there are many divergences among the opposition groups—from religious faiths to interests and from ideologies to crisis-resolving approaches,” Xue said to Beijing Review. “It is very doubtful that the new bloc could form a unified fighting capacity. An immediate ability to turn the situation around is almost impossible,” Xue added.

In fact, Syrian opposition groups inside and outside the country have not seen eye to eye

with each other on strategies to end the unrest that flared up 20 months ago. The exiled opposition continues to call for foreign intervention, while the Syria-based opposition rejects such an approach and accuses the exiled groups of engaging in a foreign conspiracy.

Luai Hussain, head of the opposition Building Syria State Party, said the agreement reached by the new bloc will further complicate the situation on the ground. According to the agreement, once the new coalition wins international recognition, it will form an interim government in exile and call for a national conference if the current Syrian administration is ousted. The opposition bloc also agreed to establish a new supreme military council to take overall command of the rebel groups. During an interview with China’s Xinhua News Agency, Hussain said

of the 1920s and 1930s, another period when a global economic crisis was inconveniently accompanied by an unsettled and dangerous geopolitical situation.

Then, American leaders concentrated on trying to address their domestic economic problems, somehow imagining these could be separated from the broader international economic and political environment. The U.S. actively retreated from global involvement to focus on what these days we would call “nation-building at home.” The result was disastrous at home and abroad.

The U.S. is far more deeply integrated in the global economy than it was 80 years ago, and the well-being of the global economy is far more dependent on the security and stability that U.S. power and influence provide. The world won’t stand still while Americans fight these political battles.

—Courtesy - Japan Times.

his party will reject anything that comes out of the overseas-based opposition. “The formation of any interim government abroad would be conducive to increasing division in Syrian society, and thus would widen the platform of a civil war,” he said.

“To some extent, the establishment of the new coalition at least added weight for the opposition to conduct political negotiations with the Syrian Government. It should be an opportunity,” An told Beijing Review. Though the coalition declared it would not have dialogue with the Assad regime, An claims that such posturing may sometimes differ from its true stance. “From the current balance of military power, it is impossible for the opposition bloc to defeat government troops without military interference from the West or regional countries. In addition, most members of the international community hope for a peaceful settlement to the Syrian crisis,” said An. —Courtesy - Beijing Review.

Khan elevated to Vice Admiral rank OBSERVER REPORT I SLAMABAD —Rear Admiral Tahseen Ullah Khan has been promoted to the rank of vice admiral with immediate effect, said a statement issued here by Pakistan Navy Wednesday.

Khan got commission in the operations branch of Pakistan Navy on December 1, 1977.

Upon acquiring further training at Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth, UK, he joined PN Submarine service and served aboard a variety of submarine.

During his career, Vice Admiral Tahseen held various command and staff appointments. He served as the Commanding Officer of PN Submarines GHAZI and MANGRO. His eminent Staff duties include ADC to Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Naval and Air Advisor in Pakistan High Commission Malaysia.

He also held the appointments of Director Maritime Affairs, Director Submarine Operations, Deputy Director Pakistan Maritime Security Agency, Commandant PN War College, Chief Staff Officer to Commander Pakistan Fleet, Director General Pakistan Maritime Security Agency and Flag Officer Sea Training.

At present, the admiral is holding the office of Commander Logistics Pakistan Navy.

Vice Admiral Tahseen has done various professional courses including Antisubmarine Course from France, PN War Course and Armed Forces War course.

He holds degrees of B.Sc (Hons) and M.Sc (War Studies) from University of Karachi and Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad.

In recognition of his meritorious services, he has been awarded Sitara-e-Imtiaz and Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military).

PML-Q From Page 1 between the government and the opposition. But in case, they fail to develop a consensus, the outgoing Speaker of the National Assembly would form a committee comprising 8 members, four from the government and four the opposition.

In case this mechanism too does not work, the matter would be referred to the Election Commission of Pakistan to form a caretaker set-up.

French combat troops withdraw From Page 1 Of those remaining troops, 1,000 will help return military equipment to France and 500 will stay on to provide training for Afghanistan’s fledgling army, he said.

France joins Canada and the Netherlands in ending its combat role in Afghanistan.

France’s early exit was initiated by President Francois Hollande, who was strongly criticized by NATO for accelerating the withdrawal two years ahead of the alliance’s timetable.

At its height, France provided 3,600 troops in the 130,000-strong, NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), making it the fifthlargest contributor.

At least 85 French soldiers have been killed in the war.

Most foreign troops are due to leave Afghanistan by the end of 2014, when security will be handed over to the 350,000strong Afghan army and police force.—Reuters

Empowering provinces, people vital From Page 1 steps to improve its relations with the neighboring countries.

He said the Government, from day one, has emphasized on “trade not aid” to address Pakistan’s economic problems.

“We believe in increased trade as it contributes to peace and development,” he added.

The President said Pakistan was facing a great challenge from the mindset that attacked Malala Yousafzai in Swat.

He urged the youth to take up the challenge and fight this mindset as it is threatening the country and the future generations.

Appreciating the potential of youth in Pakistan, the President said it is time that every one should not think what the country has given to him but every one should think “what we have given to the country”.

The President said, “Energy is the driver of economy and growth but we are facing energy crisis”.

He said without blaming anyone for the present ills and the current situation, it was important that leaders of today take the responsibility to address the problem.

The later part of the President’s speech turned into an interactive session when the President invited the students to ask questions.

Referring to his voluntarily

transfer of powers to the Parliament, the President said he even transferred the control of the nuclear power and entrusted it to the parliament.

He said collective wisdom is always better than individual wisdom, therefore, the PPP always adopted the policy of reconciliation and empowered the parliament which is the true representative of the people of Pakistan.

The President said every Pakistani was patriotic. Referring to the qualities and potential of the youth, he said, the youth could play an effective role in confronting the present challenges.

Relying to the questions, the President said Pakistan has very clear policy on the drone attacks adding that the Government has taken a number of steps to provide relief to the affected people.

He said that the affected areas in Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa and FATA have been allocated more development funds as compared to previous years.

The President said, “we have to find solution to the drone issue through diplomatic means”.

Replying to a question about how the youth could become a leader, the President said, “there is no short cut to

success”. He said if the people around any leader considered him or her as the leader, then he/ she is a leader.

The President, on this occasion, mentioned Shaheed Benazir Bhutto saying that she was leader as people around her considered her as their leader.

He said hard work and dedication coupled with struggle and sacrifice were essential to becoming a leader.

Replying to another question about recent attack by Israel on Palestine, the President said Pakistan has strongly condemned this attack.

He said the Foreign Office has issued a strong condemnation on this issue while the Pakistani leadership also issued similarly statements. He said there is no ban on protests against Israeli aggression.

Regarding poverty alleviation, he said, Benazir Income Support Programme is meant for empowerment and helping the poor families especially the women. Presently over 70 million are being benefitted from this Program, he said.

On the security issues, the President said that maintaining law and order was a provincial subject, however, the Federal Government was providing all out help and assistance to the provinces to improve law and order situation.—Agencies

NA adopts MQM’s resolution to deweaponise country From Page 1 to the government to take “effective steps” to ‘deweaponise’ Karachi. The MQM had opposed the Senate resolution, tabled by ANP Senator Shahi Syed, saying the entire country should be cleared of weapons instead of just Kara-chi. Otherwise, they said, the move would yield no results and Karachi would continue to bleed. Members from all parties had spoken in favour or against it, but eventually only the MQM had voted against it.

The National Assembly Tuesday also passed a resolution condemning the brutal aerial attacks on Gaza and other Palestinians cities and violence against Muslim community in Myanmar. The resolution moved

by Zahid Hamid stated that hundreds of men, women and children have been killed in atrocious attacks on Palestinians.

It described the act of Israeli government a state terrorism and violation of the international law.

“These illegal acts of aggression have again exposed the brutal nature of the Israeli Government, which has been emboldened to take such unilateral military action, amounting to state terrorism, because the international community for its previous transgressions and violations of international law has taken no punitive action against it”, the resolution said.

“This house salutes the valiant Palestinian people ,who

have withstood decades of tyranny and hardship with courage and resolve ,firm in their faith and conviction that their righteous cause shall prevail and that he establishment of an independent stat of Palestinian will be reality in the very near future.

“This house calls upon the international community, including in particular the united Nations, to act immediately to bring to an end the wanton use of military power by the Israeli regime, which has caused death, destruction and terror and is a clear threat to world peace. Full support should be oppressed Palestinian people, so that they can live their lives with dignity and honour”, the resolution said.

CDA fetches Rs4.32b on commercial plots sale SHARAFAT KAZMI ISLAMABAD—The Capital Development Authority (CDA) get healthy response for the auction of commercial plots on the second day of the CDA grand auction on Tuesday and would fetch around Rs.4.32 billion if the bids received against the 10 number of commercial plots offered for open auction are approved by CDA Board in totality. The CDA Board is the final authority to decide the fate of the bidding process.

CDA is likely to get Rs 149.82 million from auction of these residential plots if rectified by the CDA Board. The Authority conducted two day grand auction of residential, commercial plots, Economy flats, Filling stations and other plots of different sizes and categories in developed sectors of Islamabad, which concluded on Tuesday.

On the second of the grand auction under the auspices of the CDA held at Jinnah Convention Centre participated by a large

numbers of bidders, authority presented ten (10) numbers of commercial plots for bidding. Out of the four number of plots offered for auction in the Blue Area, Commercial centre, the plot No.B-3 located in between Sector F-9 / G-9 measuring 1333.33 square yard received the highest bid of Rs.360,000/- per square yard. Whereas Plot NO.6 of Blue Area located between Sector F8 / G-8 got the lowest bid of Rs.287,000/- per square yard in this commercial area.

The auction process was supervised by Member Finance CDA, Azhar Ali Chaudhry, and participated by the members of the committee comprising of Member Planning and Design, Syed Mustafain Kazmi, Member Estate, Shaista Sohail, Deputy Director General Finance, Ziaur-Rehman Toor, Director Estate Management-I, Naveed-ul-Haq, Director Estate Management-II, Muhammad Aslam Chaudhry and Director Public Relations, Ramzan Sajid. The commercial Plot No 15 Northern Strip, E-11

of measuring size 2184 square yards meant for Filling station got a bid of Rs.84,000/- per square yard, Plot No 2 & 3 of Northern Strip of measuring size 4833.33 square yards each meant for medium rise apartments received the bid of Rs.58,000/- and Rs.55,000/- per square yard respectively. Plot number 6 of Blue Area F-8/G-8 of measuring size of 2666.3 square yards got the bid of Rs.313,000/- per square yard. Plot No 14, Markaz D-12 measuring size of 1600 got the bid of Rs.136,000/- per square yard whereas Plot No 10 Markaz F-11 measuring size 888.88 square yards received the bid of Rs.286,000/- per square yard. Plot No.20 of Sector G-11/3 meant for economy flats received a bid of Rs.58,000/ - per square yard.

On the first day of bidding four (4) numbers of residential plots measuring size 272.22 of Sector G-10 and 6 plots measuring size 355.55 square yards of the same sector were offered for auction.

IHC quashes Rimsha ‘blasphemy’ From Page 1 lawyers said.

During the hearing, IHC Chief Justice, Iqbal Hameedur Rehman ordered the police to dismiss the FIR filed against the girl. The chief justice said that the girl was accused of burning

papers from the Quran, however, since there were no witnesses thus the FIR was ordered dismissed.

Rimsha Masih spent three weeks on remand in an adult jail after she was ar-

rested on August 16 for allegedly burning pages from the Quran in a case that prompted worldwide condemnation. She was arrested after a resident of Mehra Jaffer, the area where the girl also belonged to, Malik Ummad lodged a complaint with the Ramna police against her accusing her of burning the pages of the holy book.

Bilawal seeks political support to fight terrorism From Page 1 threat of terrorism, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that keeping in view the importance of the issue, the PPP put the old difference with other political forces aside and unite against this common enemy. He said we have to protect Jinnah’s Pakistan from the threat of the Taliban.

He said PML(N) has been part of the coalition in the initial months and the government was able to built the necessary consensus in the country that allowed it to end Taliban rule in Swat and raise the flag of Pakistan there once again.

Bilawal said he was certain that Nawaz Sharif is genuinely an ally in supporting democracy in the country.

He welcomed Imran Khan’s decision to finally take part in the next general elections and expressed the confidence that his inclusion will have a positive impact on politics in the country. Bilawal said he was even certain that the government will be able to build consensus with the religious parties including Jamat-e-Islami.

He categorically stated that “we are opposed to drone strikes” but pointed out that had these been carried out with the connivance of the government, then the then Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who is currently in PTI, should have resigned on the same issue.

He said after the Osama raid, the PPP and the President of Pakistan were among of the few political parties to stand by the armed forces.

He said even Nawaz Sharif was calling for military and intelligence leadership to be sacked but President Zardari was defending military leadership and defending Pakistan.

He said the President Zardari stood by the armed forces of Pakistan and lived up to his title of Commander-inChief.—APP

Morsi to address parliament From Page 1 president during his three-day stay in the capital.

Officials said Mursi will hold separate talks with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf on mutual cooperation in different fields.—Online

Two suicide bombers held From Page 1 as his aide is concerned, he refused to be arrested but after dialogue with police personnel, he agreed to surrender. Police also recovered about 8 kg explosive out of their possession and shifted both individuals to an unknown location for further interrogation.—INP

Hashmi warns PML-N leaders From Page 1 stone unturned in leveling baseless allegations against him, adding that for the last 20 years he has been facing National Accountability Bureau (NAB) but the bureau officials failed to provide a single evidence against him in the court.

He said he faced the courts and jails and also gave sacrifices for the PML-N, when its leaders fled the country during the Musharraf’s rule.

“Nawaz Sharif must prove him innocent in the Asghar Khan case and then should participate in the next general election,” he said, adding: “If he failed to prove himself innocent then the nation would raise questions over his credibility.”

Javed Hashmi said Younis Habib mentioned his name and also names of several beneficiaries including Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Sheikh Rashid and others, adding that all the other people are silent and only he is responding to the allegations.

He said that NAB physically tortured him for seven months but they failed to prove the baseless allegations against him, adding that General (Retd) Babar also leveled allegations against him but later on sought pardon. He said that Nawaz Sharif offered ownership of a Sugar Mill but that was refused, adding that he has never benefited from plots.

He said that Chaudhry Nisar is getting various permits and benefits from the government.

He said he has spent only the earning of forefathers in his career of 50 years in politics. He blamed that Nawaz Sharif never spent a single penny on the party rather poor workers including him from jail were funding and spending on the party and now they are busy in leveling allegations against him.

“I want first to announce my innocence in the Asghar Khan case through media and then will go to the courts,” Javed

Hashmi said, adding, “I am here with certificates of innocence being received from NAB in front of media. He challenged the media and politicians to bring proofs against him instead of spreading negative propaganda against him.

Commenting on the accountability bill, Hashmi said both the PPP and N-league are not willing to pass the accountability bill for formation of impartial institution of conducting accountability rather both the parties are major hindrance in the passing of the bill.

He said if the bill was passed through the parliament then many big fishes including Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan will have to languish behind bars in various corruption cases.

He claimed that PTI would bring and pass the accountability bill from the parliament in order to establish an impartial institution to halt corruption in the country.—INP

Raja asks D-8 to build roadmap From Page 1 collective goal of economic development. Highlighting the importance of trade bodies for creating employment opportunities, the prime minister said they have a key role in accelerating the overall economy of the countries.

Referring to strategic location of Pakistan, the prime minister said the country provides huge opportunties for investment and trade in profitable sectors.

He said the government attaches high priority to private sector investment especially foreign

Bakery case

Punjab CM’s son-in-law indicted MUZAFFAR ALI LAHORE—The Judicial Magistrate on Tuesday indicted Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s son-in-law Ali Imran and eight others in bakery employee torture case. Judicial Magistrate Munawwar Hussain, while indicting Ali Imran and others, summoned the witnesses on November 30.

The prosecution department produced a charge-sheet accusing Imran and six police personnel assaulting the bakery employee. The court framed indictment charges against Ali Imran, six personnel of elite force and three unidentified men. The court framed these charges after hearing arguments of all parties to the case. According to the First Information Report, complainant Umer Hussain, a DHA Phase II resident, stated that he ran the confectionary ‘Sweet Tooth’ in T-Block market. Between I pm and 2 pm on October 7, a woman came to the shop and asked for a cake.

private investment. It is an integral component for restructuring and revitalization of our national economy.

He said the unexplored economic potential of Pakistan offers countless developmental, trade and industrialization opportunities for the business community. Foreign investors seeking a competitive manufacturing environment, healthy returns and skilled human resource in a growing market, can tap the vast opportunities available in the

country. He assured the investors that Pakistan’s economy is stable and our economic policies are transparent and predictable. The Prime Ministersaid expatriate Pakistanis are bringing their capital back home while the country’s credit rating in international capital markets has improved in the last few years.

Raja Parvez Ashraf said we have strengthened the roots of democracy and ensured minimal interference of the government in private entrepreneurship.

Gaza truce agreed: Hamas Israel says no deal yet GAZA —A Hamas official said diplomacy. “We’re not there Secre-tary-General Ban Kion Tuesday Egypt had brokered a Gaza ceasefire deal that would go into effect within hours, but a spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said “we’re not there yet”.

“An agreement for calm has been reached. It will be declared at 9 o’clock (1900 GMT) and go into effect at midnight (2200 GMT),” Hamas official Ayman Taha told Reuters from Cairo, where intensive efforts have been under way to end seven days of fighting. Netanyahu spokesman Mark Regev told Reuters the announcement was premature and Israeli military operations in Gaza, territory run by Hamas Islamists, would continue in parallel with

President takes notice of PIA emergency landings ISLAMABAD—President Asif Ali Zardari has taken strong notice of recent reports about various emergency landings

by PIA flights. He has directed the Chairman PIA and Civil Aviation Authority to conduct a thorough inquiry into these incidents and submit a comprehensive report within three days. He has also directed the concerned authorities to ensure that no such incident takes place in future.

Spokesperson of the President Farhatullah Babar said that besides calling for a detailed report, the President has also called for a meeting to get a comprehensive briefing on the issue.—Online

Six killed, several hurt in road accident LASBELA—At least six persons were killed and several others injured in collision between two passengers vehicles here in the wee hours of Tuesday.

According to details, a Turbat bound passenger coach coming from Karachi collided head-on with a hiroof at Gaddani Cross near Lasbela. The hi-roof was completely destroyed and caught fire after collision and all passengers inside were burnt alive as fire brigade or rescue personnel were not available. The injured passengers were rushed to local hospital for treatment where according to hospital sources their condition was stable. The injured passengers said that the accident took placed due to over speeding and reckless driving.—INP

yet,” Regev said on CNN. “The ball’s still in play.”

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was heading to the region from Asia and was expected in Jerusalem late on Tuesday to meet Netanyahu. Both Israel and the US have said they preferred a diplomatic solution

Earlier story on Page 15 to the Gaza crisis to a possible Israeli ground operation in the densely-populated enclave of 1.7 million Palestinians.

“No country would tolerate rocket attacks against its cities and against its civilians. Israel cannot tolerate such attacks,” Netanyahu said with U.N.

moon, who arrived in Jerusalem from talks in Cairo, at his side. “If a longterm solution can be put in place through diplomatic means, then Israel would be a willing partner to such a solution,” he said.

“But if stronger military action proves necessary to stop the constant barrage of rockets, Israel will do what is necessary to de-fend our people,” said Netanyahu, who is favored to win a January general election.

Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal said on Monday that Israel must halt its military action in the Gaza Strip and lift the blockade of the Palestinian territory in exchange for a truce.—Reuters

YANGOON:President Obama kissing Myanmar’s pro-democracy leader Aung Suu Kyi.

SHC conditionally allows motorbike ban KARACHI—The Sindh High Court (SHC) conditionally allowing the Sindh government to impose a ban on motorcycle riding on Muharram 9, 10, said it could only be in specific areas for limited time.

Chief Justice Musheer Alam made this statement while hearing the case on Tuesday.

The court suggested that a ban on motorcycles could be imposed on public holidays or in selective areas of the city especially near Imambargahs.

The Sindh government had earlier filed a request with the SHC to allow an imposition of a 10-day ban on motorcycle riding in the light of terrorism threats for Muharram.

Cellular companies directed to slash ‘night packages’

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has directed the mobile companies to slash their night calling packages as these are proving to be a cause of social nuisance. The authority cited views conveyed by some segments of the society as the reasons behind the fresh directive. According to them, the aforementioned calling packPro-govt tribal leader ages or late night packages are diminishing the intelligence of shot dead in NWA youths, and causing misguidMIRANSHAH—Unknown ance and wastage of time. armed men shot dead a proPunjab Assembly has algovernment local tribal leader ready demanded a resolution here on Tuesday. According imposition of ban on these to details, local tribal leader calling packages.—Online Malik Nooruddin Dawar, stated to be a supporter of security forces, was present near his house in Miranshah, the main town in North Waziristan Agency, when unidentified gunmen opened LONDON—Malala Yousafzai, fire at him, killing him on the who became the face of spot and fled the scene. It Pakistan’s struggle against the should be mentioned here Taliban, has been awarded for that the local tribal elders and her bravery and commitment their followers who support to education for girls in admilitary operation against verse conditions in Swat. militancy were often targeted The award was given out by extremists. The security

by World Peace and Prosperforces cordoned off the area ity Foundation Chairman after firing incident and Prince Ali Khan, at the started search for the Cholmondeley Room of the miscreants.—INP House of Lords on Monday night. Malala is being treated hospital after she Chemical factory atwasa British shot in the head by gutted Taliban militants. —Online Muzaffar Ali LAHORE—A chemical factory was gutted in fire in the area of Sherakot Police Station here on Tuesday and goods worth millions of rupees burnt to ashes, rescue team said. According to rescue 1122, the fire OBSERVER REPORT erupted in chemical factory, situated in the residential KARACHI—Chief Secretary area of Sherakot, and soon spread in the entire premises Sindh Raja Muhammad Abbas has asked all the prowhere a large number of vincial departments to subdrums filled with chemicals were stored. After receiving mit their progress reports to the emergency call, firemen the Advocate General Sindh within two days positively, reached on the spot and managed to douse the blaze regarding implementation while the labourers staying status under the directions in the premises managed to of Supreme Court, pertaining to the apex court’s suo moto come out safely soon after notice of the law and order the fire was noticed.

Sindh Additional Chief Secretary (home) Waseem Ahmed and Advocate General Sindh Abdul Fateh Malik were present in the court where the chief justice heard their arguments.

Justice Musheer Alam said the relevant authorities take better security measures as it was their responsibility, not the people’s responsibility.

Remarking that security measures should not be taken at the people’s expense, the SHC allowed a ban on motorcycles for holidays.

Sindh AG Abdul Fateh Malik told the court that a bomb blast occurred at Abbas Town on November 18 using motorcycle as vehicle of ter-

ror, killing 2 persons. He further said that the government has credible information that subversive activities will be carried out using motorcycle.

The AG prayed the court that in case of need Sindh government be allowed to impose ban on motorcycle riding.

The SHC rejected the plea for allowing ban on motorcycle riding in the city up to 11th of Muharram and said that the permission to impose ban on motorcycle riding could not be given. The court said that the ban could be imposed near mosques and imambargahs. However, the court directed the government to announce public holiday before imposing such ban.—Inp

Backbone of TTP has been broken: Malik I SLAMABAD —Highlighting succeed in their nefarious the steps taken by the government to check the incidents of terrorism, Interior Minister Rehman Malik said, the backbone of Tehrik-eTaliban Pakistan has been broken due to which incidents of suicide attacks have come to a halt.

He said the local and foreign elements want to fuel sectarian and ethnic violence to destabilize the country but they would not be allowed to

designs. He was addressing the ‘Pakistan Leaders of Tomorrow’ conference in Islamabad on Tuesday.

He said credit goes to the present government for introducing the policy of 3-D to ensure peace and security in the country. Minister for Water and Power Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar informed the youth about the steps taken to cope with the energy crisis.—Online

SC accepts Nisar’s application against NAB chief appointment

—The Supreme between the prime minister Malala chosen ICourt has accepted an appli- and leader of the opposition cation for hearing by leader has been laid down in the for bravery award of the opposition in the Na- constitution.

Asma Jehangir, counsel SLAMABAD

tional Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan against the appointment of Chairman NAB (Retd) Admiral Fasih Bokhari and send the case to the chief justice for establishment of a larger bench.

On Tuesday, a threemember bench of the apex court headed by Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jilani heard the case. Akram Sheikh, counsel for Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, in his arguments said that appointment of NAB chairman was a matter of public importance for which consultation

for chairman NAB, said that the Supreme Court has limited power as far as matter of human rights was concerned.

She said application against chairman NAB can not directly be filed in the Supreme Court.

Attorney General Irfan Qadir submitted that important legal points were involved in the case and the case be heard by a larger bench. The court issued notices to chairman NAB and the attorney general for their replies.—INP

CS seeks reports on SC’s law, order verdict situation in this metropolis.

Presiding over a high level meeting here, the chief secretary advised Additional Chief Secretary Home Wasim Ahmed and I.G. Police Fayyaz Leghari to ensure coordinated efforts for improvement of law and order situation in collaboration with relevant departments, specifically the prosecution services and law departments.

Abbas asked for a report for pending issues of Prosecution from Prosecutor General and IG Prisons Sindh within two days.

The meeting reviewed the issues, with the particular reference of Advocate General Sindh Office, regarding illegal immigration of foreigners, illegalities/mismanagement in motor-registration wing of Excise and Taxation Department.

Suddle Commission

Doctors’ strike in Balochistan

Tax record of Riaz, Arsalan submitted

Army medics to be deployed in hospitals

I SLAMABAD—The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Tuesday submitted the tax record of real estate tycoon Malik Riaz and Arsalan Iftikhar, son of Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, to Suddle Commission. Shoaib Suddle Commission had ordered the FBR to present the record of bank accounts and tax returns of Malik Riaz, Arsalan Iftikhar and Ahmad Khalil.

The commission would investigate that a man who claimed to distribute millions of rupees had ever paid his taxes or not. The FBR had requested the commission to grant it 12-day time for the submission of the record.—INP

Q UETTA —As doctors continued their strike across Balochistan on Tuesday, provincial health department sought help from army, which assured deployment of 40 medics in government hospitals.

In the wake of patients’ plights, sources said, provincial secretary health Asmat Ullah Kakar has written a letter to Pakistan Army, and requested it to deploy medical corps doctors in government hospitals.

Protesting doctors on Monday had announced immediate closure of emergency service in private and

government hospitals after police resorted to teargas shelling on a rally of Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) taken out against Dr. Saeed’s abduction.

Many of them were arrested as police filed registered case against them for entering Red Zone. In reply to the government letter, Pakistan army has assured that army doctors and surgeons would be immediately deployed in government hospitals across the province.

Earlier, Balochistan Chief Minister Aslam Raisani had ordered to take stern action against the protesting doc-

tors. He directed the chief secretary and health secretary to serve a notice of 24 hours to all the protesting doctors of the province after which an action should be taken against them. He also said that army doctors should be called in if the doctors do not agree to resume their duties.

Raisani further ordered to immediately appoint new doctors on the vacant seats through public service commission. On the other hand, the provincial government has also ordered to seal private clinics of striking doctors.—Online

Healthy brain connections keep us smart in old age

M

AINTAINING healthy nerve con nections among distant brain ar eas may help keep us smart in old age, according to new research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry this week.

This brain “wiring” or white matter comprises billions of nerve fibers that carry signals around the various parts of the brain, and its condition affects our intelligence, for instance by influencing processing speed, conclude University of Edinburgh researchers in a study funded by the charity Age UK.The study found that older people with “robust brain wiring”, or whose white matter is in good condition, can process information quickly, which, the researchers suggest, boosts intelligence.

“Here, we provide evidence that lower brain-wide white matter tract integrity exerts a substantial negative effect on general intelligence through reduced information-processing speed,” they write.According to the findings, linking distant regions of the brain with healthy wiring improves mental performance, supporting the idea that intelligence is not found in one part of the brain.

The study forms part of a large research project led by Professor Ian Deary called Disconnected Mind, which aims to discover mechanisms of cognitive ageing.

Deary also heads the Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology at

Edinburgh.This study is thought to be the first to show that deterioration of white matter as we get older is a significant cause of age-related cognitive decline.For their investigation, first author Dr Lars Penke and colleagues acquired structural brain magnetic resonance imaging scans from 420 older adults in their early 70s. The participants were part of the Lothian Birth Cohort of 1936, a group of nearly 1,100 people whose intelligence and general health have been followed since the age of 11.

From the scans the researchers were able to measure three properties: “fractional anisotropy” and two white matter integrity biomarkers that have not been used before to study intelligence: “longitudinal relaxation time” and “magnetisation transfer ratio”.Together, these properties measure the amount of water in brain tissue, indicate structural loss in the brain, and how well the nerve fibres are insulated.

As well as these scan measurements, as measures of intelligence, the researchers also had data from thinking and reaction time tests that the participants had completed.The results showed that each of the three white matter properties they measured “was independently associated with general intelligence, together explaining 10% of the variance, and their effect was completely mediated by information-processing speed”.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf being received upon his arrival at a function to mark the Universal Children’s Day at PNCA.

US Ambassador calls on COAS CITY REPORTER R AW A L P I N D I — R i c h a r d

ISLAMABAD: A 13-year old boy Muhammad Hassan from Skrand (Sindh) lay on ground outside the National Press Club seeking justice as Universal Children’s Day is being observed.

Japanese martial arts show at NAG ISLAMABAD—The exhibition to enhance the understand- cluded to give the appearof Japanese martial arts displayed with the medium of visual arts continues here at the National Art Gallery.

The show entitled ‘The Spirit of Budo’ was organized by the Embassy of Japan and the Japan Foundation in collaboration with the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) and the Ministry of National Heritage and Integration to highlight the history of Japanese Martial Arts as part of international cultural-exchange activities.

“The show is providing the art lovers an opportunity

ing of Japanese arts and culture through visual arts,” a PNCA official told APP. The exhibition consists of two parts: in the first part, reproductions/originals of historical weapons such as bows and arrows, suits of armour and helmets have been shown and the development and changes of Japanese martial arts from 8th century to 19th century have been explained.

Many of the ancient types of armour and weapons have either diminished are too fragile for international transport. For this reason, reproductions are in-

ance of suits of armour and helmets at the time of original production even more vividly.

The second part deals with the reorganization of the Bujustu to Budo in the 19th and 20th centuries, and how spirit of martial arts is still inherent in the daily life of Japanese people today. Nine Budo associations are also introduced and the clothes and implements such as bamboo swords, protectors, bows and arrows, which are used by players and students in the present day, are also to be seen.—APP

Olson, Ambassador of United States of America called on Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, at General Headquarters.

According to ISPR, COAS welcomed the visitors on assumption of appointment as Ambassador.

The visiting dignitary remained with the COAS for some time and discussed matters of mutual interest.

Meanwhile General Sir David Richards, Chief of Defence Staff, United Kingdom called on Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, at General Headquarters.

The visiting dignitary remained with COAS for some time and discussed matters of professional interest.

Strategies devised to address issues of children rights: PM SHARAFAT KAZMI ISLAMABAD—Prime Minister Raja Parvez Ashraf has said the government is devising innovative strategies to address issues relating to children rights.

Launching the national child rights awareness campaign here on Tuesday, he said investing in children’s health, education and protection is the sacred duty which will bring manyfold returns to the society.

He said we are determined to provide a conducive environment for a balanced development of the children and make them useful members of the society. He said our children are endowed with

Autumn Festival in Arid Agriculture University today CITY REPORTER RAWALPINDI —Autumn Festival would kick off at Arid Agriculture university today (Wednesday).

Arid Agriculture University would hold Autumn Fair on November 21st that would continue till November 23while the exhibitions of autumn flowers, fancy Birds and animals would also be held in this festival.

In view of this, the competition of laurels wealth Flowers is also being organised in which the students of university and the different students of Rawalpindi, Islamabad colleges would participate in this ISLAMABAD: An attractive autumn fair. in Federal Capital.

Youth urged to steer country out of challenges STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Minister for In-

formation and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira has called upon the youth to play their enormous talent. due role to steer the country He said the cowardly out of multidimensional chalattack on Malala created a lenges. Addressing the ‘Pakinational movement in support stan Leaders of Tomorrow’ of children across the coun- Conference in Islamabad Tuestry. Condemnation of this act day, he said Pakistan People’s proved to the world that all Party has always worked for Pakistanis stands united in the empowerment of the youth safeguarding its values, tra- and is striving to create more ditions and its way of life. He job opportunities for them. said we can not and will not He said Chairman of Paallow our future to be held kistan People’s Party Bilawal hostage by extremist agenda. Bhutto represents the youth.

He declared 2013 as the He said we will have to year of Child Rights and di- combat the extremist mindset rected the Ministry of Infor- which is against the educamation and Broadcasting to tion of girls. He said Malala chalk out special programmes Yousufzai is the symbol of for children, meeting their courage and resilience, and CITY REPORTER educational and entertain- she truly represents the true ment requirements. vision of Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD—Approximately three million out of school children would be enrolled till 2015 under the recently passed bill on compulsory child eduction by the National Assembly.

The government is endeavouring to achieve the target of universalization of primary education and according to the bill, education is a compulsory right of every child between the age of 5 to 16, said Rubina Saadat Qaim Khawani, Chairperson Parliamentary Forum on Child Rights (PFCR).

Addressing a ceremony to launch national campaign on child rights, organized at Pakistan National Council of Arts in connection with Universal Children Day, she said the project has been launched under the Waseela-e-Taleem project of view of seasonal flowers blooming at a roadside greenbelt Banazir Income Support Program.

3m children in Pak to go to school till 2015

Negotiations may lead to settlement of Palestinian issue STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Muslim Institute organized a round table discussion on “Gaza Israel Current Conflict and Responsibilities of International Community”.

Mr. Husni M. Abu Ghosh, representative of the Palestinian mission in Pakistan, renowned columnist Rana Abdul Baqi and former Ambassador Amir Anwar Shadani were speakers on the occasion. Research associates of the Muslim Institute as well as from other think-tanks participated in the same.

The Palestinian representative Mr. Husni M. Abu

Ghosh thanked Muslim Institute for arranging the event as the same would be helpful in highlighting the Palestinian issue and promote public awareness about the same.

In his address, he highlighted the plight of people of Gaza, who are not allowed to move outside Gaza or undertake some construction work. He stated that Gaza has been under attack in the past too.

The Israelis always have socalled pretext of self-defense which is also supported by the west.

He revealed that during the current offensive, more than hundred persons have been killed so far, more than fifty percent of them are chil-

dren. The Israeli forces are also targeting buildings of TV channels as well as journalists to stop them from reporting about Israel’s barbarities.

He regretted that though UN Security Council held its session to discuss the issue but the same remained inconclusive, reflecting its apathy towards persecution of Palestinians and helplessness in front of Israel and its patrons.

Renowned columnist Rana Abdul Baqi expressing his views stated that Palestinian issue is not new; it is the outcome of conspiracies hatched to dismember Ottoman Caliphate. France and Britain deceived the Arabs to assist them in toppling Otto-

man Empire and in return assured that the Arabs would remain safe. In reality, they created Israel in the heart of Arab lands. He highlighted that Quaid-i-Azam, on a number of occasions, condemned persecution of Palestinians and opposed division of Palestine/ creation of Israel.

In 1937 addressing Muslim League’s meeting in Lucknow, he flayed Britain for conspiring to divide Palestine. In is address at Patna, he reiterated support of Indian Muslims for the Palestinian Muslims. In 1946, Quaid-i-Azam urged to resist the plans of settling to Jews in Palestine. Rana Abdul Baqi further stated that Jews

should not take revenge from Muslims of persecution perpetrated on them (Jews) in the past. The current conflict in Gaza may be seen in the backdrop of conspiracies to weaken Muslims worldwide.

In fact, the West is well aware rather afraid of the might of Muslims as they helped America during cold war era.

They want instability in the Muslim countries so as they do not put up united stance on challenges being confronted by them. The same powers are also conspiring to destabilize Pakistan so as it cannot extend any kind of assistance to Palestine.

Former Ambassador Amir Anwar Shadani, in his ad-

dress, stated that Palestinians are leading miserable life like open air prisoners and have been facing crisis like situation since long. The current spate seems to be an attempt to eliminate Hamas leadership. The Israeli propaganda that Iran made rockets being fired from Gaza have been intercepted may be a ploy to prepare ground for some kind of offensive against Iran.

He opined that the Palestinian issue may not be resolved through armed means; instead negotiations may lead to its settlement.

However, negotiations between both parties should be on equality basis. He further

stated that the Muslim countries are, unfortunately, not united and economically not very strong.

They need to have united stance on the issue and then pursue it on all forums unitedly and actively. Besides, they should strengthen their economies and achieve economic emancipation. Collectively, the Muslim brotherhood can find solution of Palestinian crisis.

In the end following resolutions were adopted: The ongoing Israeli aggression against Palestinians is condemnable and world powers should take all necessary steps to immediately stop the same.

The UN and other humanitarian agencies should make necessary arrangements for provision of food, medical facilities and other amenities to those besieged in Gaza.

The UN should honor its own resolutions regarding settlement of Palestinian issue and ensure the same are implemented in letter and spirit.

The Muslim countries should have a serious review of their policies on the Palestinian crisis; they should adopt a united stance for its peaceful settlement and take practical steps in that direction.— INP

Bokhari urges to strengthen Pakistan-Poland relations STAFF REPORTER Zohr

06:00 01:30 03:45 07:00

November 21 OXFORD University Press will launch ‘The Unfinished Memoirs’ the autobiography of the founder of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rehman at the Islamabad Club at 6:15 pm.

November 22 LAUNCH of a book ‘Sang Ras’ by Dr Ghulam Sarwar, at National Language Promotion Department (Muqtada Qaumi Zaban), Pitras Bokhari Road, Sector H-8/4, Islamabad, 10:30 am.

November 25 MAJLIS-e-Ashoor to be addressed by Khanum Tayyaba Bukhari, at Bargah-e-Alamdar, Sir Syed Road, Rawalpindi, 3 pm. ***** MAJLIS-E-ASHOORA to be addressed by Khanum Tayyaba Bukhari, at Bargah-eAlamdar, Sir Syed Road, Rawalpindi, 3 pm.

November 29-30 NATIONAL media conference titled ‘Dissecting Pakistan’s media’ will be held at the Serena Hotel, Islamabad from 10 am to 5 pm.

Continuing EXHIBITION of paintings by Karachi-based artist Wasi Haider, at the Jharoka Art Gallery, House No 8, Street, 28, F8/1, Islamabad, continuing up to November 20. ***** EXIBITION of ‘Thesis Display,’ organised by the Pakistan Institute of Fashion & Design in collaboration with the Pakistan National Council of the Arts, at the National Art Gallery, Sector F-5/1, Islamabad, 9 am to 5 pm, continuing up to November 22. ***** VISUAL art show featuring Japan’s Martial Arts titled ‘The Spirit of Budo’, organised by the Embassy of Japan and Japan Foundation in collaboration, at the National Art Gallery, Sector F-5/1, Islamabad, continuing up to December 23.

Pick pocketing, parallel business in vegetable market

I S L A M A B A D —Chairman Senate Sayyed Nayyer Hussain Bokhari has said that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Poland which is an important country in Europe and also the member of European Union. He was expressing these views in a meeting with Bogdan Borusewicz, Marshall of the Polish Senate along with his delegation at Parliament House here on Tuesday. It is pertinent to mention that Polish Senate Delegation is visiting Pakistan from 20-24 November, 2012 on invitation of the Chairman Senate.

The Chairman said, “your visit is a commendable gesture of good will on part of Polish Parliament and people and a significant milestone in the history of bilateral relations between the two countries”. The Chairman re-

Punjab govt to distribute solar kits R AWALPINDI —Punjab government has worked out a scheme to provide solar energy kits to 5000 students of Rawalpindi district to equip them against electricity load shedding in summers.

Sources said the scheme, namely ‘Ujala solar lamp kits’ would enable the students to continue their studies even during long periods of power outages.

The solar kit will include one table lamp, a charger and a bulb.

They will be distributed among those students of Class 9th who will have gotten more than 50 percent marks in the board examination.—Online

called that last year a Pakistani Senate delegation led

by Ex-Chairman Senate Farooq H. Naik had paid a highly successful visit to Poland on your invitation.

The visit consolidated our Inter-Parliamentary relations. The Chairman said that once again this unique confluence of Pakistani and Polish Parliamentarians again in Islamabad proves another step in the right direction. The Chairman told the Polish delegates that the President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, the present democratic government as well as the parliament are committed to further consolidate Pak-Polish bilateral relations for the mutual benefit and betterment of our people.

The Chairman said that Poland holds a great promise for emerging democracies around the world. The unique characteristics conjoins the democratic ideals, aspirations and pursuits of both Pakistan and Poland necessitating

lasting and stronger partner- and experiences. make a real difference in pro- true aspirations of the people ships to work jointly for He said that enhanced moting shared ideals of de- as well as national ideals and commitments.

Chairman of Polish Senate, Mr. Bogdan Borusewicz expressed similar sentiments regarding bilateral relations with Pakistan and said that Parliamentary Diplomacy can play very important role to further strengthen our relations. He said that I am very glade to be at the heart of democracy that is Senate of Pakistan and we acknowledge and cherish the democratic struggle put forth by people of Pakistan and political leadership and workers for restoration of democracy in the country.

He said that I am glade that in Pakistan atmosphere of stability and security is improving day by day which is definitely essential for ISLAMABAD: Senate Chairman Syed Nayyer Hussain Bokhari exchanging views with boosting economic activities, trade and investment. He told Bogdan Borusewicz, Marshal of the Senate of Poland at Parliament House. the Chairman that several strengthening democratic Inter-Parliamentary coopera- mocracy, peace and develop- Polish companies have altraditions, institutions and tion will provide us a mecha- ment using the forum of the ready invested in oil and gas values by sharing expertise nism through which we can parliament which reflects the exploration and we can grow

Govt investigating blocking of drug for Hepatitis STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —Minister for Religious Affairs Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah on Tuesday assured members of the National Assembly that the government was investigating the alleged hurdles in the preparation of a local drug for hepatitis which was inexpensive in comparison to the costly imported drugs.

The minister made these remarks while responding to a calling attention notice raised

by Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, Dr Talat Mahesar, Shamshad Sattar Bachani, Nawab Abdul Ghani Talpur and Yasmin Rehman regarding the rapid

increase of Hepatitis patients across the country.

Syed Khursheed Shah said that the matter would be probed as if the local drug was approved by the concerned authorities, why its preparation was blocked and by whom? “The findings would be shared with the members of the lower house”, he added.

He pointed out that the country was facing an alarming situation due to the rapid spread of hepatitis disease.

“The situation is so much alarming that even I am not sharing the number of hepatitis patients with the house as such reports by media could spread panic amongst the public”, he noted.

Appointment of judges in IHC case declared maintainable ISLAMABAD—Supreme

Court (SC) has declared appointment of judges in Islamabad High Court (IHC) as maintainable under article 184-3 of the constitution.

A 4-member bench of SC took up the case for hearing on the request of Salim Ahmad advocate Tuesday.

SC directed Attorney General (AG) to seek instructions from the government, as the petition is maintainable under the article 184-3 of the constitution. During the course of hearing Justice Asif Saeed Khosa asked the AG to obtain these instructions also if you have to enter into fight or have to talk patiently.

AG replied, “ I want to talk comfortably while mike is installed at the height. Justice Asif Saeed Khosa remarked “your attitude is aggressive. Talk loudly but affectionately.”AG said, “ I talk in affectionate manner.

My voice is so loud that I can not even whisper”.

Justice Khilji Arif directed AG if he has to provide some files then he should provide them till today. AG said president was head of the state.

Complying with constitution is his domain. I have to seek instructions. The arguments will be brief, he added. Justice Khilji Arif said “Keep yourself to issues. If you want to seek instructions ISLAMABAD: In spite of Supreme Court’s order illegal number plates are still being then get them.—Online used on vehicles in Federal Capital.

Consumer rights awareness campaign held

Security in and around HMC beefed up

R AWA L P I N D I —Consumer R AWALPINDI —Following a rected the law enforcement courts have been established to protect rights of costumers and students under Consumer Act and public should contact the court for their due rights, said Consumer Protection Council focal person, Idrees Randhawa.

He said this in an awareness campaign regarding consumers’ rights held here at Modern College of Computer Science the other day.

Idrees said that awareness campaign is meant to motivate the public to register complaints of exaggerated price hike, adulteration and against poor services of government or private departments in consumer courts.—INP

report from special branch of police, Commissioner Imdadullah Bosal has directed the police department and law enforcement agencies to make special security arrangements around Heavy Mechanical Complex (HMC) Taxila, to avoid any terrorist attack.

A high level meeting was held the other day, headed by the commissioner and attended by DCO Saqib Zafar, RPO Capt (Retd) Mohammad Zubair, CPO Azhar Hameed Khokhar, HMC Managing Director and security staff of HMC, DSP Special Branch Mohammad Irshad and other senior officials of the division.

The commissioner di-

agencies and police to make special arrangements around the HMC to avoid any untoward incident.

Special branch of the police in a report had identified poor security arrangements around the HMC and suggested to upgrade security because terrorists could take advantage of the situation.

The administration of HMC informed the meeting that there are 80 security guards at the complex for the security but all without licenced weapons, adding that fruit and vegetable sellers and hand carts standing along the outer walls of the factory was a security threat.—INP

it further to include production of shale gas as well. He said that security environment affects the investment of companies.

The Polish Chairman Senate emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation between Parliaments of two sides particularly standing committees of both sides can learn from each others’ experience. Senate Standing Committees of Human Rights, Rule of Law and Foreign Relation should cooperate in this capacity.

The Polish Chairman Senate reiterated that political relations between the two countries are on sound footing and they should now be complemented by inter-governmental and inter-parliamentary relations.

Later the Polish Delegation visited Senate and National Assembly Halls. The Chairman Senate Sayyed Nayyer Hussain Bokhari also hosted an exclusive lunch in honor of visiting Polish delegation.

ISLAMABAD: Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Imran Khan addressing a press conference at PTI Secretariat on Tuesday.

Murree Road from Faizabad to Rehmanabad blocked R AWALPINDI —In order to complete Sixth Road Flyover project within stipulated time, Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Rawalpindi, Syed Ishtiaq Shah has restricted entry of all kind of traffic from Faizabad to Rehmanabad on Benazir Bhutto Road (Murree Road) till December 25.

The CTO issued new traffic plan for the public transport and other traffic using Murree road for reaching their destinations in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

According to traffic plan,

traffic would go through Rehmanabad, Sadiqabad, Ali Nawaz Chowk, Rawal Road, Tippu Road via Railto Chowk to Murree road to reach Rawalpindi from Islamabad.

Likewise, those who wanted to travel for Islamabad from Rawalpindi would use the same route.The CTO said the motorists should use the alternate routes to reach their destination in Islamabad or Rawalpindi instead of Murree road particularly the portion of Benazir Bhutto Hospital to Sixth road area.

Syed Ishtiaq said that traffic plan was issued on the account of early completion of under construction Sixth Road Flyover by the end of next month while the same had to be completed in month of March next year.

He said that traffic coming in and out of Islamabad would use Airport road or IJP road for the duration of one month, adding that traffic plan might cause inconvenience to citizens at the cost of best commuting facilities in future.—INP

SAARC Arbitration Council meets today

ISLAMABAD—SAARC Arbitration Council is to meet in Islamabad from November 21- 22 to discuss the ways and to promote growth and effective functioning of arbitration institutions within the region, officials said.

Representatives from the Nepal, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and the Maldives are to attend the meet.

The main objective of the forum is to conditions favourable for fostering greater investment by investors of one Member State in the territory of another Member State.

It also works to provide RAWALPINDI: ISF workers chanting slogans during a protest against the Israeli barlegal framework within the baric attacks on Gaza. region for fair and efficient settlement through conciliation and arbitration of commercial disputes.—Online

ISLAMABAD—Pick pocketing incidents are on rise in vegetable market I-11 due to negligence of the police.

The criminals have devised novel tactics of pickpocketing and looting the buyers. The popular method being employed by them is that they hit their victim with hand pushed cart. This way the victim falls down and people start gathering around him. The criminals take advantage of the crowd and deprive not only their victim of the money but a lot of other people also fall to their tricks and return home without bringing vegetable or fruit as their wallets are picked away during pick I SLAMABAD —The commispocketing spree unleashed by the criminals. sion constituted to probe the One gang of criminals corruption and illegal allothas resorted to another tact ments in Capital Developto loot the citizens and tradment Authority (CDA) has ers alike. They make started functioning. scratches on the mirror of a It should be mentioned car or vehicle and enter into here that the commission was a row with the owner of veformed on the direction of hicle when the latter repriIslamabad High Court (IHC) mands them for causing Judge Justice Shaukat Aziz scratches.

Siddiqui.A meeting of the inOne or two members of vestigation commission gang keep the owner of the headed by Justice (Retd) vehicle engaged in exSardar Muhammad Raza was change of hot words and held during which pace of the others take away valuwork, progress and estimated ables including mobile, cost of various development purse and other precious RAWALPINDI: Children under training at Drop-in Centre for Street Child displaying projects came under discusdifferent items on the occasion of Universal Children’s Day. things.—Online sion.—INP

Commission seeks report on dev projects

Saudi govt to coop for development of IIUI CITY REPORTER

I SLAMABAD —The Govt of Saudi Arabia intends to provide every possible cooperation for the development of International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI), for which the Philanthropists from Saudi Arabia are interested to visits the university.

This was said by Dr. Ahmad Yousif Al-Draiweesh, President IIUI while addressing to the meeting of Investment Committee of the university. Dr. Al-Draiweesh said that the funds of the university may be invested in construction of such buildings which can provide permanent source of income for the university and to strengthen its financial position. He said that he will

personally see to the owners of various banks to ensure the interest free investments of all the university funds. Dr. AlDraiweesh assured that we have to create good relationships with international universities to exchange knowledge and research to achieve benefit from each other experiences. He added that university is the place of training for the students and it should be free from the curse of political, regional and sectarian issues.

Prof. Dr. Sahibzada Sajid ur Rehman, Vice President IIUI, Fida Muhammad Khan, Justice of Federal Shariat Court, Dr. Mati Ullah, Director National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), Dr. Abdul Qadir and Khurshid Alam, Director Finance, IIUI attended the meeting.

SZABIST student wins Gold Medal

ISLAMABAD—Syed Ali Raza, an MBA student, won the ‘Corporate Gold Medal’ in the 9th Convocation of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science & Technology (SZABIST).

Ghalib Nishtar, President Khushhali bank Pakistan stated, “Encouraging our most talented youth has been a prime concern of the Khushhali bank, therefore we have already taken a number of initiatives and programmes that directly pave the way for the very participation and deep involvement of our youth in the overall socioeconomic development and progress of the country”.—Online

No financial crisis in AJK: Majeed Pakistan Govt to release Rs 20b bailout package soon M U Z A F FA R A B A D — A J K Prime Minister Chaudhry Abdul Majeed has claimed that there was no financial crisis in AJKand asserted that federal government has approved bailout package of 20 billion rupees assuring that this money would be released in the next few days. He was addressing a pressconference here on Tuesday.

The funds of bailout package would be spent on priority basis for development of communication, health, education, hydropower generation and tourism sectors, he declared.

The Prime Minister said that

MUZAFFARABAD: AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Abdul Majeed shaking hands with PPP leader, Raja Iftikhar.

Sacrifices of Aali Kadal eulogised martyrs

Fighting oppressive regimes mandatory for Muslims: Geelani

SRINAGAR—Liberation leader, Javed Ahmed Mir, has eulogised the sacrifices of Sheikh Abdul Hameed and other martyrs of Aali Kadal on their martyrdom anniversary.

Javed Ahmed Mir addressing a public gathering at Martyrs’ Graveyard, Eidgah, in Srinagar reiterated the resolve of Kashmiri people to accomplish the mission of their martyrs at all costs. He said, “In 1988 the JKLF along with lakhs of people of Kashmir raised the voice for freedom. The HAJY group of the Front, comprising Sheikh Abdul Hamid and others started struggle at military, political and diplomatic levels, giving a new lease of life to the peoples’ movement for right of self-determination.”—Online

SRINAGAR—Hurriyat Confer- “There is surely a problem.” said they were using the pres-

2 youth injured in military operation S RINAGAR — Indian troops have injured two youth in Kupwara district. The personnel of 18-Rastriya Rifles during continued violent military operations critically injured two persons at Devar Lolab in the district. As per media reports, a gun battle between Indian troops and Mujahideen is going on in the same area. On the other hand, the operation launched by the Indian army in Nowgam area of the district entered seventh day, today. Meanwhile, people took to the streets and staged anti-India protest demonstrations in down town areas of Srinagar—KMS

After 14 years in prison, Maqbool denied’ passport S RINAGAR —The Indian authorities have denied passport to a resident of Srinagar, Syed Maqbool Shah, who was held in 1996 in Delhi on fake charges of his involvement in Lajpat Nagar blasts and acquitted after 14 years in April 2010. Syed Maqbool Shah told media men in Srinagar that the puppet regime led by Omar Abdullah had failed to rehabilitate him.

“Two years have passed since I was freed. The administration has failed to compensate me. My life is a pot of miseries,” he said.

Maqbool said that the authorities were denying issuing him passport for unknown reasons. “When I was arrested in Delhi, I lost my business and source of income was over forever.—Online

ence (G) Chairman has said Islam was the only practical way of life and it was the duty of every Muslim to fight against every oppressive regime. Islam is the only practical way of life for a Muslim. There is no practical way of life for Muslims other than Islam. Whether it is socialism, secularism or democracy, it is the religious obligation on every Muslim to fight against these isms on every front,” he said.

Islam is a complete way of life that can deliver justice for every human being, he said.

Replying to a question about the division in the Hurriyat he admitted that there was a problem.

“We worked jointly for 10 years and what happened after that everyone knows,” he said.

Reiterating his call for “freedom struggle”, he said they would not stop in any way from offering any type of sacrifices for the sacred cause of freedom.

“Like Imam Hussain (RA) who laid his life for spreading the message of truth, we should follow his footsteps and not deter in any way from offering any type of sacrifices for the sacred cause of freedom,” Geelani said. He said people of Jammu and Kashmir do not have any kind of resources to “fight the Indian authorities militarily”.

“However, we must continue our freedom struggle in a peaceful manner until we get our right to self-determination,” Geelani said. He blamed the Indian authorities for “cultural aggression” in the Valley and

ence of seven lakh troops for the fulfillment of their evil designs.

“India has been propagating usury, wine culture, drug addiction and other moral waywardness. They want people of the Valley to remain away from the path of truth and honesty and they are hell bent upon distracting us from the path of Islam,” Geelni said. He said for giving a practical shape to their evil designs they had been using various tactics like arresting people on flimsy charges and slapping PSAs after PSAs without any reasons and grounds.

Referring to the recent judgment of the High Court, Geelani said: “Apart from the government and police, now they are using courts for carrying their evil designs.—NNI

Israel doing in Palestine what India is doing here: MKM SRINAGAR—Muslim Khwateen Markaz (MKM), a women’s group headed by Anjum Zamrooda Habib, said Israel was doing in Palestine what India was doing in Kashmir. Speaking during a protest demonstration at Lal Chowk, Habib condemned the brutal attack of Israel on the Gaza strip in Palestine and said.

We have a bitter experience of the oppressive forces and can understand their pain and agony. Kashmiri people are sending their hearts and prayers to the sufferers of Gaza whose lives are under serious threat by the aggression from the Israelis.”

Gaza has been under attack since Wednesday when

Israel launched a military offensive killing 49 Palestinians, about half of them civilians, including 13 children.

Kashmiri people had witnessed genocide and oppression at the hands of the Israel’s ally – India which has been employing all the sophisticated armory and training to suppress the aspirations of the people of the Valley,” Habib said. “India is killing innocent people in the Valley by using same tactics.

Women should rise above their level and raise their voices against the repression in Palestine and elsewhere.”

The recent trouble in Palestine started when Hamas’ top military leader Ahmad Jabari was killed in an Israeli air

strike. Habib said the international law was being disregarded in the Gaza territory.

“The oppressor Israel is launching a wave after wave of attacks on the innocent people,” she said.

During the protest demonstration, the groups burnt Israeli flags and raised anti-Israel slogans.

Habib said the silence adopted by the international community had given Israel a free hand. “The silence adopted by the international community particularly the Muslim countries led to the death and destruction of the Palestinian people. People in Gaza are being killed and their properties destroyed while the international community is adopting a criminal silence,” she said.—NNI

Army to be withdrawn from Kashmir at right time: Shinde

education is imperative to compete in the global village it was why government was paying special attention for setting up of more and more educational institutions in the State.

He said means of communication are being improved in Azad Kashmir and besides construction of International Airport at Mirpur steps are also being taken to make Muzaffarabad and Rawalakot airports functional. Roads of the state are also being constructed and improved, he maintained.

He said under health package first aid facilities would be extended to the people at all

nooks and corners of the state.

Even former Prime Minister Sardar Sikandar Hayat Khan has acknowledged the developmental projects of PPP government, he said. Regarding theft of antiques in Neelum Valley by Health Minister, the Prime Minister termed it as baseless accusation and an attempt of disinformation against his government.

The appointment of Judges of Shariat Court has been made in accordance with the powers he wields as per law. However if anybody has any objection against it he/she could knock the door of the

court against it.

1He divulged that Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf would inaugurate the Poonch Medical College and Poonch University next month.

The Prime Minister stressed upon people of all school of thoughts and law enforcers to ensure peace and tranquility during Muharramul Haram. He assured that government is also addressing the problems of affectees of Mangla Dam Upraising Project. The affectees have already been allotted plots free of charges for their rehabilitation.—INP

Kashmir demands urgent attention: Mirwaiz

He said they also intended SRINAGAR—Expressing dis- make it so,” Mirwaiz said.

He said disputes like to hold deliberations with sepaN EW D ELHI — The Centre pleasure over sidelining of Siachen and Sir Creek between ratist leaders outside the Kashmir issue by India and Pa-

does not want to keep the military in Kashmir “for long” but a decision on removing the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) will be taken only after some time, says Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde. He also wants to meet separatists in the state, including the Hurriyat Conference leaders, “to understand what they really want”.

“Certainly security should be reduced, but this is not the proper time. We will still have to watch for some time,” Mr Shinde said in an interview. The minister, who visited Jammu and Kashmir last month after taking charge of the Home ministry last July, was asked about reducing the footprints of the security forces. He said the security situation in the state has improved but hinted the recent attacks in Srinagar and outskirts of Jammu city were proving to be a spanner in moves to reduce the strength of security forces.

“But see we had some information even today also, the recent incidents of attack on the hotel and the wine bar...these are sundry incidents but still we have to be very careful as for us it’s a case of once bitter twice shy,” he said.—INP

kistan, Hurriyat Conference (M) Chariman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has said the lives of people in entire South Asia would continue to remain affected as long as Kashmir issue was not resolved. If the issue is not resolved, lives of crores of people in the subcontinent will not improve. The issue demands urgent attention and resolution, which cannot be sidelined or put in a cold storage,” Mirwaiz said.

He said the process of consultations with different sections of society before the Pakistan visit was important for making the visit fruitful and beneficial. “Pakistan visit is very important. It should be fruitful. We don’t want it to be a mere event or photo session.

It has to be productive and suggestions from civil society will

the two countries cannot be linked with Kashmir. “Kashmir issue is a humanitarian issue. It is not a land dispute between the two countries. Solution of Kashmir issue will pave way for resolution of all other disputes between the two countries,” Mirwaiz said.

On whether the aim of consultations with different civil society groups and trade organizations was aimed at arriving at some kind of a formula for solving Kashmir, he said their primary concern was to ensure Kashmir issue was not put in a cold storage. The main issue is to ensure participation of Kashmiri and real Kashmiri leadership in finding a solution to the issue. We have to ensure that the matter is not sidelined or put on a backburner,” Mirwaiz said.

Hurriyat. Mirwaiz reiterated his demand for inclusion of Kashmiris in the dialogue process between New Delhi and Islamabad.

“We will urge Pakistan to press for inclusion of Kashmiris in the talks. We are the primary party to the Kashmir dispute and no solution can be acceptable to Kashmiris which does not take our sentiments and aspirations on board.

Mirwaiz said issues like trade, economy, water and natural resources of the State were also important and could not be separated from Kashmir issue. “We want to hold composite consultations regarding different contours of Kashmir along with political and economic issues. We wish to get their suggestions on all issues,” he said.—NNI

Authorities fail to make arrangements for Muharram SRINAGAR—Despite tall claims

the government has failed to provide better power and water supply to areas in Old City here where Muharram related processions and associated events are scheduled to be held. The residents of Nowpora Kolipora, Kamangarpora, Khanqah-eSokhta, and Eidgah in Shaher-eKhaas Sunday accused the government of falling to providing uninterrupted power supply. The problem is more severe during evening and night hours.

“We have not been able to perform Majlis properly in night hours as there is no power supply, said a delegation of the residents of Shaher-e-Khaas. The residents of Hassanabad and Rainwara said they were facing acute scarcity of drinking water.

The Hussaini Welfare Organization Hassanabad Rainawari, president Javed Hussain Sherazi said the water supply to the area is stopped from 9:00 am to 1:00 PM and 9:00 PM to 3:00 AM. “Due to this we face inconvenience,” he said. The residents of these areas appealed the local MLA and SMC Commissioner to install streetlights from Gurduwara Road to Imambargah MUZAFFARABAD: AJK Information Minister Syed Bazil Naqvi inaugurating a shop at Hassanbad so that devotees don’t face any inconvenience.—NNI Domail.

MUZAFFARABAD: Secretary Tourism Shella Waqar with students of a local school.

Kashmir needs political solution: Shabbir S RINAGAR —S enior APHC and solution to this issue lies in sioner that India had never been leader and the Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (DFP), Shabbir Ahmad Shah has said that peace will continue to elude South Asia as long as the Kashmir dispute remains unresolved.

The DFP spokesman in a statement issued in Srinagar said that Shabbir Ahmad Shah during a meeting with Pakistan’s High Commissioner in Delhi, Salman Bashir, said that Kashmir was a political problem, which needed a political solution. “Kashmiri people are the main stakeholders in deciding the future of Kashmir

the resolutions passed by the United Nations,” the statement quoting Shabbir Ahmad Shah said.

“People of Kashmir have been fighting for securing their right to self-determination for the last over 65 years and they will carry on their struggle till complete success, ” Shah maintained. He said that the people and the government of Pakistan had been supporting the Kashmir cause at every level and hoped that this support would continue till just settlement of the Kashmir dispute. “Shah told the Pakistani High Commis-

sincere in resolving the Kashmir issue. He said that if the Indian authorities were sincere in finding a lasting solution to Kashmir then they should make a suitable environment in this regard,” the statement added.

“All the black laws prevailing in occupied Kashmir should be withdrawn, political prisoners be released and human rights violations be stopped immediately, ” Shah said. The spokesperson said that during the meeting Salman Bashir told Shabbir Shah that the people of Kashmir had every right to decide their future according to their wishes.—KMS

US State Department report confirms HRs atrocities in IHK DR GHULAM NABI FAI

A

RECENT US State Department’s volumi nous report entitled “Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2011.”Although covering many other countries, it is worth noting that the report cites the widespread human rights violations committed by Indian military and paramilitary forces in the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

The revelations are remarkable and startling in light of the current policy of the Obama administration to maintain a studied silence regarding the atrocities in Kashmir in order to encourage commercial and military arms trade with India.

The report says that the most significant human rights problems were police and security force abuses, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and rape; widespread

corruption at all levels of government; and separatist, insurgent, and societal violence. Other human rights problems included disappearances, poor prison conditions that were frequently life threatening, arbitrary arrest and detention, and lengthy pretrial detention. Widespread impunity at all levels of government remained a serious problem.

In its section under “Arbitrary or Unlawful Deprivation of Life” the report cites a number of instances in Kashmir. On July 2, the Jammu and Kashmir State Human Rights Commission submitted an interim report entitled The Enquiry Report of Unmarked Graves in North Kashmir to the state government.

This report was leaked to the press last August but was not made public. According to the media, the report documented

2,156 bodies in unmarked graves at 38 different sites in districts that had been at the heart of the insurgency in the 1990s.

The Special Operations Group of the Jammu and Kashmir police killed Nazim Rashid of Sopor, Kashmir, while he was in custody. Rashid died on July 30, while being held in connection with an investigation into the killing of a laborer. The National Security Act (NSA) allows police to detain persons considered security risks anywhere in the country, except Jammu and Kashmir, without charge or trial for as long as one year.

The law stipulates that family members and lawyers can visit NSA detainees and that authorities must inform a detainee of the grounds for detention

within five days (10 to 15 days in exceptional circumstances).

In practice these rights sometimes were not enforced.

The Public Safety Act, which applies only in Jammu and Kashmir, permits state authorities to detain persons without charge or judicial review for as long as two years. During this time family members do not have access to detainees. Detainees are allowed access to a lawyer during interrogation.

In practice police in Jammu and Kashmir routinely employed arbitrary detention and denied detainees, particularly the destitute, access to lawyers and medical attention. Courts in Jammu and Kashmir often were reluctant to hear cases involving insurgent and terrorist crimes and failed to act expeditiously, if at all, on habeas corpus cases.

According to a study by the South Asia Forum for Human Rights and the Centre for Law and Development, thousands of habeas corpus cases were pending in the courts throughout the Kashmir valley. On February 6, the army apologized to the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir for the fake encounter death of Manzoor Ahmad Magray.

Estimates of the number of missing persons varied. Human rights organizations stated there were 8,000 to 10,000 persons missing but in custody in Jammu and Kashmir.

These individuals have been reported missing for the past more than 10 years. Isn’t it time for the State Department to do something about it? It seems that mass graves discovered in Libya were useful for propaganda purposes when NATO was taking down the Moammar

Qadafi regime, but any real concern for the human rights issue involved appears to be irrelevant. It’s time that the Obama administration become fully cognizant of the posture it publicly takes on human rights as an issue but fails to back it up with any real action when it comes to such discoveries in Kashmir.

This report indicates that there are people in the administration researching and producing information that could restore human rights across the globe, if the will and desire to act on it were present.

The U.S. is the strongest global power in the world, and it could very readily use that power and the sense of ethics that has been historically present in its constitution to defend the rights of the common man.

American democracy wasn’t

just built upon the right of every man to pursue selfishly his own course in life; it was built upon the suffering and pain of the oppressed who sought for a means to overcome the power of brutal kings and dictators. The entire world has rejoiced at the proud welcome offered by the words of Emma Lazarus inscribed on the Statue of Liberty It is time for that welcome mat to be washed of all the pollution that has settled on it, and for the American government to take the lead in support of all those throughout the world who were never given that advantage. We have that power to be the change we so often ask others to model. Martin Luther King, Jr., said that “The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people.” Let us all exemplify these words through our deeds and actions.—Courtesy KAC.

Immediate determination of CNG prices demanded

Wheat price reduced Staff Reporter KARACHI—Sindh government has decided to reduce 100-kg wheat price to Rs2,800 from Rs2,850. It was decided that a subsidy of Rs600 million would be borne by the provincial government. The decision was taken at a highlevel meeting chaired by Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah on Wheat Policy for the year 2012-2013, at the CM’s House here. The meeting was attended among others by Food Minister Mir Nadir Ali Magsi, Finance Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Dr Asim Hussain, Advisor to Prime Minister on Petroleum Memon, Secretary Food Aftab regarding gas supply schemes.

Ahmed Memon, and the officials of government departments. The meeting was informed that the food department procured 1.290MT of wheat last year. The release of wheat to flour mills commenced in September 2012, and currently there was FPCCI, S M Munir said that STAFF REPORTER a balanced stock position of whenever President and Prime wheat in the provincial K A R A C H I —Leadership of Minister hold meeting on issue godowns. trade and industry has sought of law and order, governor, time from President Asif Ali Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, Asian markets up Zardari and Prime Minister Home secretary, IG, CommisHONG KONG—Asian markets Raja Pervez Ashraf to discuss sioner and other high official rose again Tuesday on growing the issue of prevailing grim participate in these meetings confidence that US politicians law and order condition in the while they ignore business will agree a deal to avert a fiscal city. community to participate in cliff but the euro took a hit as They also suggested mea- such meeting.

France lost its top-notch credit He emphasized the need of sures for the improvement of rating. The decision by Moody’s city. The business community strengthening unity among busito downgrade French debt has decided to form a commit- ness community to impress staunched the single currency’s tee comprising of representa- upon the government to take rise, which had been stoked by tives of industries, traders and practicable measure to improve hopes that eurozone leaders will small businesses to prepare a law and order condition in the agree to hand Greece its latest charter of demand, which would city. batch of bailout cash. Tokyo, It is needed that the governbe presented to President and ment should take stringent meawhich has risen about five Prime Minister. percent in the past three sessions They urged the President sures to maintain law and order on expectations of fresh and Prime Minister to meet busi- in Karachi in order to keep monetary easing, added 0.18 ness community representative economy’s wheel rolling. percent in early trade, while Law and order is a joint iswithout delay any movement to Hong Kong climbed 1.02 percent discuses the issue. sue of all the trade and indusand Sydney was 0.34 percent Leader of business commu- trial bodies as the golden age higher. Shanghai advanced 0.23 nity and former President giving industry and trade is at percent and Seoul was up 0.63 percent. Wall Street provided a strong lead as markets opened for the first time since Republicans and Democrats on Friday pledged to work on a budget that would avoid the fiscal cliff of tax hikes.—APP STAFF REPORTER

Govt should reduce taxes, surcharge to give relief to masses STAFF REPORTER

and Natural Resources meeting with the Parliamentarians

PM’s help sought over law, order situation

Two million surplus cotton bales by year end

the verge of collapse. He said that the political leaders should give up their differences and take measures to improve city condition.

He expressed that on demand and suggestion of business community governor Sindh is taking all possible steps to improve law and order in the city and added that federal government should also take measure to save the city from criminals. Meanwhile, President Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Haroon Agar expressed satisfaction over the measures adopted by the governor Sindh to improve law and order in the city has started yielding result.

He said the chamber received no complaint from old market areas of threat of extortion of money, kidnapping for ransom etc., in last few days.

US helps modernize Ministry of Water and Power

Rates of commodities

LAHORE—All Pakistan Textile Mills Association has said the industry would be left with two Staff Reporter million surplus cotton stocks by LAHORE—The Agriculture the year end due to another doMarketing Information mestically bumper crop of 15 Service Punjab (AMISP) million bales besides import of issued rates of agriculture some two million bales of cotproducts in local market. The ton from abroad. following are 100 kg rates of Chairman Aptma Ahsan different agriculture products Bashir, Vice Chairman Wisal in Lahore market: Maize Monnoo and Chairman Aptma minimum Rs 2000 and Punjab Shahzad Ali Khan said maximum 2300, Rice Super a total of 8.519 million bales Karnal Basmati (New) have arrived to the market so far. minimum Rs 9000 and A deep analysis of crop arrivals maximum Rs 9500, Rice from 2001-02 until date suggest Basmati (old) minimum Rs that an average of 57 per cent of 11500 and maximum Rs the crops arrives until Novem13000, white sugar minimum ber 15. If 57 per cent of the cotRs 5260 and maximum Rs ton crop comes around 8.5 mil5260, white gram (local) lion bales until November 15 minimum Rs 10000 and than 100 per cent of crop is maximum Rs 10000, Red likely to touch the level of Chilli Whole (Dry) minimum 14.945 million bales by the end Rs 15000 maximum Rs of the season when positive in15000, Cauliflower minimum dicators including crop condiRs 1600 and maximum Rs tion is quite healthy with no pest 2000, Onion minimum Rs attack and arrival of early crop 2400 and maximum Rs 2600, are well in place, they added.

Tomato minimum Rs 3000 The Aptma leadership has and maximum Rs 3600. said that the industry has so far made contracts of 1.5 million bales from across the world, as international rate is cheaper than local one.

On the other hand, they said, the consumption of cotton by the The very act of wield- industry is declining fast being power can make cause of energy shortage. The you blind to how your industry can easily consume 16 subordinates are really million bales if it gets uninter responding to you.

Iran to export electricity to Pakistan, India TEHRAN—Iranian Minister of Energy Majid Namjou said that Iranian experts will construct a power plant soon on Iranian border with Pakistan to export electricity to that Pakistan and India, Iran’s IRNA reported.

He said the plan is under negotiations between the two countries’ officials, and will be implemented upon a request made by the Pakistani President to his Iranian counterpart. Pointing to the signing of a relevant agreement between both countries, Namjou said Iran will export 1000 MWs of electricity to Pakistan based on the agreement. He said Pakistan also has asked Iran to construct CGP and DG small power plants which will be built by MAPNA company once a consensus is reached.

The minister also expressed Iran’s readiness to construct another power plant with the capacity of 6,000 MWs with Indian investment to export power to India based on his negotiations with his Indian counterpart. “Some 4,000 MWs of electricity to be generated will be consumed in Iran the remaining 2,000 MWs will be exported through under water cables to Pakistan and India,” Namjou added.— Agencies

ISE index witnesses bullish trend

USAID Energy Advisor Timothy More speaks during the launching ceremony of IT Infrastructure Upgradation of Ministry of Water and Power.—PO Photo by Sultan Bashir The USAID Power DistriSTAFF R EPORTER bution Program supports the I S L A M A B A D —The United Government of Pakistan’s efStates, through USAID, is forts to reform the power sechelping the Ministry of Water tor. The program works with & Power to improve its IT in- Pakistan’s power distribution frastructure to more effi- companies to improve perforciently manage operations and mance, reduce losses, and decrease losses. Ministry of- provide better customer serficials identified the IT up- vice through technological grade as a key priority to im- improvements and better prove the flow of work, pro- work practices.

U.S. investment in IT incess cases efficiently, and boost the speed of interaction frastructure at the Ministry of with subsidiary organizations. Water and Power is just one “Helping to remove stacks part of a comprehensive U.S. of case files that build up over energy assistance program time may seem like a minor which includes renovating the contribution to the energy power plant at the Tarbela needs of this country,” said Dam, upgrading the Guddu, USAID Energy Advisor Timo- Jamshoro, and Muzafaragarh thy Moore at an inauguration power plants, and completing ceremony to launch the IT up- the construction of the new grade. “However, staying or- Satpara and Gomal Zam dams. ganized and keeping proper Together, these energy projects records is an essential part of will add 900 megawatts to the power grid by 2013.

Continued on Page 14 any successful industry.”

STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Islamabad Stock Exchange (ISE) witnessed bullish trend here on Tuesday as the ISE-10 index was up by 0.69 points close at 3215.78 points in the day’s trading.

A total of 765,500 shares were traded, which were down by 560,000 shares when compared with the previous day’s trading of 205,500 shares.

Out of 150 companies, share prices of 87 companies recorded increase, share prices of 63 companies registered decrease while that of zero company remained stable.

The share prices of Unilever Pakistan increased by Rs 99.00 per share, while the share prices of Simens Pakistan Engineering decreased by Rs 10.00 per share.

Fauji Cement Company, First Fidelity Leasing Modarab and PTCL remained the top trading companies in Tuesday’s trading with 597,000, 100,000 and 21,500 shares respectively.

ISLAMABAD—The All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) on Tuesday demanded speedy determination of CNG prices as the sector is facing heavy losses due to reduced prices.

We cannot wait for the outcome of meeting called by OGRA on Nov 26 to fix the prices of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as it will result in more losses, said Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha, Chairman Supreme Council APCNGA. In a statement issued here Tuesday, he said that we can-

not wait any more and delaying the matter is not in the interest of any stakeholder therefore meeting should be held without delay as per the directives of the Supreme Court.

He demanded a pricing formula which must be acceptable to all stakeholders should be designed while keeping the public interest supreme, he said.

We expect that OGRA will determine a price which will save CNG station owners from bankruptcy and at the same time it will lessen the burden on the public reeling under inflation, said Ghiyas Paracha.

He said that Federal government should cut taxes and surcharge to give some relief to the masses and to bring CNG prices at level of 1st of July, 2012.

Government should take steps to save the CNG sector which will help country to save billions of dollars spent on imports of petroleum products, he said.

CNG consumers deserve to buy gas for their vehicles at the reduced prices while CNG sector merits an acceptable formula based on transparent price mechanism, said Paracha.

UAE to enhance trade with Pakistan: Al-Noaimi STAFF REPORTER RAWALPINDI—The Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Essa Abdullah Al-Basha Al-Noaimi has said that his country will enhance trade relations with Pakistan and Rawalpindi Chamber will be facilitated to organize single country exhibition in UAE. He said that Rawalpindi Chamber is playing pivotal role in national economic and industrial uplift and UAE embassy will assist Rawalpindi Chamber to endorse trade relations between to brother countries.

He was exchanging these views with the President of Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) Manzar Khurshid Sheikh in a meeting held here at his office on Tuesday. Senior Vice President Pervaiz Ahmed Warriach and Vice President Nadeem Rauf were also present on the

President RCCI Manzar Khurshid Sheikh in a group photo with Ambassador of the UAE Essa Abdullah Al-Basha AlNoaimi. occasion. in demand in UAE trade markets Ambassador said that to en- but there is no efforts was being hance trade relations between the made form the Pakistan side to Pakistan and UAE the direct in- further explore the market. He teraction of the business commu- invited RCCI to visit UAE and nity of two sides should be pro- organize single country expo to moted and embassy will cooper- promote local goods and ensured ate RCCI in this regard. He said his full cooperation to the Presithat Pakistani products are high dent RCCI in this regard.

LSE holds eighth session of ‘SECP Investor Education Programme’ STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—Lahore Stock Exchange (LSE) held its eighth session of SECP Investor Education Program for the students of Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan (ICMAP), Faisalabad.

The seminar was attended by a huge number of ACCA students. Officials from Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and Lahore Stock Exchange (LSE) also participated in the session.

Joint Registrar of Companies from SECP-Faisalabad, Mr. Mahboob Ahmed along with

LSE officials participated in the session. Mr. Nadeem Asghar Head of Investor Relations from LSE elaborated the pros and cons of investing in different financial products. He briefed the complex and board features of derivatives product (Futures, Options, Stock Index Futures) available in Capital markets. He also explained the features and characteristics of different financial markets, regulatory framework, investment products, financial services and roles & responsibilities of various financial institutions in the country. While addressing with the students, Ms. Madiha Abrahim from LSE elaborated

the fact that how diversification across various investment instruments safeguards the investors interest. She also defined the features of insurance, mutual funds, commodities, debt, equity markets and briefed the participants the latest steps taken by their respective organizations for the benefits of investors. It was also addressed to the participants that in what circumstances and how an investor can lodge complaint with the Exchange / PMEX in case he/she is not satisfied with the services of the broker. Later Joint Registrar of Companies Mr. Mahboob Ahmad briefed the listing procedures of the companies.

Enhanced regional cooperation focused STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—The 9th Regional Steering Committee of the Mangroves for the Future (MFF) initiative was inaugurated in Karachi, Pakistan. Representatives of the eight MFF member countries, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Pakistan, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam convened in the coastal city of Karachi to discuss and present the progress in coastal management efforts in their respective countries. They were joined by MFF outreach countries Bangladesh, Cambodia and Myanmar. The theme for the year 2012 is: Coastal Resilience in the

wake of Climate Change through Private Sector Engagements.

In his welcome remarks MFF Coordinator, Dr. Steen Christensen said, All over the world, coastal ecosystems are faced with climate change challenges and this is particularly true for developing countries. Nearly half the global population lives in coastal areas and about 70 percent in east Asia depend on coastal resources for their livelihoods. It will require collective efforts from all possible sectors to mitigate these effects and ensure protection, food security and adequate livelihood opportunities for vulnerable communities, he added.

He applauded the Government of

Pakistan for taking commendable measures in good governance for coastal ecosystem management since becoming a MFF member country in 2010.

In her inaugural speech Aban Marker Kabraji, IUCN Regional Director Asia briefed the session about escalating pressures from human development on coastal ecosystems. Human activities are contributing to the vulnerability of coastal systems and communities to the effects of climate change, she said. Former Vice President IUCN and Regional Councillor Javed Jabbar Inspector General of Forests MOCC, Pakistan, Syed Mehmood Nasir and other also spoke.

Pakistan considered as hub for solar energy power projects STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—The global investors consider Pakistan as the most potential hub in the region to generate electricity exploiting solar energy as it has immense capacity and potential to explore sunlight as compared with different part of the world.

This was stated by Raphael Lechner, Lead Trainer of Institute fur Energiethnik, on the occasion of launching 5-day training

prom on Solar PV System held here under the auspices of Renewable & alternate Energy Association of Pakistan. This workshop is supported by Alternate energy development board govt of Pakistan, GIZ, IEP & energy update.

He said the solar energy is one of the effective and immediate fields for Pakistan to overcome its worsening energy crisis along with different renewable projects side-by-side.

Handsome investment in Pakistan will be landing in this sec-

tor if the government and private sector join hands to work on the fastest emerging technology and source of electricity production, Lechner said.

So far many projects of solar energy in the pipeline but there is a need to plan a mega project which provides a lowest cost electricity to masses compared with different conventional sources particularly furnace oil and gas. Germany has achieved tremendous success for producing renewable energy and attained a status of top

power producers through solar energy yet Pakistan has much potential more than double of it tapping its natural resource for combating its power crisis, Lechner added who is German national.

The investors of the Germany are taking keen interest to invest in the Pakistan as they have technology, expertise and equipment for generating power through solar energy, he further said. Lencher said that ecosystem should be developed for the promotion and development of

solar-run energy projects. In this regard, human resource is top priority of the country to equip them with advance skills for implementation of successful and productive solar-run power projects.

Dr Nasim Ahmed Khan, former Secretary Alternate Energy Development Board (AEDB), said that Pakistan government should support renewable energy with true letter and spirit through proper funding of research and development and human resource training. There

are many small solar projects in the queue that will be established in the next few years but the development of this sector should be paced up for meeting the growing needs of electricity in the country.

He said that several solarrun power projects have been installed for power capacity but there is a need to develop a mega project that will be exemplary and encouraging for paving trend of using solar energy in the country. He said that solar-run power system were planned for

streetlights, masjids and schools at federal level in order to create awareness among the masses for new source of energy however it should be implemented by provincial governments.

Khan highlighted implementation of solar-run energy is challenging task to define its success though it could be accomplished till the human resource are enabled to handle the new technology. Mohammad Abbas Sajid, Chairman REAP, said that the training of the engineers, technician and scientists is the cru-

cial part to develop renewable energy sector in this country.

In this regard, REAP is working seriously to organize different training workshops along with stakeholders in different cities. He said the body should be extended to all engineering and related sector so that people will come on board and executive collective efforts for the cause of energy selfsufficiency. Shaaf Mahboob Vice President REAP, Maroof Mahboob and irfan Ahmed also spoke on the occasion.

Saleem new CEO LESCO OBSERVER REPORT L AHORE —Chief Engineer Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco), Muhammad Saleem, has been appointed new Chief Executive Officer of Lesco.

Ministry of Water and Power had issued the notification in this regard and Saleem had taken over the charge at the Lesco headquarters.

The new CEO has vast professional experience of distribution, operation, commercial, planning, transmission and grid system (T&G) and utility management. He joined WAPDA as a junior engineer in 1979. He did his Msc Electrical Engineering from the University of Engineering and Technology, (UET) Lahore and MBA from Punjab University.

In his address to LESCO directors and senior engineers, Saleem called upon them to work as a team, achieve revenue targets and provide maximum facilities to the consumers.

He expressed the hope that he would live upto the expectations of the government and make Lesco a role model for other DISCOs. It may be recalled that the office of the CEO Lesco had fallen vacant earlier this month when Lahore High Court set aside appointment of Engineer Zia Latif as Lesco chief executive officer being unlawful and without lawful authority and ordered fresh appointment.

Meeting of Sialkot Tannery industry held HABIB KHAN LAHORE—A review meeting related to Sialkot Tannery industry was held here on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Senior Assistant to Chief Minister on Environment Mansha Ullah Butt at his office.

Director General EPA Punjab Farooq Hameed Sheikh briefed the meeting regarding shifting of Sialkot Tannery industry outside the city premises while Director EIA Naseem ur Rehman Shah and members of Sialkot Tannery associations were also present in the meeting. DG Farooq Hameed told the meeting participants that presently almost 250 small and big tannery units were operating in various residential areas of Sialkot and were discharging their effluents without any treatment.

Punjab government had decided to shift the entire tannery industry outside the city premises and a piece of land measuring 384 acres has already been purchased for this purpose at Muaza Khambarrawala village.

Wal-Mart employees to pay more for health care plans NEW YORK—Wal-Mart Stores Inc’s (WMT) U.S. employees will pay between 8 and 36 percent more in premiums for its medical coverage in 2013, prompting some of the 1.4 million workers at the nation’s largest private employer to say they will forego coverage altogether.

In mailings sent to employees for its recently completed open-enrollment period, WalMart noted that its rates would increase because healthcare costs continue to rise.

For its most popular plan, which covers individuals, the payment per bi-weekly paycheck is going up by $2, or 13 percent. Other plans will see larger increases as the world’s largest retailer, known for low prices, tries to control its own costs.—Newswire

Gas supply to domestic consumers is top priority STAFF REPORTER

Senator Baz Muhammad and Senator Zahid Khan who I S L A M A B A D —Dr Asim called on the Advisor regardHussain, Advisor to the Prime ing problems faced in supply Minister on Petroleum and of Natural Gas to their respecNatural Resources had said Picture on Page-13 that supply of Natural Gas to domestic consumers is the top tive constituencies today in priority of the Government. Islamabad. The meeting was He said this while meeting also attended by Managing Parliamentarians including Director and Senior ManageMNAs Engineer Khurram ment of Sui Northern Gas Dastagir Khan, Hamid Saeed Pipelines Ltd. Honorable ParliamentarKazmi, Zahid Hamid, Mufti Ajmal Khan, Mazhar Hayat ians apprised the Advisor reKhan, Roshan-ud-Din Junejo, garding progress on gas supply

schemes in their respective constituencies, on which the Advisor on Petroleum issued directives to SNGPL for expediting work.

Dr Asim Hussain informed the Parliamentarians that a site office of SNGPL is being established in the Ministry premises to cater for public complaints and providing up-to-date information on gas supply / connection cases. He further assured that all cases would be dealt on merit so that the public is facilitated.

Mauritius offers huge opportunities to Pak businessmen STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—Mauritius, for being a gateway to Africa, has huge scope for Pakistani Furniture, Pharmaceuticals, Textiles, Tiles & Saintaryware, Carpets and Mangoes and these marvelous opportunities must be tapped.

This was stated by the High Commissioner of Mauritius Muhammad Rashad Daureeawo while talking to LCCI President Farooq Iftikhar here at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Tuesday.

LCCI Vice President Mian Abuzar Shad, Honorary Consul of Mauritius Shahid Sethi, Executive Committee Members Mian Zahid Javaid Ahmad, Shoaib Zahid Malik, Iftikhar Bashir Chaudhry and former Vice President Shafqat Saeed

Piracha also spoke on the occasion. The High Commissioner, while calling for a constructive collaboration between the LCCI and Chambers of Commerce in Mauritius, said that Mauritius wants to further strengthen economic ties with Pakistan through the expansion of already signed Preferential Trade Agreement to various fields.

He said that Mauritius tops World Bank Ease of Doing Business Ranking because it is not only the tax regime that is very soft and encouraging but there is no red tapism in the country and any foreign company can get registration in just three days time. He said that legal framework for resolution of trade-related disputes is very strong in Mauritius that is also a big advantage to the foreign

LSE acquires 49.71 points STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—Lahore Stock Exchange on Tuesday witnessed bullish trend by gaining 49.71 point as the LSE-25 Index opened with 3937.91 and closed at 3987.62 points.

The market’s overall situation also corresponded to an upward trend as it remained at 5.523 million shares to close against previous turnover of 4.778 million shares, showing a upward move of 744,700 shares.

While, out of the total 96 active scrips 34 moved up, 22 down values and 40 remained equal.

Shell Pakistan Limited, Atlas Battery Limited and Pakistan State Oil Company Limited were Major Gainer of the day by recording increase in their per share value by Rs 3.96, Rs 2.41 and Rs 1.61 respectively. Engro Corporation Limited, Dawood Hecules Corporation and Attock Refinery Limited lost their per share value by Rs 1.88, Rs 1.25 and Rs 1.01 respectively.

The Volume Leader of the day included Fauji Cement Company Limited with 2.253 million shares, Maple Leaf Cement Factory with 822,500 shares and The Bank of Punjab Limited with 691,500 shares.

businessmen want to do business with their counterparts in that part of the world.

The High Commissioner also called for exchange of sector-specific delegations to jackup bilateral trade and dissemination of trade-related information. He said since Mauritius is a gateway to African countries therefore offers huge opportunities to Pakistani businessmen desirous of winning those markets.

The High Commissioner added that his country is an attractive tourist destination therefore any investment or a joint venture would be a win-win situation for both the countries. STAFF CORRESPONDENT The country has a population of only 1.3 million but attracts LAHORE—The business comaround one million tourists an- munity, while greeting PTI nually. chief Imran Khan for conducting intra-party elections, has termed it the country’s firstever democratic polls within a party, as in this way sincere and competent economic managers will emerge. It is a right step towards right direction to achieve true democracy which is the prerequisite of prosperity and economic growth of any country.

They urged the Election Commission of Pakistan to set up a cell for reviewing to launch intra-party elections all over the country. In this way, a true and sincere leadership will emerge, which is necessary for speedy progress and economic growth, as presently country suffers due to lack of manageers to facilitate adoption of soy- ment, observed All Pakistan bean as an important crop, Anjuman-e-Tajiran central genthrough ZTBL, in his capacity as eral secretary Naeem Mir in a statement.

Director of ZTBL Board.

Dr. Amir Muhammed and Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad were of the view that zero tillage technology in Pakistan was introduced about 2-3 decades ago but the same is not OBSERVER REPORT wide-spread as one would like to see. Chairman PARC offered that in next meeting he will ask the SSD PESHAWAR—Peshawar Elecof PARC to present the economic tricity Supply Company (Pesco) analysis and its adoption status in has taken some crucial measures the rice-wheat areas of Pakistan. to facilitate consumers in getting new electricity connections quickly. For the provision of the facilitation to consumers at their door steps, the company is holding Open Katcheries by the field officers for redresal of consumers complaints.

Pesco provided 36,136 new date palm concentrated regions connections to domestic, comto align the date palm industry mercial, industrial and irrigation on scientific and technical consumers in all Pesco circles grounds. throughout the Khyber Renowned scientist from all Pukhtunkhwa during the last one over the country participated in quarter of the financial year. In this seminar and exchanged sci- Peshawar, the company has new entific information regarding connections to 4,297 consumers, date palm.

KP 5,836, Mardan 6,039, Swat Meanwhbile, Omar Hafeez 10,092, Bannu 4,711, Hazara also represented PHDEC at an- 5,159. other seminar at Multan ChamChief Executive Pesco, ber of Commerce and Industry Tariq Saddozai appealed to the (MCCI) on export of mangoes customers to install meters and SPS to French markets the other use electricity legally to avoid day. system over loading and proviHe said that the company sion of stable power supply to aimed at to explore French mar- customers. kets for exporting Pakistani Installation of meters and mango to enhance the mango removal of direct hooks will not exports. Trade Development only increase Pesco revenue, but Authority (TDAP), Multan ar- will also made the supply more ranged the seminar. stable and smooth.

Businessmen laud PTI intra party polls

Scientists asked to develop agri sector STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —Dr Iftikhar Ahmad, Chairman PARC and Dr Amir Muhammed, Founder Chairman of the Council while addressing the scientists in a meeting of the Association of Former PARC Scientists (AFPS) asked them to play their role for the development of agriculture sector. They said that scientists also ensure that research results must reach at door-step of farmers to increase production in order to ensure food security in the country..

Dr. Akhtar Beg, Member of AFPS presented a project on ‘Soybean Cultivation in Pakistan’ for views and comments.

The Members of AFPS were of the view that in similar environment in India, soybean cultivation has been a success story, so the project on soybean should emphasize on its adoption.

The adoption rate will de-

Two million From Page-13 rupted energy supply and can pay the farmers better price accordingly.

They said that production of cotton crop is on the rise since last year, growing surplus than actual demand. They added that a total of 550,000 more bales.

According to them, the cotton prices have increased artificially during last three weeks due to the propagated of vested interest elements that the crop is not only damaged widely but also short of estimates. Resultantly, they said, the imported cotton is cheaper and reaches to factory at Rs 6000 per maund against Rs 6,200 per maund domestically.

They said there is an urgent need of reprioritizing the crop consumption, as Pakistan is again heading to record bumper crop and domestic prices are higher on import parity.

pend upon how we present the available net economic analysis of this crop to farmers. After thorough deliberation on the soybean cultivation project, Dr. Amir Muhammed left it to the Chairman PARC to get the project endorsed by a proper forum (ALP Project Evaluation Committee) and after receiving the official comments PARC should proceed further for the implementation.

He further added that he will also extend his support that if agricultural credit is needed by the farm-

Pesco introduces new procedure

Promotion of date palm cultivation in Punjab STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC) is looking forward to boost the horticulture sector of Pakistan and will go for serious measures to increase the export of fresh and dried dates.

This was stated by Assistant Manager, Supply Chain, PHDEC Omar Hafeez while speaking at a one-day seminar on date palm cultivation in Punjab at Ayub Agriculture Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad.

According to a spokesperson of the company, Omer further added that close collaboration of public and private sector is the need of the hour in

Dr. Nasim A. Khan Former Secretary AEDB, Sajid Abbas, Irfan Ahmed, Shaaf Mahboob, Mir Ahmed Shah German Exports & other are seen at inaugural ceremony of 5-day workshop on PV solar held at IEP Karachi. Event was organized by Renewable & Alternate Energy Association of Pakistan.

Skilled manpower must for economic development STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —Dr Abdul Hameed Dean of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Management and Technology, Lahore has said that marginalized communities i.e. working women particularly in rural settings, persons with disabilities, people with extreme poverty, minority groups, bonded labour and students and graduates of Darse Nizami sould also be imparted Technical and Vocational education and training.

He said that apart from using powerful tool of Print and Electronic media and help from NGOs, Masajids and Madrassahs must also be taken on board for the promotion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the province. Dr Abdul Hameed has further said that there is no dearth of resources for the promotion of TVET in Punjab.

The management of Techni-

I SLAMABAD —The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and First Women Bank Limited (FWBL) on Tuesday inaugurated first-ever Business Growth Centre (BGC) of Pakistan to enhance the ability, mobility, visibility and connectivity of women entrepreneurs.

BGC is result of joint effort of UNIDO’s Women Entrepreneurship Development Programme (WEDP) and FWBL. UNIDO-WED Project Manager Inez Wijngaarde inaugurated the Business Growth Centre while SVP, FWBL Parveen Khan, Na-

tional Programme Coordinator UNIDO Shahina Waheed, and representatives of different organisations were also present.

Speaking at the occasion, Wijngaarde said that we are pioneer in introducing creative industries in Pakistan, which is home to a rich cultural heritage.

We specifically focus on promoting gender integration in creative, non-traditional subsectors of marble mosaic, inlay and handicrafts, home textiles, gems and jewellery, she informed.

Asking women to introduce culture of innovation to grow and shape their future, Wijngaarde said that Pakistani products have an impact on re-

gional and international mar- kets.

ISLAMABAD: Project Manager UNIDO’s Women Entrepreneurship Development Programme Inez Wijngaarde speaking to businesswomen at the inauguration of Business Growth Centre. Shahina Waheed of UNIDO also seen in the picture.

She informed that over the past two years, many women entrepreneurs have been capacitated through trainings led by international experts and local master trainers in developing creativity for design business, gems identification, carving, faceting and jewellery making etc.

Speaking at the occasion National Programme Coordinator UNIDO Shahina Waheed said that the Business Growth Centre will serve as a facilitation unit to inform, enhance and connect Business Growth Centre member organizations that work with micro, small and medium enterprises owned and managed by women entrepreneurs.

The broader aim of the

sistant Professor, National College of Business Administration and Economics, Lahore while speaking to seminar has said that Pakistan was at no.4 and Bangladesh at no.6 among the top 10 recipients of migrant remittances in 2003. And Pakistan’s remittances in 2003 were US$ 12 billions. Today i.e. in 2012, Pakistan stands at no.

6 and Bangladesh at no. 7 and Pakistan’s remittances in 2012 are same US$12 billions. Had there been a TVET promotion in the real sense in Pakistan, then today we have at least US$24 billions remittances, he said.

Dr Faisal Qadeer further said that Pakistan is blessed with youth of 40 million today between the ages of 15 to 24 which is actually our gold mine. If this youth is trained skilled and semi– skilled, then, our remittances can easily be doubled as the whole world is dependent on skilled and semi-skilled manpower and no one can stop Pakistan from economic stability, he added.

LMKR clarifies report STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—News report headlines “Musharraf gave undue favour to US oil company”, a INPoriginated story which was published in the Daily Pakistan Observer of October 27, LMK Resources Pakistan (Private) Limited (“LMKR”) has been strongly refuted by LMKR which has issued the following statement.

The story captioned “Musharraf gave undue favour to US oil company” is based on a total misrepresentation of facts and is inaccurate, misleading and mala fide and appears to have been circulated with the sole intention of maligning LMKR and damaging its business interests.

For the record the contract for the management and operations of Pakistan Petroleum Exploration and Production Data (the “PPDR Contract”) which was executed on November 8, 2011 between the Director General Petroleum Concessions (“DGPC”) on behalf of the Ministry of Petroleum with LMKR, a locally incorporated company in which Halliburton with which

LMKR’s local shareholders have had a previous association held 60% stake while 40% shareholding was in the hands of Pakistani shareholders was awarded to LMKR after successful participation by LMKR in an open bidding process in accordance with the PPRA Rules. Halliburtion divested its shares in LMKR in 2006 and since 2006 majority shareholding in LMKR is held

by Pakistani shareholders, who have vast experience in petroleum data management and operations there was no illegality in the award of the PPDR Contract which is based on the principle of public private partnership in which LMKR has made a heavy upfront investment.

The suggestion that a favour was bestowed on LMKR is totally baseless and given the nature and insignificant value of the Contract in terms of international dealings the suggestion that any intervention at the highest levels was involved is preposterous. LMKR (formerly Mathtech) has been providing data production and management services in Pakistan since

Sui networks based plants face loss of revenue STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—In nine months of 2012, SNGPL based plants that include Agritech, DH Fertilizers, Pakarab, Engro’s new plant as well as SSGC based FFBL lost profitability by 139% and made a collective loss of Rs 4.8 Billion, whereas the same plants had made a profit of Rs. 12.3 billion in nine months of 2011.

In nine months of 2012, all SNGPL based plants and SSGC based FFBL faced a loss of revenue by 31% compared with

UNIDO, FWBL launch Pakistan’s first BGC STAFF REPORTER

cal and Vocational institutes from private sector has to concentrate on exploring local resources for generation of maximum funds to run their institutes successfully. The academic staff must be trained to deliver lectures and impart practical training in respective regional languages.

There should be minimum dependence on government funding if we are serious for promotion of TVET in the province, he said while speaking to one day seminar arranged by the Punjab Board of Technical Education (PBTE) Lahore in collaboration with TVET Reforms Support Programme at a local hotel in Islamabad yesterday. Dr. Khalil Ahmad, Dean of Computer Sciences and Director Research National College of Business Administration and Economics Lahore also gave valuable inputs and guidelines for TVET promotion, Another distinguished speaker Dr. Faisal Qadeer, As-

Business Growth Centre is to deliver improved Business Development and Competitiveness Services (BDCS) for women entrepreneurs in selected sectors by providing access to information, market intelligence, business acumen, counselling and capacity building support, said Waheed.

SVP, FWBL Parveen Khan said that through the Business Growth Centre, women will be able to develop linkages with other organizations, entrepreneurs and international institutions.

It will not only facilitate future interventions but also pull together resources and expertise under one roof, she said.

nine months of 2011, generating Rs. 44.5 billion total revenue in nine months of 2012, compared to last years’ Rs. 64.3 billion rupees.

In first nine month of year 2012, all SNGPL based plants collectively suffered revenue loss of Rs. 10.1 billion vs the same period of 2011 due to gas curtailment and lower Urea sales. The total urea sales by SNGPL based plants during the period stood at 216,000 tons which is 346,000 tons less than 562,000 tons urea sold in nine months of 2011 showing a decline of 62%.

The total urea production by SNGPL based plants in first nine months of 2011 stood at 564,000 tons which declined by 60% to 226,000 tons in nine months of 2012. SNGPL based plants were only operated at 13% of their capacity in nine months of 2012 vs 33% last year.

According to a FMPAC official, SNGPL based plants are facing the worst-ever crisis of their history as gas outage in excess of 200 days in the first 9 months of a calendar year were never witnessed before 2012. He said that despite making an investment over US$ 2.3 Billion on new production capacity, making Pakistan world’s 7th largest urea manufacturer country is sitting on an idle urea capacity of 2.7 Million Tons.

Fertilizer sector official said that if the same gas curtailment continues during 2013.

1994 and is a leader in its sphere of business with both local and international clientele spanning 80 countries worldwide and was awarded the Contract on the basis of its expertise through open bidding. The extension of the contract was strictly legal and in accordance with the terms of the contract and the second PPDR contract was made in accordance with PPRA rules after a fresh bidding process.

During the period commencing from 2001 till date LMKR has paid to the Government of Pakistan its due share of revenue of the PPDR Project to the tune of over Pak Rupees Two Hundred Million (PKR 200,000,000/-). Furthermore, independent audit of the accounts of the PPDR project has been diligently carried out every year in strict compliance with the terms of the PPDR contract. No additional money has been claimed by LMKR from the government and the only claim made by LMKR is in accordance with terms of the PPDR contract for foreign currency exchange rate increase as agreed between the parties.

Nasair to expand service STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—The Saudi national carrier nasair has successfully completed its one and half year in Pakistan and now planning to expand its operation, said nasair Chief Commercial Officer Marco Renzo Ostini.

He said nasair, a low fare airline, is providing better services to its passengers as compared to other expensive airlines. Timely departure and arrival, competitive fares, young fleet and smart services are the values of nasair, he added.

Nasair, the Saudi national carrier, started its operation in Pakistan in June 2011 and now successfully completing one and half year with complete satisfaction of valued passengers. Replying a question, he said nasair fleet was considered the youngest in the region with Airbus A320s and Embraer E190s and with nasair fleet passengers were traveling in complete comfort, made even more accessible by the competitive pricing.

Talking about the fare, he said nasair has different types of fares, if a passenger doesn’t have any luggage, he will not pay more like other one, who has luggage. This makes our airline different from other carriers. Our seat load is about 99 percent only due to low fares and time punctuality, he added. He informed that presently nasair covered 24 destinations both within and outside Saudi Arabia that included Alexandria, Istanbul, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Riyadh, Jeddah, Dubai.

Hollande’s plan needs tough execution

World pressure for Gaza truce intensifies

J ERUSALEM —The U.N. raeli police said more than 60 ing tanks and infantry into on a ground invasion, the have been predominantly ground war in Gaza could P ARIS —After six months keeping the chief called for an immediate rockets were fired from Gaza the densely populated prime minister intends to ex- among the Palestinians. wreck his re-election pros-

world guessing about whether he had a vision for fixing France’s sickly economy, President Francois Hollande has unveiled a battle plan “à la française” to ease companies’ labor costs and trim public spending. But the softly-softly pace of adjustment may be too slow to satisfy financial markets after Moody’s on Monday became the second credit ratings agency to strip Paris of its AAA rating, citing both a loss of competitiveness and low growth. Hollande’s “competitiveness pact” aims to create 300,000 jobs and lift output by half a percent over five years by granting 20 billion euros a year in corporate tax relief and pruning public spending by 1 percent. The measures will be funded by modest sales tax rises from 2014, sparing households immediate pain. Tweaks to labor laws will follow next year to make hiring and firing somewhat more flexible while extending the length of job contracts. The plan is bold for a left-wing French government, yet it falls short of what business leaders wanted and critics say it may be too timid to pull the economy out of decline in time. Moreover, a key plank - spending cuts of 12 billion euros a year - will require sharp reductions in we fare payments or local government, hard to sell to a parliament full of mayors and civil servants, and an electorate including more than 5 million public sector workers. “We’ve taken a big step forward but we’ve lost time. We should have started two months ago,” said a government source. Some in Hollande’s team had nudged the president to move sooner but found that “he does not like to be rushed”.—Reuters

ceasefire in Gaza on Tuesday and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton headed to the region with a message that escalation of the conflict was in nobody’s interest. Nevertheless, Israeli air strikes and Palestinian rocket fire continued for a seventh day.

For the second time since the fighting began, a rocket was launched at Jerusalem, triggering warning sirens. Police said it fell in an open area in the occupied West Bank and did not cause any casualties.

Hamas’s armed wing said in Gaza it fired the projectile.

Egypt was trying to broker a truce between Israel and Gaza’s ruling Hamas movement. An Egyptian intelligence source said “there is still no breakthrough and Egypt is working to find middle ground”.

Israel’s military on Tuesday targeted about 100 sites in Gaza, including ammunition stores and the Gaza Tough on territorial spat headquarters of the National TOKYO—Japan’s ruling Democratic Party Islamic Bank. Gaza’s Hamaswill promise to do its utmost in protecting run Health Ministry said six Japanese territory and putting an end to Palestinians were killed. Isnuclear power generation by the 2030s, according to draft campaign pledges issued on Tuesday ahead of next month’s election. Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda’s Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) is running far behind the biggest opposition Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in opinion polls taken ahead of the Dec 16 parliamentary election. “We will expand and fortify guard and vigilance carried out mainly by the coast guard, and take all possible measures to protect our land and waters, including the Senkaku islands,” the draft statement, obtained by Reuters, said. Sino-Japanese ties took a tumble after the Japanese government in September bought disputed East China Sea islets, giving a fresh headache to Noda, already tasked with leading Japan’s recovery from last year’s massive earthquake and tsunami and the Fukushima nuclear disaster. The rocky, uninhabited islets, called Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China, are located near rich fishing grounds and potentially huge oil and gas reserves. On the DPJ’s energy policy, the draft said: “We will employ all policy resources available so that it will become possible to bring the number of operating nuclear reactors to zero by sometime in the 2030s.” In contrast, the LDP advocates further debate before setting a new nuclear energy policy for Japan, which depends heavily on imports for its energy needs. On its trade policy, the DPJ’s draft said it will pursue free trade pacts such as the U.S.-led Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a controversial issue even among DPJ lawmakers.—Reuters

by mid-day, and 25 of the projectiles were intercepted

by Israel’s Iron Dome system. The military said an officer was wounded.

Some 115 Palestinians have died in a week of fighting, the majority of them civilians, including 27 children, hospital officials said.

Three Israelis died last week when a rocket from Gaza struck their house. In Cairo, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for an immediate ceasefire and said an Israeli ground operation in Gaza would be a “dangerous escalation” that must be avoided.

He had held talks in Cairo with Arab League chief Nabil Elaraby and Egyptian Prime Minister Hisham Kandil before travelling to Israel for discussions with its leader, Benjamin Netanyahu. Ban planned to return to Egypt on Wednesday to see Egypt’s Islamist President Mohamed Mursi, who was unavailable on Tuesday due to the death of his sister.

Israel’s leaders weighed the benefits and risks of send-

coastal enclave two months before an Israeli election, and indicated they would prefer a diplomatic path backed by world powers, including U.S. President Barack Obama, the European Union and Russia.

Clinton was going to the Middle East for talks in Jerusalem, Ramallah and Cairo to try to calm the conflict. An Israeli source said she was expected to meet Netanyahu on Wednesday.

“Her visits will build on American engagement with regional leaders over the past days - including intensive engagement by President Obama with Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Morsi - to support deescalation of violence and a durable outcome that ends the rocket attacks on Israeli cities and towns and restores a broader calm,” a State Department official said.

Netanyahu and his top ministers debated their next moves in a meeting that lasted into the early hours of Tuesday. “Before deciding

haust the diplomatic move in order to see if a long-term ceasefire can be achieved,” a senior Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said after the meeting.

A delegation of nine Arab ministers, led by the Egyptian foreign minister, vested Gaza in a further signal of heightened Arab solidarity with the Palestinians.

Any diplomatic solution may involve Egypt, Gaza’s other neighbour and the biggest Arab nation, where the ousting of U.S. ally Hosni Mubarak and the election of Mursi is part of a dramatic reshaping of the Middle East wrought by Arab uprisings and now affecting the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Mursi, whose Muslim Brotherhood was mentor to the founders of Hamas, on Monday took a call from Obama, who told him Hamas must stop rocket fire into Israel - effectively endorsing Israel’s stated aim in launching the offensive last week.

Obama also said he regretted civilian deaths - which

A NKARA —NATO member nal stage,” he said in the Turk-

As Europe plots closer ties, UK mulls split BRUSSELS—“I will ask the inhabitants of the wonderful island to reflect that they will not be happy if they are alone in this world,” German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in a speech before visiting British Prime Minister David Cameron last week in London. Her outreach, however, has little impact here. British Foreign Secretary William Hague, who once toured the U.K. on a “Save The Pound” campaign that opposed the euro, believes the British public has never been more skeptical of European unity.

“Public disillusionment with the EU in Britain is the deepest it has ever been,” he said last month. “People feel that in too many ways the EU is something that is done to them, not something over which they have a say.” Such distrust is tangled with worries over the fallout from the European debt crisis and anger at the European Court of Human Rights — castigated by British politicians for ordering Britain to give prisoners a vote in national elections, and preventing the U.K. from deporting terrorism suspects to countries with patchy human rights records. Even more alarming for many in Britain, Merkel called last week for turning the European Commission, which currently drafts legislation and regulates competition, into “something like a European government.” The phrase alone rattles the teeth of many British politicians, who have warned for decades of the specter of a European superstate.—Reuters

Croatia jails ex-PM Sanader over graft ZAGREB—Former Croatian prime minister Ivo Sanader was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Tuesday for taking bribes from two foreign companies, becoming the highest state official to be convicted of corruption in the future European Union member state. Former Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader sits at a county court in Zagreb. Croatia is due to join the EU in July 2013 and Sanader’s conviction is likely to be seen as evidence it is cracking down on corruption. Its efforts to fight crime and graft are being carefully monitored before it formally joins the bloc. A Zagreb county court found Sanader, 59, guilty of agreeing in 2008 to accept a payment from Hungary’s energy group MOL of 5 million euros in exchange for granting it full management rights over Croatia’s oil concern INA.—Reuters

An armed Turkish policeman (C) guards men from the northern Syrian town of Ras al-Ain as they wait to be transported to a refugee camp, in the Turkish border town of Ceylanpinar, Sanliurfa province.

Iran opposition leader Karoubi taken to hospital D UBAI —Leading Iranian revolution. opposition figure Mehdi Karoubi, under house arrest since 2011, was hospitalized briefly after showing symptoms including weight loss, dizziness and nausea, his website said on Tuesday.

Karoubi, 75, and fellow reformist Mirhossein Mousavi ran for election in June 2009 and became figureheads for Iranians who protested against the vote they believed was rigged to bring back President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

The government denied wrongdoing and said foreign enemies had plotted to overthrow Iran’s leaders by stirring up the protests, the biggest opposition demonstrations since the 1979

Hardliners have asked the judiciary to execute the two opposition leaders, calling them “seditionists” who aimed to topple the clerical establishment. But authorities have chosen so far to isolate rather than officially arrest them. “Mr. Karoubi was hospitalized for some hours in one of the hospitals belonging to the security institutions,” his website Sahamnews said. “This action by the security institutions followed warning signs relating to Mr. Karoubi’s physical condition.”

Karoubi, Mousavi, and Mousavi’s wife Zahra Rahnavard were confined to their homes in February 2011 after the opposition leaders

called supporters of Iran’s reformist “Green Movement” to rally in solidarity with uprisings in Arab countries. None have been seen in public since.

Karoubi, a turban-wearing cleric and former parliament speaker, was transferred to another location later in 2011. His family said in a statement published by Sahamnews on Tuesday that they were worried for the elderly cleric’s health. “We expect that his right to access independent treatment will be officially recognized, so that medical follow-up under the supervision of trusted family doctors can take place in one of Tehran’s hospitals,” the statement said.—Reuters

Home of Russian state telco boss raided in fraud probe MOSCOW—Russian investi- raids could herald a manage- rations for a recent Asia-Pagators searched the home of the head of a state telecoms firm on Tuesday, in a fraud case that underlines an intensifying battle for money and influence six months into Vladimir Putin’s presidency.

Investigators searched the house of Alexander Provotorov, chief executive of Rostelecom, and the home of a minority shareholder, Konstantin Malofeyev, newspapers and news agencies quoted law enforcement sources as saying.

Rostelecom spokeswoman Kira Kiryukhina said she had no information about the searches. Malofeyev’s fund, Marshall Capital, could not be reached for comment and its web site was out of service. Official investigations into leading Russian companies can quickly unsettle investors concerned by the country’s weak property rights and political control over law enforcement and the courts.

Analysts said Tuesday’s

pects in January, a senior Israeli official denied a Hamas assertion that the prime minister had asked for a truce.

“Whoever started the war must end it,” Meshaal said, referring to Israel’s assassination from the air on Wednesday of Hamas’s Gaza military chief, a move that followed a scaling up of rocket fire onto Israeli towns over several weeks and attacks against Israeli troops along the border. An official close to Netanyahu told Reuters: “We would prefer to see a diplomatic solution that would guarantee the peace for Israel’s population in the south. If that is possible, then a ground operation would no longer be required.”

Fortified by the ascendancy of fellow Islamists in Egypt and elsewhere, and courted by Sunni Arab leaders in the Gulf keen to draw the Palestinian group away from old ties to Shi’ite Iran, Hamas has tested its room for manoeuvre, as well as longerrange rockets that have reached the Tel Aviv metropolis.—Reuters

Turkey agrees Syria missile defence with NATO members

Dissent ahead of vote DUSHANBE—Madina, a university student in the Central Asian former Soviet republic of Tajikistan, was attending a journalism seminar this summer when a classmate asked the lecturer a question. “If I were to write an article about the business interests of the president’s family, would I encounter any problems?” The lecturer, a government official, praised Imomali Rakhmon, Tajikistan’s long-serving president, but sidestepped the issue.

The student was later hauled into the rector’s office to explain why he had posed such an undesirable question. Tajikistan, a poor country of 7.5 million people which borders Afghanistan, is still struggling to find its way after a civil war in the 1990s that killed tens of thousands but failed to end inter-clan infighting. With a presidential election just a year away, it appears to be clamping down on dissent. Universities and colleges appear to be the latest to feel the heat. Rakhmon, a 60-year-old former cotton farm boss, has ruled the country - a major transit route for Afghan drugs to Europe and Russia since 1992 and the election offers him a chance to extend his two-decade rule for a further seven years. His first five years in power were spent fighting a civil war against an opposition alliance backed by Islamist militants. A Moscow-brokered peace deal ended that conflict in 1997 and guaranteed some government jobs for the opposition. But recent military offensives in the mountainous east suggest Rakhmon’s patience with these former warlords is wearing thin.—Reutes

“The two leaders discussed ways to de-escalate the situation in Gaza, and President Obama underscored the necessity of Hamas ending rocket fire into Israel,” the White House said, adding that the U.S. leader had also called Netanyahu.

“In both calls, President Obama expressed regret for the loss of Israeli and Palestinian civilian lives.” Mursi has warned Netanyahu of serious consequences from a ground invasion of the kind that killed more than 1,400 people in Gaza four years ago. But he has been careful not to alienate Israel, with whom Egypt’s former military rulers signed a peace treaty in 1979, or Washington, a major aid donor to Egypt.

Egypt’s Kandil told Reuters a ceasefire was possible: “I think we are close, but the nature of this kind of negotiation, (means) it is very difficult to predict.” After Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal laid out demands in Cairo that Israel take the first step in restoring calm, and warned Netanyahu that a

ment shake-up at the $12 billion phone company, Russia’s former fixed-line monopoly over which well-connected officials have long vied for influence. “Maybe this is connected with some conflicts between Rostelecom and the Ministry of Communications - we heard previously that the ministry wanted to replace the current CEO,” said Alexander Vengranovich at brokerage Otkritie. “Probably they are connected and it’s another push on Rostelecom.”

The Rostelecom case is linked to a deal involving Marshall Capital, in which Provotorov used to be a partner, and follows a slew of scandals that has soured the mood of investors towards Russia and Putin’s brand of state capitalism. A corruption probe led Putin to fire his defence minister, Anatoly Serdyukov, this month, while cases of alleged financial malfeasance are being investigated at Russian satellite network Glonass and over prepa-

cific summit.

Commentators say such cases are increasingly becoming a tool to settle political and business scores under Russia’s ‘vertical’ power structure, in which Putin - now serving a third Kremlin term acts as a final arbiter. The Rostelecom fraud probe is linked to a $225 million loan

by VTB to finance a business deal in 2007 in which, investigators suspect, Malofeyev was involved on both sides of the transaction.

The latest raids come as MegaFon, Russia’s No.2 mobile phone firm, markets a $2 billion initial public offering that has met concern among some investors over standards of corporate governance at the company and in the country. Russia ranks 117th out of 185 countries for investor protection in the World Bank’s Doing Business survey, the lowest of any of the countries in the Group of 20 leading economies.—Reuters

Polish PM says bomb suspect linked to Norway’s Breivik W ARSAW —Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Tuesday there was a link between a man arrested on suspicion of plotting to blow up Poland’s parliament and Anders Behring Breivik, who killed 77 people in gun and bomb attacks in Norway last year.

Tusk told a news conference the Polish bomb plot suspect “did not hide his fascination” with Breivik. He also said an analysis of Breivik’s contacts abroad had helped lead Polish investigators to the suspect.—Reuters

Attacker stabs guard at US embassy in Tel Aviv T EL A VIV —A man apparently suffering from mental health problems stabbed a security guard at the U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv on Tuesday and was apprehended, police said. “A Mazda car stopped next to the U.S. embassy and a man got out carrying a red bag and a pitchfork,” said David Cohen, 48, who told Reuters he witnessed the incident while jogging along Tel Aviv’s Mediterranean promenade.

Onlookers stand near the scene of a stabbing attack at the U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv.

“He began to run toward the security guards. They saw him, took their guns out and told him to get down on the ground,” Cohen said. “He continued running and then they fired in the air and ordered him again to lie down.

He continued to advance.

They jumped on him and took his bag away.”

Police said one of the guards was slightly wounded and the attacker was taken into custody. “It appears he was mentally unbalanced,” Tel Aviv police chief Yoram Ohayon told reporters.—AP

states have agreed to supply Turkey with an advanced Patriot missile system to defend against Syrian attacks and talks on its deployment are in the final stage, Turkey’s foreign minister said on Tuesday. Turkey has been talking to NATO allies about how to shore up security on its 900-km (560mile) frontier with Syria after mortar rounds landed inside its territory, increasing concerns about the civil war spilling into neighboring states.

“The countries who supply NATO with Patriot systems are known, we have reached an agreement with those countries. The official application will be completed as soon as possible,” Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu told a news conference. “Intensive work is underway and the talks have reached the fi-

ish capital Ankara.

Only the United States, the Netherlands and Germany have the appropriate Patriot missile system available.

Germany has said it would analyze such a request “with solidarity”. NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen told reporters on Monday that any missile deployment would be a defensive measure to counter mortar rounds, not to enforce a no-fly zone over Syria.

Syrian rebels fighting President Bashar al-Assad’s forces have been able to take large swathes of land but are almost defenseless against Syria’s air force. The rebels have called for an internationally enforced no-fly zone, a measure that helped Libyan rebels overthrow their long-term leader last year.—Reuters

Mortars hit Syrian information ministry B EIRUT —Two

mortar rounds struck Syria’s Information Ministry building in the capital Damascus on Tuesday, state television said, causing some damage but no casualties. Syrian TV blamed “terrorists” for the attack, referring to insurgents who have been battling to topple President Bashar al-Assad since last year.

The rebels have been trying to take their 20-monthold revolt to the heart of Damascus, Assad’s seat of power, and have gained footholds in its southern outskirts and in many surrounding suburbs. Some fighters said the mortars were fired from the urban rebel stronghold of Daraya, which Assad’s forces had been bombarding from the air for days. Fierce fighting has since erupted in Daraya, which is on the southwestern edge of Damascus. The rebels in the area have deployed near the main southern highway leading out of the capital city, opposition activists said.

Elite Republican Guard troops backed by tanks were trying to storm Daraya but met with fierce resistance from rebels there, who have regrouped after a big army offensive on the area killed an estimated 1,100 people six weeks ago. Fighters around the capital have focused in recent months on carrying out high-profile rocket and car bomb attacks on government buildings that are often more symbolic than lethal. The exception was a major bomb attack that killed at least four high-level government officials in July.

Activist Samir al-Shami said the mortar rounds that hit the Information Ministry building, which is located in the central Mezzeh district of the capital, may actually have been aimed at a football stadium nearby. “We believe the stadium is being used by the army and has been used to fire mortars on the rebels, so it may have been the target. The rebels may have been responding to army fire,” al-Shami told Reuters on Skype.—Reuters

Frail Turkish ex-president appears in coup trial ANKARA—A retired Turkish sionless, giving little indicageneral who seized power in 1980, sending thousands to jail and to the gallows, faced a court on Tuesday by video link from hospital, looking ill and gaunt, in a trial marking a watershed in Turkey’s emergence from army domination.

Kenan Evren, who governed as President into the late 1980s, says the coup was necessary to save a country beset by street fighting. Virtually the entire political class was rounded up and interned, thousands were tortured and many more disappeared.

The 95-year old, dressed in a black jumper, a sheet pulled up over his legs, cut a brittle figure, a shadow of the strongman who led Turkey for nine years. His cheeks sunken, he appeared tired and expres-

tion of whether he understood what was being said in the courtroom as the indictment against him was read.

A nurse helped him lie up in bed and he leant over occasionally to consult a lawyer sat in his room at an Ankara military hospital. He spoke to confirm his father’s and mother’s names, date and place of birth as the court went through the formality of confirming his identity. He gave his monthly income as 13,330 Turkish lira ($7,400).

Turkey remains haunted by the coup, its third in 20 years. Evren’s appearance on television screens in court epitomised how far the country has come in taming a once all-powerful military.—Reuters

Sydney Sixers terminate Umar Akmal’s contract KARACHI—Big Bash League side Sydney Sixers have terminated Umar Akmal’s contract after the batsman was given permission by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to play in only one match, media reports said on Tuesday.

The PCB had earlier refused Akmal, all-rounder Shahid Afridi and Saeed Ajmal permission to play in Australia’s Twenty20 league due to the dates of Pakistan’s domestic T20 competition clashing with the Big Bash League.

PCB revised its decision on Monday following a request from Australian cricket authorities and allowed the three players short stints in the T20 league.

However, Afridi ended his contract with Sydney Thunder, saying he wanted to play in the domestic competition to prove his form to the selectors.

“I have ended my contract in the Big Bash League, because I want to play in the national event to improve my form and justify my selection in the team,” Afridi told.

Akmal was just given permission to play in the opening match for the Sydney Sixers against Sydney Thun-

der after which he was to return to the national team to prepare for Pakistan’s tour to India which is scheduled to take place from December 25January 6.

General manager of the Sydney Sixers, Stuart Clark,

Nadal back on training court as recuperation continues N M ANACOR (Spain)—Rafa Nadal returned to the training court and started hitting balls again on Tuesday for the first time since the latest in a series of knee injuries forced his withdrawal from the U.S. Open at the end of August.

The 11-times grand slam singles champion, who has not competed since being stunned by Czech Lukas Rosol in the second round at Wimbledon in June, completed a session under the supervision of coach and uncle Toni Nadal at an indoor facility in his home town of Manacor on the island of Majorca.

Nadal, 26, hopes to be back to full fitness in time for the Australian Open in January.—AP

said that having Akmal for just one match was not in the interest of the club and therefore the agreement had been called off.

“While it would have been great to have Umar here for the start of the BBL sea-

son, the short time frame offered is not in the club’s best interest and we have decided to see if a suitable replacement is available rather than continue down this path,” Clark was quoted as saying by the Herald Sun. Meanwhile, PCB on Monday allowed three players to compete in Australia’s Big Bash Twenty20 competition following a request from Australian cricket authorities.

Shahid Afridi, Saeed Ajmal and Umar Akmal had all signed up to play in the league from next month, but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) last week refused permission, a private television channel reported.

Afridi had been due to play with Sydney Thunder.

Ajmal signed for Adelaide Strikers and Umar for Sydney Sixers but the PCB ordered them to feature in a domestic Twenty20 event being used to test players ahead of the matches against arch-rivals India. But on Monday, PCB spokesman Nadeem Sarwar said they would be allowed to play in the Big Bash following a request from Cricket Australia that said they had already signed their contracts.—Online

India can ‘brownwash’ England: Rameez Raja

EW D ELHI—Former Pakistan captain Rameez Raja feels India can go on to “brownwash” England in the ongoing Test series if it wins the second match of the series starting November 23 in Mumbai.

India have taken a 1-0 lead in the series after winning the opening Test in Ahmedabad by nine wickets on Monday.

Rameez felt the wicket will turn even more in Mumbai and this would work to the home team’s advantage.

“If England lose in Mumbai then India will have the clear edge. India will then have the excellent opportunity to go for a 4-0 result, which can be called a brownwash,” Rameez said.

“India can win all the four matches and I feel the wicket will turn more in Mumbai. India definitely have the

upperhand but England have Dhoni‘s men. shown the stomach for fight “England`s bowling and the series would be an seems weak given the interesting one,” he said. pitches here. Indians, on the other hand, are masters of spin,” Rameez explained.

Rameez praised young Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara, who scored 206 and 41 in the Ahmedabad Test to win the man of the match award.

“Pujara played a fine innings. England may be technically weaker but are a mentally strong unit. I feel to score over 200 against a team like that is the hallmark of a confident batsman,” he said.

But Rameez felt Pujara should not be compared to Rahul Dravid just yet.

“To compare him to India were humiliated 0-4 Dravid is going a bit too far.

by England in an away se- Dravid has himself told me ries last year and winning at that he was not as confident home would be sweet re- when he was Pujara`s age,” venge for Mahendra Singh he said.—INP

DUBAI: Henrik Stenson of Sweden in action during the Pro Am prior to the start of the Dubai World Championship on the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

Bowling C’ship next month L AHORE —The seventh edition of the national tenpin bowling championship will go into action in the last week of next month in Islamabad.

“A galaxy of bowling players drawn from all parts of the country will feature in the event, which is a regular annual feature,” said a spokesman of Pakistan Tenpin Bowling Federation here on Tuesday.

He said singles, doubles, team, deaf and amateur events will be contested in the competition which offers handsome cash prizes.—APP

Ponting knows he must contribute in Adelaide ADELIADE—Having already weathered one helluva storm this time last year against South Africa and New Zealand to keep his Test career intact, Ponting knows the score. No longer the captain, no longer a multi-format player, he is well aware that another brief stay at the crease in Adelaide will push him further still towards an exit before his desired date with Ashes reckoning in England and Australia next year.

“I don’t mind it, I don’t shy away from it,” Ponting said of the pressure, either real or imagined, he now found himself under. “I’ve been around enough and played in enough high-pressure situations, whether it’s a big game or a game where you’re under pressure because you haven’t scored runs yourself.

Most players who’ve played international cricket have found themselves in that position at least once in their career. It’s not always plain sailing; it’s the way cricket’s supposed to be.

“International cricket and Test cricket is about being challenged all the time, and as I say year after year it’s about reinventing yourself as a player because opposition teams are going to be very well planned against you, they’re going to target your weaknesses and not give you too much in your strength areas, so that’s what it’s all about. A disappointing week for me, a very good week for the team and I’ve

ADELAIDE: Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke at Australia’s training session. just got to make sure I’m contributing this week.”

Ponting’s most recent reinvention began in South Africa, when he eradicated a technical hitch that had him out LBW in three consecutive innings. He endured further struggles against New Zealand in Hobart before

righting the ship against India and contributing in the West Indies. Nonetheless, two previous ducks against South Africa in 2011 have been conveniently strung together with Ponting’s nought in Brisbane to suggest this is one obstacle he may struggle to overcome.

“It would suggest they’ve got it over me of late.

There’s seven or eight hundreds in another column there as well that probably haven’t been brought up,” Ponting said. “But of late they definitely have. I was disappointed last week, with all the work I put in pre-sea-

son and to make a little error like that and have your game over and done with in five balls was disappointing.

“It’s a fresh start this week, I’ve got make sure there’s plenty of runs in the column.

I’ve prepared well, will top-up tomorrow and when it’s my turn to bat make sure I’m one of the guys who contributes more than last week. One of the things I brought up in the team meeting yesterday there were three guys who did the majority of the batting last week and we’ve got to make sure everyone’s contributing if we want to beat a good South African team.”

It has been widely noted that Ponting’s contribution goes beyond runs. His ravenous appetite for training and ability to help teammates sort out their own batting foibles were both evident in Adelaide on Tuesday, as Michael Clarke sought help for throw-downs to prepare for an expected shortpitched attack from South Africa before Ed Cowan worked with Ponting as the session wound down.

“That’s nothing different than we would normally do.

Both he [Clarke] and Ed like to prepare that way and get a bit of short-ball work done,” Ponting said. “It’s part of the preparation and I am sure Michael will do a bit more of that tomorrow. I saw there was a bit of noise in the press about the South Africans bowling shorter to him this week.—Online

Pakistan Joint Services team qualifies for semi-finals R AWA L P I N D I — P a k i s t a n Navy in a warm up match, leading as a captain. Overall, Joint Services cricket team, which is presently touring Australia, has qualified for the semi- finals of “International Defence cricket Challenge Cup 2012” in Canberra Australia, defeating Royal New Zealand Air Force team in the last pool match.

The Pakistan Team has been one of the best teams, remained unbeaten in all the seven pool matches of the tournament, in addition to a warm up match with Royal Australian Navy, said an ISPR press release issued here on Tuesday.

Exhibiting great performance in all the league matches, Pakistan Armed Forces team outclassed all participating teams, including 10 wickets victory against Royal Australian

PTTF terms AGM meeting illegal

four wickets victory against Malaysia in the first, 218 runs victory against Australian Army in the second match consecutively.

In another round of matches, Pakistan Armed Forces team beat ANZAC Barbarians, a mix of Australian and New Zealand Army Teams by 7 wickets, New Zealand Army by 9 wickets, Royal Australian Air Force by 9 wickets and Royal Australian Army by 206 Runs.

Pakistan wins the last pool match in style, chased the total of 137 runs for the loss of two wickets in fifteenth over.

Participating for the first time, Pakistan’s Joint Services Team comprises players from tri services.

Major Babar Nawaz is

team has made three centuries out of a total of four in the tournament.

Fakhar Zaman is the top scorer with 251 Runs in 4 innings while, Naser Iqbal is the top wicket getter with 15 Wickets.

It is worth mentioning here that with the central theme of Defence unity through cricket the tournament is held after every two years in engaging international defence teams in a sporting and cultural exchange.

A total of eight teams from Pakistan, Australia, Malaysia and New Zealand are participating in the tournament.

Pakistan will play the semi-final on 21 Nov in Canberra.—APP

No claims regarding team’s performance: Akhtar L AHORE —Pakistan hockey complish this task , it will add team’s chief coach, Akhtar to the confidence of players

LAHORE—Pakistan Table ten- Rasool Chaudhary has said to feel elevated”. He adding “I

nis Federation has termed a recent meeting of its annual general council “unconstitutional” as seven of its affiliated units including services and departments stayed from the illegal meeting.

“How can a general council meeting take place if seven of its affiliated members including Pakistan Army, Wapda ,Railways , Higher Education Commission, Habib Bank Limited ,Punjab Table tennis Association and Balochistan Table tennis association did not attend it,” said a spokesman of PTTF here on Tuesday. He said the holding of a so-called illegal meeting aimed at creating confusion and distributing the smooth functioning of an elected body which was united under its President.

The spokesman said legal and constitutional annual general council meeting of the body will be convened soon to draw a line of action against those who were involved in staging a bogus meeting and using the name of Pakistan table tennis federation.—APP

that he does not want to make tall claims regarding team’s performance in two back to back tournaments in Australia but was hopeful of improvement in its world ranking.

“I don’t say that we will win the champions trophy or 9-a-side tournament which we will be playing in our tour to Australia but I am confident of one thing that we can improve our ranking from number seven to atleast number five or four,” he told APP before the departure of the team to Australia here on Tuesday.

Pakistan will first play in a 9-a-side hockey tournament in Perth from November 22 followed by its participation in Champions Trophy from December 2 in Melbourne He said the sour memories of Pakistan’s finishing 7th in London Olympics are a saga of past and the tour of Australia is a new assignment which requires a much improved show from the team to better its ranking. “It is imperative to concentrate on bettering team’s ranking and is we ac-

have no extra pressure on myself as I am not speaking high about teams success in two back to back tournaments which will be the test of endeavour and potential of players.”

“I will be happy and contended if we improve our ranking to fourth or fifth place,” said the team official adding that worlds eight best teams will be show casing their talent in Champions trophy a much tougher tournament than world cup and Olympics.”

Akhtar, a former Pakistan captain, termed 9-a-side hockey tournament a faster version of the game which demands extra ability ,efforts and stamina of players. “ By featuring in it (9-a-side) we will be able to help the players to touch their peak which will be utilized in the Champions trophy for getting some good results.”

The former Olympian said he was not disappointed with the present state of the hockey and team’s performance.—APP

Healthy brain connections keep us smart in old age

M

AINTAINING healthy nerve con nections among distant brain ar eas may help keep us smart in old age, according to new research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry this week.

This brain “wiring” or white matter comprises billions of nerve fibers that carry signals around the various parts of the brain, and its condition affects our intelligence, for instance by influencing processing speed, conclude University of Edinburgh researchers in a study funded by the charity Age UK.The study found that older people with “robust brain wiring”, or whose white matter is in good condition, can process information quickly, which, the researchers suggest, boosts intelligence.

“Here, we provide evidence that lower brain-wide white matter tract integrity exerts a substantial negative effect on general intelligence through reduced information-processing speed,” they write.According to the findings, linking distant regions of the brain with healthy wiring improves mental performance, supporting the idea that intelligence is not found in one part of the brain.

The study forms part of a large research project led by Professor Ian Deary called Disconnected Mind, which aims to discover mechanisms of cognitive ageing. Deary also heads the Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology at

Edinburgh.This study is thought to be the first to show that deterioration of white matter as we get older is a significant cause of age-related cognitive decline.For their investigation, first author Dr Lars Penke and colleagues acquired structural brain magnetic resonance imaging scans from 420 older adults in their early 70s. The participants were part of the Lothian Birth Cohort of 1936, a group of nearly 1,100 people whose intelligence and general health have been followed since the age of 11.

From the scans the researchers were able to measure three properties: “fractional anisotropy” and two white matter integrity biomarkers that have not been used before to study intelligence: “longitudinal relaxation time” and “magnetisation transfer ratio”.Together, these properties measure the amount of water in brain tissue, indicate structural loss in the brain, and how well the nerve fibres are insulated.

As well as these scan measurements, as measures of intelligence, the researchers also had data from thinking and reaction time tests that the participants had completed.The results showed that each of the three white matter properties they measured “was independently associated with general intelligence, together explaining 10% of the variance, and their effect was completely mediated by information-processing speed”.

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah presiding over a meeting regarding filtration plants.

Imtiaz Shaikh criticizes govt for political crisis

APML demands Malik’s resignation for ‘childish’ law, order moves

STAFF REPORTER

solid solution to resolve the issue of law and order instead of adopting “childish strategies”.

She said due to a partial ban on motorcycling people of Karachi and Quetta were facing hardship in everyday matters, which was not fair for the common people and government as well. She said that it is matter of interest that people of PPP are not accepting the policies and decisions made by Rehman so how common people of Karachi and Quetta would accept his unjusti-

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT Malik should come forward with fied decisions.

KARACHI—All Pakistan MusLeague (APML) Tuesday KARACHI—Pakistan Muslim lim demanded of Interior Minister League-Functional (PML-F) leader Imtiaz Shaikh said on Tuesday that the Sindh government is responsible for the present political crisis in the province. While addressing the lawyers at Karachi Bar, he blamed the government for unrest, inflation, unemployment, poverty and other issues.

Criticizing the Sindh People’s Local Government Ordinance (SPLGO), 2012, Shaikh said that the government wanted to destroy the province through its favorite ordinance that is actually against the will of the people. The PML-F leaders said that his party supports democracy but the present government’s policies are against it.

Abdul Rehman Malik to resign for his alleged failure to maintain law and order situation in this commercial hub of the country.

The interior minister, the Musharraf-led party said, was using “childish” tactics to hide personal inefficiency. In a statement issued here from central information secretariat, APML’s spokesperson Aasia Ishaque said

CNG stations closed for 48 hours

KARACHI — The deputy in-

STAFF REPORTER

KARACHI: Ali Ahmed Al Qassimi, Consul General of Oman, Dr Mirza Ikhtiar Baig and K ARACHI — In its unusual Sindh Minister Rafiq Engineer cutting cake on the occasion of National Day of Oman. schedule for gas load-shedding, the Sui Southern Gas Company announced that CNG supply to filling stations in Sindh will reists, journalists and other digni- were Advisor to Prime Minister main suspended from WednesOBSERVER REPORT taries from across the country. on Textiles Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, day (today) for two days.

The ceremony saw Consul Sindh Minister for Archives K ARACHI — Tuesday was SSGC spokesman said the marked as a day of celebrations General of Oman Ali Ahmed Al- Rafique Engineer and Advisor to filling stations would be closed to commemorate the forty-sec- Qassimi welcoming his counter- Sindh Chief Minister Sharmila across the province at 9am toond National Day of the Sultan- parts from Russia, Germany, Farooqui.Business giants like day for 48 hours, reopening on Dubai, Sudan and other friendly Haroon Agar, president Karachi Friday morning, under loadate of Oman.

Oman celebrates National countries as well as other no- Chamber of Commerce and In- management plan of the governDay on the 18th of every Novem- tables from the official and un- dustry, were also present to facili- ment. He warned that any gas tate the Omani Consul General. filling station which violated the ber under the visionary leader- official circles in Pakistan.

Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Baig and Rafique shared the schedule would be closed for ship of Sultan Qaboos bin Said who is leading the Middle East- Ibad Khan was to attend the Na- glad moments by cutting the cake further 24 hours. The 48-hour ern country from the front. Or- tional Day program, but could not with Omani Consul General Ali shutdown adds to miseries of ganized here at a local hotel by make it to the event for some Ahmed Al-Qassimi.The guests people using CNG-powered vethe Consulate General of Oman, unknown reasons. The governor, extended their facilitations to the hicles or relying on CNG-run the reception was well attended however, sent a bouquet as a consul general as well Sultan transport as public transport by foreign diplomats, federal and show of solidarity with the Qaboos bin Said. The officials of turns thin on roads, making it Oman consulate were wearing hard for office workers to reach provincial government officials, Omani brethren.

Seen prominent in the event their traditional national outfits. their destinies. businessmen, traders, industrial-

Oman celebrates 42nd National Day

Smoking major cause of irreversible lung disease: COPD AMANULLAH KHAN K ARACHI —By the year 2020, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease COPD (COPD) is predicted to become the third leading cause of death worldwide.

Dr. Javaid A. Khan, Senior Faculty Member Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, AKU, sounded this note of warning while addressing an awareness program arranged at Karachi Press Club in relation to the World COPD Day. Reiterating the theme of this year “ Dr. Javaid stressed on smokers to quit smoking and save their and others lungs.

He further elaborated that “To-

bacco smoking and usage of fuels such as wood and coal are major causes of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease COPD, a disease that poses major health hazards and unfortunately remains largely under diagnosed and under treated in Pakistan” While speaking at the causes and control of COPD, Dr. Musavir Ansarie, Chest Specialist Health Care Hospital, said that the disease could occur due to second hand smoke also and the discouraged the ill trend of ‘Sheesha’ consumption specially in the youth. He mentioned candidly that, “smoking is not trendy, in fact it’s stupidity”.

The audience were given free Spirometry test, that enables measuring lung function, specifi-

cally the measurement of the amount (volume) and/or speed (flow) of air that can be inhaled and exhaled. The spirometry test was performed by many participants using a device called a spirometer.

Both the doctors explained that as there is no cure for COPD, all the currently available treatments concentrate on slowing progression of the disease, controlling symptoms, reducing complications and improving patient quality of life. “Stopping smoking is the single most effective intervention to reduce the risk of developing COPD and to stop its progression.” The doctors stressed.

While advising people not to ignore symptoms such as con-

tinuous cough, cough with sputum, felling breathless etc. And consult their doctors if such symptoms occur. They informed that there are a number of therapeutic interventions available for COPD, including the following inhalers: Bronchodilators relax and widen the airways making breathing easier and more comfortable Corticosteroids are a class of treatments available to reduce inflammation in the airways. Combination therapies: Combing the above therapies has shown to be a more effective than administering either alone. Combination therapies reduce exacerbations; improve symptoms and slow decline in health status.

She said that running government has pushed people behind the wall, nation is suffering mentally torture due to useless policies and decisions of rulers. The APML spokesperson urged the government for holding of sooner election as people would elect their genuine leadership for the rule and APML is fit for nation once again.

She said that APML’s candidates would contest election form every constituency and would get seats for the service of people and the country.

Stickers must for vehicles participating in Muharram OBSERVER REPORT spector general traffic police Karachi has announced for the information of owners of the vehicles that it would be mandatory to get stickers to be displayed on windscreen of their vehicles to participate in Muharram processions on November 25.

The stickers would be issued from 21st to 23rd November, i.e. 6th to 8th Muharramul-Harram, from office of the

DIGP/Traffic, Karachi (Traffic Security Branch) Police Headquarters Garden, Aga Khan-III Road, Karachi to government offices, media and ambulance.

He further informed that the vehicles of scouts, welfare organization, sabils, nazar and niaz distributing vehicles should submit their application form along with attested photocopies of documents, CNICs, license, registration book etc, at Scouts Rabta Council Office at Numaish (Contact No. 02135499955) from 19th to 21st No-

KARACHI—The one key issue that has potential to transform Pakistan’s future is education, said British Deputy High Commissioner and Director UK Trade and Investment in Pakistan Mr Francis Campbell.

The deputy high commissioner stated this while addressing a reception he hosted on Tuesday at his residence to introduce London School of Business and Finance’s (LSBF) Country Head for Pakistan, Faisal Azeem.

Mr Campbell said that yet another UK education institution of higher learning had come to Pakistan to put down roots and make the already close ties between the two countries even stronger.

He said that he had a strong hope to increase trade and investment between the two countries to 2.5 billion pounds sterling by 2015.

In his address, LSBF’s country head Faisal Azeem said the LSBF was hopeful to introduce its 360 degree Career Development

Programme in Pakistan.

He said this was a unified course that was globally recognized and prepares students to face the challenges of the 21st century.

He added that it was modern education that guaranteed employment to students but certain terms and conditions apply.

Azeem concluded by saying that LSBF was proud to be present in Pakistan and hoped to work alongside education institutions help Pakistani students choose their career paths and acquire world-class education.

Paradigm shift required in methods of education: CEO Beaconhouse AMANULLAH KHAN KARACHI—Kasim Kasuri, the CEO of Beaconhouse has said “There needs to be an immediate paradigm shift in the methods of education on a global level. Moderating various sessions at Pakistan’s first overseas educational conference on School of tomorrow held in Kuala Lumpur today added “We need to create an environment where students take ownership of their own learning and where teachers play the role of facilitators. We want to challenge and

STAFF REPORTER

K ARACHI — The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain has appealed all vember and get the receipt. religious scholars and the people To get the stickers from of- to respect everyone’s ideology fice of the DIGP/Traffic Karachi and belief and foil all conspira(Traffic Security Branch) Police cies by miscreants during Headquarters Garden, Aga Muharram-ul-Haram.

Khan-III Road, Karachi from In a statement, the MQM 22nd to 23rd November after chief appealed to foil conspirasubmitting their receipts. cies aimed at igniting sectarian He advised that the men- strife by exhibiting ideal sectartioned documents (attested ian harmony during the month. photo copies) registration book He also urged the people to of the vehicle, national iden- avoid hurting those who have tity card of the vehicle owner, different beliefs and ideology. driving licence, CNIC and three attested photographs of the driver.

Education key to Pakistan’s success: UK Deputy HC OBSERVER REPORT

Altaf urges mutual respect

shake up the current mindset in Bangladesh, Philippines and Ineducation, even amongst the ex- donesia. The conference explores perts and educationists, the schol- the future of learning and ars and the professors, and schools. This conference also change the way we do things. marks the 37th anniversary of the Our ultimate aim is to pave the Beaconhouse School System, the way into creating empowered largest school system of its kind life-long learners who will form in the world. a better workforce for the future”.

Richard Gerver, a renowned Beachonhouse said that a 2- inspirational speaker and author day education conference of ‘Creating Tomorrow’s organised by Beaconhouse Schools Today’,delivered the brought teachers, school leaders, keynote address to internationchange agents, policy makers and ally recognised delegates as well government officials from across as teachers and school heads Pakistan, Malaysia, UAE, Oman, from public and private schools UK, USA, Singapore, Thailand, in Malaysia.

Korean Food Festival tomorrow STAFF REPORTER

K ARACHI —The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea will host “ Korean Food Festival 2012” on Thursday 22nd November , 2012 at 7:00 pm at Ocean View Lawn, Defence Country & Golf Club, Karachi.

Chef Sang-chul HAN ( Master in Food Service) and Chef Moo-sub KIM already arrive to cook Korean foods and honour Korean Food Festival.

Korean Food Festival is a special event designed to share the unique culture and discover rich flavors of Korean Foods.

Koreans have believed that food is in the same rooted and eating food is work of heaven.

Koreans have been devoted to prepare food in all process from growing ingredients, cooking, table setting, sharing and eating the food. Thus Korean food has a taste of home which is made from mother’s love.

Korean food features the community spirit, nature friendly philosophy, and humanism of Koreans. Korean cuisine offers a wide range of tastes and styles. Most Korean foods are made with all natural ingredients like soybean paste, soy source and red pepper powder.

But among the various ingredients, most important ingredient is devotion. Korean believe that preparing a truly delicious meal requires a great deal of care and dedication.

Walking, cycling may ease cancer-related fatigue

P

EOPLE who have been treated for cancer often have lingering fatigue, but regular walking or cycling might help boost their energy, according to a UK study that looked at more than two thousand people. The long-lasting tiredness of cancer patients has been blamed both on the cancer itself, including cancer-related pain, and on the effects of treatments such as chemotherapy. Prior studies point to talk therapy, nutrition counseling and acupuncture as possible remedies.

But light-to-moderate exercise has the advantage of being something people can do on their own time, for little or no cost, said the researchers, whose findings appeared in The Cochrane Library. “We’re not expecting people to go out and be running a mile the next day,” said Fiona Cramp, who worked on the analysis at the University of the West of England in Bristol.

“Some people will be well enough that they’re able to go for a jog or go for a bike ride, and if they can, that’s great.

But we would encourage people to start with a low level.” Cramp and her colleague James Byron-Daniel pooled findings from 38 studies that directly compared more than 2,600 people with cancer-related fatigue who did or didn’t go through an exercise program.

The majority of that research looked at women with breast cancer and the type

of exercise program varied, from walking or biking to weight training or yoga.

More than half of the studies included multiple exercises or allowed participants to choose their own type of physical activity. The amount of prescribed exercise ranged from two times per week to daily workouts, lasting anywhere from ten minutes to two hours, depending on the study.

When they combined the results, the researchers found physical activity both during and after cancer treatment was tied to improved energy. In particular, aerobic exercise such as walking and cycling tended to reduce fatigue more than resistance training. “What we do know is there will be an appreciable difference; the average patient will get a benefit from physical activity,” Cramp said, though the actual benefit will vary.

For example, there were exercise-related benefits for people with breast cancer and prostate cancer, although not for those with leukemia and lymphoma. “Some of the hematologic patients may not have the reserves to always tolerate the aerobic exercise,” said Carol Enderlin, who has studied fatigue and cancer at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock.

“They do not always have the oxygen carrying capacity, for instance,” because the disease and treatment affect blood cell counts.

LHC moved against by-elections STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—The Lahore High Court (LHC) Justice Mansoor Ali Shah on Tuesday conducted the hearing of petition that leaded the court to stop holding by-election on December 04.

The LHC issued notices to the candidates and directed election commission to submit its reply on November 26.

Petitioner Sarfraz Naeemi took the stance that as per Constitution, the by-elections could not be held when there were only 120 days left to the general elections but the election commission issued the schedule of holding by-polls on December 04 in vacant constituencies of Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sahiwal and Sialkot.

The petitioner said that LAHORE: Supporters of Jamiat Tulba Arabia chanting slogans against Israel during a protest against its barbaric the by-elections schedule is- attacks on Gaza. sued by the ECP does not have any legal value. He pleaded the court to stop the election commission from holding by-polls.

The LHC issued notices to the Election Commission of Pakistan and the candidates and ordered to submit of resources in the country stan Muslim League-N will L AHORE —Punjab governSALIM AHMED their reply on November 26. but the real issue is of vision, contest the forthcoming gen- ment has finalised foolproof eral elections on the basis of arrangements for law and L AHORE —Punjab Chief intention and deeds.

He said that people and its performance and will tell rder during current sacred Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that media are clamoring over the people what it has done month of Muharram- ulpeople had given mandate to malpractices and corruption for them despite limited re- Haram. the federal rulers for good but the rulers are unmoved sources.

They plans included He said that PPP has round the clock monitoring governance but they insulted and there is no sign of good public mandate by their governance or financial dis- given nothing but price-hike, of Law and Order situation L AHORE —Veteran photog- the inefficiency and worst cor- cipline. He said that national unemployment and depriva- at local and provincial levrapher Agha Feroz will put on progress and prosperity is tions to the masses. Replydisplay photos of Shaheed ruption during the last four directly linked with a strong ing to another question, els in the province , said and half years.

Punjab Minister for EducaZulfikar Ali Bhutto at the In an interview, the Chief democracy and continuity of Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif tion Mian Mujtaba ShujaNairang Art Gallery on Minister said that we are not democratic process. He made said that we are hopeful that ur-Rehman Tuesday.

Wednesday. an appeal to political leader- PML-N will come out as the Talking to Ulema, memAccording to organisers, discouraged with the situa- ship to avoid the path of eco- majority party of the country tion of the country but bebers of peace committee, the exhibition includes off nomic suicide and political in the elections and Nawaz the record photos which the lieve in good governance and subjugation and set proper Sharif will emerge as the sym- public leaders and district solution of people’s probadministration in artist captured from the life lems. He said that Zardari targets as it is the only op- bol of hope and trust of the Sheikhupura, he urged of the great leader. tion for survival and progress nation while the fate of the them to play the role for Pakistan Cricket Board gang wants to escape from of the country. allies of Zardari in loot and maintaining peace, unity general elections as its incom(PCB) Chairman Muhammed In reply to a question, plunder will be seen by the and tolerance in society Zaka Ashraf will inaugurate petence, corruption and fail- Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif whole world. ures have been exposed but during Muharram. the exhibition.—APP He said that there is a the people will not allow it to said that the nation has Mian Mujtaba Shuja-urdo so and bring it to its logi- seen Zardari model of de- need for comprehensive Rehman, according to a cal end. He said that inflation mocracy and Zardari gang, policy to root out terrorism hand out, stated that gloand unemployment have disappointed by its future, and sabotage. He said all bal peace can be achieved made the lives of the masses is resorting to negative tac- possible measures have been by following the teachings taken to check extremism in of the Holy Prophet miserable while power crisis, tics.

He said that by the grace Punjab. He said that every (PBUH). shortage of gas and the skyMUZAFFAR ALI rocketing prices of daily use of Allah, any step taken by Pakistani is concerned over “We can eliminate exitems have become a symbol us in difficult circumstances lawlessness in Karachi. tremism and violence from He said peace in Karachi the world by seeking guidL AHORE —A chemical fac- of bad governance of the fed- was meant for the betterment of the nation especially poor is essential for a safe eco- ance from Holy Quran and tory was gutted in fire in the eral government. nomic future of the country. teachings of the Holy He said that we have masses. area of Sherakot Police StaHe said that we have not He said that we will continue Prophet (PBUH)”, he tion here on Tuesday and been making efforts in this goods worth millions of ru- direction and will continue to looted but facilitated the to face crisis after crisis un- said.—APP pees burnt to ashes, rescue do so in future as well. He people and safeguarded their less the course of economic said that there is no paucity interests. He said that Paki- development is changed. team said.

According to rescue 1122, the fire erupted in chemical factory, situated in the residential area of Sherakot, and soon spread in Ch Parvez Elahi an- 1997 till today and would do the entire premises where a HABIB KHAN nounced that Sajid Hussain so in future as well. large number of drums filled LAHORE—Staff of the ComHe said under the patron- mercialization Directorate of with chemicals were stored. L A H O R E — N - L e a g u e ’ s Chatha from NA-101 and Ch After receiving the emer- former MPA Haji Shaukat Adil Bakhsh Chatha from PP- age and leadership of Ch Lahore Development Augency call, firemen reached Hayat Chatha’s son and 103 will be PML’s candidates. Shujat Hussain and Ch thority on Tuesday sealed on the spot and managed to former ticket holder Ch Adil He said that we had estab- Parvez Elahi we will work to- four private schools and a douse the blaze while the Bakhsh Chatha called on Pa- lished cardiology hospital in gether in district Gujranwala, marble factory in Gulshan-Elabourers staying in the pre- kistan Muslim League senior Wazirabad as a gift for the will further strengthen the Ravi area on account of nonmises managed to come out central leader and Deputy adjoining districts but vin- party and Inflict humiliating payment of commercialization safely soon after the fire was Prime Minister Ch Parvez dictive politics of N-League defeat on N-League, Insha- fee. noticed.

Elahi at his residence and did not allow it to be func- Allah.

According to the ComThe city government of- announced to join PML tional. mercialization Directorate, He said the joint candificials also rushed to the spot along with his colleagues. three branches of the Ameriand successfully launched Talking to the delegation dates of Pakistan Muslim can Lyceteff School, situated operation to vacant the adja- headed by PML candidate League and Peoples Party on plots number 28 F, 1 and 2 cent buildings and no cau- for National Assembly Sajid would wipe out N-League G and 3 E were re-sealed, besality is reported.

Hussain Chatha on the oc- from Punjab in the next gensides blocking of their pasShort-circuit is sus- casion, Ch Parvez Elahi said eral elections. sages.

Adil Bakhsh Chatha pected to be the cause of that we do politics of prinThese branches had earthe fire, rescue team said, ciples, once we agree to sup- speaking on the occasion L A H O R E — O p p o s i t i o n lier been sealed three days said that we have opposed adding that further investi- port anyone then there is no leader in the Punjab Assem- ago but their seals had been Hamid Nasir Chatha since bly Raja Riaz Ahmed has broken in an unauthorized gation is on. let up ever from our side. condemned the suicide at- manner. tack on the convoy of Qazi The LDA staff also Hussain and said that these sealed Dar-e-Arqam School cowardice acts could not bar and Mughal Marble Facthe government from holding tory.—APP timely elections.

Talking to APP on Monday, he said, the present government which was going to complete its constitutional tenure, had been confronting terrorism since the first day. Some unscrupulous elements do not want democracy in the country, but, the continuity of democratic system is the real revenge from the anti-state forces, he added.

Antagonists are scared of rising popularity of the PPP, he said and added that acts like attacks on politicians and other key figures were to restrict the party LAHORE: Fire fighters struggling to extinguish fire which eruppted in the factory leadership to serve the on Tuesday. masses.—APP

Zardari wants to escape from elections: Shahbaz

Arrangements for law & order finalised

Adil Chattha joins PML-Q

Four schools, marble factory sealed

ZAB photo exhibition

Chemical factory gutted

LAHORE: Students taking keen interest in posters during an exhibition organized by Physics Department of Lahore College for Women University.

Efforts against dengue successful STAFF REPORTER L AHORE —Punjab

Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that Allah Almighty be praised that our efforts against dengue have proved successful.

He said that it is by the grace of Allah and collective efforts of all concerned institutions that a victory has been achieved in the fight against dengue.

He said that more than 21 thousand people were affected by dengue last year while 354 lost their lives.

Compared to this, he said, only 261 persons were affected by dengue during

current year while no one has died for which we are thankful to Allah the Merciful.

In a message, the Chief Minister praised Allah Almighty for success in the fight against dengue as well as congratulated the nation and said that people stood by him in the war against dengue at every front for which he is grateful to his political colleagues, medical experts, paramedical staff and government servants.

He said that victory against dengue was not possible without collective efforts and all out cooperation of all segments of the society.

The Chief Minister also commended the cooperation of the governments of Sri Lanka, Thailand and Indonesia and the cooperation of their medical experts. He said that Ulema, teachers, labourers, students, women, welfare organizations, laboratory owners, trust hospital, media and political workers also extended invaluable cooperation in overcoming dengue virus and worked day and night during antidengue campaign.

He said that officials of district governments and members of dengue brigade played a vanguard role in the war against dengue.

LESCO chief asks defaulters to pay arrears L AHORE —Lahore Electric and SDOs working in distri- formance will be taken to Supply Company (LESCO) on Tuesday warned public and private sector defaulters to clear their arrears within the stipulated period or face disconnection of power supply.

Newly appointed Chief Executive LESCO, Muhammad Saleem told APP Today.

“We have launched a vigorous campaign for the recovery of arrears. All defaulters have been strictly warned irrespective of their status to clear their current bills and arrears to avoid any action which may lead to immediate disconnection of their power connection.”

He said that all SEs, Xens

bution companies in Sheikupura, Kasur, Okara, Lahore and Nankana districts had been directed to disconnect the power supply of defaulters forthwith and initiate action against them.

All the SDOs have also been strictly directed to personally pursue and plead cases in the court, he added.

He said that recovery teams had been constituted at sub-division level to fully ensure 100 per cent recovery of arrears especially dead arrears from the defaulters.

Muhammad Saleem said he will personally monitor the overall performance of all subordinate field officers and officials showing poor per-

task.

The Chief Executive warned all officials not to restore the power supply unless all the arrears were cleared failing which concerned officer would be suspended.

He said that all officers would be responsible for achieving the targets sets by the authority.

Meanwhile, Xen, Hujra Shahmukeem Division, Maqsood Ahmad in compliance with Chief Executive’s directive has issued disconnection notices for more than 130 chronic defaulters and directed SDOs and Line Superintendents to receive arrears on priority. —APP

Riaz condemns attack on Qazi’s convoy