D-8 adopts charter Security tightened in country to boost cooperation Govt considers cellular Vision 2012-30 for prosperity Stress laid on peace, democracy, progress
ISLAMABAD—The Developing-
Through this Charter, the laration; when the organization 8 Organization for Economic Member States of the D-8 Orga- of established in 1997. Resolving to further Cooperation adopted its Charter nization for Economic Cooperahere in its 8th summit held at tion: committed themselves to strengthen the deep-rooted his-
peoples for effective cooperation in all spheres for achieving their common economic goals of development.
service suspension STAFF REPORTER RAWALPINDI—The government is considering temporarily suspending cellular services in order to thwart possible terrorist attacks as the holy day of Ashura draws closer, the interior minister said Thursday. In Rawalpindi, Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik said that there were credible terror threats for 8th, 9th and 10th
3 FC personnel killed in Peshawar terrorist attack
Twin blasts bomber identified
ISLAMABAD—As the general
It should be mentioned here that two people were killed and 10 others wounded in two backto-back explosions near an imambargah located in Orangi Town-5. One of the deceased has been identified as Arsalan. The body of suicide bomber was identified by his brother. According to SP Noman Siddiqui, the samples from the human body organs found from the blasts’ scene, will be sent for DNA tests. Both the blast were caused by bombs planted and controlled through similar devices. According to the report of police, the Orangi Town bombing resembles a motorcycle blast that occurred a couple of days ago in Abbas Town, Gulshane-Iqbal.—NNI
Shoot-on-site orders issued in Punjab
Morsi bows out of summit
Petrol price up by Rs.1.57, other POL rates slashed
Judges case
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India demands extra security at HC in Pakistan
AG refuses to give arguments, on holiday
ISLAMABAD—Chairman NAB
taken serious notice of crimiI SLAMABAD —The Supreme ing there is clear instructions has from the Chief Justice that the nal negligence of Civil Aviation
NEW DELHI—India has asked Court of Pakistan on Thursday Pakistan to increase security at its embassy ahead of the execution of Ajmal Kasab who was hanged for his role in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. An Indian foreign ministry spokesman on Thursday confirmed that India notified Pakistan on Tuesday of the imminent execution and asked for higher security out of fear of demonstrations or possible reprisals.—INP
NAB takes punitive action against CAA, CDA
resumed hearing on a case regarding appointment of judges at the Islamabad High Court (IHC) but the Attorney General Irfan Qadir refused to give arguments while questioning why the bench resumed hearing a public holiday. As the hearing on the case resumed, Qadir did not appear before the bench initially but the bench ordered that attorney general should come to the court. Later, when Qadir arrived at the court he refused to give arguments, saying hearing on a public holiday is a unique example. Upon which, Justice Arif Khilji said that a local holiday did mean a nationwide holiday, add-
Supreme Court should function even during public holidays in case of important cases. It may be mentioned that the federal government has announced a local public holiday in Islamabad because of D-8 Summit being held in the capital. Upon arriving at the Supreme Court, Qadir told media persons that the Supreme Court, which is located in the red zone, should have observed the federal government decision on holiday. He said that it is against the narrative that the apex court is working despite the official holiday in Islamabad.
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Authority’s (CAA) and has directed Operations Divisions to conduct inquiry into the matter. Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) incompetence and negligence caused loss of more than one billion and precious time of 10 years in faulty design of new Islamabad Airport. The airport does not meet the international standards for use of both airstrips for simultaneous operations as the interstrip distance instead of 800 Ms is only 300 Ms, inspite of availability of space and land. Chairman NAB took serious notice of criminal negligence and has directed Op-
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Zardari’s bargaining chip to Nawaz
D-8 states can serve as catalyst for peace: Zardari
Kayani rules out army operation in Karachi
motorcycle riding for the next three days was also under consideration. The Sindh provincial government closed down the Abdullah Shah Ghazi shrine in Karachi until midnight Thursday, also citing security risks and terrorist attack threats. Sindh provincial minister Nadeem Bhutto told reporters that there were threats of a possible terrorist attack, with po-
Partial ban on bikes in Karachi
PESHAWAR—Two bombs were recovered from GT Road near Nishtarabad Chowk area of the city from under Sikandar Khan Khalil Flyover, and both the bombs have been defused; meanwhile three FC personnel KARACHI—Sindh Home Minwere killed and several others istry on Thursday notified a injured in the result of the partial ban on using motorbikes terrorists attack on FC check till 10th Muharram in Karachi. post Baddaber area of According to the notificaPeshawar. tion, parking of bikes within the The attackers came from range of half kilometers from the tribal area and attacked the imambargahs has also been check post; meanwhile the prohibited while the provincial firing continued between the government has also declared forces and terrorists for half ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and others leaders of D-8 countries witnessing the signing of D-8 Charter by more than 15 areas across the and hour—SANA city as ‘sensitive’ during Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Thursday. Ashura. The D-8 expressed determiAiwan-e-Sadr on Thursday follow the principles and objec- torical affinities that exist among Meanwhile, the prelimiwhich was signed by the foreign tives stated in the Istanbul Dec- the Member States and their nation to make collective endeav- nary report of Wednesday’s ors for the welfare of their people twin bombings near an ministers of each participating for uplifting social and economic imambargah in the city’s country to promote interaction, conditions, in particular, towards Orangi Town area, has been trade and economic ties between the elimination of poverty and to prepared. them. achieve higher standards of livThe signing ceremony of the The initial report revealed ISLAMABAD—Iranian ing. The organization desired to that blasts were launched with D-8 Charter was also witnessed President Mahmood establish a strong framework of planted devices and the suicide by the leaders of the summit who Ahmedinejad Thursday said Addressing the opening of economic cooperation for devel- bomber has been identified as earlier spent their whole day in ISLAMABAD—President Asif that Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline consultation among each other on Ali Zardari has called upon D- the 8th summit of the D-8 opment covering all areas of acproject would be completed by various aspects to include in 8 countries to work for devel- countries in Islamabad Thurs- tivities and geared to the im- Arshad. 2014. Addressing a news Charter to improve the working opment solutions for their one day after assuming chairman- provement of the economic and conference in Islamabad billion people with focus on ship of the organization from social indicators that would bring of the organizations. Thursday evening, he said work The Charter included com- encouraging the free flow of Nigerian President the Presi- qualitative change in the lives of is speedily in progress for prehensive details of objectives goods, free flow of peoples and dent said presence of the heads the people in the Member States. laying of gas pipelines in Iran. and principles of the organization free flow of finances. The D-8 through this CharContinued on Page 7 The Iranian President said for improving its activities. Continued on Page 7 his country is cooperating with Pakistan in the energy sector. MUZAFFAR ALI Iran would provide one thousand megawatt electricity LAHORE—Punjab police anto Pakistan, he added. nounced on Thursday that Continued on Page 7 ‘shoot-on-site’ orders have been ISLAMABAD—Egyptian Presi- issued for terrorists during forming their duties to the best police and rangers are deployed dent Mohamed Morsi bowed Ashura. Outlining security meaSTAFF REPORTER of their abilities. “Contingents of at all sensitive points in Karachi,” out of a scheduled visit to Pa- sures during Ashura, DIG Opkistan, where he was due to at- erations Punjab Police said that ISLAMABAD : Chief of Army he added. terrorist activities are feared in Commenting on army’s tend the Developing Eight Lahore, adding that terrorists Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq role during Muharram, he said summit in Islamabad, the Pa- can opt for indiscriminate firing, Pervez Kayani on Thursday said the armed forces were ready to kistani government confirmed there was no need of an army opbomb blasts or suicidal attacks. ISLAMABAD—The governrender any help for maintain- Thursday. eration in Karachi and Rangers He said that participants of Morsi — who was thanked ment on Thursday increased ing peace in the country. “Army were performing their duties well the main procession would be per litre price of petrol by is ready to help in maintaining by the United States for helping in the city. Speaking to media checked at four different points, Rs1.57 and slashed other POL representatives on the sidelines peace and control-ling terror- to broker a ceasefire between Is- adding renewed instructions rates by up to Rs.4. The Oil ism during Muharram,” said rael and Hamas — had been were issued following blasts in of the D8-Summit, the army chief and Gas Regulatory Authority ex-pressed his satisfaction over Kayani. He, however, said it stated to join the Islamabad talks Karachi and Rawalpindi. (OGRA) issued a notification the current security arrangements was civilian government’s pre- but state TV in Egypt said he Punjab police official said after approval by the Finance made in the metropolis. rogative to call armed forces for would now stay home to monithat all routes of the processions Ministry. any help to maintain law and tor the truce. Lauding role of police and In Pakistan, officials said would be monitored through seAccording to the notifica- Rangers for peace in the Sindh order in the country. “We can’t curity cameras. Meanwhile piltion, petrol price has been take control of the situation on they did not know why Morsi lion riding has been banned capital, Kayani said both the law was no longer coming, but that increased by Rs1.57 per litre our own,” he added. enforcement agencies were perVice President Mahmud Mekki across Punjab province from the and reduced the rate of 9th and 10th of Muharram. Talkhad arrived instead.—NNI kerosene by Rs4.23; high ing to media Punjab Inspector speed diesel by Rs 3.52; light
Nejad hopes PakIran gas pipeline to complete in 2014
of Muharram. The interior minister said a strategy was being planned to block cellular services from Thursday midnight. He said that the provincial governments had also recommended banning cellular services on 9th and 10th Muharram due to the security situation. Militants often use mobile phones as remote controls to detonate bombs and improvised explosive devices. Malik added that a ban on
General Police (IGP) Haji Habib-ur-Rehman while inspecting the Ashura routes here on Thursday said the Punjab police have made elaborate security arrangements for Muharram. “The strength of security officials will be 120,000 who will monitor the processions, while a force of 15,000 men will cover the main procession,” he added. He further said that CCTV cameras would monitor security at all entry and exit points of Lahore. He said that apart from ground security aerial surveillance will also be operational during the processions. He said that probable terrorist activities have been anticipated considering the recent upsurge in the dreadful bombings. He further added that fool-proof security measures were being implemented considering the sensitiv-
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LIAQAT TOOR elections are approaching fast, President Asif Ali Zardari, who is master in making political tactics, has dished out his last bargaining chip to PML (N) leader Mian Nawaz Sharif by constituting an investigating team to delve into alleged corruption cases against him and his family members. The repeated threats of Interior Minister Rehman Malik in the recent past to reopen cases of money laundering against Sharif family has finally led to constituting a four- member FIA team to probe the cases. Additional Director Naveed Tareen, ADC Anti-Corruption Khalid Qureshi, Director Law, Haji Azam and Director Khadim Hussain Bhatti are members of the team. The sources privy to the developments said the team will be
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LHC accepts Dr Asim’s apology STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—The Lahore High Court (LHC) two members bench comprising on Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial has accepted unconditional apology of Advisor to Prime Minister on petroleum Dr Asim Hussain. The court issued a court contempt notice to Dr Asim for commenting on LHC stay orders against imposition of levy at LPG under the influence of gas mafia in a television programme aired by a private television. During the last hearing, the court sought personal appearance of the advisor to explain his position for irresponsible statement to media.Dr Asim presented beContinued on Page 7
Pak pays back 7th IMF instalment AMANULLAH KHAN
Karzai’s tacit overtures with India pose perils for Pakistan JAVED MAHMOOD I SLAMABAD —The growing and secret overtures of Afghanistan’s President Hamid Karzai with India are being seen dangerous for Pakistan and security in the region especially in the backdrop of the NATO forces gradual withdrawal from Afghanistan from 2014, sources said. During Karzai’s recent visit, Afghanistan and India have signed four open Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) that are aimed at promoting bilateral economic cooperation, but the
defence sources claimed that both the sides have also signed two secret agreements to damage/target the interests of Pakistan, sources told Pakistan Observer on Wednesday.Karzai visited India for four days (Nov 9-13) on the invitation of Pranab Mukherjee, President of India. According to the important points of Afghanistan-India joint statement published in the Indian media at the end of Karzai’s visit, the two leaders (Karzai and Mukherjee) expressed severe condemnation of terrorism and extremism that had been inflicted on their countries from beyond
their borders and expressed their determination to work with the international community to combat the forces of terrorism posing a threat to the region. They also stressed on the need to deal firmly with the safe havens for terrorists groups that continue to exist outside Afghanistan’s borders, said the statement. The two sides signed the following four open agreements during the visit: (i) Memorandum of Understanding on Small Development Projects (SDPs)
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K ARACHI —Pakistan repaid the seventh installment of $394 million to International Monetary Fund which would certainly help maintaining soverign credit rating on the international front, however, the pressure on the depleting foreign exchange reserves was quite visible. It may be noted that Pakistan to-date has paid SDRs 1,644 million equivalent US$ 2,522 million to IMF, since Feb-2012: Although the payment of next installment is due in February 2013 yet the shrinking reserves which were marked at $ 13,845.5 million last week may go down further after payment to the IMF and slowing down inflows except the valuable source of overseas Pakistanis
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Facilities to jail inmates on cards STAFF REPORTER
$ 4.7m Japan aid to support flood victims STAFF REPORTER
I SLAMABAD —The GovernP E S H A W A R — K h y b e r ment of Japan decided on Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Barrister Arshad Abdullh Thursday said that government is working to improve the existing conditions in prisons and taking result oriented steps for providing necessary facilities to the inmates. He expressed these views in a day long workshop held under the aegis of Society for Human Rights and Prisoners in collaboration with Federal Republic of Germany Juvenile Justice Project. The workshop was also addressed by Director Probation, Waseema Jameel and Chairman Syed Liaqat Banori. Liaqat Banori said that department of probation is working efficiently in the province and approximately 1700 people are on probation period. He said that Juvenile Justice Project is also working for providing legal aid to the prisoners of below 18 years languishing in KP jails. Speaking on the occasion, Law Minister said that government is encouraging civil society and all those organizations that are supporting the endeavors of government to make children useful part of our socio system. Arshad Abdullah said that concerted efforts are being made to control the social injustices, adding proper legislation and their implementation in this regard are need of the hour.
Early completion of dev schemes urged STAFF REPORTER P E S H AWA R —Deputy Speaker, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, Khushdil Khan advocate has asked the authorities of the departments of irrigation, education and Peshawar Electricity Supply Company (PESCO) for completion of the remaining work of developmental schemes. He also asked them for other related matters in Sherkera, Adezai and Azakhel areas till first week of Dec 2012 to fulfill the extension of 100% relief to the people before the elections. He was talking to concerned authorities and local notables after inspecting work on development schemes in different areas of his electoral constituency PK-10 here Thursday. Besides, Executive Engineer, Irrigation, Samiullah Kundi. DDO Darwish Khan, Superintendent, PESCO, Shabaan Khan, president ANP, PK-10, Abdul Baqi, vice president, Bacha Jee and other local elders. The Deputy Speaker made it clear that as the funds of annual development programme (ADP) have been released, therefore the pace of construction work on the projects concerned should not only be accelerated, but should be completed as soon as possible. The development schemes were included under construction middle, higher secondary schools in different areas of PK-10, JICA funded 5.80-kilometer Adezai-Sherkera and installation of irrigation tube-wells on Matani and Och Nehar.
November 22 to provide emergency grant aid worth 4.7 million US Dollars in view of supporting those who are affected by the devastating floods in 2012 in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. This new support comes in addition to the provision of emergency relief goods decided on November 9. This emergency grant aid consists of three components and will be implemented through three international organizations as follows: Food security (US$ 2.9Ø million): World Food Programme (WFP), Shelters and non-
food items (US$Ø 1.0 million): the International Organization for Migration (IOM); Water and sanitation (US$ 0.8 million): the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UNHABITAT) Even after two months since the monsoon caused floods in the southern Punjab, the northern Sindh and the north-eastern Balochistan, a large part of these regions still remains under water. According to the damage update issued by the National Disaster Management Authority of Pakistan on November 21, 571 deaths have been reported so far and the total number of those affected is approximately 4.85 million people,
including 141,843 persons in relief camps. Those affected still require immediate food assistance as they struggle to rebuild their livelihoods. As the winter approaches and the threat of water-borne diseases continues, appropriate shelters and water and sanitation facilities are also among the priority needs of the affected population. In light of friendly relations between Japan and Pakistan, the Government of Japan has decided to carry out emergency assistance to alleviate the sufferings of those affected in the regions. This assistance is extended in addition to the provision of emergency relief goods worth up to 35 million Japanese Yen
(around 437,000 US Dollars) on which the Government of Japan decided earlier on November 9. Following this earlier decision, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is planning to deliver tents, blankets and plastic sheets to the regions in early to mid December. Including all these measures of assistance, Japan’s humanitarian cooperation in support of the victims of floods in 2010, 2011 and 2012 amounts up to approximately 584 million US dollars. Earlier, the government of Japan has decided on Saturday to extend emergency relief goods around $437,000 to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The Japan International
Cooperation Agency (JICA) will implement the assistance by providing tents, blankets and plastic sheets to meet the dire needs of those affected by the floods in 2012. Even after two months since the monsoon caused floods in the southern Punjab, the northern Sindh and the northeastern Balochistan, a large part of these regions still remains under water. According to the damage update by National Disaster Manag-ement Agency of Pakistan on November 7, 474 deaths have been reported and approximately 5.04 million people (including approximately 160,000 persons in relief camps) have been affected so far.
School of Tomorrow promotes learning level OBSERVER REPORT ISLAMABAD—Pakistan’s first
PESHAWAR: Activists of Teachers Association chanting slogans during a protest demonstration against Israeli attacks on Gaza.
Thousands deprived of polio drops in Bajaur OUR CORRESPONDENT B AJAUR A GENCY —Threeday anti-polio campaign in Bajaur Agency concluded on Thursday, however, thousands of children still remained deprived of Polio vaccines, due to sheer negligence of the officials. Sources said the local health department set a target of providing polio-vaccines to 222,000 children aged up to five years, but due to negligence, incompetence of the appointed staff and ineffective monitoring arrangements, the goal could not be achieved.
World Health Organisation (WHO) has showed dissatisfaction on the performance of health department personnel and expressed danger of increase in polio cases in the area. WHO has also summoned relevant report from its local officers. In addition, the high-ups in Health Department are diffident regarding awareness-campaign by NRDF and local health department about polio-eradication among the locals. Sources added that the high officials of WHO and UNICEF have started inves-
tigations about the funds spent during the three-day campaign. On the other hand, the local personnel of health department have started gathering details of those children who could not be given polio vaccines during the campaign that started on November 18. They have assured that all the respective children will be given polio vaccines. It merits mentioning here that five polio cases were reported during 2012 in Bajaur Agency, and the health department has expressed fear that more patients of polio are going to emerge.—Online
Shahbaz’s school reforms lauded SALIM AHMED L AHORE —A representative of the Department for International Development (DFID) and a renowned educationist, Sir Michael Barber has said that the basic educational structure of the Punjab province is getting absolutely changed owning to the Schools Reforms Roadmap of the Punjab Chief Minister, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and expressed the hope that the Punjab province would be a glaring example in the field of education for all the countries in the region during the coming four to five years.
He said that it was for the first time in the history of the province that such an extensive measures, had been taken under the revolutionary vision of the Punjab Chief Minister regarding the uplift of the education sector, the enrollment of children in schools, reduction in the drop out ratio and the provision of missing facilities in schools. He expressed these views while speaking at a press conference flanked by Special Assistant to CM Punjab on Education, Syed Zaeem Hussain Qadri, Saira Afzal Tarrar MNA, Secretary Schools Aslam Kamboh, Vice Chairman Punjab Educational
Endowment Fund Dr. Amjad Saqib at 90-Shahrah-e-Quaide-Azam, here today. He pointed out that the initiatives taken by the Punjab Chief Minister had been acclaimed not only within the country but also by the world institutions including the World Bank. Sir Michael Barber disclosed that as much as Rs.16 billion has so far been spnet on the provision of missing facilities in schools. Likewise, as many as 81 thousand teachers had been recruited during the last two years purely on merit basis whereas some 1.80 lakh teachers had also been trained in that context.
CHAMAN: Journalists stage demonstration against target killing of their collegue, outside Press Club.
69 PMS officers awarded certificates STAFF REPORTER P E S H AWA R —The graduation ceremony of 69th preservice training of Provincial Management Service Officers (PMS) Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was held here Thursday wherein 69 officers were given course completion certificates. Chairman Public Service Commission Riaz Noor, while speaking as chief guest on the occasion, urged upon the officers, who successfully completed the training course to work for the progress and development of the country. “Another phase of your life begins where you enter a practical life”, he said and emphasized on graduating officers to utilize their professional capabilities for the welfare of the poor people of the country so that they benefit. He said that the nation was pinning high hopes on the public servants and hoped that the newly passed out graduates would live up to the expectations of the masses.
overseas educational conference, the fourth School of Tomorrow Conference opened to a crowd of over 600 delegates from 11 countries around the world at the Sunway Hotel Resort and Spa in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, says a massage recived here. The 2-day education conference organised by Beaconhouse brought teachers, school leaders, change agents, policy makers and government officials from across Pakistan, Malaysia, UAE, Oman, UK, USA, Singapore, Thailand, Bangladesh, Philippines and Indonesia. The conference explores the future of learning and schools. This conference also marks the 37th anniversary of the Beaconhouse School System, the largest school system of its kind in the world. Richard Gerver, a renowned inspirational speaker and author of ‘Creating Tomorrow’s Schools Today’, delivered the keynote address to internationally recognised delegates as well as teachers and school heads from public and private schools in Malaysia. Mr. Gerver’s speech emphasised that we, as educationist, need to focus on what really matters - our children, their potential and the challenges they face in an increasingly changing world. He continued by stating that we as educationists are instrumental in providing learning that is meaningful for children in order for them to be resilient, self-confident.
LOWER DIR: A doctor examines the patient during a free medical camp organized by Pakistan Army Maskeni Dira near Pak-Afghan Border.
Snowfall in Astore
Kashmir, GB to receive rain I SLAMABAD —Pakistan Me- areas of the district on Thursteorological Department on Thursday forecast mainly dry weather in most parts of the country. However light rain with light snowfall over the hills likely at one or two places of Kashmir and GilgitBaltistan during next 24 hours. Foggy\misty conditions are likely to continue in the plain areas of Punjab and Sukkur division during next 24 hours According to met office, synoptic Situation/Outlook, a westerly wave is affecting Northern parts of the Country and likely to persist during next 24 hours. In Punjab, mainly dry weather is expected in most parts of the province during next 24 hours. Mainly dry weather is expected in most parts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during next 24 hours. However light rain may occur in Malaknd division during next 24 hours. Mainly dry weather is expected in most parts of the Sindh, Balochistan during next 24 hours. Mostly partly cloudy weather expected with chances of light rain in Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan. Snowfall occurred in upper
day and turned weather cold. It resulted in blockade of various link roads and motorists faced difficulties. There is shortage of cylinder gas while local shopkeepers have increased the
rates. The Karachi Met Office has forecast a dry weather with cool nights in the city over the next 24 hours. According to Met office’s weather report issued on Thursday the minimum temperature is expected to remain in the range of 15 to 17 degrees centigrade. The Met Office said cool/ cold and dry weather is likely elsewhere in the region. Light rain is expected at one or two places in Quetta, Zhob and Markan division of Balochistan. The weather report said that there were 2 to 4 degrees centigrade temperature below normal at a few places in Sindh.—APP
Falcon sets free STAFF REPORTER P ESHAWA R —The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Secretary Environment, Syed Said Badshah Bukhari has set free a falcon, recovered by the wildlife authorities from the smugglers in the outskirts of Peshawar, here at Golf Club. Chief Conservator Wildlife, Safdar Ali Shah, Additional Secretary, Shaukat Ali Yousafzai and DFOs Faiq Khan and Niaz Ali Khan were also present on the occasion. The Secretary Environment while talking with media men said there are six types of falcons found in Pakistan and the races of this falcon were pregreen, which have used to migrate from Russia and Syberia in winter. He said that there is an international ban on the hunting and trading of these two races of falcons, which include pregreen and seeker therefore, Pakistan is also bound for not to allow hunting and trading of these falcons because this race of falcon is facing the danger of being defunct. He told that the price of this falcon is Rs. 3 lacs to 30 lacs. It is worth mentioning that on a few days ago the authorities of wildlife on a tip, recovered a falcon from the possession of the smugglers in the premises of Mathra police station.
HUNZA: A school girl on the way back from school carrying a wooden piece for domestic use.
ICU to be listed as Int’l heritage site STAFF REPORTER PESHAWAR—The administration of Islamia College University (ICU) has agreed to documentation of the site in order to get included in national and international heritage sites list. This architectural wonder was built in 1912 and has a unique ‘Curzonian’ blend of Eastern and Gothic styles. Like its counterpart Government College Lahore, it is a renowned heritage site, but it has yet to be officially notified as such by the provincial government as a Protected Monument under NWFP Antiquities Act 1997. Another 200 sites and buildings of antiquity spread across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa belonging to various eras
British, Sikh, Durrani, Mughal, Hindu Shahi, Gandharan and Greco-Bactrian period also deserve to be included in the provincial and national protected monuments heritage lists. Owing to rapid urbanization and market forces, it is feared that unless these are notified under the provincial antiquity act they may soon be demolished or taken over by the speculators. While glorious 100 years anniversary celebrations of Islamia College are being planned, the best gift the administration can give to the future generations would be documentation for notification by the provincial government. It is also important that minimum intervention and expansion of
the existing colonial building is carried out so that it does not disqualify standards set by international heritage organizations like UNESCO. During a meeting the Citizens for Clean Environment team led by Architect Tahir Khattak with the VC and administration of ICU, it was agreed that a committee of conservationists of repute should be notified by the ICU so that it immediately begins the process of documentation and funding for further conservation, besides holding consultations with relevant authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and federal governments for inclusion in national and international gazette heritage lists.
Security arrangements for majalis, processions Compensation for blast victims Our Correspondent
Q UETTA —Chief Minister Balochistan Nawab Aslam Raisani has announced compensation for victims of Shehbaz Town’s bomb blast. According to a handout issued here on Wednesday, Rs 1 million will be given to the heirs of every person killed in the bomb explosion and Rs 200,000 will be given to every injured of the blast. The Government of Balochistan will bear expenditures of medical treatment of the injured. Earlier, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), chief Altaf Hussain has strongly condemned the blast on Smangli Road in Quetta, Balochistan and expressed his grief on the loss of lives and injuries to many people. He said that the elements targeting the security forces in Balochistan in the present critical situation of the province wanted to create instability in the country by carrying out such acts of terrorism, said a statement issued by MQM here on Wednesday. Altaf Hussain sympathized with the grieving families of the people who lost their lives in the blast and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. He called upon the government to take notice of the targeting of the vehicle of security forces in Quetta and bring the perpetrators to justice. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf also condemns all acts of violence targeting innocent people of Pakistan. The party believes that supporters of violence aim to destroy national unity by targeting innocent people. This act of violence is a result of sheer lack of concern regarding law and order by the current government. The federal and provincial governments have time and again failed to bring the law and order situation under control and to protect and safeguard a common man’s life.
Billions being spent on women’s welfare Our Correspondent
SUKKUR —Sindh government is taking revolutionary measures for the welfare of women and spending billion of rupees for the purpose this was stated by Pakistan People’s Party MPA Rai Naz Bozdar while talking with delegations at her residence here on Thursday. She said that all officers were duty bound to ensure respect and protection of working women in educational institutions, hospitals and other working places. He called upon the delegation of IGHDS to focus on development projects for women empowernment. The MPA said that women could play their vital role for the progress of the homeland because no nation could prosper without active participation of women. The Punjab government is taking revolutionary measures for the welfare of women and spending billion of rupees for this purpose. These views were expressed by District Coordination Officer, Hafizabad, Sohail Ahmad Khan while presiding over a meeting of District Gender Streaming Committee, Hafizabad, held here on Wednesday at District Complex. He said that all officers were duty bound to ensure respect and protection of working women in educational institutions, hospitals and other working places. He called upon the officers to ensure implementation on Women Empowerment Package 2012. He said that women could play their vital role for the progress of the homeland because no nation could prosper without active participation of the women. Adviser to Prime Minister on Human Rights Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar Wednesday said the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) led government is fully committed to the welfare of women. Talking to APP, he said the democratic government had increased the women’s quota for recruitment in the federal services by 10 percent.
Peaceful atmosphere B K Tahir
B AHAWALPUR —The head, provincial Etehad Baen-ul-Muslaemeen Committee and the Khateeb Badshahi Masjid Lahore, Moulana Abdul Khabir Azad visited Bahawalpur and chaired a meeting of the Divisional Peace Committee, Bahawalpur which was attended by the provincial minister for Prison Malik Iqbal Channar, Chairman Task Force Samiullah Choudhry, Commissioner Bahawalpur division Ahmed Khan Khitchi, RPO Rao Sardar Ali, DPO Bahawalpur Sohail Habib Tajik, DCO Bahawalpur Dr.Naeem Rauf, DCO Rahim Yar Khan Nabeel Javed and Ulema from different sects attended the meeting. The meeting reviewed the security arrangements during Muharram-ul-Harram. Moulana Abdul Khabir Azad urged to promote harmony, brotherhood, tolerance, peace and respect for all religions and sects to keep peace intact, as Islam was the religion of peace and brotherhood so we had to follow the teachings of Islam and Sunnah for peaceful atmosphere and healthy society. The speakers on the occasion also appreciated the efforts of the Punjab Chief Minister, Mian Shahbaz Sharif to maintain law and order in the province and said that it was our joint duty to ensure peace and avert any disturbing act. The meeting was informed about the security arrangements in the Bahawalpur division for Muharram-ul-Haram. The participating Ulema of the area also assured complete cooperation to keep healthy practice of peace, love and harmony alive in the Bahawalpur division.
Govt ensure maximum facilities to masses Our Correspondent
QUETTA—Balochistan Minister for Forests and Wildlife, Maulana Abdul Samad Akhunzadah said that the government is utilizing all available resources to ensure maximum life facilities to the masses at their door step. Talking to a public representative delegation here, he said the government is implementing public welfare schemes worth billions of rupees across the province which on completion would considerably improve the living standard of the people. He said uplift schemes in water, agriculture, health, education and road sectors would also cast positive impact on economy of the province. Besides, he said the youth are being ensured maximum employment opportunities in the provincial and federal governments departments. He said Balochistan is moving forward with full pace on track of development and it would be soon at part with other provinces in every field of life. ATC Sibi awards death sentence in passenger coach case: Special Judge AntiTerrorist Court Sibi, Khan Muhammad Nawaz Khan Barakzai has awarded death sentence to four accused and life imprisonment to one accused in case of torching a passenger coach, in which 12 commuters were burnt to death. The accused had torched a passenger bus parked at roadside restaurant on Sibi-Quetta national highway on 26th April 2011. The FIR of the incident was registered on the complaint of the driver of the bus, Abdul Wahid. The police arrested three accused including Rehmatullah, Murad Ali and Molvi Abdul Rehman while two nominated accused were absconder. The ATC Sibi awarded death sentence to the accused including Rehmatullah, Murad Ali, Muhammad Ramazan and Abdul Fatah. Molvi Abdul Rehman was given life imprisonment for providing shelter to the other accused.
Pillion driving, arms display banned during Muharram OUR CORRESPONDENTS BANNU/SUKKUR/ HYDERABAD/LARKANA—In a bid to maintain law and order in the district during 9th and 10th Muharram-ulHaram pillion driving and brandishing of arms has been banned.District Police Officer Waqar Ahmad told elders of the area that vacations of the police personnel have been cancelled and Frontier Constabulary would be deputed along with the police Jawans to maintain law and order in the district during Muharram. He said that curfew would be imposed in the district on 9th and 10th of
Muharram and security would be beefed on routes leading to Imam Bargahs so as to cope with any untoward situation. DPO said security personnel would be ready to meet with any contingency and requested elders of the area to extend support to the law enforcing agencies in the month of Muharram. The elite of the area assured every possible support and cooperation to the district police officer. Pakistan People’s Party MPA Dr Nasarullah Baloch reviewed security arrangements at Majalis and Ashura processions routes in Sukkur city, Gharib Abad, Old Sukkur,
New Pind and Jinnah Chowk. The MPA directed the administration to keep a vigilant eye at suspects at the entry and exit points of Majalis and processions. Later, presiding over a meeting at the Deputy Commissioner office, Dr Baloch said that special security forces have been deputed to provide security to all processions and Majalis during the holy month of Muharram-ul-Harram in district Sukkur. He said that in order to ensure effective implementation of the security plan, special monitoring was being ensured at sensitive places, including hotels, general bus
stands, railway stations and busy commercial centers. The Additional Chief Secretary Government of Sindh while exercising the powers conferred under section 144 Cr.P.C. has suspended all permissions to carry weapons in relaxation of ban under Section 144 Cr. P.C., issued by Home Department in Karachi, Hyderabad and Khairpur up to 11th of Muharram with immediate effect. Provincial Law Minister and Parliamentary Affairs Mohammed Ayaz Soomro on Thursday reviewed the security arrangements and directed police and administration to keep an eagle eye in
Larkana region, placing more responsibility to law enforcement agencies to be vigilant in order to avert any untoward incident during next three days of Youm-eAshura. Addressing the religious scholars and Ulemas of different sects and district administration officials and department heads in high level meeting at Circuit House Larkana, the Law Minister said that to keep a vigilant eye on suspects at the entry and exit points of Majalis and mourning processions in Larkana division. He said that the teachings of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) remember us to
follow the golden Islamic principles of tolerance, peace, tranquility and promotion of unity of all Muslims, so that it is vital for peace committees have to play their crucial role, specially the religious scholars he said. Ayaz Soomro said that peace committees should actively organize for effective maintenance of peace at divisional, district, tehsil and UC level and ensure implementation of unanimous code of ethics for Muharramul-Harram he said. Provincial Law Minister Soomro also directed for a comprehensive contingent plan for the security of 186 Majalis gatherings.
Senate body calls Multan projects details STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Senate Standing Committee on Communication has sought details from National High Way Authority (NHA) in respect of Rs 10 billion development projects at Multan. The committee also said names of the departments besides PSDP be ascertained from the Prime Minister, which have released the funds for these projects. If the funds related to other provinces have been utilized then stern action be taken against the persons found responsible. Senator Zahid Khan member of the committee inquired if the development
projects launched in Multan related to Punjab government or NHA and from where the funds had come in respect of these projects. If the tenders of these projects were opened or otherwise, he further asked. Committee while taking serious note of alleged corruption in NHA has sought details of its ongoing projects. The committee expelled the joint secretary from the meeting due to non participation of the secretary communication. Committee constituted a sub committee under senator Zahid Khan to review the ongoing projects and those projects which were completed during the BAHAWALPUR: Police patrolling a road during flag-march to convey sense of protection to the people. last five years.
Kausar for reducing maternal, new born mortality rates
Raisani, MPs inquire after Bilour’s health
retary Social Sector FATA, Secretary Law & Order FATA, members of International Organizations and others. The Governor presented certificates and shields to the positions holder and gave midwife Rs.20,000 each as a reward for their successful course completion in their training institutions. The Governor said that in order to reduce maternal and new born mortality rates, we had to focus on evidence based interventions which could slow down the momentum of high maternal and newborn mortality rates at first as a short term strategy and reverse the scenario in longer term.
STAFF REPORTER
STAFF REPORTER PESHAWAR—The Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Barrister Masood Kausar said Thursday the government want to see every tribal a healthy, educated and prosperous citizen of Pakistan and underscored the need for reducing maternal and new born mortality rates in Federaly Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). This he said at the ceremony held for deployment of Community Midwife in the health system in FATA at Governor’s House Peshawar. The ceremony was also attended by ACS FATA, Sec-
He said that problems in FATA were very complex as compared to the rest of the country but the security situation in different parts of FATA was just improving. The Governor said availability of female health care providers who were directly involved in provision of services in the community to the females and new born was a great challenge for FATA but it was encouraging that Health Sector FATA had made efforts to improve Public Health of the people of FATA especially mother and child health by implementing MNCH program besides other vertical programs.
UNHCR facilitates Afghans voluntary repatriation RAHMATULLAH KHAN
P ESHAWAR —The UN refuI SLAMABAD —Chief Minis- gee agency facilitated volunter Balochistan Nawabzada Aslam Raisani along with his cabinet members Thursday visited the ailing Minister for Railways Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour to inquire after him. Among others accompanying the chief minister included Deputy Parliamentary leader of PPP in Balochistan Assembly, Ali Madad Jattak, Balochistan Minister for Revenue Engineer Zamruk Khan, KPK Health Minister Zahir Ali Shah and two MNAs including Khanzada Khan and Himayatullah Mayar.
tary repatriation for Afghan refugees have picked up the pace in the province after 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. 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.
UNHCR’s spokesperson in Pakistan, Qaiser Afridi said the number of returning refugees had increased by 38 percent compare to last year this time. The number of families returning on weekly bases has witnessed a surge. Around 70,000 individuals have returned so far this year. “My house was completely destroyed in constant fighting in Afghanistan, yet I am taking my family to a place where we wouldn’t have a roof over our heads,” Haji Ameen, who belongs to Khost province told Pakistan Observer at the Chamkani Voluntary Repatriation Centre before getting in the truck along with his family members on Wednesday.
Safe recovery of Wapda kidnapped staff demanded STAFF REPORTER P ESHAWA R —The
family members of kidnapped Wapda employees from Gomal Zam Dam have demanded of the federal government, Chairman Wapda, Governor Khyber Pukhtunkhwa to take step for safe recovery of their loved ones. “All the eight kidnapped Wapda employees are in the captive of militants, who demanded for Rs170 million for release of the abductees,” they claimed PESHAWAR: Chief Minister KP, Amir Haider Khan Hoti giving away scholarship cer- while addressing an emergency press conference here tificate to a young man who was selected under Skill Development Programme.
at Press Club on Thursday. They said that they had contacted Chairman of Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) and requested him to do something for there immediately release, which they added just, ensured them in this regard. Giving details of the kidnapping incident, they further claimed that their relatives had been kidnapped by the militants for ransom on August 15,2012, when they were coming back to their living place after their duty in the dam. Arshad Nadeem whose brother Munir, who
was a cook, is one of the abductees, said that their father Muhammad Altaf died due to shock when heard threats of the militants that all of the captives would be killed on October 27. “My brother-in law Sanaoullah is also among them”, Bilaluddin Advocate lamented. He added they are Wapda employees and this is its responsibility to recover them forthwith because they belong to poor families. A lady, whose fiancé, Shahid Ali Khan was working in the dam, picked up by the militants’ alongwth other seven employees.
Dev schemes worth Rs 50m completed BASHIR AHMAD RAHMNAI cost of Rs.180 million and 10 tenance of law and order is development schemes had the top priority of the provin-
H A F I Z A B A D —10develop- been completed at a cost of cial government and foolproof ment schemes have been completed in the district Hafizabad with the cost of Rs.50 million under district development programme. This was disclosed in the meeting of district development committee, Hafizabad to review pace of work on ongoing schemes. District coordination Officer, Sahoil Ahmad Khan presided over the meeting. Executive District Officer, Finance, Khawar Kamal told in the meeting that construction work on 71 development schemes was started with the estimated
Rs.50 million while construction work on 61 development schemes were underway which would be completed by the end of this year. He further told that 24 development schemes were started in constituency NA102 on the recommendation of MNA Saira Afzal Tarar with the cost of Rs.40 million and 6 schemes have been completed so far while 18 schemes were underway. ***** Member Board of Revenue, Punjab, Mazafar Mehmood has said that main-
security of processions and congregations would ensure at all cost in all the district of the Punjab. He was addressing a meeting of District Peace Committee, Hafizabad held to review arrangements made by the police and district administration. He said that atmosphere of brotherhood, tolerance and religious harmony was vital for foiling nefarious design of terrorist and miscreants in the holy month of Muharram. He stressed need of remained alert about sus- HYDERABAD: Relatives of Mustafa Kamal Khan, Founder of Ghausia Foundation, talkpected elements. ing to media during protest against non-arrest of Mustafa Kamal Khan’s murders.
Terrorist attacks on eve of D-8 summit
MEDIA WATCH
Gaza: Uselessness of force
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N a shocking development, terrorists struck four cities of the country on Wednesday on the eve of D-8 summit, killing at least 31 people and injuring many others. Two attacks in Karachi and Rawalpindi were obviously sectarian in nature as mourning processions of Moharram were the target while other two in Quetta and Bannu were undoubtedly meant to terrorize people. Terrorist attacks have become order of the day and therefore, these must be seen in continuation of the overall situation that is unlikely to change until and unless conflict comes to an end in neighbouring Afghanistan and occupation forces withdraw to their countries. However, it was really appalling that the latest attacks and explosions came on the day when distinguished foreign guests were landing in Islamabad to attend D-8 summit at the invitation of President Asif Ali Zardari. The nefarious acts of terrorists and militants have sent negative signals not only to our guests but also other members of the international community and that is, perhaps, what the enemies of the country wanted. It was ironical that the terrorists successfully struck not just one but four places and that too on a very important occasion soon after Interior Minister Rehman Malik boasted during his address to the youth assembly at the Presidency that backbone of the TTP has been broken and there are no suicide bombings in the country. Extremism is a curse of this age and this has led to acts of terrorism in different forms and manifestations including those sponsored by states as we witness in Gaza and occupied Jammu and Kashmir. There is, therefore, need for the international community to put their acts together to address the root causes as treatment of the symptoms alone would not work. We would also urge every member of Pakistani society to be vigilant as the Government alone is not expected to ensure hundred percent security in the face of internal and external factors.
Economic collaboration among D-8 T
HE D-8 summit in Islamabad has once again highlighted the need for more ecoomic collaboration among the Islamic countries and took important decisions to create new opportunities in trade relations and enhance participation in decision making at the international level that would help achieve better standard of living for their people. The summit was particularly of great significance in view of international financial crisis and world over recession that has affected the major world economies and their effects could have repercussions for the D-8 countries. The State Bank Governor Yaseen Anwar while chairing the 2nd meeting of Central Bank Governors of the member countries rightly emphasised the need for continued collaboration amongst the central banks to further strengthen their economies. The macroeconomic policies of the D-8 countries must be balanced to check over threatening pressures from strong recovery, high credit growth, volatile capital flows and renewed risk of inflation. According to forecast by the international financial institutions, the real GDP growth in the emerging and developing economies is projected to slow down further and the Islamic countries would need continued collaboration and exchange of ideas not only to absorb the shocks but also strengthen their economies. While world over greater stress is being laid on strengthening of economy, what is needed is that the decisions taken by the OIC and D-8 summits are implemented for the greater good of the Islamic Ummah. The Muslim countries are blessed with vast natural resources, have talented manpower and a huge market of more than one billion population. The need is that these resources are invested in the member countries to create more jobs and strengthen the economies of the developing and under developed countries. At the same time the Free Trade Agreement must be agreed upon and implemented with the involvement of private sector which is the real source for increasing cooperation. We hope that there would be progress in the coming years for more collaboration among the member countries to their mutual advantage and the D-8 would emerge as a strong economic bloc.
Thank you Mr Munter F
ORMER US envoy to Pakistan Cameron Munter has stressed upon the US for rational engagement of its Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for striking its enemies on the soils of other countries. Munter pointed out that he and Pentagon were not on the same page with regard to drone attacks. What Munter has said now is, in fact, reflective of his overall principled approach to the issue of drone attacks which he pursued during his tenure as US Ambassador in Pakistan. He had quite clear views on the issue when he was representing his country in Pakistan and on occasions reports indicated he opposed use of drones that created problems for the bilateral relationship. In fact, saner elements within the United States are also opposing use of drones and consider them not only violation of sovereignty of an independent country but also violation of human rights. The UN too has been raising its voice, albeit mutely, against use of drones by the United States. We are glad that Munter, who along with his wife, charmed people of Pakistan during their stay here as they interacted with people representing different walks of life and participated in social and cultural events as well, has not said goodbye to his principle-based thinking on the issue. His latest statement has earned him more respectability in Pakistan. However, we would urge him to become a vocal voice against drone attacks and coordinate his views with other members of the civil society in the United States to ensure that their voice is heard by the Pentagon and White House as well. The fact remains that the United States has not gained an iota from these attacks as yet and is unlikely to achieve its intended targets from this policy as every drone attack breeds more resentment and extremism. Therefore, it is in the interest of the US itself to abandon a policy that is counter-productive and runs contrary to its avowed objective of eliminating extremism and terrorism.
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Make peace thru prosperity in Gaza ever gain full sovereignity.Israel has become a permanent part of the architecture of West Asia,and cannot be airbrushed from the map the way Ayatollah M D Nalapat Khamenei in Tehran imagines Email: mgnalapat@gmail.com will happen.Should there be normal diplomatic and commercial relations between the s are many other citizens Arab world and Israel,it would be to of India,this columnist is the benefit of both sides.The Israelis an admirer of Israel,and even would vastly increase their prospermore so,the Jewish people. Person ity and thereby free themselves of to person,the Jewish community has their present fiancial dependence on created more works of art,literature a cash-strapped United States of and science than any other commu- America. The Arab world would gain nity across the globe.Only the tiny access to Israeli technology in water Parsi community in India or this harvesting,solar power and numerous country’s Jains comes close to other fields in which laboratories in matching the achievements of the Israel have become world leaders. Jews. As a people,they are liberal and The Muslim people lived in peace and tolerant,and avoid proselytizing as a harmony with the Jewish people durmeans towards increasing their num- ing the Golden Age of Islam,a period ber. Which is why it has been a sur- when the faith spread not through the prise to see the way in which suc- sword but by the power of Example. cessive governments in Israel have Certainly harmonious relations beimplemented policies designed to tween two “People of the Book” are ensure that the people of Gaza (and essential to a better future for a reto a lesser extent,the West Bank) re- gion that is one of the cradles of humain mired in the hopelessness of man civilisation With its decision to shift from poverty. Such a strangulation of the economic potential of Gaza is nega- Damascus to Doha,Hamas has tive not only for the Palestinian clearly accepted that the way of viopeople - who are among the most lence is no longer a geopolitically talented within the Arab world - but feasible option in its struggle to enfor Israel itself. Just as swamps sure a better life for Palestinians. breed deadly mosquitoes, the gul- Unlike Syria,which is the opposite lies and ghettoes of Gaza have be- of a strategic partner of the NATO come the homes of tens of thou- powers,the State of Qatar is closely sands of unemployed youth, each aligned to NATO,especially the US. of whom nurses anger against Is- Thus,it is unlikely to allow Hamas rael for denying him or her a future to launch operations which would Certainly non-violence of the compromise Doha’s own cosy relakind made world famous by Ma- tionship with Washington. The rehatma Gandhi in the 1930s is the location of Hamas from Damascus only way the Palestinian people will to Doha has been immensely help-
Geopolitical notes from India
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ful in enabling President Obama to enforce a cease-fire ending nine days of hostilities between Gaza and Israel. As in the past,it is ordinary Gazans who have suffered horribly during this period,having lost many lives and homes at the price of five Israeli deaths.Although the Republican Party falsely accused Barack Obama of abandoning Israel,an untruth in which Bibi Netanyahu participated because of his desire to ensure a Romney victory on November 4,the fact is that the policy of the US President has been to give Israel robust means of selfdefense,such as the Iron Dome Missile Defense System,which blocked more than nine out of ten Hamas rockets from ever hitting the ground in Israel Bibi Netanyahu seems to be a far cry from the 5000-year culture and traditions of the Jewish people. He seems to be in the mould of Ariel Sharon,who too believed that Palestinians could be bludgeoned into permanent submission. Unfortunately for both Israel as well as the Palestinians,Netanyahu has continued Sharon’s policy of blocking trade and commerce into and out of Gaza. He has prevented that territory from achieving its natural destination,which is to be the Singapore of West Asia. Were Gaza to be allowed to set up a world-class airport and an international airport, the people inhabiting the tiny territory would soon turn their minds away from violence into commerce.Hopefully,President Morsi of Egypt will join hands with President Obama to persuade Netanyahu to allow Gaza to develop into a modern city capable of providing high-income jobs to the versatile and talented Palestinian people. Both the US and Egypt can set up a security system which ensures that Gaza be made wholly demilitarized and there be zero security risk to Israel from permitting a
modern seaport and airport to get built in Gaza. The Arab people are true to their tradition of hospitality and generosity,and it is certain that Abu Dhabi,Qatar,Kuwait and Saudi Arabia will provide the funds needed to rapidly modernize infrastructure in Gaza While a comprehensive settlement between Israel and its neighbours may be some time away,just as took place over the Sinai desert,a settlement between Israel and Gaza can be arrived at,which ensures the speedy development of Gaza in a manner that safeguards Israel’s security needs. Certainly Egypt and the US together have the clout and ability to ensure such an outcome. For too long have the people of Gaza suffered from the restrictions imposed by Israel,blockades that have degraded rather than improved Israel’s longer-tern interests. A close fit between Israel and its neighbours is vital for both sides,and should Bibi Netanyahu follow the example of Menachem Begin,he would begin the process in Gaza.Incidentally,the NATO powers (who are their own worst enemies) need to remember that Hezbollah refused to open a Second Front out of Lebanon while Israel was battling Hamas. Had the present masters of Gaza been in Damascus,a second front may have been an option,but with the shift to Doha,coordination with Hezbollah has snapped.And yet,despite its refusal to attack Israel at a time when that country has been engaged on its southern border,NATO seeks to ensure for Bashar Assad the same fate meted out to Muammar Gaddafy.In other words,punish those that help you! —The writer is Vice-Chair, Manipal Advanced Research Group, UNESCO Peace Chair & Professor of Geopolitics, Manipal University, Haryana State, India.
Open season against Army of problems, primarily, the war on terror, meltdown of the national economy, acute Sultan M Hali energy shortage, lawlessness, povEmail: sm_hali@yahoo.com erty, hunger and deprivation exacerbated by lack of governance, he kind of attacks being army-bashing due to past mistakes of launched against the custodi previous military leaders, is unjustians of Pakistan’s frontiers fied and uncalled for, more so, when gives the impression that it is open the Supreme Court has already set the season to target the Army. The kind record straight by giving a verdict that of tirade that has been unleashed by reverses an historical wrong (Army’s certain politicians, institutions and blatant political meddling in 1988some elements of the media give the 1990). The Chief of Army Staff Genimpression that the onslaught is eral Ashfaq Parvez Kayani’s stateagainst the Indian Army or an armed ment that “no individual or instituforce inimical to Pakistan. tion has the monopoly to decide what Taking cognizance of this blitz, is right or wrong in defining the ultiChairman Senate Defence Commit- mate national interest adding that any tee Mushahid Hussain Sayed has effort to draw wedge between people commented that General Kayani’s and armed forces is unacceptable”, statement is making a valid point – should have been perceived in the that sins of the past should not visit correct spirit. Indeed in the words of the present, and that past individual the COAS, “As a nation, we are passacts of omission or commission be ing through a defining phase. kept separate from the present role We are critically looking at the of the institution. He has reiterated mistakes made in the past and trying that General Kayani’s own track to set the course for a better future.” record in supporting democracy and It is a universal truth that “Weakenacting in accordance with the Con- ing of the institutions and trying to stitution is quite impeccable: he not assume more than one’s due role will only broke from the legacy of his pre- set us back. We owe it to the future decessor but also was instrumental of Pakistan, to lay correct foundain facilitating his smooth exit. And tions, today. We should not be carhe played a pivotal role in prevent- ried away by short term considering a head-on political clash, thereby ations which may have greater negastrengthening the system, by his tive consequences in the future. timely intervention in March 2009, Armed Forces draw their strength which helped in restoring the Chief from the bedrock of the public supJustice. At this critical juncture, when port. National security is meaningless the country is faced with a multitude without it. Therefore, any effort
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which wittingly or unwittingly draws a wedge between the people and Armed Forces of Pakistan undermines the larger national interest.” The timing of the media and political offensive is also noteworthy. The Supreme Court decisions to stand ex-army generals trial in quick succession: first in Asghar Khan Case, the court declared that former Army Chief General Aslam Beg (R) and ex-ISI Chief Lieutenant General Asad Durrani (R) corrupted the elections held in 1990, secondly on the directives of the apex court, National Accountability Bureau is investigating alleged involvement of ex-army generals in three different cases of fraudulently doling out Railways land in Lahore to a private club, Royal Palm Golf, in 2001 without raising their finger to the then Federal Minister for Railways who was in charge of the organization, financial mismanagement in the National Logistics Cell and a fresh case against retired generals currently serving in Fauji Fertilizer Company Ltd. A sudden shift in judicial scrutiny towards ex-army men has triggered media frenzy, pouring out deluge of criticism on the armed forces at a time when forces are engaged in war against terror on the western borders and are finding it hard to quell militancy at home. It is heartening that the general Headquarters, instead of shielding its former personnel, some of whom have served at the highest posts, has decided to try them through court martial and has even announced their return to service (without benefits) to face fair and transparent trials. In the face of such positive developments to try and level culpability of the accused through the
institutions empowered to do so, the media trial of ex-service men without being declared guilty is the last thing to bear with as it can push the fighting force, bearing the brunt of the defence of Pakistan against the wall, devoid of the goodwill and support of the nation. Take the case of military lawyer Colonel Inam ur Rahim (R), who is engaged in lawsuits against the Army. Miscreants have reportedly set fire to his car and allegedly rough handled his son, while he claims that security agencies were responsible for the so-called assault. However, senior police officials investigating the incident have termed the claims concocted and baseless, stating it seemed that a conspiracy had been hatched to defame the state institutions by creating a false situation purely for political purposes. They have termed it as the handiwork of someone who wanted to tarnish the image of the Pak Army and intelligence agencies. At a time, when the state agencies, the people of Pakistan and its media should be united to combat the enemies of Pakistan, it is criminal for anyone to sow seeds of dissension or whimsically spew venom against any agency or institution. The judiciary is free and the accused in various cases will be tried and if found culpable, will be meted with punishment according to their crime. If we deliberately weaken any institution, we are only strengthening the hands of our enemies. —The author, a retired PAF Group Captain, served as Air & Naval attaché at Riyadh and is currently a columnist, analyst and TV talk show host.
utside the confines of an Is raeli election campaign, it is hard to see the last eight days of aerial bombardment of Gaza as a tactical success. What started from the Israeli defence establishment’s view with a moment of elation – the pinpoint strike on the car of Hamas’s military commander Ahmed alJaabari – ended with Hamas and other militant groups breaking two taboos: firing rockets repeatedly at Tel Aviv (not even Hezbollah during the height of the second Lebanon war did that); and returning to the tactic of bombing buses. If the agreement announced on Wednesday night holds, Hamas is hardly ceasing fire while in full retreat. Binyamin Netanyahu and Ehud Barak now find themselves in a similar position to the one Ehud Olmert and Tzipi Livni found themselves in at the end of Operation Cast Lead in 2008 – struggling to pull something out of the rubble that justifies the decision to attack in the first place. They will claim that they established deterrence against the militant groups in Gaza for at least a couple of years. Hamas has agreed to not fire rockets, detonate bombs or engage in any cross-border activity, but all of that was on offer, and had been the subject of negotiations through intermediaries, before Operation Pillar of Defence was launched. Further, the agreement signed on Wednesday states that all crossings into Gaza – presumably not just the Rafah border with Egypt but the ones on the Israeli side as well – will be open to the movement of people and goods. In other words, the siege of Gaza, which Israel fought so bitterly and for so long to maintain, has just ended. The agreement refers to the fact that procedures for implementation will be “dealt with” within 24 hours of the start of the ceasefire. This was Hamas’s central demand, and it appears to have been met. Israeli negotiators had two demands: that the ceasefire last for a stated minimal period of time and that a no-fire zone be established on the border. Neither are in the agreement. Strategically, the judgment on the last week of war looks even worse. Look no further than what has been happening all this week in the West Bank. In 2008, it was a mortuary and Ramallah seemed to be on a different planet. Not a Palestinian voice dared to be raised against the Israeli ground incursion into Gaza. Dissenters were swiftly locked up by Palestinian policemen. This week, in contrast, the Palestinian police have been strangely inactive. Demonstrations have erupted in major West Bank cities, molotov cocktails have been thrown. On Wednesday both nationalist and Islamic politicians called for a strike in the Hebron region. These are scenes not witnessed since the end of the second intifada. Just as the final link in the physical separation of Hamas in Gaza appears to have dissolved, so the taboo on its political reappearance in the West Bank appears to have melted away also. For the Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, this is terrible news. Unity between Fatah and Hamas is de facto being forged, despite his, America’s, and the Middle East Quartet’s best efforts to exclude the Gazan militants from the political process until they recognise the state of Israel. Wednesday night ended with praise being showered by Israel and Hillary Clinton on the Muslim Brotherhood president of Egypt, Mohamed Morsi. They have just cemented the international standing of a man whose chances they tried their best to undermine five months ago. Mr Netanyahu claimed that he had crippled Hamas and in heeding the warnings about a ground incursion, he will have cemented his western support. But that has been at the cost of elevating Hamas’s position in the Arab world. He has now done to the organisation what he did to Khaled Meshaal, when he ordered his assassination by poison and was then forced to supply Jordan with the antidote. Meshaal’s career was propelled as a result. In the same way, Hamas has been elevated into the position of a contender for the leadership of the PLO. Is this what the Israeli premier intended? Or has he just discovered the limits of the use of force? Instead of trying to wipe Hamas out, perhaps Mr Netanyahu should try talking to them. — The Guardian Under a government, which imprisons any unjustly, the true place for a just man is also a prison. Henry D Thoreau —US writer
Our Prophet: Perfect man & leader Voice of the People
“If the greatness of purpose, smallness of means, and astounding results are the three criteria of human genius, who could dare to compare any great man in modern history with Muhammad? The most famous men created arms, laws and empires only. They founded, if anything at all, no more than material powers which often crumbled away before their eyes,. This man (Mohammad) moved not only armies, legislations, empires, peoples and dynasties but millions of men in one third of the then inhabited world; and more than that, he moved the altars, the gods, the religions, the ideas, the beliefs, and the souls. On the basis of a Book every letter of which has become law, he created a spiritual nationality which blended together peoples of every tongue and every race”. (Napoleon)
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he recent defamation attempt on the Holy Prophet (PBUH) has triggered widespread protests and anger across the world, be it Asia, Europe, Middle East or Africa. Holy Prophet (PBUH) means a lot to the Muslims and the reaction is all but natural. Like every Muslim I felt greatly upset by the defamation and I thought I should highlight some aspects of his personality. Any attempt to describe the person of his
stature is very difficult, but still he is madan religion by the argument of a true role model for our leadership, the sword. They forget Carlyle’s laboth civil and military. One aspect of conic reply, ‘First get your sword, his personality was then you must win the his leadership role hearts before The Spirit Of Islam men’s during the times of you can induce them crisis such as wars. I to peril their lives for think in this time of you.” The most recrisis when we are paid and everlasting facing a political and conquest was of the economic crisis, hearts of the people of coupled with the decountries which were teriorating security conquered by the situation (internal & Muslim armies. The external), looking at main reason for this the life of this great victory is the moral soul can give some code and conduct acguidance to our milicording to Islamic tary and political Faiqa Abdulhaye Ideology. Great deeds leadership. are impossible withIn an article Glimpses of Islam, out ambition, - for a Muslim it is prospublished in Islamic Literature, De- perity in the hereafter. cember, 1956 Lan Poole says “Many Knowledge enhances assurance, have sought to answer the questions whilst ignorance is the beginning of – why was the triumph of Islam so moral decadence. The Islamic Military speedy and so complete” Why have history of the Holy Prophet and his so many million embraced the reli- Companions teaches us the great imgion of Muhammad and scarcely an portance of generalship. A good strathundred ever recanted? Why do a egist requires a vast amount of knowlthousand Christians become Muslim edge, in theory and experience. He to one Muslim who adopted Chris- should be thoroughly acquainted with tianity? Why do a hundred and fifty the strategy, tactics and organization millions of human beings still cling of his own and foreign armies, well to the faith of Islam? Some have at- posted in all matters concerning fighttempted to explain the first over- ing and fortification and also political whelming success of the Muham- situation in his own country and the
world. He must know the theatre of operation and supplement his knowledge of the enemy and the battle field with all means at his disposal. A leader undergoes his hardest trails in the days of disaster. He must possess the special gift of being able to bear disappointment and the buffetings of fate, of whatever sort they may be. There are characters, vigorous in other respects, which lose their tranquility, their presence of mind, and their patience upon their hopes being dashed to the ground. The quality which is especially successful in combating the depressing influence of misfortune is the “greatness of soul” e.g. in the disasters which the Prophet met in pre-Hijrat days, and while at Medina i.e., the loss of decisive victory at Uhad, He showed immense mental strength. He invariably based his strategy on the Divine policy of war. His diplomacy and politics were, therefore, based on the teachings of the Holy Quran. The Muslims are indeed most fortunate as the Holy Prophet has left traditions which are invaluable for the guidance for all in all eventualities. He took counsel and gave patient hearing to all – even to his bitterest enemies. He was always full of hope and confidence in his undertakings. Email:faiqaabdulhaye@hotmail.com
Welcome to the wasteland the two countries more close to each other and generate a new air of trust and confidence bethe two nations Ali Sukhanver tween with a lot of positive Email:alisukhanver@hotmail.com changes but it could have been much better if the two countries had signed another agreement also regarding the ew days back President Asif Ali decades long water conflicts. According to the media reports a Zardari confirmed Pakistan’s consent on visa agreement be- reduced flow of water at Head Marala tween Pakistan and India which was has recently been noticed by the Pasigned between the two countries on kistani water management authoriSeptember 8, 2012. The agreement ties. This reduction in water flow aimed at giving more concessions and would prove very much harmful and simplifying the procedure to grant disastrous to the crops on a large area visa with a view to promoting people- of Pakistan and it may lead to a situto-people contact. The objective of ation of famine causing whole sale this visa agreement between the two starvation. Snatching water from Pacountries is to facilitate the travelers kistan and turning Pakistan into a of the two countries to visit each wasteland has ever been an Indian other. Under this agreement, besides desire. To fulfill her evergreen dediplomatic, non-diplomatic and offi- sire of changing Pakistan into a dry cial visas, visitor visas shall be issued land, India has been working on difto the persons visiting the other coun- ferent water projects since long. try to meet relatives or friends or for These projects include Kishinganga any other legitimate purpose. With a Project, the Baglihar Hydroelectric validity of six months’ time period, Plant, the Wullar Barrage Project this visa shall permit a visitor to visit and so many others. The construction of the Wullar a maximum of five specified places. This agreement would certainly bring Barrage on the River Jhelum would
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provide India total control over River Jhelum and with the help of this project India would be in a position to deprive Pakistan of water of River Jhelum during winter seasons. This barrage would certainly affect the water of River Neelum also and it is feared that the water of River Neelum diverted towards Wullar Lake would be consumed within Wullar Lake and will not go in River Jhelum. Kishinganga Project is also one of the worst examples in this regard. The Kishinganga Hydroelectric Project on the River Neelum is located near the Line of Control in Indian Occupied Kashmir. Under the Kishinganga Project, India has diverted the water of Neelum River through a canal system. The River Neelum is called Kishinganga River when it passes through India and the water of the River Kishinganga is reserved for Pakistan’s NeelumJhelum Hydroelectric Project, work on which started in 1989. The diversion of water in Kishinganga project will decrease water flow at NeelumJhelum project and generation capacity of this project will reduce by 20%. Moreover it will adversely affect agriculture in Neelum Valley and Muzaffarabad District of Pakistan. The Baglihar Hydroelectric Plant is
located on River Chenab and its construction plan was communicated by India in 1992. It was commissioned in 2008. During its initial filling, India again violated the clauses of the Treaty by not filling the dam in stipulated timeframe and by not ensuring requisite inflow at Marala Head Works of Pakistan. Construction of this dam caused huge amount of water losses to Pakistan. The drastic reduction of inflow at Marala resulted in acute scarcity of irrigation water for paddy crops in Marala command Canals area covering over more than 10,000,000 acres of land. All these actions of India are nothing but simply the violation of the Indus Waters Treaty. The situation demands new water treaties between India and Pakistan otherwise as a result of water scarcity, Pakistan would become a desert land very soon. The government of Pakistan is taking revolutionary steps to minimize the differences and distances between the two countries by introducing new visa policies and trade facilities. But this reality must never be ignored that a wasteland could never be an attractive and profitable market for the traders.
Views From Abroad
America must act in Mideast Condoleezza Rice
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he civil war in Syria may well be the last act in the story of the disintegration of the Middle East as we know it. The opportunity to hold the region together and to rebuild it on a firmer foundation of tolerance, freedom and, eventually, democratic stability is slipping from our grasp. Egypt and Iran are states with long, continuous histories and strong national identities. Turkey is as well, but there is the matter of the Kurds, who are still largely unassimilated, mistrusted by Ankara and tempted by the hope of independent nationhood. Every other important state is a modern construct, created by the British, who drew borders like lines on a back of an envelope, without regard for ethnic and sectarian differences. The results: A Bahrain that is 70 percent Shiite, governed by a Sunni monarch. Saudi Arabia was created with a 10 percent Shiite population in its richest provinces to the east. Iraq is 65 percent Shiite,
20 percent Sunni, and a mix of Kurds and others, all ruled until 2003 by an iron-fisted Sunni dictator. Jordan’s population is almost 70 percent Palestinian. Lebanon is roughly evenly divided among Sunnis, Shiites and Christians. And then there is Syria: a conglomerate of Sunnis, Shiites, Kurds and others, ruled by the Alawite minority. This fragile state structure has been held together for decades by monarchs and dictators. But as the desire for freedom has spread from Tunis to Cairo to Damascus, authoritarians have lost their grip. The danger is that these artificial states could fly apart. In Iraq, the US gave all of these groups a stake in a common future. To an extent it has, with elections repeatedly producing inclusive governments. But the institutions are young and fragile, and they are groaning under the weight of the region’s general sectarian explosion. The conflict in Syria is pushing Iraq and others to the breaking point. At the same time, US disengagement has tempted Iraqi politicians to move toward sectarian allies for survival. If
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki cannot count on the Americans, he will take no risks with Tehran. The great mistake of the past year has been to define the conflict with Bashar Assad’s regime as a humanitarian one. The regime in Damascus has been brutal and many innocent people have been slaughtered. But this was no replay of Libya. Much more is at stake. As Syria crumbles, Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds are being drawn into a regional web of confessional allegiances. Karl Marx once called on workers of the world to unite across national boundaries. Today’s Karl Marx is Iran. It envisions the spread of its influence among Shiites, uniting them under the theocratic flag of Tehran — destroying the integrity of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Lebanon. Iran uses terrorists groups, Hezbollah and the Shiite militias in southern Iraq to do its bidding. Syria is the linchpin, the bridge into the Arab Middle East. Tehran no longer hides the fact that its security forces are working in Syria to prop up Assad. In this context, Tehran’s sprint toward a nuclear weapon is a problem not just
for Israel but the region as a whole. But where is the US? America has spent 12 months trying to get the Russians and the Chinese to agree to toothless UN resolutions to “stop the bloodshed”. In recent days, France has stepped into the diplomatic vacuum to recognize a newly formed opposition that is broadly representative of all Syrians. The US should follow Paris’ lead and then vet and arm the unified group on the condition that it pursues an inclusive post-Assad framework. The US’ weight and influence are needed. Leaving this to regional powers, whose interests are not identical to ours, will only exacerbate the deepening sectarianism. The breakdown of the Mideast state system is a graver risk. Iran will win, our allies will lose and for decades the region’s misery and violence will make today’s chaos look tame. War is not receding in the Mideast. It is building to a crescendo. Our elections are over. Now, America must act. The writer was US secretary of state from 2005 to 2009. — Courtesy: The Japan Times
Moments of privacy..!
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e take so many things for granted don’t we? Espe cially the privacy, the room and space many of us enjoy, not realising there are many who struggle for moments of privacy, struggle to be alone with the ones they love even in their own home: I remember an incident as a student when I’d gone to a small restaurant for a meal: There was a
man and woman at the next table. They were holding hands. I have nothing against holding hands, but these two at the next table seemed to doing so at the wrong place; this was not the place, I thought. It was a strange holding of hands. One, it was across the table, so the hands were placed on table top like those of two free arm wrestlers. To hold hands well you need to sit next to each other. To stretch across the table, is I feel a tad uncomfortable, and doesn’t help much in body closeness, which the holding of hands is generally a forerunner to; huddling and cuddling, and come on you know what I’m talking about!
Two. They were not placed lying down on table. You get what I mean? Well, a good holding of hands requires you to rest arms completely on table top, so each muscle and nerve ending is involved with the muscle and nerve ending of the other hand and not with keeping, maintaining balance. My friend sniggered and managed to edge a look side wise, to the complete embarrassment of the young couple who hastily untangled their fingers from each other and brought them back to own side of table. They slowly crept back. The girl looking shyly in our direction more often than the man. I left the table and
went to the cloak. I stood in front of the mirror and soon found the young fellow next to me. He was washing his hands. “You are embarrassing us,” he said. “Its a free country,” I said. “You shouldn’t be doing your love scenes here,” I said like some moral policeman. There are eight people sharing our bedroom, or rather, we share the bedroom with eight others. This is the first time we have even touched each other.” I walked back to my table, my head bowed, ashamed of myself. I did not look at their table any more. Who was I to rob them of their first moments of privacy? —Email: bobsbanter@gmail.com
Security bids failing miserably IFTIKHAR MIRZA
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he successive attacks on Imambargahs in Karachi, Quetta, and Rawalpindi on Wednesday has ex posed the weakness of security forces viz a viz audacity of terrorists. They kill at will. Heavy contingents of security are unable to check their movement. These sycophants kill innocent people fearlessly all around the country shamelessly. This naked aggression shows there are wheels within wheels in Pakistan. Security measures are proving to be counterproductive. The more we concentrate on security, the more human loss is caused. All high claims of foolproof security during first ten days of this month proved bubbles of water. Instead of raising hollow slogans, some concrete steps logically enforced could have saved various precious lives. Our commiserations are with bereaved families. May Almighty Allah keep the souls of killed in eternal peace and give fortitude & perseverance to their families to bear this irreparable loss. Pakistan is bleeding in the holy month of Moharram ul Harraam. The month wherein wars with infidels are prohibited; but here, Muslims are killed by frenzied cult. Killing public ruthlessly is not tolerable in any religion of world. Islam gives the message of tolerance and forgiveness, whereas what we see in our country is the countrary that tears up many. A handful of fanatics are creating mess and playing with lives of faithful. It is high time that people from all walks of life and civil society activists rise to the occasion and curb the nuisance of terrorism with an iron hand. —Islamabad
Voters and ruling elite HASHIM ABRO The poor, illiterate and weaker sections in our country suffer day in and day out in their struggle for survival and look to those who have promised them equality-social, political and economic. But where are those now? Their voters in search of them and their constituencies- the towns and cities in the upper and lower Sindh regions- are in pitiable condition. Most towns and cities of Sindh province are suffering from acute potable water problem. ... The situation is more pitiable in different civil hospitals where hygienic conditions are deplorable; there are no medicines or even doctors and paramedical staff. Several thousands positions are lying vacant but those are not being filled up. All roads and highways across the province are in a very bad shape and that there was no proper development or repair of roads and highways during these four and a half years of this present government. Funds were allocated but those funds were not utilized honestly. Look at pitiable condition of roads and highways in my home district Larkano. Whenever the attention of the ruling party members is invited to those chronic problems which the upper and lower Sindh districts are facing, then, their attitude is absolutely undemocratic and anti-people. While going through the villages, towns and cities one will find that all and sundry lament lukewarm rather anti-people and anti-development attitude of people. —Islamabad
India violating water laws LUBNA UMAR For an agrarian country such as Pakistan, water not only remains an essential component for life but for economic activity as well. With depleting surface and ground resources and an overwhelming increase in both population and the use of water, the per capita water availability in Pakistan has decreased to threateningly low levels. To add to this threat is the uncontrolled Indian desire to use its geographically advantageous position as an upper riparian to build dams upon the rivers that were allocated to Pakistan. The ambiguities in the Indus Water Treaty have been exploited by the Indians to further advantage them. The IWT is based on the distribution of rivers and not the waters while allotting the three western rivers Chenab, Jehlum and Indus to Pakistan and the three eastern rivers Ravi, Beas and Sutlej to India. Furthermore, it allows Pakistan to draw a certain amount of water from the Indian allocated rivers for irrigating a small percentage of nearby lands and makes allowances to build hydroelectric power projects on them too and same goes for India as well. But it surely does not make any allowances for building any sort of reservoirs, dams etc for storage purposes. India, however, uses the water from Western rivers flowing within its territory for irrigation and has been accused of constructing multiple projects for storing water, thus impacting Pakistan’s supply. Pakistan has been opposing projects by India that violate water laws such as the Baglihar, kishenganga, Wullur projects etc that have built great water storage reservoirs. And these reservoirs are storing water that ought to have been flowing into Pakistan, thus creating scarcity of the resource in Pakistan. This surely calls for a revision in the IWT of 1960. In fact an IWT-2 is being demanded that may address the irregularities of the previous treaty keeping in view the latest issues that had not been taken into account five decades back. The Pakistani government ought to take initiatives for correcting the situation before it goes out of hand. The Indian side too ought to view the issue beyond the im-
mediate victory of parching the Pakistani soil. Civilizations cannot survive without water, and in case Pakistan dries up would India be able to handle the spillover effect into India and the entire region at large? It would, therefore, be in the interest of South Asia that peace be maintained and that India, being the upper riparian play its role according to international water laws to minimize water scarcity to reduce security threat at regional level. —Islamabad
Father’s importance M IBRAHIM TARIQ
pete with the security challenges,making progress impossible for our country. The great leader, ‘Quaid-e-azam Muhammad Ali Jinna’ prohibited the nation from provincialism. He preferred to call ‘Pakistani’ not as Blochi, Punjabi, Sindi or Pathans. In a nutshell, we can say that if we have to make progress and want to see an independent Pakistan, free from foreign interference, we have to get rid of Provincialism. We should join our heads together to solve this problem. —Attock
Zardari and Sindh Assembly MOHAMMAD KHAN SIAL
A father is the most essential factor in a person’s life. He is in fact the most experienced person for his son in every aspect of life. Knowing the criteria between good and bad, he tries to mould the son’s personality into best of the best. It seems weird to me, when I see people comparing the traits of a father with ones of a mother. A father is like a gardener for the plant that is his son. He solely feeds it with love, and waters it at the right time. Beside this nourishment there is a need to maintain the plant and save it from evil hands. This work is therefore for the mothers. This explains the difference between the importance of a mother and a father. Since the very first day, a person comes out of the mother’s womb; the biggest blessing for him is in fact the father. It is only him, who is the happiest person on the success, and the saddest person on the failure of his son. For me, I am the proudest person in the world, having a great father who has always dealt me with undue affection and has given me prime importance. He goes strict sometimes but his strictness is his affection. Being a well reputed government officer, his work is great but he has devoted a fraction of his time to me for my good personality building.I have been a target for criticism for many relatives and friends for years. Whether on wedding ceremonies or on family gatherings, fingers have sometimes been raised on me pointlessly. I have seen hypocrites and people with an ugly inner face. I guess, this is experienced by everyone, but I have blindly remained down to earth. I can’t say this is my fault but this is indeed what I have learnt from the personality of my father. He has guided me to ignore these kinds of people, as they are everywhere and has always told me to revert back lightly by laughter. A father should be saluted for everything he does to smooth-en the road for his child’s success. A message for everyone is to always remain obedient to their fathers, and not to lose this great company by showing up disobedience. —Lahore
Curse of provincialism ASIF MEHMOOD Pakistan is an independent state and it had been founded on Islamic ideology.All of us know this reality too that our religion propagates equality. But, we have adopted provincialism which leads us towards inequality. Perhaps, we have forgotten our Islamic teachings. Pakistan has become victim of this curse of provincialism. The people of all the provinces want to get their own interests,even our politicians too.Owing to this,various type of clashes are happening and these clashes are the causes of ‘Low intensity conflict’ within the country. As, for example Balochistan province is before us.The situation of disequilibrium existing there is because of provincialism.Now they want separation. why? I think,perhaps,they are being exploited.Likewise,other provinces have some clashes with each other. This provincialism can destabilize Pakistan and can bring a state of disequilibrium.One thing we should keep in our mind that without getting rid of provincialism, we can’t com-
There were reports in media that President Asif Ali Zardari who is also Co-Chairman of ruling PPP is scheduled to address Sindh Assembly session on November 30 after addressing KP Assembly session recently. Being a well wisher of PPP, I would like to suggest President Zardari not to address the session of Sindh Assembly in view of continuous poor performance of PPP government in Sindh for the last four and half years. It appears there is no government practically working in Sindh. The corruption in Sindh is rampant; the millions of flood-affected people could not get full compensation and resettlement as announced by the govt. earlier. The vacant posts announced in Sindh were openly being sold by ruling Party’s ministers. There were unabated target killings in Karachi and during tenure of PPP; about 9,000 people were killed whereas no arrested killer was sentenced as per press reports. The people of Karachi are continuously living in insecure and volatile conditions. So much so that every one living in Karachi fears to be killed at any time. In Sindh Assembly session, the controversial SPLGO-2012 was passed within five minutes in atmosphere of highly harassment. Further, the role of Speaker of Sindh Assembly Nisar Khuhro was highly controversial whereas he was supposed to work impartially after his appointment as Speaker. May be one reason, he himself has remained aspirant for the post of chief minister. So much so during session of Nov 15, Sindh minister Agha Siraj Durrani openly abused the nominated Opposition leader Ms Nusrat Abbasi during the session. However, the speaker strangely did not take any action against Mr Durrani and instead he instigated and finally allowed to pass motion against protesting Opposition members including Ms Abbasi. This was height of highhandedness that was against the norms of democracy. If Mr Zardari really respects democracy, he must take action against the partial Speaker by removing him from this vital post immediately and also take stern action against Mr Durrani for abusing respected female members during the session. Further, Mr Zardari must have courage to take full responsibility of 9,000 innocent people who became victim of target killings. It was very sad every one living in Karachi knows who is behind the target killings except Mr Zardari and his chief minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah. I suggest Mr Zardari if he really wants to see Karachi as peaceful city, he may order to launch impartial operation to procure arms and ammunition dumped in Karachi and take stern action against the responsible persons whereas the socalled operations already carried out in Karachi from time to time, were not less than a joke. —Karachi
READERS are requested to type their letters legibly with double spacing and only on one side of the paper.
—Editor Email:editorial@pakobserver.net
Obama “Doctrine”, Conflict in the Middle East, and China’s Future HARRY KAZIANIS
tential free trade agreement of like minded countries that could serve as a counterweight
‘pivot’ to Asia? In an era of constrained resources, can America focus on problems in
to China’s regional economic dominance and removing sanctions on Burma are actions that the United States is taking through this China
the Middle East while also demonstrating a stronger commitment in the Asia-Pacific? Conflict in the Middle East certainly has
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AN Bremmer talks America’s new role in Asia, how conflict in the Middle East could challenge such a role, and China’s future. The Diplomat’s Editor Harry Kazianis recently spoke with noted author and president of Eurasia Group, Ian Bremmer, about President Obama’s recent trip to Southeast Asia, how tensions in the Middle East could affect America’s renewed focus on Asia and China’s future. 1. This week President Obama and senior members of his foreign policy team visited a series of nations in Southeast Asia including Burma. Many have argued that with ethnic tensions still unresolved, the Obama administration has moved too fast to restore relations and trade. Some have also argued the administrations moves have had more to do with China than Burma itself. What is your take? During his trip to Myanmar earlier this week, Obama made the trek to the home of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, where she had spent more than two decades under house arrest. While the White House was still planning the trip, she cautioned the administration against visiting Myanmar at all, urging Obama not to be lured by the “mirage of success.” So why would Obama make it a priority to visit a country whose national hero warned him not to do it a trip that could come back to bite him if the reform process goes south? It’s because Obama’s trip through Southeast Asia is all about China. The Obama “doctrine,” to the extent that there is one, is the pivot to Asia…and the use of economic statecraft, as originally coined by Hillary Clinton. Both center on the rise of China and the potential challenges that come with it, especially if China doesn’t align its behavior with international norms. There’s a security and an economic component. Aiming to add Thailand to the Trans-Pacific Partnership a po-
It’s about 3-D printing. As technology makes labor-intensive manufacturing a relatively more expensive option, it’s going to put huge pressure on the decision making processes of Chinese State-Owned Enterprises, if they want to be efficient. After all, China is a state capitalist nation, where leaders’ desire for economic growth only exists insofar as it can keep them in power. lens. 2. Tensions have been rising in the Middle East with fears that hostilities between Hamas and Israel could escalate further, even as the standoff between the U.S. and Iran continues. Do these problems in the Middle East doom the administration’s so-called
the potential to distract the administration, and not only the United States, of course, but a range of other countries as well. But regardless of the state of play on the ground in the Middle East, the United States is going to play a comparatively diminished role in the
Children in Britain are going hungry where are their defenders? MATT KENYON
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HOSE work is it to make sure children in the UK aren’t hungry? That they have shoes, that they’re not sleeping with their cots jammed up against a mouldy wall, or in a house infested with rats? The question of child poverty has come up repeatedly this month, since the coalition launched its consultation on how to measure it in a new way. People who know politics are bracing themselves for a new metric which, at best, will make the government’s record look better than it is, and at worst, spells the elimination of the child poverty targets that were arguably the most valuable legacy of the Labour years. People who know poverty better than politics will not be overly exercised about standard OECD terms of measurement: evidence of poverty is everywhere. The charity Action for Children published figures showing that two thirds of their centre managers were seeing children without enough to eat. Its director of public policy, Helen Donohoe, spoke to Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour about the pressures families were under, giving the example of a rat-infested house – the children couldn’t sleep, the father was so sleep-deprived that he lost his job, the mother had mental health problems anyway, and “we enabled them, through housing support and advocacy, to get rehoused”. That’s great, but I’m left with unanswered questions: who thought that was appropriate housing for a family? (Or indeed, anybody?) How did we get into a situation where housing benefit officers were so supine, where the power dynamic between landlord and tenant was so asymmetrical, that a family needed a professional advocate to escape a house full of rats? Meanwhile in York last month, Telan Stone died at 11 months old. It’s hard to prove that the mould on her bedroom wall was a factor, but the family has been rehoused just in case their housing conditions killed their daughter. You know. Goodwill gesture. This story isn’t about rapacious landlords. This is about charities stepping in to crisis situations that have been caused by statutory negligence, or direct government policy. Donohoe, in fairness, did mention policy, but only in the most constipated terms – she talked of benefits changes as part of “insurmountable layers of drivers that are influencing [poor people’s] lives”. Her central call was to ask people for a £5 text donation for people who couldn’t afford Christmas
region—especially in the context of what we’ve seen over the past ten years, with occupations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Going forward, expect a “lighter footprint,” which is part of the reason we’re going to see more conflict. The U.S. is out of Iraq and not going back in; it will not commit forces to Syria. Washington is doing everything possible to avoid military strikes in Iran. The fact that Obama did not cancel the aforementioned Southeast Asia trip in light of events in Israel/Gaza shows how serious this Asia pivot has become. That’s the direction we’re heading. And don’t expect any other foreign power to fill the leadership void. The rest of the West is maximally distracted with internal issues. The Chinese, whose stake in the region is growing as a result of their energy needs, are not at the stage of development where they would be willing to pick up the baton. 3. In a recent interview on Charlie Rose, you explained that a major issue confronting China’s leadership is it must govern what effectively constitutes two different China’s: the more wealthy, urbanized and coastal China on the one hand and the relatively poorer, more rural, inland China on the other. Each segment of society has very different aspirations and goals. How can China’s new leaders devise policies and programs to help these
dinner. Barnardo’s, to give it credit, has criticised the government’s poverty consultation, calling it unnecessary, but
concerns of families and to bring them to the fore,” Broome replied, diplomatically.
Second, charities are legally excluded from party politics, and in the more consensual age just passed, this meant avoiding saying anything directly critical of the government. This message got so deep into the political bloodstream that when Save the Children launched its campaign in September, to help UK children who were going hungry and without shoes, it was slated in right-wing circles for “politicising” the issue, even though to avoid politics would have meant avoiding poverty altogether. its action plan is very neutral: better debt advice for poor families; action on fuel poverty; and encouraging benefit uptake. 4Children isn’t calling for anything – it welcomes a £2m fund for
people who want to set up a childcare business. Against a context of reductions in the childcare element of tax credits that have forced 25% of women in the lowest income tier out of work altogether, this looks like a deliberate irrelevance. The Children’s Society is asking for free school meals to be extended to all households in receipt of low-income benefits. Ellen Broome, its policy director, explained that there were 3 million children in poverty, only 2.3 million of whom got free meals; if that were extended to the other 700,000 then 100,000 would be lifted out of poverty. I asked her the same I’d thought about all the corporate children’s charities, apart from Save the Children: isn’t that a bit lame? You suggest a measure that will drag one child in 30 on to the right side of the poverty threshold – isn’t that totally unequal to the pressures families are facing? “It’s our job to highlight the
There are three problems. First, charities need access to ministers; if they alienate them, they won’t even get into the room, and that is more important than worrying about what conces-
sions you’ve exacted before you leave. Third, the relationship between government and larger charities has been compromised by the fact that charities run so many services. Barnardo’s gets around three quarters of its income from commissions to run services, and only a quarter from fundraising. The Children’s Society only gets a third of its budget from government, but that’s enough to make an adversarial position impossible. The adversary is also the client; no wonder everybody’s so diplomatic. But there are families now struggling to feed themselves, who from next year will be poorer. Who’s opposing the benefit cap? Who’s calling for a ringfence of council tax benefits for families in need? Who’s arguing to maintain the child tax credit threshold? Who’s fighting against families being rehoused miles away from their children’s school?. —Courtesy - Guardian.
two very different groups? China’s leaders can help these two very distinct groups if they are willing to be more flexible in enacting true liberalizing reform with that wealthier group. That means a more accountable, more transparent government, with more autonomy
given to local leaders. Like Chinese leadership did originally with special economic zones more than 30 years ago, there needs to be special accounting zones, special judicial zones, and special banking zones, where norms and values are more in line with the international community. Short of that, governance is going to become increasingly problematic. Unfortunately, when you look at the new group of leaders coming out of the recent transition, we’ve seen a consolidation of the status quo. The standing committee has condensed from nine members to seven, and it’s clear the government is moving in a more unified direction. It seems like a government distinctly less likely to experiment and take the necessary gambles. 4. As yourself and many other commentators have pointed out, China faces a demographic challenge in the coming decades. After 2015, China’s workers will become increasingly older and the burden of taking care of this ‘graying’ population will rise. Some have speculated that China’s rise may in fact be peaking. Can China reverse this trend in your view by say scrapping its onechild policy? In what way will demographics shape China’s geo-strategic goals in your view? Could it limit its rise as a true global power? It’s certainly true that demographics are not on China’s side. Today there are three workers for every pensioner in China. By 2030, there will be just two. And demographics are just one piece of the riddle. China is not only going to run out of cheap labor, but cheap labor won’t be the advantage it used to be. It’s about robotics. If growth means restructuring huge sections of the economy and contending with a related spike in unemployment, don’t expect Beijing to take on these reforms lightly. The overall labor force dynamicsincluding demographics, labor cost and technology are certainly going to limit China’s rise. —Courtesy - The Diplomat.
Suu Kyi’s India visit: Reflecting geo-political realities BARRISTER HARUN UR RASHID
M
YANMAR opposition leader and Member of Parliament Aung San Suu Kyi paid her first visit to India after almost 40 years. The Indian media described her visit as “lighting up” India during Diwali. Suu Kyi was in India to deliver the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Lecture and meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, renewing the focus on burgeoning ties between the two neighbours. The India visit in many ways holds the most significance for Suu Kyi, who spent her formative years in the country and studied and lived in Delhi. It was in Delhi where she had spent a considerable number of years as a student in the 1960s when her mother Daw Khin Kyi was the Myanmarese Ambassador to India. An admirer of Rammohan Roy, Rabindranath Tagore, Mahatama Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, she is said to have an “openness to ideas and innovations from other cultures,” according to biographer Peter Popham. She met with Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on November 14 and urged the people of India to help her country secure democracy. At the same time she expressed her sadness that India, which supported her movement for democracy in Myanmar after the military crackdown in 1988, changed its policy and sought engagement in the 1990s with the military rulers. She added: “I was saddened to feel that India had drawn away from us during our very difficult days.” Observers say that India insisted it had to follow a pragmatic policy because of its concerns about China’s strong influence on its neighbour, Myanmar. For example, Myanmar allowed China to develop roads and ports in areas bordering the Indian Ocean. Moreover the reported installation of a Chinese surveillance naval base in one of Myanmar’s islands opposite Andaman Islands of India (Cocos Islands) has heightened India’s security concerns. During the trip, she reportedly discussed the development of Myanmar, which has just come out of decades of political and economic isolation. She is particularly interested in learning from the Indian experience in agriculture, health, science and technology. Suu Kyi’s India visit is her fourth foreign visit in as many months. She first visited Thailand, then Europe, where she received the Nobel Peace
Prize, and the US. These visits presented three different political underpinnings in the context of Myanmar’s reform process. In Thailand, Suu Kyi wore a cloak of reservation, neither sure nor certain of the nature of her country’s reform
it scrapped the fixed exchange rate and moved to unify multiple exchange rates for the local currency, kyat. Also, it has passed a new investment law tailored to attract foreign investment. Barring a few sensitive sectors, the government has allowed 100
process. This had resulted in some misunderstanding between her and the generals in power back home. However, this bad-blood between her and
per cent ownership of foreign ventures with no minimum capital in all. As the leader of the opposition, Suu Kyi would be interacting with her Indian
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. the government was overcome when she appealed for responsible investment and engagement from the international community while in Europe. Her approach in Europe was based on attracting investment into Myanmar that would benefit the people. Suu Kyi has thrown her support behind a bill on foreign investment before parliament and is calling on the West to further ease sanctions. “We are not worried about it at all,” said Han Tha Myint, a member of the party’s central executive committee. “What matters most for us is whether these investments and aid are beneficial for the people or not.” The Myanmarese government of President Thein Sein has unleashed the “second wave of reforms” focusing on economic growth, foreign investment and infrastructure. In April,
interlocutors at the same level. The visit is indeed important in more than one way. She is also emerging as a significant political force. Myanmar’s strategic significance is not lost on India since Myanmar shares borders with four populous countriesIndia, China, Bangladesh and Thailand. Its ports on the Indian Ocean and Andaman Sea, just north of the Malacca Strait, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, are strategically and commercially important. Endowed with rich natural resources, which include natural gas, oil, timber, and gems, Myanmar is also attracting foreign capital in search of cheap labour. The cost of manufacturing labour in Yangon, its largest city, is only one-eighth of that in Beijing and one-quarter of that in Bangkok. —Courtesy - Daly Star
Doha climate conference: Loss and damage SALEEMUL HUQ
T
HE eighteenth Conference of Parties (COP18) of the United Nations Frame work Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) starts in Doha, Qatar, on November 26 and end on December 7. There are a number of important topics for negotiators to resolve at Doha, including the fate of the Kyoto Protocol, the level of ambition of mitigation targets, financing for mitigation and adaptation, actions on adaptation, reducing emissions from deforestation, land degradation (REDD), technology transfer and a new and emerging topic of Loss and Damage. I will describe each of the main issues being discussed over the next few columns and then summarise the outcomes after it is over. In my last column I wrote about adaptation and in this one I will deal with Loss and Dam-
age. This topic was first raised in the negotiations some years ago by the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), the political group of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) which is one of three groups of developing countries which are recognised to be “particularly vulnerable” (the other groups being the Least Developed Countries (LDC) and Africa). The main topic of concern for all three groups of vulnerable countries has been adaptation to climate change (and financing adaptation). However, for the small island states in particular, there is a limit to their ability to adapt. For example if the entire country of Kiribati goes under water there is no more adaptation left for them. Thus these countries have been arguing for an “international mechanism on loss and damage” to deal with the residual losses and damage after adaptation. The reaction from the rich countries has
been consistently negative to this proposal (to them it seemed to be really a proposal for an” international fund for compensation and liability”!). However, in COP16 in Cancun, Mexico, in December 2010, as part of the Cancun Adaptation Framework, with the strong support of the LDC and Africa Groups, the topic of Loss and Damage was finally agreed to be included (without defining what was to be done about it). Then in COP17 in Durban, South Africa, in December 2011 the countries agreed to have a one-year “Work Programme on Loss and Damage” and then decide what to do next in Doha at COP 18. This work programme consisted of a series of regional workshops in Tokyo, Addis Ababa, Mexico City, Bangkok, Barbados and Bonn along with an invitation for submissions from Parties and others. The results of all these workshops and submissions will now feed into the negotiations in Doha and the next steps
negotiated there. The main issue at the moment is the lack of clarity both about the terms “loss and damage” (they seem to mean different things to different people) and also about the “international mechanism.” These will be the main negotiating issues, with AOSIS (backed by the LDCs and Africa) arguing for strong actions to be taken, while the rich countries try to agree to the weakest possible outcomes. It will certainly be an interesting topic for the negotiations in Doha. Bangladesh has consistently been playing a strong supporting role on this topic and was instrumental in getting the LDC Group to support AOSIS and achieve the breakthrough in Cancun. Since Durban, the government of Bangladesh has again played a proactive role in persuading a funder called Climate Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) to support a major research programme on behalf of all the vul-
nerable countries.Bangladeshi experts have also been invited to participate in several of the international expert workshops. Thus Bangladeshi experts and negotiators have developed considerable expertise on this topic, which should enable them to support a good outcome from Doha. The topic of Loss and Damage is still a very new one, and also very important one, as it opens up a major new strategy to respond to climate change beyond mitigation and adaptation. The discussions around this topic are still in their infancy but will undoubtedly grow in importance over time. Bangladesh has an opportunity to be a leader on this topic. The writer is Director, International Centre for Climate Change and Development, Independent University, Bangladesh and Senior Fellow at the London based International Institute for Environment and Development. —Daily Star
AG refuses From Page 1 Qadir said that he has come to the court after watching news reports. Replying to a query, the attorney general said that the question regarding the issuance of notification for the appointment of judges in Islamabad High Court should be asked from the president not him. Meanwhile, Islamabad Bar approved a resolution condemning the delay from the government for appointing judges at the Islamabad High Court. It may be pointed out that two honorable judges of the IHC stopped working on Wednesday as their respective tenures expired. Justice Noorul Haq Qureshi and Justice Shaukat Aziz of IHC stopped working raising apprehensions about smooth functioning as the federal government did not issue notification on extension of their services despite recommendations by the Judicial Commission and the Parliamentary Committee.—Online
D-8 adopts charter From Page 1
ter expressed the need to strive for a global international economic and financial system based on universal membership, consultation, accountability, and also the effective participation of the developing countries in the international decision-making organization and institutions that effect the entire international system, including in particular the concerns of the developing countries. The organization in its summit held here at Aiwan-e-Sadr Thursday decided to develop and forge closer economic cooperation among the member countries on the principle of regionalism. D-8 countries in their “Global Vision (2012-2030)” expressed commitment to pursue good governance, rule of law, sound economic policies and political stability as prerequisites for smooth process of long-term development, improvement in standards of living in the member states and promotion of mutually beneficial relations with other From Page 1 member states, regional groups and the world at large. The President of Iran, who D-8, as an intergovernmenis here in Islamabad to attend tal organization, comprising the D-8 Summit said Pakistan Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, and Iran enjoy cordial relations. He said D-8 summit in Islamabad was a success and it will help promoting trade and economic ties between the member states. The Iranian leader said there are threats to of state and government of all his country but they know how D-8 countries today reflects our to defend their country. collective determination to use Earlier, while addressing the this platform for finding soluD-8 summit, the Iranian Presi- tions. dent said world needs a new orThe theme of the Conference der on the basis of the fundamen- is ‘Democratic partnership for tal principles of justice and hu- peace and prosperity’. President manity. He said, “over the past Zardari put forward several prodecades we have been witness- posals for fostering economic ing the emergence of a more- cooperation among member complicated form of colonialism countries. He emphasized the and hegemony which has been need for Trade and Development tightening its grip on the world Banks; encouraging private secresources, imposing its toll on all tor, facilitating contacts between of us one way or another.” —APP chambers of commerce and investment houses of the member COURT NOTICE countries; simplification of visa and customs procedures and barIn the Court Shahid ter trade. He said most of D-8 Zaman Lak Additional countries have already ratified District Collector Mandi the PTA and there is need to bahauddin operationalize it. The President said D-8 countries represent a Suit No 65/11 huge untapped reservoir that can Sardar Khan etc serve as a catalyst for peace and Vs Bashir Ahmad etc prosperity around the world. Application for Partition . He said Pakistan is making Memo. unprecedented efforts to normalBashir Ahmad , ize relations with India and supKhursheed Ahmad , Aziz Ahmad Sons of Ahmad Daad , Maqsood , Rashid Sons of Noor Daad , Mohammad Azam , Mohammad Afzal sons of Kareen Daad , Qasim son , Saman D/o Mohammad Azam , Rashid , Maqsood Sons , Rukhsana Begam D/o Raaj Beham , Mumtaz Begam D/o Ahmad Daad , Akhtar Mehmood , Shokat alias Shaki sons , Parveen D/ o Noor Begam , Fazal Begam widow of Kareem Daad , Mohammad Azam , Mohammad Afzal Sons , Naseem Beham D/o Kareem Daad , Walayat Khan S/o Fazal Daad , Noor Beham , Raj begam D/o Fazal Daad , Arshad Begam , Rukhsana Begam D/o Noor Daad ,Arshad begam D/o Anayat Khan , Mohammad Basharat , Mohammad Imran S/o Anayat Khan , Yasmin D/o Anayat Khan , Qadeer Begam , Nazia D/o Anayat Khan , Sidra Begam widow of Fateh Daad , Ashraf , Akram , Najeeb Riasat ,Afzal sons , Naseem Begam D/o Sidra Bagam , Parveen Begam D/o Fateh Daad , Sahleon brother of Sarfaraz Begam , Khuda Daad S/o ALLAH Daad , Rukhsana Kosar D/o ALLAH Daad , Mohammad Zaman S/ o Hakim Khan , Abid Zaman , Sheroz Khan , Khuram Zaman Sons of Mohammad Zaman , Mohammad Munawar S/o Hakim Khan , Nazeer Begam , Hakim Ali , Ijaz Ahmad s/o Aku, Seema Begam , Parvez Begam D/o Aku , Shafqat Mahmood , Akhtar Mohmood Sons of Mian Khan , Ameer Hamza S/o Masood Ahmad , Qasim Azam s/o Mohammad Azam , Iftkhar Ahmad, Mohammad Akmal Sons of Mohammad Shafi All gujar by caste , Mohammad Shafi , Parvez Kahn sons of khan Mohammad Caste Bhati R/o Chalian Wala Dist Mandi Bahauddin , Whereas the services of above mentioned respondents is not possible through ordinary means, therefore, he is directed to attend this court personally or through his council on 4-12-12. Otherwise the ex party proceedings shall be taken against him. Given under my hand and seal of the Court. Sd/Additioal District Collector Mandi Bahauddin
Nejad hopes
Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey are endowed with abundant human and natural resources. They aspire to become a dynamic economic grouping promoting sustainable development of its member states, as well as be a major actor in the global economic governance and system, and international economic cooperation. D-8 will promote and enhance collaborative partnership and engagement between public and private sectors at the national level and among the member states. D-8 will rise to the task of meeting existing and emerging global challenges through innovative collaboration arrangements and mechanisms in such strategic fields as capacity-building, transfer of technology, and investment and capital assistance. It will strive towards developing an appropriate model for integration among the member states with a view to promoting the Organization’s competitive edge at the international level. The organization will contribute to the changing architecture of global economic gover-
From Page 1 nance from the perspective of developing countries. The D-8 countries Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to peace, democracy, progress, dialogue, solidarity, tolerance, and moderation as the core values and foundation for achieving economic prosperity and well-being of their peoples and called for fostering closer cooperation in economic relations among member states. According to Islamabad Declaration issued following the D-8 summit, the Developing Eight Countries underscored the adoption of D-8 Charter in Islamabad as a turning point for the Organization. They were confident that the principles and objectives enunciated in the D-8 Charter would improve interaction and pledged to work in solidarity to confront common challenges faced by the D-8 community, especially achieving food security, mitigating the impact of natural disasters and countering all forms of extremism which undermine economic progress and negatively affect the livelihood of the people.
D-8 states can serve as catalyst for peace From Page 1 ports Afghanistan’s own roadmap for peace and reconciliation. The President said one of the most serious threats facing Pakistan is international terrorism. He said we will fight for the spirit of our great religion that our Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) gave to use. The President said we are facing daunting challenges today. People of Kashmir continue to suffer unjust occupation and for decades they have been awaiting the promised self-determination. He said people of Palestine continue to suffer the Israeli aggression. He said Pakistan condemns the recent attacks in Gaza which have led to the loss of innocent lives. The President emphasized that we must address these issues. Rather than blaming others, we need to take charge of our destinies. He said we must grow our economies, and provide our people with jobs and security. He said D-8 has the potential to
Karzai’s tacit overtures
advance this agenda. The initiatives being declared at the summit will make a difference. President Zardari expressed the confidence that the D-8 Charter, being signed today, will cement our joint undertakings. The D-8 Global Vision will be a giant step forward towards achieving our long term objectives. He also hoped that Islamabad Declaration will build upon the roadmap. President Zardari urged the summit to endorse once again the core values of D-8 which include peace, dialogue and cooperation; justice, equality and moderation; democracy, rule of law and harmony; and peaceful co-existence and inclusion. He said the D-8 agenda is diverse and is growing but it is crucial for our collective economic success and a shared future. He pointed out that D-8 Business Forum, meetings of heads of central banks, trade promotion organizations and trade exhibitions are very important initiatives. —Online
Petrol prices From Page 1
up to US $ 100 million; (ii) Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the field of development of coal mineral resources; (iii) Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of fertilizer; (iv) Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in youth affairs. Defence sources said that Karzai’s decision to allow entry of Indian security forces into Afghanistan in the name of training/advisors will definitely create difficulty for Pakistan and the United States in convincing Taliban for peace and reconciliation. Sources said that Karzai was in a desperate bid to involve India deeply into Afghanistan so that it would become very difficult for Indians to withdraw from there easily even after the withdrawal of NATO forces and restoration of peace. Afghanistan and India, said sources, were also engaging in intelligence sharing on Taliban’s activities and joint cooperation against Pakistan that would ultimately jeopardize the security of the regional countries. Sources said that Hamid Karzai has developed serious differences with some of the top NATO commanders and anticipating his dismissal early next year as a result of which he has increased overtures with India to secure his future. The joint secret cooperation between Afghanistan and India in the name of security would magnify terrorism in Pakistan and sabotage the peace process in Afghanistan, said sources. Giving his expert opinion, renowned defence analyst Brig (Retd) Mahmood Shah told Pakistan Observer that Indian investment and penetration in Afghanistan would not be much useful for India in achieving her vested interests there.m In the past Russia invested a lot in Afghanistan and we have seen the fate of Russia there, he said, adding the United States had also invested a lot of money and engaged its forces in Afghanistan, but they (the Americans) had got nothing from there.India would not succeed in achieving her secret goals in Afghanistan as the people of the land-locked country do not accept foreign domination and their psyche is very strange that does not match with the aspirations and thinking of the Karzai’s government, he added.
Shoot-on-site orders From Page 1
diesel by Rs.3.79 per litre. The new price of petrol is Rs 102.65; kerosene oil Rs.99.03; high speed diesel Rs 109.77; light speed diesel Rs 93.89 per litre.—SANA
ity within the month of Muharram with aerial vigilance to be provided during the Ashura rally. IG Punjab was full of grief with respect to the Rawalpindi blast stating that seven police officials lost their lives in the incident.
COURT NOTICE
LHC accepts
In the Court of Zafar Iqbal Civil Judge Malakwal Mohammad Khan etc Vs Mohammad Nawaz etc Suit for Declaration & Permanent Injunction. Memo: Mohammad Nawaz , Zafar Iqbal sons of Salabat caste Gondal R/o Gohar Shareef Tehsil Malakwal Dist Mandi Bahauddin , Whereas the services of above mentioned respondents is not possible through ordinary means, therefore, he is directed to attend this court personally or through his council on 5-12-12. Otherwise the ex party proceedings shall be taken against him. Given under my hand and seal of the Court. Sd/Civil Judge Malakwal
COURT NOTICE In the Court of Hamid Ali Tulla Civil Judge Malakwal Ahmad etc Vs Bashir Ahmad etc Suit for Declaration . Memo: Bashir Ahmad S/o Ahmad , Ghulam Fatima D/ o Ahmad , Mohammad Usman , Mohammad Imran sons of Manzoor Ahmad all Hajam by caste R/o Faqirian Tehsil Malakwal Dist Mandi Bahauddin , Whereas the services of above mentioned respondents is not possible through ordinary means, therefore, he is directed to attend this court personally or through his council on 30-11-12. Otherwise the ex party proceedings shall be taken against him. Given under my hand and seal of the Court. Sd/Civil Judge Malakwal
From Page 1 fore a two members bench of the LHC comprising on Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial and Aysha A MAlik. Dr Asim sought unconditional apology. The court accepted his plea and observed the purpose of the courts is to establish rule of law in the country and it is government obligation to implement its verdicts.
NAB takes punitive action From Page 1 erations Divisions to conduct inquiry into the matter. Chairman NAB during the briefing given by DG CAA under the Prevention Regime Initiative appreciated the efforts of CAA present set up for conducting the detail study and revisiting the charges from international flights operating for all facilities through Pakistan’s Airspace and also ground facilities extended to various domestic and international carriers. It may be noted that NAB initiated inquiry about the auditing and billing system of CAA pertaining to these charges in March 2012. The CAA has been losing approximately Rs. 10-14 Billions per year since last two decades as its charges had never been revised since 1992. Additionally there was no transparent system of accounting and verification of these charges. The present set up of CAA has done good job and resultantly its revenue will increase from 13 to 27 billion per annum. In another issue undertaken during the briefing as regarding allowing the towers and high-rise buildings in Islamabad, NAB observed that incompetency, negligence and faulty procedures in planning mechanism of CDA extended loss of approximately Rs 50 crore to one of the builders in Islamabad as the CDA planners failed to coordinate with CAA in calculating the permissible safety height. —Online
Govt considers cellular service suspension From Page 1 lice reports suggesting terrorists had planned to ram an explosiveladen vehicle into the shrine. The shrine, which is daily frequented by a large number of visitors, became the scene of a major terrorist attack on Oct 7, 2010, when suicide bombers blew themselves at the monument, leaving eight people dead. The government has tightened security at airports and at “highly sensitive” areas in the capital, identifying them as possible targets for terrorist attacks. Intelligence agencies declared five areas in Islamabad as the most sensitive in the capital, with reports suggesting threats of possible terrorist attacks on the 8th and 10th day of Muharram. The areas included Shehzad
town, Tarnol, Golara, Bhara Kahu and city’s main Imambargah. Meanwhile, security at all functional airports in the country, including the Karachi airport, was put on high alert to avert any possible attacks. The interior ministry ordered to the Airport Security Force (ASF) to effectively manage security of the airports as passengers were directed to reach airport at least two hours before their flights. Following the orders, the ASF deployed additional forces on the airports after the orders. The security measures come as Pakistan kicked off a four-day meeting of the Developing-8 (D8) countries, with leaders from Turkey, Malaysia, Iran, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nigeria
and Egypt attending the Islamabad summit themed ‘Democratic partnership for peace and prosperity’. The conference in Islamabad follows a bloody day of sectarian and militant attacks in the country, with one blast at a Muharram procession in the adjoining twin city of Rawalpindi, kilometres from the capital. A series of bomb explosions and targeted attacks rocked four Pakistani provinces Wednesday, killing at least 25 people. The attacks were militant and sectarian in nature. Any large-scale sectarian or militant violence could hurt Pakistan’s efforts to show it has improved security as it hosts the leaders of eight developing countries at a summit in Islamabad.
Pak pays back 7th IMF From Page 1 remitted $14 billion in 2012. The break-up of the foreign reserves position indicated last week that foreign reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan were estimated at $ 9,242.6 million while the net foreign reserves held by banks (other than SBP) were at $ 4,602.9 million. In view of the slackening foreign investment due to law and order situation as well as slowing down exports primarily due to energy crisis, there is a little hope of improving financial health of the country. The only positive way out is to enhance export of skilled manpower with the support of the government as done by India which grabbed the largest share 8 the home remittances to a massive scale of $70 billion during 2012. According to a world bank report, India will receive record
Zardari’s bargaining chip to Nawaz From Page 1 activated whenever there will be any aggressive move by the PML (N) leader. This move has also sent a message to him to come to terms with the PPP leader before the elections, the sources said. PML (N) has already entered into election mode as it has finalised its election manifesto. The ruling party is seemed to be in waiting mode so far and PTI, a third political force is coming out of its party elections to go all out for the electoral politics. Other small parties and regional groups have also activated their party cadres for the elections.
$70 billion remittances in the year 2012, topping the list of developing countries which are expected to receive a total of $406 billion this year. After India , China will stand second with $66 billion, followed by Mexico and the Philippines with $24 billion each, a latest report by the bank said. In all, worldwide remittances — including those to high-income countries — will reach $534 billion in 2012, according to a newly updated World Bank brief on global migration and remittances. Other large recipients are Nigeria ($21 billion), Egypt ($18 billion), $14 billion each for Pakistan and Bangladesh, followed by Vietnam ($9 billion) and Lebanon ($7 billion). Officially recorded remittance flows to developing countries are estimated to grow by 6.5 per cent over $351 billion in
2011, with India again topping the chart with $58 billion, followed by China ($57 billion), Mexico ($24 billion) and the Philippines ($23 billion). Worldwide remittances, including those to high-income countries, are projected to grow to $685 billion in 2015. According to the World Bank, remittances to developing countries are expected to rise eight per cent in 2013 and 10 per cent in 2014 to reach $534 billion in 2015. In its report, the World Bank notes that the true size of remittance flows, including unrecorded flows through formal and informal channels, is believed to be significantly larger. “Compared to private capital flows, remittance flows have shown remarkable resilience since the global financial crisis, registering only a modest fall in 2009, followed by a rapid recovery.
N-5 gets completed with 102pc increase in its cost ALI SYED
Father of PS to PM recovered Q UETTA —In a successful raid, Kharan rifles recovered Mir Asif Sanjrani, father of Private Secretary to the Prime Minister Sadiq Sanjrani from Noukundi area of the province. According to reports, Mir Asif Sanjrani was kidnapped by armed persons six days back. Police said that four persons including the leader of the kidnappers were arrested during the operation.—INP
Forex reserves fall to $13.814b Staff Reporter K ARACHI —Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves dropped to $13.814 billion in the week ending Nov 16, from $13.845 billion the previous week, the central bank said. Remittances from Pakistanis abroad rose 15.04 per cent to $4.964 billion in the first four months, July to October, of the 2012/13 fiscal year, from $4.315 billion in the same period last year. In October, remittances totalled $1.365 billion. The monthly average remittances for July-October 2012/13 period come out to $1.241 billion.
Twin blasts rock Khyber Agency BARA—2 consecutive blasts rocked different areas of Khyber Agency on Thursday morning but no human or property loss was reported. According to Khasadar Force sources, the first blast took place at PakAfghan Highway where miscreants had planted bomb by roadside with exploded with big bang. However, no causality or injury was reported as no one present near the scene of blast. The second blast took place at Jamrud Bypass Road near NATO containers but the miscreants missed the target and no damage was reported.—INP
Militants blast DSP house BANNU—Unknown miscreants blasted house of Deputy Superintendent Police (DSP) with explosives here on Thursday but no human loss was reported. According to details, unidentified militants had planted explosive material outside house of DSP Saddar, Gul Naseeb, located in Kalakhel area of Bannu which exploded with big bang. As a result of blast a portion of house was damaged but all the residents remained safe. —INP
ISLAMABAD —Believe it or not but the cost of the National Highway (N-5) which is life line of Pakistan and longest highway among the road network has alarmingly skyrocketed by whopping 102 percent to Rs 993.550 million from the original cost of Rs 491.583 million, a senior official of ministry of communications told Pakistan Observer. He said that the original PC-1 of the project was approved by CDWP in its meeting held in 26-11-2007 at the total cost of Rs 491.583 million. Since there has been cost overrun of high magnitude owing to which its cost was revised in June 2009. The cost RAWALPINDI: Mourners standing around the coffins while raising their hands as they chant slogans during the of the project which had been funeral prayer of the victims of a suicide blast outside Imambargah Qasr-e-Shabbir in Dhoke Syedan. estimated on the basis of contract rate 2008 has now worked out to be at Rs
Military operation in Karachi to damage Army: Imran
Rawalpindi blast deaths toll climbs to 23 STAFF REPORTER
993.550 million. The source say the massive corruption is being done since long on the pretext of the escalation cost and overrun expenditure as the most of the projects get delayed deliberately to charge more. The technical appraisal wing of the planning commission also expressed its dismay over the huge increase of 102 percent in the cost of the project of paramount importance and asked the sponsoring agency which is the Ministry of Communication to clarify why the completed cost has increased to such extent and what are the major factors responsible for such increase. This shows that at the approval of original PC-1, the scope and the cost of the project was mot properly developed. The technical appraisal also pinpointed that a provi-
HRCP condemns sectarian slaughter
SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT the political parties which partners are equally respon- RAWALPINDI —Death toll in L AHORE —The Human figures in government and had no armed wing. sible for the failure”. Rawalpindi Moharram pro- Rights Commission of Paki- political parties have isK ARACHI —Terming the “We condemn this secKhan also flayed the cession blast climbed to 23 stan (HRCP) has strongly sued condemnatory statemuch-talked-about military operation in this violence-hit city as detrimental to Pakistan Army, Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaaf Chairman Imran Khan Thursday said the ongoing sectarian violence in Karachi could be an international conspiracy. Addressing a press briefing here, the cricketer-turned politician said military operation in Karachi would serve no purpose but adversely affect the army itself. “Things can only be improved when the police department is depoliticized.” He said, for sustainable peace in this metropolis the voters must elect in the next general elections
tarian violence here. The Shia-Sunni divide may have an international conspiracy behind,” Khan said adding such conspiracies had also been witnessed in Iraq, Lebanon and Bahrain in the past. “Karachi can only be saved by a party which does not have an armed wing in its ranks,” said he. The recent deadly blasts in the city, Khan said, were indicative of the government’s failure to protect the life and property of the masses. He said those slamming the government should first part ways with the ruling coalition. “The government and its coalition
Seven militants arrested from Lahore, Sargodha
NA body recommends removal of MD PSO
STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—The Law Enforcement Agencies thwarted two major terrorist plans when they arrested seven alleged militants from Lahore and Sargodha and recovered four suicide vests and explosives from their possession, police officials said on Thursday. In Lahore, police and secret agencies arrested two suspected militants from Anarkali Bazar neighbourhood in a jointraid. They recovered two suicide vests along with explosives from their possession. Reports from police sources suggest the arrested suspects were planning to target procession of Muharram eighth.
SC returns Aslam Beg’s review petition ISLAMABAD—Supreme
Court (SC) Thursday returned with objections the petition filed by Former Army Chief Mirza Aslam Beg against the ruling in Asghar Khan case. It should be mentioned here that the former Chief on Wednesday Two accused escape Army had filed a petition to the from lock-up apex court to review its ruling in Asghar Khan case reL AHORE —Two accused garding the political funding involved in murder and by the premier spy agency of abduction cases fled after breaking iron bars of lock- the country in the run up to 1990 elections. up of Nawan Kot police The court turned down station. Police have Aslam Beg’s petition with registered a case and objections that the number of arrested three police actual parties of the case has officials on the charge of negligence. Police said that been increased and that the change of counsel was not four accused Mohsin, requested in a proper manZeeshan, Zubair and ner. Ghulam Rasool were The objection said the arrested in separate criminal review petition was submitcases and were locked in. Accused Mohsin alog with ted by Ali Zafar Advocate instead of the actual counsel Zeeshan gave some Akram Sheikh Advocate. The intoxicated substance to Zubair and Ghulam Rasool court also objected to quality of the affidavit and the after which both became annexed documents.—INP unconscious. —APP
People’s Party for not being able to address problems of the flood-stricken masses in the interior Sindh, the ruling party’s political stronghold. “Tehreek-e-Insaaf’s tsunami would enter Sindh as we would hold a big meeting in Sukkur in December.” About local body elections, Khan said the controversial PSLGO 2012 was nothing but the ruling coalition’s bid to spread political chaos in the country. He said having completed its term the present government needed not to hold the local government polls and should rather leave the same for the next government.
I SLAMABAD —A parliamen- supreme court against his tary panel on Thursday recommended removal of Management Director Pakistan State Oil (PSO) Naeem Yahya Mir for his dual nationality and ineligibility for the post. During a meeting of National Assembly sub-committee on Petroleum and Natural Resources held in the Parliament House with Jamshed Dasti in the chair resented the ineligibility of ministry of Petroleum and natural resources due to which ineligible persons are sitting at the executive posts in different departments of the ministry. Convener Jamshed Dasti said that how it can be tolerated that MD PSO who has dual nationality is running all the business of a largest oil agency in the country. Committee demanded removal of MD, CEO PSO Naeem Yahya Mir and said that Naeem Yahya Mir should be removed because he may take any decision against the national interests and later flee abroad. Jamshed Dasti asked Additional secretary Abid Saeed to remove MD PSO Naeem Yahya Mir from his post else he will go to the
dual nationality. The committee was also annoyed at the news of oil theft of over Rs 320 million and said that how it is possible that such a large amount of oil has been pilfered from the system of OGDCL. In this regard, MD OGDCL Masood Siddiqui informed the parliamentary panel that two officials were involved in this act and those offices have been suspended while a reference has been sent to National Accountability Bureau (NAB) against these officials. The committee directed MD OGDCL to give complete report in this regard and to remove ghosts officials from the OGDCL and don’t accept any kind of political pressure from any side. The committee said that development schemes of MNA’s are lingering from year and SNGPL is delaying development projects then one can imagine what would be their attitude with a common man. Committee recommended GM operation Aman Ullah to take concrete steps for immediate completion of development projects of MNA’s.—Online
as three more injured people succumbed to their wounds on Thursday. It should be mentioned that 20 people were killed and 65 others injured in late Wednesday night suicide bombing in Dhok Syedaan that ripped through a Moharram’s mourning procession. The law-enforcers and rescue teams arrived on the spot soon after getting the information of the blast and seized eight more hand grenades from the scene of devastation. Regional Police Officer (RPO) Captain Zubair said the blast was suicide in nature and the attacker, while trying to force into the mourning procession, blew himself up causing massive destruction.
TTP claims responsibility for Karachi, Rawalpindi blasts P ESHAWAR —The Tehrik-iTaliban Pakistan (TTP) on Thursday claimed responsibility for twin bomb attacks targeting mourning processions in Karachi and Rawalpindi, which killed 34 people. TTP spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan while talking to media, said that the TTP was responsible for the blasts carried out near Imambargahs in Rawalpindi and Karachi. While giving details of the attacks Ahsan said that the organisation had carried out a suicide blast in Rawalpindi whereas the twin explosions in Karachi were planted bombs. “We carried out the attacks (on Wednesday) in Rawalpindi and Karachi because the Shiite community is engaged in defiling the Prophet,” he added The statement came after the TTP had claimed respon sibility for two earlier blasts on the same day in Bannu and Shangla areas, bringing the tally of cities targeted on Wednesday to four.—INP
condemned the killing of about 25 innocent Pakistani citizens on the grounds of their belief and called for serious efforts to subdue the monster of sectarianism. In a statement issued here, HRCP said , “No words are strong enough to condemn Wednesday’s killing spree in which around 25 innocent Pakistanis were slaughtered while performing belief-related rituals nor are adequate for expressing the shame to which the whole nation has been put. It seems the new breed of religious zealots wanted to tell the D-8 dignitaries all about the mess the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has been turned into. Quite obviously the targeting of the Shia citizens has reached a new high this year and many quarters apprehend more bloodshed on Ashura. All kinds of eminent
ments and spokespersons of federal and provincial governments are making tall claims above their plans to maintain peace. The virus of sectarianism that has been eating into the vitals of the Pakistan society can be exorcised neither by politicians’ hackneyed rhetoric nor by the antics of ineffective law enforcement agencies. Everybody knows who the Shia-baiters are and what new theories to justify murder on account of religious or sectarian differences the latest crop of jihadists have spawned. Thus, while the administration must do all it can to deal with the crime part of the sectarian militants’ agenda, and prove that their actions can match their proclamations, the leaders of the various schools of religious thought must admit their failure to keep their followers under some discipline. —NNI
US making drone submarines to patrol oceans W ASHINGTON —Have you helm of ships, but humans heard of unmanned drone submarines that can patrol the oceans? The US Department of Defense is creating such submarines that will navigate the oceans, tracking and following enemy subs for months at a time, Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), which is responsible for developing new military technologies, started the project because “the growing number of adversaries able to build and operate quiet diesel electric submarines is a national security threat that affects US and friendly naval operations around the world”, according to a statement on the DARPA website. Normally, anti-submarine warfare has been conducted by US Navy captains at the
will never board these drones, also known as a “Continuous Trail Autonomous Vessels”, according to Discovery News. The subs will be able to patrol the US coastline for up to 80 days at a time covering thousands of kilometres using non-conventional sensor technologies that “achieve robust continuous track of the quietest submarine targets over their entire operating envelope”, DARPA stated on its website. The vessel’s main task will be to patrol the waters for enemy submarines and then chase them away if located. The sub will also gather information deemed necessary by the US government, which will then be sent to US naval commanders up above on land, according to Discovery News. —Online
Osama bin Laden given Islamic burial W A S H I N G T O N —Internal SEAL team that assaulted his deceased’s emails among US military officers indicate that no sailors watched Osama bin Laden’s burial at sea from the USS Carl Vinson and traditional Islamic procedures were followed during the ceremony. The emails released Wednesday by the Defense Department through the Freedom of Information Act, are heavily blacked out, but are the first public disclosure of government information about the Al Qaeda leader’s death. Bin Laden was killed on May 1, 2011, by a Navy
compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. One email stamped secret and sent on May 2 by a senior Navy officer briefly describes how bin Laden’s body was washed, wrapped in a white sheet, and then placed in a weighted bag. According to another message from the Vinson’s public affairs officer, only a small group of the ship’s leadership was informed of the burial. “Traditional procedures for Islamic burial was followed,” the May 2 email from Rear Adm. Charles Gaouette reads. “The
body was washed (ablution) then placed in a white sheet. The body was placed in a weighted bag. A military officer read prepared religious remarks, which were translated into Arabic by a native speaker. After the words were complete, the body was placed on a prepared flat board, tipped up, whereupon the deceased’s body slid into the sea.” The email also included a cryptic reference to the intense secrecy surrounding the mission. “The paucity of documentary evidence in our
possession is a reflection of the emphasis placed on operational security during the execution of this phase of the operation,” Gaouette’s message reads. Recipients of the email included Adm. Mike Mullen, then the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Gen. James Mattis, the top officer at US Central Command. Mullen retired from the military in September 2011. Earlier, Gaouette, then the deputy commander of the Navy’s Fifth Fleet, and another officer used code words to discuss whether the helicopters carrying the
SEALs and bin Laden’s body had arrived on the Vinson. “Any news on the package for us?” he asked Rear Adm. Samuel Perez, commander of the carrier strike group that included the Vinson. “FEDEX delivered the package,” Perez responded. “Both trucks are safely enroute home base.” Although the Obama administration has pledged to be the most transparent in American history, it is keeping a tight hold on materials related to the bin Laden raid.—Online
sion of Rs 55.743 million has been added in the revised PC1 for escalation at the rate of 6.5 percent of the construction cost. It said that the sponsoring agency should have mentioned the actual cost of escalation as the project has already completed. The appraisal wing also pointed out that the sponsoring agency should confirm that the actual cost of Rs 106.084 million which are mentioned as the overhead charges including cost of electrification in the cost estimates. The official said that N-5 facilitates high volume of traffic from Karachi to Peshawar and further to Torkhum (Afghan Border). He said that in Taxila, there is a road leading towards Hattar industrial zone creating congestion on National Highway N-5 at Taxila.
US to pursue defence cooperation with Pakistan: Panetta WASHINGTON—US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta has said despite challenges in the bilateral relationship, the United States and Pakistan share an interest in defeating terrorists and that Washington would pursue defense cooperation with Islamabad on that common basis. “Despite challenges in the bilateral relationship between the United States and Pakistan”, Panetta said, “one area in which our national interests continue to align is defeating the terrorists on Pakistan soil that threaten both of us”. Speaking at a Washington think tank, Panetta noted that in Afghanistan and Pakistan, prolonged military and intelligence operations have significantly weakened al Qaeda but saw the need to maintain pressure on the group. That means degrading the terrorists’ senior leadership, dismantling their organisational capabilities, remaining vigilant to ensure the threat does not reconstitute, and working to build the capacity of US partners, in cluding Pakistan, to confront these shared threats, he added.“We remain committed to pursuing defence cooperation based on these shared interest”, he said at the Center for a New American Security.—INP
Pakistan urges UN to rectify recruitment flaws NEW YORK—Speaking at the Fifth Committee of the UN General Assembly on “Human Resource Management”, Pakistan Permanent Representative, Ambassador Masood Khan told the world body that the organization has failed to address the current and future needs due to a flawed, and time consuming recruitment and selection system that lacks transparency. Pointing deficiencies of UN human resource machinery, he emphasized the need for a strong political will, and productive engagement in the General Assembly to address this anomaly. He expressed the hope that the UN Secretary-General would present comprehensive proposals to the General Assembly for review of methodology of geographic representation in timely manner. Referring SecretaryGeneral’s latest report, which highlights essence of creating an organization that could implement the mandates entrusted to it by Member States, the ambassador said Pakistan fully support the overarching goal of the continuity of reforms of human resources management. “The fact is that the UN has to go a long way to attain a global character, orientation and composition. It has to cover some ground urgently to reflect geographic diversity”.—AFP
Exercise could help ward off bone disease in teens
T
EENAGERS have been urged to play sports or run for at least three hours a week to counteract the potential damage to their bone health caused by prolonged spells of sitting. An international team, including an expert from the University of Exeter, has found evidence that adolescents who spend long periods engaged in certain sedentary activities are more likely to have low bone mineral content in parts of the body where it can be an indicator of the risk of developing osteoporosis. In the research, the team found that studying put girls at particular risk, while for boys leisure internet use posed the greatest threat. Scientists found that participating in at least three hours of certain sports could significantly reduce the threat in girls. The study found evidence of the benefits of high-intensity sports where the participant is on their feet, such as football, basketball, netball or running. Scientists have previously studied the impact of an inactive lifestyle on problems such as obesity or heart defects, but this is one of the first studies analysing the effects of different sedentary behaviours on bone health in the critical development period of adolescence. “Clearly we are not telling girls not to study. It is a fact of modern life that teenagers spend more time engaged in
deskbound or sitting activities, but our research is one of the first to identify a connection between this behaviour in adolescents and low levels of bone mass in key regions of the body,” said Dr Luis Gracia Marco of the University of Exeter, who led the research. “It is already wellknown that an inactive lifestyle has implications for young people, such as obesity and heart diseases. Combined with that, our findings emphasise the need for exercise, and we hope it will give some focus for young people and their parents to ward off any health problems later in life,” Dr Marco added. The research was carried out in collaboration with scientists from the University of Zaragoza, the University of Granada, the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), and the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. It was supported by the European community Sixth RTD Framework Program, as well as with a grant from Fundacion Cuenca Villoro.The research assessed the lifestyles of 359 Spanish adolescents participating in the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence Study. It examined bone mineral content in the femoral neck region of the hip, which is a critical area for diagnosing osteoporosis. The research team looked at the impact of different types of sitting activity, including watching television and playing computer games.
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Commerce Makhdoom Amin Faheem, Member of National Assembly Kashmala Tariq and others at a dinner hosted by Ambassador of Argentine Rodolfo Martin Saravia in the honour of new Ambassadors of Canada Greg Giokas, Oman, Riyath Yousuf Ahmed Al Raisi and USA, Richard Olson at his residence.—PO photo by Sultan Bashir
ISLAMABAD: Visitors selecting articles of their choice at different stalls set up at D-8 trade exhibition at Pak-China Centre.
Operation against illegal farm houses ISLAMABAD—Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman, Syed Tahir Shahbaz told the Standing Committee of the National Assembly on Capital Administration and Development (CAD) that special operation would be launched against unlawful use of Chak Shahzad farm houses after Muharram-ul-Haram. The Standing Committee on Capital Administration and Development (CAD) meeting was held in the Parliament House on Wednesday, presided over by Chairman of the committee, Jamshid Dasti. Tahir Shahbaz said that the farm houses in Chak Shahzad were allotted with an objective to increase production of fruit and vegetables to fulfil need of the federal capital but these are being used for other purposes.—INP
Rural artisans complete University training in various craft fields Hamdard workshop I SLAMABAD —A
training workshop for rural craftpersons with expertise in various craft fields concluded here on Thursday at National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage, Lok Virsa. The training was a part of a series of master artisan training workshops for providing capacity building to 768 marginalized craft persons/artisans, mainly from rural districts with poor lower income groups. These workshops focus on GALS (Gender Action Learning System), group management, skill development/enhancement, colour
scheming, product design and development, quality control, pricing, raw material purchasing, marketing as well as economic rights of home based/ informal workers, health, for sustainable improvement in their earnings, said an official of Lok Virsa. The participants of these workshops are home-based workers living in far flung deprived areas, with no or limited linkage with big markets to sell their products, he informed. Talking to APP he said the important aspect of these trainings is to provide exposure to the skilled artisans in value chain development
and marketing practices through hands-on experience in the exhibition/marketing facility at Lok Virsa. He informed that the master artisan received Rs. 5,000 as honorarium for training five fellow crafts persons and which was disseminated on successful completion of the training during the marketing exposure/exhibition at provincial level such as craft, industrial and Mela exhibitions by chambers of commerce, etc. The project provided capacity building for marginalized craft persons hailing from rural districts and lower income groups, the official said.—APP
ISLAMABAD—To promote research culture and effective ways to create knowledge through research, a one day workshop on Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was held at Hamdard Institute of Management Sciences (HIMS) on Thursday . The focus and aims of this workshop was to introduce participants with the SPSS for data analysis and enhance the skills of the participants. The first session was opened with the welcome note by the Director Hamdard Institute of Management Sciences Professor. Dr. Kamran Naqi Khan.—APP
D-8 exhibition paves the way for trade development STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—The 4-day Developing Eight (D8) trade exhibition concluded here Thursday after receiving overwhelming response from the traders and paving way for future enhancement of trade among member states. The concluding sessions was marked by the distribution of participation certificate among the exhibitors of various companies local as well as foreign companies for their excellent performance during the event. The certificates were distributed by Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Chief Executive Officer, Abid Javed Akbar. Exhibitors from all the member countries including Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria,
Turkey and the host country Pakistan had put their products on display at their designated pavilions. As many as 40 exhibitors from Pakistan and more than 70 exhibitors from member countries showcased their products in the exhibition aiming to explore trade potentials among the member countries. The focus of Pakistani exhibitors was mainly on three sectors Textile, Engineering goods and Halal food. “The exhibition got overwhelming response during these three days,” Abid Javed Akbar said while addressing the participants on the occasion and expressed the hope that the exhibition would provide basis to enhance trade among the D-8 member countries.
I SLAMABAD —Lok Virsa (National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage) in collaboration with Salim A. Khan, a Pakistani national residing in Canada, is holding a calligraphy exhibition titled as “IQRA” from Thursday till next Wednesday. The opening ceremony of the exhibition was held here at Pakistan National Museum of Ethnology, popularly known as Heritage Museum, at Lok Virsa. Lok Virsa’s executive director Khalid Javaid performed the ceremony as chief guest.
In his address, Khalid Javaid informed about certain initiatives that his organization has undertaken in order to document, promote and preserve the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of Pakistan since its inception in the year 1974 adding “it is a humble effort on the part of Lok Virsa and Salim Khan to mark the holy month of Muharram”. He appreciated the services of. Khan for bringing the exhibition at Lok Virsa. Individuals, groups or classes of notable masters and practitioners of all traditional arts and skills to ensure ways and means of their continuance by providing
suitable incentives, he maintained. A large number of people from different walks of life including cultural personalities, students, youth and general public attended the event and praised for the professionalism of the organizations in preparing and presenting the exhibition in such a beautiful manner. The exhibition displays a collection of calligraphic panels on Quranic verses. In all, 64 panels are on display at the hall of changing exhibitions with the Heritage Museum. The exhibition will remain open for public till 28 November daily from 10.00 a.m. till 6.00 p.m. except Mon-
day. Quran is the heavenly books revealed by Allah to the last of his messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is the book memorized and recited by millions of Muslims every day. And it is also the book that forms basis of the religion of Islam and its foremost source of knowledge. Unfortunately, it is almost always been read without understanding it. Salim Khan studied at National College of Arts, Lahore and specializes in fine arts. In his earlier career, he joined the department of archaeology as a modeler. During his stay at the National
NPC to revisit constitution I SLAMABAD —To make the
constitution of the National Press Club (NPC) Islamabad according to the modern needs, a five-member committee headed by senior journalist Zia Uddin was formed here on Thursday. The committee was formed at the Governing Body meeting of the NPC that was presided over by NPC President Farooq Faisal Khan, said a press release. The committee would have former NPC Presidents, Mushtaq Minhas, Tariq Ch, and Afzal Butt besides Mohsin Raza. Mubarikzeb Khan would perform as Secretary of the committee. During the meeting it was also decided to convene the meeting of the General Council of the Club on December 2. The meeting was presented with the details of annual expenditure of the club besides the on-going process of talks on various matters with the government. The meeting was of the view that the General Council may also be taken in to confiISLAMABAD: Two children carrying dry tree branches after collecting them from a dence on account of talks with the government.—APP greenbelt for domestic use.
Lok Virsa holds calligraphy exhibition ‘IQRA’ STAFF REPORTER
He said that tremendous trade and investment potential exists among the D-8 countries which could be enhanced up to US$ 500 billion by exploring new avenues of trade and by improving trade and investment relations. He said that during the sidelines of the exhibition, the Trade Promotion Organizations of the member states held meetings aimed at exploring ways and means for enhancing cooperation. These organizations shared their expertise and knowledge to enhance and promote trade among the developing eight countries. Earlier, meeting of Heads of Trade Promotion Organizations (TPOs) of D8 countries was held on November 19 which stressed the need for promoting cooperation among the TPOs.
Museum, Karachi he had the privilege to display many prominent exhibitions in Bangladesh and Pakistan. His distinguished contribution was the remarkable display at the Moenjodaro Museum in Sindh. In 1973, Salim Khan migrated to Canda with his family where he is not only providing expertise in commercial graphics but also run a successful manufacturing business of neon signs. He leveraged his business and his artistic talents to contribute to the spirit of multi-culturalism in Canada. As an independent artist and as a member of several coordinating teams, Salim
has been a key contributor to over 100 inter-cultural festivals and art exhibitions Calligraphy, the art that combines visual image and written word, is perhaps at its most brilliance in the arts of Islam. Islamic calligraphy traditionally took its inspiration from the Muslim belief in the divine origin of Arabic writing, the medium through which the Quranic revelation to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) was recorded. The aim of the exhibition is to emphasize on the importance of the understanding Quran.
Ehancement of cultural ties between Cuba and Pakistan STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —Jesus Zenen Buergo Concepcion Ambassador of Cuba called on Federal Minister for National Heritage and Integration Ms Samina Khalid Ghurki here. It was decided in the meeting that exchange of paintings, photographs, crafts and folk artists would be initiated between Pakistan and Cuba. The Federal Minister expressed her confidence that new avenues would be opened by establishing cultural pacts. The Federal Minister directed Mr. Khalid Javed Executive Director Lok Virsa to follow up these programs and look into this mat-
ter properly. The Federal Minister ensured the Ambassador of Cuba about the commitment of present democratic Government of Pakistan which attaches special importance to the promotion of cultural links with other countries. Ambassador of Cuba apprised the Federal Minister about the visit of Cuban musicians in Pakistan and proposed that the group should also perform in Lok Virsa and PNCA. The Federal Minister proposed that such events should be performed all across the country so that common people also get the chance to attend such programes and to see other countries’ culture as well.
Stroke claims a life in every six seconds STAFF REPORTER Juma
06:10 01:30 03:45 07:00
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 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.
ISLAMABAD—Leading neurologists at Shifa International Hospital (SIH) said stroke is a non-communicable disease that attacks 15 million people worldwide every year and claims a life every six seconds. Stroke is the second leading cause of death for people above 60. They were addressing a public awareness seminar
organized by Shifa International Hospital in connection with world Stroke Day. The day is being celebrated all over the world to disseminate essential life-saving information and share knowledge about actions and lifestyle behaviors that could avert the assault of stroke. “1 in 6” was a theme selected by World Stroke Organization (WSO) last year and continued this year along with the slogan “be-
cause we care” that was introduced on World Stroke Day 2012. A large number of people from different walks of life attended the seminar. Associate Consultant Neurologist SIH Dr. Mohammad Amjad gave his presentation on “an introduction to stroke and its management”. He briefly discussed the epidemiology, causes, sign, symptoms and management of stroke. He said hypertension
Human rights situation in Pakistan
Poland expresses satisfaction STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Haji Muhammad Adeel observed that Pakistan has suffered loss due to war on terror and world community must recognize Pakistan’s sacrifices for ensuring regional and global peace. He made this observation during a meeting with an eight member Parliamentary delegation of Poland headed by Marshal of Senate of Poland Bogdan Borusewicz at the Parliament House here Thursday. A wide spectrum of issues pertaining to further strengthening bilateral relationship, enhancing economic cooperation, and other matters related to regional and international importance came under discussion during the meeting. Haji Muhammad Adeel welcoming the delegation re-
marked that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Poland and the visit of the Parliamentary delegation would further consolidate the ties between the two countries. He informed the delegation that Pak-Poland friendship groups have been constituted in National Assembly and Senate and proposed that similar friendship groups should be constituted in the Parliament of Poland also so that the bilateral ties between the two could be institutionalized at the Parliamentary level. Senator Haji Muhammad Adeel and other members of the Committee underlined the need for furtherance of cooperation in the fields of education, health, economy, trade and energy sectors as Pakistan is willing to enhance bilateral cooperation in all spheres of life for mutual benefit. Haji Adeel also thanked
the government of Poland for supporting Pakistan’s stance for enhanced market access to EU markets and GSP+. Other members of the Committee also expressed their view point during the meeting. Senator Farhatullah Babar proposed that parliament of both the countries have to play a crucial role to promote inter faith harmony. Senator Moulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri observed that 30 years of war in Afghanistan has affected the whole region and Pakistan in particularly Pakistan, however, he expressed the optimism that we would over come the situation. The delegation expressed satisfaction over human rights situation in Pakistan particularly appreciating the step to involve minorities in the decision making process at parliamentary level.
***** 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.
(high blood pressure), diabetes high cholesterol, smoking, orally chewing tobacco and heart diseases are leading causes of stroke. “Patients with hypertension have 8 times greater chance of having a stroke.” He informed that speech difficulties, ataxia (difficulty in walking), facial weakness, vertigo (room spinning around you), double vision and numbness on the face/ arm/leg and extremity weak-
R AWALPINDI —Office bearers of Railways Workers Union have expressed their annoyance on the closure of the ticket counter No 2 in Rawalpindi Railways Station, saying it was causing loss of millions of rupees monthly to Pakistan Railways. According to the union office bearers, the closure of the booking counter was part of a conspiracy to terminate rail car services. Booking record of the station show that despite availability of bogies they are not being put on the track for some ulterior motives, the officials said, adding commercial system of the Pakistan Railways is being ruined through a well hatched plan. Moreover, charges of the parking tickets for the vehicles at the railway station have also been increase from Rs5 to Rs10. The office bearers of the union warned that if steps were no taken to improve the system of Pakistan Railway, they would be force to stage protest demonstrations. They appealed to the Chief Justice of Pakistan to take suo moto action about the current matter of affairs in the railways department aimed at ending rampant corruption.—INP
Illegal furniture factories in Amerpura
I SLAMABAD —Citizens have
R A WA L P I N D I — T h i c k l y
E&T department recovers Rs1.6m R AWALPINDI —Excise and Taxation (E&T) Department Rawalpindi has unsealed 15 properties on the recovery of Rs1.6 million property tax dues. According to sources, under the supervision of EDOs Mushtaq Ahmed Suhail and Choudhry Hanif, Inspectors of E&T department, Ehtsham-ul-Haq and Gul Bashir had in the ongoing operation against property tax defaulters, sealed 27 residential and commercial properties in different parts of the city including New Mallpur and Faizabad areas of the city. The defaulters were to pay Rs2.9 million. Some of the defaulters paid Rs1.6 million thus 15 of the sealed properties were unsealed in the evening. Director E&T Rawalpindi Division, Chaudhry Sohail Arshad said that the operation against the defaulter commercial and residential properties would be indiscriminate and carried out on daily basis.—INP
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for CAD Nazar Muhammad Gondal, Director General Federal Directorate of Education Dr Shahnaz Anjum, Joint Secretary CAD Prof Rafiq Tahir and Principal IMCG F-6/2 Rehana Rashid praying after unveiling the plaque to inaugurate a new block.—PO photo
Domestic dispute: Father kills son R AWALPINDI —A father gunned down his son in the area of Wah cantt here the other day. As per reports, in the area of Wah cantt at Bodha Chaudhry Aksar and his young son Chaudhry Waqas got into a fight over some domestic dispute due to which the father opened fire with gun on the son resultantly he died on the spot. The criminal father fled away from the scene successfully. On getting information police reached on the spot and shifted the dead body to hospital for autopsy. After completing legal formalities it was handed over the dead body to his heirs. Later on, police registered the case and started thorough investigation.— Online
Traffic diversion plan for Muharram ISLAMABAD—Special traffic Muharram and from Central plan has been devised for the capital city to divert the traffic from routes where processions will pass on 8th and 9th day of Muharram. Special diversion plan is aimed at facilitating the commuters in view of Muharram processions such that alternate routes for traffic have been pointed out. In addition, parking of vehicles and presence of all types of carts on the passages of the processions have been banned. A special meeting presided by SSP Traffic Dr Moin Masood was held at traffic headquarters on Thursday. DSPs of all zones and Inspectors participated in the meeting. In the meeting, duties of personnel with reference to the procession going to originate from Jamia Murtaza, G-9/4, on 8th day of
Imam Bargah, Asna Ashri, Sector G-6, on 9th Muharram were finalised. The procession streaming from Jamia Murtaza, Sector G-9/4 will conclude at Imam Bargah, Imam As-Sadiq, Sector G-9/2. The areas including Street 54 of Sector G9/4, Rohtas Road, Kashmir Highway, Double Road Sector G-10, Sawan Road, Ibn-eSina Road, and Street 11 of G-9/2, will remain closed for all types of traffic. Similarly, Luqman Hakeem Road, Poly Clinic Chowk, Fazle-Haq Road, Kulsoom Plaza Chowk, 7th Avenue, Iqbal Hall Chowk, Lal Masjid Chowk, and GPO Chowk will remain closed for all kinds of traffic, with regard to the procession of 9th Muharram going to originate from Imam Bargah, Asna Ashri.—Online
the government in caregiving and treatment of stroke patients. She briefly described the clinical presentation and risk factors, importance of educating general public and purpose of organizing such events. Stroke claims lives of nearly six million people each year, she said. Physiotherapist SIH Zaheer Ahmad discussed importance of physiotherapy in the recovery of stroke.
He emphasized that maximum recovery occurs within the first 3 months. Stroke sufferers and caregivers should learn to do physiotherapy at home, he added. Later a question answer session was also held with a panel of experts including speakers, Head of Neurology SIH Consultant Dr. Arsalan Ahmad and Consultant Neurologist SIH Dr. Muhammad Azhar Saeed.
Closure of booking counter at Pindi railway station
Parking in front of Polyclinic embarrasses visitors expressed concern over lack of proper parking facilities in front of Federal Government Services Hospital (Polyclinic) as the situation is creating problems for the patients and their attendants and it is worsening day after day. Polyclinic being the second major hospital of the federal capital accommodates a large number of patients from the city and other remote areas. However, patients and their attendants have no place to park their vehicles despite such a huge inflow. Citizens talking to INP complained that hospital administration has occupied a link road next to the Argentina Park by putting barriers and the link road has been rendered useless. They suggested that if hospital administration could not provide parking facility, it should allow them to park their vehicles on the link road.—INP
ness are a few symptoms of this deadly neurological disorder. “There is no pain associated with stroke,” Dr. Amjad said. If you have stress, habit of high salt intake and family history then you are at risk, he stated. Consultant Neurologist SIH Dr. Maimoona Siddiqui talked about the slogan “because we care”. She described in detail the role of an individual, community and
populated area of garrison city, Amerpura has been virtually occupied by furniture mafia as a large number of illegal furniture factories in disregard bylaws are functional in residential area. According to survey conducted by INP furniture factories are illegally operational in residential areas of Amerpura, particularly in street No.64, 65, 66 but Tehsil municipal administration is playing the role of silent spectator. Chaudhry Shafiq, a resident of Street No.64 said that due to the slackness of Tehsil Municipal Administration, furniture factories illegally operating in residential areas and gives rise to respiratory and other fatal diseases like tuberculosis (TB) among the residents of the locality. These factories have been set up inside the streets in connivance with the corrupt official of Town Municipal Administration, he added.—INP
RAWALPINDI: Interior Minister Rehman Malik visiting a hospital to enquire after the health of bomb blast victim.
VVIP movement for D-8 Summit
Traffic gridlocks irk residents CITY REPORTER I SLAMABAD —Residents of the twin cities had to face traffic problems due to blockage of the roads for VVIP movement on the occasion of D8 Conference.To facilitate the foreign delegates in transporting them to their destinations safe and sound, the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) blocked roads at different times of the day on Wednesday evening. There were long hours of traffic jams from Zero point to Faizabad, from Pir Wadahai to Faizabad on the IJP road and from Rawat to Airport crossing. The commuters, after waiting for enough time, started turning back their vehicles that turned into gridlock situation at many other points of the federal capital. When contacted, Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Ishtiaq Shah said that the residents should behave like sensible and educated citizens. It was our responsibility to
provide safe passage to the foreign delegates, thus the motorists should have waited for the opening of the routes to help the traffic police in maintaining the smooth flow of traffic. Commuters on the other hand lamented the traffic police that instead of giving lessons to the citizens, the police should change its behaviour and address the grievances of the people. They questioned the justification of blocking of road for vehicles much ahead of the motorcades of the VVIPs and then failing to manage the traffic when opened. They were of the view that the VVIPs could have been taken through helicopters on safe route without creating inconvenience to the travelers.It is pertinent to mention here that security of the markets and roads of the city has also been geared up and Rangers were deployed in many areas, including Super Market and surroundings of the Parliament House.
Stay order against executive block R AWA L P I N D I — R e s t r a i n t order against any kind of use of the under-construction executive block in the District Bar Rawalpindi (DBR) has been issued. Chairman of the executive committee of the Punjab Bar Council (PBC), Rana Muhammad Asif Saeed Khan, issued the orders. According to the restraining orders, the under construction building could neither be given to any bank nor to any other person for any kind of use. The decision has been taken on the appeal of Khawaja Nouman-ul-Haq Advocate and others who opined that Rawalpindi Bar Association should take steps against the interests of its members. It is quite relevant to mention here that the Bar Council had also made a committee consisting of the bar members including Tahir Nasarullah Waraich and Ghulam Murtaza Choudhry for audit of the construction and funds of the PBC.—INP
Non supply of water protested
ISLAMABAD: Advisor to Prime Minister on International Affairs Prof Gowher Rizvi cutting the ribbon to inaugurate his book ‘The Unfinished Memoirs by Sheikh Mujeeborganized by Oxford University Press at Islamabad Club. High CommisRAWALPINDI—Lack of civic ur-Rehman’ sioner of Bangladesh Sohrab Hussain, Ameena Saiyid, Hamid Mir and I A Rehman are facilities particularly supply also seen in the picture.—PO photo of clean drinking water has triggered resentment among the residents of Sadiq colony. The residents of street No 1,2 and 3 got the roads carpeted on self- help basis. But the elected representaR AWALPINDI —Rawalpindi officials. CITY REPORTER tive of the area rendered Bar Association Thursday It was decided that To- observed complete strike these streets to shape into ruins in the name of laying R AWALPINDI —To discour- bacco Control Committee will against the non-issuance of new water supply line. The age smoking at public places be formed at tehsil level to notification for the appointstreets are still depicting the and sale of tobacco to under- discourage smoking at pub- ment of Islamabad High scene of ravaged city. age children and teenager, lic places and sale of tobacco Court’s judges. “Water was supplied to City District Government to underage children and The strike was obus earlier only two days in Rawalpindi (CDGR) would teenagers. served on the call of The federal government Rawalpindi District and a week through new water launch a crackdown on supply line but now the Sheesha Cafés in the district coordinator on tobacco con- high court bars. trol Dr Aftab Ahmed informed water supply line has after Muharram-ul-Haram. RBA President Sheikh turned into mirage of The decision was taken the meeting that ban on Ahsanuddin said that the desert as we can only en- at a meeting of District To- smoking at public places had parliamentary committee joy this facility within the bacco Control Committee reduced the sale of tobacco had approved the proposals companies by 10 percent. time span of minutes rang- held the other day. of judicial commission and The DCO directed the now President Asif Ali ing between 20 to 25 at evDistrict Coordination Ofery week end, said a group ficer (DCO) Saqib Zafar pre- Rawal and Potohar Towns ad- Zardari is bound to issue of residents. What a pity sided over the meeting which ministrations to identify the ar- notification for the judges that whatever quantity of was attended by federal eas where Sheesha Cafés were appointment. water is available to us it is government’s coordinator on located.He said that health deThe lawyers also prosupplied to us at midnight tobacco control Dr Aftab partment and District Food tested against the Israel’s air when all the inmates are Ahmed, EDO (Health) Dr Controller in collaboration with strike on Gaza and blaspheISLAMABAD: Security officials standing at high alert in front of an Imambargah as caught in deep slumber, Zafar Iqbal Gondal and other local police would raid these mous contents on youtube security has been beefed up. they added.—Online police and local government cafés after Muharram 10. website.—INP
Crackdown on Sheesha smoking after Muharram
RBA observes strike
Kashmiris, Palestinians facing worst kind of state terrorism: Geelani ‘Hold for anti-Israel protests’ SRINAGAR—The Hurriyat Conference (G) Chairman, Syed Ali Shah Geelani has called for protests on Friday against the Israel’s air strikes on Palestine. “We as a Nation are ourselves occupied by colonial power. We cannot help our Palestinian brethren in real sense, but we must express solidarity with them…Protests shall be staged after Friday prayers on November 23,” he said. Over 100 people have been killed and hundreds more injured in air raids on Palestine by Israel. The military action has evoked widespread criticism from Muslim and non-Muslim
countries across the world, while protests are anti-Israel are being held in most countries. Protests were also held at New Delhi and many other states. The call comes shortly after the isolated protests by various groups here against the Israel. Last week, a group of Muslim Khawateen Markaz led by Zamruda Habib staged a protest, followed by a candle light protest on the next day after and protest rally by lawyers. Drawing parallels between Palestine and Kashmir, the 82year-old separatist leader said both the regions were victims of “worst kind of state terrorism”.
‘Kashmir-Delhi nexus out to destroy NC’
Economic, trade issues no KEA lashes Omar, New Delhi, Tel Aviv two Musahrraf encounter solution to Kashmir-issue: Mirwaiz on Kashmir faces of same coin: Nayeem
SRINAGAR—Claiming credit for his party to see the Rawalpindi Road reopened, and asserting that the LoC would “collapse one day,” union minister and president of the ruling National Conference Dr. Farooq Abdullah has said that “money was being spent in torrents in New Delhi and Kashmir” to destroy the NC. “People in Delhi in collaboration with their well-wishers in Kashmir are working overtime to pull the National Conference down, and for this they spend huge amounts of money,” Dr. Abdullah said addressing panchayat leaders at party headquarters here. “But they must know that the National Conference is not so weak as to play games with. We are a deep-rooted party and nobody has the guts to shake us,” he said. “Had such elements not been busy in hatching conspiracies, the BJP wouldn’t have hoisted the flag in Kashmir,” he said. “The National Conference is people’s party and we have been representing their aspirations over decades now,” he said. “It was the NC which brought the Rawalpandi Road issue on its 1953 Sopore convention,” he said, adding that the day would come when the ‘barriers’ between the two parts of Kashmir would collapse. “Zulfiqar Ali Bhuto once told me that my father Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was repeatedly raising the Rawalpandi Road issue. Even an 11-year-old girl from Azad Kashmir spoke to me and said that it was only the NC that could bridge the gap between the two parts of Kashmir,” he said.—NNI
Cold wave intensifies, Srinagar minus 0.2 SRINAGAR—Cold wave conditions intensified yet again in the Kashmir valley and Ladakh region, where the weather remained dry during the past 24hours after snowfall on upper reaches. A Met department spokespersons said the weather will remain dry in the Kashmir valley in the next 24 hours. In Srinagar the people had some respite from the cold after the minimum temperature remained above normal for two days, witnessed yet another cold night. The ski resort of Gulmarg, which witnessed minus 6 degree minimum temperature yesterday, coldest so far, recorded 0.5 degree improvement. However, the icy cold winds continued to sweep the entire Gulmarg sector which received light to moderate snowfall recently. —NNI
“In both regions are civilians facing worst kind of state terrorism, and the so-called civilized is silent because the victims are Muslims. Until both these issues are resolved, World cannot be made peaceful,” he said. He said the attacks by Israel should be an eye-opener for the Muslim leaders who expect favours from America. “Israel’s state terrorism is fully backed by America. It shall open eyes of those Muslim leaders who are fond of good relations with America, expecting that the country to do them any favours,” he said, and asked, “Attack on Malala Yousufzai
was no way justified, but those who condemned that attack are today silent over the killing of children in Palestine. Is it because none of them (Palestinian children) is named Malala? Or because USA backs Israel?” Geelani appealed the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) for diplomatic help of the Palestine. “If OIC cannot help Palestine, the countries shall at least use diplomatic ties for bringing an end to attack by attack,” he said. He also condemned the attack on the rally of Qazi Hussain Ahmad in Pakistan, calling it a work of anti-Islam elements.—NNI
SRINAGAR—Hurriyat Confer- dem with the wishes and aspira- dom was incomplete without the ence (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has said economic freedom of Kashmir is as important as political “freedom.”He said the economic issues and corss LoC trade are no solution to the Kashmir issue. Mirwaiz was speaking during a consultation programme here ahead of Hurriyat (M)’s Pakistan visit. In the first phase of the consultation process Hurriyat (M) leaders held detailed deliberations with the trade fraternity. The meeting was attended by more than 40 associations and organizations of Kashmiri traders, a spokesman of Hurriyat (M) said. Stating that the Hurriyat (M) has a clear stand on the Kashmir dispute, Mirwaiz said “either the issue should be solved according to the resolutions passed by the United Nations Security Council in UN or the three main stake holders of the K-issue- India, Pakistan, and Kashmiri people should strive for such a solution which would be in tan-
tions of Kashmiri people.” The meeting was convened by Mirwaiz. He said the purpose of the meeting was to seek the opinions of cross section of peoples to understand the Kashmir issue in its proper perspective. He said it would also help the conglomerate to formulate an effective strategy which would help towards solving the dispute. Mirwaiz had a detailed discussion with the trade fraternity to form an economic advisory council (EAC) in Jammu and Kashmir. Later he said that APHC would soon announce the formation of EAC. Mirwaiz said it was not only the political rights of Kashmir which were usurped, but there had been concerted efforts to paralyze the economy and progress of Kashmiris following a well orchestrated plan. He said making Kashmir- a dependent economy- was a matter of concern. Speaking on the occasion, the traders stressed over the fact that Kashmir’s political free-
economic freedom. They said nature has bestowed Kashmir with resources, but India and the state government have illegally occupied them to make to choke Kashmiris economically at all fronts. They said such oppressive polices were a matter of concern and unacceptable for Kashmiris. The traders said the exploitation of Kashmiri resources continued unabated including the water- main source of power. They further said that restricting the LoC trade was done to leverage out the political mileage out of it. The participants suggested that to make LoC trade beneficial and profitable, its imperative that it should be given status of freed trade. Former President of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries Shakeel Qalander on the occasion welcomed the fact that economic issues are being given importance. He asked the Hurriyat Conference to ensure transparency during the visit of its delegation to Pakistan.—KMS
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Mian Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo meeting with AJK President Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob.
OSLO—Strongly criticising the question answer session between Omar Adbullah, chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir and former president of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf on the occasion of Hindustan Times Leadership Summit in New Delhi President of Kashmir European Alliance (KEA) Sardar Pervez Mehmood stated that “Even though Omar holds a degree in International Law, he (Omar) has asked a vague question in relationship to validity of the UN resolutions in modern time and age”. He also added that UN resolution has given 16 Million Kashmiri people right to vote for their future, and it’s validity is genuine and relevant as the very essence and validity of United Nations is concerned. Sardar emphasised that just because something is old, it does not mean it has lost it validity, referring to the age of UN organisation. “Omar is not only advocating that Kashmiri people should not exercise their right to vote there destiny according to UN Resolution, but putting forth himself as a leader of Kashmir and true representative of common masses in Kashmir ” Sardar added.—NNI
‘Tourist inflow can’t eclipse Kashmir issue’ SRINAGAR —Chief Minister
ISLAMABAD: Member National Assembly Jamshed Dasti and others meeting with AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Abdul Majid at his chamber.
1994 Kupwara killings: Police indicts Army SRINAGAR—Jammu and Kashmir Police have held Army responsible for the killing of 27 civilians in frontier district of Kupwara in 1994. This was disclosed in a communication sent by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to Defence Ministry. “Non-cooperation by Army has obstructed further investigations into the massacre,” the communication adds. In response to a notice from the J&K State Human Rights Commission (SHRC), the MHA has sent a communication to the Ministry of Defence, quoting a
STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—“While the Kashmir issue is very complicated, I am confident that the other three issues: Siachen, Sir Creek, and water issues will be resolved soon between India and Pakistan,” said Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Moti Dhar, former Vice Chief of the Indian army. He was speaking at a roundtable organized by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) with India Pakistan Soldiers Initiative for Peace (IPSIP) here on Thursday. Gen Dhar, who was heading the IPSIP delegation, said that there is a need of greater understanding between India and Pakistan over water issues. He said that Indians and Pakistanis need to keep it in mind that water resources are dwindling with the period of time and that both countries will not only have to resolve their water issues but will also have to
report of the Director General of Police (DGP) (J&K) which has observed that Army personnel were responsible for the civilian killings. “In spite of repeated efforts, including a notice from Court of Judicial Magistrate Kupwara, the concerned Army unit (ASC 31 Medical Regiment) has not cooperated with the investigating agency,” reads the MHA letter. “Non-cooperation by Army has jeopardized further investigations of the case.” MHA has requested the Defence Ministry that this matter “may please be taken up with concerned Army authorities on
priority” for extending full cooperation and also for furnishing nominal role of officers, soldiers, who were on Road Opening Party (ROP) duty in Kupwara town on January 27, 1994. It has also requested SHRC for granting extension of time for submission of required details. Filed on May 11 this year, the DGP’s reply states that (police) investigations had clearly indicted army for “unprovoked firing with criminal intent” and found servicemen “directly responsible” for the killings in Kupwara town.—NNI
Omar Abdullah has cautioned against drawing any political connotations from the huge tourist influx in Kashmir, as, according to him, tourism was just an economic activity. Omar blamed Pakistan for not allowing operations of international flights from Srinagar airport. Addressing a seminar on “Sustainable Tourism — Environment and Infrastructure” at SKICC on the banks of famous Dal Lake here, Omar said huge tourist flow can be a part of economic activity but it can’t overshadow Kashmir issue. “Bumper tourism season doesn’t mean that there is no main issue (Kashmir issue),” he said. “Huge tourist influx can contribute to economy of the State in a great way, but it can’t overshadow the basic issue. Tourists are flooding the valley under a reduced threat. Withdrawal of travel advisories by United Kingdom and Germany has played a great role.” “Even Chief Minister has started getting calls for booking. I have got calls for bookings from my friends on phone as they were refused room by a five star hotel in Srinagar,” Omar said.—KMS
Appeals international community to stop flood shed S RINAGAR —Calling New Delhi and Tel Aviv as the two sides of the same coin, senior resistance leader and National Front Chairman Mr.Nayeem Ahmad has appealed international community to come forward and stop India and Israel from bloodshed and rights violations. Reacting sharply to the killing of innocent people including kids by Israeli forces, Nayeem Khan said that Tel Aviv and New Delhi are hand in glove to suppress the innocent people of Palestine and Kashmir. “Everybody knows that Tel Aviv suggested New Delhi to fence the LoC which divides the erstwhile Jammu Kashmir and it was Israel who provided all sorts of equipments to its ideological partner, New Delhi to
curb the innocent Kashmiris,” Khan said adding that who will understand the pain of killings in Palestine more than Kashmiris. Khan said, “We are being butchered since decades together by none other than the ideological friend of Israel and we better understand the pain of burying school going children, unarmed youth, respected elders and women”. It is India who crushed the most peaceful uprising in Kashmir by killing more than 200 innocent boys in 2008 and2010. Khan said that international community has given a free hand to both India and Israel that is why nobody on earth dares to come forward and stop their high handedness. He appealed the world community to
India rejects OIC resolution on Kashmir N EW D ELHI —India has during the 39th Session of the Contact Group meeting on strongly rejected as “factually incorrect and misleading references” made by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Jammu and Kashmir in its 39th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers. “We note with regret that the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has once again made factually incorrect and misleading references to matters internal to India, including the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, which is an integral part of India. We reject all such references/resolutions,” official spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs said. He was responding to a question on resolutions adopted
CFMs of OIC held in Djibouti, Africa, last week. The OIC resolution said it is “noting with regret the Indian attempt to malign the legitimate Kashmiri freedom struggle by denigrating it as terrorism and appreciating that the Kashmiris condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.” It also said that “taking note of the report which confirmed that there are 2156 unidentified bodies in mass graves in Kashmir and expressed concern that there is every possibility that the unidentified bodies buried in various unmarked graves at 38 places may contain bodies of enforced disappearance cases because 574 are unidentified.”Speaking at the
Siachen, Sir Creek and water problems will be resolved tions at the Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) said that there are better ways of military disengagement in Siachen than a unilateral withdrawal of Pakistani troops, which he called impractical. He suggested learning from the SinoIndian border disengagement. Another member of the IPSIP delegation from India, Col. (Retd.) A.R. Khan, was of the view that Siachen is a futile war and that courageous thinking is needed on both sides for resolving the conflict. Dr. Tahir Amin, Director of the National Institute of Pakistan Studies at the QAU, argued that Pakistan always wanted to take a top-down approach in the dialogue
with India for the resolution of the core issues, while India always wanted a bottom-up approach. The problem, he argued, arose when Pakistan would agree to Indian step-by-step bottom-up approach and would still not see any progress on the core issues, which he said, bred frustration in Pakistan. Agreeing with Dr. Amin, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Talat Masood also called for progress on core issues such as Kashmir, Siachen, Sir Creek, and water. He said that India should not hide behind excuses such as its domestic politics or overall political and security situation in Pakistan. “Both the countries will have to think how the
Jammu and Kashmir, OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, reaffirmed the principal position of the OIC in fully supporting the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their struggle to achieve their legitimate rights and stressed on considering new means for supporting them. He announced that the delegation of the next visit by the OIC Special Envoy to Jammu and Kashmir would include representatives of OIC subsidiary and specialized organs that can help deliver assistance. Taking note of the report which confirmed that there are 2156 unidentified bodies in mass graves in Kashmir OIC expresses deep concern.—KMS
MUZAFFARABAD: Development work is in progress near Saheeli Sarkar at River Neelum under the construction programme.
Kashmir issue is complicated: Gen Dhar evolve ways and means to effectively utilize the existing resource of water available to both the countries. “Water problems should not be turned into an emotional issue,” said Gen. Dhar. Col. (Retd.) Gautam Das of the IPSIP delegation argued that Pakistan could unilaterally withdraw from Siachen if it was finding it difficult to sustain the war. He was of the view that the presence of the Indian troops on the Saltoro ridgeline would not pose a threat to Pakistan because of the difficulty of the terrain. Countering Col. Das’s arguments, Prof. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal of the School of Politics and International Rela-
take cognizance of what is happening in Palestine and Kashmir so that humanity can be saved from exploitation. Khan said that Palestine and Kashmir disputes are a challenge faced by the humanity and unless United Nations and other international organizations play their role without any bias, these disputes can’t be solved and the kids of Palestine and Kashmir will remain dying by the brutal forces of India and Israel. Khan remembered all the Martyrs of Kashmir especially Shaheed Abdul Hameed Shiekh and Martyrs of Aalikadel. He said that unless the goal for which the Martyrs laid down their lives, is achieved, it is the prime duty of all Kashmiri people to keep the torch of resistance burning.—NNI
fundamental change in thinking can be incentivized,” he asked. He was of the view that a fundamental shift in strategic thinking had already taken place in Pakistan and that the ball was in the Indian court now to reciprocate with progress. Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Saleem Haider argued that people-topeople contacts would have to be coupled with government-to-government efforts at resolving core issues and normalization of relations. “India will have to realize that it cannot develop in isolation, it will have to take the regional countries along,” he said. President of IRS, Mr. Ashraf Azim, said that peace is the only option for India
and Pakistan. He urged Indian Prime Minister to visit Pakistan despite all the domestic and bilateral issues. He was of the view that it would be an immense goodwill gesture on the part of the Indian Prime Minister towards Pakistan. He added that there are serious reservations in Pakistan about Indian sincerity towards normalization of relations with Pakistan. Gen. Dhar reiterated that the Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, had decided not to come to Pakistan because his domestic position had grown weaker, which had diminished his capacity to sell any compromise with Pakistan back home.
Gen. Dhar argued that a stable and friendly Pakistan is in the interest of India. He was of the opinion that the revenge mindset against Pakistan in India has faded since the 1971 war. He maintained that the economic development-inspired new generation of India is more concerned about a better life, and argued that the governments can no longer afford to ignore the popular calls as was witnessed during the Anna Hazare Movement in India, the Arab Spring in the Middle-East, or the Lawyers’ Movement in Pakistan. Gen. Dhar termed the Pakistani perception of Indian involvement in Balochistan for destabilization as completely baseless. Trying to allay Pakistan’s fears with respect to Indian involvement in Afghanistan, he said that India wanted a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan because it is a trade route to Central Asia.
Foreign reserves over $13.814b Staff Reporter ISLAMABAD—The total liquid foreign reserves held by the country stood at $13,814.2 million on November 16, 2012. Giving break-up of the foreign reserves position, a statement of State Bank of Pakistan said that foreign reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan stood at: US $ 9,124.6 million while Net foreign reserves held by banks (other than SBP) stood at US $ 4,689.6 million as on November 16, 2012. The total liquid foreign reserves stood at US $ 13,814.2 million as on November 16, 2012, the SBP said.
OGRA warns CNG owners LAHORE—Chairman Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) Saeed Akhtar on Thursday said that owners of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) filling station should close down their businesses if they considers it a nonprofitable but they could not be allow to go on strike. Talking to media persons outside Lahore High Court, he said that the decision for increasing CNG price would be made keeping in view the best interest of the consumers. The chairman ORGA said that authority would take action against those CNG owners who observe strike to press the unlawful demands. He said that CNG filling station owners could close down their businesses if they have complained in this regard but would not be allowed to give a strike call.—INP
UBL Fund completes 10 years Observer Report KARACHI—UBL Fund Managers has completed 10 successful years of providing investment services. UBL Funds with an array of both Islamic and conventional investments products has been catering to clients of various age groups and social standing, helping them achieve their financial goals. On this occasion, Mir Mohammad Ali, CEO UBL Funds said, We are proud to have achieved several milestones in these 10 years; the most important was to be able to deliver services through a client centric approach focusing on superior customer service and needbased products while maintaining high ethical standards.
ECC bans import of vehicles used over 3 years STAFF REPORTERS ISLAMABAD/KARACHI—The market observers dubbed the move as positive for the local auto industry as the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) in its Thursday’s meeting is reported to have revised downward the age limit of imported used cars to three years. The impact of the ECC decision was visible in the equity market where, the stocks analysts viewed, the benchmark 100-share index closed bullish gaining 18 points. The analysts attributed this positive trend, partially, to the ECC’s move on auto industry that attracted investors’ interest in the scrips
during fiscal year 2012 had imported around 56,000 units compared to 20,000 units of fiscal year 2011. “The imports were highly skewed toward five years old cars as they being cheaper of the alternatives,” said Zeeshan Afzal, a Topline analyst. The analyst said the availability of a cheap substitute and rising inventory levels in the market decreased the local auto industry’s sales by 31 percent to 40,000 units during first four months of FY13. The corresponding period last year had seen the sale of 59,000 units, Afzal recalled. This clearly indicates that the government has tried to
PACRA, SEO of Iran ink MoU T EHRAN —Pakistan Credit eration and assistance to each Subsequently, SEO-Iran soRating Agency (PACRA) and the Securities and Exchange Organization (SEO) - Iran entered into Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) here in Tehran today wherein PACRA to provide technical assistance in establishing a credit rating regime in Iran.. Under the MoU, PACRA shall prepare regulatory framework for regulating the credit rating business in Iran and in establishing rating agencies in Iran. PACRA is one of the, two Pakistani Credit Rating Agencies (CRA) that provides credit rating services in various countries. In order to enhance coop-
Food, oil imports cost $6.78b STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —Pakistan has
spent $6.78 billion on oil and food imports during the first four months (July-October) of the on-going financial year 20122103. According to the PBS figures, country imported petroleum products of worth $5.266 billion during the first four months of the current fiscal year as compared to $5.014 billion of the corresponding period of the previous financial year (20112012), showing an increase of over five per cent. The breakup of $5.266 billion revealed that country imported other petroleum products worth of Soneri Bank bonus $3.431 billion and petroleum crude worth of $1.835 billion shares at 11pc during July-October 2012-2013. Observer Report The PBS figures revealed KARACHI—The board of that country imported foodstuff directors of Soneri Bank has worth of $1.514 billion during approved the issuance of July-October 2012-2013 as bonus shares at the rate of 11 compared $1.635 billion of Julypercent i.e. 11 shares for every October 2011-2012. Import bill 100 shares held of Rs 10 each. of milk products was up by The decision was taken in the 15.10 per cent, dry fruits and board meeting held on nuts 5.26, import of tea deWednesday and reviewed the creased by 6.76 per cent, import status of compliance with the of spices decreased by 33.42 per State Bank of Pakistan’s cent, soyabean oil’s imports enminimum capital requirement, hanced by 31.20 per cent, palm material information sent to oil import decreased by 15.99 Karachi Stock Exchange said. per cent, sugar import declined by 79.64 per cent, import of pulses went down by 5.33 per cent and import of all other food items decreased by 7.69 per cent during the period under review. Apart from oil and food imRivalry is the life of ports, the country imported matrade, and the death of chinery worth of $1.835 billion,
the trader.
from automobile sector. “ECC announcement on car imports restriction beyond three years-old invited interest in auto sector,” said Ashen Mehanti, a senior equity analyst and director at Arif Habib Securities. Previously, the importers were allowed to import cars of up to five years of age that, the analysts said, had adversely impacted the sales of local automobile companies. The buyers, finding the 5year old cars cheaper, were prioritizing importing used cars from abroad instead of going for new ones in the local market. According to researchers at Topline Research, benefitting the age relaxation the importers
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other in the areas of interest, SECP and SEO Iran had constituted a Liaison Committee that is entrusted with the task of exploring areas of assistance to each other. During a meeting in October 2011, SECP arranged a meeting of both the domestic CRAs with an Iranian delegation visiting Pakistan and the Iranian delegation desired to seek assistance of SECP for the development of regulatory framework for regulating the credit rating business in Iran. To take this process further SEO - Iran then interacted through SECP with CRAs from Pakistan.
licited technical and financial proposals from interested consultants and then shortlisted PACRA for framing of the said regulatory framework. PACRA visited Iran and held meetings with SEO Iran and other market participants and agreed to undertake assignment. On invitation of the SEOIran, Mr. Imtiaz Haider, Commissioner- SECP participated in the said signing ceremony and also addressed the seminar held in Tehran on the topic of “Role and Importance of Credit Agencies in economy”.
Textile exports up 5pc in four months STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—The textile exports from the country increased by 4.78 percent during the first four months of the current fiscal year as compared to the same period of last year. During the month of October 2012, the exports of textile products increased by 10.5 percent and 1.21 percent when compared to the exports of October 2011 and September 2012 respectively, according to the data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), The textile exports during July-October (2012-13) were recorded at $4.392 billion against the exports of $4.192 billion during July-October (2011-12).
The major textile products that contributed in the positive growth in exports included cotton yarn, exports of which increased from $513.658 million last year to $701.606 million, witnessing surge of 36.59 percent. Similarly, the exports of yarn (other than cotton yarn) increased from $12.805 million last year to $18.976 million, showing increase of 48.19 percent. The other textile products that witnessed increase in exports included cotton cloth, exports of which increased from $826.694 million to $891.635 million, an increase of $7.86 million while exports of towels increased from $238.763 million to $254.559 million, showing increase of 6.6.2 percent.
Country may lose Russian market STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Pakistan is feared to lose Russian market for its fruits and vegetable as the foreign country has made a private lab’s certificate mandatory for future export. The Russian Quarantine team, which was recently on a visit to Pakistan disclosed that Pakistani exporters have to get a certificate from a private lab of Lahore for export consignments destined to Russia in addition to usual Phyto - sanitary
certificate from the PPD. The mandatory certification from only one lab/company, having also not up to mark facility, has not only risked the export worth $70 million but the exporter also smell a rat in the motive to get approved a particular private lab out of numerous other facilities in the country. Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchant Association (PFVA) has expressed serious reservations that approving
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appease the local auto assemblers at the expense of consumers who, after Thursday’s decision of ECC, would not be able to import cars that are older but much cheaper than what the local industry was offering them. However, apparently, applying a sales-centric approach the market observers opine that the development would augur well for the local auto industrialists. “The development bodes well for local automobile industry,” said the analysts. They, Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf meeting with Federal Minister for Climate Change Rana however, expect a lag reflection Farooq Ahmed Saeed. in terms of sales in the local market because of the availability of high inventory of used cars in the market.
Reducing environmental hazards
Govt pursuing policy of economic prosperity: Raja STAFF REPORTER
ISLAMABAD—Prime Minister ISLAMABAD—Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has said that Raja Pervez Ashraf has urged the need for proactive and affirmative action on the part of all stakeholders to reduce carbon emission and adopt energy conservation for reducing hazards posed to the environment. He was talking to Federal Minister for Climate Change, Rana Farooq Saeed Khan who called on him at the PM’s House on Thursday. The Prime Minister said that erratic weather patterns led to excessive rains and floods for last three years and the country faced one of the biggest floods in its history during 2010. He said that the government is cognizant of the challenges posed by climate change and has taken major policy initiatives in the environment sector to cope with such situations in future. The Prime Minister stressed that visible change was only possible if all segments of the society participate with the government’s endeavours. The Minister apprised the Prime Minister about various initiatives taken by the Ministry of Climate Change.—INP
Substantial misdeclaration by steel importers detected STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—A massive quantity of construction quality steel bars is being imported from a neighbouring country in the garb of Alloy Steel Bars at zero rate of duty causing millions of rupees revenue loss to the national exchequer and domestic steel industry. Recently Pakistan Customs has cleared four consignments of Hot Rolled Deformed bars imported from China in the garb of Alloy Steel Bars at zero rate of duty. However, later on the protest and complaints of domestic steel industry, the customs intelligence detained the imported consignments and customs officials have been deputed at four private godowns, where imported goods were shifted after clearance. Now the samples of imported consignments have been sent to a laboratory in Islamabad for testing, analysis and identification of goods. Approximately 8,000 tons of construction quality Hot Rolled Deformed bars have been imported under the cover of Alloy Steel Bars by four hand rerolling mills based on billets.
government is pursuing a policy with the objective to achieve economic prosperity for the country and welfare of the people. The Prime Minister expressed these views in a meeting with Legislators who called on him at the PM’s House this afternoon. The Prime Minister said that consistent efforts are underway to increase the generation of affordable energy along with conservation drive to narrow down the gap between demand and
supply. He said that effective administrative measures have also been taken to check theft, misuse and line losses of electricity. While emphasizing on the need to accelerate the work on development schemes initiated by the present Government, the Prime Minister urged the Legislators to focus their energies on the completion of ongoing projects specially those relating to roads construction, water and sanitation projects, electrification and gasification schemes in their areas so that the people start reaping its benefits as early as possible. The Prime Minister also
called upon the Parliamentarians to identify projects which are near completion so that they can be prioritized to ensure optimum utilization of the development funds. The Parliamentarians briefed the Prime Minister about the status of the development schemes in their respective areas. They also informed him about the issues related to their constituencies. The Legislators who called on the Prime Minister included MNAs, Usman Khan Tarakai, Yaqoob Bazinjo and Provincial Minister Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa, Mr. Zahir Ali Shah.
Future linked with information technology: Shahbaz STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—Punjab Chief Minister, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that the future of the country is linked with information technology. He said that the country can be strengthened economically by promoting IT technology and equipping the young generation with modern knowledge. The Chief Minister said that Punjab government is vigorously pursuing a comprehensive strategy for the promotion of information technology with the cooperation of international company Microsoft. He said that the expenses being incurred on equipping new generation with information technology are a beneficial investment for the future of and the goal of development and prosperity of Pakistan can be
achieved through promotion of modern knowledge. Shahbaz Sharif said that Punjab government is establishing first IT University of the country in the provincial metropolis and legislation has also been made in this regard. He was addressing the inaugural ceremony of first ‘Microsoft Innovation Center’ set up in Punjab in collaboration with Microsoft Company and Punjab government at Arfa Karim Software Technology Park. Vice Chairman of Microsoft for Middle East and Africa Ali Faramawi, General Manager Syed Hasheesh, PML leader and Country Director Microsoft Kamal Ahmed, Chairman Punjab Information Technology Board Dr. Umer Saif, parents of Arfa Karim and male and female students attended the
ceremony. Addressing the ceremony, Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that the establishment of innovation center in collaboration with Microsoft and Punjab government is a welcoming step which will not only help promote information technology but also enhance IT activities in the province. He said that Microsoft Company is an important partner of Punjab government and we have to further enhance these relations for the promotion of IT. The Chief Minister said that those targets will be achieved in IT sector with the cooperation of Microsoft which were ignored in the past. Shahbaz Sharif said that Pakistan is far behind in IT sector as compared to neighbouring country India.
PTA with Pak to be operational in 15 days: Indonesian Minister STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —Minister of Trade, Republic of Indonesia Gita Wirjawan on Thursday said Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) signed with Pakistan earlier this year will become operational within two weeks’ time. He said that implementation of PTA signed on February 4, 2012, will not only improve relations between brotherly countries but also provide level playing field to all the exporters of edible oil having interests in lucrative Pakistani market. Gita Wirjawan said this
while talking to a select group of edible oil importers led by Atif Ikram Sheikh, Senior Vice President, Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA) who is also Chairman Coordination, FPCCI Capital Office, Islamabad. Akbar Iqbal Puri, Malik Sohail, Leonard F. Hutabarat, Director General Asia Pacific and African Affairs, Muhammad Hartantyo, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Indonesia and others were also present in the meeting arranged by Indonesian Embassy. The minister assured that In-
donesia will provide every possible facility to Pakistani importers. At the occasion, Atif Ikram Sheikh and Akbar Iqbal Puri said that imposition of PTA will provide incentives which will boost Indonesian exports to Pakistan. Initially, Pakistan will save 35 USD per tonne on import of palm oil from Indonesia which will help country save 70 million dollars of precious foreign exchange per annum. Atif said that Indonesia imports will not only help importers save money but it will assist manufacturers to clip prices which will benefit common man.
Banking channel needed to promote trade between Iran, Pakistan AMANULLAH KHAN KARACHI—Consul General of Iran Abbas Ali Abdollahi has emphasized on establishing banking channel between Iran and Pakistan to facilitate bilateral trade between the two countries. Speaking at a farewell reception extended by Karachi chamber of Commerce and Industry on completion of his tenure in Karachi the Iranian diplomat revealed that he had several meetings with last four Governors of State Bank of Pakistan on establishment of
Banking channel between two countries as Bank Milli of Iran which can open its branches in Pakistan and in reciprocity National Bank of Pakistan can open its branches in Iran. He was of the view that Pakistan’s banking channels were established with various countries worldwide thus with Iran should not be neglected. He said that top Leadership and Ministers do have will to cement ties whereas progress on implementation was slow. Regarding Iran-Pakistan Gas pipeline which is also called “Peace pipeline”, he said that the
progress on mega project on cost sharing basis between two countries was slow; Iran had laid 1200 kilometres pipelines from Bander Abbas upto Balochistan border, international pressure and other factors were affecting the progress. He said that Iran being next door neighbour can give energy in 10 cents. He asserted that initiatives were required to formalize undocumented trade between two countries. He was of the view that ECO was not much vibrant as compared to RCD. He also opined that there should be no embargo on Pak-Iran trade as
other countries of the world were doing trade with Iran. He said that Iran’s trade with other regional countries was higher as compared to Pakistan. Pakistani Rice, wheat, fruits, dry fruits, mangoes, textiles items, petrochemical, livestock, meat, dairy had great demand in Iran. He urged that both countries should seriously consider exploiting opportunities as Iranian people want to see a prosperous and developed neighbouring Pakistan. Abbas expressed his profound gratitude to the Leadership of Karachi Chamber of
Commerce & Industry and four Presidents of KCCI with whom he availed the opportunity for interaction from year 2010 to 2012 and managed several meetings with Iranian Business Delegations and Government dignitaries. He said that he enterprise best to bring closer two countries and its people and was of the view that sanctions won’t affect historical relations between two brotherly Muslim countries. In future a lot of avenues of mutual cooperation will open. During his 29 months assignment in Karachi, he re-
ceived best support from the both Federal and Provincial Governments as well as the private sector, he informed. He said that he was taking sweet memories with him and prayed that Almighty God Bless both brotherly countries and Muslim Ummah and Pak-Iran Friendship will further strengthen in future. Consul General said that political relations between two countries were high and people of both countries had deep love and respect for each other and relations date back to centuries based on religious, cultural and
traditional norms. Present on the occasion were including Chairman Businessmen Group & former President KCCI Siraj Kassam Teli, Chairman Sindh Board of Investment & former President KCCI Muhammad Zubair Motiwala, President KCCI Muhammad Haroon Agar and former Presidents Majyd Aziz, Abdul Majid Haji Muhammad acclaimed services rendered by Iranian Consul General Abbas Ali Abdollahi. They stated that Abbas Ali Abdollahi as Iranian Consul General successfully projected
and promoted the interests of both brotherly Muslim countries. Services being rendered by him to foster economy, trade, tourism and friendly bilateral relationship between Pakistan and Iran are commendable. Speaking on the occasion President KCCI Muhammad Haroon Agar impressed upon need to form Karachi-Tehran Joint Chamber of Commerce & Industry to explore the huge trading potential between two bordering neighbour countries. He
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HMC arranges construction of various power processing plants STAFF REPORTER
Japanese investors planning to make investment in Pak STAFF REPORTER
LAHORE—Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan Hiroshi Oe
ISLAMABAD—Under the imple- Thursday said that many big mentation of the government’s restructuring plan, the Heavy Mechanical Complex (HMC) has entered into collaboration arrangements with several leading companies of the world specializing in various process technologies for thermal and hydro power processing plants and production equipment. The HMC sources said in a statement that the restructuring plan of the HMC was submitted to the Planning Commission in May 2010, which enabled the state-run organisation to manufacture the much-needed, oil and gas processing plants, hydro power plants, thermal power plants, wind turbines for power generation, heavy forgings for Nuclear Steam Supply Systems (NSSS) area of nuclear power plants. The plan also includes manufacturing of oil & gas refining and processing plants, coal gasification plants for domestic use, gas and power generation high pressure boilers for co-generation in sugar industry, biomass, gas dehydration plant, gas sweetening plants, Sulphur recovery plants, LPG/NGL recovery plant, Crude stabilizing plant,Oil and gas seperators, cementing equipment, LPG storage tanks,mud solution tanks, Off-site facilities and utilities. The sources maintained that HMC conform to API/ASME standard specifications including more productions including coal gasification plants for domestic use gas and power generation, equipment for industrial chemicals and fertilizer plants, larger module sugar, raw sugar refining and cement plants and mining machinery. Under the new plan (PCIs), establishment of turbines and power plants equipment manufacturing facility at HMC, Taxila at an estimated cost of Rs 21.543 billion with a foreign exchange component of $156.44 million.
Japanese investors are seriously planning to make investment in Pakistan as they are facing problems because of strong workers union culture in India. The Ambassador was speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. LCCI President Farooq Iftikhar highlighted the issues being faced by the businessmen while Senior Vice President Irfan Iqbal Sheikh, Vice President Mian Abuzar Shad, former Presidents Tariq Hameed, Iftikhar Ali Malik, Mian Misbahur Rehman, former Senior Vice President Abdul Basit, former Vice Presidents Aftab Ahmad Vohra and Shafqat Saeed Piracha also spoke on the occasion. Hiroshi Oe said that the business environment in Pakistan is far better and it is a safer place as far as
working conditions are concerned. The economy and infrastructure development are the priority areas and Japan government is focusing on them, he added. The Ambassador also stated that Japanese government has hosted investment seminars for Pakistan to further strengthen bilateral relations. “Japanese businessmen are being motivated for establishing business with their counterparts in Pakistan. He said Japan will continue to provide financial and technical assistance to Pakistan as we believe that this country has a great potential for the future. There are spectacular development and investment opportunities in various fields as few countries are gifted with natural resources, the Ambassador said. “Pakistan is facing difficult challenges which will be over soon,” adding that he will continue to strive to deepen mutual
Mobilink Foundation provides school bags for children STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Mobilink distributed 1000 school bags to underprivileged students in the cities of Lahore and Karachi in line with continuing celebrations of Universal Children’s Day. The initiative was taken under the umbrella of Mobilink Foundation to extend support to children who are denied formal schooling opportunities due to financial reasons or social exclusion. Mobilink Torchbearers, comprising Mobilink’s employee volunteers, took part in this initiative to hand over school bags to students at DSRA Education Trust in Karachi and Green Land School in Lahore. In his message for the occasion, Omar Manzur, Head of Corporate Communications, Mobilink noted, “The initiative is a testimony to Mobilink Foundation’s commitment to both the children of Pakistan as well as the environment we live in.” The donated school bags are part of a unique initiative under-
Mobilink Foundation Torchbearers distributed 1000 school bags to underprivileged students in line with continuing celebrations of Universal Children’s Day. taken by Mobilink since 2007. These bags are made using recycled panaflex sheets from advertising billboards of Mobilink and other donating companies to tailor school bags for children. Over the past five years, Mobilink Foundation has donated nearly 40,000 bags to organizations such as the JAQ Educational Trust, CARE Foundation, Zindagi Trust, Sindh Education Foundation , Punjab Education Foundation and
PIA post Hajj operation goes on smoothly Marble city project good for STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—PIA Post Hajj operation Continue satisfactorily. So far 60521 hajjis has been brought back to Pakistan through 143 Hajj flights and flights are operating now on schedule time, PIA Spokesman said here on Thursday. The airline has brought back 8,753 hajjis to Karachi through 18 post hajj flights, 11,496 through 23 flights to Islamabad, 10,038 through 20 flights to Lahore and 10836 Hajjis to Peshawar through 33 post hajj flights. PIA carried back 9,397 hajjis to Quetta by 29 Post-Hajj flights, 6,510 Hajjis to Multan by 13 flights and 3,491 Hajjis to Sialkot by 07 Post-Hajj Flights. PIA Pre-Hajj operation of transporting intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia was concluded successfully with overall flights punctuality over 96 percent and seat factor of 99 percent on October 20, 2012 while the Post-Hajj Operation would conclude on November 29, 2012.
PQ shipping activity KARACHI—Three ships carrying containers, chemical and edible oil were allotted berth at Qasim International Containers Terminal, Engro Vopak Terminal and Liquid Cargo Terminal during last 24 hours. Meanwhile three more ships scheduled to load/offload containers and furnace oil also arrived at outer anchorage of Port Qasim during last 24 hours, said a PQA press release on Thursday. Berth occupancy was 55% at the Port on Thursday where total number of six ships namely CGM Wagner, Thor Independence, Genius Star II, Asphait Merchant, Argent Cosmos and MV. Chem Bulk Jakarta are currently occupying berths to load/ offload containers, cement, rice, butuman, chemical and edible oil respectively during last 24 hours. A cargo volume of 40953 tomes comprising 25422 tonnes imports and 15531 tonnes exports inclusive of containerized cargo carried in 819 Containers (Boxes) were handle at the Port during last 24 hours.—APP
understanding through economic, educational, cultural and political exchanges. The Japanese Ambassador said that there are wide scopes of establishing joint ventures between business communities of the two countries. He said that negative perception is a problem for Pakistan and that it should be tackled on urgent basis. The Ambassador said that Embassy in Pakistan is ready to grant visas to genuine businessmen who fulfill all requirements and recommendation of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Speaking on the occasion, the LCCI President Farooq Iftikhar said that Japan is third biggest and one of the trillion dollar economies of the world and is an important trading partner of Pakistan as well as a major donor. He said that availability of inadequate trade-related data is one of the hurdles in the way of expansion of trade between two countries.
Sindh’s stone, granite sector
DSRA Education Trust. Children’s day is celebrated on different days in different parts of the world to show commitment and towards and honour the children. First proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1954, it was first recognized in 1954 to protect children from long working hours under dangerous circumstances, child labour and promote their right for access to education.
Banking channel
From Page-13 urged the Governments of Pakistan and Iran to introduce KARACHI —Chairman Sindh banking channel and make arBoard of Investment (SBI) rangements for currency swap Muhammad Zubair Motiwala to enhance Pak-Iran bilateral Thursday said the marble city trade. He asserted upon the project would have remarkable need to take measures such as investment and growth poteneconomic integration and retial for entrepreneurs being duction in transaction costs, based on high-end technology, port-to-port activities and cusinnovation and services in stone toms mechanism to expand the and granite sector of Sindh volume of bilateral trade. He province. urged to activate and develop This he said while presiding regional trading block of ECO over a departmental meeting at countries, particularly between his office here. Motiwala said Pakistan, Iran and Turkey. He Sindh government, through SBI, proposed that the trade behad already procured 300 acres tween Pakistan and Iran should of land near northern bypass for be permitted in local currenthe development of a state-ofcies instead of dollars and the the-art industrial enclave to trade through railways and boost economic activities in this road be regularized. He was of the view that Pakistan being energy-hungry country, should seriously consider implementation of Iran-Pakistan Gas pipeline project which is burning need for our country to overcome the energy crisis and for industrialization. The status of $7.5 billion Iran-Pakistan (IP) Gas Pipeline can enhance the economic relationship with Iran. He highlighted the existing tremendous potential for Pak-Iran bilateral trade and identified possibilities of joint ventures in value-added Ambassador of Argentina Rodolfo J Martin Saravia address- agricultural, mining and engiing business community at ICCI. neering sector.
OBSERVER REPORT
under-developed sector with more jobs to be created. He said preliminary survey and need assessment study had already been conducted. Earlier, Director Project SBI Abdul Azeem Uqaili informed the Chairman SBI that the Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued to the shortlisted consulting firms and consortium to carry out the feasibility study with technical viability, transaction analysis, commercial development plan and other technical and transaction related activities. The proper study by the final shortlisted consultancy firm would facilitate in successfully materializing this project in a shortest possible time.
PESCO recovers Rs 7.7m from defaulters STAFF REPORTER P ESHAWAR —The Detection and Recovery Teams of Peshawar Electricity Supply Company (PESCO) recovered more Rs.7.7 million and disconnected power supply to a large number of defaulters for nonpayment of Rs.45 million in different parts of the province. According to a spokesman of the power distribution company, recovery teams in SwabiI Division recovered Rs.392,871/-from 266 defaulting consumers while in Swat Circle Rs.483,974/- was recovered from defaulters. In PESCO Mardan-I Division Rs.1,220,000/- have been
recovered from 221 defaulters, Rs.210,000 were recovered from 36 defaulters in Pabbi-II Sub-Division while electricity to Nasir Kali, Taro Jabba was disconnected for non- payment. Similarly, in Pirpai, SubDivision Rs.200,000/- have been recovered from 85 defaulters and Rs.200,000 were also recovered in Pabbi-II Sub-Division, while in Risalpur Sub-Division Rs.136,000/- were recovered from defaulters of Qazi and Behram Kili, while power supply to seven defaulters was disconnected. Furthermore, in Nowshera City Sub-Division Rs.200,000/ - have been recovered from defaulters, while six defaulters
were disconnected for non-payment of Rs.235,000/-. Similarly in Pir Sabaq SubDivision power supply was disconnected to Pir Sabaq area for non-payment of Rs.44 million while Rs.37,923 were recovered from defaulters in Tangi SubDivision from eight defaulters. In Rural Cantt Division, Peshawar, Recovery Teams recovered Rs.2,886,098/- from 622 defaulters and disconnected power supply of 34 consumers for non-payment of Rs.798,904. In DI Khan Rural Division Rs.1,150,000/- have been recovered from defaulters. Similarly in Urban-I Kohat Sub-Division Rs.1,150,000/- have been recovered from defaulters.
Nguyen Hong Tien, Commercial Counsellor and Head of Vietnam Trade Mission receiving shield from President KCCI Muhammad Haroon Agar. Shamim Ahmed Firpo, Nasir Mehmood, Majyd Aziz, Muhammad Arif, Rizwan Abdul Razzak, Jahangir Shahid, Muffasar Atta Malik, Muhammad Saqib, Anis Memon, Ateeq ur Rehman and S M H Rizvi, are also seen in the picture.
SCCI chief hails visa move STAFF REPORTER L AHORE —Vikramjit Singh Sahnay, President SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), an apex body of chambers in the region, Thursday hailed Pakistan for validating ratification of visa accord with India. In a message sent to VP SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Pak chapter and veteran trade leader Iftikahr Ali Malik, Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief said that it is the bold and historic decision by the Pakistan to simplify the cumbersome procedure for the grant of visa with a view to promoting people to people contact. He said that epoch making decision by the Pakistan will greatly help enhance trade and boost business activities between the two countries. He said that multiple entry on one year visa with exemption from police report and increase in the number of cities for visa holders will ensure smooth and frequent exchange of traders delegations of private sectors. Vikramjit said that the visa regime agreement singed by the former Indian External Affairs Minister SM Krishna and Pak Interior Minister Rehman Malik will prove a milestone in the economic history of the either country for further cementing the PakIndia relations besides strengthening trade in addition to taking full benefits of the technical expertise in different fields.
Samsung announces winners of competition
Asian markets rise, China manufacturing picks up HONG KONG—Asian markets 0.67 percent, with investors still this month and last that have mostly climbed Thursday as Chinese manufacturing data indicated the economy continues to pick up, while the euro extended its gains on hopes a deal on Greece’s bailout will be agreed. Japanese shares hit at sixmonth high at one point, as the yen weakened further against the dollar and euro on expectations the country’s central bank will unveil fresh monetary easing measures. The Nikkei was up 1.05 percent by the break while Hong Kong added 0.31 percent, Sydney advanced 1.21 percent and Seoul was 0.71 percent higher. However Shanghai fell
fretting over corporate woes. Banking giant HSBC said China’s manufacturing activity grew for the first time in more than a year in November, reinforcing recent views that the economy is beginning to pick up after several months of slowdown. The bank’s purchasing managers’ index (PMI) stood at 50.4 this month, compared with 49.5 in October. Anything above 50 points to growth and anything below indicates contraction. It is the first reading above 50 since October 2011 and adds to a slew of upbeat trade, investment and sales figures released
Introduction of competition law as subject in universities proposed STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—A team of Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP), headed by its Chairperson Rahat Kaunain Hassan and comprising of Member Enforcement Abdul Ghaffar and Member Advocacy Vadiyya Khalil, during a visit to Karachi, held various advocacy sessions and conducted various seminars with the focus to create awareness regarding competition law enforcement and its effectiveness. During the visit to the Karachi School for Business and Leadership (KSBL), the CCP team met the Dean of KSBL Dr. Shaukat A. Brah and
his members of Faculty in respect of CCP’s proposal to introduce Competition as an elective subject in various distinguished institutions including KSBL. During the visit, it was emphasized that introduction of an academic course regarding competition law at premier academic institutions will further create awareness, and ignite interest, in this field of law which has assumed increasing importance in economic regulation. It will also bring much needed institutional structure to on-going and potential knowledge based initiatives of the Commission, providing long term sustainability for its en-
forcement activities. It will seek to create a nexus between the competition regime and the academic circles in the country providing sustainable increase in knowledge relating to competition issues, she added. This initiative has generally been well received and KSBL agreed in principle that special sessions on competition law at KSBL shall be held in the year 2013. The Commission has also written to various other universities including the Punjab University and the Lahore University of Management Sciences for introducing Competition as elective subject – given the importance of this discipline for the economy.
Toyota to recall 2.8m vehicles for steering glitch
STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—Samsung Electronics Co, Ltd., announced the winners of the Samsung Smart App Challenge 2012, a global contest for developers to create new App experiences for the GALAXY Note and GALAXY Tab series of smart mobile devices. The contest was divided into two categories, ‘Samsung Apps Super Apps’ and ‘Best S Pen Apps’, and ran for five months from May to September. In the ‘Best S Pen Apps’ category a judging panel of experts selected the winners, while in the ‘Samsung Apps Super Apps’ category, the winning entries were determined by consumer sales. Entries from 70 countries were received and 80 apps were chosen as the final winners. “The Smart App Challenge allowed Samsung Electronics and application developers to work together as partners to grow and strengthen the ecosystem for Samsung smart mobile devices,” said Won Pyo Hong, Executive Vice President of Media Solution Center, Samsung Electronics. “We will continue to actively support app developers from a variety of angles and we expect the new and unique apps will enrich the user experience for Samsung smart mobile devices.”
fuelled optimism. “This confirms that the economic recovery continues to gain momentum towards the year end,” Qu Hongbin, HSBC’s chief economist for China, said in the bank’s release. In Japan the Nikkei surged 1.46 percent to its highest point since May as it continues to benefit from the weakening yen. Traders have been selling the Japanese unit since Shinzo Abe, the country’s opposition leader and the man likely to become prime minister after next month’s election, said he would press for unlimited monetary easing to lift the economy.—APP
TOKYO—Toyota Motor Corp
Chairperson CCP Rahat Kaunain Hassan speaking at Karachi School for Business and Leadership.
Country From Page-13 a particular private lab would lead the matter is neither this lab is to likely monopoly and corruption registered with the PPD nor as being the single approved lab, PPD has any credential of this in Pakistan and subsequently cause Lab. serious consequential impact on Despite our logical and conexports to Russia. vincing argument, they did not The Russian team visited agree and have given a clear inPunjab and Sindh to inspect Po- dication to go ahead with the tato, Mango and Kinnow grow- same shortly. We strongly feel ing areas, and testing facilities that insisting for approval of one in the country, argued that this particular private labs out of lab has technical expertise in- numerous do indicate that there cluding Molecular test while is some vested interest behind others labs do not. The fact of such motive.
said it will recall around 2.77 million vehicles worldwide, including certain models of the Prius, due to problems with the steering mechanism and the hybrid system water pump, its second multi-million car recall in two months. Toyota is recalling 1.5 million vehicles in Japan, 670,000 vehicles in the United States and 496,000 vehicles in Europe over a problem in the steering intermediate extension shafts, which could be damaged at slow speed, spokesman Joichi Tachikawa said. This problem, seen in cars such as the second-generation Prius and certain Corolla models can be fixed in about 50 minutes, he said. Separately, the Japanese carmaker is also recalling 630,000 vehicles worldwide, including 350,000 in the United States and 175,000 in Japan, to fix water pumps in hybrid vehicles, Tachikawa said. Some vehicles are target of both recalls, making the total number of vehicles to be recalled at 2.77 million, he said.— Newswire
Food, oil From Page-13 transport group imports stood at $604 million, textile group $ 707 million, agricultural and other chemicals $ 2.102 b0illion, metal group $1.054 billion, miscellaneous group imports were recorded at $266 million and all other items imports remained $1.291 billion during July-October period of 2012-13 against July-October period of 2011-12. It is worth mentioning here that Pakistan’s overall imports were recorded at $14.643 billion during July-October period of the 2012-2013 as compared to $14.723 billion of July-October ISLAMABAD: Palm oil importers Akbar Iqbal Puri and Atif Sheikh with trade and indusperiod of 2011-2012. try officials of Indonesia.
Rice remarks are Preliminary
Hamas cries victory; truce with Israel holds
The mood in Israel was would end or that either side time Thursday during a funeral mood of the public, which can sides. Hamas wants both IsGAZA CITY—Hamas leaders UNITED NATIONS—U.S. Ambassador to in Gaza declared victory over mixed. Some were grateful that will get everything it wants. for five of their comrades. The turn the first time an armored rael and Egypt to lift all border
the United Nations, Susan Rice, broke her silence on Thursday and defended her remarks on a September attack in Benghazi, Libya, that killed four Americans, including the U.S. ambassador to the North African nation. Republicans have criticized Rice for appearing on several TV talk shows five days after the September 11 attack on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi and saying that preliminary information suggested the assault was the result of protests over an anti-Muslim film, rather than a premeditated strike. U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice speaks with the media after Security Council consultations at U.N. headquarters in New York. “I relied solely and squarely on the information provided to me by the intelligence community,” said Rice, who is seen as a possible nominee to replace Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. “I made clear that the information provided to me was preliminary and that our investigations would give us the definitive answers,” Rice told reporters at the United Nations in her first comments on the controversy. The U.S. ambassador to Libya, Christopher Stevens, and three other Americans were killed in the attack, which has raised questions about security of diplomatic missions, U.S. intelligence about the threat, and the adequacy of the immediate response. “Everyone, particularly the intelligence community, has worked in good faith, to provide the best assessment based on the information available,” Rice said. “None of us will rest ... until we have the answer and the terrorists responsible for this attack will be brought to the justice.”—Reuters
Israel on Thursday, and thousands of flag-waving supporters rallied in celebration as the battered territory entered its first day of calm under an Egyptian-brokered truce that ended the worst cross-border fighting in four years. Eight days of punishing Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and a barrage of Hamas rocket fire on Israeli ended inconclusively. While Israel said it inflicted heavy damage on the militants, Gaza’s Hamas rulers claimed that Israel’s decision not to send ground troops into the territory, as it had four years ago, was a sign of a new Hamas deterrent power. “Resistance fighters changed the rules of the game with the occupation (Israel), upset its calculations,” Gaza Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas, who had attended the rally, said later in a televised speech. “The option of invading Gaza after this victory is gone and will never return.” At the same time, Haniyeh urged Gaza fighters EU leaders stake out positions over budget to respect the truce and to BRUSSELS—European leaders were stak- “guard this deal as long as Ising out their strong positions as they gath- rael respects it.” ered Thursday for what promises to be a turbulent and lengthy summit on the 7year budget for the 27-country European Union. In a battle pitting several wealthy member states against those seeking a bigger aid budget, U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron led the charge for those demanding a reduction in the financial clout and political sway of the EU’s institutions. As he arrived for a preliminary meeting with Herman Van Rompuy, president of the European Council of the 27 heads of state and government, Cameron said he was not happy with the latest budget proposals. “These are very important negotiations,” Cameron said. “And clearly, at a time when we’re making difficult decisions at home over public spending, it would be quite wrong it is quite wrong for there to be proposals for this increased extra spending in the EU. So we’re going to be negotiating very hard for a good deal for Britain’s taxpayers and for Europe’s taxpayers, and to keep the British rebate.” Facing an ever more vocal Euroskeptic electorate at home, Cameron is under huge pressure to veto any seven-year deal which would exceed the old 2007-2013 •1 trillion ($1.28 trillion) budget. The budget primarily funds programs to spur growth in the bloc’s less developed regions and farming and amounts to about 1 percent of the EU’s gross domestic product. The European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, backs more spending, arguing that cross-border initiatives will help to create the economic growth.—Reuters
French conservative ditched PARIS—Former French premier Francois Fillon contested results of his party’s leadership race on Thursday, plunging conservatives deeper into turmoil just hours after the winner said rival factions had been reconciled. Fillon, defeated by the more hardline Jean-Francois Cope by a razor-thin margin, said an internal election committee had omitted to count votes from three overseas districts which would have tipped the result in his favour. Furious at being beaten by a more junior rival for a post that will be a launchpad for the 2017 presidential race - Fillon said he was dropping his bid to lead the UMP and would not rule out challenging the results in court. “The UMP can not be built on a lie,” he said on TF1 television, calling for Alain Juppe, a party veteran and ex-prime minister, to take the reins while the party seeks a way out of the impasse. Juppe said, however, he would only do so on condition the two sides agreed to work together, which was not yet the case. The disarray among the conservatives is providing welcome relief to Socialist President Francois Hollande and his government, which has been plagued by gaffes and a ratings plunge. Moody’s downgraded French debt by one notch to Aa1 from triple-A on Monday. Fillon’s camp said he would have won by 26 votes with those extra ballots counted.—Reuters
Monti wins confidence votes R OME —Italy’s government won three parliamentary confidence votes on its budget plans on Thursday, paving the way for a sales tax hike to help mend public finances and taking a step towards clearing one of its last big hurdles before elections next year. President Giorgio Napolitano, who will decide the date of the election and has indicated a March date, has directed that the law must be passed before the end of the government’s term. The budget, enshrined in a so-called Stability Law, is central to Prime Minister Mario Monti’s efforts to lower Italy’s public deficit to 1.8 percent of output next year from a targeted 2.6 percent in 2012. Italy’s economy has been the most sluggish in the European Union for more than a decade, fuelling investor concerns about its ability to bring down its public debt of 126 percent of GDP. The government called the confidence votes to speed approval of the Stability Law, which is expected to be one of the final pieces of major legislation approved under Monti before Italy gears up for a national election. Following Wednesday’s three votes in the lower house of parliament on different articles in the law, deputies give their definitive approval on Thursday and the package will then go to the Senate for a final reading. As part of the wider budget package, the government also signed a deal with employers and unions on Wednesday that will unblock 2.1 billion euros $2.69 billion (1.68 billion pounds) set aside to allow tax breaks on productivity bonuses over the 2013-15 period.—Reuters
Sarkozy faces illegal donations case PARIS—Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy went before a judge on Thursday to respond to suspicions he illegally accepted donations from France’s richest woman to fund his 2007 election campaign. The judge in Bordeaux could decide whether the 57-year-old conservative, a polarizing figure who often faced criticism for cozy ties to the rich, will be charged with taking advantage of the 90-year-old L’Oreal heiress, Liliane Bettencourt. Sarkozy has consistently denied all allegations. Bettencourt’s former accountant told police that she handed over •150,000 ($192,000) in cash she was told would be passed on to Sarkozy’s campaign treasurer. In July, a magistrate ordered the seizure of Sarkozy’s diaries. The sum, although it pales in comparison to U.S. campaign funding amounts, shocked many French citizens because spending on political campaigns is tightly limited here.—Reuters
quiet had been restored without a ground operation that could have cost the lives of soldiers. Others — particular those in southern Israel hit by rockets over the past 13 years — thought the operation was abandoned too quickly. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the offensive’s aims of halting Gaza rocket fire and weakening Hamas were achieved. “I know there are citizens who were expecting a harsher response,” he said, adding that Israel is prepared to act if the cease-fire is violated. Despite the tough talk, the cease-fire raised hopes of a new era between Israel and Hamas. The two sides are now to negotiate a deal that would end years of Gaza rocket fire on Israel and open the borders of the blockaded Palestinian territory. Talks are supposed to begin sometime after a 24-hour period that began with the cease-fire late Wednesday. However, the vague language in the agreement and deep hostility between the combatants made it far from certain that the bloodshed
Israel seeks an end to weapons smuggling into Gaza, while Hamas wants a complete lifting of the border blockade imposed in 2007, after the Hamas takeover of Gaza. Israel launched the offensive Nov. 14 to halt renewed rocket fire from Gaza, unleashing some 1,500 airstrikes on Hamas-linked targets, while Hamas and other Gaza militant groups showered Israel with just as many rockets. The eight days of fighting killed 161 Palestinians, including 71 civilians, and five Israelis. Israel also destroyed key symbols of Hamas power, such as the prime minister’s office, along with rocket launching sites and Gaza police stations. In Gaza, the announcement of a truce late Wednesday set off frenzied street celebrations. “Today is different, the morning coffee tastes different and I feel we are off to a new start,” said Ashraf Diaa, a 38-year-old engineer from Gaza City. Hundreds of masked Hamas fighters, who had slipped out of sight during the offensive, appeared in public for the first
armed men displayed grenade launchers and assault rifles mounted atop more than 100 brand-new pickup trucks. The latest round of fighting brought the Islamists unprecedented political recognition. During the past week, Gaza became a magnet for visiting foreign ministers from Turkey and several Arab states — a sharp contrast to Hamas’ isolation in the past. Israel and the United States, even while formally sticking to a policy of shunning Hamas, also acknowledged the militant group’s central role by engaging in indirect negotiations with them. Israel and the West consider Hamas a terrorist organization. Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak defended his decision not to launch a ground offensive. Barak was also defense minister during Israel’s previous major military campaign against Hamas four years ago, which drew widespread international criticism and claims of war crimes. “You don’t get into military adventures on a whim, and certainly not based on the
personnel carrier rolls over or an explosive device is detonated against forces on the ground,” he told Israel Army Radio. “The world’s mood also can turn,” he said, referring to warnings by the U.S. and Israel’s other Western allies of the high cost of a ground offensive. President Barack Obama had personally lobbied Netanyahu to avoid a ground offensive and give the ceasefire a chance. Egypt, meanwhile, emerged as the pivotal mediator, raising its stature as a regional power. Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi will now have to assume a more direct role as a referee between Israel and Hamas, at a time when he faces many domestic challenges, including reviving a faltering economy. Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal and the head of the smaller Islamic Jihad militant group Ramadan Shalah met with Egypt’s intelligence chief Thursday as the follow-up talks geared up. Reaching a deal on a new border arrangement for Gaza would require major concessions from both
restrictions. In 2007, Israel and Morsi’s pro-Western predecessor, Hosni Mubarak, sealed the territory, banning virtually all travel and trade. Israel eased its restriction somewhat in 2010 in response to international pressure, allowing Gazans to import consumer goods, while barring virtually all exports and travel. Gaza’s battered economy recovered slightly, but the ban on exports prevented it from bouncing back fully. After Mubarak’s fall last year, Egypt eased travel through its Rafah crossing with Gaza. However, Morsi has rebuffed Hamas demands to allow full trade ties with Gaza, in part because of fears this would give an opening to Israel to “dump” Gaza onto Egypt and deepen the split between Gaza and the West Bank. Palestinians hope the West Bank and Gaza, which lie on opposite sides of Israel, will one day make up the bulk of a Palestinian state. Israel has barred most travel between them during the past decade.—Reuters
Protesting Greek municipal workers occupy town halls A THENS —Greek municipal workers marched in central
workers occupied hundreds of town halls across the country for a fifth day on Thursday to protest against public sector layoffs demanded by European Union and International Monetary Fund lenders. Greece has promised the lenders it will revamp its bloated public sector by putting as many as 27,000 workers into a layoff scheme. City and local workers are expected to be among the first to be laid off under the plan. Their protests have intensified since the Greek government passed a package of austerity measures earlier this month, with workers this week staging daily sit-ins at more than two thirds of the country’s 330 city halls and several ministries. The sit-ins Palestinian Hamas militants parade during a rally to celebrate the Israel-Hamas cease-fire in the Jebaliya refugee and work stoppages have disrupted public services camp, north Gaza. and left garbage piling up in some districts of Athens. About 3,000 municipal
15 die in Syrian planes bombing near hospital
Despite more opening, no Myanmar gold rush
Rights, said at least 11 fighters were killed in the airstrike, in addition to a doctor, a young girl and two children who were on the street. Another activist group, the Local Coordination Committees, confirmed the bombing and identified the doctor as Mohammad Qassem Agha. The group said 40 people died in airstrikes in Aleppo on Wednesday, but did not say how many died in the hospital strike. Videos posted online by activists showed the flattened building and substantial destruction in front of the hospital. Residents and armed rebels, and in one instance, a doctor wearing green scrubs are seen picking through the rubble and overturned gurneys at the entrance of the hospital. In one video, a man is
who became the first serving U.S. president to visit the long-isolated state, an endorsement that has not gone unnoticed by global investors. But despite America’s leadership in welcoming Myanmar back into the international community, U.S. companies have so far not signed any big deals — a situation few expect to change soon. Washington is unwinding its web of sanctions against Myanmar, but the suspension of most legal barriers to business in this nation of 60 million is unlikely to be a gold rush for American firms. Rolling back sanctions will take time, and concerns about corruption and political blowback at home complicate efforts by U.S. companies to move in big and fast. There is confusion about what is permitted, as well as onerous new reporting requirements, and lingering doubt about whether the changes, both in Myanmar and in U.S. policy, will stick. What’s at stake is one of the last big untapped consumer markets, as well as access to significant natural resources, including oil and gas, hydropower, timber, gems and some of the most fertile land on earth. Sandwiched between India and China —the world’s fastest growing major economies — Myanmar today has some of the world’s lowest levels of internet and cellphone use, as well as a dearth of good roads, ports, hotels, hospitals, schools and electricity. Underlying the debate about sanctions, which many companies would like to see lifted more decisively, are questions about what role American business should play in Southeast Asia’s poorest country. Speaking Monday at the University of Yangon, Obama said American companies must “lead by example.”—Reuters
Athens on Thursday chanting “Their measures - our funeral” and holding black balloons. They carried a coffin and three wreaths in a symbolic protest against what they called the “the elimination of the public sector”. “They think of us as numbers and not as people. I am afraid I won’t be able to support my family and give my five-yearold child all I should as a mother,” Maria Kavvadia, who has been working for the Athens municipality for 12 years, told state TV. More than 40,000 clerks, nursery school teachers, gardeners, garbage collectors, policemen and grave diggers are employed in municipalities across the country. Anger has been rising among Greeks over repeated rounds of austerity measures including wage and pension cuts demanded by lenders as the price for aid to avert bankruptcy.”—Reuters
Russian weapons designer shot dead on street
Y ANGON —Myanmar got a BEIRUT —Syrian warplanes chief of the Britain-based Syr- seen calling for survivors further boost this week from flattened a building next to a ian Observatory for Human under the rubble while a man President Barack Obama, M OSCOW —A weapons de- tract killings. hospital in Aleppo, killing at least 15 people and damaging one of the last remaining sources of medical help for civilians in the northern city, activists said Thursday. Once a private clinic owned by a businessman loyal to President Bashar Assad, the Dar al-Shifa hospital became a field hospital run by volunteer doctors, nurses and aides united by their opposition to the regime and the need to give medical care to both civilians and rebels. The facility has taken at least six direct hits in recent months, mostly affecting the upper stories. On Wednesday night, warplanes bombed a building adjacent to the hospital, turning it into a pile of rubble and spraying shrapnel and debris into Dar al-Shifa itself, activists said. Rami Abdul-Rahman,
is heard crying for help underneath a huge slab of concrete. The seven-story hospital stands only 400-500 meters (yards) from the front line in a neighborhood that is heavily shelled on daily basis. Aleppo, Syria’s business and commercial hub, has been locked in a deadly stalemate for months between regime forces and rebels seeking to topple Assad. Syria’s conflict erupted in March 2011 with an uprising against Assad’s regime, inspired by other Arab Spring revolts. The crisis has since morphed into a civil war, with scores of rebel groups across the country fighting government troops. Nearly 40,000 people have been killed in the 20 months of unrest, according to activists.—AP
Sudan foils sabotage attempt KHARTOUM—Sudan’s secu- the government. rity services thwarted a “sabotage attempt” led by opposition forces and arrested a number of civilian and military figures in connection with the incident early on Thursday, statelinked media reported. Witnesses told Reuters they saw tanks and armored vehicles moving down a major street in central Khartoum, the capital, around midnight. A Reuters reporter said security in the area appeared normal in the early morning. Sudan, ruled by President Omar Hassan al-Bashir since he seized power in a 1989 coup, has avoided the massive political upheaval that has convulsed other Arab countries over the last two years. But the secession of oilproducing South Sudan last year and an ensuing economic crisis emboldened some opposition activists to call for protests and, analysts say, exacerbated divisions in
Small demonstrations against cuts in fuel subsidies and other austerity measures broke out across the country in June but petered out after a security crackdown and the start of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. Sudan’s security and intelligence agency “foiled a sabotage plot this morning aimed at bringing about security disturbances in the country led by figures from the opposition forces,” the Sudanese Media Centre reported on Thursday. Quoting a security source, the media centre said authorities had arrested “military and civilian figures” in connection with the plot. It did not identify them. Officials could not immediately be reached for comment on the report. The Sudanese Media Centre earlier reported in a text message to mobile phones that the security and intelligence services had “frustrated a sabotage at-
tempt”. Witnesses said they had seen military vehicles in a main street in central Khartoum during the night. “We saw something unusual in Khartoum before midnight yesterday. Four armored vehicles and two tanks on Abeid Khatim Street heading in the direction of downtown,” one witness said, asking not to be named. Security at the defense ministry, intelligence headquarters and other buildings associated with military and security authorities appeared normal early in the morning, a Reuters witness said. Sudan has been plagued by political conflicts and crises for most of its history since independence from Britain in 1956. Decades of civil war between the north and south culminated with South Sudan’s independence in July last year under a 2005 peace deal. Tensions have remained high since then.—Reuters
signer at a Russian defence industry enterprise that makes rifles, grenade launchers and other arms was shot dead on a city street in a contract-style killing, law enforcement authorities and media reports said. The deputy chief designer at the research and production facility in Tula, an arms-producing city south of Moscow, was found dead with a bullet wound in his head on Wednesday evening, the federal Investigative Committee said. State television identified the victim as Vyacheslav Trukhachev and said investigators believe the killing may have been related to his job at the Central Sports and Hunting Weapons Research and Design Bureau. Officials did not cite a potential motive, however. Russian business is plagued by corruption and disputes are sometimes resolved through con-
Trukhachev was shot while walking home from work on Tula’s Red Army Avenue and the killing was captured on a surveillance camera, Interfax news agency quoted a senior regional investigator, Tatyana Sergeyeva, as saying. She said the gunman was not wearing a mask but had fled the scene immediately. It was not clear whether he acted alone or had help. The well-lit street and was not deserted and police were looking for eyewitnesses. Russia’s defence industry, the world’s second-largest arms exporter, has been under increasing scrutiny since a nearly $100 million corruption scandal implicated former Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov. Trukhachev’s job involved the design and development of weapons, not sales, Interfax quoted Sergeyeva as saying.—Reuters
Nepal rites to banish ghosts of fallen Gurkha soldiers K ATHMANDU —Wrapped in white and with their heads shaven, retired Ghurkha soldiers sat cross-legged on the stems of dried rice plants for three days of symbolic and traditional mourning, laying to rest the souls of fellow soldiers who fought and died for Britain. Hailing from the foothills of the Himalayas, the Gurkhas are known for their fierce fighting skills and big curved khukuri knife. They have served in the British army since 1815 when a peace agreement was reached by the British East India Company after it suffered heavy casualties during an invasion of Nepal. The Gurkha Army Exservicemen’s Organisation (GAESO), a group which works for the retired soldiers, said about 60,000 soldiers from Nepal were killed in the two World Wars but that this had
never been properly acknowledged. “Britain did not recognise their contributions and sacrifice”, said GAESO President Padam Bahadur Gurung. The group organised mourning ceremonies where priests from the 17 ethnic groups to which the Gurkha soldiers belonged performed separate rituals at Syangja, 135 km (84 miles) west of Kathmandu. Many in Hindu majority Nepal believe that their children and grandchildren cannot live in peace if the customary mourning rites are not performed for deceased ancestors and their souls are left to roam like ghosts. The Gurkhas were part of the British Indian army before 1947 but were split between the two countries after India became independent from Britain.—Reuters
Real among six teams 2nd Test: Warner, Clarke tons through as City crash out
as Australia hammer Proteas
ADELAIDE (Australia)—David Warner bludgeoned a quickfire century and Michael Clarke also reached three figures on Thursday as Australia went after the South African bowlers in the second Test in Adelaide. Warner smashed 119 off just 112 balls, while skipper Clarke backed up his unbeaten double-century in Brisbane with another unconquered knock to leave Australia in command after winning the toss. At tea Australia were 280 for four with Clarke unconquered on 104 and Mike Hussey not out 34. The home side added a blistering 178 runs off just 26 overs in the middle session. Warner was in belligerent mood after lunch, smashing spinners Imran Tahir and Faf du Plessis and racing to his third Test century off 93 balls, reaching his hundred with a six and a four off successive Tahir deliveries. The diminutive left-hander smashed a Tahir full toss over the deep midwicket ropes in the first over after lunch and two overs later heaved Du Plessis’s first ball in Test cricket over the square leg boundary for six. But Warner perished on 119 when he attempted to glide Morne Morkel through the slips, only to edge to Graeme Smith at first slip to end a pulsating knock. Warner crashed four sixes and 16 boundaries and put on a 155-runs with Clarke in 24.2 overs. It was Clarke’s fourth century of the year as he continued to dominate the South African bowlers after his unbeaten 259 in the drawn first Brisbane Test. He survived two referrals and at tea had faced 121 balls with 20 boundaries. It was a rousing fightback by Australia after they lost Adelaide: Ricky Ponting loses his footing and his off stump during Australia vs South Africa, 2nd Test on Thursday. three wickets in the morning place when Shane Watson inside Kallis. early successes was tempered session as South Africa suf- fered two injuries. Ed Cowan was caught and failed to recover from a calf inThe former Test skipper by a hamstring injury that bowled for 10 off Jacques jury, went for an eight-ball duck was out for a five-ball duck in forced Kallis from the field after Kallis’s third ball with an at- when Morne Morkel enticed Brisbane for his third duck in he had taken 2-19. Star paceman Australia 1st Innings: tempted yorker which struck him to edge to Graeme Smith at four Test innings against the Vernon Philander was withWarner b Morkel ......... 119 him on the boot and spooned first slip. Proteas, and it was little better drawn from the team with a back Cowan c and b Kallis .... 10 up off the bat for a dolly return Ricky Ponting’s woes con- in Adelaide for Ponting, who problem before the start of play, Quiney c Smith catch. tinued when he was bowled stumbled and lost his footing. making way for Rory b Morkel ............................ 0 Rob Quiney, who kept his third ball for just four, playing South Africa’s joy at their Kleinveldt.—AFP R. Ponting b Kallis .......... 4 M. Clarke not out ........ 224 M. Hussey b Steyn ..... 103 Extras: (lb10, w1, nb11) . 22 Total: (5 wkts) .............. 482 Fall of wickets: 1-43, 2-44, 3-55, 4-210, 5-482 Bowling: ........... O-M-R-W Steyn ................ 17.1-1-62-1 K H U L N A (Bangladesh)— Bangladesh on Thursday. out) to help the tourists re- Bangladesh, beating the The 31-year-old Jamai- cover from the early loss of 179-run stand between Morkel .............. 22-5-128-2 Marlon Samuels hit a fightKallis .................. 3.3-1-19-2 ing century to help the can scored 109 not out and the openers at Sheikh Abu Brian Lara and Ramnaresh Sarwan at Kingston in Kleinveldt ........ 16.1-2-70-0 West Indies reach 241-2 at added 198 runs for the un- Naser Stadium. The tourists, who lead 2004. Tahir .................. 21-0-159-0 the end of the second day finished third wicket stand Powell, who scored a Du Plessis ............ 7-0-34-0 in final Test against with Darren Bravo (85 not the series 1-0 after winning the first Test in Dhaka by century in each innings in 77 runs, are now 146 be- the first Test, was caught hind Bangladesh’s first in- at square-leg off a short denings total of 387. livery from paceman Rubel Samuels, a star in West Hossain, while Gayle was Indies’s World Twenty20 well caught by wickettriumph in Sri Lanka, drove keeper Mushfiqur Rahim spinner Shakib Al Hasan off spinner Sohag Gazi. towards cover for his 11th West Indian captain boundary to complete his Darren Sammy praised fifth Test hundred and his Samuels and Bravo “Both Samuels and Bravo played Khyber cation of Frontier College third this year. P E S H A W A R — K h y b e r Minister By the end of play he well. Pakhtunkhwa will field 300 Pakhtunkhwa, with other for Women, FG School, I think Marlon did not comprising Jinnah College will be part had hit 13 boundaries and plus playing contingent in members Wisal, of the Contingent. There will a six during his 231-ball re- get runs in the first match 22 male and 8 female disci- Muhammad plines in the 32nd National Shahjehan, Ilyas Afridi and be eight male officials with sistance filled knock after so he was looking for runs Games to be scheduled from he himself. The trials will be a team of 6-member journal- Kieran Powell (13) and here and I am happy that ist to be nominated by Chris Gayle (25) were dis- he got a hundred,” said December 22-28 at Lahore open for all, he added. The camps for training Khyber Pakhtunkhwa missed in the pre-lunch Sammy. under the aegis of Punjab “Bravo was equally and coaching purposes Sports Writers Association s e s s i o n . Olympic Association. Bravo, who hit seven good and both gave us a This was stated by Sec- would be setup from Novem- will also be part of the overboundaries during his se- good stand.” retary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa ber 29, 2012 and it will con- all contingent. Earlier, Bangladesh The Khyber date 197-ball knock, helped Olympic Association tinue up till December 20 beZulfiqar Ali Butt in press fore the contingent will leave Pakhtunkhwa he said will Samuels set a new record added 22 to their overnight briefing soon after attend- for Lahore on December 21, participate in athletic (male, for third wicket against score of 365-8.—AFP female), bodybuilding ing the general body meet- 2012. He said Waqar Maroof, (male), boxing (male), cying of the Khyber Khyber cling (male & female), handPakhtunkhwa Olympic As- President sociation held at Olympic Pakhtunkhwa Boxing Asso- ball (male), kabaddi (male), Bangladesh 1st innings: TL Best ............... 10-3-31-0 ciation has named as Chef de lawn tennis (male, female), Tamim b Sammy ............. 32 DJG Sammy ........ 23-4-74-3 Secretariat on Thursday. Mission with MPA and rifle shooting (male, female), He said the meeting was Nazimuddin b Edwards .. 4 SP Narine ............ 19-0-91-0 presided over by President Chairperson of the Provincial squash (male, female), swim- Shahriar b Sammy ......... 26 V Permaul ........... 19-2-79-1 Syed Aqil Shah with Presi- Assembly Standing Commit- ming (male), table tennis Naeem Islam b Edwards 16 MN Samuels ........ 2-0-15-0 dents and Secretaries of all tee on Sports Shagufta Malik (male, female), taekwondo Shakib b Edwards ......... 17 West Indies 1st innings: affiliated associations with will act as Deputy Chef de (male, female), tug-of-war Mushfiqur b Edwards .. 38 Gayle b Sohag Gazi ....... 25 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Olym- Mission. Haji Amjad Khan, (male), volleyball (male), Nasir b Permaul ............. 52 Powell c Shakib b Rubel13 Khyber weightlifting (male), wres- Mahmudullah pic Association attended. Secretary c & DM Bravo not out ........ 85 Zulfiqar said that the Pakhtunkhwa Badminton tling (male), sailing (male), b Sammy ......................... 76 Samuels not out .......... 109 Association was nominated wushu (male, female), jugmeeting decided to hold Sohag lbw b Edwards ..... 0 Extras: (lb 3, w 1, nb 5) .... 9 two-day trials on November as Secretary Contingent and jitsu (male, female), rugby Abul Hasan b Edwards113 Total: (2 wickets) ......... 241 (male). 26-27 in all Games while the Nadeem as treasurer. Rubel Hossain not out ... 5 Fall of wickets: 1-37, 2-43 There will be nine memHe said the meeting also Extras: (b 4, lb 3, nb 1) .... 8 Bowling: ........... O-M-R-W training and coaching camps would be setup from ber female delegates includ- given approval of the pur- Total: (all out) .............. 387 Sohag Gazi ......... 20-3-67-1 ing Assistant Director Sports chased committee and dur- Fall of wickets 1-5, 2-64, 3- Abul Hasan ........ 14-0-56-0 November 29, 2012. He said for holding the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Safina ing the camp, playing gears, 77, 4-93, 5-98, 6-185, 7-193, Rubel ................... 14-5-31-1 trials the selection commit- Babar, Farzana Khan, Talha complete uniform will be 8-193, 9-377, 10-387 Naeem Islam ........... 1-0-3-0 tee headed by Syed Aqil Khan, Muskan Khan. One handed over to the play- Bowling: ........... O-M-R-W Shakib ................. 26-8-56-0 Shah, who is also Sports each Director Physical Edu- ers.—APP FH Edwards .... 18.1-2-90-6 Mahmudullah ...... 7-0-25-0
Bangladesh vs West Indies, 2nd Test
Samuels, Bravo lead strong Windies reply
KP to field 300 plus contingent in 32nd National Games
B ERNE —Real Madrid and AC Milan led a procession of six teams into the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday while big-spending Manchester City failed again on the European stage to further dent English soccer’s standing. Milan qualified with a 3-1 win at Anderlecht, their goals including a spectacular overhead kick by Philippe Mexes which was a near carbon copy of Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s extraordinary effort for Sweden against England last week. Paris St Germain, Arsenal and Bundesliga pair Borussia Dortmund and Schalke 04 were the other teams to qualify with a match to spare as the competition continued on its predictable course. It was the 13th consecutive occasion that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has led his side into the last 16. Seven other sides Malaga, Barcelona, Porto, Manchester United, Valencia, Bayern Munich and Shakhtar Donetsk – are already through, turning the final round of matches on Dec 4/5 into a damp squib with only three places up for grabs. The group stage, where half the 32 teams progress, is often criticised as being a foregone conclusion for the top sides and this season’s contest has gone pretty much to form. None of the 13 qualifiers can be described as a major surprise although Shakhtar’s progress in a group containing holders Chelsea and Juventus may have raised some eyebrows. Chelsea, who sacked Roberto Di Matteo on Wednesday and replaced him temporarily with Rafa Benitez, lost 3-0 at Juve on Tuesday to stand on the brink of following Premier League cham-
MANCHESTER: Manchester City’s Argentinian defender Pablo Zabaleta jumps with Real Madrid’s Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo during the UEFA Champions League Group D football match. pions City through the trapdoor as English riches prove not enough to dominate Europe this time. Nine-time champions Real Madrid, who suffered the setback of a defeat at Dortmund on the way, went through with a 1-1 draw at City who were eliminated at the group stage for the second time in a row. Karim Benzema gave Jose Mourinho’s team the lead as they dominated the early stages and Sergio Aguero’s 74th minute penalty was too late to save the hosts in Group D, even after Alvaro Arbeloa was sent off. City manager Roberto Mancini said that winning the Champions League was not something that could be achieved overnight.
“If we think we can win a Champions League after two years, I think we are crazy,” he told reporters. “We are a good team, but we made some mistakes.” But Real coach Jose Mourinho, whose side only go through as group runnersup to Dortmund, was nonplussed at his opponents’ premature exit. “We played a great game tonight, particularly in the first half and did enough to win the game by a reasonably comfortable margin, maybe by 2-0,” he said. “It is incredible when you look at the array of players they have here, it is incredible they have been eliminated from the group stages two years running.”—AP
Sachin was mid-way to his 100-ton milestone when first inspired by John Wright BIPIN DANI OBSERVER
it was not my prediction..., but I just casually mention to him about his capabilities”, CORRESPONDENT Wright added. “He was just half-way to MUMBAI—Sachin Tendulkar, who, on his journey and had scored We d n e s d a y night, was felicitated by the Indian cricket board for his 100 international centuries gave due credit to former coach, John Wright. I n d i a ’ s former coach was the first one who made him to believe that milestone is 50-60 centuries then...No, he possible. “It was a long time ago immediately didn’t react to and I wonder when he still my inspiration. He is a very remembers that...”, Wright, reserved type of man. His speaking exclusviely over batting is amazing and I adhis mobile from New mire him a lot. I am his great Zealand, said. “It was in the fan and rate him equal to year 2001 when we were fly- Bradman”. Sachin Tendulkar’s first ing to South Africa. In fact,
hundred came in 1990 (against England at Manchester) and the last century against Bangladesh in Dhaka in 2012. Having scored 100 centuries- 51 in Tests and 49 in ODIs’, what next for him ? “Sachin should not be brought u n d e r pressure. He should retire only when he feels like retiring”, Wright added. Wright, w h o coached Team India from 2000 to 2005, has not been in regular contact with Sachin Tendulkar since then. “Occasionally we have met and spoke during World Cup matches”, the 59-year-old Wright concluded.
NBP Disabled Pentangular T20 Cup KARACHI —Third NBP Disabled Pentangular Twenty20 Cricket Tournament will open at NBP Sports Complex Ground from November 28, Pakistan Disabled Cricket Association (PDCA) announced on Thursday. Country’s five top teams including Defending Champions Balochistan, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhawa (KPK), Sindh and Federal Areas will be battling for honors. “A handsome prize money of Rs.125,000 will be at offer with winners taking Rs.50,000 and runners-up grab Rs.25,000,” PDCA Secretary Amiruddin Ansari said.
Winners will get Rs.5000 as the win bonus in each match and man of the match in the each will collect Rs.1000.Best bowler, batsman,wicketkeeper and fielder will be presented Rs.2500 each. PDCA will be providing free boarding and lodging to all the visiting teams. Punjab will taking on Balochistan in the opening match at 9:30a.m while Khyber Pakhtunkhawa will clash Federal Area’s at 1.30p.m. at NBP Sports Complex ground. Former Test cricketer and Chief Selector Iqbal Qasim will inaugurate the event. The remaining league matches will be played at
RLCA Ground Gulburg and TMC Ground Federal “B” Area. After the round robinleague, two top teams will qualify for the final to be played at Aga Khan Gymkhana Ground on December 1. In the meantime PDCA have also announced the names of the five participating teams: Sindh: Danish Ahmed (Captain),Rao Javed,Arif Rechard,Abdul Rehman, Ameer Ahmed, Riasat Ali, Naeem Khan, M. Kalam, Iqbal Hussain, Fazal Hadi, Ishaq Jr., Salman Askari, Danish Ahmed Jr. Amir Rajput and Akhtar Abbasi.Iqbal Imam (Coach).—APP
Exercise could help ward off bone disease in teens
T
EENAGERS have been urged to play sports or run for at least three hours a week to counteract the potential damage to their bone health caused by prolonged spells of sitting. An international team, including an expert from the University of Exeter, has found evidence that adolescents who spend long periods engaged in certain sedentary activities are more likely to have low bone mineral content in parts of the body where it can be an indicator of the risk of developing osteoporosis. In the research, the team found that studying put girls at particular risk, while for boys leisure internet use posed the greatest threat. Scientists found that participating in at least three hours of certain sports could significantly reduce the threat in girls. The study found evidence of the benefits of high-intensity sports where the participant is on their feet, such as football, basketball, netball or running. Scientists have previously studied the impact of an inactive lifestyle on problems such as obesity or heart defects, but this is one of the first studies analysing the effects of different sedentary behaviours on bone health in the critical development period of adolescence. “Clearly we are not telling girls not to study. It is a fact of modern life that teenagers spend more time engaged in deskbound
or sitting activities, but our research is one of the first to identify a connection between this behaviour in adolescents and low levels of bone mass in key regions of the body,” said Dr Luis Gracia Marco of the University of Exeter, who led the research. “It is already well-known that an inactive lifestyle has implications for young people, such as obesity and heart diseases. Combined with that, our findings emphasise the need for exercise, and we hope it will give some focus for young people and their parents to ward off any health problems later in life,” Dr Marco added. The research was carried out in collaboration with scientists from the University of Zaragoza, the University of Granada, the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), and the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. It was supported by the European community Sixth RTD Framework Program, as well as with a grant from Fundacion Cuenca Villoro.The research assessed the lifestyles of 359 Spanish adolescents participating in the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence Study. It examined bone mineral content in the femoral neck region of the hip, which is a critical area for diagnosing osteoporosis. The research team looked at the impact of different types of sitting activity, including watching television and playing computer games.
KARACHI: Policemen searching bags of women at entrance of Imambargah Shah-e-Khurasan as the security has been beefed up.
Organisers of processions advised to take security steps on self-help basis STAFF REPORTER
KARACHI: Private security guards hold a demonstration outside Press Club.
KARACHI—Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Chief Altaf Hussain has advised the organizers of processions whether it was religious, political or for mourning, to take steps for protection on the self-help basis. He asked them to keep a watchful eye on miscreants and always remain alert, said a statement issued by the MQM here on Thursday. Altaf Hussain asked all the parties of the country to come forward and play an active role against terrorism. He asked them to show unity and save Pakistan. He deplored the blast in the procession of mourners on Misriyal Road in Dhoke Syedian area of Rawalpindi. He expressed his grief and sorrow on the martyrdom of sevin support of their demands eral persons in the blast and injuring of many others. He sympathized with the grieving families of the mourners who lost their lives in the suicide blast and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. Altaf Hussain urged upon the government and the law-enforcing agencies that they should pursue the terrorists and ment could not achieve desired eliminate them. results in isolation. He urged the gynecologists attending the program to promote insertion of intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) that was a safe method. Promotion of contraceptive STAFF REPORTER techniques, he said was extremely important as a high incidence of maternal mortality rate K ARACHI —Member of the was registered in the country National Assembly, Ms. Shazia (276 per 100,000) and more-so Marri has expressed deep shock in the province (314 per over the blasts in different cit100,000). “Healthy time spacing ies on Wednesday last describpractices are only possible if ing the incidents another barthree years of spacing is prac- baric attack on our existence. In a statement issued here on ticed,” she said.—APP Thursday, Shazia Marri expressed condolences and prayed that may Allah Almighty rest the departed souls in eternal peace and may their mission be taken forward with the same resolve and spirit. Ameen. She prayed that may the Almighty grant speedy recovery and health to those who are injured. “It’s a war between two ideologies and we stand united in The main cause of maternal combating the enemies of our death is pregnancy and child nation and children, the cowards birth related issues. Maternal will Inshallah be defeated”. It may be mentioned that on deaths are mostly preventable November 21 two blasts ocif delivery is conducted by curred near an Imambargah in skilled possible attendant at proper health care facility and Orangi with a gap of 47 minutes mainly by adopting Healthy taking lives of five persons intiming spacing pregnancies cluding a TV cameraman of a (HTSP), which is only possible news channel. A motor-cycle blast in Quetta if 3 years of spacing is practiced. On the occasion Dr Sadiq had killed five people including Jaffery of NCMNH informed three security personnel while the audience about the back- five policemen embarassed ground of Postpartum IUCD ‘shahadat’ in a firing incident in Insertion, postpartum period. Khyber- Pakhtunkhwa. Over 20 Dr Azra Ahsan, Dr Shireen mourners were martyred in a Bhutta and Dr Sher Shah also suicide bomb blast in Rawalpindi locality during a spoke in the seminar. mourning procession.
Population Welfare Dept to deliver services at doorstep KARACHI—Sindh Population cornerstone of this pragmatic Welfare Department is committed to reach the door steps of married couples and provide them with wide range of family planning facilities, said Mohammad Saleem Raza, Secretary for Population Welfare on Thursday. Addressing the participants of the seminar cum workshop on “Postpartum IUCD Insertion,” he said there was urgency to address the issue of population explosion through a pragmatic approach. “ Confidence building among couples have to be the
approach,” he said. He said provincial population welfare department was providing reproductive health services through its network of service delivery centers. “We now plan to make our services more updated with equal attention towards attitudinal and behavioral changes among our staff including doctors and midwives towards women in need,” he said. Muhammad Saleem Raza said modified approach was extremely important as the depart-
Postpartum IUCD Insertion seminar
276 out of 0.1m mothers die during pregnancy OBSERVER REPORT KARACHI—Muhammad Saleem Raza, Secretary Population Welfare Department Thursday said Pakistan was passing through very critical phase of its history. He said apart from facing various challenges the biggest threat was population explosion. The population department was trying to achieve desired results, but it’s evident that in isolation it was difficult to achieve desired goals. This, he said, on the inauguration session of one-day orientation seminar on “Post-
partum IUCD Insertion” as a chief guest here at a local hotel. However, he said that department was trying to reach at the doorsteps of clients for providing FP services. We hope that the gynaecologists would promote modern contraceptive method, insertion of intrauterine contraceptive device during postpartum period. Raza said his department was providing reproductive health services through its service delivery centres. In Pakistan, the Maternal Mortality ratio (MMR) is 276 per 100,000, women whereas MMR in Sindh province is 314.
Shazia condoles deaths in blasts
Khuhro for quick blockade of arms supply to Karachi During undemocratic regime of General Pervez Musharraf, Karachi was more prone to bomb blasts and suicide attacks, he added. He said that PPP-led government was trying its best to provide security to life and property of the people through good governance and merit in appointments and postings of police officers. He appealed to political parties to support the government efforts to maintain security , peace and harmony especially in Karachi. He said the recent bomb blasts in the city were aimed at fanning sectarian clashes. However, he said, such terrorist activities would not weaken the government. Our law enforcing agencies would have to react quickly and in organized way. The Speaker of Sindh Assembly also informed the media about his meeting with the out-
going Consul General of Iran in Karachi, at the Assembly. He KARACHI—Speaker Sindh Assaid that Pak-Iran relations and other issues of mutual interest sembly Nisar Ahmed Khuhro on were discussed besides parliaThursday said the supply of arms mentary business done by Sindh and ammunition to Karachi and Assembly. presence of the banned organiHe acknowledged that Iran zations are the main reasons behad always helped the people of hind the law and order problem Sindh in every difficult moment. in the city. He said that PPP-led governHe called for immediate ment wanted to see stronger ties blockade to this large scale arms between Pakistan and Iran, and supply to ensure peace and secuhoped that Pak-Iran Gas Piperity in the city. For this purpose, line project would be successthere should be strong vigilance fully executed within a reasonat the borders of Sindh and at all able time. entry points of Karachi. The out-going Iranian ConHeavy vehicles bringing difsul General said that he was goferent cargo to the city should also ing to his country with good be dully checked in a bid to check wishes from the people of Sindh. possible supply of arms. The During his three year stay at Speaker talking to a media here Karachi , the Iranian diplomat at Sindh Assembly secretariat, STAFF REPORTER said , he tried his best to said that the army would remain strengthen the bilateral ties bestandby during Ashura. However, tween the two neighbouring Is- KARACHI—Foundation for a he continued that giving control lamic countries including resolu- Drug Free World, headquarof the city to the armed forces is tion of the visa problems.—APP tered in Los Angeles, USA no solution to any problem. through its Pakistan Representative held a poster competition in October, 2012 under different categories for students of schools and colleges. Hamdard Public School & College with 9 students particiK ARACHI —A delegation of pated in Category — 2 for stu(MQM), Altaf Hussain, under- Christian leaders from the UK dents between the ages 13 and 18. STAFF REPORTER took revolutionary steps and visited Karachi and Islamabad Miss Javeria Moazzam of 2nd KARACHI—The planning phase that the fruits of these have from Nov 17 to November 22 year pre-medical got 3rd position for the establishment of media started reaching the people. to meet with local churches to which entitled her to cash prize city in Karachi has been com- They will get more facilities in promote greater understanding (of Rs. 2500/-) and an appreciapleted and the project would be various spheres also, Raza between the UK and Pakistan. tion certificate. Miss Fatima Saud The delegation was led by of Class X (Science group) won a Haroon added. initiated soon. He pointed out that the Hos- Bishop Declan Lang of Clifton, special cash prize (of Rs. 500/) and This was stated by the Sindh Minister for information Tech- pital Management Information chairman of the International a certificate. System has been completed at Affairs Department of the nology, Raza Haroon. He was addressing a meet- the Civil Hospital Karachi E- Catholic Bishops’ Conference of ing of the officers and staff of policing project, E-driving li- England and Wales and chairthe Department of Information cence plan have also been com- man, of Mission / The Pontifical Mission Societies, an Technology here on Thursday. pleted. The Minister said that the organisation that supports The Minister said that biometric identification system and computerized domicile and Catholic Churches across the E-learning projects have also PRC project also initiated in world. During their visit, the delbeen approved and that these too collaboration with the NADRA. The secretary Information egation met with the Governor would also be initiated soon. He was of the view that in Technology, Saleh Farooqui, of Sindh — Dr Ishratul Ebad KARACHI—Parents and family the past four years or so, the In- Khalid Shamsi, Saeed Qureshi, to discuss issues of mutual con- physicians in the city have been formation Technology Depart- Dost Ali Baloch, Khawaja cern and to encourage corpora- warned to remain cognizant of ment in accordance with the vi- Umar Ali and Jehan Ara also tion between the Government possible increase in measles sion, philosophy of chief of expressed their views on the of Sindh and faith communi- cases during the current winter ties. —NNI Muttahida Qaumi Movement occasion. onset phase. Prof. Ayesha Mehnaz, Chairperson, paediatrics department, Civil Hospital, Karachi talking to APP Thursday said the province went through an outbreak of measles last year and it would be appropriate that relevant caretakers are fully conscious of the possibility this year too. Rashes, red marks, possible fever and viral flu like symptoms as running nose, sore throat and cough are some of the manifestations of measles that must not be ignored under any condition, she said. To another question, Prof. Ayesha Mehnaz said sporadic cases of measles are already reported to her hospital from different parts of the city. Delay in referral and inability of patients to receive timely care can lead to complication that may include empylitis, aggravated KARACHI: Passengers cling to a passenger bus as acute shortage of public transport was malnutrition, gastroenteritis and observed in city due to suspension of CNG in Province. even death, she said.—APP
STAFF REPORTER
‘Planning of media city project completed’
Hamdard Public School wins Art Championship
UK Christian delegation visit
Parents, GPs advised to be cognizant of possible measles outbreak
Healthy fat link to bowel disease
A
HIGH intake of polyunsaturated fat in the diet, while good for the heart, may lead to inflammatory bowel disease, say researchers. Experts believe a high intake of linoleic acid, found in foods like “healthy” margarines, may be implicated in a third of ulcerative colitis cases. The researchers base their findings, due to be published in Gut, on food diaries from more than 200,000 people. If the link proves to be causal, some people might want to modify their diet. The researchers also found that a diet rich in another type of fat, omega 3 fatty acid found in oily fish such as salmon and herring, reduced the likelihood of developing ulcerative colitis by 77%. Linoleic acid is a naturally occurring essential fatty acid, present in a variety of foods, including the oils of seeds and nuts, such as sunflower, safflower, soya, corn seeds or walnut oils. The multinational team working on the EPIC (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition) study say there is a plausible biological mechanism that could explain why linoleic acid is linked with this bowel condition. Once in the body, linoleic acid is converted to arachidonic acid, which is a component of the cell membranes in the bowel. Arachidonic acid can then be converted into various inflammatory chemicals, high levels of which have been found in the bowel tissue of patients with ulcer-
ative colitis. In all, 126 of the people in the study developed ulcerative colitis after an average period of four years. After adjusting for other factors likely to influence the results, including smoking, age, total energy intake, and use of aspirin, those whose diets included the most linoleic acid were more than twice as likely to develop the condition as those whose diets contained the least. Lead researcher Dr Andrew Hart of the University of East Anglia, Norwich, said: “There are no dietary modifications of benefit in patients with ulcerative colitis, although, based on this study’s findings, a diet low in linoleic acid may merit investigation.” In the UK, people consume on average about 10g per day of linoleic acid, found in around nine level teaspoons of polyunsaturated margarine or three teaspoons of sunflower oil. In the study, the people who consumed the most linoleic acid had a daily intake three times this or more. Dr Anton Emmanual, medical director of the digestive disorders charity Core, stressed that the study did not prove that linoleic acid caused bowel disorders, and warned that dietary diaries could be unreliable. However, he said: “Nevertheless there is good biological plausibility of why linoleic acid can cause inflamation, and certainly Western diets are often excessive in this kind of fat.
56 girls selected for three-year nursing course STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—Some 56 girl candidates have been selected for admission in three-year training course in Nursing School of General Hospital and first merit list will be displayed on Thursday. Principal Post Graduate Institute and Lahore General Hospital Prof Dr Anjum Habib Vohra has directed the administration of the Nursing School that the selected candidates should be informed through registered letter on their addresses so that no candidate could make any complaint in this regard. According to Principal of Nursing School Raees Ishtiaq, 1600 candidates had submitted their applications for the course, out of which, the girls fulfilling the merit had been given admission. LAHORE: Members of Turkish delegation offering Fateha on the Mausoleum of Allama Muhammad Iqbal. She said the selected girls would have to submit their joining reports within a week. She said selected girls would be provided monthly stipend and free boarding and lodging facilities in the hostel during training.
Kalma Chowk Underpass Project approved
Punjab Police put on Red alert, security beefed up STAFF REPORTER L AHORE—Police on Thurs-
day further beefed up security in and around all Imambargah, Majalis and important locations in the province in the wake of series of blasts across the country. Police sources told media persons here Thursday that IG Police Punjab, Haji Muhammad Habib Ur Rehman had ordered intensified patrolling around all important locations especially mosques, Imambargahs and churches of big cities. He directed all regional, city and district police officers across the province to remain high alert and ensure foolproof security and maintain law and order in their respective areas. The IGP directed police LAHORE: Lady mourners observe religious ritual at the shrine of Hazrat Bibi Pak officers to take effective preDaman. cautionary measures, especially in crowded public places, to prevent incidents of terrorism and ordered deployment of plain clothes police where necessary.
Hospitals to remain alert on Yum-e-Ashura MUZAFFAR ALI
L AHORE —Punjab Health Department has directed administration of all government hospitals to remain alert and make all necessary arrangements in order to combat any emergency situation on the 9th and 10th of Moharram in order to ensure round the clock medical aid to the patients. In a circular issued from the office of Secretary Health to Principals of medical colleges, teaching hospitals, autonomous medical institutions, DHQs and THQs hospitals and EDOs Health of all
Two accused escape from lock-up L AHORE —Two accused involved in murder and abduction cases fled after breaking iron bars of lock-up of Nawan Kot police station. Police have registered a case and arrested three police officials on the charge of negligence. Police said that four accused Mohsin, Zeeshan, Zubair and Ghulam Rasool were arrested in separate criminal cases and were locked in. Accused Mohsin alog with Zeeshan gave some intoxicated substance to Zubair and Ghulam Rasool after which both became unconscious. The accused fled away from the lock-up after breaking iron bars.—APP
districts to ensure complete implementation of the medical cover plan. Furthermore, the administrations of the hospitals have been directed to ensure attendance of doctors, nurses and paramedical staff, besides keeping a sufficient stock of live saving and emergency use medicines, in addition to keeping all necessary arrangements at medical and surgical emergencies I the hospitals. In the circular, it has further been stressed that all EDOs Health and MSs of DHQs and THQ hospitals should ensure availability of
ambulances to give medical cover to the processions of Ashura Moharram in addition to ensuring availability of blood bags of all blood groups in all blood banks of the hospitals. The circular further stressed that, in order to completely implement the medical cover programme, the hospitals authorities should keep a close liaison with the district administration and police authorities by keeping their standby arrangements in order to ensure prompt medical help in accordance with the schedule of Majalis.
Mashhod vows to crush miscreants L AHORE —Acting Speaker “We will not allow trouble Punjab Assembly Rana Mashhod Ahmed Khan highly condemning bomb explosion near Imambargah in Rawalpindi has said perpetrators of the blast are neither Muslims nor well-wishers of Islam and Pakistan. Talking to this scribe at his chamber on Thursday, he said anti-Pakistan forces wanted to destabilise the country through their inhuman acts but, he said, their nefarious designs would not be accomplished. Sensing gravity of the situation, he said the government had evolved a foolproof security plan on Ashura.
Shahbaz urges people to elect honest leadership
SALIM AHMED LAHORE—Punjab Chief Minister, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan is passing through the most critical era. He said that loot and corruption of the federal rulers have ruined the national economy and the institutions are unable to provide services to the people. He said that Pakistan is facing serious crisis and it is our national and political responsibility to bring the country out of it. He expressed the hope that the people will elect such an honest and capable leadership in the coming general elections as would put the country on the road to development and prosperity. He said that this leadership will be imbued with the spirit of patriotism and will not hesitate for rendering any sacrifice for Pakistan. He was talking to media after inauguration of first Microsoft Innovation Center in Punjab at Arfa Karim Software Technology Park. Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that corrupt and incapable rulers have set new records of loot and plunder in
the country. He said that these rulers have also gobbled up the loan provided by friendly country China for Safe City Project in Islamabad. The Chief Minister said that Zardari took commission in the purchase of submarines from France. Shahbaz Sharif said that he is not saying this but and news have been published in newspapers of France in this regard and a case has also been registered against the former French President. He said that the nation will hold the corrupt rulers accountable in the general elections and recover the looted money from them. Replying to a question, Shahbaz Sharif said that stability, prosperity, development and economic freedom of Pakistan is linked with elections and, God forbid, if any one tried to stop elections, he will have to face humiliation. He said that till such time an opportunity will not be provided to the nation for accountability through elections, the country will be facing darkness. He said that Pakistan cannot progress without visionary and honest lead-
ership. Shahbaz Sharif said that the next elections are not only for the sake of changing governments but for the survival of the country. He said that solution of all problems of the country also lies in the elections. Meanwhile, a high-level meeting was held here today, under the chairmanship of Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, regarding Kalma Chowk Underpass Project which was attended by Member Provincial Assembly Dr. Saeed Elahi, Chairman Planning & Development, Project Director BRT, DG LDA, Chief Traffic Officer, DGPR and authorities concerned. During the meeting, the Chief Minister gave approval to initiating immediate development work on the Kalma Chowk Underpass Project. Addressing the meeting, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that for the first time in the history of the country, two underpasses of seven lanes are being constructed, simultaneously. One underpass would be of three lanes, while the other would be of four
Edhi workers to perform duty on Muharram 9,10
Sajada Nasheen Sheikh Fazil Sharif joins PML-N
L AHORE —Edhi Foundation
STAFF REPORTER
Lahore has cancelled holidays of staff on Muharram 9 and 10. A Edhi Foundation spokesman said here on Thursday that staff would perform emergency duty on the occasion. He said special medical camps would be set up for processions to be appeared from different parts of the city. Edhi ambulances would also remain alert round- -theclock at various areas to meet any untoward incident, he added.—APP
L AHORE —Sajada Nasheen Sheikh Fazil Sharif Burewala Pir Tariqat Khawaja Noor Muhammad Sahu called on Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and announced joining Pakistan Muslim League-N, along with his companions. Khawaja Noor Muhammad Sahu was the Advisor of the former Chief Minister Punjab. Welcoming Khawaja Noor Muhammad Sahu into
PML-N, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that opposition parties are afraid of increasing popularity of PML-N. He said PML-N would achieve great success in general elections, under the leadership of Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, as Punjab government has established new records of public service, while the federal government indulged in corruption, loot and plunder. He said the day of departure of incompetent rulers, who threw the country into
makers to play with lives of innocent people,” he added. The speaker maintained that security around Imambargahs had further been tightened while mobile squads would be patrolling on city roads. He said senior advisor to the chief minister and inspector general of Police were personally visiting Imambargahs to supervise security measures. He said Punjab Assembly members and PML-N workers had been assigned special duties to donate blood for the injured of Rawalpindi LAHORE: Visitors look at an art piece in a landscape painting exhibitions organized by blast.—APP PU College of Art and Design and Lahore Museum.
darkness, is near. He said the next general elections are the elections to save the country. He said as a result of wrong policies of incompetent rulers, the country is faced today with extremism, loadshedding and unemployment. He said the people would ensure strict accountability of corrupt Zardari Gang during general elections and, by rejecting the looters, such honest and dedicated leadership would be brought to power, which would put the country on the road to progress and prosperity and bring it out of crises.
FFT to hold Faiz drama L AHORE —Faiz Foundation Trust (FFT) is organizing a two day long drama festival at Alhamra Art Gallery on December 1-2 in which legendary artist Naseer-ul-Din Shah will perform. According to organizers, two plays written by Ismat Chughtai in which Naseer-ulDin Shah and his wife Ratna Pathak Shah will perform. Naseer-ul-Din Shah is visiting Pakistan only for this event to commemorate the services of the great poet on his death anniversary.—APP
lanes, costing over Rs.one billion. He said millions of citizens would avail the facility of signal-free journey, after the completion of Kalma Chowk Underpass. The Chief Minister directed making foolproof arrangements to keep the traffic flowing during the construction of Kalma Chowk Underpass. He directed increasing the number of traffic wardens for the convenience of citizens during the development work. Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif further directed that machinery being used for the development work should not be placed on the roads, while day and night work should be ensured at the development project to complete it expeditiously. During the meeting special prayers were also offered for the success of Kalma Chowk Underpass Project.
116 cameras installed at sensitive areas STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—City District Government (CDG) has installed 116 Close Circuit Television Cameras at sensitive areas to monitor the procession of Yum-eAshura, emerging from Nisar Haveli and Islam Pura localities. In this connection a special control room has been established at DCO Office where officials of WASA, Police, Health, TMAs, Rescue 1122, Traffic and other departments would perform their duties. These views were expressed by District Coordination Officer (DCO) Lahore Noor-ul-Amin Mengal while briefing Khawaja Shumail, Member Board of Revenue at DCO Office Control room here on Thursday. Mengal said that 36 Cameras had been installed at Islam Pura locality to monitor procession and 80 cameras have been installed at different points of the routes of procession, emerging from Nisar Haveli.