E-Paper November 30, 2012

LHC directs Centre to construct KBD National interests cannot be sacrificed on political altar MUZAFFAR ALI LAHORE—The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday, ordering the federal government to construct the Kalabagh Dam (KBD) in line with the recommendations of Council of Common Interest (CCI), observed that national interests could not be sacrificed on political grounds.

The court further observed that the consecutive

Taliban to avenge Power crisis to Kasab hanging continue until NEW DELHI—A Pakistani Taliban faction has claimed that its fighters were holed up in Amritsar and Hyderabad to carry out attacks to avenge 26/ 11 convict Ajmal Kasab’s execution last week.

“We will avenge the death of Ajmal Kasab on Indian soil within a month,’’ Ahmed Marwat, a spokesman for Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan’s Jundullah group told the Times of India from an undisclosed

year 2020: NEPRA KARACHI—power crisis in Pa-

kistan may continue until 2020 whereas there is no short-term solution to the issue. This was revealed in a report of National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) on Thursday.

It said the line losses and power theft of KESC account of Continued on Page 7 35% losses of the utility. It also said that concerned institutions have been unable to rid the country of the prevailing crisis.

Nepra pointed out that the sale and purchase of the utility has PESHAWAR—Two suspected gone on unchecked.—NNI militants were killed in a US drone attack inside Pakistan’s South Waziristan tribal region, on Thursday. Three missiles were fired in the Sheen Warsak area of Wana, which is the main town of the South Waziristan Agency. According QUETTA—Two people who are to local sources, the attack said to be the nationals of Turcame late afternoon and was key were abducted near Kuchlak targeted at a house, resulting in area of Balochistan on Thursday. the death of two suspected According to eyewitnesses, militants.—Agencies these people were on their way to Chaman in a car when they were intercepted and kidnapped.

Provincial government, on the other hand, has so far chosen to remain silent over the incident.—INP

US drone attack kills two in SWA

Two Turkish nationals abducted

Reko Diq case

SC seeks documents tying Mincor, TCC I SLAMABAD —The Supreme Court of Pakistan has sought contract documents of the Mincor Resources NL’s making the Tethyan Cooper Company (TCC) it’s representative.

A three member bench of the apex court, led by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and comprising of Justice Gulzar Ahmed and Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed, heard the the Reko Diq case Thursday.

While presenting his arguments, counsel for the TCC Khalid Anwar told the court that the exemption granted to TCC was extended even after the passage of seven years.

Anwar said that the Australian TCC was registered in 2007 in Pakistan and that the company had only entered into an agreement in 2002. Justice Gulzar inquired from the TTC lawyer if the Balochistan government had approved the merger between the TCC and the US based BHP company, adding that the TCC does not seem to be a direct party to the Reko Diq agreeement.

Barrister Khalid Anwar told the court that the TCC was included in the agreement as a representative of the Mincor Resources NL on Oct 24, 2000.

Chief Justice Iftikhar

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Ghusal-e-Kaaba solemnized MAKKAH—Prince Khaled Al- tered Makkah during the year of Faisal, Emir of Makkah region, washed the Holy Ka’ba Thursday on behalf of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.

Dr. Yusuf Al-Wabil, Deputy General President for Services Affairs, told that the Holy Ka’ba is washed twice a year – in Muharram and in Sha’ban, which is after Haj and before Ramadan. These dates have been specified because there is no overcrowding in the Grand Mosque. Previously, the Holy Ka’ba was washed in Shaban.

Al-Wabil said washing the Holy Ka’ba is a Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

When the Prophet (pbuh) en-

the conquest, he washed the Holy Ka’ba with Zamzam water, perfumed it and glorified Allah by making the Takbir in different parts of the Ka’ba. The Ka’ba is washed on the inside with Zamzam water mixed with rose water. It is washed either by the King or on his behalf by some other official.

Al-Wabil said the Holy Ka’ba was renovated during the era of the late King Fahd and a green Kiswa was placed inside.

The Ka’ba holds pitchers, kettles and other antiquities including inscriptions dating back to the Ummayad and Abbasid periods.—INP

governments deliberately put the issue of construction of kalabagh dam on backburner.

The court said a huge amount of the national exchequer was spent in preparation of the feasibility reports of Kalabagh SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT dam.

The order of the construcK ARACHI —The Lahore tion of Kalabagh dam was isHigh Court’s decree on the sued by LHC Chief Justice construction of Kalabagh Umar Ata Bandial during the hearing of petitions calling for Continued on Page 7 the construction of the dam.

PPP, PTI, Sindhi regionalists reject verdict

The CJ LHC in his remarks said under article 154 the federal government is bound to implement the proposals.

Earlier, the petitioners had submitted that non-construction of the dam would render the country’s agricultural land barren. They had stated that the project was in the interest of all provinces and objections were of a technical nature, which could be removed. The peti-

Continued on Page 7

Raja overturns Malik’s decisions Dismisses policy of SIMs delivery at residences SHARAFAT KAZMI ISLAMABAD—Dismissing the policy regarding delivery of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards through courier services lay down by Interior Minister Rehman Malik, the Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has directed mobile phone operators not to send SIMs at residential addresses of the buyers. The prime minister held a meeting with mobile phone operators here on Thursday where he directed them to not send SIMs tional Identity Cards (NIC). through courier and to only isIn contradiction with the sue SIMs on verification of Na- rules earlier laid down by Inte-

rior Minister, the Prime Minister Ashraf said that SIM cards will be available for customers at franchise and operative centers. The prime minister also decided to lift the ban on the facility of mobile phone numbers portability. Raja Pervez Ashraf said the sale of SIMs from retail network, however, shall remain suspended until the biometric devices are deployed at each centre within two months.

Prime Minister Ashraf also directed the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Information Technology to immediately sit

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25pc raise in cost of Naltar Power Project ALI SYED ISLAMABAD—In a new deplorable development, the cost of 14 MW Naltar-V Hydropower Project near Gilgit has painfully surged by 125 percent to whopping Rs 3.854 billion from original cost of Rs 1.715 billion dur-

ing the last three years.

The Planning Commission (PC) came down heavily on the sponsoring agency of the project which is Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan (KAGB) and also its executing agency that is Water and Power Department in Gilgit-Baltistan

(WPDB) saying that the original PC-I of the project was prepared in hurry with unrealistic and incorrect estimations and warned that project executing agency should in future exercise the extreme care while preparing the projects, reveals the

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Zardari assures free, fair elections

Taliban commander hurt, six militants killed TARIQ SAEED

I SLAMABAD —Co-Chairman PESHAWAR—Known pro-govand President Asif Ali Zardari has asked the democratic forces in the country to gear themselves for the forthcoming elections which he said will be held in a fair, free and transparent manner within the constitutionally mandated time frame.

On the eve of the 46th founding day of the Pakistan Peoples Party on Friday (November 30), he also called for continuous struggle to build a progressive and democratic Pakistan in which everyone lives with honour and dignity.

He said the founding day celebrations this year are taking place at a time when the democratically elected government is nearing completion of its term after having waded through a sea of vicious campaign to tarnish its image.

“Let us pledge once again today that we will continue to work for strengthening demo-

ernment militant commander and chief of his own faction of Taliban Maulvi Nazir alias Mullah Nazir was seriously injured and his six comrades were killed in a suicide explosion in South Waziristan agency Thursday morning. Also, his more than a dozen other comrades sustained serious injuries in the blast that was carried out by a suicide bomber riding on a motor bike in Rustam bazar of SWA headquarters Wana.

Mullah Nazir is said to have

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4 MQM (H) activists shot dead in Karachi KARACHI—Four activists of were shifted to hospital where

MQM (Haqiqi) were killed when unknown gunmen opened fire on a taxi in Quaidabad area of the provincial metropolis on Continued on Page 7 Thursday. Police said the victims were targeted by armed men who opened fire on their taxi in Mansehra Colony in Landhi area. The attackers managed to flee from the scene.

The deceased were identified as Qadir Julani, Aleem I S L A M A B A D / K A R A C H I / Uddin, Zafar Qaim Khani and LAHORE—The CNG Owners their driver. All the four persons Association remains unmoved towards providing relief to its customers and says that the gas outlets would not be reopened till the fixation of prices at their choice.

On the other hand transportSTAFF REPORTER ers and commuters suffering from the unjustified demand of the CNG association questioned KARACHI—Secretary Election the government about its writ Commission of Pakistan (ECP), and demanded that the close Ishtiaq Ahmed Khan Thursday outlets be forcibly opened to re- said the Commission wanted to demarcate constituencies across solve their miseries.

Motorists and commuters the country in light of the last using public transport faced census but undertaking the exmassive difficulties as gas sta- ercise only in Karachi under the tions across the country, except Supreme Court’s order.

The Secretary ECP held a a few, remained closed for the forth consecutive day on Thurs- meeting here with the Sindh day in protest against what their Chief Secretary and other provincial officials in connection Continued on Page 7 with carrying out the exercise of

CNG station owners reject new prices

been heading a pro-government Taliban group and has been active in activities against the Taliban. He has been a key member of the Amen committee that proceeded against the Uzbek militants.

There were conflicting reports with regard to the nature of injuries Mullah Nazir sustained in the Thursday’s blast with some of his colleagues and official sources saying he received minor injuries while local sources suggesting the militant commander sustained critical injuries.

three of them were pronounced dead while another injured later succumbed to injuries. Police said the victims were workers of a political party who were eliminated in the drive-by attack.

“It was an incident of target killing and we are investigating into the murders,” a senior police officer said. In a related incident, unknown gunmen opened fire on a car in the Sachal area of the city in which a man

Continued on Page 7

ECP to delimit Karachi constituencies delimiting constituencies in Karachi. During the meeting, all the five commissioners of Karachi advocated delegation of magisterial powers to ensure peaceful and transparent elections.

Later, talking to media men, Ishtiaq Ahmed Khan said no one would be treated with injustice.

“The task of delimitation of constituencies will be undertaken after taking all the stakeholders into confidence,” he assured. In this connection, he said a meet-

Continued on Page 7

Public indignation over LPG prices hike ISLAMABAD —People across the country have expressed grave concern over 10 to 15 rupees increase in prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) by distributor companies. The consumers were of the opinion that they were already in the grip of multifaceted crises due to price hike, Sui gas and electricity loadshedding and uncertain law and order situation.

They said that increase in LPG prices has further added

to their miseries and it seems that government and companies were in coalition and following the policy of depriving them of two time meal. It should be mentioned that LPG distributors companies have increased gas prices by 10 to 15 rupees per kg after which domestic gas cylinder has gone up by Rs 40 and commercial cylinder by Rs 60.

Meanwhile, chairman LPG Distributors Association Muhammad Irfan

Khokhar said as per Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) rules, the price should have been increased after announcement from authorities concerned but marketing companies have announced increase in price with immediate effect which was absolutely unfair.

He said that LPG price has been decreased by $50 in international market while LPG mafia in the country has

increased the prices without any justification because its demand was on the increase due to CNG prices and winter season. “LPG marketing companies and mafia are doing black marketing and earning unjustified profit”, he added. Khokhar requested Competitive Commission of Pakistan (CCP) and Supreme Court to take notice of this ‘lawlessness’ and to provide maximum relief to the masses.—INP

Yatrees laud Pak govt for cordial atmosphere STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —Sikh Yatrees have appreciated peaceful and cordial atmosphere provided by the government of Pakistan during the 544th birth celebration of Baba Guru Nanak Devji. The Yatrees, who were in Pakistan to perform the three-day reli-

VC for safety of wildlife B K TAHIR B AHAWALPUR —Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, ViceChancellor, and the Islamia University of Bahawalpur has underlined the need to develop awareness among public about the care and protection of the wildlife particularly in Cholistan for the safety of the wildlife and in this regard joint efforts should be made by the official and private sectors. He stated it during a meeting with the provincial Secretary, Forest, Wildlife and Fisheries, Maj. (Retd.) Shahnawaz Badar here at IUB. The Director General, Wildlife, Punjab, Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah, Principal, University College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, IUB, Prof. Dr. Abdul Samad were also present on the occasion. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar emphasized on more research on the rare herbal, veterinary and birds of Cholistan, which were highly valuable. We could use these for the improvement of socio-economic conditions of the area and country as a number of Cholistani plants could help a lot for medical treatment and many medicines could be made with more research and hard work on scientific lines.

He said as he had found a Cholistani plant quite effective for the cure of some diseases through his own research and if medicines could be started to made from Cholistani plants, we could earn sufficient foreign exchange through export of these medicines.

He informed that the IUB had given special attention towards Research work at the university during last two years with encouraging results and had set-up a special breeding farm of Deer at the Baghdad-ul-Jadeed Campus, IUB. He pointed out more breeding farms are being setup for other animals of Cholistan origin for protection and growth. The ViceChancellor further said that the IUB’s University College for Agriculture and Cholistan Institute of Desert Studies are being engaged in different research activities in this regard to explore new discoveries.

FARZANA RAJA

P

AKISTAN People’s Party, representative of masses of Pakistan, was launched at its founding convention held in Lahore 45 years ago under the great leadership of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.

The foundation of the newly formed party was laid down on the premise of an egalitarian participatory democracy and to ensure the practical realization of economic and social justice for every Pakistani.

It was due to this powerful message of the PPP that its popularity got spread in all segments and various walks of society including relatively voiceless ordinary people, laborers, peasants and students throughout Pakistan right after its formation. Thus, reflective of the fact that the Pakistani nation had finally chosen a clear road map for the future and of course it was based on equality of economic opportunities to all as well as advancement towards progression and prosperity.

gious rituals of the birth celebration of Guru Nanak, expressed satisfaction over elaborated arrangements and facilities by the government which helped them to perform their religious duty with ease and comfort. Thousands of Sikh Yatrees from India and Pakistan participated in the “Palki” (Planquin) proces-

sion, PTV reported.

Earlier, this procession used to end within the premises of Temple while this time the specialty was that procession started from outside the “Gurdwara” passing through different paths and ended at the “Janum Asthan” (birth place). This exception was made by the efforts of

Government of Pakistan and Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB). ETPB provided Yatrees best health and food facilities while Security arrangements were also satisfactory. Talking to PTV, Yatries evinced great contentment over the facilities arranged by ETPB and thanked BANNU: Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, Syed Munawar Hasan and other leaders join hands to show solidarity Government of Pakistan. during JI’s Jalsa-e-Islami Inqelab.

Pensioners woes to end thru Biometrics Smart Card: NADRA STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) on Thursday claimed that it has developed a mechanism to issue Biometrics Smart Cards to facilitate pensioners. The programme would help the pensioners to withdraw their pension from any biometrics enabled platform used by banks, post offices and any other alternative channels.

All the technology components are fully developed by NADRA, tested and ready for deployment.

A senior official at the Authority on Thursday said the proposed system comprises three main elements starting from the collection of pensioner’s data to eliminate duplication and ghost pensioners, issuance of Smart Identity Cards and then the deployment of Pension Disbursement system to be utilized by all disbursing partner entities. He said the key features of the programme include Biometric Authentication through utilization of Smart Card, automation of pension disbursement system to provide real time feed-

back and mobility options to pensioners to withdraw their pension from banks, post offices or other allied alternative channels.

The official said it was suggested that more automation options be considered to draw amount from any outlet not necessary where the account is, adding that the Authority is also working on biometrics teachers’ attendance initiative. In this regard, NADRA has designed a solution which will ensure attendance through biometrics, using GPRS based devices which

will be provided to every school.

Chairman NADRA, Tariq Malik had also briefed the President over Pension Disbursement and Biometric Teachers Attendance initiatives. The President instructed to link the attendance data with the payroll data to ensure that only those attending schools are paid through the national exchequer. It is mentioned here that around 75 % pensioner ’s data is not linked with valid and verifiable identity which might result in massive duplication.

Army ready to meet any challange

Dry weather forecasts I SLAMABAD —The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Thursday forecast mainly cold and dry weather in most parts of the country.

However rain with snowfall over the hills is likely at isolated places of Kashmir and Gilgit- Baltistan during next 24 hours. According to the Met office, a trough of westerly wave is affecting northern parts of the country and likely to persist for next 12 hours.

Mainly dry weather is expected in most parts Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and Balochistan. Isolated light rain with snowfall over the hills is expected in Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan during next 24 hours.

Thursday’s lowest minimum temperatures: Gupis, Parachinar -02, Malamjabba and Murree -01 Oc. Rainfall recorded during last 24 hours: Dir and Pattan 23mm each, Kalam 21mm, Parachinar 20mm, Rawalakot 17mm, Lower Dir 15mm, Mirkhani and Malamjabba 10mm each, Chitral, Murree and Muzaffarabad 9mm each, Drosh and Sadusharif 8mm each, Kotli 7mm, Jehlum and Gariduapatta 6mm each, Balakot 5mm, Islamabad, Peshawar and Quetta 3mm each, Bannu and Risalpur 2mm each. Kalam received nine inch snow.

The Multan Met office has forecast cold and dry weather with chances of mist in the morning for the city and its suburbs during the next 24 hours. On Thursday, the maximum and minimum temperatures were recorded as 24.2 and 11.2 degrees centigrade, respectively. Humidity was recorded 76 per cent at 8am and 37 per cent at 5pm.

As mercury dips and weather becomes chilly after rain and snowfall was received in vari-

ous parts of the province on Wednesday, the met office has forecast dry weather in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) during the next 24 hours.

According to met office, Parachinar has recorded minimum temperature of minus 2 degree centigrade followed by minus 1 degree in Malam Jaba. Meanwhile, mercury also dipped in upper parts of the province including Batkhela, Lower Dir, Swat Valley and Malakand agency after receiving heavy showers while snowfall was also reported in Kalam area of Swat.—APP

Computer Security Day today STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Computer Security Day will be observed on November 30, across the world including Pakistan to help raise awareness of computer related security issues and to remind people to protect their computers and information. Security is an important consideration when working with computers, the Internet or indeed any electronic devices.

Use Computer Security Day to ensure that your passwords are regularly updated, that your personal information is safe and secure, and that your systems are protected. A major theme for this year is social networking and personal security. It is a globally recognized annual event set up to inform computer users about the significance of computer security.

It was started in 1988 to help raise awareness of computer related security issues, when the Washington, D.C., chapter of the Association for Computer Machinery (ACM) sought to bring computerrelated security issues to the nation’s forefront. Since that time, Computer Security Day has evolved into a worldwide event. Computer Security Day is a great opportunity for information technology security professionals.

371million worldwide population suffering diabetic PESHAWAR: Corps Commander Peshawar Lieutenant General Khalid Rabbani visiting training session of Engineer Corps making bridge on Kabul river.

STAFF REPORTER P ESHAWAR —Corps Commander Peshawar, Lieutenant General Khalid Rabbani said on Thursday Pakistan Army was the custodian of borders of the country and was ready to meet any eventuality during emergency situation. Addressing jawaans of the

Corps of Engineers after inspecting the bridge training exercise here at Akora Khattak, the Corps Commander said Pakistan army was all time ready whether it was time of peace or war, adding the bridge battalion of the Pakistan Army had played a key role in helping out the people stranded in floods and

their rehabilitation.

The Commander urged upon the jawaans to increase their professional expertise so that their services could be utilized in effective manner.

He also impressed upon them to ensure protection of the equipment, tools and materials used in the preparation of bridges. On this occasion, the

Commander also inspected the bridges constructed by the Pakistan Army including ribbon bridge, heavy mechanized bridge and medium girder bridge, assault track way and tanks access way.

Gen Rabbani also visited army public school Akora Khattak and inspected its various sections.

ISLAMABAD—More than 371 million people in the world have diabetes, half of whom are undiagnosed, according to the latest update to the International Diabetes Federation’s Diabetes Atlas.

The number of people with diabetes has increased in every country in the world, leading the IDF to describe the global diabetes epidemic as “out of control”, CBC news wedsite reported.

“Millions of people are dying from diabetes in their most productive years,” said Ann Keeling, CEO of the IDF. “The stability of societies is threatened and huge economic and political bur-

dens are imposed on countries and communities. However, this disease remains marginalised on the global health and development agenda and vastly underresourced.” In total, the IDF estimate that 8.3% of the adult population of the world are living with diabetes. By 2030, they say, over 552 million adults - 9.9%of the population will have the condition.

The IDF reports that by the end of 2012, 4.8 million people will have died from diabetes, half of whom will be under 60, and US$471 billion was spent globally on healthcare related to the dis-

Heading towards social welfare state…

The visionary and able leadership of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was fully aware of the economic hardships and deprivations of the majority of the people. Therefore, social and economic emancipation of the people and uplifting of living standards of common man became the areas of prime focus of this party of the masses.

The economic agenda of PPP was wonderfully and rightly elaborated by the key slogan of the party; “Roti, Kapra Aur Makan” (bread, clothing and shelter) besides the main philosophy that “people are all powerful”. In the year 1971 Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto formed the people’s democratic government of Pakistan with the help of massive public support. Shaheed Bhutto as per his promise gave the country a unanimously approved Constitution to democratically strengthen the federation of Pakistan.

Moreover, the democratically elected PPP Government

of Shaheed Bhutto launched numerous other steps aimed to improve economic conditions of the country and to bring the political stability back after numerous undemocratic regimes.

PPP government ushered a new era of national reconstruction by launching projects like Pakistan’s first ever Steel Mill, Pakistan’s first hydro electric dam, Electrical Mechanlical Complex at Wah, The Aeronautic Complex at Kamrah and the Kahuta Nuclear Project to make the defence of country invincible. Quaid-e-Awam, in line with the manifesto of PPP, introduced vital reforms in the education and agriculture sector besides much needed industrial reforms to improve the lives of ordinary working class.

The oppressors considered Quaid-e-Awam as a threat to their vested interests and thus started hatching conspiracies against his truly democratic regime. However, Shaheed Bhutto refused to bow down before such anti-people ele-

ments and sacrificed his life in protecting the fundamental rights of the people of Pakistan.

Despite ruthless oppression unleashed on the brave workers and leadership of PPP by the illegitimate regime of

tyrant Gen. Zia, PPP remained steadfast and thus not only survived but gained more strength. Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, after Shaheed Zulfiqar Bhutto, let an epic battle against the tyranny.

With sheer courage and determination, she was able to raise the party from ashes. She made it clear that the constitution and the federation promised to revive the constitution of 1973 and today, history is evident that her party has fulfilled this promise.

As a result of victory in general elections held in the year 1988, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto got elected as Prime Minister and become the first ever women head of the government of any Muslim country. The conspirators did not allow her to perform her constitutionally mandated tasks and her government was dismissed on flimsy and unsubstantiated reasons. The general elections held in the year 1990 were massively rigged to snatch the victory from PPP and to turn it into defeat. Today, in the form of verdict on infamous Asghar Khan Case, this fact has yet again proved that the stance of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto about this

fraudulent election was exactly right.

The democratically elected government of PPP was dismissed again in the year 1996 in a similar undemocratic fashion and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto and her family had to face exile and ruthless vendetta by the same undemocratic mindset. However, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, the great leader of the modern time kept on her struggle to revive genuine democracy in the country and to force the tyrants to hand over power back to the people of Pakistan.

Today, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto is not physically present among us but it is a matter of great satisfaction that President Asif Ali Zardari is keeping her vision and mission itact. He is making efforts to make Pakistan a strong, prosperous and modern democracy. The leadership of PPP, from Shaheed Quaid-eAwam to Shaheed Benazir Bhutto has rendered unprec-

edented sacrifices to protect the social, economic and political rights of the people of Pakistan. Their struggle was and is based on the commitment of giving the people equal opportunities and means to live a dignified life.

The present democratic government, in the pursuit of founding principles of PPP and in line with the vision of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Bneazir Bhutto, has exhibited firm commitment towards the well being of the people of Pakistan.

Under the able leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari, the democratic government has taken various steps to bring positive change in the life of common men including the launch of internationally acclaimed Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) as a comprehensive strategy to fight poverty and to empower women, children and youth of the country.

BISP, as a complete socio-

ease. “As millions of undiagnosed people develop diabetes complications, we can expect to see the mortality rate climb,” said Jean Claude Mbanya, president of the International Diabetes Federation. Globally, the IDF estimates that 187 million people with diabetes - 50% - remain undiagnosed, including 81% of African diabetics.

Of the 371 million diabetics in the world, more than one in three live in the West Pacific region, including over 90 million in China and more than 61 million in India. The IDF hope that the data will encourage the UN to include battling diabetes.—APP economic rehabilitation of the poorest of the poor of the society, has yet again converted the hopes of the people of Pakistan into reality. The programme has also laid the foundation for a prosperous Pakistan by introducing future oriented initiatives including remarkable social intervention Waseela-e-Taleem, which is aiming to promote education among the children from poorest families in the country and thus ensuring education to all the segments of Pakistani society. BISP’s other major programmes are already reaching out to the millions of families of Pakistan and providing them various benefits. Thank God, today Pakistan is finally heading towards a prosperous social welfare state.

BISP has been able to contribute remarkably to achieve the vision of Quiade-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah by creating a moderate and caring Pakistan.

The Writer is a Federal Minister and Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme.

Steps to eradicate polio Staff Reporter

I S L A M A B A D —Special Assistant to Prime Minister, Shehnaz Wazir Ali said that government had taken notable steps to eradicate Polio. Talking to a private news television, she said that after passing 18th amendment of constitution it is the responsibility of provinces to provide basic health facilities to people. She said that in 1994 Benazir Bhutto (Shaheed) introduced primary health program to provide medical assistance to the poor people. Shehnaz urged health departments to ensure proper check and balance of basic health units at tehsil and district levels. She said that consensus must be developed between political parties for the health issues as government developed consensus on 18th amendment and as a result Gilgit-Baltistan got its real status. She said that eradication of Polio was government’s main priority and government was showing good results which proved it.

Karachi polio case ‘Boy got virus in Mardan’: The 18month-old boy suffering from polio and living in Liaquatabad town acquired the virus from during a visit to relatives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, not Karachi.

Sources in the World Health Organisation (WHO) said that after observing the genome sequence of the virus, the authorities were convinced that the polio case belonged to Mardan and not Karachi. “Though the child is a resident of Liaqatabad’s union council 11, in view of the findings of WHO it would now be counted in the tally of Mardan,” said the source. “Two polio cases have already been reported in Mardan while no cases have been reported from Karachi this year. The number of polio cases in Sindh remains at four.”

PMA strike continues despite recovery of abducted doctor OUR CORRESPONDENT Q UETTA —Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) continued its strike in Balochistan on Thursday, the 43rd day despite recovery of Dr Saeed Ahmed, an ophthalmologist, who was abducted a couple of months ago. The PMA office bearers were of the view that Dr Saeed Ahmed was rescued after payment of ransom and security forces or provincial and federal governments have no role in his recovery.

However, in the wake of continuous strike, young doctors are divided in two groups as one of the groups

has announced to resume their duties. Overall, strike is being observed in Civil Hospital, Quetta and in all big and small hospitals/clinics throughout the province. But a group of doctors, who has decided to call off strike, are performing their duties in the Emergency Wards. The PMA has also announced that they will continue their strike until all their demands are met.The doctors’ body said that they will announce their future course of action after a meeting of the PMA’s core committee.

Meanwhile, in the ongoing tussle between the provincial government and the

doctors the general public continues to suffer. It may be mentioned here that doctors began strike in the province against the abduction Dr. Ahmed who was kidnapped on October 16 from Sariab Road area of Quetta. The provincial government, meantime moving against the striking doctors, suspended them from services, held back their salaries and expelled them from official residences.

The government also published advertisements in newspapers for the recruitment of new doctors. The striking doctors have demanded the government to apologize over its attitude

Waheeda Shah eligibility case

My client slapped no one: Counsel

and conduct judicial inquiry into the police manhandling I SLAMABAD —In Waheeda Shah eligibility case, Justice of the doctors’ rally.

Nasirul Mulk Thursday questioned that how an entire election from the concerned constituency may be declared QUETTA—Divisional Coordi- void over an incident at one nation Committee formed by polling station. A 3-member the Chief minister Balochistan bench of the apex court on law and order situation headed by Justice Nasirul Commissioner Quetta divi- Mulk heard the proceeding of sion Qambar Dashti met here Waheeda Shah Eligibility case. on Thursday. Deputy ComDuring the hearing, counmissioner Quetta, deputy sel for Waheeda Shah, commissioners and DPOs of Hashmat Habib, said his client Pishin, Chaghi, Qilla Abdullah had not slapped anyone and districts besides representa- that she was merely trying to tives of the law enforcement disperse a crowd. Hashmat agency’s attended the meet- Habib argued that the coning held to review the law and cerned presiding officer, order situation.—APP Habiba Memon, had authority for one day only and that Memon could not get an FIR registered against his client two days after the alleged incident.

The counsel moreover argued that the results of 102 polling stations should not be

Committee meets

jeopardized over an incident that may have taken at a single polling station. Responding to which, Justice Tariq Pervez questioned as to whether priority could be given to unofficial results as opposed to official results. Hashmat Habib added that the Returning Officer had sentenced his client as a magistrate, days after the polling.

Upon which, Justice Tariq Pervez questioned as to how could a Returning Officer sentence someone after the day designated for polling.

Hashmat Habib further said that no interference took place with respect to the action of the Election Commission of Pakistan, adding that, his client was served a sentence on the basis of a video. In his remarks, Justice Nasir said Shah had been declared ineligible and that was why her election had been declared as void.—Online

FATA admn involved in corruption: FDM

PPP believes in true democracy Staff Reporter

P ESHAWAR —Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader and Chairman District Development Advisory Committee (DDAC) Nawabzada Sher Afghan Thursday said PPP is true representative of people and believes in democracy for uplift of masses and prosperity of the country. Addressing the party workers, he said that PPP is one of the big political parties of the country and its membership is open for everyone. He said the other political parties are worried of PPP fame among the people due to its people friendly policies, adding that PPP would proof itself a big political party of Mardan district in upcoming general elections. He said PPP would hold a great workers’ convention in Mardan division on December 1 which would be attended by PPP provincial president Anwer Saifullah Khan. He said under the leadership of President Asif Ali QUETTA: Due to strike of doctors in the province a teenage girl searches doctor while carrying sick sister.

Zardari, the image of the country has improved across the world while democracy is strengthening day by day.

PPP to win general elections: The general elections would be held on time and Pakistan Peoples Party Party will win the coming elections due to its pro people policies. This was stated by Deputy Attorney General and member Federal Council CEC PPP Khan Muhammad STAFF REPORTER Hussain Azad here Thursday while addressing a press conference. He congratulated President Asif Ali Zardari for organizing successful D-8 conference which has M ULTAN —Tourism Devel- officials to be deputed to hold P ESHAWAR —Vice ChancelRAHMATULLAH KHAN proved to be a milestone on economic and diplomatic opment Corporation Punjab the event in Cholistan, district lor, Sarhad University, Dr fronts. he said CNG stations should be nationalized to (TDCP) Managing Director Bahawalpur. Student honoured Salimur Rehman Thursday P ESHAWAR —Participants at facilitate the masses as station owners are responsible Habib-ur-Rehman Gilani has with Presidential Award for Girls urged students to focus on a dialogue stressed the need convened a meeting of all Guide: Irsa Arif, a student of education as well as co-cur- for promotion of Technical for the recent gas crisis.

TDCP regional managers on Government Model Muslim ricular and sports activities and Vocational Education December 5 to discuss ar- Girls High School, won All Pa- imperative to create values of Training (TVET) to secure PPP focus on education rangements for annual 8th kistan Girls Guide Presidential tolerance and patience in the the future of youth and enStaff Reporter desert jeep rally to be held Award, said Senior Headmis- society. Talking to journalists P ESHAWA R —Khyber Pakthunkhwa in Cholistan. The December tress of the school, Zahida during his visit to the office able Pakistan to take advanMinister for Labour, Sher Azam Wazir 5 meeting would be followed Perveen on Thursday. of Malik Saad Shaheed Me- tage of its growing youth said Thursday Pakistan People’s Party by another meeting of TDCP Talking to APP, Zahida morial Trust here, the VC said population. This was the crux after winning next general elections will officials with the commis- said it was a great honour not sports plays key role in cre- of a day-long session entitled ‘Dialogue on Skill Developgive top focus on industrialization, edu- sioner Bahawalpur/MD only for her school but also ation of tolerance and discication and livestock sectors uplift in the Cholistan Development Au- for people of the area. She pline in the sportsmen and ment’ political priority for Frontier Regions (FRs) to generate em- thority and other administra- added Irsa would soon leave asked students to take full developing the future genployment opportunities for tribal youth. tive officials in Bahawalpur for Islamabad to get the advantage from sports facili- eration, jointly organized by Addressing a representative delegation to finalise the date to hold award. Irsa while sharing her ties in the universities and Skill Development Council of Bhattani tribesmen of the Frontier the mega car sport event. feelings said it was a great colleges. He said promotion (SDC) Peshawar, Technical and Vocational Education Region Lakki Marwat here at Shahi The MD TDCP also honour for her and termed this of sports activities also imMehman Khana, the Minister said PPP being a largest chaired a meeting in Lahore on achievement the result of her portant to protect youth from and Training Authority (TVETA), Khyber political party of the country, will utilize all available re- Thursday to finalize names of teachers hardwork.—APP going into wrong hands.

Pakhtunkhwa in collaborasources to remove sense of deprivation of tribal people tion with TVET Reform Supand backwardness of the Frontier Regions. He would conport Programme, which is cotest the next general election on NA-47 and if elected would funded by the European establish six industrial units in all Frontier Regions. He Union, the Kingdom of the said one each industrial unit would be setup in FRs to Netherlands and Federal Reaccelerate pace of development in the area. Azam Wazir while Muhammad Anwar Mandi Bahauddin district is SHER GONDAL said only politics of reconciliation introduced by PPP can Gondal was appointed as a fort of PML-N and with the public of Germany held here help resolve the country’s problems. He said President MANDI BAHAUDDIN—District Additional General Secretary. support of public we expect at a local hotel on Thursday.

Provincial ministers, Asif Ali Zardari was following this policy in the larger na- level organization of PML-N Party workers welcomed the landslide victory in the upmembers of provincial assemtional interest with an objective to address the key issues was completed in a special new appointments and of- coming elections. bly, leaders of various politifaced by the country. The major issues like establishment meeting held here at PML-N fered their congratulation. *** of peace in Malakand division, National Finance Commis- office last evening. District Addressing the meeting, DCO Tariq Chaudhry sion Award, constitutional amendments, provincial au- president PML-N Divan Divan Mushtaq said these said use of Iodized salt is vitonomy, identity to Pakhtoons and Fata Reforms were ad- Mushtaq presided over the appointments were made af- tal to prevent Iodine Defidressed due to PPP reconciliation policy, he remarked. The meeting that was attended by ter due deliberations, keep- ciency Disorders. He was preMinister said reconciliation was better than confrontation ex-MNA Ijaz Ahmed ing in view their untiring work siding over the meeting of and Pakistan Peoples Party despite undue criticism, took Chaudhry, ex Tehsil Nazim Ch for promotion of the party District Iodine Deficiency along all democratic forces on board on major issues and Imtiaz, General Secretary and its vision. He said popu- Control Committee at his ofachieved momentous success in every field.

Sakander Gondal and large larity of PML-N and its cen- fice here the other day. He tral leaders were increasing shared with the committee number of party workers.

50 new schemes approved Through mutual consen- among the public for follow- that iodine deficiency causes Our Correspondent sus Nasir Bosal was ap- ing people friendly policies mental retardation, deafness, HYDERABAD—A total of 50 new devel- pointed as senior vice presi- and promoting education ac- mutism, cretinism, Goiter and opment projects worth Rs. 120 millions dent, Arshad Kukku, Ijaz tivities in Punjab particularly reproductive failure and use under MNA Fund have been approved Ahmed Gujar of Roshen Pura and in other parts of the of iodized salt will prevent for Jamshoro district at a meeting on were made vice presidents country generally. He said these disorders.

Thursday which was presided over by MNA Nawab Abdul Ghani Talpur. The meeting attended by the officials of concerned departments reviewed at length the pace of work on ongoing development schemes and decided to launch 50 more development projects which included construction of roads, C.C. Block streets, supply of electricity and water to various parts of the district. MNA while addressing the participants of the meeting asked them to ensure quality in completion of the projects and maintained that the Prime Minister’s Inspection Commission will monitor these development projects by making surprise visits at the spots. He made it clear that commission culture would not be allowed at any cost and all tenders of the contracts will be awarded on merit. The government would not tolerate those who found in using substandard material in these development projects, he said. Talpur while expressing its dismay over non completion of sewerage scheme in Khuda-ki-Basti and said that PMIC also pointed out the use of substandard material in this scheme. Sindhi musician passes away: Renowned Sindhi folk musician ‘Banjo Nawaz’ Ustad Mohammad Buksh passed away on Wednesday in a local hospital after prolonged illness. He was 60. He was laid to rest at his ancestral graveyard. A large number of people from various walks of life attended the funeral prayer. Sindh Culture Minister Sassui Palijo and Abdul Aziz Uqali Secretary Culture Sindh expressed deep grief on his sad dismise and condoled with the family. They also prayed the Almighty SWAT: Chief Technical Officer in Saudi Arabia Abdullah Muhammad Alshaibi unveiling the plaque to inaugurate a road at Charbagh Jahanabad. to rest the departed soul in peace.

TDCP to review jeep rally arrangements

Sports vital for youth diversion

PML-N popularity on rise

STAFF REPORTER PESHAWAR—The Fata Democratic Moment (FDM) has claimed that only innocent children, women and youth are being killed in military operation against the militants and demanded for halt of the operation forthwith.

Speaking at a press conference here at Press Club on Thursday, the FDM central President Abd-ur-Rahim Afridi that peace could not be restored by force while developmental reforms is the only way to bring normalcy in the entire tribal region.

Mentioning nine points, he called for Balochistan-like package for tribal people, establishment of Supreme and high courts benches and induction of FATA into mainstream by repealing FCR. “Political administration in FATA is involved in widespread corruption,” he accused and added that proper accountability of funds allocated to Fata should be carried out for developments of downtrodden region FATA. Flanked by FDM general secretary Ejaz Ahmad, Mr Afridi also demanded for soft agriculture loans to tribal farmers.

Promotion of technical education stressed cal parties, industrialists and people from different walks of life participated in the dialogue and shared views on the subject. Speaking on the occasion, Provincial Minister for Technical Education and Mineral Development Nawabzada Mahmoodzeb Khan said the jobs in the public sector had already squeezed, as 78 per cent of the provincial budget was being spent on the salaries.

He said it was not possible for the government to provide jobs to each and every person, which means if youth do not have jobs, they might become part of antisocial elements. Realizing the extent of the problem, the minister said the incumbent provincial government was emphasizing on skill development of the youth. He counted a number of steps the government has taken for equipping the youth with employable skills. He asked the parliamentarians to support the cause of promotion

of TVET so that youth within their constituencies could be reached out and given the required employable skills.

The minister said as a policy focus was usually on promotion of general and higher education, which has limited prospect of employability. He asked the parliamentarians to advocate the cause of creation of new technical institutes and universities.

Chairman Skill Development Council Peshawar Haji Mohammad Javed shared details about the working of his organization, which is working on public private partnership basis. He said the population explosion had caused numerous problems including the unemployment, adding that only employable skills can help people to earn decent livelihood. He appealed to the lawmakers and civil society to make promotion of TVET as their priority agenda and advocate for this cause within their ambits.

Hatf: Defence may not be lowered in any case

MEDIA WATCH

Keeping email private

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AKISTAN, on Wednesday, successfully conducted the training launch of its medium range ballistic missile Hatf-V Ghauri. The liquid fuel missile can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads over a distance of 1300 kilometres and strengthens the country’s deterrence capability.

In normal circumstances a country like Pakistan should not have indulged in the kind of arms race that it finds itself in but the country unfortunately remains in the grip of fears and sense of insecurity ever since its inception when India started conspiring to bring the new state down. The situation not only persists today but has complicated in the emergence of a number of hostile factors. Only last week, President Asif Ali Zardari hinted at international conspiracies to destabilize and harm Pakistan, emphasizing the need for strengthening national unity and cohesion to foil designs of our enemies. Similarly, Interior Minister Rehman Malik is on record having said on a countless occasions that foreign hand is involved in destabilizing Pakistan through different machinations. Despite moves towards normalization of relations especially forging of commercial ties with India there is no fundamental change in New Delhi’s approach or long term policy towards weakening Pakistan. Not to speak of talks for resolution of the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir, India is even not willing to move towards resolution of Siachen and Sir Creek disputes that, many believe, were ripe for settlement. It is also an open secret that India has an ever-expanding defence industry capable of producing ordinary to lethal weapons and also allocates billions of dollars every year to acquire latest equipment and technology from all available sources. All these military preparations are primarily directed against Pakistan besides presenting threats to other regional countries and beyond. Pakistan had been considering its Western border safe but it is also volatile because of foreign occupation and the situation is so precarious that according to a latest report 84% Afghans living in Pakistan don’t want to go back at all. Pakistan is facing numerous challenges in social and economic fields and needs to boost its defences. We must not lower our guards in view of the ground realities and strengthen our deterrence in relation to emerging scenarios.

Quetta doctor pays ransom and is free A

GONY of Dr Muhammad Saeed Khan and his family ended when he reached home safely after 43 days of his abduction from Quetta.

The renowned eye specialist and Medical Superintendent of LRTB Hospital said period of his captivity was painful but the most agonizing aspect of his release was that it occurred after payment of millions of rupees in ransom.

The kidnapping and release after payment of ransom has once again highlighted the criticality of the security situation in Balochistan and the need for urgent remedial measures. Earlier, in August this year, Dr Ghulam Rasool, renowned psychiatrist, had to pay millions of rupees for securing his release. The situation is so pathetic that the Supreme Court had to point out that the criminal activity would come to end if three of the sitting provincial ministers were put behind bars. It is fundamental responsibility and duty of a Government to protect life and property of citizens but what if the top officials themselves are involved in the heinous crimes like kidnapping for ransom. The apex court had rightly declared that the provincial government was guilty of failure to provide security to the citizens and therefore, loses its right to rule but it is strange that the incapable clique is still there to make mockery of rule of law. It was also shameful to hear from the Chief Minister that the release has been made possible after payment of ransom. This reflects the nature and level of governance in the province and is a slur on the name of the administration. The entire system seems to have collapsed but no one is concerned to take corrective steps. The payment of ransom means some kind of negotiations over a period of time and conclusion of the deal, which in turn means the culprits are traceable. They must be apprehended and meted out deterrent punishment, otherwise it would be extremely difficult for professionals and others to do their job in the province.

US to keep troops in Afghanistan after exit W

HILE most of the US led NATO forces are expected to leave Af ghanistan by the end of 2014 as per decision by President Obama, reports in the US media indicate that Washington will maintain a strong footprint of about 10,000 troops in the war torn country. A couple of days back General John Allen, commander of US and Afghan forces in Afghanistan issued a report recommending government to hold at least 6,000 to 15,000 troops in the country.

It is surprising that after failure to defeat the Afghan resistance with all the military might, the US is till determined to keep hold in Afghanistan despite opposition at home. Though Pentagon Spokesman in briefing said that they have not reached a point where any single number of troops has been decided but one thing is clear that the US troops will stay back to what it calls, check the resurgence of Al-Qaeda. Obama’s decision faces multiple complications, starting with the absence so far of a Status of Forces Agreement with the Afghan Government. The refusal of the government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to accept such an agreement forced the withdrawal of all American forces from that country at the end of 2011.

Peace can only return in Afghanistan if there is a dependable understanding between all the stakeholders. If the United States keeps back troops, that would virtually be continuity of occupation of Afghanistan and the resistance would gain further momentum. With 66,000 U.S. troops now in Afghanistan, down from a high of 100,000 in May 2011, the US has lost more than two thousand of troops in addition to spending hundreds of billions of dollars. We think it is time that the US must learn some lessons from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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Kuwait needs more reforms, not less feel comfortable in.

The Kuwaiti knows that he or she has rights and has therefore an attitude and a worldview very different from that of the Saudis, who M D Nalapat know that the ruling family has abEmail: mgnalapat@gmail.com solute authority over them. Small wonder that many of the autocrats in the region are unhe ruling Al Sabah family of happy at the way the Al Sabah famKuwait is easily the most pro ily has nurtured democracy in Kugressive within the monar- wait, and who would like to see the chies and sheikhdoms in the Arab experiment with democracy fail. world, far more so than that While at a state to state level, there is favourite of the NATO powers, the no interference with political proHashemite rulers of Jordan. Exactly cesses in Kuwait, it is a fact that sevfifty years ago this month, the then eral individuals, especially from ruler, Sheikh Abdulla Al Salem Al Saudi Arabia and also from Qatar, Sabah, enacted into force a consti- seek to influence elections in Kuwait tution, which gave wide powers to by helping those candidates whom the people at the expense of the rul- they believe represent their ing family. So deep was the com- worldview. Usually, these are candimitment to democracy that the dates who are religious conservatives Amir’s edict provided that hence- eager to ensure that Kuwait follow forth, only those members of the Al the Saudi Arabia pattern of societal Sabah clan who won the approval organisation. Where a multiplicity of of a majority of the National As- codes of conduct get enforced in the sembly could ascend the throne, a name of religion.

Ironically, it was US President condition that has been kept to this day, thereby making Kuwait unique George W Bush who awakened the among the monarchies and sheikh- sleeping giant in the Arab world, doms, in the rest of which only the which is the hunger for democratic reigning family decides who will be rights in the populations of countries the next ruler. Other provisions en- that have never experienced democshrined the right to private property racy in their entire existence. Iraq was and to education, and held that “so- the first test case for Bush-style decial justice shall be the basis of taxes mocracy. Of course, Bush apparently thought that foisting a comic characand public imposts” A visitor to Kuwait will see in ter, Paul Bremer, on the Iraqi people less than an hour how different the as their emperor was the only form ethos of the country is from its gi- of democracy the people of Iraq deant neighbour Saudi Arabia. For ex- served. Bush kept on delaying the ample, women in Kuwait enjoy the giving of effective power to the same rights as men, including the people of Iraq, clearly in order to enright to work at any occupation of sure that the country’s oil wealth get their choice, or drive a vehicle and transferred to companies based within travel alone,or wear the apparel they the NATO bloc. Even today, the US

Geopolitical notes from India

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has, in effect, extra-territorial rights in Iraq which are incompatible with the UN charter, although UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon (a favourite of NATO members) does not appear to bother, just as he condones the way in which France is encouraging a civil war in its former colony, Syria, under the superintendence of the UN “peacekeeping” system, over which France in particular and NATO in general have near-total control over, using the UN setup as cover for operations designed to enforce their writ over states that are too weak to resist their operations However, over the past for years, democracy has developed major speed bumps in Kuwait. The process began after the 2009 parliamentary elections, when a group of around 20 legislators began to oppose any measure proposed by ministers from — or loyal to — the Al Sabah family.

They began levying allegations of corruption against about 18 members of the National Assembly who were regarded as close to the government, making it very difficult for Parliament to function. It was eventually dissolved by the Amir in 2012,well ahead of its 4-year term. Elections are to be held on November 30,2012 for the 50-member National Assembly, this time with voters given the right to choose only a single candidate among the many standing for election in each of the five constituencies, all of whom elect ten members on the basis of votes polled.

The reduction in the number of candidates that a voter can opt for from four to one has angered many in Kuwait, and led to a boycott call by those who were active against the government during 2009-2012,including in the National Assembly elected that year, which was dissolved as unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court, and which contained as many as 34 (out of 50) members who were opposed to the government.

Only 11 of the 50 members elected in February 2012 are standing again

this time.Because it is the legislators who will decide on just which member of the Al Sabah family will become Amir, there is naturally keen interest in the December 1 election.

Should the voting percentage rise above 50%, it would give a boost to the government and represent a setback to the opposition.

However, if the voting percentage falls to 40% or less, it would ensure instability in Kuwait, as an energized opposition would use Street Power to challenge those in authority. Whatever the outcome, it is clear that further reforms have become inevitable in Kuwait, a country where the population is educated and alert to its rights. Rather than just five constituencies electing ten legislators each, it may be better to have fifty constituencies, carved out according to population strength, so that the number of voters is roughly the same in each. At present, some 10-member constituencies have 50,000 voters while another has 150,000.

A second reform would be to give selected portfolios to elected legislators, with those being made ministers who are mutually acceptable to the majority in the National Assembly and to the Amir. The Al Sabahs have been in the forefront of reform and democratisation in the Arab world. The 14-member Ruling Family Council needs to deliberate on the ways in which greater reform of the governance structure can be carried out without hurting the basic structure of the 1962 constitution. This is the challenge facing not only the Amir of Kuwait and the Crown Prince, but also reformminded senior members of the Al Sabahs such as Mohammad Al-Salem Al-Sabah and Nasser Al-Sabah, the son of the Amir.

—The writer is Vice-Chair, Manipal Advanced Research Group, UNESCO Peace Chair & Professor of Geopolitics, Manipal University, Haryana State, India.

Mujib’s memoirs—selective history ber Pakistan. Reportedly, Mujib gave the notebooks to his trusted compaSultan M Hali triot Sheikh Email: sm_hali@yahoo.com Fazlul Haq Moni to prepare a typed copy. Ironically, after the assassination of Sheikh he recent publication of The Mujib and Moni, the notebooks slid Unfinished Memoirs of in oblivion and remained so until one Bengali leader Sheikh of his relatives discovered four noteMujibur Rahman as his autobiogra- books in a drawer of Sheikh Moni in phy “Ausamapta Atmajiboni” in 2004. By then, the notebooks’ pages Bengali language and translated into became discolored and brittle. In his English by Fakrul Alam have re- memoirs, Mujib has narrated his ankindled the scars of the secession of cestry, birth and childhood, days in East Pakistan. Some Pakistani jour- school and college, and social and nalists have become enamoured by political involvements. The book rethe Sheikh’s version of history and counts historical events witnessed by are castigating Pakistani leadership Sheikh Mujib – famine, communal for its alleged misdeeds, without riots in Kolkata and Bihar, partition, delving deeper to seek the truth. As politics of Kolkata-centric State Musa student of history, having been a lim Student League and Muslim virtual witness to the events that took League and description of Pakistani place in erstwhile East Pakistan and officials’ discriminatory attitude and having suffered personal losses, this his version of the Agartala conspiracy. scribe too has a right to present my Many Pakistani journalists are two cents’ worth. taken in by Mujib’s participation in The discovery of the unfinished the Pakistan Movement. It is a hismemoirs is also an interesting coin- torical fact that Bengali Muslims cidence. Reportedly, Sheikh Mujib, were in the forefront of the struggle a student leader in 1947 and an ar- for Pakistan. At a later stage some of dent follower of one of the stalwarts them became disgruntled with the of the Pakistan Movement and highhanded attitude of West Pakistani Pakistan’s fifth Prime Minister leadership and bureaucrats posted to Husyen Shaheed Suhrawardy, erstwhile East Pakistan, who used to started writing his autobiography in treat it like a colony, while maintainhis notebooks during his sojourns in ing an uppity manner. The declarajail as a state prisoner between 1967 tion of Urdu as the only official lanand 1969. He suffered incarceration guage of Pakistan in 1948 was an for conspiring with India to dismem- unjust decision and most Bengalis

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reacted violently to it with a volatile Sheikh Mujib in the vanguard. While more mature Bengali leaders were willing to discuss the parity rights of East Pakistanis with their West Pakistani counterparts in a civilized manner, Sheikh Mujib adopted the path of surreptitious plotting and conspiratorial machination in collaboration with Pakistan’s arch enemy and nemesis India. Mujib has conveniently omitted from his “unfinished memoirs” his surreptitious visit to Agartala on a Top Secret mission to meet Indian co-conspirators on 5 February, 1962. This fact is corroborated by a diary note endorsed by Khowai SDO Smarajit Chakravarty who wrote on the same date: “Today at about 1300 hrs one Mr. Mujibur Rahaman, Amir Hussain & T Choudhury arrived through Asharambari. They have been sent to Teliamura under instruction from D.M”. This essential piece of evidence, the missing link in the Agartala Conspiracy case has belatedly been provided by Manas Pal, in his Op-Ed titled ‘A Diary Note On Mujibur Rahman’’, published in Agartala’s daily Bengal Newz of November 5, 2012. The article also includes a scanned copy of the diary enclosure depicting the incriminating evidence.

The Sheikh has also excluded the fact that his mentor Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy had formed the Awami Muslim League in East Pakistan but after the demise of Mr. Suhrawardy, the Sheikh decided to break away from his guru Suhrawardy’s antiCommunist preaching and adopt socialism as his path and also drop the word “Muslim” from the party’s title.

Mujib’s objection to his province being labeled “East Pakistan” is also a matter of record. During a speech in the assembly on the proposed plan in order to create the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in accordance with the 1956 Constitution, Mujib demanded that the Bengali people’s ethnic identity be respected by naming it as “East Bengal”.

Mujib was arrested and tried for the Agartala Conspiracy Case for sedition and attempts to destabilize and dismember Pakistan but despite irrefutable evidence being presented to convict him, the government released him bowing to public pressure in East Pakistan. The Sheikh’s “Six-Point” program was a virtual demand of independence, on its rejection by the government, on December 5, 1969 Mujib made a declaration at a public meeting held to observe the death anniversary of Suhrawardy that henceforth East Pakistan would be called “Bangladesh”: “There was a time when all efforts were made to erase the word “Bangla” from this land and its map. The existence of the word “Bangla” was found nowhere except in the term Bay of Bengal. I announce today that this land will be called “Bangladesh” instead of East Pakistan.” West Pakistani leaders made another grave error by succumbing to doubts regarding the Sheiks integrity and not inviting him to form the government despite his landslide victory at the polls.

—The writer is international security, current affairs analyst and a former PAF Assistant Chief of Air Staff.

f you left a letter on your desk for 180 days, you wouldn’t imag ine that the police could then swoop in and read it without your permission, or a judge’s. But that’s just what law enforcement officers can do with your e-mail. Using only a subpoena, government agents can demand that service providers turn over electronic communications they have stored, as long as those communications are more than six months old. Protections are even weaker for opened e-mail or documents stored in the “cloud.”

The advertisements that the Postal Service piles into your mailbox every day are legally sacrosanct; the medical notifications your health-insurance company sends to your Gmail account are not. This bizarre reality is thanks to the 1986 Electronic Privacy Communications Act, a law written before anyone dreamed that Americans would send, receive and store so much private information over third-party services such as Gmail or would draft documents using cloud computing that they intend to keep confidential. Now Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.), chairman of the Judiciary Committee and the 1986 law’s original author, wants to amend it into the 21st century.

Mr Leahy is set to press his committee Thursday to adopt a series of changes that would establish the confidentiality of e-mail and other electronic communications. Service providers would be prohibited from handing over e-mail, and Mr. Leahy would get rid of the strange 180-day rule that the government can now use to compel disclosure. To access any e-mail content, law enforcement officers would be required to obtain a search warrant from a judge after demonstrating probable cause.

The amendments would also oblige officials to give those whose e-mail they are reading a copy of the search warrant. This would bring the law in line with the reality that Americans are using electronic communications services to exchange and store all sorts of sensitive data.

Many journalists rely on the cloud to transmit and store their work; the Newspaper Association of America, to which The Post belongs, is part of the Digital Due Process Coalition, which is lobbying for Mr. Leahy’s amendments.

There is always a trade-off between protecting Americans’ privacy and empowering law-enforcement officers to fight crime. But the choice is not difficult in this case.

In fact, the amendments would arguably not go far enough since they would still allow police to monitor some information, though not the content of digital documents, without a warrant — records regarding the time spent using electronic services, certain payment records and other information that service providers collect. Still, Mr. Leahy’s amendments are worthy of enthusiastic support from his colleagues.

They are already too long in coming. — The Washington Post

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Strong immune system keeps diseases away

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sharp rise in seasonal flu cases has seen queues of pa tients getting longer outside clinics and hospitals. Experts have advised vaccinations against flu to combat cough, fever, sore throat and other complications. A cultural melting pot like the UAE sees people from nearly 200 countries crossing its borders regularly. It is only natural that they bring with them different strains of viruses from around the world, leaving residents to combat them in the best way possible.

Adding to that is the seasonal influenza virus and its complications.

Doctors have advised that simple measures can keep these irritants at bay. These include washing hands regularly with soap and water and cleaning surfaces that are used often, like keyboards and telephones. Taking antiviral medicines if people around you have flu is also recommended. But also effective is keeping the immune system strong.

Going for walks, exercising regularly and taking care of the diet will go a long way in preventing illness and also in combating it. Prevention, as the old saying goes, is better than cure. — Gulf News Throw out a sprat to catch a mackerel.

—Proverb

Concept of Jehad in Islam J

ihad has the literal meaning of ex erting our best and greatest effort to achieve something. It is not the equivalent of war, for which the Arabic word is qital. Jihad has a much wider connotation and embraces every kind of striving in Allah’s cause.

A mujahid is one who is sincerely devoted to his or her cause; who uses all physical, intellectual, and spiritual resources to serve it; who confront any power that stands in its way; and, when necessary, dies for this cause. Jihad in the way of Allah the almighty is our struggle to win Allah’s good pleasure, to establish His religion’s supremacy, and to make His Word prevail.

Every human society sets some rules and regulations to conduct a smooth discourse amongst its members. States develop penal codes to punish transgressors and criminals within its boundaries. Sometimes groups, states or nations become criminal by unjustly threatening or attacking other state or states. This has been the basis of warfare in the whole human history. Common sense demands that a state unjustly attacked or oppressed should have right to defend itself by carrying out armed struggle. Allah the almighty has given this life to us as a test which is very clearly stated in the Holy Quran. The test is whether a

human being, by using his intellect is subject to laws special to itself and and wisdom, recognises his Creator to the general “laws of nature,” it is and willingly submits himself to the also in harmony with other laws will of his Lord. The go-verning surroundvery nature of this The Spirit Of Islam ing phenomena. Hutest demands that evman beings, unlike ery human being gets other creatures who the chance to make tread “the path of nathis choice by his ture,” have free will. own free will. OtherWe bear the gift of wise the test is not freedom and the obvalid. Hence it is acligation to harmonize cording to the our life with nature. scheme of our Lord This harmony is also that human beings the path of our exalare able to make this tation and progress, choice with maxithe path upon which mum freedom withAllah the almighty out fear of persecu- Atif Noor Khan created human nation or oppression. ture: Set your face to Allah the almighty has ordained on the religion, a man of pure faithbelievers that they should keep the Allah’s original nature in which He option of this choice available to originated humanity. There is no everybody by removing persecution changing Allah’s creation. That is or oppression in human society. the right religion, but most of huThis is the basis of concept of Jihad manity know it not (30:30). in Islam and the set of rules govTo harmonize our lives with naerning this warfare is called Law of ture, we first should realize our perJihad or Shariyah of Jihad. sonal integrity. To do this, we must The fundamental Islamic prin- apply our free will to our energies ciple of Tawhid implies that human- (e.g., desires, thoughts, and actions) ity necessarily must be in harmony to keep them within the limits estabwith the surrounding world. The vast lished by Allah. If we do not recogMuslim uni-verse displays a coher- nize such limits, we might usurp ence and harmony of which our other’s property, seek illicit sexual world is a part. Although our world relations, and indulge in other sins.

If we do not recognize such limits with respect to our intellect, we may use it to deceive others. Our powers must be held in check, our intellect used with wisdom, and our desire and anger restrained by lawful behavior and moderation. In addition, we should remember that we are social beings; if we do not restrain ourselves as Allah the almighty demands, wrongdoing, injustice, exploitation, disorder, and revolution will occur in society.

Allah the Almighty does not approve wrongdoing and disorder.

Rather, it is His Will that we live in peace and justice. Therefore, those who believe in Allah the almighty and worship Him faithfully are obliged to work for justice in this world. Islam calls this responsibility jihad. There are as many paths leading to the Straight Path as the number of breaths drawn in the creation, mankind included.

Whoever strives for His cause, Allah the almighty guides him to one of these paths and saves him or her from going astray. Whoever is guided to His Straight Path by Allah lives a balanced life, exceeding the limits neither in his or her human needs and activities nor in his/her worship and other religious observances. Such balance is the sign of “true guidance.”

From rocks to rockets Abid Latif Sindhu Email: abid.latif26@yahoo.com

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alestinian population combined both West Bank and Gaza is around 4 million people. The two states solution is workable only when States live in harmony and the differences are resolved through non kinetic means, if both sides exchange rockets instead of pleasantries, then the ground traveled even after eons is zero at zero mile stone. Some times ago it used to be quipped in a lighter tone that “when an Algerian kills a Frenchman, two men are created, a dead man and a free man”. In this case the result is a dead man and a beast.

Learning to have soup with a knife is only good when you have your fill.

The weeklong rocketry from both sides started when Israel thought that the inaction will change or seriously question its definition of deterrence and survival.

The raison detre was the Fajar -5 missiles of Iranian origin which can hit Israeli cities and towns, Hamas the sole proprietor of these grapes of wrath never wanted to use these in such a big number of over hundred

or even more a day. The Islamic jihad initiated small action along IsraelGaza border which also include firing of missiles, the Salafis and Islamic jihad even believed that Hamas is too restrained to use violence and also quite lax in the enforcement of Islamic laws, so the Israeli state got a reason and excuse to once again sort out their partner in peace. The operations were designed to first knock out the leader of this Fajar-5 project in Gaza, Mr Jabari who was believed to be in control of the complete chain of smuggling of these missiles from Sudan through Sinai territory of Egypt.

Sinai already divided into A,B ,C and D zones has become a tricky territory. On 23rd October a weapon storage and assembly site in deep Sudan was destroyed by a massive air raid, it is believed that this was carried out by Israeli air force. Same way in 2010 Mossad agents killed a Hamas official in a Dubai hotel who was suspected to be an important part of supply chain of missiles and rockets inside Gaza. Israel’s last week air raids over Gaza was aimed to destroy all the storage and usage sites of these missiles in side Gaza whose proximity disturbs the security calculus

of the Jewish state. Once it was ensured that Hamas capability to launch missiles against Israeli cities and towns have significantly reduced or altogether mitigated, then the truce is offered through the good offices of President Obama, and is accepted by the Hamas. The Amir of Qatar and Mr Morsi of Egypt played their role along with the Turkish prime minister.

Mr Obama even further strengthened his domestic position by openly taking a very soft line for Israel, there by gaining immense popularity and support from not only influential American Jews, rather more so from the people of Israel. Mr Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister was known to have supported Obama’s political rival in the present US election. The US government is also in sync with Israelis to oppose the application filed

by Fatah for the grant of UN member ship for Palestinian state, this will give the powers to invoke international criminal court against the atrocities committed by Israeli troops.

Palestinian state is itself divided between three segments, the Hamas, the exiled leadership of Hamas in Cairo and the Fatah movement of West Bank. The role of OIC in any con-

flict resolution in the region is quite questioned. Pakistan has always supported the people of Palestine; the Kashmir is also the symbiotic analogy of this.

The recent D-8 summit held in Pakistan is a good omen for the Muslim world, although the Palestinian issue was the centre piece of discussion but still the weak under belly of Muslims, that is development and education came under focus. The days to come will be very important as far as emergence of a new sense of consciousness amongst Muslim youth of Middle East is concerned.

They are no more under dictators or some colonel sheishkabab with a medieval satchel of oblivion posterity; they are vibrant, well connected, educated and agonizingly frustrated. A dangerous combination of cultural chasm is appearing in the name of neo-liberalism. Pakistan is facing many challenges to its security and well being as a nation. The fight against terrorism is war which only a nation can undertake, leaving army to handle such asymmetries will result into chaos and gestation of anarchic tendencies.

Views From Abroad

Obama’s challenge: Thinking big David Ignatius

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provocative headline in the current issue of MIT Technol ogy Review says, “Why We Can’t Solve Big Problems”. This package ought to go in President Obama’s reading pile as he ponders his January inaugural address and second-term agenda. Jason Pontin, editor-in-chief of the MIT review, introduces his theme by recalling the high age of space exploration — the incredible decade in which the United States, from a standing start, achieved President John F Kennedy’s promise to put a man on the moon by the end of the 1960s.

“The strongest emotion at the time of the moon landings was of wonder at the transcendent power of technology,” writes Pontin. That sense of awe has diminished, if not disappeared. There hasn’t been a human being on the moon since 1972.

And as Pontin writes, “big problems that people had imagined technology would solve, such as hunger, poverty, malaria, climate change, cancer, and the diseases of old age, have come to seem intractably hard.” The point of

Pontin’s exercise, as you might have guessed, is to say that these big problems are, in fact, solvable, if the United States and other advanced countries will widen their ambitions, their public research budgets and their willingness to take risks.

The MIT review gathers a series of manifestos for big-think ideas that are feasible, now. The list includes plans for: carbon capture to slow climate change; genomic medicine to target the array of cellular malfunctions that go under the heading of “cancer”; solar grids to bring electricity to the world’s poorest people; robotic manufacturing and online education to mass produce knowledge and good engineering techniques; a new assault on Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia; and, yes, a mission to Mars.Why aren’t these big ideas funded today? Pontin identifies one important factor as the decline in spending for energy research and development, which has fallen from 10 percent of total R&D spending in 1979 to just 2 percent today. A second, more interesting cause is what Pontin says is a tendency among venture capitalists and other investors to look for small tweaks rather than big, disruptive technology breakthroughs.

He quotes Bruce Gibney, a venture capitalist at the San Francisco-based Founders Fund, who offers a harsh explanation: “In the late 1990s, venture portfolios began to reflect a different sort of future. . . . Venture investing shifted away from funding transformational companies and toward companies that solved incremental problems or even fake problems. . . . VC has ceased to be the funder of the future, and instead has become a funder of features, widgets, irrelevances.”

Investors would respond that they’re still looking for the big ideas, so long as they are attached to a reasonable business model. (Indeed, the person who alerted me to the MIT discussion is Pradeep Ramamurthy, a former Obama administration official who now works for a private equity firm called Abraaj Capital.) Here’s where Obama can make a difference in setting expectations about the future. As he reminded us so often during the presidential campaign, the past four years were largely about rebuilding the damage of the recession and managing orderly retreats from costly foreign wars.

Can America think bigger during the next four years — not in the usual

terms of expansive foreign policy but in terms of rebuilding its economic and technological mastery? It’s likely that Obama will get a budget deal that builds a sound macro-economic foundation for growth, but how will he build on it?

Here’s where a new White House partnership with business can be crucial: It would signal to the country that the president and the leaders of the nation’s biggest finance, tech and manufacturing companies are all going in the same direction. By the end of Obama’s term, America will be approaching energy self-sufficiency and will be a low-cost producer for products that use energy. It’s not crazy, given these fundamentals, to talk about an American revival. But thinking big about the American economy will require stronger political vision.

Except for occasional glimmers, Obama hasn’t shown the quality of sustained, strategic leadership that would make him a transformational president. His team won a political victory that was a piece of genius.

Can the White House translate that momentum into a real agenda for governing and growth?

— Courtesy: The Washington Post

Guestrooms..!

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hope I’m not going to put you and your family to any inconve nience, I tell my friend as I enter his house. “No problems,” for any of us, “We have a guestroom waiting for you!”

Very frankly, I shudder when I hear those words. I’ve never been particularly lucky with guestrooms, I’ve been provided with. A few years ago, I slept on the floor, dragging the mattress off the cot and

laying it on the ground. The next morning I had to scramble to put the mattress back on the floor as I heard my friend trying to push the door open. “Why did you take so long to open the door?” he asked puzzled.

“I had to put the mattress back!”

I said simply. “The cot was too short!

Was it your baby cot?” Sometimes it’s not the cot, it could be plumbing in the bathroom that doesn’t work or works overtime. “Can I hang my clothes outside?” I whisper. “But you’ve just come in Bob?” asks my puzzled relative. “Yeah, but I pulled the flush and the water gushed onto me!” “Oh I forgot to tell you, the pipe is broken!” “May I hang my clothes outside, “ I say as gently as I can, fum-

ing inside. There’s one thing, though, I’ve noticed about guestrooms, they are simply wonderful to look at, “How do you like your room?” I’m asked as I’m shown round the house.

“It looks beautiful!” I say sincerely. “Designed by my wife!” says the owner with pride. Then why do guestrooms behave otherwise afterwards? Because they are never used by the owner, and very often guests don’t complain. “You look tired, didn’t you sleep well last night?”

“Slept like a log!” lies the guest, not wanting to say he felt like a log of wood, buffeted down a mountain river. We have guestrooms in our lives too: Rooms wonderfully designed but terribly uncomfortable to live in.

“Can I come into your life Bob?” asks a God above.

“Sure,” say, “You can stay in the guestroom. “But I would like to stay with you!” “But the guestroom was designed for you!” The other day I was at a friends place and he looked most apologetic. “What’s the matter?” I asked, as I got off the taxi and into his place. “You’ll have to share the room with my son,” he said. “Hurrah!” I shouted, “Now I’ll have taps which works, comfortable beds and soft pillows. My friend looked surprised as I felt a God above me smiling, knowing how it felt being welcomed into the main part of a home..!

—Email:bobsbanter@gmail.com

Voice of the People State of our hospitals MAHFOOZ UR RAHMAN

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r Mussadaq Muhammad Khan, in charge of the Allied Hospitals, has been made an Officer on Special Duty on various grave charges of corruption. The events were set into motion when a newborn baby was bitten by rats in the incubator in the Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi. Earlier today a rats and cats killing campaign was started. This hospital was set up by a Catholic Mission in the early 1950s. As longer as the hospital was run by the Mission, it was efficient. It provided drugs and medicines to all and sundry. In the 1950s, my late mother was treated there. Subsequently, she was hospitalized. Everything was spic and span. My parents were all praise for it. After the Mission left, things turned downwards. In the eighties, it looked haunted with bats flying. In a long corridor, a single bulb lit. The Benazir Hospital is no better as far as cleanliness was concerned. Since it was near my home, it was convenient for us. My children were born there. However, in the eighties, the ground floor was flooded with urine because the pipelines were always leaking. In Islamabad, the filthy dumps are near hospitals. A huge dump is located near the entrance of the Federal Government Services Hospital.

Fortunately, there is no dump around the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences. However, the pipelines are always leaking. I had many experiences when my son was hospitalized. The moment one sits on the crown (commode) drops of waterfall onto the head. A couple of years ago, I underwent treatment which involved intake of medicines intravenously in the hospital ward. The commode was so filthy. It had no means to flush the muck.

—Islamabad

Bhagat Singh DR IRFAN ZAFAR Bhagat Singh was a hero of the Indian independence movement, which led to the freedom from colonial rule of both India and Pakistan in 1947. Singh, aged only 23, was hanged by the British at the Fawwara Chowk (Shadman) in 1931, for killing a British officer and for other acts aimed to rid his nation of oppression. Lets not make it a controversial issue for religious and political reasons and give due honor to the memory of Bhagat Singh by naming the Chowk in his name. For in the end, it is always the triumph of the History.

—Islamabad

End of an era IFTIKHAR MIRZA The man with acerbic wit, Quaid’s loyal lover, a true Pakistani from the core of heart, a pillar of intelligentsia, a beacon light for poor, a socialist, a philanthropist and a well wisher of all who sought help from him, breathed his last in Karachi, the city he loved most and strived throughout his life for uplift of Karachi. “With his death, the city has lost a unique representative of the older, more cosmopolitan culture it once boasted. Cowasjee’s outspoken weekly columns were once considered a must-read for all those alarmed at the antics of venal politicians and assorted mafias, particularly those out to destroy and encroach upon the city’s heritage and open spaces.

He was the bane of various crooked builders and developers and spoke out fearlessly against them, exposing their links to those in high places. . Cowasjee will be remembered for his fearlessness, his trademark bluntness and his vocabulary – generously laced with choice profanities. His death has left the country without a fearless voice against injustice and extremism, and Karachi – a city he dearly loved – without a protector and defender of its rights.” In his columns spread over a period of 22 years he always brought hope and courage for Pakistanis, his upfront and solid stance against all evils ranging from Land Mafias to Prowlers & extortionists made many enemies but he remained defiant till end. Various law suits against land mafia were based on his columns, a good he did incessantly to the downtrodden segment of society. His writing style was eloquent marvelous.

It is heartening to know that a collection of his columns is to be printed soon. I would urge intending scholars to research on Cowasjee, as we have no other diehard fan of Mr. Mohammad Ali Jinaah like him. Definitely, research on his love for Pakistan and Quaid will open new vistas of hope for our country. May his soul rest in peace.

—Islamabad

about bases, is it the job of elite group? The answers are beyond the debris of these jolts, where no one wants to visit. It is crystal and clear that killing in any form is not a solution of any conflict. This is also a fact that execution of any culprit can not yield any fruit for the majority of people, because the roots remain there and are untouched.

Message which came out from 26/ 11 attacks is that the roots of such acts lay in the Kashmir issue which needs a solution. It should be understood with cool minds that it is Kashmir issue which triggered past three wars, many blasts, parliament attack and 26/ 11 Mumbai attacks then how can be the civil population safe in future. All types of killings needs to be condemned but on the other side it is human rights which need to be protected and respected at all costs. Without solving this core issue it is then a rotten mind which will think about safe future. It is the duty of leadership of both the nations to come forward and profound a solution which will ensure a safe and bright future.

—Via email

Acknowledging the Police REHAN ALI REHAN It is highly unfortunate that the Police have never been acknowledged by the people in performing their duties, which in my view is very unfair as they are the ones who have sacrificed their lives for us and for this country. No doubt there is criticism of corruption and bribery in the police department but that doesn’t mean we start ridiculing and insulting them. It is about time we instead of criticizing and condemning the police, support and co operate with them so that they get more confidence and can perform their duties better and with more efficiency.

—Islamabad

NTS high fees MUDASSAR H CHEEMA National Testing Service (NTS) is a private Pakistani organization which holds different exams for admissions and jobs. It takes one 100 marks MCQ’s paper according to the type of test. NTS charges fee Rs.700 to Rs.1200 from each candidate for these type exams which is too much.

Instead of National Testing Service, Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) charges Rs.300 to Rs.400 for such type of paper. Due to high fees, poor candidate can not take part in theses exams which is cruelty of NTS.I appeal to President and Chief Justus of Pakistan to take serious steps against the cruelty of NTS and also reduce its fees.

—Lahore

Education: Lowest priority M FAZAL ELAHI

What after Kasab?

MOHD ISHAQ BEGH The execution of Ajmal Amir Qasab by the Indian Government was a much awaited demand of huge population of India. The execution itself is a joy to those who lost their dear ones in the Mumbai attacks but also is a political drama which has been played by the players of politics. No doubt it was an end of a scene that begun with the Mumbai attacks (26-11) in which 166 people were killed. This dreadful act raised numerous queries in the world affairs but sans answers. The queries which remained unanswered and were totally ignored are in numbers, but need is to mention some of them.(1)Why Qasab and his companions committed this offence? (2) Why acts like 26/11 are happening in India? (3) Did India really took any concrete step to stop such acts?

(4) Did India ever tried to overcome such happenings? (5) Did India ever wanted to address the root causes?

(6) Is the execution of any culprit solution of the problems? (7) To talk about outcomes without talking

It is a bitter truth that education has always been at the lowest rung of the ladder in our agenda for national development. No doubt, successive governments that came to power during the country’s 65 years of existence have rendered great lip service vis-à-vis the promotion of education, at all tiers, but in effect this vital tool of knowledge and development has been a victim of utter neglect, always.

It is indeed a matter of shame that education continues to be the lowest priority in the roster of priorities of the government, as according to available figures we, at the moment, are spending only about 1.8 per cent of our Gross National Product (GDP) on education. This abysmally low allocation made by the exchequer to education, in the national budget, is truly unfortunate. Eminent Scientist and former Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC), Prof. Dr. Ata ur Rehman in one of his recent articles wrote ‘the education policy approved by the incumbent government envisaged an expenditure of 7 per cent of the GDP on education, with one-fifth of this (1.4 per cent of the GDP) being spent on higher edu-

cation. That policy, he said, has been abandoned by the rulers’.

History stands testimony to the fact that no nation has ever been able to achieve significant progress without giving education the priority that it unquestionably merits in its roster of national priorities. Had those who have been at the citadel of power, over the past 65 years, known the value and importance of education in every sphere of national development be it social, political or economic, education would not have met the miserable fate that it unfortunately has in our part of the world. Callousness on the part of successive governments towards education, and their failure to appreciate the value of education in a nation’s progress and prosperity compels one to think if they at all knew what education was all about. They, perhaps, do not know that the success of a nation lies in fostering education in the society.

Nations which have realized the importance of education and made sustained investment in this vital sector are today reaping the benefits of phenomenal progress and prosperity.

They are not only self-sufficient but are also sharing the benefits of their success with countries which are lagging behind in all spheres due to lack of education.

A quick glance through statistics reveal that neighbouring India is currently spending 4.1 per cent of its GDP on education; Sri Lanka is spending 5 per cent and Bangladesh 2.4 per cent. According to World Bank data, the expenditure on education in countries like sub-Saharan Ethiopia is 4.6 per cent of GDP; 5.3 per cent in Ghana and 4.6 per cent in Bhutan. Pakistan’s current spending on education at 1.8 per cent of GDP is indeed pathetic. Experts believe, and it is the need of the hour, that this meager volume of spending on education should be urgently raised to at least 4 per cent of the GDP. —Via email

Govt institutions apathy MUBASHIR MAHMOOD It was one of the most tragic incidents when a young man jumped from 8th floor of a building in Karachi to save his life but he died. The video of that incident was aired from different channels which have terrorized many people as there was no help for this man. He hanged there for about 15 minutes but no fire brigade, rescue team reached the place. Young man who was identified as Owais had came for a job interview in State Life building. He was a student of Karachi University and was living in Gulistan-e-Jauhar. After the fire eruption in 8th floor of building Owais hung on the window pane to avoid fire inside. He would have been in hope that he will be rescued but no one came and he was unable to hold any longer, fell crashing into the floor extension of the building.

Later on Chief Minister Sindh Qaim Ali Shah also visited the area and inquired about the situation. But it was too late. It is very sad to see that government institutions like fire brigade, rescue team are always late in these incidents and when people are killed then they reach the site. It was also very disgusting to see that Pakistani news channel aired this video of young man falling from 8th floor. Media should have thought about his family, relatives and friend.

After watching this video almost all of the people get mentally disturbed.

Why on earth would you broadcast the footage of a man jumping from 8th floor of a building to death. There must be ethics and there should be line for media who criticize politicians every time but never think what they are airing.

—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

The Problem From Hell: South Asia’s Arms Race

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NDIA has responded to Pakistan’s nuclear build-up by innovating and adopting a controversial concept called “Cold Start.”

South Asia is going through what can be called the first bounce of the nuclear ball, an arms buildup. This is a time when Pakistan and India focus on acquiring fissile material and building weapons. This drives Pakistan’s plutonium mills and India’s commercial nuclear power deal with the United States. The second bounce of the ball may be quite different than the first. For example, it may see intense crises and shocks – aggravated by the enlarged nuclear forces. So it would be a mistake to assume the current environment will be the environment of the future. Like the first nuclear age, the Cold War, there are likely to be ebbs and flows in competition, with different problems and shocks developing over time, interspaced with periods of relative calm.

India has mainly responded to Pakistan’s nuclear buildup not with one of its own, at least not yet anyway, but with strategy innovation, improved intelligence, missiles, and a nuclear triad. Strategy innovation is especially important because it is one of the great drivers of competition, and may transcend the political issues that are the original source of rivalry. In the first nuclear age innovation – technological and strategic – was a major factor in the arms buildup. The appearance of strategic innovation in South Asia is important, therefore, in a way that goes beyond the particulars of any one innovation. An example of India’s strategy innovation involves new ways of using conventional forces in a nuclear environment. India’s “Cold Start” strategy, for example, calls for prompt mobilization of fastmoving battle groups made up of armor, helicopters, and mechanized forces to thrust into Pakistan as punishment for a Pakistani attack or a terrorist outrage.

Cold Start’s subnuclear option recognizes the nuclear threshold explicitly. The concept behind it is to fight below this threshold, if possible. But Cold Start has a nuclear element, too. Should Pakistan fire nuclear weap-

ons at this Indian force, India can escalate with nuclear strikes of its own. Cold Start provides fascinating insight into the dynamic interactions of the two military systems on the subcontinent. It shows how both countries have shifted from conventional war-fighting to escalation strategies. I do not believe this is a matter of a conscious choice by either country. Rather, it is an emergent property of the interacting nuclear systems in South Asia.

They have little choice but to play the game this way, short of a sweeping arms control or disarmament initiatives.

is linked to a rapid mobilization of India’s army and air force. Any delay in mobilization would undermine the entire strategy of counter-escalation against Pakistan. Cold Start is controversial for good reason. The United States, in particular, has tried to discourage India away from it because it looks like a fast way to produce a nuclear war in South Asia. This is especially true if Pakistan, as many suspect it is in the process of doing, deploys tactical nuclear weapons on its border with India in response to Cold Start.

I wouldn’t be surprised if India changed

tion of every single element of the Indian armed forces. In fact, India is currently in the process of reallocating its defense capital from “old” programs to “new” ones, including nuclear

the moment, the deterrence and nonproliferation are the frameworks most often used to understand the subcontinent. Both put the spotlight on the number of nuclear weapons

weapons, missiles, submarines, intelligence, stealth, cyberwar, and satellites. One reason for this shift is that India already has a large edge over Pakistan in the old military programs of tanks, artillery, and aircraft, and investing more capital in these capabilities results in diminishing marginal returns. The greater opportunity for India lies in the new program areas, especially in a nuclear context and with respect to China. The arms race in South Asia now underway is only the first act of a longer drama. Acts two and three could look quite different than the current situation does. For this reason, new, additional frameworks are needed to understand what is taking place. At

in each country’s respective arsenals. But future acts require new, different frameworks.

The two discussed here are escalation and counter escalation, and the tight coupling that develops among key subsystems like intelligence, cyberwar, and nuclear weapons. In order to understand the nuclear dynamics of South Asia a wider set of frameworks are needed, ones that go beyond traditional approaches. Paul Bracken is professor of management and political science at Yale University. This article is adapted from his new book The Second Nuclear Age, Strategy, Danger, and the New Power Politics (Times Books).

—Courtesy – Diplomat

Escalation as a strategy has come into being not because anyone wanted it too, but from the mutual interaction of both sides having nuclear weapons. While escalation strategies have always existed in South Asia, they are now front and center. This marks a fundamental change from the conventional attrition strategies of previous wars. Cold Start shows something else, too. The dynamics in the region go beyond nuclear weapons in the narrow sense.

There is no rigid arms race with each side matching the other in atomic bombs. If this were the case it would actually be easier to control. But the arms race is more complicated because it involves parallel changes in other key subsystems, and these have their own momentum.

If the arms race in South Asia was limited merely to nuclear weapons, which is the way many observers look at it, it would be one thing.

But the competition is broadening, with India tightening linkages among intelligence, command and control, cyberwar, and strategy innovations like Cold Start. For example, the “front end” of Cold Start is better intelligence to determine exactly what Pakistan has done and the readiness of its conventional and nuclear forces. India has invested heavily in satellites, advanced radars, signals intelligence, and reconnaissance to give its commanders an accurate picture of what Pakistan is up to.

The “tight coupling” of these elements, in turn,

the name, Cold Start, because it connotes going to war quickly, from a cold start. But while the name may change, the broader strategic concept probably won’t, because India has to come to grips with nuclear realities of South Asia in some way, and because its army and navy want to play a role in the defense of India – even in a nuclear context. As to where the arms race in South Asia is headed, there are several different possibilities. There is a tendency for some analysts to use the past and simply extrapolate it into the future. But this straight-lining of past trends into the future can be misleading. India is a much richer country than it was in the past, and much of this wealth comes from technological and business innovation.

India’s military in the past was a gigantic, inefficient, sluggish infantry with bloated headquarters and support staffs. But there are more dynamic possibilities for the future, ones that do not involve across the board moderniza-

How the Israeli TIME’s Interview with Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi lobby works in the United States TANYA CARIINA HSU

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NE of the most influential lobbying groups in America, it is often argued that no politician can be elected into office without AIPAC’s support. No president can take the White House without affirming unbreakable allegiance to Israel, and attendance at the annual AIPAC meeting is mandatory.

Once in office every member of Congress is expected to act, vote and defend the state of Israel on almost every issue, or face the consequences.

Originally called the American Zionist Committee for Public Affairs, the American-Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) was an offshoot of the American Zionist Council, changing names in 1963. With a sole purpose to advocate for the state of Israel, AIPAC ought to be listed with the US government as a Foreign Agent; instead, the Committee continually denies receiving any funds from Israel.

What are AIPAC’s tactics? How do they get away with controlling so much of government of the United States, and thus veto power at the United Nations? Several years ago, I found out how AIPAC worked, directly. During the 1990s, I was actively involved in a major US symphony orchestra as a financial donor and artistic liaison, having studied classical piano for fifteen years and forever a frustrated pianist. Close to the conductor, main players, and several board members, another more significant contributor became a good acquaintance. She, like the conductor, was an ardent Zionist her family sent to the concentration camps in Austria during the war.

Throughout the years my professional involvement in Middle Eastern affairs was never brought up, and despite our opposite views on Israel we nevertheless were on good terms before 9/11.

After 9/11, the atmosphere in America became highly charged. My friend Sarah (not her real name) lost no opportunity in blaming Arabs for every attack in the US, for not only 9/ 11 but also every violent act before or

of the region meant the new Congress member had to become rapidly informed. If no one else was available and they never were - AIPAC was ready. Settled in to office, a fortnight later Sarah would bring a second delegation back to Washington to “see

bies, chosen causes and voting record, AIPAC would add financial incentives to make the more reluctant “see the light” for its services.

“Your eldest daughter is going to college next year isn’t she? That’s expensive. Perhaps a full scholarship

At this point, strict lobbying rules would kick in and every contribution would have to be carefully noted. However, the implicit message was left that there would always be more money where that sweetener came from. The more allied they were to the Jewish state, the more benefits the politicians would receive. It was easy to deliver promising post-Congressional careers to those who were overtly pro-Israeli, but the harder work went to the more neutral members. how they were getting along”. Again, they would offer on-call expertise on the Middle East 24 hours a day, and

invite them on an all-expenses paid trip to Israel to witness the “terror” Israelis suffered every day. Upon their departure, this time AIPAC would present a check for a few thousand dollars “as a donation” to the Congressman’s office.

With no counterefforts by any Arab or Muslim groups, AIPAC’s massaging of the message on the Middle East dominated: They were highly re-

could be arranged,” Sarah illustrated.

Or, “Your wife lost her position last year? Maybe we can help secure a new

career for her” in a law-firm, think-tank or other environment where AIPAC maintained leverage. If not direct, other benefits important to the Congressman would be dangled. The point was lost on no one. Skirting laws, AIPAC’s largesse was provided with heavy expectations. A Congressman knew that if he did not vote in favor of Israel in the next Bill, his perquisites would be dropped. Moreover, it was evident

AIPAC watched every political race in every election, she explained. Whether local or national, AIPAC had dossiers on every candidate, grading each according to their loyalty to the Israeli state. Once the newly elected moved into their new offices in Washington DC, Sarah would lead a delegation of AIPAC members to the capital city to pay them a courtesy visit. The new Congressmen and women would welcome the lobby, AIPAC merely expressing good wishes for their new terms. since. Before we ended our relationship, she explained how AIPAC controlled Congress. Several years earlier Sarah had been a leading AIPAC representative. Confident in America’s ability to go after the Arab “terrorists” who wanted to destroy Israel and the West, she explained how the wars in the Middle East were due to AIPAC’s influence. She knew the system from the inside because she was a part of it.

The meeting would last less than 20 minutes, nothing but pleasantries and a photo-op having passed. Upon leaving the team would then add, “Anything you need to know about the Middle East, contact us. We’ll provide whatever information you need.

Here is our telephone number and someone will get back to you right away.” No laws were broken, no monies were exchanged, and no threats were implied. The novice politician had someone to call at anytime day or night to learn about the pressing issues of the Arab world. The ongoing issues

active to calls, instantly available, ready to provide support and receptive to all requests for analysis. AIPAC has an almost exclusive ability to control the narrative because until there is an equally well-organized, heavily staffed, dedicated and immediately responsive alternative, empty words and promises leave any contrary explanations far behind.

“After our second visit, an AIPAC member would then follow-up every week to remind the Congressman that we were available,” Sarah continued.

“We were constant, polite and as regular as clockwork.” The methodology so well crafted, AIPAC could not fail.

After a few months, a third visit raised the stakes. Senior AIPAC delegates would visit the office, this time with a metaphorical gun in one hand and cash in the other. Funds could never be presented directly lest laws are broken. Instead, having studied the Congressman’s family, friends, hob-

that support for his re-election bid was either guaranteed, or -if not pro-Israel enough - not only withdrawn but an organized campaign would ensue to make sure he was defeated. AIPAC works with a heavy but quiet fist. It has been using propaganda and threats for decades because it works.

Having tried unsuccessfully to influence the British government in the 1940s, the Zionist body switched to manipulating the US Congress because it was an easier more malleable target, as the officials admitted themselves.

Thanks to the multi-million dollar multi-generational policy of organization coupled with implied blackmail, every US Senator and Representative will at the very least look the other way when Israel continues to violate international laws, occupy and steal Palestinian territory, illegally blockade Palestinians and bomb innocent civilians.—Courtesy - Arab New

RICHARD STENGEL, BOBBY GHOSH AND KARL VICK

P

RESIDENT Mohamed Morsi: (in English) The world stage is very difficult. It’s not easy to be on the world stage. The world is now much more difficult than it was during your revolution. It’s even more difficult. The world. More complicated, complex, difficult. It’s a spaghetti-like structure. It’s mixed up.

So we need to somehow take things, easily, so we can go together, the whole world – peacefully, peacefully, hopefully, all kinds of peace.

I think you know that in general people like to say that we should keep peace by all means. I’m not talking about peace by its traditional meaning.

Peace of mind, peace of heart, peace of living together, socially, culturally, not only militaril between Egypt and the U.S. By the U.S., I mean the American people more than the authorities, politicians, etc. But the American people as I know are quite friendly, they are civilized, they have struggled, and they have given a lot of their country, to the world. It’s a different climate as we see from here but I think the media now have made things very close… [i.e., made the world a smaller place] and people are a small village, getting together.

Winds are blowing here and there and people are busy with their life styles but I think they are looking to see a better situation in the world during President Obama’s second [term], which is more relaxed. I want to make use of this myself, to have a very strong bridge between us, between the middle east, middle eastern people, and east and west, and certain balance. So people can live feeling really that they are living peacefully, that they are settled and well established in their countries. That they are really doing the best at gaining what they expect, to live in peace, to feel democracy, freedom. People here haven’t experienced any sort of that for more than 30 years more. Decades living under very suppressive regime, very dictatorial… quite [distant] from the suffering. People felt they were not included in the equation of politics. You know, I’ve been suffering myself. I have seen east and west, here and there, studying history and seeing what’s going on, besides engineering of course. [note: Morsi has a 1982 Ph.D in engineering from the University of Southern California] I have learned a lot from being here and there, especially in the United States, living with the people in the states, and the university, and industry, and the markets and the shops.

Of course the media then wasn’t as strong as it is now, but I [would wake up] to Good Morning America every day, Barbara Walters and her great programs. And of course,Walter Cronkite… And I haven’t forgot … the captives in Iran [during the Carter presidency]…. [And the day he left office] they released the captives, who had been held for more than a year. That was a big struggle and debate going on.

Things have been going on in a certain way between east and west, and also the south. The people in the south have also been suffering a lot from being put out of the international equation. Now we want to bring the people into international affairs, so

they feel that they are living in their countries, they are free, they say, they move, they produce, they work, they gain, they lose, whatever. This is very important. This is a new period, I think,

That’s why I say It’s not as easy as it was. I still remember, there was a saying in the United States, when the people say we are a nation of all nations. This is an expressive expres-

We have a situation, a delicate one. We’re moving, we’re learning. We have freedom, a new climate, a new environment. People are free. They’re expressing. They’re moving. No one is stopping them but violence is not allowed, shouldn’t be allowed. It’s against the law, It’s against the benefit of the people. If we keep telling things peacefully this is good. not only for Egypt or the people of sion. It tells something [in a] very the Arab Spring, but I think for the short, concentrated [way]. It says: we whole world. To re-consider what has can live together. I think the States been done wrong in the past and see has been successful at this to a great how can we make it correct, as much extent. But internationally there are

as we can. It takes time. So speed is low, acceleration is high. Somehow we’re pushing in all directions, trying

other things, The evaluation says different things. So how can we do this?

Economics now are not balanced in

The stability of this area, Egypt and surroundings, is very important. That’s why we have a big challenge in Egypt. We have forces that try to drag back. This is no doubt. And also you can see that in Tunisia. You can see that in Libya. You can see that seriously in Syria, dragging situations back to whatever it was is a [goal]. We’re fighting [for this goal], not the people. And this area should have its opportunity to develop.

The price of development is much, much cheaper than war. to say to the people of the world, and convince the governments and the leaders that we should live at peace.

Conflict does not lead to stability in the world. Cooperation, how can we do that? It’s a struggle. It’s a very, very difficult struggle. To have a new culture, international culture, respecting individual countries and people’s cultures, their local ones, but can we have an international culture? Can we do that? A culture of cooperation, a culture of stopping war, bloodshed.

Culture of real peaceful means of trade, militant actions to defend, not to attack, of using power in civilian applications, more than in militant applications. How can we do that? I think we can. It has been done earlier really, two or three centuries, back.

But things have been done in certain way. Two world wars, more than 50 million killed… I don’t like people in my country to say, “The United States is against us,” because I know the American people are different from these positions that have been taken for a long time double standards and you know what’s going on in the world. But now I think I’m starting a new era, based on balanced, mutual benefits relationship which should be respected from all sides. Africa. The Arab world. The Islamic world. European Union Russia and China. There is a very, very big strong difficult competition. .

the world. Raw materials are one part, technology and products very advanced scientific applications are in the other side. Taking the raw materials, producing it, selling it back, there is a very big difference in price, keep the poor poorer, make the rich richer.

We want to make some sort of balance in economics, not only in politics. They are related of course. And I think socially, we cannot be identical, never. Culturally, we cannot be identical.

We can cooperate, we can integrate. As much as we can. How can we do that? I think leaders in the world have a great responsibility in this.

Human beings can live together. I remember a movie. Which one? Planet of the Apes. The old version, not the new one. There is new one. Which is different. Not so good.

It’s not expressing the reality as it was the first one. But at the end, I still remember, this is the conclusion: When the big monkey, he was head of the supreme court I think in the movie! and there was a big scientist working for him, cleaning things, has been chained there. And it was the planet of the apes after the destructive act of a big war, and atomic bombs and whatever in the movie.

And the scientists was asking him to do something, this was 30 years ago: “Don’t forget you are a monkey.”

—Courtesy - Russian Times.

SC seeks documents From Page 1 Chaudhry sought the documentation authorising the TCC as a representative for the Mincor company adding that agent companies do not possess absolute powers of the principal company while conducting business and that the representing company performs limited operations.

Chaudhry further inquired that under what law was the TCC authorised to work with complete powers of the principal company. The bench had taken up a petition of Dr Abdul Haq Baloch seeking a restraining order against the federal and provincial governments from attending the proceedings of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) and the International Chambers of Commerce (ICC) in view of an earlier court order asking the Balochistan government to request the international arbitrators to withhold their hearing until a decision by the court on the matter.—INP

Zardari assures From Page 1 cratic institutions as envisioned

by Shaheed Mohtarma Bhutto and for which she laid down her life”, he maintained.

Bhuttoism is the name of an ideology that lives and will live on to empower the people and strengthen democracy and democratic institutions and to serve the masses, he said.

As the government nearly completes its democratic tenure it is useful to look up the score card and brace for the challenges that lie ahead, the President said.

Recounting the achievements of the government and democratic political forces the President said that these included restoration of the unanimous Constitution of 1973, opening the doors of political reforms for the first time in over a century reforms in FATA, democratic amendments in the FCR, empowering the Parliament, strengthening democracy.—Online

Taliban to avenge From Page 1 location on Wednesday. “His death will not go waste. (Our) group has a number of fighters in Amritsar and Hyderabad Deccan, who will soon take revenge of Ajmal Kasab. With the death of one Kasab, scores of his other comrades are ready for martyrdom.’’ —INP

4 MQM (H) From Page 1 and a woman died on the spot.

Chairman MQM-Haqiqi Afaq Ahmad while strongly condemning the assassination of his party workers said he too was ready to be killed any time but the movement will not die down. He criticized the law enforcement agencies for “deliberately ignoring” the target killing of political workers.—INP

CNG station owners reject new prices From Page 1 owners claim is a “highly unreasonable” retail price of CNG that is causing them huge financial losses.

The gas stations remained shut even though the CNG associations had not officially given a strike call. To make matters worse, the unofficial strike is apparently for an indefinite period. No date has been announced as to when the closed gas stations will reopen.

CNG stations in Karachi, Hyderabad, Jamshoro, Sukkur, Nawabshah, Larkana, Mirpur Khas, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Multan, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Peshawar, Haripur, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Quetta and other cities of the four provinces remained shut due to which people had to face severe difficulties.

Long lines could be seen at the few open CNG stations af-

ter the Sui gas administration announced to reopen CNG gas supply a day before schedule in Sindh and Punjab at 9 AM Thursday morning.

Commuters and private motorists are facing trouble in Karachi as long lines at the few CNG stations are causing delays and traffic jams in several areas. In Interior Sindh CNG stations in majority of the cities are closed but in Sukkur and adjoining areas, they are supplying gas but there is huge rush and people are made to wait for hours.

People in Lahore suffer the same fate as those in Karachi as most stations continue to remain closed as a result of the unannounced strike by CNG station owners. Though the CNG Association claim that it has not given any call for closure and the decision is of the owners, yet it is

beyond any doubt that individual owners cannot go to this extreme step.

A spokesman from the CNG Station Owners Association said station owners could not sell gas at the current price and have decided to keep their filling stations closed until their demands are met.

He added that the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has shifted the entire burden on the ‘station owners’, which according to him, was sheer injustice.

On the other hand, motorists challenge the claim of the owners pointing out that the few stations still functioning cannot do so if they suffer any losses. They said the issue is that the CNG Association and owners want to plunder poor commuters by earning more than reasonable profit. —INP

25pc raise in cost of Naltar Power Project document containing the minutes of the latest meeting on the project of which the copy is exclusively available with Pakistan Observer.

According to the document, the original PC-1 was approved by executive committee of national economic council (ECNEC) on August 20, 2009 at the cost of Rs 1.715 billion with implementation period of just three years. And now the executing agency has now submitted the revised PC-1 of the project at the revised cost of Rs 3.854 billion in 2012 with Planning Commission for approval with massive raise in the project cost by 125 percent with implementation period of 6 years.

The project envisages the construction of 14 MW NatlarV hydropower project to transmit energy to Gilgit through 132 kv transmission line of 28 kilometers for meeting power requirements of Gilgit town and

From Page 1 its surrounding areas.

However, the Planning Commission’s appraisal wing has further done the postmortem of the revised PC-1 pinpointing that the foreign exchange component is missing in the PC-I meaning by that the document has been prepared without taking into the detailed design of he project. It also questioned as to how firm cost estimates are possible if detailed engineering is yet to be carried out.

The appraisal wing also highlighted that a provision of Rs 64 million was made in the original PC-1 for preliminary works whereas this item has been enhanced to Rs 234.487 million showing the increase of 266 percent.

The wing also mentioned that a provision of Rs 459.838 million was made in the original PC-1 for Civil Works whereas this item has been in-

creased to Rs 538.061 showing the increase of 17 percent in the revised PC-1 and asked for the reasonable justification from the executing agency.

It also identified that a lumpsum provision of Rs 20.022 million has been included in the revised PC-1 for Joint Operational Period whereas the same was not included in the original PC-1.

It also mentioned about the cost of land that has swelled from Rs 8 million to Rs 38 million with out any basis. The appraisal wing also questioned whether the section-4 is imposed for land acquisition or not.

It further says that the increasing trend of sectarianism, insurgency and radicalization especially in the Gilgit-Baltistan may cause serious threat to the investment and what security measures have been taken to safeguard the project as all this about security is missing in the revised project.

Taliban commander hurt From Page 1 Reports reaching here from Wana said Mullah Nazir was targeted when he stopped his vehicle in the Rustam Bazaar in Wana to attend a mobile call.

“No sooner Mullah got of his vehicle, a young suicide bomber rammed his motor bike, believed to be explosives laden, with the vehicle Mullah Nazir was travelling in”. Independent sources said adding not only number of vehicles in Mullah Nazir convoy were destroyed but several nearby shops were also badly damaged in the attack.

Initial reports say as many as six comrades of Mullah Nazir were killed in the explosion while 14 others sustained serious inju-

ries. Though officials and Mullah Nazir’s colleagues say he narrowly escaped attempt on his life and was injured slightly the independent sources said he sustained precarious injuries.

Mullah Nazir is said to have been closely linked with the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group of Taliban and Ittehaad Ul Mujahedeen. In the early days he was considered a closed aid of TTP chief Baitullah Mehsud but later owing to serious differences among the TTP leadership especially over suicide bombing, he parted his ways and formed a splinter group having inclination towards official circles. Yet he still considers Afghan Taliban chief Mullah

Umar as his spiritual leader.

Taliban are also accused of assassinating nine leaders of the Mullah Nazir group which fought a major battle to root out Uzbek militants from his region.

It may be recalled that in 2008 the Wazir Tribe led by Mullah Nazir, who was Taliban commander of Wana at that time, assisted the security forces in conducting major operation against the Uzbek militants that had resulted in a historic peace accord between Taliban and the government of Pakistan.

Hailing from Ahmad Zai tribe of South Waziristan, Mullah Nazir was since then taken as a pro-Pakistan Taliban commander.

Riaz to lodge case against Arsalan in London Suleman alleged money was extorted from his father in law through blackmailing which was a heinous crime and this offence was punishable with the imprisonment of 10 years in jail.

When contacted by Online,

From Back Page Dr Abdul Basit, counsel for ing hired on this count. As per Malik Riaz confirmed that media report Malik Riaz said preparations were underway to that he was not expecting any register a case against Arsalan justice from the Suddal ComIftikhar in London and services mission as it had made all arof the leading lawyers were be- rangements to acquit Arsalan

Iftikhar.

Therefore, he had decided to initiate legal proceedings against Arsalan Iftikhar in London as the amount in question was extorted from him in London, he added. —Online

IMF: Pak still facing difficult From Page 1 macroeconomic Dam (KBD) Thursday attracted huge outcry from the proponents From Page 1 challenges and opponents of the controver- tioners had said the technical He said that construction of PPP, PTI, Sindhi regionalists reject

sial water reservoir the building of which, the Sindhi nationalists warn, would lead to the territorial disintegration of Pakistan.

Led by the ruling Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), the Sindhi nationalist parties, including the National People’s Party (NPP), Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz (JSQM), Sindh National Party (SNP), Sindh Bachayo Committee (SBC) and Sindh National Movement (SNM), rejected the building of KBD as an “antiPakistan project”.

Even the anti-government Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) opposed the idea of KBD’s construction without developing national consensus.

In a statement, Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the PPP would not accept the “anti-Pakistan project at any cost”.

Memon, also the central deputy secretary information of PPP, said the patriot forces from the three provinces had already rejected the dam. “Yet some political orphans are trying to politicize the project,” he claimed.

The information minister said the judiciary had exposed Sharif brothers who would bear a heavy defeat in the next elections.

“The PML-N is trying to

LHC directs Centre to construct KBD

committee on water resources on April 11, 2005 had given green signal for the dam’s construction. They had moreover submitted that the court should issue a clear-cut directive for the completion of the project.

They had further stated that in June 1985 and July 1989 the planning and development division had decided to construct the dam. The counsels’ had also said that in 2004 the LHC had ordered for taking measures for the dam’s construction.

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that Kala Bagh Dam should be constructed with the consent of four provinces.

dams is utmost essential for strengthening economy of the country. He said that the stance of PML-N is very clear that the consensus between the four provinces with regard to construction of Kalabagh Dam is vital. He expressed the hope that if the people provided an opportunity, consensus would be created over this issue between the four provinces. Shahbaz Sharif said that PML-N has always abided by decisions of the courts.

He was talking to media after addressing the inaugural ceremony of the campaign “Helmet for All” at 90-Shahrah-e-Quaide-Azam, here on Thursday.

Raja overturns decisions From Page 1 with Customs and other relevant authorities to streamline the import and local assembling of cellular handsets in the country and ensure that all handsets bear unique identification numbers (IMEI).

He also ordered handsets without IMEI and duplicate IMEI to be banned. Prime Minister said that measures taken by the government in the cellular sector will be guided by the fact that the normal lifestyle of the

From Back Page

strengthening the income tax.

The directors considered that monetary and exchange rate policy needs to better contain inflation and external risks.

They noted that the achievement of durably lower inflation would require more prudent monetary policy, accompanied by substantial fiscal adjustment to ease the government’s funding requirement, which has been driving inflation.

The greater central bank independence would be important in this regard. Directors recommended more exchange rate flexibility to facilitate external adjustment and safeguard foreign reserves. They noted that the banking system appeared healthy.

common man is least affected.

The Prime Minister said that the government will consult all From Page 1 stakeholders before taking decisions on issues concerning the ing with all the political par-ties has been convened today. cellular sector.

ECP to delimit

Punjab moves against release of GPO blast mastermind MUZAFFAR ALI

IMF: Pak still facing difficult macroeconomic challenges

certain global environment most vulnerable.

L AHORE —The Punjab gov- SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT and a difficult domestic situTo strengthen the fiscal ernment filed a petition in the K ARACHI —The Executive ation, as well as adverse ef- position in the long run and

Two rockets fired B ANNU —Unknown miscreants fired two rockets at Bannu city on Thursday but no loss was reported. According to details, two rockets fired from unknown location landed and exploded in the city but as they fell in open space and therefore there was no causality, injury or property loss. The police registered a case against unknown militants and started the investigations.—INP

Lahore High Court against the GPO blast mastermind, Shahzad Ahmad. The government has stated in the petition that there were clear evidences that Shahzad was involved in the incident, therefore, the court should review Anti Terrorism Court’s decision.

Police had arrested the mastermind of the attack Shahzad Ahmed and had registered a case against him under Terrorist Act. The trial continued for four years in the Lahore anti-terrorism court.

After the completion of all arRIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud speaks with his brother guments by the lawyers of the Prince Mushal after his recent successful surgery. parties, the court released the accused on the basis of insufficient evidences.

Riaz to lodge case against Arsalan in London

China to attend US hosted military exercises

B EIJING —China’s Defence cording to a transcript posted L O N D O N / I S L A M A B A D — Ministry said on Thursday it on the ministry’s website.

Former chairman of Bahria Town Malik Riaz has decided to file case against Arsalan Iftikhar in London on the charges of extortion of money.

Suleman, son in law of Malik Riaz has hired the services of Cracker blast lawyers in London in this connection, say media reports.

DERA GHAZI KHAN—A Son in law of Malik Riaz cracker bomb exploded in has taken the plea Arsalan the District Bar of Dera Iftikhar grabbed million of ruGhazi khan on Thursday pees from his father in law by while no loss of life was blackmailing him. This is exrecorded. According to tended to shopping by media reports the cracker Arsalan Iftikhar and his fambomb was planted in the ladies washroom of District ily, their stay in hotels, tickets for traveling and cash money, Bar suddenly it exploded damaging the windowpanes he added. of the building. —Online Continued on Page 7

was considering a U.S. invitation to attend military drills in the Pacific, in what would be a rare case of cooperation between the countries that share deep military suspicions.

Asked to confirm if U.S. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, recently in Beijing, had invited China to attend the U.S.-hosted multi-nation Rimpac maritime exercises, Defence Ministry spokesman Geng Yansheng said that was the case.

“The Chinese side thanks the U.S. side for the invite, and will give it positive consideration,” he told a monthly news briefing, ac-

Foreign reporters are not allowed to attend. This year’s Rimpac involved more than 22 nations, including Russia, Japan and India, in waters off Hawaii, but China was not invited. The next one is scheduled for 2014.

China and the United States, the world’s two largest economies, have had an on-again, off-again defence relationship in recent years.

Two years ago China severed all military ties over U.S. arms sales to self-ruled Taiwan. Beijing has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control.—Reuters

Sherry praises Grossman’s role W ASHINGTON —Pakistan’s Ambassador to Washington Sherry Rehman has praised the outgoing US Special Representative on Afghanistan and Pakistan Marc Grossman for his role in improvement of relations between the two countries. In a statement, she said Marc Grossman’s professionalism, dedication, integrity, and commitment to improving Pakistan-US relations at all times will be remembered by both the countries.

US Special Representative on Afghanistan and Pakistan Marc Grossman will step down from the position next month.—Online

Board of Directors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Thursday said having made some progress, Pakistan continues to face difficult macroeconomic challenges as growth remains insufficient, underlying inflation is high and the external position is weakening. The directors concluded this in their recent First Post-Program Monitoring Discussions and the Ex-Post Evaluation of Exceptional Access under the 2008 Stand-By Arrangement with Pakistan.

They said the situation was compounded by an un-

fects of natural disasters.

The directors emphasized that strong policy measures and deeper reforms are critical to addressing vulnerabilities, boosting sustainable growth, and reducing poverty.

Directors underscored that reducing the large fiscal deficit is essential for restoring macroeconomic and external stability. To achieve the government’s 2012/13 deficit target, they called for shortterm revenue and expenditure efforts, including broadening key taxes and reducing subsidies, while protecting the

create space for capital and poverty-related spending, Directors called for comprehensive revenue and expenditure reforms. Fiscal consolidation should focus on changes in tax policy and improvements in compliance.

Some Directors urged reconsideration of the tax amnesty schedule currently being contemplated. Recognizing the political difficulties in implementing a full VAT, Directors advised the authorities to consider credible alternative revenue measures including a modified GST and

Continued on Page 7

Adds to newspapers, TV channels not stopped: Kaira I SLAMABAD —Minister for provided conducive atmo- released primarily on the baInformation and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira on Thursday categorically said that the government had not stopped advertisements of any newspaper or television channel. The minister said this during a meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee for Information and Broadcasting held here with Belum Hasnain in the chair.

“The present democratic government has not stopped advertisements of any newspaper during the last four and a half years. Instead it has

sphere to the media to flourish as we believe in the freedom of press” he said.

Kaira said that according to the Rules of Business 1973, the ministry was responsible for the policy regarding government advertisements. He said that the government issued advertisements to the national as well as regional newspapers keeping in view their circulation.

He said that the quota of 25 per cent of the total advertisements was required to be allocated to the regional papers. Advertisements are

sis of circulation, value and standing of the publications in order to obtain maximum publicity for the departments / organizations, he added.

Kaira said that the government was committed to ensure collective welfare of the journalists and provide them protection so that they could perform their professional duties in the best manner. He also asked the members of the committee to guide the government and devise a strategy to provide security to the journalist community.—APP

Vitamin D may ward off tooth decay: Study V

ITAMIN D is associated with a 50 per cent reduction in tooth decay, ac cording to new research.

The new review of studies of children in several countries highlighted the potential role for vitamin D in helping to prevent tooth decay or dental caries.

The review, published in the journal Nutrition Reviews, encompassed 24 controlled clinical trials, spanning the 1920s to the 1980s, on approximately 3,000 children in several countries.

These trials showed that vitamin D was associated with an approximately 50 per cent reduction in the incidence of tooth decay.

In the trials Dr Philippe Hujoel from University of Washington reviewed, vitamin D levels in children were increased through the use of supplemental UV radiation or by supplementing the children‘s diet with cod-liver oil or other products containing the vitamin.

The clinical trials he reviewed were conducted in the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Austria, New Zealand and Sweden.

Trials were conducted in institutional settings, schools, medical and dental practices, or hospitals. The subjects were children or young adults between the ages of 2 and 16 years, with a weighted mean age of 10 years.

Hujoel‘s findings come as no surprise to researchers familiar with past vitamin D studies.

According to Dr Michael Hollick, pro-

fessor of medicine at the Boston University Medical Center, “the findings from the University of Washington reaffirm the importance of vitamin D for dental health”.

“Children who are vitamin D deficient have poor and delayed teeth eruption and are prone to dental caries,” he said.

“Whether this is more than just a coincidence is open to debate. In the meantime, pregnant women or young mothers can do little harm by realising that vitamin D is essential to their offspring`s health. Vitamin D does lead to teeth and bones that are better mineralised,” Hujoel said in a statement.

While vitamin D‘s role in supporting bone health has not been disputed, significant disagreement has historically existed over its role in preventing caries, Hujoel noted.

The American Medical Association and the US National Research Council concluded around 1950 that vitamin D was beneficial in managing dental caries.

The American Dental Association said otherwise - based on the same evidence.

In 1989, the National Research Council, despite new evidence supporting vitamin D‘s caries-fighting benefits, called the issue “unresolved”.

Current reviews by the Institute of Medicine, the US Department of Human Health and Service and the American Dental Association draw no conclusions on the vitamin D evidence as it relates to dental caries.

ISLAMABAD: A view of leaves changing their colour due to the autumn season and dry leaves scattered at the ground in the Federal capital.

Women Human Rights Defenders Day observed ISLAMABAD—US Ambassador

ISLAMABAD: US Ambassador Richard Olson with women officers of the Islamabad Capital territory Police at Islamabad Police Lines.

PM for intense trade relations with Oman ISLAMABAD—H.E. Mr Riyadh close fraternal relations which that Pakistan looks forward Yousuf Ahmed Al-Raisi, Ambassador of Oman called on Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf at the Prime Minister’s House on Thursday.

The Prime Minister said that Pakistan and Oman enjoy

are rooted in history, culture, tradition and common faith. He said that the people of Pakistan hold His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said in high esteem.

The Prime Minister said

to more intense trade relations between the two countries and hoped that Omani investors would benefit from the businessfriendly policies of the government.—INP

Richard Olson praised the efforts of the Islamabad Capital Territory Police Thursday in a commemoration of International Women Human Rights Defenders Day at a forum to discuss ways to address domestic violence and crimes involving women at the Islamabad Police Lines.

In his remarks, Ambassador Olson also highlighted U.S. efforts to empower Pakistani women and girls, including support to the special unit to investigate crimes against women and children established by the Islamabad Capital Territory Police in 2010.

“The United States believes that investing in women is one of surest ways to achieve economic progress, political stability, and greater prosperity for Pakistani women – and men,” said Ambassador Olson. “That’s why the United States government supports the Islamabad Capital Territory Police in their efforts to protect human rights and empower Pakistani women to lift up their families, their communities, and their nation.” The United States trained the first 40 police investigators assigned to the Islamabad Capital Territory’s special unit to investigate crimes against women and children.—INP

Nakai directs officials to expedite dev work I S L A M A B A D —The Federal Minister for Housing, Sardar Talib Hassan Nakai on Thursday directed the officials to speed up the development work of G-14/1, 2 and 3 as tenders in this regard have already been approved four months ago.

The Minister directed the Director General (DG) Foundation to personally monitor the progress of work on projects and hoped that till the next meeting some positive and practical progress would be made in all the projects.

Sardar Talib Hassan Nakai chaired a meeting of Federal Government Employees Housing Foundation and discussed

the progress of different projects, under Housing Foundation.

The Federal Minister was briefed by concerned officials of the different projects initiated by the Foundation. In the last meeting, The Minister had strictly directed Foundation officials to put a deadline to every project but it was noticed that the matter was not pursued in letter and spirit.

The Minister expressed his displeasure over the slow progress of Housing Foundation officials regarding ‘G-13 Lifestyle’ project and instructed the DG Housing Foundation that instead of relying

on CDA, options should be explored for any other corporate body for initiation of the development work including the availability of electricity, gas, and water and sewerage facilities.

The Minister observed that the balloting of remaining 120 flats in Karachi way still pending, and termed it as not a good sign on the part of the Foundation.

During the meeting, the Minister emphasized over the approval of maps for new projects.

Regarding Green Tree project the Minister gave 30 days time to finalize the RAWALPINDI—The 12th convocation of Fatima Jinnah project.—APP Women University (FJWU) will be held today at Jinnah Convention Center to commemorate the academic accomplishments of the university sion. Speaking on the occasion, students.

Vice Chancellor (VC) Gulmina Bilal Ahmad, Director Individualland said that an in- FJWU Dr. Samina Amin Qadir formed citizenry or consumer here on Thursday addressing base promotes a sense of respon- a press conference told that sibility among journalists. Olaf over 1042 graduates of the Kellerhoff, Representative university will be conferred Friedrich Naumann Foundation degrees in different disciplines Pakistan said “free, Independent at the convocation while 33 and responsible media is impor- students will get gold medals tant along with informed con- and 33 will be given silver sumers as both go hand in hand.” medals.—APP

Convocation of FJWU

Ban on YouTube not the answer SANA JAMAL I SLAMABAD—In recent years social media has profoundly changed the way we live and interact with one another by breaking the barriers of time and space.

But has the change been good or bad so far.

This question engendered strong arguments and counter opinions at a conference held

here on Thursday. The Conference titled ‘Dissecting Pakistan’s Media’ organized by Individualland Pakistan gathered a large number of journalists who discussed the challenges and opportunities for social media in Pakistan but remained diversified on the theme.

The issue of closure of YouTube and cell phones services recently, led to one fruitful discus-

Oman celebrates National Day

A nation committed to peace and prosperity ASHRAF ANSARI

clearly reflected most cordial in Pakistan to head the embassy impressed by the country and relations that exist between Pa- of his country in Islamabad. its people for their sincerity, ISLAMABAD—The Ambassador kistan and Oman.

Within a few weeks that he has hospitality and immense regard of the Sultanate of Oman H.E. Ambassador Riyadh Yousuf now spent in the Pakistan Capi- for Oman. At the same time the Riyadh Yousuf Ahmed Al-Raisi Ahmed Al-Raisi recently arrived tal since his arrival, he has been ambassador has made a mark hosted a reception at a local hotel to celebrate the 42nd National Day of his country. The ambassador and other diplomats of the embassy of Oman warmly received the guests. A large number of ambassadors including those from Arab and Muslim countries graced the occasion.

Senior civil and military officials of Pakistan as well as prominent citizens were among the guests.

Mr. Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, Advisor to the Prime Minister, on Human Rights was the chief guest on the occasion. Federal Ministers, Syed Khurshid Shah and Makhdoom Shahab-ud-Din were among the guests of honour.

Mr. Zahid Malik, Editor in Chief, Pakistan Observer was among senior journalists who attended the reception.

The reception began with the playing of national anthems of Pakistan and Oman. The Chief Guest and the federal ministers joined the ambassador of ISLAMABAD: Chief guest Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Syed Khurshid Shah, Oman and other Arab ambassa- Ambassador of Oman Riyadh Yousuf Alraisi, Federal Minister for Textile Industry dors in cutting ceremonial cake Makhdoom Shahab-ud-Din, Ambassador of Bahrain Mohamed Ebrahim Mohamed, Amdepicting national flags of Paki- bassador of Iraq Dr Rushdi Al-Ani, Deputy Head of Mission, Sultanate of Oman Sammar stan and Oman. The warmth ex- Ahmad Alzadjai and Ambassador of Algeria Dr Ahmad Benflis cutting the cake on the perienced at the reception occasion of National Day of Oman, at a local hotel.—PO photo by Sultan Bashir

among government and civil society of Pakistan as well as the diplomatic corp. for his friendly and warm disposition. He has been recognized as a true ambassador of a most friendly country.

Ambassador Riyadh is a career diplomat who has had long experience of being active diplomat representing his country.

He also served at the Oman Mission at the United Nations when his country was a member of the Security Council in 1994 – 1995.

He has had the honour of representing Oman at various International and regional conferences and forums.

Pakistan and Oman have developed very cordial relations over the past years and cooperation between the two countries in various fields has been rapidly growing. The Pak Oman Investment Company founded by governments of the two countries has been playing very useful role in promoting economic cooperation between the two countries. It is the only development financial institution that has been appointed as primary dealer by the State Bank of Pakistan. It is the first DFI with a

sales desk which caters to corporate entities and their various funds.

There are vast possibilities of more cooperation between the two countries in vital fields. A large number of Pakistanis are working in Oman who greatly contribute to the economic development of that country. Oman has made marvelous progress in recent years as a result of initiatives taken by the forward looking Sultan of Oman. Since ancient times Oman has benefitted from contacts with many of the world’s major civilizations as it occupies a unique position in the Gulf.

Modern Oman believes in promoting friendly relations with all countries of the world, especially its neighbours including Pakistan. Oman today doesn’t have any dispute with any country. It has amicably resolved its border issues with all its neighbours including Saudi Arabia and the Yemen.

The fact is that Oman serves as a model for the developing countries desiring to make rapid progress for the wellbeing of their people at large.

Coop between Pakistan and Scandinavian countries STAFF REPORTER

Zohr

06:10 01:30 03:45 07:00

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

December 4 HAMDARD Thinker ’s Forum is to hold a discussion on ‘Expension of cities: Economic and Social Problems’ at Hamdard Markaz Murree Road.

December 5 THE Josh Adabi Foundation will organize ‘Josh Literary Conference’ on December 5 in collaboration with Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) to mark 116th birth anniversary of great revolutionary poet Josh Malihabadi. The conference will be held at Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL). Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis, Dr Farooq Sattar will be the chief guest.

CTP challans 2,400, confiscates 200 vehicles R AWALPINDI —City Traffic Police (CTP) Rawalpindi issued 2,400 challan tickets and confiscated more than 200 motorcycles and vehicles in different police stations of the city in its operations against placing black papers on windows, pillion riding and vehicles without number plates during first 10 days of Muharram.

Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Syed Ishtiaq Husain, speaking about the operation, said that to ensure foolproof security in the Muharram, the police started the operation against vehicles with black papers on windows and without number plates, and pillion riding.—INP

ISLAMABAD—Speakers at a roundtable viewed that there is a huge potential of cooperation between Pakistan and Scandinavian countries which need to be capitalized for their mutual benefit.

This was stated in a roundtable on “PakistanScandinavia: Perceptions, Potential and Pathways” jointly organized by Institute of Policy Studies, Islamabad and PakistanNorway Association (PANA).

The panelists of the discussion included LarsHjalmar Wide, Ambassador of Sweden, Khalid Rahman, Director General IPS, Amir Iftikhar Warraich, former PANA, Atle Hetland, senior

Norwegian social scientist, Dr. Sabiha Syed, Executive Director, Migration Group, Petter Eide, Country representative of Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) Pakistan, Air Cdre. (r) Khalid Iqbal, Member IPS National Academic Council, and Hina Akhtar, Pakistani-Danish Communication Consultant while M. Riazul Haque moderated the discussion.

Khalid Rahman, orientating the participants with the brief overview of PakScandinavia ties stated that some of the relatively less focused European countries such as Scandinavian states need relatively greater focus, as being the active players in global development cooperation the study of dynamics of Pakistan’s ties with all such countries assumes no

less significance.

He informed that the total two-way trade between Pakistan and these countries was around $ 880 million, significant but below the potential that exists, particularly a huge potential exists for enhancing Pakistan’s exports and bringing investments from Scandinavia into Pakistan’s various promising sectors.

While speaking on the Strategic Dimension Air Cdre. (r) Khalid Iqbal stressed the need to have the Scandinavian perspective and narrative on important issues based on objective analysis and evaluations. He was of the view that toeing of the American line, by and large, put the Scandinavian countries in the same bracket as America viz a viz Pakistani

1million die each year of HB

Hepatitis becomes global healthcare issue STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Renowned Gastroenterologist, Chief of Medicine & Gastroenterology at Shifa International Hospital (SIH) Dr. Nasir Khokhar has said hepatitis has become devastating global healthcare issue.

Around one million die each year from Hepatitis B (HBV) infection, making it the 9th leading cause of death in the world. 350 million people world-wide are long-term carriers of hepatitis B. 75 percent of the longterm careers are from Asia Pacific region while 25 percent belong to the rest of the world.

“Up to 25 percent will die due to hepatitis B or related complications,” he stated.

He was addressing to an

awareness seminar on hepatitis organized by Shifa InternationalHospital in collaboration with Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA) here on Thursday.

On hepatitis C (HCV), Dr. Khokhar said an estimated 4 million people are infected with Hepatitis C in the US only. The spectrum of chronic hepatitis C infection is essentially the same as chronic hepatitis B infection, he added.

He said people in Asia Pacific acquire HBV and HCV infection through transfusion and transplant. Newborns of long-term carriers, individual with multiple sexual partners, intravenous drug users, healthcare workers, prisoners and other institutionalized people also acquire HBV and

HCV infection. Highlighting clinical features of chronic liver disease, Dr. Khokhar said, fatigue, vascular spiders, enlarged or shrunken liver, enlarged spleen, finger clubbing, ascites and bruising are some of the symptoms.

Dr. Khokhar was of the view that hepatitis B infection can be prevented in noninfected individuals by vaccination, which is affected in 90 percent of the recipients.

“However millions of infected will not be benefited,” he remarked. By 1998, about 80 countries had introduced vaccine for hepatitis B. He urged people infected from HBV and HCV to start effective and timely treatment to avoid end stage liver disease like liver cancer and liver failure.

company hired by the Punjab government to computerise the land revenue record has sent computerised record of 19 zones of Rawalpindi.

According to sources, the private company gave a deadline of one month for the proof reading of the records.

The step of computerisation of the land revenue records has been taken to put an end to the land grabbing and deal with the complaints against patwaris.

It is pertinent to mention here that towns of Rawalpindi district including Rawal Town, Potohar Town, Murree, Taxila, Gojar Khan, Kotli Satian, Kalar Sayedan and Kahuta have total 1,239 zones and land revenue record of all the zones would be computerised. T h e computerisation of the records would lessen the role of patwaris in many matters, for example taking copy of record, which would eventually facilitate the masses.— INP

Bogus average unit bills R AWALPINDI —IESCO has started embarrassing the consumers by sending bogus average units bills under the pretext of changing the meters.

IESCO had chalked out program to install digital meters and this assignment could not be started as per schedule therefore, they have started sending bogus average unit bills to the consumers on false assurance that the additional units billed to them in the current bill will be adjusted in the next month bill.—Online

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Science & Technology Mir Changez Khan Jamali with the newly elected Students’ Council Members of the OPF Girls College F-8/2.—PO photo by Sultan Bashir

IESCO installs toll free number in Sector F-6 ISLAMABAD—Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) has installed a toll free number in its customer care centre in F-6 to facilitate the consumers in filing their complaints.

Residents of the Islamabad Circle including Islamabad city, Bhara Kahu, Murree and other surrounding areas can file their complaints on 0800-25251. The toll free number would be functional for 24 hours a day.

It is pertinent to mention here that earlier the residents could file their complaints on landline numbers 0519244301-2, 118 and 111-390390.—INP

PIMS liver transplant functional from Dec 16 STAFF REPORTER I S L A M A B A D —The

Liver Transplant Centre of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) would be made fully functional from December 16 and arrangements in this connection have been finalised. PIMS EDO Dr Riaz Warraich claimed that liver transplant centre will be made fully functional from December 16, adding that consultant Dr Bangash, who had left PIMS and was working in Sheikh Zayed Hospital Lahore has agreed to come back to PIMS. Dr Warraich lamented that

faculty members could not be appointed in the first phase but the task would be accomplished till Dec 16 besides Indian transplant expert Dr Gupta will also perform two liver transplant surgeries of hepatitis patients.

He said that PIMS Employees Association, senior vice president Saleem Bashir has informed him of non disbursement of salaries to over 40 sacked staffers of liver transplant project. The matter was being considered seriously as the recruited employees were appointed by Project Director Dr Aftab Muhsin, he added.

dinavian Model which enabled Scandinavia to become probably the most prosperous and economically successful part of the world. He pointed out that transparency, equality, democracy were the ethos which made Scandinavia so successful model.

Amir Iftikhar Warraich stressed the need to address the issues of mass perception of Pakistan in Scandinavia, poor governance and security situation in the country to attract more investment and other business ventures from Scandinavian countries.

Ambassador LarsHjalmar realized the need to carry out dialogue on the tricky issues between Pakistan and Sweden and explore the pathways to ex-

pand cooperation on the areas of mutual interest. He said that there was a huge potential to work together in the sectors of infrastructure building, alternative energy solution, and environmental friendly technologies.

He noted that public-private sector partnership and good governance were the key elements for economic prosperity of any country.

Dispersing the impression that Sweden is a neutral player in the global issues, he argued that that the country was keen to bring peace in the world and no more a neutral player on the global issues.

Hina Akhtar, PakistaniDanish Communication Consultant said that the positive perception of Pakistan in the media discourse

could prove the key factor to tap the available opportunities and harness the economic potentials between the Pakistan and Scandinavian countries.

Petter Eide remarked that sizeable number of Pakistani diaspora were living in Norwegian countries and making significant contribution in the socio political life but the issues of misperception affect their economic well being which need to be addressed.

M. Riazul Haque stressed the need to address the issues that come in the way of two way relationship between Pakistan and Scandinavia and the steps needed to increase foreign investment inflows as well as people to people contacts.

Youth critically injured by alleged police torture RAWALPINDI—The police allegedly tortured and brutally injured an accused arrested over financial dispute here on Thursday.

Family members of the injured youth blamed that Qasim was arrested by Sadiqabad Police over Rs3000 financial dispute a couple of days earlier.

They said that the police during interrogation brutally tortured him, breaking his limbs and later threw him from the police truck.

The injured youngster was shifted to Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Hospital Rawalpindi in critical condition.

The heirs of the injured youth held protest demonstration against the police and demanded the authorities for bringing the culprits to book.

Meanwhile, SHO Sadiqabad Police Station rejected the blame and said that the accused was involved drugs business and was injured as he jumped out of the building when police conducted raid for his arrest. He said that investigations into the incident were underway.—INP

Secretary Edu given charge of HEC ED

Land revenue record of 19 zones R AWALPINDI —The private

public opinion.

Dr. Sabiha Syed highlighted the imbalance in the perceptions pertaining to Pakistan and resolving the issues of security and governance to attract the investment from the Scandinavian countries. She urged that media on both the sides should come up with images closer to reality and avoid making overgeneralizations and stereotyping on some sporadic but unfortunate incidents.

She remarked that Pakistani diaspora while remaining intact to the indigenous cultural values was making tremendous progress in all walks of life including the decision making forums.

Atle Hetland noted that other countries need to learn lessons from the Scan-

I SLAMABAD — Tussle between Establishment Division and Higher Education Commission (HEC) has intensified as Secretary Education and Training Qamar Zaman Chaudhry was given additional charge of Executive Director of Higher Education Commission (HEC) here on Thursday.

The Establishment Division has issued a notification in this regard.

Executive Director HEC Dr Sohail Naqvi told in an interview that the Establishment Division has no authority to appoint or transfer to any officer of HEC. He said that HEC authorities could appoint or transfer its officers therefore he would continue his work till receiving orders from the commission in this regard.—INP

RAWALPINDI: Activists of PSF cutting the cake during a ceremony to celebrate the Foundation Day of PPP at the martyrdom site of Benazir Bhutto.

AIOU’S admissions to start from Dec 10 STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Admissions of the Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) for M.Sc (Hons), MS/M.Phill and PhD programmes will start from 10th December across the country simultaneously.

This was announced by Hamid Khan Niazi, Director, Board of Advance Studies and Research (BASR), AIOU. Director BASR said that the admissions of Ph.D Programmes (On MS/M.Phil Basis) would be offered in Distance, Non-Formal & Continuing Education, Secondary Teacher Education, Education Planning and Management(EPM), Special

Education, Science Education and Agricultural Extension.

He said that the admissions of MS/M.Phil Programmes would be offered in Distance, NonFiormal & Continuing Education, Secondary Teacher Education, Educational Planning & Management(EPM), Special Education, Science Education, Computer Science, Statistics, Physics, Environmental Design, Urdu, Economics, Management Sciences and Pakistani Languages and Literature.

He said that MSc (Hons) would be offered in rural Development, Live Stock Management and Agricultural Extension.

Foundation of Pir Wadhai Flyover today CITY REPORTER R AWALPINDI —Chief Minister of Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif will lay foundation of Pir Wadhai Flyover and inaugurate extension plan of Chohar Chowk today (Friday).

Sources said CM Punjab would also address a gathering in Rawalpindi Cantt in which he is expected to announce more of development projects for the area.

It merits mentioning here that it is for the second time since March 3, 2012 that Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif will address a gathering in the Cantt area.

Three die of suffocation in Pindi

RAWALPINDI—At least three people died due to suffocation in Dhok Kala Khan area of Rawalpindi on Thursday, officials said.

In sad incident, these people fell asleep without turning off coal heater, owing to severe cold.

The heater consumed all oxygen in the room.

Resultantly, they suffocated to death, police said adding that Thursday morning area people informed the police which rushed to the house and moved the dead bodies to Benazir Bhutto Hospital for autopsy.

Police handed over the bodies to heirs after completing legal formalities.

It may be mentioned here that Rawalpindi, Islamabad and its joining areas are in the grip of intense cold waves after rain and snow falling on mountains.

The incidents of gas suffocation occur every year in winter despite repeated warnings by officials to switch off RAWALPINDI: Bodies of victims of suffocation at Dhoke Kala Khan are being shifted to room heaters before going to hospital. bed.—Online

ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of Denmark Ole E. Moesby looking at the miniatures by Asif Ahmad at an exhibition ‘The King Must Die’ at Tanzara Gallery.—PO photo

Low vision inflicts $7b loss to Pakistan: Prof Brien I SLAMABAD —Visiting Australian Professor Dr. Brien Holden, Thursday, said that impaired vision inflicted $ 7 billions loss to Pakistan annually just because of the reason that people could not see properly.

He further added that around 25 millions Pakistanis were prone to eye related diseases or optimri weaknesses so Brien Holden Vision Institute was established in Pakistan to help Pakistanis in overcoming eye sight weakness and blindness.

He also revealed that Australian government was generous enough in dolling out required funding for making project as success.

“Same level of cooperation was also demonstrated by

Pakistani government and concerned departments as Pakistani government extended full cooperation in registration process of establishment of network of our organization” he said in an exclusive chit chat with ‘Online’.

Although, he added that 1 % to 2% Pakistani population was facing problems related to low or impaired vision and they were also deprived of chances and opportunities to get proper advice and cure to eye related diseases, yet amazingly, Pakistani institutions and organizations were excitedly working to overcome blindness. “However, we plan to establish offices of our organization in other cities of Pa-

kistan also with the active cooperation with several Pakistani health related educational institutions|” he observed.

To a question about Pakistan’s perception abroad, Professor Dr. Brien Holden said that he was on his maiden visit to Pakistan and found nothing dangerous or frightening as well as law and order situation was not as worst as was portrayed in the outer world.

“I found Pakistani people loving, hospitable and industrious and peace long” he observed recalling that one of his friend who made several trips to Pakistan, had always been praising generous nature of Pakistani people.— Online

Pak PM to chair high level additional funds meeting HAMEED SHAHEEN MUZAFFARABAD—The Prime Minister of Pakistan Raja Parvaiz Ashraf is scheduled to chair a high level additional funds meet ing soon to take stock of the backlog/ongoing development projects in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting would participated by the President of AJK Sardar Mohammad Yaqoob Khan, Prime Minister Ch Abdul Majeed Bisp Chairperson Ms

ISLAMABAD: President of AJK Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan with members of COMSAT.

Indo-Pak need to find a peaceful solution to Kissue: Inqilabi S RINAGAR — Chief Patron Jammu Kashmir Mahaz-eAzadi (MeA) Muhammad Azam Inqilabi has advised India and Pakistan to find a way for peaceful resolution of Kashmir issue Inqilabi.

In a press statement issued here, Inqilabi said, “In both the countries corers of people reel under abject poverty while their rulers spend resources on arms and ammunition.”

India should remember if it continued with its macavellian tactics instead of rational approach then domino effect of Kashmir will engulf even its peaceful areas. Indians will find themselves unsecure everywhere,” he said.

MeA patron said it would be better for Indian leadership to release all “Kashmir political prisoners’, revoke draconian laws; withdraw its troops so that Kashmiris on either side can decide their fate democratically.”—NNI

State-run MUST gets new VC AH RAO

Sacrilegious act termed as agencies’ bid to breach unity Indefinite curfew continues in Srinagar after clashes SRINAGAR—The All Parties unity to thwart evil designs of Hurriyet Conference Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and other Hurriyet leaders including Syed Ali Gilani and Agha Syed Hassan Al Moosvi have reacted strongly to the latest sacrilegious act terming it as a traditional tactic of Indian agencies to breach unity among the Muslims in the territory.

The leaders in their separate statements said that public anger and outrage over such blasphemous acts was inevitable and justified. They appealed to the people to observe restraint and maintain

the enemy.

On the other hand, indefinite curfew remained imposed in most parts of Srinagar and adjoining areas following clashes after emergence of reports about a foreign-made footwear bearing the holy names of revered Islamic personalities.

Liberation leaders, Shabbir Ahmad Shah and Advocate Bashir Ahmad in their statements said that India was adopting a biased approach towards the Kashmiris to intimidate them into submission.

Strong anti-India protests were held in Nowhatta area of Srinagar against the arrest of 23 men, mostly youth by Indian police during night raids.

APHC Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, veteran Hurriyet leader Syed Ali Gilani and other Hurriyet leaders including Mohammad Yousuf Naqash denounced the arrests.

An Indian trooper was killed when unidentified armed men attacked their camp in Bemina area of Srinagar. In another incident, two CRPF personnel were injured in a grenade explosion in Bijbehara.—KMS

Apprehensions on Amarnath road proved true: Geelani SRINAGAR—Hurriyat Confer- Court on construction of the guardian of the interests of the state ence (G) chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani has said that the amalgam’s apprehensions regarding the construction of road to Amarnath cave shrine via Pahalgam forests had been proven true by the Supreme Court’s recent directive to the state government.

Majlis-e-Shoora (advisory board) of the amalgam, with Geelani in chair and attended by the heads or representatives of all the constituent groups discussed the issue threadbare, Hurriyat (G) spokesman told Valley Media Service in a statement.

“The meeting discussed in detail the designs of the Amarnath Shrine Board, the recent order of India’s Supreme

widened road up to the cave shrine and the work of public relations body constituted by Hurriyat in this regard,” the statement added.

“The meeting observed that the recent Supreme Court order to lay cement tiles along the path have justified the apprehensions and concerns expressed by the Hurriyat Conference that work on the plan to gradually construct a permanent and widened road in the Pahalgam forest area has already begun,” the statement said. “The plan will have devastating consequences on the environment, forests and water resources of the state in future,” it added.

The statement said that Hurriyat Conference was the

and considers it as its duty to fight for the protection of these interests and play its role in this regard.

“The meeting observed that the ruling class of the state was interested only in grabbing the state power and to achieve that they have sold resources of the state to New Delhi in the past and continue to sell peoples’ resources presently for the same reason,” the statement added.

“The meeting expressed annoyance at the role of the rulers and the Indian Supreme Court for not considering the issues highlighted by the Hurriyat pertaining to the yatra on the scientific grounds and instead raising some irrelevant issues,” the statement said.—NNI

Geelani wants world’s help to bring criminal troops to justice

T

HERE is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing inno cent people. ~ Prof Howard Zinn, leading historian and author The air was laden with a hint of festivity.

Two friends, let us call them Amin and Javed, woke up to a frosty February morning unsure of what the day had in store for them.

They lived in the same village, a picaresque hamlet called Bomai, situated on the foot of a hazel colored Kashmir hillock. It was a special day for the teenagers, one that they had planned over many days. They were going on a trip to the neighboring village,

where a locally venerated saint’s birth anniversary was being held. Many boys and girls [along with adults] from the tiny village went on foot across the sienna hammock to visit the astaan [shrine]. The boys were apparently all kicked up.

The thing with the countryside, as with most urban centers, in a conservative place like Kashmir is that religion and rituals can be a damn serious business. It is all pervasive. You will basically come across naïve, loving people who just happen to take their faith and tradition very seriously.

The saint lovingly called Mehboob-ul-Alam [love of the world] and Sultan-ulArifeen [king of knowledge],

Immigrant sweet-makers erect their small shops to make helva [sweet confection] and paranthas [oily round bread] that sell like hot cakes. Village shopkeepers stock up on everything from Chinese toys for kids to fake perfumes for shy damsels, who put on their best firakyazar [loose tunics with matching trousers] and set off to the astaan, giggling along the way.

Children shriek with joy. Men sing hymns aloud. Boys bum around.

Amin’s mom served him tea and bread for breakfast. He couldn’t eat too well. All he wanted to do was join his

there was still need of taking necessary steps to overcome the problems and removal of hindrances in this connection.

He maintained that his government was committed to resolving all the issues of public interests irrespective of what wrong was done previously. The Chairman ERRA assured them that he would take personal interest to ensure the provision of allocated funds so that relief could be provided to the masses

Pakistan should legitimize Kashmiris as third party

Hurriyet leader, Syed Ali Geelani has called upon the international community to play its role in bringing to justice the armed forces involved in different war crimes in the occupied territory. Syed Ali Geelani in a statement issued in Srinagar, strongly condemned the inordinate delay in bringing to justice the troops involved in the killing of two civilian youth in a fake encounter at Bomai in Sopore three years ago. He deplored that no action was initiated against the culprits.

“The armed forces operating in Kashmir are committing war crimes and human rights violations on a large scale and no action is initiated against” those involved in killing of the civilians, he said.

The puppet regime is “maintaining criminal silence over the unlawful actions being carried out by the armed forces in the territory to save their own chairs,” he added.

Reiterating his demand for demilitarization of Jammu and Kashmir, Syed Ali Gilani said, “killings and other human rights violations will continue to take place and killers will continue to go scot-free in Kashmir till the presence of last troop,” he said.Meanwhile, the veteran leader expressed anguish over the objectionable inscription on a footwear terming it a conspiracy to offend the religious sentiments of Muslims. He has appealed to the Muslims to stage peaceful protests against this blasphemous act.—KMS

Delhi adopting biased approach towards Kashmiris: Shabbir

Kashmir is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan, chairman Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has said the amalgam will urge Pakistan for “legal sanctity” for role of Kashmiris’ as a third party in the settlement of Kashmir issue so that it is recognized as a tripartite issue at the global level.

Addressing the second phase of the feedback session with civil society members of Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora districts at Hurriyat headquarters here, Mirwaiz said that ahead of their Pakistan visit, the Hurriyat leadership wanted to listen to intellectuals, traders, civil society activists and other sections of the society so that constructive suggestions could crop up.

friends at the fair. Javed too hurriedly gobbled his breakfast and rushed off to meet his band.

Together they wanted to visit the neighboring village, look at the girls, puff off, pay the obligatory visit at the holy saint’s shrine [where incidentally Sultan-ul-Arifeen isn’t buried, being just born there].

They thought they could perhaps come home late carrying small plastic bags with helva and alov-mongey [potato wedges deep fried] in them.

Without having to fear a parental rebuke. Such little pleasures.

While the teenagers waited at the village square for other

the Hurriyat (M) Chairman said at the outset of the session.

“Keeping in view the situation at the world level and at the subcontinental level, an impression continues to remain in place that Kashmir is a bilateral issue.

This is happening despite the fact that Kashmiris have offered countless sacrifices,” Mirwaiz said. “We have been of the belief that Kashmir is a tripartite issue with people of Kashmir as its real stakeholders. But the fact remains that there is no legal sanctity to the people being the main party to the issue.”

The Hurriyat (M) Chairman said the amalgam will work out a “legal sanctity” with the Pakistan leadership so that the notion of Kashmir being a bilateral issue ends. “The move will

also project Kashmir as a tripartite issue,” he said.

He said Kashmir issue has many dimensions like social, economic and political. “Besides talking about the resolution of Kashmir issue, we need to talk about the plundering of our water resources, power and other things,” Mirwaiz said. He also said it was not like that the Hurriyat (M) leadership would bring resolution from Pakistan.

“But a beginning is must. Many confusions will get cleared during our visit,” he said.

During the feedback session, many participants highlighted the historic perspective of the Kashmir issue as to how the erstwhile princely State of Jammu and Kashmir was sold by the British ‘and then by Maharaja Hari Singh.—NNI

ISLAMABAD: AJK Prime Minister Ch Abdul Majeed photo-grouped with Federal Minister Firdous Asiq Awan and others .

Will talk as owners, not slaves: Prof Bhat

Mirwaiz only world recognized leader of Kashmiris: Bilal Lone

SRINAGAR—Senior Hurriyat ity to absorb bitter and sweet SRINAGAR—Senior Hurriyat things as well.”

(M) leader Professor Abdul Gani Bhat has said Hurriyat (M) will go to Pakistan ‘as owners and not slaves’ and talk business there.

“We did not beg before Pakistan to invite us. We got an invite because Pakistan has accepted Hurriyat (M) leadership as the true representative of Kashmiri people,” Bhat said at the conclusion of a feedback session with civil society members. He said Hurriyat (M) leaders represent the “heart beat of every Kashmiri.”

“We will go to Pakistan with open mind and not for a pleasure trip. We will talk business there,” Bhat said. “The Hurriyat leadership will go to Pakistan not as slaves but as owners. We will keep our head high while talking to Pakistani leadership.” Bhat said some people talked “bitter things” during the interactive session but Hurriyat (M) leadership has a bigger heart and has a “capac-

How many deaths will it take... was born to a Rajput landlord family some 500 years back in Tujar. Lore has it that he was ennobled from a young age – and preached a unique blend of love and mysticism. People thronged the place to get blessed from him. Five centuries later the love affair continues. His birthday is still a big occasion in the hills.

Days before the urs, as the birthday is called locally, a fairlike aura sets in. Hawkers suddenly get busy installing stalls that sell dumplings and fritters, shaped like small potato wedges.

on this occasion termed institutional performance unsatisfactory saying that there was a need to work on war footings.

He said that all the measures should be made to ensure the early completion of all the projects.

The Prime Minister Chaudry Abdul Majeed, addressing the meeting,observed that the government of Pakistan, International donors, sponsoring agencies and ERRA officials contributed a lot but still

“These suggestions will also help give Kashmiri SRINAGAR—Stating that there S RINAGAR — The veteran is a notion across the world that help us frame good policies,” people a right to speak and

MIRPUR—The seasoned academician of electrical sciences and technology Dr. Muhammad Sarwar, (Ph.D in Electrical Engineering) Wednesday took the charge as acting Vice Chancellor of the state-run Mirpur University of Science & Technology (MUST) Mirpur after he SRINAGAR—Senior leader of was inducted to the top acaAll Parties Hurriyet Conference demic slot, official sources de(APHC) and the Chairman of clared.

Democratic Freedom Party The sources told this scribe (DFP) Shabbir Ahmad Shah has here on Wednesday that Dr. said that New Delhi is adopting Sarwar replaced Prof. Naib a biased approach towards Hussain Chaudhry who was reKashmiris. moved from the office on MonShabbir Ahmad Shah in a day as a result of a decision by statement issued in Srinagar the AJK High Court on a writ said that the people of Kashmir petition challenging his (Prof. were struggling for securing Naib) his appointment as the their birthright to self-determiVice Chancellor of the MUST. nation but India was using brute The newly-inducted acting force to sabotage their just Vice Chancellor Dr. struggle.

Muhammad Sarwar has a long He said that India would distinguished career in the acanever succeed in its ill designs. demic history of the Mirpur “New Delhi has deployed lakhs University of Science & Techof troops in the civilian areas nology. with unlimited powers under the He was performing as the draconian laws, Armed Forces Dean Engineering of the MUST Special Powers Act (AFSPA) till before he was appointed as and Public Safety Act (PSA) to the acting Vice Chancellor. suppress and harass the He had also been perKashmiri people. forming as Chairman of the The senior APHC leader Electrical Engineering Desaid, “India should accept repartment for a long time beality and understand the aspisides performing as academirations of the people of Kashcian for about last 30 years mir.” He said that people had since he jointed Syed Ali rendered unprecedented sacriAhmed Shah University Colfices for the Kashmir cause and lege of Engineering & Techthey would take the ongoing nology Mirpur as a lecturers MUZAFFARABAD: Flower petals are being showered over Jamat Islami Chief Abdur liberation movement to its logiRasheed Turabi, Sheikh Aqil-ur-Rehman and others. about three decades ago. cal conclusion.—KMS SAMEER BHAT

Farzana Raja,Chairman ERRA Hamid Yar Hiraj, and other civil and technical senior officials, says an AJK press release.

The AJK President and the Premier were told that an amount of Rs. 2.33 billion were required to complete 250 projects out of total 2113 projects. An additional amount of Rs. 89 billion were also needed to complete the remaining projects. Over 80 per cent progress has already been achieved. The President AJK,

friends to turn up, an army party pulled up, guns cocked and gaze cocky. They began to randomly frisk people. Pushing some and vexing others. The boys avoided eye-contact with the troopers who came from the nearby army camp, notorious for its reputation.

Riding roughshod the army men began to eve-tease girls on their way to the fair. Some people gathered courage and asked the troopers to behave.

Insults were exchanged. The boys, curious, joined the crowd.

The day that had begun on a cheerful note was beginning to look morose. A rude interlude hung. People, histori-

“That’s how vision gets cleared and new ideas crop up,” Bhat said. He said world has rejected extremism and violence.

“India can’t see peace prevail if it continues to believe in extremism.

There is no space for extremism. So Kashmir solution is not an impossible thing,” he said.

“No country can live in isolation.

Economic wisdom teaches that issues have to be resolved for peace and prosperity. India needs peace. But peace and disputes can never co-exist.”

He said India and Pakistan can never afford to fight a war. “Similarly, getting support for the armed resistance at the world level is very difficult given the present geopolitical scenario. So we will meet Pakistan leadership with a constructive mindset,” Bhat said. “We will not ride a blind horse and keep all our antennas on during talks.”—NNI

(M) leader Bilal Gani Lone has said Kashmir issue had to be resolved as per the aspirations of people of Kashmir and that the Chairman of the amalgam, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, has been accepted as leader of Kashmir by not just India and Pakistan but by the world community as well. “Kashmir is an issue and people are its stakeholders. The issue has to be resolved as per the wishes of people,” Lone told civil society members at Hurriyat (M) headquarters here.

He said Mirwaiz was the only Kashmiri leader accepted by India and Pakistan and the world community.

He is a man with a brave heart and great courage,” said Lone.

Pakistan is like the big brother of Kashmiri people but that doesn’t mean we will sell ourselves to them,” Lone said. He cautioned people not to support parties like National Conference, Congress and PDP.—NNI

cally, used to attend the urs had never observed such nuisance. The army tried to chase them away. People refused to budge. This construed an act of defiance. How could the village folk not scoot when they are chased! Guns were aimed at unarmed people.

Since people in these parts of the world cannot have human rights and no international humanitarian law applies [India believes UN resolutions on Kashmir are old and hence redundant] — it was decided to fire upon a bunch of harmless village people.

The crackle of gunfire sent people scurrying for cover. The carnival unexpectedly turned into a carnage. Blood splattered

on the damp February soil. The hate colored bullets entered Amin. He lay in the village square, Rs 100 bill tucked away carefully in the pocket to buy some snack, dying a slow death. Javed fell to another bullet, eyes wide open. Little dreams lost forever.

Nothing much. Two more innocents. Two more Kashmiris. The death of one man is a tragedy. The death of millions is a statistic, I recall of Joseph Stalin. Protests, some hollering, a strike. Enquires. Commissions. Normalcy.

Amin and Javed, in their teens, go to graves and will never attend the fair again. Not fair. (C) Sameer Bhat. Courtesy—Kashmir Observer

Stocks surge at record high, cross 16,500 mark

Cement export increases Staff Reporter ISLAMABAD—Cement export from the country during last four months of current financial year posted 17.30 percent growth as about 2,641,573 metric tons of cement worth US$ 190.03 million exported. The export of cement during the same period of last financial year was recorded at 3,078,804 metric tons valuing US$ 161.978 million, said data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.

Meanwhile, the export of gems and jewellary increased by 48.35 percent and 387.24 percent during the period from October-November 2012 as about 5 metric ton gems worth US$ 1.39 million exported as Advisor to PM on Petroleum Dr Asim Hussein and DG SNGPL Arif Hameed called on Ashraf. compared the 2 metric tons costing US$ 0.939 million during same period of last year. The data revealed that in first four months, jewellary export recorded 387.24 growth as country earned US$ 905.91 million by exporting jewellary of different varieties which values of trades and transac- million to Rs 100 million, fee OBSERVER REPORT was recorded at US$ 185.9 tions. As per the revised of Rs 1,800 would be charged million during same period of K ARACHI —The National schedule, the NCCPL said, if to such investor. If annual last financial year.

Clearing Company of Pakistan annual traded value of an in- traded value of an investor is (NCCPL) has revised the fee vestor is less than Rs 100,000, between Rs 100 million to Rs PTCL awareness it charges from the equity in- no fee would be charged to 500 million, fee of Rs 3,600 campaign vestors on trades and transac- such investor. If annual traded would be charged to such inStaff Reporter tions used for the computation value of an investor is between vestor.

If annual traded value of an and determination of the Capi- Rs 100,000 to Rs 5 million, fee ISLAMABAD—To extend the of Rs 240 would be charged to investor is between Rs 500 miltal Gain Tax (CGT). reach of its products and lion to Rs 1.0 billion, fee of Rs The revised fee ranges such investor. services, Pakistan TelecomIf annual traded value of an 12,000 would be charged to form Rs 240 to Rs 24,000 demunications Company pending on the annual value investor is between Rs 5 million such investor. If annual traded Limited (PTCL) held a week of trades and transactions. to Rs 10 million, fee of Rs 360 value of an investor is between long customer engagement The move, a company state- would be charged to such inves- Rs 1.0 billion to Rs 5.0 billion, and awareness campaign in ment Thursday said, was tor. If annual traded value of an fee of Rs 18,000 would be Quetta. As part of this aimed at providing “relief to investor is between Rs 10 mil- charged to such investor and if marketing campaign, PTCL the investors”. The NCCPL lion to Rs 50 million, fee of Rs annual traded value of an insales teams set up stalls and would implement slab based 600 would be charged to such vestor is over Rs 5.0 billion, fee kiosks in various areas of annual CGT fee for the in- investor. If annual traded value of Rs 24,000 would be charged Quetta. The stalls were set up vestors according to their of an investor is between Rs 50 to such investor. in Jinnah Road, Liaquat Bazaar, Abdul Sattar Road, Mission Road, Satellite Town, Prince Road, Linscomb Road, Agha Siraj Complex, Mobile Market, Regal Plaza, Mecongy Road, Toghi Road and Joint Road. The campaign provided people with a firsthand experience of PTCL latest services and EVO products as well as offered on-spot sales.

NCCPL to charge investors up to Rs 24000 CGT computation

PQ shipping activity KARACHI—Two ships carrying containers and steel coil were allotted berth at Qasim International Containers Terminal and Multi Purpose Terminal during last 24 hours. Meanwhile five more ships scheduled to load/ offload containers, edible oil 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 35% at the Port on Thursday where total number of four ships namely CGM Puccini, Thor Independence, Sea Coral and M.V Amagi Galaxy are currently occupying berths to load/ offload containers, cement, steel coil and edible oil respectively during last 24 hours. A cargo volume of 39232 tonnes comprising 28777 tonnes imports and 10455 tonnes exports inclusive of containerized cargo carried in 769 containers (Boxes) were handle at the Port during last 24 hours.—APP

Rates for conversion KARACHI—The following rates will be applicable for conversion into rupees of Foreign Currency Deposits, Dollar Bearer Certificates, Foreign Currency Bearer Certificates, Special U.S.Dollar Bonds and profits thereon by all banks and for providing Forward Cover on Foreign Currency Deposits (excluding F.E.25 deposits) by the State Bank on November 30, 2012. The rates are U.S. Dollar Rs 96.6082, Japanese Yen Rs 1.1764, Pound Sterling Rs 154.7084 and Euro Rs 125.3684.—APP

Business has only two basic functionsmarketing and innovation.

PSO CEO and MD, Naeem Yahya Mir visited Thatta to carry out the ground breaking ceremony for the PSO Street Support Programme.

Pak, Italy to promote olive cultivation STAFF REPORTER

Agribusiness future of Pakistan: Motiwala O R BSERVER

EPORT

KARACHI—The Entrepreneur-

Development Program is an I SLAMABAD —Pakistan and ship initiative to create capacity in the Italy are all set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today (Friday) which will help promote olive cultivation in the country.

According to officials, the memorandum of Understanding will be inked between Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) and Italian government on “Promotion of Cultivation of Olive in Pakistan” here on Friday November 29.

The eminent international Italian experts will also address the scientists’ community of Pakistan at the occasion.

educated youth of Sindh for selfemployment and utilize the untapped resource base of agriculture of Sindh to its optimum capacity.

This was stated by Chairman SBI Zubair Motiwala after a graceful launching ceremony and Orientation session of Entrepreneurship Development Program held at the Center for Entrepreneurship Development of Institute of Business Administration (IBA), here on Thursday.

The ceremony was attended by the faculty of IBA Karachi led by Dean and Director Dr.

Ishrat Husain as well as Sindh Board of Investment.

The main purpose of the ceremony was to welcome the first incoming batch of the program consisting of 75 students fro the southern districts of Sindh, including Karachi.

This is a unique initiative taken by Government of Sindh which includes 6-month training program conceived and funded by the SBI and being executed

by IBA Karachi and Sukkur IBA. The vision behind the program has been highly appreciated at all levels in which heightened focus has been given to entrepreneurship and many advantages enterprise development like income generation, innovation and progress.

Export potential in dairy sector reviewed STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—Stakeholders from public sector, private sector and civil society discussed policy recommendations and domestic regulatory reform for enhancing competitiveness and export potential of Livestock and Dairy sectors of Pakistan. The Public private dialogue (PPD) on ‘’Enhancing Competitiveness and Export Potential of Livestock and Dairy Sector’’ was organized under the European Union funded Trade Related Technical Assistance (TRTA II) programme.

The Component 1 of the TRTA II programme is about

trade policy capacity building and is implemented by the ITC. A fifteen member public private dialogue steering committee (PPDSC) constituted under the Component 1 of the TRTAII programme selected trade in Livestock and Dairy sector for public private consultation earlier this year so that a coherent and inclusive policy is debated and put in place for Pakistan. ITC along with Pakistan Institute of Trade and Development (PITAD) have been functioning as the secretariat of the PPDSC. Pakistan is an agricultural country and can greatly enhance exports in the identified sectors

by putting in place concrete policies for enhancing competitiveness and export potential in livestock and dairy product; maintained the Additional Secretary Ministry of Commerce.

He added that after the devolution of agriculture and livestock to the provinces, there is a need for the Ministry of Commerce to work together with provincial livestock departments and other stakeholders to introduce domestic regulatory reforms for enhancing exports of the two sectors. He appreciated the efforts of ITC and PITAD for organizing a PPD on such important aspect of trade policy.

STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Pakistani stocks hit a record high on Thursday for the third day in a row, driven by interest in Unilever and banking stocks, dealers said.

The Karachi Stock Exchange’s (KSE) benchmark 100-share index surged to a record high of 16,556.27 in intraday trading. It closed at 16,527.08, up 0.63 per cent or 103.05 points.

Financial services comPrime Minister Raja Pervez

PM meets VimpelCom management STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —A delegation comprising senior management from VimpelCom, the parent company of Mobilink, called on Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf at Prime Minister House on Thursday. The delegation was headed by Jo Lunder, Group CEO, VimpelCom who apprised the Prime Minister on VimpelCom’s global operations and the significance of the Pakistani market for VimpelCom’s growth strategy.

The Prime Minister also discussed VimpelCom’s outlook on current operating conditions within Pakistan.

pany Jahangir Sidiqui rose 6.38 per cent, or 1.0 rupees, to 16.68 per share, while Byco Petroleum (BYCO.KA) was up 2.42 per cent, or 0.25 rupees, to 10.56 per share.

DG Khan Cement fall 2.1 per cent, or 1.16 rupees, to 53.98 per share. Dealers said trading was strong in the cement, textile and fertilizer sectors.

The market also found support from expectations that the State Bank of Pakistan will cut its discount rate at next month’s

monetary policy meeting.

In the currency market, the Pakistani rupee closed slightly weaker on 96.54/96.59 to the dollar, compared to Wednesday’s close of 96.53/ 96.58, ahead of scheduled debt repayments to the International Monetary fund (IMF) and strong demand for dollars, dealers said.

Overnight rates in the money market ended at 9.50 per cent compared to Wednesday’s close of 9 per cent.

BoK Battagram branch opened STAFF CORRESPONDENT BATTAGRAM —The Bank of Khyber (BoK) Raast Islamic Banking Branch formally inaugurated at Battagram on Thursday.

Bilal Mustafa, Managing Director BOK said BOK is committed to cater the Banking requirements of all segment of society, BOK providing Islamic Banking & Financial services requirement as well as conventional in a befitting manner in order to encourage the economic developmental activities in the region. He was speaking at the formal inauguration of BOK Raast Islamic Banking branch at Main Bazzar, Battagram in a simple but graceful ceremony. The inaugural ceremony was also attended by notables of the area & business community.

Bilal Mustafa MD, BoK inaugurating BoK Raast Islamic Banking Branch at Battagram.

The formal inauguration Group Head HRD Tariq Nasim, ceremony of BOK Raast Is- Head Islamic Business Devellamic Banking branch was also opment Sohail Khan Head attended by BOK’s Executive Business Development ConDirector Mir Javed Hashmat, ventional Lal Nawaz Khattak BOK Islamic Banking Group and Head Marketing Syed Ali Head Kamran Masood Khan. Nawaz Gilani.

Malaysia keen to import livestock, food products from Pakistan STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —Pakistan and Malaysia have decided to further enhance bilateral cooperation in the field of agriculture with Malaysia agreeing to import more livestock, fish, rice, beef, fruits and vegetables from Pakistan.

“We are already importing a considerable amount of rice, fruits and other food products from Pakistan and we want this cooperation to grow further in the coming months,” said Malaysia’s Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar during a meeting with Pakistan’s Minister for National Food Security & Research Mir Israrullah Zehri here in Kuala Lumpur, said a press release issued here today.

Pakistan’s Acting High Commissioner to Malaysia Mohammad Nadeem Khan, Secretary-General of Malaysia’s

SECP extends facilitation to corporate sector

Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Malaysia Datuk Mohd Hashim Abdullah, Chairman Malaysia-Pakistan Business Council Datuk Salim bin Fateh Din, Director General Federal Agriculture and Marketing Authority (Fama) Dr Ahmad and Under Secretary Strategic Planning and International Division, MOA, Malaysia Mr. Muhammad Salimi Bin Sajari were also present.

During the meeting, Malaysia’s Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar recalled his visit to Pakistan in December 2009 and his meeting with the then Minister for Agriculture Mr. Nazar Mohammad Gondal.

He also mentioned about 171 buffalos which were given to Malaysia by the Government of Punjab and called for relaxing the procedure for importing more animals from Pakistan as Malaysia was in need of many

STAFF REPORTER

LAHORE—A German developISLAMABAD—The Securities ment organization “bfz

UMS counter collection STAFF REPORTER

granted license for export of Pakistani beef to Malaysia while a total of 171 animals, including Neeli Ravi buffaloes, had also been imported from Pakistan for developing “our buffalo industry and improving their gene pool”.

He also referred to the growing import of Pakistani rice to Malaysia which imported 43,000 MT of Pakistani rice in 2009 but increased it to 123,000 MT in 2010 and to a sizeable 148,000 MT in 2011 respectively.

Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research Mir Israrullah Zehri thanked his Malaysian counterpart for inviting him to attend the Malaysian Agriculture, Horticulture and Agro-tourism Show (MAHA) 2012 and urged the Malaysian government to consider increasing import of beef and mutton from Pakistan as quality of meat was very good and the slaughtering of animals was in accordance with Halal standards.

German development organization join hands with Smeda to save energy

STAFF REPORTER

and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) is extending all possible facilitation to the corporate sector as the Company Registration Offices (CROs) of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) shall remain open till 8 pm, on Friday, November 30th , to collect documents under Companies Regularization Scheme (CRS) and Company Easy Exit Scheme (CEES). So far, over 3,000 companies have benefited from these amnesty schemes. The documents under CRS and CEES shall also be accepted by 4 pm on Saturday, December 1st, from those companies that have deposited the fee on Friday, November 30th but were unable to submit documents by the last date.

Further, companies that are due to file their annual returns can also submit relevant documents on Saturday, December 1st in their respective Company Registration Offices (CROs) The said schemes were launched in order to facilitate defaulter/defunct companies by providing both facilities at the same time, i.e., overdue returns filing facility without the adjudication fear and easy exit without going into cumbersome winding up procedure.

These schemes have been in progress since July 2nd, 2012, and are due to end by November 30th, 2012. The defaulter/ defunct companies are advised to take advantage of these schemes immediately, as no further extension shall be provided.

more. He also appreciated the quality of Pakistani fruits specially mangoes and kinoos and hoped that the quantum of fruits being imported from Pakistan will increase with the passage of time.

Datuk Seri Noh Omar noted that following his visit to Pakistan, three separate MoUs had been signed between the two governments for exchange of scientific knowledge and technology cooperation as well as for the import and distribution of fruit juices, fruit-based consumer products and frozen beef from Pakistan to Malaysia. Similarly, a Letter of Intent had also been signed between the Government of Punjab and the Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia for expanding cooperation in the veterinary sector.

Datuk Seri Noh Omar said the Malaysian government had moved swiftly on implementing these MoUs and it had already

gGmbH” and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) have initiated a joint project titled as “ESPIRE” that will enable local SMEs to save about 22,000 MW energy every year.

It was observed at a press conference jointly addressed by Yousaf Naseem Khokhar, Chief Executive Officer, SMEDA and Martin Straehle, Project Coordinator, bfz-Germany. From SMEDA, Khurram Khan, GMCentral Support, Alamgir Chaudhry, GM- Outreach, Sultan Tiwana, GM-Policy and Planning and Dr. Nasir Khan Ghauri, GM-Business and Sector Development were also present on this occasion.

Whereas, from bfz, Martin

was accompanied by Salahuddin Farrukh, National Project Manager, Muhammad Salman Butt, Project Manager for Punjab and Ahmer Butt, Project Manager for Sindh.

A presentation given by bfz officials revealed that s mall and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) can save 9% of their energy costs with investments that pay back in less than 3 months. This is the average result achieved in 18 SMEs from textile, food processing and pharmaceutical sector in 2012 through energy saving measures implemented under project ESPIRE funded by German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) via Sequa gGmbH, a bfz official said adding that the participating factories from Karachi , Lahore , Faisalabad and Sialkot together have realized energy

savings of 22,000 MW per annum which corresponds to 53 Million PKR. The energy services of the ESPIRE project shall be disseminated to150 factories until the end of the project in May 2014 and the selected factories would be supported to start making energy conservation part of their work routine by implementing Energy Management Systems to be introduced under the project.

Project ESPIRE was started by the Vocational Training& Development Centers of the Bavarian Employers’ Association (bfz) gGmbH – one of the largest private providers of vocational training in Germany .

The International Division of bfz conducts development cooperation projects on behalf of World Bank, European Union, and the German government in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

FPCCI eulogizes services of Iranian CG

Economy to bounce back after general elections STAFF REPORTER K ARACHI —Though the national economy is in a bad shape at the moment however it has the strength and potential to bounce back soon after the forthcoming general elections.

This was stated by the Chief Patron of Korangi Association of Trade and Industry, S M Muneer who added that the economic situation in Pakistan is extremely bleak but hoped that it may get better after the general elections expected to be held in few months.

Addressing a condolence reference to pay homage to former Vice Chairman KATI, Yousuf Shaikh here today, Muneer advised the industrialists not to lose heart and hope for the better. He advised the business community to vote the honest leaders in the forthcoming elections. He said that Yousuf Shaikh was a prominent industrialist and his services to the trade would be remembered forever. Chairman KATI Mohammad Zubair Chhaya said that Yousuf Shaikh was an asset to the trade and industry and it is really hard to find a person of his class. He termed it a great loss to the KATI. President All Karachi Industrial Alliance, Mian Zahid Hussain while paying glowing tributes to the departed soul said that trade and industry is really indebted to his unforgettable services especially for the industry and KATI. He appreciated the association to hold condolence reference to eulogize the services of KATI’s former vice chairman. KATI’s former Chairman Farhanur Rehman termed the sad demise of Yousuf Shaikh as a great loss to the trade and industry.

President Arts Council Ahmed Shah, former Chairman KATI Akbar Farooqui, Dr Samiuz Zaman, Secretary Arts Council Prof Ejaz Ahmed Farooqui, Mahmud Ahmed and Yousuf Shaikh’s younger son Shahzeb Yousuf also expressed their sentiments for the departed soul.

Exporters urged to bring remittances STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—The Indus Entre-

Tariq Sayeed, Chairman, Pak-Iran Business Council presenting crest to the outgoing Consul General of Iran Abbas Ali Abdollahi. Vice President FPCCI Iqbal Dawood Pakwala, Khurram Sayeed, Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, Zakarya Usman, Mazhar Ali Nasir, Dawood Usman Jakhura, Shaukat Ahmed, Waheed Shah and others are also seen in the picture.

ISLAMABAD—Post Office De-

MUZAFFAR ALI

partment is taking initiative of providing its customers the facility of collecting their UMS articles from the counters of any designated GPO. This facility will be called “Urgent Mail Service-Counter Collection or UMS-CC” under this facility the clients can book UMS articles as usual clearly telling the booking Clerk that this UMS would be deliverable at the specified GPO’s Counter instead of delivery at the given address.

The Addressees will have the facility of picking up such UMS from 0900 am to 0830 pm.

Normal UMS rates shall apply.

This facility will be launched from 15th December, 2012” for counter delivery in all the 83 GPOs in the country.

L A H O R E —Tariq Sayeed, Chairman, Pak- Iran Business Council and Former Vice President of SAARC CCI, has underscored the need to further strengthening of economic and political relations between both the brotherly countries of Pakistan and Iran by increasing bilateral trade.

He hoped that mega joint investment projects, like IranPakistan (IP) Gas Pipeline, would pave the way for further exploiting joint venture opportunities.

He expressed these views in a reception hosted in honour of Consul General of Iran, Abbas Ali Abdollahi to bid farewell upon completion of his assignment in Pakistan and

acclaim services rendered by him. Commercial Consulate of Iran Sultan Shahi, Visa Consellor Mr. Mahadi, Public Relation Officer Mr. Abidi, Vice President FPCCI Iqbal Dawood Pakwala, Khurram Sayeed, Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, Zakarya Usman, Mazhar Ali Nasir, Dawood Usman Jakhura, Shaukat Ahmed, Waheed Shah etc were also present on the occasion.

Tariq Sayeed underscored the need to remove the non-tariff barriers and reduction in tariff rates and explore and exploit huge trading potential between the two bordering neighbour countries and for availability of investment opportunities, formation of Pak-Iran Joint Chamber, excess to Pak-Iran Market, introduction of Banking Chan-

nel and arrangements for currency swap, initiation of Barter Trade. He said that both the countries should frequently exchange trade delegations and hold single country exhibition between both the countries with the view to enhance regional trade from the existing volume.

Consul General of Iran, Abbas Ali Abdollahi expressed his profound gratitude to the leadership of FPCCI particularly Tariq Sayeed for hosting reception in his honour and said that he did his best to bring closer two countries and its people. He added that Pakistan and Iran posses a rich common culture which can be exploited for increase in business relations for creation of employment opportunities.

preneur (TiE) Lahore President Salim Ghauri has urged the exporters to bring their remittances back immediately in order to stabilise dwindling rupee against dollar due to depleting foreign reserves of the country.

Expressing his concern over nosedive fall in rupee against the US dollar, Salim has demanded the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) of intervene without delay the open market, presently manipulated by the market forces aggressively for monetary benefits. It may be noted that Pak Rupee has lost 48 paisa touching the record low against the US dollar at Rs96.70 in the interbank market a day earlier.

President TiE apprehended that a dilly-dallying response from the central bank may lead to further surge in the dollar value. He said the last week intervention of the SBP had brought in positive results and there is an urgent need of doing it again in the larger interest of the national economy.

Salim said the exporters should show their patriotism in the larger interest of the national economy. He said Pakistan economy is already registering sluggish trend due to diminishing investments in the presence of highest interest rate. Already, he said, the fragile external account of the country is a source of worry amidst declining current account of the country. It may hit further with more burden on oil imports due to ongoing CNG crisis in the country, he added.

Cough syrup issue

Fact finding mission visits affected locality STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—Shocked by arrests and sealing of a pharma unit over syrup issue, a factfinding mission comprising members of private sector, pharmaceutical manufacturers and anti-drug campaigners Thursday visited the affected locality to gather circumstantial evidence.

The six member team, including LCCI President Farooq Iftikhar, Khawaja Shahzeb Akram, Mohammad Zakaur Rehman, Nadeem Shami and Syed Zulfiqar

Hussain, had a detailed meeting with the MNA of Shahdra Town Malik Riaz in the presence of SHO Shahdra Atif Zulfiquar and area influentials besides interviewing some of the addicts.

The MNA, while assuring his full support, informed the visiting team that his last three days probe and findings were fast reaching conclusion that not only the addicts consumed spurious syrup but it too was taken in a large quantity with some additive anti-allergic tablets to get a higher level of intoxication that led to casualties. Malik Riaz said that he had also issued nec-

essary directions for an action against the addicts as Shahdra is a poor locality and most of the addicts are fulfilling their addiction needs through mixture of various medicines.

He, however, said that there is a need to put complete ban on the sale of medicines without proper prescription. “Had a law been there to stop unsolicited sale of medicines, the number of addicts in the society would have been much lesser.”

The team also interviewed two addicts who had been consuming the cough syrup for the last six years. What Waheed

Ahmad (46) and Mohammad Aslam (42) narrated, led to the conclusion that fake and drugmixed syrup was being sold in that locality. Earlier, the LCCI President Farooq Iftikhar said that the entire pharma industry was in state of shock because of arrests of pharma distributors and sealing of pharma manufacturing units without any proper inquiry as arbitrary decision lead to speculation and loss of reputation of the concerned industry.

“How the damaged image would be restored which Reko Pharma had earned with fifty

JS Bank, Allianz EFU sign partnership agreement

years of hard and honest work.” The LCCI President said that the fact-finding mission has been constituted with an objective to fix the responsibility as if the industry is doing something wrong it should be taken to task and if some other factors are behind this episode then legislation is needed to avoid repletion of such incidents.

“We have to develop a mechanism of self accountability if we want to get out of blame game once for all and in the larger interests of the country.”

Kalim-ur-Rahman, President and CEO, JS Bank and Taher Sachak, MD Allianz EFU after signing agreement. products is titled in the market. The launch of STAFF REPORTER “SehatSarmaya”. It is an inpa- SehatSarmaya is just the first of KARACHI—JS Bank has inked tient hospitalization health in- these products in our comprea new strategic partnership with surance plan for the entire fam- hensive bancassurance suite Allianz EFU, the leading health ily and covers a whole gamut of which includes a multitude of insurance provider in Pakistan. health insurance concerns rang- options including life insurance To launch this new partner- ing from OPD expenses to hos- as well as investment plans. In ship, an agreement was signed pitalization. The plan offers a time, I look forward to more

by Kalim-ur-Rahman, Presi- wide variety of coverage options products from Allianz EFU furdent and CEO of JS Bank, and to the customers. It has flexible ther enriching the suite of prodTaher G. Sachak, Vice Chair- pricing, thereby ensuring that it ucts which we can provide to our man, Allianz EFU, at the Head can meet the needs of all types rapidly growing customer base across Pakistan”.

Office of the Bank in Karachi. of customer segments.

Speaking at the signing cerCommenting on the bright The signing ceremony was attended by members of the man- emony, Kalim-ur-Rahman, prospects of the new partneragement teams of both organi- President and CEO, JS Bank ship agreement, Taher G. stated, “the launch of this new Sachak, Vice Chairman, zations.

Under the new partnership initiative between JS Bank and Allianz EFU elucidated, “The agreement, JS Bank will offer Allianz EFU is a partnership that launch of SehatSarmaya is a customers the health insurance has great promise. Both Allianz well-timed product launch for products of Allianz EFU at all EFU and JS Bank have a vision JS Bank as the rising cost of its branches which number over of providing innovative products healthcare is becoming a con160 in over 80 cities across Pa- to their customers which are be- cern for all major consumer kistan. The very first of these yond what is ordinarily available segments.

Teradata National IT excellence awards AMANULLAH KHAN KARACHI —Teradata Corporation, the data analytic solutions company, announced that nominations for the 11th Teradata National IT Excellence Awards are being accepted until January 1st , 2013.

Nominations will be received for the period January 2011December 2011.

The awards programme, sponsored by Teradata, was designed to acknowledge outstanding achievements by individuals in Pakistan’s information technology (IT) community. Winners will be recognized at a gala event to be held in March 2013 at Islamabad.

“We look forward to recognizing those individuals that have had the greatest impact on the Pakistan IT community – we are looking for the best-ofthe-best,” said Khuram Rahat, Managing Director, Teradata Pakistan. “The program, which

recognizes professionals in the IT industry, has grown ever since we launched it in 1997, as part of Pakistan’s Golden Jubilee.”

To maintain neutrality and transparency in the nomination and evaluation process, Teradata has engaged KPMG Taseer Hadi & Co. as an independent auditor to receive and compile nominations received through the web site.

The firm will also work with the judges who are selected based on their expertise and leadership in education, nformation technology, and related fields.

“Teradata is committed to the Pakistan market and we are excited about the addition of new customers,” said Christopher Armitage, area vice president, Teradata.

“We are optimistic about the future and finding new ways to bring innovative data warehousing and analytic data solutions to our customers.”

SAP enables organizations to achieve added customer engagement STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—SAP recently an-

nounced a new solution powered by SAP HANA platform which will revolutionize the way organizations engage with their customers. SAP 360 Customer Solutions go beyond the limits of traditional customer relationship management (CRM) through in-memory computing, cloud and enterprise mobility.

This engagement enables companies to improve customer loyalty and maximize customers’ lifetime value while creating more value for all the stakeholders. SAP HANA’s breakthrough technology turns this vision into a reality for enterprises around the globe.

SAP 360 Customer will provide unique capabilities to turn insight into action and engage customers one-to-one. It will further empower organizations to create a superior customer experience while driving operational excellence through fostering collaboration and enabling the mobile workforce to execute transactions faster.

Commenting on the occasion, Hassan Jamal, Country Liaison Manager, SAP Pakistan said: “The needs and wants of today’s customers are changing rapidly as they become more aware of their surroundings.

SAP 360 Customer will help companies in Pakistan to stay abreast with the changing ISLAMABAD: VP Saarc Chamber Iftikhar Ali Malik and patterns of customer choices others with economic counsellor and attaché of Indian High by constantly engaging with Commission. them.

Wateen recognized STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—Wateen, Pakistan’s leading converged communications provider, announced today that it has achieved TelePresence Video Express Authorized Technology Provider (ATP) status from Cisco.

This designation recognizes Wateen as having fulfilled the training requirements and program prerequisites to sell, deploy and support Cisco TelePresence Video products and solutions at the Express level. By this new addition, now Wateen’s customers can feel “Virtually” real presence of all required business executives in any meeting, business discussion or critical business planning exercise.

The ATP program is an exclusive “invitation only” program from Cisco and Wateen had to meet a number of requirements and criteria among them the rigorous Cisco certified personnel levels required to qualify and earn the Cisco Telepresence Video Express ATP status.

Cement exports to India via Railway stopped STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Cement export to India through Railways has been completely stopped as in the absence of adequate security measures for eliminating narcotic smuggling, the cement manufacturers preferred to discontinue sending dispatch through rail.

Currently cement is being exported to India through trucks only which remain under the exporters control before crossing the border, however the trucks are accepted by Indian authorities in small numbers thus resulting in declining export dispatches.

Amid the situation when cement exports are already on decline, the decision by manufacturer of not using the rail link will further decrease the number dispatches to India. It is worth adding that cement despatches for the month of October 2012 declined by 5.87 percent mainly due to a drastic decline of 20.59% in the export of cement to Afghanistan, India and other destinations. The ex-

ports to India declined by 37.51 percent to 0.158 million tons.

After the opening of land route and rail link, it was expected that industry would be able to export more than 5 million tons cement to India, but that never happened. Still, more NTBs from India along with allegations of smuggling of narcotics, is making this option highly unfavorable to the Pakistan’s cement industry.’

Seizure of narcotics a few times during past four months from the trains carrying Pakistani exports through Wagah to India was a blow to bilateral trade between India and Pakistan that could derail the trade liberalization process.

The Indian customs seized 105 kg of heroin from Pakistani goods train Wagon No.66938 at Amritsar Railway Station in the first week of October while unloading Pakistani cement. The notable thing in this regard was that the seal of the wagon was properly seal when it reached on the Indian side of the border at Atari. However its seal was broken when it reached Amritsar.

UN nuke chief sees no Iran progress VIENNA—The U.N. nuclear agency made no progress in a year-long push to find out if Iran worked on developing an atomic bomb, its chief said on Thursday, calling for urgent efforts to end Tehran’s standoff with the West. Yukiya Amano said he would not give up seeking to end what Western diplomats describe as Iranian stonewalling of the agency’s investigation into possible military dimensions to the Islamic state’s nuclear programme.

U.N. inspectors will meet Iranian officials for a new round of talks in Tehran next month to seek an agreement to allow the agency to resume its inquiry, after several meetings since January failed to achieve a breakthrough. “Now is the time for all of us to work with a sense of urgency and seize the opportunity for a diplomatic solution,” Amano, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), told its 35nation governing board. Iran rejects suspicions it is on a covert quest for atomic bomb capability. But its refusal to curb nuclear work with both civilian and military applications, and its lack of openness with the IAEA, have drawn tough Western sanctions and a threat of pre-emptive military strikes

by Israel. A year ago, the IAEA published a report with a trove of intelligence indicating past, and some possibly continuing, research in Iran that could be relevant for nuclear weapons. They included suspected high-explosive experiments at the Parchin military site southeast of Tehran, and possible work on designing a device to produce a burst of neutrons for setting off a fission chain reaction.—Reuters

World court acquits ex-PM Kosovo A MSTERDAM —Former Kosovo prime minister Ramush Haradinaj was acquitted of crimes against humanity in a retrial on Thursday, a decision that could stir tensions between Serbia and its former province and clear the path for his return to mainstream politics. The judges ruled that there was no evidence that Haradinaj, then a commander of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), and two accomplices had taken part in a criminal plan to drive ethnic Serbs out of the province by mistreating them. “On the contrary, the evidence establishes that, when he heard about the mistreatment of individuals, Haradinaj said no such thing should happen because this is damaging of our cause,” the presiding judge, Bakone Justice Moloto, said. Haradinaj was first acquitted in 2008, but appeal judges ordered a partial retrial, saying the prosecution should have been given more time to make its case. Idriz Balaj, a former commander of a special KLA unit known as the Black Eagles, and Lahi Brahimaj, Haradinaj’s uncle and a member of the KLA’s general staff, were also acquitted in the retrial. Brahimaj has already served the six-year sentence he was given for torture at his first trial. Judges ruled on Thursday that ethnic Serbs and Albanians had been mistreated in camps controlled by the KLA, but found that nothing linked Haradinaj to these incidents. On one occasion, Moloto said, Haradinaj had “offered food and accommodation” to an escaped detainee before returning him to his family.—Reuters

Germans to support Merkel in Greek vote BERLIN —Angela Merkel will not need votes from opponents on the left to get a bailout for Greece through the German parliament, a senior ally said on Thursday, despite a growing revolt within the chancellor’s conservative coalition. Less than a year before a general election in which she will seek a third term, Friday’s vote on measures agreed by euro zone finance ministers this week to cut Greek debt is widely seen as a test of Merkel’s authority over her own supporters. Since most opposition Social Democrats and Greens will back the credits, there is no doubt the Bundestag lower house will approve the package; but Merkel would like to contain rebellion in her own ranks, so that she does not need her opponents’ help. Volker Kauder, parliamentary floor leader for Merkel’s CDU-CSU group, said on Thursday that he was confident the chancellor would achieve that, and added that a big, bipartisan majority in the chamber would also be a positive sign for Europe. “We will have our own majority,” Kauder told ZDF television, “The opposition will cooperate and that is a good signal for Europe and for Greece.” It is unclear exactly how many may vote against or abstain from among Merkel’s Christian Democrats (CDU), their Bavarian CSU allies and coalition partners the Free Democrats (FDP).—Reuters

Japan’s party seeks more defence spending T OKYO —A new Japanese party that hopes to become a force to contend with in a December 16 general election called for more defence spending on Thursday to protect national interests and cuts in corporate and income taxes to bolster the economy. The Japan Restoration Party, which trails only the main opposition Liberal Democrats in a latest opinion poll, also wants to shrink the role of the central government while strengthening market competition and making it easier to revise Japan’s pacifist constitution. The party’s platform calls for breaking a decades-old unofficial cap that limited defence spending to 1 percent of gross domestic product and boosting maritime surveillance.

Such moves could further strain ties with China, already frayed by a feud over islands in the East China Sea. Deputy party chief and popular Osaka mayor Toru Hashimoto said exporting Japan’s weapons technology would make Japan more secure. “What Japan can do is (forming) alliances in economy and in technology. If Japanese weapons flow into various countries while Japan is keeping the core (technology), that would be strong security (for Japan),” Hashimoto told a news conference unveiling the party’s platform. Japan last year relaxed its self-imposed ban on military equipment exports, but shipments are still limited to strategic allies like the United States. About 15 percent of voters surveyed by the Nikkei business daily plan to vote for the Japan Restoration Party, ahead of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) with 13 percent but behind the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) at 23 percent.—Reuters

Australia’s Gillard survives tough year CANBERRA—Australia’s Prime Minister Julia Gillard heads into an election year with her leadership bruised over a union scandal dating back 20 years and with her government struggling to gain voter support after a brutal political year that ended on Thursday. Despite passing major reforms in 2012, Gillard’s minority government trails in opinion polls after enduring a series of political scandals, a leadership fight with former prime minister Kevin Rudd, and regular suggestions that Gillard should be replaced.

However, senior government ministers rallied behind Gillard’s leadership on the final day of parliament for the year on Thursday, shoring up her chances of leading the Labor Party into the next election, due around September 2013. Senior government powerbroker Bill Shorten said the party strongly backed Gillard, while Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer Wayne Swan laughed off suggestions that the union scandal made Gillard’s leadership untenable.—Reuters

UN set for implicit recognition of Palestine state, spurning US, Israel threats U NITED N ATIONS —The back. Secretary of State Hillary she said. “The only way to get the Palestinians’ behalf.

U.N. General Assembly is set to implicitly recognize a sovereign state of Palestine on Thursday despite threats by the United States and Israel to punish the Palestinian Authority by withholding much-needed funds for the West Bank government. A Palestinian resolution that would change the Palestinian Authority’s U.N. observer status from “entity” to “non-member state,” like the Vatican, is expected to pass easily in the 193-nation U.N. General Assembly.

Israel, the United States and a handful of other members are planning to vote against what they see as a largely symbolic and counterproductive move by the Palestinians.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has been leading the campaign to win support for the resolution, and over a dozen European governments have offered him their support after an eight-day conflict this month between Israel and Islamists in the Gaza Strip, who are pledged to Israel’s destruction and oppose his efforts toward a negotiated peace.

The U.S. State Department said on Wednesday that Deputy Secretary of State Bill Burns and U.S. Middle East peace envoy David Hale traveled to New York on Wednesday in a last-ditch effort to get Abbas to reconsider. The Palestinians gave no sign they were turning

Clinton repeated to reporters in Washington on Wednesday the U.S. view that the Palestinian move was misguided and efforts should focus in-

a lasting solution is to commence direct negotiations.”

State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland reiterated U.S. warnings that the

Granting Palestinians the title of “non-member observer state” falls short of full U.N. membership - something the Palestinians failed to

Organization official, told a news conference in Ramallah that “the Palestinians can’t be blackmailed all the time with money.”

“If Israel wants to desta-

Palestinians wave flags during a rally in support of President Mahmoud Abbas’ efforts to secure a diplomatic upgrade at the United Nations, in West Bank city of Ramallah. stead on reviving the stalled Middle East peace process.

“The path to a two-state solution that fulfills the aspirations of the Palestinian people is through Jerusalem and Ramallah, not New York,”

move could lead to a reduction of U.S. economic support for the Palestinians. The Israelis have also warned they might take significant deductions out of monthly transfers of duties that Israel collects on

achieve last year. But it would allow them access to the International Criminal Court and some other international bodies, should they choose to join them. Hanan Ashrawi, a top Palestinian Liberation

Cash crisis, Arab ferment threatens Jordan’s stability

Twin blasts kill 28, scores injured

from public discourse broadly gives East Bankers jobs in the army, police, security services and bureaucracy.

Jordan’s Palestinian-origin majority dominates private enterprise, but does not play a commensurate political role, in part because electoral gerrymandering curbs its voting power.

Although the fissure between the two communities is blurred by inter-marriage, long co-existence and, at least among the elite, business ties, it is likely to haunt Jordan as long as the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains unresolved. Jordanians of all stripes are fearful of the insecurity that stalks their neighbors, but the money that kept discontent in check across a fragmented society is simply no longer there.

An influx of 240,000 refugees from the Syrian conflict next door has further strained the resources of a country of seven million that has almost no oil and precious little water. “Reform is genuinely difficult because you need to change the economic as well as the political rules,” said a European diplomat. “In the past the tribes gave their sup-

two majority Shi’ite Muslim cities in southern Iraq killed 28 people on Thursday, police and hospital sources said. Scores were wounded in the blasts, which struck during a month Ashura, a holy month for Shi’ites who are often targeted by al Qaeda’s Iraqi affiliate and other Sunni Muslim insurgents.

Two explosions near a restaurant in the city of Hilla, 100 km (62 miles) south of Baghdad, killed 26 people. In the city of Kerbala, a car bomb near a bus terminal where Shi’ite pilgrims usually gather killed another two people, a spokesman for the local health office said.

Violence in Iraq has eased since the carnage of 2006-2007, but Sunni Islamists still launch frequent attacks, seeking to reignite sectarian strife and undermine the Shi’ite-led government’s efforts to provide security. On Tuesday, car bombs targeting Shi’ites in mourning processions killed 14 people in Baghdad.—Reuters

bilize the whole region, it can,” she said. “We are talking to the Arab world about their support, if Israel responds with financial measures, and the EU has indicated they will not stop their

support to us.” Peace talks have been stalled for two years, mainly over the issue of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which have expanded despite being deemed illegal by most of the world.

In their draft resolution, the Palestinians have pledged to relaunch the peace process immediately following the U.N. vote. As there is little doubt about how the United States will vote when the Palestinian resolution to upgrade its U.N. status is put to a vote sometime after 3 p.m. (2000 GMT) on Thursday, the Palestinian Authority has been concentrating its efforts on lobbying wealthy European states, diplomats say.

With strong support from the developing world that makes up the majority of U.N. members, the Palestinian resolution is virtually assured of securing more than the requisite simple majority. Palestinian officials hope for over 130 yes votes.

Abbas has been trying to amass as many European votes in favor as possible.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Austria, Denmark, Norway, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland had all pledged to support the Palestinian resolution.

Britain said it was prepared to vote yes, but only if the Palestinians fulfilled certain conditions.—Reuters

Budget cuts, stringent codes worry US army: VoR

MOSCOW—The US military ing high-ranking US officers A MMAN —Violent protests tional trauma now airbrushed port in return for jobs and H ILLA , I RAQ —Bombs in are increasingly worried are becoming more frequent. that shocked Jordan this month have mostly subsided, but unprecedented chants for the “fall of the regime” suggested a deeper malaise in a kingdom so far spared the revolts reshaping the Arab world. Anger over fuel subsidy cuts undoubtedly drove the unrest, in which police shot dead one man during a confrontation at a police station. The government’s planned electricity price rises starting next year may well ignite more popular fury.

King Abdullah has made some constitutional reforms and his counselors say turnout at a parliamentary poll in January will test public support for the pace of political change amid an acute financial crisis that has forced Jordan to go to the IMF. However, the model that has kept Jordan relatively stable for decades is cracking, nowhere more so than in the tribal East Bank provinces long seen as the bedrock of support for the Hashemite monarchy installed here by Britain in 1921.

The formula reinforced after the 1970 civil war between the army and Palestinian guerrillas - a defining na-

10 wounded in clashes with police in Tunisia

money. Now that this is no longer affordable, they are shouting things like ‘We won’t pay for your corruption’.”

Palestinians, while also hard hit by the austerity measures, have mostly laid low to avoid political flak. In Kerak, a tribal hilltop town caught up in price protests earlier this month, morose shopkeepers await customers in the narrow market streets below the imposing Crusader citadel.

“Everyone who feels the pinch should go out in the street to express his views peacefully,” said Hani Herzallah, 41, a barber with four children. He said he had joined the protests against fuel price rises that included a 54 percent increase in the cost of gas cylinders most Jordanians use for cooking and heating.

At a shop selling live chickens from wire cages, Tahseen al-Tanashat, 64, said he had just drawn his 200 dinar ($280) pension, but only had 50 dinars left after paying his bills. Tanashat, on a state pension since he retired as a guard 31 years ago, said two of his three sons were soldiers. “I just want my 19-year-old still at home to get a job in the army.”—Reuters

Turkey sees no clash with US over Iran ‘gold for gas’ ISTANBUL—Turkey’s energy USA.” Couriers carrying mil-

T UNIS —More

than 20 people were wounded yesterday in a second day of clashes between Tunisian security forces and thousands of protesters in the poor southwestern town of Siliana, a medic told AFP. “The emergency services at the Siliana regional hospital have so far received 20 people wounded by a kind of ammunition that we haven’t been able to identify,” the medic said, adding that others wounded in the clashes were on their way to the hospital. He said no serious injuries had been reported.

Several thousand protesters gathered in front of the prefecture in Siliana demanding the departure of the regional governor, trade union official Nejib Sebti told AFP. The security forces then began firing warning shots and tear gas to disperse the crowd, he said. Similar clashes had taken place on Tuesday. “The people of Siliana most affected by poverty will never go down on their knees,” Sebti said, warning that they were “ready to die for their rights.” —Arab News

minister said on Thursday that he sees no conflict between Ankara and Washington over U.S. plans to widen trade sanctions against Iran, including Turkish-Iranian “gold for gas” trade. U.S. senators and aides told Reuters this week that new sanctions aimed at reducing global trade with Iran in the energy, shipping and metals sectors may soon be considered by the U.S. Senate as part of an annual defence policy bill.

One senior aide said the move would end “Turkey’s game of gold for natural gas”, referring to Iran’s conversion of Turkish payments for gas into gold because of the sanctions. Iran sells oil and gas to Turkey, with payments made to Iranian state institutions.

U.S. and European banking sanctions ban payments in U.S. dollars or euros, so Iran is paid in Turkish lira - of limited value for buying goods on international markets, but ideal for buying gold in Turkey. Asked about the planned new sanctions, Turkey’s Energy Minister Taner Yildiz said: “I’m not of the view that there will be any negative situation, a clash with the USA, regarding natural gas, oil and mining. We are talking with the

lions of dollars worth of gold bullion in their luggage have been flying from Istanbul to Dubai, where the gold is shipped to Iran, industry sources with knowledge of the business told Reuters last month.

Turkey’s Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan said last week that the lira Iran received from Turkey for its gas was being converted into gold because sanctions meant that it could not transfer the cash into Iran. Official Turkish trade data suggests that nearly $2 billion in gold was sent to Dubai on behalf of Iranian buyers in August. The shipments help Tehran to manage its finances in the face of Western financial sanctions.

The sanctions, imposed over Iran’s disputed nuclear programme, have largely frozen it out of the global banking system, making it hard to conduct international money transfers. By using physical gold, Iran can continue to move its wealth across borders. As the banking sanctions began to bite in March, Tehran sharply increased its purchases of gold bullion from Turkey, according to the Turkish government’s trade data.—Reuters

Mali Islamists capture town

about upcoming defense cuts and tougher discipline rules. A series of recent highprofile scandals in the army have indeed made it obvious that the military code of conduct needs adjustment, even though Pentagon officials say that things aren’t dramatic, playing down fears that the army, weakened by wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, is in a far worse condition than after the Vietnam War of the 1960s.

Many problems facing the US army stem from negligence and a lack of professionalism at commanding echelons. The resignation of CIA Director David Petraeus, an iconic general and former commander of the US forces in Iraq, over an extramarital affair with journalist Paula Broadwell and a leak of secret information, was a damaging blow to the image of the Armed Forces. But Petraeus’s resignation is just the tip of the iceberg. Scandals surround-

Suffice it to mention Brigadier General Jeffrey Sinklair facing a court martial on multiple counts of sexual abuse of his female subordinates.

It’s pretty much the same in the Navy. The Israeli Press TV channel reports that two US naval officers were dismissed from service this week for “inappropriate conduct”.

Other scandalous instances of brazen misconduct by US troops include the burning of copies of the Koran at a military base in Afghanistan and the desecration of the corpses of militants. True, the Pentagon claims to have taken measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, but its belated response has failed to repair their demoralizing effects on the army.

Decreasing troop morale amid a worsening situation in Afghanistan and Iraq and boiling tensions in the Middle East and North Africa may cost the Pentagon and the entire America dearly.—VoR

Croatia’s teachers, nurses strike against budget cuts

ZAGREB—Croatia’s teachers it would cut 2.3 billion kuna B AMAKO —Ansar Dine, an and nurses staged a one-day (244 million pounds) from the Islamist group linked to Al Qaeda-linked, has moved into to a town near Mali’s border with Mauritania after separatist Tuareg rebels withdrew without a fight, an Islamist spokesman said on Thursday. Islamist fighters from several groups have taken over an initial uprising

by Tuareg MNLA rebels since an uneasy alliance of armed groups seized control of the north in March after a military coup paralysed the central government.

Ansar Dine, which seeks to impose Islamic sharia law in Mali and has carried out executions and amputations in areas under its control, said it moved into Lere town on Wednesday afternoon.

“There was no fighting. We asked the MNLA who were there to leave. Most of them joined us. Others who didn’t agree left town,” spokesman Sanda Ould Boumana said.

Lere has no telephone network coverage and it was not immediately possible to independently confirm Ansar Dine’s version of its capture. The town is located around 70 km (45 miles) east of Mali’s border with Mauritania, an ally of the West in the fight against al Qaeda in Africa.

The MNLA’s erstwhile Islamist allies drove the Tuareg rebels from their main stronghold of Gao in June.—AP

strike on Thursday, the first major protest against austerity measures in the country that will join the European Union next year. Unions said more than 70,000 out of some 100,000 people working in schools, universities and hospitals joined the strike over reduced bonuses and cuts in the public sector wage bill announced for 2013.

The year-old centre-left government cancelled a collective agreement with public sector unions earlier this year in an effort to renegotiate contract terms and said

wage bill next year. The government is trying to consolidate the public finances and revive the economy that is now in a fourth year of recession.

The budget deficit will be reduced to 3.5 percent of gross domestic product this year from 4.4 percent last year, but for next year the deficit is seen rising to 3.8 percent due to the costs of EU accession, higher loan repayment costs and restructuring of the ailing shipbuilding industry. Croatia is scheduled to join the EU in July.—Reuters

Yemen offers reward to catch killers of Saudi diplomat S ANAA —Yemen offered a million rials ($25,000) for any $25,000 reward on Thursday for help in catching the killers of a Saudi Arabian diplomat, a day after he was gunned down in an attack that security authorities blamed on al Qaeda. The killing on Wednesday of Khaled alEnizi, a military attache at the Saudi embassy, and his Yemeni bodyguard underscored the challenges facing the U.S.-allied state since an uprising last year that ousted president Ali Abdullah Saleh.

A Yemeni security committee offered a reward of 5

information leading to the killers, state news agency Saba said.

Dressed as security officers, the attackers blocked a car carrying Enizi, an aide to the Saudi military attache, and opened fire, the security committee said in a statement.

The diplomat and his guard died instantly.Restoring stability in Yemen is a priority for Washington and its Gulf allies because of its strategic position next to top oil exporter Saudi Arabia and major shipping lanes.—Reuters

Ponting announces Test retirement P ERTH (Australia)— Australia’s Ricky Ponting Thursday called time on a 17year Test career that made him the world’s second-highest run scorer, announcing this week’s clash with South Africa will be his last.

“I know I have given cricket my all, it’s been my life for 20 years. There’s not much more I could give,” he said at a hastily-called press conference at the WACA ground in Perth ahead of Friday’s match.

Ponting, who turns 38 next month, has failed in three innings against the Proteas during draws in Brisbane and Adelaide and pressure has been building on the veteran ahead of the crucial series decider.

Perth will be a fitting place to end a remarkable international career, although Ponting will continue to play for Tasmania in the domestic competition this summer.

It is where he debuted against Sri Lanka in 1995. By playing Friday, he will equal Steve Waugh’s mark of 168 Test matches—the most in the history of Australian cricket. After being made captain in 2004, right-hander Ponting went on to become one of the country’s greatest cricketers, winning more Tests as skipper (48) than any other Australian.

The Tasmanian has 13,366 Test runs to his name, including 41 centuries at an average of 52.21, with only Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar scoring more. But he said he knew it was time to call it a day. “Over the last

Pak team named for World Kabaddi Cup

PERTH: Ricky Ponting speaks to reporters at a press conference during which he said the Perth Test will be his last match. couple of weeks my level of terms.” Ponting insisted the him by surprise.

“I didn’t have a feeling it performance hasn’t been decision was entirely his own good enough,” said Ponting, and he had not been pushed was coming,” Clarke said of who had already been by selectors. The normally his friend and mentor.

“Ricky spoke to me after dumped from the one-day stoic batsman, affectionately and Twenty20 international known as Punter, said he was Adelaide and obviously squads. highly emotional when he made his decision over the “My passion and love for told his team-mates. “I tried last few days.

“The boys (in the team) the game hasn’t changed but to say a lot but I didn’t get at the end of the day (the much out,” he said. “They’d are obviously hurting right decision) was based on my never seen me emotional be- now. He’s been an amazing results. “In this series so far fore, but I was this morning.” player for a long time.”

Clarke said the anthey have not been up to the Michael Clarke, the curlevel required of batsmen and rent captain, was close to nouncement would only fire players in the Australian tears following Ponting into up the side to win the third team,” he added. the press conference, saying Test, where the number one “I’m glad I have got the he would be sorely missed ranking in Test cricket will be opportunity to finish on my and the announcement took on the line.—AFP

Kiwis level Sri Lanka Test series with rare win

LAHORE—Pakistan Kabaddi C O L O M B O —New Zealand Federation on Thursday named 16-member national team to take part in the World Kabaddi Cup being played in Indian Punjab from December 1-15.

The team was named by the selection committee of Pakistan Kabaddi Federation after a meeting, said a spokesman of Pakistan Kabaddi Federation here.

The team comprises following players, Musharraf Javed, Mohammad Sajjad, Matloob Ali, Muhammad Mansha, Muhammad Waqas Rahim, Khalil Ahmed, Muhammad Aslam, Asif Ali, Muhammad Irfan, Abaidullah, Waqas Ahmad Butt, Sahfaique Ahmed, Muhammad Shafqiue, Akmal Shahzad, Muhammad Ishfaq and Muhammad Afzaal. “ The team was selected from 28 probables who attended a national training camp at Islamabad for 20 days”, he said.—APP

registered their first Test win in Sri Lanka in 14 years Thursday, overcoming Angelo Mathews’s defiance in the second and final Test in Colombo to level the series 1-1.

New Zealand won by 167 runs, bowling Sri Lanka out for a second innings total of 195 in the last session of the fifth and final day at the P. Sara Oval as the hosts chased a 363-run target.

All-rounder Mathews offered stiff resistance to the tourists, top-scoring with a fighting 84 which included one six and 11 fours. He was the last man dismissed after batting for more than two sessions.

New Zealand, who had lost five successive Tests before this match, put in an improved all-round show in Colombo, posting 412 in the first innings and their bowlers, especially the pacemen, delivered in both innings.

The tourists tightened their grip on the match on Wednesday when they reduced the hosts to 47-4, but had to work hard for success on a fifth-day wicket, which was still good for batting.

New Zealand got just one wicket in the morning session and two in the second before completing the job with the second new ball in the evening.

Fast bowlers Trent Boult and Tim Southee each finished with three wickets, while paceman Doug Bracewell took two and debutant legspinner Todd Astle one.

Astle provided the crucial breakthrough in the afternoon when he had Prasanna Jayawardene (29) caught behind with a delivery that turned and bounced for his first Test wicket.—AFP

Ponting retirement to fire Aussies

PERTH (Australia)—Captain PARIS—Serena Williams has Michael Clarke says Australia will use Ricky Ponting’s farewell Test as extra motivation in the series decider against South Africa, with the number one world ranking also at stake.

South Africa will retain top spot with a win or draw after the first two games in the three-Test series ended in draws while the home team need a victory to move back to the number one spot.

Both Clarke and Ponting, who announced his Test retirement on Thursday, described the match as a winner-take-all “grand final” for the top spot.

But the Australians have been rocked by the loss of fast bowling duo Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus, both ruled out due to fatigue from the second Test in Adelaide, which finished in a tense draw on Monday.

They will also be without fellow quick James Pattinson, who injured his side in Adelaide.

Their absence means at least one of uncapped fast bowling pair Josh Hazlewood and John Hastings will make their Test debut and both could play if the home team elects to go in without a specialist spinner and drops Nathan Lyon.

The final decision will be made on the morning of the match.

Left-armer Mitchell Starc, 12th man for the first Two tests, and paceman Mitchell Johnson, who boasts 30 wickets in four Perth Tests, will both come into the side.

Clarke, who was emotional when discussing Ponting’s announcement, said the Australians were determined to send the veteran out on a high by returning to the pinnacle of Test cricket.

“It will only give us more inspiration, there is no doubt about that,” he said of Ponting’s retirement.—AFP

President’s Trophy

ZTBL defeat UBL by an innings I SLAMABAD —Junaid Nadir,

Junaid Zia and Zohaib Khan took three wickets apiece as a merciless ZTBL defeated UBL by an innings and 256 runs in a President’s Trophy Grade-I match here at Marghzar Ground on Thursday.

United Bank batting colN Zealand 1st innings: 412 b Boult ............................ 18 Sri Lanka 1st innings:244 Eranga b Southee ............ 0 lapsed yet again as after folN Zealand 2nd innings:195 Herath not out ................. 6 lowing-on, they were bundled Extras: (b 4, lb 11, w 1) .. 16 out on 208 runs in 59 overs to Sri Lanka 2nd innings: Paranavitana lbw Total: (all out) .............. 195 give an easy victory to their b Southee ......................... 0 Fall of wickets 1-0, 2-35, 3- opponents. Syed Osama was Dilshan b Southee ........ 14 41, 4-46, 5-63, 6-119, 7-122, the only batsmen who scored scintillating 58 runs and reSangakkara b Bracewell 16 8-168, 9-169, 10-195 Jayawardene b Bracewell . 5 Bowling: ........... O-M-R-W mained unbeaten. Two other Samaraweera run out ...... 7 TG Southee ........ 20-5-58-3 batsmen who showed some Mathews b Boult .......... 84 TA Boult .......... 17.5-6-33-3 resilience were Ali Asad and Jayawardene c van Wyk Bracewell ............ 13-6-13-2 Kashif Bhatt. They scored 31 b Astle ............................ 29 JS Patel ............... 16-7-20-0 and 35, respectively.

At Diamond Ground the Randiv c Guptill b Boult . 0 TD Astle ............. 18-4-56-1 Kulasekara c Williamson DR Flynn ................ 1-1-0-0 match between Port Qasim and Habib Bank ended in a draw. Habib Bank resumed their second innings from the overnight scored of six for none and made 198 for two.

Imran Farhat made brisk 97 off 92 balls that included 15 fours, while Shan Masood scored 58 off 94 balls. Port Qasim’s Umar Amin picked up two wickets for 94.—APP

No facilities for Amir: PCB L AHORE—Pakistan Cricket

COLOMBO: New Zealand players celebrate after winnings the 2nd Test against Sri Lanka on Thursday.

Serena Williams named WTA Player of the Year

Board has said it did not allow the banned pace bowler Mohammad Amir to use of its training facilities at the National Cricket Academy nor it has contacted the International Cricket Council to get his ban reduced.

“It is a baseless news which appeared in a section of press and it aims at creating confusion “,said a spokesman of PCB here on Thursday.

“The news item is totally incorrect and is based on wrong intentions. The PCB is following all ICC instructions, and there is no question of allowing Amir the use of official facility until he serves the ban or it is removed.—APP

been named WTA Tour Player of the Year for the fourth time after winning Wimbledon, the US Open and Olympic gold in a stunning summer of success.

The American started the year poorly amid concerns over her fitness and motivation and lost in the fourth round of the Australian Open.

But back-to-back tournament wins in Charleston and Madrid in April and May marked a remarkable change in fortune for her.

Williams, who turned 31 in September, went on to win 48 of 50 matches, landing Grand Slam titles at Wimbledon and the US Open and taking gold in London where she defeated Maria Sharapova 6-0, 6-1 in the final.

She then finished the year in fitting style by winning the WTA Tour Championships in Istanbul although she remained ranked third in the world behind Victoria Azarenka and Sharapova.

After her win in Turkey she said: “I’ve always said if I’m playing well and doing everything right, it’s really difficult to beat me.

“I still believe that, which is great that I can still kind of play that way. I feel like there are always ways for me to improve, but I think it’s a true

statement, without trying to sound really full of myself or anything.”

Williams was previously honoured with the WTA award in 2002, 2008 and 2009.

In the 36-year history of the Player Of The Year award, Williams is one of only three

Asif advances in last-32 stage of World Snooker

players to win it more than twice, alongside eight-time winner Steffi Graf and seventime winner Martina Navratilova.

Four players have won the award twice - Monica Seles, Lindsay Davenport, Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters.—AFP

Islamian Leopards win match by 7 wickets SPORTS REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—Islamian LeopK ARACHI —Pakistan’s top fourth frame. But he quickly ards Cricket Club defeated cueman Muhammad Asif advanced in the last 32 round of IBSF World Snooker Championship in Sofia (Bulgaria) with an impressive 4-1 victory over Egyptian cueist Yaser Elsherbiny on Thursday.

However debutant and Pakistan number two, Asjad Iqbal made his exit from the event after he went down fighting 3-4 against Billy Castle of England.3 0 - y e a r old from Faisalabad, Asif taking part in his second world event, dominated his match against Yaser with consistent potting and fine cue control.

After conjuring up the first three frames, Asif lost the

sealed the fate of the match by grabbing the deciding fifth frame without much fuss to complete 65-28, 109-26, 78-45, 28-69, 59-6 win.

Snooker prodigy Asjad Iqbal from Sargodha, battled hard before losing the deciding final frame after a keenly fought encounter.

After conceding 1-3 lead to Castle, Asjad showed a remarkable comeback by grabbing the next two frames to level the terms 3-all.

Englishman however produced a superb display and strong potting to chalk out 108-16,65-44,7-94,95-9,4066,44-83,88-16.—APP

Greenland Cricket Club Rawalpindi by 7 wickets. The match was played at International Islamic University cricket ground here.

The Captain of Islamian Leopards Haroon Rashid won the toss and elected to ball first. Greenland Cricket Club set a total of 138 runs in 35 overs and lost 9 wickets.

Mohammad Iqbal made 70 runs.

Khalil Ahmad Dogar, Sajid Khan, Haroon Rashid took 2 wickets each. Islamian Leopards got target in 25.3 overs. Haroon Rashid made the easy victory for his team with 73 not out runs.

Sachin is not narcissist, but he now needs a “purpose motive” : Sandy Gordon BIPIN DANI OBSERVER CORRESPONDENT M UMBAI —India’s masterblaster Sachin Tendulkar, whose poor form and first time in his 23-year-old long career the retirement talks have surfaced on top, now needs a ‘purpose motive’ (to continue), according to Sandy Gordon, the renowned Australian psychologist.

Speaking exclusively from Perth, where Professor Gordon is a Sport and Exercise Psychologist (School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health, the University of Western Australia), he said, “Sachin will acknowledge that in all sports the only selection criterion that trumps all others is ‘performance’. So, without ‘performance motive’ (and/or ‘profit motive’), it seems he may now need a ‘purpose motive’ i.e., ask himself ‘why’ he is playing on”.

“Psychologically speaking he would, in time, find it easier to deal with ‘why did you retire?’ questions vs. ‘why didn’t you retire?’ questions. Responses to the former characterise someone who

has realised that mastery is an asymptote (you can get close to perfection but never quite attain it - which of course makes ‘hanging in there’ more alluring) but also someone who puts the game (cricket) ahead of ‘the self’.

Responses to the latter question are inherently narcissistic (entitlement, hubris ‘don’t you know who I am, what I have achieved?’, ‘the game owes me more time...’).

I don’t think Sachin is a narcissist”, he added.

“In 1962 John F. Kennedy was advised by Clare Boothe Luce (one of the first women to serve in the US Congress) ‘a great man, is one sentence’ e.g., Abraham Lincoln’s sentence was ‘preserved the union, freed the slaves’. Seems India, and the cricket world, wonders what Sachin’s 6word sentence - his ‘purpose motive’ and brand - might now be”.

“Transitioning out of competitive sport is fraught with hosts of both rational and intuitive decision-making quanderies - there is a huge literature on this topic (both voluntary and involuntary retirement) for those interested. Anecdotedly, apparently great players

“know” when their time is up, and I’m sure Sachin will too. Hopefully he and others will maintain a lighthearted vs. solemn perspective like Tom Kite (American golfer), on turning 40 years of age and questioned by the media when he’d retire, who quipped ‘dunno, but I’m sure gonna have fun finding out!’”, Gordon signed off.

According to other Indian psychologist, Dr. B.P. Bam, who has counselled a few individual cricketers and knows Indian culture well, feels that there are normally two factors that affect performance. First is the calibre of the player and the second is the form.

“The talk of poor performance and discussion about the possible retirement must be adding to the pressure he has to handle”, he said from Nasik.

“The player has to leave aside all the other roles and face the challenges on the ground with full focus.

Sachin is a master in this and if he decides to continue playing, we, all the fans of his, can only hope that he regains his form”, he signed off.

Vitamin D may ward off tooth decay: Study V

ITAMIN D is associated with a 50 per cent reduction in tooth decay, ac cording to new research.

The new review of studies of children in several countries highlighted the potential role for vitamin D in helping to prevent tooth decay or dental caries.

The review, published in the journal Nutrition Reviews, encompassed 24 controlled clinical trials, spanning the 1920s to the 1980s, on approximately 3,000 children in several countries.

These trials showed that vitamin D was associated with an approximately 50 per cent reduction in the incidence of tooth decay.

In the trials Dr Philippe Hujoel from University of Washington reviewed, vitamin D levels in children were increased through the use of supplemental UV radiation or by supplementing the children‘s diet with cod-liver oil or other products containing the vitamin.

The clinical trials he reviewed were conducted in the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Austria, New Zealand and Sweden. Trials were conducted in institutional settings, schools, medical and dental practices, or hospitals. The subjects were children or young adults between the ages of 2 and 16 years, with a weighted mean age of 10 years. Hujoel‘s findings come as no surprise to researchers familiar with past vitamin D studies.

According to Dr Michael Hollick, professor of medicine at the Boston University Medical Center, “the findings from the University of Washington reaffirm the importance of vitamin D for dental health”.

“Children who are vitamin D deficient have poor and delayed teeth eruption and are prone to dental caries,” he said.

“Whether this is more than just a coincidence is open to debate. In the meantime, pregnant women or young mothers can do little harm by realising that vitamin D is essential to their offspring`s health. Vitamin D does lead to teeth and bones that are better mineralised,” Hujoel said in a statement.

While vitamin D‘s role in supporting bone health has not been disputed, significant disagreement has historically existed over its role in preventing caries, Hujoel noted.

The American Medical Association and the US National Research Council concluded around 1950 that vitamin D was beneficial in managing dental caries.

The American Dental Association said otherwise - based on the same evidence. In 1989, the National Research Council, despite new evidence supporting vitamin D‘s caries-fighting benefits, called the issue “unresolved”.

Current reviews by the Institute of Medicine, the US Department of Human Health and Service and the American Dental Association draw no conclusions on the vitamin D evidence as it relates to dental caries.

KARACHI: Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah in a meeting with ministers of MQM at CM House on Thursday. Minister for Local Government Agha Siraj Durrani and Information Minister Sharjeel Enam Memon are also seen in the picture.

Khawaja Rizwan visits PID,APP offices KARACHI—The Media Coor-

dinator to Prime Minister, Khawaja Rizwan Alam on Thursday visited the offices of Press Information Department (PID) and Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) Karachi Bureau.

Talking to media men he said that the government of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) was working in accordance with the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and the party manifesto for the betterment of the people as well as the country.

Referring to the achievements of the present democratic government,Khawaja Rizwan said that the 1973 constitution has been restored in its original shape, provincial autonomy has been given to the provinces,thousands of poor families are being supported through the Benazir Income Support Programme Wasila-i-Haq KARACHI: Chairman Sindh Bachao Committee Jalal Mehmood Shah addressing a press (BISP), Programme initiated,there conference at his residence. was 100 percent increase in the salaries of the government employees, practical steps are being taken for resolving the electricity crisis.—APP

Security beefed up for polio vaccinators SATFF REPORTER

Manzoor Wassan paid surprise visit to Central Jail

KARACHI—Sindh Minister for also asked about the food that is

Jails, Manzoor Hussain Wassan, being provided to the inmates.

He also saw the inmates ac-

Thursday paid a surprise visit KARACHI—Karachi adminis- on quiring the computer education to the Central Jail Karachi. tration has beefed up security arrangements for the vaccinators and other relevant staff deployed to administer oral polio vaccines to under five children in the sensitive areas of the metropolis.

Deputy Commissioner of Karachi South, Mustafa Jamal Kazi in a meeting held at Commissioner office on Thursday said eradication of polio virus from the environs of Karachi and ultimately from the country was extremely crucial for elimination of the crippling disease from this universe. He said Pakistanis in general as responsible citizens of this world are committed to the cause and would be extensively supported by all concerned authorities of the city and the country.

He met with the inmates and their visitors and also talked to them. A statement said that on the complaints of the visitors, the Minister issued suspension letter for the Assistant Superintendent of Jail. It said that Wassan also impressed upon the jail staff that no dereliction in the performance of duty, would be tolerated.

The Minister also saw the kitchen and checked the standard of the food as well as the cleanliness.

He also inquired about the problems of the inmates. Wassan

as well as that of the fine arts and asked the inmates to learn skills so that after release they should become a good citizen.

The Minister said that in 2008 before the government of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) came to power, the daily expense of diet of inmate was Rs. 33 per head which the present government enhanced to Rs. 115 per head.

He said that attention is also being paid towards the standard of the food. Wassan said that the security of the jails is also being enhanced.—APP

Haroon reviews KU announces progress of e-policing MA final result STAFF REPORTER

OBSERVER REPORT

KARACHI—Centralized Call KARACHI—The University of Centre Management System Karachi on Thursday announced the result of the MA Final (External) Annual Examination 2011 in the discipline of Islamic Studies. According to the order of merit,Zeshan Khan with 781 out of the maximum 1,000 secured first position. He was followed by Hafiz Atta ur Rehman with 776 and Saira Sarwar with 755 marks who remained second and third respectively.

According to statistics, 671 candidates appeared in the examinations and the pass percentage remained at 40.83. A University announcement said that marks certificates are being issued.

and Supporting Services have been successfully implemented / deployed by Information Technology Department, Government of Sindh in coordination with Police Department under the Project of Introduction of E-Police in Sindh.

This was stated by Sindh Minister for Information Technology Muhammad Raza Haroon while reviewing the progress of development projects of I.T. Department at his office here today. Under the project, Vehicle Tracking Sys-

tem have been installed into more than 100 emergency response vehicles so far provided by the Police Department. This process is being continued as per availability of the vehicles, the Minister I.T. added.

The Madadgar 15 Call Centre has been fully operative and functional since 13th January 2011 and the Madadgar 15 staff of the Police Department is fully trained and attending emergency live calls 24/7 on the new established system. Police Department has already taken – over the administrative and operational control of the Madadgar 15 Call Centre for last eleven months, the Minister concluded.

Chinese seismic survey team calls on CS Sindh STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—A team of Chinese seismic survey team Sinopec, called on Chief Secretary Sindh, Raja Muhammad Abbas, here on Thursday.

The team was headed by the Chinese Commercial Counsellor, Yan Jianming. The team is in process of carrying out a seismic survey in District Badin, since April this year.

The team coordinator, Wang Jindang, also pointed out that their problems.

The Chief Secretary Sindh assured the team to enhance safety measures. He also asked the Deputy Commissioner Badin and SSP Badin to depute senior officers to resolve the problems.

Robber nabbed after shootout STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—A robber was arrested after an alleged shootout with police at North Nazimabad here.

According to reports, two armed motorcyclists snatched a purse from a woman before being spotted by the police.

After a brief shootout, one robber was arrested in injured condition while his accomplice escaped. The police recovered a pistol, cash and the snatched purse.

Sindh ministers terms PPP a party of martyrs OBSERVER REPORT

Those who think about to eradicate of PPP can never be successful in their ulterior motives, said they. The PPP ministers said the party’s founding father Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto had created a history in political history of Pakistan by founding the PPP. The PPP was a party of martyrs who supported democracy with their blood. The provincial ministers added “Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto with her own blood promoted democracy in Pakistan and due to her glorious struggle the way of the dictatorship in Pakistan has been closed in the country and

her struggle for the promotion of democracy would be written in golden words.”

They said that the country was passing through a critical juncture. It was the need of the hour that all democratic forces should join hands and defeat all undemocratic forces. “Unity is the need of the hour. The spirit of tolerance should be promoted to eradicate terrorism and extremism in the society. President Asif Ali Zardari having given his powers to Parliament has created a unique example. We should forget our all differences and should work for the promotion of the democracy,” the said.

Young woman loses life to dengue fever

2 killed, several injured in city violence

KARACHI—The members of Sindh cabinet Thursday said the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is the largest political and democratic party of Pakistan having deep roots in all four provinces, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir.

The statement was made separately by Provincial Ministers for Excise and Taxation Mukesh Kumar Chawla and Revenue Jam Mehtab Hussain Dahar and Special Assistant to CM Sindh on Media Sharmila Faruqui on eve of the Foundation Day of the ruling PPP.

STAFF RE1PORTER KARACHI—A twenty year old lady lost her life to dengue hemorrhagic fever in the city, bringing the total number of these deaths to two this year, said a senior official of Sindh Dengue Surveillance Cell. Talking to APP Thursday, he said six cases of dengue haemorrhagia fever were confirmed during last two days, consequent to relevant laboratory tests, “Three of these cases pertain to Karachi, two to Hyderabad and one to Sukkur,” he said. About the young life that was lost, he said the patient was a young woman from Kharadar (Karachi), admitted to a private hospital on November 27 and passed away on November 28.

In reply to a question he said another woman had lost her life to dengue hemorrhagic fever on August 31 this year.

Meanwhile, The official said 622 cases of dengue fever, that also include dengue hem-

orrhagic fever, were registered with the cell during this year.

All government and private sector hospitals are required to report dengue fever cases, attended by them to the cell managed by the provincial health department About the Thursday status, he said 16 patients of dengue fever were still admitted to different hospital in Karachi and these include 11 new cases.

“Necessary investigations of these admitted cases are underway whereas other seven suspected cases bought to different OPDs were sent back after necessary assessment and relevant medication,” he said.

The official said the disease, peculiar to urban areas, could be efficiently prevented through adequate measures on part of both citizens and the government.

Concerted efforts are required to bust breeding grounds for Aedes Egypti, the culprit category of mosquitoes that trigger dengue fever

STAFF REPORTER K A R A C H I — Two persons were killed and several others injured in fresh spate of target killing in different localities of the city. The police arrested several accused during various raids across the city and recovered arms from their possession.

According to details, unidentified miscreants opened fire at 60-year-old Allah Ditta, in Abidabad area killing him on the spot and fled the scene.

The body was shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital for postmortem where it was handed over to heirs after fulfilling legal requirements.

Rescue sources said another person was shot dead by unidentified persons on Baldia Hub river road and escaped from the scene.

Meanwhile, eight persons were reported injured in separate violent incidents across the

State Life provides Rs.1m for families of fire victim STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—The State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan (SLIC) on the directives of the Federal Minister of Commerce will provide financial assistance of Rs. 1 million to the fire victim’s family. A statement here on Thursday said that the Corporation conveys its deep condolences to the bereaved family members.

It said that the Chairman State Life Insurance Corporation has ordered an internal enquiry with reference to the fire incident in State Life’s Building No. 11 which occurred on 28th November in Karachi.

The Enquiry Committee has been directed to complete and submit its report within three days.

Chairman Sate Life has also ordered an external enquiry to be undertaken by NESPAK for enquire into the causes of the fire incident and suggest remedial measures, if needed.

PIMA asks for drug testing laboratories in all major cities STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Pakistan Islamic

Medical Association (PIMA) has urged the authorities for establishment of Drug Testing Laboratories in all major cities of the country.

Dr. Misbah ul Aziz, PIMA President, in a statement on Thursday said there was urgency to ensure that people in general and resource-less sections of the society in particular may no more fall victim to spurious drugs.

He said it was equally incumbent upon both provincial and federal governments to evolve a system, and also ensure fool-proof mechanism, so that drug and pharmaceutical sectors do not take KARACHI: Employees of Sindh Medical University hold a demonstration to demand legal advantage of any loophole at the status for the university, on Jinnah Hospital Road.

Deaths more common on popular heart drug

P

EOPLE with a common type of abnor mal heart rhythm were more likely to die within several years if they had been prescribed digoxin, a drug used to help control abnormal heart rates, in a new analysis The research involved 4,060 people with atrial fibrillation, in which the heart’s upper chambers quiver chaotically instead of contracting normally.

More than two-thirds of the participants were treated with digoxin at some point either shortly before or during the 3.5year study. Dr. Samy Claude Elayi, from the University of Kentucky in Lexington, said digoxin which is widely available in generic form - may benefit some people who have heart failure in addition to a heart arrhythmia.

“But in patients that have no heart failure and (have) atrial fibrillation, I think there is no reason to use this drug as a first line,” added Elayi, who worked on the study.Another cardiology researcher, however, said the new study isn’t robust enough to warrant changing treatment strategies, and that earlier studies have shown digoxin is safe.Elayi and his colleagues re-analyzed data from a past trial of people with atrial fibrillation and a high risk of stroke that were treated with a variety of drug combinations, including beta blockers and calcium channel blockers.

Over the study period, 666 people died, according to results published in the European Heart Journal.People who had

taken digoxin in the previous six months, the study team found, were 41 percent more likely to die of any cause and 61 percent more likely to die from a heart rhythm problem, in particular.

That increased risk of death was seen in people with and without heart failure, and in both men and women. Digoxin works by helping to stabilize the upper heart chambers affected by atrial fibrillation, Elayi said but it can also cause problems by creating a bad rhythm in the heart’s lower chambers.

That can lead to dizziness, fainting and heart palpitations.

The researchers noted that they didn’t have data on what dose of digoxin people were prescribed - or how closely they stuck to those prescriptions.

Because the trial wasn’t originally intended to measure the negative effects of digoxin, and people weren’t assigned randomly to one arm or the other, the analysis also can’t prove that digoxin caused the extra deaths. Dr. Ali Ahmed, who has studied digoxin at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, called that a major limitation of the new study.

He said an earlier randomized controlled trial - considered the gold standard of medical research - did not find more deaths among people with heart failure taking digoxin. Other research, Ahmed added, has suggested that low doses of the drug can actually lower the risk of death among some patients.

LAHORE: Health workers supervising polio drops to a child in Shalimar Area.

IT Varsity of int’l standard being set up soon in Lahore STAFF REPORTER L AHORE —Punjab

Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that an Information Technology University of international standard is being set up in the provincial metropolis and its initial campus has been established at Arfa Karim Software Technology Park where classes will soon be started.

He said that establishment of the first Information Technology University in the history of the country in Lahore will promote science and technology and enable the new generation play its role in national development and progress through acquiring modern knowledge.

He said that promotion of information technology is of paramount importance for the transparent utilization of funds, elimination of corrup-

Principal RMC transferred LAHORE—Punjab government has issued transfer orders of Principal Rawalpindi Medical College/Allied Hospital Rawalpindi, Prof.

Dr. Muhammad Mussadaq Khan and made him OSD. He has been directed to report to Health Department immediately.

According to a hand out, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Afzal Farooqi has been appointed as Caretaker Principal of Rawalpindi Medical College Rawalpindi.—APP

tion and good governance.

He said that Punjab government has promoted information technology in different sectors to improve their performance.

He was presiding over a meeting regarding establishment of Information Technology University in the provincial metropolis.

Chairman Punjab Information Technology Board Dr. Umar Saif, Pakistan Muslim League-N leader Ch. Jaffar Iqbal, Chairman Planning & Development, Secretaries of Higher Education and Finance and Director General LDA attended the meeting. Administrative, academic and financial matters of Information Technology University were reviewed in detail during the meeting.

The Chief Minister gave approval in principle to the funds of one billion rupees for the university.

Addressing the meeting,

the Chief Minister said that the future of the country is linked with information technology and the goal of progress and prosperity and bringing a positive change in the life of people can be achieved through equipping the youth with latest knowledge. He said that establishment of Information Technology University at Dera Rakh Chahil in Lahore, with the cooperation of Turkish university METU will bring about a revolution in IT sector and result in availability of modern educational facilities to boy and girl students.

Setting up a committee comprising Chairman Planning & Development, Secretary Higher Education and Secretary Finance, the Chief Minister said that the committee will look after the matters regarding funds of the Information Technology University.

Six police officials suspended STAFF REPORTER L AHORE —DIG Operations Lahore Rai Tahir suspended six police officials including three SHO on the charges of negligence during duty.

According to police sources, the suspended officials are ASI Amanat Ali, SI Liaquat Ali, ASI Muhammad Ramazan, head constable Muhammad Naeem, constables Rizwan and Hafeez.

IGP Muhammad Habibur Rehman transferred and posted two police officers.

According to a notification issued here on Thursday, Usman Akram Gondal has been transferred and posted as Deputy Director, Monitoring, Elite Police Force Punjab, Lahore, while Mumtaz Ahmad, SP Legal Gujranwala Region, is transferred and posted as SP Investigation, Nankana Sahib.

Seven arrested for stealing steel fences of RBP L AHORE —The police arrested seven accused for stealing steel fence of Rapid Bus Project (RBP) and recovered a trawler and crane laden with fences here in the wee hours of Thursday.

According to details, the accused were loading steel fences of RBP to shift them to undisclosed location when the government engineer Rana Mushtaq present nearby the scene informed the police.

Manawan Police immediately responding to the complaint reached the spot and arrested seven persons and recovered a trawler and a crane laden with steel fences.

Engineer Rana Mushtaq told the police that arrested accused were neither government employees nor they have any contact with contractor of the project. A case LAHORE: PML-N President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif talking to Korean Ambassador to Pakistan Choi Choongjoo. has been registered against the detainees at concerned police station and investigations were in progress.—INP

Metro bus project reviews, Kalma Chowk uplift

National event on rights of children on Dec 1 L AHORE —A national event on “Children’s Right to Participation” is being organized here on December 1 (Saturday) as part of Universal Children Day celebrations.

AGHS-Child rights unit is organizing the event, with the aim to bring out leadership qualities in children and give them a confidence to speak about their rights and show their talent on a public platform, Qudsia Majid a spokesman for AGHS, an NGO, said here on Thursday.

Above 250 children from eight citiesLahore, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Faisalabad, Kasur, Sargodha, Sialkot and Swat- will attend the event. Plays, art competition, songs etc are part of the celebrations.

The event will be presided over by Hina Jilani (Advocate and Human Rights Activist).

Dr Mehdi Hassan, former chairman of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, will be the chief guest.—APP

‘Chief Minister’s Self-Employment Scheme’ provides interest-free loans SALIM AHMED LAHORE—Punjab Chief Min-

ister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that “Chief Minister’s Self-Employment Scheme” is a significant step towards making Pakistan a country as was envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal. He said, under this scheme, deserving persons are being provided interestfree loans, upto Rs.50 thousand, and, so far, interest-free loans, to the tune of one billion 300 million rupees, have been given to 75 thousand families. He said the target of providing interest-free loans to one and a half lakh families has been fixed, which would be achieved soon. He said, self-employment scheme is a revolutionary programme, which will bring about a great change in the society. He directed to review the possibility of increasing the limit of interest-free loans, from Rs.50 thousand, upwards.

He expressed these views, while presiding over a highlevel meeting regarding “Chief Minister’s Self-Employment Scheme”. Senator MUZAFFAR ALI Pervaiz Rashid, Special Assistant Zaeem Hussain Qadri, L AHORE —Weather became Chairman Planning & Develpleasant after Lahore and others parts of Punjab received first rain of winter here on Thursday.

The drizzling also de- LAHORE—The rising prices of creased temperature. Sky re- warm clothing at the start of mained cloudy since Wednes- winter season has forced day afternoon and Lahoriites people to visit ‘Landa Market’ experienced drizzle which in the city. turned into mild rain in the Naulakha Market, night.

Nikolson Road, Ichra, Shahdra According to met office, and some other points where western winds might cause second hand items are sold rains within the next 36 hours. attracted customers.

Prior to rain, the hospiAccording to dealers of tals and clinics have been second hand clothes , main observing a massive rush of items that people buy from patients suffering from viral landa bazars are sweaters, jackdiseases like cough, cold, fe- ets, coats, warm hats . ver, chest infection and sore Abid, a dealer, told APP on throat since last many days Thursday that used clothes and they saw the changing were imported from Europe, weather as blessing.

USA, South Korea, Australia,

Rain turns weather cool

opment, Secretaries of Finance, Industries, Agriculture, Social Welfare, Executive Director of “Akhuwat” Dr. Amjad Saqib besides concerned officials were present.

The Chief Minister was given a detailed briefing in this regard.

Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister said that federal rulers have established records of corruption, loot and plunder, besides throwing the country into darkness and despondency. He said, due to incompetent federal rulers, the country is facing energy crisis, as a result of which, industrial and agriculture sectors have been badly affected, and lakhs of people have lost their livelihood. He said provision of interest-free loans, under self-employment scheme, is an important step towards eradication of unemployment in the province and added that provision of interest-free loans is a unique programme of its kind, throughout the world.

He expressed satisfaction that the return rate of these loans is 99.85 percent. He said that the target of providing interest-free loans to one and a half lakh families would soon be achieved. He said, after the

success of the programme, its circle would be further expanded, from district to tehsil level. He directed that seminars should be conducted to create awareness among the people about the utility of this programme. He said maximum amount of interest-free loans should be provided to the less-developed areas and South Punjab, and added that the process of providing interest-free loans would soon be institutionalized.

Addressing the meeting, the Executive Director of “Akhuwat” Dr. Amjad Saqib said that self-employment scheme of Chief Minister is a historic and revolutionary step. He said that number of people who are benefiting from this scheme are rapidly increasing, while the deserving persons are being extended interest-free loans in seminars held at mosques and churches.

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that the objective of metro bus project and Kalma Chowk underpass is to provide maximum facilities to the people. He directed that the citizens should not be bothered due to development programmes and, especially, there should be no hindrance

Landa bazaars blessing for poor Singapore and Thailand and the sales were rising with the change of weather.

Some buyers said that high prices of new clothes in all the major markets had forced them to go for second hand items.

Many among them belonged to middle income groups. “It is very difficult for a common man to buy a new jacket or a sweater in the prevailing circumstances when daily income of a worker is around Rs 200 to 300 and the price of a jacket is in thousands,” said Ejaz Asghar, a labourer at Ichra Market.

Some buyers at the market

said it was not just the price but the quality as well that attracted them to ‘imported items’.

They said that jackets and jerseys are durable and comfortable-more so than new items available in the markets.

“Last year, I bought a new jacket from a well-known outlet at a very high price.—APP

PPA urges govt to implement service structure

L AHORE—Punjab Paramedics Alliance (PPA) has urged the Punjab Government to implement the service structure of paramedics of BPS-1 to 4, else they would observe strike on Thursday (Nov 29) to record their protest.

The strike would be observed at Outdoor Patients Department (OPDs) of Services Hospital and Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) to press the Punjab Government for the implementation of service structure announced by the chief minister in June 2012, Provincial Chairman of the alliance Malik Munir Ahmed told APP. The PPA Chairman said that strike would be held in different phases at all city hospitals. A protest rally will also be held in front of the LAHORE: Activists of Eunuch community holding a demonstration in support of their PIC on Friday (today), he demands outside Press Club. added.—APP

in the flow of traffic.

He directed making best arrangements to ensure continuous flow of traffic during construction of metro bus project and extension of Kalma Chowk. He said that an awareness campaign should be launched in an effective manner to apprise the citizens about alternative traffic arrangements.

While presiding over a meeting regarding improvement of traffic management with reference to metro bus project and Kalma Chowk underpass, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that traffic should not be stopped during the construction work on these public-welfare projects.

He directed making alternative traffic arrangements, in an organized manner, besides deputing maximum number of traffic personnel, on both routes, for the convenience of the citizens. He directed CTO that traffic should not be stopped at any place due to construction work, and traffic police personnel should work wholeheartedly to provide facilities to the people.

He directed installation of flex boards, at prominent places, depicting safety measures.

Dacoit gang smashed STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—Ravi Road police smashed Gamu dacoit gang and arrested its three members, including ringleader.

Police also recovered stolen motorcycles, truck besides illegal weapons, said SP City Multan Khan while addressing a press conference here on Thursday.

The SP constituted a special police team under the supervision of DSP Shafiqabad which arrested the accused when they were loading stolen motorcycle on a truck for Peshawar. The arrested were identified as Ghulam Muhammad alias Gamu, Munir and Alam Khan.