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All are for moving democracyforward................................................Vision 2025’s right focus onHR development................................................Intermittent firing across LoC

See Page 04

MUZAFFAR ALI/ LIAQAT TOOR

LAHORE/ ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan on Tuesday, bla-tantly setting aside the offer of Prime MinisterMian Nawaz Sharif for setting up a judicial com-mission to investigate the alleged rigging in gen-eral elections 2013, said that first Prime Minis-

Imran calls for PM’sresignation first

PTI to go ahead with march; Wants interimgovt of technocrats; Opposes Martial Law

ter Mian Nawaz Sharif should resign and dis-solve the assemblies and then any judicial com-mission could be acceptable to him.

Addressing a press conference at Zaman Parkimmediately after Prime Minister Mian NawazSharif’s address to the nation on television and

Thousands ofPTI activiststo join Azadi

MarchMotivated workersnot to be deterred

SituationerTariq Saeed

WHILE the Nawaz Sharifgovernment’s efforts to

cool down the fiery Khan andprevent him from taking toIslamabad streets on August 14,the independence day of thecountry, are yet to yield results,thousands of emotionallycharged Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) workers respond-ing to the call of party chief arebracing to move towards thecapital City on Thursday toparticipate in the “Azaadi”March come what may.

However, unlike the fed-eral capital, the political tem-perature in Peshawar is low andthe fever among the supporters

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MUZAFFAR ALI

LAHORE—Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)Vice-Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi saysthe PTI and Pakistan Awami Tehrik (PAT) have

PTI, PAT to struggle for real democracyagreed in principle on four points on issue ofhow the long march on 14th August to be heldand what strategy to be adopted to achieve thedesired results.

Continued on Page 7

Pakistan has loststrength to fight

conventionalwar: Modi

LEH–Indian Prime MinisterNarendra Modi on Tuesdaycame out strongly against Pa-kistan for continuing its proxywar of terrorism against India,saying it has lost the strengthto fight a conventional war.Addressing troops of Army andthe Indian Air Force on hismaiden trip to Leh and Ladakh,Modi condemned the continu-ing proxy war by Pakistan.

The neighbouring countryhas lost the strength to fight aconventional war, but contin-ues to engage in the proxy warof terrorism,” he said. Modisaid the Indian armed forceswere suffering more casualtiesfrom terrorism than from war.Noting that this is a globalproblem, the Prime Minister

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Indian MP bookedfor sedition onKashmircommentsNIZAMABAD—TheTelangana Rashtra Samithi(TRS) Lok Sabha memberfrom Nizamabad, K Kavitha,has beenbooked onseditioncharges fordeclaringthat Jammuand Kashmiris not part ofIndia.

On thedirection ofa city court, a first informa-tion report (FIR) was

Nawaz requests SC to probe rigging allegationsQuestions motive behind protests Accepts people’s right to protest

STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—In a televised address tothe nation, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharifon Tuesday requested that a SupremeCourt commission investigate alleged ir-regularities in the 2013 general elections.

“I request the Chief Justice of Paki-stan [Justice Nasirul Mulk] to form athree-member commission that will inves-tigate the rigging allegations and give afinal decision,” he said.

He said all state institutions in Paki-

stan are working together according to theConstitution.

“The judiciary is standing on the backof the Constitution and democracy. Lastyear, for the first time in Pakistan, a demo-cratically elected government completedits tenure,” said Nawaz in a televised ad-dress to the nation.

“By the grace of God, the country ison the path of democracy,” he said.

“I am not saying our government hasperformed a miracle but I can say that dur-ing 2014, Pakistan has progressed,” he

said pointing towards infrastructure andeconomy, strengthening of rupee, increasein exports, and the rise of the stock ex-change.

Countries as old as us (Pakistan) arestronger, more successful and progressivethan us, said the premier.

“We have to find the answer to thequestion: what weaknesses are keeping usfrom (reaching) our destination?” he said.

The premier questioned the ongoingprotests in the country.

Continued on Page 7

Israel furious asUN unveils Gaza

probe teamJERUSALEM—Israel lashed outon Tuesday after the UN HumanRights Council named the manwho will be running an inquiryinto its Gaza offensive.

Canadian internationallawyer William Schabas, whowill head the commission, iswidely regarded in Israel asbeing hostile to the Jewish stateover reported calls to bringPrime Minister BenjaminNetanyahu before the Interna-tional Criminal Court.

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Continued on Page 7

CHITRAL: Residents of Jughor block main Peshawar road during protest against longest load shedding.

LAHORE—Jamaat e Islami (JI) Pakistan AmeerSirajul Haq met the Pakistan Tehrik e Insaf Chair-man Imran Khan ,here at his Zaman Park resi-dence.

JI Ameer was accompanied by JI SecretaryGeneral Liaqat Baloch while PTI Chairman wasassisted by his party leaders Shah MehmoodQureshi and Ijaz Ahmad Chaudhary.

Leadership of both the parties discussedprevailing political situation of the country inconnection with the long march of the PTI.

Later, talking to the mediamen, Sirajul Haqexpressed hope that the political leadership andthe government will resolve the present crises.He urged the government to avoid confronta-tion with the PTI. He said that long march andprotest is the right of every political party but itshould be peaceful.

JI Ameer said that he was in contact withother political parties and present crises wouldbe resolved hopefully till August 14.Lower Dir: Jamaat-e-Islami’s MPA, Muzaffar

Jamaat to make every effort for securing democracy: Muzaffar Syed

Siraj hopeful of positiveoutcome from existing crises

Sayed has said that every effort would be madeto secure democracy and elements trying to de-rail the democratic system won’t be left spared.

Talking to journalists here at Timergarah,Muzaffar said peace in the region was linkedwith democracy. Everyone, he said has the rightto stage protest but possibility of violence andsabotage cannot be ruled out in such protests.

To a question, he said it was not the timemake hue and cry for rigging in polls when morethan a year has passed.There was a sovereignparliament and Election Commission which arethe true forums to discuss and address suchissue, he said and added that roads were notmeant to resolve issues of national level andsuch attempts could lead to anarchy and vio-lence. He said government in KhyberPakhtunkhwa was a sacred trust of the peopleand we cannot deceive them by rendering resig-nations.Karachi: Senior PPP leader Abdul Qadir Balochhas said his party would not support anyone to

conspire against democracy in the disguise ofprotest marches on Aug 14, the IndependenceDay of Pakistan.

Addressing the party workers on Tuesday,he said PPP had offered tremendous sacrificesfor democracy in the country and would not al-low the system to be derailed.

He on the occasion warned the elements ofradicalism that they should refrain from conduct-ing bids of terrorism in the country.

Baloch alleged that marches appeared to beattempt to deviate attention from the ongoingmilitary operation, Zarb-e Azab in NorthWaziristan.

The PPP leader urged the party workers totake active part in the independence rally sched-uled to be held in Karachi on Thursday and alsoto participate in the Gaza Million March beingorganised by Jamaat-e-Islami on Sunday. “ Wewould be part of peaceful congregations meantto express solidarity with the cause of nation aswell as muslim ummah,” he said.—APP

MANSOOR PIRZADA

GHOTKI—Sindh Punjab border at KamuShaheed near Ubauro was completelysealed by placing containers on Tuesdayto stop the convoy of PTI Sindh presidentNadir Akmal Khan Leghari. The convoygathered thousands of PTI workers fromSindh and headed to Punjab.

The Punjab government had placedseveral containers and sealed the border to

Sindh-Punjab border sealed,PTI convoy stopped

prevent the entry of PTI convoy in Punjabfrom Sindh, while reports said several work-ers entered successfully in Punjab usinglink roads.

Talking to media person, PTI presidentin Sindh, Nadir Akmal Leghari said thatPTI workers wanted to enter peacefullyinto Punjab but Punjab government hascreated hurdles by placing the contain-ers.

PESHAWAR—Khyber Pakhtunkhwa ChiefMinister Pervaiz Khattak has accused thefederal and Punjab governments of makingpeople hostage in their homes and deny-ing basic civic facilities like patrol and trans-port. Addressing the PTI workers here, thechief minister said that ordinary citizenswere also being arrested along with politi-cal workers to prevent them from participa-

Khattak blames govt of makingpeople hostage in homes

Says Nawaz, Shahbaz govts formed thru riggingtion in the long march.

In his first open attack, Pervaiz Khattakalleged that the governments of NawazSharif and Shahbaz Sharif have been in-stalled due to rigging of elections andthey have collected concrete proof aboutit. He said those declaring his governmentas a failure have their own standard thatwhoever commits more corruption is calledsuccessful. i—INP

KP Speakerannounces

assistance forfamily of late

police copP E S H A W A R — S p e a k e r ,Khyber Pakhtunkhwa As-sembly, Asad Qaiser hasannounced a assistance ofRs.0.3 million from his ownpocket for heirs of late con-stable Haider Ali, bearing theeducational expenses of hisyoung brother.

He made this announce-ment while expressing con-dolence with his father atDaubian, Mardan. Besides,District Police Officer (DPO),Swabi, Ejaz Khan, local PTIactivist, Anwar HaqdarKhan other senior officialswere also present on theoccasion.

Speaking on the occa-sion, Speaker, Asad Qaisersaid that he and Senior Min-ister, Shahram Khan Tarakaiwill also held meeting withChief Minister to seek spe-cial package for late con-stable Haider Ali.

He while paying tributesto Constable Haider Ali, whodied in an accident duringperformance of his dutiesand deserving a specialpackage.

The speaker also prayedfor the eternal peace of thedeparted soul and patiencefor his family to bear the losswith fortitude.

Police Constable, HaiderAli was died during securitysquad duty of Speaker, AsadQaiser and Senior MinisterShahram Khan Tarakai in fallof the police mobile into aravine near Swabi Inter-change.—APP

Canadian nationalout to derail

democracy inPakistan: Nasar

QUETTA—Senator and Cen-tral Vice President, PakistanMuslim League-N, SardarYaqoob Nasar has allegedthat a Canadian national washatching conspiracies toderail democracy in Paki-stan, adding that but hisconspiracies would befoiled.In a press release is-sued here on Tuesday, hesaid that people gave man-date to PML-N and otherpolitical parties to remain inParliament, to form govern-ment and complete their fiveyears tenure.

“A Canadian nationalcame to Pakistan to hatchconspiracies to derail de-mocracy on the occasionwhen Prime MinisterMuhammad Nawaz Sharif-led government was busy toresolve critical issues of law& order situation,” he said.

He said that a cricketeralso wanted to derail the sys-tem at the moment when Pa-kistan Army is busy in mili-tary operation, “Zarb-e-Azab” launched against ter-rorists.“The cricketer wantsto destabilize system anddamage peace efforts by hismovement,” he blamed.

He said that millions ofvoters gave mandate to PML-N in general elections 2013 andthey have still been continu-ing the PM Nawazgovernment.He said thatPML-N govern-ment launchedseveral mega projects whichwould benefit the country af-ter completion. He, however,said that some elements weretrying to put hurdlers in theseprojects by their anti-develop-ment politics.—APP

ISLAMABAD—Chairman National AssemblyStanding Committee on Finance, Omar AyubKhan Tuesday said, political leaders gatheringtogether to destabilize the system are makingmockery of masses mandate.

“They have a different agenda and nothingto do with reformation or revolution. They havejoined hands to destabilize the system and de-mocracy from the country,” he said speaking ona motion in National Assembly moved to dis-cuss the present political situation.

“The political party which has no represen-tation in the Parliament is out for a revolutionthus in clear negation of the constitution,” hesaid with reference to Dr tahirul Qadri. “His mo-tives are otherwise. He does not acknowledgethe constitution, rule of law and democracy. But,he is hungry for power and wanted to ascendthe throne without contesting elections and win-ning confidence of the voters. He shall have tobe dealt differently.” About Imran Khan, he said,his demand of opening four seats is not man-date of the government. Therefore, he has toapproach the Election Tribunals.

“I had the same problem and approached theTribunal and it is after the evidence of riggingby PTI in Haripur that the Tribunal held me aswinner against that seat. It was proved that man-date of the people was in favor of PML-N,” headded. Quoting the example from Sindh, he said,a PTI member Sindh Assembly was also de-seated declaring Jamat-e-Islami candidate aswinner proving that PTI had rigged that provin-cial assembly seat.

“You are in KPK government and if you ac-knowledge that elections were rigged thenplease resign and do the same in the National

Revolution talk is mockery ofmasses polls mandate: Omar

Assembly and contest by elections. If you willwin more seats we shall salute you,” Omar said.

He said that the KPK government has badlyfailed; service delivery is non-existent; educationsystem has deteriorated and even its budget hadlapsed; hospitals are in worse situation and mediareports have shown four patients lying on onebed in hospitals; polio eradication campaign hasalso failed while the amount allocated IDPs is be-ing spent on perks of Advisors and Minister whosesalaries have been increased by 100 percent.

“Their performance in KPK is zero and nowthey are trying to become political martyrs. Theirown members complain of the failure of theirgovernment in KPK,” he said as he appreciatedChief Minister KPK as a committed worker. “Werequest, please release the KPK CM from theclutches of Banni Gala; he wants to deliver butcannot due to policies of his top leadership.”

“We accept your mandate. Although youhad lost moral authority to govern KPK afterresignation by Qaumi Watan Party but NawazSharif said, he will not topple the KPK govern-ment,” he added. Omar Ayun Khan said, if youhas failed to change situation in KPK, then forwhat kind of change you are coming toIslamabad.

About law and order, he said, nobody cantravel travel from Saidu Sharif to Kalam; inrural areas of Mardan or from Kohat to D IKhan. “You claim of betterment but the situ-ation has worsened. Even numerous membersare dissatisfied with the performance of theparty and provincial government.” He saidQadri has an agenda to derail the system andit is not beneficial for PTI to stand by him.”Ifyou desire to resign, please do it. But, it will

make only you to lose the KPK governmentbecause governments and assemblies inother provinces and the federal governmentwill have to stay.”

Omar also questioned, what incentives thePTI government in KPK has given for industrialareas in Swabi, Kohat, Hattar, Bannu and D I Khan;how many technical and vocational institutes ithad established and said, the answer is NO.

“Now you are trying to create problems forthe federal government because you do not fig-ure anywhere in the present system; neither isthe government nor in the opposition,” he said,that is the only pain agonizing the PTI and ad-vised them to focus on performance in KPK.

“The country needs stability. Our army isrendering sacrifices and we have to send them amessage of integrity,” he said.”This country is ablessing for us. We have won it after great sac-rifices and we shall defend it.”

He advised PTI to learn be sane and deliverto alleviate miseries of people. “It is not time forconfrontation. Please learn from Iraq, Syria andPalestine. It is not time to confront but tostrengthen our economy and use national re-sources for welfare of people.”

Omar said,”parliament is here for reforms. Weare here to work for betterment. We have tostrengthen parliament and democracy. Powermay not sustain for always; but what has to sus-tain is Pakistan.” Chakdara: Former FinanceMinister KP and PPP leader Engr. MuhammadHumayun Khan has urged PTI Chief Imran Khanto follow constitutional path for the acceptanceof his demands and avoid indulging in politicsof confrontation on issues which were clearlydefined and explained in the constitution.—APP

HYDERABAD: Railways workers busy in repairing the railways tracks damaged after blast near Dhetha Station.

Electoral ReformsCommittee calls proposals

ISLAMABAD—Finance Minister and Chairman of Parlia-mentary Committee on Electoral Reforms Senator IshaqDar on Tuesday said political parties and general publichad been asked to submit recommendations and sugges-tions for electoral reforms and Election Code of Conduct(ECC) till September 1. Talking to media persons after themeeting, he said, ‘The meeting had decided to seek recom-mendations and suggestions from members, political par-ties and general public regarding electoral reforms andelections code of conduct till September 1.” He furthersaid that advertisements to seek suggestions from thepublic would be published within two or three days innational and regional newspapers.

The Minister said electronic media would also be uti-lized for providing information to public.

Ishaq Dar said sincerity of government and committeemembers can be judged by the fact that within 10 daysthree meetings had been held. “We want to complete elec-toral reforms and election code of conduct as soon aspossible” the minister said.

He said the meeting also finalized the pending termsof reference (ToRs). He added that next meeting would beheld on August 19. To a question, he said the governmentwould issue white paper regarding election results onWednesday. He said the government would issue clarifi-cation and facts responding to PTI chief Imran Khan’sallegations concerning general elections. When asked whyPTI had not attended the meeting, he said during theMonday meeting members of PTI informed the committeethat they will not be able to attend the meeting. “They arewith us,” he added.—APP

SIALKOT: The local villagers are showing the shells to the visiting newsmen in villageKhokhar Chabba-Charwah. The Indian Border Security Forces had badly shelledserveral Sialkot border villages along the Working Boundary, which left a womanmartyred, six persons injured and more than a dozen animals dead.

PESHAWAR: Police officials presenting the arrested culprit and recovered weaponsbefore media at Matani Police Station.

Six killed, twoinjured in

three incidentsDI KHAN—At least sixpeople were killed and twoothers injured in three dif-ferent incidents here onTuesday.

According to police, arival group ambushed andopened indiscriminate fireon five people who werecoming back their homes onmotorcycles after viewing amusical programme latenight, killing a city policestation’s constableSadullah, his brother AliRehman and Faizullah onthe spot and injuring HakimJan and Yousaf of Auba vil-lage near Chunda, Yarak.

The police said the ac-cused managed to escapeafter committing the crime,while the dead bodies andthe injured were shifted tothe district hospital here.

The two groups werefacing attempt to murdercharges. Police has regis-tered an FIR and started in-vestigation.

In other incident, twopeople were killed over amonetary dispute when firewas opened on them at DeraTown, here.

Falak Sher Lacher andhis son-in-law GhulamHussan were taking an ail-ing girl on motorcycle to anearby hospital when FazalMir Bhettani and TehsilBehtani opened fire andkilled them on the spot.

The enmity developedbetween the two groupsover monetary dispute ofRs 20,000 and they had ar-gued and exchanged hotwords a day before the in-cident.

Police registered an FIRand started search for ar-resting the culprits.

Whi le in Haf izabad,Pharpur area , Fateul lahopened fired at his friendSaqib and killed him neara b icycle machineshop .—APP

Cops honoured forexcellent performance

PESHAWAR—The Inspector General of Police KhyberPakhtunkhwa Nasir Khan Durrani has said that KhyberPakhtunkhwa police demonstrating excellent policingagainst extortionists, target killers and kidnappers in theprovince.

This he said while addressing an award distributionceremony of Swat, Mardan and Kohat police at CPO onTuesday.

The Swat Investigation police had extracted startlingdisclosures from the three arrested target killers, extor-tionists and recovered huge quantity of arms, ammunitionand explosive.

The accused have also confessed their crimes in thecourt and after their arrest target killing had reduced to agreat extent in Swat.

Mardan police has recovered huge cache of arms andexplosive from a motorcyclist after exchange of firing inwhich one accused arrested in injured condition, while theKohat police worked out a blind and challenging dacoitycase by tracing the accused and recovering looted amountof Rs 15 million in ten days. They arrested 7 accused fromKarachi, Murree and Peshawar in this case.

Speaking on the occasion the IGP highly commendedthe processional commitment and excellence performanceof the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police in the above mentionedcases.He said that he was happy over the fact that policewere receiving continuous success against the target kill-ers, extortionists and kidnappers and due to which theratio of these nature of crime had been dwindled down toa great extent.

The IGP urged the awardees to further pull off theirsleeves and come heavily on the anti-social elements.

The IGP disclosed that a scheme is being prepared inthe force regarding rapid promotion of the BA and MAqualified police personnels and hoped it will go a longway in further harnessing the professional capabilities ofthe highly educated jawan in the force.—APP

Citizensurged to

practise RTIPESHAWAR—CommissionerKhyber Pakhtunkhwa Rightto Information CommissionProf Kaleem Ullah Tuesdaystressed upon citizens toactively practice their Rightto Information (RTI) bysending information re-quests to public bodies.

He said the commissionis established to strengthenthe citizens.Addressing aseminar organized by Cen-tre for Governance andPublic Accountability(CGPA) in District PressClub in Kohat, he explainedabout the structure of thecommission as well as theprocess of filing complaintsand the role and responsi-bilities of it.

He stated that all pro-vincial public bodies orthose institutions perform-ing public functions can beaccessed for the right to in-formation under the law,adding that the informationcommission is fully pre-pared to ensure citizensconstitution rights as de-termined by the law. Hesaid the use of RTI Act willmake us respectable citi-zens and this Act should beused by every citizen.

Member of ProvincialAssembly Zia UllahBangash speaking on theoccasion said that the lawmakes the elected represen-tatives and public bodiesaccountable to the citizens.

Executive DirectorCGPA Muhammad Anwarshared salient features ofthe law and explained howaffective the use of RTI Actis for the accountability ofthe government employ-ees.—APP

ISLAMABAD—Federal Minister forStates and Frontier Regions Lt Gen (R)Abdul Qadir Baloch on Tuesday urgedthe nation not to support PakistanAwami Tehreek Chief Tahir-ul-Qadri andPakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf Chief ImranKhan as they have no clear agenda.

Addressing a press conference, hesaid Tahir-ul-Qadri’s agenda of marchis not clear while he also (Tahir-ul-Qadri) does not believe in the Consti-tution of Pakistan.

The Minister said Dr. Qadri is ex-ploiting religion and his followers forhis nefarious designs.

He said that Dr. Qadri has miser-ably failed to convince the nationabout his agenda and type of systemhe wants to bring in the country.

Imran rootless in Sindh, Balochistan,PAT has no trust in constitution: Qadir

“I therefore call upon the nationto stand against those elements whohave no agenda but want to create un-certainty by bringing innocent peopleincluding women and children on thestreets against an democraticallyelected government” he remarked.

Abdul Qadir Baloch further askedthe women not to allow their childrento participate in such type of proces-sions and stay indoors.

The Minister strongly criticized DrQadri for making his innocent follow-ers a human shield for his protectionand ulterior motives.

Regarding PTI chief Imran Khan,the Minister said that he has no rootsin Sindh and Balochistan provincesand he neither took the people into

confidence about his agenda nor heconsulted them. He said that PTI chiefeven did not bother to visit the quakeaffected victims of Awaran adding he(Imran Khan) has no regard for thepeople of the Sindh and Balochistan.

He also criticized the role of PTIchief foundation for not extending re-lief to internally displaced persons ofNorth Waziristan Agency despite thefact that he is enjoying power inKhyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK).

He said that Imran Khan is talkingabout kingship but he has himself be-come a monarch of Bani Gala. Reply-ing a question, Abdul Qadir Balochrecalled that it was the Prime MinisterNawaz Sharif greatness to visit PTIchief house on his invitation.—APP

Qualityeducation

MoU signedKARACHI—The U.S. Agencyfor International Develop-ment (USAID); Sindh Educa-tion Department and RotaryInternational signed a Memo-randum of Understanding(MoU) to improve access toand quality of education inSindh, said a statement is-sued here on Tuesday. Ro-tary International Pakistan(Sindh & Balochistan) will setup computer and science labsin schools constructed byUSAID.

U.S. Consul General Mr.Michael Dodman; USAIDActing Provincial DirectorDr. Randy Hatfield; Dr.Fazalullah Pechuho, Secre-tary Education; and Mr. FaizKidwai, Chair, NationalCommittee of Rotary Paki-stan Literacy Mission;signed on behalf of their re-spective organizations.

Speaking at the signingceremony, Consul GeneralMichael Dodman said, Ro-tary International’s agree-ment to partner with USAIDand the Government ofSindh on this important en-deavor goes a long way to-wards making educationmore accessible to the chil-dren of Sindh.—APP

Villagersrefuse to

receive bodiesof terrorists

UPPER DIR—The people ofSonrai Darra in Upper Dirhave refused to accept andburry the bodies of three ter-rorists killed in a joint opera-tion by the security forces,police and local peace com-mittee.

According to reports,three terrorists were killed onthe night of August 9th andno one has yet collected theirbodies from the mortuary.The locals were of the viewthat we will not let anyoneto carry out terror activity ontheir land. They said, theyhave no sympathy for ter-rorists and will not allowanyone to bury them inSonrai Darra.—APP

Hot, humid weather with chancesof rain at isolated places

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD)has forecast mainly hot and humid weather for most partsof the country on Wednesday.

However, rain-thundershower is expected at isolatedplaces of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore,Sargodha, Kohat, Bannu, Hazara, Kalat divisions andKashmir during next 24 hours.

According to the synopticsituation, a seasonal low waslying over north Balochistanand adjoining areas with itstrough extendingnortheastwards. Weak mon-soon currents were penetratingupper parts of the country and Kashmir.The highest maximumtemperatures recorded during the last 24 hours were: Dalbandinand Nokkundi 44 C, Sibbi 43 C, Sukkur, Dadu, Chillas, RahimYar Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan and Bhakkar 42 C.

The temperatures recorded in the other cities were:Islamabad 36 C, Lahore 37 C, Karachi 34 C, Peshawar 40 C,Quetta 37 C, Skardu 35 C, Murree 23 C, Muzaffarabad 37 C,Gilgit 39 C, Faisalabad 39 C, Multan 40 C and Hyderabad 36C.—APP

All are for movingdemocracy forward

As D-Day is coming closer, rumours are rife as to what could be thefinal outcome with some saner minds fearing the situation couldforce or provide opportunity for military intervention. However, there

is almost universal consensus that only democracy could take the countryforward and that the system needs to be strengthened to address multifariouschallenges facing the nation.

Of course, there are people like Ch Pervez Ilahi and Sheikh Rashid whoproudly talk about possibility of Martial Law but these are desperate andisolated voices and the overwhelming majority is for democracy. Even ImranKhan, who is at the root of the prevailing trouble, is publicly declaring that hewants continuation of the democracy and that his goal is electoral reforms andfresh elections. Leaders of the opposition both in the National Assembly andSenate have also vowed not to allow derailment of democracy on any pretextand all other parties hold the same view. There are media reports that theArmy itself is not interested in meddling into political chaos and wants an endto the on-going political tension. The Corps Commanders, who met on Mon-day, have reportedly put across the message that gains of Zarb-e-Azb need tobe consolidated and not lost. This is understandable as the Army is in themidst of a fierce battle against terrorists and it is for all to ensure that the gainsare not squandered. It is also understood that terrorists and their supporterswould be the gainers if attention is distracted away from the menace of terror-ism because of politics of confrontation. We believe that the Government hasalready lost a considerable time in a state of indecision, which allowed thesituation to aggravate and compound. But still, there is time for the govern-ment to go extra mile for the sake of the system and the country. No doubt, thePrime Minister has shown flexibility in indicating willingness for recount inten constituencies and has also expressed readiness to meet Imran Khan butthere should be difference between statements for public consumption andpractical steps that are need of hour in face of fast changing developments.Lahore High Court has rightly counselled PM to shun egoism and meet hispolitical opponents and even visit house of Qadri for the sake of greater goodof the country. In case of any untoward incident, ruling party would be majorloser for obvious reasons and therefore, fence mending is best option.

Vision 2025’s right focuson HR development

PRIME Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday launched a long term plan‘Vision 2025’ setting the directions for sustainable and inclusive growth

of the economy with the objective to reduce poverty and backwardness. Pri-ority has been given to human resource development for which Rs 12.5 bil-lion rupees have been allocated.

The salient features of the Vision clearly prove that Minister for Planningand Development Prof. Ahsan Iqbal burnt mid-night oil in conceiving theidea and formulating recommendations and the strategy for long term devel-opment of the country in different fields. The targets set for different sectorsare somewhat ambitious but not unachievable as the country has the potentialand the present leadership has necessary vision and resolve to realize them inthe given timeframe. Ahsan Iqbal deserves credit for preparation of such avaluable document, which would provide basis for sustainable development.His focus on human resource development is understandable as all countriesthat lead the world economically today reached zenith of development be-cause of their emphasis on human resource development. Pakistan too is be-stowed with fertile minds and it has a sizeable young population, which isbeing described as demographic dividend. Human resource developmentmeans exploiting potential of our people especially youth and this can bedone by affording them opportunities for higher education, research and skilldevelopment. We hope that the Vision would not prove to be mere lip serviceand tangible steps would be taken for exploitation of the vast potential that thecountry has in human and other resources. However, it is also a foregoneconclusion that success of the Vision is dependent upon its acceptance by allparties so that whichever party comes to power takes the programme forwardfor realization of the cherished goals set therein.

Intermittent firingacross LoC

INDIA continues to keep the Line of Control (LoC) on the boil with intermittent firing on Pakistani positions and at the same time hurling accusa-

tions without investigations that it started from the other side. In line with thistrend, Indian troops opened unprovoked firing across the Working Boundaryin Charwah sector near Shakargarh on Monday killing two civilians and in-juring three others.

The two countries had agreed to a ceasefire along the LoC in November2003, but skirmishes have often flared across the heavily militarized LoCwith both sides blaming each other for having violated the agreement. DGMOsof the two countries met in December 2013 and agreed to revitalize existingmechanism, to maintain truce on the Line of Control (LoC). Unfortunatelywith every change of leadership in the Indian army, the ceasefire violationsfrom the Indian side increase and the same is happening now a days, as newIndian army chief has taken over. On its part Pakistan is keen to pursue thecomposite dialogue for peace and the foreign secretaries of the two countriesare due to meet in Islamabad on 25th August, but such violations are certain tovitiate the atmosphere. Perhaps certain arrogant elements in the Indian mili-tary establishments are opposed to peace and tranquility between the twoneighbors. Pakistan on its part has always displayed its good intentions. Itreturned an Indian Border Security Force (BSF) soldier who was arrestedafter crossing the working boundary. He was treated well and the soldier toldmedia before release that he was courteously dealt with by the Pakistani sol-diers. But a day after, authorities in Azad Kashmir received the body of avillager killed by the Indian troops along the LOC. The villager had gonemissing while cutting grass for his animals near the unmarked dividing lineoutside his Darra Sher Khan village in Poonch District and was later reportedto have been captured by Indian army patrol personnel. These are few ex-amples of handling of affairs on the LoC. We would therefore, impress uponthe Indian Prime Minister to intervene and rein in the elements opposed topeaceful relations between the two countries, vital for economic develop-ment, for which his people have given the mandate to Mr Modi.

Challenges to democracy

The Westmust oppose

Russia’s‘humanitarian’

invasion ofUkraine

RUSSIA again appeared onthe verge of invadingUkraine over the weekend,

this time in the guise of a “humani-tarian operation.” PresidentObama and other Western leaderssounded the alarm, warning thatthe prospective intervention “is un-acceptable, violates internationallaw and will provoke additionalconsequences,” as a White Housestatement put it. For his part,Ukrainian President PetroPoroshenko agreed to a non-mili-tary relief operation under the aus-pices of the Red Cross that wouldallow for Russia’s participation.

Whether that would be enoughto deter Russian ruler Vladi-mirPutin wasn’t clear on Monday. Ac-cording to NATO Secretary Gen-eral Anders Fogh Rasmussen, tensof thousands of Russian troops re-mained poised on Ukraine’s bor-der; he said “there is a high prob-ability” of invasion. Though a va-cationing President Obama is al-ready overseeing U.S. air strikesin Iraq, the United States and itsallies must be prepared to actquickly if Russian military forcescross the frontier. The motive foranother escalation in Russia’s on-going meddling is clear enough:not the “humanitarian crisis” theKremlin claims is occurring in ar-eas held by its surrogate forces butthe threat that the Ukrainian armyand allied militias will win a mili-tary victory. Government spokes-men say Kiev’s forces have suc-ceeded in surrounding the cities ofDonetsk and Luhansk, where theremaining Russian-backed forcesare concentrated, after recapturingthree-quarters of the territory theyheld. So Mr. Putin faces the col-lapse of his proxy force, a devel-opment that would not only loosenhis hold on Ukraine but also po-tentially lead to political trouble athome — where state propagandahas whipped up a nationalistfervour over Ukraine.

To their credit, Western lead-ers who once pressed Mr.Poroshenko to accept a cease-firedeal tilted toward Russia have nottried very hard to stop the Ukrai-nian military offensive. In a phonecall Monday, Mr. Obama urged Mr.Poroshenko “to continue to exer-cise restraint and caution in mili-tary operations in order to avoidcivilian casualties,” according to aWhite House statement, but did notsay the operations should stop. Thecontinued fighting risks providingMr. Putin with a pretext for “hu-manitarian” intervention. Westernleaders, though, appear to acceptMr. Poroshenko’s argument thatthe military operation is not aboutdefeating Russia but savingUkraine. If Mr. Putin’s forces areable to hold onto a piece of terri-tory, the Russian president will beable to block Ukraine’s stabiliza-tion indefinitely, just as he has used“frozen conflicts” to sabotageother Russian neighbours.

Mr. Poroshenko is still offer-ing a peace plan that involves acease-fire and political dialogue onthe condition that Ukraine’s bor-der is sealed to further infiltrationsof Russian weapons and fighters.That could perhaps provide a face-saving exit for Mr. Putin, but it’sone Moscow is unlikely to em-brace unless its proxy forces areon the verge of defeat. That’s whythe Ukrainian military operationshould continue with Western sup-port, including fresh aid for thearmy, and why the United Statesand its allies should do everythingpossible to deter Mr. Putin’s “hu-manitarian” invasion. What “addi-tional consequences” can Moscowexpect if it crosses the line? A ro-bust package should be readied andtelegraphed to the Kremlin.— The Washington Post

MEDIA WATCH

ONLY one year after thePML (N) government withNawaz Sharif as Prime

Minister has been installed for thethird time the rule of the govern-ment is endangered by strong pro-test movements that have the po-tential to dislodge it. The reason forthis is the incredibly wrong andweak governance under the PML(N) that brought a new height ofcorruption in many sectors of fi-nance, economy and administra-tion. One major issue has been thefact that Nawaz Sharif himselfkeeps to his longstanding practiceof putting his loyalists into impor-tant places instead of allowing aproper procedure to fill the govern-ment positions based on merit asrequired. His energy policy is alltogether mistaken with wrong pri-orities that have resulted in thesurge of load shedding and powercuts all over the country during thesizzling summer heat making thelives of the people miserable andresulting in countrywide protests.

While in opposition and duringelectioneering both Sharif brotherswere not only vocal about the curseof load shedding and pledging thatafter coming into power they wouldend these menaces in few monthstime but as a contender for powerthey never worked out any plan toovercome these agitating problemsof people. In this prevalent systemof democracy there is always ashadow cabinet doing their home-work to take responsibility if saddledinto power as a result of elections,which PML (N) failed to do that hasexposed them in one year in power.But the main failure of his one-year

BJP & RSS: Two sides of same coin

AMIT Shah is a new word inthe Sangh parivar jargon. Itmeans loyalty. Shah is, with-

out any doubt, Prime MinisterNarendra Modi’s Man. But what dif-ferentiates him from others is theblind faith he has in his master,Modi. Amit Shah was given the taskto polarize the biggest state of UttarPradesh. He won the Bhartiya JanataParty (BJP) 71 seats out of 80 in theLok Sabha in the recent elections.Modi has now put Shah at the headof the BJP to spread the same divi-sive ideas, the Hindutava, all overthe country. One thing is clear fromhis appointment: Resistance to ex-tremists has worn out so much thateven a fanatic Hindu like Shah canoccupy the highest position in theSangh parivar. He is openly tryingto put RSS and Modi’s governmenton the same page. For example,Kaptan Singh Solanki, appointed asgovernor of Haryana, is a hardcoreRSS member. What it conveys isthat the BJP is willing to be used asan instrument of RSS.

By stating that the Sangh wouldtake part in politics MohanBhagwat, RSS chief, has only con-firmed the perception that theparivar is dictated by RSS. This maybe against the undertaking that RSShad given to Home Minister SardarPatel that it would not participate inpolitical activities. Then the JanSangh had to amend its constitutionto re-enunciate that the organization

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Weekly Magazine

Sadia Zahid MalikEditor

Ph: 2852027-8, Ext: 116Email: magazinesocialdiary@hotmail.com

Man has beenendowed withreason, with thepower to create, sothat he can add towhat he has beengiven. But up tonow he hasn’tbeen a creator,only a destroyer.

would remain “devoted purelyto cultural work.” The ap-pointment of Solanki alsosends out the message thatthere is no difference betweenBJP and RSS, the liberals andthe extremists. Both are two

sides of the same coin. Modi may nothave taken any step to accelerate thepace of Hindutava. Yet his primeministership has emboldened the RSSelements. So much as that one BJPmember called Sonia Mirza, India’spride in tennis, a Pakistani. It mustbe tough for the Muslims who haveto prove their loyalty to India all thetime. Her husband is no doubt a Pa-kistani. She was naturally hurt forbeing questioned on her nationality.

The Hindutava of sorts was seenin Haryana where a separateShiromani Gurdwara ParbandhakCommittee (SGPC) the Haryanawill control by all the Gurudawarain the state and their offerings. It isa serious matter which should havebeen ponder over seriously to find aformula to allay the fears of Sikhsin Punjab and Haryana. RSS con-siders the Sikh part of Hindu com-munity. The Sikhs, on the otherhand, are against the assumption.The violent reaction of Punjab chiefminister Parkash Singh Badalshowed that the Punjab Sikhs, amajority in the community, will nottolerate any division in what he de-scribes as panth, the Sikh order. An-other unfortunate deduction is thatthe liberal elements in the BJP havedwindled in numbers. They find nooption to the RSS leadership.Maybe, the distance between theBJP and RSS was never a reality. Itwas part of the RSS tactics to makea dent in the general perception that

the Indian society prefers the liberalBJP to the obdurate RSS. The per-ception about tolerance in the Hindureligion is largely true. Had this notbeen the case, the constitution wouldnot have said in the preamble thatIndia would be a secular republic.The proof is provided by electionswhere 80 percent of Hindus, whoconstitute an overwhelming majority,vote for a liberal India. Another indi-cation is that even the liberal Muslimleaders don’t get elected even whentheir community constitutes 15 to 16percent of population in the country.The ominous side is that the bigotedare adopting a still harder line and get-ting acceptance. Otherwise, Shah’selevation makes little sense. After theBJP victory at the Centre, he has beenpolarizing the society and ensuringthat the party does not snap its tieswith RSS or the extremist Shiv Senain Maharashtra.

The recent episode of forcible-feeding a fasting Muslim by a SenaMP is in a bad taste. What is moresurprising is the explanation offeredby the MP concerned and others. Sev-eral Sena members failed to condemnthe MP and instead said it was doneonly to let the authorities know thatthe food supplied at the MaharastraSadan was awfully bad. Though theSena MP had subsequentlyapologised, the party had no businessto equate it with some Muslim menraping women during Ramzan. TheModi government has at last reactedwith Home Minister Rajnath Singhregretting the incident and reiteratingthat the government was committedto safeguarding the religious freedomguaranteed by the constitution. De-spite this, Modi’s overall say in favourof Hindutva cannot be denied. He is

in office was the mistakenpolicy of talks with Talibanthat was not popular with thearmy and with many peoplefrom the urban elite called‘civil society’ who believe inkilling rather than in any other

means of conflict solution.The talks did not fail; they

didn’t even take off because of theunclear political support for it thatdelayed the meetings again andagain and the unclear agenda of thegovernment about what was the in-tended outcome and where were thered lines. In any case Nawaz Sharifafter new fatal attacks on theKarachi and Peshawar airports hadto agree finally to a military opera-tion in the tribal areas instead oftalks. The delay in launching itcaused by the missing agreementbetween government and army re-sulted in a situation where manymilitants had enough time to escapeto Afghanistan or to go into hidingin the urban areas of Pakistan sothat the military operation did notencounter much resistance whenclearing the towns of NorthWaziristan Agency. What it did dowas to unsettle large parts of thetribal population that had to fleetheir homes during the summer heatand the month of fasting withoutany contingency plan in place.

The half-hearted attitude of thegovernment towards the military op-eration resulted in insufficient or nopreparations for the hosting and hous-ing of the IDPs with dismal resultsfor the people. The fear of the dis-placed tribals to be left on the mercyof government officials in IDP campshas resulted in their avoiding the ill-equipped camps and even in theirpreferring to flee to Afghanistan in-stead. This has never happened be-fore and it is a sign of the degree towhich the situation in Pakistan hasundermined the national fabric of ourcountry with the knowledge and con-

nivance of our ruling elite. Anothersign for the same problem is thatPunjab and Sindh tried to close theirborders to the IDPs – which of coursewas impossible due to the missinggovernance skills of the provincial ad-ministrations.

As a result of such a misman-aged one year rule we are confrontednow by two main challenges to thegovernment: one is Imran Khan andhis PTI who waited one full year be-fore seriously starting to challengelast year’s election conduct – a fail-ure that has cost them quite some

creditability. And second is the re-turn of the Canadian citizen Dr.Tahirul Qadri who had tried to rockthe boat last year but made a con-tainer-contained settlement with thepowers at that time. One wonderswhat brought him back now andthere are doubts galore that he is act-ing on someone’s behalf. In any casePakistani people are crazy for some-body –anybody- who promises themrelief from the unbearable livingconditions in this country. That theyhave demonstrated when peoplearmed with sticks were fighting

against fully armed police in Lahoremanaging to remove the huge con-tainers that had been put into placeby the government in a bid to iso-late Mr. Qadri and his organization.

Imran Khan and Mr. Qadri havefailed to coordinate their respectiveprotest movements seemingly be-cause both have a quite differentagenda. While Imran Khan demands(or at least that is what it looks like)a recount of votes of last year’s elec-tion which according to his expec-tations would put him and his partinto power instead of PML (N) andmay be some changes in the elec-toral laws and procedures Mr. Qadriis fighting the political system thatis present in Pakistan by the mislead-ing name of ‘democracy’. One isn’tvery sure about what alternative sys-tem he is going to bring upon us ifhe succeeds. Caliphate? Shariah?Well, let’s see. In any case so far Mr.Qadri seems to be the clever one atleast with regard to his timing. WhileImran Khan insists on14th Augustfor his azadi march, which is almosta week ahead he might miss the trainwhen Mr. Qadri by that time mighthave toppled the government.

In any case it is the feeling thatboth of these self-appointed saviourshave really no promising agenda orin Qadri’s case have a more or lesshidden agenda, which doesn’t cre-ate much trust. But there is also an-other option helped into place by apanicky and headless PML (N): thearmy that has been put into placeunder Para 245 in Islamabad check-ing all vital installations and thusin a comfortable position to act.Only God knows what will happenin the coming days and what weshould hope for. Rulers of the typeof PML (Nawaz) don’t need en-emies to ruin the country, they havedone it all by themselves. God blessthe people of Pakistan.—The writer is Karachi-basedsenior columnist.

associated with the anti-Muslim ri-ots in Gujarat in 2002. He is alsoknown for his strong anti-Pakistanand anti-Bangladesh, the two Mus-lims republics in India’sneighbourhood. Amit Shah was partof Modi’s ministry at Ahmedabad atthat time. Fortunately, Modi also re-alizes that he should have good re-lations with both the nations. His in-vitation to the Prime Ministers of Pa-kistan, Bangladesh and theMaldives, to his oath-taking cer-emony says so. For Modi to havegood relations with India’sneighbours would strengthen theidea of pluralism, something that hashelped the country to sustain a lib-eral atmosphere in the subcontinent.

Both New Delhi and Dhaka arefighting against fundamentalism,represented by the Taliban.Islamabad is used to do so becauseit uses them for fighting ‘a battle ofindependence’ in Kashmir. There isalso a strong influential lobby withinPakistan to support fundamentalismwhich is spreading in the entireMuslim world. I wish New Delhicould act against the Hindu Talibanwhich is emerging as a seriousforce. The Muslims, whether liv-ing in Pakistan or Bangladeshthough have affirm resolve toeliminate the Taliban, the funda-mentalists, but then their new ap-proach is based on the strategy inelections which seem to return acandidate who supports pluralism.Rulers of Pakistan and Bangladeshseem to be realistic enough not todo anything which would scareaway the non-Muslim electorate.—The writer is a veteran Indianjournalist, syndicated columnist,human rights activist and author.

—Anton ChekhovRussian dramatist

Email:kuldipnayar09@gmail.com

Kuldip Nayar

Ali Ashraf KhanEmail:balti1551@gmail.com

As a result ofsuch a mismanagedone year rule we areconfronted now by

two mainchallenges to the

government: one isImran Khan and hisPTI who waited one

full year beforeseriously starting tochallenge last year’selection conduct – afailure that has cost

them quite somecreditability.

Voice of the People

Childlabour a sin

SALMAN ALI

In the 1990s, when European coun-tries banned import from countrieswhich had small children workingin factories, the developed countriesrealized what ‘Child Labour’ was.It is an outcome of a multitude ofsocio-economic factors which hasdeep roots in poverty, lack of op-portunities, high rate of populationgrowth, unemployment, uneven dis-tribution of wealth and resources,outdated social customs and normsand a plethora of other factors.

To address this, Pakistanismust invest in education. Thereshould be free education for thepoor and with it some technicalskills should be taught to equipthem to come out and become help-ful and constructive members ofsociety. The West understood thisa long time ago and laws were en-acted very early to secure contin-ued education for working children.Now they have gone a step forward,and required completion of at leastthe preliminary education in alldeveloped countries.—Lahore

An advice toSindh CM

MOHAMMAD KHAN SIAL

As per media, Chief Minister ofSindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah whilepresiding over meeting of the Sec-retaries termed them responsible ofpresent problems and disclosed thatagainst his instructions, recruit-ments were made and also his 5000instructions were not carried out.

No doubt, the statement ofSindh CM shows height of prevail-ing bad governance that Sindh hasever witnessed so far after dissolu-tion of controversial One Unit. Ihereby advise in good faith to SindhCM Syed Qaim Ali Shah and ChiefSecretary of Sindh Sajjad Hotianato resign from their offices imme-diately as this would at least saveSindh from further bad governanceif not improved otherwise.—Via email

Save humanity!ISLAMUDDIN KHUSHK

Palestine, Gaza has 4000 years his-tory. Moreover, Gaza was undercontrol of several countries and dy-nasties like Egyptian control, Brit-ish control, Israel control and Pal-estine control and Arab dynasties.However, in September 1993, lead-ers of Israel and the PLO signedthe Oslo Accords providing for Pal-estinian administration of the GazaStrip and the West Bank town ofJericho, which was implemented inMay 1994. Israeli forces withdrewfrom Gaza, leaving a new Pales-tinian National Authority (PNA) toadminister and police the city. Ledby Yasser Arafat, the PNA choseGaza as its first Provincial head-quarters. The newly establishedPalestinian National Council heldits inaugural session in Gaza inMarch 1996.

In 2005 the Israeli Cabinetwithdrew its military and settle-ments from the Gaza Strip includ-ing the Philadelphi Route, a narrowstrip adjacent to the border withEgypt, as part of its unilateral dis-engagement plan. Since 2006, thePalestinian side has been fracturedby conflict between the two majorfactions: Fatah, the traditionallydominant party, and its later elec-toral challenger, Hamas. AfterHamas’s electoral victory in 2006,the US, EU, and Israel refused torecognize its government and muchof the funding to the PalestinianNational Authority was suspended.A year later, following Hamas’ sei-zure of power in the Gaza Strip inJune 2007, the territory officiallyrecognized as the State of Palestine(former Palestinian National Au-thority – the Palestinian interimgoverning body) is split between

Long live the peopleSHERO ALI

It seems that the government is confused on how to put the last nail on the coffin and which way ofsuicide be adopted. This political instability is pushing the country into a situation that will cause a

great pain to the people who have given their everything for the sake of democracy. At this time I fear theincapability of government and political instability will force the boots to intervene. It is obviously goodto have dialogue with political parties on critical conditions but it will be much better if governmenttalks directly to the parties that are involved. Involving third parties is the sign of political immaturity.Government should act wisely and realistically at the moment instead of getting nervous. It seems as ifthey are completely shaken and lost all of their control. Scenario was even worst in the last governmentbut anyhow the former government of PPP succeeded only because of their political flexibility andtolerance. This government has not even faced 25% of what the former government faced which in-cluded corruption scandals, judicial crises as media almost as an enemy. I believe they have no cards todraw now and once again PML N has appeared as unfit to govern. I cannot believe upon the hypothesisthat Pakistan Muslim League (N) achieved the highest ever majority in the National Assembly in Gen-eral Elections 2013, but it is clearly observed that something is threatening the government. A guiltyconscience needs no accuser, moreover their panic has proved that Elections 2013 were faulty. A govern-ment with 168 seats in NA looks in trouble, taking lessons from the leaders of the rejected politicalparties, clearly shows their clear incapability. Sadly but they have failed miserably. It is high time totake positive initiatives for the betterment of the country and to prove themselves as strategic leaders.—Via email

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THE articles, columns andletters are published on thesepages in good faith. However,the contents of these writingsmay not necessarily match theviews of the newspaper.

—Editor

Peace in Waziristan: A long way to go

PAKISTAN’S military has toldthe country’s political leadership, during a National Secu-

rity Conference convened by PrimeMinister Nawaz Sharif on August 09,that terrorists are on the run and theircommand and control systems havebeen “crippled” as a result of themajor military operation in NorthWaziristan. This conference was at-tended by heads and representativesof all major political parties in theNational Assembly and the militaryleadership. Army reported that hun-dreds of local and foreign militantshave been killed during the long-awaited operation and their sanctu-aries have been destroyed. DirectorGeneral Military Operations briefedthe political leadership about the op-eration “Zarb-e-Azb” and the statusof objectives achieved so far.

This Operation is dictated byPakistan’s own national interest, andis backed by national consensus. De-spite mounting international pres-sures over the previous years, choos-ing of timing and scope of operationZarb-e-Azb was a well thought outnational decision. It took the govern-ment one year in office, and four anda half months of circuitous dialoguewith the militants to reach the con-clusion to initiate a full-scale opera-tion in North Waziristan with a re-solve that the operation would con-tinue until militancy is eliminatedfrom the country. According to mili-tary sources, so far, over 600 hard-ened militants have been killed withno civilian casualties; this is reflec-tive of Pakistan military’s profession-alism acumen. Handling of InternallyDisplaces Persons (IDPs) is a majorhumanitarian aspect of this operation.The government should expedite thepayment of cash to all the IDPs andcontinue to provide rations and othersocial security facilities to mitigatetheir sufferings. Managing over onemillion persons is not an easy task;such undertakings have peculiars eco-nomic and political challenges war-ranting innovative strategies. It is en-

couraging that entire nation contin-ues to demonstrate empathy towardsIPDs and some very meaningful ini-tiatives have been taken by philan-thropist entities to lessen the pain ofIDPs who shall always be remem-bered as heroes of our national effortagainst terrorism. They, in fact,helped the military by responding tothe request for vacating area so thatoperations could be conducted withdesired flexibility by facilitating free-dom of movement for the troops.

In the aftermath of military op-eration, daunting challenges for thenational leadership are to: developand disseminate a convincing na-tional-narrative to counter the ideol-ogy propagated by the militants; se-cure the Pak-Afghan border againstany infiltration or unauthorizedmovement; mainstream FATAthrough a steady process ofsociopolitical reforms in consultationwith the local population; plan andfacilitate IDP’s safe return and reha-bilitation; and establish a compatiblepolitical/governance system to takecharge of day to day affairs in FATA.

The PM appreciated the Armyofficers and its jawans for their sacri-fices and commitment for the causeof the nation and said, “Army is giv-ing their lives and salaries for IDPs,and for this they deserve praise fromthe whole nation. Insha Allah, terror-ism will be banished and Pakistan willprosper.” He said that operation ismeant to establish writ of the State.Chase of terrorists by armed forces andother law enforcement agencies andintelligence apparatus will continue tilltheir annihilation, the PM added. How-ever, apart from domestic dimension,peace and stability in North Waziristanis also linked with how situationevolves in Afghanistan in general andthe Afghan provinces adjoiningWaziristan in particular, and how Af-ghan government cooperates in con-trolling the cross border violence fromits side. Sampling of events indicatesthat ANSF elements are on their wayto heightened fragility. ANSF haveserious capacity and capability issues,with no early solution is sight. Thisputs a question mark on the ability ofthe Afghan government to effectivelycontrol the border movement. Disci-

pline and motivational aspects ofANSF are worrisome. Last week, anAfghan soldier opened fire on seniorAmerican officers at a military train-ing academy killing Major GeneralHarold J. Greene and wounding 15others. He was the highest-rankingmember of the foreign coalition killedduring the Afghanistan war. The gen-eral along with senior American andAfghan officers was on a routine visitto the training facility. Soon after thisshootout, an Afghan police officeropened fire on American soldiers vis-iting the governor of Paktia. In recentyears, Afghan soldiers and police per-sonnel, sick and tired of the protractedwar and inhuman treatment of the USmilitary officers/men meted out to theAfghan recruits, have been carryingout, insider-attacks. In January 2012,video of US soldiers urinating on thecorpses of dead Taliban fighters hadcaused outrage among Afghans. InFebruary, discovery of copies of theholy Quran found at a garbage dumpat Bagram Air Base had sparked anti-American riots in Afghanistan. InMarch, an American Sergeant hadslaughtered 16 innocent people includ-ing women, children and old men. Thebombing of wedding parties has fur-ther revealed the inadequacies ofdirectionless war being pursued byISAF/NATO in Afghanistan.

American and NATO command-ers do not consider the above incidentsas the reason for Afghan soldiers kill-ing American and NATO soldiers.They claim having proof that Afghansoldiers involved in attacking Ameri-cans had Taliban connection, and itwas a conspiracy to create bad bloodbetween Afghan and American troops.Discipline and vetting of the recruitsremains a major challenge. Americansare striving to vet the Afghan securityapparatus, but it is impossible to checkthe credentials of over 350000 Afghanarmy and police personnel. Underthese trying circumstances, Afghangovernment has lost the will to over-come these difficulties; instead it hasfound an easy solution to its gover-nance challenges— to blame Pakistanfor all its homegrown ills. Last week,Afghan Foreign Ministry spokesper-son Ahmad Shakib Mustaghni saidthat Pakistan has “increased its pres-

Views From Abroad

Iraq’s rot starts at the top

IRAQ’S situation is desperate.What makes it worse is that itspolitical class, and many Ameri-

can officials, continue to push a curethat would be worse than the disease:a break-up of Iraq along sectarianlines. If the past 11 years have provedanything, it is that a lack of represen-tation and inclusiveness in Iraq’s gov-ernment and institutions is not theproblem. What we have learned since2003 is that merely ensuring that thereare ministers from each of Iraq’s maincommunities — Shiites, Sunnis,Kurds and minorities like theChaldeans and Turkmen — will notensure that they will represent thosecommunities’ interests, let alone thenational interest. Any American in-fluence left in Iraq should focus onrebuilding the credibility of nationalinstitutions.

Instead, supposed experts are ad-vising us to further entrench ourethno-sectarian model and allow eachof the country’s main communitiesto govern itself and manage its ownsecurity. This ignores the current re-ality. There is no chance that Baghdadwill allow for the Sunni-majorityprovinces to develop serious securityforces. There is so much distrust atthe moment that the idea that the Shia-dominated state would let politicaland religious rivals arm themselveswith heavy weapons and establish anarmy along the lines of the Kurdishpesh merga is ludicrous. Even ifBaghdad were pressured into accept-ing such an agreement, the Sunniscould not properly manage an exclu-

sively Sunni fighting force — giventhat Iraq’s Sunni politicians are justas corrupt as the Shiite parties thatcontrol Baghdad. The little experi-ence Iraq has in auditing, oversightand project management is concen-trated in Baghdad, so new regionalor provincial institutions would mostlikely be even more corrupt than thenational institutions.

Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki has deservedly been the fo-cus of criticism, given his authoritar-ian exercise of his constitutional pow-ers, his paranoia and his blindness toreal dangers. But the rest of Iraq’selite has not done any better. Parlia-mentary elections took place in lateApril, the Islamic State in Iraq andSyria began its first push into Mosulin early June, and yet Parliament isstill nowhere near forming a govern-ment. The little progress that has beenmade — electing a new parliamen-tary speaker and a new president —was a result of pressure from thecountry’s religious institutions. Theonly major security initiative sinceISIS burst onto the scene has been toencourage Iraqis to volunteer to re-place those army units that collapsedin June. Tens of thousands of mostlyunemployed young men have signedup — only to find that the same in-competent and corrupt elements thathad infested the regular armed forceswere leading them into battle withclose to no training, equipment orsupport. Our political class behavesas if there is no crisis, because forthem, there is none: If it comes to it,they can pack their bags and leavewith their families. In fact, a numberof those parliamentarians who wereelected in 2005, 2006 or 2010 and

who did not return to office after thisyear’s elections have left.

Sadly, none of the men beingconsidered as possible replacementsfor Mr. Maliki would necessarily doany better than he has. Their records,from their time in exile in the 1990s,are dubious at best. Ibrahim al-Jafari,a front-runner, did nothing to curb mi-litia activity when he was prime min-ister in 2005-6, and refused to imposea curfew that might have preventedthe bloody civil war that erupted.Ahmad Chalabi’s name is frequentlyfloated, but his family banking busi-ness was a failure, his oppositiongroup in exile was accused of mis-managing American funds, he hasfailed to win a single seat in Parlia-ment in his own right in each of Iraq’selections, and he has no executiveexperience of note. A third candidate,Tariq Najm, is a virtual unknown —as Mr. Maliki was when he waspicked in 2006. The main advantageof Adel Abdul Mahdi, the final can-didate, is that he alone probably real-izes that he is not capable of govern-ing the country on his own and wouldtherefore rely on assistance from out-side his immediate circle. That maybe reason enough for him to occupythe position.

But what policies would he pur-sue? The solution lies not in furtherdivision or the establishment of rivalregional armies, but in the reversingof those trends by re-establishing na-tional institutions that treat all citi-zens on an equitable and equal basis.The Iraqi Army did exactly that in2010, until Mr. Maliki’s corrosiveinfluence took hold. It was not par-ticularly competent, but at least —unlike now — it had the respect of

Zaid al-Alithe population. Since 2003, un-known numbers of Iraqis have beendetained without charge for weeksand months (sometimes longer) andsubjected to human rights abuses.It is not enough for that practice tocome to an end; serial torturers,prison guards and judges must beheld to account publicly and imme-diately, to convince Iraqis that apage has been turned. Such an ef-fort is necessary if Iraqis are to trustand fight alongside their new gov-ernment in the effort to rout ISIS.

Similarly, the power Mr. Malikigranted himself over the militaryand the police should be transferredto a civilian-led national councilwith authority to review all majorsecurity policies. Iraq’s problemsare not primarily religious (as West-erners so often believe) or economic(oil revenues are being shared, andthere is enough money to financegovernment operations). They are,as always, political. If the existen-tial threat from ISIS isn’t enoughto shake the political class into act-ing, nothing will. Having ignoredMr. Maliki’s abuses so as to com-plete the troop withdrawal by 2011,the most America can do now —alongside its actions to provide hu-manitarian relief and keep ISIS atbay — is to support the politicalprocess with fair advice. Iraq’s ex-istence as a nation hangs in the bal-ance. The writer, a legal adviser tothe United Nations in Iraq from2005 to 2010, is the author of “TheStruggle for Iraq’s Future: HowCorruption, Incompetence and Sec-tarianism Have Undermined De-mocracy.”— Courtesy: The New York Times

ence of both military and advisorsamong the terrorists in Afghanistan.”Kabul also says Pakistani forces havecontinued cross-border shelling. Af-ghan National Security Council hasalso leveled similar accusations at atime when Taliban militants have in-creased attacks in parts of Afghani-stan. Pakistani ambassador to Af-ghanistan was summoned by the min-istry of foreign affairs of Afghanistanregarding the alleged persistent inter-ference of Pakistan in Afghanistanand cross-border shelling in easternKunar province. Afghan Presiden-tial spokesman Aimal Faizi has alsoalleged that Pakistan was still directlyinvolved in terrorist activities in Af-ghanistan, and had been insincere tothe Afghan-led peace process.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry hasdismissed these utturances and insistedthat the blame game could affect rela-tionship between the two countries. “Itis deeply dismaying that the spate ofAfghan allegations, maligningPakistan’s national security institu-tions, continues unabated,” the Paki-stan Foreign Ministry said. “Pakistanreiterates its categorical rejection ofAfghan allegations of involvement interrorist attacks, insurgent activities orcross-border shelling. We also firmlyreject any statements casting asper-sions on Pakistan’s commitment tofight terrorism,” spokesperson saidduring her weekly briefing. SartajAziz, Pakistan’s National Security andForeign Affairs Adviser, has stated thatthe cross-border incursions from theAfghan side is a serious issue. Azizfurther added that Pakistan was intouch with the Afghan authorities forthe better management of border andinstallation of bio-metric verificationsystem on border crossing points.

Launch of military operation inNorth Waziristan is the clearest re-flection of Pakistan’s resolve to fightterrorism without any discriminationor distinction. Lasting success of Op-eration Zarb-e-Azb hinges upon a setof enablers each at domestic as wellas international level. While mean-ingful end of the military phase maybe in sight, work on requisite enablersis certainly in lag.—The writer is Consultant to IPRIon Policy and Strategic Response.

It’s a worm..!

THIS morning I laughed as Iread the comic strip wheretwo ugly sea creatures at the

bottom of the sea, awful squiggly,wriggly tentacles spread all oversea bed, bodies ugly, revolting,beady eyes peering from mass ofquivering flesh, looking at eachother, pointing to seabed and shout-ing as they see another creaturecrawling by; “Yuk! It’s a worm!”

My own mind of comic pic-tures open: “Yuk!” says Mrs Soci-ety Lady as she sneers at pretty

woman at her husband’s office party,“And where did you buy your dressmy dear?” “At the store round thecorner ma’am, do you like it?”

“Do I like it?” asks the lady asshe nuzzles her husband, “do youthink I like it?” she asks her husband,who gives her a smile and leads herto the dance floor leaving poor girlwondering about dress she had paida fortune to wear this evening.

People stop dancing and stareat stout society lady as she twirlsaround, smooches and kisses dearhusband, “They are all looking atmy clothes,” whispers the lady hap-pily, “Yes they are,” says her hus-band and tries to catch the whispersthat seem to be going around.

“Look at him dancing with the poordear!” says a gossip, “just yester-day my husband saw him pinchingan airhostess on flight.”

“Yuk!” says the other lady. “Yuk!He’s a worm!” whispers the gossip.From his penthouse a film star looksat slum down below and sees slumdweller brushing his teeth and spit-ting onto the road.

He grunts in disgust and sees alittle fellow running naked out ofsame hut with skinny woman run-ning after him, laughing and throw-ing water at the little fellow “Rightnext to my house!” he shouts, “theydo all this just outside! Yuk!” Hegoes inside his palatial flat, looks atempty bed, then walks through his

house looking at all the otherempty rooms, “Why did you allleave me?” he screams looking inhis sitting room at family photo.“Traitor!” shouts his wife silentlyfrom the picture. “Alcoholic!”shout his children.

Below he doesn’t see womanchasing her naked child suddenlystop, stretch out her hand and shylytouch her husband. The man abovedoesn’t see the smile slum dwellergives back to skinny wife; he comesto balcony again looks down andsays, “Yuck!”

I wonder whether we also cryout, “Yuk!” at others who are re-ally far better than we are?—Email:bobsbanter@gmail.com

Fatah in the West Bank, and Hamasin the Gaza Strip. The division ofgovernance between the parties haseffectively resulted in the collapseof bipartisan governance of the Pal-estinian National Authority (PNA).The latest round of peace negotia-tions began in July 2013 and wassuspended in 2014. As of 17 July2014, intensified, widespread rocketattacks emanating from Gaza haveled to a ground invasion by the Is-rael Defense Forces.

Now, US, UN and EU are alsoresponsible for this innocent humankilling in Gaza, as they rejected 2006election. Neither did they take anystep towards peace nor did they putant sanctions on Israel, as they didin case of Iran. However, in Paki-stan every one is quite includingTaliban. Where are the Taliban whoclaimed for Islam? Now, what is thedifference between the Taliban andIsrael as Israel killed 1,822, with9,370 injured, according to the Pal-estinian Ministry of Health. AndTaliban kill innocent people of Pa-kistan and Afghanistan. The Govern-ment of Pakistan is also quiet. Paki-stan Government and all Muslimcountries have to take action againstIsrael otherwise one day all Muslimcounties will face same situation oneby one. Moreover, Saudi Govern-ment also has responsibilities to stopthis brutal massacre of MuslimUmmah and humanity. Furthermore,the situation is ambiguous. TheIsrael’s attacks are unjustifiable. UNhas to take stand against Israel oth-erwise people will lose all faith inUN.—Via email

Azadi MarchHINA REHMAN

These days the discussion regardingAzadi march is everywhere to beheard. The PTI is looking forwardto unite the opposition against thegovernment. Despite the aflamingWaziristan, where the brave soldiersof the soil are tirelessly fighting,having absolutely no hesitation insacrificing their lives for the sake ofthe country, while we sitting aim-lessly and idly without knowing thegravity of the situation, playingblame games and tiring ourselves inpetty issues. It is on one hand thegovernment is trying to cope up withthe terrorists and aiming at the pro-tection of the motherland while onthe other hand it is busy in develop-ing a strategy to deal with the up-coming ‘Inqilaab’.

Thus where does the govern-ment for the people and by thepeople lies? Where is that govern-ment which has to solve the prob-lems of its people rather than theproblems of its own survival? Whenwill this tug of war between the po-litical parties come to an end so thatthey can focus on the problems ofthe people rather than the problemsof the parties? People are now fret-ted of the current hapless politicalsituation in the country. Their prob-lem is not WHO delivers it is HOWit is delivered. But as we are impa-tient by nature and the well-knownPPP-PML(N) agreement of gettingconsecutive terms, do truly depictsa hidden agenda that is based onnothing but selfish partisan and per-sonal interests. Thus it is cardinallystated that people who live in glasshouses should not throw stones.

PTI and other alliances are on oneway heading towards freedomMarch. Yet we are unable to achievethe freedom of mind. Our minds andsouls are controlled by the leaderswho are on their own path of achiev-ing their own personal interests andagendas, by using the people as lad-ders to achieve their own desires. Thedemocracy does support and honourthe opinion of the others but it cer-tainly never, and I reiterate never, al-lows to perform such perfidious ac-tivities that not only damage the in-ternal law and order but also earns abad name for the country.

Moreover, the month chosen forsuch a cause is August, which is amonth of unity and togetherness. Yetthe very day is chosen to divide thenation. Such leaders in no way real-ize the hefty cost that they have to

Iqbal KhanEmail:wonderous101@gmail.com

pray for driving the nation into sucha useless activity. It is going to be acolossal day on the part of the gov-ernment and a dabble for the otherpolitical parties that who have noother important issue of governancerather than this Azadi March. It isfar more better that Imran Khan mustfocus on KPK rather than other tri-fling agendas that invites violenceand deteriorates law and order situ-ation. Lets together focus on theprosperity of our nation, instead ofunfruitful odyssey.

Let’s curtail the politics ofodium and pacify our greed to un-necessary power and aimless posi-tions. There are other ways in theConstitutions that allow suitable leg-islation and amendments in the lawsto modify the system. Bring in theproposed bills to the floor of theHouse and then lets together have aREAL AZADI march from the slip-shod system, instead of putting thelives of millions to risk and destabi-lizing our own country.—Via email

Power politicsof Punjab

MALIK ATIF M MAJOKA

Political turmoil has gripped Pakistanas PAT( Pakistan Awami Tehreek),PTI (Pakistan Tehreek Insaf) andPML-Q are at daggers drawn withPML-N government. PAT which is apolitical face of a religious cult calledMinhaj ul Quran is flexing musclesby getting involved in physicalclashes with Punjab police. In thewake of bloody incident in June whena number of PAT workers got killed,authorities are taking extra care andhave deprived police of fire arms.History of Pakistan is full of politi-cal agitations, Pakistan has witnessedsimilar kind of scenes in 1990s whenanti establishment Pakistan PeoplesParty held long march against proestablishment Muslim League or IJI(a conglomerate of pro establishmentright wing parties). PAT’s effortshould be seen as an endeavour toplace a specific mode or sect of faithto regain the lost influence in the mostpopulous Province of Pakistan.

The opportunity may also be forother marginalized religious group aswell, particularly for those who havebeen the victim of establishment’ssupport to militant exclusivists inPunjab. The battle is to gain as muchpolitical space as possible in the mostpopulous Province, no matterwhether it comes at the cost of scrap-ping present regime or democracy.This reactionary stance combinedwith militancy from otherwise peace-ful PAT is an obvious expression ofanger over state’s policies of promot-ing extremism. PTI’s agenda is morepolitical than sectarian.

They are struggling to make in-stitutions strong so that the electoralsystem in Pakistan may be madetransparent. Most political forces doagree and approve PTI’s demands. Bylooking at the life of PTI leader ImranKhan one can easily conclude thatany compromise between PTI andPML-N government, if not incorpo-rating most PTI demands, would notsustain. PTI would definitely like tokeep PAT’s strong sectarian undercurrent away from its sphere of poli-tics. Government is facing dual chal-lenge. On the one hand its has to deala political challenge of PTI enthusi-asts led by an ambitious captain, onthe other hand a more faith moti-vated religio-political devotees ofTahir ul Qadri. Political battle is onto have the maximum share in fu-ture politics in Punjab.—Melbourne,Australia

Cairo talks in disarray amid Gaza violence. Palestinian representatives threaten to pull out of Egypt-mediated negotia-tions as Israel continues to strike Gaza.

The dangers of equatingreform with stricter control

ACHARA DEBOONME

FEATURING children from all 10 Asean nations, it showswhat our younger generation expects from technology. AVietnamese boy hopes that one day a house will be able to

generate electricity on its own. A Thai girl foresees medical ad-vancements. A Myanmar girl dreams of clean food. Yes, all thisrequires technological development - which fits SCG’s visionof itself as an innovative organisation. Importantly, it also fitsits ambition to be a truly Asean company ahead of regional eco-nomic integration next year.

PTT chose a similar theme for its recently launched TV com-mercial. In it, the camera pans across Bangkok skyscrapers as aman’s voice asks, “Do you know what technology can bring?”(Well, I have to say that every time I hear his voice, I say “yes”.)The ad also fits well with the company’s actions over the years,which includes the opening recently of the Rayong AdvancedInstitute of Science and Technology. The dream of using tech-nology to create value-added products was initiated by formerPTT president and CEO Prasert Bunsumpun and has been car-ried on by his successor, Pailin Chuchottaworn. Armed with de-grees from Japan, Pailin knows well how technology can trans-form an economy.

Caught any ads for Thai Airways International recently? Thelatest one I saw aired during Wimbledon and offered a tour ofthe new cabins, highlighting Thai-style onboard service that’sbecoming a thing of the past as low-cost airlines take control ofthe skies. At the time, the airline had no president.

A TV commercial reflects the incumbent corporate leaders’views on the company’s future. And their commitment to thatvision is an assurance of that future. PTT Group and SCG havebeen named among the top five employers of choice in a surveyof young adults by Aon Hewitt and CareerVisa Thailand. Proc-tor and Gamble, Unilever and CP Group are the other three.There are two main reasons for their popularity among job-seek-ers: The fact they are large and successful corporate groups, andtheir world-class products and services. Those characteristicsare a strong feature of PTT and SCG.

In contrast, what is left at THAI, except for the logo and20,000 employees whose average age is over 40? Without strongcharacteristics and a world-class product/services, THAI looksset to struggle in the competition to lure new talent necessaryfor the busier skies. In June, the NCPO established the 17-mem-ber State Enterprise Policy Commission, or “Superboard”, aspart of its agenda to reform state enterprises. I support this plan,as some state enterprises are poorly run, but I fear that the stream-lining process to follow could hurt some state enterprises whichhave been doing well.

Thailand currently has more than 60 state enterprises. Mostare supervised by the Finance Ministry, but others are controlledby various ministries, including Defence, Agriculture and Trans-port. While the Finance and Transport ministries wrestle overthe supervision of headline-making THAI, other state enterprisesthat are poorly run fail to gain much public attention.

Most state enterprises were established after World War IIto boost the economy. All of them provide jobs and help thegovernment carry out necessary projects. But as the decades havepassed, some have become obsolete. Among them are the De-fence Ministry’s Battery Organisation of Thailand and the LeatherTanning Organisation. The government was right to axe boththese organisations in 2007, forcing the ministry to secure mili-tary supplies with its own budget. Before that, the twoorganisations’ loans were backed by the Finance Ministry.

According to the State Enterprise Policy Office, from 2008to 2013 only five state enterprises failed to add to state coffers -the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), Mass Rapid Transit Au-thority of Thailand (MRT), Bangkok Mass Transit Authority(BMTA) and Aeronautical Radio of Thailand.

Those tasked with reforming state enterprises shouldn’t makeprofitability the only focus. The reasons they were first establishedmust be also considered, as well as the transparency of their opera-tions. Though showing no profit, Aeronautical Radio is neces-sary as it oversees Thailand’s airspace. Meanwhile, the BMTA’sprimary task is not to make money but to provide GreaterBangkok with an efficient electrified rail network. We need torecognise that the services of the SRT and BMTA can be im-proved a great deal with more private-sector participation, thoughwith the state’s regulatory role remaining intact.

—Courtesy: The Nation Thailand.

Richard Nixon’scomplicated legacy

ARTHUR I. CYR

THE right sort of sports fan,” is how McGeorge Bundygreeted the news in 1973 that Gerald Ford had been selected as vice president by Richard Nixon. Ford succeeded

Spiro Agnew, who had been forced to resign because of corrup-tion.

Appointing Ford could not save Nixon from the accelerat-ing Watergate scandals. He did help the country recover follow-ing the disgraced president’s own resignation, forty years agothis month. Bundy had been national security adviser to presi-dents Kennedy and Johnson. He was on the very long “enemieslist” maintained by the Nixon White House, and personified theEastern Establishment which used to run foreign policy andseemed to generate special resentment in Nixon.

Former football star Ford personified a classic American goodguy. Perhaps that was one reason Nixon picked him. The presi-dent, by that time drowning in Watergate, seemed to sense whatthe country would need to recover from his political self-destruc-tion. Nixon personified how seeking national political office canbecome distorting torture. In the 1960 presidential campaign, mostfield reporters clearly favored Democrat John F. Kennedy overNixon. Unfair jibes included observing the athletic Kennedy wassports minded, in contrast to narrow-gauge Nixon.

In reaction, relentless Richard became an expert on big-timesports — especially football. After each Super Bowl, Pres. Nixontelephoned the winning team (Pres. Ronald Reagan would callboth teams). When massive anti-Vietnam War protests came toWashington, the White House announced that the president wasunconcerned and planned to watch a football game. Sports be-came one more political tool, twisted in the process.

Nixon’s political road was never easy, partly because of hisown self-defeating ways. Though only newly elected to the U.S.Senate, he became Dwight Eisenhower’s running mate in 1952.He was useful in part as a bridge between isolationist and interna-tionalist Republican Party wing. The youthful new thirty-nineyear old vice president began to work relentlessly to build grass-roots support and a reputation for expertise. In 1960, East Coastbackers of Ike bet on Nelson Rockefeller as Republican presiden-tial nominee. Nixon took those expensive suits to the cleaners.

John Nance Garner as vice president suffered under FDR,and declared crudely the office was not worth a pitcher of warmspit. Nixon redefined and elevated the importance of the job.While feeding unrelenting ambition, he was also strengtheningAmerican government, especially given that vice presidents tendto become presidents. Richard Nixon also deserves credit foraccepting the challenge in 1960 to debate JFK, who privatelycredited those debates as crucial to his election. Video of thefour encounters show both Kennedy and Nixon as informed,disciplined and effective. Presidential candidate debates are nowa campaign requirement, thanks to Pres. Gerald Ford’s generouswillingness in 1976 to build on the 1960 precedent.

—Courtesy: The China Post.[The writer is a Distinguished Professor at

Carthage College and author of “After the Cold War”-NYU Press]

STEPHEN B. RIEGG

ON Sunday afternoon President VladimirPutin hosted an emergency summit withhis counterparts from Armenia and

Azerbaijan. The meeting was aimed at miti-gating the chances of war between the twoCaucasus nations over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. An armed conflict overNagorno-Karabakh, in which the majority Ar-menian Christian population attempted to se-cede from Azerbaijan, was ended by a cease-fire in 1994. But the fundamental issue of theregion’s allegiance was never resolved and,sadly, war once again appears to be on the ho-rizon.

Just days ago, after clashes betweenAzerbaijani and Armenian soldiers, AzerbaijaniPresident Ilham Aliyev launched a verbal at-tack against Armenia on Twitter, referring tothe neighboring country as “occupiers” andsaying that war against “barbarian” Armeniansis his country’s principal objective.

With Russia on the brink of its own warwith the West over Ukraine, it appears thatAzerbaijan seeks to seize the moment, unravelthe 1994 case-fire accord and regain lost terri-tory. While many analysts rightly point toUkraine’s crisis as the perfect condition for amajor conflagration in the Caucasus, it is pre-cisely the correlation between the two simmer-ing disputes that should encourage Russia to

Russia Can’t Let Nagorno-Karabakh Slip Into Warnegotiate a solution and salvage what remainsof its reputation as a worldwide diplomaticheavyweight. There are several interrelatedreasons why the immediate settlement of thegrowing strife between Armenia andAzerbaijan is in Russia’s interests.First, a renewed war in the South Caucasus willthreaten Russia’s energy markets and transitroutes, which it has nurtured for the past twodecades. Armenia and Azerbaijan remain ma-jor geopolitical targets of Putin’s EurasianUnion scheme. Armenia, an important and re-liable consumer of Russian gas, is already com-mitted to the organization. But Azerbaijan, al-though it has also steered clear of the EU andNATO, has so far maneuvered away fromMoscow’s grip. Negotiating a solution for theconflict would improve Russia’s standing inAzerbaijan.

Second, a war over Nagorno-Karabakh willinevitably jolt the temporarily quiescent NorthCaucasus. Given the ethno-religious underpin-ning of the Armenian-Azerbaijani strife, Rus-sia has little interest in absorbing the reverbera-tions of a Christian-Muslim clash in its south-ern republics of Chechnya, Dagestan orIngushetia. Infamous Chechen commanderShamil Basayev is believed to have led a smallband that fought alongside Azerbaijani forcesagainst Armenians in 1992, cutting their teethin the Nagorno-Karabakh war before return-ing to Russian territory with sharpened skills

and revitalized ambitions. Third, Russia haslittle to lose and much to gain from negotiat-ing a diplomatic settlement of the Karabakhconflict. Currently perceived by the West as abellicose bully seeking to manhandle formerSoviet republics that stray from the Kremlin’s“sphere of influence,” Moscow’s greatest ac-complishment over the past year has been toreclaim the “Evil Empire” crown. Exercisingits diplomatic muscle, rather than brandishingits military might, can help alleviate some ofthe international community’s clamor againstRussia. With increased skirmishing along theArmenian-Azerbaijani line of contact and agrowing death toll, the time for a major inter-vention is now.Russia is uniquely positioned to take the leadin negotiations. Two decades after it helpedbroker the 1994 cease-fire, Moscow continuesto enjoy much political and economic sway inthe region and even maintains a base in Arme-nia with 4,000 men. Russian soldiers patrolArmenia’s borders with Turkey and Iran. Pre-cisely due to Russia’s well-known support forArmenian security, the Karabakh matter hasremained relatively dormant for 20 years.

Russia’s chief diplomat, Sergei Lavrov,likes to boast of his country’s increasing useof “soft power” to affect desired changes inthe international arena. With the present set ofchallenges facing his state, no better opportu-nity for showcasing these skills can be expected

than the speedy mitigation of the current SouthCaucasus crisis.Indeed, in Ukraine Putin has driven himselfinto a corner from which even the most adroitpolitician would have trouble rescuing himself.The growing threat of an Armenian-Azerbaijaniwar, however, might give him a chance to im-prove his own situation. Sunday’s meeting be-tween the three presidents is an important stepbut hardly more than a token display of hack-neyed “concern.” A sustained engagement byRussian negotiators, within the framework ofthe OSCE Minsk Group, is needed over thecoming months to prevent an Armenian-Azerbaijani war.

Whether through economic incentives, po-litical pressure or international collaboration, thereis no question that Moscow has the influenceneeded to maintain peace in the South Caucasus.With the myriad reasons for avoiding war on itssouthern periphery, Russia also has tangible mo-tivations for keeping Armenia and Azerbaijanfrom returning to the battlefield. Russia’s me-diation of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, evenif successful, will not solve the Ukrainian crisis,but a triumph of Russian diplomacy at this cru-cial hour will have just as many benefits as itsfailure will have ramifications.

—Courtesy: Moscow Times.[Stephen B. Riegg is a doctoral candidate atthe University of North Carolina, ChapelHill].

BAGHDAD—Iraq’s incumbent Prime MinisterNouri al-Maliki appeared more isolated Tues-day as he pressed his battle to remain in powerwhile Iraqi politicians and the international com-munity rallied behind a Shiite premier-designatewho could be a more unifying figure, badlyneeded if the nation is to confront a spreadingSunni insurgency.U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Tuesdayurged the prime minister-designate, Haider al-Ibadi, to work quickly to form an inclusive gov-ernment and said the U.S. is prepared to offer itsignificant additional aid in the fight against Is-lamic State militants.

The power struggle in Baghdad comes asIraq is battling militants from the al-Qaidabreakaway group in the north and the west. Theonslaught by the Islamic State, which has cap-tured large chunks of Iraqi territory since June,has become the country’s worst crisis since theU.S. troop withdrawal in 2011. On Monday, al-Ibadi, the deputy speaker of parliament from al-Maliki’s Shiite Dawa party, was selected byPresident Fouad Massoum to be the new primeminister and was given 30 days to present a new

US asks new Iraqi PM-designate to form govtgovernment to lawmakers for approval.

President Barack Obama called al-Ibadi’snomination a “promising step forward” andurged “all Iraqi political leaders to work peace-fully through the political process.” But al-Maliki, who has been in power for eight years,defiantly rejected the nomination, insisting it“runs against the constitutional procedures” andaccusing the United States of siding with politi-cal forces “who have violated the constitution.”

In Sydney, Kerry said Tuesday that theUnited States “stands ready to fully support anew and inclusive Iraqi government.” “Withoutany question, we are prepared to consider addi-tional political, economic and security options,”Kerry said.

The U. S. has already increased its role infighting back the Sunni extremists who havethreatened the autonomous Kurdish region innorthern Iraq. American airstrikes have helpedthe Kurds achieve one of their first victories overthe weekend after weeks of retreating. And se-nior American officials said Monday that U.S.intelligence agencies are directly arming theKurds who are battling the militants. The de-

velopment reflected a shift in Washington’spolicy of only working through the central gov-ernment in Baghdad. Al-Ibadi’s nomination wasa major breakthrough in the political deadlockthat followed the April parliamentary elections.It shows that al-Maliki - who has demanded thathe retain his post as prime minister for a thirdterm since his bloc won most seats in the as-sembly - has lost some support with the maincoalition of Shiite parties.

His critics say al-Maliki contributed to Iraq’spolitical crisis by monopolizing power and pur-suing a sectarian agenda that alienated thecountry’s Sunni and Kurdish minorities. Al-Ibadi, the former minister of communicationsfrom 2003-04, pledged to form a governmentto “protect the Iraqi people.” He was nominatedafter receiving the majority of votes from law-makers within the Iraqi National Alliance, acoalition of Shiite parties.

So far, there have been only rare voices insupport of al-Ibadi among Iraqi Sunnis, whohave long criticized al-Maliki of sidelining theircommunity and inflaming sectarian tensions.“Change is essential and a chance must be given

to others because defiance is wrong,” Hamidal-Mutlaq, a Sunni lawmaker, told The Associ-ated Press. The Shiite Alliance that proposedal-Ibadi “has to come up with a clear approachover how to run the government in a way thatcorrects the mistakes, changes the course, boostsnational unity away from sectarianism and cri-ses,” added al-Mutlag.

But there were also those who defended al-Maliki’s struggle to retain his job and who criti-cized al-Ibadi’s nomination. “This decision willlead the country into big problems and the presi-dent bears full responsibility for this situation,”said Mohammed al-Ogeili, a lawmaker from al-Maliki’s State of Law parliamentary bloc.The U.S. airstrikes, which began last week,have reinvigorated Iraqi Kurdish forces bat-tling the Islamic State. On Sunday, theKurdish peshmerga fighters retook twotowns from the Sunni militants in what wasone of their first victories after weeks of re-treat. But in the eastern Diyala province,Kurdish forces were driven out on Mondayfrom the town of Jalula after fierce fightingwith the militants—AP.

EDGARTOWN, (Mass)—After working tocarry out President Barack Obama’s for-eign policy (FP) mission for four years assecretary of state, Hillary Rodham Clintonis presenting a contrasting vision forAmerica’s role in the world ahead of apossible 2016 White House bid.

Clinton drew the sharpest distinctionsyet from her former boss in a rebuke ofhis cautious approach to global crises.“Great nations need organizing principles,and `don’t do stupid stuff’ is not an orga-nizing principle,” Clinton said in a week-end magazine interview, referring to a ver-sion of the phrase Obama and his advisershave used privately to describe his ap-proach to foreign policy.

Asked for her organizing principle, shereplied: “Peace, progress and prosperity.This worked for a very long time.” Clintonwrapped her critiques in expressions ofrespect for the president and sympathy forthe tough global decisions he grapples withfrom the Oval Office. On Monday, a va-cation day for Obama, he dealt with is-sues involving Iraq, Ukraine, Gaza, Syria,as well as terrorism and Ebola in Africa.

“He’s thoughtful, he’s incrediblysmart, and able to analyze a lot of differ-ent factors that are all moving at the sametime,” she said. “I think he is cautious be-cause he knows what he inherited, both

Clinton envisions contrasting FPfor 2016 presidency bid

the two wars and the economic front, andhe has expended a lot of capital and en-ergy trying to pull us out of the hole we’rein.”

Coincidentally, Clinton plans to be onMartha’s Vineyard on Wednesday for a sign-ing of her memoir at the Bunch of Grapesbookstore, which Obama often visits whilehe’s in town. The White House said beforethe interview was published that Obamawould not attend and has no plans to seeClinton while they are both on the island.

In a wide-ranging interview publishedon The Atlantic’s website, Clinton offeredan uncompromising defense of Israel’sbattle against Hamas in Gaza and arguedagainst Obama’s decision not to build upa rebel fighting force to confront SyrianPresident Bashar Assad. Clinton previ-ously described her advocacy for the Syr-ian rebellion in “Hard Choices,” her mem-oir about her time leading the State De-partment. Obama has said supporting therebels would not have stopped al-Qaida-inspired groups from rampaging acrossSyria and inside Iraq today.

Clinton and then-Defense SecretaryLeon Panetta reportedly argued for arm-ing the rebels who first stood up to Assadthree years ago. Since then, the questionof “arming the rebels” has become morecomplicated, as fighters linked to al-Qaida

and other fundamentalist Islamist groupshave joined the rebellion. She told TheAtlantic she can’t say definitively that herrecommendations as secretary of statewould have made a difference, but “thefailure to do that left a big vacuum, whichthe jihadists have now filled.”

The White House declined to respondto Clinton’s comments, but said her teamgave them a heads-up before the interviewwas published.

Clinton, who lost to Obama in the2008 Democratic presidential primary, hasnot said definitively whether she will runin 2016. But her decision to sit down foran in-depth interview about her foreignpolicy vision and to distinguish herselffrom the unpopular incumbent for whomshe worked is the latest signal she’s seri-ously preparing for a bid.Republicans say she won’t be able to escapethat she carried out Obama’s foreign policyfor his first term without public complaint.“Hillary Clinton spent four years executingBarack Obama’s foreign policy, and in yearfive of Obama’s term it’s ridiculous for Hillaryto try to swindle voters into thinking what’shappening around the world isn’t a productof Obama-Hillary diplomacy,” RepublicanNational Committee spokesperson KirstenKukowski said in response to Clinton’s inter-view—AP.

Gaza talks amidtruce to continue

in CairoCAIRO–A temporary Israel-Hamas truce was hold holdingfor a second day Tuesday asmarathon, indirect negotiationson a lasting cease-fire and along-term solution for the bat-tered Gaza Strip were set to re-sume in Cairo.

A similar, three-day trucecollapsed on Friday when mili-tants resumed rocket fire on Is-rael after the sides were unableto make any headway in theEgypt-hosted talks. Hamas isseeking an end to an Israeli-Egyptian border blockade ofthe Gaza Strip while Israelwants Hamas to disarm.

The Israeli military said noincidents between the two sideswere registered overnight - nei-ther Hamas rocket fire at Israelnor Israeli strikes in Gaza. Themonthlong Gaza war has killedmore than 1,900 Palestinians,the majority of them civilians,Palestinian and U.N. officialssay. In Israel, 67 people havebeen killed, all but three of themsoldiers, officials there say.

The Israeli delegation re-turned to the Egyptian capital onTuesday after a trip back to Is-rael. A senior Israeli official sug-gested that the first day of talkshad not gone well. “The gapsbetween the sides are big andthere is no progress in the nego-tiations,” he said. A member ofthe Palestinian delegation saidthat in Monday’s talks, Israelhad offered a number of con-crete measures aimed at improv-ing life for Gaza’s 1.8 millionresidents, including an increasein the number of daily goodstrucks crossing into the territoryfrom Israel, and the free trans-fer of funds by the PalestinianAuthority to Hamas-affiliatedgovernment employees in Gaza.

Also included in the pur-ported Israeli package, the officialsaid, was an easing in transit con-ditions between Gaza and theWest Bank and an eventual qua-drupling - to 12 miles (19 kilome-ters) - of the sea area in whichGaza fishing vessels are permit-ted to operate. The official said thatIsrael was tying continuing Pal-estinian demands for the openingof a Gaza sea and airport to a veri-fied cessation of smuggling, de-velopment and manufacture ofweapons in the territory.

Last week’s talks failed inpart because Israel rejectedHamas’ demand for a completeend to the blockade of the GazaStrip, enforced by Egypt andIsrael—AP.

Ukraine todeny access to

Russian aidMOSCOW—A convoy of 280Russian trucks reportedlypacked with aid headed for east-ern Ukraine on Tuesday, butUkraine said it wouldn’t let themission in because it isn’t be-ing coordinated by the interna-tional Red Cross and could bea covert military operation.

The neutral agency said ithad no information on what thetrucks were carrying or wherethey were going. That hasraised fears in Ukraine and theWest, where leaders havevoiced concerns that Russiacould use the initiative as a pre-text for sending troops intoseparatist-held territory.

Russian television andnews agencies reported that2,000 tons of aid was en routeto Ukraine, where fighting be-tween pro-Russian separatistsand government forces hasclaimed more than 1,300 livessince April, according to a U.N.report.NTV television showed hun-dreds of white trucks gatheredat a depot outside Moscow, andsaid they were carrying every-thing from baby food to sleep-ing bags. A Russian Orthodoxpriest sprinkled holy water onthe trucks, some of which borea red cross, before their depar-ture. However, Andriy Lysenko,a spokesman for Ukraine’s Na-tional Security and DefenseCouncil, said the convoy will notbe allowed across the border.“This convoy is not a certifiedconvoy. It is not certified by theInternational Committee of theRed Cross,” Lysenko said, speak-ing through a translator.Lysenkoalso showed a covertly filmedvideo appearing to show vehiclessimilar to the white-canopiedtrucks dispatched from Moscowon Tuesday parked at a militarybase in Russia.

One frame displayed byLysenko shows uniformedtroops lined up in front of onethe trucks.Andre Loersch, aspokesman for the InternationalCommittee of the Red Crossmission in Ukraine, said thatwhile the organization hadreached a general agreementabout delivery of humanitarianaid to the region, he had “noinformation about the content”of the trucks and did not knowwhere they were headed. “Atthis stage we have no agree-ment on this, and it looks likethe initiative of the RussianFederation,” he said—AP.

said all humanitarian forces of the worldshould unite to fight it. “India is commit-ted to strengthening and uniting these hu-manitarian forces,” he said. Modi saidIndia was committed to strong armedforces, well-equipped with modern armsand technology. The jawans should be as-sured that the entire country supportsthem, he stressed.

The Indian Prime Minister said soldiersremain undeterred inspite of the many nega-tives and struggles that their families facein day-to-day life and this energy and senseof duty inspires him and, therefore, he keeps

visiting jawans on the border to seek inspi-ration. “We will bring saffron revolution inJammu and Kashmir,” Narendra Modi saidin Leh on Tuesday, quickly adding it waskesar (the spice) of the state he was talkingabout. Saffron is the colour associated withModi’s Bharatiya Janata Party. “I am fortu-nate to have worked as a BJP worker inJammu and Kashmir and will repay thedebt I owe you for all the love,” he said. “Iam aware of the difficulties of the regionand also strengths.

Centre will work with the state for thedevelopment of the region,” the PM added

after inaugurating a power plant. Modi,who has been to the state twice now afterassuming office, said there was a timewhen PMs never visited the Himalayanareas for years. Modi laid a foundationstone for the 349-km Leh-Srinagar trans-mission line. Modi’s visit to the two high-altitude Himalayan towns is expected totouch on demands of locals in Leh andKargil including employment generationand an assurance to take up with Chinaand Pakistan respectively the issue ofopening of Mansarovar road from Leh andre-opening of Kargil-Skardu road.—INP

Pakistan has lost strengthFrom Page 1

to participate in the proposed march is notrunning high as was expected though theworkers are vehemently getting them-selves registered at the registration pointsset up in various areas in Peshawar as wellas other parts of the Khyber Pukhtunkhwawhere the PTI is leading a coalition govern-ment.

On the other hand the activities of thesupporters of Dr. Tahir ul Qadri, who is stag-ing sit-in in the Punjab capital Lahore andalso announced to participate in ImranKhan’s Azaadi March in Islamabad on Au-gust 14, are not visible anywhere in the town.A large number of members of Minhaj ulQura’an and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT)of reckless Tahir ul Qadri have alreadymoved to Lahore and participating in theDherna.

The party workers and supporters of thePakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf, mostly youngpeople, are quite enthusiastic about partici-pating in the “Independence March”, whichthey believe would bring about a revolution-ary change in the country and may prove aturning point in the history of Pakistan forc-ing the Mian Nawaz Sharif led PML gov-ernment in the center to announce mid-termpolls. They have also vowed to reach thecountry’s capital on or before August 14 bycrossing all the hurdles they are likely to en-counter at the other side of the Attock Bridgefrom where the jurisdiction of the Punjabgovernment starts.

While the PTI provincial leadershipsounds optimistic that hundreds of thousandsof PTI workers and Imran Khan’s support-ers would participate in the Azaadi March,the central leadership of the Insaaf Studentsorganization (ISF) claims that 67000 mem-bers of the ISF were so for registered for par-ticipation in the March.

“Over 400000 charged people from theKhyber Pukhtunkhwa province would par-ticipate in the Azaadi March”. Claimed theKP PTI minister for Minerals and miningZia Ullah Afridi.

As the Federal government has finalizedpreparations to stop entry of the PTI and al-lied parties marchers to Islamabad and re-ported to be deploying thousands of securitypersonals besides placing 900 containers ondifferent ways areas to block the way, thePTI workers said they were determined toEnter Islamabad and participate in the Marchat all costs crossing and breaking all thehurdles. “If the workers were stopped or PTIChairman Imran Khan is detained, themarchers would ensure their presence inIslamabad by adopting alternative routes andmeans at all costs without caring a fig aboutthe obstacles”. The PTI provincial ministerwarned.

Similar views were expressed by theChief Minister Khyber Pukhtunkhwa PervezKhattak saying the federal and provincialGovts of Sharif brothers should avoid arrest-ing Imran or using force against workersand dragging the state institutions into poli-tics. He also remarked that the federal gov-ernment should tender apology to the nationfor its mistakes and reopen the roads to pre-vent further hardships to the poor masses.“Stop testing patience of the masses and re-move containers from the roads and openthe fuel stations”. The CM Khattak warnedMian Nawaz Sharif while addressing num-ber of rallies in his native Noshehra districtthe other day.

The PTI Peshawar chapter says over60000 thousand PTI workers and support-ers would leave for Islamabad with more than50000 people already registered at differentregistration centers set up in cantonment, City

and Hayat Abad areas till Monday alone inPeshawar district.

Likewise the PTI Women wing provin-cial president and adviser to Chief Ministeron Social Welfare DR. Mehr Taj Roghaniannounced to be leading thousands of womenfrom all over the province marching towardsIslamabad for participation in the “Indepen-dence” March.

The PTI also managed to muster the sup-port of its junior coalition partner in the KPgovernment as the Senior Minister and chiefof Awami Jamhoori Ittehad Shahram KhanTarakai came up with an announcement toparticipate in the Azaadi March along withwhat he claimed one hundred thousand sup-porters.

However, the Jamaat-e-Islami anothercoalition partner of PTI in KP has distanceditself from the PTI announced March thoughits Amir Siraj Ul Haq has been mediatingbetween Mian Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khanto woo the latter to call off the Azaadi Marchon the independence March day of Paki-stan. Though Imran Khan is not showing anyflexibility in this regard, the Jamaat sourcesare confident they may come with an ami-cable solution to the crisis. “We are strivingto find out solution to the present crisis be-fore August 14”. The JI secretary GeneralLiaqat Baloch said though on one hand hewarned Imran khan of not resorting to law-lessness on the other also reprimanded theNawaz government of adopting rude and“dictatorial behavior”.

Anyhow, August 14 is not for away andit would come to fore what strategies boththe rivals have adopted and which is goingto work but that must not be at cost of na-tional integrity and adding to the agonies ofthe nation which has got fed up of the con-frontational politics.

Thousands of PTI activistsFrom Page 1

Speaking outside the Minhaj-ul-Quran Sec-retariat on Tuesday after a meeting with theleadership of PAT, Shah Mehmood Qureshisaid the leadership of both the parties agreedthat their struggle should be democratic, theywould work together to bring the real democ-racy in the country by remaining within theparameters of the constitution of the country,the whole struggle would be peaceful and non-violent and the last point agreed was to resistany unconstitutional force or steps standingside by side.

A PTI delegation led by Shah MahmoodQureshi comprised of Jahangir Tareen, IjazChaudhary and Aleem Khan which met withTahir-ul-Qadri and exchanged views and strat-egy.

Regarding Punjab government’s steps toblock the path of the long march by erectingbarricades and containers, Shah MehmoodQureshi said that government was negating the

spirit of democracy by resorting to undemocraticsteps to stop Azadi March.

Qureshi said that roads had been blockedeverywhere. “It does not happen in a democ-racy,” he said. He urged human rights activiststo take notice of restrictions being made byPunjab government against PTI’s march.

Answering a question, he said they were notworking on the script of any person and it wasout of question that PTI would tolerate imposi-tion of Marshal Law in the country. He said hisparty believed in democratic norms and they hadnothing to do with the case of Pervez Musharraf.

He further said “let the people know whowas the script writer of this government and onwhose behest, this government was creatingripples of disorders in the country”. ShahMehmood Qureshi also condemned the govern-ment for besieging the localities of Model Townand its adjacent areas to bar the people to par-ticipate in long march.

PTI, PAT to struggleFrom Page 1

Nawaz requests SC toprobe rigging allegations

From Page 1

“Can the people of thiscountry – which is plaguedwith issues – ask what is thebasis of this protest? Why arethese people pushing Pakistaninto terrorism, violence? Whatare their goals? Why theselong marches? Please askthem. Why these hindrances?”he asked.

“In 2002, the PMLN con-tested elections while we werein exile. But we fulfilled ourdemocratic role. In 2008, bothShahbaz and myself were de-clared ineligible (to contestpolls). But we fulfilled ourrole. I was not given a placein the assembly but I did notcry about rigging,” he said.

Nawaz said that the 2013polls were largely consideredfree, fair and transparent.

“No international or localbody said that these electionswere rigged or that the loserswere the real winners,” he

said.Nawaz vowed that elec-

toral laws would be reformedso that the next electionswould be more transparent.

“For this reason, I askedthe Speakers of Senate and theNational Assembly to consti-tute an electoral reforms com-mittee. I am happy that thiscommittee has been formedwith 33 members and is func-tional. I am hopeful that thiscommittee will achieve itsgoal in good time and will bea milestone in our country’shistory,” he said.

The 2018 elections willtake place under the recom-mendations of this committee,he said. “We wan to take allparties on board. We want allstakeholders in the NationalAssembly on board,” he said.

The prime minister saidthat he respected the people’sright to protest, but stressed

that parliamentary representa-tion cannot determined bystreet protests.

“I am ready for any dia-logue and negotiation. With anopen heart I expressed the willto talk about the ongoing cri-sis,” he said. “For the well-be-ing of Pakistan, I will not letego come in the way.”

Hinting at Pakistan AwamiTehreek chief Tahirul Qadri,he said: “This country, whichis already fighting terrorism,will not allow a third party toincite violence.”

The government hasblocked roads in parts ofLahore and Islamabad to stopprotesters from gathering inthe capital, where Section 144has been imposed. Cellularservices were blocked in partsof the federal capital today,and are expected to remainsuspended for an indefiniteperiod.

“This commission’s anti-Israeli conclusionshave already been written, all it needs is a sig-nature,” railed foreign ministry spokesmanYigal Palmor. “For this commission the impor-tant thing is not human rights but the rights ofterrorist organisations like Hamas,” he told AFP.But in a series of interviews with the Israelimedia, Schabas defended himself against alle-gations of bias against the Jewish state.

“I’ve frequently lectured in Israel, at uni-versities in Israel, I’m a member of the edito-rial board of the Israel law review, I wouldn’tdo those things if I was anti-Israel,” he toldpublic radio. He challenged Palmor’s assertionthat the commission’s findings were a foregoneconclusion.

“As far as I’m concerned they’re not writ-

Israel furious as UN unveilsFrom Page 1

ten at all, that’s the whole point of an investiga-tion,” he told the radio. “Many of the questionswe have to examine will deal with very precisematters on which the generalities about the con-flict don’t provide any insight.

“When we look at specific incidents in which...civilians were killed during the conflict, there areissues about targeting, about proportionality, eachone of these has to be examined specifically.” In asecond interview with Israel’s army radio, he saidthat he would also be looking into the actions ofPalestinian militants. “The mandate that the com-mission has been given doesn’t specify this and Ithink a reasonable interpretation would be thatmandate requires you to look at both sides,” hesaid. He said the commission’s findings are to bepublished in March 2015.—AFP

radio, Imran Khan said it was outof question that he could post-pone his long march. He said theoffer of an independent judicialcommission to investigate thealleged rigging in general elec-tions was a clever political movebut the time had passed to acceptsuch offers. He said his partycould accept judicial commissionon some certain conditions. First,Nawaz Sharif should resign frompremiership and dissolve the as-semblies and then under the su-pervision of Chief Justice of Pa-kistan, a caretaker setup shouldbe installed in addition to an in-dependent judicial commissionwhich should investigate the al-leged rigging in general electionswithout any influence.

He further said he had nopersonal grudge against NawazSharif as his fight was not apersonal fight because he be-lieved that this was actually aconflict between two oppositeideologies; one is kingshipwhich is represented by NawazSharif family and the other is astruggle for true democracywhich is represented by PTI.

Imran calls forFrom Page 1

He said he and his partyhad been raising voice againstrigging in general elections forthe last fourteen months andhad knocked every availablelegal door but no one was readyto address our grievances andnow after failure of getting anyjustice they had come on theroads.

He made it clear thatlaunching long march was itsconstitutional right and if thegovernment tried to createhurdles in the way of longmarch then the governmentwould be responsible for allconsequences.

He said the people shouldstand against the personal king-ship and join his hands in or-der to get freedom from thekingship of a single familywhich had been ruling overthem for many decades.

At the end, he said PTI isgoing to Islamabad to bring realfreedom and the struggle willcontinue until the last drop ofthier blood.

Earlier PTI Chief ImranKhan on Tuesday dished out hispartial agenda of Azadi Marchdemanding resignation ofPrime Minister Nawaz Sharifbefore inquiry in alleged elec-tion rigging by a Commissionof Supreme Court led by ChiefJustice Nasir-ul-Mulk.

“I have full confidence inthe Chief Justice. The decisionby apex court will be accept-able to me. The Court shouldconduct inquiry and punishthose who are responsible forrigging in the general elections2013 before holding re-elec-tions”, he said.

Imran demanded interimGovernment of technocrats be-fore the elections. Opposing im-position of Martial Law in thecountry, Imran said he wantsreal democracy and not monar-chy. Imran said he will meetMNS at any cost and all his de-mands will be announced inIslamabad on August 14. “I haveno personal dispute with MNS,all I want is end of his monar-chy for the sake of Pakistan andreal democracy”, he said.

registered against Kavitha,who is also the daughter ofTelangana Chief Minister, KChandrasekhar Rao, at theMadannapet police station inNizamabad, KMS reported.

Kavitha has been bookedunder charges of sedition,promoting enmity betweendifferent groups and doingacts prejudicial maintenanceof harmony, for statementsconducing to public mis-chief, under various sectionsof the Indian Penal Code.Police took the action nearlya week after a city court di-rected it to register a caseagainst the Lok Sabha mem-ber. Police Monday submit-ted their report to thecourt.—AP

Indian MPFrom Page 1

Public opinionsupports

democracy:PILDAT survey

ISLAMABAD—A PILDATPublic Opinion Poll has re-vealed that a 67% people of thecountry believe that democrati-cally elected governments con-stitute the best system for Pa-kistan. Only 19% Pakistanissee another military rule as thebest system for the country.

The nationwide poll wasconducted during July 16, 2014to August 6, 2014 with a largesample size of 3065 citizensthroughout Pakistan.

On top of the pyramid isPunjab’s Chief Minister, Mr.Muhammad Shahbaz Sharifwith 57% positive ratings. Heis followed by Prime MinisterNawaz Sharif who received a53% positive ratings.

At 52% positive ratingsnationwide, chairman of thePTI, Mr. Imran Khan is viewednationwide as a Good or VeryGood leader.

Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri’s publicpersona across Pakistan issteeped in negative perceptionsof his leadership skills andpotential. A whopping 72% ofall Pakistanis evaluate him asa Bad or Very Bad leader, whileonly 21% rated him as a Goodto Very Good leader. Gen.(Retd.) Pervez Musharraf alsoremains an unpopular leader inPakistan, albeit less unpopularthan some of the other politicalleaders in Pakistan’s nationalpolitics. 62% Pakistanis ratehim as Bad or Very Bad leader,while 34% rated him as Goodto Very Good leader. —INP

Speakers stress action against Israeli aggressionOBSERVER REPORT

ISLAMABAD—At a seminar on

“Palestine Conflict: Oblitera-tion of Human Rights” herepoliticians, scholars, diplomatsand luminaries called for actionagainst Israeli aggression.

Senator Raja Zafar ul Haq,Chairman PMLN said that rec-ognition of Israel and diplo-matic staff sent to it by Muslimworld should be taken back. Is-raeli PM has openly shown hisintentions that their offensiveswill not be stopped by anyone.Muslim leaders are silent on theissue of Palestine but generalpublic throughout the world hasdemonstrated against Israelibarbarity even Jewish commu-nity is against it. We do not haveeffective Muslim leadership but

youth is committed to showtheir support to Palestinians. In-ternational media is not show-ing real picture of Gaza due topressure of Israel. A committeeshould be formed to raise fundsfor oppressed Palestinianpeople.

Gen (R) Former COASPakistan Mirza Aslam Beg saidthat Israel has launched themost barbaric assault onHamas of Gaza, who are be-sieged and isolated, yet are de-termined “to resist, endure andwin”, as declared by their par-liament. Israel has failed todestroy command and controlsystem of Hamas and now itwill come to peace talks.

QadriproposesFrom Back Page

against the incumbent govern-ment. He said he wrote a fatwaof six hundred pages againstthose armed terrorists wagingwar against the government andin his fatwa, he declared themKhawariji (those who went outof the fold of Islam).

I have prescribed punish-ments for committing armed re-bellious against the incumbentgovernment in my fatwa and ifanyone finds me guilty of suchcrimes, I will face my punish-ment in accordance with my ownprescribed punishments,” headded.

He said his doors are openedfor any person whether he be-longs to any political party, hu-man rights commission or evenfrom the government to comeand search his residence as wellas nook and corner of his party’ssecretariat without any hindranceto find out illegal storage ofweapons and he was ready toclear his ideological as well aspolitical stance before them;however, he made it clear that hisoffer was limited only on the is-sue of the alleged storage of il-licit weapons not on the issue oflong march as launching a longmarch was his constitutional rightand no one could stop him fromusing his basic human and con-stitutional right.

Rejecting all allegations of in-citing people into violence, DrTahir-ul-Qadri said his innocentworkers were gunned down by thepolice on June 17 and even thenthey remained peaceful and non-violent.

He said the government wasusing its propaganda machineryto malign him and his party fordisrupting the peace and unfor-tunately the political parties andmedia anchors believed inblindly what the government waspropagating against them.

IHC larger benchFrom Back Page

The IHC, on July 28, sought re-plies from the respondents – thedefence, interior, cabinet andlaw secretaries.

However on Tuesday as thehearing of the case commencedwith Chief Justice MuhammadAnwar Khan Kasi as head ofthe bench and Justice ShaukatAziz Siddiqui and Justice AtharMinallah as members of thebench, the counsels for peti-tioners prayed that the decisionto impose Article 245 in thefederal might be declared nulland void. Justice AtharMinallah asked them if theyhad any locus standi (any per-sonal grievance) in this matter.The court further inquired themif the Article 245 was part ofthe constitution or not.

Ehsanuddin Sheikh arguedthat the said article restrictedthe powers of the judiciary andwhen it comes to judiciary, itbecomes a public matter as thefundamental rights are affectedby the same article.

Actor RobinWilliams diesWASHING-TON—Oscarwinning actor andcomedian RobinWilliams died from suspectedsuicide on Monday after abattle with depression,triggering an outpouring ofanguished tributes to one of themost beloved entertainers of hisgeneration. —AP

ZUBAIR QURESHI

ISLAMABAD—The three-judge first everlarger bench of Islamabad High Court onTuesday while hearing miscellaneous peti-tions challenging imposition of Article 245in Islamabad directed the Ministry of De-fence to submit reply within a week. Whileadjourning the case for first week of Sep-tember, the court appointed six senior law-yers as amicus curiae (Friends of the Court).

They are: Abdul Hafeez Pirzada, MianRaza Rabbani, SM Zafar, Khalid Anwar,Hamid Khan and Taufiq Asif.

It is for the first time that a three-memberbench of Islamabad High Court is consti-tuted since its establishment in January 2011.Usually cases are heard by either single or

Court appoints Hafeez Pirzada, 5 others as amicus curiae

IHC larger bench seeks DefenceMinistry’s reply in Article 245 case

double bench of the IHC. Islamabad BarAssociation and a private petitioner havechallenged imposition of Article 245 inIslamabad. The petitioners’ contention wasthat the government had unnecessarily in-voked Article 245 as there was no need tocall out the army in the federal capital. FormerPresident of the Islamabad High Court BarAssociation Syed Nayab Hassan Gardeziand Ehsanuddin Sheikh, senior counsel forpetitioner Naseer Kayani, who is the cur-rent president of the Islamabad District BarAssociation in the last hearing had pointedout before the court that the notification is-sued for invocation of Article 245 did notspecify any reason for calling out the army.

Continued on Page 7

Putting Imranunder house arrest

to worsensituation: Shah

STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—Leader of theOpposition in the NationalAssembly Syed KhurshidShah has said the situationin the country might turnfor the worse in case thegovernment was advised toput PTI chief Imran Khanunder house arrest.

Speaking to media rep-resentatives in Islamabad,Shah said Imran’s demandfor re-election was incom-prehensible as these wouldhave to be conducted bythe same election commis-sion which had conductedthe polls in May 2013.

The PPP leader said thatelectoral reforms wereneeded for the holding ofnew elections and addedthat the reforms would re-quire a significant amount oftime to be implemented. Headded that Dr Tahirul Qadriwas creating problems forhimself through his state-ments. Shah said that the Pa-kistan Awami Tehreek chief’sstatement of bloodshedcould worsen the situation.

STAFF REPORTER

LAHORE—A man renowned as a fieryspeaker having an inborn talent of infus-ing spirit and enthusiasm into his support-ers, appeared on Tuesday before mediacalm or rather somewhat defensive aftersevere criticism from all corners of the life

Qadri proposes to call off Inqalab March if weapons found inside Minhajon his alleged instigating his workers toviolence, Pakistan Awami Tehrik (PAT)Chief Tahir-ul-Qadri unconditionally in-vited the government ministers, officials,delegations of the all political parties in-cluding all human rights commissions tomonitor and ferret around every corner ofhis party’s secretariat to find out any ille-

gal storage of weapons and in case, theywill succeed to find a single illicit gun, hewould call off the announcement of hisrevolutionary march and will face any chas-tisement with whole heartedly.

Talking to media person outsideMinhaj-ul-Quran Secretariat, PAT Chief DrTahir-ul-Qadri categorically assured that he

was giving his personal guarantee that hisevery single worker of the party would beremained peaceful and non-violent duringthe revolutionary (Inqalab) march.

He said he believed in non-violence andalways issued religious verdicts (fatwas)against any armed movement or struggle

Continued on Page 7

STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—The National Assembly onTuesday adopted a resolution calling for safe-guarding democracy in the country. The reso-lution, tabled by Minister for Planning andDevelopment Ahsan Iqbal of the ruling Paki-stan Muslim League-N, stated that democ-racy will be safeguarded in accordance withthe vision of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad AliJinnah.

The resolution said that country’s defenceand development are linked with democracy.It said the parliament is working for the con-stitution, rule of law and the democracy andwill continue to do so.

Earlier during the day, Pakhtunkhwa MilliAwami Party chairman Mehmood KhanAchakzai said the federation would not be

NA approves resolutionto save democracy

able to survive if the Constitution and theParliament were tampered with.

Achakzai said that he will stand againstthose who try to subvert the constitution.

“I will completely support those who be-lieve in the constitution, supremacy of parlia-ment and democratic system,” he added.

He said that Prime Minister Nawaz Shariflearnt from his experience that there will be nocompromise on the constitution, parliament,democracy and rule of law.

The PkMap chief said that Imran Khanand Tahirul Qadri may come to Islamabad andtalk about their demands but they should not‘set a tradition to harm the democratic systemthrough protest and rallies’. “I declare anopen war against those who will try to harmthe parliament, constitution and the democ-racy,” he said.

MANY shift workers use over-the-counterand prescription drugs to stay awake orfall asleep at the appropriate times – butthe evidence behind those practices isweak, researchers say. Use of these drugsfor this purpose “has been studied to avery limited extent andthe studies that havebeen published mostlyhave not been of suffi-cient quality to allow firmconclusions,” said Dr.David Neubauer, associ-ate director of the JohnsHopkins Sleep DisordersCenter in Baltimore,Maryland.

“Considering thelarge number of peoplewho do shift work, it cer-tainly is unfortunate thatminimal research hasbeen performed to offerclinical guidance to ad-dress the problems of in-adequate alertness orsleepiness,” Neubauer,who was not involved with the new study,told Reuters Health by email. For the study,Dr. Juha Liira of the Finnish Institute ofOccupational Health in Helsinki and col-leagues gathered data from 15 trials in-volving 718 participants. The trials evalu-ated the effect of melatonin and hypnoticdrugs on sleep after the shift, and the ef-fect of modafinil, armodafinil and caffeineplus naps on sleepiness during the shift.

They found that taking a nap and caf-feine before a night shift may improve alert-ness, and daytime melatonin may addaround 24 minutes of extra sleep duringdaylight hours, but the evidence is weak.

For some workers, modafinil improvesalertness at work but carries the risk ofside effects like headache and nausea,and rarely a serious skin rash syndrome.In general, the authors cautioned, “Theevidence was of low quality and mostly

from small trials. Both sleepand alertness promotingagents have potentially seri-ous adverse effects. There-fore, we need more trials todetermine the beneficial andharmful effects of thesedrugs.”

They did not respond toa request by Reuters Healthfor comment. Roughly 15percent of the U.S. workforceusually worked the night shiftin 2004, according to a Bu-reau of Labor Statistics reportcited in the review. For manyworkers, falling asleep isn’ta problem, since they tend tobe sleepy getting off thenight shift, Neubauer said.The bigger challenge is re-

maining asleep long enough.“Anyone with significant problems

associated with shift work - whether ex-cessive sleepiness at work or drivinghome, or with getting sufficient sleepduring the hours off work – should con-fer with his or her primary care provider,”Neubauer added. “Some people havemuch greater difficulty adapting to a shiftwork schedule and may benefit from be-havioral approaches or medications.”Many workers use caffeine to stay awakeat night, and fewer use prescription medi-cations, but they can have a place forsome patients, he said.

Little evidence to support sleepwake drugs for shift workers

CITY REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—Minister forInterior and Narcotics Con-trol Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khanon Wednesday presidedover a meeting here to reviewthe overall security situationof the country, particularlyIslamabad and Rawalpindi.

The interior minister or-dered the administration oftwin cities to take protectiveand precautionary measuresto protect the lives and prop-erty of citizens ofRawalpindi and Islamabad.

He said it should be en-sured that common citizensshould face minimum incon-venience due to the politi-cal and non-political activi-ties and their matters of lifeshould not be much af-fected.

The minister said thosepeople, who were breakinghands of the police,martyring their own peopleand beheading their people,could not be left free in theIslamabad city.

Police should not pro-tect the government butshould defend their values,Islamic beliefs and the demo-cratic system, he added.

The interior minister

Security situation in twin cities

Nisar directs administration to protectlives and property of citizens

Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan Chairing a meeting on Law andOrder.

said, “If a violent crowd isallowed in Pakistan one timethen after every few months

a more violent crowd will takeover power, which cannot beallowed as we will not let Pa-kistan become Somalia, Iraqor Libya.”

Chaudhry Nisar addedthat every political activity

within the Constitution andlaw would be respected,however, assault on the the

Capital and paralysis of lifeof common citizens wouldnot be allowed.

The meeting stressedon mutual cooperation be-tween the administrationsof the two cities for tackling

any untoward situation. It also decided that irrel-

evant persons should not be

allowed to enter the red zoneon August 14 and after-wards.

The participants of themeeting were informed that21,000 personnel of police,Rangers and FC would be

deployed to control the lawand situation in the FederalCapital.

The interior ministerurged the administration tostrictly watch the entry andexit points of Islamabad sothat law and order situationcould be controlled in theCapital.

ZUBAIR QURESHI

ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI—Usually,governments are held responsible formaking people’s lives miserable in thename of security, but this time the resi-dents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi areaccusing the duo from Lahore—Tahirul Qadri and Imran Khan—fortheir woes. It is perhaps because ofthe bitter memories of the last year(January’s) long march when TahirulQadri had returned after staying foraround a week in the federal capitalmaking “sound and fury signifyingnothing.” Likewise, while talking toPakistan Observer people were alsocritical of PTI chief Imran Khan, whothey said was not showing maturityand was thinking in terms of his party.“A politician of Imran Khan’s calibershould remain above politics and keepthe country and its interests first onhis list of priorities,” said they.

By Tuesday night, the residentsof Islamabad shopped what was leftto buy fearing a complete shut downfrom today (Wednesday). Even onTuesday, most of the roads, mainroads, connecting Pindi and Islamabadremained deserted as the policeblocked three-fourth of them with thehelp of huge containers and let thevehicles pass one by one.

Most of the daily wage workersand low-paid employees found them-selves at the mercy of God as publictransport disappeared from the roads

early Tuesday. From I-9 (border ofPindi-Islamabad) to Zero Point they hadto walk for miles.

Police and other security agenciespaced up patrolling the roads and onecould see FC jawans, rangers and para-military forces deployed at variouspoints.

On the other hand IG IslamabadAftab Cheema and SSP IslamabadMohmmad Ali Nekokar late Tuesdaynight held a meeting with the staff whichwas attended by all the SPs, Sub-Divi-sional Police Officers (SDPOs) and Sta-tion House Officers (SHOs). Accordingto sources, in the meeting clear direc-tions were given regarding foolproofsecurity of the capital. “We cannot leaveIslamabad to the mercy of saboteurs,”remarked the IG Police.

The meeting re-evaluated the pre-paredness of the force to counter theinsurgents/protesters. According to thesources besides 10,000 police force ofIslamabad, additional forces have beencalled in from AJK, Frontier Constabu-lary, Pindi and other districts of Punjab.Besides a large number of Civil Defence,reserved force, CDA workers and firebrigade personnel will remain on highalert from Wednesday (today) for anindefinite period.

Police have been deployed on allthe entry and exit points of Islamabadand monitoring closely the vehicles,said sources. According to them around50,000 well-equipped security forces areexpected to meet any untoward inci-

dent. “It is our determination that weshall make everyone follow the writ ofthe government,” said a police official.Section 144 is imposed in Islamabadand as law-abiding citizens we shouldfollow it, he said.

Meanwhile, the Interior ministryhas ordered mobile phone services tobe shut down in several parts ofIslamabad for an indefinite period, aspokesman of the Pakistan Telecom-munications Authority (PTA) said onTuesday.

According to the PTA, mobilephone services may remain suspendedin several parts of the federal capitalfor up to the next three days.

PTA spokesperson KhurramMehran told Pakistan Observer “Theinterior ministry has issued directionsto suspend mobile phone and wire-less services.”

He said that wireless internet ser-vices will also be suspended. A sourcefrom the telecommunications sectorsaid they received directions from PTAto suspend mobile phone services inseparate parts of Punjab, and that theywill be notified at intervals to block sig-nals at junctions where the protestersare heading. Meanwhile, the policehave instructed the management ofover 1,500 guesthouses to provide alist of people staying with them. It ispossible that people who want to par-ticipate in the march may come to thecapital before August 14, said a policesource.

The worst siege in decades; over50,000 policemen deployed

Uneasy calm descends over twin cities

ISLAMABAD—The Islamabad Capital Terri-tory (ICT) Administration has asked Paki-stan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) to coordinate andgive their input regarding ‘Azadi March’ forprotecting the lives and property of thepeople of the federal capital.

ICT Chief Commissioner MujahidSherdil, in a letter, asked PTI Chairman ImranKhan to direct his party men to interact withthe administration for protecting lives andproperty of the people. The letter stated thatthe input of PTI was essential for ensuring

effective arrangements for the safety of thecity’s residents and participants of the rally.

“It is imperative for the ICT administra-tion to ensure timely arrangements for traf-fic and security of public and private prop-erty, peace and tranquility of the masses atlarge as well as participants of any event”.

The letter said, “it is intimated that dueto precarious security environment, section144 CRPC has been imposed in the federalcapital and all public gatherings and ralliesare banned”.—APP

ICT administration asks PTIto coordinate for protecting

lives, property

CITY REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—Costumed in mosaic of cul-tural glimpses of all the provinces, thecolourful Azadi Train Tuesday unveiled the

treat of visual art for Pakistanis to celebratetheir 68th Independence Day.

As the preparations of IndependenceDay reached at peak with just one day left,the Margalla Railway Station opened itsdoors for the crowds waiting to witness thecountry’s first Azadi Train prepared on anartistically designed pattern.

Carrying the replicas of Quaid’s Mau-soleum, Meenar-e-Pakistan, valleys ofKashmir with its traditional boats, JamroodFort, Baabe-e-Khyber, folk heritage of allthe provinces, tombs of Sufi saints, wayof living of people of Punjab, KPK, Sindh,

Azadi Train portraysmosaic of cultural heritage

Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Mrs AnushaRahman and Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordi-nation Mrs Saira Afzal Tarar listening a traditional signer after inaugurating AzadiTrain at Margallah Station.

Balochistan and Gilgit Baltistan, and thepictures of Pakistan Army fighting for thecountry, the train was a true presentationof the country’s ideology. The visitorstermed it a complete guide for educating

the young generation about their rich cul-ture, traditions and values.

Lok Virsa’s artist Azeem Iqbal, CDA’sAsif Javed and Iftab Cagneze from PunjabArts Council dedicated month long ser-vices for the train, considering it anhonour to serve the nation and feel thetrue spirit of independence. Amid the echo of drums beating on themelodies of “Hum Zinda Qaum Hain”, thefirst Azadi Train started its journey for allthe Pakistanis to look back and pay trib-ute to the struggle of freedom fighters andnational heroes.

Capitaldecorated for

independence dayISLAMABAD—The CapitalDevelopment Authority(CDA), has decorated thefederal capital with nationalflags, streamers, bannersand flowers to celebrate the68th independence day withnational spirit.

An official of CDA toldAPP that on the directionof federal government tocelebrate ‘IndependenceDay’ whole of the month,government and privatebuildings has been deco-rated with national flagsand lights to mark the na-tional day with zeal and zest.

He said that NationalFlag had been painted onwalls at various localities.

He said that authorityhad already illuminatedbuildings of ParliamentHouse and Cabinet Blockwith colorful lights to cel-ebrate 68th IndependenceDay.

He said buildings ofPrime Minister House,President House and otherblocks in red zone had alsobeen decorated with na-tional flags.

A large flag was fixedat building of Radio Paki-stan, he added.

He said a 215 feet highpole was being erected inthe Capital with the theHeavy Mechanical Com-plex, for hoisting the na-tional flag and work on itwould be completed on Au-gust, 13.

This was the first timein the country’s historythat such a high pole for na-tional flag was being fixed,he added.

Moreover, the bothsides of Express Highwayfrom Zero Point to Faizabadhas been decorated withflags and colorful flowers,he added.—APP

Police personnel sitting on the green area of a road who will be deployed in the capital city to maintain law and order.

04:50 01:3005:30

09:00

Zohr

Asr

Isha

Fajar

Meghrab at Sunset

Brothers in Islamestablish regularprayers & charity

People’s participation necessary formaking Pakistan a developed state

Minister of State for National Health Services Regulations and Coordination, Saira Afzal Tarar is leading the SehatmandPakistan Walk opposite National Institute of Health Chak Shahzad

CITY REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—Minister of State for Na-tional Health Services Mrs. Saira AfzalTarar on Tuesday said that people shouldforge unity in their ranks and foil the ne-farious designs of those elements, who aretrying to create dissensions and discord inthe country.

Addressing the part icipants of‘Sehatmand Pakistan Walk’ here, the min-ister said that country’s people have giventhe mandate to the present government ofPakistan Muslim League (N) to resolve allissues however some dispirited politiciansare upset without any reason.

She said that one so called religiousleader is trying to mislead the people in thename of Islam, she however said that peopleare fully well aware of such tactics.

The minister invited all political forcesand stakeholders to use their energies inbuilding a healthy and prosperous Pakistan.She said that it is a high time that every po-

litical leader should play due role in theprogress and development of the country in-stead of creating anarchy in the country.

She said that peoples participation inall fields is necessary for making Pakistana developed state of the world, adding,present government is committed to take theeconomy of the country on right path.

She said that due to sincere efforts ofpresent government, country’s economicsituation has improved however she addedthat due to recent call of sit-in and agita-tion, country’s stock exchanges have re-ceived negative impacts.

Saira Afzal Tarar reiterated the com-mitment of the government to build ahealthy and prosperous Pakistan. “We real-ize the difficulties that are hindering ourway to progress but our resolve is firm andnon-state actors will be defeated at the end.”

She added efforts are being made to im-prove the health sector and the present gov-ernment will not leave any stone unturnedto improve the situation.

RAWALPINDI—Rawalpindi City TrafficPolice (CTP) have chalked out a compre-hensive plan for Independence day andPakistan Tahreek-e-Insaf’s Long March.

Under the traffic plan, enhanced num-ber of traffic wardens will be deployed indouble shifts in Rawalpindi city and tehsilsof the district aimed at avoiding trafficmess on Aug 14.

A control room has been set up at Traf-fic Police Headquarters to monitor the situ-ation while helpline with phone number1915, 051-9272616, and another helpline051-9269200 for Murree has also been setup.

Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) SeniorSuperintendent Police (SSP) ShoaibKhurram Janbaz while issuing traffic planhere on Tuesday told that all out effortswould be made to control traffic on

Rawalpindi city roads and in Murree es-pecially on Aug 14. On this occasion Se-nior Traffic Officer (STO) SuperintendentPolice (SP) Iftikhar ul Haq and all DSPsof all circles were present.

He said that one-wheelers would bedealt in accordance with the law. Trafficwardens have been directed to impoundmotorcycles of one-wheelers in respectivepolice stations.

He urged the citizens particularly par-ents to play a role to curb the activity asone wheeling, rash and negligent drivingare the main causes for fatal accidents. Allthe traffic officers and wardens have alsobeen directed to remain present at theirduty points so that no traffic jam could bewitnessed, he added.

The CTO told that all out efforts arebeing made by Rawalpindi Traffic Police

to facilitate the road users so that theycould get uninterrupted traffic flow andreach at their destination within shortestpossible time. He said in view of the se-curity of the citizens, special traffic ar-rangements have been made.

Under the plan, traffic police officershave been directed to keep a vigilant eyeon suspicious vehicles. Strict action in ac-cordance with the law has also been or-dered against vehicles having tintedglasses or moving in the city without num-ber plates, he added.

The CTO said traffic wardens havealso been directed to work with dedica-tion and commitment and ensure thetraffic flow so that traffic mess particu-larly on congested roads could beaverted and the citizens could be pro-vided relief.—APP

CTP chalk out traffic plan forIndependence Day, PTI march

12 lawbreakers including sevengamblers rounded up

RAWALPINDI—Police have arrested 12lawbreakers including seven gamblers be-sides recovering three pistols 30 bore withnine rounds, 300 liter petrol, 15 liter die-sel, cash Rs 12600 and other items fromthe possession of arrested accused.

According to Rawalpindi policespokesman, Naseerabad police acting ona tip-off conducted a raid in Pind Rangha

area and held seven persons namelyAkhtar, Shoukat, Zubair, Safeer, NisarNusrat and Zafar who were allegedly in-volved in betting while playing cards. Po-lice also recovered cash Rs 12600 stakemoney, five mobile phones and other itemsfrom them. Cantt police netted Zar Walifor having one illegal pistol 30 bore withthree rounds. Cantt police also nabbed

Tahseen for possessing 30 bore pistol withthree rounds. Kalar Syedan police recov-ered a pistol from Asif.

Civil Line police raided at an illegalpetrol agency and arrested Tariq. Policealso recovered 60 liter petrol and 15 literdiesel while Saddar Baroni police also re-covered 240 liter petrol from a petrolagency being run by Dilraiz.—APP

STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—Tehrik-e-Pakistan Gold Medal-ist & President Sir Syed Memorial Society Brig(R) Iqbal Shafi while addressing the heads ofinstitutions at the end of a three-day workshopat Aiwan-e-Sir Syed, urged the need to followthree role models Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, AllamaIqbal and Quaid-i-Azam.

“Until we follow them, our vision will re-main blurred. We need giving proper training toour teachers so that they can become role-mod-els for our youth by setting personal examplesand can produce sincere and dedicated leadersfrom amongst them.

The workshop was organized jointly by Pri-vate Schools Network Sir Syed Institute ofTeacher Education for the benefit of Heads ofInstitution.

Brig Shafi emphasized inculcation of theAligarh spirit and carrying forward of the mis-

sion of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan in character build-ing of our youth in addition to modern and sci-entific education.

Senator Razina Alam Khan highlighted im-portance of teacher training. She said a teachershould be like a candle that lights other candlesand removes darkness. She said if the teacherswere properly qualified they would produce welleducated young generation.

Munir Ahmad Choudhry, an expert on edu-cation and founder of many education policiesin Pakistan said it was unfortunate that a largenumber of policies framed by our experts in thepast couldn’t see the light of the day. Even ifthey were adopted they were abandoned one byone.

During the three-day training workshop lec-tures were delivered Afzal Babar, Hamin qadri,Prof Anwar, Prof Saeed and Prof SulemanSaeed. The participants who took part in theworkshop were awarded certificates at the end.

Training workshop forinstitutes’ heads concludes

Rescue workers and labourers carrying the dead body of a labourer at the site of Metro Bus Project.

ISLAMABAD—Two labourerswere killed and four otherswere injured when a big landmass fell on them here on Tues-day.

The labourers were busy in

Metro bus project mudslidekills two labourers

work on Metro bus flyoverproject in Sector G-9 of the fed-eral capital, when a landmasses which become weakdue to Monday night rain, fellover them burying six

labourers under the rubble.Two labourers identified as

Saleem and Dilshad died in themudslide while four others sus-tained wounds. The casualtieswere moved to Pakistan Insti-

tute of Medical Sciences(PIMS) Hospital for medico-legal formalities where accord-ing to hospital sources condi-tion of one more injuredlabourer was serious.—INP

RAWALPINDI—Provincial Minister forLabour and Manpower, Raja AshfaqSarwar has said that PML-N workers willprotect the lives of Nawaz Sharif and hisfamily.

He said that Tahir ul Qadri on the be-hest of anti-state elements are instigatingthe people for chaos and anarchy and hisannouncements and threat of murderinghis workers returning without revolutionare highly condemnable.

He said that Imran Khan and Tahir ulQadri should not put the country on the

path of violence and anarchy. He said thatPML-N workers will not hesitate in mak-ing any sacrifice for the protection of de-mocracy, constitution and freedom of thecountry.

He expressed these views while ad-dressing the participants of kissan tractorsand motorcycle rally held here in connec-tion with Independence month. ProvincialMinister Tanvir Aslam Sethi, MNA MalikIbrar Ahmad, MPA, Malik Iftikhar, assem-bly members, party ticket holders, officebearers, workers and a large number of

people attended the rally.Earlier, the Minister participated in a

flag hoisting ceremony and later cut a cakeat independence month function and ledthe rally of PML-N workers upto FawaraChowk.

Raja Ashfaq Sarwar said Tahir ulQadri instigating his workers to murderand violence is violation of the law. Hesaid such announcements by Imran Khanare also condemnable that his workersshould not leave the Sharif family in caseif there is any loss to him.—APP

PML-N workers to make anysacrifice for democracy

STAFF REPORTER

RAWALPINDI—Isphanyar Bhandara,MNA, has said that on the eve of Indepen-dence of Pakistan, the workers of MurreeBrewery, Rawalpindi are enthusiasticallyparticipating in the festivities organized atdifferent level under the leadership ofPrime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharifand Chief Minister Punjab MuhammadShahbaz Sharif.

He stated this while addressing a rallyat Murree Brewery on Tuesday. A largenumber of employees and executives par-ticipated in the event by carrying flags ofPakistan. General Manager MuhammadJavaed, Technical Manager Fakhar

Mehmood, National Sales Manager,Atique Akram Khan, SA to CEO Maj. RSabih ur Rehman, Company SecretaryZafar Iqbal also present on the occasion.

Isphanyar Bhandara said Pakistan wasthe legacy of Founder of Pakistan Quaid eAzam Muhammad Ali Jinnah who had cre-ated a separate homeland on the map ofworld and the workers of Pakistan Move-ment rendered great sacrifices for indepen-dence. He said every patriotic citizen ofPakistan should devote himself to makePakistan a prosperous country.

He said it is the need of hour that weshould foil all attempts of those elementswho wanted to disrupt the pace of progressand involved in anti state activities.

Referring the mega projects initiatedin the country, Isphanyar Bhandara saidthat due to successful economic policiesof Prime Minister Muhammad NawazSharif Pakistan has received record for-eign investments and Chinese Companieshad approved 32 billion dollars for Paki-stan which is a big deal and would open anew era of economic stability in the coun-try.

The participants raised PakistanZindabad slogans during the rally. It wasinformed that all workers had placed na-tional flags at the hourse and main pre-mises of Murree Brewery. It was also in-formed that entire buildings would be pro-fusely decorated on 14th August.

Murree Brewery workerscelebrate Independence Day

NA members tovisit families of

martyrs onIndependence DayISLAMABAD—Speaker Na-tional Assembly Sardar AyazSadiq has asked the Memberof the National Assembly tovisit the families of Martyrsand pay tributes for their sacri-fices for the sake of nationalsecurity residing their respec-tive constituencies. Letters inthis regard has been dis-patched to all the Members ofthe National Assembly.

He said that the nation iscelebrating the 68th Indepen-dence Anniversary of Pakistanand prostration before Allah forthis blessing. They should alsopay tribute to the sacrifice ofour martyrs who forfeited theirlives for the noble cause of ourhomeland.

In his letter, the Speakeralso paid compliment to theArmed Forces, Civil DefenceInstitutions and Police Forcewho defend our geographicalboundaries as well protect ourinternal security with courageand valor. The Speaker’s letteralso contains the detail of themartyrs enabling the membersto visit their houses and paidtribute to their sacrifices.—INP

RAWALPINDI—President Traders wel-fare Association Sharjeel Mir on Tues-day urged the provincial government toshift the poultry market from BaghSardaran to outside the city limits.

Talking to APP, he said the chicken

market situated in heart of the congestedlocality is a potential threat for outbreakof several diseases.

He said chicken waste is the mainsource of causing virus, which badly af-fect the health of children as well as

adults.He suggested to shift the market to

surrounding of the Islamabad motorwayinterchange, hoping that the City DistrictGovernment would take required stepsin this regard.—APP

Govt urged to shift poultry market from city

People facing hardships due to containers on different roads of the capital in connection to PTI azadi march.—PO Photo bySultan Bashir

MUZAFFARABAD: AJK Food Minister Mr.Javed Badhanvi talking to a public delegation from Kotli on Tuesday.

MUZAFFARABAD: AJK Sports Minister Mr. Saleem Butt announcing in Press confer-ence details of Pakistan Independence Day celebrations here on Tuesday.

ABRAR GANAIE

PRIME Minister Narindera Modi is all set to kickoff the BJP’s much coveted mission-44 campaignfor J&K. The party wants to displace Congressfrom the position of being a kingmaker in the state.Although BJP’s mission seems an untenable goal,much would depend on how the new governmentat the center would fair vis-a-vis Kashmir and therights of people here.

On the other hand, Congress seems to havelost hope. Former Jammu and Kashmir chief min-ister Ghulam Nabi Azad’s opting out of the forth-coming assembly elections proves that he is un-sure of his personal victory? Azad made his an-nouncement after he told a Congress conventionin Jammu’s Udhampur town that his party wouldget a majority in the polls, expected in October.The nervy gesture of a top leader of Congress,shying away from elections has thrown up a badadvert for the party.

Also, the parting of ways with the regional

Kashmir and BJP’s mission-44National Conference has put the Congress in anunenviable position in the assembly polls. It is nowpitched against the BJP, which is eyeing power inthe state and also against the NC, which has saidit would field candidates against the Congress.

Whether the BJP’s mission 44 rhetoric paysoff well is a separate debate, the moot point rightnow is that any sort of electoral gain for BJP willbe at the expanse of Congress during the elections.

In the Valley, the NC believes that severingties with the Congress is likely to come in handyas aligning with the centrist party did not augurwell for the NC, which is largely a Valley-centricparty.

NC leaders have been saying that they havealready paid a heavy price by aligning with theCongress. While the NC opposed the ArmedForces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and de-manded its repeal, the Congress, for obvious rea-sons, prefered to remain silent on the issue. Withthe Congress having to field candidates in theValley against the NC, the division of votes could

benefit the opposition PDP led by former ChiefMinister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed. The Congresshas three seats in the Valley - Kokernag, Dooruand Uri - represented by three ministers, PeerzadaSayeed, G.A. Mir and Taj Mohiuddin.

With the NC now fielding candidates againstall the three, their chances of victory would sufferbadly. The advantage would obviously go to thePDP. Azad’s home district of Kishwar and theother three districts of Doda, Ramban and Reasiin the Chenab Valley are also likely to throw upsurprises in the assembly elections.

The seven seats in the Chenab Valley, com-prising three districts, are no longer in anybody’skitty. There would be tough contest and surprisesare likely to be thrown up. News from constitu-encies in Jammu, Kathua and Samba districts isnot heartening for the Congress. Vijaypur,Akhnoor, Chambb, Gandhi Nagar and Hira Nagar,which were once believed to be strong Congressbastions, are also up for grabs as it was the BJPcandidate who grabbed the votes in the Lok Sabha

elections.Prime Minister Narendra Modi has planned five

election rallies in the state to garner support for BJPcandidates. Even his Ladakh trip is seen as the be-ginning of the high-profile campaign that Kashmirawaits ahead of the assembly poll. If the PDP getsthe largest number of seats in the state short of asimple majority, would it align with the BJP?

Ideologically it would be very difficult for thePDP to align with the BJP, but the party would behard-pressed to review its decision if BJP replacesCongress in Hindu-dominated areas of Jammuregion. There are many among PDP ranks whorecall Omar Abdullah’s tenure as a minister inVajpayee government. They ask their leaders ifOmar could survive the alliance and get to the seatof chief minister, why PDP should be afraid ofbreaking bread with BJP.

If politics is art of the possible, then the PDPaligning with the BJP might not ruffle many afeather in J&K after the assembly elections. Butthere are wheels within wheels. The party is in

the infancy of its grows as a force in J&K andthe top leadership does not want it to be stampedas yet another party hungry for the power. Forthe record, the NC has 28 seats in the 87-mem-ber assembly, the PDP 21, the Congress 17, theBJP 11, the Panthers Party two and the Com-munist Party of India-Marxist one. The remain-ing seven seats are with smaller parties and in-dependents.

The Congress had entered into a power-shar-ing arrangement with the PDP in 2002, withMufti Mohammad Sayeed handing over the ba-ton of chief ministership to Azad in 2005. How-ever, the PDP walked out of the coalition in 2008following the row over the allotment of land tothe Amarnath Shrine Board. After a brief spellof governor’s rule, elections were held in No-vember-December and a Congress-NC govern-ment assumed power in January 29, this timewith Omar Abdullah at the helm for the full six-year term.—Courtesy: Kashmir Observer.

SRINAGAR—Chief Minister OmarAbdullah ruled out any alliance with theBJP, saying he would not even shake handswith its leaders from a distance in view ofthe comments of its president Amit Shah.He also said that the National Conferencewill fight the forthcoming Assembly elec-tions alone and will not enter into any pre-poll alliance with Congress.

While talking to the reporters on thesidelines of a function in Gabderbal, hesaid, “Recently, the BJP president madecomments about Jammu and Kashmir, myparty (National Conference) and even myfamily. I perhaps would not even shakehands with BJP from a distance.” Statingthat the alliance with Congress was notfruitful Omar told reporters that the Na-tional Conference will go alone in the As-sembly polls and will not enter into anypre-poll alliance with Congress. Statingthat the defeat on all the three Parliamentseats was unexpected, Omar said, “Thereason for defeat was that our leaderscouldn’t mobilise workers properly.” Heexpressed hope that NC would do betterin assembly polls. “If we haven’t suc-ceeded 100 percent in running the govern-ment in last six years, but at the same timewe have not also failed 100 percent to de-liver.”

Omar ‘won’t even shake hands’with BJP leaders

Replying to the other question askedby the reporters Omar said that he feelsthat all the projects which were brain childof UPA-II in Jammu and Kashmir are be-ing inaugurated by Narendra Modi. “I feelsad that former Prime Dr MinisterManmohan Singh didn’t inaugurate theseprojects himself. Instead he left them forModi,” he said.

Expressing concern over rising inci-dents of ceasefire violations by Pakistan,the Chief Minister said that the ceasefireviolations should not happen and both In-dia and Pakistan should talk on the issue.“The ceasefire violations should not hap-pen I want the Prime Minister to talk toPakistani authorities and tell them thatceasefire violations are not right,” Omarsaid and added that the ceasefire violationshappen every now and then.

“Our endeavour is to try to make surethat it does not have much impact on thegeneral public,” he said. The Chief Min-ister ruled out any link between ceasefireviolations with coming Assembly electionsand August 15 celebrations. “There is nolink between the two,” he added.

Earlier while addressing a public meet-ing after inauguration of 200 Panchayatghars at Kijpora in Kangan area ofGanderbal he said Panchayats are the best

tool to curb corruption and ensure trans-parency. “We have reconstituted Account-ability Commission and constituted Vigi-lance Commission to tackle corruption butthe best tool in this regard are PanchayatRaj Institutions (PRIs),” he said.

Omar also announced Rs 70 crores fi-nancial grants to Panchayat institutions forundertaking various development works intheir Halqas. The Chief Minister said manyspeculations and anti- Panchayat poll pro-paganda was let loose by the main opposi-tion PDP to derail the process of establish-ing powerful Panchayat system in the state.

He alleged the PDP leadership pilotedand passed a Bill in the Legislature aimedat dissolving the then Panchayats in thestate prematurely. “But we met the Gov-ernor of that time Gen S K Sinha and madehim to send the bill back without givinghis assent as it was totally undemocraticand authoritarian,” he said.Taking a dig at PDP for crying hoarse on theissue of corruption, the Chief Minister saidthe party is gathering all corruption charge-sheeted lot in its basket. “Actions of everyindividual and party reveal its agenda and realface. On one hand, they (PDP leadership) aregiving sermons on corruption and on the otherhand bringing all elements with corruptioncharges into their fold,” he added—KD.

HYDERPORA, (IHK)—’Alarmed’ by the reportsof widespread presence of spurious drugs in theKashmir Valley, All Kashmir Chemists and Dis-tribution Federation (AKCDF) held an hour longmeeting with senior resistance leader andHurriyat G Chairman Syed Ali Geelani to findways and means to curb the drug abuse in Kash-mir. AKCDF publicity secretary Ajaz AhmedKachroo said that a delegation of chemist groupmet Syed Ali Geelani at his Hyderpora residencein Srinagar where matters relating to the drugabuse and it’s control in Valley was discussedat length.

During the meeting it was felt that most ofthe spurious drugs that are found in Kashmirare coming from Jammu and Himachal Pradesh.AKCDF informed Geelani that most of the re-puted pharma companies have closed their plantsin rest of India and they have set up these plantsin Jammu and Himachal Pradesh as the respec-tive governments are providing them industrialincentives. During the meeting it was observedthat the spurious drugs in circulation in Valleycontain manufacturing labels from Jammu andHimachal.

During the meeting it was felt that the men-ace of spurious drugs has struck deep roots inthe State. Harmful medicines and drugs are soldby unscrupulous chemists and druggist with fullknowledge of the authorities. Now it is an ad-mitted fact, of all the three regions of the State,Kashmir division has become biggest sanctu-ary for deadly business of spurious and substan-dard drugs. “We informed Geelani that due to80 percent consumption of drugs in Kashmir,pharma companies are looking at Kashmir as a

Drugs alarmed chemist groupmeets Geelani

huge market. We insisted Geelani to take mea-sures so that spurious drugs could not find en-try into Valley. We felt that Geelani can play animportant role in this regard and can impressupon the government to cancel the license ofthose drug companies which manufacture spu-rious drugs and distribute it in Kashmir Valley,”Kachroo said. During the meeting AKCDF in-formed Geelani that Consignment and Forward-ing Agentship depots which were temporarilyshifted from Kashmir to Jammu in 1990’s, havenot been brought back to Kashmir. “We de-manded that pre-90 position be restored in Val-ley. All the drug depots should be opened inKashmir again and immediately be transferredfrom Jammu as the situation in Valley is quitepeaceful,” he said.

“A single spurious drug can cost a life. Thegovernment should immediately intervene to stopit. We also urge Geelani to impress upon the gov-ernment to invite private reputed companies toconduct a survey here,” AKCDF told Geelani.

Geelani assured AKCDF delegation thatHurriyat G will help their cause and will playits role to overcome drug abuse and menace inKashmir. “He (Geelani) talked about the ill-ef-fects of alcohol and other drugs. He assured thatwith the support of people of Kashmir we willhelp to nip the evil in the bud,” Kachroo said.Those who were the part of the delegation in-cluded AKCDF president Abdul Ahad Bhat,AKCDF president for Srinagar Syed ParvezAhmed, Publicity Secretary Ajaz AhmedKachroo, spokesperson Mushtaq Ahmed Pukhtaand Chief Organizer Sheikh Rashid and othermembers from different districts—KD.

SRINAGAR—More than two dozen contrac-tual lecturers working in Technical EducationDepartment continued their indefinite hungerstrike, for the fourth consecutive day, to seekregularization of their services.

Braving scorching heat, the lecturers arecamping at Press Enclave here under the ban-ner of All J&K Polytechnic Academic Arrange-ment Association. However, no official from theTechnical Education has come to see them sofar.

The lecturers demand that government framea policy for their regularization and have threat-ened to continue the strike if their demands arenot met with. They said they have around 250colleagues working in different polytechnic col-leges across the state as lecturers and demon-strators. “We have been rendering our serviceto the department for years together, but the gov-ernment has failed us,” said Shahnawaz Qadir,a lecturer who teaches at Women’s Polytechnic,Bemina.

Shahnawaz, who is also president of theAssociation, said, “All we demand is that gov-ernment should frame a policy under which weour services are regularized.” The lecturers be-gan their hunger strike four days ago after re-ceiving a “cold response” from the Director’soffice. “We don’t like to sit here in the scorch-ing heat,” Shahnawaz said. “We are out to seekour right. Even Chief Minister Omar Abdullahhas acknowledged that our demand is genuine.”

Shahnawaz showed Kashmir Reader a notefrom the Chief Minister to Secretary, Technical

IHK tech.teachers hungerstrike enters fourth day

Education, which read, “Please meet them toframe a suitable policy for consideration, Giveme the file immediately.” The lecturers, mostof them having Master’s, said they feel dejectedby government’s no response. “Some of us haveserved the department for around 20 years now,”said one protesting lecturer, Muhammad Saleem.“Even they are being pushed to the wall.”

In around 22 polytechnic colleges across thestate, the lecturers said the manpower is mostlycontractual. “Around 80 percent of the staff inthese colleges works on academic arrangement.We don’t understand why government is hesi-tant to fill the vacancies,” Shahnawaz said. “Weare being harassed so that we don’t hold thisprotest,” the lecturers said. “When we met Di-rector to discuss the issue he threatened us andsaid ‘Do whatever you have to, go pick up agun’,” they said, accusing the Director’s officeof misbehaving with the female protestors.When contacted, Director Technical Education,Parvaiz Iqbal Khateeb told Kashmir Reader thatthere was a set procedure for regularization oflecturers and that it was the mandate of recruit-ing agencies.Khateeb acknowledged that his department wasfacing manpower crisis without a permanentworkforce. “There is a need to fulfill these va-cancies on permanent basis,” he said. “More-over, there is human angle to the story as some(lecturers) have been rendering their services fordecades in the department.” Khateeb said manyvacant posts have been advertised by the recruit-ment bodies—KR.

SRINAGAR—Hurriyat Conference M chairmanMirwaiz Umar Farooq has urged Indian PrimeMinister Narindera Modi that he should agreeto a political solution for the vexed Kashmir dis-pute, because “there is no military or develop-mental solution.”

“It’s evident from the latest postures that theModi government seems interested in develop-ment and believes that the influx of money anddevelopment will settle the issue but that is notgoing to happen,” Mirwaiz told a seminar hisamalgam had sponsored to commemorate the‘martyrdom anniversary’ of Sheikh Abdul Aziz,who was killed allegedly by Indian armed forceswhile leading a procession near LoC in 2010.

Mirwaiz said that elections are in a no wayany solution to Kashmir issue and those whoportray elections as a resolution or referendumare living in fools’ paradise. “Kashmir disputeis an internationally recognized dispute as theUN resolutions stands testimony to this fact,”

Mirwaiz to Modi: Army,money no solution

US negativetravel advisory

for KashmirJAMMU—The US govern-ment has extended by one yearthe adverse travel advisory onJammu and Kashmir state cit-ing militant attacks and violentpublic unrest .

Kashmir used to witnessmassive flow of tourists fromall over the world before theperiod of insurgency. But itshowed steep decrease due totravel advisories by many for-eign countries like the US,Australia, France and manyothers European nations. De-spite repeated attempts by thestate government, the advisorystill continues, which is affect-ing Kashmir’s tourism.

However, few foreigntourists visiting the valley saidthey had a good and positiveexperience and felt if the advi-sory is lifted, influx of touristswould increase. A tourist fromAustralia, Nathan, said therewere negative things writtenabout Kashmir on Australiantravel advisory.

“Yes definitely it should belifted because we really searcha lot in the internet before wecome. There is lots of bad stufflike on the Australian traveladvisory said don’t come here.But so far, we are safe,” saidNathan. Advisor to state chiefOmar Abdullah, TanveerSadiq, said such advisoriesimpact tourism business ad-versely. “Firstly it is very sad.Tourism was booming andtourists from across the worldincluding the U.S used to cometo the valley before 1989 whenmilitancy started here. Tourismbusiness is the backbone of thestate. It is basically a cycle ofbusiness. Such advisories ad-versely impact our business,”said Sadiq. Kashmir, oncedubbed the Switzerland of theeast was heaven for skiers,honeymooners and film-mak-ers that were drawn to its soar-ing peaks, fruit orchards andtimber houseboats on the DalLake in Srinagar—KD.

PAMPAR, (IHK)—Seven Bor-der Security Force personnelincluding an Assistant Com-mandant were injured whenmilitants attacked a convoy onSrinagar-Jammu NationalHighway near Pampar in southKashmir’s Pulwom district lateMonday evening. A senior BSFofficial said the convoy was re-turning from Chandanwari inPhalgam towards Srinagar’sPantha Chowk camp aftercompletion of Amarnath pil-grimage duty. “On reachingnear road junction in Pampar,militants opened heavy fire ona bus, part of convoy, fromboth sides of road taking ad-vantage of high ground ataround 09:41 pm”—KD.

BSF convoy attacked,officer among seven hurtProtest against police

officer’s torture on youthSRINAGAR—In occupiedKashmir, people staged a pro-test demonstration against thebeating of a youth by a policeofficer at Kud in Ramban dis-trict. A 20-year-old TariqAhamd Taili and MuhammadAshraf were mercilesslythrashed by the police officerin Qazigund area of the district.

The protestors while de-manding stern action against tothe erring police inspector saidTariq Ahmad Taili was in a verycritical condition. The protestersblocked the Srinagar-Jammuhighway for hours, due to whichmovement of traffic came to ahalt, eyewitnesses said—KMS.

Mirwaiz added.Welcoming the proposed talks between In-

dia and Pakistan, Mirwaiz stated that the suc-cess of talks between the two countries was con-nected to the solution of Kashmir issue. He statedthat the leadership of both nations instead ofdealing with secondary issues should focus theirenergies on the solution of Kashmir issue, themain source of confrontation and tension be-tween the two countries.

He stated that India should realize that Kash-mir issue could not be solved through militarymeans, neither by the use of force, coercion,bullying, or by taking cosmetic measures likegiving people financial concessions. He saidKashmir was a human issue and can be solvedonly through political means.He stated that Kashmir was an internationallyrecognized dispute and no sham elections couldalter this position or could be substitute to theresolution of Kashmir—KO.

Indian BSF officeramong 7 injured asconvoy attacked inSRINAGAR—In occupiedKashmir, seven Indian BorderSecurity Force personnel in-cluding an Assistant Comman-dant were injured in an attackon Srinagar-Jammu highway inPulwama district.

A senior BSF official saidthe convoy was attacked nearPampore in Pulwama lateMonday evening while it wasreturning from Chandanwari inPhalgam towards Srinagar’sPantha Chowk camp.

“On reaching near roadjunction in Pampaore, militantsopened heavy fire on a bus, partof convoy, from both sides ofroad taking advantage of highground,” the official said. In theattack, seven BSF men includ-ing an Assistant Commandantreceived injuries, the officialadded.

The injured have beenidentified as Bishan Lal Assis-tant Commandant of 59 Bn,Constable Sunny Kumar of 59Bn, Constable Vijay Kumar 59Bn, Head Constable Manoj 59Bn, Constable SaurabhMukhopdhayay of 59 Bn, Con-stable PN Brade of 59 Bn,Head constable Amarpal Singh(Driver) 151 Bn.

All the injured were imme-diately shifted to army’s 92base hospital for treatmentwhere the condition of the As-sistant Commandant is said tobe critical. Meanwhile, Indianarmy, paramilitary Central Re-serve Police Force and SpecialOperation Group cordoned offthe whole area and launchedmassive hunt to nab the attack-ers—KMS.

SRINAGAR—In occupied Kashmir, the Jammuand Kashmir Peoples Freedom League has ex-pressed concern over the fast deteriorating healthof a Hurriyet activist, Javed Ahmad Dar, lan-guishing in Kupwara sub jail.

The JKPFL leader, Imtiaz Ahmad Shah in astatement said that the detained activist was in acritical condition as blood was oozing from his

JKPFL concerned about health ofdetained Javed Dar

mouth. He demanded that Javed should beshifted to Soura Medical Complex at the earli-est.Meanwhile, the JKPFL condemned the re-arrestof Hurriyet leader, Masarrat Aalam Butt imme-diately after his release. The detained leader hasbeen shifted to a jail in Jammu. The party con-demned the act—KMS.

I’m someone wholoves to enjoy lifeand tries to focuson real things andreal friendships.That’s why I live

very simply. I’m ajeans and T-shirt

kind of girl. I don’tspend much time

fixing myself up ortrying to look cool.I live like a normalperson and even

though I’m in avery high-profilebusiness, I reallydon’t let it affect

the way I live.

—Cameron Diaz

FBR urged to extendSTR filing dateLAHORE—LahoreChamber of Commerce &Industry, Tuesdayappealed to FederalBoard of Revenue (FBR)Chairman to extend SalesTax Returns filing date asit has not been uploadedon FBR portal so far.LCCI President EngineerSohail Lashari and otheroffice bearers, in a jointpress statement arguedthat date should beextended by one monthso that business commu-nity could easily submittheir sales tax returns,which have yet to beuploaded on the FBRwebsite. The LCCI office-bearers said that anextension in the date offiling of Sales TaxReturns would not onlyfacilitate the businesscommunity but also senda very positive signalabout private-publicsector liaison.—APP

ISE-10 index staysbullishISLAMABAD—TheIslamabad Stock Exchange(ISE) on Tuesday wit-nessed bullish trend as theISE-10 index was up by46.98 points to close at4441.07 points. A total of420,300 shares were traded,which showed a positivegrowth of 389,600 shares,when compared withprevious day’s trading of30,700 shares. Out of 136companies, share prices of73 companies recordedincrease while those of -63companies decreased andno company remainedstable in today’s trad-ing.—APP

Port Qasimshipping activityKARACHI—Three shipscarrying containers, steelproduct and Gas Oil wereberthed at Qasim Interna-tional ContainersTerminal, Multi PurposeTerminal and FotcoTerminal respectively.Meanwhile four moreships carrying Contain-ers, Cement, Edible Oiland Diesel oil also arrivedat outer anchorage of PortQasim (PQ) during last 24hours. Berth occupancywas 35% at the Port onTuesday where four shipsnamely Safmarine Ngami,Atlantic Glory, GaiaTriump, Moon Light andMT. Turris are currentlyoccupying berths to load/offload Containers.—APP

Conversion ratesKARACHI—The followingrates will be applicable forconversion into rupees ofForeign CurrencyDeposits, Dollar BearerCertificates, ForeignCurrency Bearer Certifi-cates, Special U.S. DollarBonds and profits thereonby all banks and forproviding Forward Coveron Foreign CurrencyDeposits (excluding F.E-25 deposits) by the StateBank on August 13, 2014.The rates are U.S. DollarRs. 99.3221, Japanese YenRs. 0.9704, Pound SterlingRs. 166.5929 and Euro Rs.132.5155. —APP

SBP auctionsRs 82,949.745m

PIBsKARACHI—The State Bankof Pakistan (SBP) on Tues-day auctioned Pakistan In-vestment Bonds (PIBs) ofdifferent tenures amountingto Rs 82,949.745 million, withface value of Rs 86,787.9million. The bids offered forPIBs with maturity periodsof 3,5 and 10 years tenureamounted to Rs 86,757.670million having face value ofRs 90,837.9 million. No bidwas received for 20 yearmaturity bonds, said an SBPpress release.—APP

Oil prices downon ebbing

supply fearsSINGAPORE—Oil prices fellin Asia Tuesday on easingconcerns about supply dis-ruptions arising out of con-flicts in Ukraine and Iraq,analysts said. US benchmarkWest Texas Intermediate forSeptember delivery eased 27cents to $97.81 while Brentcrude for September wasdown 22 cents to $104.46 inmid-morning trade.

Singapore’s UnitedOverseas Bank said inves-tors are taking “a more opti-mistic view on Ukraine andIraq although developmentsin these troubled regionsremain on their radar”. InIraq, the OPEC cartel’s num-ber-two producer, US airstrikes that began last weekhave buoyed Kurdish forceswho are battling to turn thetide on two months of ex-pansion in the north by Is-lamic State extremists.

Investors also cheeredPresident Fuad Masum’s ac-ceptance of Haidar al-Abadias the embattled country’snext prime minister, in place ofthe much-criticised Nuri al-Maliki. The jihadists haveoverrun forces controlled byal-Maliki’s government in thecountry’s north and west, andhave declared a “caliphate” inthose areas. Disruptions insupply to neighbouring Tur-key and Jordan have hit Iraqhard as it is heavily dependenton oil revenues while spend-ing more to battle the IslamicState. In Ukraine, concernshave eased about a Russianinvasion into east Ukraine.Moscow said Monday a hu-manitarian convoy it is dis-patching into the conflict-tornzone will not involve its mili-tary.—APP

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance, Senator Ishaq Dar called on US Ambassador, Richard G Olson.

STAFF REPORTER

KARACHI—K-Electric (KE) through itspress statement has announced the suc-cessful installation of 103 new low-costmeters for the underprivileged society inZarobi colony near Keemari/Clifton. Thecolony was previously a kunda infestedarea and hence the installation of low-costmeter scheme has been carried out to curbthe usage of illegal connections. Accord-ing to KE press release, the company re-ceived almost 137 applications from thedwellers of this colony.

As part of ‘One Stop Shop campaign’,the application forms were collected wherethe camps were set up by KE managementin this area. Through this scheme, residentsand shop owners of kunda infested areascould fill the application forms and get on-spot approval of the low-cost meters for acost of Rs.2600. The press release addedthat more meters will continue to be in-stalled in following days as well. The com-pany is expected to receive around 200 moreapplications for the metered connectionsin this colony.

Considering the initiative taken by theresidents of the Zarobi colony, KE’sspokesperson added, ‘‘The drive to con-vert hook connections to legal metered con-nections by dwellers of Zarobi colony givesout a very strong message to the masses,

STAFF REPORTER

KARACHI—“IEEEP Fair presents a unique op-portunity to electronics and electrical exhibitors,analysts, delegations and trade visitors for shar-ing views, developing understanding of latestdevelopments and technological know-how in theengineering industry and find innovative and af-fordable solutions to engineering-related chal-lenges.” Ms. Sumeta Afzaal Syed, Member ofProvincial Assembly, shared her thoughts whileaddressing at the Soft Launch of IEEEP Fair 2014as its Chief Guest at a local hotel. During the softlaunch of IEEEP Fair-2014 she also appreciatedIEEEP for organizing such event and expressedher admiration for Badar Expo Solutions to man-age an IEEEP Fair.

Meanwhile Chairman Institute of Electrical

IEEEP Exhibition to start from September 9and Electronics Engineers of Pakistan (IEEEP)Engr. M Asif Siddiqui said that the Industrial,Electrical & Electronics Exhibition of Pakistan(IEEEP) is to be held from September 9-11 atKarachi Expo Centre.

Mr. Asif further said that it is an exclusiveforum for the electrical engineers to meet thechallenge of rapid developments in the electri-cal engineering technology, to disseminate tech-nical knowledge and to introduce up to datetechnology to its members in particular and thecommunity of engineers in general. ‘The exhibi-tion will also provide a bridge between theacademia and industry for our future genera-tion of young engineers,’ said Asif.

Senior Vice Chairman FPCCI and Guest ofHonor Aamir-ul-Ebad commended IEEEP forsuccessfully holding a series of IEEEP Fair to

showcase the true capacity of Pakistan’s engi-neering sector. ‘The exhibition will gather theelectrical, electronics, allied industry and engi-neering sectors of the county under one roofand no doubt will solve the various develop-mental impede. I wish them all the best forstrengthening and promoting engineering de-velopments in Pakistan,’ he added.

Senior Vice Chairman FPCCI and Guest ofHonor Aamir-ul-Ebad commended IEEEP forsuccessfully holding a series of IEEEP Fair toshowcase the true capacity of Pakistan’s engi-neering sector. ‘The exhibition will gather theelectrical, electronics, allied industry and engi-neering sectors of the county under one roofand no doubt will solve the various develop-mental impede. I wish them all the best forstrengthening and promoting engineering de-

velopments in Pakistan,’ he added.Earlier, Convener IEEEP Fair 2014 Engr. M.

Irfan Shaikh in his welcoming note stated thatthe exhibition will be a valuable forum for rel-evant persons to collect information on widevariety of developments in electrical and elec-tronics sectors and to meet experts of the saidareas. He added that for the last many yearsIEEEP Fair has been playing a vital role for net-working opportunity to Electrical & ElectronicIndustry manufacturers, traders and servicesproviders.

Later Mr. Jaffar Abbas Director Sales BadarExpo Solutions gave a detailed presentation onthe event while Mr. Prakash Lohana, HonoaraySecretary IEEEP-Karachi Center extended votethanks to all the exhibitors, sponsors and guestsattended the event.

STAFF REPORTER

KARACHI—Overseas Pakistanis remittedan amount of dollars 1,649.39 million inJuly 2014. This shows an impressivegrowth of 17.45 percent compared with$1,404.39 million received during the samemonth of the last fiscal year (FY14), saidState Bank of Pakistan here Tuesday. Theinflow of remittances during July 2014from Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates,United States of America, United King-dom, GCC countries (including Bahrain,Kuwait, Qatar and Oman) and European

Union countries amounted to $ 454.47million, $ 352.89 million, $ 257.08 million,$ 247.96 million, $ 179.76 million and$44.32 million respectively compared withthe inflow of $410.73 million, $252.41 mil-lion, $233.06 million, $221.93 million,$161.44 million and $38.59 million respec-tively in July 2013.

Remittances received from Norway,Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Japan andother countries during the last monthamounted to $112.91 million as against$86.23 million received in the same monthof the last fiscal year (FY14).

Overseas Pakistanisremit $1.6b in July 2014

KE installs low-cost metersfor underprivileged society

that if they want to turn their High-Lossareas into Low-Losses by reducing theftand losses in their respective areas, theywill be exempted from Load-shedding’. KEhas been endeavoring to control powertheft in the city and hence has been takingactive measures to discourage kunda sys-tem by installing affordable meters in thedisadvantaged areas.

Zarobi colony was one such areawhere kunda system is prevalent due towhich residents of the colony were fac-ing problems like electricity theft andload shedding. In an attempt to upgradethe system, the residents of Zarobicolony worked tirelessly along with KEteam in order to get these illegal con-nections replaced by new Low-CostMeters after agreeing to pay the cost ofthese meters as well- an act highly ap-preciated by KE. The scheme was previ-ously conducted in several other areasas well including Mianwali colony,Pakhtoon Para Baldia and Syed Villageand these areas are now free from kundainfestation.

Giving further details, KE also hopesthat residents of other High-Loss areas inthe city will discontinue resistance to posi-tive change and cooperate with KE, as re-duction in power losses would simplytranslate into lesser hours of Load-shed-ding and better supply of electricity.

STAFF REPORT

ISLAMABAD—Mr. Richard G. Olson USAmbassador to Pakistan called on theFinance Minister Senator MohammadIshaq Dar at the Ministry of FinanceTuesday and discussed progress onCASA-1000 and Diamer Bhasha Damprojects. The Finance Minister informedthe Ambassador that overall economicsituation in the country is satisfactory.All the economic indicators are reflectingpositive trends and now the governmentis working to consolidate the gains madeduring the last one year. He also dis-cussed funding for ongoing and futureenergy projects, which the governmentintends to launch soon.

He underlined the importance of com-pleting the ongoing energy projects onthe fast track. Both the sides also dis-cussed progress made on CASA-1000and Diamer Bhasha Dam projects. TheAmbassador assured the Finance Min-ister that the US would continue to buildeconomic relations and partnership withPakistan with the aim to bring develop-ment and prosperity in the region. TheAmbassador also expressed US keen in-terest in relief and rehabilitation of theInternally Displaced Persons (IDPs) inN WA.

The Finance Minister informed that

Dar, Olson quantify progresson energy projects

Olson assures relief & rehabilitation of IDPsthe diplomatic and donor communitybased in Islamabad will be briefed by theconcerned departments for the rehabili-tation plans. He appreciated US supportfor IDPs and hoped that the interna-tional community will join hands with theGovernment of Pakistan for rehabilita-tion of IDPs.

The Ambassador appreciated the de-cision of the government for allowing livecattle import from the countries wherethere are minimum risk of BSE infectedcattle. The Ambassador also informed thatthe US investors are actively participat-ing in divestment of GOP shares in publicsector enterprises. The Finance Ministerinformed that the government was able tofetch good price for PPL and UBL shares.He said that the plan for divestment is ontrack and the whole process will be car-ried out with complete transparency andfairness.

The US Ambassador informed the Fi-nance Minister that the reimbursement ofCoalition Support Fund is on track andpayments will be made according to theschedule. Both the sides also discussedprogress made so far on economic coop-eration between the two countries and ex-pressed their satisfaction. The meetingwas also attended by Mr. Saleem Sethi,Secretary Economic Affairs Division andsenior officials of the Ministry.

STAFF REPORTER

KARACHI—Sindh Chief Minister (CM)Syed Qaim Ali Shah has expressed his dis-satisfaction over the performance of NorthSindh Urban Services Corporation (NSUSC)and has directed the Planning and Devel-opment Department to revisit the agreementwith this company and reconstitute itsboard within one month. He directed forthe removal of its Managing Director withimmediate effects and directed the new PD-NSUSC to take over the charge and ensurethat efficient deliveries of water supply,drainage and disposal of sanitation are be-ing provided to the people of cities of northSindh included in the NSUSC-program.

This he directed while presiding overmeeting regarding performance of theNSUSC management held at CM HouseKarachi Tuesday. Advisor to Chief MinisterSindh for Finance Syed Murad Ali Shah,Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Planningand Development Mohammad Wasim, Sec-retary to CM Alamuddin Bullo, SecretaryFinance Sohail Rajput, P&D (newly ap-pointed) NSUSC Shamasuddin Sahto, andother officers attended the meeting. The CMsaid that as per agreement, the Asian Devel-opment Bank (ADB) was committed to pro-vide loan of $300 million with 25 percentcounter share of Sindh Government i.e. ad-ditional $100 million to improve the infrastruc-ture and ensure provision of efficient ser-vice deliveries in the field of water supply,drainage and sanitation/ solid waste man-agement within 10 years through a company.

He said that initially Sukkur old, Sukkur

NSUSC poor performanceirks CM Sindh

new, Rohri, Shikarpur, Khairpur and Larkanawere included in the project with newly con-stituted company under the title of NorthSindh Urban Services Corporation with $50million to perform and deliver the people inthese identified fields but the management ofNSUSC were failed to perform accordingly.He said that the management concerned waswarned many times but it did not improve itsperformance. Though it was being consid-ered to disband the company but simulta-neously is providing the chance at certainconditions that include to revisit the agree-ment to put the sanitation workers under com-mand and control of local administration andassign technical works to company, reconsti-tute the board having local representation, tolink the provincial finance department formonitoring income and expenditure and nomi-nating chairman of the company from two bigcities either from Larkana or Sukkur.

He directed the ACS (Development) tocoordinate with the country director of ADBand ensure these amendments in agreementwithin one month. The provincial Chief Execu-tive Syed Qaim Ali Shah said that as per sched-ule Sindh cities improvement program is beingexpanded upto 20 secondary cities in wholeSindh under the central Sindh Urban ServicesCorporation cluster of Mirpurkhas, Sanghar,Tando Adam, Shahdadpur, Umerkot andTando Allahyar. He said 2nd tranche of $139.80million including $99.10 million from Asian De-velopment Bank and $40.70 million from gov-ernment of Sindh share has been provided tothe company but he directed the managementto utilize the same through new proposed man-agement and system of operation.

STAFF REPORTER

LAHORE—All Pakistan Textile Mills Asso-ciation (APTMA-Punjab) Tuesday fearedserious impact on commerce and industryif political uncertainty continued to prevail.Briefing media here, the APTMA-PunjabChairman S.M. Tanvir said that speciallythe textile industry cannot sustain any kindof uncertainty and political instability forlong due to its international exposure be-ing an export-oriented industry.

Also, millions of workers are affiliatedwith textile industry in Pakistan, which isalso a major consumer of cotton within thecountry, he said, asserting that continuityof economic activities in the country is mustfor continuity of jobs, productivity andgrowth. S.M. Tanveer said the national as-sets of the country should be protectedfrom destruction and the economic wheelof the country should not be halted for asingle moment. Especially, he said, everystakeholder of the system should give pri-ority to the promotion of employment andeconomic growth of the country in all theirstrategies and planning.

He said the industrial circles are wor-

Political uncertainty to affectindustry seriously: APTMA

ried over the prevailing uncertainty anddemand an early end to it for better pros-pects of the economy of the country. Ac-cording to him, the textile industry of Paki-stan has recently been benefited from theopportunity of market access from the Eu-ropean Union and it requires a sound andstable business environment to avail maxi-mum potential of the opportunity, he said.The APTMA-Punjab Chairman said onlythe tolerance and forbearance can take Pa-kistan out of socio-economic issues andthe stakeholders should give preference tothe economic uplift of the country.

He said that Pakistan is unfortunatelyone of the countries losing productive hoursunnecessarily, which the economy cannotafford any further. Being an export-orientedindustry, the international buyers shouldhave reliance on it so far as timely deliveryof international orders is concerned, he as-serted. He made it clear that APTMA has nopolitical affiliation with anyone and all itsefforts are for promotion of economic activ-ity and prosperity of the country. He hopedthat sanity would prevail and the govern-ment would dig out the options to avoid theuntoward situation ahead.

CAA to celebratenational flag

hoisting ceremonyLAHORE—Civil AviationAuthority will arrange aflag hoisting ceremony atAllama Iqbal InternationalAirport, Lahore. Mr.Rashid MuhammadHussain, Airport Manger,CAA, will hoist the Na-tional Flag. In this cer-emony all departments i.e.ASF, ANF, Custom, all Air-lines and other Organiza-tion working at the Airportwill participate. The Air-port building has nowbeen decorated with lightsand national flags.

All Lounges inside thebuilding have now beendecorated with colourfulballoons, lighting and na-tional flags. Moreover, theAirport Manager shall con-vey the message of the Di-rector General civil AviationAuthority on this auspi-cious day of indepen-dence.—PR

Property portalLamudi.pk supports

ABAD expoKARACHI—Pakistan’s larg-est ever construction in-dustry event is now under-way in Karachi, with the in-augural Association ofBuilders and Developers(ABAD) expo officiallykicking off today. ABAD,with support fromLamudi.pk, has organizedthe three-day expo fromAugust 12-14 at KarachiExpo Center. The event, thefirst organized by ABAD,gives attendees a uniquechance to learn about theconstruction sector, whichis the second largest jobprovider in Pakistan.

Already the organizershave received an over-whelming response fromdevelopers, builders, archi-tects and other allied in-dustries such as ceramics,steel, tiles and sanitary, allof which are also display-ing their products. Theexpo has also caught theeye of foreign investors,with delegations fromUAE, Singapore, Thailand,Turkey, Indonesia andother countries setting upstalls at the expo’s interna-tional pavilion. In total,there are 100 stalls at theexpo, with a second pavil-ion for builders who haverecently launched newprojects and a third spacefor the allied industries.

Pakistan’s biggest prop-erty portal, Lamudi.pk, a keysponsor of the event, at-tracted large crowds to itseye-catching stall. TheLamudi team also invited ar-chitecture and engineeringstudents from all over Paki-stan to showcase theirprojects at the expo andhave a chance to interactwith industry experts. SaadArshed, Country Director,of Lamudi.pk states: “TheABAD expo is a uniquechance to bring together allthe builders, developers,real estate professionals andother industry experts underone roof. The constructionsector - which is the secondlargest job provider in Paki-stan after agriculture - hasplayed a huge role in the de-velopment of other coun-tries. By supporting suchexpos, we hope to spark thesame level of growth in Pa-kistan. We look forward tosponsoring more of suchexpos in the future.” Theexpo continues at theKarachi Expo Center untilThursday, August 14.—PR

Currency Selling Buying

USA 98.80 98.60

UK 165.65 165.32

Euro 132.13 131.86

Canada 90.32 90.14

Switzerland 108.83 108.61

Australia 91.53 91.34

Sweden 14.37 14.34

Japan 0.9658 0.9638

Norway 15.96 15.93

Singapore 79.03 78.87

Denmark 17.72 17.69

Saudi Arabia 26.34 26.29

Hong Kong 12.75 12.72

Kuwait 348.73 348.03

Malaysia 30.92 30.86

Newzealand 83.19 83.02

Qatar 27.13 27.08

UAE 26.90 26.84

Kr. Won 0.0961 0.0959

Thailand 3.080 3.074

Daily opening& closing ratesPMEX Index 3,006Total Volume (Lots): 7, 203Traded Value (Rs): 1,421, 568, 812

Commodity .......................... Price Quotation ....................Open ............. CloseCRUDE OIL ......................... $ Per Barrel ............................. 98.14 .............. 97.73SILVER ................................. $ Per Ounce ............................ 20.152 ............ 19.873GOLD ................................... $ Per Ounce ............................ 1,318.6 ........... 1,307.3GOLD ................................... Rs Per 10 gms ......................... 41,929 ............ 41,653MTOLAGOLD .................... Rs Per Tola ............................. 50,270 ............ 49,880GOLD ................................... Rs Per Tola ............................. 50,270 ............ 49,880RICEIRRI6 ........................... Rs Per 100 kg.......................... 3,557 .............. 3,554PALMOLEIN ...................... Rs Per Maund ........................ 4,203 .............. 4,200SUGAR ................................ Rs Per kg ................................. 48.31 .............. 48.27ICOTTON ............................ US Cents per pound ............. 63.93 .............. 64.06WHEAT ............................... Rs Per 100 kg.......................... 3,411 .............. 3,409

The total value traded was recorded at PKR 1,421 million. Number of lots traded was7,203 and PMEX Commodity Index closed at 3,006. Major business was contributedby gold amounting to PKR 738 million, followed by crude oil amounting to PKR 647million and silver at PKR 36 million.

RTO holds one-daytax awareness

seminarABDUL KHALIQ QURESHI

A B B O T TA B A D —Spec ia lmeasures are being intro-duced in the Finance bill2014 for the documentationof the country’s economyand different steps are be-ing taken to facilitate thetaxpayers with removal ofsome of discrepancies in thefield of Income and SalesTax.

This was said by Addi-tional CommissionerMumtaz Khan while ad-dressing as chief guest atthe one-day seminar orga-nized by the Regional TaxOffice (RTO) Abbottabadon Tuesday. Seminar waslargely attended by themembers of Hazara Tax BarAssociation, Accountantsof different government andprivate departments, Banks,NGO’s, owners of the pri-vate organizations includinghotels, colleges and others.

Deputy CommissionerInyat Malik , the resourceperson elaborated the dif-ferent sections and amend-ments made through the fi-nancial bill in Income TaxOrdinance with special at-tention on the deduction ofIncome Tax at sources. Par-ticipants were asked toutlise all facilities offered bythe RTO Abbottabad tofully implement the amend-ments made in the IncomeTax Ordinance to increasethe revenue generation asspecial officer is deputed tofacilitate in RTOAbbottabad and at facilita-tion centers at Haripur andMansehra where such kindof seminars are also orga-nized.

Later question answersession was also arrangedin which participants putforward some suggestionsand asked to provide the listof active tax payers list tothe organizations and de-partments as in the financialbill special reliefs are pro-vided to the tax payers whoare registered with FBR andextra tax will be collectedfrom the consumers who arenot registered with the FBR.Office bearers of the HazaraTax Bar Association alsospoke at the occasion.

STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—Minister for Commerce Engineer KhurramDastagir Khan on Tuesday informed the Senate that cur-rently there was complete ban on fresh recruitments add-ing that once ban lifted the vacant posts in various de-partments would be filled in transparent manner as per thelaw and regulation. Replying to various supplementaryquestion during Question Hour, the minister said thatemployees of National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) has beendecreased to 13,528 from 15,598 in 2013.

To another supplementary query, the minister said thatthe NBP suffered Rs.9 billion loss in Bangladesh duringfiscal years 2006-2008. He said the personal involved inthis huge loss has acquired Bangladesh nationality. A teamwould be sent to Bangladesh to prosecute the person in-volved in the scam, he added.

The minister said that presently no godown staff wason NBP payroll adding that no such staff was terminatedduring the year 2012-13. The Bank had signed contract

KARACHI: A group photo taken during the ceremony for signing the Memorandum ofUnderstanding for the establishment of scholarship program for Institute of BusinessAdministration (IBA) sponsored by Mitsubishi UFJ Foundation and arranged by Bankof Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ.

OBSERVER REPORT

LAHORE—Nutshell Forum, Pakistan’s leading confer-ence management organization in collaboration with HRSIis proud to announce the ‘Asian Leadership & HRMSummit – Pushing leadership and Growth Through Strat-egy’. The one-day summit, held in collaboration withHRSI (one of Pakistan’s leading human resource solu-tion providers and executive search firms), will take placein Lahore on 21st August at the Avari Hotel, and will beattended by noted luminaries across multiple industries.

This year will see the 11th edition of the Asian Lead-ership & HRM Summit, which has enjoyed a tremendousresponse and success over the past decade, with over5,000 industry professionals in attendance. The NutshellForum has collaborated with Harvard Business Publish-ing and the British Council as Knowledge Partners; andfurther support has been given by the Pakistan SoftwareHouses Association (P@SHA), the Institute of CharteredAccountants of Pakistan (ICAP), the Institute of Cost &Management Accountants of Pakistan (ICMAP), the Na-tional HRD Network India, Pakistan Human Capital Fo-rum, Funverks Global, and Possibilities. Latitude CRSwill be acting as the exclusive PR partner for this interna-tional summit.

The event promises a wide mix of discussions andkey note addresses, delivered by experts including, Prof.Ahsan Iqbal (Federal Minister for Planning, Develop-ment & Reforms), Mohammad Zubair (Minister of State,and Chairman, Privatisation Commission), Anjali Raina(Harvard Business School), Vinay Hebbar (Harvard Busi-

ISLAMABAD—LG Electronics (LG) an-nounced today the global launch of the LGG Pad 10.1, its largest tablet in the G Padseries. The LG G Pad 10.1 is perfect for on-the-go media consumption as it boasts anexpansive, wide screen display powered byan 8,000mAh battery that gives users animpressive multimedia experience and end-less hours of entertainment.

The LG G Pad series offers just the rightbalance of performance, personality andprice to fill the gap between entry level andpremium tablets. In an effort to give con-sumers the best experience across its en-tire portfolio of devices, the new LG G Padseries will come preloaded with the best ofthe G series’ premium user experience (UX),including a host of features carried overfrom the LG G3, such as Touch & Shoot,Gesture Shot, Smart Keyboard and DualWindow.

LG G Pad devices include unique fea-tures to deliver easy connectivity and se-curity. LG makes connectivity more conve-nient with QPair 2.0, which provides seam-

K A R A C H I — P a k i s t a n ’sprominent textile group GulAhmed is proud to presentits limited edition Indepen-dence Day Collection tocommemorate the nation’sIndependence on 14th Au-gust. The special collectionis an ode tothe diverseculture andheritage of Pa-kistan and celebrates therich history of the nation.The collection is currentlyavailable from all Gul AhmedIDEAS stores nationwideand online through thebrand’s e-store http://www.gulahmedshop.com/.

The special capsulecollection features 8 inno-vative designs that show-case a diversity of contem-porary and traditional de-sign elements strongly as-sociated with Pakistani his-tory and culture. In line withthe spirit of patriotism, thecollection is based in a pal-ette largely consisting ofwhites and greens with

Asian Leadership & HRM Summit

‘Pushing leadership and growththrough strategy’

ness Publishing), Prof. Dr. Sohail H. Naqvi (LUMS),Avinash Vashistha (Accenture India & NASSCOM),Ahsen Javed (ORACLE), Khuram Rahat (Teradata), SyedTariq Husain (Emirates Investment Group UAE), Dr.Tarita Shankar (Indira Group of Institute), Guenter Zwickl(Siemens), Irfan Siddiqui (Meezan Bank), Syed MazharHussain (PTCL), Ishan Raina (Ignitee Digital), IrfanWahab Khan (Telenor), Adnan Siddiqui (Growth Initia-tives Leader, IBM Middle East, Africa & Turkey), SalimGhauri (Netsol & P@SHA), Badar Khushnood (Google),Ayub Siddiqui (Sanofi), Adil Khattak (Attock Refinery),Shafique Uqaili (Allied Bank), Akram Durrani (DawoodHercules), Sheraz Karim (SNL Financial), Waqar Khadim(Sefam), Farhad Karamally (Funverks Global & NavitusSri Lanka), Dr. Sitwat Hussain (Descon Engineering),Haroon Waheed (Fatima Group), Akkasha Sultan(ORACLE ASEAN), Max Babri (The Konsultants), Al-karim Hasan (AntiClock), Shakeel Mapara (Sanofi),amongst many other noted national and internationalspeakers.

Commenting on the upcoming Summit, MuhammadAzfar Ahsan, CEO, Nutshell Forum, said, “Each year, weat Nutshell look to exceed on our previous successes. Iam confident that this year’s Asian Leadership & HRMSummit will provide the definitive opportunity for Paki-stani professionals to learn from a host of internationalexperts. Moreover, the event provides the perfect oppor-tunity to share experiences across cultural and corporatemultidisciplinary lines, allowing attendees to build last-ing personal and professional relationships, while alsodeveloping innovative management strategies.”

Vacant posts to be filled once ban liftedMinister updates on fresh hiring as per law

with a private company ‘Muqadam’ for providing godownservices, he added. The minister said that currently Paki-stan Steel Mills was not included in the privatization list.He said that 85 cases of gazetted officer of National As-sembly Secretariat have been received in AGPR office sinceMarch 2014 for issuance of slips. However, out of total,only seven cases were finalized and pay slips were issuedto officers concerned so far, he added.

He said that 75 cases were returned to the NA secre-tariat for providing necessary documents, he said. Khurramsaid that loan agreements of $ 12,915.95 million were signedwith foreign countries including China, Japan and SaudiArabia and International Financial Institutions (ADB, WorldBank, IDB, EIB etc.). Similarly, bonds of $ 2,000 million wereissued from June 2013 to June 2014, he said and added thatthese loans were obtained for budgetary support, import ofcommodities and financing the projects of national impor-tance. He said that Pakistan entered into the extended fundfacility for $ 6.64 billion with IMF in September 2013 andreceived $ 2.2 billion so far under the programme.

LG G Pad 10.1 starts global sale,offers impressive multimedia

less convergence between Android-pow-ered tablets and smartphones via a simpleBluetooth connection. With QPair 2.0, us-ers can receive notifications of calls andmessages on a smartphone and reply oranswer the call directly from the G Pad.

Knock Code™, the popular and ac-claimed security feature that combinespowering on and unlocking into one quickstep, allows up to four users to register theirknock patterns so family members can sharethe same tablet while still being able to keeptheir data and photos private. “Consumersuse tablets differently from smartphonesand we wanted to highlight the importantrole of entertainment in the new LG G Pad10.1,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, president andCEO of the LG Electronics Mobile Commu-nications Company. “Tablets are increas-ingly being used as companion devices,which is why we made connecting the LG GPad 10.1 to other devices so easy and con-venient and why LG G Pad 10.1 offers thebest core technologies of our G seriessmartphones.”—PR

Gul Ahmed presentsspecial limited edition

collectionblacks and accents of othercolours. The collection fea-tures block prints, digitalprints and screen prints onlawn and cambric kurtas,intricately embellished withthread embroidery. Thespecial Independence Day

Kurtas areavailable in arange of sizesfrom XS-XL

and are priced betweenPKR 2,500-3,500.

Speaking about thebrand’s latest collection,Ziad Bashir, Executive Di-rector Gul Ahmed said, “Asa textile concern which hasbeen operating in Pakistanfor more than 50 years, weowe a great deal to thepeople, culture and nationof Pakistan. To commemo-rate the Independence Dayof the nation we are proudto present a new capsulecollection which featurestraditional and cultural Pa-kistani design elements in-terpreted for the modernage.— PR

China meat scandalhits McDonald’s

sale in JulyNEW YORK—McDonald´ssuffered a drop in July salesafter reports that it was us-ing unsafe meat in China hitsales in Asia, the companysaid. Global comparablesales at the US fast-food gi-ant dropped 2.5 percent,with sales in the Asia/Pacific,Middle East and Africa re-gion plummeting 7.3 per-cent. McDonald´s Julysales in the US dropped 3.2percent, while Europeansales rose 0.5 percent. OnJuly 21 Chinese officialsshut the Shanghai HusiFood Co. following a televi-sion report alleging the plantmixed out-of-date meat withfresh product that was thensupplied to McDonalds.Police later detained fiveShanghai Husi officials.

Last week, McDonald´ssaid it stopped using food fromall Chinese plants owned byShanghai Husi´s parent, US-based OSI Group. JapaneseMcDonald´s restaurants alsohalted the sale of productsmade with chicken from China.McDonald´s has apologizedfor the safety problems andpledged to tighten oversightof food suppliers.—Agencies

ISLAMABAD: Peter Coventry, Counsellor Australian High Commission awardingCertificate of Competency 2014 to PARC Senior Engineer Kamran Baksh Soomor(IPI-SARC) on successful completion of training at University of Western, Australiaunder Pak-Australia Agriculture Scholarship Programme.

ABBOTTABAD: Picture shows traders and community participants in Tax awarenessworkshop held at Regional Tax Office.

TOKYO—The dollar extended its gains inAsia on Tuesday, recovering from a sharpfall last week fuelled by Washington’s an-nouncement that it had authorised air strikesin Iraq. The dollar strengthened to 102.29yen in afternoon Tokyo trade, against102.21 yen in New York.

The euro was quoted at $1.3375 and136.81 yen, from $1.3383 and 136.79 yen inNew York as concerns persisted over a pos-sible Russian military incursion into east-ern Ukraine. “As the geopolitical factorshave been factored in, the market contin-ues to see a retreat in risk-off moves, whichsupported dollar-buying sentiment againstthe yen,” said Yasuaki Amatatsu, analystat the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ. “Theprospect for a steady recovery of the USeconomy is also behind the dollar-buyingsentiment.” Investors tend to buy the yen

in times of uncertainty and turmoil.The dollar rallied Monday after plung-

ing last week on President Barack Obama´sannouncement that he had authorised airstrikes on Iraq along with humanitarian sup-ply drops to prevent a “genocide” by ex-tremists. Dealers are now moving their fo-cus to an annual economics conference inthe United States later this month to be at-tended by Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen.

The dollar was mixed against other Asia-Pacific currencies. It rose to Sg$1.2503 fromSg$1.2493 on Tuesday, to 11,681.30 Indo-nesian rupiah from 11,667.50 rupiah, to 61.12Indian rupees from 61.09 rupees and toTw$30.02 from Tw$29.98.The dollar weak-ened to 32.08 Thai baht from 32.12 baht, to1,027.15 South Korean won from 1,035.35won and to 43.86 Philippine pesos from43.91 pesos.—AFP

Dollar extends gains in Asia

CHAMAN: Players trying to get the ball during the All Chaman Jashan Azadi Football Tournament.

Ian Schofield of Chase GC tees off during the Golfplan Insurance PGA Pro-CaptainChallenge - Midland Regional Qualifier Tuesday in Stourbridge, England.

MULTAN: Players of Crown Footbhall Club Khanewal and City Football Cloub Faisalabadstruggling to get hold on ball in first quarter final match during 1st all Pakistan cocaCola Football League.

ISLAMABAD—Former Pakistan CricketBoard (PCB) Chairman Najam Sethihopes that Shahryar Khan gets electedas the next PCB chief sayinghis vast cricket and diplo-matic experience will be anasset to the board.

Sethi said the next Chair-man who so ever getselected should follow themerit-based yardsticks hehad left behind.

Speaking about the criti-cism Sethi faced on his de-cision to call-up YounisKhan to the ODI squad forSri Lanka despite the cap-tain and coach beingagainst his decision, Sethisaid the selectors acceptedtheir error of judgment inawarding him (Younis) Bcategory and accepted myintervention to set therecord straight by granting him A cat-egory.

“See how Younis has paid us backby scoring 177 in his very first out-ing in the first Test against SriLanka,” he told Pakpassion.net.

Talking about the PCB’s standingamongst the ICC and fellow adminis-

Sethi sees Shahryaras next PCB chief

trators, Sethi said PCB was in a goodcondition when he came along. “ICCadministrators used to joke about

some of our ex-chairmen but thank Godall that is behind us now,” he said.

Listing his achievements as PCBChairman, Sethi said he was able tocleanse the PCB of over 140 redun-dant employees at a saving of aboutRs 6m per month.

“This saving enabled me to in-

crease the salaries of the remainingstaffers by about 10%, increase pen-sions of ex-Test cricketers by about

30% on average, give a sti-pend of Rs 5,000 per monthto 50 top Under-16 cricket-ers, increase Central Con-tract salaries of the NationalTeam squad by 25% etc,” hesaid.Sethi said he appointed the

best national and interna-tional coaches and empow-ered them to train and selectthe best cricketers in thecountry along with the newselection committees of un-tainted and respected ex-Test cricketers.“We have ended

Pakistan’s isolation in inter-national cricket and becomethe 4th most powerful mem-ber of the ICC and we have

signed FTP contracts worth $400-500million over the next eight years, whichis an unprecedented feat,” he said.

Sethi said next year we shall sit inthe chair of the President ICC. “Paki-stan Super League is about to becomea wonderful and exciting reality in themonths to come,” he said.—APP

PESHAWAR—Top seed Ahsan Ayaz andUmair Zaman will clash in the final of theJashan-e-Azadi Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Gov-ernor National Boys Under-19 SquashChampionship final after recording victo-ries against their respective rivals here atPAF Squash Complex.

In the first semi-final Ahsan Ayaz de-feated Zeeshan Khan by 3-1 while UmairZaman edged past Munir Zaman by 3-1 inthe second semi-final. The final of the Cham-pionship will be played on Tuesday.

It was the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa WomenSquash Open Championship in which LaibaIjaz and Komal Khan recorded victoriesagainst their respective rivals in the semi-finals and will now clash in the final, alsoon Tuesday.

In the first semi-final top seed AhsanAyaz beat Zeeshan Khan by 3-1 in a thrill-ing match, the score was 11-9, 10-12, 11-9and 11-8. Ahsan took the first game 11-9but failed to click in the second and lost toZeeshan Khan at 1-12. The two played ex-cellently but giving each other tough fight.

Top seed Ahsan, Umair,Laiba, Komal reach KPGovernor Cup ID final

Ahsan did not give much time to ZeeshanKhan to strike back and marched into vic-tory.

It was the second semi-final when spir-ited Umair Zaman beat Munir Zaman by 3-1, the score was 12-10, 6-11, 11-8 and 11-9.Umair Zaman also faced tough time despitewinning the first set at 12-10 against MunirZaman and lost the second set by 6-11 butstaged a comeback quickly and won twoconsecutive sets by 11-8 and 11-9.

In the women semi-final Laiba Ijaz facedtough resistance against Naima Khalid in athree sets battle, the score was 8-11, 11-5,11-6 while in the second semi-final KomalKhan beat Bareera by 2-0, the score was11-9, 11-8.

In the Under-11 category top seed NoorZaman beat Muhammad Ammad by 3-0, thescore was 12-10, 11-7 and 11-8. BothAmmad and Noor Zaman gave each othertough fight by exhibiting some excellentdisplay while Asad Ullah beat WaleedZaman by 3-1, the score was 11-9, 10-12,11-7 and 11-7.—APP

Azadi tournamentmatch called off

ISLAMABAD—The match ofthe Taqreebat-e-AzadiTwenty20 Tournament thatwas to be played betweenthe teams of Punjab andBalochistan at Pindi Sta-dium, Rawalpindi on Mon-day, was cancelled.

Talking to APP, a Paki-stan Cricket Board officialsaid the match had beencancelled due to the ongo-ing security suitation in thetwin cities of Rawalpindi andIslamabad.APP

ISLAMABAD—Former leggie-star AbdulQadir feels Saeed Ajmal would get out cleanfrom the ICC relating to suspected illegalbowling action saying the off-spinner wasalso reported in 2009 while delivering hisdoosra but was later cleared.

The ICC had said the Ajmal must un-dergo testing within 21 days. Ajmal wasreported after Pakistan’s seven-wicket lossin the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galleon Sunday. Ajmal could be tested at theCardiff Metropolitan University, which hasrecently been accredited as an official test-ing laboratory for bowling actions by theICC.

Talking to APP, Abdul Qadir, who hadappeared in 67 Tests and 104 ODIs between1977 and 1993, said the International CricketCouncil (ICC) should ease the bowling ac-tion rules for spinners.

“Ajmal is the No1-ranked bowler in in-ternational cricket and has taken 174 Testwickets and 182 wickets in 110 ODIs sincehe made his international debut in 2008,”he said adding this news has surprisedhim.

However Qadir, who is widely regardedas the top spin bowler of his generation,advised the ICC and the member boards to

Ajmal would get out clean: Qadircheck the illegal bowling actions of thebowlers when they are playing first classcricket.

“If the board sees any players bowlingan illegal action then they should not letthat player play further,” he said.

Qadir said this way no illegal actionswill be there to report in internationalcricket.

Speaking about the bounced chequeworth of Rs 400,000 that was presented bythe Pakistan cricketers and team manage-ment to the IDPs (Internally DisplacedPeople) of North Waziristan, Qadir said it isreally a disgrace that such an amount ofcheque has been bounced. The cheque wasbounced because this much amount wasnot present in the account.

“Government, People etc have beendonating plentiful to these displaced peopleand the cricketers presented them with acheque of Rs 400,000 and that also getsbounced,” he said.

Qadir said the cricketers earn millionsof rupees and such an action by them isreally condemnable. “I plea to the wholenation and also to the people who are liv-ing abroad to donate as much as they canto help these IDPs,” he said.—APP

KARACHI—Chief Selector Islahuddin Siddiquihas said on Tuesday that form, fitness andpure merit will be the criteria for the selection ofPakistan hockey team for Asian Games andother coming tours. One-day trials of the teamwill be held in Rawalpindi on Wednesday toselect 16 or 18-member squad.

Other members of the selection committeeincluded Arshad Chaudhry, Ayaz Mahmood,Khalid Bashir and Mussaddiq Hussain.

“Selection Committee in consultations withchief coach Shahnaz Shaikh and PakistanHockey Federation will be making an endeav-ors to select the best possible combination,”he told APP in an interview on his return afterhis trip to USA.

“There will be no preferences in selectionfor us for seniors and juniors and we would begoing for the best combination,” he pointedout.

Form, fitness, merit criteria forhockey selections: Islahuddin

“Our objective is to put national hockeyback on the track. But it gigantic task and itrequire long-term planning and process,” theformer Pakistan Captain and OlympianIslahuddin said.

He said he was in constant touch withShahnaz Shaikh and was getting regular up-dates on the performances of the players inthe training camp.

He said PHF Chief Akhtar Rasool, Secre-tary Rana Mujahid and Shahnaz Shaikh arevery keen to make their contribution in improv-ing hockey team. “To be frank despite AsianGames Champion we are starting from zero, itwill take few years to make them heroes,”Islahuddin remarked.

He said he knows the performances of thePakistan team players and Shahnaz’s recom-mendations will be prime importance for theselection committee.—APP

Lodhi holdsPhilippines

GM to a drawin Chess

OlympiadKA R A C H I—InternationalMaster Mahmood Lodhi helda Philppines Grand Master(GM) to a draw in Pakistan’s3-1 loss in 9th round of 41stWorld Chess Olympiad inTormso (Norway) on Tues-day night.

Pakistan’s 14-time Na-tional Champion, Lodhi, whohad been struggling in theearlier rounds, produced hisbest to play a draw againstSadorra Catilino having theFIDE rating of 2590.

Un-rated Syed Ahmed Alialso continued his fine run inthe event when he played adraw against DersaminaPaulo.

However veteran Interna-tional Master Shahzad Mirzaand Muhammad Younus suf-fered defeat against their fan-cied opponents.

With their third defeat ina row in 7th, 8th and 9thround, Pakisatn further de-clined to 108th spot in 160-nation event.

Pakistan was due to meetLibya in 10th round, accord-ing to reports reaching hereon Tuesday.—APP

Independence daysports events inprogress across

the provinceLAHORE—The Indepen-dence Day sports competi-tions, under the auspices ofSports Board Punjab (SBP),are in progress across thePunjab province.

Hundreds of youth dem-onstrated their skills in vari-ous sports events in all thedistricts and tehsils of theprovince here Tuesday. Alarge number of sports en-thusiasts appreciated theskills of sports men at dif-ferent venues.

Several sporting eventswere held in Rawalpindi.They organized table tennisevents for boys and girls.Azeem Babar, MubasharKhan, Asad Haseeb andJamal Akbar excelled inboys’ individual competi-tions while Wasifa Tareen,Alsa Khan and Faiza re-mained successful playersin the girls events.

In the boys’ karate con-test, Hashir Sagheer, ArslanLiaqat, Faisal Akram per-formed excellently while inthe females’ competition,Laila, Robeena and Farwatook the honours. In thevolleyball match, IttehadClub emerged winnersagainst Saghar Club.

At Jhelum, a hockeymatch was played betweenCyprus Club and FighterClub in which the latter teamwas declared triumphant.Combined Cricket Club de-feated Khan Club in a hardball cricket match played inAttock.

In the second clash,Lucky Nine Cricket Blueteam thrashed Ijaz CricketClub comprehensively.

In the next Indepen-dence Day event, MalalFootball Club beat DhokeMlalian Club in a footballmatch while Arslan FootballClub defeated Qutbal Clubin the second clash.

Sahiwal organized karateevent on Independence Day.Mehmood Kabaddi Clubfought against SamarKabaddi Club and won theclash in Okara while inPakpattan, Muslim Azad Foot-ball Club was adjudged win-ners against Geo Club in thecricket clash, Defence Clubtrounced Young Fighter Club.

The title of hockey wentto Chak Bedi Club whichrouted Noorpur HockeyClub in the final. An Inter-District Cricket Tournamentwas organized in Khushabwhere Joharabad LionsCricket Club clinched thecrown.—APP

KARACHI—Former chief selector and fa-mous spinner Iqbal Qasim has ques-tioned the selection of Abdur Rehmanin Pakistan team and said it had exposed

team’s spinattack.

“Franklys p e a k i n gR e h m a ndoes notdeserve aplace in Pa-kistan teamafter bowl-ing full-tossw i d e sa g a i n s tBangladeshin thisyear ’s AsiaCup,” hesaid hereMonday.

Left arm slow bowler Rehman wasbarred after bowling three ful l- tosswides above the waist, forcing umpireJohan Cloete to take him off. Rehman fin-ished with figures of 0-0-8-0.

“Rehman had been struggling in therecent times and Zulfiqar Babar would

Iqbal Qasim questionsRehman’s selection

have been very good choice,” he com-mented.

Rehman ended with figures of onewickets of Kumar Sangakkara (221) for123 runs in marathon 39 overs.

“Had Zulfiqar Babar been in the teamit would have benefit ted the Pakistanteam” he maintained.

He said apart from slow and cautiousbatting spinners performance was notup to the standard.

Iqbal Qasim known as the Bangalorehero, said Saeed Ajmal played his partby taking five wickets after being wicket-less in the first innings in his team’s 137overs .

“We needed wickets from SaeedAjmal in his 10-15 overs to put oppo-nents under pressure.

He said that Pakistan team is undergreat deal of pressure after 7- wicket lossto Sri Lanka in the match which last ses-sion seemed to be heading towards adraw.

“Pakistan needed to come up hardwith a new vigor in all areas of the gameto level the 2-match series,” he said.

He said he was really upset and dis-turbed with Pakistan’s defeat in the firstTest match in Galle.—APP

ManchesterUnited make

move for RojoLONDON—The Argentina in-ternational has been targetedby Southampton this summerbut has learned of the OldTrafford club’s interest and iskeen to link up with Louis vanGaal

Manchester United havemade a move for Argentinastar Marcos Rojo, Goal canreveal.

Southampton have tar-geted Rojo for much of thesummer and have been work-ing hard to broker a deal withSporting Lisbon while alsoattempting to persuade theplayer to move to St Mary’sStadium.

The south coast clubwere prepared to offer •25million for the Argentina in-ternational but Sporting stoodfirm on his •38m releaseclause.

United have now enteredthe fray and made an offer ofaround •25m and, while it isstill some way short of whatthe Portuguese giants want,Rojo has learned of the OldTrafford club’s interest and isvery much keen on the move.

Rojo, who can play cen-trally or on the left, impressedduring the World Cup andwas a regular feature for Ar-gentina in their run to the fi-nal, where they lost to Ger-many. A source confirmed toGoal: “Rojo knows Unitedhave now come in and thingshave changed - he wants tomove to Manchester.”

United have brought inAnder Herrera and full-backLuke Shaw this summer asLouis van Gaal prepares forhis first season in the PremierLeague. Van Gaal has toldclub officials that he is happywith his squad but the RedDevils could yet make furthersignings before the transferwindow closes.—AFP

Donald Tiripano was bowled by Dane Piedt for 5 off 63 balls, Zimbabwe v South Africa, only Test, Harare, 4th day.

KUALA LUMPUR—Malaysian Hockeypresident Sultan Ahmad Shah has threat-ened to pull the men’s national team fromnext month’s Asian Games because of a lackof discipline as the fallout from a poor Com-monwealth Games performance continues.

The Malaysians, runners up at the lastAsian Games, were humbled by lowlyTrinidad and Tobago at last month’s Com-monwealth Games in Scotland as they ex-ited in the group stage.

That followed a last place finish at the12-team World Cup in June with head coachK. Dharmaraj being replaced by A.Arulselvaraj on Monday following a coun-cil meeting into the showings. Ahmad Shahsaid a report into the two tournament fail-ings had also highlighted issues with player

Wallabiesteam to playAll Blacks

SYDNEY—The Wallabiesannounced Tuesday theirteam for the opening RugbyChampionship Test againstthe All Blacks in Sydney onSaturday:

Australia (15-1) - IsraelFolau; Pat McCabe, AdamAshley-Cooper, MattToomua, Rob Horne;Kurtley Beale, Nic White;Wycliff Palu, MichaelHooper (capt), Scott Fardy;Rob Simmons, Sam Carter;Sekope Kepu, NathanCharles, James Slipper

Replacements: JamesHanson, Pek Cowan, BenAlexander, Will Skelton, BenMcCalman, ScottHigginbotham, Nick Phipps,Bernard Foley, TevitaKuridrani .—AFP

LONDON—Former Pakistan interna-tional Danish Kaneria has lost his finallegal challenge in an English courtagainst a life ban imposed by the En-gland and Wales Cricket Board forspot-fixing while playing for county

s i d eEssex, itwas an-nouncedT u e s -day.

JudgeStanleyBurton,s i t t i n gi nEngland́ sCourt ofAppeal,said anapplica-tion byKaneriato ap-

peal against a life ban imposed by theECB in June 2012, was “totally withoutmerit”.

Burton also decided Kaneria, whohas made several attempts to get hisban overturned, could not request thedecision be reconsidered at an oral hear-ing. His rulings mean Kaneria has ex-hausted all the legal options availableto him in England to appeal a life banwhich, under reciprocal arrangementsbetween all members of the Interna-

Kaneria loses final legal challengeagainst spot-fixing life ban

tional Cricket Council, means the 33-year-old leg-spinner is barred from play-ing cricket worldwide.

ECB chairman Giles Clarke, re-sponding to the Court of Appeal´s an-nouncement, said in a statement: “ECBwelcomes today´s decision to dismissthe application by Mr Kaneria to ap-peal the life ban imposed for his cor-rupt activity. “Mr Kaneria acted as arecruiter of potential ´spot-fixers´ andused his seniority and international ex-perience to target and corrupt a youngand vulnerable player.”

Clarke added: “It is high time thatMr Kaneria came clean about his in-volvement in these corrupt activitiesand stopped misleading the Pakistancricket fans and wider public with hisempty protestations of innocence.

´Apologise publicly´ -“We once again urge him to

apologise publicly for his past actionsand to start the process of redeeminghimself by supporting the PakistanCricket Board´s anti-corruption initia-tives and assisting the police and lawenforcement bodies in the Asian sub-continent with the vital job of expos-ing and cutting off the primary sourceof cricket corruption.”

In May, Britain´s High Court re-jected Kaneria´s bid to overturn theban imposed by ECB for encourag-ing a team-mate to bowl badly onpurpose as part of a spot-f ixingscam.

The ECB had charged Kaneria, thenplaying for Essex, with inducing team-mate Mervyn Westfield to “deliberatelyconcede” runs in an English countylimited overs match against Durham in2010.

The ban was then subsequentlyapplied globally by the ICC andKaneria lost an appeal with the ECBdisciplinary panel in July last year.

The ECB took disciplinary actionagainst Kaneria after former fast bowlerWestfield agreed to “spot fix” and wasjailed, the London court heard.

The incident that sparked ECB ac-tion against both players took placeduring a one-day match between Essexand Durham on September 5, 2009.

Westfield later revealed he´dbowled “deliberately badly” afteragreeing to concede 12 runs in his firstover for “financial reward”, Hamblentold the court.

“In the event he conceded 10 runs,including a wide, and received £6,000,”the judge added.

“For this ´spot fixing´ he was sen-tenced to four months´ imprisonmentin February 2012.”

Westfield was also given a five-yearban from cricket by the ECB.

Pakistani cricket authoritieslaunched an investigation after Kaneriaappeared to contravene the terms ofthe global ban imposed by the ICC byplaying in a series of Twenty20 gamesin Houston, Texas, in April.—AFP

ISLAMABAD—Iran’s national wrestlingfreestyle team has ended Russian domi-nance, becomes champion in FILA WorldWrestling Championships in Croatia.

Iran stood ahead of the US and Russiawith 64 points in the first place on Mon-day. The championship came for Iran whiletwo freestylers should wrestle in finals andanother for the platform,Mehr NewsAgency reported.

In final, Hassan Yazdani defeated theUS wrestler in 66Kg. class, thus catapult-ing Iran to the first place and champion-ship with a gold medal and ten points.

Yazdani defeated Canadian JasonBalfur with the crushing 10-0 in the firstround and equally did the same for Chi-

Iran’s junior freestylers becomeworld new wrestling champions

nese Xi Ping Lin 11-0 in the second. Thethird match was not so much different.Yazdani improved on the points, this timedefeating Elias Jumai from Uzbekistan 12-0, thus easily ascending to the semifinals,where he won Rasoul Arsan Aliev fromRussia with a technical point (8-4) in roadto final.

The championship ended years-longdominance over wrestling by Russians,who came only third with 49 points behindthe 58-point US in the second place.

Iran junior freestylers won gold by ImanSadeqi, Hassan Yazdani and Alireza Karimiin 60, 66 and 84Kg. classes. Saber Khanjani,Reza Mozaffari and Amin Taheri came onlythird in 50, 74 and 120Kg. classes.—APP

LONDON—David Silva has signed a newfive-year contract with Manchester City, theEnglish Premier League champions an-nounced Tuesday.

Spain playmaker Silva, who has won twoPremier League titles with City, is now set tostay with the north-west side until the endof the 2018/19 season.

Silva, 28, has been a central figure atEastlands since joining the club from Span-ish side Valencia in 2010.

“From the moment I joined the club fouryears ago it has felt like a second home tome,” Silva, who has also won the FA Cupand League Cup with City, told the club’swebsite on Tuesday.

“On and off the pitch, I feel incrediblycontent and fulfilled professionally and per-sonally, so why wouldn’t I want to stay and

Man City set for more Silva servicekeep winning trophies with this fantasticteam? “Over the last four years, we haveachieved so much together, establishingCity as a dominating force in England andnow, when I look around this dressing room,I can see no reason why we won’t becomeone of the top teams in the world.

“It was a straightforward decision to ex-tend my stay here and spend my peak yearsat Manchester City, a club with unbeliev-able fans who have always supported me.”

The news will come as a boost to Cityfollowing their 3-0 defeat by FA Cup-hold-ers Arsenal in the Community Shield atWembley last Sunday, where Silva came onas a second-half substitute.

City begin the defence of their PremierLeague title away to Newcastle this comingSunday.—AFP

Malaysia head threatens topull team from Asian Games

discipline and warned the squad he wouldnot put up with any repeats.

“I am willing to pull the team out for theGames if there are no improvements,” hewas quoted as saying by Malaysian media.“If the players are not able to give 100 per-cent to the team they should say so andleave. There is no point in sending a teamto the Asiad if the players are not disci-plined enough to work and give their best.”

Arulselvaraj said he would tackle theissues raised but warned there was not muchtime before the Asian Games, which will beheld in Incheon, South Korea from Sept.19-Oct. 4. “One of the things that I will dois to look at the players in the squad. Then,I will work on the areas that have been iden-tified as our weaknesses,” he said.—AFP

Uncapped fastbowler Fernando

named in SriLanka squad

COLOMBO—Uncapped fastbowler Binura Fernando andleft-hand opener DimuthKarunaratne were included inSri Lanka’s 15-man squad forthe second test against Paki-stan starting on Thursday.The 19-year-old Fernando,who is a left-arm fast-mediumbowler, has been called upafter performing well for SriLanka under 19 sides.

Karunaratne, a regulartest opener, was left out ofthe first test against Pakistanat Galle in favour of fellow left-handed opener UpulTharanga. The pair replaceinjured seamers NuwanPradeep and Suranga Lakmal.Fast bowler Shaminda Erangahas been named in the squadsubject to proving his fitness.

“Eranga has a tighteningof his upper quad musclesand is being monitored care-fully,” Sri Lanka managerMichael de Zoysa said. “Hedidn’t bowl at full pace dur-ing the Pakistan second in-nings and complained ofstiffness the day after thematch.” Sri Lanka won thefirst test by seven wickets togo one-up in the two-test se-ries.

The second test marks thefinal appearance of formercaptain Mahela Jayawardenewho will retire from the longerformat of the sport to concen-trate on one-dayinternationals. Sri Lanka testsquad: Angelo Mathews (cap-tain), Upul Tharanga, KaushalSilva, Kumar Sangakkara,Mahela Jayawardene,Kithuruwan Vithanage,Niroshan Dickwella, RanganaHerath, Dilruwan Perera,Shaminda Eranga, DhammikaPrasad, Lahiru Thirimanne,Chanaka Welegedara, DimuthKarunaratne, BinuraFernando.—APP

Farah returnsfor European

championshipsZURICH—Double Olympicgold medallist Mo Farah re-turns to action at this week’sEuropean athletics champi-onships where the highjump showdown betweenworld champion BohdanBondarenko of Ukraine andOlympic champion IvanUkhov of Russia shouldalso dominate.

Farah is expected to runin Wednesday’s 10,000metres and the 5,000 metreson Sunday having missedGlasgow’s recent Common-wealth Games with abdomi-nal pains which caused himto be airlifted to hospitalwhile training in the UnitedStates.

“They thought some-thing was going on with myheart - it was just crazy,” hewas quoted as saying bythe UK’s Guardian newspa-per. “I was in hospital forfour days and it was scarybut these things happenand so I missed quite a lotof running.” He could takehis tally to six individualEuropean medals in Zurich.

The 31-year-old,Europe’s only reigningOlympic champion in themen’s track events, won the5,000 and 10,000 gold inBarcelona in 2010, the 5,000gold in Helsinki two yearsago and the 5,000 silver inGothenburg in 2006. —APP

S Africa 1st innings:397Zimbabwe 1st innings:256Zimbabwe 2nd innings:Masakadza b Morkel .. 19Sibanda c & b Piedt .... 45Tiripano b Piedt ............. 5Vermeulen lbw ............. 21Taylor b Piedt ................ 5Chakabva b Morkel .... 15Williams b Morkel ......... 3Mutumbami b Steyn ... 43Nyumbu c & b Piedt ... 13Chatara not out ............. 0Panyangara b Steyn ..... 2Extras:(b 2, lb 7, nb 1) . 10Total: (all out) ............ 181Fall of wickets: 1-25, 2-58,3-98, 4-98, 5-113, 6-121, 7-124, 8-178, 9-178, 10-181

Bowling: ......... O-M-R-WSteyn .............. 21.2-9-38-3Philander .............. 10-3-25Morkel .............. 15-9-15-3Piedt .................. 25-3-62-4Duminy ............... 2-1-12-0Elgar .................... 3-0-20-0South Africa 2nd innings:Elgar b Chatar .............. 21Petersen not out .......... 17du Plessis not out ......... 5Extras: (lb 1) ................... 1Total: (1 wicket) ........... 44Fall of wickets: 1-39Bowling: ......... O-M-R-WJ Nyumbu ........... 4-0-24-0Panyangara .......... 3-1-5-0TL Chatara ........... 2-1-5-1Williams ............. 1.4-0-9-0

HARARE—South Africa defeated Zimba-bwe by 9 wicket in only test played atHarare sport club on Tuesday.

South Africa chase down 40 runs targetcomfortably with 9 wickets to spare in thesecond innings.

Dean Elger scored 21 runs while AlviroPeteren scored unbeaten 17 runs to guideSouth Africa towards a comfortable victory.

Earlier Zimbabwe in reply to SouthAfrica’s lead of 141 runs only manage toscore 181 runs.

Vusi Sibanda scored 45 runs while Rich-mond Mutumbami played a great hand of43 runs to avoid an innings defeat againstthe visitors.

South Africa’s debutant spinner DanePiedt took 4 wickets while Dale Steyn took3 wickets for the visitors.

Zimbabwe had competed ably for 10sessions in Harare, but they wilted in theface of reverse swing and prodigious turnafter lunch on the fourth day. They lost eightwickets for 83 runs and South Africa can-tered to another victory on the road. The41-run target provided just enough foropeners Alviro Petersen and Dean Elgar tohave a little fun in the middle. Zimbabweearned one final say when Tendai Chataradisturbed the left-hander’s stumps beforethey were beaten.

The pitch offered consistent assistanceto spin and there were ominous signs be-fore the break when the top-scorer VusiSibanda’s defences were breached with thefirst ball Dane Piedt bowled - a loopy deliv-ery that swerved from out-side off to sneak between hisbat and pad. The batsmansurvived, but the first ball ofthe offspinner’s second overfetched the wicket as thenighwatchman DonaldTiripano, having been sen-sible for 62 balls, opted for aslog sweep and ended withhis leg stump uprooted.

Piedt was rampant in thesecond session and finishedwith 8 for 152, the best matchhaul by a South Africa spin-ner on debut. He tied MarkVermeulen in knots, temptedBrendan Taylor to short leg,and preyed on Sibanda’s pa-tience. His flight was a bigfactor in the turn he extractedand his line ensured the bats-man was under threat almostconstantly.

S Africa defeat Zimbabweby 9 wickets in only test

At the other end, Dale Steyn and MorneMorkel were enhanced by reverse swing.Vermeulen was set up with steady diet out-side off. He shuffled across and groped,displaying all the rust of his 10 years out ofTest cricket until an inswinger had himplumb in front.

Sibanda was the set batsman. His facestill showed vestiges of the chicken pox hehad recovered from, as he concentrated onprotecting his off stump from Steyn. Hebatted on off stump to Piedt and swept fromoutside it, once for a six over midwicket.Zimbabwe eased to 52 runs at the cost ofonly one wicket in the morning and it waslargely down to some stubborn batting. Butthe ill-timed charge from Sibanda to lob areturn catch to Piedt exemplified Zimbabwefalling away since lunch. He was out for 45,his 15th consecutive sub-fifty outing.

Taylor had looked their best batsman inthe first innings and had generally playedPiedt off the back foot or with sweeps dur-ing his 98. Here though he was drawn for-ward by the offspinner, the ball dipped andbounced and the inside edge was smartlygrabbed by Dean Elgar at short leg.

Zimbabwe were trailing by 28 but hadfive wickets in hand. Morkel threw a wrenchinto that equation with two quick wicketsand the hosts were down to their last threemen and still behind by 17. The tail, guidedby wicketkeeper Richmond Mutumbami,managed to erase the deficit. He ledZimbabwe’s highest partnership of the in-nings.—Agencies

Henry Elleson of the United States shoots against Rui Hachimura of Japan during theFIBA U17 World Championships Group Match between Japan and United States ofAmerica at Al Shabab Club on Tuesday in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Uefa SuperCup: GarethBale targetsclean sweepof trophies

CARDIFF—Real Madrid for-ward Gareth Bale has tar-geted a clean sweep of sixtrophies this season.

The Welshman, 25, isback in his home country forTuesday night’s Uefa SuperCup match against Sevilla atCardiff City Stadium.

Real will also compete forthe Champions League, LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, theFifa Club World Cup and theSupercopa de Espana in2014-15. “We want to win ev-erything, and we will try todo that this season,” he said.

Bale says he has adaptedto life at the Bernabeu almosta year on from his £85.3mtransfer from Tottenham andfeels in good shape for thecoming season.

“It is nice not beingnew. I am settled in now andI have had a good pre-sea-son,” he said. “It is a loteasier having a pre-seasonunder your belt rather thanwaiting for a transfer to gothrough.”—Agencies

Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah presiding over a meeting of People Labour Bureau at CM House.

MANY shift workers use over-the-counter and prescription drugs tostay awake or fall asleep at the ap-

propriate times – but the evidence behindthose practices is weak, researchers say. Useof these drugs for this pur-pose “has been studied to avery limited extent and thestudies that have been pub-lished mostly have not beenof sufficient quality to allowfirm conclusions,” said Dr.David Neubauer, associatedirector of the JohnsHopkins Sleep DisordersCenter in Baltimore, Mary-land.

“Considering the largenumber of people who doshift work, it certainly is un-fortunate that minimal re-search has been performedto offer clinical guidance toaddress the problems of in-adequate alertness or sleepi-ness,” Neubauer, who wasnot involved with the new study, toldReuters Health by email. For the study, Dr.Juha Liira of the Finnish Institute of Occu-pational Health in Helsinki and colleaguesgathered data from 15 trials involving 718participants. The trials evaluated the effectof melatonin and hypnotic drugs on sleepafter the shift, and the effect of modafinil,armodafinil and caffeine plus naps onsleepiness during the shift.

They found that taking a nap and caf-feine before a night shift may improve alert-ness, and daytime melatonin may addaround 24 minutes of extra sleep during

Little evidence to support sleep,wake drugs for shift workers

daylight hours, but the evidence is weak.For some workers, modafinil improvesalertness at work but carries the risk of sideeffects like headache and nausea, and rarely

a serious skin rash syn-drome. In general, the au-thors cautioned, “The evi-dence was of low qualityand mostly from small tri-als. Both sleep and alertnesspromoting agents have po-tentially serious adverse ef-fects. Therefore, we needmore trials to determine thebeneficial and harmful ef-fects of these drugs.”

They did not respond toa request by Reuters Healthfor comment. Roughly 15percent of the U.S.workforce usually workedthe night shift in 2004, ac-cording to a Bureau of La-bor Statistics report cited inthe review. For many work-ers, falling asleep isn’t a

problem, since they tend to be sleepy get-ting off the night shift, Neubauer said. Thebigger challenge is remaining asleep longenough.

“Anyone with significant problems as-sociated with shift work - whether exces-sive sleepiness at work or driving home, orwith getting sufficient sleep during the hoursoff work – should confer with his or her pri-mary care provider,” Neubauer added.“Some people have much greater difficultyadapting to a shift work schedule and maybenefit from behavioral approaches or medi-cations.”

Commissioner Karachi Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui witnessing rehearsal in connection with Independence Day celebrations atMazar-e-Quaid.

STAFF REPORTER

KARACHI—Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed QaimAli Shah has expressed his dissatisfaction over the per-formance of North Sindh Urban Services Corporation(NSUSC) and has directed the Planning and Develop-ment Department to revisit the agreement with thiscompany and reconstitute its board within one month.He directed for the removal of its Managing Directorwith immediate effects and directed the new PD-NSUSC to take over the charge and ensure that effi-cient deliveries of water supply, drainage and disposalof sanitation are being provided to the people of citiesof north Sindh included in the NSUSC-program.

This he directed while presiding over meeting re-garding performance of the NSUSC management heldat CM House Karachi Tuesday. Advisor to Chief Min-ister Sindh for Finance Syed Murad Ali Shah, Addi-

Poor performance ofNSUSC irks Chief Minister

Qaim inaugurates video conferencing systemtional Chief Secretary (ACS) Planning and Develop-ment Mohammad Wasim, Secretary to CM AlamuddinBullo, Secretary Finance Sohail Rajput, P&D (newlyappointed) NSUSC Shamasuddin Sahto, and other of-ficers attended the meeting. The CM said that as peragreement, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) wascommitted to provide loan of $300 million with 25percent counter share of Sindh Government i.e. addi-tional $100 million to improve the infrastructure andensure provision of efficient service deliveries in thefield of water supply, drainage and sanitation/ solidwaste management within 10 years through a company.

He said that initially Sukkur old, Sukkur new,Rohri, Shikarpur, Khairpur and Larkana were includedin the project with newly constituted company underthe title of North Sindh Urban Services Corporationwith $50 million to perform and deliver the people inthese identified fields but the management of NSUSC

were failed to perform accordingly.Meanwhile, Syed Qaim Ali Shah inaugurated first

pilot video conferencing system installed at CM Houseto introduce E-Governance in the province. The firstphase of this system has been installed by Sindh In-formation Technology Department with its estimatedcost of Rs10 million. Sindh Minister for IT MukeshKumar Chawla, Secretary IT Ali Mumtaz Zaidi, Prin-ciple Secretary to CM Alamuddin Bulo and other of-ficers were present.

Talking on the occasion the Chief Minister Sindhsaid that this system of E-Governance to evolve posi-tive impact for gearing up the general administrationof entire province from one site, particularly duringspecial occasion and crisis management. Besides, thiswill interlink to the CM with other cabinet membersand this practice to result administrative decisionsaccordingly.

STAFF REPORTER

KARACHI—Karachi Police Chief Additional IG(AIG) Ghulam Qadir Thebo has directed Policeofficials that they should focus on maintaininglaw and order in the metropolis and should payfull attention on bringing improvement in CrimeDetention Mechanism. The AIG stressed uponthe police officers to accelerate detection rate.Expressing concern over the crime detectionratio, he directed all zonal DIGs to pull theirinvestigation wing and improve their perfor-mance.

This was observed in a high level meetingheld under the chairmanship of Karachi PoliceChief AIG Karachi Ghulam Qadir Thebo. Themeeting discussed and reviewed security mea-sures and traffic system in the city. The meetingwas attended by Station Commander Karachi,DIG Traffic, Zonal Deputy Inspector General

Thebo directs police officials toimprove crime detection mechanism

(DIG), DIG CIA and others.He directed for stringent the security ar-

rangements at all public places and highwaysand asked that Police pickets should be es-tablished at northern bypass and manned suf-ficiently. While taking notice of rampant traf-fic gridlocks on Karachi’s avenues, theKarachi Police Chief said that it has been no-ticed that the citizens are confronting withenormous difficulties of traffic jam and roadblockade. Henceforth, he asked DIG Trafficshould ensure removal of encroachments fromroads and footpaths in coordination with theKMC and ensure regulation of traffic flow inthe metropolitan.

Thebo emphasized on utility of FM Radioservice of Sindh Police and directed to ensurebroadcasting daily police performance in addi-tion to awareness news regarding traffic relatedproblems.

STAFF REPORTER

KARACHI—Inspector General (IG) ofPolice, Sindh Ghulam Hyder Jamalihas proposed that 2 legal heirs ofmartyred Police personnel should beprovided with the job in Police De-partment. The Additional IG (AIG) Fi-nance Fida Hussain Shah in a meet-ing held at CPO disclosed this. He saidthat Police Department owns the sac-rifices of police personnel and morewelfare projects would also be initi-ated for the families of Shaheed po-lice personnel.

He also reviewed status of all thecases pertaining to martyrdom, injurycompensation and financial assistance

IG for recruiting 2 legalheirs of martyred cops

and directed to expedite the same onpriority basis. “IG Sindh has issuedclear cut instructions to ensure earlydisposal of Shaheed compensationcases and negligence in this regardwould not be tolerated”, he added.

The AIG further reviewed variousongoing welfare schemes/projects withspecial reference to education andhealth facilities for the police employ-ees and their family members. He alsoexamined the modes of salary disburse-ment in police department and directedexpeditious computerization of remain-ing manually drawn salaries through-out the province.

While reviewing the issues relatedto electricity billing and meter instal-

lations, the AIGP Finance constituteda 4 members committee to ensure rec-onciliation of electricity bills and in-stallations of meters at all police fa-cilities. The committee will also en-sure removal of, if any, illegal elec-tricity connection in any residentialand official facilities. The committeewill comprise a focal person nomi-nated from CPO, responsible repre-sentative of the residential policecolonies, Police Inspector concernedand a representative of Karachi Elec-tric.

The committee has been givenone week time to conduct survey andsubmit report to ensure compliance tothe directives issued by IG.

STAFF REPORTER

KARACHI—Sindh Minister forFood Jam Mehtab HussainDahar has said that Pakistan ispassing through a critical junc-

PPP won’t allow any adventurer toderail democracy: Jam Mehtab Dahar

ture and Pakistan People’s Party(PPP) will not allow any adven-turer to derail the hard-earneddemocracy through agitation.This he said while talking tomedia men here in his office onTuesday. He said that anti de-mocracy forces wanted to pushthe country back into the dark era

of dictatorship but PPP would notpermit any one to do so, becausePPP had rendered great sacrificesby struggling against dictators formore than two decades.

He added, ‘Zulfiqar AliBhutto and Benazir Bhutto andmany party workers laid downtheir lives for the cause of the

democracy in the country. Dahar,while showing serious concernover political situation in thecountry, said the elements hatch-ing conspiracies against democ-racy were in collusion with anti-democracy elements and weshould not move on towards con-frontation.

He was of the opinion thatthe advisors of the Federal Gov-ernment were incapable of thehandling situation and PrimeMinister should get rid of them.PPP believes in democraticnorms and will always work inthe interests of the country andthe masses as well, he added.

Minister for Culture and Tourism, Sharmila Farooqi addressing participants of ‘I amKarachi – Youth Peace Summit’.

STAFF REPORTER

KARACHI—Muttahida Qaumi Move-ment (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain warnedthe government on Tuesday against tak-ing any undemocratic steps saying itcould lead to undemocratic conse-quences. He alleged that aid from the

Undemocratic steps can lead to undemocratic consequencesparty was not being allowed to reach thePakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) workersat the Minhajul Quran secretariat inLahore’s Model Town area.

Hussain said MQM’s future course ofaction would be announced if the govern-ment continued to block its aid to reachthe Minhajul Quran secretariat. Airing his

anger at the government, Hussain ques-tioned whether the Pakistan MuslimLeague - Nawaz (PML-N) wanted theMQM to take to the streets. The MQMchief also advised the government tostudy Newton’s laws of physics, askingit to “avoid its undemocratic attitude”,which he said was unacceptable.

MANY shift workers use over-the-counter and prescription drugs tostay awake or fall asleep at the ap-

propriate times – but the evidence behindthose practices is weak, researchers say.Use of these drugs for thispurpose “has been studiedto a very limited extent andthe studies that have beenpublished mostly have notbeen of sufficient quality toallow firm conclusions,”said Dr. David Neubauer,associate director of theJohns Hopkins Sleep Dis-orders Center in Baltimore,Maryland.

“Considering the largenumber of people who doshift work, it certainly is un-fortunate that minimal re-search has been performedto offer clinical guidance toaddress the problems of in-adequate alertness orsleepiness,” Neubauer, whowas not involved with the new study, toldReuters Health by email. For the study, Dr.Juha Liira of the Finnish Institute of Occu-pational Health in Helsinki and colleaguesgathered data from 15 trials involving 718participants. The trials evaluated the effectof melatonin and hypnotic drugs on sleepafter the shift, and the effect of modafinil,armodafinil and caffeine plus naps on sleepi-ness during the shift.

They found that taking a nap and caf-feine before a night shift may improve alert-ness, and daytime melatonin may addaround 24 minutes of extra sleep during

Little evidence to support sleep,wake drugs for shift workers

Advisor to Chief Minister for Health Khawaja Suleman Rafique is leading Azadi Walk held under auspices of Post Graduate Medical Institute on Tuesday.

Minister for Population Welfare Begum Zakia Shah Nawaz is cutting a cake in connection with Independence Daycelebrations along with other members of Provincial Assembly, at Muslim League House.

daylight hours, but the evidence is weak.For some workers, modafinil improvesalertness at work but carries the risk ofside effects like headache and nausea, and

rarely a serious skin rashsyndrome. In general, theauthors cautioned, “Theevidence was of low qual-ity and mostly from smalltrials. Both sleep and alert-ness promoting agentshave potentially serious ad-verse effects. Therefore, weneed more trials to deter-mine the beneficial andharmful effects of thesedrugs.”

They did not respond toa request by Reuters Healthfor comment. Roughly 15percent of the U.S.workforce usually workedthe night shift in 2004, ac-cording to a Bureau of La-bor Statistics report cited inthe review. For many work-

ers, falling asleep isn’t a problem, since theytend to be sleepy getting off the night shift,Neubauer said. The bigger challenge is re-maining asleep long enough.

“Anyone with significant problemsassociated with shift work - whether ex-cessive sleepiness at work or drivinghome, or with getting sufficient sleepduring the hours off work – should con-fer with his or her primary care provider,”Neubauer added. “Some people havemuch greater difficulty adapting to a shiftwork schedule and may benefit from be-havioral approaches or medications.”

Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique addressing a press conference atRailway Headquarters.

SALIM AHMED

LAHORE—Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf(PTI) Chairman Imran Khan stronglycondemned the arrest of party work-ers across Punjab. In a statement to-day, Khan called for immediate re-lease of all the detained PTI’s work-ers. According to sources, police inFaisalabad has decided to give a freeto PTIs’ workers.

Sources add that more than 30detained workers of Insaf Party have

Imran Khan condemns arrest of workersbeen released by the police. A PTIspokesman said that more than 300PTI’s workers have been arrested inGujranwala. On the other hand, Paki-stan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief, Dr.Tahirul Qadri, has assured the gov-ernment that his party workers wouldnot indulge in violence during ‘Revo-lution March’ on August 14.

Speaking to reporters outside hisresidence he said, “Our workers havebeen trained to be peaceful during theirstruggle. They can’t even think of vio-

lence and unrest. Despite bearing te-argas shelling, bullets and police tor-ture and everything that happened inModel Town incident, they didn’t firea single bullet. PAT workers have al-ways been peaceful and patient.”

“I reject all allegations of vio-lence (against PAT workers). I invite(the police) to search every nook andcranny of Minhaj-ul-Quran Secre-tariat. If they find any weapon in ourcustody I will retract the call forRevolution March,” he added.

MUZAFFAR ALI

LAHORE—The Lahore High Court(LHC) on Tuesday directed AttorneyGeneral (AG) Salman Butt to ask PrimeMinister Nawaz Sharif about his sug-gestions on the long march. A three-judge bench of the LHC, headed byJustice Khalid Mehmood Khan andincluding Justice Shahid Hameed andJustice Anwarul Haq, issued the di-rective during the hearing of a peti-

LHC asks AG to get PM’ssuggestions on long march

tion against Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf(PTI) chief Imran Khan’s Azadi march.

The petition, filed by citizenMuhammad Kamran, states that themarch announced by PTI against al-leged rigging in the 2013 general elec-tion would promote anarchy in coun-try. During the hearing, the court di-rected the attorney general to ask theprime minister regarding his sugges-tions on the long march.

The attorney general replied that

Nawaz Sharif would hold talks withImran Khan only if the latter calledoff his ‘Azadi March.’ He made it clearthat the holding of talks was condi-tional to the calling off back of themarch. The court also instructed PTI’scounsel Ahmed Owais to ask ImranKhan about his demands so the mat-ter could be amicably resolved.

Owais was also asked if he ad-vised Imran to meet the premier inaccordance with the court’s earlier di-

rectives. The PTI counsel replied thatat the current stage, negotiationsseemed out of the question. Thebench asked that if Imran believed theelections to be rigged then why hadhe taken oath in the assembly.

Owais responded to the questionsaying that the party had been put-ting forward its demands for the past14 months but to no avail. The courtsubsequently adjourned the hearingtill Wednesday (today).

SALIM AHMED

LAHORE—No power hungrywill be allowed to commit adacoity on PML-N mandate.Every worker of MuslimLeague-N will become a rockwall for the protection of con-stitution, law and democracy.Tahir ul Qadri needs a revolu-tion for him as he changesstatements after every twohours. To consider govern-ment of Nawaz Sharif as weakis misunderstanding of ImranKhan. The politicians indulg-ing in the politics of chaosand anarchy in the countryare misleading the massesand people have rejected anti-state and anti-developmentagenda of such elements.

These views were ex-pressed by Muslim Leagueleaders Malik MuhammadPervaiz, Khawaja AhmedHasaan, Shaista PervaizMalik, Zaeem Qadri,Khawaja Imran Nazir,Khawaja Salman Rafiq,

No power hungry to be allowed tocommit a dacoity on PML-N mandate

Majid Zahoor, RanaTajammal Hussain, GhazaliButt, Imran Ali Goraya, RanaArshad, Waheed Gul, TausifShah, Bao Akhtar and oth-ers while addressing a rallytaken out in front of LahorePress Club in favour of thegovernment under the aegisof Pakistan Muslim LeagueLahore. Thousands of PML-N workers participated inthe rally. The participantsraised slogans againstTahirul Qadri and describedthe long march of ImranKhan a conspiracy againstthe country, democracy andthe people. PML-N leaders

said that its leadership be-lieves in democracy, secu-rity and protection ofpeople, therefore, they havedirected the workers to re-main peaceful and continueto serve the masses despiteprovocation by all oppo-nent politicians. He said thatPML-N has got more votesand public support againstany political party in elec-tions, therefore, no oneshould underestimate itspublic support. They saidthat we want to protect con-stitution and democracy bysacrificing their lives.

The speakers said that

Tahirul Qadri has no link tothe problems of the peopleand politics of the country.They said that in case ofearthquakes, floods andany other difficulty, TahirulQadri had been enjoyingcoffee in Canada. They saidthat Tahrul Qadri is an op-portunist and coward per-son who does not hesitateto make women and childrenas shield at the time of need.They said that drama ofrevolution has floppedbadly.

The speakers said thatnation is passing througha critical phase of its his-

tory, Pak Army is renderingsacrifices for the success ofits operation Zarb-e-Azbbut some politicians are try-ing to demoralize Pak Armyby creating hindrancethrough long march. Theypledged that process of ral-lies will continue in favourof PML-N for foiling thedesigns of mischievouspoliticians. Imran AliGoraya said that we willlaunch march of develop-ment under the leadershipof Prime MinisterMuhammad Nawaz Sharifwhich will wipe away theseso called politicians.

MUZAFFAR ALI

LAHORE—The administration in Lahorehas sealed off all roads in Model Town andFaisal Town leading to Pakistan AwamiTehreek (PAT) chief Tahirul Qadri’s resi-dence and Minhajul Quran Secretariat us-ing containers on Tuesday. Some additionalcontainers have been placed to completelyseal, surround the Model Town, Faisal Townareas and all roads and streets leading tothe residence of Pakistan Awami Tehreek(PAT) Chief Dr Tahirul Qadri besidesMihajul Quran Secretariat.

Sources said that all the exit/ entry roads

All roads leading toQadri’s house sealed

to Model Town and Faisal Town have beencompletely sealed and additional contingentsof police deployed to deny PAT taking outtheir announced Revolution March toIslamabad on August 14. An MQM delega-tion, carrying food and water for PAT work-ers at the Minhajul Quran, were stopped bythe police at Faisal Town chowk in Lahore.

On the other hand, Dr Qadri’s batonwielding male and female workers are alsogetting ready to defy the government’s be-siege laid around them by breaching andbreaking the barriers at all cost while someof the workers are wearing masks and glassesto protect themselves from shelling.

LAHORE—The government has startedarresting the PTI workers after whichthe party has changed its policy andhas advised the workers to reach thedestination in small groups. The PTIAzadi March is all set to start off fromLahore towards Islamabad on August

PTI decides to reach Azadimarch venue in small groups

14. The PTI workers were fully chargedwhile preparing for the March. ShireenMazari stated that the arrests haveheightened the enthusiasm of the work-ers whereas Asad Umer said that theMarch would witness unprecedentedenergy, never seen before.

Imran Khan’s residence at ZamanPark has become the centre of politi-cal excitement. Workers gathered ina great number and waved the na-tional and PTI flags at their camps.PTI workers kept singing and danc-ing on national songs.—INP

STAFF REPORTER

LAHORE—Punjab Minister for Educa-tion and Law Rana Mashhood AhmadKhan has said that educational institu-tions in Punjab will reopen on August18 while the admission date of educa-t ional inst i tut ions has also been ex-

Educational institutions to reopen on Aug 18tended till August 20 to facilitate thestudents. Rana Mashhood stressedupon students to take an active part inIndependence Day celebrations as it isa national obligation. He further saidthat youth should play a vigorous rolefor the development and prosperity ofthe country.