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WA S H I N G TO N—A topAmerican general has saidthat the US cannot defeat al-Qaeda without the support ofPakistan, as he underlined thatIslamabad’s cooperation oncounterterrorism issues havenot been on the expectedlines.

“Our strategic and na-tional security goals remain todisrupt, dismantle and defeatal-Qaeda and to prevent thereturn of safe havens in Af-ghanistan and Pakistan. Thiswould not be possible with-out Pakistani support,” chair-man of the joint chiefs of staffGeneral Martin Dempsey saidin a written reply to the ques-tions by the Senate Armed

Services Committee.“We also have an interest

in a stable Pakistan and thenon-proliferation of nuclearweapons and technology. Onthe security front, we have amore limited relationship thanin the past, but I believe it is apragmatic and constructive ap-proach,” said Dempsey, whohas been re-nominated byPresident Barack Obama forthe same post.

“Pakistan’s cooperation oncounter-terrorism has not al-ways met our expectations.Since 2009, Pakistan has un-dertaken counterinsurgencyoperations against extremistorganisations in the northwest,including Swat, North and

South Waziristan, Mohmand,and Bajaur with mixed re-sults,” he said when askedabout the cooperation beingreceived by Pakistan oncounter-terrorism issues.

“Security assistance, Coa-lition Support Fund reimburse-ments, and crossborder coor-dination with ISAF and Af-ghan forces have helped enablethese operations. It is in ourinterest that Pakistan continuesthis campaign as effectivelyand comprehensively as pos-sible,” he said.

Arguing for a continuedclose engagement with the Pa-kistan military, Dempsey saidas Pakistan’s democratic con-solidation progresses, the US

must ensure that it maintainmilitary-to-military ties.

“I will continue a frankand respectful dialogue aboutour shared interests in coun-tering extremist and promot-ing regional stability. Securitycooperation cannot succeedwithout the buy-in of Paki-stani leadership and continuedsupport of the US Congress,”he said.

Observing that military-to-military ties with Pakistanare an important aspect of thebroader bilateral relationship,he said: “Our engagements,and especially our security as-sistance programs, are essen-tial for effective military co-operation between our two

US can’t defeat al-Qaeda sans Pak support: Gen Dempseycountries.”

Dempsey said he has en-gaged productively with Pa-kistan Army Chief GenAshfaq Kayani, many timesin the past, and the Office ofthe Defence Representativein Pakistan plays an impor-tant role in building and sus-taining military-military tiesat lower levels.

“These relationships al-low us to engage Pakistan inclearly defined areas ofshared concern such asmaintaining regional stabil-ity, curbing violent extrem-ism, and countering thethreat of improvised explo-sive devices,” he said.—INP

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US agrees on Aafia Siddiqui’s extraditionISLAMABAD—In a majorbreakthrough, the US has of-fered Pakistan to sign prisonerswap agreement for the extra-dition of Dr Aafia Siddiqi, af-ter which the Pakistani scien-tist will be allowed to serve theremaining part of her impris-onment in homeland.

Talking to a private TVchannel, the spokesperson ofthe foreign office UmarHameed also confirmed thatthe US has offered Pakistan tosign prisoner swap agreement

after which both countries willrelease each others prisoners.

According to the docu-ments, the US told Pakistan inwriting that the only legal wayfor the extradition of Dr AafiaSiddiqi was to sign prisonerswap agreement with the US.The US offered two deals thatinclude European Conventionon the Transfer of SentencedPersons and Convention onServing Criminal SentencesAbroad in this regard.

Meanwhile, it was also re-

vealed that the Interior Minis-try had formed a task force fol-lowing the US offer whichheld its first session on July 3to review the agreement.

The task force was estab-lished under the directives ofInterior Minister ChaudhryNisar Ali Khan, the channelsaid.

The Pakistani neuroscien-tist was sentenced to 86 yearsin prison after she was con-victed of grabbing a US sol-

Govt wants presidentialpolls rescheduling

ECP rejects plea PML-N forms task force,shortlists candidates

STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—The Governmentof Pakistan has moved the Elec-tion Commission of Pakistan(ECP) to reconsider the presi-dential election schedule.

The Ministry of Law hasrequested the ECP to reconsiderand reissue the schedule for thepresidential election as severalparliamentarians will be out ofthe country for pilgrimage orwill be observing Etikaaf (retire-ment to mosque for a stipulatedtime).

In response to the

government’s request, Opposi-tion Leader in the National As-sembly while speaking to me-dia said it was the constitutionalneed to hold the election on Au-gust 6.

According to the schedule,the nomination papers for thepresidential election would besubmitted on July 24 while thescrutiny process would takeplace on July 26.

The nomination paperscould be withdrawn on July 29and the final list of candidateswould also be issued on thesame date. The election would

be held on August 6 while re-sults would be announced onAugust 7.

Meanwhile, theJamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl(JUI-F) chief Maulana FazlurRehman on Friday called forpresidential election to be helda week earlier than its scheduleddate.

“Presidential electionshould be held on July 29 insteadof August 6,” Fazlur Rehmansaid, while speaking to journal-ists outside the ParliamentHouse.

EOBI scam: SC ordersDHA accounts freeze

ISLAMABAD—The SupremeCourt of Pakistan (SCP) Fridaydirected the authorities con-cerned to freeze the accounts ofDefence Housing Authority(DHA) in twin cities ofIslamabad and Rawalpindi.

According to details, abench comprising three judgesheaded by Chief Justice IftikharMuhammad Chaudhry heard asuo moto case regarding allegedmisappropriation of Rs40 billionin the Employees Old Age Ben-efit Institution (EOBI).

The apex court during hear-ing of the case sought details ofDHA accounts and ordered theFederal Investigation Agency(FIA) to arrest those responsiblein the scam.

FIA Additional Director

General (Legal) Azam Khantold court that DHA issued al-lotment letter of 321 canal landand in return EOBI paid Rs15billion.

So far, no application hasbeen received to register thecase, he added.

Counsel of DHA AhmerBilal Sufi sought time from theapex court to submit reply. Thecounsel also informed the courtthat DHA paid 11 billion rupeesto Bahria Town.

The court objected that howa government institution canhold a partnership with a privateentity.

On Saturday, Chief JusticeIftikhar Muhammad Chaudhrytook suo motu notice of allegedcorruption of Rs40 billion in the

EOBI.The CJP took notice on a

note from the Registrar SupremeCourt of Pakistan. The note con-tained the details of a TVprogramme televised on June27, 2013 revealing the corrup-tion scandal of more than Rs40billion in the EOBI.

The note further stated:“The programme allegedmultibillion rupees corruption inEOBI in the last three years andthat Zafar Iqbal Gondal, Chair-man, DG, Investment and DG,HR etc are involved in the scam- Reportedly, they have investedbillions of rupees in the privatesector, contrary to rules andwithout the approval of Boardof Trustees, and thus plunderedmore than Rs40 billions.”—INP

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PM summonsCCI meetingover energy

travailISLAMABAD—Pakistan’s PrimeMinister Mian MuhammadNawaz Sharif on Friday sum-moned a meeting of the Coun-cil of Common Interests (CCI)to be held on July 25 over thecountry’s new energy policy.

According to reports, thenew energy policy would bebrought up for approval during

Man torturedto death by

RangersKARACHI—A person waskilled due to alleged torture bythe Rangers here on Friday.

Bilal alias Malla was de-tained under suspicion of beinginvolved in an attack on theRangers two days ago.

According to reports, ac-cused Bilal was brought to theSachal Police Station with se-vere injuries which led to his

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LeJ deathsquad chiefarrested: IBtells PMISLAMABAD—The allegeddeath squad chief of bannedLashkar-e-Jhangvi (LEJ)Masoom Billa has beenarrested, Intelligence Bureau(IB) told Prime MinisterNawaz Sharif in a briefing onFriday.

According to reports, the

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Taxi driver murder

SC directs IGto submitchallan

ISLAMABAD—The SupremeCourt on Friday directed Sindhpolice chief to submit challanabout the killing of a taxi driverby paramilitary Rangers force inKarachi within one week.

A three-member bench ofthe apex court headed by ChiefJustice Iftikhar MuhammadChaudhry and comprising Jus-tice Jawwad S Khawaja and Jus-tice Sh Azmat Saeed heard a suomoto case of killing of a taxidriver by Rangers in Karachi.

“If Rangers have arms intheir hands, they should use itaccording to law,” Chief JusticeIftikhar Muhammad Chaudhryremarked. “The court will inter-vene if forces commit suchthings.”

He remarked that it is a re-morseful incident.Govt to support small,

medium enterprises: DarSHARAFAT KAZMI

ISLAMABAD — Small and me-dium enterprises have a specialplace in the strategy being for-mulated by the present govern-ment to revive the country’s

economy.This was stated by Senator

Ishaq Dar while talking to a del-egation of USAID led by itsDirector,. Gregory C. Gottliebwho called on him here on Fri-

day. The Finance Minister saidthat in the budget 2013-14 ascheme has been introducedwhich would enable youth tostart their own business andloans would be made availableto them in a transparent man-ner through the banking sys-tem. Under the scheme loans

ranging from Rs.100,000 toRs.2.0 million would be avail-able at a mark up cost of 8%.The remaining cost of mark-upwill be borne by the govern-

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BRUSSELS—A senior Euro-pean Union official says the EUis moving closer to declare themilitary wing of the Lebaneseparty Hezbollah a terrorist orga-nization and could take a deci-sion as soon as Monday.

Friday’s comments by theofficial, who spoke on conditionof anonymity because of the sen-

EU declaring Hezbollahas terror entity

Limits Israel funding

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sitivity of the issue, highlighteda steady change of heart withinthe EU. It has long been heldback by fears such a movewould destabilize Lebanon andits neighbors.

The EU foreign ministerslooked into the issue earlier thisyear but could now reach a de-

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Anotherwoman gang-raped in IndiaKURNOOL—A young womanwas allegedly raped by an autorickshaw driver and three ofhis associates on otherKurnool’s outskirts late onWednesday night. A policepatrol that noticed the womanlying in a semi-conscious staterushed her to the Kurnoolgovernment hospital.

According to police, thewoman, a native of Kolar, hadcome to Kurnool to admit her

Sartaj Aziz tovisit Afghanistan

tomorrowISLAMABAD—Advisor to thePrime Minister on National Se-

curity and Foreign Affairs SartajAziz will pay a one day visit toKabul on Sunday.

Accompanied by a seniorofficial, the advisor will holdtalks with Afghan PresidentHamid Karzai and senior Af-ghan officials on the reconcilia-tion process and other mattersof mutual interests.

ISLAMABAD—Complete shut-down, marked with forcefulanti-India demonstrations wasobserved on Friday to protestagainst the attack on worship-ers in the holy month ofRamazan, desecration of Quranand brutal killing of eight peace-ful protesters in Gool area ofRamban, Thursday.

The authorities had imposedcurfew and other stringent re-strictions in all major towns ofthe occupied territory deployingIndian troops and police person-nel in strength to prevent peoplefrom staging demonstrationsagainst the desecration ofQuran, killings and offering fu-neral prayers in absentia of themartyred. Despite restrictions,thousands of people participatedin the funeral prayers of themartyred protesters in Gool andstaged massive anti-India dem-onstrations.

They raised high-pitched

Curfew imposed inHeld Kashmir

anti-India and pro-liberation slo-gans on the occasion. Similarprotests rocked Srinagar,Ganderbal, Baramulla,Kupwara, Doda, Bhaderwah,

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Pak expressesconcern overdesecration ofHoly QuranSTAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan hasexpressed grave concern overthe desecration of holy Quranin occupied Kashmir.

Speaking at his weeklynews briefing in Islamabad

UK police arresttwo in mosque

blasts caseLONDON—Two Eastern Euro-pean men were arrested by theBritish police in connection withexplosions near two mosques atWalsall and Tipton in centralEngland.Police said the men,aged 25 and 22, were arrestedin Birmingham and are beingquestioned.

“The two men were heldunder the Terrorism Act on sus-picion of being involved in thecommission, preparation or in-stigation of an act of terrorism,”a police spokesperson said.

They were held after re-mains of a small explosive de-vice were found near the AishaMosque in Walsall on June 22.The two were also arrested inrelation to a suspected nail bombfound last week in Tipton.

A loud bang was heard nearthe Aisha mosque in Walsall,while a second explosion hadtaken place near Kanzul ImanMasjid mosque in Tipton. Policewere called to the mosque inWalsall a day after the explosionafter some locals had discovereddebris from a device. —Online

Picture on Page 11

PESHAWAR—To bring drugaddicts into national main-stream, the KhyberPakthunkhwa Governmenthas planned seven newprojects to provide bettersocial welfare and rehabilita-tion services to the underprivileged and neglectedgroups of the society. TheGovernment has plannedconstruction of ‘Darul Kafala’(shelter home) and Drug Ad-dicts Rehabilitation Centre inPeshawar that would be com-pleted with an estimated costof Rs.58.500 million.

The drug addicts wouldbe provided social welfareand rehabilitation serviceunder one roof and theseservices would be providedwithout any political affilia-

tion, an official of Social Wel-fare Department told APP hereFriday. Out of this amount, hesaid, Rs.20 million would bespent in fiscal year 2013-14.The rehabilitation of drug ad-dicts is a big challenge for theGovt, he said, adding collec-tive efforts are needed totackle this menace on emer-gent basis once and for all.

He said the Governmentwill purchase land for estab-lishment of Special EducationSchool with Special TeacherTraining facility at Swat inMalakand division that wouldhopefully materialize withRs.20million. He said the Gov-ernment was making hecticefforts to prevent drug addic-tion at community level forwhich close coordination and

collaboration with other sec-tors and stakeholders are needof the hour besides coopera-tion of general public and in-telligentsia.

The construction ofbuilding for special educationinstitutes at Haripur is alsobeing mulled and work on thismega project will start in cur-rent fiscal year, he said, thisproject was included in ADP2013-14 with allocation of Rs.42 million against which Rs.Ten million would be spent incurrent financial year. He saidconstruction of access roadfrom main highway to socialwelfare complex at ChakdaraDir Lower with allocation ofRs. Six million, building of so-cial welfare complex at Bannucosting Rs. 45 million, con-

struction of boundary wallaround social welfare com-plex in Abbottabad Rs. Threemillion and establishment ofwelfare home at Buner withallocation of Rs. 35 millionwould soon be launched.

He said the Governmentwould spend Rs. 209.500million on these newprojects to bring drug ad-dicts into national main-stream of the society. Ac-cording to the National Sur-vey on Drug Abuse 1993,there are more than 4 mil-lion chronic drug addicts inthe country while in KP theestimated number of drugaddicts is about 0.6 millionof whom 71% drug abusesare under 35 years ofage.—APP

KP plans new projects fordrug addicts rehabilitation

Police arrest 7,858accused, seize hugecache of weapons

P E S H A W A R — K h y b e rPakhtunkhwa Police arrestedas many as 7,858 accused in-volved in different heniouscrimes, said a press release is-sued here on Friday. The po-lice said that two miscreantswere shot dead and recovered6 abducted persons, appre-hended 10 kidnappers andseized a huge quantity of armsand ammunition in differentraids against the criminals dur-ing the last two months. Be-side these 10 foreigners werealso taken in police custody.

The Inspector General ofPolice (IGP) KhyberPakhtunkhwa Ihsan Ghani af-ter assuming the charge of hisoffice ordered launching of tar-geted operation on daily basisagainst the proclaimed offend-ers, saboteurs and other anti-social elements. On this direc-tive the police started raidsagainst the criminals in differ-ent parts of the province.

The police also recovered3 vehicles and 3 motorcyclesduring this period. The policealso exhibited better perfor-mance against arms and am-munition.—APP

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM) has estab-lished 158 National Centresfor Rehabilitation of ChildLabour (NCsRCL) across thecountry to impart primaryeducation to poor childlabours. Managing DirectorPBM Tariq Khursheed Maliktold APP that the Rehabilita-tion Centres are workingacross the country since1995. A total of 19,372 childlabours aged 5-6 have so farbenefitted from the centres.

The centres are workingsince 1995. PBM has spentan amount of Rs 1,399.8686million on the centres sinceinception. So far 17,285 stu-dents have passed out while11,915 have been admitted ingovernment schools for get-ting further education. Hesaid Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal hasrecently extended Child Sup-port Programme (CSF) toSwat. The programme isworking in Bhakkar,Tharparkar, Kohistan,

Rawalpindi, Multan,Nawabshah, Abbottabad,Kharan, Quetta, Ghancheand Muzaffarabad.

The programme is beingrun in technical collaborationwith United Nations ChildrenFund (UNICEF). PBM hasalso hired the services ofGallup Pakistan for Base linesurvey and Rapid assess-ment has reported encourag-ing results. The World BankTeam is working for Final Im-pact Evaluation Report ofCSP pilot. On successfulevaluation of the pilot furtherscale up of the programmewould be undertaken.

Additional cash incentiveis being paid to the existingFood Support Programme(FSP) beneficiaries. Rs 300 permonth to the families with onechild and Rs 600 per month tothe families having two ormore than two children ofschool going age. CSP benefi-ciaries are being paid throughPakistan Post.—APP

PBM enrolls 19,372poor students in

158 NCsRCL

PESHAWAR—The Awami Na-tional Party and Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam (F) have agreed on seatadjustment for the upcomingby-elections in KhyberPakhtunkhwa scheduled forAugust 22 next.

The decision to this effectwas announced at a jointpress conference addressedby provincial present of JUI-F Maulana AmanullahHaqqani and ANP leaderMian Iftikhar Hussain here atJUI-F Secretariat.

According to the agree-ment reached between the twomain opposition parties, theJUI-F will not field its candidateson NA-1 Peshawar-1, NA-5Nowshera-I and PK-23Mardan-I vacated by PTI ChiefImran Khan, Chief MinisterPervez Khattak and formerChief Minister Amir HaiderKhan Hoti respectively. Simi-larly two NA seats vacated byMaulana Fazlur Rehman NA-25 Dera-Cum Tank and NA-27Lakki Marwat, NA-13 vacated

ANP, JUI-F agree on KP seatadjustments in by-elections

Women lawyersdemand separatebar room, library

SHER GONDAL

MANDI BAHAUDDIN—Women lawyers of MandiBahauddin have demandedconstruction of separate barroom equipped with properlibrary. Muniba Gondal Ad-vocate who is DBA financeSecretary at present said thatstrength of lady lawyers isabove forty but they have noindependent bar room wherethey can sit and discuss le-gal propositions with eachother.

She said it was duty ofPunjab women welfare de-partment and superior judi-ciary to provide them barroom facility. She also de-manded that in future lawministry should allocate sepa-rate bar funds for their wel-fare. She called upon PunjabMinister for women welfareHameeda Waheed to takenotice of their problems andtake up the case with higherauthorities to resolve them.

Gang involved ingirls’ trafficking

bustedLARKANA—The policebusted a gang involved inabducting young girls fromKarachi and selling them inother cities of the countryduring a raid here late Thurs-day night. According to de-tails, the police on a tip offconducted raid at a house lo-cated in Sachal Colony ofLarkana during which a po-lice ASI-led six-member gang,involved in young girls ab-duction from Karachi and sell-ing in other cities, was busted.

During raid many kid-napped girls were recoveredand six members of girls’ ab-ductors and traders groupwere arrested from there. Inthe preliminary interrogation,the captured gangsters re-vealed that they kidnapyoung girls, 16 to 25 years old,from Karachi and sell in othercities. They said they havebeen doing the dirty businessfor the last 25 years. Policesaid that an ASI of Karachipolice, Abrar, is leader, twowomen of Karachi.—INP

by Speaker Asad Qaisar of PTIand PK-70 Bannu, vacated byAkram Khan Durrani, the JUI(F) would put up its candi-dates.

The ANP Secretary Infor-mation KP Malik GhulamMustafa told APP that hisparty would not put up itscandidate on PK-27 Mardanand PK-42 Hangu fell vacantdue to brutal assassinationsof elected representativesImran Khan Mohmand andFarid Khan.—APPQUETTA: Police official showing a huge cache of ammunition during addressing a press conference

STAFF REPORTER

LAHORE—Police have ar-rested a cook in Mailisi whois accused of poisoning todeath 22 people as part of apolitical feud between twobranches of the same family,a local police chief said. Theincident in the town of Mailsiin Punjab province followedrecent provincial elections inwhich Arsal Khan Khichi lost

Cook held for poisoningto death 22 in feud

to his cousin Jehanzaeb KhanKhichi, police chief SadiqDogar said late Thursday.

Arsal Khan Khichi is ac-cused of paying a cook,Mohammad Rafiq, 50,000 ru-pees ($500) to poison foodat his rival’s home on June 9,Dogar said. Nearly 50 peoplebecame sick and were takento the hospital, and 22 died.Jehanzeb Khan Khichi wasnot at home when the inci-

dent occurred, Dogar said.Rafiq has confessed to poi-soning the food, Dogar said.Police waited to arrest himuntil they received medicalreports that confirmed thedead had been poisoned.Arsal Khan Khichi is still onthe run, and a murder casehas been registered againsthim as well, Dogar said. Poli-tics are often a family affairin Pakistan.

VEHARI—Four persons in-cluding a driver were killedwhile 20 others were injuredin a collision between an oiltanker and a minitruck nearChak No 14, Garha Morre,on early Friday. Accordingto Rescue 1122 sources, aminitruck was going toKabirwala from Multan car-

rying labourers for pickingmangoes from a gardenwhen it collided with an oiltanker coming from the op-posite side.

As a result, four labourersincluding minitruck driverWasif, Sabir Hussain, Tanvirand Muhammad Muzaffardied on the spot while 20 oth-

ers sustained injuries.Rescue 1122 shifted the

five critically injuredlabourers including ImamBuksh, Mazhar Abass,Samiullah and NaumanSajjad to Nishtar Hospitalwhile labourers with minorinjuries were discharged af-ter first aid.—APP

Four killed, 20 injuredin road accident

I S L A M A B A D — K h y b e rPakhtonkhwa Minister forLocal GovernmentInayatullah Khan has saidthat KPK government is de-termined to hold Local Bod-ies polls in the provinceeven before SupremeCourt’s directives in this re-gard. Talking to VOA, hesaid that administrative, fi-nancial and political au-tonomy should be given tothe people through the Lo-cal Bodies. He said KPKgovernment will be able toprepare a draft of Local Bod-ies Bill till the end of thismonth and will try to hold

Local Bodies polls withinnext four months. Local Bod-ies is a provincial subject af-ter passage of 18th amend-ment, he added.

PML-N leader SenatorZafar Ali Shah also said thatPML-N government respectSupreme Court’s verdict re-garding holding of Local Bod-ies polls. Perhaps, Punjabgovernment will soon sum-mon Provincial Assemblysession to legislate law forLocal government elections,he added. He said Punjabgovernment is very serious tohold Local Bodies elections.

Meanwhile, Information

secretary of PTI, ShireenMazari has said that KP will bethe first province to hold localbodies elections under bio-metrics system. Talking to aprivate news channel, PTIleader said that before elec-tions Imran khan had an-nounced that local bodies’elections would be held within90 days and we shall stick tothat promise. To a question shesaid that it is a common under-standing between all the prov-inces that local bodies’ elec-tions are to be held.

Mazari said that electionsof the local bodies are mustbut it is up to the provinces

to decide that how and whenthey are to be held. She addedthat it is a political issue thatcomes under the jurisdictionof the provinces. She saidthat no issue is left regard-ing local bodies electionsbut her party is not in hurryas these are to be held underbiometrics system. “Intensedeliberations are continuingin this regard, however, LBelections will be held by theend of the current year inKPK”, she assured.

The list of candidatessubmitted their nominationforms for by-polls to be con-ducted on August 22 in NA-

262 Qila Abdullah constitu-ency has been displayed.

Official sources in theProvincial Election Commis-sion Balochistan told APP,here on Friday that 14 candi-dates have been contestingin by-elections that was ly-ing vacant after MNA-elected from this seat,Pashtoonkhawa Milli AwamiParty, Mehmood KhanAchakzai decided to leavethis seat and remain memberNational Assembly fromQuetta seat as he was electedMNA from both seats in-cluding Qila Abdullah andQuetta seat.—APP

KP govt to hold local elections under biometrics system

Minister hints at early LB polls in KP

Misuse of official vehiclesISLAMABAD—Federal Minister for Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir Affairs ChaudhryBarjees Tahir Friday said that all vehiclesof different projects which were in useof irrelevant persons would be takenback. Talking to media he expressed hisgrief and sorrow over the killing of BilalSheikh, saying the way he was killed wascondemnable. Responding to a questionhe said that leadership of Pakistan Mus-lim League Nawaz (PML-N) was grieved

on the incident but added that according to some mediareports the vehicle in use of Bilal was of Mangla UpraisingProject. He said Mangla Upraising Project was of nationalimportance as it would help overcome energy crisis in thecountry. However, he said that if a high official of govern-ment institution gets involved in such activities, the lowerstaff would follow in his footstep which would ultimatelydelay completion of important projects. The minister saidthe fact that the vehicle was in Bilal’s use showed the irre-sponsibility and carelessness of relevant officials. He saidan inquiry would be held into the matter and action wouldbe taken against the involved officers. Barjees said thatPakistan is our home and no one would be allowed to in-dulge in corruption. Federal Minister for Gilgit Baltistanand Kashmir Affairs Chaudhry Barjees Tahir has said thatgovernment is taking measures to ensure peace and pros-perity in GB. The minister said that the resources would beutilized for development and prosperity of the area, said apress release issued here. He said that recently he has helda meeting with Governor Gilgit Baltistan Syed Pir Karam AliShah to discuss the issues of the area. Barjees said that noone would be allowed to steal the natural resources ofGilgit.—APP

Governor condolesPESHAWAR—The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa(KP) Governor, Engineer Shaukatullahhas expressed his heartfelt condolenceon the sad demise of an ex-member ofprovincial assembly from District Chitral,Zafar Ahmad Khan who was laid to restat his native town the other day. In hiscondolence message the Governor whileexpressing his deep sympathies withmembers of the bereaved family has alsolauded the services, which the deceased

has rendered for the province, the district Chitral in par-ticular. Meanwhile, the Governor has also condoled thesad demise of the father-in-law of Haji Habibullah, Presi-dent of the Bajaur Press Club on Friday. In his separatecondolence messages, Governor expressed his deep sym-pathies with members of the bereaved families and prayedfor the eternal peace of the departed souls and courage tothem to bear the irreparable loss with patience. Talking toa representative delegation comprising sitting and ex-of-fice bearers of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chamber of Com-merce and Industry that called on him under the leader-ship of its President, Muhammad Yousaf Sarwar atGovernor’s House here Thursday, the Governor alsostressed the business community to stand with fullestcourage and determination against nefarious designs ofsuch elements. “If anyone gets a threat, he should tell thefacts to all his colleagues as well as the respective lawenforcement agencies for necessary action, he stressed.The Governor paid rich tributes to the business commu-nity for facing the challenges of terrorism and extremism inextremely severe circumstances and said that their sacri-fices and contribution would serve a purpose to strengthengovernment and reviving economic activities.—APP

Sikandar for completion of irrigation projectsPESHAWAR—Senior Provincial Ministerfor Irrigation and Energy, SikandarHayat Sherpao asked department of Ir-rigation to timely complete developmentprojects and small dams to avoid flooddevastations. Presiding over a briefingsession here at the department, he askedthe officials concerned to expedite workon Munda Head works, Palai Dam,Doaba Canal bridge, Warsak Dam andWarsak Canal system. He said 2009 and

2010 floods’ devastation played havoc in KhyberPakhtunkhwa and left behind unforgettable miseries forthe affectees. The minister called for comprehensive plan-ning and early completion of ongoing projects to avertexpected flood devastation in rainy season. Sikandar alsomade it clear to officials that promotion and transfers wouldbe done on merit and dedicated officials would be com-pensated accordingly. He said that people have electedthem for change, transparency and prosperity, adding thatQumi Watan Party would leave no stone unturned to comeup to the expectations of masses. Secretary Irrigation AkbarKhan, Chief Engineers South and North, Director GeneralSmall Dams Naeem Khan, Xens and other officials of thedepartment were present in the meeting. Talking to IranianCounselor General Hassan Dawaish here, Sikandar ap-pealed Iran to help the province in power generation andto cope with electricity crisis. He said Khyber Pakhtunkhwaprovince is rich in natural resources including oil, gas andminerals reserves and Iranian companies can help the prov-ince in exploration. He said that Pakistan and Iran enjoybrotherly relations and both the countries helped eachother in time of need, adding that Iran support during 2010floods devastation was commendable.—APP

Gilani denounces killingISLAMABAD—All Parties Hurriyet Con-ference Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooqand other Hurriyet leaders includingSyed Ali Gilani, Muhammad Yasin Malikand Shabbir Ahmed Shah have stronglycondemned the killing of peaceful pro-testers by Indian troops at Gool inRamban, terming the incident as theworst kind of state terrorism. MirwaizUmar Farooq in a statement in Srinagarsaid that Indian forces had gone trig-

ger-happy in the occupied territory. “It is because of thelaws like AFSPA that forces have got a free hand in Kash-mir to kill people without any justification,” he said, KMSreported. “The killing of innocent people who were pro-testing against desecration of holy Quran in Gool is highlycondemnable,” he said adding that such incidents wouldcontinue to occur until Indian troops were withdrawn andblack laws were revoked from the territory. Syed Ali Gilaniin a statement describing the Gool incident as the worstexample of state terrorism urged the people to protestagainst it. He said that those involved in the killing ofinnocents should be punished in public. He also demandedwithdrawal of Indian troops from the occupied territory.The JKLF Chairman, Muhammad Yasin Malik, in a state-ment condemning the killings in Gool, said, “It is one ofthe biggest crimes committed by the terrorist forces ofIndia in Kashmir.” He said that while Kashmiri people wereengaged in providing hospitality to Hindu pilgrims, Indianforces, which had the protection under black laws, werebusy in killing the innocent Kashmiris. Senior APHC leader,Shabbir Ahmed Shah, denouncing the Gool killings saidthat the more India would inflict its brutalities on Kashmiris,the more passionate they would become about their free-dom. Hurriyet leaders including Aasiya Andrabi.—APP

ISLAMABAD—Scattered rain-thundershower associatedwith gusty winds is expectedin Kashmir, Hazara,I s l a m a b a d / R a w a l p i n d i ,Gujranwala, Sahiwal Lahoredivisions and at isolatedplaces in Lower Sindh tillMonday. Met office reportedhere on Friday that monsoonwill remain active in Kashmir,Upper Punjab includingIslamabad, Upper and CentralParts of Khyber Pakhtunkwafrom Saturday to Monday.

Whereas hot and humidweather will persist in otherparts of the country. Seasonallow lies over NorthwestBalochistan and adjoining ar-eas and monsoon currents arereaching upper parts of thecountry. In Punjab includingIslamabad scattered rain-thundershower is expected in

Northeast Punjab( R a w a l p i n d i / I s l a m a b a d ,Lahore, Gujranwala divi-sions), while hot and humidweather is expected in otherparts of the province.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,mainly hot and humid

weather is expected in mostparts of the province, how-ever, scattered rain-thunder-shower is expected in Hazaradivision while isolated rain-thundershower is expectedin Malakand division duringnext 24 hours.—APP

PESHAWAR—A spokesmanfor the Peshawar ElectricSupply Company (PESCO)disclosed that power theftwas incurring about Rs 3 bil-lion loss per month andurged people to contact itsAnti Electricity Theft Cell totake prompt action againstpower thieves. In a pressstatement issued here on Fri-day, PESCO SpokesmanShaukat Afzal said approxi-mately Rs 3 billion monthlyloss is being faced by thecompany due to menace ofpower pilferage and soughtthe co-operation of people tobring culprits under clutchesof law.

He said a toll free phonenumber 0800-29999 has alsobeen installed at WapdaHouse Peshawar throughwhich any one can informPESCO Anti Electricity TheftCell about the electricitystealing . On receiving suchinformation, he said immedi-ate action will be takenagainst the culprits. In addi-tion huge monthly losses, hesaid, load shedding, damag-ing of distribution transform-ers and severe over loadingof electricity system was an-other challenge that we areconfronted.

Multan: As many as 150cases were registered againstelectricity pilferage and 24cases against gas pilferage inthe district. Presiding over ameeting to review the paceof drive against power andgas pilferers, District Coordi-nation Officer, Syed GulzarShah, said that process wasin progress to lodge FIRsagainst 70 power pilferers. Hedirected officials concernedto arrest the industrial and

commercial power and gaspilferers.

He directed the MEPCOand Sui gas departments toestablish special cells in theirdepartments to follow thecases and also submitted theevidences in police stationswithin 24 hours so that therewas no hurdle in arrest of thepilferers. Superintending Engi-neer MEPCO Malik Saeed toldthe meeting that at least 20motors were running by con-verting single phase into threephase through preparation of

illegal transformer and addedthat case was registered, tookthe illegal transformers into itscustody and search of the ac-cused continued.

He said that at least 20power looms were runningthrough installing illegalchips into six electric metreshere at Manzoorabad. SEMEPCO said that six indus-trial and 65 tube well ownerswere found involved in steal-ing electricity so far and FIRswere registered against them.General Manager Sui Gas

MEPCO registers 150 cases of electricity, 24 cases of gas against pilferers

Power theft incurs Rs 3b monthly loss to PESCO

PESHAWAR: Residents of Kohati Chowk protesting against excessive and un-scheduled load shedding.

Rain spell to continue

SWAT: People enjoying bath in Swat River near bypass road.

Ashraf Mehmood told themeeting that the raids werecontinued against the personnamely Javed Champer whowas involved in preparingby-passes which used instealing gas.

Muzaffargarh: Electricityto Chah Din Basti Wala,Meeranpur, the suburbanarea of Khangarh, has beensuspended for the last 12days after four poles felldown in a storm. Residentsof the area including QariMushtaq, Mohammad Eisa,

M Musa, Ghulam Yaseen andothers said despite contact-ing Wapda office repeatedly,power had not been restored.

They demanded theMEPCO chief executive takenotice of the situtation andprovide relief to people inRamazan. Earlier, MemberNational Assembly of Paki-stan Muslim League Nawaz,Abid Shair Ali, has said thatthe government after cominginto power is making effortsto bring improvement in theenergy system. He said that

the people are facing prob-lem due to loadshedding.

He added that lack of in-terest of the previous gov-ernment had created a lot ofproblems including theloadshedding. MNA saidthat PML-N government ismaking consultation with theconcerned authorities to ad-dress the issue without fur-ther delay. Talking to a pri-vate television channel, hesaid that masses are suffer-ing due to the wrong policiesof the previous regime.

He said that no concretemeasures were taken during theperiod of dictator and PakistanPeoples Party government. Hesaid that PML-N governmentis committed to provide basicamenities of life to the peopleat their doorsteps and for this,solid measures are being takento achieve the objectives. Hesaid Prime Minister NawazSharif is fully aware of the prob-lem of the masses, adding thatall possible steps would betaken to bring improvement inthe system.

Dipalpur: WAPDA teamlaunched an operationagainst the electricity thefthere but the residents of thearea attacked the team, injur-ing four WAPDA officials, apolice inspector and a con-stable. Constable MuhammadAhmad succumbed to injurieswhen he was being shifted toLahore for treatment.

Meanwhile, FESCO alongwith district administration inFaisalabad raided a weavingfactory and arrested two per-sons for stealing electricity. InMultan, manager of a biscuitfactory was arrested for steal-ing gas worth millions of ru-pees.—APP

ISLAMABAD—The UnitedArab Emirates has announcedto distribute 2,400 tons of foodamong 30,000 Pakistani fami-lies in camps displaced byfloods and military operations.The initiative is on the direc-tive of President SheikhKhalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan,to mark the holy month ofRamadan. The team oversee-ing implementation of theUAE’s project to help Paki-stan will distribute the foodworth over 1.5 million US dol-lars among the displaced fami-lies in Jalozai Camp. The Campis considered the largest refu-gee camp in Pakistan andhosts about 13,600 displaced

UAE food assistance projectto support 30,000 IDP families

Turkey ranks 4th in global humanitarian aidfamilies. Food parcels eachweighing 80 kilograms, will bedistributed containing flour,rice, sugar, salt, lentils and tea,enough to sustain a singlefamily for the whole month.The project aims at providinghumanitarian and food aid fordisplaced Pakistanis to allevi-ate their suffering and diffi-cult circumstances.

Meanwhile, it is also re-ported that Turkey gavemore than US $ 1 billion inhumanitarian aid in 2012,making it the fourth largestdonor, according to a reportby London-based anti-pov-erty organization Develop-ment Initiatives. The country

was only behind the US($3.8bn), the EU ($1.9bn) andthe UK ($1.2bn), the GlobalHumanitarian Assistance2013 report said, AnadoluNews agency reported. Tur-key ranks third among the“most generous” countriesbehind Luxembourg andSweden, giving 0.13% of itsgross national income in aid.

The global aid providedby governments, which thereport says account for 70%of total annual humanitarianaid, amounted to $12.9 bil-lion, down from $13.8 billionfrom a year earlier. Turkeyprovided 8% of the total fig-ure.—APP

LARKANA—Deputy Com-missioner Larkana UmarFarooque Bullo, on Fridaywarned the traders that profi-teers and hoarders duringthe holy month of Ramazanwould be penalised. He toldlocal newsmen that prices ofedibles and kitchen itemshave been fixed by the dis-trict price control committeeand the violators will not bespared. He said Ramazan isthe month of blessings andtraders must voluntarily de-crease prices of daily usegoods.

Items whose prices havebeen fixed include mutton,beef, chicken, grams, pulses,wheat flour, ghee and sugaretc. Meanwhile, DeputyCommissioner Umar

Profiteers, hoarders to be penalisedFarooque Bullo also orderedthe traders to rectify theirweights and scales forthwith.

In his directive the DCwarned that those shopkeep-ers whose weights or scaleswere found inaccurate wouldbe penalised.

On the other side it hasbeen also reported that dur-ing the holy month ofRamazan, a huge amount offood is wasted as hotelsoutdo each other in present-ing Iftar consisting of 40 to50 dishes that left customersbiting off more than they canchew. A large portion of thefood ended up in garbage.“Most prestigious outletslike to boast of Iftars that of-fer at least 40 to 50 dishes intheir buffet.

However, it’s beyondhuman ability to be able toeven sample all the dishes,much less enjoy a decentserving of each,” Qasim Ali,a frequent visitor while talk-ing to APP said.

“Ramazan is about fast-ing not feasting. We have toeat, of course, but restrainourselves in accordancewith the tradition of theProphet (Peace Be UponHim),” an elderly womanAsia Erum said. “Do not useIftar to make up for a wholeday of not eating. Iftar is notthe right time to show off toyour family or friends howmuch money you can spendon food or what a good cookyou are,” another citizenRayan Saddiq said.—APP

BUJ flaysmedia criticism

Q U E T T A — B a l o c h i s t a nUnion of Journalists (BUJ) onFriday flayed criticism on therole of media by political par-ties, government and privateinstitutions for reportingBalochistan Assembly clash,which took place betweenprovincial minister’s privateguards and police official.

President BUJ Irfan Saeedand General SecretaryRasheed Butt in a statementstrongly condemned the criti-cism on media and said mediain Balochistan was positiveand playing its pivotal role inhighlighting the true picture ofthe society while remainingwithin its realm. “Media re-ported the clash between thesecurity personnel and guardsof senior Balochistan ministerSanaullah Zehri over entrancein the assembly.—APP

PrioritisingLNG terminals

THE present Government seems to be in no mood to waste timein overcoming the crippling energy crisis in the shortest possible time because of its negative impact on economy and distur-

bance caused to the masses. This became evident from approval of theEconomic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet (ECC) on Thursdayfor three LNG terminal projects. The meeting held under the chairman-ship of Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, who is known for analyzing thingsand making prompt decisions, also fixed deadlines for their completionwhich varies from six months to thirty months.

Pakistan is facing acute energy shortages and we have been hearingabout plans to overcome them but unfortunately all that have so far provedto be mere gossip or paper work as nothing is visible on the ground.There is immense pressure on the local gas and the Government is in afix as to what should be its priority usage as it cannot ignore domestic,industrial and commercial consumers altogether. Only two/three yearsback, shortage of gas used to be experienced in winter in the shape of itslow pressure but now the situation remains almost the same throughoutthe year. With this in view, the previous Government has been talkingabout import of LNG to mitigate the situation. However, regrettably, thefocus has been only on negotiating deals with foreign countries appar-ently for the sake of commissions and kickbacks and not on creating thenecessary infrastructure back home to receive, store and gasify the im-ported LNG. Dr Asim-led teams of the previous regime were quick infinalizing contracts and that too at double the normal rates but took nosteps for establishment of LNG terminals. In this backdrop, the presentGovernment deserves credit for moving swiftly towards that end but thereare still indications that vested interests sitting in different institutions aretrying to create roadblocks in the way of swift implementation of theseprojects. We hope that the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources,headed by a person like Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, who has a clean back-ground, would overcome these problems and move forward at the de-sired pace to address the energy crisis in a short span of time as peopleseem to have lost patience with paper plans.

Why PM, CJ have tointervene in petty matters?

CHAIRMAN Capital Development Authority (CDA), at the intervention of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, has suspended an Assistant

Director of the Authority for criminal negligence in the operation of theCapital’s Filtration Plants that supply polluted water not only to ordinarycitizens but also in posh areas and important building like ParliamentHouse, Presidency and the Ministers’ Enclave.

It is good of the Prime Minister that he took prompt notice of thereport appearing in the media about faulty functioning of the filtrationplants with serious implications for residents of the capital. But the ques-tion arises as to why the Chairman or for that matter other concernedofficers of the Authority did not take notice of the situation themselvesand waited for the Prime Minister to give instructions for the purpose.The CDA has full-fledged directorate entrusted with the responsibility ofsupplying clean drinking water to people of Islamabad and why the di-rectorate failed to carry out its duty. It is a common practice in our coun-try that projects and programmes are initiated with fanfare but no onecares about their continued operation as per original idea. Filtration plantsare there but in the first place CDA has damaged water supply lines andit is a common complaint that sewage water mixes with the drinkingwater at different places and obviously the same water is received bythese plants. And the more shocking aspect of the entire episode is thatfilters are either not replaced altogether or not replaced timely despitedrawing necessary funds for the purpose, which obviously go to the pock-ets of some greedy officials. This is a crime that must be taken cogni-zance of and the culprits should be brought to book. But this is not re-stricted just to filtration plants as official machinery elsewhere is also notdischarging its functions as it should and that is why PM, CMs or evenChief Justice of Pakistan has to take notice on almost daily basis. This isreflective of near collapse of the routine government machinery and thoseat the helm of affairs should take remedial steps.

Worst case of Holy Quran’sdesecration in IHK

Indian soldiers fired at protestors in Occupied Kashmir Thursdaykilling six and wounding forty members of a crowd demonstrating

against desecration of the Holy Qur’an by Indian security forces. Ac-cording to reports, four BSF personnel had barged into an Islamic schoolin Dadad village on Wednesday night, beat students and desecrated theholy book.

The incident is yet another manifestation of the state-sponsored ter-rorism in Occupied Kashmir where about eight hundred thousand troopsare trampling human rights for long. The desecration of the Holy Qur’anis a deliberate attempt on the part of the occupation forces to injure sen-sitivities of Kashmiris who are overwhelmingly Muslims. It is also worthnoting that the act of desecration has not been carried out by a lunatic ormentally deranged individual but personnel of BSF, which makes themotives clear. In a related development, Indian troops entered a mosquein Ramban district and opened fire on worshippers offering Taraveehprayers, killing 13 including the prayer leader. Kashmiri leadership hasgiven call for three-day strike but the situation in the occupied State isunlikely to change until and unless the United Nations and the worldcommunity take notice of not only human rights violations but also theroot cause of the problem i.e. illegal occupation of Kashmir by India.

The accuser stands exposed

Death defies thedoctor.

MakingNitaqat workis important

The law of unintended consequences is universal, reaching it could be argued even

in to medicine. Thus, on averageevery medicine aimed at dealingwith one problem, can potentially,by its side effects, throw up sevenother problems. Likewise with leg-islation, especially that relating tothe dynamic world of business.Here in the Kingdom we havesought to cure unemployment witha range of measures designed tochannel to Saudis, work that is cur-rently being done by expatriates.While few in the business commu-nity argue with the logic and ne-cessity of such a policy, there isnow widespread complaint that theNitaqat Saudization program, mostparticularly the expatriate levy, isdoing more harm than good.

Influential business groupshave called for an end to theSR2,400 levy which must be paidfor every expatriate worker who isdeemed under the Nitaqat quotaprogram, to be doing a job thatcould be undertaken by a Saudinational. One new study commis-sioned by the Council of SaudiChambers from a businessconsultancy has argued that, notonly is the levy responsible for re-cent hikes in the price of goods andservices, but it also causing dam-age to the Kingdom’s economy.

In one area highlighted by thisstudy, it would seem at first glance,that there are grounds for a rethink.It looks as if small and medium-sizeenterprises are suffering from whatappears to be an uneven applicationthe rules. Thus for instance, smallfirms that hire cleaning and contractworkers, are being obliged to paythe levy, even though Saudis wouldnot normally be available to take onsuch employment. On the face ofit, there is some justice in this argu-ment, but the issue merits closer ex-amination. The first thing to appre-ciate is that this is not in reality “thelittle guys” suffering from legisla-tion that was designed to have bigbusiness in Saudi, embrace theSaudization program fully.

SMEs dominate economic ac-tivity in the Kingdom. The Saudigenius for business is expressed intens of thousands of small, oftenfamily-owned firms, with conser-vative management policies andoutlook. These enterprises will al-most certainly have employedexpat workers because they areboth cheaper and more readilyavailable. For such businesses thelevy can pose a double challenge.In profit terms, does it make bettersense to pay up for expat workersthat make a known contribution tothe business, or should unprovennationals be hired in their stead andindeed be paid more than foreignworkers? Medium-sized enter-prises are more likely to pushingfor extra growth and driving to playtheir part in building our nonoileconomy. They will have the flex-ibility and human resources capa-bility to address the Nitaqat and theexpat levy issues. They are alsocertainly more capable of findingways to absorb the extra costs, es-pecially in the service and retailsectors where foreign workers havegenerally played an important role.Just how important indeed, hasbeen revealed by the drive to re-move illegal workers, which hasseen some retail outlets strugglingto stay open, because staff withoutthe proper papers have fled, fear-ing discovery and deportation.

Some in the business commu-nity are arguing that the levy is re-sponsible for recent price hikes. Itmight be thought that they are ondangerous ground here. Consum-ers are, with some justice, cynicalabout the pre-Ramadan price hikesand what appear to be artificialshortages of certain key foodstuffs.Such manipulation has been a fea-ture of the holy month for manyyears. The expat levy is thereforehardly a reasonable justification forthese increases.

Shoppers are not naïve. Any-one who has to run a householdbudget knows perfectly well theseasonal movement of prices andthe often clear reluctance of retail-ers to increase their stocking lev-els to meet extra demand. Thosewho are calling for the expat levyto be abandoned on the grounds thatit is already causing economic dam-age should wait for clearer evidencethat this is true. Moreover, if thereare problems, then the way inwhich the levy is applied, can per-haps be adjusted to allow for them.Maybe some of the quotas need tobe changed. —Arab News

MEDIA WATCH

—Proverb

A former Indian home ministry officer said that amember of the CBI-SIT

team had accused incumbent gov-ernments of orchestrating the terrorattack on Indian Parliament and the26/11 carnage in Mumbai. It shouldbe borne in mind that it is not a me-dia report but contents of an affida-vit submitted in court by the Under-Secretary RVS Mani in the allegedIshrat Jehan fake encounter case. Hesaid that Satish Verma, until recentlya part of the CBI-SIT probe team,told him that “both the terror attackswere set up with the objective ofstrengthening the counter-terror leg-islation”. However, they conve-niently missed the point that suchfalse flag operations, among otherthings, were also intended to framePakistan to prove that Pakistan as aState-sponsored terrorism. Becauseof India’s false flag operations, In-dian and Pakistani forces more thantwice stood eyeball-to-eyeball on theborders that could have led to warbetween two nuclear States. In case,it is established that India was be-hind attack on Parliament and 26/11 events, then hanging of AfzalGuru and Ajmal Kassab is miscar-riage of justice.

Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviv-ing attacker of the November 2008terror siege, was hanged till death atPune’s Yerawada Jail on 21st No-vember 2012. One would not knowwhy the date and time of Ajmal

India & conspiracy against peace

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Sunday Magazine

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Today, young people in SouthAsia endure unemployment,poverty, extremism and vio-

lence. Due to politicalbrinkmanship of regional and inter-national powers, the interpersonalrelations among communities arechanged. One common factor thattransforms global paradigm shiftfrom culture of peace to strategy ofviolence is the disregard for truth,there by making it impossible forestablishing a “real peace” in themodern government thinking. Im-portantly, when orchestrating vio-lence becomes aim to substantiatepropaganda warfare, it leads to per-manent structural weaknesses inpeace building process.

A constant exposure to such apolicy creates grinding cumulativeeffect on diplomatic relations be-tween the nation states. The Indiancase is pertinent because its poli-cies in Kashmir and in several otherIndian states violate, oppress, andpropagate – along with rhetoric ofcessation of hostilities, leads to aset of contradictory diplomatic andhuman rights standards. Initially,reacted with deep concern over 9/11, hoping that Pakistan would beinternationally isolated, but, Paki-stan rather have been supporting theUS and NATO to stabilize Afghani-stan. A more far reaching explana-tion about the positive role of Paki-stan is that despite all the deceptionand allegations from India, the Pa-kistani government is truly seekinga stable Afghanistan.

During his recent visit to Paki-stan, the British Foreign Secretary,

Kasab’s hanging was keptas a secret from the mediaand the people at large; buthis execution five days be-fore the fourth anniversaryof the Mumbai attackscould be a well thought-out plan by India’s ‘deepstate security apparatus’

to unleash propaganda campaignagainst Pakistan’s ISI and describePakistan as a state that sponsors ter-rorism. Afzal Guru, the Kashmirileader allegedly involved in thedeadly attack on the Indian parlia-ment in 2001, was executed on 9thFebruary 2013 morning after his fi-nal mercy plea was rejected by Presi-dent Pranab Mukherjee. Guru wasfound guilty of conspiring with andsheltering the militants who attackedparliament in December 2001.

In the past, after almost every ter-rorist act Indian government andmedia accused Pakistan even with-out any preliminary investigation. Butwhen Pakistan had solid proof of In-dian support to insurgents, our gov-ernments never openly condemnedthat act. In case of Samjhauta Expressblast case, Hindu extremists were in-volved. And one of the accused, Lt.Col. Shrikant Prasad Purohit, an In-dian Military Intelligence officer hadconfessed during investigations ofMalegaon mayhem for having sup-plied explosives for the 2007Samjhauta Express blast also. It hasto be mentioned that bogies ofSamjhauta were not only locked frominside but also sealed from outside,and passengers were virtually trappedto death. There is also a security checkof the passengers bound for India orPakistan on Samjhauta Express. Thequestion is that why two suitcases ofexplosives mentioned by the Rail-ways minister were not detected be-

fore the train left for Attari. Pakistangovernment and/or media did notexpose India on the issue ofSamjhauta Express despite confes-sion of military intelligence officer.

After attack on Parliament in2001, India had given Pakistan a listof 20 wanted persons not necessarilyinvolved in that incident. Anyhow,India added 20 more names to makeit a list of 40 persons and demandedto hand them over to India. India hasbeen taking advantage of world sym-pathy after November Mumbai at-tack. There are of course many morequestions like the mysterious killingof Hemant Karkare, Mumbai’s anti-terrorist squad chief, and two of hissenior team members on the very firstnight of the terrorist attack. He hadbusted an Indian terrorist networkcomprising Hindu fanatics and mili-tary officers, both serving and retired.As stated above, one of them Lt Col.Shrikant Prasad Purohit, an IndianMilitary Intelligence officer, con-fessed supplying explosives for the2007 Samjhota Express blast thatkilled at least 70 Pakistani passengersand wounded many others.

Then Indian Defence Minister AKAntony had at least once stated thatmore than two dozen terror groupswere operating from Pakistan withimpunity. Indian leadership’s state-ments were not understandable be-cause Pakistan had already bannedJama’at-ud-Dawa in response to theUnited Nations Security Council’sresolution and had undertaken to bringthe perpetrators to book on receivingevidence, which has not been provideddespite Pakistan’s repeated reminders.On the other hand, Indian agents seemto have created fake jihadi organiza-tions to carry out false flag operations.One does not know which organiza-tion Ajmal Kassab belonged to, as he

never admitted his affiliation witheither Pakistani state or any non-stateactor. In India, the government, itsfunctionaries and media are alwayson one page, and it is very rare thatan information like the one revealedby Indian official Satish Vermacomes to light.

False flag terrorism, which oc-curs when elements within a govern-ment stage a secret operationwhereby government forces pretendto be a targeted enemy while attack-ing their own forces or people. Theattack is then falsely blamed on theenemy in order to justify going to waragainst that enemy. India seems tohave learned from the US and othercountries that have been resorting tofalse flag operations to frame anddeclare war on other countries. Thereason for invading Afghanistan bythe US was ascribed to Al Qaeda,which reportedly had planned 9/11terrorist attacks. But it was provedbeyond doubt that all those involvedhad been living in the western coun-tries. They all had studied in westernuniversities and they had got train-ing in American aviation academies.Since the planning was done in Ger-many, the German and Americanauthorities should have been ques-tioned, and not Afghanistan and Pa-kistan that their opinion-makers,movers and shakers have been blam-ing conveniently. In case of 26/11,there was no mention of local han-dlers, as it was not possible for theoutsiders or non-state actors to con-duct terrorists’ acts without local sup-port. As regards attack on Indian par-liament, all the terrorists were killed,and the world does not know abouttheir identity. These are the questionsthat need answers and explanation.—The writer is Lahore-basedsenior journalist.

William Hague, acknowl-edged that “Pakistan wasplaying a ‘positive’ role inbringing peace and stabilityin Afghanistan. the UK andPakistan discussed the Qatarprocess. And I welcome the

support extended by Pakistan,”While Pakistan, US along withNATO are collaborating to end ter-rorism and instability, India throughmassive material and human supportpressuring Pakistani society, influ-encing media thereby opposingPakistan’s greater role in the worldpeace. From this perspective,

Conversely, India needs to have“on-again, off-again” policy of dia-logue with Pakistan and its otherneighbors. Primarily, with all the re-sources and the so-called status ofworld’s largest democracy, India hasseriously failed to manage as an in-dependent and progressive country.It is this dilemma that every nowand then freezes the diplomatic re-lations between India and Pakistan.Whereas, Pakistan’s attempts to es-tablish sustainable peace with itseastern neighbor, India’s operationalsecrecy, has increasingly becomedangerous for the wider stability inSouth Asia.

It is now evidently clarified bya former member of security servicethat the two tragic events of 2001and 2008 were planned by Indianmilitary and intelligence services.According to the Times of India(July 07, 2013), “a member of aSpecial Investigating Team (SIT) ofIndia’s Central Bureau of Investi-gation had accused incumbent gov-ernments of “orchestrating” the ter-ror attack on Indian Parliament andthe 2008 Mumbai attacks. The affi-davit also included reference to theattack on the Indian parliament inDecember 2001 which was fol-lowed by the controversial Preven-

tion of Terrorism Act (Pota), and the2008 Mumbai attacks which led toamendments in the Unlawful Activi-ties Prevention Act (UAPA)”.

The credibility of thewhistleblower, (an ex-Indian officer,Satish Varma) reflectsin the selectionof presenting the evidence, that is, MrVarma directly went to the highestcourt in the land, in order to avoidany potential torture and possiblemurder at the hands of Indian mili-tary and security services –because,reportedly, the Mumbai Police Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) chief HemantKarkare was shot dead by his owncolleagues. Therefore, it is crucial thatthe Indian authorities must scrutinizethe rogue elements in the military andintelligence services. For India, it isimperative not only to accept the re-sponsibility of endangering peace andstability, but also to admit that it hadunjustifiably carried out these attacksagainst its own people. In search of agreater role at the world stage as wellas seeking strategic influence in Af-ghanistan, Indian military and secu-rity services are gone “out of control”and have been violating the humanrights of their fellow Indians.

This revelation demonstrates adeeply flawed system of accountabil-ity of security and military servicesin the largest democracy of the world.It should be seen in the way violenceis imposed and to which extent theperception of a nation is suffered dueto false construction of images, rheto-ric and international campaignagainst Pakistan. Whereas, the post-9/11 coagulate the connection be-tween transnational terrorism andnon-state actors, the states on otherhand too played an uncaring and riskypolicy-making. On the way to inter-connect what is being stated, let mealso argue that Indian policy of “kill-ing their own”, just to get diplomaticleverage over Pakistan is a dark ex-

ample of wrong-headed policies ofhardliners in India. By going as faras India and its media did duringattacks on parliament and inBombay, it may have sought to de-flect the atrocities in Kashmir andin 67 other Indian states where In-dia is brutally trying to suppress ac-tive-separatist movements.

The mechanism of indepen-dent reporting about these atroci-ties has also not been transparent.During the Mumbai attacks, forinstance, the preposterous andBollywood style propaganda toois crucial to assess the damage thatwas done to Pakistan’s image andperception in the aftermath of In-dian parliament and Mumbai at-tacks. Unfortunately, some non-professional domestic media per-sons also followed “news feeds”from international media, andwithout investigating the truth be-hind the campaign, Pakistani jour-nalists just presented the reports,and hence substantiated the claimsin these reports. Such a policy of“hear and believe” in the modernjournalism traditions betrays thetrust of ordinary citizens and thestate, this trend should be avoided.

To be concluded, the Indian gov-ernment should seriously considerimplementing a strict accountabil-ity code on the rogue elements in itsmilitary and security services be-cause the “world’s largest” demo-cratic status cannot be guaranteed ifIndia continue to send contradictorydiplomatic signals in the region. Theyouth of South Asia needs establish-ing peace rather than conspiringagainst it. India and Pakistan muststrive to achieve a sustainable peacethat is based on mutual respect andprinciples of equality.—The author is a Denmark-baseddefence analyst and nationalsecurity expert.

Mohammad JamilEmail: mjamil1938@hotmail.com

News & ViewsNews & ViewsNews & ViewsNews & ViewsNews & Views

Rana Athar Javed Email: ma_javed@hotmail.com

Voice of the People

Demandingpath of peace

HASHIM ABRO

There is a great chaos and disorderin Sindh province. The provincialcapital Karachi is sinking in a riverof blood. History is a witness thatthe path of war resolves no prob-lems but it increases hatred, vio-lence and sufferings as we witnessin Layari-Karachi nowadays. Whatwill resolve the problems assailingPakistani society, in particular, thepeople of Layari-Karachi t, is thepath of peace, a way of walking to-gether and facing human crises ina spirit of dialogue and solidarity.Indeed, the ‘path of peace’ is verydemanding. It demands courage,patience and determination, and itmust be built upon a true “educa-tion for peace”.

Education for peace is above alleducation in the truth of the humanperson, created by God, who madeus all brothers and sisters in one hu-man family. Without genuine respectfor the life, dignity and fundamen-tal rights of each individual, therewill be no peace, be it in Karachi orin other parts of peace –starved Pa-kistan. Education for peace demandsteaching and learning the non-vio-lent ways of dealing with tensionsand of fostering justice in humanrelations. These are dialogue, nego-tiation, cooperation and solidarity.As the Muslims, our first convictionabout peace is that it is a gift fromGod, for which we must pray withpure hearts and humble hope. Thosewho pray from the depths of theirheart for peace cannot but committhemselves to the realization of thispeace for all peoples.

For Muslims, peace is a legacyhanded on to us by Holy ProphetMuhammad (SAW). As we areaware that in our daily life when-ever we meet, pass by or gather, wesay: “ Assalam –o-Alaikum”(Peace be upon you”). We know allthat our actions are judged on thebasis of our intention. . We alsorealize that the work of establish-ing true peace lies at the heart ofour religious commitment. Sincewe are in the month of holy Fast-ing, they shouldn’t we all strive toestablish peace and order in andaround, in particular, in the troubledareas? I propose that “Peace chairs/ Peace Institutes” may be estab-lished in the Political Science de-partments of all public sector var-sities and “Peace Education andLaw” may be made an integral partof our syllabus from primaryschools to University level. Suchinitiatives will surely groom peace-ful individuals and a peaceful soci-ety in our peace –starved country..—Islamabad

The “Whiteelephant”

SHAHRYAR KHAN BASEER

Independent Forum of Opinion is agroup of professionals (graduates inChemistry, Medicine, Education,Agricultural Engineer, Civil Engi-neer, Professor Business, universityprofessor, etc.). If you do not receivedevelopment new letter to the edi-tor, press here. The Government ofPakistan is facing financial uncer-tainty. The Finance Minister is try-ing very hard to reduce costs andincrease revenue, so to help reducethe budget deficit for next year. TheGovernment of Pakistan can save 25Billion rupees every year and alsocreate extra revenue by privatizingthe Pakistan Steel Mills.

PSM was privatized by theMusharraf led Government in 2006,but the PSM workers union mafiablocked the sale in Sindh High Courtand than the Supreme Court in itsdecision declared the privatizationas void. Since that time, the Gov-ernment of Pakistan has paid morethan 25 Billion every year to PSM,while PSM has only managed to in-crease their production to 17% forthe past 5 years. Ironically, the com-pany that had bought PSM, was aSaudi based company called Al-Tuwairqi group. When the company

Electricity CommissionALI AKBAR

President Clinton while still in office once spoke to his office staff like this: A bureaucracy is initiallycreated for a certain definite purpose but as the time goes by, it gets ensconced in its perks and begins

to forget about the real purpose for which it was created and instead directs all its attention to enhancingand protecting its perks until it completely loses sight of its original purpose. He was warning them notto fall into such trap. Now, such a description fits perfectly no other bureaucracy in the world than thatof our own country. Take the example of the Water and Power Development Authority. It has grown intoa Frankenstein which has destroyed electricity in our country. I suggest that WAPDA should be totallyabolished and be replaced by an electricity commission on the pattern of the Atomic Energy Commis-sion. Its job should be to develop schemes to produce electricity only from indigenous resources of run-of-the-river, coal, gas, atomic energy, and the renewable forms. Generation houses should be privatizedand run on no-imported-fuel basis. Under this commission should work the National Electricity Gridwhich will take electricity to the doorsteps of all the small grid stations established in cities and ruralareas by private companies which should be responsible for distributing electricity and maintaininglines to people’s homes at a price determined by the electricity commission. All the grid station compa-nies should also be allowed to build their own generation houses on the principle as pointed out. All theDISCOs should also be abolished and in its place electricity authorities at the district level under provin-cial governments be created to auction off the grid stations in their own districts.—Muzaffargarh.

READERS

Email:editorial@pakobserver.net

are requested to typetheir letters legibly withdouble spacing and only onone side of the paper.

—Editor

Oh, to be in England

Feel so much at home, unlike myEnglish expat friends who saythey feel like strangers when

they visit. No such problems for thelikes of us. From the moment I land itis a swizz. This is how it will go onthese foreign stayovers. Nabu and Anuwill be at the airport to meet me andto the sounds of the latest hits on thecar stereo, we’ll traipse off to Edgwarefor a biryani lunch with Sohail andNajma who have just had a secondlittle boy and we’ll play with Zain andthen sit down to watch the latest Hindimovie DVD because you don’t get toomany of those in the Gulf. Thatevening, Tony, an old friend will betaking us to Bombay Brasserie or, ifwe prefer, Veeraswamys, and we arescheduled to a concert of Harbhajan

Singh Maan later on after which it isdin din at the Chatterjeas in Stratham.

Next morning will be duty by therelatives time and we’ll all toodle offto Birmingham while the FM playsBollywood again and we are sure tohave one of rich-burp-shouldn’t-have such spreads all soaked in oiland dripping deliciously bad choles-terol. It’ll be sticky nostalgia timeand Uncle Nath will tell us all abouthis days way back when he was inthe Punjab. Aunty Nath will producelovely carrot halwa and that eveningwe’ll be joined by the Mehras, theNairs, the Rais, the Bajpais, theHussains, and the Sonu Singhs, notto mention Bunny and Twinkle whonow have a silk boutique in Mayfairand are doing enormously well. Andeveryone will compete on who ismissing the home country more.

We’ll round of another evening ofdeep and abiding togetherness at the

nearest disco and dance to the beat ofthe Bhangra rap the mix provided byDahler Mehndi’s protégé. On the thirdday before I leave we’ll return to Lon-don and call on the current Indian HighCommissioner who will invite us overfor a quick lunch which means thirtythree traditional Indian dishes so thatwe are made to feel all at home.

We’ll then take a walk downKensington way and pick up a paperfrom Mr.Patel’s newspaper kiosk, sayhello to the couple from Gujarat whorun the corner tea shoppe, get intro-duced to their son Ravi who is soonjoining LSE and finally take a bus backto Slough and chat with Rana Ray, theconductor on the delights of Calcutta.At Slough we’ll visit Gandharv’s elec-tronic outlet in Queensmere and handover a jar of lemon pickle sent to himfrom his sister in Abu Dhabi. We’lltalk of this and that and watch Good-ness Gracious Me reruns.

Views From Abroad

Bikram Vohra

was not given the PSM, they insteadinvested their money in creating an-other plant called the Tawairqui SteelMills Limited (TSML), which dur-ing this time achieved more then 85%production and has established a newSteel Mills in Pakistan. TSML is cur-rently supplying 20% of Pakistansteel requirement, while PSM is sup-plying 0%.

This clearly shows that PSMshould have been privatized in 2006.The Supreme court Decision to de-clare this privatization null, has costthe people of Pakistan 150 billionrupees in the past 6 years alone. Nowthat the appeal in Supreme Court forthe case has been retracted by theprivatization commission, the Gov-ernment should make an extra effortto privatize or close down this whiteelephant to help save Pakistan.—Peshawar

Be sincere tostudents

FAISAL SHAIKH

Finally, Shaheed Mohtarma BenazirBhutto Medical University(SMBBMU) Larkana has stubbornlystarted the evening MBBS classesturning deaf ear to the repeated warn-ings of Pakistan Medical & DentalCouncil (PMDC) of violating thelaws. I personally have two seriousconcerns about it. First, what will bethe response of PMDC? If they takestrict actions, students’ careers willbe jeopardised and hang in uncer-tainty. If they keep mum, manygreedy will step forward to earn easybucks. Second, SMBBMU is alreadyshort of faculty for morning classes,especially in the basic departments.

Further, serious problems haveemerged within the administration. Inlast six to eight months, innumeratestrikes have been made, one is cur-rently underway to remove the po-litically appointed Vice Chancellor,who only has diploma in ophthalmol-ogy and lacks the qualification forsuch a post. Apart from these, wehave seen students tearing the exampapers and boycotting the exams,college bus was burnt and many ri-diculous unmerited appointees havebeen inducted, clearly depicting themishandling of the whole institution.What the administration ofSMBBMU really want?—Sukkur

For economic upliftF Z KHAN

There is a grave concern over the toolate activity and far less responseagainst the economic initiatives takenby the previous government, includ-ing the handing of Gwadar seaportto China and the signing of Iran-Pa-kistan gas pipeline project agree-ments, though the nationwide criti-cism was understandable that suchinitiatives had been taken only todraw out political mileage ahead ofthe May 11 elections. But the moveforward, despite criticism at home,pressure from abroad and threats ofinternational sanctions, was firmlytaken as the ground breaking initia-tive; it merited attention as well asseriousness as a pure commercialventure dictated by the universallyacknowledged demand and supplyprinciple. If implemented and sus-tained, both the agreements could bea turning point for Pakistan, and theregion, because it would have multidimensional impact on the economy.

Though it would take almost twoyears to pump the direly needed gas,if the new government under NawazSharif’s premiership takes full inter-est in continuing it, yet it would givehope to an extremely energy deficientindustry and inspire the potential in-vestors to plan and invest to reap ben-efits from vast market of a countryof 180 million people as well asneighbouring markets in Afghanistanand Central Asia. For Islamabad, thepipeline means energy security,which, in turn, means political sta-bility as former Iranian presidentMahmoud Ahmadinejad called it in-dispensable to eradicate Pakistan’senergy deficit. And if India, and lateron China, joins the power coopera-tion partnership, and if the 2,000 km

That evening Nabu will call hisfriends over for a ‘goodbye’ bashand we’ll natter on about the goodold days in Bombay and share thelatest risque Hindi jokes and dis-cuss the way Amitabh Bachhaan isstill hanging in there and it is timeAir India bought new planes likethe Dreamliner and it will be a greatevening. Next day I shall take Brit-ish Airways out of Heathrow andon route to the airport strike up aninteresting conversation with Sonuthe minicab driver about Britishcustoms and this quaint set up theyhave called welfare.

After which time for ClubWorld in BA and the air hostess ask-ing me if I want chicken curry andrice with pappadums for my lunchand me saying, no, let’s have achange, how about some bangersand mash…with mushy peas,please.—Arab News

Opinion: Beware of Blair

In his article ‘Deaing with Egypt’sde facto leadership’ (July 15) TonyBlair says “So what should the

West do? Egypt is the latest reminderthat the region is in turmoil and won’tleave us alone, however we may wishit would. “ The man, a joint invaderof Iraq with fellow crusader GeorgeBush, a mass murderer and a warcriminal declares Egypt to be the lat-est of the burden in the Middle Eastregion which the good guys of thewest have to carry, whereas the factis that these are characters like TonyBlair and George, representatives ofthe west, who would not leave theregion alone, which was managingmuch better when these meddlers hadnot set their dirty feet there.

To observe the devastating effectof their filthy presence and meddlingin the region, we do not have to govery far either in miles or in time, andjust have to look at Iraq. We all knowthat Saddam Husain was a brutal rulerwho dealt ruthlessly with peoplewhom he saw opposed to his rule butthe people not politically on thewrong side of him lived fairly com-

fortably, with no security problem, noal-Qaeda and no Shiite-Sunni ani-mosity. As a matter of fact, in thosedays, marriages between persons ofthe two sects were quite common. Wealso saw that during Iraq’s war withIran, Shiites and Sunnis remainedunited behind Saddam Hussain. Eventhe hopes of the crusaders army un-der the command of Tony Blair andGeorge Bush that Shiites of Iraqwould line up the streets and will of-fer them bouquets for’ liberating’them from Saddam Hussain did notmaterialize. All we saw later was anEgyptian journalist Muntazer al-Zaidi hurl his shoes at George Bush,which is considered the biggest in-sult in the region, and I suppose, else-where as well.

And see what the invasion hasdone to Iraq and Iraqis. A million in-nocent Iraqis dead already, with nopeace even after nearly a decade, andabout a hundred persons dying thereevery week even now as a result ofShiite-Sunni animosity created by theinvaders through their ‘divide andrule’ policy. And after seeing whatthe west’s ‘engagement’ did and isstill doing to Iraq, Blair has the cheekto say that disengagement (withEgypt) is not a choice. For invadingIraq, Blair-Bush duo gave different

reasons like Iraq’s (non-existent)weapons of mass destruction, Godwanted Bush to invade Iraq, and evento give Iraq democracy.

And here is Blair promising en-gagement and offer of assistance oneconomy to a government broughtinto existence by the army chiefthrough an illegal move that forciblyremoved a democratically-electedgovernment. Not remaining contentwith that, Egyptian forces have mer-cilessly killed over fifty supporters ofPresident Mohamed Mursi, and arekeeping him, as well as other seniorparty leaders in custody, while alsoframing charges and instituting crimi-nal cases through a judiciary which,along with the police and bureau-cracy, is still under military controldue to military’s decades-old hold ongovernment. Assets of fourteen topleaders have also been frozen whichmeans victimization is thorough.

And the writer is mentioning 17million protesters, while in a recentstatement, US State DepartmentSpokeswoman Jen Psaki had men-tioned 22 million people. Looks likethey just conjure up as big a figure asthey can think of, and say it. On thatbasis, Blair is not even a big thinkerand Jen Psaki beat him on that by abig margin. Surprisingly, Blair did not

name the main character, or ratherthe villain in the act, Gen AbdelFattah el-Sissi, even once in his ar-ticle. Blair accuses PresidentMohamed Mursi of ruining theeconomy. However, he ignores thefact that Mursi did not inherit a flour-ishing economy and an orderly stateand that things had been in a terriblestate due to large-scale disturbancesin the months before and after theouster of Hosni Mubarak.

However, the angels of the westmade no attempt to help PresidentMursi who was desperately in needof help then. Blair is talking a lot nowabout democracy in Egypt but sur-prisingly, he remained very quiet dur-ing three-decade long dictatorial ruleby Gen. Hosni Mubarak. In the lastparagraph, Blair says “Our interestsdemand that we are engaged.” Ofcourse, they have to stay engaged, inorder to siphon off whatever littlewealth is left in these countries andto protect the interest of their onlyally in the Middle East, Israel, whichrewards them well for their services.And to take peoples eyes off the deathand devastation that this ‘westernengagement’ creates, the man says“We have to take decisions for thelong term, because short term thereare no simple solutions.”

Crowds rushing home fromthe historic Ballard Estate inMumbai, the grim faced

commuters in the buses, the urchinson the road, as also the shoeshineboys soliciting business lookedpuzzled, confused: They were usedto morchas, processions that agitatedfor a cause, protested against someatrocities, they were used to angeron faces, venom spouted, but neverhad they seen a joyous morcha onthe busy roads of Mumbai! Never!

What a scene, what a joyous gather-ing of thousands winding their wayfrom the Bible Society office oppo-site VT station, singing, dancing, prais-ing God, smiling at passersby with thelove of Jesus writ on their faces. Whata picture I beheld, as I solemn faced, alittle reluctant at first to join in foundthe ‘God mood’ contagious, joined inthe singing and laughing, and joyous-ness that only a God above could haveinstilled into the ‘morcha’ on the 13thof June, two days ago.

Two hundred years ago, on thesame 13th in the month of June, theBible Society had been formed inMumbai, with the purpose of spread-ing the good news to all the people inthe city. Many moons later and withhundreds of translations in different

languages done, and with millions ofthe Good Book distributed the societywas doing a victory march for God.

‘Lord we need the rains!’ they’dprayed, ‘the fields are parched, there’sa drought in the state, but don’t let adrop fall on the rally!’ It rained, whenthe people waited outside, it rainedwhen the music truck with giant speak-ers arrived, it rained where the farm-ers needed the rain, but not a drop fellwhen joyous morcha wielded its wayto the St Thomas Cathedral.

A man came to me while I waswalking, “will you pray for me?” heasked. I had never prayed on the roadsbefore, but suddenly I did not hesi-tate, ‘Faithful God,” I said, “Take careof this gentleman who says he needsprayer!” I felt a peace, the peace of

A Joyous Morcha..!the One above descending on bothof us. It was incredible; there wasa sense of joy, it spread from thehappy morcha makers, into thebuses, where suddenly commuterssmiled, onto bystanders, whosefaces too broke out in grins, ontothe urchins on the road, who lookedat each other and clapped theirhands with glee, and even the busyshoeshine boys gave an extra shinefor a God who’d made a hurried,rushing, ‘catching a train and get-ting back home’ evening into awhole canopy of contagious exul-tation. Thank you Bible Society,thank you Rev Victor, for spread-ing Jesus joy through a ‘morcha’,in the city of Mumbai..!—Email:bobsbanter@gmail.con

Ground zero to ‘zero option’

Tensions are high among top tierUS-Afghan officials over a formal bilateral security agree-

ment (BSA) to keep a portion of UStroops in Afghanistan post 2014. Thepurpose of this BSA is to utilize size-able number of mutually agreedtroops remaining in Afghanistan for“training and counter-terrorism mis-sions”. Recently however, in an un-fortunate turn of events, PresidentObama is thought to be consideringthe exercise of a “zero option” for Af-ghanistan. This zero option outlinesthe removal of all US troops from Af-ghanistan and the termination of ne-gotiations on the US-Afghan BSA.

In the aftermath of the attacks on9/11, USA opted to fight an all out‘War on Terror’; it launched Opera-tion Enduring Freedom on October7, 2001 in Afghanistan. For more thana decade now, the USA has fought along and painfully exhausting war inAfghanistan and yet despite this ex-tensive, tiresome effort, it’s pro-claimed desired goals remain unfin-ished. At the onset of the war, theseprojected goals included the death orcapture of Osama bin Laden, the thenhead of the Al Qaeda, destruction ofthe Al-Qaeda and its associated net-works and the removal of the Taliban.

It could be assumed that George W.Bush, then President of the US wasaccordingly committed to the con-tinuation of the war for an indefinitetime period, until the accomplishmentof these desired objectives of war.

These aforesaid goals were yetto be achieved when George W. Bushcompleted his constitutional tenureand Obama assumed his position asthe 44th US president. In his firsttenure, he strongly anticipated thatUSA would withdraw its forces fromIraq and later from Afghanistan bythe end of 2014. The Obama regimecreated a plan to exit Afghanistan atthe end of 2014 and hand overAfghanistan’s security to the localarmy while maintain in a small num-ber of troops and some militaryairbases in Afghanistan. It currentlyappears that most issues will be re-solved between Afghanistan andUSA through diplomatic means be-fore the exit. There is a strong possi-bility however, that many issuesmight still remain unresolved, includ-ing the BSA, as was the case inIraq.USA left Iraq, removing alltroops without properly evaluatingground realities, and consequentlypeace and security has not resumedin the country. This model has been afailure and should not be repeated.The effort which was started atGround Zero (9/11) will bring zeroresults if this “zero option” is exer-cised in Afghanistan. The Taliban and

remnants of the Al-Qaeda will risefrom the ashes and likely destroy theresults of all efforts, which were laiddown in Afghanistan against violentextremism and radicalization. Paki-stan was a peaceful country, not fac-ing any active insurgency movementsup to the existing level, in its terri-tory before the US attack on Afghani-stan. It became a victim of terrorismonly after it joined the global causeagainst violent extremism,radicalization and terrorism.

The US should not keep Pakistanout of the loop while negotiating itsexit from Afghanistan. There must bemeaningful consultations with Paki-stan while formulating its exit planfrom Afghanistan. In the past, Dur-ing the Afghan war of 1979, the USutilized Pakistan to achieve its shortterm objectives and left the regionwithout any appropriate planning.The desired short term objective wasthe Soviet Union’s disintegration.USA financially, logistically andmorally supported the “AfghanJihad” against Soviets.

These Jihadists were equippedwith the best training and weaponry,but immediately after the Soviet dis-integration, the US pulled itself fromthe region. So this move turned Af-ghanistan into a permanent conflictzone, radical groups were fightingwith each other with no hierarchalstructure or supreme authority or na-tional government. It would have

been much better if US had facili-tated the transition and empoweredlocal tribes to establish a nationalgovernment inside Afghanistan.This was a marked lack of planningthat provided the liberty and au-tonomy to Afghan warlords to re-shape Afghanistan in a haphazardmanner. This sparked a civil warinside Afghanistan, and organiza-tions like the Taliban and the Al-Qaeda emerged as major powersinside Afghanistan. Afghanistan fall-ing into the hands of the Taliban andextremist factions that supported theAl-Qaeda resulted in the eventualattacks on the World Trade Centerin 2001 and the global wave of ex-tremism and terrorism that followed.

The same strategic blunder isexpected from US in form ofObama’s under consideration“zero option” for Afghanistan. USand its strategic partners efforts arenonetheless useful against violentextremism, radicalization and ter-rorism but if the end would be “in-effective “ all positive achieve-ments, gradually would turn intonegative or turn back at the samepoint. It would be a positive ap-proach that US leave Afghanistanonly after establishing a nationalgovernment having a justifiableshare of all stakeholders in Af-ghanistan. In this respectPakistan’s suggested “power shar-ing” formula is a practical option.

S R H HashmiEmail: srh_hashmi@hotmail.com

Ikram Ullah KhanEmail:ikram@cpakgulf.org

Gwadar-Kashghar motorway is built,the regional energy dynamism wouldcertainly reshape into collective pros-perity and coexistence.

Besides the pipeline agreementand change in the management ofGwadar Port, the grant of MFN sta-tus to India, the signing of AfghanTransit Trade Agreement, etc indi-cate towards Pakistan’s unflinchingresolve and substantial political willfor regional outreach aimed at mov-ing the South and Central Asian re-gions towards shared prosperity inbilateral, sub-regional, regional andtrans-regional frameworks. Such acommitment under Nawaz Sharif’sstrong leadership can convince theUS and world nations to recognizePakistan’s needs to balance theirown economic needs with its respon-sibilities as an ally. The handing overof Gwadar Port to a Chinese com-pany is a stark reminder of both theimportance and strength of Pakistan-China relations. The strength of thisfriendship and its steady growth arebased squarely on the convergenceof their strategic interests.—Islamabad

Appeal toSindh CM

SANAULLAH C ATTIQUE

As a result of repeated of flood di-sasters of 2010 and 2011, mostlySindhi families are living in despon-dency and desolation. Eventually,devastating law and order situationhas commonly crippled tomarginalized societies. Finally, newgeneration tastes bitter fruit of socialinjustice in education and job secu-rity. Consequently, Sindhi society isfacing unbearable jerks and jolts fromtaboos in which majority of girls agedeprived from basic rights to get edu-cation. Moreover, increasing unem-ployment has witnessed chaotic so-cial disorder among deprived classes.Such sorry state of affairs has bitterlymarred talent above the differences.Therefore, in Sindh escorting a soundjob is considered life achievementhallmark for majority of youth’s.

Previously, better education andempowerment were burning issues forthe Sindh Government. At the mo-ment, with multifold tasks Sindh Pub-lic Service Commission is consideredrare public institution of Sindh Gov-ernment responsible for scrutiny ofdedicated aspirants to come forwardin way to problems with challengingstrategies. Outstandingly, merit basedprocedure of SPSC have had alwaysinclined majority of deserving studentsfrom every walk of life to become partand parcel of Sindh Government.Therefore, a Sindh Public ServiceCommission vigil hopes among de-prived students to become ingredientof public services. That’s why; at-tempting in PCS is core aim amongcompetent aspirants.

Ultimately, global shiftingchange in survival and livelihood haschanged course of empowerment.Whenever, high density of popula-tion, industrialization and revolutionin information technology hasevolved new generation to look for-ward into abroad for higher educa-tion and travel to get lucrative jobsabroad or become part of urbaniza-tion and breath under expensive mallparks and magnetic buildings. In suchcircumstances, bearing bitter taste ofunemployment educated mainstreamof youth ending last hope into insti-tutions like Sindh Public ServiceCommission as to empower properlyand work for the promotion of peace,culture and harmony . In such circum-stances, SPSC has announced Com-bined Competitive ExaminationC.C.E-2013. Accordingly, aspirantswith age of 28 years are capable toattempt both in written and viva.—Via email

The chief justice said: “Wealso stand by forces when it isdue.” The Balochistan HighCourt supported the forces onThursday’s incident of Quetta,Justice Iftikhar said.

He questioned why the FIRwas not lodged by Director Gen-eral of Rangers.

The court expressed angerfor making the widow of theslain taxi driver as plaintiff. Thewidow reached the scene afterthe murder of her husband, herstatus is of a witness.

A lawyer representing theRangers told the apex court thatfour Rangers personnel werehanded over to police for inves-tigation.

During the hearing, the CJremarked that Sarfaraz Shah in-cident was of the similar nature

SC directs IG to submit challanFrom Page 1

when Rangers men recklesslyshot the youth and left him todie.

Earlier, the Attorney Gen-eral told the bench that DirectorGeneral of Pakistan Rangers(Sindh) Major General RizwanAkhtar will arrive at the courtshortly, therefore, the hearingwas deferred for a short inter-val.

The DG Rangers (Sindh)also took notice of the incidentand suspended the CompanyCommander, while giving or-ders for strict action against theculprit involved.

Taxi driver Murad Ali wasshot by the Ranger man GhulamRasool on Tuesday in Gulistan-e-Johar area of Karachi when hedid not stop his vehicle afterbeing signaled to do so by the

security personnel.A Judicial Magistrate on

Friday sent three Rangers offi-cials on physical remand till July22 in the murder case of a taxidriver.

Nazir, Waqar and Barkatwere produced before the Ju-dicial Magistrate amid tight se-curity. The judge remandedthem in police custody till July22 for their alleged involve-ment in the killing of a taxidriver.

Unarmed taxi driver MuradAli was driving his son Zohaibto a doctor near their home inGulistan-e-Jauhar on July 16,before stopping to buy fruit forIftar when he was shot dead byGhulam Rasul, the Rangers sol-dier responsible for the inci-dent.—INP

death in the lock-up.Police claimed that Bilal

along with three others wasbrought to the station by Rang-ers officials. DIG East has or-dered an investigation into theincident.

According to the MLO re-port, the accused was tortured 36hours prior to his death by be-ing electrocuted and beaten withsteel rods.—INP

Man torturedFrom Page 1

cision at their monthly meetingon Monday if the last few coun-tries with reservations could beswayed, the official said. Puttingan organization on the terroristblacklist needs unanimityamong the 28 member nations.

Meanwhile, the EuropeanUnion has published new guide-lines explicitly banning any EUfunding of Israeli institutionsoperating in territories occupiedsince the 1967 Mideast war,amid vigorous Israeli objections.

The EU holds that Jewishsettlements in territories such asthe West Bank and east Jerusa-lem are illegal. The Palestinianswant some of those territoriesfor their hoped-for state.

After EU officials an-nounced plans this week for thenew guidelines, Israeli PrimeMinister Benjamin Netanyahuspoke with several Europeanleaders to express his opposi-tion.

EU foreign policy chiefCatherine Ashton said the docu-ment released Friday “is meantto clarify the EU’s position” andis not meant to harm efforts to-ward Mideast peace. The newrules come into force Jan. 1.Very little EU funding currentlygoes to Israeli bodies in occu-pied territories.—AP

cousin to a local nursingcollege.

After leaving her cousin atthe college, the woman re-portedly boarded an auto rick-shaw to reach the railway sta-tion. Police suspect she wasdrugged before being sexuallyassaulted.

A case has been registeredbased on a complaint lodgedby the woman’s cousin.

Police said they would beable to say exactly what hap-pened to the victim only aftershe comes out of shock andspeaks to them.

“She is still in a daze. Weare investigating whether shewas drugged and, if so, whattype of drug was given to her.Our patrol found her at around11.30pm on Wednesday. Hercousin told us she had left thecollege at around 8.30pm,”the local DSP said.

Police said the woman’scondition is stable. It is learntthat the auto rickshaw drivertook her to the city’s outskirtsinstead of taking her to therailway station.

He allegedly called threeof his associates and they as-saulted her sexually. No arresthas been made so far.—INP

Anotherwoman gang-raped in India

From Page 1

EU declaringHezbollah asterror entity

From Page 1

the meeting.The Prime Minister is ex-

pected to announce the new en-ergy policy after its approval inthe CCI meeting.

Sources further said that thenew policy would increase theelectricity tariff for all sectorsincluding industrial, commercial,bulk supply, and agricultural tubewells. Household consumerswould be exempted from the tar-iff hike, sources added.—INP

PM summonsCCI meetingover energy

travailFrom Page 1

accused was arrested afterprolonged reconnaissance.

The premier was informedthat the accused had providedsignificant information regard-ing attack on Sindh High Courtjudge Justice Maqbool Baqar inKarachi.—INP

LeJ deathFrom Page 1

dier s M-4 assault rifle and try-ing to shoot a group of FBIagents and soldiers at an Afghanpolice compound in July 2008,a charge she consistently deniedduring the trial.—AP

US agrees onAafia Siddiqui’s

extraditionFrom Page 1

ment. Beside a sum of Rs.2 bil-lion has been earmarked formacro- finance to encouragesmall businesses he added.

The Finance Minister saidthat during the previous govern-ment of Prime Minister NawazSharif institutions like Board ofInvestment (BOI) and Smalland Medium Enterprises Devel-opment Authority were estab-lished to encourage business andfacilitate them in the provisionof a conducive environment.

These institutions, the Fi-nance Minister said continue tobe close to the heart of PrimeMinister Nawaz Sharif. Institu-tions like BOI and SMEDA theFinance Minister said have a keyrole in the government strategyof reviving the economy. Gre-gory C. Gottlieb said thatUSAID is ready to work with theGovernment of Pakistan and pro-

Govt to support small,medium enter prises: Dar

From Page 1vide technical and technologicalsupport to BOI and SMEDA forenhancing the capacity of theseorganizations so that they canplay an effective role in fulfill-ing their mandate. Senator IshaqDar said that the government in-tends to revamp BOI with theobjective of making it one win-dow one stop operation for inves-tors. Similarly, the governmentintends to revitalize SMEDA andreconnect it with the private sec-tor so that they can benefit fromthe institution for setting up smalland medium term businesses.

John Morgan , Director andMiss Komal Bokharey, Eco-nomic Advisor were also thepart of USAID delegation whilesenior officials of Ministry ofFinance, Economic Affairs Di-vision and Ministry of Industriesand Production also attended themeeting

He said that the nextpresident should be from a smallprovince.

To a question, he saidthat PML-N has decided to takecoalition partners into confi-dence about the election.

Responding to an-other question, he said thatPervez Khattak’s decision tostage Shahbaz Sharif-like pro-test against power crisis is notright. He said that an impartialinquiry should be conducted intoAltaf Hussain’s matter.

The UK, he said,should fulfill requirements ofjustice on the issue of AltafHussain.

The Federal Information Minis-ter Pervaiz Rashid said, the gov-ernment has requested the Elec-tion Commission of Pakistan tohold elections a few days ear-lier than the schedule‚ so that nomember of the Electoral Collegeis deprived of the worship orright to vote.

To a question PervaizRashid said there is no constitu-tional or legal bar in holding

Govt wants presidential pollsFrom Page 1

Kurd rebels ask Turkey forfinal peace deal

From Back Pagement to launch reforms set outunder the talks, but Ankara hassaid the Kurds need to keep theirside of the bargain by speedingup the withdrawal of their fight-ers to northern Iraq.

“As a movement we arewarning the AKP governmentfor the last time ... If concretesteps are not taken in the short-est time on the subjects set outby our people and the public, theprocess will not advance and theAKP government will be re-sponsible,” the PKK said on oneof its websites.

The reforms include steps toboost the rights of the Kurdishminority, including abolishingan anti-terrorism law underwhich thousands have been im-prisoned for links to the PKK,granting full Kurdish-languageeducation and lowering thethreshold of votes which partiesneed to enter parliament.

As the process has faltered,there has been an increase in mili-tant activity in mainly Kurdishsoutheast Turkey, which com-mentators say will complicate thegovernment’s task of enacting re-forms without inflaming nation-alist sentiment.

Prime Minister TayyipErdogan has invested consider-able political capital in the pro-

cess ahead of elections next yearand is facing the biggest test ofhis decade in power after weeksof often violent anti-governmentprotests.

The PKK said there hadbeen repeated calls for Ankarato allow an independent team ofdoctors to visit Ocalan on theprison island of Imrali, south ofIstanbul, but the government hadfailed to respond. Ocalan,known by his followers as Apo,is known to suffer from an eyeailment.

“The sincerity in the settle-ment process of a governmentwhich approaches the LeaderApo’s health in this way is nowseriously being questioned anddoubted by our movement, ourpeople and democratic publicopinion,” it said.

The PKK, designated a ter-rorist organization by Turkey,the United States and EuropeanUnion, also accused the govern-ment of supporting Islamistgroups involved in clashes withKurds in northern Syria. Ankararejects those accusations.

“We call on the AKP toabandon rapidly this hostile ap-proach shown to the nationaldemocratic rights of the Rojava(Syrian) Kurds and to cut itslinks with al Qaeda groups,” it

said.A Syrian Kurdish party with

links to the PKK seized controlthis week of a Syrian town onTurkey’s border after days ofclashes with Islamist fighters,prompting Ankara to repeat itsopposition to an autonomousKurdish region emerging there.

“We have always said thatde facto situations on a sectar-ian or ethnic basis in Syria areunacceptable and will result ingreater crises,”

Foreign Minister AhmetDavutoglu told a news confer-ence in Ankara that Turkey hadalways opposed the emergencefrom the conflict of autonomousregions along sectarian or eth-nic lines, warning they would“result in greater crises”.

Friday’s statement from thePKK’s umbrella political groupcame just over a week after aveteran militant viewed as ahawk was appointed as co-headof the group, stoking speculationit will take a harder line.

The PKK took up armsagainst the state in 1984 with theaim of carving out a Kurdishstate, but subsequently moder-ated its goal to regional au-tonomy. Kurds represent arounda fifth of Turkey’s population of76 million people.—Reuters

COURT NOTICE

In the Court ofMohammad Amin

Shahzad Civil JudgeMalakwal.

Anar Khan vs Bati Khanetc.Suit for Declaration.Memo.

Tayab Masood , NasirMasood , Mudasar Ali sonsof Safdar Iqbal. Arif Aziz s/oMohammad Aziz CasteMirza R/o Malakwal, SobiaShanila widow of NisarAhmad Khan , KhalidaKhanam w/o MozafarHussain Gilani .Hasan NisarKhan , Ali Nisar Khan . BilalNisar Khan sons of NisarAhmad caste Pathan R/ostreet Govt Girls High Schoolhouse No. 2-131 MalakwalTehsil Malakwal Dist MandiBahauddin at present houseNo. 13 Street 3 Usama streetmohala Defense road newLalazar Rawalpindi.

Whereas the services ofabove mentioned respondentsis not possible through ordi-nary means, therefore, he isdirected to attend this courtpersonally or through hiscouncil on 4-9-13. Otherwisethe ex party proceedings shallbe taken against him.

Given under my hand andseal of the Court.

Sd/- Civil JudgeMalakwal

presidential elections pendingby-elections. He said vacanciesin the Electoral College do notaffect the presidential electionsin any way as the outcomewould be determined on the ba-sis of members present and vot-ing.

Prime MinisterNawaz Sharif on Friday formeda task force to take other politi-cal parties into confidence overthe names suggested by thePML-N for the presidential slot.

The task forces com-prises Khawaja Asif‚ ChaudhryNisar Ali‚ Shahbaz Sharif‚Ahsan Iqbal and Saad Rafique.

A meeting of PakistanMuslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was held in Islamabad withPrime Minister Nawaz Sharif inthe chair to review names of thecandidates.

According to sources,names of Sartaj Aziz‚ Saeed-uz-Zaman Siddiqui‚ MamnoonHussain‚ Ghaus Ali Shah‚ IqbalZafar Jhagra and MehtabAbbassi have been shortlisted inthis regard.

A high level meeting

of Pakistan Muslim League (N)was held in Islamabad todaywith Prime Minister NawazSharif in the chair.

The meeting deliber-ated upon names of candidatesfor presidential election.

The meeting short-listed the names of Sartaj Aziz‚Saeeduz Zaman Siddiqui‚Mamnoon Hussain‚ Ghaus AliShah‚ Iqbal Zafar Jhagra andMehtab Abbasi.

A committee was alsoconstituted to get support ofother parties for the PML-N can-didate. The committee com-prises Khawaja Asif‚ ChaudhryNisar Ali‚ Shahbaz Sharif‚Ahsan Iqbal and Saad Rafique.

Meanwhile‚ the topleadership of PML-N has barredall its MNAs‚ MPAs‚ Senatorsand Ministers from travelingabroad due to the presidentialelection.

All the MNAs‚MPAs‚ Senators and Ministerswho are out of the country‚ havealso been directed to ensure theirreturn to the country immedi-ately.

Curfew imposed in HeldKashmir

From Page 1Kishtwar, Surenkote, Poonch,Rajouri, Mendhar,Thannamandi, Thathri,Sangaldan, Banihal and otherareas of Jammu region. Clashesbetween the protesters and In-dian police were witnessed atmany places. The Indian policearrested the Jammu and Kash-mir Liberation Front DistrictPresident, Bashir Ahmed Boya,from Ganderbal during a dem-onstration.

The puppet authorities hadplaced Mirwaiz Umar Farooq,Syed Ali Gilani, Agha SyedHassan Al-Moosvi Al-Safvi,Nayeem Ahmed Khan,Mukhtar Ahmed Waza, ZafarAkbar Butt, Masroor Abbas andother Hurriyet leaders under

house arrest while MuhammadYasin Malik and ShabbirAhmed Shah were lodged indifferent police stations ofSrinagar.

The authorities also contin-ued to suspend mobile andinternet services for the secondconsecutive day, today, to stoppeople from getting informationabout the latest situation in theoccupied territory. Due to cur-few, Juma prayers could not beheld in Jamia Masjid Srinagarand other major mosques of theoccupied territory.

Meanwhile, Indian troopsin their fresh act of state terror-ism martyred a youth at Gurez

in Bandipore.In Islamabad, speakers at a

seminar organized by theAPHC-AJK chapter andchaired by the Convener, SyedYousuf Naseem, described 19thJuly as a historic day when in1947 the people of Jammu andKashmir decided that the terri-tory be acceded to Pakistan.

They said that the Indianstate terrorism had failed to sup-press the Kashmiris’ passion andlove for Pakistan. The Jammuand Kashmir Muslim Confer-ence in a session at its centraloffice in Rawalpindi said thatdespite difficulties, Kashmiriswere continuing their strugglefor accession of Jammu andKashmir with Pakistan. —NNI

Pak expresses concern overdesecration of Holy Quran

From Page 1Friday, Foreign Office Spokes-person Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhrysaid this incident has hurt thesentiments of the people of Pa-kistan as well as of the entireMuslim world. He said the In-dian government has expressedits intention to carry out inves-tigation into the sacrilegious act.We hope the probe will be heldexpeditiously and those involvedin the act will be brought to jus-tice.

On the start of back channelswith India, the spokesperson saidthat Prime Minister Nawaz Sharifhas appointed a former senior dip-lomat Shahryaar Khan to conducttrack-II diplomacy. The desig-nated ambassador has visited In-dia and expressed the strong de-sire of Pakistani leadership forgood neighborly relations. He saidPakistan wants resumption of for-mal composite talks with India toaddress the mistrust.

When asked about the revela-

tions made by a former Indianofficial that New Delhi hadplanned Mumbai and parliamentattacks, the spokesperson said theforeign office had asked its highcommission in New Delhi to ap-proach the Indian government toascertain the veracity of the reportattributed to a former Indian offi-cial Satish Verma. He said accord-ing to the preliminary response,India has denied that any suchstatement has been made byVerma. We, however, would askIndia to give more details in thisregard. About the visit of Paki-stani judicial commission to In-dia, he hoped the visit will stayon course. He said cooperation be-tween Pakistan and India is essen-tial in countering terrorism.

When queried whether Paki-stan has the desire to review itspolicy on drone attacks, AizazAhmad Chaudhry said the policyof present government on thematter is not a hidden secret.

He said Pakistan has force-fully raised the issue of drone at-tacks with the United States,which are in violation ofPakistan’s sovereignty as well asthe international laws. He said thedrone attacks are counterproduc-tive because these are further fan-ning militancy. He said we have astrong position on drone attacksand a debate has also started in theinternational community againstthem. He said Pakistan will con-tinue to raise this issue with theUS at all the forums. Respondingto a question about the Doha pro-cess, the spokesperson said wehad supported this process andwill remain supportive of this pro-cess as part of larger reconcilia-tion in Afghanistan. He said webelieve that all the stakeholders ofAfghan issue are engaged forpeace and stability in the country.He hoped the process of reconcili-ation process will gain momen-tum for peace and stability in theentire region.

Sartaj Aziz tovisit Afghanistan

tomorrowFrom Page 1

Prime Minister NawazSharif has extended an invitationto Hamid Karzai to visit Paki-stan.

During his visit, Sartaj Azizwill deliver a formal invitationto the Afghan president.

The visit of Sartaj Azizwill be the first high level ex-change between the two coun-tries since the assumption ofnew government in Paki-stan.—Online

Australia to settle refugees toPapua New Guinea

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA—Australian Prime MinisterKevin Rudd has warned that allrefugees who arrive in Austra-lia by boat will be resettled onthe island nation of Papua NewGuinea as his governmentstruggles to stem an influx ofasylum seekers. The new policywas immediately condemned byhuman rights groups.

Rudd and Papua NewGuinea Prime Minister PeterO’Neill signed an agreement inthe Australian east coast city ofBrisbane on Friday that will en-able Australia to deport refugeesto its developing neighbor in thesouthwestern Pacific Ocean.

“From now on, any asylumseeker who arrives in Australiaby boat will have no chance ofbeing settled in Australia as refu-gees,” Rudd told reporters.

The move, described byRudd as “very hard line,” aimsto deter an escalating number ofasylum seekers who travel toAustralia in rickety fishing boats

from poor, war-torn homelandsthrough other countries such asIndonesia and Malaysia.

The growing influx is a ma-jor political problem for Rudd’sLabor Party, which is the clearunderdog in elections expectedwithin months.

The policy was condemnedby refugee and human rightsadvocates.

“The new plans to resettleall asylum seekers that are foundto be refugees in PNG shows notonly a complete disregard forasylum seekers but absolutecontempt for legal and moral ob-ligations,” Graeme McGregor,Amnesty International’s refu-gee campaign coordinator forAustralia, said in a statement.

David Manne, executivedirector of Australia’s Refugeeand Immigration Legal Center,described it as “a fundamentalrepudiation of our commit-ment to protecting refugees.”

Manne described PapuaNew Guinea as an unsafecountry where violence iswidespread and serious humanrights abuses are a daily occur-rence.

But Rudd said the policymet Australia’s obligations un-der the United Nations’ Refu-gee Convention. Papua NewGuinea is a signatory of thesame convention that sets outrefugees’ rights.

The rules will apply to asy-lum seekers who arrive fromFriday.

Asylum seekers who arriveby boat would continue to havetheir refugee claims assessedin Australia and at detentioncamps in Papua New Guineaand Nauru.

Those who are found notto be genuine refugees couldreturn to their home countriesor another country other thanAustralia.—AP

Pope formscommission to

reform Holy SeeVATICAN CITY—PopeFrancis, moving to overcomemajor crises in the Holy See, onFriday set up a special commis-sion to reform its economic andadministrative departments, theVatican said.

The commission, which ismade up of seven lay expertsand one cleric, will report di-rectly to the pope and advise himon economic affairs, how to im-prove transparency and ensurecorrect application of account-ing principles, the Vatican said.

Francis had already estab-lished a separate commission onhow to reform the Vatican bank.Both the bank and the Vatican’sinternal administration were hitby major scandals underFrancis’s predecessor BenedictXVI.The commission will “draftreforms of the institutions of theHoly See, with the aim of a sim-plification and rationalization ofthe existing bodies and morecareful planning of the economicactivities of all the Vatican ad-ministrations,” a statement said.Itwill also “offer the technical sup-port of specialist advice and de-velop strategic solutions for im-provement, so as to avoid themisuse of economic resources, toimprove transparency in the pro-cesses of purchasing goods andservices”.—Reuters

BHC ordersregistration ofFIR against

Zehri’s guardsFrom Back Page

pended by Balochistan ChiefMinister Dr Abdul Malik Balochfollowing a quarrel betweenguards of MPA NawabSanaullah Zehri and policemenat the entrance to BalochistanAssembly Thursday. The offi-cial did not allow guards ofZehri a passage upon which hisprivate guards and policemenexchanged hot words.

Chief Justice Qazi Faez Esahad summoned the chief secre-tary, home secretary, IG Policeand CCPO for hearing.—INP

LORD’S: Chris Rogers was given lbw off a Graeme Swann full toss during England vs Australia 2nd Investec AshesTest on Friday.

BIPIN DANI

OBSERVER

CORRESPONDENT

M U M B A I — M o h a m m a dShahzad, the Afghanistan’s25-year-old right handedopening batsman andwicketkeeper had not heardthe name of MahendraSingh Dhoni’s closestfriend Santosh Lal, whodied in Delhi on Wednes-day.

Shahzad was madeaware that his favourite“helicopter shot” wastaught to Dhoni by hisBihar and Jharkhand team-

Helicopter-shot has mademe popular, says Afghan’s

Mohammad Shahzadmate, Santosh Lal.

Speaking exclusivelyover his mobile from Kabul,he said, “I am really sad tohear the news about Dhoni’sfriend. RIP”.

Interestingly, helicoptershot is also being tried by thisAfghan player.

“I really did hard workon helicopter shot from2009. It’s really a hard shotto play, for this shot re-quires a lot of wrist exerciseto do”.

“I played this helicoptershot in front of Dhoni in SriLanka against India in T20World Cup. He and Sehwag

smiled at my shot”.“I am lucky to meet my

idol , I’ve met him in 2010T20 World Cup in WestIndies and sat with him formore than three hours in hisroom”.

“I again met him in 2012T20 World Cup in SriLanka, when he gifted mehis hand bat which is in useby me in domesticmatches”.

“Dhoni is the best per-son I’ve ever met in my life.I am more popular in Af-ghanistan because of thehelicopter shot”, he signedoff.

SCOTLAND: Lee Westwood of England throws his putter on the third green during thesecond round of the British Open Golf Championship at Muirfield on Friday.

Azhar smashes72 as SNGPL-

NBP share pointKARACHI—Test batsmanAzhar Ali smashed a rapid-fire half century as SNGPLand NBP shared a point eachas their PCB Ramazan CupTwenty20 Cricket Tourna-ment match at National Sta-dium was abandoned due torain on Thursday.

Azhar hit a 39-ball 72 withnine boundaries and twosixes as batting first, SNPGLmustered 145 for the loss oftwo wickets in reduced 14overs.

During his century standwith Ali Waqas, Azharshowed his class in shorterversion with brilliant battingand stroke play.

Ali Waqas made an un-beaten 57 in 37 deliveries andit was studded with sevendelightful boundaries.

Pacer Hammad Azam andleg-spinner Usman Qadirclaimed a wicket each for 22and 27 runs respectively.

With just one point totheir credit in three group “B”games NBP are ousted fromthe race for the last fourround. SNPGL and KRL arein run for the place in thesemi-finals.

Port Qasim Authority(PQA) have already assureda place in the knock-outrounds with three straightwins.

Summarised scores:SNGPL 145-2 in 14 overs(Azhar Ali 72, Ali Waqas 57not out).—APP

Qasmi CCtops Group“D” in Dr

Shah TrophyKARACHI—Rehan Azam hita dazzling 53 as Qasmi CricketClub topped group “D” in18th Dr. M.A. Shah NightTrophy Cricket Tournamentwhen they defeated ShaboStar Quetta by eight wicketsat Asghar Ali Shah Stadiumhere on Thursday night.

Rehan belted as many as11 boundaries in an aggres-sive knock and Ashraf Ali hitthree fours in his 23 as QasmiCC reached the target in the11th over.

Earlier electing to bat first,Shabo Star Quetta was bowledout for 96 in 19 overs. ShabbirHussain made 30 with two foursand Samiullah hammered fourboundaries in his 23. left armspinner Wasim Ali grabbedthree wickets for 19 runs.

Qasmi CC finished on thetop with four points whileShabo Star finished runners-up and both qualified for thequarter-final rounds.

In the meantime KunarCC Afghanistan team com-prising six internationals ar-rived here on Thursday totake part in the event.—APP

ISLAMABAD—Former cap-tain and legendary batsmanInzamam- ul-Haq has saidthat Kamran Akmal shouldhave batted in the top orderin the Champions Trophy.

Talking to private newschannel, former middle-orderbatsman said that he was dis-appointed with Pakistan’sshow in the ICC ChampionsTrophy in England especiallywith the performances of se-nior players like Akmal andShoaib.

Former batting great saidthat batting has beenKamran’s strength over theyears as he has played nu-merous match-winningknocks for the country and

Kamran Akmal must beplaced in top order: Inzamam

most of those innings havecome at the top of the order.

“Kamran’s batting hasbeen the reason for his se-lection. He has at times madesome vital scores, but I wasbaffled why he was battingdown the order at the Cham-pions Trophy,” he said.

“Kamran’s most effectiveperformances in the shorterformats have been madewhen he was batting up theorder. Those individuals thatmoved Akmal down the or-der have some questions toanswer”, said former skipper.

Inzamam further addedthat every batsman needs astable position in the battingorder otherwise, it gets ex-

tremely tough to perform.“One day you are batting

up the order and making runsand then suddenly you aremoved down to the No. 7position. It was mystifying tome and cannot have beeneasy for Akmal either,” headded.

Having made his interna-tional debut in 2002, it tookAkmal a couple of years tocement his place in the na-tional team.

With 11 hundreds and 27fifties, Akmal has been amatch-winner for the GreenShirts over the years, al-though his wicket-keepinghas not been up to the markin past.—APP

GULLANE (United King-dom)—Lee Westwoodbriefly grabbed a share of theOpen lead on Friday when hewent five under after 12 holesof the second round.

The English former worldnumber one was rock steadywith a 72 on Thursday buthe bolted out of the blockssecond time out with threebirdies in the first five holes.

He reached the turn infive under 31 and added abirdie at the 12th to tie for thelead at five under with Ameri-can Zach Johnson, who hada mid-afternoon tee-off time.

Westwood left himselfwith a monster putt at the nexthole, however, sending his lageffort six-foot short and drop-ping his first shot of the day.

Golf: Westwood grabsshare of Open lead

Top Scot Martin Lairdhad four birdies in a row fromthe ninth to get to three un-der before dropping one atthe 14th.

Northern Ireland’s 2011Open champion DarrenClarke also briefly climbedonto the leaderboard withthree straight birdies from thesecond, but he came to griefat the sixth, taking two to getout of a pot bunker en routeto a quadruple bogey eight.

Tournament favourite Ti-ger Woods, handily placedafter an opening 69, made asolid start with three pars,followed by a birdie at thethird, where he sunk a 12-footer.

He narrowly missed aneagle at the fifth but pushed

another short putt wide at theeighth.

Veteran fellow Americanand close friend MarkO’Meara, equal second over-night on 67, fell away with aseven over 78.

Luke Donald, who had anightmare round of 80 onThursday, started to claw hisway back with birdies at thefirst and third, while Masterschampion Adam Scottdropped two on the way outto stand at two over.

Phil Mickelson (69), Jus-tin Rose (75) and defendingchampion Ernie Els (74) allhad afternoon tee-times asdid Rory McIlroy, who waslooking to bounce back aftera crippling opening round of79.—AFP

PHF names 30players for

women hockeytraining camp

LA H O R E—The womenwing of Pakistan hockeyfederation has invited thirtyfemale players for attendinga training camp to preparefor participation in the 1stAsian Women’s ChallengeCup being played fromSeptember first to eight inBangkok.

The training camp of na-tional female probable play-ers for the First AsianWomen’s Challenge Cup willbe held at Naseer BundaHockey Stadium Islamabadon July 24.

The Challenge Cup takesplace in Bangkok from Sep-tember 1 to 8. The WomenWing of Pakistan HockeyFederation (PHF) has di-rected probable players toreport to Camp CommandantParveen Sikandar Gill atNaseer Bunda Hockey Sta-dium Islamabad on July 24.

Following will attend,Rizwana Yasmin, MariaSaeed, Syeda Sadia, IshratAbbas, Nadia Kazim Ali,Sehrish Arshad, AsmaAshraf, Taskeen Kausar,Kanwal Ijaz, Marina Anwar,Zaib-un-Nisa, Aamna Mir,Shahida G. Raza, ZakiaNawaz, Fazeelat Rasheed,Ayesha Rafique, MaryamMansha, Nimrah, HinaKanwal, Iqra Javaid, AqsaMumtaz, Ambreen Arshad,Afshan Naureen, MairaSabir, Shukria Rasheed, HinaPervaiz, Bushra Nazeer, SanaArshad, Madeeha Manzoor& Rozina Toti = 30

Following officials willimpart training,MuhammadUsmanm (head coach) AbdulWaheed Baig (assistantcoach),Gulshan Nasreen (as-sistant coach) andMuhammad Pervaiz (coordi-nator).—APP

LONDON—Australia were 96for seven in reply toEngland’s first innings 361, adeficit of 265 runs, at tea onthe second day of the secondAshes Test at Lord’s.

Brad Haddin was two notout and Peter Siddle yet toopen his account at the endof Friday’s second session,with Australia needing a fur-ther 66 runs to avoid the fol-low-on.

Harris put himself on thehonours board before lunchwith his return of 5 for 72, butAustralia’s top order under-mined his efforts with theirown list of shame. Harris hadreduced England to 28 for 3on the first morning with theattributes developed over adecade as he defied a brokenbody time and again; Austra-lia stumbled in return to 96 for7 primarily because of theirown negligence.

This was an opportunityfor Australia to bat them-selves into a winning positionon a flat pitch, signs of sharpturn for Graeme Swann not-withstanding. Instead, theywere simply dreadful. In theirrun of five successive Testdefeats, they surely neverproduced anything as bad as

2nd Investec Test: England on topas Aussie batting collapses again

this. In fact, it will take crickethistorians to find anythingworse.

It would be easy for Aus-tralia to hide behind anotherresentful discussion aboutthe Decision Review Systemand to theorise about its im-perfections. It is little morethan scapegoating. But ifAustralia did not make thingsany easier with their irrationaluse of DRS, the dominantstory should be one of bat-ting incompetence.

Shane Watson’s decisionto review his plumb lbw deci-sion against Tim Bresnan willrightly leave him open to ac-cusations that he put his egoahead of team needs, but thecricketing accent should alsobe on his desire to plant hisfront pad and work Bresnanthrough the leg side in the fi-nal over before lunch.

In a moment, Australia’sself-possession in an open-ing stand of 42 fell apart. Thepsychological fallout from histwin error was astonishing.

Chris Rogers will under-standable gain sympathy forhis dismissal: firstly for adreadful lbw decision byMarais Erasmus, who was ascaught unawares as the bats-

man when the ball slipped outof Swann’s hands and arrivedas a loopy, groin-high fulltoss; secondly becauseWatson’s selfishness left agood team man reluctant torisk Australia’s final review.

But that should not pre-clude an examination of whya such a wise old hand, justthe sort of sound accumula-tor Australia’s top orderneeds, a batsman who musthave seen everything over along career, failed to survivethe shock of receiving such astray delivery.

Phillip Hughes walked offshaking his head, contendingthat he had not edgedBresnan to the wicketkeeper.Hot Spot was not clear, leav-ing the TV umpire Tony Hillwith no evidence to overturnumpire Kumar Dharmasena’sdecision; Snicko - unofficialbut revealing - more stronglysuggested there was a nickand Hughes was just postur-ing. But that was not rally thepoint. The emphasis shouldhave been on why Hugheswas hacking so wildly at awide one.

Then fell UsmanKhawaja, the replacement forEd Cowan and a batsmanheld to be ready forAustralia’s No. 3 spot by hiscaptain, Michael Clarke. Theassertion that he can replaceRicky Ponting might wellhave put him under extra pres-sure, and he had alreadybeen badly dropped byJonathan Trott at first slipwhen he pushed defensivelyforward to a routine offbreak.

But if he had decidedthat he must be more asser-tive, that does not formu-late a case for why he loftedSwann so weakly down theground - not much morethan a badly-t imed pushshot - to be caught out ofthe sun by KevinPietersen, pedall ing backfrom mid-off.

At least Australia’s lasttwo batsmen to fall before teawere dismissed in a more ap-proved fashion. Steve Smithwas caught off the glove atshort leg - Ian Bell having just

been moved forward of squareby Swann for that very even-tuality. There was a bit of ex-tra bounce; a valid explana-tion. Clarke, a captain who re-peatedly finds himself lackingsupport, pulled Stuart Broaddismissively, but fell lbw in thesame over to a near yorker.

There had to be a run out.There were enough indica-tions at Trent Bridge that BradHaddin and Ashton Agarhave no understanding be-tween the wickets. They donot seem to have a differentapproach as much as a gen-erational divide.

Agar dashed for a singlefrom the non-striker’s endwhen the ball bobbled intothe leg-side off Haddin’sbody, Haddin did not re-spond to his call, and MattPrior retrieved quickly andreturned the ball to thebowler’s end. And this was asubdued Agar, hindered bya hip injury.

All this mayhem on thewicket where Harris hadbowled so gamely. England,289 for 7 overnight, weregrateful for an ebullient last-wicket stand of 48 from 40balls between Broad andSwann, a stand which illus-trated both the quality of thepitch and the potential of theirlate-order hitting.

The perception remainedthat England were still nearly100 runs below par - that sumsup how bad was the subse-quent Australian batting - butthe Nottinghamshire pairlifted England’s mood.

The chemistry whenBroad and Swann bat to-gether can result in rapid run-scoring. A disrespectful shotfrom one encourages a yetmore outrageous shot fromthe other. It was never moreapparent than when they puton 108 in less than 13 overs atHeadingley to delay defeatagainst Australia four yearsago.

“The morning session willbe crucial,” Harris hadgrowled. And, havinggrowled his warning, he tookit upon himself to deal withthe matter himself.—AFP

England 1st innings:Cook lbw b Watson ...... 12Root lbw b Harris ............ 6Trott c Khawaja b Harris58Pietersen b Harris ............ 2Bell c Clarke b Smith ... 109Bairstow c & b Smith .... 67Prior c Haddin b Smith ... 6Bresnan b Harris ............. 7Anderson c Haddinb Harris ........................... 12Broad c Haddinb Pattinson ..................... 33Swann not out ............... 28Extras: (lb 11, w 4, nb 6) 21Total: (all out) .............. 361Fall of wickets: 1-18, 2-26, 3-28, 4-127, 5-271, 6-274, 7-283,8-289, 9-313, 10-361Bowling: ........... O-M-R-WJL Pattinson .... 20.1-3-95-1Harris .................. 26-6-72-5Watson ............... 13-4-45-1Siddle .................. 22-6-76-0

SCOREBOARDAgar .................... 13-2-44-0SPD Smith ............ 6-1-18-3Australia 1st innings:Watson lbw b Bresnan . 30Rogers lbw b Swann ..... 15Khawaja c Pietersenb Swann .......................... 14Hughes c Prior b Bresnan1Clarke lbw b Broad ........ 28Smith c Bell b Swann ...... 2Haddin not out ................ 7Agar run out .................... 2Siddle b Anderson .......... 2JL Pattinson not out ....... 0Extras: (lb 1, w 2) ............. 3Total: (8 wickets) ......... 104Fall of wickets: 1-42, 2-50, 3-53, 4-69, 5-86, 6-91, 7-96, 8-104Bowling: ........... O-M-R-WJM Anderson ..... 12-7-21-1Broad .................... 9-3-20-1Bresnan ................ 7-1-28-2Swann ................. 17-4-34-3

DURBAN: James Milner of Manchester City vies with Sifiso Hlanti of AmaZulu duringthe Nelson Mandela Football Invitational match between AmaZulu of South Africa andManchester City of England at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

WASHINGTON—The WhiteHouse is considering cancelinga fall summit between PresidentBarack Obama and RussianPresident Vladimir Putin inMoscow, a move that wouldfurther aggravate the alreadytense relationship between thetwo leaders.

The White House is dan-gling that option over the Rus-sians as Moscow considers atemporary asylum petition fromEdward Snowden, the Ameri-can accused of leaking informa-tion about classified U.S. intel-ligence programs.

But officials have privatelysignaled that scrapping the bi-lateral talks would also be re-taliation for other areas of dis-

Obama mulling canceling talks with Putinagreement with Russia, includ-ing its continued support forSyrian President Bashar Assad’sattacks against civilians.

Regardless of what happenswith Snowden, the White Housesays Obama will still attend aninternational summit in St. Pe-tersburg, Russia. But officialshave gone out of their way inrecent days to avoid publiclycommitting to the meetings inMoscow.

“The president intends totravel to Russia for the G20Summit,” White House spokes-man Jay Carney said. “And Ihave no further announcementsto make beyond what we’ve saidin the past about the president’stravel to Russia in the fall.”

By simply considering can-cellation of the trip, the Obamaadministration is indicating itsconcern the Kremlin will allowSnowden to take refuge in Rus-sia. The White House has calledon Russia to return the 30-year-old former government contractsystems analyst to the U.S.where he is facing espionagecharges.

Snowden, in a temporaryasylum request submitted by hislawyer Tuesday, claimed hefaces persecution from the U.S.government and could face tor-ture or death.

Andrew Kuchins, directorof the Russia program at theCenter for Strategic and Inter-national Studies, said the White

House’s cancellation threatcould be effective leverage overPutin, who likely wants to avoidan embarrassment on the worldstage.

“When the spotlight of theworld is on him and Russia, hedoesn’t want that spotlight toreveal a lot of negative thingswhich are going to be distrac-tions,” Kuchins said.

Pulling the plug on theU.S.-Russia talks would deepenthe tensions between the twoleaders.

And it would likely make iteven more difficult for the twocountries to find commonground on areas of disagree-ment that plague the relation-ship.—AP

Explosion killstwo FC personnelBARA—Two Frontier Corps(FC) personnel were killed onFriday in a roadside improvisedexplosive device (IED) blast inAkakhel area of Bara Tehsil ofKhyber Agency. According toFC officials, the patrolling partywas hit by a roadside IED in thearea, killing two FC personnelon the spot. Security officerscordoned off the area and startedinvestigation into the incident.Nobody claimed responsibilitybut militants have carried outseveral attacks in the area.—INP

Community bansKARAK—Unveiled womenhave been banned to enter inmarkets by tribal elders in Karakdistrict of Khyber Pakhtunkhwaprovince. Tribal elders ofKhattak community has gath-ered in a session in the districtin which Molana ShabbirUsmani, Hafiz Ibn-e-Ameen,Mir Zaqeem and several otherIslamic scholars were present,sources said. However, thesession ended with the deci-sion under which full covereddress (hijaab) for women andtaking a male relative is man-datory while entering in thedistrict’s markets. Moreover,the tribal elders announced totake strict action over viola-tion of the law.—NNI

Accused remandedto police custodyKARACHI—The Anti-Terror-ism Court (ATC) on Friday re-manded four accused, alleg-edly involved in the killing ofMuttahida Qaumi Movement(MQM) lawmaker SajidQureshi, in police custody tillAugust 1. Kazim Shah, Talha,Ubaidur Rehman andMuhammad Shahab aliasChotu were presented beforean ATC amid tight security.Police investigation officertold the court that the accusedwere involved in 25 murdersincluding assassinations ofSajid Qureshi and ProfessorSibte Jaafar. The ATC sent theaccused on physical remandtill August 1. The accusedwere arrested after a shootoutin Orangi Town area ofKarachi. —INP

LONDON—Britain has aban-doned plans to arm Syrian rebelsfighting to overthrow PresidentBashar al-Assad and believes hemight survive in office for years,sources familiar with govern-ment thinking say.

The sources also toldReuters that a peace conferenceto try to end the conflict - nowin its third year - might not hap-pen until next year if at all.

“Britain is clearly not goingto arm the rebels in any way,shape or form,” said one source,pointing to a parliamentary mo-tion passed last week urgingprior consultation of lawmakers.

The reasons for the shift werethat British public opinion waslargely opposed, and there werefears that any weapons Britainsupplied could fall into the handsof Islamist militants.

“It will train them, give themtactical advice and intelligence,

Britain will not armSyrian rebels: sources

teach them command and con-trol. But public opinion, like itor not, is against intervention.”

The British positionamounted to one of the gloomi-est assessments of the rebels’prospects yet.

It was Prime Minister DavidCameron who led the charge ear-lier this year for the EuropeanUnion to drop an arms embargoon Syria, which London andParis had argued was one-sidedlypenalizing the anti-Assad oppo-sition.

The involvement of Iran andHezbollah had shifted the balanceof power on the battlefield inAssad’s favor, the sources said,giving him less incentive to ne-gotiate, and the West had no strat-egy to end the conflict soon.

“The Western assessmenthas changed,” said one source.“We thought Assad could onlyhold on for a few months. We

now think he can last a fewyears.”

Hobbled by debt and defensebudget cuts at a time when theUnited States, Britain and NATOallies are withdrawing forcesfrom Afghanistan, the West saysit wants to help the rebels toppleAssad. But it finds its optionslimited.

Forces loyal to Assad havemade gains in recent months,while rebel groups have beenplagued by infighting betweenIslamist militants linked to AlQaeda and the more moderateFree Syrian Army. The longer theconflict drags on, the greater theinfluence the West thinks the Is-lamists will have, the sourcessaid. U.S. efforts to arm therebels have stalled in Congress.Britain publicly says it is notruling out arming the oppositionbut has privately done so, thesources said.—AP

HAMEED SHAHEEN

ISLAMABAD —All across thestate of Jammu and Kashmir –AJK and IHK – and elsewherein the world where Kashmirisare settled, the Day of Accessionof Jammu and Kashmir to Paki-stan on Friday was observedwith renewed vigor and deter-mination.

July 19 constitutes a specialoccasion for the people of Kash-mir. It was on this day in 1947that the Kashmiris via All J&KMuslim Conference resolved toaccede their state to Pakistan.The public decision camethrough a resolution passed onthe platform of Muslim Confer-ence whose general council wasaddressed by the Founder ofPakistan Quaid-i-AzamMohammad Ali Jinnah in July1944 (1944) during his statevisit.

In Azad Kashmir publicmeetings were held to remem-ber the events and personalitieswho made July 19 as a day ofhistory.

The logical view of theKashmiris for accession to Pa-kistan is that all rivers flow intoPakistan, the major trade centersof the state are in Pakistan –Rawalpindi, Gujarkhan, Jhelum,Abbotabad, Havelian, routingupto Karachi posts, now addi-tion of Gowadar port.

Speakers in the public meet-ings appealed to the world com-munity to help solve the disputeover Jammu and Kashmir(88023 square miles) so thatlasting peace blesses South Asia.Kashmir of today has becomemost sensitive as it is surroundedby three declared nuclear pow-ers – Pakistan, China andHindustan.

It is the height of the ‘inno-

cence’ of the world powers tokeep Kashmir hanging aroundthe nuclear region. It needs ur-gency; no leniency in approach-ing this issue should be ob-served, public speakers urged.

Leaders thanked the EU,OIC, African Union, Britain andUSA for upholding the right ofself-determination of Kashmiris.It was observed that the entireworld wanted a peaceful nego-tiated solution of Kashmir issue.Kashmiris too urge a negotiatedsolution – a process in whichtheir voice must be accommo-dated.

Speakers condemnedHindustani atrocities in IHK andappealed to UNO to help termi-nate the Kashmiris suppressionsituation

Desecrations Holy Quyranby Hindustani forces was alsovehemently condemned

BANGKOK, THAILAND—Keyopinion makers from India andPakistan, including parliamen-tarians, former diplomats, mili-tary officers, media persons andpolicy experts met in Bangkokfor the 12th round of theChaophraya Dialogue from 17– 18 July 2013, organized by theJinnah Institute (JI) and the Aus-tralia India Institute (AII).

The Chaophraya Dialogueis an Indo-Pak Track-II initiativejointly undertaken by the JinnahInstitute (JI) and Australia IndiaInstitute (AII) to encourage in-formed discussion of bilateral

Pak India track-II active

Military, bureaucracy meet to pavethe way for two PMs meeting

relations and enhance stakes inpeace.

The dialogue is primarilymeant to give an opportunity toopinion makers from India andPakistan to interact with eachother on a sustained basis.

The panelists spoke on arange of broad themes pertain-ing to regional issues, includingdiscussions on bilateral rela-tions, Afghanistan, security andtrade amongst other issues.

At the culmination of thetwo-day event, the participantsreleased a joint resolution out-lining their vision for future di-

rections in the Indo-Pak peaceprocess.

The joint resolution spoke ofthe broad consensus in bothcountries towards peace, andurged that the two countries usethis momentum to enrich theirdiplomatic contacts, as well astheir trade links.

They recommended greaterrelaxations in the visa process,and that selected students andjournalists be provided furtherexemptions so that they canwork towards improving rela-tions and perceptions in theirrespective countries.—AP

SALIM AHMED

LAHORE—A Memorandum ofUnderstanding (MoU) was signedbetween Punjab government anda Canadian Company High MarkBio-Gas at Chief Minister’s Of-fice Friday for sitting up a bio-gasproject. Chief Executive OfficerMr. Evan Chrapko on behalf ofHigh Mark Biogas Companywhile Secretary Energy UsmanBajwa on behalf of Punjab gov-ernment signed the MoU. Accord-ing to the agreement, High MarkBio-Gas Company will set up apilot project of 22 megawatts of

Punjab govt, Canadian Co tojointly setup bio-gas project

biomass gas in Punjab. Theproject will be completed withina short period of six months. Be-sides Chief Minister PunjabMuhammad Shahbaz Sharif, Pro-vincial Energy Minister Sher AliKhan, Chairman Planning andDevelopment, Secretaries of En-ergy, Agriculture, Information,Local Government and other con-cerned officials were also presenton the occasion.

The Punjab Chief MinisterMuhammad said that signing ofMoU between High Mark Bio-Gas Company and Punjab govern-ment regarding biogas project is

a welcoming step. He said thatvast opportunities of generatingenergy through bio-mass andbiogas exist in Punjab and Punjabgovernment will fully benefitfrom these opportunities.

He said that the experiencesof foreign investors and compa-nies would also be benefited inthis regard so that energy crisiscould be minimized at the earli-est. The Chief Minister said thatbesides traditional sources, Paki-stan Muslim League-N govern-ment is also working for generat-ing energy through non-traditionalsources.

NEW DELHI—Pakistani spieshave been calling up RashtrapatiBhawan, the ministry of de-fence, the army headquartersand other highly sensitive of-fices using call spoofing soft-ware in an effort to get informa-tion, say intelligence sources inthe Indian capital quoted byHindustan Times.

Sources say in the past fewmonths, agents of Pakistani spyagency ISI tried to gather infor-mation from RashtrapatiBhawan and other highly sensi-tive offices and that there was aneed to remain alert when offi-cials in sensitive organisations

India blames Pak agenciesfor spying Rashtrapati

Bhavan, MoDspoke to unknown persons. TheIB suspects in some instanceinformation may have beenpassed on to the suspectedagents.

Intelligence officials say ISIoperatives are using call spoof-ing software to make the calls.These numbers start as 2301 or2309 to indicate the calls arefrom some government office atRaisina Hill.

On February 21, immedi-ately after the Dilsukhnagarblasts in Hyderabad, a personclaiming to be Major AjaySharma from ‘MI-3’ had contactedthe NSG headquarters. —INP

ISLAMABAD—Chief Justice (CJ)Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhryhas remarked missing personsmatter is the most vital issue ofthe country and “we can not shutour eyes to it.While expressing concern overnon recovery of missing persons,apathy on the part of state andlack of cooperation from the in-telligence agencies in the matterCJ remarked “ since how longmore shall we avert the appli-cants. There is a limit to everything. Missing persons matter isthe most important issue of thecountry. We cannot close our eyesto it. Why the government doesnot address this issue. As to whyany policy is not evolved in thisrespect. Appointing the lawyer bydefence ministry in presence ofAttorney General (AG) is tanta-mount to expressing mistrust.Justice Jawad S Khawaja re-marked “ Police officer is sayingpersonnel of intelligence agencies

Eyes cannot be shut tomissing persons matter: CJ

have picked up youths. What elsecan be a bigger evidence than this.This is a serious matter. Govern-ment should either to give us inwriting that we abandon the hear-ing of these matters or these is-sues be resolved at governmentlevel. A 3-member bench of SCheaded by CJ took up missingpersons case for hearing Friday.

Sub inspector Ehsan Elahiand Additional Attorney General(AAG) Tariq Khokhar appearedin the court

AAG told the court policeofficer has leveled charges withreference to intelligence agencies.Possibility is there that defenceministry appoints its lawyer or itfiles some statement in this re-spect. CJ remarked “ if you haveno trust on AG that you are talk-ing this way. The matters havegone too far ahead already thatyou should realize that it had be-come the biggest issue of thecountry.

BHC ordersregistration of FIR

against Zehri’s guardsQUETTA—The BalochistanHigh Court on Friday orderedregistration of FIR against secu-rity guards of Nawab SanaullahZehri MPA who were involvedin scuffle with policemen on theentrance of Balochistan Assem-bly on Thursday.

The BHC issued ordersagainst Zehri’s guards for mis-behaving with the SP CityQuetta in a suo motu hearing ofthe incident.

Chief Justice Qazi Faez Esaduring the hearing askedwhether the MPA had any threatinside the assembly.

Superintendent of PoliceSamiullah Soomro was sus

Suicide bomberkills 20 in

Iraq mosqueBAGHDAD—A suicide bomberblew himself up inside a Sunnimosque in central Iraq, killingat least 20 people in the middleof a sermon on Friday, policeand medics said. he explosiontook place in the town ofWajihiya in the ethnically andreligiously diverse province ofDiyala, which has seen an in-creasing number of attacks inrecent weeks.

It was not clear who was be-hind the blast, which appeared tobe part of a sustained campaign ofmilitant attacks that has promptedfears of wider conflict in a countrywhere ethnic Kurds and Shi’ite andSunni Muslims have yet to find astable power-sharing compromise.

Sectarian tensions havebeen inflamed by the civil warin neighboring Syria, whichhas drawn in Shi’ite and Sunnifighters from Iraq and beyondto fight on opposite sides of theconflict.—Reuters

Kurd rebels askTurkey for final

peace dealISTANBUL—Kurdish militantsissued what they said was a “fi-nal warning” to Turkey on Fri-day to take concrete steps to ad-vance a peace process aimed atending a three-decade insur-gency, or be responsible for itgrinding to a halt.

Jailed Kurdistan WorkersParty (PKK) leader AbdullahOcalan and Ankara launchedpeace talks last October to halta conflict which has killed40,000 people and blightedTurkey’s mainly Kurdish south-east.

Kurdish leaders have calledon the AK Party (AKP) govern

Bomb kills 5 Afghan

kids, womanKABUL—A bomb in eastern Af-ghanistan killed five children anda woman after it went off as theywere playing with it inside aTaliban commander’s home, anofficial said Friday.

The incident occurred onThursday morning in the remoteMata Khan district, inside thehouse of an insurgent leadernamed Abdullah, said MokhlisAfghan, a spokesman for the gov-ernor in Paktika province.

According to Afghan, thecommander had assembled aroadside bomb and left it insidehis home, which he shared withrelatives. t exploded when thechildren, aged from three to sevenyears, began playing with it.

Abdullah escaped arrest andis being sought by Afghan secu-rity troops, which were the in-tended target for the bomb, saidthe spokesman.—AP

KARACHI: A young girl dragging a cart loaded with water cans on Korangi Road Gora Qabristan as acute shortage ofwater is being faced by the residents.

Over 49,000prisoners in 32 jailsSalim AhmedLAHORE—Provincial Ministerfor Prisons Ch. Abdul WahidArain has said that there aremore than 49 thousand prison-ers in 32 jails of the provincewhich is double the capacity ofprisons, therefore, 12 new jailsare being constructed in Punjab.He said that steps are beingtaken for transforming prisonsinto reformation centres andvarious courses including com-puter training are being con-ducted in accordance with themarket demand for the benefitof the prisoners. He said that inorder to check the use of mobilephones, such jammers will beacquired which could jam mo-bile signals only within jails.

Continued on Page 6

Kashmir’s accession toPakistan ultimate solution

Continued on Page 6

EXERCISE is known to create new excitable neurons in the hippocampus, anarea of the brain involved in thinking and

emotions. This would suggest that exercisemight induce anxiety in physically activepeople, but, ironically, research shows thatexercise is associated with reduced anxiety andcalmness.

The reason for these seemingly incompat-ible exercise effects was re-cently explored by PrincetonUniversity, who appear tohave revealed, as the NewYork Times put it, “an eye-opening demonstration ofnature’s ingenuity.” 1Exer-cise Creates New ExcitableBrain Cells… and QuietsThem When Necessary

Newly formed ‘young’neurons can be prone to easyexcitement, making themquite efficient at inducinganxiety. Physical exercisecreates excitable new neu-rons in abundance, which isbeneficial in the long run, butwould be expected to in-crease anxiety rates in theshort term.

However, a new animalstudy comparing running mice with sedentarymice found that while the exercising animals’brains ‘teemed with many new, excitable neu-rons,’ they also contained new neurons de-signed to release a neurotransmitter calledgamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABAinhibits excessive neuronal firing.

This helps to induce a natural state ofcalm.2 Commonly prescribed anti-anxietydrugs like Ativan, Xanax and Valium actuallyexert a calming effect in this same manner, byboosting the action of GABA. Exercise appearsto go one step further, however, as when themice were later exposed to a stressful situa-

tion, the study found that the exercising mice,as opposed to the sedentary mice, respondedwith only an initial rush of anxiety, followedby calm. What all of this suggests, one of thestudy’s authors noted:3“ … is that the hippocampus of runners isvastly different from that of sedentary ani-mals. Not only are there more excitatory neu-rons and more excitatory synapses, but the

inhibitory neurons are morelikely to become activated, pre-sumably to dampen the excita-tory neurons, in response tostress.… I think it’s not a huge stretchto suggest that the hippocampiof active people might be lesssusceptible to certain undesir-able aspects of stress than thoseof sedentary people.”

Some psychologistsswear by exercise as a primaryform of treatment for depres-sion, anxiety and other mooddisorders. Research has shownagain and again that patientswho follow regular exerciseregimens see improvement intheir mood — improvementscomparable to that of thosetreated with medication.

The results really are impressive when youconsider that exercise is virtually free and canprovide you with numerous other health ben-efits too. The benefits to your mood occurwhether the exercise is voluntary or forced,so even if you feel you have to exercise, sayfor health reasons, there’s a good chanceyou’ll still benefit. For instance, researchers at the Universityof Colorado Boulder devised an animal studyto determine whether rats that were forced toexercise would experience the same stress andanxiety-reduction as those who were free tochoose if and when to exercise.

How exercise can calm anxiety

Faithfuls offering second Namaz-e-Juma of holy month of Ramazanul Mubarak at a mosque in Federal Capital.

President Sir Syed Memorial Society Brig (Retd) Iqbal Shafi, Founder SSIL Majida IqbalShafi, Patron SSIL Rozina Alam, Director SSIL Hamim Qadri with the participants duringFaham-e-Qur’an seminar in Islamabad.—PO photo Sultan Bashir

CITY REPORTER

RAWALPINDI—More than 80per cent of premature babieswho weigh less than 1.5 Kghave high risk of developingRetinopathy of Prematurity(ROP) or disorganized growthof retinal blood vessels whichcan cause vision problems in-cluding permanent blindness,a leading eye-care hospitalsaid Friday.

Babies born prematurely(before 266 days) have manyobstacles to overcome in theirfirst fragile weeks, one ofwhich is eye development thatcan be resolved through

MoUs signed for free treatment ofnew-borns to cure blindness

screening and surgical procedureto help avoid serious eyesightproblems later in life, said Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital.

Talking to journalists, hesaid that routine use of excessoxygen to treat premature babiesin hospitals stimulates abnormalvessel growth in eyes with thesmallest and sickest having thehighest risk of facing devastat-ing effects of ROP, leading causeof paediatric retinal blindness.

All parents must include avision screening in their list ofbaby check-ups between six andtwelve months of age, saidRizwan Ullah Asghar adding thatevery premature infant deserves

constant attention of an ophthal-mologist because of their in-creased risk for eye misalign-ment, amblyopia and the needfor glasses to develop normalvision.

He said that we have signedMoUs with administrations ofFuji Foundation Hospital, Com-bined Military Hospital andBenazir Bhutto Hospital underwhich Al-Shifa will be provid-ing all the facilities from trans-portation, to screening and sur-gery of the premature babiesborn in these hospitals.

He informed that Al-Shifais the only hospital in the Saarcand among few in the world

People are demonstrating against desecration of the Holy Qur’an and killing of innocentMuslims in Occupied Kashmir, in Islamabad.

having the latest facilities andskills to treat new-borns withROP. Al-Shifa started screen-ing and treatment of newlyborn babies, especially that ofseven months, in March 2013and cured around 150 in lastthree months. The number isbound to increase as the aware-ness grows, he said.

Rizwan Ullah Asghar saidthat we are here to provide freeguidance to all the state-ownedand private health facilities in-cluding those in other countriesby using Teleophtholmology. Headded that Teleophtholmologycan help save thousands fromplunging into darkness for life.

STAFF REPORTER

I S L A M A B A D — R e l i g i o u sscholar and professor of NUSTProf Khuram Rahmani spoke atthe Aiwan-e-Sir Syed on Fridaygiving importance of the Surah-e-Fateha the opening Ayat of theHoly Qur’an.

He explained that only Al-lah is the final authority to grantthe human being his prayer &we should only pray to him toshow as the path of the righteousand not the path of wrong does.

You have to understand themeanings of Qurani Ayats, actupon them and help others inunderstanding and acting uponthem. Iqbal M Shafi (Alig)President Sir Syed MemorialSociety, who presided over thefunction, laid Emphasis on

Building of Character of ournation so that we can ProduceDedicated and Sincere Leader-ship.

For this you need to give im-portance to Suitable educationof the nation the holy Quran isGod’s gift to humanity andSurat-e-Fateha lays importanceto the fact we should pray andAlmighty Allah for anything wewant and not approach anybodyelse. He gave quotations fromSir Syed Ahmad Khan andQuaid-e-Azam which would beproved guidance for our youth.

The function was organizedby Sir Syed Institute of leader-ship and Sir Syed Youth club(The Dynamizers) whose patronSenator Razina Alam Khan andDirector SSIL Hamim Qadrialso attended.

Holy Qur’an guideshumanity to right path CITY REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—Climate expertsstressed the need for developingpeople-centred policies and strat-egies for enhancing the adaptivecapacities and climate resilienceamong most vulnerable seg-ments of society particularly inHindu Kush Himalayan (HKH)region.

They were speaking at Con-sultation Workshop on “Hima-layan Adaptation, Water and Re-silience (HI-AWARE) Researchon Glacier and Snowpack De-pendent River Basins for Im-proving Livelihoods.

The workshop was orga-nized by Pakistan AgricultureResearch Council (PARC) withits International Partners includ-ing ICIMOD Nepal, TERI India,

BCAS Bangladesh and Altera-WUR of Netherlands. “We haveto deliberate ways and means ofeffective collaboration for de-veloping people-centred poli-cies and strategies for enhanc-ing the adaptive capacities andclimate resilience,” said Dr.Amir Muhammed MemberICIMOD Nepal Board of Gov-ernor (BOG) while addressingthe workshop.

He urged the scientists andpolicy makers to design newtechnologies and create aware-ness among masses about theimportance of constructing newdams to save glaciers and floodwater and use it in agriculture.

He said ICIMOD brings to-gether partners from the Indo-Pak sub-continent and the Neth-erlands on the common subject

of climate change adaptation.PARC being part of the HI-AWARE consortium initiatingthis consultative process involv-ing almost all major stakehold-ers of the project right from theplanning stage.

Speaking on the occasion,Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad, ChairmanPARC said that the council incollaboration with its Interna-tional has been working on cli-mate change aspects since longto convenience the people toadopt changes.

He said identifying and un-derstanding the key eco-hydro-logical, socio-economic andgovernance drivers of the vul-nerability of livelihood systemsin the region are crucial forevolving people-centered adap-tation strategies.

People-centred policy toaddress climate change issues

Four kidnappersarrested

CRIME REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—Personnel ofKoral police and IslamabadTraffic Police (ITP) arrestedfour kidnappers who were alleg-edly involved in abducting aperson at gun point near ‘KhanaPul’ area, a police spokesmansaid on Friday.

According to details, fourpersons Abdul Ghaffar, AbuSufian, Syed Waqas and ImranMehmud, residents of Lahore,kidnapped Muhammad Nawazfrom ‘Khana Pul’ area at gunpoint and moved towards Koralon their car. Cousin ofMuhammad Nawaz who wasaccompanying him at the time ofkidnapping immediately in-formed the police and the wholearea was cordoned off.

Station House officer In-spector Rana Mubarik Ali, ASIShaukat Ali started checking inthe area and officials ofIslamabad Traffic police includ-ing Head constable MuhammadIftikhar , Constables Rehmat Aliand Muhammad Waris, per-forming duties at Koral Chowk,were also informed about thiskidnapping incident and particu-lar car.

Policemen intercepted thecar at Koral Chowk and managedto arrest all car occupants besidesrecovering abducted person.

Rs750m ChaklalaCantt Board budgetRAWALPINDI—A budget ofRs750 million has been ap-proved for Cantonment BoardChaklala for the current fiscalyear.

In the budget, Rs300 millionhave been allocated for the de-velopment projects, while non-developmental budget is morethan this figure.

According to the official ofthe Cantonment Board, a largeamount of revenue is expectedto be generated through the re-covery of property tax. —INP

STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—Jashan-e-Nazul-e-Quran organized by RawalpindiArts Council and Khaana-e-Farhang Iran, commenced hereFriday.

State Minister for Parliamen-tary Affairs, Sheikh Aftab Ahmedflanked by Iranian Ambassador toPakistan Alireza Haghighian in-augurated the event while NaheedManzoor, Muhammad AkbariDG Khaana-e-Farhang Iran, re-nowned calligrapher AftabAhmed Khan and Waqar AhmedResident Director RAC were alsopresent on the occasion.

Besides, the calligraphies ofthe renowned calligraphers,unique manuscripts of HolyQuran and Islamic books, thework of Iranian artists also be-came the centre of people’s inter-est. Iranian cultural troupe par-

July 20

CITY Police Officer willhold a ‘Khuli Katchery’ onSaturday at RA Bazar Po-lice Station aimed at inter-acting with people of thearea and resolving theirproblems.

Continuing

RAWALPINDI Arts Coun-cil in collaboration withKhaana-e-Farhang Iran isorganizing a 5-day Jashn-e-Nazool-e-Quarn from July18-22, at its art gallery from6 pm to 7 p.m daily.

ticipated under the leadership ofDr Hyder Ali Zaabt whileQuranic art of Astaan QudasRizvi Mashhad is also includedin the exhibition.

On the occasion, StateMinister for Parliamentary Af-fairs, Sheikh Aftab AhmedKhan said the friendship of Iranand Pakistan is tied with strongrelations which would be re-mained forever.

He said the Holy Quran is acomplete guideline to adorn nextlife. Sheikh Aftab said the workof Pakistani as well as Iranianartists is wonderful.

He further said it is appre-ciable that Rawalpindi ArtsCouncil is imparting training toyoung generation besides cul-tural, religious and literary ac-tivities. Iranian Ambassador toPakistan Alireza Haghighiansaid that basic aim of the exhibi-

tion is to spread the teachings ofHoly Quran among the people.

He said that cultural ties be-tween Iran and Pakistan wouldbe promoted and strengthened byorganizing the exhibition andboth would be benefitted fromeach other’s experience in future.

Naheed Manzoor said theCouncil and Khaana-e-FarhangIran are promoting cultural ac-tivities jointly from many yearswhich showed confidence of boththe institution on each other.

She added that both the in-stitutions are struggling hard forthe promotion of their culture ina benefitting manner.

The efforts of MuhammadAkbari DG Khaana-e-FarhangIran and Waqar Ahmed ResidentDirector RAC were applauded byorganizing successful exhibition.The Jashan-e-Nazul-e-Quranwould continue till July 22.

Jashan-e-Nazul-e-Qur’ancommences at RAC

Work for communitymobilisation

ISLAMABAD—Allama IqbalOpen University (AIOU) andAkhter Hameed Khan ResourceCentre (AHKRC) signed aMemorandum of Understanding(MoU) to work for communitymobilization to address socio-economic issues.

The task will be achievedthrough research and academicactivities by mobilizing the stu-dents to work for poverty alle-viation, said a news release is-sued here on Friday.

The MoU was signed by theChairman, AHKRC, Shoaib Sul-tan Khan and the Registrar,AIOU, Muhammad BashirChaudhry on behalf of the AIOUwhile Deans and Heads of vari-ous departments of AIOU werealso present on the occasion.

Under the agreement, thetwo-sides agreed to develop andenforce common research activi-ties for promoting evidencebased social discourse in Pakistanand designing of researchprojects as per research agenda.

In the first phase the twosides will launch the local andinternational education and train-ing programs in the fields ofHealth, Environment, Agricul-ture, Sociology and Women De-velopment.

For quality assurance ofthese programs review commit-tee will be formulated. Both theorganizations will collaborate onpublication exchange by sharinginformation on new publicationsand exchange publications on is-sues of common interest.—APP

Beggars throngtwin cities ahead

of Eid-ul-FitrISLAMABAD—The number ofbeggars in twin cities ofIslamabad and Rawalpindi hassignificantly increased during theholy month of Ramazan.

The number of beggars isincreasing as Eid-ul-Fitar is ap-proaching. All the mosques,business centers, traffic signalsand chowks are crowded bymale, female, children andgrown up beggars, who sur-round every person passing by,asking for alms.

Moreover, groups of eunuchscan also be seen at traffic signals,which surround the cars that stopon the signal, begging for five toten rupees. They not only createhurdles in the smooth flow oftraffic but also pose risk of roadaccidents. —INP

Briefs

“Human salvation liesin the hands of thecreatively malad-

justed.”

— Dr Martin LutherKing, Jr

STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—Chinese CWEInvestment Corporation will in-vest $ 6 billion in the energysector of Pakistan during thenext 5 years to help the countryovercome its energy problemsand ensure availability of suffi-cient power supply in future.

The company is already run-ning nine projects in the coun-try, Vice President, CWE Invest-ment Corporation, WangShaofeng, who is leading a sixmember Chinese delegation inPakistan, said during a meetingwith Chairman Board of Invest-ment (BoI), Mohammad zubair,Shaofeng.

He briefed the BoI Chair-man about ongoing energyprojects, saying that the con-struction of 50 mw three gorges

China to invest $6bnin Pak energy sector

first wind farm (50mw) has beenstarted in January, 2013 while itsfinancial closing is almost com-pleted.

All civil works and 50%wind-turbine installation is sched-uled to be completed by the endof this year while the project willbe enter into commercial opera-tion (cod) in June 2014. Accord-ing to a BoI statement, Shaofengsaid, 720mw Karot hydropowerproject is at first stages (feasibil-ity stage) and tariff has been ap-proved by NEPRA.

Feasibility updating and op-timization works continuewhich will be completed by Junenext year and the project con-struction is scheduled to startedby the end of 2014 and wouldbe completed in 5 years.

He told the BoI Chairmanthat 1100mw Kohala hydro-

power project is at first stage andtariff negotiation have startedsince September 2011 withNTDC and the parties have held3 rounds of negotiation.

Land acquisition and prepa-ration for construction will com-pleted in 2015 and constructionwill kick off in 2016.

Similarly, construction on120mw Taunsa Hydropowerproject (120mw) approved byPunjab power developmentboard (PPOB) on June 25th,2013 will be started in 2015 with4 years construction period.

The other projects that thecompany is running include twothree-gorges wind farm(450mw) projects, wind mea-surement project in Punjab,50mw solar power project inPunjab and 50mw solar powerproject in Sindh.

TARIQ KHATTAK

ISLAMABAD—Semi-arid re-gions in Pakistan are witness-ing drastic environmentalchanges with increased rain-fall and climate induced di-sasters. Beside effective ad-aptation and policy planning,there is need to strengtheneconomic resilience of localcommunities to cope with ad-verse effect of climatechange.

This was discussed in aconsultative workshop on“Climate Resilient EconomicDevelopment in Semi-AridRegions “organized by Sus-tainable Development Policy

Semi-arid regions in drastic environmental changes cycleInstitute (SDPI) here on Thurs-day. Consultation marked thestart of a project by SDPI andOversees Development Institute(ODI)-UK to scale up climate-compatible economic develop-ment in semi-arid regions ofCentral Asia, East Africa andWest Africa.

Speaking at the occasion,Shamsul Mulk, Former Chair-man Wapda suggested expedit-ing work on ‘institutional ca-pacity building’ of related in-stitutions to cope with emerg-ing challenges of climatechange. He said that floods inPakistan are regular phenom-enon which are causing dam-ages worth billions of rupees

every year and the only way toaddress this problem is through‘preparedness’ and ‘structuralplanning’. He was of the viewthat business as usual is nomore an option as Pakistan can-not afford more damages to thescale of 10-15 billion dollars aswitnessed in 2010-11 floods inPakistan.

Talking of improving capac-ity of public institutions, hestated that in sixties, Wapda hadno capacity to steer largeprojects, but with firm commit-ment it was able to bridge ca-pacity gap within short time andcompleted the biggest ever wa-ter development structures ofthose times under Indus Water

Treaty including Tarbella,Mangla and other canals.

Dr Azmat Hayat Khan, Di-rector, Pakistan MeteorologicalDepartment presented recent cli-matic models and revealed thatrainfall patterns in Pakistan arechanging, where instead ofKashmir and Northern Areas,semi-arid regions particularly inKP and Punjab are now gettingmore extreme rainfalls events.

He further informed thataverage rainy days and precipi-tation have increased in Sindhwhereas it is gradually decreas-ing in Kashmir and GB whichare water lifeline for Pakistan.“Water availability is also likelyto be affected by westward shift

in monsoon which has startedto miss the catchment areas ofTarbela and Mangla, along withthe fact that we don’t have anywater catchment mechanisms inthese semi-arid areas which arereceiving more rains,” headded.

Dr Azmat said that this cli-matic shift pose serious threat tosemi-arid zones by increasingtheir vulnerability and affectingagriculture, livelihood, and eco-nomics of the region. He saidthat situation demands immedi-ate policy actions to mitigatefloods in new vulnerable areasalong with measures to protectagriculture and conserve addi-tional rain water where no wa-

ter conservation structures arepresent.

In his welcome remarks, DrVaqar Ahmed, Deputy Execu-tive Director, SDPI called theneed for further research on cli-mate induced vulnerabilitiesthat not only resonates with or-dinary publics but can also in-fluence policy discourse. Heinformed that SDPI is buildingpartnerships with relevant insti-tutes and supporting new breedof researchers to bridge this re-search policy gap particularlyin area of environmental gov-ernance.

Earlier, briefing participantsabout the project, Kashif MajeedSalik, Research Associate, SDPI

said that project seek tostrengthen economic resilienceof communities living in semi-arid regions from climate in-duced vulnerabilities and disas-ters .

During consultation, therewas consensus among the par-ticipants that semi-arid regionsare receiving heavy damagesdue to climate change which arefurther aggravated by poor-ad-aptation and lack of institutionalgovernance.

Debating sector specificeconomic development, partici-pants suggested preparing acomprehensive inventory ofsemi- arid regions in Pakistan.They also demanded for collec-

tion of decade-wise data onchange in rain fall patterns toproperly gauge adverse im-pacts on livelihoods sourceswith possible adaptation strat-egies.

The participants under-scored the need to protectpeople’s livelihoods and as-sets which are directly linkedwith their resilience and con-tribute towards economic de-velopment of the region. Itwas observed that anotherway to adapt to climatechanges is diversification oflivelihoods sources, withmaximum policy level sup-port along with support fromdeveloped countries.

KARACHI: Governor State Bank Yaseen Anwar presses the button to launch ceremony ofIslamic Banking Media Campaign.—PO photo

Weekly inflation falls 0.18pcSTAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—The SensitivePrice Indicator (SPI) for theweek ended on July 19 for thelowest income group up toRs.8,000 registered decrease of0.18 per cent as compared to theprevious week.

The SPI for the week underreview in the above mentionedgroup was recorded at 195.33points against 195.69 points reg-istered in the previous week,according to data of PakistanBureau of Statistics (PBS).

The weekly SPI has beencomputed with base 2007-2008=100, covering 17 urbancenters and 53 essential itemsfor all income groups and com-bined.

The SPI for the combinedgroup decreased by 0.38 per centas it went down from 201.25

points in the previous week to200.48 points in the week underreview. As compared to the cor-responding week of last year, theSPI for the combined group inthe week under review wit-nessed increase of 8.37 percent.

As compared to the lastweek, the SPI for the incomegroups from Rs.8001-12,000,12,001-18,000, 18001-35,000and above Rs.35,000 decreasedby 0.26 percent, 0.34 percent,0.41 and 0.46 percent respec-tively.

During the week under re-view average prices of 14 itemsregistered decrease, while that of17 items increase with the re-maining 22 items’ prices un-changed.

The items which registereddecrease in their prices duringthe week under review includedtomatoes, chicken live (farm),

onions, red chilies (powder),gram pulse (washed), rice (irri-6), egg hen (farm) LPG, sugar,kerosene oil, rice basmati (bro-ken), vegetable ghee (loose)mustard oil and mash pulse(washed).

The items which recorded in-crease in their average prices in-cluded bananas, cooked dal, wheatflour (bag), gur, cooked beef,wheat, moong pulse (washed), salt(powdered), curd, garlic, bread(Plain), potatoes, milk (fresh),long cloth, beef, masoor pulse(washed) and shirting.

The items with no change intheir average prices during theweek under review includedmutton, milk (powdered), cook-ing oil (tin), tea (packet), tea(prepared), cigarettes, lawn,georgette, sandal (gents)chappal, sandal (ladies), electriccharges, gas charges.

Rates for conversionKARACHI—The followingrates will be applicable forconversion into rupees ofForeign Currency Deposits,Dollar Bearer Certificates,Foreign Currency BearerCertificates, Special U.S.Dollar Bonds and profitsthereon by all banks and forproviding Forward Cover onForeign Currency Deposits(excluding F.E. 25 deposits) bythe State Bank on July 22,2013. The rates are U.S.Dollar Rs 100.6602, JapaneseYen Rs 1.0034, Pound SterlingRs 153.4263 and Euro Rs132.1165.—APP

PQ shipping activityKARACHI—Two shipscarrying containers and dieseloil, were berthed at QasimInternational ContainersTerminal and FOTCOTerminal on Thursday, 18thJuly. Meanwhile two moreships carrying edible oil alsoarrived at outer anchorage ofPort Qasim during last 24hours. Berth occupancy was35% at the Port on Fridaywhere a total four shipsnamely Hamminia Pacificum,Al- Soor-II, out Rivaling andM.T Argent Cosmos arecurrently occupying berths toload/offload containers, dieseloil, iron ore and edible oilrespectively during last 24hours. A cargo volume of76645 tonnes comprising60916 tonnes imports and15729 tonnes exports inclusiveof containerized cargo carriedin 1227 containers (TEUs) washandled at the Port during last24 hours.—APP

Nawaz takesnotice of PSM

power cutSTAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—Prime MinisterNawaz Sharif on Friday tooknotice of the energy crisis thatarose because the Karachi Elec-tric Supply Company (KESC)disconnected electricity supplyto the Pakistan Steel Mills(PSM).

Earlier, KESC had cut offpower supply to the PSM onaccount of non-payment of 93crore rupees.

Since the suspension ofelectricity, PSM has virtuallyremained closed. According tomedia reports PM Nawaz, sub-sequently, took notice of thesituation.

Meanwhile, Minster of In-dustry and Production, MurtazaJatoi, reached Karachi and sum-moned an important meetingpertaining to the matter, follow-ing the request of PSM andKESC. Jatoi expressed hope thatelectricity would be soon re-

ISE indexwitnesses

bullish trendSTAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—The IslamabadStock Exchange witnessed abullish trend on Friday as theISE-10 index was up by 46.43points to close at 4315.98.

A total of 33,500 shareswere traded, which were up by13,300 shares as compared toprevious day’s trading of 20,200shares.

Out of 143 companies, shareprices of 114 companies re-corded increase and those of 29registered decrease. No com-pany remained stable.

The share price of MuyrreeBrewery increased by Rs. 19.49,while that of Faysal Spinningdecreased by Rs. 2.9. LafragePakistan Cement. P.T.C.L andSilk Bank remained the top trad-ing companies with 25,000,5,000 and 3,000 respectively.

STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—Federal Ministerfor Planning and DevelopmentAhsan Iqbal has said that politi-cal, economic stability would bepivotal for the sovereignty anddignity of the country to get hon-orable position in internationalcommunity.

Ahsan Iqbal said that toppriority of the government hasto build the economic relationswith countries of the world fordevelopment and prosperity.

He said “We are living ingeo-economic world’ wherecountries are maintainingtheir relations on the basis ofeconomic interest and objec-tive.” The Minister said thatPakistan wants to make bilat-eral relations with unitedState (US) on the economicand trade basis to examine themutual interest of the both

Ahsan vows for eco-political stabilityfor emergence as prosperous nation

countries.Talking to private television

channel, he said that Pakistanwants to benefit from all thedeveloped economies of theworld to enhance the foreigninvestment and secure our eco-nomic interests.

Replying to a question, hesaid that the government willmake business friendly policiesto make private sector able toplay its role in economic devel-opment of the country.

Ahsan Iqbal said that in pastcountry have been facing thelack of implementations in ournational policies andprogrammes, which was themain cause to economic crisisin the country.

He added that the govern-ment has evolved the partici-patory and collaborat ivepolicy system to make condu-cive environment for foreign

and local investment in thecountry.

Replying to a question, hesaid “We are following the meritpolicy and zero tolerance for cor-ruption to ensure transparency inour national institutions”.

The Minister said that thegovernment want to make re-forms in old bureaucratic cul-ture to initiate the new mod-ern techniques for better ad-ministration in countries insti-tutions.

Ahsan Iqbal said that worldhas now entered new era of glo-balization and period of com-petitive economy, where coun-try would need the proactiveadministration in our institutionto compete with developedcountries.

He said that overcomingthe energy crisis is the top mostpriority of the government it willuse all options for the purpose.

Syed Kashif Alam, President Titanium Ltd presenting a shield to Prime Minister MianMuhammad Nawaz Sharif.

KARACHI: Elizabeth L Littlefield, President and CEO of OPIC, the US Government’sDevelopment Finance Institution addressing the gathering during the visit to Karachi StockExchange, US Ambassador Richard Olson also seen in picture.—PO photo Sultan Chaki

STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—The United Na-tions Conference on Trade andDevelopment (UNCTAD)’sPeer review report commendsCompetition Commission ofPakistan (CCP)’s achievementsfor its crucial leadership role intaking the Pakistani economyforward to a greater level ofconfidence on competition-based and consumer-welfareoriented market system.

In this connection a highlevel delegation representingPakistan led by the Chairperson

UNCTAD Peer review reportcommends CCP’s achievements

Competition Commission ofPakistan (CCP) Ms. RahatKaunain Hassan, and compris-ing other senior officials par-ticipated Peer Review at thethirteenth annual session of theIntergovernmental Group ofExperts (IGE) on CompetitionLaw and Policy, at Geneva,Switzerland in the Peer Reviewof Competition Law and Policyin Pakistan.

The other officials in-cluded Dr. Joseph Wilson,Member, and Ikram ul HaqueQureshi, Director General hasreturned after successful

completion of the Peer Reviewat the thirteenth annual sessionof the Intergovernmental Groupof Experts (IGE) on Competi-tion Law and Policy, at Geneva,Switzerland to participate in thePeer Review of CompetitionLaw and Policy in Pakistan.

In August 2012, CCP near-ing completion of 5 years of itsestablishment had requestedand volunteered to participatein a Peer Review of Competi-tion Law and Policy organizedby United Nations Conferenceon Trade and Development(UNCTAD).

LONDON—An Abu Dhabisheikh who helped British bankBarclays avoid a state bailoutduring the global financial cri-sis has sold his stake.

Sheikh Mansour, who hadinjected £3.5 billion (4.0 billioneuros, $5.3 billion) into Barclaysin late 2008, offloaded his 7.0-percent share last month accord-ing to a recent statement whichcame to the notice of markets

Abu Dhabi sells Barclaysbank stake

only on Friday.The disposal will have gen-

erated a huge profit becauseBarclays shares have surged bymore than 60 percent since thedeal was made almost five yearsago. In October 2008, Barclayshad raised a total of £7.0 billionfrom both Sheikh Mansour andthe Gulf state of Qatar’s sover-eign wealth fund.

The British lender secured

the capital raising as an alterna-tive to accepting a bail-out fromthe British government.

The 2008 rescue deal wasbrokered by former Barclays presi-dent Bob Diamond, who went onto become chief executive in 2010but was forced to resign last yearover the Libor rate-rigging scan-dal. Sheikh Mansour owns EnglishPremiership football clubManchester City.—Agencies

PEPCO sufferingRs3b monthly

power theftSTAFF REPORTER

PESHAWAR—Pesco is facingapproximately Rs 3 Billion lossmonthly due to power theft andonce again Pesco has launcheda campaign against the menace,seeking public co-operation,

Pesco has installed a toll freephone number at Wapda HousePeshawar, to obtain cooperationto curb the electricity theft. In thisconnection among other steps aToll Free Phone No:0800-29999has also been installed, throughwhich any one can inform Pesco’sAnti Electricity Theft Cell aboutthe electricity stealing. On receiv-ing such information, immediateaction will be taken against theculprits. Pesco will highly appre-ciate consumer’s cooperation inthis regard.

According to details, due topower theft, Pesco is sustaining Rs3 billion approximately loss permonth, in addition to load shed-ding, damaging of distributiontransformers, and severe over load-ing of electricity system. Theft ofelectricity is a curse and elected rep-resentatives and elders must coop-erate in preventing of power theft,the power utility appealed.

IP registry bill 2013Staff ReporterISLAMABAD—DirectorGeneral Intellectual PropertyOrganization Tarik Feroze onFriday said that Plant BreedersRegistry Bill 2013 willprovide intellectual propertyrights to the breeders of newplant varieties. He expressedthese views while chairing aconsultative meeting on DraftPlant Breeders Rights (PBR)Bill, 2013. Muhammad NasirAli, Director General FederalCertification and RegistrationDepartment (FSC & RD) andSaeed Iqbal, Seed CertificationOfficer, Inam-ul-Haq,Director-II, Nadia ZubairShah, Deputy Director (Law),Muhammad Ismail, DeputyDirector (PBR) Miss. HumeraIhsan, Assistant Director(PBR) and Aamir Latif,Assistant Director (Law)attended the meeting. TheDirector General IPO said thatPlant Breeders Rights arespecific type of IntellectualProperty Rights granted to thebreeders of new varieties ofplants and to comply with theWTO/TRIPS Agreement,Government of Pakistan hasalready introduced severalLaws in the field of Intellec-tual Property namely patents,trademarks, copyright,Industrial Designs etc.

Gold Tezab 44100.00Silver Tezabi 685.71

Gold Tezabi (24-Ct) 44000.00Gold 22 Ct 40750.00SilverTezabi 690.00Silver Thobi 630.00

USA 100.40 100.19

UK 153.06 152.75

EURO 131.96 131.68

Canada 96.86 96.61

Switzerland 106.65 106.37

Australia 92.53 92.35

Sweden 15.31 15.28

Japan 1.0099 1.0079

Norway 16.80 16.76

Singapore 79.69 79.54

Denmark 17.71 17.67

Omani Riyal 250.55 245.00

Saudi Arabia 26.86 26.81

Hong Kong 12.99 12.96

Kuwait 353.14 352.44

Malaysia 31.54 31.48

Newzeland 79.33 79.17

Qatar 27.67 27.61

UAE 27.43 27.38

KR WON 0.0897 0.0895

Thailand 3.248 3.241

Results of Pak-Russiacooperation are

building block forfuture relationsSTAFF REPORTER

K A R A C H I — A n d r e yV.Demidove, departing Con-sul General of Russian Fed-eration paid a farewell cour-tesy call on the PresidentFPCCI Zubair Ahmed Malik.

Zubair Ahmed Malik,President, FPCCI, in his wel-come remarks said that al-though results of bilateralcooperation between twostrategic countries are notvisible but we believe strongfuture relations between Pa-kistan and Russian Federa-tion.

President FPCCI alsopointed out problem beingfaced by both sides busi-nesses due to non availabil-ity of financial instrumentand lack of political will.

He added that for tradefacilitation financial institu-tion should be established.Pakistan Steel Mill whichwas established with theRussain cooperation nowneeds upgradation to cater tothe present demand which isan important project.

He appreciated and ac-knowledged the servicesrendered by Demidove inpromoting Pak-Russia bi-lateral relations which arehighly commendable. Hesaid that the progress,strength and depth of rela-tions reached between thetwo countries during thetenure of AndreyV.Demidove are remark-able.

Andrey V.Demidove,departing Consul Generalof Russian Federation saidthat the results of Pak-Rus-sian cooperation are notmuch visible but these arebuilding blocks for futurerelations between Pakistanand Russian Federation. Headded that both countrieshave laid down bigmileston for enhancing bi-lateral relations.

He appreciated support-ive role of people of Pakistanparticularly Business Com-munity. Businessmen arekeen to develop trade andeconomic relations and hefind no obstacle in promot-ing trade. On global trade ofRussian, he said afteraccessation to WTO Russiais facing lots of implicationson Russian economy. China,Eropean Union are the ma-jor investment partner he in-formed.

KARACHI—Follow-ing were the bullionrates in major citiesyesterday.

KARACHI:

MULTAN:

Currency Selling Buying

Bullion Rates

RS PER 10 GRAMS

Etihad Airwaysoffers breaking

dealsSTAFF REPORTER

KARACHI—Etihad Airways isoffering its guests in Pakistanexciting discounts in CoralEconomy for flights to Europe,USA, Middle East and Africa.

The discounted fares coverkey destinations such as NewYork, Chicago, London,Manchester, Frankfurt and AbuDhabi. These discounts are validonly till 07th August 2013.

Etihad connects its guests tomore than 85 popular destina-tions around the world and op-erates 31 weekly flights fromPakistan, which include dailyflights from Karachi, Lahoreand Islamabad.

344 Ramazan bazaars, 1,328 Dasterkhawaan set up in PunjabSTAFF REPORTER

LAHORE—Punjab Chief Min-ister Muhammad ShahbazSharif has said that 344Ramazan bazaars and 1,328Dasterkhawaan have been setup in the province underRamazan Package while fairprice shops are also operatingfor the provision of essentialitems to the people at cheaperrate.

He was presiding over ameeting of cabinet commit-tee on Ramazan Package.

Provincial Ministers RanaSanaullah Khan, Bilal Yasin,Muhammad Shafiq, DrFarrukh Javed, RanaMashhood Ahmad Khan,Chairman Cabinet CommitteeHamza Shahbaz Sharif, ChiefSecretary, Inspector GeneralPolice, concerned secretaries,Commissioner Lahore Divi-sion, District Coordination Of-ficer Lahore and concerned au-thorities were present.

The CM said that no effortwould be spared for providingrelief to the masses through the

Ramazan Package of Rs 3.5 bil-lion, adding that no compromisewould be made on the quality offruits, vegetables, and essentialcommodities in Ramazan ba-zaars and provision of goodquality daily use items to thepeople at cheaper rate would beensured.

The CM directed provincialministers and secretaries to visitRamazan bazaars for on the spotchecking of the situation and aregular report about their visitbe presented.

He directed that flour bags

should be available at fixedrates in Ramazan bazaars andopen market and increase ofeven a single penny would notbe allowed in the price offlour.

He directed the CabinetCommittee and District Ad-ministration to take all neces-sary measures for maintainingthe price of f lour at thepresent level and negotiationsshould also be held with flourmill owners for that purpose.He further directed that floursamples from 50 Ramazan ba-

zaars should be analyzed atthe forensic lab for judgingtheir quality. He said thatCommissioner and DistrictCoordination Officers mak-ing excellent arrangementsin Ramazan bazaars wouldbe encouraged while actionwould be taken against thoseshowing poor performance.

Officers of Industries andFood departments gave brief-ing regarding availability andprices of fruits, vegetables anddaily use items in Ramazanbazaars.

STAFF REPORTER

LAHORE—Punjab governmenthas envisioned “Majestic Punjab”and “Vibrant Lahore” projectsunder public-private partnershipwith the Tourism DevelopmentCorporation of Punjab and thestakeholders affiliated with thetourism development in Punjab.

Under this initiative, a “CraftVillage” will be established in thesuburb of Lahore while a “ThemePark” will be developed inHabanspura Lahore. TouristsComplex, Safari Train projectand development of tourists re-sorts will be accomplished in KotMithan district Rajanpur and a

Punjab govt envisions ‘MajesticPunjab,’ ‘Vibrant Lahore’ projects

chairlift will be installed at FortManro in D.G. Khan district un-der the same initiative.

This was decided in a meet-ing held in Punjab TourismComplex Lahore, Friday withthe Provincial Minister for Tour-ism Rana Mashhood AhmadKhan in chair. It was decided inthe meeting to establish an Ad-visory Board and a new YouthTourism Wing in TDCP.

Elaborating the new initia-tive of the government, the min-ister informed the participants ofthe meeting that the handicrafts,traditional food items andPunjabi culture will be preservedin the proposed Craft Village.

TDCP will also transformthe existing road from historicBhatti Gate to Lahore Fort into“History Street” where morethan 400 renowned personalitiesused to live inside Bhatti Gateduring the last 1000 years. Dr.Allama Muhammad Iqbal, thegreat Poet Philosopher of theEast and the Great freedomfighter Dulla Bhatti are alsoamong these prominent person-alities. The houses owned bythese respectable personalitieswill be preserved and a 3-D elec-tronic model of these houses willbe placed at Bhatti Gate and thetourists would illuminate theirplace of interest by merely push-

ing a button, he added.The minister directed the con-

cerned authorities to contactCOMSATS Lahore for preparationof 3-D model of all the 13 gates ofwalled-city Lahore which will beplaced at Shahi Hammam. He alsoestablished a special committee todesign the Theme Park to be de-veloped in Harbanspura Lahore.

The minister took notice ofthe tragic fact that the historicNaunehal Singh Haveli inwalled-city Lahore has been ig-nored to such an extent that thisvaluable heritage has gone ru-ined due to misuse by the ten-ants performing shooting of dra-mas and feature films.

FAISAL KHAWER BUTT

SIALKOT—Protesting againstthe present government’s deci-sion to apply SRO 505 and abo-lition of Tax exemption on salesup till 5 million Rs, representa-tives of Sialkot Surgical Forg-ing Hammers Association, IronStores Association Of Sialkot,Sialkot Traders Union And CityCloth Merchant Association OfSialkot met President SialkotChamber of Commerce and In-dustry, Sheikh Abdul Majid andexpressed their concerns andresentment over the implemen-tation of this unjust SRO aimedat fleecing hardworking small

Protest against abolitionof tax exemption

and medium size entrepreneursof Sialkot and Pakistan overall.

They were of the view thatpresent government instead ofimproving governance, delays intariff determination and poorrevenue collection is insteadfleecing already tax bracketedTax payers. They demanded thatthis SRO must be taken backwith immediate effect and taxexemption till 5 million Rupeessales be re- instated again. Theywere of the view that currentSRO 505 will only create panicfor small and medium entrepre-neurs of Sialkot who work andday and night to earn valuableforeign exchequer for Pakistan.

IS L A M A B A D —IslamabadChamber of Commerce and In-dustry has warned thatPakistan’s foreign exchange re-serves have now fallen to belowadequate levels and governmentshould take urgent measures toarrest this dangerous trend as itwill create serious problems forthe economy.

Zafar Bakhtawari, PresidentICCI said that Pakistan’s foreignexchange reserves, which wereUS$ 18 billion in July 2011,have now come down to$10.501 billion, due to which theeconomy stands exposed to se-rious challenges. He said gov-ernment and State Bank of Pa-kistan should pay serious atten-

Declining foreign exchange reserves poseserious challenge to economy

tion to this problem for reme-dial measures.

He said Pakistan needs moreforeign exchange to fulfill theforeign debt obligations as in FY14, Pakistan has to repay anamount of $5.8 billion to foreignlenders, but the current situationdepicts a weak health ofeconomy and loss of confidenceon Pakistan’s ability to repay itsdebt obligations.

Zafar Bakhtawari was of theview the due to falling foreignreserves government wouldmiss all its economic targets asinflation will return to doubledigit, economic growth willslow down, budget deficit willfurther widen and unemploy-

ment would go up. He said ob-taining loan of $5.3 billion fromthe IMF will not relax the pres-sure on foreign exchange re-serves and SBP need to utilizeall options to improve the bal-ance of payment issues.

He said there are over ten mil-lion Pakistanis working in foreigncountries including USA, UK,Canada, UAE, Saudi Arabia etc.and government should use thehuge potential of overseas Paki-stanis to augment forex reserves.He said annual remittances fromoverseas Pakistanis through officialchannels have reached about $14billion and almost an equal amountis being sent home through unoffi-cial channels.—INP

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Water and Power, Khawaja Muhammad Asif and ChiefMinister KPK, Pervez Khattak addressing a joint press conference regarding electricitytransmission and distribution issue.

AMISP rates ofcommodities

LAHORE—Agriculture Market-ing Information Service Punjab(AMISP) issued rates of agricul-ture products in local market onFriday.

The following are 100 kgrates of different agricultureproducts in Lahore market:

Maize minimum Rs 2000and maximum 2200, Rice SuperBasmati (New) minimum Rs11000 and maximum Rs 11000,Rice Basmati (old) minimum Rs12000 and maximum Rs 13000,white sugar minimum Rs 5400and maximum Rs 5400, whitegram (local) minimum Rs 7000and maximum Rs 7000, RedChili Whole (Dry) minimum Rs14000 maximum Rs 14000,Cauliflower minimum Rs 5000and maximum Rs 5500, Onionminimum Rs 3000 and maxi-mum Rs 3400, Tomato mini-mum Rs 6500 and maximum Rs7000, Ginger (china) minimumRs 11000 and maximum Rs11500, Peas minimum Rs 11000and maximum Rs 12000, Brinjalminimum Rs 2500 and maxi-mum Rs 3000, Potato Freshminimum Rs 3000 and maxi-mum Rs 3200, Apple Kala Kullu(Pahari) minimum Rs 14000 andmaximum Rs 14500, Dates(Aseel) minimum Rs 11500 andmaximum Rs 12000, Mango(Desahri) minimum Rs 5000and maximum Rs 6500.—APP

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance, Muhammad Ishaq Dar in a meeting withUSAID delegation.

ISLAMABAD: Dr Iftikhar Ahmad, Chairman PARC presenting flowers to Dr AmirMuhammad on behalf of PARC promoted scientists.

STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—Ministry of Sci-ence and Technology (MoST) incollaboration with InternationalUnion for Conservation of Na-ture (IUCN) will set up a need-based research incubator.

The IUCN has assured co-operation and facilitation in thisregard. Besides, Pakistan andIUCN will further expand theirareas of cooperation for conser-vation of bio-diversity.

It was decided in a meetingbetween Federal Minister forScience and Technology Mr.Zahid Hamid and IUCN Re-gional Director Ms. AbanMarker Kabraji, here. TheIUCN Regional Director calledon the Federal Minister at hisoffice and discussed variousmatters of mutual interest forconservation of Nature in Paki-

Ministry to set up research incubatorstan.

Secretary MoST AkhlaqAhmad Tarar, Pakistan ScienceFoundation (PSF) ChairmanProf. Dr. Manzoor H. Soomro,IUCN Pakistan Country Repre-sentative Mr. Mahmood AkhtarCheema and Pakistan Museumof Natural History’s (PMNH)Director of Zoological SciencesDr. Muhammad Rafiq also at-tended the meeting. The matterspertaining to development ofRed List of endangered speciesin Pakistan, taping capacity ofscientists in terms of Red Listdevelopment, Balochistan Juni-per Forest Biodiversity Reserve,species management develop-ment plan, capacity building ofzoologists and botanists andPakistan’s representation inIUCN commissions etc cameunder discussion.

Ms. Kabraji pointed out that

Pakistan is very under-representedin IUCN Commissions andstressed the need for having atleast one member from Pakistanin each commission. The Minis-ter assigned this task to PMNH, asubsidiary of PSF, being focalpoint in Pakistan of UNESCO’sMan and Biosphere Programme.

The Minister asked IUCNfor assistance in Small projectslike shrimp, crab, honey andAloe Vera farming through com-munity NGOs also came underdiscussion and S&T Secretarysaid that National Institute ofOceanography will be encour-aged to do this and assist thecommunity NGOs.

The issue of mangrove for-ests cutting and increasingthreats to biodiversity from thepollution and ways and meansfor their solution were also dis-cussed.

STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—Advisor toPrime Minister on AviationShujaat Azeem said that theNational Aviation Policy (NAP)envisaging a complete revampof Pakistan’s commercial avia-tion sector would be out in 120days while the Pakistan Interna-tional Airlines (PIA) wouldmove towards privatisation inthe coming months.

In an interview, Advisor toPrime Minister on AviationShujaat Azeem said that num-ber of steps being taken to res-urrect Pakistan’s nearly col-lapsed commercial aviation sec-tor besides categorically re-sponding to criticism that hasfollowed his elevation asPakistan’s top aviation man.

STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—A four-memberdelegation comprising leadershipof Malaysia’s premier FederalLand Development Authority(FELDA) is proceeding to Paki-stan today (Friday) to exploreavenues for furthering its busi-ness and investment in Pakistan.

During the three-day visit,the delegation headed by Mr.Mohd Emir Malvani Abdullah,Group President/CEO of FeldaGlobal Ventures HoldingsBerhad, includes Dato’ KhairilAnuar Hj Aziz, Chief Operat-ing Officer (Domestic BusinessOperations) of FGV and AzmanAhmad, Group President/CEO,Felda-Johore Bulkers (FJB)Group, will hold key meetings

4-member Malaysian delegation dueto explore business opportunities

with business leaders within thegovernment and private sectors,said a press release issued today.

Felda Group, a globally-in-tegrated, diversified agro-com-modities company with opera-tions in 10 countries across fourcontinents, already has a size-able presence in Pakistan whereit is a joint venture partner withWestbury Group, Pakistan andtwo Malaysian companies KLKand IOI for the projects locatedin the Port Qasim Area Karachi.

One of the projects knownas MAPAK Qasim Bulkers(Pvt.) Limited (MQB) is in-volved in the handling and stor-age of edible oil, non-edible oiland molasses since March,1995, while the other projectknown as MAPAK Edible Oils

(Pvt.) Limited (MEO), has ledto the establishment of a state-of-the-art edible oil refinery on12 acres of land at Port Qasimin April, 2006. It is the largestedible oil refinery in the privatesector.

Before their departure, thedelegation also called on the HighCommissioner for Pakistan toMalaysia, Mr. Shahid Kiani wholauded Felda’s investment ven-tures in Pakistan and asked thegroup to consider entering intomore joint venture agreementswith other Pakistani palm oil com-panies. He also invited the delega-tion to attend Expo Pakistan 2013to be held from 26-29 September2013 at Karachi Expo Centre, toexplore business and investmentopportunities in Pakistan.

Aviation policy in 120 days: Azeem“We’ve put in a lot of planning,thinking, hard work and effortto give an overhaul to the avia-tion sector. The NAP would beout in four months, 120 days tobe specific, and the results willstart showing.”

Some major decisions,Azeem said, he took after as-suming the charge includedstreamlining the CAA flightbilling system that raised rev-enues in billions, closure of PIAoffline stations abroad (whereflights operations are not con-ducted) and installation of so-phisticated security systemsand related equipments at theairports. The advisors conver-sation included some startlingdisclosures on rampantly cor-rupt practices in the PIA andCAA, which, according to him,

inflicted financial losses to thenational kitty to the tune of bil-lions of rupees.

Regarding the much talkedabout privatisation of the PIA,Shujaat Azeem said that 35 percent of the PIA shares would besold to a potential strategic in-vestor. The privatisation pro-cess, he said, would be con-ducted in six months. Delibera-tions with several internationalcompanies are under way in thisregard, he informed.

“In my humble opinion, thegovernment can’t effectivelymanage the PIA affairs withoutprivatising it. We can’t rely onheavy bailout packages forever.We want to go for privatisationthe way PTCL (Pakistan Tele-communication Company Lim-ited) was privatised.

Pakistani workersexpress solidarity

with Indian workersSTAFF REPORTER

KARACHI—Pakistan’s tradeunion movement has expressedits solidarity with the workers’movement of Suzuki Marui inIndia and demanded the Indiangovernment to accept workers’demands and release all the ar-rested labour leaders.

In a meeting of the key tradeunion and labour leaders, con-vened by Pakistan Institute ofLabour Education and Research(PILER) at PMA House Fridayafternoon, Pakistani workersexpressed concern over thegrowing violence against work-ers in South Asian region.

Chaired by senior labourleader Noor Mohammad of PortWorkers Federation, the meet-ing was attended by Karamat Aliof PILER, Saeed Baloch of Pa-kistan Fisherfolk Forum, LateefMughal of People’s Workersunion, trade union leaders, JafferAhmed, Qazi Siraj, M. A. Warsi,Jannat Gul, Manzoor Razi,Rehana Yasmeen, Sohair Raza,Gul Rehman, Shireen Zada,Yousuf Khattak, Mohsin Razaand others.

Pakistan workers decided tohold a protest demonstration infront of Karachi Press Club andby the next week a press confer-ence would be held. The meetingalso decided to compile a bookletand get signature of the workersof all the countries of South Asia.

Briefing the meeting PILER’sKaramat Ali pointed out that theworkers of Suzuki Mauti are strug-gling for their rights since 2000. On18 July 2012, Maruti’s Manesarplant was hit by violence as work-ers at one of its auto factories startedprotest against supervisors and in afiring incident one of a companyofficial was killed.

How exercise can calm anxietyEXERCISE is known to create new

excitable neurons in theh i p p o c a m

pus, an area of the brain involvedin thinking and emotions. This wouldsuggest that exercise might induceanxiety in physically active people, but,ironically, research shows that exerciseis associated with reduced anxiety andcalmness.

The reason for theseseemingly incompatibleexercise effects was re-cently explored byPrinceton University,who appear to have re-vealed, as the New YorkTimes put it, “an eye-opening demonstrationof nature’s ingenuity.”1Exercise Creates NewExcitable Brain Cells…and Quiets Them WhenNecessary

Newly formed‘young’ neurons can beprone to easy excitement,making them quite effi-cient at inducing anxiety.Physical exercise createsexcitable new neurons inabundance, which is beneficial in thelong run, but would be expected to in-crease anxiety rates in the short term.However, a new animal study compar-ing running mice with sedentary micefound that while the exercising animals’brains ‘teemed with many new, excit-able neurons,’ they also contained newneurons designed to release a neu-rotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

GABA inhibits excessive neuronalfiring. This helps to induce a naturalstate of calm.2 Commonly prescribed

anti-anxiety drugs like Ativan, Xanax andValium actually exert a calming effect inthis same manner, by boosting the actionof GABA. Exercise appears to go one stepfurther, however, as when the mice werelater exposed to a stressful situation, thestudy found that the exercising mice, asopposed to the sedentary mice, respondedwith only an initial rush of anxiety, fol-

lowed by calm. What all ofthis suggests, one of thestudy’s authors noted:3“ … is that the hippocam-pus of runners is vastly dif-ferent from that of seden-tary animals. Not only arethere more excitatory neu-rons and more excitatorysynapses, but the inhibitoryneurons are more likely tobecome activated, presum-ably to dampen the excita-tory neurons, in response tostress.… I think it’s not a hugestretch to suggest that thehippocampi of active peoplemight be less susceptible tocertain undesirable aspectsof stress than those of sed-entary people.”

Some psychologists swear by exerciseas a primary form of treatment for depres-sion, anxiety and other mood disorders.Research has shown again and again thatpatients who follow regular exercise regi-mens see improvement in their mood —improvements comparable to that of thosetreated with medication. The results re-ally are impressive when you consider thatexercise is virtually free and can provideyou with numerous other health benefitstoo.

The benefits to your mood occurwhether the exercise is voluntary or

STAFF REPORTER

KARACHI—Aga Khan Uni-versity has been accordedthe highest rank in the disci-pline of medicine by HigherEducation Commission ofPakistan.

According to detai lsavailable here on Friday thisranking was based on a cri-teria that relied on feedbackfrom universities and inter-national rankings models.Aga Khan Universi ty -Karachi was followed byUniversity of Health Sci-ences - Lahore, DOW Uni-versity of Health Sciences-

AKU accorded highest rank in medicineKarachi, Liaquat Universityof Medical and Health Sci-ences -Jamshoro and KhyberMedical Universi ty-Peshawar.

The HEC rankings, thatalso included Lahore Univer-sity of Management Sciences(LUMS) as the highest-ranked university in the cat-egory of Business Educationand Pakistan Institute of En-gineering and Applied Sci-ence (PIEAS) EngineeringTechnology category, werebased on the implementationstatus of quality assurance,teaching quality and researchproduced at the universitiesin the year 2011-12.

For the general universi-ties category, three sub-cat-egories were made accordingto the enrollment size of uni-versities.

Universities with a stu-dent body strength of over7,000 were put in the largesub-category, universitieswhich had 3,000 to 7,000 stu-dents were put in the mediumsub-category, while universi-ties which had less than 3000students were categorized assmall.National University ofSciences Technology(NUST), Quaid-e-Azam Uni-versity, Islamabad and Uni-versity of Faisalabad wereranked highest in the large,

medium and small generaluniversities category respec-tively.

Institute of Business Ad-ministration (IBA - Karachi)closely followed LUMS inthe Business Education cat-egory.

Sukkur Institute of Busi-ness Administrat ion,SZABIST-Karachi and Insti-tute of Management Science- Peshawar were also in thelist respectively.

University of Agricul-ture - Faisalabad was de-clared best in the agricultureand veterinary sciences. Itwas followed by Pir MehrAli Shah Arid Agriculture

KARACHI—The government ofSindh has handed over S.M. Sci-ence College to its mother insti-tution-the Sindh Madressatul Is-lam University (SMIU) after 39years.

A SMIU statement here onFriday said that a notification inthis regard was issued on July 18.It said that the Sindh governmenthas mentioned that, “In pursuanceto this department’s (Educationand Literacy Department) notifi-cation of even number dated 31/8/2012 and dated 4/10/2012 andwith the approval of the compe-tent authority the merger of S.M.Government Science Collegewith Sindh Madressatul IslamUniversity Would be on the fol-lowing terms and conditions:

The SM Science College hasbeen declared as constituent part

Sindh govt hands overScience College to SMIU

of SMIU, Karachi, by merger ofthe college in the University, theSMIU shall convert the collegeinto a model college that will func-tion under the administrative con-trol of SMIU Karachi and thestaff/faculty members working inthe college are given followingoptions: Either to continue workwith the college at SMIU or re-main under the administrativecontrol of the government ofSindh (Education and LiteracyDepartment). While talking tothe senior management of SMIUafter receiving the notificationin respect of merger of S.M. Sci-ence College to SMIU, DrMuhammad Ali Shaikh, ViceChancellor SMIU said that thename of the S.M. Science Col-lege shall remain same. Simi-larly, the academic BBA, MBA

KARACHI—The city policeovernight presented two ac-cused involved in the assaultat Justice Maqbool Baqar, be-fore the media; both the mis-creants confessed their guilt.

Presented before mediaaround Sehri time, the accusedMuawia said that it was AbuBakr who pressed the buttonof remote-control in attack onJustice Maqbool Baqar, addingthe motorcycle used in the at-tack was prepared at the resi-dence of Bashir Leghari, who

Justice Maqbool attack

Two attackersconfess before media

died in the police custody dur-ing his medical treatment.

The accused Abu Bakr alsoconfirmed to have pressed thebutton remote-control.

Abu Bakr also revealed itwas decided in the meetingwith Bashir Leghari as to whowill attack, adding mobilephones were taken during themeeting.

Asif Chhotoo was alsopresent on the occasion.

They said the explosivematerial was planted in the

lights, tank and silencer of thebike.

On the occasion, DIGSouth Amir Shaikh said BashirLaghari was the mastermind ofthe attack on Justice MaqboolBaqar.

The DIG the same ganghad prepared a plan, at thehouse of Bashir Laghari, toattack MQM leader HaiderAbbas Rizvi.

Criminals also confessedto have killed a lawyer onMauripur Road—Online

KARACHI: Policemen checking people coming for prayers to Memon Mosque.

KARACHI: Porters waiting for arrival of train at Cantt Station.

University-Rawalpindi,University of VeterinaryAnimal Sciences-Lahore,The University of Agricul-ture-Peshawar and SindhAgriculture University -Tandojam.

Among the Engineer-ing and Technology cat-egory Pakistan Institute ofEngineering Applied Sci-ences (PIEAS) -Islamabad, UET- Lahore.GIKI - Topi and MehranUniversity of EngineeringTechnology - Jamshoroand Inst i tute of SpaceTechnology - Islamabadwere accorded toprankings.

Ebad for paymentof salaries to localbodies employees

,KARACHI—Sindh Governor,Dr. Ishrat- ul- Ebad Khan, hasdirected that salaries to the localbodies employees be disbursed atthe earliest.

A Governor House statementhere on Friday said that he hasinstructed the concerned officialsthat the payment of salaries tothese employees be ensured be-fore Eid- ul- Fitr.

The Governor also directedthat the on-going developmentprojects in the metropolis becompleted on time as any delaycauses inconveniences to thepeople and in addition to this thecost also enhances.

In a meeting here on Fridayhe also reviewed the progress ofthe development projects.

The meeting was also at-tended by the Additional ChiefSecretary Planning and Develop-ment, Muhammad Arif Khan,Secretary Finance Sohail Rajput,Secretary Local Government AliAhmed Lund, CommissionerKarachi, Shoaib AhmedSiddiqui, Administrator KMC,Hashim Raza Zaidi. —APP

Rs 3,69,700 finemoney collected

KARACHI—City administrationin its ongoing campaign againstprofiteers collected a fineamount worth Rs 3,69,700 from264 retailers, said a report issuedfrom Commissioner office onFriday.

During their routine visits todifferent retail markets in thecity on Thursday the concernedvigilant teams also fined two ofthe shopkeepers of edible itemsfor tampering with their weigh-ing scales and fleecing the un-assuming consumers.

Two of these scales wereconfiscated by the concernedteams.

They also fined 45 milk sell-ers, 38 fruit sellers, 104 greengrocers, one meat seller and 25chicken sellers for violating theofficially approved price lists andovercharging the buyers.—APP

and PhD courses shall be addedto the college. He further saidthat the faculty and staff mem-bers, who shall continue to workwith the college under the ad-ministrative control of SMIU,shall be given additional onegrade. “The SMIU shall put itsall efforts to bring the S.M. Sci-ence College to a level of oneof the best model colleges of thecountry,” Dr Shaikh said.

He thanked to governmentof Sindh by giving S.M. ScienceCollege back to SMIU.

He informed the SMIUmanagement that the S.M. Sci-ence College is situated in threeold hostel buildings of SindhMadressah-Hassanally House(built in 1909), Khairpur House(built in 1912) and Sardar House(built in 1919).—APP

IRFAN ALIGI

KARACHI—Karachi Metropoli-tan Corporation (KMC) Admin-istrator Syed Hashim Raza Zaiditendered an unconditional apol-ogy before the Supreme Court ofPakistan (SCP) at the Karachiregistry over which the apexcourt had suspended the non-bail-able warrants for the arrest ofZaidi and former KMC Admin-istrator Muhammad HussainSyed.

The apology was tenderedbefore the apex court for failingto appear before the court as re-gards to a case of illegal construc-tion in Baloch Park and the apexcourt had ordered the KMC’s ex-isting and former Administratorsto appear before the apex court.

The hearing on illegal con-struction in Baloch Park wasmade at the SCP Karachi Regis-try under the aegis of a three-member bench comprising Jus-tice Anwar Zaheer Jamali, Jus-tice Khilji Arif Hussain and Jus-tice Ameer Haani Muslim.

The apex court had orderedfor immediate removal of illegalconstruction and encroachmentsinside the Baloch Park and alsoordered the KMC Administratorto submit detailed report onBaloch Park in week time. TheKMC Administrator had in hisapology shifted the debris overto the shoulders of lower staff-ers as he said that the lower staff-ers had not passed on the court’sorder for appearing before thecourt due to which he failed tocomply to the court’s directives.

On the other hand, formerKMC Administrator also in-formed the bench that he did notreceive the court’s orders for ap-pearing before the court due towhich he also failed to complyto the court’s directives.

It is pertinent to mention thatthe applicant Jawwad Haider ad-vocate had filed a petition in theSCP Karachi Registry whereinthe applicant had raised the is-sue of illegal construction insidethe premise of Baloch Park lo-cated in Saddar.

Zaidi tenders apology toSC in Baloch Park case

73m people needhumanitarian helpKARACHI—Seventy-three mil-lion people around the worldneed humanitarian assistancethis year, said a report issued byUN agency for HumanitarianAffairs and Emergency Relief.

The amount required to helpthese 73 million people isUS$13 billion, that is an extra $8.6 billion to raise by the end ofthe year.

Millions of people were saidto be in desperate need and thiswas with specific reference toCentral African Republic, Niger,Afghanistan, Sudan, the Demo-cratic Republic of Congo,Yemen and Chad, among manyothers.

The assistance is needed tohelp feeding families, treatingmalnourished children, and get-ting safe drinking water andother essential supplies.

While the situation was re-ported to had become muchworse in some countries, the re-view also shows that the scaleand severity of needs in others,such as Kenya, South Sudan andMauritania have eased a little,so funding plans have also beenrevised accordingly.—APP

‘PPP govt convertsLyari into Beirut’

STAFF REPORTER

KARACHI—Jamaat-e Islami (JI)Karachi Chief MuhammadHussain Mahenti has said that theprevious government of PakistanPeople’s Party (PPP) has con-verted the Lyari into Beirut.

He expressed these viewsduring his visit to different areasof Lyari here on Thursday. JI Gen-eral Secretary Naseem Siddiqui,Naib Ameers Nasrullah Shajih,Raja Arif Sultan, Secretary Infor-mation Zahid Askari, Ameer JIDistrict South Abdul WahidShaikh and others accompaniedthe JI Karachi Chief.

During his visit, Mahenti metwith the members of businesscommunity, traders and the fam-ily members of those who losttheir lives in firing incidents in thearea. JI Karachi Chief distributedrelief goods and cash among thebereaved families.

Mahenti said that the PPPgovernment has just providedlawlessness and killings to theLyariites and always remain on lipservice in order to restore peacein the area.

He regretted that the presentprovincial government has not yetany step towards the restorationof peace in Lyari and the deterio-rated law and order situation inLyari compel their residents tomigrate from their home town. Onthe occasion, Mahenti expressedhis sympathy and solidarity withthe bereaved family members andassured his full support to them.

KARACHI: Senior Provincial Minister Nisar Ahmed Khuhro sitting during a seminar on Women’s Education organised by South Asian Women in Mediain connection with Malala Day at Karachi Press Club.

How exercise can calm anxiety

LAHORE: A man spraying onthe plants near the tomb of Dani Anga.

EXERCISE is known to create newexcitable neurons in the hippocampus, an area of the brain involved

in thinking and emotions. This wouldsuggest that exercise might induce anxi-ety in physically active people, but, ironi-cally, research shows that exercise is as-sociated with reduced anxiety and calm-ness.

The reason for theseseemingly incompatibleexercise effects was re-cently explored byPrinceton University,who appear to have re-vealed, as the New YorkTimes put it, “an eye-opening demonstration ofn a t u r e ’ singenuity.”1Exercise Cre-ates New Excitable BrainCells… and Quiets ThemWhen Necessary

Newly formed‘young’ neurons can beprone to easy excitement,making them quite effi-cient at inducing anxiety.Physical exercise createsexcitable new neurons inabundance, which is ben-eficial in the long run, but would be ex-pected to increase anxiety rates in theshort term.

However, a new animal study com-paring running mice with sedentary micefound that while the exercising animals’brains ‘teemed with many new, excitableneurons,’ they also contained new neu-rons designed to release a neurotrans-mitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA). GABA inhibits excessive neu-ronal firing.

This helps to induce a natural stateof calm.2 Commonly prescribed anti-anxi-

ety drugs like Ativan, Xanax and Valiumactually exert a calming effect in thissame manner, by boosting the action ofGABA.

Exercise appears to go one step fur-ther, however, as when the mice werelater exposed to a stressful situation, thestudy found that the exercising mice, asopposed to the sedentary mice, re-

sponded with only an ini-tial rush of anxiety, fol-lowed by calm. What all ofthis suggests, one of thestudy’s authors noted:3“ … is that the hippocam-pus of runners is vastlydifferent from that of sed-entary animals. Not onlyare there more excitatoryneurons and more excita-tory synapses, but the in-hibitory neurons are morelikely to become activated,presumably to dampen theexcitatory neurons, in re-sponse to stress.… I think it’s not a hugestretch to suggest that thehippocampi of activepeople might be less sus-ceptible to certain undesir-

able aspects of stress than those of sed-entary people.”

Some psychologists swear by exer-cise as a primary form of treatment fordepression, anxiety and other mood dis-orders. Research has shown again andagain that patients who follow regularexercise regimens see improvement intheir mood — improvements comparableto that of those treated with medication. The results really are impressive whenyou consider that exercise is virtuallyfree and can provide you with numer-ous other health benefits too.

LAHORE: Women praying after offering Friday prayers at Badshahi Masjid.

Gas, powerthieves being

hookedSTAFF REPORTER

LAHORE—On the instruc-tion of the Chief MinisterPunjab Muhammad ShahbazSharif, crackdown against theelements involved in gas andpower theft is continuingvigorously.

Special team of Sui gasconducted raids in variousareas of Lahore, Multanand Sheikhupura andsealed 12 factories for gastheft while cases have beenregistered against them inthe concerned police sta-tions.

This was informed bySenior General Manager (Dis-trict South) Sui Northern GasPipelines, Ltd. He told thatIrfan Steel R-R Mills, ImranNimko, Golden Nimko, Do-mestic Network, Ch. FaqirHussain Ceramic Factory,Hameed Water Heating Fac-tory and Malik Chand WaterHeating Factory of Lahorehave been found involved ingas theft. These factorieswere getting gas directly fromthe main line.

The raiding teams havesealed these factories whilecases have been registeredagainst the owners. Similarly,persons namely Afzal andTariq of Sheikhupura besidesa woman Waheeda Rani andMaqsood Ahmed of Multanwere found using domesticconnections for commercialpurposes.

SALIM AHMED

LAHORE—Advisor to PunjabChief Minister on ProsecutionRana Maqbool Ahmad has saidthat in order to provide speedyjustice to citizens, an outstand-ing coordination should existamong police, prosecutors andjudicial officers.

He said that officers shoulddevote themselves to the pro-vision of timely justice. Thegoodwill of government andthe system lies in fairness andefficiency of its officers.

Rana Maqbool Ahmed said

Coordination among police,prosecutors, judicial officers essential

this while addressing a highlevel meeting related to provid-ing timely justice to citizens,here today.

The advisor said, thepresent government was com-mitted to the policy of provid-ing ease to the deserving. Heelaborated the benefits of hisrecent visits to Rawalpindi,Multan, Sahiwal, Bahawalpurand Gujranwala divisionswhere he met senior officials tosensitize them regarding effi-cient process of justice.

He said that SHO’s andpublic prosecutors should be

in liaison to investigate thematter and take the case to itslogical conclusion in due time.Public prosecutors and Policeofficers should have weeklymeetings to overcome the faultyprocedures faced during the tri-als, the advisor added.

Advisor to Chief MinisterPunjab added that no criminalshould be set free and it’s theresponsibility of the publicprosecutor to squeeze the traparound criminals. Governmentwill give award and apprecia-tion certificates to the honestand devoted officers, he added.

MUZAFFAR ALI

LAHORE—Lahore High Courthas sent a reference to PunjabBar Council (PBC) for initiatingaction against four advocateson account of misconduct.

Senior Civil Judge, Lahore,Ch. Farrukh Hussain, has senta complaint against the advo-cates for creating a scene in hiscourt. On 15.07.2013 SyedJawad Raza, Sh. MuhammadNadeem Anjum, Fayyaz Ali Buttand Malik Javed Sabir advo-cates appeared before him andwithout any reason SyedJawad Raza advocate startedshouting why did he pass or-der against them ? They wereasked to maintain decorum ofthe court but Syed Jawad Razaadvocate started abusing him,used filthy and uncivilized lan-guage, extended threats andsaid that he would teach a les-son to the judge.

As per complaint, the ad-

LHC asks PBC to take actionagainst four advocates

vocate also used uncivilizedlanguage against the worthyDistrict & Sessions Judge andthe Lahore High Court. Afterthat he alongwith Sh.Muhammad Nadeem and MalikJaved Sabir assaulted and usedcriminal force against SeniorCivil Judge.

They caused damage to thepublic property. They alsoabused his father, forefathersand stated that no court coulddare to pass any order againstthem.

The act of Syed Jawad Razaadvocate alongwith others isagainst the law and amountsto misconduct for abusing, us-ing filthy and contemptuouslanguage which created senseof insecurity and fear in the liti-gants present in the court, thecomplaint adds.

According to details, a pe-

tition titled Muhammad ShafiqHanif Vs. Ruby Hayat AwanAdvocate was filed in the courtof Mr. Saqib Farooq Awan,Guardian Judge-III.

Due to exchange of harshwords on the side of the respon-dent Ruby Hayat Awan Advo-cate, Judge sent the file to Dis-trict & Sessions Judge whichwas entrusted to Mr. AmirShahzad, Guardian Judge-IV.Respondent filed a transfer ap-plication before District & Ses-sions Judge and consequentlythe case was withdrawn fromthe court of Mr. Amir Shahzadand entrusted to the court ofGuardian Judge-I. GuardianJudge-I sent the file to District& Sessions Judge for transferof the same to another court,therefore, the case was en-trusted to the court of SeniorCivil Judge.

STAFF REPORTER

LAHORE—The PharmacyCouncil of Pakistan has recog-nized the Doctor of Pharmacy(Pharm-D) morning & eveningprograms of the University ofVeterinary and Animal SciencesLahore. Earlier a team of thePharmacy Council had visitedthe Institute of PharmaceuticalSciences (IPS) of the UVAS, in-spected the facilities availablefor the Pharm-D program andsubmitted a report to the coun-cil.

In a letter to the UVAS’sInstitute of the PharmaceuticalSciences Director Dr FarzanaChowdhary, Pharmacy Councilof Pakistan SecretaryNaziruddin Ahsan said that theCouncil at a meeting discussedthe inspection team report on

Karachi peacevital for stronger

PakistanLAHORE—PML-N leaderson Friday said the govern-ment was making sincere ef-forts to establish peace inKarachi.

“Peace in the City ofLights is imperative for aneconomically stable Paki-stan,” they said while talkingto a group of reporters today.

PML-N leadersMohammad Mehdi and TariqGill said the situation inKarachi was adversely affect-ing the national economy be-sides hindering foreign invest-ment. They said the PML-Nleadership was extending com-plete cooperation to the pro-vincial government in bringingnormalcy to Karachi.

They urged other politi-cal parties to come forwardand contribute to the effortsof the government for peace.

The PML-N leaders saidthe country was passingthrough a critical phase of itshistory as suicide bomb attackshad scared away both local andforeign investors.—APP

LDA to deserveone weekly off

LAHORE—The administra-tion of Lahore DevelopmentAuthority has decided togrant only one weekly off toits employees in all director-ates with immediate effect.

According to LDA officesources, LDA staff will observesix-day working week and di-rectorates of housing wing,headquarter wing, chief metro-politan planning wing, chieftown planning wing and onewindow operation cell will workfrom Monday to Saturday dur-ing 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. —APP

STAFF REPORTER

LAHORE—Punjab ChiefMinister MuhammadShahbaz Sharif has said that344 Ramazan bazaars and1,328 Dasterkhawan havebeen set in the province un-der Ramazan Package.

While fair price shops arealso operating for the provi-sion of essential items to thepeople at cheaper rate.

“No effort will be sparedfor providing relief to themasses through the RamazanPackage of Rs 3.5 billion,” headded.

He stated this while pre-siding over a meeting of cabi-net committee on RamazanPackage.

The Chief Minister said,no compromise would bemade on quality of fruits,vegetables and essentialcommodities in Ramazan ba-zaars and provision of goodquality daily use items to thepeople at cheaper rate will beensured.

He directed provincialministers and secretaries tovisit Ramazan bazaars for on

Ramazan bazaars providerelief to masses: Shahbaz

the spot checking of the situ-ation and a regular reportabout their visit be presented.

He further directed thatflour bags be made availableat fixed rates in Ramazan ba-zaars and open market andincrease of even a singlepenny will not be allowed inthe price of flour.

He directed cabinet com-mittee and district administra-tion to take all necessarymeasures for maintaining theprice of flour at the presentlevel and negotiationsshould also be held with flourmill owners for this purpose.

The Chief Minister fur-ther directed that floursamples from 50 Ramazanbazaars should be analyzedat the forensic lab for judg-ing their quality. He said,necessary steps should betaken for further improvingarrangements especiallysanitary conditions inRamazan bazaars and itshould be ensured thatpeople do not have to faceany problem.

He said, Commissionerand District Coordination

Officers making excellent ar-rangements in Ramazan ba-zaars would be encouragedwhile action will be takenagainst those showing poorperformance.x Meanwhile,Punjab Chief MinisterMuhammad Shahbaz Sharifon Friday given approval tothe draft proposals of newlocal bodies system at a highlevel meeting held here.

Special attention hasbeen paid to transparencyand solution of people’sproblems at their doorstepunder the new system.

Provincial Minister forLocal Government and LawRana Sanaullah Khan shedlight on the salient featuresof the draft of Punjab LocalGovernment Bill 2013.

Addressing the meeting,the Chief Minister said, thegovernment wanted to holdlocal bodies elections assoon as possible and there-fore, given approval to thedraft proposals of PunjabLocal Government Bill, whichwill now be presented beforethe standing committee ofPunjab Assembly.

LAHORE: A woman buying jewellery items from a stall at a local market.

He said, new local bod-ies system will be helpful inresolving people’s problemsat their doorstep. He said,transparency has been giventop priority in the new localbodies system.

The Chief Minister said,separate authorities will beestablished for educationand health sectors while rec-onciliation councils will beformed for resolving disputesat the lower level in the cit-ies.

He said, there was also aproposal to introduce‘Punchayat’ system in vil-lages. Similarly, he said, a pro-posal was under consider-ation to introduce the systemof municipal police in cities.

The Chief Minister said,local government systemwas essential for solution ofpeople’s problems at the lo-cal level however, side byside with authority, a checkand balance system was alsonecessary. He directed, thedraft proposals of the newlocal government systemshould be discussed in de-tail in the Punjab Assembly.

the IPS and decided to recog-nize the Pharm-D Program of theUVAS. “Kindly accept my fe-licitation on this recognition,which became possible with theefforts rendered by you andyour colleagues in the Instituteof Pharmaceutical Science,” theCouncil secretary wrote to theIPS director.

The IPS has an indepen-dent double-storey building tohouse multimedia fitted spe-cious lecture rooms, laborato-ries, an independent library,and is also sharing laboratoriesand other teaching facilities ofother departments of the UVAS.

It may be mentioned thatthe UVAS had started thePharm-D program after the Phar-macy Council of Pakistan hadgranted NoC for launching thisdegree program.

Pharmacy Council recognizesUVAS Pharm-D program

LHC noticesdelay in

family caseLAHORE—The Lahore HighCourt Friday took notice ofnews published in a sectionof press that a family matterof a woman has been pend-ing in a guardian court formore than four years.

District & SessionsJudge, Lahore, has been di-rected to look into the matterand submit a report withinthree days.

According to details,Komal Mughal’s case forseeking custody of 9 and 5year-old daughters, recoveryof dowry articles and main-tenance suit have not beendecided so far.

She has got a decree ofdissolution of marriage from afamily court in 2008. Her formerhusband Kashif Bhutta moveda petition in 2009 for perma-nent custody of minor girls,Mirrat Kashif and MahaKashif. The court granted in-terim custody to the woman.Now her former husband hassettled in Canada. So, he vol-untarily surrendered his rightof visitation to his daughters.He comes to Pakistan once ayear during summer vacationand gets custody of the mi-nors for at least 15 days. Thisyear, Kashif Bhutta, again gotcustody of the minors and re-moved them out of jurisdictionof guardian court to his nativecity, Sialkot.

Komal also approachedthe family court in 2010 for therecovery of dowry articles andmaintenance. Komal had ap-pealed to Chief Justice ofLahore High Court Umar AtaBandial to issue special direc-tions for quick disposal of fam-ily and guardian cases.—APP

Six dacoitsarrested

LAHORE—Crime Investiga-tion Agency (CIA) police Fri-day claimed to have arrestedsix dacoits and recoveredlooted cash and illicit weaponsfrom them.

According to police, a spe-cial team of CIA cantonmentnorth division Police arrestedsix bandits and recoveredlooted cash Rs 688,000, prizebonds worth Rs 10,000, cellphones and illicit weapons fromthem. Kahna police arrestedtwo accused of a gang and re-covered looted property worthmillion besides illegal weaponsfrom their possession.

The SP Model Town con-stituted a special police underthe supervision of the SHOKahna which arrested Nabeel,a ring leader of Joori dacoitgang and his accompliceUmair.—APP