E-Paper November 06, 2012

Continued on Page 7 Continued on Page 7

MQM referendum loaded withall kinds of eventualities

The referendum calledb y

M Q Mon Thurs-d a y

( N o v8) through-out thec o u n t r y ,seems a cal-c u l a t e dstep andthough it is risky in nature,it can cut both ways. MQM

insiders report they will notbe cowed down by Talibanthreat to foment trouble onthe day. Simultaneously,however, the kind of philoso-phies members of the Tehrik-i-Taliban , Pakistan (TTP)propound, and the methodsthey use for executing theirplans, tends to chill the bloodin veins.

The TTP are different inattitude and approach to the realTaliban in Afghanistan, MullahOmar’s followers. While theformer is filled with killer in-stinct, their counterparts in Af-

ghanistan have time and againopposed bomb blasts and kill-ing of innocent people. But a dif-ference of that kind should beno solace for those in Karachi,Sindh, or the rest of the country.Pakistanis had already beenthrough a bloody game, reasonsfor which could vary frompeople to people and place toplace. None can, nevertheless,deny that TTP has been on areckless road. Their latest state-ment from official spokesman ofthe group Ihsanullah Ihsan thatTTP will take on MQM andeven appealed to extremist ele-

ments of the nationalist par-ties, namely the Sindh Lib-eration Army, and theBalochistan LiberationArmy, to oppose the MQMreferendum on a questiondirectly linked to country’salvation as an independentstate. The PakistaniTaliban, so quick to admitthe bloody attacks any-where in Pakistan, causedshock and dismay by go-ing to the extent of elimi-nating Swati teen age girlMalala Yusufzai if she sur-Continued on Page 7

Continued on Page 7

CommentSalahuddin Haider

No individual or institution alonecan decide national interest: Kayani

STAFF REPORTER

RAWALPINDI—Army Chief General Ashfaq PervezKayani on Monday said that any effort to create a di-vide between the people and Armed Forces under-mines Pakistan’s larger national interest.

“The Armed Forces draw their strength from thebedrock of the public support. National security ismeaningless without it. Therefore, any effort whichwittingly or unwittingly draws a wedge between thepeople and Armed Forces of Pakistan undermines thelarger national interest,” said the military chief ac-cording to a press release by the army’s PR wing, theInter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

“While constructive criticism is well understood,conspiracy theories based on rumours which create

CJ: SC bound to upholdconstitution’s supremacy

STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—Chief JusticeIftikhar Muhamamd Chaudharyhas stated that as a guardian andprotector of the Constitution ofPakistan, a heavy responsibil-ity lies upon the judges of theSupreme Court to uphold thecanons of constitutional pre-dominance and its supremacyover all other institutions andauthorities.

“Gone are the days whenstability and security of thecountry was defined in terms ofnumber of missiles and tanks asa manifestation of hard poweravailable at the disposal of theState,” the Chief Justice saidwhile addressing the participantsof the seventh managementcourse here.

He said today, the conceptof national security has been re-defined as a polity wherein aState is bound to provide its citi-

zens with overwhelming, so-cial security and welfare netsand to protect their naturaland civil rights at all costs.The Chief Justice stressed

that a well-trained and highspirited bureaucracy wasneeded to run the state insti-tutions besides tackling the

Continued on Page 7

‘Nation passingthrough defining phase’

PM: Misuse of freedom ofexpression also extremism

Calls to shun hate mongering in religionVIENTIANE—Prime MinisterRaja Pervaiz Ashraf Mondaysaid that misuse of freedom ofexpression was a sort of extrem-ism and urged that this shouldbe discouraged.

Addressing Asia EuropeMeeting Summit (ASEM-9)here, the prime minister said thatthe inter-religion harmonyshould be promoted shunninghate mongering in religion. Hesaid that Pakistan has givengreat sacrifices in war againstterror, which need be accepted.

“As we move ahead, newchallenges are emerging, dis-

turbing peace and harmony,’ hesaid, adding that it is importantthat all religions and faiths andtheir followers are accorded therespect they deserve.

He said it is most unfortu-nate that misusing the freedomof expression, some individualshave tried to trespass the thresh-old of decency and in the pro-cess sought to cause misunder-standing between the followersof various religions. Ashraf saidthis trend would be seen as an-

Pak, US discuss ongoingdevelopments in region

Clashes amongAfghan, PakistaniTaliban, 4 killed

KABUL—Armed clashesamong the Afghan and PakistaniTaliban militants left at least fourpeople dead in Ghazni province, according to local authoritiesin eastern Ghazni province ofAfghanistan,.

Provincial governor MosaKhan Akbarzada confirming thereport said the incident took

Kaira hailsKayani’s statementISLAMABAD—InformationMinister Qamar Zaman Kairaon Monday praised thestatement of army Chief

General Ashfaq PervezKayani, media reported.

Speaking to media afterSaarc Youth Conference, theminister said that the armychief’s statement was fine buthe would not further comment.

He said that process oftalks between Pakistan andIndia had begun and it wasproceeding forward in apositive manner.

Earlier, addressing theconference, he said thatdisputes between both thecountries had gripped South

LIAQAT TOOR

ISLAMABAD—Reaffirming hisgovernment’s commitment towork with Pakistan for peace andstability in the region, the newUS Ambassador Richard Olsonsaid Washington wants to achieveshared objectives.

He stated this during hiscourtesy call on Foreign Minis-

ter Hina Rabbani Khar on Mon-day in the Ministry of ForeignAffairs.

He also appreciatedPakistan’s sacrifices in the fightagainst terrorism. He briefed theForeign Minister on the upcom-ing working group meetings inthe coming months on economyand finance, energy, defence andwater issues. Hina Rabbani Khar

welcomed the Ambassador andunderscored the importance ofPakistan’s relations with US interms of strategic partnershipapproaches. She expressed thehope that during his tenure thesewould be further strengthenedand the positive trajectory will bemaintained. She further under-lined the need to continue to fo-

Pak win Asia CupKabaddi titleSPORTS REPORTER

LAHORE—Pakistan becamethe Asia Cup kabaddi champi-

onsdefeatingIndia in thefinal here atthe PunjabStadium onMonday.

Pakistan were declared thewinners when the Indian teamwalked out of the ground in

Continued on Page 7

VIENTIANE—Prime MinisterRaja Pervez Ashraf and his Rus-

sian counterpart DmitryMedvedev held a meeting in

Continued on Page 7

doubts about the very intent, are unacceptable.” Speak-ing to officers at the Army’s General Headquarters(GHQ) in the garrison town of Rawalpindi, Kayanisaid that the country’s national interest could emergeonly through a consensus between the people and in- Continued on Page 7

stitutions. “No individual or institution has the mo-nopoly to decide what is right or wrong in definingthe ultimate national interest,” said the military chiefaccording to a press release by the army’s PR wing,the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

“It [National interest] should emerge only througha consensus, and all Pakistanis have a right to expresstheir opinions. The constitution provides a clearmechanism for it.”

“As a nation, we are passing through a definingphase. We are critically looking at the mistakes madein the past and trying to set the course for a betterfuture,” said the Army chief.

He added: “While individual mistakes might havebeen made by all of us in the country, these should bebest left to the due process of law.

Kayani added that, while individual mistakes mayhave been made in the past, that no one is guilty untilproven otherwise.

“Let us not pre judgeanyone, be it a civilian or

Raja meetsRussian counterpart

Continued on Page 7

Picture on Back Page

Continued on Page 7

Arrest warrantsissued against RindISLAMABAD—Hours after Su-preme Court granted bail in kid-napping case to BalochistanAssembly’s Opposition LeaderYar Muhammad Rind, his arrestwarrants were issued in eightother cases on Monday.

Prosecution officials ofBalochistan government handedover arrest warrants to police sta-tion in Islamabad.

Balochistan government ac-cused that Yar Muhammad Rind

Continued on Page 7

ALI SYED

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan which isthe electric power gasping coun-try has the potential of hydro gen-eration of 59796 MW which canbe attainable, reveals the latestpresentation of Private PowerInfrastructure Board (PPIB) ofwhich the copy is available withPakistan Observer.

The PPIB came up with the

said presentation in the commit-tee of Senate on Water and Powersaying that the country is rich ofthe hydro generation out of whichKhyber Pakhtunkhuwa has thepotential of 24736 MW, Gilgit-Baltistan 21125 MW, Punjab7291 MW, Azad Jammu andKashmir 6450 MW and Sindh193 MW. However, 14 hydro-power projects are currently be-

Pakistan can generate59,796MW hydropower

OUR CORRESPONDENT

QUETTA—UNHCR in Paki-stan has enhanced returnpackage for the registeredAfghan refugees aimed at fa-cilitate maximum number offamilies living in camps andurban settlements across thecountry. In addition to theamount of $ 150, the refugeeshave started receiving en-hanced package as two refu-gee families have returnedhome town today Mondayfrom Voluntary RepatriationCenter (VRC) Baleli, said

UNHCR Balochistan chapterofficial Javeria Tareen, addingsince January, 2012 to till dateUNHCR helped as many as15532 individuals of 3179 fami-lies for their return to Afghani-stan from Balochistan.

She noted that each Af-ghan refugee family, holdingProof of Registration (POR)cards, voluntarily returningfrom Pakistan to Afghanistanduring the months of Novem-ber and December 2012 hasbeen offered an enhanced re-turn package by UNHCR Pa-kistan. The package includes

non-food items (jerry cans,heavy duty plastic buckets,soap, mosquito nets, sleepingmats, thermal fleece blankets,kitchen set, plastic tarpaulins,quilts and sanitary cloth) andfree transportation from theVoluntary Repatriation Centre(VRC) to the EncashmentCentres in Afghanistan. Asmany as 559,785 Afghan refu-gees returned from Balochistansince 2002, she said while giv-ing the details about the num-ber of refugees returned home-towns during the repatriationoperation since 2012.

STAFF REPORTER

PESHAWAR—Young DoctorAssociation (YDA) KhyberPakhtunkhwa has threatenedfor a province-wide protestif the government refusedaccepting implementation oftheir proposed Service Struc-ture that ensures timely pro-motions to the upper grades.

The YDA Chairman DrMalik Faisal Iftikhar told apress conference at PressClub on Monday that a pro-posed Service Structuredrafted with the consensus ofyoung doctors in Lahore hasbeen forwarded to the provin-cial government for approvalbut there was no positive re-sponse in this regard.

“If the health departmenttried to implement any otherrules regarding our servicestructure we will go on astrong protest and responsi-bility will rest with the gov-ernment,” he threatened. He

further said that the govern-ment had increased their sala-ries but they want promo-tions on merit. He said that adelegation of his associationwould depart for Lahore toexpress their solidarity withtheir colleagues regardingimplementation of the servicestructure.

Dr Iftikhar accused Deanof Post Graduate Medical In-stitute of dropping medicalcandidates from selection oftheir specialization, who headded detaining medical stu-dents to select their favoritefields. “We give him lastwarning to avoid such thingswhich creates uncertaintyamong the young doctors,”he added.

He called for the earlyand safe recovery of kid-naped doctor Aziz and de-manded of the government toprovide security to the doc-tors in such deteriorating lawand order situation.

Several held insearch operation

STAFF REPORTER

PESHAWAR—Security forcesdetained several suspects asit continued search operationagainst law violators anddrugs traffickers in differentlocalities of the city on Mon-day. According to details, thesecurity forces conductedsearch operation againstcriminals in Bara Sheikhanarea and adjoining areas ofPeshawar.

During search operationthe security forces checkedthe Computerized NationalIdentity Cards (CNICs) of thedwellers of the area and otherdocuments. The law enforce-ment personnel to stop thepossible escape of miscre-ants seized the area and edu-cation institutions in the areaalso remained closed on theoccasion. The securityforces during operation tookseveral suspects into cus-tody who failed to clarify theiridentity and registering acase against them started theinvestigations.

School securityguard shot dead

OUR CORRESPONDENT

SWAT—Unknown armed menshot dead security guard ofprivate school here on Mon-day. According to police, thefiring incident took place inMohallah Sunehri of Swatwhere unidentified gunmenshot at and killed a securityguard of private school whowas returning back to homeafter performing duty.

The dead body wasshifted to Saidu Sharif Hos-pital for medico legal require-ments. The police registereda case unknown murderersand started search for them.

MA affectedschools

rehabilitatedSTAFF REPORTER

PESHAWAR—The PoliticalAdministration of Mohmandagency has rehabilitated andequipped two affected gov-ernment schools in TajMuhammad and Sagi Balavillages to restore the brokeneducation process and pro-vide better learning environ-ment to the students. Ac-cording to official sourceshere on Sunday, the agencyadministration has also re-constructed a link road inSahib Khan Kor village inPendiali Tehsil to providebetter transportation facili-ties to the masses. Theseschools were badly damageddue to militancy.

The political administra-tions initiated the scheme torebuilt, rehabilitate and equipthese schools to restore theeducation process. Under thescheme Government PrimarySchool (GPS), village TajMohammad has been rehabili-tated by constructed two classrooms, two washrooms, 27-meter long boundary wall andthe main gate of the school.The school has also been pro-vided with black boards andsteel cupboards and other nec-essary furniture as well.

Conference toevaluate POF

performance heldSTAFF REPORT

WAH CANTT—To evaluateperformance of POF for theyear 2011-12 and first quarterof the year 2013 and toanalyse development projectsin an effective way POFannual conference was heldat BOB auditorium Chaired byPOF Board Chairman theconference was participatedby a large number of staffers.After the recitation from holyQuran, POF Board Memberspresented the analysis of cur-rent situation of the provisionof raw material and saving infield of energy while variousheads of factories presentedcomplete analysis of the per-formance of their factories andprogress of on going projects.

While summing up theproceeding of conference,Chairman POF Board said thatthe capable workforce of POFshould focus on reduction ofthe cost of products and im-prove its standard so that POFcould earn foreign exchangeand might stand on its ownfeet in the years to come.

Proprietary rightsdocuments

grantedBASHIR AHMAD RAHMANI

HAFIZABAD—Chief Minister ofthe Punjab, Mian ShahbazSharif has proved that he was“Khadam” and peoplefriendlyleader to provide proprietaryrights to ancestral tenants in theprovince and four lakh ances-tral tenants would get owner-ship rights by the bounty of thispolicy. These views were ex-pressed by MNA and Chairper-son Education Task Force,Punjab, Saira Afzal Tarar whileaddressing proprietary rightsdocuments distributing cer-emony.

Proprietary rights docu-ments were distributed among328 ancestral tenants of TehsilHafizabad at District complexHafizabad Monday. She saidthat under the leadership ofMian Shahbaz Sharif a newculture of rule of law and pro-poor was promoted in the prov-ince where son in law of theChief Minister had to face theprocedure of the court on vio-lating the law which is a clearexample of the rule of law. Shesaid that provincial govern-ment had completed recorddevelopment schemes in thePunjab, first time in the 65 yearshistory of country during lastfour year for the welfare of themasses. Saira said that presentprovincial government wasensuring provision of people’srights at their doorsteps with-out any recommendation. Sheclaimed that present provincialgovernment was committed tocurb corruption from thePunjab.

BZU studentsprotest awards

mistakesMULTAN—Students of theBahauddin Zakariya Univer-sity (BZU) on Monday pro-tested against the alleged ir-regularities in their resultsand also had fistfights withthe teachers at the campus.According to the sources,students of MA EducationDepartment alleged that 40papers of the fourth semes-ter were missing and they arenot being allowed to take theexams for the fifth semester.

The students of the var-sity gathered at their respec-tive department to stage aprotest and chanted slogansagainst the administration.When they were intervenedto quit the demonstration, ascuffle was witnessed be-tween the students and thefaculty members. On theother hand, Chairman of Edu-cation Department FarooqMashhadi told that none ofthe student was barred totake the exam.—INP

Demands acceptance

Young doctors threatenprovince-wide strike

UNHCR raises Afghanrefugees return package

MULTAN: Young girls toying with clay at Vehari Road.

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, flanked by notables of tribal Jiga,addressing a Press Conference.

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Me-teorological Department(PMD) on Monday forecastlight rain at few places ofMalakand, Hazara divisions,Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistanduring the next 24 hours.According to met office Syn-optic Situation/Outlook atrough of shallow westerlywave is affecting northernparts of the country & likelyto persist during 12-18 hours.

Mainly dry weather is ex-pected in most parts ofPunjab during next 24 hours.Dry weather is also expectedin most parts of the KhyberPakhtunkhwa, however lightrain/thunderstorm would oc-cur at a few places ofMalakand and Hazara divi-sions during the next 24hours. In Sindh andBalochistan, met office fore-cast mainly dry weather inmost parts of the provincesduring next 24 hours.

Mostly partly cloudyweather is expected withchances of light rain/thun-derstorm at few places ofKashmir during next 24hours. Karachi: Fair/partlyweather with misty morningis likely in Karachi on Tues-day, said the Meteorologicaldepartment forecast here onMonday. According to Metoffice’s weather report, theminimum temperature is ex-pected to remain in the rangeof 18 to 20 degrees centi-grade. Mainly cool/cold and

dry weather is likely to pre-vail in Balochistan while dryweather expected in Sindh,said weather forecast said.

The Multan Met. officehas forecast dry weather forMultan and its suburbs dur-ing the next 24 hours. OnMonday, the maximum andminimum temperature wasrecorded as 31 degreescelsius and 16 degrees

celsius, respectively. Thehumidity was recorded as 85per cent at 8 am and 45 percent 5 pm.

With the advent of harshwinter, a large number of citi-zens are witnessed crowdingLunda Bazaars to purchasewoolies and warm secondhand clothes. “Thanks to theLunda Bazars, poor peoplecan buy imported second-hand clothing on reasonablequality to mitigate the hard-ships of winter. All kinds ofwears and accessories in-cluding gloves, woolenhats, mufflers,pullovers,sweater-shirts andjackets are seen hanging infront of shops and stalls ofweekly bazaars attractingthe customers.—APP

Met forecastsupcountry rain

STAFF REPORTER

P E S H A W A R — K h y b e rPakthunkhwa Minister forInformation, Public Rela-tions and Inter-ProvincialCoordination, Mian IftikharHussain clarified Sunday theissue of Kalabagh dam hasbeen buried forever aftermajority of the provinces areagainst it. “The issue ofKalabagh dam has not takenup again by any politicalparty or an elected peoples’assembly and majority of theprovinces are against it.This issue has buried for-ever,” he said while talkingto media in Haripur districtat the residence of HigherEducation Minister KhyberPakthunkhwa Qazi Asad.

He said if any institutionor non political force hadtried to keep it alive again

would tantamount to hurt thenational unity and integra-tion. He said we highly re-spect the judiciary but tak-

ing up the Kalabagh dam is-sue might have harmed na-tional unity and integration.The KP Government spokes-man said ANP doors for anelectoral alliance with politi-cal parties are open but anydecision or speculation atthis stage would be very earlyand premature. He saidHazara province movementhas unmasked the faces ofthose leaders, who changedpolitical loyalties.He said thiswould greatly help people ofHazara in electing sincereand honest representativesduring upcoming election.He said ANP has no objec-tion if people of Hazara adoptconstitutional and legalmeans for new province.

However, it seems best

KBD revival bid to hurt national integration: ANPthat Hazara remained the partof Khyber Pakthunkhwa. Heurged people to give theirvotes to those candidates,who have an ideology, prin-ciples and spirit to give sacri-fice for people and the coun-try. The Minister urged massesnot to give votes to those rep-resentatives and political par-ties that after being elected,change their political loyaltiesand join hands with terroristsand anti-state elements.

About the recent inci-dents of terrorism in KhyberPakthunkhwa, the Ministersaid people was alreadyagainst militants due to theircowards acts in attackingmosques, funerals and pub-lic places but 80 percentmasses were now against ter-

rorists and militants after bru-tal attack on Malala Yusafzai.This positive change in pub-lic opinion has unmasked thefaces of terrorists and havepowerless to kill the wholesociety. The factors of USand Afghanistan elections,repatriation of NATO forcesfrom Afghanistan andPakistan’s upcoming electioncould not be separated fromeach others as it would yieldfor reaching effects on theregional and international cir-cumstances, he maintained.

He said improvement oflaw and order was vital forgenerating employment andbolstering economy. Thegovernment is working hardto eradicate terrorism andlawlessness and create jobs

opportunities for youth andimprove economic base, hemaintained.

Kalabagh DamProject was designed in 1984,with the assistance of theUnited Nations DevelopmentProgram; supervised by theWorld Bank, for the clientWater and Power Develop-ment Authority of Pakistan.Following the submission ofits Project Planning Report itwas put up to the Federal andProvincial Governments forapproval of the launching ofthis gigantic project. In themeantime, the project teamwere asked to complete theDetailed Designs and Con-tract Documents for makingit ready to enter into theimplementation stage

STAFF REPORTER

P E S H A W A R — K h y b e rPakhtunkhwa Governor Bar-rister Masood Kausar hassaid that lawyers imbued withthe spirit of professionalismhave been contributing sig-nificantly for the promotionof rule of law and justice andit has always been his en-deavor to facilitate them infulfillment of their profes-sional responsibilities to theutmost level. He was talkingto a 30-member delegation ofprominent lawyers of the pro-vincial metropolitan whichcalled on him under the lead-ership of Muhammad Jamil

Lawyers praised forlaw rule promotion

Qamar Advocate atGovernor’s House Peshawaron Monday.

Renowned lawyer andthe recently elected VicePresident of the SupremeCourt Bar Association Mr.Jamal Khattak Advocatealso accompanied the del-egation. The Governor con-gratulated Jamal KhattakAdvocate on his unop-posed election from theprovince for this apex bodyof the lawyers community ofPakistan and wished him allthe best.

Barrister MasoodKausar further observed thatdespite significant headway

made over the recent past forbetterment of the lawyers’community of the provincein particular, indeed, there isa need to make constant ef-forts for making facilities ofdesired standards availableto them.

The Governor said, fortu-nately a democratic systemof governance prevails in thecountry presently, wherein,he added, they are in a betterposition to fulfill their profes-sional responsibilities. Refer-ring to various proposals putforward by the delegates, theGovernor assured to con-tinue his efforts to material-ize them at the earliest.

CM for quickening work paceStaff Reporter

PESHAWAR—Chief Minister KhyberPakhtunkhwa Amir Haider Khan Hotihas stressed the need for acceleratingpace of work on the ongoing and newschemes of roads in the province. Hewas chairing a meeting of C&W depart-ment and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa High-way Authority here at his office onMonday. Principal Secretary to ChiefMinister Waqar-ul-Hassan, SecretaryC&W Zahid Arif, Chief Engineer Ashraf

Khan, Superintending Engineer Shahab Khattak, DirectorKhyber Pakhtunkhwa Highway Authority Javed Ihsan,Deputy Director Muhammad Uzair and other concernedauthorities were in attendance. Matters pertaining toprogress on road projects in different districts, situationregarding funds allocation, confronting problems and itssolution remained under discussion on the occasion. TheChief Minister said that a network of quality roads hasbeen extended across the province because we believethat communication played the central role in the develop-ment of any area and promoting trade and economic ac-tivities. He said that more resources were allocated to on-going schemes in order to ensure its timely completionand relief to people of concerned areas. He said that scar-city of resources will not hinder timely completion of theseprojects. He clarified no compromise on quality of con-struction on the road projects. He lauded performance ofconcerned departments and hoped these institutions willkeep up its departments and will improve it further. Direc-tor PHA informed the meeting that a total of 35 schemeswere underway in the province out of which 28 were ongo-ing while the remaining seven were new schemes. He as-sured that seven important schemes were in its last phasesof completion.

Nations remember martyrsStaff Reporter

PESHAWAR—Inspector General Fron-tier Corps (FC) Baluchistan, Maj GenUbaidullah Jan has said nations neverforget their martyrs and keep them-selves abreast for security and safetyof motherland while keeping in viewthe sacrifices rendered by departedsouls. He expressed these views whileaddressing a ceremony held in Kohatcity to pay homage to the martyrs ofFC Baluchistan. IG FC Baluchistan

said due to new developments at international and na-tional levels, we are facing internal and external dan-gers and anti-state elements are active to destabilizeour country. Efforts are also underway to eliminate ex-tremism and sectarianism in the country. In the prevail-ing circumstances, the spirit of patriotism and devotionto duty exhibited by the jawans of Pak army are a sourceof pride for the whole nation, the IG said. “The unprec-edented examples of gallantry and bravery exhibited byour officials have further restored the confidence ofpeople that Pak-Army and FC can fully and effectivelyprotect the country from all sort of dangers,” he added.The ceremony for paying homage to martyrs is testi-mony to the fact that we are renewing our pledge thatthe sacrifices rendered by our colleges will not go wasteand all possible measures would be adopted for safetyof the motherland. He also assured the bereaved familymembers of martyred soldiers to not consider themselvesas alone. The whole nation and Baluchistan FC are un-der debt to them because of the sacrifices rendered bytheir relatives.

MB Din uplift schemesSher Gondal

MANDI BAHAUDDIN—Federal Minis-ter Nazar Muhammad Gondal has saidthat in the past PML-N came to powerwith the support of establishment andnow it was seeking support of nationalparties. He was addressing an inaugu-ration ceremony of gas supply schemeat Gohari village in Malikwal Tehsil. Hesaid in coming general elections PPPwith the support of allied parties andpublic would win sweeping victory.

PPP always came to power with the mandate of peoplewhereas PML top leadership was product of army gener-als and used back door methods to gain power. He saidduring PPP government record development schemeswere completed in the district. Gas facility was providedto dozens of villages besides giving new connections inurban area. Thousands young persons were employedin government service. Gondal said PPP mission was toserve people and in this respect its leadership and work-ers had left no stone unturned despite little resources.He said people knew well who imported candidates wereand who were in habit of changing parties for their per-sonal interests. People would defeat them in the elec-tions. Wasim Afzal Chun, MPA, on the occasion informedthat President Asif Zardari would visit Malikwal on Nov14 and people of the area would give him an historicalreception, Preparations for the reception were in fullswing. Thepresident would announce new developmentschemes costing billions of rupees.

PPP reorganizationStaff Reporter

PESHAWAR—The reorganization of Pa-kistan People’s Party (PPP) in KhyberPakthunkhwa will make very positiveimpact on the overall party’s positionduring the upcoming general election,said provincial labour minister, SherAzam Wazir on Monday. “The reorga-nization of PPP in the KhyberPakthunkhwa has sparked a wave ofjubilation among the seasoned and oldworkers that make success of our can-

didates in upcoming election are certain,” he told media.Wazir, who was recently appointed as Provincial VicePresident PPP, said the popularity graph of PakistanPeople’s Party has increased manifold in KhyberPakthunkhwa owing to the successful policies of thepresent government and record development works. Theinclusion of a large number of people in PPP has reflectedtheir confidence in the policies of the party, he main-tained. Later, talking to a grand tribal jirga of the FrontierRegions at Shahi Mehman Khana here, the Minister as-sured to work tirelessly for speedy uplift and develop-ment of the tribal areas. If elected on NA-47 constitu-ency, he said top focus would be made on alleviation ofpoverty, uplift of education, civic facilities and bolster-ing economic activities in the frontier regions. He saidPPP always emerged victorious from every difficult situ-ation and would give tough time to opposition in theupcoming poll. The Minister vowed to remove the longdeprivation of tribal people, adding PPP was making all-out efforts to live up to the expectations of masses andprovide them maximum relief. “We had always consid-ered workers as real assets and held their sacrifices inhigh esteem,” he said, urging tribal people to exercisetheir votes wisely in future election. On this occasion,the tribal elders assured full support to the minister.

OUR CORRESPONDENTS

HY D E R A B A D\NO S H K I —Three persons were killed andtwo others received seriousinjuries when unknown armedpersons fired at the office of areligious group at HaiderChowk here late on Sundaynight. According to Edhi vol-unteers five persons sus-tained bullet injuries in the in-cident. They said one of theinjured identified as MustafaKamal (70) died on way to hos-pital, while two other injuredShakil (38) and Kashif suc-cumbed to their injuries atLiaquat University Hospital.

While two injured per-sons identified as Rizwanand Imran are admitted tothe hospital. A policespokesman confirmed thedeaths in the incident. Threewounded in Noshki blast: Atleast three persons were in-jured in a hand grenade at-

tack at a shop in Noshki dis-trict bazaar on Monday. Po-lice sources said that uniden-tified men riding a motorbikehurled a hand grenade at theshop, injuring three persons.

Soon after the incident, po-lice reached the site and shiftedthe injured to nearby hospitalwhere one of victims was iden-tified as Rehmat Ali. The as-sailants managed to escapefrom the scene. Police are look-ing into the matter. 2 levy meninjured in Mohmand Agency’ssuicide blast: Two personnelof Levy Force sustained inju-ries in a suicide blast atYakagund bazaar of MohmandAgency here on Monday.

According to politicaladministration here, the LevyForce after receiving informa-tion about presence of a sus-pected person roaming inYakagund bazaar, cordonedoff the area and startedsearch operation.

3 shot dead, 5injured in blast

OUR CORRESPONDENT

TIMERGARA—The Lower Dirdistrict coordination officerMahmood Aslam Wazir hassaid that voluntary repatriationof the Afghan refugees resid-ing in different camps in thedistrict was in progress and sofar 1002 families had returnedto Afghanistan. He was talk-ing to local journalists after dis-tributing non-food packagesin Afghan families at theUnited Nations High Commis-sioner for Refugees office atKhaima Balambat on Monday.The UNHCR’s representativeTaimor Khan, SDM TimergaraZia ur Rahman and Baradar Jan

were also present on the occa-sion.

The DCO examined differ-ent sections of the office andinquired into the condition ofAfghan refugees at theircamps. He distributed warmclothes, blankets, tents,sheets and other essentialthings among Afghan menand women. The DCO saidthat repatriation of the Afghanrefugees had been in progressfrom Chakdara, Timer andToor camps. He said that sofar 1002 families had returnedto Afghanistan. The DCOsaid that each returning fam-ily was being provided with $150 besides transport facility

to take them to Afghanistan.Vaccination: Anti-polio

campaign was postponed byhealth authorities in the DirLower owing to non-avail-ability of vaccine, sources inthe department told media.Sources said that a campaignhad to begin on Nov 5 forwhich all arrangements hadbeen made but the campaignwas postponed because ofnon-availability of vaccine. Atotal of 2,63,552 children be-low five years had to be vac-cinated in the district, thesources said, adding thatspecial drives had beenplanned to be carried out onNov 5, 12.

STAFF REPORTER

P E S H A W A R — K h y b e rPakthunkhwa Minister forEnvironment and Forests,Wajid Ali Khan said Mondayemployment opportunities,provision of quality educa-tion and health facilities, es-tablishment of peace and pro-tection of rights of individu-als would remain the majorpoints in the electoral mani-festo of Awami National Party(ANP). “We have a clearprogramme for the socio-eco-nomic emancipation of the

Nawaz SharifAgri Varsity

goes functionalMULTAN—The vice-chan-cellor of Bahauddin ZakariyaUniversity inaugurated newclasses at Mohammad NawazSharif Agriculture UniversityMultan on Monday. Vice-Chancellor Dr KhawajaAlqama said the agricultureuniversity would bring abouta revolution in the agriculturesector.

He maintained that southPunjab was considered afood basket and the varsitywould help resolve foodshortage issues in the coun-try as well as South Asia.

Dr Alqama said theremight be some problems inthe newly-established uni-versity as it was at initialstages and it was also ahuge project.—APP

poor strata”, he added.“ANP is the custodian of

rights of people and stronglybelieved in non-violence inthe society. We would focuson protection of rights of in-dividuals, provision of jobsto youth and basic amenitiesof life to people besides work-ing for promoting tolerance,interfaith harmony, educationand peace in the society ifvoted to power again,” hetold media. He said work onANP manifesto was under-way. He said ANP would fullyparticipate in the general elec-

tion and field candidates onmaximum seats in KhyberPakthunkhwa, adding therewas not need of bringingother revolutions as red revo-lution was brought by ANPin the province.

The ANP leader said itwould be premature to saymaking electoral alliance withother political parties, sayingthe party would decideabout this matter keeping inview the realities on ground.Wajid Khan said ANP doorsare open for all parties forelection alliance.

Employment, people’s protectionANP’s key manifesto: Wajid

1002 Afghan volunteerfamilies return home

80-year old mancommits suicideOUR CORRESPONDENT

FAISALABAD—A sick octoge-narian on Monday committedsuicide in Civil Line police lim-its. According to police, 80-year-old Ghulam Qadir of Is-lam Nagar had been sufferingfrom a disease for a long time.He consulted a number of doc-tors but despite long treat-ment, he could not be cured.

Police handed over thebody to his relatives for burialafter completing formalities.Unemployed youth commitssuicide: An unemployedyouth committed suicide in thelimits of Tandlianwala police.According to police, MazharHabib of Chak No.497-GB hadbeen unemployed for a longtime due to which his family.

STAFF REPORTER

PESHAWAR—Commissioner,Hazara Division, MohammadKhalid Khan Umerzai hassaid that Rs 4 billion GravityWater Flow Project (GWFP),Abbottabad will complete bySeptember 2013 to provideclean drinking water to morethan 0.2 million population ofthe city. He was talking to adelegation of National Man-agement Course, whichcalled on him in Abbottabadon Monday. District Coordi-nation Officer (DCO)Abbottabad, Syed ImtiazHussein Shah was alsopresent on the occasion.

The commissionerbriefed the delegation in de-tail on political, administra-

GWFP completes by next yeartive, economic and socialsectors of Hazara Divisionand told that beautifulHazara Division is comprisedof six districts, which due toits pleasant atmosphere andpeaceful environment is fa-mous tourists’ attracting re-gion of the country. Thepeople of Hazara, he said areeducated and hardworking.

He said that the firstphase of land acquisition forHasanabdal-Mansehra Ex-pressway is near completionwhile Japan funded GravityWater Flow Project will becompleted in September nextyear. Similarly, he said thatPatrand Hydel Power Projectis under construction and oncompletion it will generate147 Mega Watt electricity.

QUETTA: A view of long queue at CNG station in Provincial Capital. CNG stations in several parts of the county areclosed after owners of the filling stations refused to implement the Supreme Court orders regarding CNG price.

MULTAN: VC BZU Dr Alqama addressing the inauguration of Muhammad Nawaz SharifAgricultural University.

JHANG: A large number of people travelling on the rooftop of a passenger bus at SargodhaRoads which may cause any mishap.

Rs 100m for Chitral Regional AIOU CampusVC to review preparations in 5-day stay

G H FAROOQI

CHITRAL—Vice Chancellorof Allama Iqbal Open Univer-sity, Islamabad, Prof Dr. NazirAhmad Sangi, who arrivedhere on 5-day visit to makepreparations for establishinga regional campus of univer-sity, met district coordinationofficer and offered him that ifdistrict administration wouldprovide land the universityadministration will establisha building at a cost of 100million rupees.

Different issues were dis-cussed during the meeting andthe DCO proposed for includ-ing a subject for students ofReligious Madaris in the uni-versity syllabus. Sangi said

that they had changed Islamiatsubject and introduced it with

a new pattern to guide the stu-dents to become best citizens.He said that the university canintroduce any subject forChitral students like tourism

promoting, handicraft and live-stock, etc. He said that if a re-gional campus was being es-tablished here it would facili-tate students in video confer-ences, workshop, training anda study center as well as ex-amination hall.

He disclosed that he hasallocated 100 million for thispurpose. It was decided dur-ing the meeting to approachthe Chief Secretary KP for thispurpose. Vice chancellor alsovisited Kalash valley and metdifferent students atBumborat. He assured themfor appointing a separate re-gional coordinator for Kalashvalleys to facilitate students ofthree valleys for providingthem admission forms, date

sheet and other information.He also stressed upon the lo-cal people to provide them landfor construction of a studycenter of AIOU in the valley.

During his visit toKalasha Dur (Museum) hediscussed different issueswith Museum In-chargeAkram Hussain and empha-sized them to must preservetheir centuries old culture.He was warmly welcomed byboth Muslim and Kalashpeople on arrival to the val-ley. An education conferencewas held at Commerce col-lege hall where Vice chancel-lor was chief guest and theconference was presidedover by Sahibuddin, Princi-pal of the college. Speakers

on the occasion expressedtheir views and thanked himfor paying visit to Chitral.

Centennial Model HighSchool Chitral, Ziauddin, inhis address of welcome de-manded setting up a Regionalcampus at Chitral, store ofbooks and materials, includ-ing technical education andsubjects in courses of AIOUand vehicle for its office atChitral. He also demandedfor increasing salary of tutorsand resource persons. Dr.Nazir told the gathering thatsix regional coordinatorswould be appointed at differ-ent parts of Chitral. A largenumber of teachers, tutorsand students participated inthe education conference.

ISMAIL DILAWAR

KARACHI—The internationalmuch-awaited mega event“IDEAS-2012” would be heldhere at Expo Centre from the7th to 11th of this month inwhich participation of largenumber of foreign delegates,diplomats and businesscommunity is expected theexhibitions and conferences.With the expected VVIP par-ticipation of the event, theKarachi Traffic Police has ar-ranged route and parking ar-rangements for the conve-nience of participants and forgeneral public as well aimedat ensuring high-level secu-rity to foreign delegates andmaintaining smooth traffic on

the busiest routes adjacent toExpo Center.

Director Generate KarachiTraffic Police have designedan alternative roadmap forlocal public for their conve-nience through out the cityand urged masses to followthe temporary traffic routesin days of special event. Ac-cordingly, all heavy and com-mercial vehicles coming fromKarachi Airport and proceed-ing towards Stadium viaKarsaz shall be diverted to-wards Balouch Colonybridge from where they canproceed after taking U’ turnfrom under the Tipu SultanBridge toward Shaheed-e-Millat Road to approach JailChowrangi, University Road

and surrounding area.All public and heavy ve-

hicles coming fromGharibabad to proceed to-wards Karsaz shall be di-verted before Hassan SquareFlyover (left) towards Uni-versity road, (right) “U”Turn, Jafferi Optics, KDASociety, National StadiumBackside, Dalmia, Stadiumroad to Karsaz and onwards.All public and heavy ve-hicles coming from NIPA to-wards Hassan Square, Civiccentre shall be diverted fromJafferi Optics (left) towardKDA Society (backside ofNational Stadium), Stadiumroad via Steel Yard Cut andright towards Aga Khan Hos-pital or H.I. Road onwards.

Alternative roadmap forcommuters during IDEAS issued

Zardari’svision of SAARC

SAARC region with a population of 1.6 billion faces commonissues including poverty and under development, which couldbe addressed through collective efforts and removal of irritants

between the member countries. While inaugurating the Conferenceof SAARC Speakers and Parliamentarians in Islamabad PresidentAsif Ali Zardari gave his vision of SAARC by emphasising that theregion should adopt a collective approach to face the common chal-lenges and explore the opportunities for the benefit of our peoples.

World over the regional groupings like EU and ASEAN have madegreat strides in promoting economies of the member countries bygiving preferential treatment in trade, investment, people to peoplecontact and cooperation in other fields. That also played a major rolein removing irritants of decades and the elected representatives ledthe initiatives. Keeping this in view, the President rightly called uponSAARC parliaments to play their role for forging better bilateral re-lations and addressing inter-state issues that is key to building trustand understanding. By protecting political liberties, human freedomand the rule of law, Parliaments can promote regional peace and se-curity. Durable peace is in the interest of all as member countrieswould be able to divert more resources for the empowerment of theirdowntrodden people as majority of them are passing their lives be-low poverty line. Greater people to people contacts, particularly ofthe parliamentarians can best help in building bridges of understand-ing and better perception of each others’ view point to achieve theideals of peace and stability. Pakistan on its part has been in the fore-front to implement the SAARC Charter that included boosting re-gional trade. It entered into free trade agreement with Sri Lanka andgave liberal trade concessions to India, which must be reciprocatedby removing trade barriers by New Delhi. Pakistan is also leadingefforts in the war on terror and as pointed out by the President, thecountry suffered losses of more than $ 80 billion and lost over 40,000lives for the sake of regional and international peace. These effortsmust be recognised by our neighbours and international communityinstead of indulging in blame game. However to make SAARC moreproductive and to play a decisive role, there is need that core issuesamong the member countries be resolved and elected representativesin Parliaments can play a leading role toward this end.

Ban on Waheeda ShahTHE Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Justice Fakhruddin G

Ebrahim (R) has upheld disqualification of Waheeda Shah for twoyears in the presiding officer slapping case. The decision would givea clear signal to the political parties and contesting candidates in thecoming elections that the Commission was bent upon strictly ensur-ing the observance of election rules and no leniency would be shownin free conduct of polls.

The footage of slapping of lady presiding officer by WaheedaShah screened by TV channels reflected the height of arrogance ofpowerful Waderas who consider themselves above the law and haveno regard for government officials and common man’s self respect.The slapping of lady presiding officer has been etched in the mindsof every one and they would certainly welcome the observations ofthe CEC that the Lady (Waheeda Shah) undermined the entire elec-tion process and faith of the people in democracy. If the electedrepresentatives give such humiliating treatment to their electorates,then people would loose faith in democracy and the whole systemwould crumble down. Therefore the candidates cannot be given afree hand to coerce, threaten or abuse election officials to get re-sults of their choice. In our view Waheeda Shah is not the onlyperson behaving in such a rude manner but it is a mind set of Paki-stani political elites who reach Assemblies through votes of thepeople but in actuality consider them as their slaves. There is al-ready a perception that after being elected, the members never visittheir constituencies to attend the problems of the people and if someone reaches Islamabad or the provincial capitals to meet them, ma-jority of elected representatives refuse to see them by making dif-ferent excuses. Anyhow the punishment to Waheeda Shah will serveas deterrence for candidates in the coming elections and will be aclear signal that the Election Commission under Mr Fakhruddin GEbrahim means business and not tolerate any wrongdoings.

Iran’s new basesin disputed Islands

IRAN’S Revolutionary Guards inaugurated a new naval base onSunday to reinforce Tehran’s authority over three Persian Gulf Is-

lands also claimed by the neighbouring United Arab Emirates. Mis-sile and marine units have been deployed at the Island which is nearthe mainland’s southern port of Bandar-e-Lengeh and dominate theapproach to the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway throughwhich about one fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.

The Revolutionary Guard and the US navy both patrol the nar-row waterway which Iran had threatened to choke off in retaliationfor tougher sanctions or in case of attack. The situation is very tenseand defence and diplomatic observers believe that Iran could comeunder more pressure once the American Presidential elections areover. Perhaps to pre-empt the US and Israeli moves, the Iranianleadership is strengthening its defences to give a befitting reply tothe invaders. To defend against aggression is right of Tehran but itshould also keep in view the sensitivities of its neighbours. TheIranian move will not be taken well by the UEA and in fact it mayfurther deepen the simmering divergent point of view on these Is-lands. At this point of time when Iran is already in hot waters dueto sanctions by the United States over its nuclear programme andthe resultant building of tension and threats, it would have beenbetter if such a step had not been taken. We say so because Iranneeded to focus its attention to threats from the United States andIsrael and keep tension free relations with the neighbours.

The Supreme Court’s Benchhearing the Karachi law andorder case, in its interim or-

der, has directed the Sindh govern-ment to take immediate actionagainst all armed groups in Karachiincluding the Taliban, arrest all pris-oners released on parole and nab allunregistered vehicles. It also ex-horted Rangers and police to workwith zeal to ensure peace in the city.Such remarks would be a source ofencouragement for law enforcingagencies that are ready to give theirlives to protect the citizens.

The honourable court has is-sued directives and guidelines thatcould help bring peace in Karachi.However, the objective can only beachieved if the ruling coalition putsconcerted efforts to end the blood-soaking saga; and at the same timethe judiciary, law enforcing agen-cies and executive facilitate eachother to nab the criminals and putthem in the dock to eliminate ter-rorism, target killings andkidnappings for extortion. One yearago, the Supreme Court had alsogiven observations and issued or-ders, yet situation in Karachi con-tinued to deteriorate, as target kill-ing, extortion and kidnapping forransom were rampant, whichblighted the economic hub of Paki-stan. The problem is that for quite

The Karachi enigma

Facing the storm

It is impossible that aman who is false tohis friends andneighbours shouldbe true to the public.

Monster storm Sandy maybe responsible forObama’s re-election. It

came at the right time when theelection campaign started to borethe public or even drove them totears like it was reported about afour years old little girl AbigaelEvans who broke down in tears onthe radio getting frustrated by theongoing election propaganda. Thestorm gave the right signal for halt-ing this senseless election campaignand Obama now has a chance tolook good in front of the cameraswhile patting the heads and shoul-ders of those poor people in NewJersey who have lost their homesand businesses in this event. Beingthe president it is Obama’s role toconsole and that makes him popu-lar with the victims of Sandy andthe public at large. Storm Sandy isanother sign that shows us howmeaningless the so-called democ-racy is even in the state whichclaims to be the master of it. Whilethe previous president George WBush had come to power afterdoubtful vote counting and straightmanipulation this time we see howeven a simple bad weather can in-fluence the democracy.

But there is another angle alsoto the same story. Sandy is a stormthat was not to be expected at thistime at this place. It is another proof

Rise ofMyanmar,

but…

The spotlight on Myanmar isdevelopment-centric. But thedonors who are funnelling in

big bucks are doing it as a terrificcost. They are ignoring the grosshuman rights violations againstMuslim Rohingya minority. Theconflict between Rohingyas andBuddhists in Rakhine state has al-ready claimed hundreds of lives andforced more than 100,000 fromtheir homes in the last few months.The plight of Muslims is alreadybeing dubbed as the worst dispos-sessed minority in the world, andsurprisingly there are not many tak-ers in the Western world.

The European Commissionchief Jose Manuel, who offeredmore than $100 million in aid onSaturday in the capital of Nay PyiTaw, wasn’t bothered to ask a ques-tion or two on the affairs of the siz-zling minority. This is the sameWest that makes a hue and cry ofsuch issues if they happen to be incountries that fall in their profile ofirked ones. But what is more dis-appointing is the fact the NobelLaureate, Aung San Suu Kyi, alsopreferred to keep mum over such asensitive issue of human rights,which has attracted internationalconcern and condemnation.

By saying that she would notbe drawn on the plight of Burma’sminority group, she has committeda sheer injustice to a cause thatshould, otherwise, have been closeto her heart. However, Suu Kyi hasbeen committal to an extent by urg-ing upon the military junta to lookinto the impugned law that excludesRohingyas from the right to citizen-ship. According to estimates, morethan 800,000 Rohingyas are livinga miserable life in Myanmar — andthat too in a stateless capacity. Hu-man rights campaigners around theworld and the custodians of demo-cratic principles cannot afford to ig-nore such a sizeable community be-hind the fortresses of military mightin the Southeast Asian country.

The World Bank, the EuropeanCentral Bank and the United Statesthat are at the vanguard of rebuild-ing Myanmar, and look forward todeal with an organic democraticdispensation, cannot look the otherway around as excesses are re-ported against Rohingyas. Burma,which is widely being regarded asthe next emerging market miraclein the region, cannot pride withgangrene in its body-politik. Thisodd equation is in need of beingaddressed to avoid an uncertainfuture. — Khaleej Times

*****

Egypt’s newCoptic Pope

Egypt’s ancient Coptic Churchchose a new Pope yesterdayin a ceremony that went back

centuries, as a small, blindfoldedboy picked a name out of a sealedcontainer. The new Pope will havethe formidable responsibility ofleading Egypt’s 10 to 15 per centChristian minority as it helps builda new and more inclusive Egyptianpolitical framework. The newPope’s job has been made harderby the election of an Islamist presi-dent, although PresidentMohammad Mursi has been care-ful to emphasise that he is a presi-dent for all Egyptians and has es-chewed the sectarian agenda putforward by the more radical SalafistIslamists in the Nour Party.

As Egypt’s largest minority,the Copts have an important rolein working with the governmentand other civil societyorganisations to build a moretransparent and open nation. Thecountry’s legal framework needsto be open to all Egyptians andshould not be restricted to onecommunity. For example, anyimplementation of the Sharia isa delicate area since the Coptsare not bound by Islamic pre-cepts. All communities in Egyptneed to work to keep this debatewithin constitutional limits andstop any resort to violence. Therewill be times when sectarian el-ements on both sides will com-mit acts of violence, as has hap-pened in the past, and that needsto be contained. — Gulf News

some time, twopolitical entitieshappening to beruling coalitionpartners both inthe province andat the centre werepitted againsteach other in abloody battle forthe conquest ofKarachi - theMQM for keep-ing the port city asits exclusive pre-

serve, and the ANP for making in-roads in it. In the process, the thingshave spun out of their control. Start-ing from land mafias and turf wars,now the city is in the grip of moremafias that have, of late, pinpointedtraders, industrialists and other busi-ness persons who are facing seriousthreats from extortionists and receiv-ing bullets for non-payment of extor-tion money. Perceptibly, the under-world, with which they have theirlinks is gaining upper-hand in the city,making them irrelevant considerably.Political parties, especially the rulingcoalition partners that were supposedto restore peace and create an envi-ronment of business and other socio-political activities seem to have be-come helpless and redundant.

There is some similarity betweenMexico and Karachi. In Mexico, theruling elite and politicos pampered,supported and used mafias to advancetheir agenda; now the mafias and theunderworld have become strongenough to affect the decisions of thegovernment. Anyhow, whosoever isresponsible for the current situationin Karachi, the coalition partners can-not be absolved of the responsibility,as similar criminal syndicates all overthe world operate through connectionin high places that guarantee protec-tion to their criminal activities. AndKarachi is no exception. The MQM

leaders claim that 10 million Urdu-speaking i.e. descendents of thosewho had migrated from India and livein Karachi. On the other hand,Pushtun leaders claim the Pushtunpopulation exceeds five million. Asboth sides have armed themselves tothe teeth, this war will give no deci-sive victory to any side, and at thebest it may end up in a pyrrhic vic-tory, which too may not be sustain-able for long.

Leaderships of the above partiesmust put their act together to bring nor-malcy in the city, as not only thesethree parties will suffer from theirinternecine conflict but they couldcause colossal damage to the country.Of course, law and order is the exclu-sive responsibility of the governmentof Sindh, and only the provincial ad-ministration is obliged to protect lifeand property of the citizens. For theirpolitics, the MQM, ANP and the PPPhad thrown the city into turmoil tobleed it. This is the simple plain truth.Karachi, the commercial and indus-trial hub of Pakistan, was symbol ofpeaceful coexistence where peoplefrom all provinces i.e. Pushtuns,Bloch, Punjabi lived in complete har-mony with Sindhis, Mohajirs,Memons, Bohris, Agha Khanis andParsis up to late 1970s. Karachi hadof course seen turmoil once in 1965during presidential election when lateFatima Jinnah was contesting againstAyub Khan, and second time in 1972when language riots emerged afterSindh assembly passed a language billadopting Sindhi as an official languagefor the province.

With formation of the MuhajirQaumi Movement, later renamed asMuttehida Quami Movement toerase the stigma of an ethnic group,the dynamics of the conflict hadchanged. During 1990s the conflictwas not Mohajirs versus Sindhis butMohajirs versus Pushtun andPunjabis. There is a perception that

MEDIA WATCH

Bishop BerkeleyIrish philosopher

that climate is chang-ing and the environ-ment is losing its bal-ance. Only that thistime the right countrywas affected by theoutfall since the US isthe country which hasbeen refusing to com-ply with reduction ofCarbon dioxide pro-

duction, which has boycotted all cli-mate change related conferences andis refusing even to address the prob-lem today. Neither Mitt Romney norObama have addressed climatechange as a problem in their ridicu-lous TV discussions or otherwise intheir election campaigns, while signsare visible that nature will repeatmore storms, tornados and even Tsu-namis in coming years if this greatchess game is not stopped by WorldJewry and its cohorts.

On the contrary, the presidentialcandidate of the Green Party Jill Steinhas repeatedly been arrested duringthe election campaign thus impartingher chances in the race for the presi-dency. All she had done was to pro-test against her exclusion from the TVdebate which would diminish herchances in the election campaign.Isn’t an equal chance and equal rightthe basis of democracy? But she hasbeen an anti-establishment candidatewhich even was mentioning the USnegative role in the climate change.On her webpage she has explainedher action like this: I’m here to con-nect the dots between super stormSandy and the record heat, drought,and fire we’ve seen this year – andthis Tar Sands pipeline, which willmake all of these problems muchworse. And I’m here to connect thedots between climate devastation andpipeline politicians – both Obama and

Romney – who are competing, as wesaw in the debates, for the role of‘Puppet In Chief’ for the fossil fuelindustry. Both deserve that title.Obama’s record of “drill baby drill”has gone beyond the harm done byGeorge Bush. Mitt Romney promisesmore of the same.”

The country that has brought un-speakable pain and destruction to mil-lions of Muslims is under attack of theforces of nature and–as we believe-under the wrath of God. Frustrationand fear is mounting after 4 days ofdevastation that government has failedto restore normalcy in the moststricken parts of Manhattan andBrooklyn. Electricity out and gasolinesupply scarce, many gas stationsacross New York area closed, peopleshouted, honked; a gas station workersaid he had been spit on the face andcoffee thrown on him. Desperatepeople even opened fire hydrant inManhattan to collect water to flushtoilets. Mayor Bloomberg still had theaudacity to claim support for Obamain next week polls, while some publicofficials expressed exasperation on theslow pace of relief efforts. The horrorscenario that is evolving in front of oureyes reminds us of the predictions inthe Holy Book where such events arepredicted for those who have abusedthe law of God, who fight humanityand damage God’s creation.

This disaster should be a wake-up call for those in our country whoare in coalition with the US and re-mind them that the wrath of God willnot miss them and our country if theydon’t turn their back on the forces ofevil. And the first signs of God’s wrathare visible in Pakistan also. The earth-quake 2005, the flood of 2010, 2011and 2012 and the growing poverty ofPakistani population are all sign thatwe should not ignore. Militancy is

growing and threatening the verysurvival of the state, but haven’t webeen guilty of promoting Jihad ideaswith the help of US and Saudi Arabiain our country? Haven’t we neglectedthe development of tribal areas, havekept the FCR in place and not takencare of their people? Haven’t we de-stroyed the rule of indigenous rulersin Swat and Dir and Malakand andfailed to substitute their rule with astrong and just government systemthat provides good governance andcheap and immediate justice to all?The backlash has come to us in formof demands for Islamic state, SufiMuhammad’s movement that oncehad been peaceful and now has be-come violent; in form of Taliban whouse a different Jihad ideology pro-vided by us to fight foreign interven-tion in Afghanistan and injustice inPakistan and it may destroy us.

It is high time for the world andPakistan to mend the ways. It istime to break relations with the US,to not endure drone attacks and thedictation of IMF and WB any moreand not allow undue interferencein our domestic affairs from SaudiArab, UAE & Turkey. It is time todo away with a set of politicianswho fill their pockets to serve theirforeign masters agenda. Corruptionhas been allowed to spread likewild fire all around, today even theApex judiciary is trying hard tobring the corrupt exploiters to facethe bar of justice. NAB responsibleto fight corruption has coined a pleabargain concept to bail out the cor-rupt through compromised agree-ment, which in itself is corruption.May be expecting any across theboard grand accountability is notvisible in the schemes of thingsunder unrepresentative democracy.God bless Pakistan.

the MQM was brainchild of lateZia-ul-Haq, and it blossomed dur-ing his lifetime. To understand thereasons for the present chaos andconflict in Karachi, one has toanalyse the events that have takenplace in the recent past. After C-130 crashed on 17th August 1988that killed late General Zia-ul-Haqand other top brass of the army,Ghulam Ishaq Khan took oath asacting president of Pakistan; elec-tions were held in 1988 and thePPP emerged as a single largestparty winning 93 out of 207 seats.Since the PPP did not have a clearmajority, it formed the coalitiongovernment with the MQM. Butwithin months differencesemerged and the coalitions ended.

President Ghulam Ishaq Khanusing 58-2(b) dismissed the PPPgovernment and dissolved the as-semblies. Elections were held on24th October 1990. After IslamicDemocratic Alliance led by thePML (Nawaz) won elections, theMQM joined the coalition govern-ment. Anyhow, when Karachi hadsunk into bloodbath during 1990s,twice operations were conducted toquell the violence. After Nawazgovernment was overthrown by thethen COAS General PervezMusharraf, the MQM again hadalmost free hand in Karachi, as itcould get police officers and otherofficers of administration posted ofits choice. And Karachi once againbecame its exclusive preserve. Itsstrong contenders Jamat-i-Islamiand MQM Haqiqi were knockedout with the support of the govern-ment and no-go areas of MQMHaqiqi were opened. MQM lead-ership must reconcile with theground realities and go extra milein the quest for peace, as it standsto gain more than anybody else.—The writer is Lahore-basedsenior journalist.

Hurmat GroupZahid Malik

President & Editor-in-Chief

Faisal Zahid MalikEditor

Ph: 021-32211777, 32631102

Gauhar Zahid MalikExecutive Editor

Ph: 051-2852027-8

IslamabadPh Exchange: 051-2852027, 2852028

Reporting Desk: 051-2262254, News Desk: 051-2252480Marketing: 051-2262254, Fax: 051-2262258

Email: [email protected]: www.pakobserver.net

KarachiFaisal Zahid Malik

EditorPh: 021-32211777, 32631102

Fax: 021-32626902Email: [email protected]

LahoreNadeem SyedResident Editor

Ph: 042-37593341, 37566702Fax: 042-36300043

Email: [email protected]

QuettaGhulam TahirResident Editor

Ph: 081-2829238-40Fax: 081-2829072

Mobile: 0333-7944760

PeshawarResident Editor

Ph: 091-5252157Fax: 2591705

MuzaffarabadAbdul Hameed Shaheen

Resident EditorMobile: 0315-5010791

Mohammad JamilEmail: [email protected]

News & ViewsNews & ViewsNews & ViewsNews & ViewsNews & Views

Ali Ashraf KhanEmail:[email protected]

Voice of the People

The likely winner…gridlock

After a year of campaign soundand fury, we’re about to holdan election that will probably

fail to usher in the one thing votersof all stripes would like to see: an endto the partisan gridlock in Congress.Neither President Obama nor MittRomney appears likely to win thekind of landslide victory that providesa mandate for big change. And who-ever wins the presidency is almostcertain to face at least two years ofdivided government in Congress: aRepublican House, a DemocraticSenate. No problem, both candidateshave said in recent weeks, insistingthat reasonable members of the otherparty can be persuaded to cooperate.

“I’m going to have to reachacross the aisle and meet with goodDemocrats who love America,” thenewly moderate Romney told sup-porters in Virginia last week. “Andthere are good Democrats like that,”he felt it necessary to add. Obama’sprofessed his bipartisanship too. “We

don’t need a partisan agenda; we needa common-sense agenda,” he said inLas Vegas, trying to revive his oldpost-partisan persona. But the priori-ties he listed — federal spending oneducation, energy and job creation —sounded as Democratic as ever.

Both candidates have plenty ofplans — for fiscal policy, economicpolicy and every other kind of policy.But neither has offered much of a planfor bridging the partisan divide andbreaking the deadlock over fiscalpolicy — beyond hoping that theelection’s results are one-sidedenough to shock the other side intosubmission. In an interview with theDes Moines Register — released onlyafter the newspaper chided him forwanting to keep it off the record —the president laid out a rough timelinefor the first year of his second term.It begins with an acknowledgmentthat compromise will be difficult,starting with negotiations to avoid the“fiscal cliff,” the draconian spendingcuts and tax hikes that kick in auto-matically at the end of the year un-less Congress intervenes. “I believein the first six months we are going

to solve that big piece of business,”Obama told the Register. Once thatfiscal bargain is struck, Obama said,bipartisan agreement should be pos-sible on corporate tax reductions,regulatory reform, more spending oninfrastructure and immigration re-form — all areas that he suggested“should be non-ideological.” Has henot been paying attention the last fouryears? This is a Congress that can’teven agree on what kind of utensilsto use in the House cafeteria. Immi-gration reform, in particular, is an is-sue designed to tear Congress in two.Most GOP leaders, including Rom-ney, recognize that their party won’thave a future unless it sheds its anti-immigrant image, but grass-rootsconservative opposition to anythingthat sounds like amnesty has made itimpossible for Republicans (includ-ing Romney) to move very far.

But at least Obama has suggestedsome areas in which he’d try to forgecompromises. The Republican can-didate has been even less specific,breezily assuring voters that he knowshow to work with Democrats becausehe did it as governor of Massachu-

Though both Obama and Romney have tried to vow themiddle class, Romney seemed

to be much worried about the rich.He apparently advocated the rich be-hind closed doors “that 47 percentof the country considered them-selves victims who refuse personalresponsibility”. Obama accusedRomney of a faulty tax plan. Thiswould make rich richer and poorpoorer. Naturally it would be anextra burden on the common man.Romney did not like illegal immi-grants and blamed the present gov-ernment for not making reforms oramendment in the law in this con-nection. Both expressed theirviewpoints, plans and programs tothe electorates. Obama laid em-phasis on education. Both prom-ised to cut taxes. But to give ev-eryone job seems to be the cruel jokeof the 21st century.

Romney seemed to be interestedin business-friendly taxes. He dis-located himself from Bush legacyand called himself more conserva-tive than Bush on social issues.Romney appeared ill-tempered, ego-tistical, rude, harsh and disrespect-

War of words: Romney vs Obamaful to the President. The CNN sur-vey shows that Obama was the clearwinner in the second round. Hemaintained his stand on clean energyand answered the questions, in adefinite tone, raised by Romney.

The two candidates participatedin the third and final round at LynnUniversity in Boca Raton, Florida,October 22, 2012 to present theirviewpoint on foreign policy.America would be out of Afghani-stan by 2014 to save its cripplingeconomy. Romney failed to explain“how he’d simultaneously cut taxes,lower the deficit and increase mili-tary spending.” Both tied at 46 per-cent in Reuters poll and regainedconfidence in the war of words. Itmay be now anybody’s game. Theopinion polls show that popularvotes can tilt the result either side.The battle for White House has en-tered in the final stage. Both appar-ently seem to be moderate and ad-vocate of change for a better world.

The electorate received firsthand information on the programsand plans of the two candidates.They came to know about the strongand weak points and policies of thepresidential candidates. Ohio may bethe crucial place for both the play-ers to perform. It is an uphill taskfor Romney to win from this state.Polls have tightened here too, but

Sandy also hitsUS neighboursKHAWAJA UMER FAROOQ

Unfortunately world media hasfailed to show another side ofSandy disaster and focusing allcoverage on the US. The other sideof Sandy disaster is not seen onTV, News papers and Electronicmedia. The hurricane also struckCuba, Haiti and Dominican Re-public. People have lost theirhomes, businesses and now findit hard to provide daily necessityof life to their families. Haitiwhich is still not able to rebuildafter devastating earth quake isworst affected. Due to storm andhigh tides seventy people lost theirlives large portion of farm land iswiped out and raising fears of foodshortage in country.

Coastal areas are still underwater and 370000 population whoare still living in camps after dev-astating earth quake is worst af-fected. Aid agencies warn anotheroutbreak of Cholera due to worsesanitation and living conditions.After Sandy several new cases ofCholera reported in city.

Haiti government has alreadyappealed for world help but dueto economic crises world responseis very slow. Cuba is also worstaffected total cost of damage is es-timated 88 million dollars largeportion of agriculture land wipedout and large part of Sandy af-fected area is still without waterand electricity. Country is alsolooking for foreign help to controlthe situation.—Jeddah, KSA

M2 atSalt RangeIFTIKHAR MIRZA

Islamabad-Lahore Motorway pro-vides relatively fast and safe modeof travelling by road as comparedto GT Road which is noisier, con-gested, rushy, and somewhatbumpy. However, Motorway atsalt range remained the most dif-ficult area to pass through. Al-though NHA endeavours to makethe place safer for driving are ap-preciable, yet many hazards arestill there. Commercial vehicle’sdrivers sometimes switch off en-gines to save few drops of fuel. Bydoing so they lose control overvehicle, posing serious threat topassengers’ lives.

Evidently, the depression atthis place is very sharp and callsfor 100% technically fit vehicles.Unfortunately, everything is com-promised in our country for fewbucks without any consideration ofthe fact that how many preciouslives are endangered due to negli-gence of departments issuing tech-nical fitness certificate to publictransport.

Transporters must also fulfiltheir duty of keeping buses techni-cally fit as it is their moral as wellas professional responsibility.Number of accidents and lives losttherein are quite high in our coun-try. Amazingly, more people havelost lives in the past week after Eid-ul-Azha in road accidents thanthose killed in Sandy storm in USthat affected more than eighty mil-lion people. Applying extra-vigi-lance in road travelling is the needof hour to reduce mortality rate inaccidents.—Islamabad

RememberingM Hasan AskaryJAWED AHMED KHURSHEED

It is a great privilege for me to writeon a premier literary critic, a giftedshort story writer of Urdu and atranslator at his best Prof.Muhammed Hasan Askary (05 No-vember 1921 – 18 January 1978)whose literary genius recognizedposthumously. He was well read innot only Urdu literature but English

Doing nothing to fight corruptionHASHIM ABRO

Regrettably, corruption and bribery are endemic in Pakistan today but politicians, bureaucrats andtechnocrats in Sindh province have beaten all past records of corruption and bribery. Perceived

reasons for chronic corruption are our ruling elite. Let it be the past or the present rulers in the prov-ince. They do not do enough to fight corruption. There is no real punishment for corruption. Onlycosmetic measure is taken to dupe and deceive the masses. It appears that all stakeholders and playersin Sindh government are in a marathon of corruption. More or less all provincial departments seemdetermined to outshine each other in this marathon race of corruption. Being an engineer and politicalscientist, having roots in the rural Sindh, I am of this opinion that the most corrupt department rather,” king of corruption “department in Sindh government is Irrigation department where Public moneyis not spent in a transparent manner, where funds for the development and alignment of water courses,canals and flood” bunds” are not lawfully and wisely used, where Irrigation Engineers and otherofficers have become billionaire within a brief span of time and many have launched their own businessin the Middle East and also in the Far East Asian countries. The people of Sindh believe that theincidence of corruption has alarmingly increased during the past four and a half years of coalitiongovernment in the province, while ruling party staunch supporters advocate it has declined during thisregime- whatever may be the scale and magnitude of corruption but it is an undeniable fact that corrup-tion is a part and parcel in Sindh government. It is one of the top three serious societal challenges thatthe province faces including lawlessness, abject poverty, etc.—Islamabad

Views From Abroad

READERS

Email:[email protected]

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

—Editor

most show Obama maintaining asmall lead, and it would be difficultfor Romney to win the White Housewithout this state. In the words ofSen. Rob Portman (R), Romneycampaigner, Ohio is a “dead heat.”American economy is bleeding. Itwill play crucial role in 2012 elec-tion. Obama is struggling hard tosway undecided voters in his favor.Due to Obama’s policies hisstrength in the middle class isshrinking. He, in fact, has failed tosatisfy the middle class over thepast 4 years. Gasoline prices havealmost doubled. People are de-pending more on Food Stamp likeprograms. America is a difficultcountry to rule and nobody can re-solve American issues in a singleterm. But Bush who used two termscreated more fuss than several othersingle term American presidents.Obama was, in fact, elected to de-fuse Bush’s horrible foreign policyand to overpower America’s inter-nal economic crisis.

The truth of the matter is thatformer President Bush was basicallyresponsible for the American eco-nomic crisis. Bush administrationgot $4 trillion debt while 42 Ameri-can Presidents got $5 trillion debts.America has to payback over $9 tril-lion of debt. It means every Ameri-can will have to pay back about

and French literature. Transformedthe Urdu literary criticism, his ob-jective discipline was based on solidtheoretical literary principles.

Saleem Ahmed, a renownedpoet and critic and disciple of Askarysahib, in one of his essays pointedout that ‘to understand Askary sahibin entirety, his sketches are worthreading with the perspective in mindthat he was a failed sketch writer(khaka nigar). A failure of peoplelike Askary sahib is a work of im-portance and without getting intoit, it is hard to understand him.Saleem Ahmed while dissecting thereasons of his failure as a sketchwriter said that he feared to makerelationship with others, and if therelationship builds he feared to ex-press it as every relation is a risk andhe hesitated to risk.’

Born in Boland city, districtMeerath, British India, he did M.A.in English literature from Allahabaduniversity where many man of let-ters such as Dr. Abdul SatarSiddiqui, Firaq Gorakhpuri, Dr. IjazHussain, Ishwari Parshad, Dr. TaraChand, Amarnath and SeeshchandDeeb were there to teach. His firstshort story ‘college se ghar tak’(from college to home) was pub-lished in 1939.

But he said good bye to writ-ing short stories in 1945 andstarted writing ‘jhalkiyan’(glimpses) in the prestigious liter-ary journal Saqi, Dehli. He also co-edited a literary magazine ‘UrduAdab’ (Urdu literature) with hisbest writer of Urdu short storiesSadat Hasan Manto. He immi-grated to Pakistan in 1947 and wasplanning to translate world’s fa-mous novels. He translatedFlabier’s novel ‘Madam Bowari’,Gorki’s novel and others. In 1950,he settled in Karachi and startedediting Mah-e-Nau and was ap-pointed as teacher in Islamaia Col-lege, Karachi. He also edited a lit-erary magazine ‘Sayyara’ (planet)for quite some time.

He died on 18 January 1978 andlaid to rest in Darululoom Korangi,Karachi as he intended to translate‘Mariful Quran’, by MuftiMuhammed Shafi, in English. Hewas also determined to translate theteachings of Moulana Ashraf AliThanvi in English and French. MehrAfshan Farooqi, in her book, titled,Vernacular Modernity in the Writ-ing of Muhammed Hasan Askari,states that ‘Askari [sahib]’s last 15years were spent in pursuit of eso-teric connection between mystic andthe literary. In this search, he wrotebrilliant, provocative essays, wellargued yet so polemical that hismarginalization was inevitable.’—Karachi

Who willhelp masses?

SHAUKAT MASOOD ZAFAR

The Supreme Court has passed ashort order in the Asghar Khan casedeclaring that the formation of theIJI by the military establishment toensure a handpicked governmentcomes to power was unconstitu-tional. The Supreme Court has heldthat the military have no role in poli-tics and they have in the pastbreached the Constitution in ma-nipulating elections.

Well done Supreme Court I amsure it is clear message to militaryestablishment that any future inter-vention will be exposed and op-posed. The court rightly deserve tobe praised for this historical judg-ment, however, the superior courtwill truly make history if it holdsaccountable the ones responsible forextra-judicial killing in Karachi,Khyber Pakhtunkhwa andBalochistan also.

So far it has miserably failedin this regard despite the presenceof conclusive evidence of thecrimes committed against thepeople. I do not know why thisthought repeatedly comes into mymind that this decision on this timeis meant to divert attention of themasses from the crimes commit-ted by PPP in its about five yeasregime when election is coming

setts. But Romney’s record in Bos-ton wasn’t really four years of ge-nial comity; it was more like threeyears of gridlock (the legislatureoverrode more than 700 Romneyvetoes) interrupted by one brilliantpiece of bipartisan legislation, thehealthcare law that Romney passedwith help from the late SenatorEdward M. Kennedy.

So even if a President Romneyturns out to be the Moderate Mittof October 2012 instead of the se-vere conservative who won the Re-publican nomination, he’ll still bepursuing deep cuts in domesticspending that most Democrats willresist. We’re in strange politicaltimes. The only clear mandate fromthe electorate is to end the partisandivide, but that seems to be the onemessage our political leaders can’thear. Both sides take the narrowestof wins as a clear mandate for theirmost extreme views. They’re all forcompromise, as long as it’s the otherside doing the compromising. Myreluctant forecast for Tuesday’soutcome: a victory for gridlock.— Courtesy: Los Angeles Times

Many of us spend a lot oftime scrutinizing otherpeople, searching hard to

discover faults in them. It’s like awoman who spent a whole eveningwith a very handsome man, whohad taken her out for dinner, “Howwas he?” asked a friend.

“He’s got a small scar behindhis right ear,” she said, “I saw itwhen he bent to pick up a spoon!”

Can you imagine that’s all she saw! Iwonder what flaws the man saw inher, that she didn’t know she had, be-cause she was so busy searching forhis fault. They say, the camel neversees its own hump, but that of thecamel in front of it, that is alwaysbefore its eyes.

Or, as writer once said, “When-ever I dwell for any length of timeon my own shortcomings, theygradually begin to seem mild, harm-less, rather engaging little things, notat all like the staring defects in otherpeople’s characters.”

There’s this story of an elderlycouple who, while on an automobiletrip, stopped at a roadside restaurant

for lunch. The woman left her eye-glasses on the table, but didn’t missthem until they were back on thehighway. And, of course, it was dif-ficult to turn around by then. Herhusband fumed and complained allthe way back to the restaurant abouther “Always leaving her glasses” be-hind.” They finally arrived, and as thewoman got out of the car to retrieveher glasses, the old man said, “Whileyou’re in there, you may as well getmy hat, too!”

Psychologist Carl Jung says “ev-erything that irritates us about otherscan lead us to an understanding ofourselves.” Or, put another way, thehumps we can’t help but seeing in

Stop being a camel..!others are a lot like the humps oth-ers see in us. They are like the faultswe have, but don’t see. I believe weneed to change our way of think-ing. Start looking for the positivein others. Overlook the humps andtell yourself, that the hump, thoughirritating is a necessary evil. How’sthat you may ask.

Well, the beauty of we humanbeings is that each one of us is verydifferent from the next, and in thedifferences may come some faults,but in the differences also comecharacteristics worthy of being en-joyed. So, start looking for the goodin others. Stop being a camel..!—Email: [email protected]

A futile make over

For a government that is in thedock over a spate of corruptionscandals and runaway inflec-

tion; a cabinet rejig was just what itneeded to signal changed course andrenewed combativeness. Yet, the cos-metic tinkering on display falls shortof what could have been done to ar-rest the drift in governance and re-gain people’s faith. The disappoint-ment engendered by the exerciseturned out to be as great as were theexpectations from it. As things turnedout, the reshuffle was a dumb squibsignifying no real change to the sta-tus quo. Barring some exceptions itfocused neither on projecting resultoriented ministers nor the youth fac-tor. Many hoped that the last reshuffleof the council of ministers before thegeneral election would impart somemomentum to a drifting administra-tion. But what we have eventuallybeen given is a massive letdown.

If the ministerialrejig was intended torefurbish the scantainted image andboost the decliningpolitical stock of thecongress led govern-ment, it has conspicu-ously failed to do so.Keeping in mind that2014 is fast approach-

ing, this was the time to go in for arevamp. But there was hardly anyattempt to act boldly to clean up thestables thereby raising the perfor-mance bar for policy making andgovernance. It is also very hard tomake the case that reshuffle signalsan attempt on the part of Congress toregain the lost ground after the spateof scams and cultivate a clean imageas time is fast running out. Instead, itlooks like the UPA has decided to relyupon the old fashioned identity poli-tics centered around regional ap-peasement, traditional loyalties andpatronage networks. The principalmessage sent out is one of politicaldrift. At a time when the UPA gov-ernment is on the mat due to eco-nomic slowdown and graft relatedscandals, it is rather disappointing thatit has failed to capitalize on the op-portunity to give a much neededfacelift to the government. Indeed, the

whole exercise has turned out to be abad case of missed opportunities.

The cosmetic surgery comes ata most inappropriate time when twostate elections, including Gujarat,loom round the corner. The congressparty has again shown its inabilityto prioritise issues of governance andof accountability. What was neededwas a clear signal of accountability.It would be gratifying if one couldread into the recent reshuffle somesigns that the UPA’s leadership hastaken the first steps in doing this. Butit has failed to end the feeling thatthe UPA is drifting. There are no dis-cards that promise a new beginning.There are new faces but no imagemake-over. Simply put, rearrangingfaces does not make for accountabil-ity. The whole rigmarole seems tobe an exercise in balancing thecongress’s politics.

However, with the UPA havingshed some of its most troubling al-lies, this was a golden opportunity forthe party to inject fresh blood into thecabinet, pack it with performers andrevamp the government entirely. In-stead the PM’s last reshuffle turnedout to be an exercise in musical chairsthat did nothing to restore the cred-ibility of the government. It looks likethe changes in the ministerial postingshave been made with an eye on 2014

elections. In fact, the reshuffle re-flects the needs of coalition politics.It was a please all exercise whichtook into account everything fromcaste and community equations toregional considerations. The shift-ing of Jaipal Reddy from the petro-leum ministry and the elevation ofSalman Khurshid to a high profileport- folio only deepens the suspi-cious of the public about the integ-rity of the congress party.

Already, the government isfaced with a series of crises, fromsoaring sky high food inflation topeople’s anti corruption mood. Soit won’t do to make cosmeticchanges in ministerial set up. Thegovernment needs to look ahead atthe year and a half it has left andplan for it. While it remains to beseen whether the re-Jigged councilof ministers can inspire confidenceand take the reforms agenda further,it would be sensible of the govern-ment to recognize the need for ayounger team that is in step withnew India. One can only hope thatthe UPA leadership makes a sub-stantial effort to bring in wholesalechanges. That alone will be able toachieve what the UPA appears to beseeking, a sense of renewal.—The writer is a Delhi-basedsenior journalist.

$30,000 in future. This amountwould certainly increase with thepassage of time and naturally whiteelephant would fall under immenseburden of its own. PresidentObama added $16+ Trillion to thenational debt (that’s $50,000 forevery American). It means “4straight Trillion dollar budget defi-cits in a row!”. American presidentis not a very powerful man. On thecontrary the destiny of the nationis in the hands of bankers, busi-nessmen, congress and senators.Americans demand good payingjobs with medical facilities andseveral other social benefits andcheap gasoline. Many have a de-sire for business facilities. A num-ber of parents cannot afford thehigh cost of education of their chil-dren. Economic chart shows themiserable, stagnant and cripplingfinancial condition of the country.

American culture is changingand two presidential candidates areopenly calling each other liars. WillObama be one term president, aproduct of fortune? It is generallybelieved that what may be the re-sult of election, nothing would hap-pen remarkable. Bleedingeconomy, unemployment, gasprices, etc would be the same is-sues, no matter who is in office andwhat may be his agenda.

Doyle McManus

ahead. PPP constantly remained indefiance and did not cooperatewith the court at any stage duringthe hearing of this case nor it filedrelevant documents with court de-spite these were summoned by theapex court. Will court take any ac-tion against the government?

The Memogate Case is alsocoming before the SC soon.Ambassdor Haqani has been de-clared guilty by a commission prob-ing the alleged ‘Memogate’ scandalthat hit the country last year and theCommission has already found thereis prima facie case of high treasonagainst Ambassador Haqani. Butpoint of determination is couldHussain Haqani take such a drasticand under handed task by himself?All that the SC has to do is to judgewhether he acted on the instructionsof President Zardari? And then takeaction according to law. The fact thatHaqqani lived in the President’sHouse in Islamabad when the casewas first heard by the Supreme Courtleaves no one in doubt that Presi-dent Zardari is the main accused inthis case.

The present form of Zardaribrand democracy, which SC is pro-tecting for the last more than fouryears, is depriving the citizens ofgood education, healthcare, financialliberty and other civic amenities.During this corrupt regime, thepeople have been pushed to almostin dark ages. Is that all constitu-tional? The people don’t want a re-gime where their daughters areraped, their sons are killed in streets,their businesses are snatched, andtheir families are begging for foodon roads and the so called leadersare plundering all the resources andenjoying all the richness.

The politicians and their paidmedia are always calling for de-mocracy to prevail, but what has de-mocracy done for the country whichis also being protected by the SC?I sincerely hope that the HonorableSupreme Court in future will bearin mind the unbearable hardships ofpoor masses of Pakistan also whiledischarging their constitutionalfunctions.—Islamabad

Re-employmentof retired officers

ASGHAR MAHMOOD

Last year on 14 February, the Su-preme Court of Pakistan directed theGovernment to withdraw re-em-ployment notification of Mr.Waseem Ahmed, then Director Gen-eral Federal Investigation Agency(FIA) and other police officers re-emplyed on contract basis ( Mediareports 15.2.2011) .

In compliance with the direc-tions of the Apex Court, the Fed-eral Government terminated thecontract of selected police offic-ers. However, Mr. WaseemAhmed was allowed to continue inoffice. Later on he resigned fromthe post of DG, FIA.

According to media reports, Mr.Waseem Ahemed has been again re-employed by the Sind Governmentas Additional Chief Secretary(Home), and perhaps interactingwith the Supreme Court in this ca-pacity ( through personal appearanceor/and submission of reports on lawand order in Sind).

May I ask the concerned authori-ties, is not the re-employment of Mr.Waseem Ahmed as Additional ChiefSecretary (Home) against the spiritof the directions/ orders/ observa-tions of the Supreme Court regard-ing re-employment of retired civilservants blocking promotions of de-serving competent officers?—Islamabad

Sunita VakilEmail:[email protected]

Muhammad Daheem Email: [email protected]

MO CHAUDHURY

FIRST, the conflicting and growing strategic interests of the global powerplayers in the land and sea area surrounding Myanmar (and Bangladesh)

continue to prevent any strong independentaction on the part of these players to bringabout and enforce a mutually fair redress forthe Rohingya trgedy. Such a redress wouldperhaps involve creating an autonomousRohingya-majority territory in Myanmarcarved out of north-western Rakhine with itspolitical and governance structure similar tothe territories of Canada and USA, for in-stance. Second, the Government of Miyanmar(GoM) continues to deny citizenship to theRohingyas claiming that the Rohingya an-cestors, originating from areas now part ofBangladesh, unlawfully trespassed into andsettled in the Rakhine region. The Govern-ment of Bangladesh (GoB), on its part, ar-gues that it is an internal problem ofMyanmar, and a more accommodative GoBpolicy regarding the Rohingyas would sim-ply encourage continued governance failurein Myanmar.

Meantime, the tragedy continues todeepen with all of its manifold implicationsfor Bangladesh, such as economic rehabili-tation, cultural assimilation, risk of strength-ening of anti-secular extremism, risk ofcounter violence against the Buddhists inBangladesh, risk of infiltration of illegal armsand weapons, risk of border tension in caseof Rakhine insurgency (of ethnic alliances ofseparatists) operating from withinBangladesh, risk of strengthening of sepa-ratist forces in the southeastern areas ofBangladesh, etcetera. The blame game (asmuch as the blames may be true) and the as-sociated lack of commitment to the humanityof the Rohingyas do not seem like produc-tive courses of action for Bangladesh. Third,there is no legislation in Bangladesh specifi-

cally targeted at handling refugees or asylumseekers. Instead, the GoB relies on the 1946Foreigners Act that grants it sweeping power.Further, Bangladesh is not a party to the 1951Convention relating to the Status of Refu-gees and the 1967 Protocol. This legal void

has provided utmost discretion to the GoB indealing with the Rohingya refugees. For ex-ample, Bangladesh is yet to document/regis-ter the vast majority (221,000 out of the re-ported 250,000) of the Rohingyas already inBangladesh, most of them since 1991-92.

Without any legal status, theseRohingyas do not qualify for any official hu-manitarian assistance and have been livingin sub-human conditions. While respectingthe international law of non-refoulement,Bangladesh did not expel the undocumentedRohingyas, but the 2012 actions of repellingthe asylum seekers indicate a reluctance torespect this law going forward. Further, inNovember 2010, the GoB suspended theUNHCR programme for resettlement ofRohingyas abroad and has since rebuffedstrong appeals from the UNHCR to revokethe suspension. Granted that the internal se-curity concerns of Bangladesh may be well-taken, the question is why twenty years (since1992) is not a long enough period of sub-human living for the undocumentedRohingyas without access to lawful employ-ment, education, health, freedom of move-ment, justice system and international assis-tance.

Fourth, the 250,000 Rohingyas inBangladesh represent a tiny 0.17 per cent of

the country’s population of 150 million, andonly one-eighth of the annual growth (1.37per cent) of population. Further, if the docu-mented Rohingyas are rehabilitated in lowdensity areas, additional amenities and infra-structure needs will be minimal. With legal

status, it is also expected that the economicproductivity and consumption of theRohingyas and the inflow of internationalassistance for them will rise. Thus, their reg-istration is not likely to result in either a popu-lation burden or an economic baggage. With-out documentation, however, not only the areeconomic benefits foregone, the Rohingyasmay in fact become increasingly desperateand vulnerable to recruitment by criminals,extremists and political opportunists. Fifth,there is a risk of ethnic clash and separatistturmoil if the Rohingyas are all rehabilitatedin the south-eastern region of Bangladesh.For example, if all 250,000 Rohingyas are relo-cated to the Bandarban district, they will be-come a dominant ethnic majority there.

Therefore security concerns warrant aspatially diversified rehabilitation, possiblydispersing a significant number of Rohingyasto the northern and western districts and per-haps the off-shore islands of Bangladesh.

Lastly, it is in the long-term interests ofBangladesh to be seen as a nation that genu-inely cares about the sufferings of fellow hu-man beings. Unbalanced concerns about in-ternal security and geopolitics should notcloud the recollection of traumatic ethnic andpolitical persecution of the Bangladeshisthemselves in the not so distant past, nor

should it be lost that a sufficiently large seg-ment of the world was always there forBangladesh whenever it needed economic

and humanitarian assistance, especially attimes of severe natural calamities. The careand assistance needed by the Rohingyassurely pales in contrast. While mindless com-passion can be reckless, so can be heartlesspragmatism. Hence, it is a reasonable balancebetween the two that Bangladesh needs re-garding the Rohingyas. Clearly the transi-tion from defending minorities within own bor-ders to accommodating minorities across theborders is fraught with unpleasant challenges,but continued deferral of taking up the chal-lenges is not a sustainable choice either.

Such a recognition could perhaps startwith: (a) unequivocal condemnation of the

acts of violence in Rakhine as unacceptableby the GoB, civil society and other collectiveforums, (b) registration of the undocumented

Rohingyas in Bangladesh, (c) cooperationwith relief organisations to channel humani-tarian aid to the Rohingyas in Bangladesh,(d) articulation and enactment of a compre-hensive refugee policy, and (e) leadership bythe GoB in orchestrating a multilateral allianceto address the Rohingya tragedy. In otherwords, a combination of unequivocal moralsupport, refuge and relief efforts within aninternationally accepted legal framework, andmobilisation of interested powerful partnersare called for.

— Courtesy - Daily Star. [The writer isprofessor, Practice in Finance, McGill Uni-versity, Montreal, Canada].

ANTHONY FENSOM

DURING her three-day visit,Gillard told Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh thattalks could now commence on

sales of Australian uranium to nuclear-armed India, following Gillard’s reversallast year of her Labor Party’slongstanding ban. “Prime Minister Singhand I have agreed that we will commencenegotiations for the nuclear safeguardsagreement, the civil nuclear cooperationagreement given Australia is now pre-pared to sell uranium to India,” she an-nounced at a press conference on Octo-ber 17. For Australia, a bilateral CivilNuclear Cooperation Agreement is a pre-requisite for sales of uranium to anothercountry, although it is expected to takeat least a year or more before exportscommence.

Dr. Singh stressed that the lifting ofthe uranium ban was crucial to improv-ing ties, with Gillard’s three-day visit“bound to open a new chapter in India-Australia relations”. “Under Prime Min-ister Gillard, the Australian Labor Partyhas articulated a new policy on uraniumsales to India. This is recognition ofIndia’s energy needs as well as of ourrecord and credentials,” Dr. Singh said.“I have expressed to Prime MinisterGillard India’s appreciation of this de-velopment.”

The move came despite India’snuclear industry reportedly being de-scribed by its auditor-general as unsafe,disorganized and in many cases, unregu-lated. Australia had previously ruled outyellow cake exports to India due to itsrefusal to sign the Nuclear Non-Prolif-eration Treaty, but its 2005 agreementwith the United States over civil nuclearpower paved the way for the ban’s lift-ing. India is reliant on uranium importsfor its nuclear power industry, with onlynine of its 20 operating reactors runningon domestic uranium. Current nucleargenerating capacity of 4,780 megawattsis expected to double with another 6700megawatts under construction.

Despite the impact of the Fukushimadisaster and Germany’s phasing out ofnuclear power, India remains committedto its target of 25 percent power fromnuclear by 2050 compared to the current2.5 percent. Australia has around 40 per-cent of the world’s known uranium de-posits, but only 16 percent of produc-tion, according to the government, giv-ing the domestic industry room for ex-pansion.

Queensland seizes opportunity: Cen-

ter-left state Labor governments havetraditionally been reluctant to embracenuclear power, and Queensland hasbeen no exception. The former Gossgovernment imposed a ban on mining in1989, with the state’s last mine, MaryKathleen, closing down in 1982. Yet withthe known uranium resource inQueensland valued by the AUA ataround AUD$18 billion (US$18.6 billion),the temptation to end the ban was toogreat.

Despite earlier ruling out a policychange, recently elected Premier

Campbell Newman announced on Octo-ber 22, just days after Gillard’s return fromIndia, that Queensland would join otherstates in actively pursuing uranium min-

ing. “The Prime Minister Julia Gillard hasjust been in India selling the benefits ofAustralian-produced uranium to India,prompting many in the community to askabout the industry’s potential inQueensland,” Mr. Newman said in astatement.

“It’s been 30 years since there wasuranium mining in this state, and in thattime Northern Territory, South Australiaand Western Australia have carved outsuccessful uranium industries that de-liver jobs and prosperity to their re-gions.” Despite ruling out any nuclearenergy production or waste disposal

plants in Queensland, environmen-tal critics denounced the move.

“This is not the time forQueensland to give a green light toyellowcake,” Australia ConservationFoundation Northern Australia Act-ing Manager Andrew Picone said.“There is no compelling economiccase, there is no accepted social li-cense and the lessons of Fukushimaneed to be addressed not ignored.This industry is unsafe, unwelcomeand underperforming.”

However, the Queensland Re-

sources Council (QRC) welcomed themove as overturning the previousgovernment’s “illogical stance.”“The government’s decisive

action…will provide a strong boostto the regional economies of northand north-west Queensland,” QRCchief executive Michael Roche saidin a statement, estimating the creationof 1,000 permanent jobs and 2,500construction jobs as well asAUD$900 million in state royalties.Yet while Queensland may havechanged course, its southern coun-terparts in New South Wales andVictoria – also ruled by conservativegovernments – have shown no in-clination to reverse their miningbans.—Courtesy - The Diplomat

Atomic Allies: India andAustralia Explore Uranium Sales

KAVI CHONGKITTAVORN

IN general, the Asean leaderswant Obama to return as president so he can take part in theupcoming East Asia Summit

(EAS), which will be held two weekslater in Phnom Penh. The seventh EASwill be one of the most important meet-ings between the leaders of Asean andthe world’s most powerful countriesincluding the US, Russia, China andIndia as each country is undergoingsubstantive changes dictated by theirown domestic and external dynamics.To Asean, Obama represents a conti-nuity of US commitment to Asia. 2. Ifthe presidential challenger, Mitt Rom-ney wins the race, he would have noreason to travel to Southeast Asia atany future date. His first task would beto consolidate his new administrativeteam as well as reshape the US foreignpolicy towards the Middle East, focus-ing on Israel and Iran. If Asia matters,it is about China and Japan. Asean willbe very low on the list.

3. The Asean chair, Cambodia, wasso excited that the spokesman of For-eign Ministry in Phnom Penh an-nounced on Tuesday that Obama hasconfirmed that he would visit Cambo-dia and attend the EAS. It is a clearindication that the White House is con-fident of his victory in the presidentialrace tomorrow. After the July’s hiccupfor failure to issue the jointcommuniqué as the end of Asean an-nual meeting, Cambodia wants badlyto demonstrate it has a neutral foreignpolicy towards major powers, espe-cially towards the US and China. 4.Both Myanmar and Thailand are anx-ious to find out if Obama would con-firm stopovers in their capitals duringthe trip to and from Phnom Penh. Ad-vance security teams from the US havealready visited these countries to pre-pare grounds for his surprised visitsahead of the EAS. The trip to threeAsean members are historic , especiallyfor Myanmar. The recent reforms in theformer rouge state has won praises inthe world over so much that Obamajust cannot ignore. Indeed, the US-Myanmar relations are on a rollercoaster. For him to come this far withvisits to Cambodia and Myanmar with-out touching on a tarmac in Thailand,a long standing US ally, would be ut-

Regional perspective

10 reasons Asean prefersObama as president

terly impossible. To reinforce the piv-otal role of Thailand, US Defense Sec-retary Leon Penetta is scheduled tostop over in Bangkok before heading

for Siem Riem on15 November and USState Secretary Hilary Clinton will alsovisit Bangkok two days on her way toPhnom Penh before her tenure ends.

5. If there is any US president that

is knowledgeable and appreciative ofAsean, it is Obama. Over the past fouryears, Obama has developed closedrapports with a high level of comfortwith most of the Asean leaders. In fact,Asean is thinking of scheduling anotherround of leaders’ meeting in the futurewith the incumbent US president. Theyhave met a few times previously withObama - their encounters producedsubstantive results. After all, they gavehim the confidence to deal with theAsean leaders. It is not wrong to saythat Obama helps define and sustainthe US role in the relations with Asean.6. The US rebalancing policy has wonaccolades among the Asean leaders.With the incumbent at the WhiteHouse, the policy will enter the secondphase with intensified US engagementswith the Asean members in all areas.Obama’s scheduled visit to Myanmarafter the EAS and its invitation toNaypyidaw to be an observer in the

Cobra Gold next year is a clear indica-tion of Washington’s intention to aug-ment its security cooperation with all theAsean members. This will be a new se-

curity toolbox for the region. With stron-ger US presence and commitment,Washington-initiated Trans Pacific Part-nership (TPP) is gaining grounds as ad-ditional Asean members would like to

enter TPP negotiation process. Thailandwould be one among them. Again,Obama’s challenger would not focus onAsia as a whole, even though his pre-decessor the former President GeorgeW Bush did make efforts to formulateddistinctive diplomacy toward Asia andAsean particularly on his second term.

7. Asean wants a US president witha practical foreign policy towards China.Proximity with the world’s second larg-est economy does provide both com-fort and stress for Asean. Russia underthe third-time President Vladimir Putinis returning to the region, in particularthe former Indochina, where the formerSoviet Union used to reign. Moscowwants closer cooperation with Aseanand is willing to do more to harness theirrelations. Visits to Vietnam, Laos andCambodia, one still can come acrossremnants of its once powerful presence.Back in 2005, it was Moscow—Courtesy, The Nation Thailand.

Rohingyas and Bangladesh

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s stumble duringher recent visit to India’s Mahatma Gandhi memorial may

have caught the media’s attention. But it was her diplomaticfleet of foot in paving the way for uranium exports to Asia’sthird-largest economy that has proponents hopeful of a newboom in production, particularly in the state of Queensland.

The bouts of ethnic violence in the Rakhine region of Miyanmarsince mid-2012 have once again triggered the attempted exodus of

Rohingyas into Bangladesh. The purpose of this commentary is to explorekey dimensions of the Rohingya tragedy and potential courses of action

from the Bangladesh perspective.

Tomorrow the international community will find out whois the choice of the American voters. For Asean, it is crystal

clear the incumbent is the one. Here are 10 reasons forchoosing Barack Obama.

KEVIN BARON, GORDON

LUBOLD, JOHAN REED

OBAMA: Military Reformers - President Obama and the Joint Chiefs ofStaff spent much of last fall craftinga $525 billion defense budget for 2013

with unprecedented buy-in from the top brass.It shrinks the size and projected growth of theU.S. military over the next five years with theirblessing. Defense officials say they were forcedto meet the Budget Control Act’s spending re-strictions — meaning they were given an ex-cuse to do what they wanted to do anyway. It’sno secret both the White House and many four-star generals, including the top Marine, Com-mandant Gen. James Amos, were hoping to di-rect a post-war reset. Others, like Army Chief ofStaff Gen. Ray Odierno and recently retired AirForce Chief of Staff Norton Schwartz, said formonths that the military should do its part to-ward helping alleviate total federal spending.An Obama victory keeps their five-year bud-get proposal and the national security strategyit funds alive. Drones - While both candidatessupport the aggressive use of drones in thewar on terrorism, Obama already has a budget

US polls contrast

Defense in 2013on the table that cuts traditional forces andweapons, like big ships and some missile de-fenses, in order to give more resources to smaller

platforms. Specifically, Obama’s interest willlikely spur the replacement of today’s slow, pro-peller-driven UAVs with stealthy, jet-powereddrones that can survive against modern air de-fenses. This means the Navy may move aheadwith its contest for a stealthy, carrier-launchedattack drone under the Unmanned Carrier

Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike(UCLASS) program. The Air Force will prob-ably restart its currently stalled plans to de-

velop a new fleet of stealthy, jet-powered UAVsto complement its RQ-170 Sentinel spy drones.General Atomics, Northrop Grumman, Boeingand Lockheed Martin are all ready to competefor the contracts on both of these efforts. Oh,and don’t forget the new fleet of 80 to 100 long-range stealth bombers that the Air Force is de-

veloping. Versions of this aircraft are designedto be “optionally manned” — i.e., remote-con-trolled. Defense Industry Shareholders: Bearwith us. Yes, Obama wants to stop the long-term yearly growth of defense spending whileRomney wants to increase the Pentagon bud-get massively. But in the near term, the nextpresident has to get Congress to move on se-quester or the defense budget gets whacked.Obama surrogates feel that the president hasleverage to break the deadlock if he wins andargue that Romney would enter with no foot-ing on which to stand up to his own party, ce-menting the deadlock and making sequesterthat much more likely. “The fiscal cliff is muchmore likely to happen under Romney becausehe’s not shown the backbone that I think weneed,” Rachel Kleinfeld of the left-leaningTruman National Security Project claimed.Maybe. But an Obama win does at least meanthat negotiations can pick up wherever they

left off. And watercooler wisdom suggests that aRomney win would force Congress to extend thesequestration deadline at the very least. So anObama re-elect could mean a shorter glide pathfor a deal.

Blue Star Mothers: While the Obama cam-paign says the president will hew to the NATO-approved timeline to exit Afghanistan by the endof 2014, the White House gets to decide justhow fast combat ends and how many U.S. troopswill remain there in perpetuity. Judging by thecomments of the candidates and their surrogates,a Romney presidency seems far likelier to extenda high troop-total in Afghanistan as long as pos-sible. Romney also has repeatedly criticizedObama for not keeping U.S. troops in Iraq as abuffer for Iran. The same concern applies to post-war Afghanistan. By contrast, Obama’s liberalbase thinks the 2014 pullout is not fast enough,by an unbelievable margin of 98-2 percent. ISAFCommander Gen. John Allen’s recommendationsfor the 2013-2014 troop lay-down is expected inWashington later this month, but don’t expect adecision until after January. With green-on-blueattacks showing no sign of letting up, failingAfghan governance report cards pouring in, andthe election behind him.

—Courtesy - FP Magazine.

No matter which man wins the presidency, the Pentagon is going tokeep taking that proverbial hill. But there are some areas in which aRomney administration would take the U.S. military down a path muchdifferent than the Obama administration would. Here are a few of ourpicks for the people and programs that might find themselves sittingpretty come Wednesday morning:

w

LAHORE: Vice Chancellor Government College University Dr Khaleequr-Rehman, Prof Nusrat Jahan and Prof DrJaved Akram with the participants of 5-day Dengue Conference.

vived the bullet attack on herhead last month.

Their approach to have akind of Islam in Pakistan, dif-ferent from that known forover 1400 years to the Mus-lims of the world, has beencondemned by all and sun-dry, including by the reputedscholars on Islam. Yet theyrefuse to budge. More hor-rendously, a latest statement insupreme court by the govern-ment intelligence agencies,claims presence of over 700Talibans in Karachi. Some threeyears ago, MQm leader AltafHussain, had warned the peopleof Karachi and Sindh about thesurreptitious movement intoKarachi of Taliban from north-ern areas. Instead of drawingsupport, Altaf got rebuke fromfriends and foes alike. Timeproved him not only correct butthe kind of situation now pre-vailing in Karachi, has been amajor headache for those inpower.

It can now be said with con-siderable liberty that the pathanpolitical organization, theAwami National Party, its SindhPresident, Shahi Syed, who livesin Karachi, and got elected sena-tor from Khyber pukhtoon-khawa, and his party headAsfandyar Wali, as well as bythe party’s senate parliamentaryleader Haji Adeel, and the cen-tral information secretary sena-tor Zahid Khan, all issued state-

MQM referendum loadedwith all kinds of eventualities

From Page 1

Raja meets Russian counterpartFrom Page 1

ments from time to time, whichcan easily be described as hos-tile towards the people ofKarachi, and its representatives,the MQM to serve a kind ofwarning to MQM for meting outunjust treatment to pathans inparts of Sindh, especially inKarachi.

Anyone can now ask withfacts and figures as to why theANP is now being attacked byTalibans in Karachi, and 2) whywas their well shielded enclavenear Sohrab Goth, was clearedby the Talibans, who came outopenly to challenge that ANP,shut their offices, removed theirparty flags from poles, housesand shops, and have now movedto other areas to dislodge theANP, which had tried to appeasethem and appear as their protec-tor in their hostility towardsMQM, and Urdu ethnic groupsin Karachi and other areas ofSindh.

Barely two days ago, ShahiSyed at his press conference re-frained from naming the TTP forthe murder of two of his partycolleagues. He merely confinedhimself to the use of termingthem as Dahshatgard (terrorists).Why did he not name them asTaliban. Was he frightened ofconsequences? Or was it a meresimple logic to avoid picking upclash with their own ethnicgroups. The MQM referendumon whether the people of Paki-

stan wanted a progressive, lib-eral Pakistan envisioned by theQuaid-i-Azam or whether theywanted a Pakistan or theTalibans which could push thecountry to pits’ edge. It is a wisemove, but not without inherentdangers. Killings can be clearlyseen of the horizon on 8th ofNovember, outside the referen-dum booths. The MQM saysthey and their workers are readyfor any sacrifice.

They also think that Talibanwould not kill ordinary votersfor fear of losing popularity. Buteven if blood begins to flow onthe streets of Karachi orHyderabad, then whose will lossit be? MQM may suffer sacri-fices, and may even succeed inwiping out the TTP or forcingthem out of Karachi if a fightrages on Thursday. It may alsobe possible, that MQM’s sacri-fices may be greater than ex-pected and yet the Taliban,equipped and financially strongnow, can force the issue in theirfavour.

This writer understands fullythat his utterances may harm himalso, but warning about lurkingdangers is also a bounden dutyof those entrusted with the re-sponsibility of alerting the peoplein advance. The referendum canbe successful in Karachi be-cause of MQM’s strength andunchallenged following, but inthe rest of the country, in thePunjab especially, the responseneeds to be watched closely.One can hope only hope, for thebest. It is a dicey game, but hasto be played for the sake of longterm interests.

cus on positive narratives in therelationship such as revival of thebilateral strategic dialogue pro-cess, infrastructure and develop-ment projects and strengtheningof economic and commercial re-lations. She particularly outlinedthe important role of US assis-tance in the development of en-ergy sector. The two sides also

social and economic chal-lenges. He said the com-position, powers and juris-diction of the Supreme Courtare set out by the Constitu-tion itself.

He said the judiciary wastrying to make good the mis-takes committed in the pastby registering a new history.“(We are) safeguarding thefundamental rights and es-tablishing the writ of the law,”he added.

The CJ said in today’s erathe perception of the na-tional security is taking aparadigm shift.

He then put forth the fol-lowing questions: 1) Do wereward merit and hard work?2) Are the twin principles ofrule of law and supremacy ofConstitution being strictlyenforced? 3) Do the citizensof this country trust the sys-tem and think it providesthem fair opportunity to re-alize their dreams in a trans-parent manner? 4) Does thepresent system have the ca-pacity to discourage the cor-rupt and rent seekers? 5) Dowe have a system where civiland property rights are pro-tected and contracts are fullyenforced?

He said if the answer to allthese questions is a resoundingyes, then ‘we can claim that therules and regulations in prac-tice here are transparent andfair. In such environment ev-eryone will have the incentiveto work hard and invest theirenergies and resources in theirrespective fields.’Asia.

Kaira said that he supportedthe efforts by the youth of Paki-stan and India for the bettermentof relations between both thecountries.

He said that terrorismdidn’t take birth in Pakistan in-stead it became a victim of it.He said the phenomenon startedin an organized manner afterSoviet Union’s invasion of Af-ghanistan and nobody paid heedto the issue.

The minister said that Paki-stan was battling terrorism andsacrificed lives of 400,000people. —APP

other kind of extremism and,therefore, is neither desirable orwelcome.

“All religions teach toler-ance and accommodation. Weneed to inculcate, promote andrespect these values,” he added.

PM Raja Pervaiz Ashrafsaid that the Afghanistan warhas affected the entire regionand added that peace andfriendship in the region wasimperative. Besides, he urgedfor the resolution of disputes bythe regional countries, as theregion could bear any furtherfrictions and tensions.

The regional issues shouldbe resolved with bilateral dia-logues and harmony. He saidwars and conflicts breed poverty

PM: Misuse of freedom ofexpression also extremism

From Page 1and deprivation and it is impor-tant for the regional countries toresolve the differences throughdialogue and negotiations.

“Through talks we wouldbe able to preserve peace as wellas the hard-earned progress wehave achieved”, he said.

“Peace is a prerequisite forprosperity as region’s enormouspotential would remainunderutilized if an atmosphereof conflict and tension contin-ues to prevail,” he said.

Prime Minister Ashraf saidthe security in the region;caused by fallout of three de-cade-old conflict in Afghani-stan has not allowed our peoplethe degree of prosperity theydeserved. He said both Asia and

Europe have gone through thefinancial crises during the re-cent years an added it is a timefor both to learn from theseharsh realities.

With regard to ASEM, hesaid Pakistan attaches greatimportance to its process andadded since joining ASEM in2006 Pakistan has actively par-ticipated in its activities at alllevels.

Raja Pervaiz Ashraf alsocomplimented the Laos gov-ernment for hosting the suc-cessful summit and thankedthe government and peoplefor their warmth and hospital-i ty. He also welcomedBangladesh and Norway join-ing ASEM. —INP

place following verbal clashesamong the Pakistan and Talibanfighters, reported Afghan.

Akbarzada further added atleast four people including twoPakistani Taliban and two Af-ghan Taliban militants werekilled in Andar district in thisprovince.

This comes as an AfghanTaliban leader was killed fol-lowing clashes with the Paki-stani Taliban militants in Quettacity of Pakistan recently. In themeantime local authorities inwestern Farah province of Af-ghanistan announced at least 37Taliban militants were killed ordetained during special militaryoperations by Afghan comman-dos. A spokesman for the AfganSpecial Forces Nastu Nasiri saidthe operations were conductedby Afghan and coalition securityforces in Gulistan district onSunday. He said Afghan com-mandos and coalition securityforces killed 7 Taliban militantsand arrested 30 others during theoperations without suffering anycasualties and seized severalweapons, ammunitions and ex-plosives during the operations.

Gulistan distict is border-ing southern Helmand provinceof Afghanistan and majority ofthe Taliban militants have re-portedly fled to Helmand prov-ince as a result of the militaryoperation. Taliban militantsgroup yet to comment regardingthe reports. —Online

Clashes amongAfghan, PakistaniTaliban, 4 killed

From Page 1

protest after their coachGoormel Singh was showed agreen card by the match officialfor disturbing the final match ashe entered frequently into theground.

However, Pakistan domi-nated the game right from thebeginning and maintained theirlead over India.

Pakistan were winning by 40points against 31 when the Indianteam left the ground in protest.

The spectators celebrated thePakistan victory cheering anddancing in the ground after thematch ended.

Pak win Asia CupKabaddi title

From Page 1

CJ: SC boundto uphold

constitution’ssupremacy

From Page 1

Kaira hailsFrom Page 1

Laos on Monday on the sidelineof the Asia-Europe Summit.

They discussed cooperationin different fields including en-ergy sector during the meeting.Prime Minster Raja PervezAshraf sought Russian invest-ment in energy and steel sectorsin Pakistan.

Earlier‚ Prime MinisterRaja Pervez Ashraf met withMalaysian Prime MinisterMuhammad Najib at Vientianein Laos today. They reviewedbilateral ties and matters of mu-tual concern and discussed waysto enhance cooperation in vari-ous fields.

Prime Minister Ashraf alsoheld a meeting with his Laoscounterpart ThongsingThammavong and discussedavenues to increase bilateralcooperation and cement mu-tual ties.

The Swedish Foreign Min-ister Carl Bildt also called onPrime Minister Raja PervezAshraf and discussed bilateralrelations‚ regional and interna-tional issues. They also agreedto enhance bilateral cooperationin various fields.Earlier‚ PMheld a meeting with FinnishPrime Minister Jyrki Katainenin Laos capital Vientian on thesideline of the Asia- EuropeSummit. He said Pakistan hasinvestor friendly policies and theFinnish businessmen shouldavail the investment opportuni-ties there.

Ashraf said Pakistan desiresto further expand its ties withFinland. He appreciated the sup-port extended by Finland to Pa-kistan in the European Union.

He also extended an invita-

tion to the Finnish Prime Min-ister to visit Pakistan which heaccepted.

Discussing the regional situ-ation‚ Prime Minister Ashrafsaid Pakistan is working to im-prove relations with itsneighbours and wants good re-lations with them including In-dia.

Meanwhile, talking to Presi-dent of European Council, VanRompuy also called on PrimeMinister Raja Pervez Ashraf athis Villa on the sidelines of AsiaEurope Meeting Summit(ASEM-9). The Prime Ministerinformed him about effortsmade by Pakistan for improve-ment of relations with India andAfghanistan. He said both Pa-kistan and India have taken ini-tiatives to improve ties and re-sumed the composite dialogueprocess which entails negotia-tions on all outstanding issueswith India.

Highlighting efforts madeby government to improve hu-man rights situation, the PrimeMinister said that human rightsconstitutes an important part ofPakistan Peoples Party (PPP)manifesto.

“We have taken severalmeasures to improve humanrights situation in the country in-cluding improvement ofwomen’s lot and protection ofrights of minorities,” he added.

Prime Minister Ashraf saidPakistan is a frontline state inthe war against terror and hassuffered both in men and mate-rial. He expressed his resolvethat Pakistan would continue itsfight till this menace is rootedout.

Talking about Afghanistan,the PM said “We share long bor-der with it and desire peace inAfghanistan.”

He said people of Pakistangenerally and PPP particularlyhave rendered great sacrificesfor democracy in the country.Late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto andShaheed Mohtarma BenazirBhutto sacrificed their lives forupholding democratic rights ofpeople and thousands went tojails.

He also briefed the Presi-dent EC on the steps taken bythe government to ensure free,fair and impartial elections in thecountry and expressed the hopethat EU would send its observ-ers to monitor the forthcominggeneral elections.

The President of EC briefedthe Prime Minister about the ef-forts made by EU to grant tradeconcessions to Pakistan whichwas appreciated by the PrimeMinister which, he added, wouldstrengthen economy of Pakistan.

Recalling the visit of LadyAustin to Pakistan in June thisyear, Van Rompuy said that Eu-ropean Union would continueits strategic dialogue with Pa-kistan.

He said that the EU and Pa-kistan are like-minded and EUdesires better relations with Pa-kistan and added that EuropeanUnion admires the sacrificesmad e by Pakistan in fightingterrorism.

He said, “We admire youand your party for the sacri-fices made for democracy inthe country. We share valueswhich make our relations last-ing.”—INP

was involved in serious case in-cluding murder and kidnapping.

Earlier, Supreme Court (SC)granted the bail to the former fed-eral minister from BalochistanYar Muhammed Rind againsttwo surety bonds worth 0.5 mil-lion rupees in kidnap case.

The apex court directed theconcerned authorities not to ar-rest him again unless his involve-ment is found in any other case.

Deputy Prosecutor GeneralAzam Khattak told the court thatthe prosecution record could notbe retrieved owing to the lackof time.

Heading a three-judge benchhearing Rind’s appeal, Chief Jus-tice of Pakistan (CJP) IftikharMuhammed Chaudhry stressedon the status of a penalty deliv-ered in absentia, adding, “We dis-couraged the in-absentia punish-ment in the National Reconcilia-tion Ordinance (NRO) verdict.”

Counsel for Rind, advocateAkram Shaikh said the caseagainst his client is the result oftribal hostilities and owing to thesame enmity, Rind could not at-tend the trial court all this mean-time. It is pertinent to note herethat Leader of the Opposition inthe Balochistan Assembly Rindwas arrested on Thursday (No-vember 1) at the behest of theSupreme Court as he appearedbefore the court.—Online

Arrest warrantsFrom Page 1

Pak can generate 59,796MWFrom Page 1

ing processed by PPIB with thehelp of private sector that willgenerate the cheaper hydro gen-eration of 5416 MW, out ofwhich 4 projects of 1760 MW arebring processed in KPK, oneproject in KPK and AJK of 150MW, 8 projects of 2786 MW inAJK and one project of 720 MWin Punjab.

It also unveiled that five hy-dropower projects being financedby private sector that includeNew Bong hydropower projectof 84 MW will come on streamby May 2013. The Patrind projectof 147 MW on Kunar river willstart functioning by December2016, Gulpur of 100 MW onpooch river will generate electric-ity in June 2017, Suki Kinari of840 MW in December 2018 and

Kohala hydropower project of1100 MW in December 2018 willstart generating electricity.

The top official of PPIB toldPakistan Observer that the costof New Bong Hydropowerproject is $ 215 million and itstariff is 8.543 cents per unit andthis project will start generatingelectricity of 84 MW in May2013. To a question he said thatthe financial close of the saidproject was achieved in Decem-ber 2009 and the constructionwork has completed by 85 percent.

Mentioning about the Kohalaproject of 1100 MW will be com-pleted by December 2018 at thecost of $ 2.498 billion with tariffof 8.142 cents per unit. AboutGulpur Hydropower project of

100 MW, the PPIB official saidthat this project will be completedin June 2017 with the cost of $158.66 million will generate elec-tricity at the rate of 5.42 cents perunit. He said that Patrind hydro-power project of 147 MW willbe completed in December 2016and generate electricity with thetariff of Rs 7 per unit for next 30years time.

The presentation also di-vulged that investment in thepower sector had dwindled mani-fold because of the factor of cir-cular debt and local banks are notmore inclined to provide creditsto the private sector which wantsto invest in the power sector. For-eign lenders are also shy of giv-ing the loans in power sector be-cause of the circular debt.

Pak, US discuss ongoingdevelopments in region

From Page 1

discussed the on-going develop-ments in the region.

Meanwhile, a statement bySpokesman of Foreign office saidPakistan’s position on Kashmirremains unchanged Responding to some me-dia reports regarding a statementsubmitted by the Interior Secre-tary in the Supreme Court, the

Spokesman said that there is nochange in the official stance ofthe Government of Pakistanabout Jammu and Kashmir. Pa-kistan regards Jammu and Kash-mir as a disputed territory and itremains committed to its peace-ful resolution in accordance withthe UN resolutions and aspirationof the Kashmiri people.

Sikandar Sanampasses away

KARACHI—Renowned stageand television actor SikanderSanam passed away at a privatehospital here on Monday.

Sanam had been battlingliver cancer for the last threemonths. Sikandar Sanam roseto to fame after a comical re-make of the Indian film “TereNaam”.

The exhilarating come-dian was pronounced dead onMonday after losing battle tothe dreadful disease ‘LeverCancer’.

Sanam was earlier admittedto the Agha Khan University hos-pital in September where he wasdiagnosed with Liver Cancer.

Continuous appeals from hisfamily to the government withrespect to financial help went invain as they attracted no re-sponse.—APP

LAHORE—Secretary General,Jamaat e Islami, Liaqat Balochhas stressed upon the Presidentand the Prime Minister to re-solve the Balochistan issue un-der the article 112 of the consti-tution in the light of the SupremeCourt decision.

In a statement here on Mon-day, he demanded that a jointsession of the parliament shouldbe summoned immediately forfinding out a political ad demo-cratic solution of theBalochistan issue.

The JI Secretary Generalsaid that the responsibility forthe prevailing situation inBalochistan lay with the partiescomprising the federal govern-ment and the Balochistan gov-

Balochistan situationFrom Page 1

ernment. He said that the peopleof Balochsitan, especially theyouth

Had been annoyed with thearmed forces and its agenciesbut the government had com-pelled them to revolt. He saidafter the Supreme Court verdict,the Balochistan government hadno right to stay.

He said all the politicalleaders and parties inBalochistan were of the viewthat the Balochistan Chief Min-ister had failed to improve thesituation.

Liaqat Baloch said that theruling junta led by PresidentZardari was bent upon remain-ing in power till the last day soas to continue its loot and plun-

der in spite of the fact that it hadproved a total failure long ago.The problems and the miseriesof the masses were increasingevery day. The common man onthe other hand, wanted immedi-ate elections so that a new gov-ernment could come into beingand mitigate their sufferings.

The JI leader condemnedthe Interior Ministry report onKashmir presented to the Su-preme Court. He said the Zardariregime had from the very begin-ning been trying to freeze theKashmir issue and gift Kashmirto India. The report, he said, wasin conflict with the principledstance of the country and betray-ing the Kashmiris’ freedomstruggle.—INP

a military person and extend it,unnecessarily, to undermine re-spective institutions.

“All systems in Pakistanappear to be in a haste to achievesomething, which can have bothpositive and negative implica-tions,” he said.

“Let us take a pause andexamine the two fundamentalquestions; One, are we pro-moting the rule of law and theconstitution? Two, are westrengthening or weakeningthe institutions?”

No individualor institution

From Page 1

Shahbaz lauds Pak-Turk schoolseducation promotion servicesSALIM AHMED

LAHORE—Punjab Chief Min-ister Muhammad ShahbazSharif has said that the aim ofnational progress and prosperitycan only be achieved throughequipping the new generationwith the latest knowledge.

Keeping in view this fact, hesaid, Punjab government hasadopted a solid strategy for thepromotion of modern and qual-ity education in the province. Hesaid that more than one lakhlaptops have been distributedamong talented boy and girl stu-dents on merit while the secondphase of laptops distributionprogramme is being started fromBahawalpur under which morethan one lakh laptops will begiven and the brilliant studentsof evening classes as well asseminaries will also be eligiblefor this programme.

He said that Pak-Turkschools of Pak-Turk EducationFoundation are playing an im-portant role in the promotion ofquality education. He was talk-ing to Chairman Pak-Turk

Schools Unal Tosur during ameeting, here. Regional Direc-tor Pak-Turk Schools SaadiYildirir was also present on theoccasion.

The Chief Minister said thateducation is the only way to-wards rapid development andthe funds spent on education arenot expenditure but fruitful in-vestment. He said that the strat-egy adopted by Punjab govern-ment for the development ofeducation sector and promotionof education has yielded posi-tive results.

He said that Daanishschools, educational fund, en-couragement of brilliant stu-dents, setting up of IT labs andlaptops distribution scheme arerevolutionary steps of Punjabgovernment and leaving a posi-tive impact on education sector.He said that just as lakhs of boyand girl students are benefitingfrom IT labs in schools, simi-larly brilliant students are alsogaining knowledge about thechanging global trends throughtheir laptops. He said thatlaptops distribution programme

of Punjab government is a com-mendable step which is not onlygenerating employment oppor-tunities for the youth but also en-abling them to play their role innational progress and develop-ment by equipping themselveswith latest knowledge.

The Chief Minister saidthat the growing interaction be-tween Punjab and Turkey willfurther expand friendly rela-tions. He said that while Turkcompanies are investing intransport, sanitation, energyand other sectors in Punjab, thePak-Turk schools are playingan important role in impartingmodern knowledge to the youthof the province.

Chairman Pak-Turk SchoolsUnal Tosur said that there aredeep rooted brotherly andfriendly relations between Tur-key and Pakistan and the bilat-eral relations between the peopleof the two countries are strength-ening with the passage of time.

He said that Pak-Turkschools are equipping the youthwith the quality education andlatest knowledge.

LAHORE—Lahore High CourtChief Justice Umar Ata Bandialon Monday sought a report fromthe Election Commission byDecember 6 on a petition forholding local government elec-tions in Punjab.

The chief justice directedthe Election Commission to in-form through the report whetherelectoral lists were ready or not.

The single bench compris-ing the chief justice passed theorder on a petition filed byAhsan Javed Chohan.

Earlier, the petitioner’s law-yer argued that the provincialgovernment was bound to holdlocal government elections, asper the constitution but it wasdelaying it which was a viola-tion of the Constitution.

However, a provincial lawofficer requested the court toadjourn the matter as it waspending before the apex court.

But, the court observed thatthe Supreme Court was hearingthe case of local governmentelections in Balochistan and it

had nothing to do with Punjab.The counsel further said the

Election Commission had notcompleted electoral lists yet.

Earlier, the petitioner’s coun-sel Azam Nazir Tarar arguingbefore the court submitted thathis client had expressed no-con-fidence in Accountability Court-V judge Nisar Baig, who washearing the fraud case againsthim. He said that the judge wasnot holding proceedings as perlaw, therefore, the case be trans-ferred to any other court. —APP

LHC wants LG polls in Punjab report

Stay againsttax on int’l

calls extendedLAHORE—The Lahore HighCourt (LHC) on Monday ex-tended the stay against tax in-crease on incoming interna-tional calls till November 14.

The single bench compris-ing Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan passedthe order on a petition filed byBrain Telecommunications.

Earlier, the Ministry of In-formation Technology, PakistanTelecommunication Authority(PTA), and PTCL filed their re-plies.

However, the court was in-formed that Competition Com-mission of Pakistan (CCP) hadnot filed the reply yet.—APP

Published by: Zahid Malik from Ali Akbar House Markaz G-8, Islamabad and printed by Gauhar Zahid Malik at Al Umar Printers

NATIONAL BRIEFS

SALIM AHMED

LAHORE—Deputy Chief Min-ister of Indian Punjab, SukhbirSingh Badal along with his del-egation called on Punjab ChiefMinister Muhammad ShahbazSharif at Chief Minister’s Sec-retariat, Monday and discussedbilateral relations and matters ofmutual interest. Members of In-dian delegation, Speaker PunjabAssembly, Rana MuhammadIqbal, Education & Excise Min-ister Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman,Advisor Zakiya Shahnawaz,Assembly Members PervaizMalik, Zaeem Hussain Qadri,Senator Pervaiz Rashid, SeniorMember Board of Revenue andsecretaries of various depart-ments were also present on theoccasion.

Welcoming the DeputyChief Minister of Indian Punjaband his delegation, Chief Min-ister Muhammad ShahbazSharif said that a number of val-ues are common between Paki-stan and India and the progressand prosperity of the people ofboth the countries depend uponpeaceful co-existence.

He said that it is vital to en-hance trade cooperation be-tween Pakistan and India forpeace, development and pros-perity of the region. He said thatboth the countries can benefit

Sukhbir Singh Badal meets Shahbaz

Time to end distances,remove misunderstanding

from the experiences of eachother in trade, investment, in-dustry, education, health andother sectors. Shahbaz Sharifpointed out that after passage of65 years we have not resolvedour mutual issues jointly whichhas caused great loss to both thecountries.

He said that now is the timethat we should remove our mis-understandings, end distances,enhance mutual contacts as itwill be helpful for resolving ourlong standing problems. He saidthat the visit of Deputy ChiefMinister of Indian Punjab toLahore will be helpful for in-creasing friendship and contactsbetween both the countries andopen new vistas of relations.

Shahbaz Sharif said that wehave to live like goodneighbourers as due to three

wars, there was destruction inboth the countries, economiclosses were suffered, resourceswere wasted but result was noth-ing.

He said that friendship andpeace can be promoted throughhealthy activities and adoptingpositive approach. Quoting theexample of European countries,the Chief Minister said that ear-lier these countries were fight-ing against each other but todaythey have one currency and aunion.

He said that they have re-solved their disputes and ben-efiting from the fruits of devel-opment.

He said that Pakistan andIndia will also have to resolvetheir mutual issues through use-ful dialogues as the wars gavenothing except destruction.

AMANULLAH KHAN

KARACHI—After four daysof initial problems of delays,the massive hajj operation in-volving over 100,000 pilgrimsa day were streamlined withthe assistance of Saudi CivilAviation Authority as PIAflights are leaving to variousdestinations in Pakistan wellon schedule.

According to Hajj Direc-tors the delays in flights oc-curred due to late arrival ofpassengers at Jeddah Hajj Ter-minal, and excessive baggageaccompanied by almost everyhajjis and traffic jams fromMecca to Jeddah hajj terminal,However the flights havestreamlined and leaving onschedule from today.

Syed Sultan Hassan, PIAspokesman said Monday thatPIA Hajj flights were operat-ing as per schedule: It may bementioned that PIA is operat-ing 10 flights daily and threescheduled flights from theJeddah Hajj Terminal briningback to Pakistan Hujjaj fromSaudi Arabia.He said that onday five of the post-Hajj opera-tion, on Monday, the flightsfrom Jeddah to Lahore, Karachiand Quetta arrived according tothe expected time of arrival(ETA) at their respective desti-nations. PIA Spokesman saidthat so far the PIA has operated46 flights from the Jeddah HajjTerminal with over 20,000Hajis on board. According to theflight statitistics released fromthe Jedah Airport of the 60 dif-

ferent airlines, released by theSaudi Civil Aviation Authorities,the departure of airlines delayfrom the Jeddah Hajj Terminalranges from half an hour to 15hours. He stated that two of theAfrican airlines- Kabo Air andAir Algeria, the average delaywas from two to 15 hours whilethe Shaheen Air of Pakistan op-erating four flights daily wasbehind schedule by 12 hours.

Spokesman said that duringthe first four days of the post-Hajj operation the maximumflights operated from JeddahHajj Terminal were of the PIAwhich is operating 10 Hajjflights in a day with an aver-age delay of three hours, fol-lowed by Garauda IndonesiaAirline which is operatingnine flights daily which are

Hajj flights streamlined: 100,000global Hajis returning home every day

delayed by four hours. TheTurkish Airline is also op-erating nine flights in a daywith delay of one hour.Theremaining airlines are oper-ating one to three flightsdaily while their average de-lay ranges from three to fourhours. Nas Air, the SaudiAirline operating six flightsdaily remained delayed byseven hours. F r o mthe Jeddah Hajj Terminal 60various airlines are operat-ing average 102 flights dailyhandling over 100,000 pas-sengers simultaneously.

The post-Hajj operationof PIA which started on Oc-tober 31 will end on Novem-ber 29 operating, 196 flightsduring the month flying backhome over 96, 000 Hujjaj.

ISLAMABAD—The Cabinet Di-vision on Monday rejected andreturned back the summary,which was prepared to be sentto the Economic CoordinationCommittee (ECC) by the petro-leum ministry pertaining to thepetroleum prices, after raisingcriticisms over it.

The Cabinet Divisioncriticised that the summary didnot include recommendations bythe petroleum ministry. It saidthat the ministry should recom-mend that how often the petro-leum prices should be revised,reported.

Moreover, it said that ac-cording to the Rules of the Busi-ness, the petroleum ministry wasobliged to present its recommen-dation in this regard.

The Cabinet Division also

said that the weekly-revision ofthe petroleum prices was sup-ported by the ministry and thesummary only included Na-tional Assembly’s resolution andrecommendations of the stand-ing committee.

The cabinet division saidthat it would forward the sum-mary to the ECC after inclu-sion of the recommendationsby the petroleum ministry.

Speaking to media repre-sentatives earlier Monday,Advisor to the Prime Minis-ter on Petroleum and NaturalResources Dr Asim Hussainsaid that the summary of pe-troleum prices had been for-warded to the ECC whichwould, after analysis, decidehow often should petroleumprices be revised.—Online

Cabinet Division rejects ministry’ssummary over petroleum prices

AG says SC cannotdirect him to write

Swiss letterISLAMABAD—Attorney Gen-eral of Pakistan Irfan Qadir onMonday said that the SupremeCourt cannot direct him to writea letter to Swiss authorities toreopen multi-million-dollar cor-ruption cases against PresidentAsif Ali Zardari.

The attorney general said heis not subordinate to the courtor the government and will takeindependent decision in the saidcase according to law and theconstitution.He said he alwaysopposed Swiss letter in the NROimplementation case.—INP

India maysupply Russian

LNG to PakistanNEW DELHI—India has of-fered to import LNG from Rus-sia and supply to Pakistan andtalks on the issue are in ad-vanced stage, Deccan Chroniclehas reported citing a senior of-ficial from GAIL.

There is already a pipelinefrom Mumbai to Jalandar thatwould be extended up to Lahorewhen Pakistan firms up plans toimport LNG through India.

“We are in talks with SuiSouthern Gas Company in Pa-kistan to import LNG from Rus-sia and supply it to Pakistan,”the official told the newspaper.He said prices are still beingworked out.GAIL recently inkeda long-term contract withGasport of Russia to source 2.5million tonnes of LNG per yearfor the next 20 years. A portionof it could be supplied to energy-starved Pakistan once the pro-posal goes through, the newspa-per report said.—Online

Another stormheading towards New

York, New JerseyWASHINGTON—Another stormcould bring in rain and coastalflooding causing more havoc inareas already hit hardest by Hur-ricane Sandy in New York andNew Jersey. The NationalWeather Service predicted onSunday that a Nor’easter thatcould include gusts of up to 55mph is likely to reach the area byWednesday and could compoundthe havoc brought by last week’sviolent weather. “Prepare formore outages,” weather servicemeteorologist Joe Pollina advised,adding: “Stay indoors. Stock upagain.” According to Fox News,he said that the new storm wouldnot be nearly as strong as Sandy,but could pack winds ‘strongerthan usual, even strong for aNor’’easter’.—INP

Asim helpless intaking action against

CNG stationsKARACHI/ISLAMABAD—Withgovernment machinery look-ing helpless after failure to getthe CNG stations open, the cri-sis persisted as most of theCNG station owners continuedtheir unannounced strike andkept their gas fuel outlets shutin protest against the decreasein prices by the government.

It appears that neither theMinistry nor OGRA and theSNGPL were perturbed overthe difficulties of the commut-ers. Civil society representa-tives commenting on the situ-ation said it seems that thestate has lost its writ as far asthe CNG stations and oil mafiais concerned. L o n gqueues of vehicles were seenat the very few CNG stations,mostly run by the State OwnedPSO, and a few private sta-tions which were open andproviding gas to consumers.

People travelled from faroff areas to the CNG stationswhich have been supplying gasbut they had to wait for hoursfor their turn, while the motor-ists also complained of verylow gas pressure.

The consumers criticizedthe CNG pump owners for cre-ating problems for them. Theysaid that the CNG stationowners were fleecing theconsumers by making hugeprofits. —INP

PIA flight makescrash landing

NAWABSHAH—Pakistan Inter-national Airline (PIA) planesmakes crash landing atNawabshah Airport on Mon-day due to technical fault butall the passengers remainedsafe.

According to details, PIAKarachi-Bahawalpur flight PK-588 with onboard had to makeemergency landing atNawabshah Airport after pilotdetected technical fault in en-gine of the plane.

All the 45 passengers re-mained unhurt in the crash land-ing and plane later flew from thedestination after repairing thefault in the engine.—INP

LONDON—A 1400-year-oldvampire skeleton with metalspikes through its shoulders,heart and ankles, has been dis-covered in Britain, a new reporthas claimed.

The skeleton dating from550-700 AD found buried in theancient minster town ofSouthwell, Nottinghamshirehas shed light on rare ‘vampire’burials in Britain.

Long dismissed as mythand legend, the vampire is as-sociated with spooky stories.

It is believed to be a “devi-ant burial”, where people con-sidered the ‘dangerous dead’,such as vampires, were interredto prevent them rising fromtheir graves to plague the liv-ing.Only a handful of suchburials have been unearthed inthe UK till now.

The discovery is detailed in

a new report by MatthewBeresford, of Southwell Ar-chaeology. The skeleton wasfound by archaeologist CharlesDaniels during the original in-vestigation of the site in ChurchStreet, which revealed Romanremains. Beresford said whenDaniels found the skeleton hejokingly checked for fangs.

“Throughout the Anglo-Saxon period the punishment ofbeing buried in water-loggedground, face down, decapitated,staked or otherwise was re-served for thieves, murderers ortraitors or later for those devi-ants who did not conform to so-cieties rules: adulterers, dis-rupters of the peace, theunpious or oath breaker,” saidBeresford.

“Which of these theSouthwell deviant was we willnever know,” he said.

Beresford believes the re-mains may still be buried on thesite where they originally laybecause Daniels was unable toremove the body from theground.

John Lock, chairman ofSouthwell Archaeology, saidthe body was one of a handfulof such burials to be found inthe UK.“A lot of people are in-terested in it but quite where ittakes us I don’t know becausethis was found in the 1950s andnow we don’t know where theremains are,” Lock said.

The discovery comes fivemonths after archaeologistsfound remains from a thirdgrave in central Bulgarialinked to the practise, the reportsaid.The skeleton was tied to theground with four iron clamps,while burning ambers wereplaced on top of his grave.—INP

Rare skeleton of vampirediscovered in Britain

Suicide bomberkilled in MohmandAgencyGHALLANAI—A suicide bomberwas killed and one securitypersonnel sustained injurieswhen he blew himself up inYakkaghund Bazaar area inMohmand Agency. According topolitical agent, on a tip off aboutpresence of suicide bomber inthe area, the security forcescordoned off the entire area forsearching him. The securityforces stopped a suspected manfor search but he blew himselfup before the checking, injuringone security personnel. —INP

FWO employeegunned downMIRANSHAH—Someunidentified gunmen attacked avehicle of FWO on Miranshahroad in North WaziristanAgency on Monday, killing thedriver. According to securityforces, the vehicle of FWO wason its way when someunidentified miscreants openedfire at it in which the driver waskilled on the spot. The assailantsmanaged to flee from the sceneafter the incident. The securityforces cordoned off the entirearea after the killing andimposed curfew at Miranshahroad for investigation. —INP

8 Hindus die ascar plungesinto ravineBADIN—At least eightmembers of a Hindu familywere killed and two othersinjured in a road accident duringthe early hours of Monday nearTalhar town of Badin district.According to details, 10 personsof a family were going fromJamshoro to Talhar in a car. Thecar fell into a ravine when itreached near Talhar due to overspeeding, killing eight peopleand wounding two others.Three women and two childrenwere among the eight killed.The rescue teams reached thesite of the accident and shiftedthe dead and injured to ahospital in Talhar. —INP

ANP leadershot deadBATTAGRAM—Unknownarmed men gunned downdistrict vice president of theANP and injured his friend hereon Monday. According todetails, unidentified gunmenopened fire at the vehicle ofSabiullah Khan, vice presidentof ANP district Charsadda,while he was passing throughDarb Garhi area of Battagramdistrict and fled away. As aresult of firing, Sabiullah Khanwas killed on the spot while afriend accompanying himsustained bullet injuries. Thebody and injured was shifted tohospital for medico-legalrequirements. —INP

Raisani seeksreport on closureof CNG stationsQUETTA—Chief MinisterBalochistan, Nawab AslamRaisani has taken notice of CNGstations’ closure of and soughtreport from Secretary Transportand Commissioner Quetta in thisregard. After the announcementfrom OGRA to reduce CNGprices , on the orders of SupremeCourt , several CNG stationsowners have closed downtheir filling stations and onlyfew pumps are operating dueto which the long queues ofvehicles have been observedin the capital city. Theconsumers are facing severeproblems from artificialshortage of CNG.—NNI

STAFF REPORTER

LAHORE—The EuropeanUnion (EU) has provided 1.2million Euros as grant to con-duct climate change impact as-sessment study in Swat basin forMunda Dam multipurposeproject, located in MohmandAgency of the Federally Admin-istered Areas (FATA).

A joint venture comprisingtwo renowned firms namelyAHT of Germany and NESPAKof Pakistan has also been ap-pointed as consultants to carryout the studies.

With a view to discuss thematters relating to Munda Damin particular and other WAPDAprojects in general, the PakistanWater and Power DevelopmentAuthority (WAPDA) ChairmanRaghib Shah Monday held ameeting with the delegationcomprising representatives ofthe EU and the consultants .

The delegation was led bythe EU Head of Operation inIslamabad Berend De Groot.

Speaking on the occasion,WPDA Chairman said thatMunda Dam project is of im-mense importance for socio-economic development and pov-erty alleviation, as it will ensurewater for irrigated agriculture,control floods and generatelow-cost hydel electricity.Thanking the EU for their sup-port, he said that the grant willhelp implement this vitalproject.

The Chairman informed thedelegation that at present de-tailed engineering design andthe tender documents of MundaDam project are being pre-pared, for which French devel-opment agency FD has com-mitted to provide 11 millionEuros to WAPDA. Underliningthe need of foreign assistancefor completion of the projects,

he expressed the hope that theEU would also provide finan-cial support for constructionphase of Munda Dam project.

It is worth mentioning thatMunda Dam Project will store1.29 million acre feet (MAF) ofwater for irrigation, whilepower generation capacitystands at 740 mega watt (MW),contributing about 2.4 billionunits of electricity to the na-tional grid every year. Benefitsof the project have been esti-mated at Rs. 20.2 billion perannum. The Chairman alsobriefed the delegation aboutother projects being executed inwater and hydropower sectors.

Berend De Groot said thatthe EU would continue to sup-port WAPDA in implementa-tion of its projects. He assuredWAPDA Chairman to explorethe ways and means to furtherenhance the mutual cooperationfor future projects.

Climate study of Munda dam

EU provides1.2million euros grant

I S L A M A B A D — B a r o n e s sSayeeda Warsi arrived inIslamabad on Monday on her firstvisit to Pakistan as UK SeniorMinister of State for Foreign andCommonwealth Affairs and hersixth visit as a British Minister.

Baroness Warsi met ForeignMinister Hina Rabbani Khar thisafternoon. The Ministers dis-cussed the strength of bilateralUK and Pakistan relations, theupcoming elections and the twocountries mutual interests in pro-moting stability in the region.

Baroness Warsi also metleaders of two opposition parties- Nawaz Sharif, the President ofPakistan Muslim League andImran Khan, the Chairman ofPakistan Tehreek i Insaf.

During her meetings Baron-ess Warsi highlighted the UK’slasting commitment to Pakistan.

Earlier, Baroness Warsi onarrival said she was pleased to be

back in Pakistan, especially atsuch an important time.

The upcoming elections area crucial milestone in Pakistan’sdemocratic history, the first timein decades that there will havebeen a transfer of power betweenone civilian government andanother.She said that a strong,stable, constitutional democracyand a legitimate transfer of powerin the upcoming elections arefirmly in Pakistan’s interests.

She called on all parties toensure the elections are free fromviolence and fraud, and that citi-zens are able to vote without in-timidation.

She said this will be vital tobuilding citizen’s trust in the elec-toral process and the credibilityof the resulting government.Pakistan needs a peaceful transi-tion of power and elections thatare credible to the Pakistanipeople, she stressed. —INP

Sayeeda Warsi meetsNawaz, Imran, Hina

WASHINGTON — The presi-dential campaign of 2012 is nowmeasured in hours and minutes.Early voting has been under wayfor weeks across the country, butwith Election Day almost here,the presidential candidates andtheir supporters are offering onelast burst of activity in a hand-ful of swing states that will de-termine the occupant of the OvalOffice next year, reports NewYork Times.

US Presidentialelections today

President Obama began hislast day of campaigning in Wis-consin, a state that almost everyDemocratic model for anObama victory assumes will bein his column. After being intro-duced by Bruce Springsteen andhis voice hoarse from days ofintense campaigning, the presi-dent told a crowd of 18,000bundled up outside the stateCapitol in Madison, “Our fightgoes on.”— Des Moines.

VIENTIANE: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf shaking hands with Russian Federation Prime Minister DmitryAnatolyevich Medvedev on Monday.

FEWER than five percent of patientsprescribed narcotics to treat chronicpain become addicted to the drugs,

according to a new analysis of past re-search. The finding suggests that con-cerns about the risk of becoming addictedto prescription painkillersmight be “overblown,”said addiction specialistDr. Michael Fleming atNorthwestern University’sFeinberg School of Medi-cine.

“If you’re a person thatdoesn’t have a history ofaddiction and doesn’thave any major psychiat-ric problems, narcotics arerelatively safe as long asyour doctor doesn’t giveyou too much and usesthe right medication,”Fleming, who was not in-volved in the new study,told Reuters Health.

Some recent researchhas concluded the samething, but another expert remained skepti-cal about the new report because many ofthe studies it included were not consideredthe best quality research, and they variedwidely in their results. “I think the jury’sstill out” on how worrisome prescriptionopioid addiction is, said Joseph Boscarinoof the Geisinger Clinic in Danville, Penn-sylvania, who studies pain and addiction.

Opioid painkillers, which includeoxycodone, fentanyl and morphine, haveonly recently become available for patientswith chronic pain, said Boscarino, whowas not part of the new study. In the past,the drugs were almost exclusively re-

served for cancer patients and peoplewith short-term pain - on the theory thatin the first category of patients the needoutweighed the risk, and in the secondgroup, short term use was unlikely tolead to long-term addiction.

“They opened up (tochronic pain patients), andsince then there’s been awave of addiction, especiallyin the last five years,”Boscarino said. One recentstudy found that the num-ber of people diagnosedwith a substance abuse prob-lem increased by 70 percentfrom 2001 to 2009, and doc-tors suspect the increasedpopularity of prescriptionpainkillers is a primary driver(see Reuters Health story ofOctober 22, 2012).

Of course, not all thesecases reflect patients who areusing the drugs as directed -or who even have a prescrip-tion to treat chronic pain. To

get a sense of how addictive opioid pain-killers are for those patients who do have aprescription, researchers from TheCochrane Collaboration, an independentgroup that reviews research on medications,collected the results from 17 studies cover-ing more than 88,000 people. All of the pa-tients had been prescribed opioids to treatchronic pain, and nearly all of them had painunrelated to cancer. In 10 of the studies,patients used the painkillers for anywherefrom three months to several years, whileone study included just short-term use ofseveral days and the others did not reportthe length of time patients were on the drugs.

Painkillers not asaddictive as feared

RAWALPINDI: PML-N Senior leader Dr Jamal Nasir, Waqar Ahmed, Resident Direc-tor Arts Council and others appreciating art work by young talent during All PakistanArt Exhibition at Rawalpindi Arts Council.

ISLAMABAD: Scavenger boys on their way while covering themselves with thermocol sheet during rain that lashed the Federal Capital.

STAFF REPORTER

RAWALPINDI—With the ad-vent of harsh winter, a largenumber of citizens are wit-nessed crowding Lunda Ba-zaars to purchase wooliesand warm second handclothes. “Thanks to theLunda Bazars, poor peoplecan buy imported second-hand clothing on reasonablequality to mitigate the hard-ships of winter.

All kinds of wears andaccessories includinggloves, woolen hats, muf-flers , pullovers,sweater-shirts and jackets are seenhanging in front of shopsand stalls of weekly ba-zaars at tracting the cus-tomers. Crowds of people,

both poor and middle classcan be seen bargainingwith retailers in markets andweekly bazaars, besideswoolies, heaps of quil ts ,bed covers, blankets andrugs are up for sale as well.With temperature dippingdown with each passingday,the sale of warmclothes registering enor-mous surge in the Sundaybazaars of the town.

Chilly weather especiallyat night of last week forcedthe peopleto buy winterclothes and other necessaryitems to bear the suddenwave of coldness in thetown. Heaps of second-handquilts, blankets and rugs areup for sale in the weekly mar-kets of Rawalpindi. “There is

no other option except tobuy winter clothes, whenthe cold and chilly breezeof Muree and Margala Hillsis in full swing,” Nasir, aresident of Waris Khansaid.

A visitor TahirChaudry said that almosttwenty to fifty percentrise had been observed inprices of winter clothescompared to last year. Thevendors and dealers aredoing brisk business asnowadays the demand oftheir clothes has increasedmanifold. “Our businessis going very well thoughit is the start but it wouldgain more momentum, saidNaseer Khan, a stall holderat Saddar Bazaar.”

Lunda Bazaar: A blessing resort for poor

ISLAMABAD: Friends of Kidney Centre organised a fundraising event “Tango CabaretPerformance” Tammy Haq from the Kidney Centre, Professional Tango Dancers, NoeliConstanza Alonso, Gisela Estingarribia, Francisco Sebastain Fernandez, AlejandroSegovia, the Coordinator Mrs Maria Pantuso,the Ambassador of Argentina RodolfoMartin Saravia are seen in the picture.—PO photo by Sultan Bashir

ISLAMABAD: People selecting warm clothes and jackets in a local market in FederalCapital.

CITY REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—In order topurge the federal capital of en-croachments, the Capital De-velopment Authority (CDA)Chairman Syed Tahir Shahbazhas directed to take strict ac-tion against around 1,200allotees for grabbing additionalland other than the approved10X10 size of the kiosks. CDA’senforcement directorate of thecivic body has issued noticesto around 500 owners of thekiosks while four teams werealso formed for the purpose.

The CDA chairman had im-posed ban on new recruitmentand allotment of kiosks somedays back, sources said andadded that a high level com-mittee was tasked to develop acomprehensive policy regard-

ing encroachments. In addition,the ban would remain enforcedtill the approval of recommen-dations presented by the com-mittee. A survey conducted byCDA regarding encroachmentshas revealed that illegal con-struction and encroachmentswere on the rise at 1,200 ap-proved kiosks of the civic bodyand residential/commercialmarkaz of the federal capital.

Tahir Shahbaz has issuednotices to kiosk owners follow-ing enforcement directorate re-port and warned to cancel theallotment of the kiosks if own-ers encroached more than ac-tual allotted land. Meanwhile,owing to slackness of CDA’senforcement directorate, theRawal Dam administration hassubmitted an application withthe Secretariat Police Station

against a catering company forgrabbing three acre of its land.

Earlier, CDA’s environmentdirectorate had allotted 10X10khokha to a political leader ofthe ruling PPP, who erected arestaurant on the site but laterthe allotment was cancelled.The influential political figure,upon cancellation of allotment,handed over the possession toa catering company at Rs2 mil-lion which started constructionat the site. Under revenuerecord, the land belongs tocentral government but at themoment control of the sameis with Rawal Dam adminis-tration. CDA’s enforcementdirectorate in order to stop il-legal construction haslaunched crackdown butupon political intervention thedirectorate gave up the idea.

CDA to make Islamabadencroachment-free city

STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—Pakistanis stu-dents knowing Portugueselanguage have great oppor-tunity to avail many scholar-ships which have been an-nounced by the BrazilianGovernment recently, saidGustavo Meira Carneiro,Second Secretary, Embassyof Brazil. He expressed theseviews during his visit to Na-tional University of ModernLanguages (NUML)Islamabad, where he met withthe Director General (DG)Azam Jamal and other offi-cials of the University, said a

news release of NUML hereMonday.

He told DG NUML thatthe purpose of his visit is todiscuss the modalities for theestablishment of PortugueseLanguages Department atNUML. He said BrazilianAmbassador Alfredo Leonihas great desire and interestfor the establishment of Por-tuguese Languages depart-ment here in University sothat Pakistani students havea chance to learn Portugueselanguage and help bothcountries to benefit fromeach others potentials.

He said that all those Pa-

kistanis, who want to study,work or stay visa, will be re-quired to have a languagecourse from NUML. Brazil isthe 6th biggest economy ofthe world and the largestamong all Latin Americancountries and its internationalreserves have reached theunprecedented level of US$355 billion. Brazil is worldsleading producer, exporter andhas a booming manufacturingindustry. Therefore, Pakistanistudents knowing Portu-guese Language can avail op-portunities of getting educa-tion and employments in Bra-zil he added.

Brazilian scholarships for students,knowing Portuguese language

Group exhibitiondisplays diverseideas on social

psychologySTAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—A group exhi-bition of around 40 art piecesby five established artists isbeing continued here atSatrang gallery featuring di-verse ideas and mediumsthat explore social psychol-ogy and different stages oflife. Ilona Yousaf, Lali Khalid,Fazal Rizvi, Bakr Hussain andAzanat Mansoor are the par-ticipating artists while theshow will be on display tillNovember 20.

The show entitled Tran-sient Glimpses is a multi-fac-eted photography-based ex-hibition preserving elapsedmemories and exploringformer relationships.

Through the intricaciesof texture, the rhythm of lightand the dimensioning of lay-ering, these artists composeelaborate odes to the past,says Zahra Khan, curator ofthe show.

According to her, Pho-tography is generally be-lieved to be a truthful me-dium - an exact representa-tion of what the artist seesbefore them. The participat-ing artists in this exhibition,have manipulated photo-graphic procedures and com-bined the works with otherart-making processes toachieve specific combina-tions and themes.

Ilona Yusuf draws theviewer into the exhibition’sfrontiers through her elegantrenderings of Makli Hill, theheritage site of the ruins of theone of the largest ancientnecropolises in the world.Yusuf’s prints, which docu-ment her exploration of Makli,depict its crumbling and weath-ered edifices and silently com-ment upon the passage of time.

CDG fails toimplement ordersof closure timingof marriage halls

RAWALPINDI—City DistrictGovernment (CDG)Rawalpindi has failed to imple-ment orders of the provincialgovernment under which allthe marriage halls owners weredirected to close their halls at10 PM. Earlier, District Coordi-nation Officer (DCO)Rawalpindi Saqib Zafar hadsaid that the closure timingsfor marriage halls fixed by theChief Minister PunjabMuhammad Shahbaz Sharif.

TMOs of the district wereinstructed to carry out spe-cial inspections for the timeobserving at night but, it hasbeen observed that some mar-riage halls managements areviolating the instructionsgiven by the government andno action is being takenagainst them. Though, it wasdecided that the manage-ments of the halls will be givennotices at the first stage andafter this FIRs would belodged against them and theparents of the brides andbridegrooms.—APP

7 CCTV camerasat railwaysstation soon

RAWALPINDI—Pakistan Rail-ways (PR) has decided to in-stall seven close circuit cam-eras in Rawalpindi railwaystation to make the securityarrangements of the railwaystation in line with the inter-national standards.

According to sources,earlier, the railway police wasprovided with modern bombdisposal system in this con-nection and now sevenCCTV cameras would also beinstalled in the station. Thecameras are donated by theAmerican Diplomatic Soci-ety.

The railways authoritieshave also fixed the point ofthe installation of the cam-eras and the cameras wouldbe installed during the cur-rent week. —INP

Former AG’sassassin informant’s

prize increasedISLAMABAD—The IslamabadCapital Police has increasedhead money on Roohullah, onthe run accused assassina-tor of former Attorney Gen-eral Sardar Khan, to Rs2.5million. It should be men-tioned here that Roohullah,the high-profile murder ac-cused who escaped fromRawalpindi District Head-quarters Hospital, is hidingin Afghanistan.

A meeting was held theother day to look into the tele-phonic ultimatums to memberinvestigation team, constableIftikhar from the accused andstrategy was also finalised toarrest on the fugitive mur-derer. The meeting waschaired by SSP Islamabad,Yasin Farooq and attended byother police officials.—INP

ISLAMABAD: Awami Muslim League President Sheikh Rashid Ahmed meeting AmirJamaat-e-Islami Syed Munawar Hasan.

ISLAMABAD: Speaker of Indian Lok Sabha Meira Kumar speaking during 6th Confer-ence of the Association of SAARC Speakers and Parliamentarians 2012.

SHARAFAT KAZMI

ISLAMABAD—Speaker Na-tional Assembly DrFehmida Mirza said onMonday that association ofSAARC Speakers and Par-liamentarians could helpmaking the South Associa-tion for Regional Coopera-tion (SAARC) more effec-tive by accelerating peopleto people contacts amongthe member countries. Ad-dressing the 6th conferenceof the Association ofSAARC Speakers and Par-liamentarians, she said theparliamentarians, as the rep-resentatives of the peopleare the ideal agents ofchange.

The regular and morefrequent meetings of the fo-rum can help focusing theissues of urgent importance

affecting the daily lives of thepeople. The association couldimbue new life in SAARC. “Iam pleased to note that sinceour last meeting in New Delhiin 2011, all our member Parlia-ments have shown determina-tion to benefit from the Asso-ciation,” she added. SAARChas been instrumental in pro-moting regional integrationthrough sustained dialogueand cooperation in diversefields of economic and humandevelopment, environmentand climate concerns, sci-ence, technology, culture andtourism since the last two de-cades. However, the gap be-tween the promise of SAARCand the reality of its accom-plishment still remains large,she observed. She said thecharter of SAARC was guid-ing the governments to seekfor a peaceful, progressive

and democratic South Asia bypromoting the welfare of thepeoples in mutual trust, un-derstanding and appreciationof one another’s problems.Welcoming the delegates, shesaid, “It is indeed an honourfor me to assume the Chair ofthe President of the 6th Con-ference of the Association ofSAARC Speakers and Parlia-mentarians. The Parliament ofPakistan is privileged to holdthis important regional parlia-mentary event and on its be-half.”

She said the Women Par-liamentarians have agreed onsetting up a permanentWomen’s Committee ofSAARC Association of Speak-ers and Parliamentarians. Sheurged the Secretary General totake up the matter at the earli-est. She said the Council onSunday discussed ways and

means to encourage youngparliamentarians from its plat-form. It was decided that theCommittee of SecretariesGeneral and Secretarieswould present a detailed planof action in the next Confer-ence in 2013 in Male, theMaldives. The decisions areindeed positive develop-ments and reflect the commondesire to promote andstrengthen the mutual parlia-mentary contact, she said.The Conference provides theworthy delegates a perfectsetting to discuss mattersplaced before this Conferencein friendship and candour,she added. Deputy SpeakerFaisal Karim Kundi said un-der the leadership of DrFehmida Mirza the associa-tion of speakers and parlia-mentarians would help peace-ful and progressive region.

People-to-people link to make SAARC more robust forum: Fehmida

Heavy traffic hurdlein Pirwadhai Morr

Flyover projectRAWALPINDI—Constructionwork of Pirwadhai Morr Un-derpass and Flyover projectis being delayed, as the roadcould not be blocked forheavy traffic on the morr tillnow.

According to sources,problem of an alternativeroute for the heavy traffic stillprevails, though the high-way authority has completedarrangements for two-waylight traffic on one side of theroad. Islamabad Traffic Po-lice (ITP) is not ready to al-low the heavy traffic to passthrough Islamabad city as analternative route due to se-curity risks.

The sources said thatcommissioner Rawalpindiand officials of the highwaysdepartment were discussingthe issue to figure out someway to facilitate the heavytraffic on the route. —INP

Police to wipeout wallchalking

RAWALPINDI—Police offic-ers of the district have beenordered to start a campaignagainst wall chalking andtake strict action against theelements involved in the ille-gal activity.

According to sources, ameeting of police officials ofthe district, chaired by CPORawalpindi, Azhar HameedKhokhar, was held here,which was attended by allthe SPs, DSPs and SHOs ofthe district. The meeting re-viewed the crime incidents inRawalpindi and issues relat-ing to police investigationsand forwarding the challansto the courts.

The meeting also re-viewed the arrangements forMoharram and the CTO or-dered the police officials tointensify the search opera-tion in tea stall, hotels, slumsand restaurants of the dis-trict. He said that the personsinvolved in the distributionof provoking literature andwall chalking would bepenalised.

In this connection, he alsoordered the police officers tostart a campaign against theshopkeepers and roadsidevendors selling illegal SIMsand increase the patrolling intheir respective areas.—INP

STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—Rich tributeswere paid to the renownedrights activist, developmentprofessional and head ofSungi Development Founda-tion Asad Rahman at refer-ence held here. Sindh Gradu-ates Association (SGA)Islamabad branch organizedthe reference at Shah AbdulLatif Bhittai Community Cen-tre.

Speaking on the occasionfriends, colleagues and fam-ily members of Asad Rahmansaid that he was one of themost diverse and multifacetedpersonalities who alwaysstood by those who weremarginalized and exploited bythe different forces .

He(Asad Rahman) nevercompromised on the prin-ciples in which he believedfrom the core of his heart”said the rights activist TahiraAbdullah. She said thatAsad was always for therights of people ofBalochistan and othermarginalized groups.

President of SGAIslamabad branch YousufMemon said that Asad con-tinued his strong bond withBalochistan and struggle forthe people of Balochistan inone way or the other till hisdeath. He said that Asad wasman of principles and henever compromised on thoseprinciples.

Fayyaz Baqir said thatAsad Rahman was genuinebeliever of rights and hewould always go a long wayto ensure that the voices ofvoiceless are heard and re-sponded to. Other speakersof the reference includedHaider Bhurgri, SajidQaisrani, Muhammad Taj,Omar Javed, Rasheed Sarki,Niaz Nadeem and others.Asad Rahman’s family mem-bers including his wife andson addressed the referenceover the telephone. They saidthat the loss of his demisewas irreparable and he didnot only belong to his familybut also to the Pakistan andpeople who weremarginalized and deprived.

Tributes paid torights activist

STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—The commutersof twin cities of Islamabad andRawalpindi have demandedimplementation of revised farenotification as transporters arestill charging higher fares de-spite reduction in gas prices.

Interestingly most of thedrivers expressed ignoranceabout revised fare notification,saying that yet they did notreceive it. Exchange of harshwords and quarrels has be-come a routine as both onboard passengers and trans-porters did not agree on fare.

The public transport ply-ing on various routes in twincities - 1, 3, 21, 127 and 111,have been charging commut-

ers according to their own will.The commuters said that

mostly transporters operatingin the twin cities use CNG asfuel. The people urged the au-thorities concerned to providethem with a sigh of relief, ascomplaining that the trans-porters are still charging higherfares.

Incomplete route is an-other common practice of thetransporters who start receiv-ing new fare as soon as notifi-cation of increase is issued butdelay implementation of thesame in case of cutback.

Commuters demanded au-thorities concerned to takestrict action against over-charging and incomplete routeby the twin cities transporters.

Transporters stillcharging higher fares

Police arrest28 lawbreakersRAWALPINDI—RawalpindiPolice in its ongoing driveagainst anti-social elementshave arrested 28 accused fortheir alleged involvement incarrying illegal weapons,drugs, fireworks items and2020 bottles of liquor fromdifferent localities.

Police during crack-downs recovered 1965 gramscharras, seven 30 bore pis-tols with 121 rounds, one pis-tol 9mm with 148 rounds,three magazines, one re-peater, one rifle 8mm, mobilephones and cash from thepossession of the accused.

New Town police held anaccused namely Shafiq andrecovered 2000 bottles of li-quor while two persons whowere allegedly under the in-fluence of alcohol were alsoarrested.—APP

CAD launchesofficial website

ISLAMABAD—Federal Minis-ter for Capital Administration& Development (CAD), in hismessage for the new CADwebsite, has pledged to im-prove the state of affairs andbring about a positive changeat CAD.

“Islamabad is the capital ofthe country and face of theNation. The state of affairs atCAD would certainly deter-mine the perception of our coun-try, at large. So, I am honestlycommitted to contribute to-wards making the capital an ide-ally true role model for the restof the country to follow and foroutsiders to have a nicer im-pression of Pakistan. Our en-deavor focuses on improvingthe quality of Education andHealth facilities for the inhabit-ants of ICT”, said Gondal.

The minister said thatthere is always a room forfurther improvement andpublic is welcome to sharetheir valuable suggestionsfor enhancement of servicedelivery at the public ownededucational institutions andhospitals. —Online

ISLAMABAD—Residents oftwin cities of Islamabad andRawalpindi concern over thelack of proper medical facili-ties at dispensaries to meetthe basic medical needs ofthe poor patients. The non-availability of medicines atdispensaries hampers the ef-forts to provide these free ofcost to the patients visitingprimary healthcare facilities.

More than half of themonitored dispensarieslacked arrangements for pro-viding clean drinking waterfor patients. The poor con-dition and operational capac-ity of many dispensaries,coupled with the fact that alot of work is required to be

done by concern authority.Resident, Bilal Ahmad, at

F/6-1, while talking to APP,said that the dispensary doesnot have even a single bedon which a patient could rest,leave alone administering sa-line or post accidental treat-ment.

Another resident, BushraErum at Shams bad, said thatthe dispensary did not havebasic medicines for theneedy patients. Although,the staff had processed thefile for procuring the medi-cines, the funds had not beensanctioned by the authorities.These facilities are absent inthe dispensary. No fresh staffhas been appointed at the

dispensary and a majorchunk of employees have re-tired.

Residents appealed tothe higher authorities to takenotice of the issue. They alsoappealed that authorityshould be up-graded anddoctors should be appointedon these vacant posts assoon as possible. When con-tacted to duty officers at dif-ferent areas of twin cities,they rejected all allegationsabout the performance of thedispensary they said thatdoctors and nurses as well asother staff members remainedbusy round the clock provid-ing all possible facilities tothe poor patients.—APP

Lack of medical stocks indispensaries decried

ISLAMABAD—United Na-tions in Pakistan, Membersof the Parliament, HumanRights Commission, Mediaworkers, Journalists andPress Clubs together signed“Declaration on Safety ofJournalists” in IslamabadMonday, to demand collec-tive and coordinated actionfrom all stakeholders to stopthe killing and harassment ofjournalists and end impunity.

The declaration wasadopted and signed as anoutcome of National Consul-tative Meeting organized, toprovide Pakistan specific in-puts to United Nations imple-mentation strategy of theAction Plan on the Safety ofJournalist and the Issue ofImpunity— an initiative ofwhich United Nations Edu-cational, Scientific and Cul-tural Organization (UNESCO)is convening agency in col-laboration with other UnitedNations agencies, includingUnited Nations InformationCentre (UNIC), United Na-tions Development Program(UNDP), UNODC and

UNWOMEN.The declaration was

signed on 5th Novemberahead of the United Nations2nd Inter-Agency meeting,which will be held on Novem-ber 22- 23 in Vienna, Austriawith year.

Dr. Kozue Kay Nagata,Director, UNESCO Islamabadin her opening remarks high-lighted the importance of theDeclaration on Safety of Jour-nalist by saying, “The safetyof journalists and the struggleagainst impunity for their kill-ers are essential to preservethe fundamental right to free-dom of expression, guaran-teed by Article 19 of the Uni-versal Declaration of HumanRights.

Freedom of expression isan individual right, for whichno one should be killed, but itis also a collective right,which empowers populationsthrough facilitating dialogue,participation and democracy.”Mr. Timo Pakkala, United Na-tions Resident Coordinator inPakistan also attended themeeting. —INP

Multi-lateral int’l journalistssafety protocol signed

05:5001:3004:00

07:00

Zohr

November 6

A JOINT music recital byJapanese AmbassadorHiroshi Oe and four visit-ing Japanese musicianswill be held at the Turk-ish Embassy on Novem-ber 6. The recital is beingheld to celebrate the 60thanniversary of the estab-lishment of the diplomaticrelations between Japanand Pakistan.

*****HAMDARD ThinkersForum will hold a discus-sion on ‘Importance ofFemale Education’, 4 pmat Hamdard Markaz.

November 6-7

A TWO days’ conferencetitled ‘Application ofIqbalian vision in 21st Cen-tury’ on Tuesday (13:30 –17:10) & Wednesday (9:30– 17:30) will be held atIslamabad Hotel. Theprime objective of the con-ference is to raise aware-ness among masses aboutideologies and thoughts ofAllama Muhammad Iqbal.

November 7-8

PAKISTAN Coalition forEducation, a civil societyrepresentative network isholding a two-day na-tional level educationconvention titled “Invest-ing in Education for aProgressive Nation” onNovember 7 to 8. Morethan 200 civil society rep-resentatives will be gath-ering in the capital city todiscuss and formulatecollective actions in orderto improve the status ofeducation in the country.

November 8

ALUMNI Association Na-tional Institute of Psychol-ogy (AA-NIP) invites youto come and join on An-nual Alumni Dinner at 4:30to 10:00 pm. Venue: GeoPhysics Auditorium, QAU,Islamabad Programme.

November 10

GENERAL Body Meetingof the Human ResourceDevelopment Network atthe HRDN Secretariat,House No. 41, Street 56, F-6/4, Islamabad.

November 12

LAUNCHING of book‘Confronting the Bomb’edited by PervezHoodbhoy at 4:30 pm atKuch Khaas, House No 1Street 1, F-6/3 Islamabad.

ISLAMABAD—The PrimeMinister has approved thetransfer of management ofFederal lodges, hostels atIslamabad, Rawalpindi,Lahore, Karachi, Quetta andPeshawar under the controlof Estate Offices.

According to a notifica-

tion issued here Monday, theoverall control of these ac-commodations shall rest withthe Housing Division whilethe administrative control,allotment, recovery of rent,ejectment and allied mattersshall henceforth be carriedout by the Officers Incharge

in Estate Offices.Under the notification

from now onwards the offic-ers in charge in the Estate Of-fices at respective stationsshall take necessary steps forsmooth disposal of day to daybusiness of Federal Lodges/Hostels and handle with theservice matters of the employ-ees of Federal lodges/hostelsforthwith. The relevant recordhas also been transferred fromPak PWD to respective EstateOffices. —INP

Estate Office to managefederal lodges/hostels

ISLAMABAD: AJK President Sardar Mohammad Yaqub Khan meeting PPP leader PirAttiqur Rehman.

MUZAFFARABAD: Finance Minister Ch Latif Akbar in a group photo at Hazrat Saeen Sahili Sarkar (RA) Shrine.

Trust Deficit and Beyond

Will the women group take the lead?Z G MUHAMMAD

Scepticism and disbelieving about anythingcoming from NewDelhi has largely be-

come our second nature. Thistrust deficit is not needless.It has a history. Sixty-fiveyears long history, datingback to first Indian PrimeMinister, Jawaharlal Nehru.Notwithstanding, my disbe-lief, I see a recently held oneday women convention atKashmir University by aNew Delhi based senior jour-nalist Seema Mustafa asworth noticing.

In a way, it was making ahistory of sorts. Eleven top In-dian women activists arrived inthe most salubrious and beau-tiful campus of Kashmir Uni-versity on Tuesday to expresssolidarity with the women ofKashmir. The activists repre-senting various women organi-zation of India included LailaPasha, Doctor JotyshinaChattergee, TK Raja Lakshmi,Prof. Anuradha Chenoy, Ms.Zakiya, Sahiba Farooqui,Promila Lamba, Sushnai Aliand Kalpana David.

It has not been for the firsttime that a New Delhi basedorganization has succeeded inbringing a contingent ofwomen activists from variousto Kashmir University or tothe city of Srinagar. For pastcouple of years the activitiesof some New Delhi based in-stitutions and nongovernmen-tal organizations in KashmirUniversity and other cam-puses in the state has increasedmany fold. These institutionshave not only been able to co-opt in the support of some re-tired women college princi-pals, teachers, and elitewomen activists but have alsobeen engaging some academ-ics in their projects. These or-ganizations and institutionhave also been holding semi-nars and conferences atSrinagar and other places inIndia from New Delhi’s per-spective. Some have extendedtheir areas of activities acrossthe LOC and established

nucleus bodies inMuzzafarabad as well.

Once bitten twice shy!True, to this adage, a women’sgroup headed by AnjumZamrud Habib, doubted theintentions the Centre forPolicy Analysis for holdingconvention in the University.In her thousand-word state-ment, she raised some impor-tant points about the motivesbehind organizing such con-ventions by CPA and othersuch groups in the KashmirUniversity. Seeing the one dayconvention as a “damage con-trol exercise for India” shesaw its main objective as“delinking (thusdepoliticizing) of the issue ofwomen’s rights in Kashmirfrom larger question of Kash-mir and therefore furtherbreaking the back of women’sresistance and demand forAzadi.” Some students duringtheir interventions at the Con-vention vociferously articu-

lated similar fears about suchseminars and conventions andsaw these as attempting at cre-ating alternative discoursesand weakening the people’snarrative. In fact, the doubtsraised are a manifestation ofthe mistrust that has struck itsdeep roots during past manydecades and has become a car-dinal belief with larger sec-tions of the society.

This mistrust in activistsand intellectuals has a history.At the peak of the popularityof the progressive movement,Jawaharlal Nehru pushedsome top left leaning writersinto Kashmir to shape andstrengthen the ‘dominant dis-course’. Many of them sawKashmir as “laboratory fortesting” their ideology. Evenafter 1955, Nehru utilized theservices of eminent writersand journalists like K.A.Abbas and R.K. Kranji forwinning over the PlebisciteFront leaders including Sheikh

MUZAFFARABAD: AJK Supreme Court Chief Justice Mr Justice Mohammad Azam Khantalking to members of Islamic Ideology Council after formal meeting.

Muhammad Abdullah. Since1990, there has been hardlyany top name in Indian aca-demics and journalism orthink tank that was not sent toKashmir. Most of these intel-lectuals and activists insteadof looking at the situation inits historical context ‘experi-mented with a variety of meta-phors’ to grapple with the situ-ation that failed to bring outany tangible results.

For the presentation madeby some women activists andthe unanimous resolutionadopted at the end of the con-ference the Tuesday Women’sconvention caught my imagi-nation. It seemed departurefrom other such conferences soas the resolution is concerned.It demanded demilitarization ofthe state, repealing of the lawslike the Armed Forces SpecialPowers Act, the Public SafetyAct and other such laws. Itcalled for immediate punish-ment to security personnel and

all others accused of rape andmolestation, rehabilitation ofwidows and half widows,compilation of detailedrecords of missing persons,employment schemes and op-portunities for the widows andhalf widows, establishment ofa commission and resettlementof Kashmiri Pandits.

Seen in right perspective,the resolution adopted at thewomen’s convention largelyseems affirmation of someconditions laid down by theHurriyat Conference for ini-tiation of a dialogue withNew Delhi. In as much de-manding demilitarization,which is not synonymouswith redeployment the reso-lution also articulates the de-mand often made by Syed AliGeelani’s faction of Hurriyat.

The convention alsosounded different from othersuch meets for its refrain: “thepeople of the state need todraw a distinction between the

Indian State and People of In-dia.” Sounding different, al-most every women speakermade this assertion. Perhaps, ithas been for the first time whenan important section of Indiancivil society asked people ofthe state for drawing a distinc-tion between the two. It re-minded of the split in thinkingbetween the American Stateand the People of US in gen-eral and intelligentsia in par-ticular during the Vietnam War.For many in America Vietnamwas ‘antithesis of the promiseof American life.’ PresidentLyndon Johnsons image ‘de-spite good record in the area ofcivil rights suffered and alien-ated many of his supporters.David Levine’s cartoon andNoam Chomsky’s writingmade a big difference to theAmerican thinking of Vietnam.The honest report by journal-ist Walter Cronkite fromSaigon with famous line, “”wecannot win this goddamned

war, and we ought to find adignified way out”, changedthe Lyndon Johnson thinking.The American writers withRobert Bly and David Ray inlead launched a sustained andproactive campaign againstAmerican policies in Viet-nam. The question that staredat face on many who attendedthe convention is if SeemaMustafa and other women ac-tivists will assume the role ofJane Fonda, Susan Sontag orRobert Bly. It is not to sug-gest that no voices in sup-port of Kashmir were raisedin New Delhi. During three,consecutive summers of dis-content many importantvoices from important writ-ers, academia, professionaland media men fromArundhati Roy toSwaminathan S AnklesariaAiyar strongly sided withthe people of Jammu andKashmir but so far there hasnot been any organized proKashmir People movementlike the one led by poet Rob-ert Bly in USA in NewDelhi. The women grouptake the lead?—E-mail toPakistan Observer

RAO ATIQ UL AMIN KHAN

MIRPUR (AJK)—Jammu &Kashmir Liberation League hereSunday strongly protested andcondemned the recent statementof Home Secretary of Pakistan,submitted in Supreme Court,whereby Jammu & KashmirState, was shown as province ofIndia and the Kashmir liberationmovement was designed as vio-lence and chaos in the disputedHimalayan State.

Addressing emergent pressconference here late Sunday, theJKLL President and formerChief Justice of AJK High CourtJustice (Retd) Abdul MajeedMallick said that Pakistan has nottaken a U turn on Kashmir.Rather it has openly acknowl-edged that Jammu & Kashmir is

JKLL strongly snubs irresponsiblestance of Interior Ministry

part of India and India, on ac-count of this recognition, he de-clared, would be free to take overAzad Jammu Kashmir and Gilgit/ Baltistan without any resis-tance. The Kashmirileader continued that the Interiorministry has favoured India evento occupy Mangla dam and takeover the power house and stopthe use of water and deprive Pa-kistan from irrigation facility.

The JKLL strongly protestedthat the government of Pakistan,has not only stabbed in the backof the Kashmir freedom move-ment and washed away the sac-rifices made in million by thepeople of the state and their longsufferings by the Indian forcestyrannies and torture perpetratedon the people of Jammu & Kash-mir during last 66 years.

Justice (Retd) Mallick expressedhis determined commitment tocontinue the struggle for freedomand realization of the Kashmirislegitimate right of self determi-nation .

Nevertheless, he invited theattention of the people of Paki-stan to rise to the occasion andreiterated their complete solidar-ity with the people of Jammu &Kashmir in their just and prin-cipled struggle for freedom. Hecalled upon the Pakistani nationto disown and denounce thepresent position taken by thegovernment of Pakistan onKashmir in the Supreme Courtof Pakistan. Justice(Retd) Mallick said that it washistorically false and deceptiveto compare Kashmir freed move-ment with the present disturbed

conditions of Balochistan. Heemphasized that Balochistan wasconstitutionally and historicallypart of Pakistan. WhereasJammu & Kashmir was neverpart of India, he added.

He recalled that India byitself and veteran Indian leaderPandit Jawaher Lal Nehru, un-conditionally, accepted that thefuture of Jammu & Kashmirstate, shall be determined fi-nally, by the people of theState, to a fair and free plebi-scite under the auspices of theUnited Nations.The JKLLchief reminded that the peopleof Jammu & Kashmir state,were not party to Indus watertreaty and Simla accord andsubsequent declaration madeby India and Pakistan to re-solve their dispute bilaterally.

SRINAGAR—Expressing con-cern over the decrease in sex ra-tio, Minister for AgricultureGhulam Hassan Mir has said boththe genders need to self-introspectto curb the menace.

Addressing a one day Na-tional Summit on ‘Save the GirlChild’ organized by GovernmentCollege of Education Srinagar,the Minister said that decreasingsex ratio in J&K was due to thenegative mindset of the peopletowards a female child. “Arabsburied girls after their birth butwe don’t even allow them to seethe light of this world and killthem in the mother’s womb. Wehave not realized the importanceof a female and her role in the so-ciety,” the minister said.

The minister said femaleshave a greater role to remove thismenace from the society. “Therole of women is pivotal in a

Seminar on ‘Save theGirl Child’ held

building a happy family. As amother, wife or a mother-in-law,she has an important role to shapethe family environment. We haveto treat girls equally and create asense of happiness on their birth.”

Various speakers, present onthe occasion, highlighted theproblems and underscored theneed to create awareness in thesociety about the importance of afemale child.

Taking a serious note of thedrop in the sex ratio in J&K Presi-dent Rotatory Club Dr AmitWanchoo said that the seminarscould play a great role in curbingthe menace and spreading theawareness.

Speaking on the occasionProf Neerja Mattoo said that thewomen folk have to come out ofthe slavish mentality and fightagainst the patriarchal society. “Awoman should take on the sys-

tem that deprives her of the basicrights. We are caught up in a situ-ation where others are judging ourplight. Women have to use theiradvocacy,” Prof Neerja said.

Calling for mass awarenessin the society about the rights ofa woman, Prof Neerja said it isunfortunate that society is stilltreating the two genders differ-ently. “We need a mass awarenessand teachers and parents have agreat role in this direction.”

On the occasion senior jour-nalist, Shujaat Bukhari talkedabout the role of media in sav-ing girl child. “Media can effec-tively work only when societyis ready for the change. Societyas a whole has to gear up againstthis problem. We have to acceptthe reality that a girl child is theNoor of our families. Sensiti-zation of both the gender is re-quired,” he said. —NNI

POONCH—The opening of thehistorical Mughal Road in Jammuand Kashmir has provided animpetus to apple business, mak-ing it easily accessible for the lo-cals to purchase at reasonableprices. The Mughal Road con-nects Bafliaz, a town in Poonchdistrict, to Shopian in Pulwamadistrict of the Kashmir Valley. Theroad passes over the ‘Pir Panjal’Mountain range, which is at analtitude of 3505 metres.

The Mughal Road construc-tion project was conceived in theyear 1969 and further execution

Opening of Mughal road,impetus to apple trade

of the project took place in 1977.But after the completion of a 30-kilometre stretch, constructionwork stopped. The opening of theroad has cut down transportationcosts of produce and improved ac-cessibility. The president of trad-ers association, Poonch, SunilKumar Gupta, said that applesgrown in Jammu and Kashmircan easily be transported throughto Poonch and Rajouri districts,which has decreased the marketprice of the produce considerably.

“For the past three years,the apples which are being

transported through the Mughalroad have increased apple busi-ness. Earlier, the apples weresold for rupees 80 to rupees 100.But with the opening of theroad, people are able to buyapples for rupees 20 to 30,” saidGupta. An apple seller, SyedImtiaz Ahmed, expressed hap-piness as opening of the MughalRoad has proved beneficial forhis business and enhanced tradein the district. “With God’sgrace and opening of theMughal road, our apple businesshas increased.—NNI

PAMPORE—The slopes ofPampore town on the banks ofriver Jehlum in Indian- controlledKashmir are abuzz these days.Farmers accompanied by theirfamilies have descended on geo-metrically laden saffron beds inthe autumn sun. Young womenand children carrying wicker bas-kets walk cautiously between thebeds and bend down to gentlypluck saffron flowers.

The harvesting season for theworld’s costliest spice - saffronhas just begun here. The vast hill-ocks of grey-brown earth, shadedrandomly with willow and al-mond trees in the backdrop ofhuge mountains present a purplelook. The air around collectedheaps of purple flowers has aheaviness of captivating scent.

The vehicular traffic plyingon the road snaking through saf-fron fields breaks silence pervad-

Saffron harvest begins in Kashmiring the area. The occasional chat-ter and laughter of men andwomen as they empty theirwicker baskets of prized posses-sion on the cloth adds a festivelook to the saffron picking. “See-ing the yield is simply mesmeriz-ing,” said 28-year-old ShabnumJan from Pampore. “Saffron forus is everything. From its earn-ings we run our affairs at homebesides make savings.”

Jan along with her family hascome to pick the saffron flowersfrom their field like many others.The saffron fields of Pampore arejust about half an hour’s drive tosouth from Srinagar city, the sum-mer capital of Indian- controlledKashmir. For most of the year, thefields remain barren, as the bulbsof the crocus sativa (saffron) ger-minate beneath the dry earthsprouting green shoots in Octo-ber. But, come late autumn, the

green shoots bloom into brightpurple flowers, adding a purpleshade on dull brown earth.

The real value is foundwithin the purple petals. Everyflower has at its center three redstigmas - the female part, twostamens that perform the malerole, and a long white stem con-necting all of this to the mainflower. The saffron pickers takesacks of several hundred thou-sand flowers home and workday and night, stripping awaythe insides of the flowers.

The petals are eaten as a veg-etable, stems are used as animalfodder, and stigmas form the pur-est saffron, while stamens makethe second grade saffron. Saffronhas a medicinal value and is usedin many food preparations.Kashmiri Kahwa, a beveragewith saffron flavor is famousworldwide.—NNI

Syed Salahuddin’sstatement a deathwarrant: AJKPC

JAMMU—After HizbulMujahideen Supremo SyedSalahuddin asked the Panchayatrepresentatives in JK to resign, AllJammu and Kashmir PanchayatConference (AJKPC) has de-scribed his statement as “deathwarrant” for them and warnedthat the threat can generate freshwave of resignations. “Govern-ment of India (GoI) should clearits position whether they are pro-viding security to Panchs andSarpanchs within 24 hours Whatis their stand on this threat Letthem clear it,” AJKPC chairmanShafiq Mir told reporters here.

“We demand security againwe had demanded security afterthe killing of three of our mem-bers,” Mir said adding, “The stategovernment has totally failed toprovide security to our memberstill now”.

“Union Government can alsointervene if the state is not seri-ous over the security of Panchayatmembers,” he said. “None of thePanchs and Sarpanchs, even af-ter the intervention of AICC Gen-eral Secretary Rahul Gandhi dur-ing his visit, have been providedwith security,” Mir said adding,”Panchayat conference has repre-sentation of 33,000 members “.“We are not going to resign Ourmembers of Panchayat Confer-ence campaigned for democracyat the grass-root level particularlyin Kashmir Valley as they re-quested and motivated membersthere not to go for resignations—even those leaders have not evenbeen given security,” he said.

Time has come when Centreshould intervene into the matterto take a decision over our secu-rity, he said adding that this threatcan generate fresh wave of resig-nations.—NNI

Hurriyat (G)leader held

SRINAGAR—Hurriyat Confer-ence (G) District PresidentAnantnag, Mir Hafizullah wasarrested from his house. “Po-lice raided the house of Mir at6:30 pm and arrested him,”Hurriyat (G) spokesman AyazAkbar said and condemned theraid on the Hurriyat leaders andactivists.

“This is highly unjustifi-able that the authorities are notallowing pro-freedom leader-ship to carry out their activities.They are arresting Hurriyatmembers or putting them underhouse arrest without any rea-sons. This is highly unaccept-able,” Ayaz said.—NNI

Malik arrives inDelhi to undergo

operationNEW DELHI—Chairman ofJammu and Kashmir LiberationFront Muhammad Yasin Malikhas arrived New Delhi to un-dergo an operation on his rightkidney. A JKLF statement is-sued in Srinagar said Malik wasrecently operated upon his leftkidney also.

The statement said Malikwould be admitted at FortisHospital on November 5 andwould be operated upon on No-vember 6. “JKLF appeals thefreedom-loving people of Kash-mir to pray for the speedy re-covery and well being of Yasinsahib,” the JKLF statement said.

Meanwhile, JKLF ex-pressed condolences on the saddemise of the wife of DrMushtaq Ahmad Baba, notedsocial activist of Seelo SoporeGhulam Muhammad Bhat,Muhammad Ramzan Rather ofBaramulla and the mother ofGhulam Nabi Sheikh of HMT.Praying for all the deceased,JKLF expressed solidarity withthe bereaved families, the state-ment said.—NNI

KYWA organizesseminar on

Kashmir poetrySRINAGAR—Kashmiri YoungWriters Association has organizeda seminar on ‘Thought Process inKashmiri Poetry’. The speakerson the occasion highlighted theimportance of Kashmiri literatureand poetry.

Noted Kashmiri poetRehman Rahi who was the chiefguest on the occasion urged theyounger generation to take inter-est in reading Kashmiri literature.He blamed local schools for nottaking adequate interest in teach-ing Kashmiri language. Rahi saidthe poet was the only capable per-son in the world who knows thesignificance of the words.

Speaking on the occasion anoted Kashmiri poet DrMohammad Zaman Aazurdahsaid poetry is a naturally giftedtalent of an individual and poetsare created by nature and are notmade on earth. “Kashmiri poetryis full of thoughts, contains everyliterary component. Sufiana po-etry takes you into the inner soulof the poet and into the world oflove and peace”.

The other speakers who werepresent in the seminar includeGhulam Nabi Khyaal, RafeeqRaaz, Dr Azeez Hajni, and DrNazir Azad.— NNI

SRINAGAR—Police is installing39-more hi-tech Closed-CircuitTelevision (CCTV) cameras indifferent areas of the city to de-tect suspected movement andstrengthen the security apparatus.“The process of installing theCCTVs in uptown Srinagar is inprogress. The CCTVs have beenerected in Lal Chowk and Dalgatearea of city. These will be installedat some other key Civil Line ar-eas,” a senior police official said.

He said police will also in-stall CCTVs in Peerbagh andHyderpora areas of the city aswell. “Peerbagh area will be cov-

Police installing moreCCTVs in held Kashmir

ered as Police Headquarters is sta-tioned in the area”. The officialsaid the process of installing hi-tech CCTVs has already beencompleted in old city areas. Hesaid the cameras are installed un-der Police Modernization schemeapproved by Government of In-dia (GoI) to increase the surveil-lance. “The hi-tech cameras arebeing installed as part of elec-tronic surveillance to detectmovement of suspected personsand identity trouble makers. Thecameras would be monitoredfrom the Special SurveillanceCentre established in the Police

Control Room,” the official said.He said they have got the

approval to install 150 CCTVsin second phase of the scheme.He said after completing theprocess in city, the CCTVswill be installed in sensitiveSopore town of NorthKashmir’s Baramulla district.“Keeping in view the sensitiv-ity of the town, we will be in-stalling 19 cameras in theSopore town. This will help usin identifying trouble makersin the apple town, where weface law and order problemsfrequently”.—NNI

Success in businessrequires training anddiscipline and hard

work. But if you’re notfrightened by these

things, the opportuni-ties are just as greattoday as they ever

were.

— David Rockefeller

Rates for conversionsKARACHI—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 Coveron Foreign CurrencyDeposits (excluding F.E.25deposits) by the State Bankon November 06, 2012. Therates are U.S. Dollar Rs95.9751, Japanese Yen Rs1.1955, Pound Sterling Rs153.3969 and Euro Rs122.8577.—APP

AMANULLAH KHAN

KARACHI—The automo-bile industry contributing1.5% of total FBR collec-tions and providing em-ployment to thousands,said Dr. Hafez Shaikh andadded “we need to protectour auto industry and takeit to greater levels of pro-ductivity”

Speaking on the occa-sion, Dr. Abdul HafeezSheikh said, “I congratulateIndus Motors on this re-

Auto industry a major contributor to exchequer: Hafeezmarkable achievement andnote with great pleasure theimpressive progress thatIndus Motor Company hasmade as a flagship companyin the country’s auto sector.IMC has state-of-the-art pro-duction facilities which are akey asset for the nation’s vi-brant auto industry.”

Indus Motor CompanyLimited (IMC) has success-fully completed productionof 500,000 vehicles in Paki-stan. The event was cel-ebrated by a ribbon-cutting

ceremony performed at theIndus Motors plant by theChief Guest, Dr. AbdulHafeez Sheikh, Federal Min-ister for Finance, Guest ofHonour, Mr. Yukitoshi Funo,Executive Vice President,Toyota Motor Corporation,Japan, Mr. Junzo Shimizu,Chairman Toyota TsushoCorporation and senior man-agement of Indus MotorCompany.

Yukitoshi Funo, Execu-tive Vice President, ToyotaCorporation, Japan, who is

specially visiting Pakistan tocommemorate the event, saidhe was highly pleased withthe performance of Toyota inthe Pakistan market.

“I would like to thank allof our associates in Pakistanand especially our Pakistanicustomers for their contin-ued support which enabledthe achievement of five hun-dred thousand productionunits in Pakistan. We atToyota are committed to mak-ing better cars and contrib-uting to the development of

the Pakistani automobile in-dustry.” he commented.

Ali S. Habib, Chairman,Indus Motor Company Lim-ited, thanked the distin-guished visitors as well asIMC partners for their con-tinued support and coopera-tion. He said, “At Indus Mo-tors we are proud to have astrong team that is commit-ted to the highest bench-marks of quality in line withToyota philosophies. Pro-duction of 500,000 units is amajor milestone for us. We

STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—The first meet-ing of Cotton Crop Assess-ment Committee (CCAC) wasinformed on Monday thatduring this season it is ex-pected that as many as 12.66million cotton bales (170 kgs/bale) would be producedacross the country.

The first meeting of thecommittee met in Multan un-der the chairmanship ofShahid Rashid, SecretaryMinistry of Textile Industryto assess the volume of cur-rent cotton crop in the coun-try, said a statement receivedhere.

Dr. Khalid Abdullah, Cot-ton Commissioner, Ministryof Textile Industry, dilatedupon the facts and figures incotton production during

12.66m cotton bales expectedthis season: CCAC

current crop season viz-a-vizlast year and market situationwith a view to have an objec-tive assessment of the likelycrop size this season.

The Committee was in-formed that cotton crop wassown on the area of 0.58 mil-lion hectares in Sindh and2.356 million hectares inPunjab.

Moreover, this year cot-ton crop was planted on 7percent and 12 percent lessthan that of last year in Punjaband Sindh provinces, respec-tively. The main reasons forless sowing during the cropseason 2012-13 were lowprices during last year, short-age of irrigation water at thetime of cotton sowing, andcomparatively higher inci-dence level of CLCuV duringthe current year.

STAFF REPORTER

KARACHI—Cement des-patches for the month ofOctober decreased by 5.87percent primarily because ofa drastic decline of 20.59percent in cement export,said the manufacturers onMonday.

They said local des-patches, however, showeda marginal growth of 0.19percent. A spokesman of AllPakistan Cement Manufac-turers Association(APCMA) said during themonth in review the indus-try despatched 2.767 milliontons of cement that was 5.87percent less than the des-patches achieved in the

Cement exports down20.59pc in October

corresponding month of lastyear.

Despaches in the samemonth of 2011 stood at 2.939million tons, the spokesmansaid. He said the local cementdispatches were 2.086 milliontons, marking an increase of0.19 percent compared to ce-ment despatched in October2011 that were recorded at2.082 million tons.

He said during the firstfour months of FY13 the to-tal cement despatches stoodat 10.474 million tons whichwas slightly higher than thetotal despatches of 10.436million tons achieved duringcorresponding period of lastyear. He said overall gain indespatches was only 0.37

percent. The capacity utiliza-tion of the industry duringJuly-October 2012 periodstood at 70.19 percent.

The spokesman said ce-ment exports continued theirdownward trend in October2012 as well declining bymassive 20.59 percent fromthe exports achieved in Oc-tober 2011.

Pakistan exports cement toAfghanistan, India and otherdestinations through sea. Dur-ing the period from July-Octo-ber 2012, exports to Afghani-stan declined by 9.46 percentto 1.634 million tons. The ex-ports to India contracted by37.51 percent to 0.158 milliontons and exports to other desContinued on Page 14

believe in sustained cus-tomer satisfaction andachieving this target has puta smile on the faces of 500,000satisfied Toyota customers.Our responsibility does notend here. IMC takes its roleas a responsible corporatecitizen very seriously. OurCSR initiatives are driven bythe will to give back to thecommunity and over theyears IMC has carried outnumerous initiatives on roadsafety, environmental aware-ness and health services.”

The distinguished guestswere also taken on a tour ofthe plant on the occasion.Indus Motor Company isproud to have made a mean-ingful contribution toPakistan’s auto and engineer-ing sector. Toyota’s flagshipproduct, Corolla, which rep-resents nearly 90% of vol-ume, has helped Pakistan tobecome number 1 in Toyota’sAsian world which is a trib-ute to its success in the coun-try.

Indus Motor Company

Limited is a leading automo-bile manufacturer in Paki-stan. It produces Toyotaand Daihatsu brands andhas been assembling,manufacturing and market-ing Toyota vehicles in Pa-kistan since July 01, 1990.In the last 23 years, IMC hasinvested Rs 13 billion in theautomobile sector, trainedmore than 10,000 technicalstaff and is currently pro-viding employment to over7,000 persons directly andmore than 200,000 indirectly.

Group/Head/Senior Executive VP Habib Metropolitan Bank S M Talib Rizvi cutting theribbon on the occasion of inauguration of HMB F-7 Markaz Branch in Islamabad.

Dr Asim Hussain, Advisor to the PM on Petroleum and Natural Resources receiving abriefing in OGTI, Islamabad.

STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—Advisor to thePrime Minister on Petroleum& Natural Resources Dr.Asim Hussain has said thatthe capacity building of pro-fessionals in the Oil and Gassector need to be enhancedand abilities of young talentshould be harnessed.

Dr Asim stated this whilevisiting the Oil and Gas Train-ing Institute (OGTI) ofOGDCL in Islamabad here onMonday where he wasbriefed by the OGTI Manage-ment that was also attendedby Managing Director andSenior Management ofOGDCL.

The Advisor was in-

STAFF REPORTER

KARACHI—Sindh Ministerfor Excise and TaxationMukesh Kumar Chawla onMonday said that around 2.3million motorcycles were reg-istered in the province andmore than 1.3 million inKarachi.

Till June 30, 2012 nearlyhalf million commercial ve-hicles were registeredWhereas , he said, the num-ber of private cars and othervehicles is over 1.1 million.

The Minister was talkingto media here at his camp of-fice, said an official statementhere.

Registration of motorbikesonly thru Interlink system

He said that the regis-tration of motorcycleswould be done throughinterlink system as thiswould stop registration ofany stolen or smuggledmotorbike anywhere in theprovince. Now, he said,owner of a motorbike or carcan get the documents veri-fied in the district for saleor purchase purpose.

He said that now life-timetax was being charged themotorcycle being registered.This amount of tax would beRupees one thousand and Rs300 would be charged for is-suing number plate at theregistration time of a motor-

OGTI to be upgraded intodegree awarding university

formed that OGTI is in-volved in Basic training tonew inductees of OGDCL,Knowledge update andcontinuous training ofworking professionals andProcessing of ForeignTraining cases. Special Pro-grams and Courses includeTraining of Special Traineesof Dera Bugti, TechnicalSupport to Technical Train-ing Center Quetta & Karakand Training for SAARCcountry professionals. TheAdvisor was also briefedthat OGTI also undertakeslinkages between Universi-ties & Industry throughSummer Internship & Fieldattachments, Seminars/Short Courses on manage-

ment and advancements intechnology by inviting Lo-cal & Foreign experts, facili-tation of in-house promo-tions through conductingof tests on annual basis andcollaboration with traininginstitutes of repute such asLUMS, IBA and PIMs formanagement training andspecial training workshopsis also carried out by OGTI.

Dr. Asim Hussain saidthat the Government plansto upgrade OGTI into a de-gree awarding institute andin this connection a pro-posal is being prepared forHigher Education Commis-sion (HEC). Initially MS,MBA and Executive MBA

STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—The gold im-ports into the country fell infirst quarter of current fiscalyear by 22.73 per cent againstthe same period of last year.

The imports of gold dur-ing the period under reviewremained US $28.421 millionagainst the imports of US$36.782 million during thesame period of previous year.

According the data ofPakistan Bureau of Statistics,the overall imports of metalgroup increased by 0.57 percent during July-September(2012-13) against the sameperiod of last year.

The metal imports duringthe period under review re-mained $687.087 millionagainst imports of $683.194million during same period of

Gold imports fall 22.73pcduring first quarter

last year.Imports of iron and steel

scrap registered a growth of23.30 percent during July-September (2012-13).

Iron and steel scrap im-ports into the country wererecorded at $166.551 millionduring first quarter of currentfiscal year against imports of$135.082 million during July-September (2011-12).

Imports of iron and steelshrank by 3.84 percent byfalling from $331.788 millionto $319.048 million whereasthe imports of aluminumwrought and worked de-creased by 9.30 percent bygoing down from $30.741 mil-lion to $27.881 million.

The imports of all othermetal and articles were re-corded at $145.186 millionduring the period under re-

view against the imports of$148.801 million in last yearposting a negative growth of5.95 percent.

Meanwhile, during themonth of September 2012-13,the gold imports into thecountry witnessed decreaseof 41.56 percent when com-pared to the imports of Sep-tember 2011 whereas thegold imports during Septem-ber 2012 over August 2012increased by 24.66 percent.

Gold imports in Septem-ber 2012 stood at $9.621 mil-lion against the imports of$16.462 million and $7.738million in September 2011 andAugust, 2012 respectively.

It is pertinent to mentionhere that overall imports intothe country during the pe-riod under review witnesseddecrease of 2.37 percent.

Continued on Page 14

STAFF REPORTER

LAHORE—Iran is ready tostart barter trade with Paki-stan to facilitate the busi-nessmen and to jack-up thevolume of two-way trade.

This was stated by Ira-nian Consul GeneralMuhammad Hossain BaniAssadi while speaking at theLahore Chamber of Com-merce and Industry on Mon-day. The LCCI Senior VicePresident Irfan Iqbal Sheikh,Vice President Mian AbuzarShad, Executive CommitteeMembers Mian Zahid Javaid,

Iran ready to start bartertrade with Pakistan: CG

Husnain Reza Mirza andformer Vice President AftabAhmad Vohra also spoke onthe occasion.

The Consul General saidthat Iranian government iswell aware of the fact that thebusiness community hasbeen facing problems due toabsence of banking channelsbut barter trade is the bestway to tackle to issue till theestablishment of bankingmechanism between the twosides.

Over the issue of Iran-Pakistan Gas pipeline, theConsul General said that the

work on this mega project isin full swing while the Paki-stan government had alreadybeen conveyed that the Irancould also spread gas pipe-line up to hundred kilometresinside Pakistan. He said thatas soon as Pakistan govern-ment agrees to the proposal,other formalities would befinalised.

Mohammad HossainBani Asadi said that Pakistanand Iran have the potentialto cater to each other’s needsprovided the businessmenhave the exposure to theavailable opportunities. The

Iranian Consul General saidthat the business communityin the two countries wouldhave to increase interactionto share their experiences inthe larger interests of thepeople of two brotherly na-tions. He said that the vol-ume of mutual trade betweenPakistan and Iran does notmatch their respective poten-tials.

He said that Chambers ofCommerce in the two coun-tries would have to focus onexpansion of trade by hold-ing single country exhibi

Continued on Page 14

cycle. Till date, he said, morethan 76,000 number plateswere issued. The colour ofnumber plate of a motorcycleis grey and script is in bluecolour.

The Excise and TaxationMinister said that it is legalbinding on the owner that avehicle must be registeredwithin 60 days after thetransaction to escape aheavy fine.

Mukesh Kumar Chawlasaid the present governmenthas launched manyprogrammes for the welfareof the people and the peoplehave started getting theirfruit.

Iraq finalizesPakistan

exploration dealBAGHDAD—Iraq finalizedMonday an oil and gas ex-ploration contact with Paki-stan Petroleum, the first ofthree deals Baghdad will con-clude with international firmsthis week as part of its effortsto upgrade its energy sectorafter years of war and sanc-tions.

The deal was signed inBaghdad by Iraq Deputy OilMinister Ahmed al-Shammaaand Pakistan Petroleum’sChief Executive AsimMurtaza Khan, according toWall Street Journal. Under thedeal, Pakistan Petroleum willexplore for gas and oil inblock 8 which is shared byDiyala and Wasit governor-ates in eastern Iraq. PakistanPetroleum was awarded thedeal at the country’s fourthbidding round held in Maythis year.

The firm competed withtwo Japanese companies,Japex and Itochu Corp. ,which wanted a $10.57 a bar-rel remuneration fee, whilePakistan Petroleum soughtonly $5.38 a barrel. Accord-ing to the Iraqi oil ministry’spreliminary data block 8 con-tains mainly gas, but Khanbelieves there is also oil. “Ourtechnical evaluation showsthat there is oil also,” he toldDow Jones Newswires.—Online

Banks struggle toadapt or survivein commodities

LONDON—Stick, twist orfold? Like card players, thetop five banks in global com-modities trade have reachedat the point where they mustdecide to hold strategy,adapt, or give up and get out.

The boom in resourcemarkets that started 10 yearsago attracted many bigbanks to trade oil, metals andagriculture, but the 2008 fi-nancial crisis forced a pain-ful retreat and tighter regula-tion now means some banksmay throw in the towel.

Decisions rest onwhether the banks believetheir business models can bechanged to keep them suffi-ciently profitable under therising oversight of regula-tors, after four years whentheir revenue from commodi-ties was halved.

“The total wallet back atthe peak was about $14 bil-lion for the banking sector incommodities trading. I’dimagine this year it’ll beabout $7 billion.—Agencies

Asian shares easeTOKYO—Asian shares fellon Monday, tracking a sell-off in global shares late lastweek, as investors contin-ued to shed risk ahead ofthe closely fought U.S.presidential election andlooked past a strong U.S.jobs data to fragile eco-nomic growth worldwide.The MSCI index of Asia-Pacific shares outsideJapan fell 0.3 percent afterclimbing to its highest sinceOct. 23 on Friday. Austra-lian shares were down 0.4percent and South Koreanshares opened down 0.7percent. “There is anabsence of upward momen-tum, but economic datasuch as U.S. jobs werebetter than forecast lastweek, so the main index isexpected to remain boxed inrange before the U.S.elections,” Cho Sung-joon,an analyst at NH Invest-ment & Securities, said ofSeoul shares.—APP

Rs 7b loss to farmersStaff ReporterLAHORE—Vice Chancellor ofthe University of Veterinaryand Animal Sciences (UVAS)Prof Dr Talat Naseer Pashahas urged scientists to equipthemselves with modernknowledge and skills to copewith Newcastle diseasewhich is causing Rs 7 billionloss to Punjab only. He wasaddressing the inauguralsession of a nationalworkshop on “NewcastleDisease, its prevention andcontrol” arranged by theuniversity in collaborationwith the Higher EducationCommission and PakistanPoultry Association (PPA).Prof Pasha said that poultryindustry was the secondlargest and fastest growingindustry in Pakistan butunfortunately it had facedsevere challenges likeNewcastle disease (Ranikhet) in recent years. Thedisease caused Rs 7 billioneconomic loss to commercialfarmers in Punjab alone, headded. He said that thepurpose of the conferencewas to adopt a combinedstrategy in collaboration withthe industry to control andprevent the fatal Newcastledisease.

Euro hits 2 monthlow vs dollar

LONDON—The euro fell to anear two-month low againsta broadly firmer dollar onMonday on uncertainty overa Greek vote on austerity andbefore this week’s US presi-dential election.

Greece’s government willpresent an unpopular auster-ity package to parliament onMonday and must win ap-proval in a vote expected onWednesday to secure more in-ternational aid. The euro fell 0.4percent to $1.2778, breakingbelow a reported options bar-rier at $1.2800 and stop losssell orders at $1.2780 to markits lowest since Sept. 11. It waslast at $1.2794. Having brokenbelow the 200-day moving av-erage around $1.2836, chartistssaid the euro could face fur-ther losses, although it hassupport at the Sept. 11 low of$1.2753.—Agencies

STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—COMSTECH,the Standing Committee onScientific and TechnologicalCooperation of the Organiza-tion of Islamic Cooperation(OIC), in collaboration withthe Islamic Educational, Sci-entific and Cultural Organi-zation (ISESCO), is organiz-ing seminar on “ Food Pro-duction and ProcessingTechnologies”, from Novem-ber 6-8.

The focus of the seminarwill be on two aspects, foodproduction and its down-stream processing. The mainobjective of this seminar isto review the potential offood production and valueaddition. Few experts fromdeveloped world will also beinvited. In addition, localfood industry will also be in-

Int’l seminar on ‘Food Productionand Processing Technologies’ today

vited to share their experi-ences.

Talking to media, an offi-cial in COMSTECH said it iswell known that a significantpercentage of food getsspoiled either in storage orin transportation and thusimpacts food availability, re-sulting sometimes in short-ages and increase in prices.

Food processing is animportant component for en-suring food security and foreconomic growth, he said.The official said there havebeen impressive technologi-cal developments both infood production and foodprocessing.

He said increasing pres-ence of multinational foodchains provide a special op-portunity for production ofspecific crops and livestockto meet their requirements.

Most of the developingcountries have an agrarianeconomy which happens tobe the backbone of Food Se-curity. This security is onlypossible if the population isprovided nutritious foodenough to meet the require-ment for an active andhealthy life.

Giving details, the officialsaid “ Food security encom-passes three A’s, namelyAvailability, Accessibilityand Affordability. It is in thiscontext that the present semi-nar is being organized”.

Researchers involved infood production and pro-cessing, Technical person-nel from food industry,Food policymakersAgribusiness professionalsand Food safety profession-als will participate in theworkshop.

STAFF REPORTER

KARACHI—Pakistan Rein-surance Company Limited(PRCL), rated as AA Com-pany, has posted a net profitof Rs 925 million for the threequarters ending Sept 30, 2012.

According to the break-up of profit and loss accountof PRCL for nine months tillSept 30, 2012, the underwrit-ing profit is Rs 578 million, ascompared to Rs 283 millionduring the correspondingperiod last year, said PRCLstatement here on Monday.

The investment incomestood at Rs 785 million ascompared to Rs 747 millionwhile the rental and other in-come went up from Rs 36 mil-lion to Rs 45 million. The gen-eral and administration ex-

PRCL registers substantial growthpenses were brought downfrom Rs 30 million to Rs.29million with the exchange gainbeing Rs 39 million comparedto Rs 27 million last year.

The net profit before taxand value of available forSale investment-write-offwas Rs 1408 million againstRs 1073 million last year, lessprovision for taxation Rs 337million to Rs 217 million, netprofit after tax and beforevalue of available for SaleInvestment-write-off Rs 1071million to Rs 856 million, andvalue of available for SaleInvestment-write-off Rs 146million to Rs 61 million.

The summary of ac-counts for the nine monthsended Sept 30, 2012, as com-pared with the accounts forthe nine months ending Sept

30, 2011 is premium writtenRs 5472 million to Rs 4212million, reinsurance ceded Rs2669 million to Rs 1278 mil-lion, net retention Rs 2803million to Rs 2934 million, pre-mium reserve Rs 282 millionto Rs 372 million, net pre-mium Rs 3085 million to Rs2562 million, net commissionRs 644 million to Rs 574 mil-lion, net claims Rs 1530 mil-lion to Rs 1451 million under-writing profit before manage-ment expenses Rs 911 millionto Rs 537 million, and Lessmanagement expenses Rs 333million to Rs 254 million.

The underwriting profitduring the period under re-port was Rs 578 Million ascompared to Rs 283 millionduring last correspondingperiod.

Shippingactivity at PQ

KARACHI—Two ships carry-ing containers and cementwere allotted berth at QasimInternational container Ter-minals and multi purpose ter-minal during last 24 hours.

Meanwhile, two moreships scheduled to load/offload project cargo andedible oil also arrived at outeranchorage of Port Qasim dur-ing last 24 hours.

Berth occupancy was45% at the Port on Mondaywhere total number of fiveships namely M.V MaerskMontana, D.N Vatan, ILCFriendship, Mana Deepa andDai Duong Sunrise are cur-rently occupying berths toload/offload containers, ce-ment, rice, steel scrape andsoya been respectively dur-ing last 24 hours.

A cargo volume of 19,238tonnes comprising 12,677tonnes imports and 6,561tonnes exports inclusive ofcontainerized cargo carried in658 Containers (Boxes) werehandle at the Port during last24 hours.

PepsiCo Pakistan,TCF Volunteers

join hands toPlant TreesSTAFF REPORTER

LAHORE—A clean and salu-brious neighbourhood canonly be possible through theplantation of trees which notonly beautify our surround-ings but also act in time aslungs for us, purifying the airand giving fresh strength toour people. This was statedby Mr. Jahanzeb Khan, Coun-try Manager PepsiCo (Paki-stan & Afghanistan Bever-ages), while launching a tree-plantation campaign inSundar Industrial Estate onthe suburbs of Lahore.

The tree plantation driveby PepsiCo Pakistan aptlytitled as ‘GO GREEN –GROW GREEN’ is aimed atengaging the community andmultiple stakeholders fromdifferent walk of lives to un-derstand and realise the valueof clean neighbourhood andcontribute to the cause byplanting a saplings withintheir homes andneighbourhood.

Speaking on the occa-sion, Jahanzeb Khan saidthat the idea behind the plan-tation drive was also to“bring our internal and exter-nal stakeholders together forone cause and to let themserve on the purpose to carethe world we live in”. In or-der to avoid maximum lossesin case of natural disasters,it is the need of time to en-hance plantation in Pakistanthat would not only make thecountry look more attractivethan before but will also behelpful in combating the di-sasters like floods, and earth-quake that are appearingmore frequently as a result ofthe global climate change, hefurther added.

He said PepsiCo Pakistanhas joined hands with theschoolchildren from non-government organisationTCF to engage them in plant-ing trees and letting themknow why community ser-vice is important for them asThe Future Generation. “Ourgoal is to plant about 1000trees within a span of 2.5hours,” he said before kick-ing off the campaign.

STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—A nine-mem-ber defence delegation fromMalaysia is proceeding toKarachi on Tuesday to at-tend the five-day Interna-tional Defence Exhibition andSeminar (IDEAS) 2012 start-ing in the port city on No-vember 7.

According to a messagereceived here from PakistanHigh Commission KualaLumpur, Malaysia, the del-egation is led by DeputyChief of Malaysian Navy,Vice Admiral DatukMohammed Noordin Aliwhile the other members in-clude senior officials fromthe Armed Forces and De-fence Industry & Procure-ment Division.

The five-day IDEAS Pa-kistan 2012 provides a per-fect interactive platform for

Malaysian delegation toattend IDEAS Pakistan

the Defence Forces to assessthe best products & technol-ogy that meet their respec-tive defence-related require-ments. The event also pre-sents an ideal opportunity tothe manufacturers of MilitaryWeapons System for enter-ing into joint collaborationwith Pakistan or other pro-spective International part-ners.

During the visit, the Ma-laysian contingent wouldalso call on their respectivecounterparts and hold impor-tant meetings. They wouldalso attend the special skillsperformance by the PakistaniArmed Forces.

It may be highlighted thatthe earlier exhibitions drewkeen interest of the Malay-sian side in the professionaland developmental capabili-ties of Pakistan Defence In-dustries.

NEW YORK—British bankBarclays is set to fight a po-tentially record $470 millionpenalty from US energy regu-lators by arguing its traderswere guilty of braggadocio,not of rigging California elec-tricity prices.

The four traders in ques-tion, who boasted in emailsand instant messages abouthow “fun” it was to “crapon” certain physical powerprices, did not actually carryout the complex scheme theyare accused of by the Fed-eral Energy Regulatory Com-mission, a source familiar withthe bank’s thinking said.

Barclays set to fight FERCover bragging, not rigging

Last week, the country’stop cop overseeing electric-ity markets ordered Barclaysto demonstrate why it shouldnot pay a $435 million civilpenalty, plus $34.9 million inthe repayment of ill-gottengains, for manipulation ofCalifornia power markets be-tween 2006 and 2008.

The British banking gi-ant, still reeling from an nearlyequivalent fine over its rolein rigging the Libor interestrate benchmark, has alreadysaid it will “vigorously” fightthe FERC charges, likely set-ting up a landmark courtbattle.

It believes electricitytrades on the days of thetraders’ messages show theirWest Coast trading team wasnot intentionally manipulat-ing prices for profit, despitethe “unfortunate” emails re-leased in FERC’s 73-pageregulatory filing, the sourcesaid.

Any losses incurred onthe bank’s mammoth tradeswhich on some days ac-counted for more than half ofall the deals in specific mar-kets was an effort to “buildcredibility” with potential cli-ents in a new market.—Agen-cies

CNG Associationends strike,

resumes businessMINGORA (Swat)—Theowners of CNG stations indistrict Swat has resumedbusiness after holding suc-cessful negotiations withdistrict administration.

CNG stations in Swat re-mained closed for two-day,creating difficulties for mo-torists and commuters’ ve-hicles in getting cheap fuelfor their vehicles.

The district administra-tion while taking into consid-eration the situation arisingout the strike held negotia-tions with CNG association.

During the negotiationsthe administration was rep-resented by Sub-DivisionalMagistrate/DOR Swat, NiazKhan and DSP City, AmjadKhan while CNG associationwas represented by its presi-dent, Tahir Khan and oth-ers.—APP

QUETTA—Balochistan gov-ernment is implementing Rs888 million Solar EnergyHome Project under whicharound 300 villages in partsof the province would beelectrified.

Provincial Finance De-partment sources told APPhere Monday that naturehad endowed the provincewith immense opportunitiesfor generation of solar, windand geo-thermal energy.

“The provincial govern-ment has already set-upBalochistan Energy Com-pany for promotion of re-newable energy which had

Rs 888m Solar Energy Projectbeing implemented in Balochistan

duly been registered by Se-curity Exchange Commis-sion of Pakistan”, thesources said, adding thegovernment currentlyspends Rs 3 billion on sub-sidy for around 15600 tubewells in provincial agricul-ture sector and with exor-bitant increase in powertariff the governmentwould hardly manage tocontinue subsidy for thesetube-wells.

The government has aplan to convert all these tube-wells to solar-energy run at acost of Rs 5 billion.Balochistan Governor

House, Chief Minister andCivil Secretariat would alsobe made equipped with solarenergy system. The projectwould cost Rs. 450 million.

Besides, all divisionalheadquarters would alsohave solar energy lightedstreet systems at a cost of Rs.one billion.

One billion has been setaside for installing windmasts at coastal belt of theprovince. These strives bythe government wouldgreatly help check increas-ing prices of petroleumprices, the sourcesadded.—APP

OBSERVER REPORT

KARACHI—The Microsoftrecently announced theavailability of Windows 8 forits customers in Pakistan andaround the world.

Now consumers andbusinesses worldwide wouldbe able to experience all thatWindows 8 has to offer: abeautiful new UI, a widerange of apps with the grandopening of the WindowsStore, available on more than1,000 Windows 8 certifiedPCs and tablets.

Windows 8 would beavailable for download toupgrade existing PCs inover 140 markets and 37 lan-guages at the Window’swebsite and at retail loca-tions around the world in-cluding Pakistan. Over250,000 PCs are available atmore than 1,000 retailstores, including Hyperstar,Metro, E4U, Makro andCompsi.

“With the launch ofWindows 8, Microsoft is un-veiling a reimagined Win-

Windows 8 launched inPakistan: Microsoft

dows to the world,” saidSherif Morsi: WindowsBusiness Group Lead,Microsoft North Africa,East Mediterranean and Pa-kistan. “Whether you wanta tablet or a PC, whether youwant to consume or create,whether you want to workor play – Windows 8 deliv-ers a personalized experi-ence that fits your uniquestyle and needs.”

Windows 8 will be avail-able in two versions at re-tail, Windows 8 and Win-dows 8 Pro. For the businesscustomers, Windows 8 En-terprise offers new possibili-ties in mobile productivitywith features like WindowsTo Go, DirectAccess, andBranchCache, as well as en-hanced end-to-end securitywith features includingBitLocker and AppLocker.

Launching at the sametime is a new member of theWindows family designedfor ARM-based tablets,Windows RT, which will beavailable pre-installed onnew devices.

MD SSGCSiddiqui quits

STAFF REPORTER

LAHORE—Pakistan Asso-ciation of Automotive Partsand Accessories Manu-facturers (Paapam) has ap-preciated the FBR’s plan tolaunch a drive against non-duty paid smuggled ve-hicles and has asked theauthorities to also pros-ecute the car smugglersunder the law of the landand give them stiff jail sen-tences, as simple levy offines and penalties hasnever proved to be a de-terrent.

Paapam ChairmanMunir Bana said the smug-

Paapam welcomes FBR’s plan to launch drive againstnon-duty paid smuggled vehicles

glers use engine numbers ofimported used cars for regis-tration of smuggled vehicles,as there is no system for veri-fying their authenticity. En-gine numbers of locally as-sembled cars can be verifiedfrom the assemblers’ records,he added.

He said that the customsintelligence had collected dataof 2.3 million non-duty paidsmuggled vehicles, which isjust 15 percent of an estimated14 million smuggled/non-reg-istered vehicles all over thecountry. The government, in-stead of taking preventivemeasures to check thesesmuggled vehicles, introduces

amnesty schemes from time totime, thereby encouragingsmugglers to continue theircriminal activities.

Similarly, expressing hisdismay at the ever-shrinkinglist of honest taxpayers in allsectors, he said that amnestyschemes should not be usedas a measure to raise rev-enues, as these discouragehonest taxpayers and createdistrust in state institutions.

The Paapam Chairmanwas of the view that tax am-nesty and money-whiteningschemes for smugglers ofvehicles are acts of betrayal,cheating the auto industry,who are fully documented

and also amongst the high-est and most honest taxpay-ers. “We want to remind thegovernment of its solemnpromise made to the Parlia-ment in 2008 that after TaxInvestment Scheme it wouldnot introduce any more am-nesty schemes” he added.

He said that tax amnestyscheme protects tax evadersas they whiten their untaxedmoney simply by paying asmall premium to moneychangers for arranging remit-tance in their names.

Moreover, smugglers ofvehicles are the main benefi-ciary of such schemes, asmajority of luxury cars are

cleared by paying nominal feeunder these schemes, anddamaging the local auto sec-tor, which provides direct/indirect employment to 1.8million persons.

All amnesty schemeshave been abused cleverlyby Pakistani tax dodgers tolaunder their untaxed moneythrough state patronage, headded. Under all the tax am-nesty schemes governmentfailed to collect even a frac-tion of the black money. Howthe FBR can ignore a seriouscrime like smuggling simplyby collecting penalties, askedPaapam Vice ChairmanUsman Malik. He said that

parliament instead of enter-taining an amnesty schemeshould seriously considerintroducing ‘Asset-seizureScheme’ to confiscate un-taxed assets as well as non-duty paid costly vehiclespurchased from undis-closed money.

He said the amnestyschemes introduced by theFBR in the past failed toyield positive results. Ascheme was launched dur-ing the Musharraf regime in2000-01, and the FBR col-lected only Rs10 billion.Another scheme which waslaunched in 2008 fetchedjust Rs2.5 billion.

STAFF REPORT

KARACHI—Azim IqbalSiddiqui, the managing direc-tor of Sui Southern Gas Com-pany (SSGC), has tenderedhis resignation from the of-fice on what an official state-ment said personal grounds.

Siddiqui is going to bereplaced, as has been de-cided by the company’sBoard of Directors, by DMD(Corporate Services) ZuhairSiddiqui from November 8.Zuhair has been serving thecompany for the last 10 yearsat various senior managementpositions.

Siddiqui’s resignationwas placed before thecompany’s Board of Direc-tors in an emergent meetingof the Board held under thechairmanship of SalimAbbas Jilani on SaturdayNovember 3 at the SSGC’s

head office.After detailed delibera-

tions, the Board acceptedSiddiqui’s resignation thatwould take effect from Nov8.

The Board of Directorspaid glowing tributes for theselfless services rendered bySiddiqui for the companyduring his marathon associa-tion that spanned over 35 il-lustrious years.

The Board unanimouslyresolved that Siddiqui had ahighly commendable careerthat was laced with colossaldisplay of commitment,proven leadership abilities,sheer adherence to transpar-ency and above all with anexemplary sense of belong-ing to the company. TheBoard members also re-corded their best wishes forfuture pursuits of the outgo-ing MD.

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah presiding over meeting regard-ing development schemes.

KABUL—The China NationalPetroleum Corporation be-gins extracting oil from theAmu River basin in northernAfghanistan.

The firm won the 25-yearcontract for oil extraction lastyear, covering drilling and aplanned refinery in the north-ern provinces of Faryab andSar-e-Pul.

The success of theproject would signal greenlight to foreign investors andwould be a big step towardseconomic development.

150,000 barrels of oil areexpected to be extracted fromthe wells until the end of thisyear and the productionwould be increased to300,000 barrels until 2013.Afghanistan would soon bestanding among other oil-rich nations.

The project would rewardthe government with USD 7billion in revenue over the

Oil extraction begins in AmuRiver in northern Afghanistan

next 25 years with annual rev-enue of USD 400 million. Thecompany will pay a 15% roy-alty on oil, 20% corporate taxand give 50-70% of its profitfrom the project to the gov-ernment.

The Amu River basin isendowed with 87mn barrelsof crude, offering Afghani-stan a way to become finan-cially independent after thewithdrawal of foreign troops.

“The company will extract1,950 barrels per day, whichwill crucially help Afghani-stan towards self-

sustainability and economicindependence,” said MinesMinister WaheedullahShahrani as huge machinesstarted drilling next to mudhouses in remote Sar-e-Pul.

Minister Shahrani saidthe project on the basin hasprovided Afghans with 2,100jobs. Weis Sherdel, directorof the three Amu River oilblocks for the mining minis-try, said crude will be sent toTurkmenistan for refinery,until CNPC completed workon Afghan refinery in next 2-3 years.—INP

tions and through tradedelegations to each other’scountry. He said that dis-semination of sector-specificand trade-related informationwould go a long way inachieving the goal. Both thecountries should share theirexperiences in the filed ofscience and technology also.

Agriculture, Tourism andMetal industry of Iran haveopportunities of investmenttherefore Pakistani businesscommunity should come for-ward. Speaking on the occa-sion, the LCCI Senior VicePresident Irfan Iqbal Sheikhreassured the Iranian ConsulGeneral that the LahoreChamber of Commerce andIndustry would continue toplay its role for increasingbilateral trade and economicrelations. The bilateral tradewould get a boost as soonas the gas pipe line projectwith Pakistan and Iran com-pletes.

He said that Pakistanand Iran are two brotherlyIslamic countries. There-fore, maximum efforts areneeded to strengthen theirrelations in all fields. Hesaid both the sides need toconduct Market research tofurther strengthen trade re-lations between the twocountries. Priority shouldbe given to each other forimport of goods rather thanbuying from distant coun-tries.

But due to lack of postharvest technologies a lot ofagriculture produce iswasted.

Iran readyFrom Page-13

Economists toattend FCCImoot on 12th

FAISALABAD—Mian ZahidAslam, President FaisalabadChamber of Commerce andIndustry (FCCI), said thateminent intellectuals andeconomists of the countryhave confirmed to address aneconomy conference on “Re-vival of Economy of Paki-stan” scheduled to be heldat FCCI on November 12.

In a statement on Mon-day, he said that more thanfive hundred persons from awide spectrum of societywere expected to attend theconference.

Spelling out the objectiveof the conference, he saidthat practicable and viablesuggestions, proposals andrecommendations would bemade to enable the govern-ment and policy makers totake decisions in order to putthe country on the road toprogress and prosperitywithin a shortest possibletimeframe.—APP

programs with particularreference to management ofPetroleum Sector would beintroduced. Polish Univer-sities have shown willing-ness to send faculty mem-bers to OGTI for capacitybuilding collaboration. As along term plan, OGTI wouldbe branched out to provin-cial level also. Dr. AsimHussain further said thatmaximum training programswould be scholarship basedand the selection processwould be based purely onmerit.

On this occasion, Advi-sor on Petroleum and Natu-ral Resources directed to es-tablish a Museum at theground floor of the new Pe-troleum House for educa-tional purpose.

Dr. Asim Hussain alsoconducted a surprise inspec-tion of SNGPL Islamabad of-fice and heard public com-plaints.

He directed the GeneralManager (GM) SNGPLIslamabad to depute a Seniorofficer for hearing publiccomplaints and daily reportsbe sent to the Ministry. TheAdvisor also directed SNGPLstaff to resolve problems ofdomestic gas consumers ontop priority and warned ofstrict action against officialswho show laxity in perfor-mance.

OGTIFrom Page-13

tinations through sea were in-creased by 2.34 percent to1.161 million tons. ChairmanAPCMA Aizaz MansoorSheikh said the hype createdon trade with India had so farnot been materialized and ex-port in that market was well be-low the expectation of the ce-ment sector.

He said after opening ofland route it was expected thatindustry should be able to ex-port more than five million tonscement to India. He appealedto the government to engageIndian government on regularbasis for the removal of non-trade barriers which are hurt-ing cement exports.

Sheikh also urged thegovernment to boost theconstruction sector throughprudent government policiesand facilitation, resultantly,increase in cement des-patches triggers a chaingrowth in 42 allied industries.

Cement exportsFrom Page-13

Hollande to arrest economic fallPARIS—French industrialist Louis Galloiscalled for a patriotic effort to supportshock therapy to reverse declining com-petitiveness on Monday as he handed ina review the Socialist government com-missioned but is unlikely to heed. Galloissaid his report prescribes slashing 30 bil-lion euros ($38.54 billion) off payroll taxesand loosening labour laws to reverse along decline in industrial competitivenessthat has eaten away at exports and bled

factory jobs. The widely leaked recommendations have setfrustrated industry heads against a government reluctant toshift part of the tax burden from employers to householdswhich are already struggling with rampant unemploymentand an austerity budget. Gallois said the 22 recommenda-tions set out in a review to be detailed to media later in the daywere tough but necessary. “The French people need to sup-port this collective effort which could be a magnificent projectfor our countrywinning back our industry,” he told reportersas he left the prime minister’s office. “This will require realpatriotism.” Industry leaders, who say shouldering some ofthe highest labour charges in the world puts them at a disad-vantage against foreign rivals and is the cause of a balloon-ing trade deficit, have joined forces to demand a radicalshake-up. Gallois suggests slicing 20 billion euros offemployers’ social contributions and 10 billion off thosepaid by workers, and compensating with spending cutsand higher consumption taxes. As the proposals leakedout in recent days.—Reuters

New Czech 2013 budgetPRAGUE—The Czech government in-tends to pressure rebellious lawmakerswho have resisted tax hikes by propos-ing instead to make 2013 spending cutsworth more than 1 percent of the country’sannual output. The cabinet will discussthe re-worked budget proposals on Mon-day after the government ran into oppo-sition in pushing through parliamenthikes in value-added and income taxes. Itserves as warning of cuts to come if re-

bellious deputies refuse to change opinion. The new draftsticks to the centre-right cabinet’s strict austerity path thathas helped it cut borrowing costs but has also contributed tothe economy’s slide into recession. The ministry plans to trimthe budget revenue and expenditure by 41.2 billion crowns(£1.31 billion) in 2013 compared with the previous budgetplan, the new draft, obtained by Reuters, showed on Mon-day. The new budget maintains the central government defi-cit at 100 billion crowns, resulting in expected total fiscal gapat 2.9 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). Total rev-enue is projected at 1,043.7 billion crowns, down from 1,090billion this year while total spending is seen at 1,143.7 billion,down from 1,195.3 this year. The proposed cuts include a 16.5billion drop in spending on projects co-financed from theEuropean Union development funds, versus the original draft,which will mainly affect projects such as roads, railways andmotorways. It also includes a 2.7 billion cut in spending onresearch and development.—Reuters

Palestinians not to drop UN initiativeRAMALLAH—The Palestinians will pressahead with a bid to upgrade their statusat the United Nations, a senior official saidon Monday, brushing off a request byIsrael to halt the initiative. Israeli PrimeMinister Benjamin Netanyahu has re-newed his call for an immediate resump-tion of peace talks and has warned Pales-tinian President Mahmoud Abbas againstmaking any unilateral moves in the U.N.General Assembly. “Yesterday I invited

President Abbas to start direct negotiations without precon-ditions,” Netanyahu told Reuters television in Jerusalem, aday after repeating an appeal to the Palestinian leader forrenewed dialogue. “Unfortunately, I have still not heard backfrom the Palestinian side ... I hope they won’t go to one-sidedaction in the U.N. because that will only push peace back andwill only produce unnecessary instability,” he said. With thenegotiations frozen since 2010 in a dispute over Israeli settle-ment construction in the occupied West Bank, Abbas plansto ask the U.N. General Assembly this month to upgrade thePalestinian’s diplomatic status at the world body. They arecurrently registered as an “observer entity”, but want to be-come an “observer state”, granting them access to bodiessuch as the International Criminal Court, where they couldfile complaints against Israel. Commenting on Netanyahu’scall to talk now, Abbas spokesman Nabil Abu Rdainah saidany direct talks must await the U.N. vote.—Reuters

Pope’s ex butler secretive about computerVATICAN CITY—The former butler ofPope Benedict convicted of stealing pa-pal documents had not allowed techni-cians to check his computer for the lastsix years, a court trying a second suspectin the Vatican leaks scandal heard onMonday. The detail was made public atthe first hearing in the trial of ClaudioSciarpelletti, a computer expert who ischarged with aiding and abetting PaoloGabriele, the former butler. The leaks scan-

dal unleashed one of the biggest crises of Pope Benedict’spapacy, embarrassing the Vatican at a time when it was strug-gling to overcome several child sex abuse scandals involvingclerics, as well as mismanagement at its bank. Gabriele wasconvicted of aggravated theft at a separate trial last monthand sentenced to 18 months in jail for stealing sensitive papaldocuments and leaking them to the media. He kept some con-fidential information on his computer. One of the pope’s clos-est household assistants, Gabriele admitted leaking the docu-ments in what he said was an attempt to help disclose corrup-tion and “evil” in the headquarters of the 1.2 billion-memberfaith. The ex butler, who is serving out his sentence in aVatican jail cell, attended the opening of Monday’s trial for afew minutes but was then ushered out along with other wit-nesses. He looked calm and was smiling but did not look atSciarpelletti. Gianluca Benedetti, Sciarpelletti’s lawyer, saidGabriele’s work computer had become “obsolete” and one ofthe oldest in the Vatican but that he had refused to allowSciarpelletti, 48, to touch it.—Reuters

China political reform under XiYOKOHAMA—China’s leader in-waiting,Xi Jinping, will have no choice but toembark on political reforms to leave a last-ing mark the way the current leadershiphas done with economic reforms, exiledTibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama saidon Monday. Tibetan spiritual leader theDalai Lama speaks at a news conferencein Yokohama, south of Tokyo. Xi, cur-rently vice president, is expected to takeover from President Hu Jintao as Commu-

nist Party head at a congress opening in Beijing on Thursdayand will then become president in March in a generationalleadership change. “Using force brings suspicion, fear. That’sjust opposite of harmony,” he said. Beijing has branded theDalai Lama a separatist and accused him of inciting protestsagainst Chinese rule in Tibet, including more than 60 self-immolations in and around the region since March 2011.Beijing denounces the self-immolations as acts by terroristsand criminals.—Reuters

Damaged buildings are seen after a Syrian Air Force fighter jet, loyal to Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad, firedmissiles at Douma, near Damascus,

CAIRO—The internationalmediator on Syria, LakhdarBrahimi, called for worldpowers to issue a U.N. Se-curity Council resolutionbased on a deal they reachedin June to set up a transitionalgovernment in a bid to endthe bloodshed. Russian For-eign Minister Sergei Lavrov,speaking at the same Caironews conference, dismissedthe need for a resolution andsaid others were stoking vio-lence by backing rebels. Hiscomment highlighted divi-sions and the impasse overSyria’s civil war.

Russia and China, bothpermanent council members,have vetoed three U.N. draftresolutions condemningPresident Bashar al-Assad’sgovernment for the violence.The other three permanentmembers are the United

Brahimi calls for UN solution to Syria crisisStates, Britain and France.Peaceful protests began inSyria in March 2011 butturned into an armed revoltafter Assad turned his mili-tary on the demonstrators.About 32,000 people havebeen killed.

The Geneva Declaration,that was agreed in June 30when Kofi Annan was stillinternational mediator, calledfor a transitional administra-tion but did not specify whatrole, if any, Russia’s allyAssad would have. “It is im-portant that the Geneva Dec-laration be turned into a reso-lution from the Security Coun-cil to gain the power to en-able it to become an applicablepolitical project,” Brahimisaid after a meeting betweenhim, Lavrov and Arab Leaguechief Nabil Elaraby in theEgyptian capital.

“I encourage memberstates at the Security Coun-cil to continue talks to reachthis resolution,” said Brahimi,appointed by the United Na-tions and League. He earlierpressed for a ceasefire dur-ing a Muslim holiday lastmonth that failed. Lavrov saidboth sides should be forcedto sit down to negotiations,saying Moscow backed theGeneva Declaration.

“Unfortunately, somecountries which participatedin Geneva don’t speak withthe government but onlywith the opposition and en-courage them to fight till vic-tory and this has very nega-tive implications,” he said.“Maybe we don’t need aresolution” from the SecurityCouncil, he said, adding thata resolution could lead tomore instability by creating

conditions to remove the Syr-ian government. “This is asuccessful recipe to continuethe bloodshed,” he said.

Elaraby noted that dis-agreement between the fiveveto-wielding powers on theSecurity Council preventedreaching any binding agree-ment. China said on Thurs-day it had proposed a newinitiative to head off an esca-lation of violence in Syria, in-cluding a phased, region-by-region ceasefire and the es-tablishment of a transitionalgoverning body.

“There is no military so-lution to the crisis,” Brahimisaid, adding that without apolitical process to end theviolence “the crisis won’tstay inside Syria but will flowto neighbouring countriesand possibly distant coun-tries.”—AFP

Russia backsSyria tri-partiteTurkish talks

MOSCOW—An adviser toRussian President VladimirPutin has said Russia couldjoin in a ‘tri-partite mecha-nism’ which was proposedby Turkey to find a settle-ment to the crisis in Syria.

“Russia is ready to takepart in such tri-partitegroups,” Mikhail Bogdanov,also the Russian deputy for-eign minister, said during avisit in Egypt along withRussian Foreign MinisterSergei Lavrov.

During a visit to Iran,Turkey’s Prime MinisterRecep Tayyip Erdogan hadoffered to establish a three-member group to boost dia-logue over a solution to theSyria crisis. He had said thatgroup’s alternative settingscould include Turkey withtwo other members fromamong Russia, Egypt, Iranand Saudi Arabia.—TurkishNews

22 killed inIndia rains

NEW DELHI—At least 22people have been killed byheavy rains in the Indian stateof Andhra Pradesh, say statemedia, days after a cyclonehit. Forecasters say further“heavy to very heavy rains”are expected in several placesfor the next two days.

Normal life has beenbadly hit in at least six dis-tricts in coastal areas of thestate. Last week, CycloneNilam hit struck parts ofAndhra Pradesh with windsof up to 100km/h (60mph).

The cyclone also hit theneighbouring Tamil Nadustate killing more than 10people, including crew mem-bers of an oil tanker which ranground near the coast of thecapital, Chennai. Rain contin-ued to lash Andhra Pradeshafter the cyclone - 22 peoplehave died in rain-related inci-dents in the past few days,state-run broadcaster All In-dia Radio (AIR) said.

The districts ofVisakhapatnam, East andWest Godavari, Krishna,Guntur and Khammam dis-tricts are among the worst hitby the flooding. More than1,500 houses have been dam-aged and thousands ofpeople living in low-lying ar-eas in the affected districtshave been moved to 86 reliefcamps, officials said.

Rail and road traffic alsobeen hit as flood waters in-undated railway tracks andhighways.—Reuters

BEIJING—China’s rulingCommunist Party haslaunched an internal inquiryinto allegations made by TheNew York Times that thefamily of Premier Wen Jiabaoaccumulated at least $2.7 bil-lion in “hidden riches”, theSouth China Morning Post(SCMP) said on Monday.Wen himself asked for theinquiry in a letter to the Po-litburo Standing Committee- the party’s top decision-making body of which he isalso a member - in an appar-ent move to clear his name,the Hong Kong dailysaid,citing unnamedsources.

Lawyers for the Wenfamily have rejected TheNew York Times’ Oct. 26 re-port, which says corporateand regulatory records showWen’s mother, siblings andchildren amassed most oftheir wealth since Wen be-came Vice Premier in 1998.“The Standing Committeehad agreed to his (Wen’s)request,” the South China

China ruling party toprobe PM Wen wealth

Morning Post said, quotingthe sources.

It cited some analysts assaying that Wen’s requestfor a probe showed the pre-mier was keen to use it as achance to push forward along-stalled “sunshine law”,which would require a pub-lic declaration of family as-sets by senior leaders. How-ever, Professor He Weifang,a law expert at Peking Uni-versity, told the Post that hedoubted the party’s seniorleadership would go that far.

“Even if Wen wants todisclose his assets, I don’tthink other senior leaders,who may also have ‘hiddenwealth’ of their own, will al-low him to go ahead, consid-ering the explosive social re-percussions,” He said. Wenhimself asked for the inquiryin a letter to the Committee -the party’s top decision-making body of which he isalso a member - in an appar-ent move to clear his name,the Hong Kong daily said.—Reuters

GAZA—Israeli soldiers haveshot and killed a Palestinianman who approached afence near the border withIsrael, medics said on Mon-day. An Israeli militaryspokeswoman confirmed theshooting took place afterdarkness fell on Sunday,saying troops opened warn-ing shots when a man walk-ing west of the border in ariverbed failed to heed or-ders to leave the buffer areaIsrael maintains to try andprevent cross-border at-tacks.

Palestinian medics saidthe victim was an unarmed,mentally unfit man and thatthey had to wait a couple ofhours for permission to pickhim up, early on Monday.They suspected he died of

Israel forces killGaza Palestinian

injuries for which he mighthave been treated. The Is-raeli spokeswoman couldnot confirm that informationor say whether or not the vic-tim was armed, saying moredetails about the case maybecome clearer later onMonday.

The shooting took placeduring a period of increasedtensions at the Israel-Gazafrontier, with militants oftenfiring rockets at Israel andIsrael launching aerial raidstargeting Palestinian gun-men.

The Gaza Strip, a coastalterritory crowded with morethan 1.5 million people, manyof them refugees, is con-trolled by Hamas Islamistswho reject Israel’s exist-ence.—Reuters

BEIJING—Where can a popstar score a hit by talkingabout the U.S. Electoral Col-lege for 33 minutes? In China,where Gao Xiaosong’sstraightforward explanation ofthe system drew more than 1million hits in four days. Chi-nese have long been fasci-nated with U.S. presidentialelections, but interest is par-ticularly high this year be-cause Americans are voting atthe same time Beijing is goingthrough its own political tran-sition. A generation of Com-munist Party leaders will stepdown next week to make wayfor younger colleagues after ahighly secretive selection pro-cess.

For many ordinary Chi-nese, comparisons are irresist-ible. In a political cartoon cir-culated online, an Americanvoter covers his ears as thecandidates verbally attackeach other on TV, while a Chi-nese man struggles to hearanything from the party con-gress, taking place behindclosed doors.

“Every political systemhas its pros and cons, but I dothink it will be great if I get toparticipate and get to make a

US polls attract Chinese,some envy voters

decision after the candidatestell me what their platforms arefor the next four years,” saidGuo Xiaoqiao, a freelanceworker in human resources.Chinese delight in speculatingwhether President BarackObama will fend off Republi-can challenger Mitt Romney,but they are more captivatedby Americans’ ability to votefor their leader. Their ownleaders are distant figureswhom they have no way ofreplacing.

“The 18th Party Congressis a meeting for the party. Weordinary people can onlywatch it as an audience,” saidWang Xiaojian, a 21-year-oldPeking University student.“The U.S. presidential electionis a campaign that gets every-one involved.” As Gao, a popsinger and musician known forhis syrupy ballads, found out,many Chinese are even inter-ested in the U.S. Electoral Col-lege, the often perplexing sys-tem in which the president iselected not by individualvotes, but by the candidates’state-by-state performance.

In a video from his onlinetalk show that was posted onthe popular video-sharing site

Youku.com, Gao explained thatthe college is an attempt tobalance the rights of stateswith the will of the majority.“The opinion of the state isimportant; so is that of thepeople,” Gao said. He calledAmerica’s founding fathersthe “greatest group of peoplein history.”

As a public performer usedto censorship, Gao was care-ful not to draw direct compari-sons to China’s system or itsleaders. But even explainingAmerica’s election system ismore than what Chinese getfrom state media.

For decades, China’s pub-lic knowledge of U.S. elec-tions was limited to state pro-paganda, which depicts theelection as a money game con-trolled by Wall Street. Cam-paign finance scandals andvote fraud dominate coverage.Even if Chinese don’t whollybelieve it, the repetitive line ofstate media has an impact onhow they view U.S. politics.

“The coverage is toserve the internal propa-ganda needs but not explainhow the U.S. electionworks,” said Chinese mediacritic Zhao Chu.—Reuters

SI N YA C H I K H A—Factorysmokestacks tower overweathered wooden housesin this provincial Russiantown, part of the industrialheartland that helped propelVladimir Putin into the presi-dency. Towns likeVerkhnyaya Sinyachikha inthe vast metals and manufac-turing province ofSverdlovsk in the Ural Moun-tains, some 2,000 km (1,240miles) east of Moscow, havelong been regarded as thebackbone of support for theformer KGB spy.

But that loyalty has beentested by hunger strikes overunpaid wages in at least threefactories in Sverdlovsk thisyear that have prompted au-thorities to step in to rescuethe biggest employers. Thegovernment subsidies recallgenerous industry bailoutsthat stemmed social unrestduring the 2008-09 global eco-nomic crisis and signal Krem-lin concern that support fromworking-class Russians,long inured to quietly shoul-dering hardships, could be at

Industrial hunger strikesstake Putin popularity

risk nearly 13 years after Putinrose to power.

“The first time he ran, wevoted for him. The second too,but this time we didn’t,” saidIgor Ilyukhin, 41, one of 47steel mill workers who fastedfor 11 days for unpaid wages,camping on the rotten planksof an abandoned building nearthe shuttered gates of theirbankrupt employer. It is notclear how widespread suchrumblings of working-classdiscontent with Putin are. Hewon nearly two-thirds of voteshanding him a third presiden-tial term in May and told a TVinterviewer before his 60thbirthday last month that “theoverwhelming majority ofpeople still support me.”

During his election cam-paign, Putin depicted blue-collar workers as the “real Rus-sia” and pitted them againstthe mainly middle-class pro-testers who have staged bigrallies against him in Moscowand were referred to by him as“chattering monkeys”. Butthe hunger strike in whichIlyukhin took part was the

fourth this year by formerworkers of the plant that untilrecently employed 400 peoplein Verkhnyaya Sinyachikha, atown of 9,800 people 145 km(90 miles) from the regionalcapital Yekaterinburg.

Hunger strikes have alsostruck a truck-manufacturingplant and a smelter owned byRussia’s largest aluminiumproducer RUSAL in two sepa-rate factory towns in the Uralsregion. Another strike isthreatened in the region by 98workers of a small-parts manu-facturer who have given theirbankrupt employer until No-vember 6 to pay the wagesthey are owed.

“Maybe we’re tired ofhow we’re living,” Ilyukhinsaid. The workers, hunchedaround a smoky campfire inpadded state-issue overalls,said that striking was the onlyway to get paid, and that it wasa safe bet the governmentwould step in to ensure theywere when they did strike.

“We strike and they payus a bit. We strike again andthey pay us a bit more.—AP

DUBAI—Five bombs ex-ploded in the heart of theBahraini capital Manama onMonday, killing two people,officials said, in rare attackstargeting civilians during the21-month-old uprisingagainst the kingdom’s U.S.-backed rulers. The blasts, oneoutside a cinema, could be asign that radical elements ofthe opposition are escalatingviolence. They took placedays after the governmentsaid it had banned all ralliesand opposition gatherings toensure public safety.

The victims were Asianstreet cleaners and one diedafter kicking a device whichthen blew up, said the Inte-rior Ministry. It said thebombs were home-made anddescribed the blasts as “ter-rorist acts” - its term for at-tacks by opposition activists.Police have been targeted byexplosions several times thisyear, as the government hasstepped up efforts to quell theuprising that has simmeredsince democracy protestsbroke out in early 2011.

But bombs targeting ci-vilians are rare in the Gulf na-tion, where the Sunni Mus-lim Khalifa dynasty rules over

Five bomb blasts hitBahrain capital, two killed

a majority Shi’ite population.The kingdom hosts the U.S.Fifth Fleet, which patrols oilshipping lanes in the Gulf re-gion. The explosions onMonday took place between4.30 am and 9.30 am (0130 and0630 GMT) in the Qudaibiyaand Adliya districts ofManama, the BNA agencysaid, citing a police official. Itdescribed the explosives as“locally made bombs”. Athird Asian worker waswounded, it said.

Washington has called onManama to begin dialogueon democratic reforms withthe opposition but criticismhas been offset by its sup-port for a country that playsa key role in U.S. efforts tochallenge Iranian influence inthe region. The United Statesand Gulf allies fear Iran’snuclear energy programme isa front for developing nuclearweapons, a charge Tehrandenies. Iran, a Shi’ite power,also denies accusations fromManama of fomenting theunrest in Bahrain.Thirty-fivepeople were killed in Bahrainduring protests in Februaryand March 2011 and the twomonths of martial law that fol-lowed.—Reuters

MOGADISHU—Somalia un-veiled a new cabinet on Sun-day, keeping a delicate bal-ance among rival clans. InSeptember, Somalia inaugu-rated President HassanSheikh Mohamud - electedin the first vote of its kindsince warlords toppled mili-tary dictator Mohamed SiadBarre in 1991, leaving theAfrican nation without aneffective central govern-ment.

Prime Minister AbdiFarah Shirdon Saaid waschosen by Mohamud be-cause he is untainted by clanrivalry. “Taking into accountthe current situation, I haveappointed a lean, effectivecabinet that can lead thegovernment in this difficultsituation and that can bringfull, reliable peace,” Saaidtold reporters and officials atthe presidential palace as heunveiled his 10-minister cabi-net line-up.

He appointed FoziaYusuf Haji Aden as foreignminister, the first woman to

Somalia picks woman asFM in new cabinet

hold such a senior position.“It is a victory for Somaliwomen,” she said. Saaid re-tained three ministers whohad served in former Presi-dent Sheikh Sharif Ahmed’stransitional government,among them Abdihakim HajiMohamud Fiqi as the minis-ter for defence.

“What we are trying todo is address the demands,the concerns and the expec-tations of all the differentcomponents and players inSomalia,” Saaid told Reuterson Saturday after meetingthe EU’s special envoy forSomalia. Mohamud said notall sub-clans could be in-cluded in cabinet. “We madethe cabinet 10 to save Soma-lia - those (sub)clans whomissed themselves in the listshould know that they arenot hated,” he said.

Parliament speakerMohamed Sheikh OsmanJawari said the cabinet line-up would go before parlia-ment as soon as possible forapproval.—Tukish News.

LAHORE—Chief coach andmanager of Pakistan hockeyteam, Chaudhary AkhtarRasool has termed the cham-pions trophy tournament‘world most toughesthockey event’ because ofparticipation of top eightteams and said finishingamong top five will be ahonourable result for thegreen shirts.

“In Olympics and WorldCup weaker or low rankingteams also participate butChampions trophy has itsown prestige in terms ofhaving world’s top eightteams and if our team gets aplace among top five it willbe honourable and satisfac-tory result and a vital signthat our hockey in on theway of progress and im-provement,” he told APPhere on Monday after atraining session of Pakhockey at Johar Townground where it is preparefor Champions trophyhockey tournament beingplayed in Melbourne fromJanuary first.

Akhtar supervised a rig-

Champions trophy most toughestevent in hockey world: Akhtar Rasool

orous three hour long train-ing session along withcoach, Ahmad Alam and im-parted useful tip to playersin a practice match. The na-tional team is having twodaily practice sessions, eachof three hours to prepare fortwo tourna-ments beingplayed in Aus-tralia, the first9-a-side tour-nament inPerth com-mencing fromDecember 22followed byC h a m p i o n strophy.

He said theteam manage-ment is focusing on bringingimprovement and to over-come gray areas noticed inOlympics. “Almost six hoursdaily training aims at ensur-ing top physical fitness help-ing the players to get intorhythm before two tough as-signments in Australia,” hesaid.

The team officials said inOlympic Pakistan team fin-

ished at number seven placeand its 7-0 loss to Australiawas the most shocking anddisappointed for everyone.“Now we will be playing Aus-tralia and we will be makingall out efforts to blend theteam into a combination ca-

pable of pro-ducing goodresults andwe have setsome certaingoals whichi n c l u d e sbringing im-provement inteams presentranking.”

“It’s timeto show im-p r o v e m e n t

and I am quite confident thatwe will be putting up fine per-formance to better our stand-ing,” he said.

He said four more play-ers including Wasim Ahmed,Farid Ahmed, Rizwan Sr andMohammad Rashid will bejoining the ongoing nationaltraining camp after fulfillingtheir commitments with for-eign leagues in Europe and

Australia. With the joiningof these players in coupleof days the total strengthof the camp will rise to 27as currently 24 players areunder training.

“They will be good ad-dition to the camp as theyare in excellent form afterperforming in the leaguematches and we are con-fident that some of themwill be the part of the na-tional team for ChampionsTrophy,” said AkhtarRasool.

The team official said16-mnember squad will benamed on November 13 andthe team will continue prac-tice at the same venue tillthe departure of the teamon December 19.

“There are chances thatwe may re-call one or twomore players for training tohave an ample choice at thetime of selection,” he said.He said there would be notrails for selection and theselection will be madebased on individual perfor-mance of players duringthe camp.—APP

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan, Indiaand Afghanistan won thematches against opponentson 4th day of Second AsianKabbadi Championship inLahore.

Pakistan defeated SriLanka; India beat Iran whileAfghanistan sealed its firstvictory of the tournamentagainst Nepal in Punjab Sta-dium, Lahore, PTV reportedon Monday.

Pakistan won the matchwith 46-26 points; Indian teamdefeated Iran with narrow dif-ference of 53-35 points.

Afghanistan won its firstmatch of the Asian Kabbadi

PALLEKELE—Rain contin-ued to spoil the Sri Lanka-New Zealand series as thesecond ODI of the series wentin favour of the home side.

Sri Lanka were 118-3 and14 runs ahead of theDuckworth-Lewis cut-offscore when the skies openedup over the Pallekele Stadiumthe second time this evening.

Captain MahelaJayawardene (43*) hadsteadied Sri Lanka’s chase for251 after they were in sometroble losing Upul Tharangaand Kumar Sangakkaracheaply.

Earlier, the first T20 andthe first ODI between thetwo teams at this venue wererained off.

Ross Taylor and Bradley-John Watling cracked half-centuries to help NewZealand post a competitive250-6 on Sunday.

Skipper Taylor smashedtwo sixes and seven fours ina brisk 62-ball 72 for his 21sthalf-century in one-dayers,while Watling made an im-pressive 55 with six fours forhis fourth fifty.

The New Zealand cap-tain added 91 for the fourthwicket with James Franklin(35 not out) before beingcaught by Angelo Mathewsin the covers off pacemanNuwan Kulasekara in the46th over.

Opener Rob Nicol (46)was the other main scorer.

Paceman Lasith Malingawas the most successful

Sri Lanka take rain-hit second ODI

PALLEKELE: Tom Latham was bowled by Lasith Malinga for 2 off 18 balls during Sri Lanka vs New Zealand 2nd ODI.

New Zealand innings:RJ Nicol c Sangakkarab Perera ........................... 46TWM Latham b Malinga 2BJ Watling c Jayawardeneb Herath .......................... 55LRPL Taylor c Mathewsb Kulasekara .................. 72JEC Franklin not out ..... 35NL McCullum c Pererab Mathews ..................... 16AM Ellis b Malinga ........ 4Extras: (b 1, lb 8, w 11) .. 20Total: (6 wickets) ......... 250Fall of wickets 1-17, 2-100,3-130, 4-221,5-242, 6-250Bowling: ........... O-M-R-WSL Malinga ......... 10-0-39-2Kulasekara ......... 10-1-50-1AD Mathews ....... 7-0-38-1NLTC Perera ......... 7-0-52-1

HMRKB Herath . 10-0-28-1BMAJ Mendis ..... 6-0-34-0Sri Lanka innings:Tharanga c Watling b Mills 6TM Dilshan c Williamsonb McCullum ................... 37KC Sangakkara c Nicolb Boult ............................ 11Jayawardene not out .... 43AD Mathews not out ..... 7Extras: (lb 8, w 6) ........... 14Total: (3 wickets) ......... 118Fall of wickets 1-21, 2-39, 3-98Bowling: ........... O-M-R-WKD Mills ............... 5-0-33-1TA Boult ............... 6-0-26-1TG Southee .......... 4-0-16-0JEC Franklin ......... 3-0-16-0NL McCullum ... 2.5-0-12-1RJ Nicol .................. 2-0-7-0

bowler, finishing with 2-39 off10 overs.

The opening one-dayerof the five-match series wascalled off without a ball be-ing bowled due to rain at thesame venue on Thursday.

New Zealand, who werewithout hard-hitting bats-man Brendon McCullum due

to a stiff back, lost an earlywicket after choosing to batwhen opener Tom Latham(two) was bowled byMalinga.

Nicol, dropped on four byMathews in the slips offMalinga, steadied the in-nings with an 83-run standfor the second wicket with

Watling before being caughtby wicketkeeper KumarSangakkara off seamerThisara Perera.

Watling fell after complet-ing his half-century, caughtby skipper MahelaJayawardene at short mid-wicket off left-arm spinnerRangana Herath.—AFP

KARACHI—Shahid Afridihas decided to end a nearlyfour-year hiatus from domes-tic first-class cricket in a bidto regain his form ahead ofthe India series next month.Afridi will represent HabibBank Limited in the ongoingPresident’s Trophy, after lasthaving played for them inJanuary 2009.

“We understand he[Afridi] has been strugglingwith his form and obviouslyhe has to play quality cricketto regain it,” a spokesmanfrom HBL sports departmenttold ESPNcricinfo. “Unfortu-nately there is no limited-overs cricket being played atthe moment and the on-go-ing first-class tournament isthe way out for him to getengaged to change his dip-ping form.”

Afridi is currently in themiddle of a severe formtrough, highlighted at the

Afridi turns to first-classcricket in bid to regain form

recent World Twenty20. Hemade only 30 runs in sixmatches, and picked up fourwickets at 42.75. In ODIsthis year, he has scored 182runs in 16 matches andtaken 15 wickets at 43.13(including a five-for againstthe lightweights of Af-ghanistan).

Pakistan’s exit from thesemi-final in the WorldTwenty20 has drawn criti-cism from several former play-ers, with some blamingAfridi’s poor form as the pri-mary reason for the team’sfailure to reach the final.

Afridi will join the HBLsquad in place of Pakistanleft-arm spinner AbdurRehman, who is currentlyserving his 12 weeks ban forusing recreational drug can-nabis during his stint withSomerset in the English do-mestic season.

“Though Afridi’s name

wasn’t listed in 20-manprobables for the team, he

can take the place of Rehmanto play the rest of the roundsahead of the India series,” thespokesman said.—APP

K A R A C H I — M u h a m m a dAsif and Asjad Iqbal got offto a winning start in DubaiInternational Snooker Cham-pionship by winning theiropening group matches, amessage received here onMonday said.

Pakistan’s top rankedcueist Muhammad Asifdropped a frame before rout-

Asif, Asjad make winningstart in Dubai Snooker

ing local star and formerAsian Indoor Games AhmedShehab 4-1.

National Champion Asiffrom Faisalabad showed con-sistency to beat Shehab 62-35, 50-63, 46-93, 80-08, 68-08.

Country’s rising snookerprodigy, Asjad Iqbal de-feated Au Chi Wai of HongKong 4-1.—APP

SYDNEY—South Africa willbe looking to play leg-spin-ner Imran Tahir and optagainst playing four special-ist pace bowlers in Friday’sopening Test against Austra-lia, a team coach said onMonday.

Tahir proved expensivein the Proteas’ drawn three-day tour match with Austra-lia A, finishing with two for157 off 40 overs and goingat close to four runs perover on a placid SydneyCricket Ground pitch lastweekend.

Despite Tahir ’s modestreturn and the impressiveshowing from RoryKleinveldt, the paceman islikely to miss out on selec-tion for his first Test, assis-tant coach Russell Domingosaid.

The bouncy Gabbawicket generally favourspace bowling, but Domingosaid South Africa would re-sist the temptation to unleasha full pace battery against theAustralians in Brisbane.

Morne Morkel, restedfrom the Australia A match,is expected to return to theProteas’ line-up, joining theworld’s top two rankedbowlers Dale Steyn andVernon Philander, while starallrounder Jacques Kallis (flu)will also be back.

Tahir made his Test de-but against Australia in No-vember last year, and hasnow played 10 Tests, taking26 wickets at an average of40.19.

“To be honest with you,the balance of the side withKallis being there as thefourth seamer, whether youplay four or five (fast

Spinner Tahir to play inTest: Proteas’ coach

bowlers) isn’t really going tobe that important,” Domingotold reporters.

“I think we’ll always lookto have a spinner in the side.

“Gone are the days whena South African team goeswithout a spinner.”

That means Kleinveldt,

who was only shaded bySteyn as the best bowler ofthe Australia A match andhad figures of two for 60 on

the lifeless pitch, could bethe odd bowler out in theTest series.

The Proteas said therewere pleased with Tahir ’spreparation, despite his lim-ited success againstAustralia’s second-stringbatting lineup.

“Imran got a long bowlwhich is exactly what wewanted,” said batsmanHashim Amla.—AFP

Championship against Nepalon fourth day of the tourna-ment and received applausefrom the spectators.

Pak-Indian players aredominating the event withclear edge over the oppo-nents and now they willshow their muscles to eachother on fifth and last day ofthe tournament.

There are three matchesscheduled for Monday, thefifth and final day of the tour-nament: Pakistan vs India,Iran vs Nepal and Afghani-stan vs Sri Lanka.

It is expected that after amatch between India and Pa-

Asian Kabbadi C’ship

Pakistan, India, Afghanistanwin on 4th day

kistan today it will be decidedthat who will be the AsianChampion of Kabbadi forthis year.—APP

K A R A C H I —Goal -keepe rMazhar Abbas has beennamed to lead an 18-memberPakistan junior hockey teamin the second Sultan JoharBahru International HockeyTournament being held inJohar Bahru (Malaysia) fromNovember 11 to 18.

Team was picked by theteam management in consul-tation with Olympian TahirZaman and was named byManager-cum-Chief CoachRana Mujahid Ali at HockeyClub of Pakistan on Monday.

Other members of theteam management includedDanish Kaleem, and AnjumSaeed. A 24-member Paki-stan squad is due to leave forMalaysia via Bangkok onTuesday night to take part inthe six-nation event.

This is for the first timewhen team was selected bythe team management afterabolishment of the selectioncommittee by PakistanHockey Federation (PHF)Executive Board.

Besides Pakistan, Austra-lia, Germany, India, NewZealand and holders andhosts Malaysia are takingpart in the 8-day competition.

Participation of the teamof is in the build-up for nextyear’s Junior World Cup be-ing held in New Delhi in No-vember 2013.

“This is not the best teamas five members of the juniorteam are picked in the seniorteam for the Champions Tro-phy training camp,” RanaMujahid said. “In presenceof top teams it will be chal-lenging event for us. Wehope that it will be great ex-posure for the boys,” formerOlympian, said.

Pakistan hockey squad:Goalkeepers: Mazhar Abbas(Captain), Amjad Ali. Full-backs: Khalid Bhatti, AleemBilal, Kashif Javed, Half backs:Tasawar Abbas, AmmadShakeel Butt, Faisal Qadir,Muhammad Bilal Khan. For-ward: M.Irfan (Vice Captain),Hafiz Umar Sardar. MuhammadDilber, Hafiz MuhammadRizwan, Muhammad Suleman,Arsalan Qadir, Asad Bashir,Muhammad Jaffar,Muhammad Saleem. Officials:Rana Mujahid Ali (Manager-cum Chief Coach), Tahir Zaman(Consultant), Danish Kaleem,Anjum Saeed, Abuzar Umrao,Dr.Asad Abbas.—APP

Mazhar to lead PakJrs hockey team

NBP FootballInter-District

tourneyPESHAWAR—The 8th editionof the Khyber PakhtunkhwaNBP Inter-District FootballTournament will commencefrom November 6, here atSumbal Khan Footballground Qayyum SportsComplex.

This was stated by Secre-tary Khyber PakhtunkhwaFootball Association andformer national team player,Basit Kamal while talking toAPP here. Basit Kamal, who isalso In-charge Sports NBP,KPK disclosed that a total of16 affiliated districts teamswould vie for the top honor.

He said all arrangements inthis connection have beenmade well in time and the tour-nament will formally inaugurateby Regional Chief NBP AtlasKhan at 2.30 p.m on Tuesday.Basit Kamal said that the tour-nament is an annual feature ofthe Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Foot-ball Association annual calen-dar. He said Qaszi MuhammadAsif, Chairman Pakisan Foot-ball Referees Association, wasnominated as match commis-sioner with FIFA referees willbe there to supervise thematches.—APP

Punjab Sportsfestival deafDosti Cup

LAHORE—Six Indian teamswilll be arriving here today(Tuesday) to take part in thePunjab international sportsfestival’s Dosti Cup.

The teams of Chess,Cricket, wrestling, Kabaddi,badminton and table tenniswill be reaching Lahore viaWagha border, said JamilAmin, Punjab Deaf SportsAssociation while talking toAPP on Monday.

“It is the part time thatsuch a series involving sixteams in different disciplinesare taking part in the event,he added. He said the cricketteam will play T-20 matches.

He said the credit of or-ganizing Dosti Cup goes toDirector General SportsBoard Punjab ,Usman Anwarwho is taking keen interestin the promotion of specialpeople.—APP

Zaryab clubclinch soccer titlePESHAWAR—Zaryab clubPeshawar clinched the tro-phy after defeating KarnalSher Shaheed club Swabi bysolitary goal goal in the finalof the Rab Nawaz ShaheedMemorial Football Tourna-ment played here at TehmasKhan Football Stadium onMonday.

Former Secretaries ofKhyber Pakhtunkhwa Foot-ball Association Haji NoorAhmad Shah, Khawjah Ilyas,Secretary Peshawar DistrictFootball AssociationShakirullah Afridi, OrganizingSecretary Hidayat Ullah andlarge number of spectatorswere also present.—APP

Fewer than five percent of patients prescribed narcotics to treat chronic pain become addicted to the drugs, according to

a new analysis of past research.The finding suggests that concerns about

the risk of becoming addicted to prescriptionpainkillers might be “overblown,” said addic-tion specialist Dr. Michael Fleming at North-western University’s Feinberg School of Medi-cine. “If you’re a person thatdoesn’t have a history of ad-diction and doesn’t have anymajor psychiatric problems,narcotics are relatively safe aslong as your doctor doesn’tgive you too much and usesthe right medication,”Fleming, who was not in-volved in the new study, toldReuters Health.

Some recent research hasconcluded the same thing, butanother expert remained skep-tical about the new report be-cause many of the studies itincluded were not consideredthe best quality research, andthey varied widely in theirresults. “I think the jury’s stillout” on how worrisome pre-scription opioid addiction is, said JosephBoscarino of the Geisinger Clinic in Danville,Pennsylvania, who studies pain and addiction.

Opioid painkillers, which include oxycodone,fentanyl and morphine, have only recently becomeavailable for patients with chronic pain, saidBoscarino, who was not part of the new study.

In the past, the drugs were almost exclu-sively reserved for cancer patients and peoplewith short-term pain - on the theory that in thefirst category of patients the need outweighedthe risk, and in the second group, short termuse was unlikely to lead to long-term addic-tion. “They opened up (to chronic pain pa-

tients), and since then there’s been a wave ofaddiction, especially in the last five years,”Boscarino said. One recent study found thatthe number of people diagnosed with a sub-stance abuse problem increased by 70 per-cent from 2001 to 2009, and doctors suspectthe increased popularity of prescription pain-killers is a primary driver (see Reuters Healthstory of October 22, 2012).

Of course, not all thesecases reflect patients who areusing the drugs as directed -or who even have a prescrip-tion to treat chronic pain.

To get a sense of howaddictive opioid painkillers arefor those patients who do havea prescription, researchersfrom The Cochrane Collabo-ration, an independent groupthat reviews research on medi-cations, collected the resultsfrom 17 studies covering morethan 88,000 people. All of thepatients had been prescribedopioids to treat chronic pain,and nearly all of them had painunrelated to cancer. In 10 ofthe studies, patients used thepainkillers for anywhere from

three months to several years, while one studyincluded just short-term use of several daysand the others did not report the length of timepatients were on the drugs. Taken together,the studies found that 4.5 percent of peopledeveloped a dependency on the painkillers.

“It’s a low percentage,” said Dr. SilviaMinozzi, lead author of the study and a mem-ber of the Cochrane Drugs and Alcohol Groupin Rome. Although 4.5 percent was the mostcommon rate of addiction among the studies,Minozzi pointed out there were large differ-ences in the rates each study found - rangingfrom zero to 31 percent.

Painkillers not as addictive as feared

KARACHI: Provincial Minister for Prisons Manzoor Hussain Wasan presiding over a meeting with Special Secretary Prisons Ali Brohi and Acting IGPrisons Nusrat Mangah at his office.

KARACHI: Patients for Dialysis from SIUT and their relatives are sitting near the underconstruction building of Civil Hospital, which may cause any incident.

KARACHI—There is direneeds of joint efforts to developa healthy society which is amust for the progress and pros-perity of Pakistan, said speak-ers at an agreement signing cer-emony between The CitizensFoundation (TCF) andPharmaEvo entitled “BuildingHealthy Future”, held at TCFQayumabad police lines cam-pus.

General Manager TCF AliRaza told the audience that thevisionaries behind the inceptionof The Citizens Foundation(TCF) are humbled by the suc-cess of TCF Model. In Au-gust1995. Pioneering directorsof TCF opted for formal edu-cation and built the first fiveschools at their own expense.

TCF, PharmaEvo join hands for healthawareness campaign for students

Now 17 years later, 830 schoolunits are providing quality edu-cation to 115,000 girls & boysall across numerous urban slumsand rural areas in Pakistan andAzad Jammu & Kashmir!

Raza said with an increasein our schools, new teachers andprincipals are also welcomedonboard. This year, against 500posts, there were around 4,200female candidates who turned upfor hiring sessions organized byour HR and Regional Teams.Apart from big cities likeLahore, Karachi and Quetta, in-terviews were organized at nu-merous locations across thecountry, some of which includedGawader, Hala, Rajanpur, ShahiPeshawar, Lodhran, Kandkot,Badin, Mansehra, Battal,

Battagram, Ghambat, Bhalwal,Chakwal, Nawabshah, Swabi,Dhoke Chauderian, Mianwaliand Sheikupura. With the on-set of this year’s AcademicSession, there are 5,400 prin-cipals and teachers educatingTCF student, said Ali Raza.

Raza Ali said TCF andPharmEvo share a commonmission of promoting develop-ment of the education sector.The focus of this partnership isspecifically Health Education.TCF views learning as holisticand hence art, physical educa-tion, and activities for socialand moral development forman integral part of curriculum.This collaboration betweenTCF and PharmEvo will go along way in promoting health

awareness. Majority of peopleliving in rural areas have lim-ited knowledge about essentialoral health and hygiene. Thelearning that these students willgain through this activity abouthygiene and cleanliness willbenefit the students and theirfamily members. SyedJamshed Ahmed, Chief Oper-ating Officer PharmEvo said hebelieved the days of reckoningare here, our children and ourcountry can’t afford more yearsof neglect and indifference. Thedecisions each one of us makesabout education in the comingyears will shape our future forgenerations to come. They willhelp determine not onlywhether our children have thechance to fulfill their God-

given potential or whether ourworkers have the chance tobuild a better life for their fami-lies, but whether we as a na-tion will come up in the 21stcentury as successful and for-ward looking. UNICEF alsohighlighted the importance ofschools hygiene, where schoolhas a central place in the healthof a community. Inappropriatehygiene in schools can causemany diseases. If there are noschool sanitation and hygienefacilities, or if they aren’t main-tained and used adequately,schools become places wherediseases are likely transmitted.

A large number of medicalprofessionals, educationalists, andcivil society members and mediapersons attended the ceremony.

KARACHI—At least fourpeople were killed including achild while five sustained severeinjuries in separate incidents ofviolence here on Monday. Ac-cording to police sources someunknown criminals shot deadone man in the jurisdiction ofJackson police station in Kimari.On getting information policereached the spot and shifted thedead body to Jinnah hospital forautopsy. Later on, police identi-fied the deceased namelyRustum khan (40).

Police claimed that the de-ceased was the resident ofKimari. In other incident, in the

Four killed in violenceplagued Karachi

area of Liaquat Abad three chil-dren were severely wounded inaerial firing incident in wed-ding ceremony at Bandhanecolony. Later on, they wereshifted to Abbasi shaheed hos-pital for medical aid where 12years old Nabeel succumbed toinjuries and died in hospital.The injured children 10 yearsold Malik and 14 years oldArshad are also in hospital incritical condition. Meanwhile,after the incident police ar-rested the six personals involvein firing incident. Police regis-tered the case and started thor-ough investigation.

Muhammad Nawaz secu-rity guard was gunned downoutside the fast food restaurantsituated in Defence Phase 6 dueto other security guard firing.Later on, police arrested theprivate company security guardand recovered weapon fromhim. Police claimed that theincident was occurred owing topersonal dispute and startedthorough investigation. In an-other incident police found thedead body of a man inNazimabad near inquiry officewhile one man sustained severeinjuries during robbery resis-tance.—Online

Sindh ministeryields to

transport mafiaKARACHI—Following reduc-tion in CNG prices, the issue of aproportionate cut in transport faresstill could not be resolved, whilethe hapless public is forced to paythe high fares to the transportersusing cheap CNG, but they are un-willing to pass on some benefit tothe passengers as well.

Sindh Transport Minister,Akhtar Jadoon talking to a privateTV channel on Monday expressedhis helplessness against the pow-erful transport mafia and said thatthe announcement of a cut in trans-port fares was easy, but very diffi-cult to get it implemented. Admit-ting his inability to get the bus faresreduced, he further said that thedepartment hasn’t its own force,which could be used for a crack-down against the transporters.

Akhtar Jadoon said that thetraffic police should take actionagainst the transporters over-charging the public and theyshould be challaned. Shifting hisresponsibility, he said that thetraffic police was under thehome ministry.

On the other hand, KarachiTransport Ittehad president saidthat the transporters would con-tinue over-charging until thetransport department issues themthe lists of revised fares, but atthe same time he kept saying thathe has received the lists of faresfor large buses, not for the smallones. —INP

Dental care atDow Medical

CollegeKARACHI—Under the supervi-sion of Pro- Vice ChancellorDUHS, Prof M. Umar Farooq,Dow Dental College at DowMedical College campus begantheir Dental OPD from Monday(Nov 5) to provide quality den-tal care and spread oral healthawareness to all the people farand near.

Dow Dental College is em-phasizing on the need for hav-ing health and safety frame-work, in its initial period it isproviding people with free den-tal treatment camp which is heldover a period of one week from9 am to 8 pm.

Free dental treatment campis compromising of dental check-ups, scalings, fillings and oralhygiene instructions. Official In-auguration of Dow Dental Col-lege would be on Wednesday 7thnov 2012 at Dow Medical Col-lege campus.—NNI

Police trying toarrest criminals

released on paroleKARACHI—The police has beenraiding different areas for arrest-ing the 35 criminals who were re-leased on parole during the regimeof General (Retd.) PervezMusharraf. According to the ini-tial report of the police, most ofthese criminals have fled abroad.Also, Prosecutor General Sindh,Shahadat Awan has summoned animportant meeting to work out astrategy to arrest the criminals,sources said.

It merits mentioning here thatthese 35 criminals were arrestedduring the time-period from Julyto November 2003, for involve-ment in arson, murder and keep-ing unlicensed arms. While hear-ing the Karachi-violence Case,when the Supreme Court in-quired about these 35 criminals,it was revealed that they were re-leased.—Online

KARACHI—Special Assistantto Chief Minister Sindh on Me-dia Sharmila Faruqui has saidthat programmes which are con-ducted to enhance creative fac-ulties of the children are praiseworthy because suchprogrammes motivate the chil-dren towards better future andhelp them to become good citi-zens of the society.

This she said as chief guestin prize distribution ceremonyamong the children aged 7-11

Creative activities must to enhancechildren potential: Sharmila

years old of KarachiGymkhana member here atKarachi Gymkhana, thecompletion were in essay writ-ing and Art.

She said that extra curricu-lum activities were also essen-tial as curriculum activities be-cause extra curriculum activitiescreated healthy competitionamong children and such cre-ative activities boost up mentaland creative faculties of the chil-dren.

Sharmila Faruqui said,‘Without proper education nosociety can make progress. Allstakeholders should work to-

gether in order to achieve thedesired goals.

She added, ‘Present demo-cratic government is busy to ful-fill the dream of ShaheedMohtarma Benazir Bhutto andin her five Es, the second Estands for Education’. She saidthat literacy activities eradicatedsuffocation in the society. Lit-erature and society go together.On this occasion PresidentKarachi Gymkhana Ali A.Rahim and Convener AbidHussain Africa Wala were alsopresent, Sharmila Faruqui alsodistributed prizes among posi-tion holders.—NNI

KARACHI: Fishermen are getting ready for work.

KARACHI—A group of Paki-stan People’s Party (PPP) seniorleaders from Sindh on Mondaycalled on Chief Election Com-missioner Justice (Retd)Fakhuruddin G.Ibrahim and as-sured him to maintain code ofconduct and peace during by-election on PS-21, NaushehroFeroze district of Sindh.

The delegation led by Gen-eral Secretary PPP Sindh TajHaider, which included FederalMinister Maula Bakhsh Chandioand Sindh Information MinisterSharjeel Inam Memon. Sindh

PPP for adherence to code ofconduct during PS-21 by-polls

Election Commissioner SonoKhan Baloch was also presentin the meeting held in the Pro-vincial Election Commissionoffice.

The PPP leadership ex-plained their party position re-garding PS-21 by-election andrejected the allegations againstPPP by MNA Zaffar Ali Shahand NPP leader GhulamMurtaza Jatoi.

The Chief Election Com-missioner directed them thatcode of conduct should bestrictly maintained so that any

untoward incident may notoccured. In a media chat afterthe meeting, Taj Haider saidthat the PPP leaders hadcalled on, to the Chief Elec-tion Commissioner at theirown will and assured him toadhere to the code of conductnot only during NaushehroFeroze by-election but in theupcoming general elections. “Our party wants to promote aculture wherein no one canquestion transparency andfairness of elections in fu-ture,” he remarked.—APP

KARACHI—Sindh Ministerfor Prisons and Minerals,Manzoor Hussain Wasan hasdirected the officials of SindhPrisons to take effective mea-sures to arrest those personsreleased on parole whose dis-appearance have been pointedout by the Supreme Court inKarachi’s law and order case.The Sindh Minister directedthat the ruling of the Supreme

Wasan for compliance of SC’s orderabout persons released on parole

Court of Pakistan with regardto the persons released on pa-role be complied with. He is-sued these directives to Spe-cial Secretary Sindh PrisonsAli Hassan Barohi and ActingIG Jails Nusrat Mangan at hisoffice here, a statement issuedon Monday said.

The Sindh Minister for Pris-ons also called the officials of jailsin his office and sought record and

the lists of persons released onparole. He also directed that allaffairs of the jails be managed inthe light of jail manual and nonegligence in this regard would betolerated.

Manzoor Hussain Wasan di-rected to adopt necessary securitymeasures in coordination with de-partments and organizations con-cerned to beef-up the security atall jails in Sindh.—APP

PEOPLE with end-stage renal disease(ESRD) who live in the United StatesMidwest are more likely to begin di-

alysis treatment much earlier than theircounterparts who live in southern, east-ern, and western states,according to a geographi-cal study presented duringKidney Week 2012 in SanDiego. “We expected tosee variation across thecountry, but we didn’t ex-pect to see the concentra-tion in the Midwest,” saidlead researcher Julia Scialla,MD, assistant professor ofmedicine at the Universityof Miami.

The study sought toexplore geographical as-pects of variability of a 20-year trend that has seen ini-tiation of dialysis begin atan earlier stage of diseasewhen patients have in-creasingly higher levels of estimated glom-erular filtration rate (eGFR), despite a lackof evidence that patients who begin thetreatment earlier fare any better than thosewho don’t, said Scalia. A decrease of eGFRprecedes onset of kidney disease and ismeasured to determine severity of declineof kidney function of dialysis patients.

Data on dialysis patients over the pasttwo decades indicate that their GFR lev-els at the time dialysis is initiated has con-tinued to rise, indicating that the treat-ment is being started earlier and earlierwith passing years. “That’s why we were

Study shows regionalvariations in dialysis initia

interested in how that may vary acrossthe country,” Scallia said.

Researchers identified 310,962 adult pa-tients in the US Renal Data System ESRDdatabase who began dialysis from 2006 to

2008 within 805 health serviceareas connected by mostlylocal geography of cities andcounties. They used CMSForm 2728 to gather furtherinformation about the pa-tients, such as demographics,comorbidity, serum creatinine,and estimated patient GFR atthe point at which dialysiswas initiated, Scialla said.Then they plotted mean eGFRat HSA levels to map geo-graphical patterns.

Results from the studyrevealed that mean eGFR atthe time dialysis was initiatedshowed a regional pattern.“There were some regions ofthe country where the eGFR

was higher and other regions where theeGFR was lower. Some regions of the coun-try were clearly earlier and that’s what wewere trying to understand,” Scallia said.The upper Midwest had higher numbers,an indication that the timing of dialysisinitiation began earlier, while the South-eastern US had lower numbers, indicatinga later initiation, noted Scallia. Still up fordebate, she said, is an accepted definitionof what specifically is too early to begindialysis. “No one can say for sure, but cer-tainly it’s not consistent across the coun-try,” said Scallia.

LAHORE: Vice Chancellor Government College University Dr Khaleequr-Rehman, ProfNusrat Jahan and Prof Dr Javed Akram with the participants of 5-day Dengue Conference.

LAHORE: Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif meeting with Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab, India, SukhbirSingh Badal on Monday.

LAHORE: Students travelling on the rooftop of a passenger van due to non-availabilityof desired public transport.

Second phase oflaptops distribution

from7th: QadriLAHORE—The Punjab gov-ernment has given finalshape to the programme oflaptop distribution amongmore than 100,000 girl andboy students of the provinceunder Chief Minister ’sLaptop Scheme.

“The launching cer-emony of second phase forlaptops distribution is beingstarted from Bahawalpur onNovember 7,” said specialAssistant to Chief MinisterPunjab, Zaeem Qadri, whiletalking to a delegation of stu-dents on Sunday.

He said, afterBahawalpur, laptops distri-bution ceremony will be heldin Faisalabad on November8, in Lahore on November 12,in Multan on November 15and in Rawalpindi on Novem-ber 16.

As many as 30,000 laptopshave reached for the secondphase of this programme. Hesaid, this programme to har-monize the education systemof the youth with the demandsof the modern age has beenwidely appreciated by thepeople.—APP

L A H O R E — O p p o s i t i o nleader in the Punjab Assem-bly Raja Riaz Ahmed onMonday said that applica-tion seeking disqualificationof Shahbaz Sharif as Chiefexecutive of the provincehad been handed over to theSpeaker and now he wasbound to send a reference toElection Commission of Pa-kistan.

Talking to reporters out-side assembly building, hesaid, after the Supreme Court

Punjab opposition deposits Shahbazdisqualification with Speaker

verdict in Asghar Khan caseChief Minister Punjab shouldappear before the FIA for in-quiry.

But, he said, he would notdo so and try to give politi-cal touch to the issue to winsympathies from the people.He said, the real faces ofSharif brothers had been ex-posed to the masses andthey would not be deceivedby them any more.

Raja Riaz demanded Inte-rior Minister Rehman Malik

to initiate a probe into finan-cial irregularities in multi bil-lions Metro Bus project. Healleged that developmentfunds allocated for educationand other departments hadbeen diverted to Metro Busproject.

Answering a question,Raja Riaz said that ShahbazSharif on one hand was sell-ing iron to the project whileon the other he was gettingheavy amount as commis-sion from it.—APP

‘Imran should stopdaydreaming’: AsifLAHORE—Member NationalAssembly KhawajaMuhammad Asif has saidthat Imran Khan should stopdaydreaming.

According to a press re-lease issued here on Sunday,PML-N leader said that ImranKhan, by saying to the youththat there is darkness in frontwas making futile efforts towin the support of the youthand is promoting despon-dency and fear among them.

“Will Imran Khan who israising the slogan of his com-mitment to the people like totell where he was during thedays of flood and what hewas doing in America whenthe whole nation was cel-ebrating Eid-ul-Azha” headded. Kh Asif said ImranKhan’s dream for entry intoAmerica has been exposed tothe people.—APP

LAHORE—Lahore HighCourt Chief Justice Umar AtaBandial on Monday soughta report from the ElectionCommission by December 6on a petition for holding lo-cal government elections inPunjab.

The chief justice directedthe Election Commission toinform through the reportwhether electoral lists wereready or not.

The single bench com-prising the chief justicepassed the order on a peti-tion filed by Ahsan JavedChohan.

Earlier, the petitioner’slawyer argued that the pro-vincial government wasbound to hold local govern-ment elections, as per theconstitution but it was delay-ing it which was a violationof the Constitution.

However, a provincial law

officer requested the court toadjourn the matter as it waspending before the apexcourt.

But, the court observedthat the Supreme Court washearing the case of local gov-ernment elections inBalochistan and it had noth-ing to do with Punjab.

The counsel further saidthe Election Commission hadnot completed electoral listsyet.

The court adjourning thehearing of the matter untilDecember 6 sought a reportfrom the Election Commis-sion. Meanwhile, LahoreHigh Court, Chief JusticeUmar Ata Bandial on Mon-day sought reply from Chair-man National AccountabilityBureau and an accountabil-ity court judge by November19 on a petition by HameshKhan, principal accused in a

Bank of Punjab scam of Rs 9billion, for transfer of the caseto another court.

Earlier, the petitioner’scounsel Azam Nazir Tarar ar-guing before the court sub-mitted that his client had ex-pressed no-confidence inAccountability Court-Vjudge Nisar Baig, who washearing the fraud caseagainst him.

He said that the judgewas not holding proceedingsas per law, therefore, the casebe transferred to any othercourt.

The chief justice afterhearing the argumentssought a reply from the re-spondents by November 19.

Hamesh, former presi-dent Bank of Punjab, wasaccused of sanctioning Rs 9billion to Harris Steel Millsagainst the rules and regula-tions.—APP

LHC wants LG pollsin Punjab report

LAHORE—Young doctorsfrom all the government hos-pitals of Punjab will stagelong march today (Tuesday)to press their long standingdemand for approval of ser-vice structure by the govern-ment.

Talking to media personshere on Monday, YoungDoctors Association (YDA)president slammed Punjabgovernment for not approv-ing their service structure.

He said that the officersof Punjab government,MNAs and MPAs will betreated in general wards with-out any protocol.

This long march will com-prise two caravans of doc-tors which will originate fromRahimyar Khan and

YDA stages sit-inoutside CM House

Paramedics service structure protest today

Rawalpindi. Doctors from allthe government hospitals ofPunjab will stage sit-in infront of Chief MinisterHouse on November, 07.Meanwhile, Office-bearers ofthe Punjab Paramedical Alli-ance will stage a protest dem-onstration in front of Ser-vices Hospital on November6 for service structure.

Chairman of the alliance,Malik Munir Ahmed, toldAPP on Monday that aroundtwo dozens of meetings withthe health department ofPunjab had been held whichremained inconclusive andfinally they decided tolaunch a protest drive for theimplementation on the ser-vice structure announced bythe chief minister some six

months back in June.Paramedics of all public

sector hospitals of the citywill take part in the protest,he added.

He said the protest drivewould continue till the imple-mentation on the service struc-ture of paramedics from BPS-1to 4.

He said despite the pas-sage of one year, the healthdepartment of Punjab couldnot fulfil the promise of revis-ing the pay scale of paramed-ics of BPS-5 to 17.—Agencies

Indian PunjabDeputy CM

arrivesSTAFF REPORTER

LAHORE—A 45-member del-egation led by Indian PunjabDeputy Chief MinisterSukhbir Singh Badal arrivedhere Monday via Wagah bor-der.

Punjab AssemblySpeaker Rana MuhammadIqbal received the delegationand presented a bouquet tothe Indian Deputy Chief Min-ister. Law Minister RanaSanaullah, Education Minis-ter Mujatba Shuja urRehman, MNA Pervaiz Malik,MPA Zaeem Qadri, Commis-sioner Lahore and senior civiland military officers werealso present on the occasion.

Talking to the media,Rana Iqbal said friendly tiesbetween Pakistan and Indiawere growing rapidly. He saidboth the countries were mak-ing efforts to learn from eachothers’ experiences in vari-ous fields of life. The arrivalof the Indian delegationshows that both countriesare ready and making effortsfor a better future, he added.

The Indian Deputy ChiefMinister said that the arrivalof the Indian delegation wasin fact reunion of two realbrothers. He said the coop-eration with Pakistan in in-dustry, sports and otherfields would strengthenfriendly ties between twocountries.

SALIM AHMED

LA H O R E—Punjab ChiefMinister MuhammadShahbaz Sharif has saidthat the aim of nationalprogress and prosperi tycan only be achievedthrough equipping the newgeneration with the latestknowledge.

Keeping in view thisfact, he said, Punjab gov-ernment has adopted asolid strategy for the pro-motion of modern andquali ty education in theprovince. He said that morethan one lakh laptops havebeen distr ibuted amongtalented boy and girl stu-dents on meri t while thesecond phase of laptopsdistribution programme isbeing started fromBahawalpur under whichmore than one lakh laptopswill be given and the bril-l iant s tudents of evening

Shahbaz lauds Pak-Turk schoolseducation promotion services

classes as well as seminar-ies will also be eligible forthis programme.

He said that Pak-Turkschools of Pak-Turk Edu-cation Foundation are play-ing an important role in thepromotion of quality edu-cation.

He was talking to Chair-man Pak-Turk SchoolsUnal Tosur during a meet-ing, here. Regional Direc-tor Pak-Turk Schools SaadiYildirir was also present onthe occasion.

The Chief Minister saidthat education is the onlyway towards rapid devel-opment and the fundsspent on education are notexpenditure but fruitful in-vestment. He said that thestrategy adopted byPunjab government for thedevelopment of educationsector and promotion ofeducation has yieldedpositive results.

He said that Daanishschools, educational fund,encouragement of brilliantstudents, setting up of ITlabs and laptops distribu-tion scheme are revolution-ary steps of Punjab gov-ernment and leaving a posi-t ive impact on educationsector. He said that just aslakhs of boy and girl stu-dents are benefiting fromIT labs in schools, similarlybrilliant students are alsogaining knowledge aboutthe changing global trendsthrough their laptops.

He said that laptopsdistribution programme ofPunjab government is acommendable step which isnot only generat ing em-ployment opportunities forthe youth but also en-abling them to play theirrole in national progressand development by equip-ping themselves with latestknowledge.

The Chief Minister saidthat the growing interac-t ion between Punjab andTurkey will further expandfriendly relations. He saidthat while Turk companiesare investing in transport,sanitat ion, energy andother sectors in Punjab, thePak-Turk schools are play-ing an important role in im-parting modern knowledgeto the youth of the prov-ince.Chairman Pak-Turk SchoolsUnal Tosur said that thereare deep rooted brotherlyand friendly relations be-tween Turkey and Pakistanand the bilateral relationsbetween the people of thetwo countries are strength-ening with the passage oftime.

He said that Pak-Turkschools are equipping theyouth with the quality edu-cation and latest knowl-edge .

Stay againsttax on int’l

calls extendedLAHORE—The Lahore HighCourt (LHC) on Monday ex-tended the stay against taxincrease on incoming inter-national calls till November14. The single bench com-prising Justice Ijaz ul Ahsanpassed the order on a peti-tion filed by Brain Telecom-munications.

Earlier, the Ministry ofInformation Technology, Pa-kistan TelecommunicationAuthority (PTA), and PTCLfiled their replies. However,the court was informed thatCompetition Commission ofPakistan (CCP) had not filedthe reply yet.—APP

Delegationmeets Khosa

LAHORE—A delegation ofMovement of Independencyof Disability headed by a se-nior journalist Sajid Umer Gulmet with Punjab GovernorSardar Latif Khan Khosa atGovernor’s House on Mon-day.

The delegation was com-prised President of the asso-ciation Atif Raza, GeneralSecretary Sadia Butt, FawadButt, Ayesha Gulzar, and ArifMughul.

The delegation mem-bers apprised the Governorabout the problems includ-ing unemployment, trans-port and admission in uni-versities.

The Governor assuredthe delegation for the solu-tion of their problems.

Earlier, senior journalistand head of the delegationSajid Umer Gul laid stress onthe implementation of quotafor disabled in universi-ties.—APP