JWT magazine May 2013

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Jahangir World TimesPublished: May, 2013

NewRoad Map for 'US-Chinese Relations'The article presents a detailed analysis of Sino-US relations focusing especially on the future prospects for two super powers. The critique has been written in the wake of the second term of US President Barack Obama and the regime change in China.

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Wednesday, May 01, 2013

Debate about the future of US-Chinese relations is currently being driven by a more assertive Chinese foreign and security policy over the last decade, the region's reaction to this and Washington's response to Asia. Now it is clear that the USA will remain in Asia for the long haul, the time is ripe for both countries to take stock, look ahead and reach some long-term conclusions as to what sort of world they want to see beyond the barricades.

Asia's central task, in future, is to avoid major confrontations between the US and China; a difficult but doable task. It requires both parties to understand each other thoroughly, to act calmly despite provocations and to manage the domestic and regional forces that threaten to pull them apart. This requires a deeper and more institutionalized relationship -- one anchored in a strategic framework that accepts the reality of competition, the importance of cooperation and the fact that these are not mutually exclusive propositions.

Hidden Dragon No LongerThe speed, scale and reach of China's rise are unprecedented. Within 30 years, China's economy has grown to larger than all countries, except USA. China will soon be the largest economy and it will

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be the first time since George III that a non-English-speaking, non-Western country will lead the global economy. But, where economic power goes, political and strategic power usually follow. China's rise will generate intersecting and conflicting interests and worldviews. Preserving the peace will be critical, not only for the three billion Asians but also for the future of the global order. Much of the history of the 21st century will be written in Asia, and this in turn, will be shaped by China's rise and its peaceful management without any fundamental disruption to the order.

The post-war order in Asia has rested on the US power that is anchored in military alliances. In recent years, China's rise and the USA's fiscal and economic difficulties had called the framework's durability into question. A sense of strategic uncertainty had emerged in various capitals. The Obama's "rebalance" has served as necessary corrective, re-establishing strategic fundamentals. But, it will not be enough to preserve the peace -- a challenge that will be increasingly complex and urgent as great-power politics interact with a growing array of sub-regional conflicts and intersecting territorial claims in the East China and South China seas.

China views these developments through the prism of its domestic and international priorities. The Chinese Politburo sees its core responsibilities as keeping the Communist Party in power, maintaining the territorial integrity, sustaining robust economic growth by transforming the country's growth model, ensuring energy security, preserving global and regional stability, modernizing military and more robustly asserting China's foreign policy interests.

China's priorities are shaped by its domestic economic and political imperatives. Now, when Marxism has lost its ideological relevance, the continuing legitimacy of the party depends on a combination of economic performance, political nationalism and corruption control. China also sees its rise in the context of its national history, as the final repudiation of a century of foreign tyranny (beginning with the Opium Wars and ending with the Japanese occupation) and as the country's return to its proper status as a great civilization. China has little history of invading other countries and none of maritime colonialism, and has itself been the target of invasions. This implies that the West and others shouldn't fear China's rise. In fact, they could benefit from the growth of its economy.

China, however, overlooks the difference between "threat" and "uncertainty" -- the reality of what is called "the security dilemma" -- that is, the way that Beijing's pursuit of legitimate interests can raise concerns. This raises the question that whether China has developed a grand strategy for the longer term? The core, and yet open, question is whether China will continue to work cooperatively within the current rules-based global order once it has acquired great-power status?

Xi Who Must Be ObeyedThe new president, Xi Jinping, will have a significant, perhaps decisive, impact on China's national policy. He is confident of both his military and reformist backgrounds, and having nothing to prove on these fronts gives him some space to manoeuvre. He has a historian's understanding of his responsibilities. He is the most likely Chinese official since Deng to become more than primus inter pares.

Xi has set an unprecedented pace and has bluntly stated that unless corruption is dealt with, China will suffer chaos. He set out Politburo guidelines to cut down on pointless meetings and political speechifying, supported taking action against many politically outspoken publications and websites. Most particularly, Xi has stated that China now needs more economic reforms. On foreign and security policy, however, he has been relatively quiet.

But as a high-ranking member of the Central Military Commission, Xi has played an important role in the commission's "leading groups" on policy for the East China and South China seas. Beijing's

recent actions in those waterways imply that he is a hard-liner on national security policy. Some analysts point to the foreign policy formulations he used during his visit to the US in February 2012, when he referred to the need for "a new type of great-power relationship" with Washington and was apparently puzzled over the little substantive response.

At present, it is incorrect to see Xi as a potential Gorbachev and his reforms as the beginning of a Chinese glasnost. China is not the Soviet Union, nor is it about to become the Russian Federation. However, Xi is likely to take China in a new direction. The country's new leaders are economic reformers by instinct or intellectual training. Executing the massive transformation will take most of their political capital and will require continued political control. On the foreign policy front, the Chinese leadership has an even stronger interest in maintaining strategic stability for at least the next decade. This may conflict occasionally with Chinese offshore territorial claims, but when it does, China will prefer to resolve the conflicts rather than have them derail that stability. On balance, Xi is a leader the United States should seek to do business with.

Obama's Turn to Take InitiativeThe Obama's rebalancing is part of a broader regional diplomatic and economic strategy that also includes the decision to become a member of the East Asia Summit and plans to develop the Trans-Pacific Partnership, deepen the United States' strategic partnership with India, and open the door to Myanmar. Some term Washington's renewed vigour the cause of recent increased tensions across East Asia. But this does not stand up to scrutiny, given that the proliferation of significant regional security incidents began more than half a decade ago.

China, a nation of foreign and security policy realists where Clausewitz, Carr and Morgenthau are mandatory reading in military academies, respects strategic strength. Beijing couldn't have been expected to welcome the pivot. But its opposition doesn't mean that the new US policy is misguided. The rebalancing has been welcomed across the other capitals of Asia but because governments there are uncertain what a China-dominated region would mean. So now that the rebalance is being implemented, the question for US policymakers is where to take the China relationship next.

One possibility for United States, to accelerate the level of strategic competition with China, would be demonstrating that Beijing has no chance of outmanoeuvring Washington and its allies. But this is financially unsustainable and thus not credible. A second possibility would be to maintain the status quo as the rebalancing takes effect, accepting that no fundamental improvement in bilateral relations is possible and perpetually concentrating on issue and crisis management. But this would be too passive and would run the risk of being overwhelmed by the number and complexity of the crises to be managed. Chinese leadership has an even stronger interest in maintaining strategic stability for at least the next decade. A third possibility would be to change gears in the relationship altogether by introducing a new cooperation framework with China that recognizes the reality of the two countries' strategic competition, defines key areas of shared interests, and thereby begins to narrow the yawning trust gap between the two countries. Executed properly, such a strategy would do no harm, run few risks and deliver tangible results. It could reduce the temperature by several degrees, focus both countries' national security establishments on common agendas and reduce the risk of negative strategic drift.

A crucial element of such a policy would have to be the commitment to regular summitry. There are, currently, more informal initiatives under way between both countries. In dealing with China, there is no substitute for direct leader-to-leader engagement. Thus the US has a profound interest in engaging Xi personally, with a summit each year, along with other working meetings of reasonable

duration, held in conjunction with meetings of the G-20, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, and the East Asia Summit.

Both governments also need people working on behalf of the national leaders, managing the agenda between summits and handling issues as the need arises. The USA needs someone to play the role that Henry Kissinger did in the early 1970s, and so does China.

Globally, both governments need to identify issues currently bogged down in the international system and work together to bring them to successful conclusions. This could include the Doha Round of international trade talks, climate-change negotiations, nuclear non-proliferation or specific outstanding items on the G-20 agenda. Progress on any of these fronts would prove the sufficient political will. Ensuring that China becomes an active stakeholder in the future of that order is crucial, and even modest successes would help.

Regionally, they need to use the East Asia Summit and the ASEAN's Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus forum to develop confidence- and security-building measures among the region's 18 militaries. Presently, these venues run the risk of becoming permanently polarized over territorial disputes in the East China and South China seas, so the first item to be negotiated should be a protocol for handling incidents at sea, with other agreements following rapidly.

Washington and Beijing should also upgrade their regular military-to-military dialogues to the level of principals such as the US secretary of defense and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This should be insulated from the ebbs and flows of the relationship, with meetings focusing on regional security challenges. Washington should also consider extending the Trans-Pacific Partnership to include both China and Japan, and eventually India as well.

Toward A New Shanghai CommuniquéThe US and Chinese officials should think hard about grounding their less conflictual, more cooperative relationship in a new Shanghai Communiqué. Such a suggestion usually generates a toxic response in Washington, because communiqués are seen as diplomatic dinosaurs and because such a process might threaten to reopen the contentious issue of Taiwan. US has a profound interest in engaging Xi personally, with a summit each year, along with other working meetings of reasonable duration, held in conjunction with meetings of the G-20, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, and the East Asia Summit. As for the charge that communiqués are of little current value, this may be less true for China than it is for the US. In China, symbols carry important messages, including for the military, so there could be significant utility within the Chinese system in using a new communiqué to reflect and

lock in a fresh, forward-looking, cooperative strategic mindset. Such a move should follow the success of strategic cooperation, however, rather than be used to start a process that might promise much but deliver little.

Sceptics might argue that the both countries must restore their bilateral trust before any significant strategic cooperation. In fact, the reverse logic applies: trust can be built only on the basis of real success. Improving relations is increasingly urgent, since the profound strategic changes unfolding across the region will only make life more complicated and throw up more potential flashpoints.

The start of Obama's second term, and Xi's first, presents a unique opportunity to put the Sino-US relationship on a better course. It, however, will require sustained leadership from the highest levels of both governments and a common conceptual framework and institutional structure to guide the work of their respective bureaucracies, both civilian and military. History teaches that the rise of new great powers often triggers major global conflicts. It lies within the power of Obama and Xi to prove that twenty-first-century Asia can be an exception to what has otherwise been a deeply depressing historical norm.

Will US, North Korea Crises Ever End?

The Korean Peninsula is passing through a difficult and an unprecedented dangerous period nowadays. American and South Korean troops are conducting large-scale training exercises in the Korean region and North Korea is also flexing its muscles and is threatening to attack USA. The North Korea's leadership has also indicated that the country will pull out of the 1953 Armistice that has kept the lid on simmering North-South tensions for almost six decades.

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With soaring tensions on the Korean peninsula that include threats of nuclear war, frustration is mounting at what US policy experts see as the failure of all efforts to rein in North Korea.

Decades of threats have waxed and waned despite myriad attempts to reach out for talks or punish the regime, as seen recently in the tightening of UN sanctions.North Korea watchers see a familiar pattern in which the communist state ramps up threats or takes actions such as missile launches or nuclear tests in a bid to show anger and force concessions from the United States.

Observers saw parallels between the latest crisis and 1994 when Pyongyang took on a bellicose tone as it faced pressure over its nuclear programme at a time of political transitions in both North and South Korea.

The 1994 crisis ended when former US president Jimmy Carter flew to Pyongyang, setting the stage for a joint energy project that has been the inspiration for several initiatives since.

“I still don't find any of the latest North Korean rhetoric that shocking. It's perfectly predictable,” said Joel Wit, a former State Department official who was in charge of implementing the 1994 energy agreement.

“The difference this time is that they have nuclear weapons,” said Wit, now a scholar at Columbia University.

North Korea has threatened to attack the United States with nuclear weapons, although experts doubt it is able to. The United States, in turn, carried out runs by its nuclear-capable B-2 bomber as part of exercises with South Korea.

Other new factors in the latest crisis include question marks over North Korea's young leader Kim Jong-Un and growing unhappiness from China over its smaller ally's insolence.

Bruce Cumings, chairman of the history department at the University of Chicago and the author of several books on North Korea, said the 24-hour news environment had also changed the dynamics behind Pyongyang's threats.

“You get instant attention on the World Wide Web which is so different than when I used to read

their Central News Agency reports in the early '90s that would come a week late through Tokyo and you never knew if anyone would pay attention,” he said.

But Cumings said that North Korea's tactics followed a pattern dating to even before the 1950-53 Korean War, when the communist leadership would threaten to destroy the South's army.

“It is always the case with North Korea that when its back is put to the wall, it lashes out and it creates problems. It says: 'If you want to sanction us, this is what you're going to get',” he said.

Cumings warned that tensions “are inevitable as long as the United States and South Korea are not willing to engage with North Korea.” “The North Koreans go about things in the worst way — they are their own worst enemy — but they keep saying that they want to talk to the United States in particular,” he said. But President Barack Obama's administration has ruled out what is widely considered North Korea's main aim — its symbolic recognition as a nuclear weapons state, seen by the regime as critical to ensure its survival.

The Obama administration, after long hesitation, last year sealed an aid-for-disarmament agreement with North Korea that fell apart in a matter of weeks after Pyongyang attempted to test a rocket.

The previous administration of George W. Bush similarly swung widely in its approach to North Korea. Bush famously grouped North Korea as part of an “axis of evil” and under his watch, Pyongyang tested its first nuclear device.

But Bush, like Bill Clinton before him, tried late in his term to seal a historic far-reaching agreement with North Korea.

Some US conservatives criticized the Bush outreach and have called for an entirely new approach. Representative Ed Royce, the Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has called on the United States to avoid any future deals with North Korea and instead aim at toppling the regime.JWT Desk

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BRICSTOWARDS ECONOMIC PROGRESS….

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Twenty-first Century is the era of geo-economics. World, as a whole, has been facing serious economic crunch mainly due to the Global War on Terrorism, the hegemony of America over global economy and UN sanctions on a number of anti-American states. Nations are still striving to explore various avenues to ensure their survival through sustainable economic growth. Given the importance of geo-economics in the development process, developing countries have no option but to leave their cross-border conflicts behind and extend a hand of friendship towards rival countries in order to have a smooth economic growth.The establishment of BRICS is one such example.

BRICS or Big Five is an association of emerging Nation economies and has significant influence on regional and global affairs. Comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, the BRICS is basically aimed at improving global economic situation, reforming financial institutions and promoting cause of Global Development.

The term BRIC was coined by Jim O'Neill in a 2001 paper entitled "Building Better Global Economies BRIC". South Africa sought BRIC membership in 2009 and was officially admitted as BRIC nation on December 24, 2010. South Africa holds a unique position to influence African economic growth and invest ment. China is South Africa's largest trading partner and India aspires to increase commercial ties with Africa. Addition of South Africa gave the organization a 4-continent breadth, further power, status and trade opportunities.

BRICS countries occupy more than a quarter of the world's land area. In addition, World's 40 per cent population, 20 per cent GDP ($14.9 trillion) and 43 per cent Foreign Exchange Reserves ($4 trillion) are also owned by BRICS nations. These countries have been seeking to forge a political alliance and converting their growing economic power into greater geopolitical clout. The BRICS has worked for taking the global economic power away from G-7 economies towards developing world. Some analysts opine that the BRICS will overtake G-7 by 2027.

The summits, which are held annually, are convened to seek common ground on areas of importance for these major economies. Talks represent spheres of political and entrepreneurial


coordination, in which member countries have identified several business opportunities, economic complementarities and areas of cooperation. Previously, four summits have been held in Yekaterinburg, Russia (2009), Brasília, Brazil (2010), Sanya, China (2011) and New Delhi, India (2012). The 2013 Summit was held in Durban, South Africa on 26–27 March, 2013 and with this summit, the bloc has completed its first cycle of BRICS summits. Due to its growing economy, India has successfully won the confidence of the West as well as emerging eastern powers; China & Russia. India is a member of G-20 and holds observer status in SCO as well. BRIC forum was established in 2011 as an international organization that encourages commercial, political and cultural cooperation between BRIC nations. In the Durbin Summit, the five BRICS countries agreed to set up a development bank, a forum of science ministers and a council for researchers and academia at their forum in Durban. The bank is expected to start with US$50 billion in total — US$10 billion from each BRICS country: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — and will fund development and infrastructure projects in developing countries. Due to its growing economy, India has successfully won the confidence of the West as well as emerging eastern powers; China & Russia. India is a member of G-20 and holds observer status in SCO as well.

On the other hand, Pakistan's policymakers, unfortunately, are yet not out of anti-Indian syndrome. Intermittent intervention of great powers in Pakistan's internal affairs, War on Terror and deteriorated relations with Afghanistan, Iran, India and Russia have added to the gravity of the state of affairs.

Being a connecting point of South, East and Central Asia, Pakistan holds a significant position on the whole geopolitical and geostrategic chessboard.Central Asia is the key to the "New Great Game" and Pakistan is the gateway to this energy-rich region. The Gwadar Port of Pakistan provides China and Central Asian Republic & (CARs), and with the shortest trade route. Despite huge strategic importance, it needs to be realised that Pakistan cannot have stable political setup and smooth economy by having hostile relations with regional neighbouring countries. Pakistan should also join hands with developing countries and international organizations, in pursuance of obtaining economic interest that will eventually help to transform Pakistan into an independent nation in truest sense of the word.

The writer is independent researcher she can be contacted:[email protected] Saleem


SAVING THE ARAB SPRING The Case For Post-Revolution Security Sector Reforms

More than two years have elapsed since the Arab Spring started its sweep across the Middle East and North Africa. The scope and yield of these revolts, primarily manifested through an overturn of political authority and bids for greater democratization, have often been compared in magnitude with the 1989 anti-communist revolutions in Eastern Europe.

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Despite all dissimilarities, these two distinct historical episodes did indeed share one common fallacy: overweening optimism and naïveté about the ease of importing democracy. Then, in Eastern Europe, after frantic celebrations that followed the toppling of authoritarian regimes, expectations for rapid democratization, economic reforms, and institution- building proved short-lived. Poignantly, and epitomizing the views often held in the West, Michael Ignatieff wrote in the early 1990s that “back in 1989, we thought the new world, opened up by the breaching of the Berlin Wall, would be ruled by philosopher kings, dissident heroes and shipyard electricians . . . We hoped for order. We got pandemonium.”

In spite of their faltered progress, the revolutions of 1989 did advance stability over time. Yet the context and factors that rehabilitated much of the ex-Soviet Eastern European countries and put order in the post-Yugoslav debacle are different than the circumstances of any of the post-Arab spring countries. In hindsight, we now know that Eastern Europe benefited from a favourable context and was very likely not to fail: it recovered at a time when, and in a place where, democracy was a promise strong enough to compensate for austerity and the difficulties of transition. In addition, solid regional organizations like the EU and NATO supported and, in most cases, gradually absorbed these countries.


As transition has commenced in the post-Arab Spring world, however, many hopes for a successful and peaceful recovery have been abandoned in the face of a less promising reality. Latent discontent, anti-election and anti-government protests in Tunisia and Egypt, and, more recently, the upsurge of violence in Libya and across the region have raised concerns about the future of the democratic aspirations of the Arab Spring. As disarray has begun to overshadow the prospect of gradual democratization, the oft-raised question is how to 'rescue' the Arab Spring, that is, how to sustain the expectations undergirding the Arab Spring in the aftermath of the revolts?

While it is impossible to identify a single solution to guide the social and political transition, a critical step with far-reaching effects would be to pursue democratic reform of the security sector. The Middle East has been for decades the most militarized and securitized region in the world, as indicated by total spending and spending as a proportion of GDP on defense, equipment and weaponry, and security personnel. Security forces (army, police, militias, paramilitary) have played a key role in the region for internal security, often by means of brutal repression, for interstate security, or both.

For example, as police in Tunisia became notorious for their abusive behaviour and arbitrary enforcement of the rule of law, their function changed in the public consciousness from the protection of citizens to the protection of the regime and the suppression of internal dissent. In a similar vein, Egypt and Libya prioritized for a long time the role of the security forces within the society, roles now challenged and facing scrutiny. In Libya, a massively equipped army coexisted with numerous other security agencies, such as the Revolutionary Committees, Guards, and People's Militias, comprising a group of institutions that were fragmented, opportunist, and generously rewarded to uphold the regime. Egypt and Libya prioritized for a long time the role of the security forces within the society, roles now challenged and facing scrutiny. Preserving the gains and aspirations of the Arab Spring implies, as a first step, addressing and reforming the very institutions that sustained the repressive and undemocratic regimes the Arab Spring sought to overthrow. The recalibration of security institutions is a prerequisite for peace building and state building processes with far-reaching implications that would invariably spiral into deeper societal changes. Furthermore, achieving the goal of a democratic security sector will require policies tailored to national circumstances, meaning, in each of these specific cases, a closer focus on the military in Egypt, the police in Tunisia, and militias in Libya.

The post-Arab Spring countries are beginning their transitions in a different context than the post-Communist Eastern Europe, but the lessons about security sector reform remain the same. In

Eastern Europe, where decades of authoritarian rule had rendered security institutions partisan, unaccountable, and often abusive, it became clear just how tedious it could be to change entrenched practices. State-level political will, often motivated by external commitments (such as within the framework of accession to NATO and, later, to the EU), was paramount to achieving these reforms.

Similarly, reform in the Middle East and North Africa must be closely assisted by the international community, especially the United Nations and the European Union, as legal and structural readjustments (including security sector downsizing) take place. Political will and openness remain, once again, the keys to successful reform. In times of turbulence and unrest when new leaders might be tempted to resort to their predecessors' authoritarian practices, such political will must manifest itself not in ruthless conduct but instead in committed and resolute leadership.JWT Desk

Cyprus Financial CrisisThe Resolution of the Cyprus Banking Collapse Paves the Way for More Crises. The international financial community and the markets have declared victory over Cyprus's banking crisis. But the solution imposed on Cyprus – taxing big deposits – may pave the way for the next European financial crisis.

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To read the headlines, it surely seems like the crisis in Cyprus has been contained. In the wake of the announcement that large depositors would lose a big chunk of their savings, there have been no large-scale bank runs and no riots. Life on the island and in Europe is proceeding as usual. In the US, the stock market hit new highs.

But it's way too soon to celebrate. And given the Europe's brazen mismanagement of the Cyprus



debacle, the euro crisis once again moved closer to becoming a serious problem for all of us. The Cyprus rescue broke new ground. Beyond inflicting losses on investors in ailing Cypriot banks, Eurozone governments for the first time imposed a new penalty on some of the depositors in all of the island's banks. This represents new and dangerous territory for the European banking system and, through it, for the American economy as well.

Over the past three years, as global investors have periodically fled the government bond markets of Greece, Portugal, Ireland, Spain and Italy, Eurozone leaders have provided $650 billion in bailouts. For the last year, the European Central Bank has also stepped in to shore up the government bond markets of beleaguered Eurozone nations. Sure, the troubled member-countries have had to accept drastic austerity programmes, which generally have only worsened their economic condition. But the whole point of these costly exercises has been to protect the solvency of European banks, including many of the leading banks of Germany and France. They, after all, are the ones that hold most of the bonds of the troubled countries. And if those banks go down, they could take the world economy with them.

The next time global investors lose confidence in the bonds of, say, Italy or Spain; those countries' banks will quickly face waves of withdrawals by their large depositors.

Yet, when the two major banks in tiny Cyprus needed a modest bailout of $13 billion to hold the Eurozone together, European leaders suddenly departed from their protect-the-banks-first philosophy. In addition to the usual austerity, they proposed a new tax or “haircut” on all Cypriot bank deposits. The people of Cyprus, and their elected representatives, declined this unrefusable offer. So, some days before, the Eurozone finance ministers came back with a revised proposal—only large depositors, those with more than 100,000 euros, would have to take a loss. In short, they threw away the EU pledge of deposit insurance, which is the last defense against nationwide bank runs.

This populist take on punishing only large depositors for a bank's reckless behaviour doesn't change its larger implications. The next time global investors lose confidence in the bonds of, say, Italy or Spain; those countries' banks will quickly face waves of withdrawals by their large depositors. That would almost certainly sink those banks and quite possibly trigger broader bank runs. So, ironically, the new policy could help bring on the kind of far-reaching financial crisis which the bailouts were designed to head off.

From the vantage points of Berlin and Paris, the new deal is appealing in broad, crude political terms. European voters get the satisfaction of forcing the well-heeled depositors of failing banks to pay a price, along with those banks' investors. In the case of Cyprus, many of those depositors aren't even Eurozone citizens: They're hyper-rich Russians, including a host of oligarchs who looted much of the Russian economy in the 1990s and then shifted their proceeds to foreign accounts. They didn't choose the banks of Greece for their investment expertise, since the bankers sunk much of those deposits into Greek sovereign bonds, which turned out to be among the world's worst investments. Rather, they chose Cyprus because it's a traditional tax haven with very low taxes and strict bank secrecy laws. Old times may also have played a role with the oligarchs, since Cyprus had long been a favourite KGB listening post on the Middle East.

The global economics of the deal, however, are simply terrible. Large depositors account for a tiny fraction of all Cypriot bank accounts, but more than half of all Cypriot bank deposits. It's much the same everywhere, including the United States. Here, bank accounts of $250,000 or more account for less than one-half of one per cent of all bank accounts, but nearly one-quarter of all bank deposits. In normal times, our own deposit insurance limits the amount subject to its guarantee at $250,000. But when confidence in banks is fragile or failing, the government always steps in to

guarantee all deposits. That's what the Treasury and FDIC did in September 2008, to prevent a run on American banks by large depositors that would have spread the crisis across the US banking system. That unlimited guarantee remained in place until our financial system was stable and healthy, ending only at the end of 2012. The best way to stop a bank run, it turns out, is to insure deposits.

Eurozone leaders are ignoring these basic tenets of deposit insurance. Instead, they have telegraphed to large European depositors that even in a financial crisis, large accounts are no longer safe. So, the next time global investors begin selling off, say, Italian or Spanish government bonds, threatening the solvency of the banks holding those bonds, we could see a run by large depositors not only in Italy and Spain, but across Germany and France as well. And that would set off a new financial crisis that could trigger a downward spiral here and across much of the world. So far, markets have not responded much to this new risk. But global investors will remember if the extended downturn in Europe brings on renewed government bond problems in Italy or Spain.

This is not the only example of inane economic policy thinking these days. New York Times columnist Paul Krugman defended capital controls—which have been put in place in Cyprus — because he believes the movement of funds in and out of national markets can destabilize economies. But the issue here is not the easy movement of funds across global markets. In fact, those capital flows have been a key factor in the only good economic news of recent years — the strong performance of many developing economies and our own renewed economic stability. No, the problem lies in what financial institutions do with those funds and the reluctance of governments to enforce sensible limits on them. In the end, the spectacular stupidity of Eurozone leaders that we have seen is only the most recent and dangerous example of how politicians can wilfully ignore the most obvious and important economic points.JWT Desk

Can India Become a Great Power?India's lack of a strategic culture hobbles its ambition to be a force in the world

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Nobody doubts that China has joined the ranks of the great powers: the idea of a G2 with America is mooted, albeit prematurely. India is often spoken of in the same breath as China because of its billion-plus population, economic promise, value as a trading partner and growing military capabilities. All five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council support—however grudgingly—India's claim to join them. But whereas China's rise is a given, India is still widely seen as a nearly-power that cannot quite get its act together.

That is a pity, for as a great power, India would have much to offer. Although poorer and less economically dynamic than China, India has soft power in abundance. It is committed to democratic institutions, the rule of law and human rights. As a victim of jihadist violence, it is in the front rank of the fight against terrorism. It has a huge and talented diaspora. It may not want to be co-opted by the West but it shares many Western values. It is confident and culturally rich. If it had a permanent Security Council seat (which it has earned by being one of the most consistent contributors to UN peacekeeping operations) it would not instinctively excuse and defend brutal regimes. Unlike China and Russia, it has few skeletons in its cupboard. With its enormous coastline and respected navy (rated by its American counterpart, with which it often holds exercises, as up to NATO standard) India is well-placed to provide security in a critical part of the global commons.

Yet India's huge potential to be a force for stability and an upholder of the rules-based international system is far from being realised. One big reason is that the country lacks the culture to pursue an active security policy. Despite a rapidly rising defence budget, forecast to be the world's fourth-largest by 2020, India's politicians and bureaucrats show little interest in grand strategy. The foreign service is ridiculously feeble—India's 1.2 billion people are represented by about the same number of diplomats as Singapore's 5m. The leadership of the armed forces and the political-bureaucratic establishment operate in different worlds. The defence ministry is chronically short of military expertise.

These weaknesses partly reflect a pragmatic desire to make economic development at home the priority. India has also wisely kept generals out of politics (a lesson ignored elsewhere in Asia, not least by Pakistan, with usually parlous results). But Nehruvian ideology also plays a role. At home, India mercifully gave up Fabian economics in the 1990s (and reaped the rewards). But diplomatically, 66 years after the British left, it still clings to the post-independence creeds of semi-

pacifism and “non-alignment”: the West is not to be trusted.

India's tradition of strategic restraint has in some ways served the country well. Having little to show for several limited wars with Pakistan and one with China, India tends to respond to provocations with caution. It has long-running territorial disputes with both its big neighbours, but it usually tries not to inflame them (although it censors any maps which accurately depict where the border lies, something its press shamefully tolerates). India does not go looking for trouble, and that has generally been to its advantage.

But the lack of a strategic culture comes at a cost. Pakistan is bristling with nuclear weapons, and is vulnerable to an army command yet India does not think coherently about how to cope with the country. The government hopes that increased trade will improve relations, even as the army plans for a blitzkrieg-style attack across the border. It needs to work harder at healing the running sore of Kashmir and supporting Pakistan's civilian government. Right now, for instance, Pakistan is going through what should be its first transition from one elected civilian government to the next. India's prime minister, Manmohan Singh, should support this process by arranging to visit the country's next leader.

Our interactive map demonstrates how the territorial claims of India, Pakistan and China would change the shape of South AsiaChina, which is increasingly willing and able to project military power, including in the Indian Ocean, poses a threat of a different kind. Nobody can be sure how China will use its military and economic clout to further its own interests and, perhaps, put India's at risk. But India, like China's other near neighbours, has every reason to be nervous. The country is particularly vulnerable to any interruption in energy supplies (India has 17% of the world's population but just 0.8% of its known oil and gas reserves).

India should start to shape its own destiny and the fate of its region. It needs to take strategy more seriously and build a foreign service that is fitting for a great power—one that is at least three times bigger. It needs a more professional defence ministry and a unified defence staff that can work with the country's political leadership. It needs to let private and foreign firms into its moribund state-run defence industry. And it needs a well-funded navy that can become both a provider of maritime security along some of the world's busiest sea-lanes and an expression of India's willingness to shoulder the responsibilities of a great power.

Most of all, though, India needs to give up its outdated philosophy of non-alignment. Since the nuclear deal with America in 2005, it has shifted towards the west—it tends to vote America's way in the UN, it has cut its purchases of Iranian oil, it collaborates with NATO in Afghanistan and coordinates with the West in dealing with regional problems such as repression in Sri Lanka and transition in Myanmar—but has done so surreptitiously. Making its shift more explicit, by signing up with Western-backed security alliances, would be good for the region, and the world. It would promote democracy in Asia and help bind China into international norms. That might not be in India's short-term interest, for it would risk antagonising China. But looking beyond short-term self-

interest is the kind of thing a great power does.

That India can become a great power is not in doubt. The real question is whether it wants to.JWT Desk

Foreign Interference in ELECTIONS 2013Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Najam Sethi, in a press conference, denied US role in his appointment, adding that he never held one-on-one meeting with the US envoy Richard Olson.

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Even if he had no one-on-one meeting with US envoy recently, it does not mean that US had no role in his appointment. In the past, there were reports that he has had meetings with Richard Olson and Consular General Nina Maria. Since elections are only a few weeks away, tremendous increase in diplomatic manoeuvering, social activity and interaction is taking place. Foreign diplomats, especially the UK and the US, are keen to know about seat adjustments and political alliances formed to participate in elections. Such meetings of political leaders with foreign diplomats obviously carry serious implications for the state and repercussions for the people of Pakistan. US officials of political section in Islamabad, US consulate Lahore and Consulate General herself have increased interaction with bigwigs of different political parties.

Though the media is not highlighting such meetings, these meetings are reportedly held at Consul General's residence, politician's residences and even at different restaurants of the city. Frequent meetings between Consul General Nina Maria and different politicians have taken place while Political Consular US Consulate and Political Consular US Embassy, Islamabad have been discussing political situation in the country with different political figures. On 23rd February 2013, a delegation from British High Commission Islamabad had visited Lahore and held meetings with



Jam'at-i-Islami, PPP and PML-N leaders and Asma Jahangir, Mian Imran Maqsood (PML-Q) and Najam Sethi (Journalist and now caretaker CM Punjab). A high profile delegation headed by US Ambassador Richard Olson and Robert Menandez Chairman Senate Committee for Foreign Affairs visited Lahore twice and met politicians including Mian Nawaz Sharif. As elections in Pakistan are inching nearer, the writer has addressed the growing concern about foreign interference with facts from the recent past. It is quite normal that ambassadors and officials of consulate general cultivate relations with the government, media and intellectual elite with a view to strengthening ties and creating goodwill in general. But American ambassadors and consular officers have had the reputation of going beyond their mandate.

There is a widespread perception that the CIA is funding some political activists, media men and NGOs with a view to advancing its interests. Many political leaders of Pakistan in the past considered American ambassadors as their 'family members', and discussed with them even their personal matters. They wished to remain in the good books of the US ambassador, and of course America, as they believed that they could enter the corridors of power with the blessings and support of the US. In the past, US Consul Generals of Lahore have been actively involved in cultural activities, and have had relations with the intellectual elite and media men.

In February 2012, a national English daily had reported that “the US Consul General in Lahore Ms Nina Maria visited residence of senior journalist Najam Sethi. However, it could not be ascertained what issues were discussed in the meeting”. During the second stint of Mian Nawaz Sharif, Najam Sethi had been taken into custody for interrogation by the ISI for his alleged connection with the Indian intelligence agency RAW (Research and Analysis Wing). According to the report, he was speaking to elite Indian audience in the context of the Kewal Singh Memorial lecture series on the subject of 'Pakistan and the 21st century', with Mr Gujral in the chair. In his speech, Najam Sethi said: “Pakistan during the past 50 years had suffered a whole range of crises and had become a failed state, and there is no hope of anybody coming and getting Pakistan out of the series of crises”. Najam Sethi was detained and perhaps case registered against him. However later events reveal that the US had been worried about his arrest and played a role in getting him released.

On 19th May 1999, five months of Nawaz government ouster, Pakistan embassy in the US had responded to IFJ letter regarding the arrest of Najam Sethi stating “Mr Sethi was arrested on the specific charge of anti-state activities falling outside the ambit of legitimate journalistic freedom. It is not the first time that Mr Sethi has been arrested. He was arrested in mid-70s and in mid-80s as

well for anti-state activities. He will be afforded full opportunity to defend himself in accordance with the law”. Anyhow, Mr Sethi has had excellent relations with Americans. In 1999, a Pakistani delegation was in United States in connection with American aid and to seek IMF support. According to an official from ministry of information, head of American delegation postponed the meeting stating that unless Najam Sethi is released there would be no deliberations. In a question from his anchorperson whether Pakistan would retaliate if there is another 2nd-May like incident, Najam Sethi had replied Pakistan military is no match of US/NATO forces.

On TV talk shows, anchorpersons and panellists 'relish' Pakistan-bashing and military-bashing. A few anchorpersons and media men, wittingly or unwittingly, endorse the views and ideas floated by the US and their mouthpieces — Washington Post and New York Times — while others are either running NGOs funded by the US and western countries, or have acquired consultancies from UN organizations. One can observe the 'pearls of wisdom' scattered by these palmed off journalists and analysts in English print media and on TV channels. There are a couple of media groups who publish news, stories and articles in their print and electronic media to promote America's interest in the region. In their editorials, they write what Americans want to read. A couple of local English dailies carry articles written by the authors who accuse Pakistan of duplicity, and blame it for protecting and ensconcing the Taliban and Al-Qaeda leaders. They use the very arguments advanced by members of the US administration to denigrate Pakistan, often repeating that Pakistan does not want to act against Haqqani network and others in North Waziristan because Pakistan considers them as its 'assets' to be used after Americans leave Afghanistan.

Courtesy: Pakistan ObserverNewspaper Articles

MEDIA CODE OF CONDUCTElection Commission of Pakistan has issued code of conduct for media for the forthcoming elections.

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Election Commission of Pakistan has issued code of conduct for media for the forthcoming elections. Election Commission has emphasized that all media should ensure that the people are properly informed about political parties‚ candidates‚ election campaign issues and voting processes.

The complete text of Media Code of Conduct issued by Election Commission for the general elections is as follows:

Guidelines for Elections 2013Guideline 1 - Duty to Inform the Public

During the election period all media have a duty to ensure that the public are properly informed about relevant electoral matters such as political parties‚ candidates‚ campaign issues and voting processes.

Guideline 2 - Duty of Balance and Impartiality2.1. Publicly owned media have a specific mandate requiring fairness and non-discrimination in their election reporting and not to discriminate against any political party or candidate. All media houses should also follow professional standards and strive for accuracy‚ balance and impartiality as far as possible.

2.2. News media will try to the best of its ability that news‚ current affairs‚ interviews‚ talk-shows‚ analyses and information programmes are not biased in favour of‚ or against‚ any party or candidate. In particular‚ media shall encourage journalisms of the highest standards in their election coverage and shall:a) try to the best of its ability to avoid all forms of rumour‚ speculation and disinformation‚ particularly when these concern specific political parties or candidates and where malicious intent is demonstrated‚ b) discourage all forms of hate speech that can be interpreted as incitement to violence or has the effect of promoting public disorder.

2.3 While it is not always possible to cover all candidates in an election‚ the media should strive to ensure that all candidates/parties shall be subject to journalistic scrutiny and appropriate media coverage according to its area of target audience.

Guideline 3 - Laws Restricting Freedom of Expression

Freedom of expression and the rights of journalists to report freely should be respected by all parties/candidates and state authorities during the election. There should be provision of full access to information during the election period and afterwards.

Guideline 4 - Duty to Respect and Promote ToleranceThe media have a duty to respect and promote tolerance and avoid all forms of expression that might be interpreted as incitement to violence or hatred on the basis of religion‚ creed‚ gender or ethnicity.

Guideline 5 - Duty to Punish Attacks against Media Personnel and PropertyThe authorities should make special efforts to investigate all acts of violence‚ intimidation or harassment directed against media personnel or the property or premises of a media outlet‚ and to bring those responsible to justice‚ particularly where the act was motivated by an intent to interfere with media freedom.

Guideline 6 - Limits on Prior Restraint6.1. There should be no prior censorship of any election coverage/programme.

6.2. All political parties and state institutions must issue a clear statement that the media will not be penalized for broadcasting/publishing programmes/contents merely because they are critical of a certain party or a type of politics.

6.3. Neither the authorities nor media outlets should interfere with the broadcast of any election programme or election coverage unless there is a real danger or threat of imminent harm and violence.

Guideline 7 - Limits on Media LiabilityThe media shall not be held responsible legally for unlawful statements made by candidates or party representatives and broadcast during the course of election campaigns. This‚ however‚ will not apply to the repeat/recorded telecasts or publications.

Guideline 8 - Corrections and RepliesAny candidate/party which has been defamed or is a victim of gross misrepresentation or other illegal injury by broadcast of information should be entitled to a correction and where appropriate, granted an opportunity to reply.

Guideline 9 - News Coverage: Fair and Balanced 9.1 All media should also be careful to comply with any obligations of balance and impartiality that the law may place on them.

9.2 The duty of balance requires that parties/candidates receive news coverage commensurate with their relative importance in the election and the extent of their potential electoral support.

9.3 State and private media are urged to keep a clear distinction between‚ editorial/opinion‚ news and paid content. There will not be paid or sponsored news‚ election evaluation‚ analyses and editorial opinion.

9.4 All paid materials‚ media campaigns for elections paid by candidates or their supporters must be clearly shown as Paid advertisements/campaign/content and should be done in a transparent manner in accordance with the code of ethic for elections issued by the ECP.

Guideline 10 - Direct Access Programmes

10.1. Publicly owned media should grant all political parties/candidates airtime and news space for direct access programmes on a fair and non-discriminatory basis.

10.2. Parties/candidates that represent minorities or special interest communities and groups and are formally registered should be granted access to some airtime and news space

10.3. State and Private media will make every effort to ensure that space/airtime should be allocated on a relative‚ proportionate basis‚ according to objective criteria indicating general levels of support for different parties. The registered parties that represent any section of people should normally receive some airtime. Airtime for parties that have been banned or are operating under new names and are publicly engaged in violent acts or opposed to the democratic process and constitutional framework should be avoided.

10.4 Direct access programmes by the state media should be aired at times when the broadcasts are likely to reach the largest audiences. The duty of balance would be deemed to have been breached if the programmes of some parties/candidates are aired at less favourable times than those of others.

10.5 Direct access slots should be made available by the private media on equitable financial terms for all parties/candidates. State media should provide all parties/candidates a reasonable amount of time free of charge.

10.6 Parties/candidates are to be allowed to purchase airtime/space for political advertisements. They should have access to such time/space in a transparent manner in accordance with the Code of Ethics for political Parties.

Guideline 11 - Special Information Programmes and voter access11.1. During elections‚ the media should endeavour to provide special information programmes that provide an opportunity for members of the public to put questions directly to party leaders and candidates‚ and for candidates to debate with each other on policy matters and issues that are of great concern to the electorate.

11.2. Candidates standing for office should not‚ however‚ act as anchors or presenters during the election period.

11.3. Special information programmes regarding policy matters and the issues of public importance should be aired during prime viewing or listening hours.

11.4 Broadcasters and publishers have greater editorial discretion in relation to such content than the news. But such discretion is subject to the general obligation of balance and impartiality.

Guideline 12 - Voter Education12.1. Publicly owned media are obliged to broadcast voter education programmes‚ at least to the extent that this is not already sufficiently covered by other information initiatives. Other media should endeavour to also introduce such programmes as a matter of public service.

12.2. Voter education programmes must endeavour to be accurate and impartial and must attempt effectively to inform voters about the voting process‚ including how‚ when and where to vote‚ to register to vote and to verify proper registration‚ the secrecy of the ballot (and thus safety from retaliation)‚ the importance of voting‚ the functions of the offices that are under contention and similar matters.

12.3. These programmes should reach the greatest number of voters‚ including where most relevant‚ through programmes in regional languages and targeting groups traditionally excluded from the political process‚ such as women‚ the under-privileged‚ and religious and ethnic minorities.

Guideline 13 - Opinion Polls and Election Projections13.1 If a broadcaster/newspaper publishes the results of an opinion poll or election projection‚ they should strive to report the results fairly and in a proper context explaining the scope and limits of such polls that have their own peculiar limitations.

13.2 Opinion polls should be accompanied by information to assist viewers/listeners to understand the poll's significance‚ such as who conducted‚ commissioned and paid for the poll‚ the methodology used‚ the sample size‚ the margin of error‚ the fieldwork dates and data used.

Guideline 14 - Announcement of Results14.1. Broadcasters will not air any final‚ formal and definite elections results without the consent of ECP and/or they will be aired only with clear disclaimer that they are unofficial‚ incomplete and partial results which should not be taken as final until election commission has announced final results.

Guideline 15 - Regulatory and Complaints Mechanisms15.1. The Election Commission of Pakistan will evolve a suitable mechanism for the implementation of Media Code of Ethics prepared by the representatives of various media organizations.

15.2 The Complain Committee will be headed by Add. DG (PR)‚ ECP and will comprise of representatives from PBA‚ APNS‚ PCP‚ CPNE‚ PTV‚ PBC‚ PFUJ‚ SAFMA and SAWN.JWT Desk


An Exclusive Conversation with Ms Hannah Roberts

Deputy Chief of the European Union Election Observer Mission

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Jahangir's World Times (JWT): The European Union Election Observer Mission has formally deployed long-term observers across Pakistan. Can you spell out details?

Ms Hannah Roberts (HR): We have deployed 52 long-term observers in different parts of Pakistan. These people come from different EU member states, Norway and Canada. These countries have pledged to support us for the Pakistan elections 2013. These observers will work in a group of two which means we have fours eyes now rather than two to observe the electoral process and to maintain a balance of opinion among the observers. We have deployed them in 26 different area of Pakistan. Seven teams have been deployed in Sindh and sixteen teams in Punjab while some teams will be based at Islamabad for monitoring the elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). We are aiming to cover 193 out of the total 272 constituencies. Though it's not the total coverage of 2013 Elections in Pakistan, still it gives us a wider area. It's; definitely, not absolute but it gives us a gist of the happenings across the country.

JWT: You have mentioned the deployment of 23 teams in Punjab and Sindh; In which districts of both the provinces are your teams based at?

HR: We have maintained a list of these districts which cover a large of areas of these two provinces. We wished to cover all areas but due to some impediments like limited number of observers and security issues Balochistan and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's FATA region, it isn't possible for us to deploy wholly the election observation methodology which the EU has chalked out and has been applying for the last 20 years in different election across the globe.


JWT: The EU is not going to send its long-term observers to Balochistan and FATA. Is the mission devising some strategy to send its observers to these regions on the polling day?

HR: It's indeed a very good question. Well, there will be a considerable interest in doing that. But just looking at the things on polling day only, we may have the wrong conclusions. Election is much more than an activity for the polling day only. We observe whether candidates are allowed to campaign, whether there is a level-playing field available to all of them, how results are compiled after the polling has finished. Furthermore, assessment of the whole process continues after the election as well on the issues like how appeals and complaints are dealt with. While only covering the polling day, we really will not understand what is going on. Hence, we will not be able to give an accurate or reliable commentary that is essential to make useful recommendations.

JWT: You are saying that the provision of level-playing field to all the candidates is indispensable to conduct transparent elections. We see some parties complaining about inadequate security measures. Is it a denial of the right of level-playing field?

HR: Of course, we believe there should be no room for violence in a democratic process. We are much concerned that these heinous acts are still on. What we need to look at as observers is the extent whether this is affecting some parties or individuals differently than others. We also note what measures the state is taking to curb the acts of terrorism.

JWT: Do you consider the demands of some political parties for enhanced security as legitimate?

HR: It is absolutely important that all the candidates and the voters are safe. But in reality, it is problematic in Pakistan. We cannot say what exactly should be provided and what is being provided. We aren't properly equipped to answer that question. But certainly, it's important that all candidates are safe, the voters are able to get variety of information and the candidates are physically going to meet the people and hold public gatherings.

JWT: Do you think that killing of the candidates is affecting the transparency of the electoral process?

HR: Again, it's to look at the extent to which this problem is affecting the electoral process. There is no place of violence in the electoral process but it's happening in some parts of Pakistan and we are also witnessing it.

JWT: Are you taking note of this violence as a part of your report?

HR: We will be presenting a preliminary report after two days of the polling. One of the things we will be looking at is the environment in which the elections are going to be held including the security and how it impacts the process, the candidates, the voters and how the administration delivers in the difficult circumstances. We are looking whether it can be seen as a genuine election and is as per commitments made by Pakistan. We believe violence does undermine the genuine elections.

JWT: Will the outcome of the election impact the Pakistan's relations with the European Union?

HR: If the election process is genuine and transparent and also if there is an interest in the reform process after the election, it can and will improve the image of Pakistan and give an opportunity to improve relations with the EU.JWT Editorial Board

Good Governance & the Rule of Law Implementation of Articles 62 and 63

Electioneering is on with all its fervour and so is the season of debate. Many a matter of fundamental significance, which usually doesn't get proper heed, is up for threadbare analysis. One such theme is the implementation of Articles 62 and 63.

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The propensity to enter into nuanced discourse on a particular legal matter, right at the outset of an occasion, is not peculiar to Pakistan; it is universal to raise fundamental questions at the time of implementation of a piece of legislation.

Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution of Pakistan articulate, respectively, the qualifications and disqualifications of a candidate for election to the parliament. The law has been on the statute book since 1973, though with somewhat different content. Its implementation, during the filing of nomination papers for 2013 general elections has entailed a heated debate in which, basically, two types of thinkers are upping the ante. First are the liberals who question the modalities and procedures by which these articles are being implemented; and the second group comprises conservatives who insist that the law is perfect in its present form.

Both sides continue sticking uncompromisingly to their stance without appreciating the dictate of the Rule of Law that is part of Pakistan's constitution by virtue of Article 4. The doctrine is accepted by the UN as a fundamental principle of good governance. In his report on the rule of law and transitional justice, Mr Kofi Annan, the then UN Secretary General, stated:

“The rule of law is a concept at the very heart of the Organization's mission. It refers to a principle of governance in which all persons, institutions and entities, public and private, including the State itself, are accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced and independently adjudicated, and which are consistent with international human rights norms and standards.”

With regard to good governance, the legal position of Articles 62 and 63 needs to be comprehended first. Indubitably, the law is not part of a publicly promulgated legislation. Those who question its legality on the ground that it's a part of some 'imaginative figment' of Zia era seem completely oblivious to the fact that these Articles were rewritten through the Eighteenth Amendment.

Their argument that the moral and religious enforcement model introduced by Zia-ul-Haq has its imprints on the law may be right to some extent, but the fact still remains that the law received its umpteenth validation through the present political dispensation.

Treating its validation as a point of departure, the next issue that begs deep contemplation is the enforcement of the law. Enforcement of any law has the potential to ensue strong reaction, as, by its very nature, it calls for big decisions with a clear-cut stance. In our governance system where electoral hopefuls are subject to public and private enforcement along with adversarial court work, the element of dissent and discord is inevitable. To mitigate the inclemency of the enforcement, the scheme of Constitution spells out two lists: one is the Positives List contained in Article 62 and only applicable to Muslim candidates; the other is the Negatives List contained in Article 63. The system provides that the nomination papers accompany the following declaration:

“I have consented to the above nomination and that, I fulfil the qualifications specified in Article 62 of the Constitution and I am not subject to any of the disqualifications specified in Article 63 of the Constitution or any other law for the time being in force for being elected as a member of the National Assembly/Provincial Assembly.” Those who question its legality on the ground that it's a part of some 'imaginative figment' of Zia era seem completely oblivious to the fact that these Articles were rewritten through the Eighteenth Amendment. This declaration is subjected to 'scrutiny' or 'summary enquiry' by the Returning Officer under Section 14(3) of the Representation of People Act, 1976 which reads:

“The Returning Officer may, either of his own motion or upon any objection, either by an elector or

by any person referred to in sub-section (1), conduct such summary enquiry as he may think fit and may reject nomination paper if he is satisfied.”

In systematic working of the ROs, candidate's declaration and summary inquiry should have settled the matter. But, some ROs bent on asking questions from the Positive List, and this act of theirs, rightly invoked the reaction from the Lahore High Court in Munir Ahmed v. Election Commission of Pakistan. The Honourable Court took the cognizance of the matter and highlighted that some of the Returning Officers specifically asked self-styled questions about Article 62(1) (e), (f) and (g). The Honourable Court rightfully restrained ROs from asking 'intrusive' and 'inquisitive' questions regarding the aspects irrelevant to the information provided in the papers.

It also reinforced the declaration mechanism which was to be believed unless credible information to the contrary effect was presented before the RO.For academic purposes, however, Article 62(1) (e), (f) and (g) may be briefly visited here. The three clauses provide that a Muslim candidate should, in brief, be well-conversant with Islamic knowledge, be 'sadiq' and 'ameen', and be not opposed to the Ideology of Pakistan. The liberals term these clauses as abstract and with moral and religious model of enforcement at work; while the non-liberals tend to maintain that the concepts are legal and not artificial or abstract. Former Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice (R) Saeeduzzaman Siddiqui, opines that the concept of Ideology of Pakistan is legal as it is anchored in the Objectives Resolution that was not altered by any constitution of Pakistan and was relied upon in Supreme Court in a case of Asma Jilani. No matter what school of thought one subscribes to, the fact of the matter is that besides scrutiny through democratic voting process, the instant scheme of qualifications and disqualifications has its roots in the doctrine of the Rule of Law, which, in effect, is a cardinal principle of good governance. This appears to be healthy for Pakistan as in this case Pakistanis tried to agree to disagree, which makes the system productive.

The writer has done LLB (Hons.) Shariah and Law from International Islamic University, Islamabad, and BCL from the University of Oxford ([email protected])Kamran Adil


Polls & ViolenceAt a time when the nation is inching towards the polls scheduled on May 11, a fresh wave of violence in Karachi, KPK and Balochistan has marred the political landscape of the moment.

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While these lines are being written, nearly 20 people have lost their lives and scores of others injured in attacks on election rallies in Khyber PK and Balochistan. A few days back, an MQM candidate was gunned down in Karachi.

Taliban claim the responsibility of these attacks and further threaten to carry on the killing spree. Awami National Party (ANP) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) are particularly on the hit list of Taliban and other terrorist outfits.

Except for Punjab, where, fortunately, no such incident has taken place, the political parties in rest of the Pakistan are in a quagmire about continuing their election campaigns vigorously. There is a tangible proof, according to the security agencies, that magnitude and scale of violence will increase in the days to come. So grave is the threat to ANP that the party has decided not to allow its chief Asfandyar Wali Khan to lead the campaign. The party claims that a conspiracy is afoot to keep the liberal forces out of the electoral fray.

The fresh wave of pre-poll violence has further added to the uncertainty whether the elections will be held or not. While the mainstream political parties have been expressing similar apprehensions on this count and pointing to 'saboteurs' with an agenda to throw spanners in the works, their attention was less focused on threat posed by Taliban to the electoral process. From Taliban's perspective, the election season presents them with 'an opportunity to take on the soft targets'.

There are credible intelligence reports that terrorist elements can target the political leadership of the country. Given these circumstances, we won't be able to see the kind of electioneering that has been a part and parcel of our political culture.


That vividly manifests the reason behind the increasing reliance of political parties on electronic and social media to convey their manifestos to the people thereby changing the tone and tenor of electioneering in Pakistan.

Understanding the dynamics of violence is a key to crafting a strategy to stem this tide and make arrangements for peaceful elections. To combat this menace, vision, understanding and political consensus within all elements of national opinion is imperative. The following suggestions may be helpful in this regard:

It's for the first time in the country that smooth transition of power is in the offing as a democratically-elected government completed its mandatory tenure. Given the increased access of masses to information and emergence of new centres of power including powerful and assertive Supreme Court and an independent Election Commission of Pakistan, the elections are expected to be driven by new dynamics, contrary to traditional pattern of voting based on biradri and linguistic lines. The voters now have a chance to give the final verdict on the performance of political parties that ruled the roost in the previous regime in conformity with the best parliamentary practices and norms. There are credible intelligence reports that terrorist elements can target the political leadership of the country. The terrorists' ire at the political forces and figures emanates from their total disregard for electoral process that is the essence of democracy. They believe elections to be an un-Islamic exercise, which, in their view, doesn't conform to their understanding and interpretation of Islam. The question whether democracy is a western concept or an Islamic construct has been subject to incessant debates but still remains inconclusive. Hence, the Taliban and other extremist groups have launched all-out efforts to demolish the democratic system through violence targeting political parties and institutions.

There is a consensus among political commentators that the major rationale of these terrorists and extremists, who are involved in an all-out war against the State of Pakistan and its civil society, is their narrow-minded, bigoted and conservative agenda and value system. By targeting the state symbols, institutions and security forces, they seek to dilute the state's sovereignty and challenge its writ.

Violence injected by the terrorist forces and the Taliban in the body politic of Pakistan is not a fleeting phenomenon. It is absolutely unrealistic to assume that it will ebb away with the US and ISAF drawdown from Afghanistan. This pro-violence ideology is at the heart of mushroom growth

of this scourge. The drawdown of the US forces from Afghanistan by the end of 2014 will provide Pakistan with a breathing space to engage the terrorist groups into dialogue under a different context but the problem is likely to linger on for quite some time.

Ad hoc approach to counter the menace of terrorism and violence will not work. The next government that will come into power following May 2013 elections will have to work out holistic strategy that addresses all aspects of the malaise. Equipped with public backing in form of fresh mandate, it will be better positioned to forge a national consensus among all elements of national power. It also involves putting in place a legal framework capable of meting out exemplary punishments to those involved in heinous acts of violence and terror. Importantly, to eliminate the roots of terror, investment in education sector and policy focus on Madrassah reforms is indispensable.

The writer is a civil servant and can be reached at [email protected] Ali Chaudhry

The Mantra from Idea to RealityThe other day, when I was driving on a road, I saw the words “banana hai ek nea Pakistan” (We have to create a new Pakistan) on a wall.

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The other day, when I was driving on a road, I saw the words “banana hai ek nea Pakistan” (We have to create a new Pakistan) on a wall. I moved a bit forward and saw a poster on the rear of a rickshaw, bearing the line, “Badla Hai Punjab, Badlain gy Pakistan”, (We have changed the Punjab, we will change Pakistan). I couldn't stop pondering deeply on the notion 'change' that is much trumpeted phenomenon nowadays. Is it just an idea coined into the air or would it ever turn into reality?

‘Change' is basically an instinct engraved by the Allah Almighty into the human nature. It is because of this that man has shifted from caves to bungalows; from exploration of other continents to outer planets; from wrapping leaves to wearing branded outfits; from telegrams and post mails to emails; from horses and camels to jet planes; from daggers to nuclear weapons; and finally from isolation to globalization.



'Change' has been the strongest motivation behind all the achievements of man throughout history. In fact, all the goals were set to achieve some 'change'; all the development took place to attain something better and new; all the wars were fought to change the prevailing political and social order; new discoveries and inventions were made to change the living standards; and even the religions were revealed to bring about 'change'. Our education system needs fundamental and radical changes, for presently it may be good at producing readers, but is abjectly poor at producing leaders. But the 21st century narrates a somewhat different story. This is the century of promises and interestingly, all the promises speak aloud of 'change'. We have, now, transformed the concept of 'change' into a formal idea that is being ardently canvassed. Right from the slogan of Obama's 2008 campaign to the present electioneering in Pakistan – the 'change' is omnipresent.

In Pakistan, many slogans of change are in the air but I'm afraid that many of them may just be hollow. Many such slogans have been raised in the past but no substantial change ever occurred. The promises made by the last PPPP-led government are an example in this regard. Destroying the monster of corruption and energy crisis was promised. But it proved a mere rhetoric and promised result was never in sight. The same sad tale is being told by the conditions of health, education, terrorism, law and order, etc.

Pakistan was established to change the miserable living conditions of the Muslims of India. But since its inception only a few changes have been seen. However, at present, there is an unprecedented urge for change. The people are so frustrated that now they demand nothing less than a real change. But how this 'idea' is going to be transformed into 'reality'?

If we want a real change, first of all, we have to define our goals properly. What type of change we actually aspire to? Should this change encompass political, economic, social or and cultural aspects? Do we demand changes in political setup like imposition of Martial Laws? Do we want a new constitution, every decade as we had in 50s, 60s and 70s? Is constructing roads and flyovers a real change or we want to reconstruct our social structure? Do we want to revolutionize our education system?

The idea of change cannot be transformed into reality sans proper definition of the term.

Now once we decide that what type of change we actually want, we need some agents of change. One such agent is a true leader which, unfortunately, is not found in Pakistan. So, we have to create such environment in our country that facilitates the growth of charismatic leadership. Our education system needs fundamental and radical changes, for, presently, it may be good at producing readers, but is abjectly poor at producing leaders.

But “Rome was not built in a day”, true leaders are not produced overnight. Therefore, we should strengthen our political institutions; set discipline as our foundation and strict implementation of moral codes for strong political institutions will force those at the helm of affairs to work honestly. Eliminating corruption completely is impossible but we can devise such policies that would curtail corruption. One such policy may be proper documentation and computerizing the office correspondence. Here, Pakistan Highways and Motorway Police is the best example to cite. Such steps have minimized the chances of corruption. FBR is also moving towards the automation process. This is, undoubtedly, a great step towards a 'real change'.

Besides, our political setup also needs 'surgical' reformation. Our politics still comprise the elite –industrialists and feudal. History reveals that no revolution has ever been successful without a strong and ebullient middle class. Secondly, the culture of dynastic politics and autocracy in political parties should be eradicated as well. Only democratic parties should be allowed to contest

the polls. Thirdly, election-based i.e short-term policies shouldn't be devised.

This responsibility should equally be shouldered by the bureaucracy and political leadership. Politicians may come and go but the state institutions are permanent bodies and they can be real agents of change. One such institution is media that shapes the public opinion which is fundamental to 'change'. Similarly, NGOs and civil society can play their respective roles as well.

But the most significant “Change-agent” is a common man. Politically, common people elect the legislature to change the fate of country. So, assigning the responsibility of Pakistan's future, we have to put the baradari system aside. Therefore, every one of us should play his role positively. Hollow slogans and impracticable policies won't work anymore, for the people are now fed up of hunger, poverty, unemployment, energy crisis, and other such nuisances. The common man of Pakistan has to stand up and speak for his rights. This is the only way to transform the 'idea of change' into 'reality'.

The writer is civil servant and can be reached at:[email protected] Asif Malik

PAKISTANI YOUTH PREFERS SHARIAH OVER DEMOCRACY

It is time for leaders to speak directly to the next generation, bring them to the polls, and convince young people that they can provide them with the opportunity and security they need to build a better future for Pakistan.

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Following is the gist of a recent BBC survey which highlights that the youth of Pakistan prefers shariah to rule their lives:



1. Young people are losing confidence in the democratic system. Leaders of all political persuasions have a duty to convince the youth that they remain committed to 'undiluted democracy' for Pakistan.

2. Young voters could have a pivotal influence on the election. There are 25 million registered next generation voters, many of whom will go the polls for the first time. Around 60% of young people plan to vote, while another 10% say they could still be persuaded to turn out on election day. Political parties must, therefore, fight hard to win over the next generation voter.

3. Four groups of young voters are pivotal. Urban middle class and rural lower class voters come from opposite ends of the socioeconomic spectrum, but both groups need to be inspired to play a full political role. Conservative young men, meanwhile, yearn for someone who meets their aspirations while expressing core values. Any party that can bring more housewives to vote is certain to prosper at the polls.

4. Young women face very high levels of exclusion. Women are much less educated than men and many of them spend most of their time at home. They are less politically engaged and fewer than half of them currently expect to vote, even though nearly three quarters are registered to vote. Some may be registered without knowing due to Pakistan's new computerised electoral roll.

5. A small set of issues will influence the way young people vote. They are most likely to judge leaders on their policies for tackling inflation, creating employment, improving education and healthcare, and ending poverty. Corruption, terrorism, energy and water are also important to some groups of voters.

6. Rising prices are the biggest concern for young people. When asked to identify Pakistan's greatest challenge, inflation is the dominant issue. The next generation has been shaped by its experience of increasingly expensive food, energy and other commodities. An overwhelming majority report pressure on the living standards of themselves and their families.

7. Young people are starved of opportunities. Just one in ten young people are in stable employment, while over a third are either still students, working for themselves or working as day labourers. Half of the next generation is not working – mostly women who classify themselves as 'homemakers'. As a result, a lot of young talent is going to waste.

8. Insecurity hits young people hard. When asked which events have influenced them most, young people talk about the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, the recent devastating earthquake and floods, and a host of other violent episodes. Nearly a quarter of all young people, have been directly affected by violence or have been witness to a serious violent event.

9. Pakistan's politics adds to this turbulence. Young people have very low levels of confidence in the institutions – government, parliament, political parties – most responsible for setting the country's direction. In contrast, the justice system and the media have higher approval ratings, as does Pakistan's armed forces.

10. Young people are now deeply pessimistic. In our last report, we warned of high levels of pessimism among young people. Since then the situation has got worse. Very few young people believe Pakistan is heading in the right direction. The young fear for their own future as well as for that of their country.

11. The next generation has growing social and cultural influence. Young people are an economic

force, but they will have a broader impact on Pakistan. The country is becoming more urban, family sizes are shrinking, and the role of women is changing. Young people are also naturally driven to experimentation and questioning authority. The result will be a very different Pakistan.

12. Across Pakistan, the generation speaks with one voice. There are important geographical differences in youth opinion, in particular between the more and less developed parts of the country. But differences should not be overplayed – young people express broadly similar views on many issues, wherever they live in Pakistan.

13. This is a deeply conservative generation. Three quarters of women describe themselves as religious or conservative and nearly two thirds of men, dwarfing the numbers of moderates and liberals. Young people have a craving for greater stability and this has influenced their political opinions. Even in urban areas, only a third of young people say they are moderate or liberal.

14. Young urbanites have a strong generational identity. In towns and cities, young people are more likely to believe they are different from their parents, although this has not yet translated into political pressure. Only a quarter of urban youth are interested in politics and only a third are excited to vote at the election.

15. A next generation middle class is emerging in Pakistan. Young people from the middle class are especially important drivers of change. There are now nearly 12 million young people in this class in Pakistan – young people who are more educated than their parents, marry later, live in better housing, earn incomes that have raised them above subsistence, and are connected by the media to each other and the rest of the world.

16. Pakistan is transforming. In the first fifty years of its existence, the country struggled to feed, clothe, and educate very large numbers of children. But now the demographic tide has turned, as large numbers of young people enter their prime productive years. For better or for worse, they will affect Pakistan.

17. It currently enjoys massive demographic opportunities. When a country has large numbers of young people, it enjoys a historic opportunity. If its youth are educated and healthy, and if they can find employment opportunities, then living standards are likely to be transformed within a generation.

18. But demography is not destiny. The costs of failing to harness the energies of youth are high. If young people are starved of opportunities, they can wreak havoc on any society, turning a demographic dividend into a demographic disaster. Sadly, Pakistan has progressed further down the wrong path since the first Next Generation report.

19. Pakistan risks growing old before it gets rich. The demographic window will not be open for much longer. By mid-century, the proportion of workers in the population will be falling and the country will be ageing fast, making it harder to care for growing numbers of the elderly. Pakistan could be one of the first countries ever to grow old before it has grown rich.

20. The youth of Pakistan have a pessimistic outlook today, but it is important to remember their fervour for the country is unbridled and passionate. A substantial majority of the youth still believe that they will have a role in changing the country for the better, and policy makers need to address their needs to accrue the benefits of their patriotism.Newspaper Articles

Violent Backdrop for Crucial PAKISTAN ELECTIONS

With the number of targeted assassinations of leading politicians expected to increase by the time of the elections in the second week of May, there are no signs that the government or the army are prepared for a deterioration of security.

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The sense of instability is not made any better by the worsening economic crisis. An average of 10 to 20 people a day are being killed in the major cities - Karachi, Quetta, Lahore and Peshawar - as



the country is gripped by violence. On a bad day as many as 100 people can be killed by suicide or car bombs.

Intolerance UncheckedThose suffering most are the minority Shia population, who are being targeted by the extremists. On 9 March, Christians were attacked and their homes ransacked in a poor locality of Lahore by a rampaging mob.

Pakistan endured one of its worst days of violence on 10 January when 115 people were killed - including 93 Shias belonging to the Hazara ethnic group in Quetta.

A month later on 16 February another 84 were killed and 200 wounded in a similar massacre in the city. For days, Shia Hazaras refused to bury their dead and many prepared to leave Pakistan for ever.

The plight of some Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Ahmedis and Shias has forced many to flee the country as intolerance unchecked by the government escalates.On 3 March another 50 Shias were killed and over 100 wounded in a massive truck bomb that exploded in a Shia locality of Karachi.

Pakistani Shia naval officers and Shia doctors have likewise been killed. Last year more than 400 Shias were killed in Pakistan by the hardliners. Already more than 200 Shias have been killed in the first two months of 2013.

The killings are being carried out by Lashkar-e-Jhangvi - a militant group which has already been declared a terrorist organisation.

But the government's only reaction so far has been to place its former leader Malik Ishaq under house arrest. He has been arrested and freed several times before.

Test of DemocracyIt appears to many Pakistanis that the militants are more powerful than the army or the government.

Yet these elections are critical, for it will be the first time in Pakistan's history that an elected government will hand over power to another elected government.It will be the biggest test of Pakistan's democracy, but at the same time none of the major political parties is prepared to take on the extremists. The most critical elections in Pakistan's history are taking place amid an orgy of killings - minority groups, civilians and military personnel have all been targeted by a variety of extremists. Karachi is dissolving into chaos. It is not only besmirched by the mass killings, but also by a vicious, multi-sided turf war between ethnic and sectarian groups, mafias and land- grabbers.

Almost every day some part of the sprawling metropolis is shut down because of gunfire, murders or citizens' protests.

On 13 March one of the country's top aid workers - Karachi-based sanitation expert Parveen Rehman - was shot and killed in the city.

According to the independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), at least 2,284 people died in violence in Karachi in 2012.Meanwhile, journalists continue to be targeted across the country.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the Taliban carry on bombing civilians in Peshawar and attacking army posts in the mountains.The militants have launched multiple suicide bombers against police stations in populated areas.

On 28 February militants in the north-western tribal areas bombed four boys' schools in the Mohmand agency - bringing to more than 100 the number of schools they have destroyed in the tribal areas since 2011.

In Balochistan a separatist insurgency claims more lives every day.

Not surprisingly there are serious doubts as to how elections will take place in many areas where there is no law and order.

The army has made it clear that it cannot deploy at every polling station and the police appear to be demoralised and unwilling to ensure law and order in many parts of the country.

Electioneering will be muted and large gatherings will be impossible because of the fear of suicide bombings.

HRCP head IA Rehman has pointed out that half of the National Assembly seats fall in "the fear zone" where voters will be too scared to turn out in sufficient numbers or candidates may withdraw.

In other areas candidates may seek endorsement from the extremists to avoid getting killed.

Moreover, according to the constitution, a caretaker government and a prime minister must be appointed to oversee the elections.

But the interim government will be weak and will not be mandated to go after the extremists.

Covert supportPeople are asking why the army does not do more.

Army chief General Pervez Kayani says the civilian law enforcement authorities need to carry out its tasks more efficiently.

Gen Kayani says that the army will only act if it is requested to do so by the government - something the PPPP-led government loathed to do because it could show abject weakness just before the elections.

The PPP-led government, over the years, allowed the extremists to flourish by refusing to go after them.

Other political parties have given them refuge and covert support.

Almost all the extremist groups have a home in Punjab province, run by the opposition Pakistan Muslim League (PML). It has had no scruples about forging electoral alliances with religious groups known for extremist views.

If the PML (N) comes to power on the back of such alliances, it will be even more unlikely to crack down on them.

Meanwhile, the Asian Development Bank has warned that Pakistan faces a severe balance of

payments crisis and would need to borrow at least US $9bn (£6bn) from the IMF before the year is out.

The country's foreign exchange reserves have fallen to cover only two months of imports.

Ultimately elections will take place. So it behoves all parties - the army, the politicians, the police and the media - to ensure that violence is reduced so that the vote is as free and fair as is possible.

But even that looks like a long shot at the moment.Ahmad Rashid

PAKISTAN THROUGH FOREIGN LENSThe shifting landscape has made Pakistan a hot favourite for the international media and the number of foreign correspondents here has doubled in a decade only.

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According to the Press Information Department, the number of residing journalists has risen from 130 in 2001 to 250 in 2012 while the visiting journalists are also nearly 400. In addition, a number of foreign media outlets hire local reporters to report for them.

Stories related to Pakistan also began to occupy a significant space in most international publications. For example, a search on The Guardian's website for stories from/about Pakistan shows an increase from 1,191 stories in 2000 to 2,369 stories in 2012.

A closer look at these stories reveals that most of them appeared in the 'World News' section, featuring news events like terrorist attacks, political developments and international relations while the smallest number of stories appeared in the 'Law' section of various international newspapers. The 'Travel', 'Lifestyle' and other sections featuring soft-stories also contained fewer stories.

While the coverage of sensitive issues by the foreign media has been applauded for being thorough,



credible and accurate, the range of stories has often been criticised for being too narrow and showing a skewed picture.

“The foreign media writes about is sues that people want to read. Some of us might not like what they write, but what they write about the country is fairly realistic and accurate,” says journalist Najam Sethi. Pakistan went through a complete image makeover following the 9/11 attacks. It transformed from a relatively unknown country, with its biggest claim to fame being India's neighbour, to an important player in the global community. The post 9/11 Pakistan is of immense importance – it's a country that possesses nukes and is an ally in a war, fighting against extremists that are gaining momentum in its own backyard. Cyril Almeida, Assistant Editor Dawn feels that there is not much difference between stories from Pakistan that make headlines in the local media versus those in the international media. However, in the case of international publications, not only are stories met with constraints of space and time, but are also competing with stories from across the world.

“We should be more concerned about the product [Pakistan], rather than its image. We should fix the product rather than obsess about its image,” he said.Almeida stated that a country like India gets comparatively much more coverage by virtue of its size, economic strength and tourist attractions, whereas there aren't many feel-good stories to write about in Pakistan these days.

However, for foreign reporters, looking for a 'bigger and broader picture of the country', and the tedious process of reporting required by such a 'big picture', can be particularly challenging due to language barriers, security concerns and complex political and social realities of the country.

While being on the ground is important for journalists, most of them rely on stringers, fixers and interpreters for access to stories in areas like FATA. Additionally, stringers can also play an important role in gaining access to sources and help acquire a more accurate understanding of the country's customs, language and history.

According to Richard Leiby, bureau chief for The Washington Post, the qualities intrinsic to a good stringer are being good-natured, flexible and well-connected.

Language Barriers

Lack of knowledge of Urdu and other local languages can often create difficulties in

communicating with sources. Stringers and translators can be particularly helpful in such situations. According to Inskeep, “While some people seemed suspicious and did not say all they knew, others were delighted to share their stories. No matter where you are in the world, if you are willing to listen, you hear the most amazing things”.

Press Trust of India correspondent Rezaul Hassan recalls how people initially assumed his Urdu/Hindi skills to be perfect, since he belonged to India. This was far from the truth back then. But now, he claims that he can speak these languages as well as the locals.

He describes his term in Pakistan as one of the most “fertile periods” of his professional life but the journey has not been equally satisfying in personal terms. Restrictions on travel frustrate him the most.

Being one of the only two Indian journalists working in Pakistan currently, he has often encountered great trouble while getting visa extensions.

“There are times when I have been without a visa for up to six months,” he said, adding that it was unfortunate that such hindrances existed on both sides of the border.

“We try and look for stories that are different from 'the story' that everyone else is writing about,” says Michele Leiby, a correspondent for The Washington Post.But that is not always easy given the restrictions on foreign correspondents when it comes to travelling freely outside Islamabad and Punjab. Huge amount of paperwork is required for such travels, which consumes a lot of time, often at the cost of dropping a story. Spend two weeks in Pakistan: you are confused. Spend one year in Pakistan: you are more confused.” Leiby, Pakistan Correspondent, The Washington Post While talking to the average Pakistani, or getting really close to a story, might be challenging for foreign reporters due to security reasons and language barriers, access to important government, military and bureaucratic officials is often easier.

“Pakistani political leaders and officials are sensitive, I think, about the image their country presents to the world, so they tend not to totally ignore calls,” says Leiby.

Reporting for a foreign publication also allows for a certain level of freedom and fearlessness in stories – a rare luxury for local reporters. While local journalists might have better access, the deteriorating security situation for journalists in the country prevents them from actually covering those stories, elaborates Rob Crilly, the Pakistan correspondent for The Telegraph. He cites stories on Balochistan, blasphemy, religion and the workings of ISI as some of the dark corners upon which foreign reporters can tread relatively freely.

“We work here as if we were working in the United States. We are not under risk of being abducted, jailed or censored. The worst that can happen to us for doing these stories is that we will get kicked out,” says Leiby.

Covering Pakistan: the Experience

“Spend two weeks in Pakistan: you are confused. Spend one year in Pakistan: you are more confused.” Leiby, Pakistan Correspondent, The Washington Post

“Spend two weeks in Pakistan: you are confused. Spend one year in Pakistan: you are more confused,” says Leiby, who has been in the country for the past one year along with his wife.

He added that the cultural adjustments would “blow your mind away”, if one did not have any previous experience of working in the Muslim world. For Leiby however, the adjustment was not so drastic due to his previous assignments in Gaza, Iraq and Egypt.

There were exceptions like the time he stepped out to the nearby petrol station to get a few quotes for a story where someone inquired what branch of the Central Intelligence Agency he belonged to. When he responded, “No sir, I work for the Washington Post,” the man retorted: “Isn't that the same thing?” Leiby recalls with a laugh. “Such incidents, however, are an exception rather than the norm”, he added.

But the suspicion towards British reporters is lesser, which makes the job relatively easier for them, as compared to an American reporter or one from any other European country, says Crilly. “You can say a lot of bad things about the British Empire but one of the things it has done is to give us a common language, a mutual love for cricket and a cup of tea. That has opened doors for me in many ways,” he said.

For an Indian journalist, covering Pakistan is “a dream job”, says Hassan who has been doing so for the past five years. For him the choice of working here was extremely straightforward as the country figures prominently in Indian politics and diplomacy and people back home love reading about it. However, there was much warning from fellow countrymen for these journalists before they came to Pakistan about the unstable security conditions and people from agencies following him around.

A Hospitable People

The warmth and generosity of the Pakistani people struck a chord with all foreign correspondents. “Wherever you go, there is a cup of tea, often accompanied by an invitation to lunch. The hospitality still overwhelms me,” says Crilly.

Michele Leiby also feels that she has learnt the true meaning of warmth and hospitality through the people in Pakistan. She fondly recalls a family in the refugee camps in Jalozai, who opened their hearts and homes to them despite having nothing aside from their tent, a cot and a few pigeons.

Despite the warnings and potential bumps and dead ends, the ride for a foreign journalist reporting in Pakistan is an exhilarating one. “You come to Pakistan; it feels like you are driving at 80 miles/hr every day. When you go back home, you go back to driving at 20 miles/hr. It is such an incredible rush being here”, says Hassan.

Strange Tales from Pakistan

The article “Pakistan Loving Fatburger as Fast Food Boom Ignores Drones” that was published in January 2013 by Bloomberg, traces the growth of American franchises and increase in consumer spending in Pakistan over the past few years. However, the headline and the parallels drawn between enjoying food at American chains and terrorism drew a large amount of criticism, especially over social media

“Bin Laden City Abbottabad to build amusement park” Published in AFP on February 2013, the story is about the government plans to build an amusement park in the city of Abbottabad. However, the reference to Abbottabad as “Bin Laden City” has been criticised for limiting the city's history and identity to the final refuge of a terrorist.

“In Pakistan, underground parties push the boundaries” Published in August 2012 by Reuters, this

report juxtaposes the culture of partying, drinking and dancing by young people against a backdrop of rising extremism and Talibanization in Pakistan. It received a lot of criticism for misquoting sources and drawing parallels between two exaggerated extremes in the country.

Stories Covered Exceptionally Well by Foreign Media

1. Osama bin Laden's death: How it happened: The level of detail, precision and openness in the reporting on the bin-Laden operation by the foreign publications remains unmatched by local newspapers. The shortcomings of the ISI and the Pakistani army have also been addressed openly, a subject that remains sensitive for local papers.

2.'Karachi: Pakistan’s bleeding heart: A detailed story on the violence in Karachi, incorporating perspectives from the various stakeholders and mapping out the various sectarian and political clashes in the city.

3. 'Pakistan’s secret dirty war: The piece sheds light on the conflict in Balochistan, the issues of missing persons and the insurgency in the area. The reporting in the story was extremely detailed and highlighted an important issue in the country, mainly ignored by mainstream media at the time.

4. Cheating spouses keep Pakistani private detectives busy: An unusual and different story detailing the woes of women in Pakistan, who hire detectives to keep track of their spouse's whereabouts and activities. The story breaks free of the usual pattern of terrorism and bombs and chronicles, the dilemmas of an average Pakistani.

5. 'In Pakistan’s Taliban territory, education is a casualty of conflict: A profile of a school in Waziristan which continues to function despite all odds, the story offers a unique perspective into the area, unlike the usual tales of bombs and destruction that emanate from the region.

Courtesy Express TribuneSarah Munir

Is Pakistan’s Condition Terminal?Sharing an elevator the other day, a colleague suddenly turned to me and asked: "So, just how much longer does Pakistan have?"

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My interlocutor is not the first person to pose that question, but coming from a savvy veteran of the international arena, his out-of-the-blue query was jolting.

Pakistan, after all, is not Laos or Sierra Leone. It is a real country, too large and too centrally located to be casually written off. It will soon have the fifth-largest population in the world, with 40 million more people than Russia. It already has the seventh-largest army in the world, and is closing in on the United Kingdom to become the fifth-largest nuclear power.

Yet Pakistan gives the appearance of a state not merely in decline, but in terminal decline. Its institutions are broken, its economy lagging, its government finances slipshod, its social indicators deplorable. Corruption is rampant, while tax evasion is the national sport; a Pakistani investigative reporter last fall discovered that two-thirds of federal lawmakers paid no taxes in 2011, nor had the president. Journalists are regularly detained or murdered because their reporting has come too close to truths those in power prefer to obscure-the Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom index has found that for the second consecutive year, Pakistan is the most dangerous country in the world for journalists. Assassination is also an ever-present danger for politicians who espouse progressive views or challenge the authority of extremists. Political and civic leadership is absent, while sectarian violence against Shi'as and other minorities is all too present - witness, for instance, the anti-Christian rampage in Toseph colony Lahore.

To be sure, Pakistan has faced even graver crises in the past, most notably when the country split apart in 1971 and the eastern half of the state broke away to form the separate country of Bangladesh. But the systemic decay one sees in Pakistan today surpasses even the breakdown that preceded the 1971 crisis. Pakistanis-many of whom will hate this article-will correctly point out that the Pakistani people are extraordinarily resilient. (They will also, quite properly, retort that an American should be the last person to be lecturing them on political gridlock or fiscal probity.) Indeed, that quality of sheer plodding resilience is inescapable to anyone with more than the barest familiarity with Pakistan.

Resilience, however, is not rejuvenation, and it is far more difficult to find convincing evidence that Pakistan is capable of genuine rejuvenation.

Not all is lost; Pakistan's present ills need not be terminal. History offers examples of floundering states that have turned their fortunes around. Not many years ago, informed observers described Colombia, which was driven by narcotics mafias, multiple guerrilla forces, paramilitary groups, and surging numbers of displaced people, as a failed state in waiting. Yet in the last 15 years, Colombia has witnessed a profound transformation: the security situation has vastly improved, the economy

is growing smartly, and the army and police are professional and operate within the bounds of the law.

Indonesia offers the example of a Muslim-majority country that has dramatically revitalized itself in recent years (although Indonesia was never as seriously troubled as Pakistan is today). Other countries-Germany, Japan, or somewhat earlier, the Ottoman forerunner to today's Turkey-have parlayed the catastrophe of military defeat to reverse their fortunes and build a successful polity.

What (besides the sting of defeat) did these countries have that today's Pakistan does not? Surely, Pakistan does not lack for talented, entrepreneurial individuals, idealistic youth, or a core constituency for creating a modern, rules-based state. And in recent years, it has developed a feisty media and a judiciary willing to challenge traditional power brokers.

But Pakistan has failed abysmally in cultivating leadership, vision, and a national commitment to turn around the fortunes of an ailing state. Equally bad, the people of Pakistan have for too long tolerated shoddy governance, venal politicians, failing institutions, and second-best performance. The equanimity with which Pakistanis accept bad governance and reward those culpable with new terms of office remains astonishing. Former interior minister, for instance, the official whose portfolio includes law and order, is reported to have blamed Karachi's abominable history of sectarian murders on angry wives and girlfriends. Rather than incensed indignation, his eccentricities have inspired little more than amused tolerance.

How to explain this collective shrug of indifference, this fatalistic acceptance of conditions and behaviours that ought to be unacceptable? That is a complicated question that defies easy answer. Part of the explanation might lie in a feeling of powerlessness that reflects the daily experience of most Pakistanis, who see themselves as having little control over the decisions and processes that shape their day-to-day lives. Hence, the widespread belief in Pakistan is in the 'hidden hand', in conspirators hiding in the shadows.

Can Pakistan continue to muddle through? Will Pakistan exist more or less in its current manifestation ten years from now? In all probability, yes! But is muddling through good enough? Decay is a cumulative process and not easily reversed. Equally to the point, today's Pakistan displays few signs that any of its current power centres are serious about trying to reverse the country's rot. There are exceptions, to be sure. But that's precisely the problem: they are exceptions. Will Pakistan exist more or less in its current manifestation ten years from now? In all probability,

yes! So what does all this mean for Pakistan's friends and well-wishers? In fact, one need not even be a friend of Pakistan to hope that it succeeds; the consequences of a wholesale Pakistani collapse-terrorism, poverty, loose nukes, refugees, deteriorating human rights, especially for women and girls, heightened tensions with its neighbors-are too fearful to wish on even an adversary. Think of a nuclear-armed Lebanon, where violent extremists wield more power than the formal government.

Yet the sad reality is that outsiders can do little to staunch Pakistan's slide to disfunctionality unless Pakistanis decide to seize control of their own destiny. The United States and the rest of the international community can be only bit players in this drama. America's influence in Pakistan, for reasons good and bad, is vastly exaggerated. As Pakistan confronts its challenges, foreigners can make a difference only at the margins.

Ultimately, Pakistanis must do this themselves. They must demonstrate an unaccustomed willingness to face hard realities, to make difficult choices, to accept short-term pain in the hope of laying the groundwork for longer term success. In other words, they must do all those things that we Americans find impossible to do.

This is a troubling conclusion, if for no reason beyond the fact that most people find it easier to tolerate the status quo, no matter how unsatisfactory, than to jump off a cliff into an unknowable future. Until that moment when a fed-up Gdansk electrician runs out of patience, a charismatic ayatollah unexpectedly emerges to rally his fellow aggrieved, a spontaneous protest takes on a life of its own. At which point anything can happen, and not only in ways that are constructive or beneficial.

That's a risky strategy for reform in Pakistan, if it's a strategy at all. Perhaps more prudently, Pakistanis (and Americans) should start by demanding accountability from their political leaders-and be prepared to fire those leaders when they fail to deliver. Pakistanis must no longer be content with observing some of the forms of democracy-periodic elections, multiple political parties, a parliament. Instead, they must demand the realities of good governance honesty, transparency, and accountability. Until that time, outsiders can do little more than stand by as horrified spectators, watching a train wreck in slow motion.Foreign Writers

Education & ManifestosThe PML-N's manifesto says that “Education must be number one national priority.” And the PTI and PPP manifestos also accord similar importance to education.

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There is a clear realisation, coming through the documents, that education is not only necessary for the social and economic well-being of the country, it is crucial for ensuring social mobility, reducing inequality and addressing poverty. The documents acknowledge that education is an issue of basic human rights.

There is also recognition of the need for urgent action in the field of education. Two of the manifestos mention the need for having an “education emergency”, while the third expresses similar urgency but without using these words.

All three of them promise substantial increases in outlays on education over the five years of their government, if they do come to power. The PML-N promises to raise expenditures on education to 4 per cent of GDP, the PPP will raise them to 4.5 per cent while the PTI, if it comes to power, will raise education outlays to 5 per cent of GDP by the end of their five years of government.

All the parties believe in universal enrollment as an essential goal, but they refrain from making explicit promises as to when universality will be achieved and to what level.

Beyond this point the policies begin to diverge. The PPP and the PML-N have been in power for the last five years. They feel compelled to defend some of the choices, right or wrong, made over this period and want to expand and universalise the ambit of some of these policies. The PPP wants to do conditional cash transfers for education, especially for the ultra poor, through the Benazir Income Support Programme. The PML-N promises to set up Daanish schools across the country. They also want to replicate the endowment fund model for scholarships for talented students across Pakistan.

The PTI has not been in power and has been, in a way, preparing for this election for the longest period. It has the deepest, most developed and coherent policy vision for education. It takes the trouble of identifying all of the major issues we face in the sector and then goes into a lot of detail to explain what it proposes to do. One can take issue with their understanding of the problems, the proposed solutions or the implementation mechanisms that they propose — and one should — but there is no denying the work and effort that must have gone into identifying the issues in such detail and proposing solutions.

For example, the medium of instruction debate is a major issue. The PML-N chose to solve it, in Punjab, by simply declaring English as the medium of instruction for all publicschools without any preparation, discussion or debate. And now the topic is not mentioned or explained in its manifesto. The PPP also does not address the issue.

The PTI not only talks of why the issue is important and problematic in any multicultural, multilingual society, it also provides a solution: Urdu and/or the mother tongue to be the medium of instruction till grade VIII and then a switch to English, while English will also be taught as a subject from the beginning. One can argue whether the switch should happen earlier or later and ask what the role of the mother tongue may be (there are 40 plus languages/dialects spoken in Pakistan) versus Urdu. But at least the issue has been given its due in the manifesto and debate can occur around it. The PTI has not been in power and has been, in a way, preparing for this election for the longest period. It has the deepest, most developed and coherent policy vision for education. After going through the proposals given by the PPP and the PML-N, one does feel that there is a disconnect between their claim that education should be one of the top priorities, if not the top one, and what they are proposing to do about it. The proposals do not address education as an emergency or as a top priority and feel more like business-as-usual sort of pronouncements. There is distance even between rhetoric and promise. The distance between rhetoric and reality might be even more.

By contrast, the PTI does give the proposals the needed gravitas. Is this a reflection of the fact that the PML-N and the PPP, having more experience of governance, are being more realistic and the PTI more idealistic? Or does it actually stem from differences in the importance the respective parties and their leaders accord to the area of education? Imran Khan has, repeatedly, said that for him getting the education policy right is the most important medium to the long-term goal and it is necessary for securing any viable future for Pakistan.

On the whole it is heartening to see some agreement between the parties on a) the importance of getting the education policy right, and b) spending more in the area. If a coalition government is formed, this overlap might become a basis for working out a broader consensus in this area. But detailed policies for this consensus will still need to be worked out as not only are the proposals in the manifestos generally weak, there is less agreement over them as well. But the real test will be whether the public is able to hold the parties accountable for the promises they are making in their respective manifestos.Newspaper Articles


Khyber Pakhtunkhwa The Paradise Lost?Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province of Pakistan blessed with scenic landscapes and unmatched beauty, is a region where the Indian Subcontinent meets the Hindu Kush Mountain range of Afghanistan.

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Having the most varied terrain and a vigorous cultural spectrum, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is the most diverse province of Pakistan. The area is famous across the globe due to its geographical location, hospitable climate and abounding natural resources. Although in the recent past, the terrorists have played havoc with the province, still the people bravely face them to regain the control of their paradise they once lost to the devils i.e. the terrorists.

Nature has gifted this “Land of Pashtuns” with rich cultural and tourism — friendly environment. Before the sudden rise of Taliban in Swat valley and adjacent areas, this area has been the heaven of the tourists. Thousands of foreign tourists had been coming to visit these places that, in turn, earned millions of dollars to the national exchequer. Now, after restoration of peace here, though to some extent, it's potential to become a big tourist attraction needs to be prudently exploited.

GeographyThe province is located in northwest of the country and borders the following:

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, occupying an area of 74,521 km² (28,773 sq mi) is dominated by the occurrence of mountainous terrains of eastern Hindokush, and western Himalayas in the north and Samana Rang, Sur Ghar range and Marwat range in the south. These terrains constitute about 70 per cent of the total area of the province. The adjacent FATA region with an area of 27,220 km² also has similar nature of topographic features.

DistrictsThe province consists of 25 districts. The tribal belt consists of 7 agencies with 42 tehsils.


Note: Malakand is the smallest district in terms of area while Chitral is the largest. On January 27, 2011, President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari signed a document to change the status of Kala Dhaka in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa from a Provincially Administered Tribal Area (PATA) to that of a settled area and renamed it as Tor Ghar.

Did You Know?The Gandhara civilization where the finest expression of Buddhism is found is located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.In 331 BC, Alexander the Macedonian invaded the mountains and valleys of the present Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and fought his way to Punjab. His total stay in the Frontier was less than twelve months.

List of DistrictsSwat is popular among tourists as the "Switzerland of South Asia".

HistoryThis region had served as a major conduit for trade with the western and Central Asian States. In the old good days, the convoys of traders and businessmen from the Central Asian Republics, India, China and Iran used to stay in Peshawar on their way to Afghanistan, Tashkent, Samarkant, Bukhara and other parts of the Central Asian Republics.

Provincial AssemblyThe NWFP Provincial Assembly has 124 elected members; 99 general seats, 22 seats reserved for women and 3 seats for Non-Muslims. In 1937, the Government of India Act 1935 was enforced in NWFP and NWFP Legislative Assembly was formed. The first session of parliament was summoned on 12 March 1946 under the Chairmanship of Sardar Bahadur Khan while Nawabzada Allah Nawaz Khan was elected as Speaker and Lala Girdheri Lal as Deputy Speaker on 13 March 1946.

After the creation of Pakistan, the first Election in NWFP Legislative Council was held on 15 December 1951 and the session of the Assembly was summoned on 10 January 1952. Following the declaration of one unit on 3 October 1955, the Country was divided into two provinces, West Pakistan and East Pakistan and the Legislative Assembly building was declared as Peshawar High Court. After the dissolution of West Pakistan in 1970, the NWFP Provincial Assembly was restored. The legislative Assembly became a Provincial Assembly through a presidential order known as legal framework order 1970.

Natural ResourcesThe province is blessed with abounding natural resources such as minerals, precious stones, marble, wood, hydropower potential and copious water resources. There are over 2000 industrial units 3 industrial estates and 10 small industrial estates in the province. The three main industrial hubs include Peshawar, Hattar and Gadoon industrial estates while small-scale industries are concentrated at Peshawar, Mardan, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Kohat, D.I.Khan, Bannu and Charsadda areas.

Coal is found in abundance in the province and major working coalmines are Hangu/Orakzai (81million tonnes), Cherat (7.74 million tonnes), Gulakhel (30 million tonnes), and Dara Adamkhel (mining started recently) coalfields, and non-developed is Shirani coalfield (1 million tonnes) with total reserves of about 119.74 million tonnes. Northern part of the province has potential of marble/granite, cement grade limestone, phosphates, soapstone, nepheline syenite and other industrial minerals beside gemstone and metallic minerals. Southern part of the province has extensive potential of industrial rocks and minerals which include rock salt, gypsum, clay minerals,

limestone, silica sand and iron ore.

MountainsThe magic mountain ranges of the Hindu Kush to the north and north-west, the Karakorum / "Small Black Rocks" to the north and north-east and the Himalayas / "Home of the Snow" to the east accord the land a dramatic backdrop. Chitral is called the “Land of Mountains”. Tirich Mir (7,708m), Istor-o-nal (7403m) and Saragharar (7349m) are some famous mountains in Chitral district.

LanguagesPashto, a language of Northeastern Iranic branch of the Indo-Iranian family, is the most pervasive and the native language of millions of Pashtuns in Khyber PK. Hindko is the second most commonly spoken indigenous language. It is predominant in eastern parts of the province and is spoken in Hazara Division, especially in the cities of Abbottabad, Mansehra and Haripur.

TribesIn most rural areas of the centre and south, Pashtun tribes can be found including the Yusufzai, Bangash, Bhittani, Daavi, Khattak, Babar, Gandapur, Gharghasht, Marwat, Afridi, , Shinwari, Orakzai, Mahsud, Mohmand, Wazir and Bannusi (Banochi) as well as other Pushtun tribes of Hazara division, Swati, Kakar, Tareen, Jadoon and Mashwani.

EducationThere are following universities in the province:Abasyn University - PeshawarKhyber Pakhtunkhwa Agricultural University - PeshawarAbdul Wali Khan University - MardanKohat University of Science and Technology - KohatCECOS University of Information Technology and Emerging Sciences - PeshawarNorthern University - NowsheraCity University of Science and Information Technology - PeshawarNWFP University of Engineering and Technology - PeshawarFrontier Women University - PeshawarPreston University - KohatGandhara University - PeshawarPreston University Kohat - KohatGhulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology - Topi

Qurtaba University of Science and Information Technology - D.I. KhanGomal University - D. I. KhanSarhad University of Science and Information Technology - PeshawarHazara University - MansehraShaheed Benazir Bhutto University - DirInstitute of Management Science - PeshawarUniversity of Malakand - MalakandIqra National University - PeshawarUniversity of Peshawar - PeshawarIslamia College University - PeshawarUniversity of Science and Technology - BannuKhyber Medical University - PeshawarUniversity of Swat – Swat

Literature“When I begin composing poetry in Pushto, the Pushto language will attain the heights of excellence.”These words, a translation of Khushhal Khan Khattak's verse, delineate his stature in Pushto literature. Pashto literature saw unprecedented development in the 17th century mainly due to poets like Khushal Khan Khattak and Rahman Baba who are the greatest and most revered Pashto poets. Rahman Baba's works are every bit as important to the Pashtun as William Shakespeare is to the English.

Notable LiteratiAmir Kror Suri, Pir Roshan, Sheikh Mali, Afzal Khan Khattak, Abdul Qader Khattak, Ajmal Khattak, Khan Roshan Khan, Nazoo Anaa, Ghani Khan, Malang Jan Baba, Shah Sayed Miran, Shah Shuja, Timur Shah, Shereenyar Yousafzai, Twin CitiesPeshawarÜrümqi, ChinaMakassar, IndonesiaSana'a, Yemen

Notable Personalities

PoliticiansSardar Abdur Rab Nishtar, Farhatullah Babar, Sahibzada Abdul Qayyum, Khan Abdul Wali Khan, Ajmal Khattak, Asfandyar Wali Khan, Qazi Hussain Ahmad, Moulana Fazlur Rahman, Gohar Ayub Khan, Maulana Sami ul Haq, Naseer Ullah Babar, Maulana Muhammad Ali Johar, Maulana Shoukat Ali Johar, V.P. Singh (Former Indian PM) and so many others.

PresidentsMuhammad Ayub Khan, Muhammad Yahya Khan and Ghulam Ishaq Khan

Military menPak ArmyField Marshal Muhammad Ayub Khan, General Agha Muhammad Yahya Khan and General Abdul Waheed Kakar

Pakistan Air ForceAir-Chief Marshal Anwar Shamim, Air Chief Marshal Abbas Khattak, Air Chief Marshal Mushaf

Ali Mir,

Note: None of the Naval Chiefs has been from Khyber Pk.

BollywoodBollywood Stars Dilip Kumar, Amjad Khan, Prithviraj Kapoor, Raj Kapoor, Vinod Khanna, Manoj Kumar, Premnath Malhotra were born in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

SportsHashim Khan, Roshan Khan, Jahangir Khan, Jansher Khan, Younis Khan, Shahid Afridi, Umar Gul, Qamar Zaman, Yasir HameedNote: Well-known artist Ismail Gulgee and Patras Bokhari, a noted Urdu humourist, also belong to Khyber PK.

Famous ShrinesShah Qabool Aulia, Chishti Baba G Lajpal, Ghazi Syed Shah Fateh Muhammad Bukhari, Mir Jani Shah Sarkar, Pir Syed Mehboob Ali Shah, Syed Faqeer Shah Wali, Syed Abdur Rahim Shah Bukhari, Syed Shiekh Abdul Wahab

Mountain PassesKhyber Pass, Kuram Pass, Tochi Pass, Gomal Pass, Lowari Pass, Shangla Pass, Malakand Pass

Random FactsThe province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is largely located on the Iranian plateau and Eurasian land plate.FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Areas) comprises seven Tribal Agencies namely Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, North Waziristan and South Waziristan and 6 Frontier Regions F.R. Bannu, Central Kurram, F.R. Dera Ismail Khan, F.R. Kohat, F.R. Lakki, F.R. Peshawar and F.R. Tank. These are directly controlled by the Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Its climate varies from very cold (Chitral in the north) to very hot in places like D.I. Khan.

The major rivers that cross the province are Kabul River, Swat River, Chitral River, Panjgora River, ara River, Karam River, Gomal River and Zob River.Takht-i-Bahi is the most impressive Buddhist ruin in the province and dates back to the 1st century BCE.

Tourist AttractionsThe quasi contiguity of the province, with the Central Asian states and with xiangiang province of China attracted many migrants, businessmen, warriors and fortune seekers in different ages for settlement. The interaction among different races and their co-existence led to a rich cultural heritage. The glimpses of such heritage are evident from the Ghandhara archaeological sites at Gur Khattree Peshawar, Takh-Bahi (Mardan), Seri Behlol (Mardan), Shabaz Gari (Mardan) Nimo Gram Buddhist Stupa (Swat), and collection of Ghandhara art preserved at Swat Museum, Chakdara museum (Dir Lower) and Peshawar museum.The total area of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is 100200 sq.km

Northern Zone: A mountainous region full of natural picturesque having 5 small and big rivers.Mid Part: It comprises of Peshawar Valley, a seat of different civilizations.

Southern Zone: Rugged dry hills and vast gravelly plains with patches of alluvial agri fields.

North of province is exceptionally rich in picturesque and alluring landscape, exotic valleys and dense pine forests.The natural lakes and thick forests of the province are heaven for eco tourism.Ghandhara Remains testify the rich cultural heritage of the province.

NathiagaliNathiagali clad in pine, walnut, oak and maple trees, is the prettiest hill resort in the Galiyat region. Kaghan ValleyThe Kaghan valley is about 160 km long and between two and four thousand metres above sea level at various places. Kunhar River with plenty of trout fish flows through the valley. NaranAbout 86 km from Balakot is Naran, the main attraction of the Kaghan valley. This town is a starting point for Lake Salful Muluk, Battakundi, Lalazar Plateau, Lake Lulusar and Babusar Pass. Lake Saiful MulukIt is situated at a distance of 10 km from Naran at an altitude of 3500 m. It provides an excellent view of the 5290 metres high Malika Parbat (Queen of the Mountains). The lake and its surroundings have a touch of unreal about them and are breathtakingly lovely. There is a charming legend about a prince called Saiful Muluk who fell in love with a fairy of the lake. The lake is named after the prince. KalamKalam is the main town of Swat Kohistan. Beautiful valleys of Ushu (2286 m), Utrot (2225 m) and Gabral (2550 m) are accessible from here. The 6257 m high snow — capped Falaksair Peak is clearly visible from Matiltan (3000m). Shandur PassThe world — famous Shandur Pass is about 3738 metres above sea level and lies midway between Chitral and Gligit. The traditional Polo Tournament between the Gilgit and Chitral teams is held here every year.

Other famous tourist attractions in Khyber PK include: Hazara , Haripur, Abbottabad, Thandiani, Dungagali, Ayubia, Mansehra, Balakot, Shogran, Malakand and Swat Region, Mingora, Bahrain, Kalam, Churchill Picket, Kalash Valleys, Chitral, Garam Chashma ETC.Muhammad Usman Butt

Taroscpoe for Elections 2013While casting the Horoscope and Taroscope for the General Elections 2013, one thing that incessantly struck to my mind was that could there have been any more troubled time than what we are going through nowadays.

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General Elections 2013 will be held at a time when the whole world is passing through a chaotic period with a lot of hullabaloo all around. There would have been no year more tumultuous and turbulent like this one. We are going to face a time marred with conflict of interest and ideals, especially from April 26 to May 15. Possibly, our private and public life will be vulnerable and exposed to drastic and momentous changes. Twenty days after the 26th of April are going to be highly critical in this regard. Now, I will expound the reasons behind my assertions.

First of all, the election date i.e 11th of May, is under the effect of three eclipses. First will be a lunar eclipse on April 26, the second is going to be a solar eclipse taking place on May 10 while the third eclipse will be again lunar and that will be on May 25.

In taroscope, the card for this period is 16th trump “The Tower” and 55th trump “Ace of Swords”. The time of “The Tower” will start on April 30 and will last till May 14. Now, what this combination has for us in the stock, let us have a brief account of it.

Under the effect of “The Tower”, the main theme of this time is “Unexpected and Unforeseeable Change”. Melee, collision, egocentricity, divulge of the secrets, anarchy, competition and rivalry, awakening, religious revival, adjustments and alterations, scandals, etc. coupled with natural calamities and vagaries of weather become the order of the day. Moreover, the misuse of information goes up and bruiting, hoopla and accusations become rampant.

In this period of uncertainty, resignations of some key officials, occupying the highest posts, may come out of the blue. The situation seems to be out of control and the happenings will be often unanticipated. Given these circumstances, the best strategy would be to go into seclusion and wait for the rocky time to pass. This time will not only influence your personal but also the public life.

At present, the fundamental question is whether the elections 2013 will be conducted as per the schedule or not? It is extremely difficult for me to tell something assertively before the 26th of April. A wave of turmoil, chaos and ups and downs will be witnessed. Most probably, this is the reason why the bloodshed and, ultimately, deferment of the elections or unexpected outcomes are being expected. Most pundits predict that the elections will be postponed and the caretaker setup will continue for at least one year. In fact, this is the time of disarray, not to be ignored at all. Though there are some bad omens also but I can say that the election will be conducted, somehow, in time. Though I am not absolutely sure but my intuition is tilted towards elections with a 60-40

ratio.

After the 25th of April, the situation in Quetta might take a shocking turn and the circumstances could turn dire and unmanageable. I think, the elections in the Balochistan province will either be postponed or will be held under the supervision of Pak Army.

Now, let's take a prospective look on what fate has for us if the elections are conducted at the scheduled time. In this context, I think the tough luck awaits politicians and some tragic events, like Bashir Bilour's assassination, may affect the whole scenario in a big way. Ominously, some candidates may fall prey to the ongoing violence spree. Many bigwigs will go behind the bars while some might face the harsh luck. At present, judiciary and Army are strong like never before. A strange turn of events is in the offing but it is almost certain that there will be no coup. However, the political affrays will rock the nation and Army and judiciary will have a decisive role in this regard. The rejection of the electoral results also seems probable. Many suits will be filed and we will witness many far-reaching decisions and verdicts.

If we take a look at the political landscape after the elections, no party will be able to command majority in the parliament. Possibly PPP will be in a position to form the government after forging an alliance with smaller parties. Pakistan Mulish League (N) will closely follow the PPP but it isn't going to be in a position to form the government. However, in the biggest province i.e. Punjab, they will rule the roost.

As far as PTI is concerned, I don't see the party making a clean sweep but they will bag 20-25 NA seats. MQM will not be making much progress and it will be placed more or less at the same position as in 2008. As a whole, 2013 Elections are a harbinger to a changed and a new Pakistan. Irrespective of the elections being held in time or dalayed, the events will take a favourable turn after August 2013 and we will witness, Insha Allah, new vistas that will lead to the development of our beloved homeland.Aliya Nazeer


Rehmat Ali Razi Member Executive Committee APNS & Member Standing

Committee CPNEJahangir's World Times (JWT): Do you foresee postponement of elections owing to some factors including security threats?

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Rehmat Ali Razi (RAR): No doubt, we lack an ideal situation for holding the elections and to fulfil the requirements of the constitution and the democratic norms, the electoral process shouldn't be postponed or delayed in any case. I am hopeful that General Elections 2013 will be held as scheduled. In case of postponement, all the political parties will be the losers. That's the reason why none of the parties want any delay.

JWT: A few days are left in the polls but why the political atmosphere is still too passive?

RAR: Yes, I agree that the electioneering hasn't picked up the momentum yet. I think there are three reasons behind it. First of all the given time for the whole process is very short. Secondly, this time the approval of candidates by the election commission became quite complicated and thirdly, parties remained busy in finalizing their candidates. Protests from their own workers were also seen. The political parties should have done their home work early.

JWT: Is Imran Khan's slogan of 'Change' going to be the focal point or it is just rhetoric?

RAR: Well, only Imran Khan is raising the “Change” slogan enthusiastically and in fact, his part itself is a manifestation of change in Pakistani politics. PTI has introduced a novel way of


campaigning by preferring songs over slogans. They also brought in the factor of social media in full play and presented youth as a decisive force. Other parties also followed the suit and I think our political scene is ripe for change now. I am hoping to see a real change the glimpses of which are visible in new electoral rolls, independent judiciary, ever-more vigilant ECP and a vibrant media.

JWT: Do you expect some sort of surprise from PTI?

RAR: Yes, I do expect a huge surprise. PTI is able to do wonders, because in many surveys, it outshined others in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and is also in a position to give a setback to other parties in Punjab. Here, a neck and neck competition is being anticipated between PML (N) and PTI. But, remember that the wave of change will not remain limited to urban centres of Punjab only rather it will also affect the rural votes and the end result may be beyond our expectations.Waqas Iqbal

Sohail Warraich Well-known Political AnalystJahangir's World Times (JWT): Is Imran Khan's slogan of 'Change' going to be the focal point or it is just rhetoric?

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Sohail Warraich (SW): Definitely, and the main reason is that people want a real change. The question arises that what sort of change do the people want; political, social or economic? I think people, mostly, aspire to a big economic change, therefore, whoever assures them economic change, will be the winner.

JWT: You must have gone through the manifestos of political parties so, in your opinion, which political party has focused more on the economy?



SW: Well, PTI and PML (N) both have focused a lot on economy but I think the economic plan of PML (N) is more comprehensive than that of PTI because their main slogan for the election “Strong economy, Strong Pakistan” speaks for itself.

JWT: What are some potential factors to bring about a big change in the electoral results?

SW: I think only voting turnout is going to be a decisive factor to determine any substantial change in the results. For instance, if we take Lahore, in 2008 elections, the turnout was 38 per cent and if it remains unchanged now, then we cannot expect any considerable change in the results except for two seats; NA-122 and NA-126. From NA-122, Imran Khan is himself contesting while NA-126 is considered as a strong centre of PTI voters but results will change only if the turnout increases.

JWT: Do you expect some sort of surprise from PTI?

SW: I think it would be premature to say something on this issue. But, in Punjab, the situation is quite interesting because both parties – PTI and PML (N) – are popular in the same urban constituencies. Moreover, Punjab has a trend of being, mainly, a two-party contest and this time it is going to be PTI vs. PML (N). Now, it all depends on PTI as to how they manage to bring out their voters on the polling day owing to the reason that only PTI has attracted new votes, other parties rely on their traditional vote banks. This election is a big challenge for PTI as a party especially in Punjab and Khyber PK.

JWT: What is the PPP's strategy for the elections or had they given up?

SW: Absolutely not! PPP didn't and will never give up. In fact, they have set target of 30 seats from rural Sindh, 24 or 25 from South Punjab and almost 30 seats from rest of the country.

They believe that if they win 80 seats, they will form the next government because they could, possibly, forge alliances to install a coalition government. It's a fact that wherever PPP exists, it attracts the vote. Moreover, it is also true if we see the BISP network. Then another factor, at least in Sindh, goes in their favour and that is the caretaker government which, for the first time in history, is not anti-PPP.Waqas Iqbal

Labour Rights in Pakistan: Still a Far CryThe International Labour Day, also known as May Day, is observed across the globe on May 1 every year to commemorate the intrepid and courageous Chicago labourers who sacrificed their lives in order to gain their rights.

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On May 1, 1886, a number of workers were killed when they were demanding an 8-hour workday instead of 12-hour.The movement started at Haymarket in Chicago. It gradually gained strength and became a strong political movement to defeat the imperialist capitalism.

The unique feature of May Day is that it is, perhaps, the only anniversary that is commemorated all over the world without any difference of caste, creed, religion or race. It cuts across the prejudices of colour, nationality and ethnicity which are used by the ruling elites to drive a wedge in the unity of the proletariat. Hence the real message of May Day is that of proletarian internationalism. It is also the reaffirmation of the pledge for unity in struggle on a class basis against the system of exploitation and plunder that always favours the powerful.

The state of affairs in Pakistan, unfortunately, is not satisfactory. When we look at the labour rights and laws in Pakistan, it seems that we are at par with the international standards of labour rights but, in reality, the situation is quite flagitious and disturbing. All the political parties have been making tall claims about serving the labour but in practice, they have never done anything worth-mentioning.

Under the 1973 Constitution, labour is a 'concurrent subject' making it liable for implementation by both the federal and provincial governments. To ensure the labour their due rights, six labour policies have been announced by the governments since the creation of Pakistan. These were in 1955, 1959, 1969, 1972, 2002 and 2010. However, some analysts opine that the Labour Policy of 1972 was the most progressive, as it reformed the labour laws and set out new benchmarks including new administrative infrastructure to manage the workers' welfare, viz Workers Welfare Fund Ordinance; Employees Old-Age Benefit Act; amended Industrial Relations Ordinance with enhanced protection of workers' rights like imposing condition on the authority of employer to terminate workers job.

Minimum wages have been increased from time to time and on May 1, 2012, the then Prime Minister, Yousaf Raza Gilani, announced an increase in minimum wages of labourers from Rs 7,000 to Rs 8000 and a 20 per cent increase in pensions. But unfortunately, this remained only a political gimmick and no solid steps were taken to implement it.

On the one hand even most of the corrupt CEOs of the state enterprises strongly resist the unionisation of their employees and the managements resort to intimidation, dismissal and blacklisting against the real unions simultaneously patronising the “Pocket Unions” to achieve their personal objectives; what to say about private enterprises. On the other hand, poverty is continuously rising which further worsens the living conditions of the workers class. It is of

paramount necessity that the human rights are upheld and the violations, wherever they occur, be denounced.

There is another harsh fact that needs to be dealt with urgently and that is the menace of child labour. Children are considered the future of a nation. They must be educated and guided to play their positive role in realising the dream of a brighter future.

Like all developing or underdeveloped countries, children in Pakistan also join their parents in work in the fields or in the marketplace as soon as they get old enough to perform simple tasks. In such unhealthy environment, children suffer from various diseases. But, due to low literacy level and poverty, parents are forced to send their children to work and earn some money. Preventing children from enjoying their childhood, hampering their development and causing lifelong physical or psychological damage is not only a detriment to families but also to communities and to society as well. For this, the government should provide free education to the children.

It can only be prayed that the party which comes into power should keep its promises and fulfil them at the earliest so that the labour community is satisfied. This is the only panacea to enhance production that will, in turn, boost the economic growth of the country.

Now, when General Elections are in the offing, all the political parties are presenting their manifestos to woo the labour-class as they constitute the majority of voters. Let us have a look at what political parties have in their bags for the labour of Pakistan.

PTI

Labour ReformsPTI intends to rationalize, simplify, and enforce labour laws to ensure:All rights associated with trade union activities;The implementation of the already guaranteed profit sharing system;The repeal of repressive labour laws, and amendments in the trade unions act and other laws to bring these in line with provisions of the Convention of the International Labour Organization to which Pakistan is a signatory;The extension of the scope of labour laws to include labour hired by contractors under the "Thekedari system" so as to protect their rights to bargaining;

The reorganization of existing social security institutions to eliminate corruption and ensure that the funds paid by employers to the Employees Old-age Benefit Institution and other social security institutions reach the employees;The provision of job security to workers and insurance and social security/unemployment cover, and strengthening of 'safety net' in consultation with economic experts and Trade Unions;Representation for working classes in the National and Provincial Assemblies and local bodies; andImproved vocational training opportunities for labour to raise their technical skills, productivity and incomes.

PML(N)The rights of labourers shall be protected. PML(N) will develop a skilled labour force to meet the challenges of a growing economy. Labour laws will be revised to ensure justice to all parties and to improve working relations and overall growth.'Tripartite National and Provincial Productivity Council' and 'National Health & Safety Council' will be set up to raise and develop “productivity” and “preventive safer culture” in the country through joint efforts of the Government, Employer and Workers.Ensuring “Decent Work” for the national work force by ensuring fair wage and safe working condition to prevent accidents and occupational diseases at work place and provision of social protection.

PPP-PLabour too will be given a greater share in public enterprise through the BESOS programme and the minimum wage will go up to 18,000 rupees per month. Labour representatives will get four seats in the National Assembly and two seats in each provincial assembly, through legislation.Waqas Iqbal

Margaret Thatcher The Iron LadyThe only female prime minister of Great Britain.

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Profile:

Birth date: October 13, 1925Birth place: Grantham, Lincolnshire, EnglandBirth name: Margaret Hilda RobertsFather: Alfred Roberts, grocerMother: Beatrice Ethel (Stephenson) Roberts, grocerMarriage: Sir Denis Thatcher (December 13, 1951- June 26, 2003, his death)Children: Mark and Carol (twins), August 15, 1953Education: Somerville College at Oxford College, Chemistry, 1943-1947; Passed the bar, 1953Other Facts: The only female prime minister of Great Britain.Called the Iron Lady, for personal and political toughness.Only British prime minister of the 20th century to win three consecutive terms. (Former Prime Minister Tony Blair's first of three terms began in the 20th, but ended in the 21st.) During her time as prime minister, she emphasized the rights of the individual versus that of the state, moral absolutism and nationalism.In her first term, Thatcher reduced or eliminated many government subsidies to business, a move that lead to a sharp rise in unemployment. By 1986, unemployment had reached 3 million.Enjoyed a close friendship and working relationship with US President Ronald Reagan, with whom she shared similar conservative views.

Margaret Thatcher, the Iron Lady, was the greatest British premier of modern times and a leader in the world politics that steered her country out of crises and directed it toward development in the real sense. She was the longest-serving British Prime Minister of the 20th century (1976-1990) and is the first-ever, and the only woman till today, to have held the office. She was a research chemist, patent solicitor, politician and leader of the Conservative Party from 1975-1990. She convincingly broke class, gender and education barriers. The “Iron Lady” entered the world of active politics after the World War II and went on to prove herself the most powerful and dominating political figure of her time.

With her election as the Prime Minister, Ms Thatcher brought power back to the Conservative Party after a lapse of more than five years during which the Labour Party ruled. Being fully aware of the crises faced by her country, she outrightly set out to work on the revival of the pride and vigour of the nation and also took radical steps to eliminate the traditional bureaucratic hegemony. On the steps of 10 Downing Street, she said, "Where there is discord,

may we bring harmony. Where there is error, may we bring truth. Where there is doubt, may we

bring faith. And where there is despair, may we bring hope."The policies, she introduced, came to be known as Thatcherism. The ideas of “Thatcherism” were based on freedom. She held the view that nations could become great only if individuals were set free. Margaret brought substantial changes not only to the Conservative politics but to the whole of the British politics. Her ardour and fervency for privatization gave birth to global revolution that helped to bring an end to the USSR.

Charles Moore authorized biographer of Ms Thatcher wrote in Telegraph on 11th April, 2013 that the British, to her, were brave and unique. When the war leadership was pressurizing her during the Falklands crisis, she quoted Shakespeare: “Nothing shall make us rue if England to itself do rest but true.” She dreamed of England as a nation true to itself.

Mrs Thatcher realized in 1974 that her nation was falling as trade union power, bureaucratic setup, high taxes and inflation were bad omens. She believed by now that men in charge had not put things right and couldn't handle right anymore, but a she could do it. Her ambitious ideas added essence to her patriotic thoughts. She won elections in 1979 because she was not only a decisive political figure but her campaign also left an indelible mark on the minds of the British citizenry. She talked of proper rewards for hard work and gave realistic hopes of good governance.

She succeeded in installing cruise missiles in Europe despite massive opposition. She also won along Ronald Reagan in containing Soviet expansionism. In 1976, the SU bestowed upon her the title of “Iron Lady”, after she had spoken against the policy of 'détente' that was tearing the defence fabric of the West apart. She had the unique quality of rejoicing in her foes, whether they were Soviets, or General Galtieri of Argentina, or Arthur Scargill.

After successfully containing the Soviet expansionism, she later proved to be the first to recognise the potentials of Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. She, despite intermittent warnings from America, declared Gorbachev as the only person “she could business with”.

Hugo Young, Thatcher's another biographer, cited that Thatcher will be remembered for her achievements. She became a self-confident ruler who dominated for all her 11 years in power. Her greatest virtue was in the fact that she cared little if people liked her. She needed followers who could manage to go along with her unpopular policies.

Some Brits would remember her as the legend that saved their nation. A British Labour Party politician, Peter Mandelson, said about her, “We are all Thatcherites now”. Those who believe in socialism in Britain would always complain that Thatcher's belief in free markets and individual wealth creation had damaged the social fabric of the community as it encouraged selfishness and inequality.

Kimberly Gomoll described Thatcher as a woman who had transformed the British policy for more socioeconomic reforms. She made Britain a better place to live for workers, women, children and the disadvantaged.

As we absorb the tragic loss of one of history's most impressive figures, it is most suitable to conclude in the word of the incumbent British Premier, David Cameron. He said:

"As our first woman prime minister, Margaret Thatcher succeeded against all the odds, and the real thing about Margaret Thatcher is that she didn't just lead our country, she saved our country, and I believe she will go down as the greatest British peacetime prime minister.”

The writer is independent researcher she can be contacted:[email protected] Nasir

Noam ChomskyAvram Noam Chomsky is an intellectual prodigy, a famous linguist and a well-known philosopher, cognitive scientist, logician, historian, political critic and activist. In a 2005 poll, he was voted the "World's Top Public Intellectual". His articles that contain a strident criticism of US Foreign Policy appear in a number of international newspapers and journals.

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Early LifeChomsky was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on December 7, 1928 to a family of Ukrainian and Belarusian Jewish immigrants. Chomsky's parents both taught at a Hebrew school. He was raised in a middle-class family and he himself witnessed injustices all around. In 1945, he began studying philosophy, mathematics and linguistics at the University of Pennsylvania where his teachers included the famous philosopher and systems scientist C. West Churchman, the distinguished philosopher Nelson Goodman and the renowned linguist Zellig Harris.

Political IdeasHe once said: “If the Nuremberg laws were applied, then every post-war American president would have been hanged.”These words vividly describe that Chomsky is a libertarian socialist, a sympathizer of anarcho-syndicalism and is considered to be a key intellectual figure within the left-wing of American politics. He is considered "one of the most influential left-wing critics of American foreign policy" by the Dictionary of Modern American Philosophers.

Although Mr Chomsky is renowned for his linguistic theory, it is his political writings that have made him the most revered with both activist and public readers. This is in part due to the fact that Chomsky doesn't theorize in the traditional sense of the word. He doesn't seek universal, a priori principles or superstructures of thought as part of his critical analysis. Rather, his political analyses come directly from empirical observations.

Chomsky's disdain in theorizing about issues such as justice comes from his intense opposition to what he calls "the intelligentsia" or "the liberal intelligentsia." By this term, he refers to academics and even reporters, placing them under the umbrella of "propagandists" "for the state." Whether or not this charge holds up under critical scrutiny, it deeply influences how Chomsky approaches political analysis: in a word, un-theoretically. In using this approach, Chomsky openly acknowledges the influences of socialist thinkers from Karl Marx to Mikhail Bakunin; from Wilhelm von Humboldt to Daniel Guerin and Rudolf Rocker.

Global Justice When it comes to Chomsky's philosophy of global justice, it is most effectively understood as being innate in his political writings. His overt concern has consistently been quite specific: US government's moral hypocrisy regarding its stated values compared with its foreign policy.

Chomsky founds his ideas on his understanding of human nature, the essence of which is free, creative self-expression, and voluntary association with others. This leads him to embrace what he refers to as anarcho-syndicalism (sometimes called "libertarian-socialism"). Thus, for Chomsky, the value of freedom, while primary in his understanding of justice, is itself functional: it is the means by which humans are able to fulfil their nature, not an end in itself.

“Justice" says Chomsky, “would be engaged when social structures are in place to allow the full flowering of human freedom. This entails dissolving all illegitimate authority in all institutional structures. In its place, Chomsky advocates an anarcho-syndicalist social structure, whereby the workers control the means of production and directly control their representatives.

Historically, the state and the capitalist system, particularly in the US, have combined to concentrate power for the benefit of those who have it—i.e. the wealthy. The method Chomsky uses to demonstrate the abuses of state and capitalist power is to delineate numerous single acts of brutality and oppression that issue from the corporate state. Because he is an American citizen, he focuses on the abuses of power and the oppression of people done by the US government. He compares such acts against the "elementary moral truism" that what one nation does it must condone all others doing.

When it comes to global justice, Chomsky opines that there can be no justice as long as the inherently oppressive state continues to exist, which acts solely in the interest of corporations while denying other nations and peoples the ability to act for their own perceived good. The US, in particular, judges states "unstable" when they do not allow US corporations to have open access to their resources and markets, and uses terms such as the "national interest" to disguise the interests of the economic elite in dictating foreign policy and the choices of those states against whom they wish to war.

With his unrelenting attack on the contradictions of the US government policies, it is unsurprising that Chomsky has drawn many critics. These critics charge him variously with highlighting only US immoralities, not defining significant terms, being too utopian, using assertion as proof, and even falsifying evidence. While some of these charges are themselves one-sided and poorly supported, some of them do carry weight. For example, Chomsky could stand to define his terms instead of side-stepping the "liberal intelligentsia" when they demand a bit more structure in his political analyses. Part of what draws such attacks is by Chomsky's own making, in that he engages in stinging vocabulary and cynical remarks.Adeel Niaz

“One should always try to improve one’s professional as well as educational expertise”

Nazia Mohal, PMS / Ist Position 2012

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Jahangir's World Times (JWT): Our readers would be curious about your background, so would you please share this part of your life with them?

Nazia Mohal: I hail from a village in district Hafizabad and I received my primary education there. My father is a renowned lawyer and legal expert. The utmost desire of my father was to see me a notable advocate. To materialize this desire of my loving father, I did LLB from the Punjab University Law College. I learnt not only law but also a lot of social and political phenomena, issues and solutions, the knowledge of which made me prudent and brave. Soon, I started my professional career as a practicing Lawyer. Later on, I appeared in the PPSC examination held for the post of Inspector Anti-corruption Establishment, and I stood first.

I believe that one should always try to improve one's professional as well as educational expertise. So, I appeared in PMS examination and Alhamdulillah got the top position.

As per the aspirations of my father and with a view to carry on his mission, I also participate in social work activities. I have guided many poor families to receive loans on lenient conditions or donations from NGOs. Now they can earn their bread and butter with honour and dignity. I am a member of Fatimid Blood Donating Society as well.

JWT: To top the PMS exam, is certainly a big task rather a fevered dream of thousands of candidates. Please tell our readers the secret behind this incredible success.

NM: Actually, it was my first attempt and by the grace of Allah Almighty, I got the first position. As far as securing this remarkable achievement is concerned, I would simply say that it was all the result of incessant efforts coupled with invaluable guidance from my teachers. I would also say that the optional subjects played a key role in my success. I would advise all the aspirants, especially of PMS, that they should choose the optional subjects wisely for which consulting the seniors and teachers is imperative.

JWT: In your opinion preparing from books is preferable or one should resort to notes?

NM: I think, the selection of book for any subject plays a vital role. In my opinion, for any subject, the prospective candidates should select a single book which covers almost all or maximum aspects

of the syllabus. I did the same and selected a single book for each paper except General Knowledge as it requires day-to-day updates. Notes don't seem handy in this case.

JWT: Most candidates fail English Essay and General Knowledge papers. What are your views on the reasons behind this?

NM: It is usually observed that students having rural background mostly fail the essay paper because they are not acquainted with the art of creative writing and they mostly rely on crammed material. Scoring good marks in English requires better understanding of grammar. I would sum up it in an adage, “Practice makes a man perfect”. General knowledge is another important paper in PMS. I divided the world map into different regions and portions and then studied all the necessary information related to these regions and countries. For example, geographical locations, neighbouring countries, personalities related to these regions, issues, political parties, news agencies, capitals, weather conditions, agriculture products, history and current issues.

JWT: What strategy one should adopt to make a difference?

NM: For unique expression, one should present the best material on the given topic in a coherent way and it should manifest that the candidate has a grasp over the topic. The latest information should be incorporated as well.

English Essay 47.00

Pakistan Studies 64.00

English 78.00

Mass Communication

74.00

Punjabi 57.00

Islamic Studies 79.00

General Knowledge 125.00

Urdu 114.00

Social Work 166.00

Interview 135.80

Total 939.80

JWT: What sort of guidance is required for the candidates aspiring to CSS or PMS? How do you see the Jahangir's World Times (JWT) as far as guidance for PMS exam is concerned?

NM: For fresh candidates, the selection of optional subjects matters a lot. Optional subjects can be selected according to taste and scoring trends. After the subjects' selection, a wise choice of books is the next major step. The guidance from seniors and teachers is also crucial in this regard. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to seek guidance from Sir Abdur Rashid, Sir Imran, Sir Hammd and last but not the least my uncle Mr Mushtaq Mohal whose mentoring paid off in interview.

Jahangir's World Times is an excellent source of information and guidance for the CSS and PMS aspirants as it covers all aspects of these prestigious exams. For better preparation, I would advise all the prospective candidates to read JWT regularly. I, myself, consulted all JWT issues during my preparation, particularly for GK paper. In CSS, it is a great and reliable source for all the papers,

especially, Current Affairs.

JWT: Please tell us about your score in the PMS exam.

NM: I would like to share my DMC with your readers.

JWT: Do you believe in luck factor in PMS? Is PMS difficult from CSS?

NM: I would like to answer this question in the words of Thomas Jefferson who once said, “I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.”

PMS and CSS are equally difficult and require consistent and serious efforts. So, do your best hard work and put in maximum efforts and then leave it to your luck as it, definitely, plays its role. Every student prepares to his best and wishes for the top position but it is the luck which places them on different positions. In this context, I would say that my daughter Manal has proved to be very lucky for me.

JWT: Would you like to give any message for the readers of Jahangir's World Times (JWT)?

NM: Through the JWT, I would like to say to those aspiring to the competitive exams that always work hard but simultaneously seek proper guidance from seniors and teachers as well. Group studies also make the task easy and interesting. I also want to convey a message to the family of such students that they should cooperate with them, always encourage them and never hurt their feelings if a mishap comes in the way. I would also like to thank my family, especially, my in-laws as they always encouraged me during the whole preparation.

For feedback: [email protected] Iqbal

Nations & StatesIn politics, individuals normally act in connection with social groupings. The political world has been divided in terms of “”we versus “they”, the latter being referred to as barbarians, outsiders or more often, ”the “enemy”.

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Most of us belong to groups which reflect our work, political views, religious beliefs and life styles. But there is one group that pervades all others – the nation-state.

National stereotypes are powerful images and their use can induce emotional and physiological reactions, such as the primordial “fight or flight” syndrome. An investigation of nationalism, both as a pattern of learned group behaviour and as a political institution called the nation-state, is fundamental to an understanding of global politics.

The terms nation and state are quite distinct conceptually, yet they are often used interchangeably. The nation is a concept denoting a common ethnic and cultural identity shared by a single people; the state is a political unit defined in terms of the territory, population and an autonomous government that exercises effective control of territory and its inhabitants.

The state provides a basis for political and legal jurisdiction whereas the nation promotes an emotional relationship through which the individual gains a sense of cultural identity. Therefore, the term nation-state has been used by social scientists to denote the gradual fusion that may occur between cultural and political boundaries.

Nationalism is a perceived identity of oneself with a territorially organized political collectivity such as Pakistan, the USA and other countries. The psychological need to define oneself in terms of membership in a given community is at the root of nationalist sentiment.

The hallmarks of nationalism are a sense of territoriality manifested in a love of one's homeland, a language, a narrative history and the perpetuation from generation to generation of the fear of the “enemy” whose real or imagined hostility threatens the security of the nation-state.

National self-determination is the idealistic belief that the cause of peace would be well served if each nation were able to choose its own political destiny. In 1918, US President Wilson announced 14 points which provided the basis to an end to World War I. Point 10 was a guarantee to the nations of the Austro-Hungarian Empire that they would be given opportunity for autonomous political development. Subsequent generations have echoed the same demand for other nations, and Article 1(2) of the UN Charter commits the world organizations to respect the “self-determination of peoples”.

The end of 1980s, and early 1990s, witnessed dramatic transformations that shook the world

radically. The emergence of new nation-states from the remnants of the Soviet Union and the Balkans together with the sudden eruptions of several ethnic conflicts within these new states and elsewhere in the world, pushed forward the discussion of troubled concepts including sovereignty and related concepts such as people, nation, self-determination, which are organically linked to the concept of nation-state.

The concepts of sovereignty and self-determination can be traced back to the early Greeks. However, the emergence of the monotheistic religions had great impact on these concepts. This emergence of religions united the people of a single religion and gave them a distinct identity.

During the Middle Ages, the schism between the King and the Church widened. The King emerged more powerful from that schism and the more the King gained power from the Church the less the King was restrained by moral scruples. The people were then divided on the basis of the rules of the Kings. They used to separate themselves from others on the basis of their Kings' names. In 1918, US President Wilson announced 14 points which provided the basis to an end to World War I. democratization, have often been compared in magnitude with the 1989 anti-communist revolutions in Eastern Europe. During the 16th and the 17th centuries, the common people were opposed by the Kings' levies and robbed of their land by the barons. Since the common people didn't have powerful leaders of the same rank due to the feudal structure of the society, most of their support came from the poets and philosophers.However the evolution of the nation-states, in the present conception, can be categorized in four different phases, named as; First Wave, Second Wave, Third Wave and Fourth Wave.

First Wave: This wave occurred during the time between the French Revolution (1789) and World War I, when nation-states emerged due to the influence of the Revolution's ideas.

This period of Enlightenment emphasized the individual, produced such optimistic philosophers as Leibniz, Voltaire and, of course, Rousseau whose masterpiece, “Social Contact” had great influence on the French Revolution.

Second Wave: The second wave was seen between First and Second World Wars, when history witnessed the disintegration of the defeated European empires into new nation-states. The result of WWI brought about the emergence of 262 new states in Europe. The Second Wave of emergence of nation states had resulted in the enlargement of the nation-states formed in the nineteenth century, in terms of population and territory.

Third Wave: The third wave occurred during the Cold War era, more precisely between the end of World War II and the late 1980s. It was the anti-colonial movement that led to the emergence of the new nation states.

Fourth Wave: This wave is still alive. It started soon after the end of the Cold War through the disintegration of the Socialist bloc and the emergence of new nation states in central Asia and the Balkans.

The number of nation-states may increase and it's really important that in the international sociopolitical scenario, all the nation-states must have their due rights whether they are small or large.Usman Ahmad

Population BombMost educated people in Pakistan agree with the fact that the country’s population has been growing at an alarming rate during the past few decades. Pakistan was only the second country after India that started an official family planning programme about 50 years ago, while many other Asian and Arab countries did so later.

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Even though in Islam there is no bar in using birth control methods, our religious leadership has vehemently opposed family planning, due to the belief that family planning is against Islamic teachings.

Since the 1990s, the UN has organised a few conferences where Muslim clerics from various countries have given their views on this subject. There have also been publications on this issue, which clearly indicate that there has been consensus among early scholars of Islam that Quranic verses or the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) don't forbid or say anything against family planning. But apparently, religious leaders associated with the two major Islamic parties in Pakistan, think otherwise – perhaps due to lack of knowledge.

In the March 31 Geo TV programme, The Great Debate – anchored by Hamid Mir and Iftekhar Ahmed – efforts were made to get the views of eight major political parties about this important subject. First of all, the initiative taken – pointing out the repercussions of excessive population growth in Pakistan and openly discussing family planning in the presence of a young mixed audience – by both the journalists and particularly Geo TV should be commended.

While representatives of the PPP, PML-N, PML-Q, MQM, PTI and ANP were very encouraging about providing access to family planning services to women, one fails to understand why representatives of JUI-F and the Jamaat-e-Islami (supposed to hold the most knowledge about Islamic teachings) continue to oppose family planning, which they have been doing since the 1930s. It's unfortunate that not only their representatives but also most ulema and pesh imams are of the same view – that family planning is contrary to Islamic injunctions.

The role of clerics at the village level is indeed very crucial, since those who are less educated, and have very little knowledge about Islamic teachings, seek guidance from these so-called clerics on matters such as whether they should use family planning methods or if it is appropriate to marry their daughters off at puberty (which is also not encouraged in Islam according to Imam Abu Hanifa). Indeed three countries that have had successful family planning programmes are all Muslim majority states – Iran, Indonesia and Bangladesh. These countries have managed to use their clerics to promote family planning services.

On the other hand, over the past decade, while top Pakistan officials from Population Welfare Ministry have visited these countries several times and have even had clerics accompany them, they have been largely unsuccessful in reaching out to men in the rural areas. Thus, those in our rural areas end up with an average of five children per woman as opposed to two to three children in families living in the rural areas of Iran, Bangladesh and Indonesia. During the Geo TV programme, the representative of the Jamaat-e-Islami had no answer when asked about the Bangladeshi Jamaat not opposing family planning activities in Pakistan.

It was interesting to listen to representatives of the PPP and the PML-Q, two women members of the outgoing parliament who are well known for their support to family planning initiatives over the past three to four decades. They blamed lack of political will for the poor performance of the family planning programme in Pakistan. One wonders what stopped these two – having been in the corridors of power, each for over a decade, and also having served as ministers – from convincing their respective leaders to making population planning a top priority.

Since 1999, neither the sole military ruler nor the elected government paid any heed to this crucial issue. During the last 15 years, use of family planning methods among women of reproductive age in Pakistan remained at about 30 per cent. Most of these women are educated, living in urban areas and are doing so either through the efforts of NGOs or on their own. On the other hand, since 1980, use of contraception among married women has doubled in Iran to 73 per cent, in Bangladesh to 60 per cent and in Indonesia to 58 per cent.

Consequently, whereas in 1980 there were 10 million more people in Pakistan than in Bangladesh, now there are 30 million more people in Pakistan. Similarly, Indonesia had 50 million more people than Pakistan in the year 2000. With a much higher growth rate, Pakistan's population will exceed that of Indonesia by 2030. Thus, Pakistan will have the distinction of being the largest Muslim country in the world – with a substantial proportion of the population illiterate and poor.Unfortunately, there is little possibility that Pakistan's population growth rate will decline in the near future, since the Ministry of Population Welfare has ceased to exist at the federal level after the 18th amendment and at the provincial level, there is hardly any activity. In a seminar held in Bhurban recently, attended by the representatives of the four provincial governments (from the departments of health and population welfare), it was pointed out that there is no integration in the activities of the two departments as both have independent ministers and secretaries. Each has its own domain and is not willing to accept the other as an important actor in the delivery of contraceptives.

This not only wastes limited resources, but delivery of contraceptives also gets affected due to departmental conflict and lack of monitoring. It was also pointed out by the experts present at the Bhurban meeting that in countries where family planning has been a success story, there is only one minister and a secretary in charge of both population and health while there are two directorates each responsible for its own activities.

Ideally, the same model should be adopted in Pakistan. The function of the family planning directorate should be limited to publicity and motivation and that of the health directorate in the provision of services. Of course, NGOs should also play an important role in reaching out to women living in rural areas. Hopefully, the representatives of the major political parties will take this into consideration.

If they fail to do so, then five years later we will be discussing how to handle 220 million people instead of the approximately 190 million we have today. Perhaps some political parties will be happy that the vote bank will be over 105 million then. However, most will be much more demanding than they are now. The NewsNewspaper Articles


Pakistan Becomes Nuclear PowerPakistan crossed the nuclear threshold to become a declared nuclear weapons state on 28 May 1998 after it detonated five nuclear devices in the Ras Koh Hills in Chagai, Balochistan.

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This day is celebrated across the country as a national day “Youm-e-Takbir”, and is a milestone in the history of Pakistan.

BackgroundAfter BJP came into power in India after February 1998 elections, it upped the ante against Pakistan. Another turning point came in the history of the region as India decided to carry out second nuclear tests; first being in 1974. On 11 and 13 May 1998, India conducted 5 nuclear tests at Pokhran, Rajasthan near the Pakistan border and became a “nuclear weapons state”. This destabilized the balance of power in South Asia heavily in India's favour.

Aftermath of Indian ExplosionsThe dust at Pokhran had yet to settle when India's civil and military leadership started a tirade against Pakistan. India declaring to adopt a “pro-active” policy on Kashmir asked Pakistan to realise the “new geo-political realities in South Asia”.

Owing to India's long-time malicious designs, Pakistan's civil and military leadership had been preparing to conduct nuclear tests and it was now possible to conduct test, on short notice. After India's tests, Prime Minister Mohammad Nawaz Sharif was in an untenable situation. Pakistan was in urgent need to demonstrate its own prowess in a similar manner.

Pakistan's Tests PreparationsInternational powers tried to stop Pakistan and even the President Clinton telephoned Nawaz Sharif and 'advised' him “not to respond to an irresponsible act in kind”. But the decision had been made firmly. On 18 May 1998, Chairman PAEC, Dr Ishfaq Ahmed, who had cut short his foreign trip and had returned to Pakistan on 16 May, was summoned to the PM House where he was relayed the


decision of the DCC. “Dhamaka kar dein” (conduct the explosion) were the exact words used by the Premier.

On 19 May 1998, two teams of 140 PAEC scientists, engineers and technicians left for Chagai, Balochistan. The nuclear devices were flown in a completely knocked down (CKD) sub-assembly form on a Pakistan Air Force C-130 Hercules tactical transport aircraft from Rawalpindi to Chagai, escorted even within Pakistani airspace by four PAF F-16s armed with air-to-air missiles. The PAF F-16 escort pilots had standing orders to shoot down the aircraft if the C-130 is hijacked or is flown outside of Pakistani airspace.

Once in Chagai, the parts of the nuclear devices were placesd in 5 'zero rooms' in the long tunnels at Ras Koh Hills. Dr SamarMubarakmand supervised the complete assembly of all five nuclear devices. Diagnostic cables were thereafter laid from the tunnel to the telemetry to connect all five devices with an observation post 10 km away. This whole process took 5 days.

The tunnel was sealed by the afternoon of May 26, 1998, and by the afternoon of 27 May 1998, the cement had completely dried out due to the excessive heat of the desert.

The date and time for Pakistan's rendezvous with destiny was set for 3:00 p.m. on the afternoon of 28 May 1998.

• ExplosionsThen came the day for which Pakistanis have dreamt the most. In the pre-dawn hours of 28 May, 1998, Pakistan cut the communication links for all its seismic stations to the outside world. All military and strategic installations in Pakistan were put on alert, and the Pakistan Air Force F-16A and F-7MP air defense fighters were placed on strip alert - ready to begin their take-off roll at any moment.

Ten members of the team reached the Observation Post. The firing equipment was checked and prayers were offered. At 2:30 p.m., a Pakistan Army helicopter carrying the team of observers arrived at the site. Pak Army's team headed by General Zulfikar Ali, Chief of the Combat Division was also with them.Soon afterwards, the all-clear was given to conduct the test as the site had been fully evacuated.

Amongst the 20 men present, one young man, Muhammad Arshad, the Chief Scientific Officer, who had designed the triggering mechanism, was selected to push the button. He was asked to recite “Allah-o-Akbar” (All praise be to Allah) and push the button. At exactly 3:16 p.m., the button was pushed and Muhammad Arshad stepped from obscurity into history.

As soon as the button was pushed, the control system was taken over by computer. The signal was passed through the airlink initiating six steps in the firing sequence while at the same time bypassing, one after the other, each of the security systems put in place to prevent accidental detonation. Each step was confirmed by the computer, switching on power supplies for each stage. On the last leg of the sequence, the high voltage power supply responsible for detonating the nuclear devices was activated. A radiation-hardened television camera with special lenses recorded the outer surface of the mountain.

As the firing sequence continued through its stages, 20 pairs of eyes were glued on the Chagai Mountain.

A short while after the button was pushed, the earth in and around the Ras Koh Hills trembled. The Observation Post vibrated as smoke and dust burst out through the five points where the nuclear devices were located. The mountain shook and changed colour. Its black granite rock turned white as de-oxidisation from the radioactive nuclear forces.

A huge cloud of beige dust then enveloped the mountain.

The total time this whole process took was only thirty seconds. This colour-change was the culmination of a journey which started over 20 years ago. The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs would later describe it as “Pakistan's finest hour”. Pakistan had become the world's 7th nuclear power and the first nuclear weapons state in the Islamic World.

Two days later, Pakistan conducted its sixth nuclear test at Kharan, a flat desert valley 150 km to the south of the Ras Koh Hills.Shumaila Khan Yousafzai

Global WarmingThe distinction between weather and climate is an important one. For example, weather forecasts can be fairly specific but are little use more than a few days into the future.

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Q1. What exactly is the climate?

Climate, like weather, describes the state of the atmosphere in terms of factors such as temperature, wind and rainfall. But whereas weather describes conditions as measured in hours, days or weeks, the climate is average weather conditions measured over the longer term: months, years or decades.

The distinction between weather and climate is an important one. For example, weather forecasts can be fairly specific but are little use more than a few days into the future. By contrast, climate predictions focus on expected changes in average conditions, while recognising that individual days, weeks, months or years will always buck the longer-term trend.

Each area of the world has its own climate, though scientists also study the planet's overall climate system.The term climate comes from the Greek klinein, or "slope", describing how the angle that the sun hits the earth varies in different regions.

Q2. What is climate change?

Any process that causes adjustments to a climate system – from a volcanic eruption to a cyclical change in solar activity – is creating "climate change".Today, however, the phrase is often used as shorthand for anthropogenic climate change i.e. climate change caused by humans. The principal way in which humans are understood to be affecting the climate is through the release of heat-trapping greenhouse gases into the air.Climate change is used interchangeably with "global warming", reflecting the strong warming trend that scientists have observed over the past century or so.

Q3. Is the world really getting warmer?

Yes. There is agreement among the scientists that the earth has warmed in the last century. Here's how the world's most prestigious scientific bodies put it in a joint statement signed by the heads of the national science academies in Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Russia, the UK and the US:"Climate change is real. There will always be uncertainty in understanding a system as complex as the world's climate. However, there is now strong evidence that significant global warming is

occurring. The evidence comes from direct measurements of rising surface air temperatures and subsurface ocean temperatures and from phenomena such as increases in average global sea levels, retreating glaciers, and changes to many physical and biological systems."

In other words, we know that the planet is warming because temperature measurements show it and because these measurements are borne out by observations such as rising sea levels, retreating snow cover and glaciers, longer growing seasons and shifting wildlife. There's a good summary of ten different warming indicators – all of which support the theory that temperatures are increasing – in this report by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The same academies listed above – which represent the definitive voice of science in each country – have restated their position on global warming a number of times since that original statement was issued in 2005. The most recent joint statement from 2009 said that "climate change is happening even faster than previously estimated".

The IPCC, a UN scientific body convened to assess and surmise science relating to climate change, stated in its last assessment of the evidence that "warming of the climate system is unequivocal". The same report – drawing on the full range of published science papers on the subject – points to a rise of about three-quarters of a degree celsius in the past century, with much of that warming taking place over the past few decades.

Of course, the fact that the world is warming doesn't mean that it is getting hotter in a uniform way. The long-term rise in temperature is affected by shorter term factors such as changes in solar activity and regional cycles such as the oscillation between El Niño and La Niña conditions in the Pacific. And some regions – such as the Arctic – are warming significantly faster than others.

Taken as a whole, however, and averaged out over decades to remove year-to-year variability, the warming trend is clear.

Q4. Are humans definitely causing global warming?

The world's most respected scientific bodies have stated that there is strong evidence that humans are driving the warming. The 2005 joint statement from the national academies of Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Russia, the UK and the US said:

"It is likely that most of the warming in recent decades can be attributed to human activities."

Countless more recent statements and reports from the world's leading scientific bodies have said the same thing. For example, a 2010 summary of climate science by the Royal Society stated that:

"There is strong evidence that the warming of the Earth over the last half-century has been caused largely by human activity, such as the burning of fossil fuels and changes in land use, including agriculture and deforestation."

The idea that humans could change the planet's climate may be counter-intuitive, but the basic science is well understood. Each year, human activity causes billions of tonnes of greenhouse gases to be released into the atmosphere. These gases capture heat that would otherwise escape to space – the equivalent of wrapping the planet in an invisible blanket.

Of course, the planet's climate has always been in flux thanks to "natural" factors such as changes in solar or volcanic activity, or cycles relating the Earth's orbit around the sun. According to the scientific literature, however, the warming recorded to date matches the pattern of warming we

would expect from a build-up of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere.

The only way to prove with 100% certainty that humans are responsible for global warming would be to run an experiment with two identical Earths – one with human influence and one without. That obviously is not possible, and so most scientists are careful not to state human influence as an absolute certainty.

Nonetheless, the evidence is now extremely strong.JWT Desk

Queries Of CSS, PMS, PCS AspirantsJahangir's World Times is the only magazine that caters for the needs of the candidates of the prestigious competitive exams including CSS, PMS and PCS.

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Candidates often face difficulties in selection of subjects, choosing the right books, preparing for the interviews and so on. JWT's CSS GURU is an initiative to provide the guidance candidates may need at any stage. Our guru will answer all your queries. If you want to ask something and need guidance, please write to us or email at the following address:

Dear CSS Guru,I am willing to appear in CSS 2014 exam and want to take geography and psychology as optional subjects. Please guide me that how much time is sufficient for their preparation. I



also want to know about essay paper that should I do general study or prefer some particular book.Naveed Abbasi

Geography and Psychology make an excellent combination. Being science subjects, candidates usually secure higher scores in these subjects every year. Moreover, these very subjects also help in preparation of EDS. One month should be enough for these two subjects if you can spare 8-10 hours a day. I would suggest you the following books:Psychology:Introduction to Psychology by Morgan & King and Abnormal Psychology by Neil Davisson Physical Geography:Physical Geography of Human Environment by H. De Blij and Certificate Physical and Human Geography by Goh Chen LongEconomic, Regional and Human Geography:Comprehensive Geography by M. Jahangir Sanpal, Economic Geography by Fazal Karim Khan and Oxford Geography for Pakistan by Fazal Karim Khan

Dear Guru,I want to seek guidance on the matter of books for Pakistan Affairs paper. Please recommend me some good books.Azhar Ali

Pakistan Affairs by M. Ikram Rabbani has been the favourite book for beginners. Pakistan Affairs: A Discourse on Past and Present by Dr Usmani is another very helpful book. I n addition, you may consult “Trek to Pakistan” by Ahmad Saeed, Pakistan, the Formative Phase by K. B. Saeed and Making of Pakistan by K. K. Aziz

Sir,CSS-2013 papers were altogether different from the prevailing pattern. In wake of this change, what strategy would you advise?Salman Hamid

I would advise you to adjust your study plans accordingly. You should focus on a topic as a whole rather than question-answer format. Study every aspect possible and prepare comprehensive study notes for each subject. Give special attention to a critical appraisal of the topic. Moreover, focus on currency of the issue and any controversies related to it. In the examination, try to answer directly rather than getting entangled in background or history.

CSS Guru,I want to know that journalism is no more a scoring subject or it still yields good score? Please also suggest some good books for Everyday Science.

Journalism is still scoring for ones doing justice to this subject. Every year, we see scores in excess of 70 in this subject. However, the days are gone when cramming four topics on last night was sufficient to score good in this subject. You need to prepare well for each section and quote examples from current media in each question.

For EDS, a very good book written by Mian Shafiq has recently been published by JBD Press. Traditionally, books by M. Akram Kashmiri and Rab Nawaz Samo have been popular in CSS aspirants.

Dear Guru,

You might be aware of the recent scandal where some candidates from Faisalabad changed their answer sheets. Please let me know that is the CSS exam going to be held afresh?

Yes dear. It was very disappointing to note as it frustrated many who still believed in meritocracy in Pakistan. However, a retake of the whole exam nationwide seems unlikely as the scam involved only one centre and, as reported, only one bundle got disappeared from post office. The matter is being investigated by the FIA and some very competent and honest officers are tasked with this inquiry. Let's hope that FIA apprehends the culprits and credibility of FPSC is restored.

Dear Sir,I have done M. Com from Punjab University. Should I take Accounting as optional subject? Will it be scoring?

Accounting and Auditing are the subjects in whom candidates having commerce background secure high marks. Go through the syllabus as well as past papers of 5 years. If you can handle it, then go for it. It is time-consuming but rewarding as well.

Dear Guru,I have done MA Economics recently and now I want to appear in CSS examination. Please advise me that what subjects should I take as optional? And also guide how much time should I devote to studies daily?

Dear Economist, You should, preferably, yourself select optional subjects after perusal of syllabi and past papers. Generally, even the candidates with background of economics prefer to avoid Economics in CSS. Candidates opt from subjects like Geography, Agriculture, Forestry, British History, Sociology, etc. You may choose your combination from these subjects.

Dear Guru,What is the scope of Agriculture in the upcoming CSS exam?

Scope of Agriculture like any other subject is good for those who can do justice to the preparation. Book written by Akhtar Abbas is good one. Also consult the latest Economic Survey of Pakistan for statistics related to Agriculture. Your special focus should be on issues related to agriculture in Pakistan. You should consult Monday's special edition of DAWN for current issues of agriculture.JWT Desk

Africa’s Voice goes silent Chinua AchebeChinua Achebe widely known as the “Father of African Literature” is acclaimed for his trilogy of books “Things Fall Apart”, “No Longer at Ease” and “Arrow of God”. Achebe not only introduced the world to African literature, he also put an indelible mark on it.

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Taking the Irish poet WB Yeats's despairing statement of destruction – things fall apart – for its title, Chinua Achebe's first novel was a presentiment of what was to come in Nigeria during the end of the colonial occupations and their aftermath. It is the founding creation of modern African imaginative literature, the opening act of exploration into African consciousness using traditional modes of expression along with those appropriated from colonial culture, particularly the English language.

That first work was also prescient – not only of Achebe's creative powers to develop as a writer in subsequent works, but of the political upheavals, the embattled end of colonialism, the fight for freedom by which the lives of the people of Africa have been shaped.

Achebe lived through these times – a tragic civil war in his country – as an activist in extreme personal danger, finally exile, fulfilling Albert Camus' statement of what it means to be a writer: "The day when I am no more than a writer I shall cease to be a writer." He kept faith with this commitment. Yet during those years he wrote novels, stories, essays and poems that were a bold revelation to his countrymen and women and the world of what suppression and oppression really meant. And trust Achebe to give a new definition of colonialism. His collection of essays, recently reissued as a modern classic, is The Education of a British-protected Child.

Achebe's works do not fear to challenge those post-colonial, independent regimes in Africa who abuse personal power in every possible way – from banning political opposition, to corruption. His novel “A Man of the People”, a biting satire on corruption in freed African regimes, uses the blade of humour to alert us to official greed and the cant which legitimises it.

He did not shirk writing of what "I have chosen to call my Middle Passage, my colonial inheritance. To call my experience colonial heritage may surprise some people. But everything is grist to the mill of the artist. True, one grain may differ from another in its powers of nourishment; still, we must … accord appropriate recognition to every grain that comes our way."

What audience, what readers do you have in mind, who is it you are addressing yourself to? The somewhat testy answer is: we write for whoever will read our work.

It surely must mean a great deal to a writer to know that his or her work has reached through prison walls, having been longingly requested and received with difficulty by way of lawyers or rare visitors allowed a political prisoner.

Achebe had that rather special recognition when Nelson Mandela, 27 years behind prison walls, told

Achebe what his novels brought to him: "There was a writer named Chinua Achebe in whose company the prison walls fell."JWT Desk

Education in Pakistan: Causes of Failed State and Future Road Map

Education has been accorded great importance in every religion and society. Islam also attached utmost importance to it.

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1. Introduction 2. Importance of Education 3. Present state of Education: Dismal

a) Literacy b) Equity c) Quality d) Access e) Relevance f) Environment4. Technical Education 5. Higher Education 6. Causes of Failurea) Historical and societal b) Governance-related Factors 7. Impacts on society and development



8. Recommendations for improvement 9. Conclusion

Education in Pakistan is in a dire state when seen in terms of vitality for socioeconomic development. Education is aimed at to develop human capabilities through knowledge, skills and creative strength that, in turn, enhance the socioeconomic growth. But ironically, in the present-day Pakistan, even the importance of education has not been recognized. Given the multifarious importance and diverse role of education in building a stable society, it becomes imperative that in Pakistan, the provision of education is ensured urgently and its uplift is sought through prudent policies with a pragmatic approach.

Education has been accorded great importance in every religion and society. Islam also attached utmost importance to it. Muslims ushered an era of glory only with education but when they renounced it, they fell into the depths of despondency and dejection. The West, today, dominates the world only because it realized education's vitality to development. Article 26 of the UN's 'Universal Declaration of Human Rights' reads: “Everyone has the right to education”. It is the second objective in UN's Millennium Development Goals (UNMDGs) which requires education for all (EFA) by year 2015. The World Bank also underscores “the positive outcomes of education” as “reduction in poverty and inequality, improvement in health status and implementation of socioeconomic policies.”

However, the state of education in Pakistan is far from satisfactory. The statistics of education present dismal picture in all the six important indicators that include literacy, access, equality, quality, relevance and environment.

Here is a brief view of the above-mentioned indicators:

The literacy rate for age 10 years and above in Pakistan, according to World Bank, is 55 per cent (67% for males and 42% females). This is the lowest rate in the developing nations in Asia. Sri Lanka has 90.7%; Indonesia has 90.4% while literacy rate in Vietnam, Iran and India reach 90.4%, 82.4% and 61% respectively. In contrast, in developed countries, it is almost 100%.

The second indicator means that access to education is a crucial factor in enhancing literacy. It's obligatory on state to provide all the citizens with equal opportunities to improve their living standards. For education, it means “access to quality education for all”, irrespective of family income, gender, religion and ethnicity, etc. Pakistan's main problems are the paucity of funds and gender discrimination. Moreover, most villages are without schools and students of many villages share one school. In addition, the parents don't allow girls to study in coeducation system. Girls’ schools, particularly at secondary level, are not in sufficient number.

The inequality in education system is a serious concern as well. It has many forms including gender-disparity, rural-urban divide and class structure. As regards gender-disparity, the literacy rate shows a gap of 25% between male and female. “A gap of more than 10 per cent is internationally considered a serious concern”, writes

Dr Shahid Siddique, the author of “Rethinking Education in Pakistan”.

Rural-urban divide, another serious concern, is caused mainly due to economic disparity and condition of schools. People living in rural areas are relatively poor and standard of education in those areas is also unsatisfactory. “They assume that opportunity cost of sending children to school is greater than the benefit education is likely to bring”, says Dr Shahid Javed Burki.

In addition, public and private sector divide is also there. Most people cannot seek education in private institutions due to high fees and other expenses. These institutions have their own curriculum and examination system. This further widens the class divide in society; the rich become highly-educated while the poor remain poorly educated. To bridge this gap, there is neither policy to ensure a uniform system nor regulations to check the fee structure of private schools.

As regards the third indicator i.e. quality of education, it has been least emphasized in Pakistan. It's basically determined by curriculum, textbooks, teachers' skills and assessment system that are far below the international standards. These system flaws undermine the competence level of the students. This factor, in fact, helps students gain a foothold in market. But an average Pakistani student is unable to compete in the job market even of the national level, let alone the international competition. How ironic is that not a single Pakistani university is among the World's top universities.

Fifth; the relevance is as much important as quality. What is taught in institutions must be relevant to what is in demand in the outside world. Currently, there is a disconnection between education and employment sector as there is no system of consultation between academia and economic managers. Resultantly, the unemployment among the educated people surges.

Sixth indicator i.e. environment is also a crucial factor in improving access to education. A wide disparity is there in the environment in schools in rural and urban areas. Approximately, 12737 schools have been reported as non-functional (Ghost Schools).

The above indicators present a grim picture at every tier from schools to technical and higher education. To improve the technical education, there is no vocational awareness at middle and secondary levels. At present, there are 1140 government and 382 in private vocational institutions in the country. The output quality is poor owing to the unqualified and untrained faculty and absence

of collaboration with industry.

In the sphere of higher education, unfortunately, only 3.7 per cent of Pakistani youth of 18-23 age group is enrolled. This is very low as compared to other developing countries as Malaysia has 12% while India has 7%. Although due to scholarship programmes, the situation has improved, still there is paucity of trained faculty and laboratories. Only 25% of university teachers are PhDs and only 20 per cent of them are active researchers. Government is ought to give special treatment to this sector but ironically, it not only curtailed the funding of HEC but also attempted to disband it. It may cause the positive enrolment trend to revert and that would be a lethal blow to human resource development as it is crucial to translate the dream of knowledge economy into reality.

Such neglect of education sector in Pakistan is the result of many factors ranging from historical and societal to governance-related issues. In past, the education system which the British introduced in the Subcontinent didn't go well among the religious leaders. Hence, the Muslims eschewed the education. On the other hand, the Madaris were confined to religious education. Women were not allowed to seek education in public institutions hence a big portion of population remained illiterate.

Another big reason behind this fiasco is the feudalism. Feudal lords influence the policymaking due to their political contingencies. They denounce education to ensure cheap labour in their fields and to maintain their political base.

Poverty is another factor which prevents majority of rural population from educating children. More than 30% of Pakistan's population is living below the poverty line. Pakistan's is an agro-based economy and its 65% population lives in rural areas. Most people cannot afford the cost of educating their children, that's why they take their children to work with them in fields at an early age just to increase the family income.

These impediments could have been removed had there been realization, vision, planning and seriousness among our leaders. Unfortunately, there has always been lack of commitment to education development on part of those at the helm of affairs. This is evident from the paltry resource allocations in the annual budgets. The funding to education in Pakistan has always been below or around 2.5% of GDP that is extremely low.

It is further perplexing that even this meagre amount is not spent fully for development of education sector. About 10 to 30 per cent of education budget remains unutilized. Then there is embezzlement of funds as well because corruption is rampant in the education department. This grave situation is the outcome of two main factor i.e. no accountability system and undue political interference.

All the areas of education – primary, secondary, technical and higher education – reflect neglect of education sector. Though there have been policies formulated and goals set, but when it comes to their implementation, there is a lack of commitment. So, the education system has failed which has resulted in deteriorated social conditions and a vulnerable economy.

This dismal state of education has placed Pakistan at 134th place among 177 countries of the world as education is a major indicator in human development index. It also exhibits that the education has a serious impact on the image of a country in the globalized comity of nations.

It's a universal fact that the education develops 'thinking of man' but in our society its failure has led to the widespread discontent and chaos. World has genuine concerns that poorly-educated people pose serious threat not only to Pakistan but also to world security. Former VP of the World Bank and a renowned economist Shahid Javed Barki writes:

“The education system of Pakistan is deteriorated to the point where it now threatens economic, political and so cial stability not only within the country but also poses a real danger for the world at large.”Keeping in view the multifaceted role, education has to be the top priority. Our education system requires an overhaul and in addition to additional resources, there is an urgent need to redesign educational system for promoting productivity in socioeconomic sector. Following are some recommendations that provide a pragmatic roadmap to reform the education sector in Pakistan.

1. Primary education must be made compulsory. The textbooks and uniforms should be provided free of cost to the indigent children and rewards may be offered to them on passing examinations. Usher, Zakat and Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) should also be linked with enrolment of child in school.

2. Technical education should be encouraged. Introductory technical subjects should be taught at the middle level to enhance awareness and encourage interest of students. The network of polytechnic colleges should be expanded to cover the remote areas as well.

3. The 19th century was of steam and coal, 20th was of electricity and the 21st is of information technology (IT). Therefore, due importance should be given to IT. Computers with trainers should be made available in secondary schools.

4. Government must develop a uniform curriculum to eliminate the multi-tier system of education that furthers the class divide. It should enable the child to compete at national and international levels. The curriculum of private schools may be adopted with little modifications. It would be convenient as the private schools will be less resistant to such change.

5. Education must be relevant and responsive to national environment, culture, society and economy. The social and religious values must be embedded in the children to make them good citizens. The education should conform not only to the local industry but also to international market.

6. Higher education deserves serious attention in this regard. Steps should be taken to attract youth to higher education. The investment in this sector should be increased to meet the demands of universities. An effective reform of the higher education system in Pakistan requires a down to up approach; without the improvement of colleges, it is out of question to improve the quality of university graduates.

7. A uniform and sound system of national testing should be promoted. The National Education Assessment System (NEAS) should be entrusted with more such tasks. A federal council to ensure uniformity in all the universities' examinations can be another prudent step.

8. The importance of teachers in education need not be overemphasized. The remuneration and incentives for teachers should be increased to attract the intellectual and competent persons. In-service teachers should be required to qualify some exams to go into the next pay scale.

9. A qualified and motivated teacher also needs training and grooming. Therefore, the capacity of training institutes should be enhanced with expert trainers. A well thought-out syllabus and policy should be formulated containing modern teaching techniques.

10. Importance of private sector cannot be undermined as it has saved Pakistan's education system from complete collapse. It's difficult for government to uplift the education sector single-handedly,

so the private sector should be encouraged to invest more. The establishment of private education foundations on non-profit basis may be a good option. The private schools should be made to give admissions to poor students.Irshad Ali Sodhar

The Polls & Power FrenzyElection is a game of numbers. Stakes are high and this time again things aren't going to be as simple as they are apparently. Delay in electing a new setup is next-to-impossible. It will benefit none; neither the army nor the politicians. International forces won't be receptive either.

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Country's security establishment may not dare to prolong the tenure of the caretakers with empty hands. History tells us that “Triple One Brigade” always got into action with the consent of international forces. The United States, the European Union and the IMF – all want civilian setup to continue in Pakistan. According to some reliable sources in security establishment, there are diverse opinions in army. And that's why Army chief General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani time and again reminds us that Islam can never be taken out of Pakistan and Islam shall always remain a unifying and binding force.

This time, two orthodox arch rivals –PPP and PML (N) – are in a position to come into power. PPP's sugar level is down and it is mostly relying on personal auras of its candidates. PPP's dancing horses do not influence voters. It has traditional base in Sindh and no significant change is foreseeable. The ten-party alliance against PPP in Sindh is a brainchild of Pir Pagara's Pakistan Muslim League (Functional). This communion comprises religious and nationalist hardliners though it's a fact that nationalists never won even a single seat in Sindh.



PPP is not going to be routed completely in the Punjab, initial calculations suggest. Seat adjustments with PML (Q) and open contests may not be fruitful, political pundits opine PPP voters won't ever go for PML (Q) candidates and vice versa. The PPP's slogan of new province in South Punjab still remains a myth that fails to survive reality checks. President Zardari has been prohibited by the courts from making appearances in PPP's election campaigns. His 24-year-old son, Bilawal, the party's chairman, is also bunkered in Karachi.

Apparently, PPP has realized that it won't make a big impact this time. That's why serenity prevails among the PPP's rank and file. But President Zardari has, time and again, proved to be an astute political guru in the context of Pakistani politics. He should have multiple aces up in his sleeve. At present, he is waiting for the rolled dice to stop so he can analyze his numbers and do his gimmickry again. We have witnessed that the outgoing rulers always face an acute plunge in popularity. Nevertheless, if the PPP scores a century in polls, the President will surely carve out a coalition government and the “char ka tola” (the gang of four), as Shahbaz Sharif says, will rule the roost for another term. President Zardari has, time and again, proved to be an astute political guru in the context of Pakistani politics. On the other hand, PML (N) is walking on air. It is manifested in the fact that it hasn't forged any major alliance. Overwhelmed with cocksureness and certitude, it crafted various unions with opposition parties but marched solely towards the May Day i.e the Election Day. Its leadership is absolutely sure of coming into power this time. They apprehend that in case of seat adjustment, the handshaking partner would reap the benefits of their skyrocketing popularity. PML (N) had come into power twice and on both occasions it led a political alliance.

There is no denying the fact that Imran Khan's PTI poses a real threat to PML (N) in the Punjab. However, numbers game will be decisive on outturn. Higher turnout means fresh and enlightened youth votes, which ultimately will benefit PTI. A 2008-like turnout is not going to affect both PPP and PML (N) in a big way. The PTI has also defied Asfand Yar Wali's ANP in Kkhyber Pukhtunkhwa. Religious groups might have a heyday on 11th of May. The biggest challenge for the ANP, however, is to motivate its supporters as red hats are scared of Taliban attacks while religious parties and PTI are less prone to such heinous acts.

Five years are lost in Balochistan as during this period a number of hilarious scenes were created. This time atmosphere is different altogether. Mainstream Political parties are weak, while Baloch nationalists, independents and religious groups are relatively in a strong position.

Our future government will have to deal sensibly with the USA. Uncle Sam eyes a graceful exit from Afghanistan and it wants a safe passage. It also plans safe relocation of its high-tech arsenal and equipment from Afghanistan as well as from Jacobabad and Pasni. It wants a docile role of Pakistan in post-withdrawal Afghanistan. The parachute landing of Pakistan's former dictator, Pervez Musharraf, is a calculated move. Security establishment believes in giving another chance to Mian Nawaz Sharif who recently went abroad and spent quite a few weeks very quietly, whereas, his party leaders were busy in knitting their brows on party tickets' confirmation. PML (N) has assured, according to some sources, international forces to remain pegged on the keel of war on terror, Afghanistan and affairs of love and hatred with Uncle Sam. Though PML (N) is blamed of sheltering terror outfits in Punjab, it has assured international forces of eliminating the outlaws. Some sources say that the incident of Joseph Colony was a test case for the party.

Altaf Hussain's MQM, too, wants timely polls. It does not take election as a means of operation against it in urban Sindh, particularly Karachi. MQM fears right-wingers will be prioritized and some analysts believe that MQM is trying to reach a truce with the hardliners. MQM has its blood boiled over redrawn constituencies in Karachi. Jamat-e-Islami is active in this issue and that further infuriates MQM.

Last but not the least, the parachute landing of Pakistan's former dictator, Pervez Musharraf, is a calculated move. The travails of his return from four years of self-exile furthered the humiliation of a person who once enjoyed absolute power in Pakistan. He faces an unprecedented situation in a country where the military has held sway for decades. This shows the determination of judiciary to hold him accountable.

One must not forget that Musharraf was a commando and he renounced his lavish life of London and Dubai purposefully. Why he is here, asks everyone? The answer is simple: Political economy is dancing frenziedly in polls and power game in Pakistan. Pervez Musharraf is here to broker a deal between the International forces and Pakistani establishment. He is here to act as a guarantor for the safe exit of US and its allies in Afghanistan. Former general expects power in return. However, the commando should have ensured safe exit for himself before landing in Pakistan. Otherwise, the nation will witness an unprecedented saga to pass it on to the next generation. The political history books will need a rewriting as well.

The writer is a renowned journalist.He can be reached [email protected] Kaleem

Study in AustraliaAustralia is a hugely popular destination for highly skilled young people, and students, wishing to start a new life in another country.

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The Australia is actively encouraging the immigration of skilled migrants as well as of students. It's a country with endless opportunities for students as many Australian Universities are placed among the World's Top 100 Universities. Every year, thousands of students apply for the Australian Visa. Visa RequirementsThe Australian visa requirements vary a lot depending on the applicant's nationality. For example, the requirements vary a lot for Pakistani students, Chinese students, New Zeland students etc. Main requirements for Pakistani students are as under:EligibilityStudents with a minimum of 12 years of education (F.Sc./F.A/ DAE/ O-Levels/A-Levels, D.Com, DBA) can apply for Australian Student/Study visa.Tuition Fee/YearUndergraduate Level Courses: Aus$ 5000 – 20000 per year (Varies for different courses and for different institutes)Postgraduate Level Courses: Aus$10000-30000 per year You should have total funds available = Tuition fee + Living ExpensesWork Permit in Australia during studies

Work Permit in Australia after studies Up to 4 years of Automatic Work Permit after completing DegreeLiving Expenses required for Australian student visa Approximately AUD 18,610/yearAverage Living Expenses in PKR Approximately Rs. 150,000/- per monthFor familyAUD 6,515.00/year for spouse.AUD 3,720/year first child and AUD 2,790/year for other children.Bank Statement Duration:Your bank statement must be six months old at the time of applying for the visa. Fresh bank statements can be used in case of bank loans.Sponsor(s): Your sponsor needs to be yourself or your blood relative (father, mother, brother, sister and grandparents)Uncle or aunt can be your sponsor(s) only if they are living in Australia or New Zealand.Course durationDiploma Level courses: 1 year to 2 years

Undergraduate Degree Level: 3 to 4 yearsPostgraduate Level: 1.5 to 2 yearsFamous Australian UniversitiesVisa FeesAus $ 550 for applicants from Pakistan and Afghanistan.There are some other costs like medical/health insurance and in some cases registration fees may also apply.Visa processing time8 to 16 weeksEnglish Language RequirementsFor diploma and advance diploma level courses minimum IELTS 5.5For bachelor degree and postgraduate courses minimum IELTs 6.0 – 6.5 (vary for different institutes)Note: This is just a guideline. English requirements may change as per course/University.Work Permit for spouseVocational Diploma or Bachelor Degree student Spouse – 40 hours/ fortnight throughout the yearFamily members of the students (enrolled through subclass 573/ 574) – Unlimited hoursVisa RequirementIn order to obtain a visa of Australia, the following requirements must be fulfilled:

a. GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) b. Finances to support education and living expenses c. English score (IELTS/ PTE/ Cambridge Advance/ TOEFL) d. Good academics

ScholarshipsIf you are sponsored by AusAID or Defence, or are a secondary school exchange student, you are not required to enrol in a registered course in order to be granted a student visa.However, you must be enrolled in a full-time course of study or training.While most international students in Australia are full-fee paying students, another option is to apply for a scholarship.Scholarships are offered by the Australian Government, education institutions and a number of other organisations. They cover various educational sectors, including vocational education and training, student exchanges, undergraduate and postgraduate study and research. Australian Government scholarships are not available for international students undertaking English language training specifically in Australia. However, there are several English language training scholarships offered by Australian institutions.JWT Desk


WORLD IN FOCUSNews From National & International Press March - April 2013

Hope We Still Have


National

Mar 16: Senior bureaucrat Mahfooz Ali Khan was given the charge of chief secretary of Balochistan.

Mar 16: The federal government notified a Control of Narcotics Substances (CNS) court for Islamabad capital territory (ICT).

Mar 18: President Asif Ali Zardari and his Egyptian counterpart Dr Mohamed Morsi – the first Egyptian leader in over five decades to visit Pakistan – agreed to take bilateral relations “to a higher trajectory”. The two countries also decided to hold biennial summits to intensify political interaction.

Mar 18: Balochistan Governor Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi dissolved the provincial assembly.

Mar 18: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) declared “void” the unopposed election of Dr Qayyum Soomro as senator on a reserved seat for technocrats from Sindh.

Mar 18: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf appointed former federal secretary Aziz Bilour as member (social sector) of the Planning Commission and President Asif Ali Zardari appointed Asif Usman Khan as Controller General of Accounts.

Mar 19: After Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf and Leader of the Opposition in the now-dissolved National Assembly, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, failed to agree on a name for caretaker prime minister, NA Speaker Dr Fehmida Mirza constituted an eight-member parliamentary committee to do the job.

Mar 19: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh assemblies were dissolved by the governors of these provinces on the advice of the respective chief ministers.

Mar 20: President Asif Ali Zardari announced that the nation would go to the polls on May 11 to


elect the National Assembly.

Mar 20: Punjab Governor Ahmad Mahmood dissolved the Punjab Assembly and the provincial cabinet on the advice of Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

Mar 21: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan signed the Jinnah Sindh Medical University Bill, 2012, passed by the provincial assembly on February 28.

Mar 22: After three days of talks, politicians in the parliamentary committee gave up and handed over the task of selecting the caretaker prime minister to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

Mar 22: President Asif Ali Zardari finally quit the office of PPP's co-chairman, making his son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari the party's patron-in-chief.

Mar 22: Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Mehdi Shah announced the district status for Shigar sub-division.

Mar 22: President Asif Ali Zardari approved Sitara-i-Shujaat for slain Dr Parween Rahman, a human rights activist and director of the Orangi Pilot Project, and Tamgha-iShujaat for Shazia Ramzan and Kainaat Riaz, schoolfellows of Malala Yousufzai.

Mar 22: The Supreme Court ordered Rangers and police to launch operation under Director General (DG) Rangers and Sindh Police IG to eliminate no-go-areas from Karachi.

Mar 23: Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Chairman Syed Asif Hashmi resigned from the post.

Mar 23: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) finally picked retired Justice Mir Hazar Khan Khoso as caretaker prime minister by a 4-1 majority.

Mar 23: President Asif Ali Zardari awarded almost 213 different awards to the citizens and foreigners for the outstanding performance in their respective fields.

Mar 23: Nawab Ghaus Bakhsh Barozai took oath as fifth caretaker Chief Minister of Balochistan. Provincial Governor Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi administered the oath.

Mar 25: The caretaker Prime Minister, Justice (R) Mir Hazar Khan Khoso, was administered the oath of office by President Asif Ali Zardari. Justice Khoso – the sixth caretaker prime minister of the country – became the oldest-ever Pakistani to assume charge as head of government.

Mar 25: The outgoing Punjab government's announcement regarding the upgrade of local Government Sadiq Degree Girls College to a women's university came into force.

Mar 26: Well-known journalist Najam Sethi was selected as caretaker chief minister of Punjab.

Mar 26: Seven Peshawar High Court additional judges took oath increasing the court's strength to 18. The judges were appointed for one year by the president of Pakistan.

Mar 27: The Punjab government, after delay of 11 years, published revised edition of policy guideline, Punjab Establishment Code (Estacode) 2013.

Mar 27: The ICC's Elite Panel umpire Aleem Dar was conferred with Pakistan's one of the highest civil awards – Sitara-e-Imtiaz – for his great services in the field of umpiring at the investiture ceremony held on March 23 the Pakistan Day.

Mar 28: The details of financial standing and statement of assets of political parties released by the ECP for the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2012, showed that Pakistan Peoples Party-Parliamentarians (PPPP) is the poorest political party in the country.

Mar 28: Malala Yousufzai signed a deal worth around $3 million to tell her story. The book will be entitled “I Am Malala”.

Mar 29: The Supreme Court restored Asad I. A. Khan as managing director of Nespak.

Mar 30: The All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) elected Sarmad Ali as president and Masood Hamid as secretary general for 2013-14.

Mar 30: The Sindh caretaker cabinet comprising 16 ministers was sworn in.

Mar 30: A Pakistani student from Lahore, Mishal Saeed, was elected the Student's Union President at the University of Salford as the first-ever female international to represent 20,000 students for a year. Former Pakistani Premier, Benazir Bhutto, had earlier been elected as Oxford University students' union president.

April 01: The Supreme Court laid down stringent rules for legislators and suggested to them to disclose everything while filing nomination papers because they would have to be chosen by electors as their representatives.

April 01: Prime Minister Justice (R) Mir Hazar Khan Khoso announced his 15-member caretaker cabinet. The prime minister gave representation to all the provinces in the cabinet.

April 01: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) declared illegal the appointment of former prime minister Raja Pervez Ashraf's son-in-law in an investment company jointly owned by the governments of Pakistan and China.

April 01: A four-member caretaker cabinet of Punjab took oath. Tariq Pervaiz, Saleema Hashmi, Arif Ijaz and Shams Mehmood Mirza were administered oath by the Punjab Governor.

April 02: Fourteen members of the caretaker federal cabinet took oath for 39 days, while one was sent home for being a serving government employee.

April 02: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) asked the caretaker federal governments in the Centre and in the provinces to shuffle and transfer all federal and provincial secretaries.

April 03: Jammu and Kashmir, once only known for its picturesque beauty, continues to have a mention in the Guinness Book of World Records as the “most militarised zone and the longest pending dispute on the planet earth”. The book says that Kashmir has made its place in the facts book for four reasons and all the reasons are linked to the pending dispute.

April 03: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) decided to include, for the first time, a column 'none of the above' on the ballot papers and deferred till the decision to include overseas Pakistanis in the polling process.

April 03: Federal Economic Division Secretary Javed Iqbal was posted as new Punjab chief secretary by the federal government.

April 04: The Lahore High Court restrained Muhammad Ashraf Wathra from working as deputy governor of State Bank of Pakistan and directed the bank's counsel to submit a reply about the legality of the appointment.

April 05: The Lahore High Court (LHC) stopped returning officers from asking irrelevant questions during the scrutiny of nomination papers of candidates. The LHC also put restrictions on the media covering the scrutiny process.

April 05: India finally started 'visa-on-arrival' facility for Pakistani senior citizens on reciprocal basis. Senior Pakistanis of more than 65 years of age will now get 'visa-on-arrival' at Attaril Wagah checkpost for 45 days.

April 05: A fund was set up by Malala Yousufzai to send 40 girls to school in her home region with the support of US actress Angelina Jolie.

April 05: The Chair of the House of Common's International Development Committee said that the British public may rise against economic assistance to Pakistan if the elite don't come to senses and continue to evade taxes and encourage corrupt practices.

April 08: The European Union's Election Observation Mission (EOM) said it would monitor polls in Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad, but would not send its teams to Balochistan and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) because of security concerns.

April 09: The World Bank established a 'Centre of Excellence' at the University of Punjab in Lahore to address the issue of management of land acquisition, resettlement and rehabilitation.

April 09: Mangal Bagh became supreme leader of both the Lashkar-i-Islam (LI) and Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) for the tribal region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

April 10: Ayaz Amir and Faisal Saleh Hayat, two members of the erstwhile National Assembly who were casualties of articles 62 and 63 of the constitution, got back into the electoral race when election tribunals upheld their appeals.

April 10: The Multan bench of the Lahore High Court overturned the conviction of former MNA Jamshed Ahmad Dasti in a fake degree case and ordered his release.

April 10: Pakistan conducted successful launch of the intermediate-range ballistic missile Hatf IV Shaheen-1 weapon system. It is capable of carrying nuclear and conventional warheads to a range of 900km.

April 10: The Asia Society ranked Umar Cheema's tax report on Pakistani politicians as the 2nd best piece of investigative journalism produced in Asia during the year 2012.

April 11: The Election Commission (ECP) ordered the caretaker Sindh government to immediately transfer 65 bureaucrats against whom it had received specific complaints.

April 12: The superior judiciary ordered the sacking of three executives in the Securities and Exchange Commission, Pakistan Television and the Utility Stores Corporation after declaring the appointments illegal.

April 13: Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry expressed disapproval of the unprecedented security protocol and other perks given to some heavyweights of the previous governments both at the centre and in the provinces.

April 13: The Gilgit-Baltistan government initiated a microfinance scheme for the unemployed youth to help them gain economic independence and contribute towards the region's economic growth. An amount of Rs250 million was allocated to give small loans to educated youth.

April 13: The caretaker Sindh cabinet was expanded with the induction of seven more members.

April 13: Haroon-ur-Rasheed and Chaudhry Haseeb were elected president and general secretary of the Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA).

April 14: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has barred the contesting candidates from seeking votes in the name of religion or sect in the upcoming general elections.

April 15: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced to initiate Naya Pakistan Fund to provide financial assistance to candidates who are not in a position to contest upcoming elections.

April 15: The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) started construction work on Darawat and Naj Gaj dams in Sindh. The dams would irrigate over 25,000 acres of barren land of Hyderabad and Daddu.

April 15: The caretaker prime minister inducted Dr Shahid Amjad Chaudhry as his adviser for

finance and appointed Dr Waqar Masood Khan as secretary of finance department.

April 15: The issue of a border post in Mohmand Agency was resolved after Afghanistan dropped its objections and acknowledged that the Pakistan Army was renovating its post and not establishing a new one.

International

Mar 16: China's new leaders turned to veteran technocrats to staff a cabinet charged with overhauling a slowing economy and pursuing a higher global profile for the country without triggering opposition.

The ceremonial legislature approved nearly three dozen trusted politicians, experienced officials and career diplomats who make up the State Council under Premier Li Keqiang.

Mar 16: Muslim and Western nations overcame deep divisions to agree on a landmark United Nations declaration setting out a code of conduct for combating violence against women and girls. Iran, Libya, Sudan and other Muslim nations ended threats to block the declaration and agreed to language stating that violence against women could not be justified by “any custom, tradition or religious consideration”.

Mar 17: Iran launched a domestically built destroyer in the Caspian Sea, its first deployment of a major warship in the oil-rich region.President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad inaugurated the guided missile destroyer Jamaran-2 in the port city of Anzali, about 250kms northwest of Tehran.

Mar 17: China's new President Xi Jinping will fight for a “great renaissance of the Chinese nation”, he said as the world's most populous country completed its once-in-a-decade power transition.

Mar 17: Oil-rich Abu Dhabi officially opened the 100-megawatt Shams 1, the world's largest Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plant that cost $600 million to build and would provide electricity to 20,000 homes.

Mar 18: The Japanese government agreed to extend a grant of $2 million to Pakistan through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support electoral process in the country.

Mar 18: India's top judge said that Italy's ambassador had forfeited his diplomatic immunity over his role in securing the release of two marines who skipped bail while on trial for murder in New Delhi.

Mar 18: Mumbai police set up India's first “social media lab” to monitor Facebook, Twitter and other networking sites. A specially-trained team of 20 police officers will staff the lab.

Mar 18: China overtook Britain to become the world's fifth largest arms exporter with five per cent of the global trade, its highest position since the Cold War, a Swedish think tank reported.

Mar 19: European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton defended Italy's envoy to India, prevented from leaving the country due to a row over two Italian marines who skipped bail while on trial for murder in New Delhi.

Mar 19: A French Muslim woman who was sacked for wearing the Islamic headscarf at work was unfairly dismissed on the basis of her religion, France's top court ruled. In a landmark decision, the Court of Cassation overturned an earlier ruling by an appeal court in Versailles which had upheld the right of her employer.

Mar 20: Syria's main opposition group has elected Ghassan Hitto as interim prime minister to run what amounts to an administration in exile, tasked with bringing disparate rebel military groups under the control of a credible civilian leadership.

Mar 20: The United States and Kabul appeared to reach an agreement on the pullout of coalition forces from a strategic province, nearly a month after an ultimatum from Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

Mar 21: India's Supreme Court sentenced popular film actor Sanjay Dutt to a five-year prison term and awarded death to a fugitive underworld operative in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case, saying the crime was carried out by men trained in Pakistan.

Mar 21: Jailed Kurdish rebel chief Abdullah Ocalan called for a new ceasefire, telling his fighters to lay down their arms and withdraw from Turkish soil, raising hopes for an end to a three-decade conflict.

Mar 21: Australia formally apologized for the forced adoption of tens of thousands of babies born mostly to unmarried mothers between the 1950s and 1970s.

Mar 22: Sultan Qaboos bin Said of Oman pardoned all dissidents jailed for defaming him or taking part in protests, in the latest effort to defuse unrest inspired by Arab uprisings elsewhere.

Mar 23: President Hamid Karzai asked the Taliban not to prevent students from equipping themselves with education and cooperate with his administration in reopening closed schools.

Mar 23: A new network of professional Pakistani women was launched to work collectively towards a positive change for Pakistan and empowerment of its womenfolk. British Pakistan Foundation's Women Network (BPFWN) was launched at Pakistan High Commission which saw the participation of more than 150 successful Pakistan-origin women.

Mar 24: Rebels in the Central African Republic, fighting to topple President Francois Bozize, said they seized the presidential palace.

Mar 25: Afghanistan took full control of Bagram prison from the United States. President Hamid Karzai had made the fate of the detention centre part of his push to regain sovereignty over key matters from the Americans.

Mar 25: Oman has granted asylum to some members of Muammar Qadhafi's family, two of whom are wanted by Interpol.

Mar 25: Activists gather in the Arab Spring's birthplace for a global anti-capitalist event that would later bring together Tunisian revolutionaries and Western protest movements united in demanding a more just world order.

Mar 26: Italian Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi resigned over his government's decision to return two marines to India to face trial for the murder of local fishermen while on anti-piracy duty.

Mar 26: Qatar proposed the creation of a $1 billion Arab fund for East Jerusalem, which Palestinians say should be the capital of an independent state under any peace deal with Israel.

Qatar's emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, offered to contribute $250 million to the fund, which he suggested at an Arab summit in Doha that focused on the crisis in Syria and stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts.

Mar 27: North Korea severed its military hotline with South Korea, breaking the last direct communication link between the two countries at a time of heightened military tensions.

Mar 27: President Barack Obama named Julia Pierson as the first female director of the Secret Service, charged with protecting the president and his family, signalling his desire to change the culture at the male-dominated agency.

Mar 27: President Barack Obama signed into law a stopgap bill that funds the US government to the end of the fiscal year but locks in $85 billion in budget cuts that could dampen the economy.

Mar 28: The United States nominated Air Force General Philip Breedlove as the new Nato Supreme Commander, filling the key position a month after top general John Allen stepped aside.

Mar 28: The US military made a rare announcement that two nuclear-capable B-2 stealth bombers ran a practice bombing sortie over South Korea, underscoring Washington's commitment to defend its ally amid rising tensions with North Korea.

Mar 29: Iran, North Korea and Syria blocked adoption of a UN treaty that would regulate the multi-billion-dollar international arms trade which required agreement by all 193 UN member states.The three countries charged that the treaty was flawed and failed to ban weapons sales to rebel groups.

Mar 30: North Korea declared it was in a “state of war” with South Korea and warned Seoul and Washington that any provocation would swiftly escalate into an all-out nuclear conflict.

Mar 30: The first direct flight connecting Egypt and Iran in more than 30 years took off from Cairo International Airport.

Mar 30: The Sicilian regional government in Italy revoked permission for the United States to build a military satellite station on the island. The planned ground station is part of the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS), an ultra high-frequency satellite network aimed at significantly boosting communications capacity for the US military and its allies.

Mar 30: Kenya's Supreme Court ruled that Uhuru Kenyatta was elected president fairly, unanimously rejecting a challenge from defeated candidate Raila Odinga that the vote was marred by rigging and technical problems.

Mar 31: Jordan's King Abdullah II and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas signed an agreement confirming their “common goal to defending” Jerusalem and its sacred sites against attempts to Judaise the Holy City.

Mar 31: King Abdullah II sworn-in a new cabinet led for the first time by a prime minister elected by lawmakers.

April 01: The Central African Republic's new post-coup government vowed it would get straight to work, as anger rose in South Africa over its military presence in the restive country.Prime Minister Nicolas Tiangaye named a 34-member cabinet that includes nine ministers from the Seleka rebel coalition which seized Bangui in a rapid-fire assault.

April 02: UN chief Ban Ki-moon warned that the Korean peninsula crisis could spiral out of control, after North Korea announced it would restart a nuclear reactor to feed its atomic weapons programme.

April 02: The United Nations General Assembly passed the first-ever treaty regulating the global conventional weapons trade in an attempt to bring transparency and protection of human rights to the often murky industry.Only Syria, North Korea and Iran which had blocked the treaty last week voted against. Russia, one of the world's most prolific exporters of conventional weapons, was among the 23 countries abstaining.

April 02: India's Supreme Court lifted a three-week order banning Italy's ambassador from leaving the country after Italy sent two marines back to India to face trial over the deaths of two Indian fishermen.

April 02: Kuwait's parliament overwhelmingly passed a bill to combat money laundering and funding of terror groups, stipulating jail terms of up to 20 years for violators.

April 02: The United Nations signed an agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo aimed at fighting against rape and sexual violence by armed groups in the strife-torn eastern part.

April 02: Khaled Meshaal was re-elected head of the Islamist Hamas movement, drawing a cautious welcome from the rival Fatah movement which rules the West Bank.

April 03: North Korea dramatically escalated its warlike rhetoric, warning that it had authorised plans for nuclear strikes on targets in the United States.“The moment of explosion is approaching fast,” the North Korean military said.

April 03: Malaysia's prime minister dissolved Parliament to call for general elections that will be contested between a coalition that has ruled for nearly 57 years and a resurgent opposition whose pledge to form a cleaner government has resonated with millions of citizens.

April 03: The United States unveiled a $5 million bounty on Lord's Resistance Army chief Joseph Kony, one of the world's most wanted men, and posted rewards for three other rebel leaders.

April 04: A new Pakistan-based political thriller was published by BBC correspondent Owen Bennett-Jones. Based in Balochistan and London, “Target Britain” shows both sides of the war on terrorism. Unlike other books that show all militants to be religious fanatics, Target Britain shows how drone strikes can cause havoc in the lives not only of the victims but also their surviving relatives.

April 06: Moderate MP Tamam Salam was named as Lebanon's new prime minister, pledging in his first address to the nation to safeguard the country from the war raging in neighbouring Syria.

April 07: Iran barred a Saudi diplomat allegedly involved in a deadly drink-driving accident from leaving the country.

April 07: India test-fired its nuclear capable Agni-II strategic ballistic missile from a military base in Odisha. The medium-range surface-to-surface missile with a range of over 2,000km has already been inducted into the army and is part of the strategic forces arsenal for nuclear deterrence.

April 08: France's Socialist government ordered its ministers to declare their assets publicly within days, as it seeks to limit the damage from a tax fraud scandal involving an ex-minister.

April 09: Uhuru Kenyatta was sworn-in as Kenya's fourth president despite facing trial on charges of crimes against humanity.

April 10: President Barack Obama rolled out a $3.77 trillion budget that laid out his battle lies in a new fiscal showdown in Washington.

April 10: The use of the death penalty is broadly diminishing around the world although India, Japan, Pakistan and Gambia, the countries that had not used capital punishment for several years resumed executions in 2012, Amnesty International (AI) said.

April 11: Angelina Jolie joined British Foreign Secretary William Hague in announcing $36 million in additional funding from G-8 foreign ministers for the subject. Hague said the ministers who were meeting in London also made the “historic” declaration that rape and serious sexual violence in conflicts constitute war crimes and grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions.

April 11: France's Grand Rabbi Gilles Bernheim – the country's leading Jewish religious figure — resigned with immediate effect, after admitting to plagiarism in his books.

April 13: Palestinian Prime Minister Salaam Fayyad resigned, leaving the Palestinians without one of their most moderate and well-respected voices.

April 13: The United States and China committed to a process aimed at ridding North Korea of its nuclear weapons, with the Obama administration gaining at least the rhetorical support of the only government that can exert significant influence over the reclusive North.

April 14: A Nepalese presenter, Rabi Lamichhane, a 36-year-old based in the US, set the world record for the longest television talk show `Lord Buddha Was Born in Nepal` by staying on air for 62 hours and 12 minutes.

April 15: Two bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, killing two people, injuring 23 others and sending authorities rushing to aid wounded spectators.

April 15: Thailand and Cambodia took their dispute over land around a flashpoint temple to the UN's highest court, in a case Phnom Penh warned could end friendly relations between the countries.

April 15: An Egyptian court ordered the release of ousted president Hosni Mubarak over the deaths of protesters but he will remain in custody over fraud charges.

April 15: Venezuela plunged into uncertainty, with acting President Nicolas Maduro due to be proclaimed the winner of a tight election to succeed the late Hugo Chavez despite international pressure for a recount.

April 15: A mother's milk bank catering to needy free of cost has been set up in north-western India as part of a drive to save the lives of vulnerable children. The bank was inaugurated in Rajasthan's Udaipur city.

SPORTS

Mar 17: World champions Australia won their seventh Sultan Azlan Shah Cup title, defeating hosts Malaysia. South Korea were placed third.

Mar 18: Rafael Nadal battled to claim the biggest title since his return from injury with a win over Juan Martin Del Potro in the BNP Paribas Open final.

Mar 18: Squash legend Jahangir Khan was elected to the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) as its General Council's individual member.

Mar 18: Dr Yaqoob of Dera Ismail Khan clinched the trophy of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inter-Region Chess Championship which concluded at the Pakistan Sports Board Coaching Centre.

Mar 18: India clinched the Test series against Australia with their biggest-ever margin after recording a tense six-wicket victory in the third Test. Never in their 81-year-old Test history, have India won more than two matches against Australia in a single series.

Mar 18: The Bangladesh Cricket Board banned international umpire Nadir Shah for 10 years after a sting operation by an Indian television channel found him apparently willing to fix matches for cash.

Mar 18: Pakistan won a silver medal when they lost final against India at the 4th South Asian women Handball Championship held in Lucknow. Nepal won the bronze medal.

Mar 20: The Dominican Republic beat Puerto Rico to claim their first World Baseball Classic title.

Mar 21: Pakistan Steel Mills won the National Touch-Ball championship defeating Pakistan Highway Motorway in the final at the Punjab Stadium.

Mar 22: Pakistan put up a commendable performance while routing second seed Singapore 2-1 to advance into junior Davis Cup final in Kuching, Malaysia.

Mar 22: Khyber Pakhtumnhwa (KP) won the Inter-Provincial Judo Championship title with seven medals.

Mar 23: The conclusion of the Faysal Bank National One-day Cup proved to be a damp squib as the final between Karachi Zebras and Lahore Lions was abandoned after just 8.5 overs of play.

Mar 24: South African captain A.B. de Villiers survived being dropped early to smash a series-winning unbeaten 95 as his side beat Pakistan by six wickets.

Mar 25: The debutant Hamza Akbar surprised the fraternity of the game as he carved a magnificent 8-7 victory in an epic best of 15 frames final against Imran Shehzad to win the Jubilee Insurance 38th National Snooker Championship at the Karachi Gymkhana.

Mar 28: Gurinder Sandhu, Australia's rising pace bowling star of Indian heritage, won the Steve Waugh Medal for the New South Wales cricketer of the season.

Mar 28: South Africa were officially rewarded for their number one Test status after being handed the International Cricket Council Test Championship mace and a cheque for US$450,000.

Mar 31: Faisalabad Wolves ended an eight-year drought after a blazing Asif Ali knock inspired them to dethrone Sialkot Stallions as the Faysal Bank Super Eight T20 Cup Champions.

Mar 31: Serena Williams earned a record sixth Key Biscayne women's title by beating familiar foil Maria Sharapova at the Sony Open.

Mar 31: Pakistan's Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Dutchman Jean Julien Rojer sealed the men's doubles title at the Sony Open after a victory over Polish duo of Mariusz Fyrstenberg and Marcin Matkowski.

April 02: FIFA surprisingly opted for Goal Control as its goal-line technology system ahead of next year's World Cup in Brazil.The German camera-based, ball tracking system was the last of four contenders to join the race to win a FIFA contract.

April 04: The International Cricket Council (ICC) issued a new law which states that if a bowler breaks the stumps at the non-striker's end during a delivery, umpires will call it a no-ball in all international cricket matches from April 30.

April 07: Kenyan Peter Some was a shock winner of the Paris marathon as he won the 37th edition of the event ahead of Ethiopia's Tadese Tola and compatriot Eric Ndiema.In the women's event Boru Tadese streaked clear of the field to set a new course record of 2hr 21min 06sec.

April 07: Pakistan clinched the Under-16 Asia Cup hockey title by routing Bangladesh in the final in Singapore.

April 13: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) banned umpires Nadeem Ghauri and Anis Siddiqui for four and three years respectively after both were found guilty of being willing to compromise their honesty in performing their professional duties.

April 14: Star player Sania Mirza also joined Indian Tennis Players Association (ITPA) as one of its Vice Presidents.

April 14: Former Pakistan hockey captain Olympian Islahuddin Siddiqui was appointed as Special Assistant to Sindh Chief Minister.

April 15: The Asia Cup cricket tournament will be held in Bangladesh for the second time in a row after India, who had earlier agreed to host the 2014 edition, backed out citing a packed international schedule. Bangladesh had hosted the last edition of the tournament in 2012.

April 15: American John Isner won the US men's clay court championship in Houston with a win over top seeded Spaniard Nicolas Almagro.

Obituaries

Mar 18: Air Commodore (retd) Muhammad Mahmood Alam Khan, known to the world as M. M Alam a veteran of the 1965 and 1971 wars, died after a long illness. He was 78.

Mar 19: Prominent poet Khalid Ahmad passed away. He was 70.

Mar 19: Former PPP leader Ghiasudddin Janbaz died of lungs failure in Lahore. He was 73.

Mar 18: The principal of a college and a campaigner of sectarian harmony, Prof Sibte-Jafar Zaidi, was gunned down in Karachi.

Mar 21: One of the highly respected sports administrator and freelance journalist Zakir Hussain Syed died of cardiac arrest.

Mar 22: Boris A. Berezovsky, once the richest and most powerful of the so-called oligarchs who dominated post-Soviet Russia, and a close ally of Boris N. Yeltsin's who helped install Vladimir V. Putin as president, died at the age of 67.

Mar 22: Former Uruguay goalkeeper Anibal Paz, a member of their 1950 World Cup-winning squad, died in Montevideo at the age of 95.

Mar 22: Nigerian novelist Chinua Achebe, the revered “father of modern African literature”, died aged 82. Best known internationally for his novel “Things Fall Apart”, which depicts the collision between British rule and traditional Igbo culture in his native southeast Nigeria, Achebe was also a strong critic of graft and misrule in his country.

Mar 24: Joe Weider, the fitness and bodybuilding guru who built a magazine empire that include such publications as Muscle and Fitness, Shape and Men's fitness, died at the age of 93.

Mar 25: Former Pakistan football team captain Masood-ul-Hassan died. He was 80.

Mar 26: Anthony Lewis, a former New York Times reporter and columnist whose work won two Pulitzer Prizes and transformed American legal journalism, died. He was 85.

Mar 27: Norwegian speed stake great Hjalmar Andersen, who won three gold medals at the 1952 Oslo Winter Olympics, died at the age of 90.

Mar 28: Richard Griffiths, one of the greatest British stage actors of his generation, died. He will always be remembered as grumpy Uncle Vernon, the least magical of characters in the fantastical “Harry Potter” movies.

Mar 30: Ahad Malik, a film producer for over 40 years and twice elected member of the Punjab Assembly, died. He also served as chairman of Nefdac, Film Producers Association and the Film Distributors’ Association before joining politics and the PPP.

Mar 31: Senior journalist of The News, Investigation Wing, Islamabad, Dilshad Azeem, 44, passed away.

Mar 31: Phil Ramone, the legendary US music producer behind hits by Paul Simon, Paul McCartney, Billy Joel and Barbra Streisand, died at the age of 79.

April 02: Former South African swimming great Karen Muir, the youngest-ever world record holder in any sport, died. She was 60.Muir was elected to the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1980 having set 15 world records in the backstroke at 100 metres, 200 metres, 110 yards and 220 yards. Muir also won 22 South African Championships and three US National Championships, but never competed at the Olympic Games.

April 07: Engineer Zille Ahmad Nizami, a visionary who established Pakistan's first private engineering university, passed away.

April 07: Taj Muhammad Langah, the founder of the Pakistan Seraiki Party, died. He was 73.

April 07: Lilly Pulitzer, a Palm Beach socialite turned fashion designer whose tropical print dresses became a sensation in the 1960s died. She was 81.

April 08: Sara Montiel, the first Spanish actress to make it in Hollywood and best known for her roles in international blockbusters such as “Vera Cruz”, died. She was 85.

April 09: Sindhi poet Sher Mohammad Ujjan, better known as Aajiz Ujjan, passed away. He was 65 years old.

April 09: US actress Annette Funicello, who first gained fame as a “Mickey Mouse Club” member and later starred in 1960s “Beach Party” films died aged 70.

April 10: Robert Edwards, a British Nobel prize-winning scientist known as the father of IVF for pioneering the development of “test tube babies”, died aged 87. Edwards, who won the Nobel for medicine in 2010, started work on developing in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) in the 1950s, and the first so-called test tube baby, Louise Brown, was born in 1978 as a result of his research. Since then, more than 5 million babies have been born around the world as a result of the techniques Edwards developed together with his late colleague, Patrick Steptoe.

April 11: Justice Khwaja Muhammad Ahmad Samdani, a highly respected jurist, passed away after a protracted illness. He was 81.

April 15: Sunni Ittehad Council chairman and former MNA Sahibzada Fazal Kareem died of cancer.

Economy

Mar 18: Europe's main stock markets lost ground and the euro fell under $1.30 on news that Cyprus might tax bank deposits as part of a controversial international bailout.

Mar 19: Engr Tahir Shamshad took over as Nespak managing director/president.

Mar 23: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) cancelled asset

management and advisory service licences of Dawood Capital Management Limited (DCML) and slapped a heavy penalty of Rs.20 million on its chief executive officer for providing undue benefits to its connected persons and close relatives.

Mar 25: Zubair Ahmad Malik was elected unopposed as the president of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) in the annual elections for the year 2013.

Mar 25: After a year of rocky relations with the Board of Directors and failing to improve power generation, the Chief Executive Officer of Genco Holding Company Limited (GHCL) Naveed Ismail was fired on account of poor performance.

Mar 26: BRICS members China and Brazil agreed a swap line allowing them to trade the equivalent of up to $30 billion per year in their own currencies, moving to take almost half of their trade exchanges out of the US dollar zone.

April 01: SSGC signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Transparency International Pakistan (TIP). The MoU will facilitate the gas utility in availing TIP's expertise as an observer.

April 02: World Bank chief Jim Yong Kim called for a global drive to wipe out extreme poverty by 2030, acknowledging that reaching the goal will require extraordinary efforts.

April 02: Haris Georgiades, who was appointed the new Cyprus finance minister, will face the huge task of trying to steer the debt-ridden island out of bailout turbulence.

April 02: India's billionaire Ambani brothers, who fought a very public feud for spoils of their father's business empire, signed a $220 million deal in the first tangible sign of a corporate reconciliation.

April 03: Executives from the Islamabad Stock Exchange announced that religious elements had begun taking deposits from investors and offering extravagant returns. This “gray market” poses a risk to investors and the financial markets.

April 03: The International Monetary Fund agreed to provide approximately one billion euros to the 10bn euro rescue plan for cash-strapped Cyprus.

April 05: The State Bank provided credit information of over 23,000 candidates to the ECP.

April 05: The UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) proposed regional countries a new development strategy aimed at shifting from growth strategies and paradigms based on trade-offs to maximise growth.

April 05: Germany's patent court invalidated a patent held by Apple – and contested by rivals Motorola and Samsung -- on its “slide to unlock” function for smartphones.

April 05: The Thai operator of Bangkok's SkyTrain system raised $2.1 billion in one of the biggest initial public offerings (IPOs) worldwide this year.

April 05: German media group Bertelsmann and British publisher Pearson secured unconditional EU regulatory clearance to merge their publishers Random House and Penguin.

April 09: The European Union's five largest economies agreed to deepen cooperation on tackling tax evasion, raising pressure on smaller members Austria and Luxembourg to join a crackdown on

cross-border cheats.

April 10: The caretaker government appointed Ansar Javed (Grade-22 officer of Inland Revenue Service) the new chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) with immediate effect.

April 11: Pakistan State Oil signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (GoKP) to set up a technologically advanced refinery with a capacity of 40,000 barrels per day (BPD) on about 400 acres of land in district Kohat-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

April 15: Newly-appointed FBR chairman Ansar Javed, instructed all Large Taxpayer Units and Regional Taxpayer Offices to make certain that the revised target is met.

Everyday Science

Mar 20: China's Suntech reached its zenith as the world's largest solar panel producer, but plunged to the nadir of financial distress in just a year, highlighting the woes of the industry it shaped.

Mar 20: An unmanned rocket launched a new US military satellite into orbit. The Atlas V rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station carrying the second satellite of four planned in the Space-Based Infrared System.

Mar 21: The scientists discovered a new dinosaur species, and they decided to name it after Daisy Morris, who found the fossil of this species 40 years ago.

Mar 27: An Australian-led group of scientists, for the first time, tracked down and tagged Antarctic blue whales by using acoustic technology to follow its songs.The blue whale, the largest animal on the planet, is rarely spotted in the Southern Ocean but a group of intrepid researchers were able to locate and tag some of the mammals after picking up on their deep and complex vocals.

Mar 31: Global warming is expanding the extent of sea ice around Antarctica in winter in a paradoxical shift caused by cold plumes of summer melt water that re-freeze fast when temperatures drop, a study showed.

April 02: Astrophysicists witnessed the rare event of a black hole awakening from its slumber to snack on a planet-sized object in a galaxy 47 million light years away. The observation made using the European Space Agency`s INTEGRAL satellite project.

April 04: The world's largest freshwater aquarium was opened to the public at the nature-themed River Safari in Singapore. River Safari is Asia's first river-themed wildlife park. The freshwater aquarium is a 12-hectare park featuring fish and other wildlife from eight of the world's major rivers; the Congo, Ganges, Mississippi, Amazon Mekong, Nile Murray and Yangtze. The aquarium is made at a cost of over USD 160 million. There are nearly 300 species of animals or display at River Safari, of which 42 species are endangered.

April 11: President Barack Obama asked NASA to start work on finding a small asteroid that could be shifted into an orbit near the moon and used by astronauts as a stepping-stone for an eventual mission to Mars.

April 13: The prototype tube lighting LED is found twice as efficient as those currently used in offices and industry around the world but offers the same amount of light. Being able to halve the amount of energy used could bring huge cost and energy savings lighting accounts for more than 19

per cent of global electricity consumption. The prototype tube lighting produces 200 lumens per watt (200lm/W) compared with 100lm/W for equivalent strip lighting and 15lm/W for traditional light bulbs.Muhammad Usman Butt

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JWT magazine May 2013

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