ISLAMABAD: The relief goods sent by Pakistan government for avalanche affected people of Panjshir Province in Af-ghanistan being loaded in a PAF C-130 aircraft on Saturday.

Pak-Saudi relations get newdimensions................................................Send Shakil Afridi’s case to amilitary court................................................Pakistan comes to White fromGrey

See Page 04

See also Sports Page

AMANULLAH KHAN/AAMIR MAJEED

KARACHI—Zahid Malik, Editor-in-ChiefPakistan Observer has lamented that someforeign funded individualsand NGOs are out to createan imaginary fear in Karachiof the possible leakage melt-down of two nuclear powerplants being established withChina’s cooperation.

In his opening remarks atthe Round-Table-Conferenceon Karachi Nuclear Powerplants Misconceptions &Reality” Zahid Malik said itwas rather astonishing thatthe prophets of doom suc-ceeded in getting Stay Orderagainst the establishment ofthe plants from the SindhHigh Court.

The conference jointlyorganized by Pakistan Ob-server and the mega thinktank “101 Friends of China”was attended by the opinionleaders of the civil society,political leaders fromPML(N), PPP, MQM, topleadership of the trade andindustry, educationists and the elite of thetown who participated passionately in the

RTC on Karachi nuclear power plants

Silent majority should wake up to check obstructions: Zahid MalikN-power plants source of cheapest energy: PAEC Chairman Dr. A Q Khan endorses K-2 & K-3

discussion focused on resolving the chronicissue of power shortages paralyzing thesocio economic development while rest ofthe nations are using nuclear technology for

socio economic benefits of their people.A message from the renowned nuclear

scientist Dr. A. Q. Khan was also read onthe occasion in which he endorsed the es-tablishment of Karachi Nuclear PowerPlants to get rid of the energy crisis faced

by the country. While the Chairman Paki-stan Atomic Energy Commission Dr.Ansar

Parvez also spoke at length alleviating themisperceptions about the forthcomingnuclear power plants carrying highlevel in-ternational safety measures in all respects.

The event wasjointly organized byPakistan Observerand the mega thinktank “101 Friends

of China” , the MissionStatement of which

was also distributed among the participants.Elaborating the significance of K-2 and

K3 for achieving the much needed economicgrowth and uplifting the standard of livingof the people of Pakistan where a huge ma-jority is forced to live below poverty line,Mr. Malik said that one of his identities evenin IAEA CIRCLES WAS A “A FRIEND

Continued on Page 7

STAFF REPORTER

PESHAWAR—The repatriation process of in-ternally displaced people to South Waziristanwill begin on March 16 this year after a gapof about 15 months, a government official saidSaturday. The Assistant Political Officer ofSouth Waziristan, Nawab Safi said that peopledisplaced during the military operation Rah-e-Nijat will return to their home from nextmonth.

Registration for the families will takeplace from March 8-11 in Tank and each fam-ily will receive Rs25,000, he added.

Nearly 70,000 people had left SouthWaziristan during Operation Rah-e-Nijat (Path

of Salvation), the Pakistan military’s air andground offensive against the Tehrik-e-TalibanPakistan militants in the Mehsud tribal areaof South Waziristan that began in 2009.

Safi added that in the first stage of reha-bilitation, around 8,000 IDPs will return totheir villages in districts Sararogha andSarokai.

In July 2012, the repatriation of IDPs fromDera Ismail Khan and Tank to SouthWaziristan started under the supervision ofarmy and civil administration.

Brig. Mansoor Aziz had told media rep-resentatives on the occasion that 426 families

IDPs to return SWA from March 16

Unanimous resolution

RTC fully supportsN-power plants

STAFF REPORTER

KARACHI—The participants of the RTC, thoroughly dis-cussed the present performance and future prospects of nuclearpower program of the country with specific reference to the2X1100 mw plants under construction near Karachi. They alsodiscussed the implications of the campaign being carried outby a small group of individuals and some NGOs about thepossible leakage/meltdown of the proposed Karachi NuclearPower Plants and the alleged havoc it would cause to the peopleof Karachi and after having comprehensive discussion.

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KARACHI: Dr Ansar Parvez, Chairman PAEC addressing the Round Table Conference on “Nuclear Power PlantsMisperceptions & Reality”. (Left to Right) Dr Farooq Sattar, MQM leader, Zahid Malik Editor-in-Chief Pakistan Ob-server, Dr Atta-Ur-Rahman, Patron-in-Chief ICC&BC University, and Hameed Haroon, CEO Dawn Group of Newspa-pers are seen in the picture.—PO photo by Sultan Chaki

NEW DELHI—India will boost defence spend-ing by 12 per cent in the coming year, it wasannounced in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’sfirst budget on Saturday.

And the country will further open the do-mestic weapons industry to foreign investmentto help rebuild the military.

India has been the world’s top arms buyerfor the last three years, trying to replace an age-ing Soviet-era military with modern weapons.Jaitley set the military budget at 2.29 trillionIndian rupees (HK$297 billion) for 2014-15,which is 50 billion rupees more than the previ-ous government agreed in an interim budgetearlier this year.

“Modernisation of the armed forces is criti-cal to enable them to play their role effectivelyin the defence of India’s strategic interests,”

he said to the thumping of desks in the lowerhouse of parliament. Jaitley’s Bharatiya JanataParty has long called for a militarily strongIndia to counter potential threats and said itwould speed up the pace of arms purchases forthe military, the world’s third-largest.

Jaitley also increased the foreign invest-ment limit in the domestic defence industry to49 per cent from 26 per cent, hoping to drawgreater interest from its main arms suppliersand help reshape the defence industrial basedominated by state firms.

“Companies controlled by foreign govern-ments and the foreign private sector are sup-plying our defence requirements to us at threeyears, with the fiscal deficit reduced from atargeted 4.1 per cent of GDP this year to 3 percent in the 2016-17 financial year.—Agencies

India spiralsdefence budgetSpending up by 12pc;Targets more foreign investment

OBSERVER REPORT

BRISBANE—Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haqsummoned up the spirit of Imran Khanand his 1992 World Cup warriors onSaturday as the strife-hit Asian giantslook to salvage their 2015 campaign.

Pakistan, engulfed by a series of onand off-field controversies, have lostboth of their opening two games — by76 runs to India and 150 runs againstthe West Indies.

They are bottom of Pool B and de-feat by Zimbabwe at the Gabba on Sun-day will virtually condemn them to anearly exit. But Pakistan have been downthis road before.

Twenty-three years ago, when the WorldCup was last played in Australia and New

Pakistan faces Zimbabwe in World Cup

Misbah summons spiritof Imran Khan, 1992

Zealand, Imran Khan’s team were also staringat early elimination.

They lost by 10 wickets to West Indies, beatZimbabwe, had a no-re-sult when about to be de-feated by England beforetwo more losses to Indiaand South Africa.

They then wenton a roll, seeing off Aus-tralia, Sri Lanka and NewZealand to make thesemi-finals.

New Zealandwas defeated again in thelast-four before the titlewas clinched in

Pakistan sendsrelief goods

to AfghanistanSARWAR AWAN

ISLAMABAD—In compliancewith the directives of the Gov-ernment of Pakistan, NationalDisaster Management Author-ity dispatched two C-130 air-craft carrying 24 tons of hu-manitarian relief goods on Sat-urday to the avalanche-hitpeople of Afghanistan.

The relief consignmentcomprised of non food items(NFIs) including tents, blan-kets, chaddars, stoves, medi-cines, daryyan as well as fooditems including water bottlesand ration for the affected fami-lies. The C130 aircraft carry-ing relief goods were dispatchedfrom the Nur Khan airbase inRawalpindi to Afghanistan’sPanjshir province for victims ofa massive avalanche.

The relief goods also in-cluded eatables like rice, ready-to-eat meals and medicines.

More than 250 people havebeen killed in a series of ava-lanches triggered by heavysnowfall around Afghanistanthis week,

The bulk of the deaths havecome in Panjshir province, northof Kabul, where at least 186people were killed. The ava-lanches came after two days ofheavy snow which destroyedmore than 100 homes in theprovince and blocked mainroads, making it difficult for res-cue workers to reach thestricken villages.

IS L A M A B A D/KA R A C H I —Election Commission (EC)Saturday released the finallist of persons contestingSenate Election on March05. Printing Corporation hasbeen asked for the printingof ballot papers.

Nine submitted theirnomination papers for Sen-ate election in Islamabad outof which PML-N RahilaMagsi was disqualified onthe objection of Nargis FaizMalik. 8 members are leftwho will be contesting on 2seats of Islamabad; 4 on gen-eral seats and 4 on woman

Senate Election

EC releases finalists namesPPP, MQM candidates elected unopposed from Sindh

Continued on Page 7

Securityforces arrestkey militantSTAFF REPORTER

QUETTA—Security forcesarrested a key militant fromQuetta’s Lak Pass area inBalochistan on Saturdaymorning. Security sourcestold media that forcesarrested Abdul Salam Regiduring a raid in Lak Pass.

Later, he was shifted toan undisclosed location forinterrogation.

Sources added that Regiwas affiliated with the bannedmilitant group Jundullah, andwas planning to launchsuicide attacks in Balochistanand Iran.

“We are interrogating thesuspect,” Home SecretaryBalochistan Akbar Durranitold Dawn. He, however,stated that the suspect’saffiliation with Jundullah isyet to be confirmed.

Continued on Page 7

N Zealand edgepast Australia,India thrash UAESYDNEY—New Zealandreached the World Cupquarter-finals with a nail-biting one-wicket win over

Australia in Aucklandon Saturday, while5,500km away in PerthIndia destroyed theamateurs of the UAEby nine wickets.New Zealand carved

out a fourth win in four games

in Pool A but, in pursuit of just152 and sitting comfortably at78 for one, the Black Capswere crippled by suddenstage-fright as their next eightwickets fell for just 68 runs with

Abeera murder case

Toobaconfesses topoisoning modelSTAFF REPORTER

LAHORE—The main suspectin the Abeera murder case,Izma Rao alias Tooba, hasconfessed to killing theLahore-based model bypoisoning her. Initial forensicreports of the 20-year-old alsoconfirmed the cause of deathas poisoning.

SSP Investigations RanaAyaz Saleem said that Tooba’sfriend Farooqur Rehman andhis friend Zeeshan were alsoinvolved in the murder.“Tooba had asked Zeeshan toprovide her with the poison,”he said.

All three of the suspectshave officially been arrested,officials confirmed.

Earlier, a post-mortemreport showed that it waslikely that she was suffocated.

According to reports, Toobahad wanted to have her ex-hus-band, Baber Butt, killed and hadasked for Abeera’s help in do-ing so. Her alleged refusal leadto Tooba killing Abeera.

Baber and Tooba were mar-ried seven years ago and di-vorced two years ago. Tooba hasclaimed that Baber and YousufKhoker –a cameraman whomshe is thought to have murderedseveral months ago as well —were responsible for the death oftheir two-month-old daughter.

Continued on Page 7

KARACHI—Chief MinisterSindh, Qaim Ali Shah an-nounced on Saturday that aban had been placed in Sindhon police transfer andpostings. Speaking at a pressconference here, Qaim AliShah said police officialswould remain on their postfor at least one year. Headded that Rs 5 million

Shikarpur case beingsent to mily court: QaimSlaps ban on police transfers, postings

would be provided to the po-lice and Rangers in the prov-ince.

According to the CM,the Shikarpur tragedy casewould be sent to a militarycourt. At least 61 people in-cluding children were killedwhen a suicide bomber blew

seats. For 4 seats of FATA, 43have submitted their nomina-tion papers, Syed Nawab and

Abdul Qadir have withdrawntheir nomination papers 5 are

ISLAMABAD—The governmenthas once again failed to con-vince JUI-F chief MaulanaFazlur Rehman about the 22ndconstitutional amendmentwhile Pervaiz Rasheed has as-

22nd amend: Govt failsto take Fazl on board

sured him to address his con-cerns.

The government commit-tee met Jamiat Ulema-e-Islamchief in Islamabad to address

Continued on Page 7

Pir Masood electedpresident LHCBA

STAFF REPORTER

LAHORE —Presidential can-didate for Lahore High CourtBar Masood Chishti of AsmaJehangir group became thenew president of Lahore baron Saturday. All members ofthe Asma Jehagnir’s panelwon in the annual elections.

According to unofficialresults, Pir Masood Chishti,who secured 4,050 votesagainst his rival candidate M.Shahid Maqbool Sheikh’s3,118 votes.

Continued on Page 7

Continued on Page 7

LAHORE—Federal Minister for Planning,Development and Reforms Prof AhsanIqbal has said that the government is mak-ing efforts to resolve the national issuesthrough consen-sus of all political parties.He said the government is trying to addressthe reservations of some political partiesover issue of brining consti-tutional amendment to stophorse trading in Senate elec-tions. He said that the gov-ernment is not creating anyhurdle in formation of judi-cialcommission for investigationof 2013 poll rigging allega-tions, this he said while ad-dressing a ceremony on Sat-urday in Lahore.

He said judicial commis-sion could be formed in onehour if Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is ready to include alle-gations of planned conspiracyto rig elections and working ofinstitutions against PTI and insupport of PML-N during 2013elections. He said a compre-hensive system of reforms hasbeen introduced for the im-provement of the governmentsystem. Ahsan Iqbal said thatif Pakistan has to move for-ward than we have to achievethe minimum exports target of$150 billion by 2025. He saidevery suggestion for the im-provement of the performanceof government institutionswould be welcomed. He saidthe suggestions of the masses in this regardwould be implemented.

All issues to be settled with consensusGovt to bring constitutional amendments to stop horse-trading in Senate elections: Ahsan Iqbal

LAHORE: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms, Prof Ahsan Iqbaltalking to media after ‘Uplifting Public Sector and Civil Services Performance Work-shop on Vision 2025’.

He said the performance of governmentinstitutions is not according to the expecta-tions. He said the Pakistani government ser-vants are not behind in performance fromany country of the world. He said the peoplebelonging to different fields should presenttheir suggestions for the improvement of the

government institutions. He said the imple-mentation on the suggestions of the masses

would be ensured to improvethe performance of the gov-ernment institutions. He saidthat the government is work-ing to improve the perfor-mance of the government in-stitutions.

He said the Pakistanimanpower is very talented.

He said there is need to usetalent and ability in properway. He said the governmentschool teachers are beingpaid double salary as com-pared to private teachers inPakistan but the results ofthe government schools areaway behind from privateschools. He said everycountry of the world whichhas made progress has leapfrog in exports. He said theexports of South Korea was$50 million in 1950 and ex-ports of Pakistan was $200million but today the exportsof South Korea is at $560 bil-lion and Pakistani exports to-day are only $25 billion.Ahsan Iqbal said that thisthe same story of Turkey,Malaysia, Sin-gapore, Indo-nesia and India.

He said that any coun-

try which has madeprogress has made progressin exports as leaps andbounds or leap frog and se-cured transformationalgrowth. Ahsan Iqbal saidthat if Pakistan has to moveforward than we have toachieve the minimum ex-ports target of $150 billionby 2025. He said this is notHercules task we couldachieve this target.

He said Pakistan is oneof the two countries in theworld where polio is a glo-bal threat, adding that Paki-stan is defamed in world dueto polio. He said mothermortality rate at high levelin Pakistan from wholeworld. Ahsan Iqbal said wehave to create investmentfriendly atmosphere for in-vestment.— Sabah

SALIM AHMED

LAHORE—Provincial Education Min-ister Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khanhas said that best arrangements havebeen made during 5th and 8th classexaminations being held under PunjabExamination Commission. He said thatimprovement in governmental steps isa continuous process which aimed atproviding quality education to the stu-dents and bringing the education sys-tem of Punjab at par with internationalstandard.

He said this during a media brief-ing regarding 5th and 8thclass exami-nations at Directorate of Staff Devel-opment, here today. Secretary SchoolsEducation Abdul Jabbar Shaheen andChief Executive Punjab Examination

Best arrangements madefor 5th, 8th classes exams

Commission Nasir Malik were alsopresent on the occasion. RanaMashhood told that 22 lakh studentshave participated in 5th and 8th classexaminations this year and 12 thou-sand examination centers have beenestablished for this purpose.

He said that one lakh 25 thousandteachers have been deputed for su-pervising examinations. He said thatthis is a big exercise which aimed atholding examinations in a disciplinedand transparent manner. RanaMashhood said that government hasheld these examinations in a profes-sional manner. He said that govern-ment has discouraged rote system andpromoted creative approach amongthe students.

He said that various steps have

been taken for ensuring holding ofexaminations in a disciplined andtransparent manner which includedmodel question papers and issuing rollnumber slips online. Education Min-ister said that proper packing of mate-rial and on time delivery of questionpapers have been introduced.

He said that the printing cost ofper question paper was Rs. 1.49 inthe past which has reduced to Rs.1.3. He appreciated the performanceof Schools Department which hasorganized examinations in a tightschedule. He said that due to gov-ernment reforms, more than 11 lakhchildren have been enrolledwhereas the at tendance rat io hasreached 93 percent which is best at-tendance ratio in the world.

WAH CANTT—The provin-cial development workingparty (PDWP) has approvedthe first phase of establish-ment of 100 bedded state ofthe art hospital at Wah Cantt.The assistant commissionerTaxila Shahid Imran who isfocal person for the projectwhile talking to newsmenhere on Satur-day said thatPDWP have given go aheadsignal of the Rs 1.325 billionproject of the establishmentof the state of the art hospi-tal at GT road near Wah.

He said that the partygiven approval of the firstphase in which 100 beddedhospital would be con-structed which would be laterextended up to 500 beds. He

100-bed hospitalat Wah approved

said that during Novemberlast year Planning and De-velopment Department hasapproved the project anddistrict governmentRawalpindi has finalized PC-1 of the said hospital.

It may be mentioned herethat due to paucity of staffand health facilities in the area,on the demands of the massesInterior Minister ChaudhryNisar Ali Khan has per-formed ground breaking cer-emony of the project on June1 last year. As the residentsof Taxila and Wah Canton-ment needed another hospi-tal as tehsil headquartershospital in Taxila was not suf-ficient to meet the requirementof the residents.—APP

Siraj urgesEC role

PESHAWAR—Central AmeerJamaat Islami Sirajul Haqurged Election Commissionof Pakistan to hold transpar-ent Senate election and stopway for those using unfairmeans for elec-tion to theupper house of the parlia-ment.

Talking to mediamen inthe assembly premises,Sirajul Haq said that Senatewas Upper House of thecountry and its electionsshould be clean and trans-parent. He alleged that somepeople were visiting MPAshouses along with money-packed briefcases to buytheir loy-alties, but theywould not succeed in theirnefarious designs.

He furthers said thathorse-trading was a familiarpractice in the past regimeadding that Election Com-mission should play its rolein holding transparent elec-tions.—APP

Big menaceISLAMABAD—Leader PakistanMuslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)Zafar IqbalJhagra hastermed horse-trading a big menace addingthat the practice must bestopped. Talking to a newschannel, he said there wereseveral ways to discouragehorse-trading, however, themost suitable one wasthrough a constitutionalamendment. If legislationwas not done in this regard,then the other option was tosit together and find someway to tackle this menace,he added. Jhagra said thePrime Minister had alsocalled an All Parties Confer-ence (APC) so that theopinion of other partiescould be sought over theissue. The democraticsolution of all the issues wasnecessary for strengtheningdemocracy, he mentioned.The PML-N leader said itwas the top priority of PrimeMinister Muhammad NawazSharif to ensure transpar-ency and merit in everyfield.—APP

Teachers trainingISLAMABAD—Minister of Statefor FederalEducation andProfessionalTraining,MuhammadBaligh-ur-Rehman Saturdaysaid that efforts are underway to launch a comprehen-sive nationwide trainingprogramme for teachers.Talking to Prof. Dr. SpeckHamdan, Head of Depart-ment of Elementary Educa-tion and Didactic, LudwigMaximilian University inMunich, the state ministersaid for the training would beheld in light of NationalTeachers Assessment Reportas quality of education couldnot be improved with outimproving the competenceand quality of a teacher.According to a press releasereceived here, the ministerwas leading a delegation ofProvincial and Area Govern-ments’ Edu Ministers, whowere invited by the GermanGovt for a study tour to makethem familiar with the Germaneducation system.—APP

KARACHI: Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Mrs Saira Afzal Tarar inaugurating health education atthe Dow International Medical College, Ojha Campus.

STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—I have made astrong commitment with thePrime Minister, MuhammadNawaz Sharif, that I will leadBenazir Income SupportProgramme (BISP) to be-come a pride of Pakistan andan exemplary model for therest of the world to follow.Chairperson BISP, Ms MarviMemon gave these remarkswhile addressing a group ofyoung media women inIslamabad Hotel today.

She added that the PrimeMinister has a vision to em-power women of his coun-try so that they can play aneffective role in the develop-ment of this country. I amgrateful that in order torealise this vision, he haschosen me as the Chairper-son and I intend to work tothe best of my abilities forupholding this trust.Women empowerment is oneof the eight development in-dicators of Millennium De-

BISP to be pride of Pakistanvelopment Goals. BenazirIncome Support Programmetook up this challenge ofachieving women empower-ment at insti-tutional level by

making women representa-tive of the household asprime beneficiary of theProgramme, which is alsoconsidered as a giant leaptowards financial empower-ment of women in Pakistan.

While commenting onthe role of BISP, Ms MarviMemon stated that BISP is

following the vision of em-powering family throughempowerment of women ashead of the household.

A five-day workshopwas organized by WomenMedia Centre Pakistan titled‘Empowering women in me-dia’. Chairperson BISP, MsMarvi Memon was invitedas chief guest for the certifi-cate distribution ceremony tothe participants on the lastday of the event.

Addressing the partici-pants, Ms Marvi Memoncommended the organizersand the young media womenfor their remarkable efforts inorganizing the event. Shesaid that women in mediamust consider their job as amission and do their utmostfor a better and developedPakistan. She also recog-nized the fact thatworkingwomen have to makemore sacrifices but thesesacrifices must be made forthe develop-ment of thecountry.

STAFF REPORTER

KARACHI—State Minis-ter for Na-tional Health Services Regulationand Coordination Saira Afzal Tararsaid that the Federal government inclose co-ordination with provincialgovernments was introducing aHealth Insurance Programme acrossthe country for those people whowere living below the poverty line.

Talking to journalists in a cer-emony which was held here on Sat-urday to mark 6th Annual ResearchDay programme at Dow Universityof Health Sciences (DUHS), shesaid the state has to realise its re-sponsibilities towards people withscant resources and for the purposeexis-tent social welfare schemes arebeing ex-panded.

Health Insurance Programmefor poor in offing: Saira Afzal

Hamidafor uplift

of MB DinSHER GONDAL

MANDI BAHAUDDIN: PunjabMinister for Women Devel-opment Hamida Waheed hassaid that 2015 would beMandi development year.

She was addressing ajoint gathering of membersof local NGOs of framers, la-borers, class iv servants,traders, newspaper hawk-ers, ex-servicemen and law-yers arranged under aus-pices of Mian Ithad WelfareMandi Bahauddin.Referingto class-iv servants of Irri-gation Department the Min-ister said Beldars would bepromoted to the rank ofmate as per departmentalrules and their childrenwould also be given prefer-ence in new recruitment.

She said case for shift-ing Irrigation Xian to MandiBahauddin from Gujratwould be taken up with ChiefMinister for favorable con-sideration.

She said four sub divi-sions of Irrigation Departmentwere in Mandi District whileonly one subdivision inGujrat. Merit demands thatXian office should shift toMandi Bahauddin for easyaccess of famers.

Counting achievementsof Punjab Government dur-ing its tenure she said beau-tification plan was beingexecuted and work was inprogress on Quad i AzamMini Stadium with grant ofRs 50 million, roads werebeing constructed and re-paired with a grant of 300million. A huge amount offunds were being spent onconstruction of boundarywall of educational institu-tions across the district.

SHAFFAAT MALIK

TALAGANG—PML-N government hasdiverted funds about four billion rupeesfrom Talagang to other districts ofPunjab. The projects which were an-nounced by Ch Pervez Elahi and PMLgovernment include construction of a52-kilometres main highway connect-ing Talagang city with Chakri and ulti-mately Rawalpindi, a ring road aroundTalagang city which would have beena vital bypass for the traffic coming fromKarachi, Mianwali, Southern Punjab, astate of the art 100-beds hospital, a

PML-Q blames PML-N for funds transfer

ISLAMABAD—Another rainyspell was predicted acrosscountry from March 1, Sunday(today) which will likely to becontinued for two day. Ac-cording to Met office sources,the ‘western disturbance’ willapproach the province todaynight and rainy spell will con-tinue intermittentally by March2, Monday.

Normal rain about 5 mmwas expected in the regionwhile heavy rains were pre-dicted in the upper Punjab,sources added. The local Metoffice has forecast partlycloudy weather with chancesof thunderstorm light rain forthe city and its suburbs dur-

Across country rains likelying the next 24 hours.

On Saturday, maximumand minimum tempera-tureswere recorded as 22.2 degree

celsius and 10.8 degreecelsius, respectively. The hu-midity was recorded 76 per centat 8 am and 44 per cent at 5 pm.Quetta Met Office has forecastrain with snowfalls over thehills for the provin-cial capitalon Sunday.—APP

Recruitment ofteachers on meritJAND—Recruitment of edu-cators in tehsil Jand andother tehsils of the Attockdistrict will be made on meritin a transparent manner as afool proof soft-ware has beendevised for it.

Talking to APP, aspokesman of EducationDe-partment here on Satur-day that 1100 vacant for edu-cators and more than 12000applications were received .

He added, no quota hasbeen allotted to any minis-ter, MNA or MPA and theappointments would only beon merit.—APP

Replying to a question aboutavailable facilities for the people vis-iting government hospitals she saida collaborative approach is neededand while governments can not beab-solved of their responsibilities apartnership with philanthropistsmay be needed. About ongoing po-lio eradication cam-paign, she said“Civil - Military Coordination” hasproduced the desired results, whileimpression about refusals have alsobeen dispelled as peo-ple are com-ing forward in increased numbers toget their under five children vacci-nated against polio.

“The number of currently regis-tered re-fusals has been 100,000 ascompared to 1700,000 only sometime back,” she said.

Earlier addressing a special ses-

sion organised as part of DUHS’ An-nual Research Day, the State Min-ister for Na-tional Health Servicesregistering her serious concernabout poor health indicators in thecountry sought researches ad-dressing issues pertinent tohealthcare that may ultimately helpimprove life quality of the people ingeneral.

Appreciating that young re-searchers were bringing researchessignificant to the community levelissues to upward trajectory, shesaid the approach must be replicatedand more research must come upaddressing issues relevant to thecountry’s health care needs.

“Is it not ironical that while ourchildren continue to die of prevent-able conditions the world has man-

aged to ensure survival for diseasesconsidered to be terminal,” com-mented the Minister. She re-gretted that research activities atDUHS were though quite extensive,however, very little of it was knownto the wider community and policymakers.

Saira Afzal Tarar was of the opin-ion that in the present world of rapidchange an agile, educated and anadaptable mind, a pragmatic and co-operative temperament, a strong ethi-cal orientation are increasingly thekeys to effective education system.

The government complies withthe no-tion of education as a strongpillar of our faith- Islam and we alsoknow that there is no shortcut to suc-cess but to educate our youth andfu-ture generations, she said.—APP

postgradu-ate college for girls, a sportscomplex and a government rest housebesides some link roads connectingvarious villages of the area among theprojects of PML govt.

Senior central leader of PakistanMuslim League Q Hafiz Ammar Yasirsaid this while taking to Pakistan Ob-server here Saturday. City hos-pital Talagang was the worst hit projectas its building was finished in 2008 andma-chinery for cardiac surgeries, CTscan, MRI, Dialysis, Eye surgeries andother relevant equipment had arrivedat the time of change of government

in the province.The hospital onlyneeded the installation of this machin-ery to start operations. However, assoon as Shahbaz Sharif took over, hestalled the project and the machinerywas not installed at the hospital, leav-ing the state of the art building emptyas a shell. Even in 2015 the hospitalhas no facilities and pa-tients are suf-fering badly, he added. Hafiz AmmarYasir said that we have served our areaand will do it again in the future. Re-cent MNA and MPA’s are playing withthe emo-tions of the people and theyfailed to solve their issues.

Pak-Saudi relationsget new dimensions

THAT Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy closest and exemplary relations has once again been amplified by the goodwill gesture demonstrated by the new King Salman bin Abdulaziz, who has extended

an invitation to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to visit the Kingdom. Hehas also proposed that the Pakistani leader should visit Saudi Arabia inthe first week of March and therefore, the visit is imminent.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have always enjoyed friction free and bestof relations. It is emphasized by leadership of the two countries that theirties have nothing to do with personalities or personal rapport with theleadership but is based on people to people level and shared interests indifferent areas. The warmth demonstrated by the new Saudi leader forPakistan has deepened this impression and hopefully the visit would takethe relationship to new heights and give it new dimensions. Prime Minis-ter Nawaz Sharif had brief interaction with King Salman (who was thenCrown Prince) in January this year when the former visited the Kingdomto inquire about the health of late King Abdullah. The special invitation toMian Nawaz Sharif is reflective of the new ruler’s deep affection andlove for Pakistan. But these sentiments are not one sided as for almostevery Pakistani, every inch of Saudi Arabia is dearer to him than thewhole of Pakistan. This is not just because of religious affinity but alsodue to caring attitude of successive rulers of the Kingdom towards Paki-stan. Saudi Arabia always stood by Pakistan in thick and thin and ex-tended much needed political, diplomatic and economic support duringcrises. We are confident that meeting between the two leaders would behighly productive and they would agree upon practical programmes andplans to cement bilateral relations in different sectors. A sizeable Paki-stani community is living in the Kingdom and playing crucial role in itsdevelopment. However, due to some internal policies of the Kingdom,some of them were sent back and some more are fearing the threat ofbeing deported. We hope this issue will be taken up with King Salman andinstead of deportations, the two leaders would discuss possibility of exportof more skilled and semi-skilled Pakistani manpower to Saudi Arabia. Simi-larly, Pakistan is looking for foreign investment and Saudi entrepreneurscan invest in different projects being launched by the PML(N) Governmentespecially in energy and infrastructural development.

Send Shakil Afridi’scase to a military courtTHE US Congress has discussed a prohibition on giving Pakistan aid

worth $500 million while pressing for the release of Dr Shakil Afridi.A lawmaker from California Dana Rohrabacher said that America’s big-gest friends are those who consider America’s enemy, their enemy, add-ing that the man who helped America find Osama bin Laden is held in jailin Pakistan.

This is not for the first time that the issue of Afridi, who is considereda hero in the United States for his role in the May 2011 SEAL Team 6 raidthat killed the Al Qaeda leader, has been raised in the United States. TheUS administration has been pressurizing Pakistani leaders to release Dr.Afridi and went to the extent of withholding three million dollar worth ofaid in the last year’s budget as a pressure tactic on the issue. The very factthat the US leaders, the Congress and others in the US time and againtake up the issue of Shakil Afridi, undergoing 23 years jail term for hislinks with terrorist groups, is reflective of his true credentials. It clearlyindicates that he is man of the United States and worked against the na-tional interests of Pakistan. Although he is a Pakistani national and histrial is internal affair of the country but extraordinary interest being shownby the United States in his release is a clear testimony that he is an Ameri-can agent. The US has a track record of using all tools at its disposal to getits agents freed whenever they are exposed and are in trouble in any coun-try. But it is clearly an interference in the internal affairs of Pakistan asthe man helped violate sovereignty of the country by a foreign power. Webelieve that time has come that the case of Dr. Shakil Afridi should besent to a military court for speedy trial. What he did to the country ismuch more than terrorism and he deserves to be tried in a military court.

Pakistan comes toWhite from Grey

FINANCE Minister Ishaq Dar, on Friday, made three important announcements pertaining to the state of the economy. He rightly took

pride in the fact that the International Bank for Reconstruction and De-velopment (IBRD) has agreed to restore assistance to Pakistan after a gapof three years because of improved economic performance of the country.He also expressed satisfaction that the country has been taken off from‘Grey’ list by the Financial Action Task Force and moved to White cat-egory because of significant progress in anti-money laundering and com-bating financing for terrorism regime.

But the most important announcement made by the Minister per-tained to keeping the level of oil prices for the month of March at thelevel of February by reducing the GST rate from the existing 27 to 18%and readjustment of the Petroleum Development Levy. This is surely awelcome decision that would give significant relief to the masses atleast for a month. It also shows that the economy was improving andthe Government was in a position to mitigate sufferings of the people.Dar also rightly took credit for taking a number of measures that havehelped improve standing of the country in global financial and eco-nomic circles as is indicated by the decision of the IBRD to restore aidand that of the Financial Action Task Force to remove Pakistan fromGrey list. No doubt, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and his economic teamhave been working hard and deserve appreciation of all. Criticism bysome circles notwithstanding but the fact remains that they have suc-cessfully managed economic affairs of the country despite hostile do-mestic and international environment. But it is also a fact that some ofthe bitter decisions pinched masses and now that economic recovery isin sight, the trickledown effect should be visible.

Ailing state of health care system

Brazil’swaterwoes

IT is a strange situation indeedwhen the “Saudi Arabia of water”, Brazil, blessed with the

world’s largest amount of freshwater, mulls imposing rationingof water to its residents. That iswhat authorities of Sao Paulo arecontemplating — this, in one ofBrazil’s largest cities.

Residents are upset and justi-fiably so. Reports say that schoolshave asked students not to brushtheir teeth with water and have re-sorted to providing sandwichesfor lunch instead of meals so thatthey do not have to wash plates.Residents have also begun dig-ging their own wells at homes anda parallel grey market selling wa-ter is now in place.

What went wrong, especiallywhen Brazil is blessed with riv-ers like the Amazon and abundantfresh water resources? Scientistspoint the finger at pollution anddeforestation. A country that haswitnessed unchecked, unplannedindustrial growth, with industriesreleasing effluents into rivers andother water bodies, they say, hasdeeply damaged the ecosystem.Rampant deforestation has meantthat rainfall is now scarce.

The humidity caused by theforests which turns into rainclouds is almost non-existent now.In Brazil, climate change can beseen excruciatingly clearly.

When environmental laws arenot implemented stringently andin tandem with industrial growth,the price paid by citizens is oftentoo basic to counter. Brazil’s wa-ter woes have shown the worldjust that. No one benefits in thelong run when trees are indis-criminately cut down and whenoceans and rivers are treated assewer systems. Our most preciouscommodities – air, water and food– become the first casualties,many times, irreversibly so.

Brazil is certainly in fortroubled times ahead as unrestbuilds amongst its residents. Per-haps a law such as the one passedby Bolivia, giving legal rights tothe earth’s natural resources,would go a long way towardchanging the mindsets of thelawmakers and industry towardspollution.

Stringent action to check pol-lution is the need of the hour, al-though it could take decades toundo the existing damage. Brazilalso comes as a lesson for coun-tries like Australia and India,where new governments are sac-rificing important environmentallegislation and concerns in thepursuit of quick growth.—Khaleej Times

*****

The ‘whitepoison’ is

takingits toll

THE western diet of refinedfood, super-sized portionsand the invidious presence

of sugar in almost all commer-cially prepared foods is onceagain in the spotlight — thanksto a new documentary that drawsattention to the threat inherent inmodern diets. From breakfast ce-reals to pre-cooked foods to eventhe so-called health foods, sugarinvades them all, sometimes vis-ibly, other times not. The risingtide of the white poison (as sugaris also called) is taking its toll withlifestyle diseases such as diabe-tes, cardiac problems, hyperten-sion, obesity, etc, continuing torise around the world.

More and more people and so-cieties are moving away fromtheir traditional foods and suc-cumbing to the siren call of west-ern-influenced refined foods, withchildren being the most vulner-able victims of the sugar hege-mony. Their sugary breakfast ce-reals contain from 14-20 grammesof sugar in a single serving.

There is only so much gov-ernments and health-care authori-ties can do to educate people onthe dangers of refined, sugaryfoods. Health, ultimately, is anindividual’s responsibility.— Gulf News

MEDIA WATCH

IF we would compile the number of people who die daily inPakistan and group them ac-

cording to the reason for their de-mise it would show that mostpeople die not from terrorism orother forms of violence but frompreventable diseases that are eithernot treated at all for the reason thathospitals, doctors or medication isnot readily available or the treat-ment is late because medical aidand health facilitation has no pri-ority on the agenda of our rulers,who can afford and are regularlyflying abroad for their own andtheir families’ treatment.

Due to their bad governancewhat is happening in our presti-gious hospitals like PIMS in thecapital city is pure agony. Over theyears of this sorry state of affairsin our health care system peoplehave learned to distrust the inten-tions of the state which shows inthe missing support for vaccina-tion drives launched by the offi-cial health care system. Despitethe amount of money that WHOand other international organiza-tions have sent to Pakistan (even ifto accomplish political gains) stillthe Polio and other campaigns areunsuccessful not only because ofsecurity related problems but be-cause of delay in paying the healthcare workers even the pitifulamount that they are supposed tobe given for months for risking theirlives and doing this service to thenation. Other obstacles are the ad-

The blotting paper philosophy

LET me explain. There was atime when two aspects of thegovernment were conceptu-

ally being stated. One, that the gov-ernment like the wife cannot bequestioned on its wisdom. Secondthat development projects ought tobe not mega ones but mini projects.The advantage of mini projects isthat it generates jobs in those localspecific areas. In other words thatrural placement and locations areimportant and that jobs ought to becreated wherever the developmentis taking place and that the localsshould have the first right of refusal.Inefficiencies in mega projects wereand are proverbial. But the situationhas changed quite considerably be-cause the government of any day isbased on deception and deceit. Takethe energy crisis and the doings ofthe public representative.

The politicians of Punjab hadregretted the doings of the PPP gov-ernment and had promised to cre-ate policies for the country thatwould bring about full energy to thenation. Load shedding would be athing of the past. Where is thatbreast beating politician? Where isthat breast and where are thosehands and that moving indexed fin-ger that never writes. Are thesethings written in the wind? Is thereno shame within the political sys-tem? The TV footage is evidenceenough for the judicial system toseek clarification from thepolitician[s] as to what he and theymeant by telling such big lies to thepeople of Pakistan. After many ho

Let us be moral.Let us contemplateexistence.

and ha the energy ministernow says forget about energytill 2019 that is beyond theircurrent term in government.Is this what the political sys-tem and democracy is about?We were given lessons in

how truthful democratic process isand then this? Well all the evidencenow points to the fact that the sys-tem is as good as it is administered.Democracy has not served Pakistanwell. Maybe that we as amchopeople do not know how to use po-liteness and reason for gettingthings done.

The inefficiencies that areriddled in our society make the situ-ation very inefficient and inept. Allthese unsolicited appointments offavorites is a case in point. And un-fortunately these are people thathave been court marshaled. How didthey get to the top of the organiza-tion and why is there no successionsystem in the public sector organi-zation; when even the private cor-porate sector have succession sys-tem based on annual review of per-formance. How do you judge theperformance of the PM? The answeris you do not. If he is not answer-able for anything than it follows thatother heads are also not answerable.Forget PIA, forget Steel mill justlook at the ordinary functioning ofthe government. Do you not see aconsiderable amount of idiotic looksthere? The inefficiencies that havecropped up has led to the blottingpaper saturation and we know thatwhen the blotting paper is saturatedit will not absorb any more of theink. Is that not the case withPakistan’s organizations?

Consider such organizations asserve the people of this country? Canyou afford to go to the police stationand lodge a complaint? Will any one

listen to you? No they won’t. Go toany organization in the federal capi-tal and if any one will hear youcome and tell me for then he de-serves the right to becomplimented. The patwar khana iswhere the poor lose their assets tothe rich and the powerful. The re-cent happenings in Punjab wherethe patwaris have been threatenednot to take any transactions in cer-tain areas where the land deals willbe transacted by the powerful sothat they can amass more riches. Thepecking order is clear. Relatives areto be accommodated in governmentjobs and friends will be based lastafter caste and kith systems.

Top jobs are to be given strictlyon the basis of loyalty; loyalty to in-dividuals and not to the state. Thestate is becoming less and less im-portant. That is why when the gov-ernance factor goes so poor that theyhave to resort to state violence. Havethe lessons of former East Pakistanbeen examined and have they beeninternalized? Not that I know off.Could N and S. Waziristan beenhandled better. Yes. Benign sublim-ity is not one prudent action. Whenthe writ of the state does not takeplace then there is something wrongin the policies of the government inpower. Is there any debate in Parlia-ment? Are the standing committeesusing their power to the benefits ofthe people or is it a case of self ag-grandizement? Search and you willfind the answer. The diseases[s] areso prevalent that they seem to haveovertaken sports as well. The recenthappening in cricket has left us tobe a laughing stock both at the play-ing level as well as at the organiza-tional level. Like their politicalmaster’s there is no way that theycan improve their take on the game.Organizational strength in cricket

ministration of expired medi-cines and vaccines.So far one could think that

all these ills apply more orless to the poor people whoare not able to pay the heftyamounts that are needed for

treatment in private hospitals in bigcities like Islamabad, Lahore orKarachi. While those hospitals havemany (if not always well main-tained) facilities for treatment a re-cent experience taught us that thereare things that even money cannotbuy and necessities that are unavail-able to affluent patients. When myelder brother Ishaque Adil some timeago was admitted to hospital withcoughing and breathing problems,next day at noon time I was told thathe would need a hospital bed withventilator on emergency basis.

A long search all over Karachiwas started by me and my friendwho drove some two hundred kilo-meter from one hospital to the otherin desperation to find such a bedwith ventilator. The end of the tor-turous story was that my brotherpassed away at 11.40 am on Satur-day 9th January, bringing shock andtrauma to the family who had beenphoning and running around to pro-vide the help needed – somethingthat a proper health care systemshould be able to provide withoutthe help of family members. I wastold by a friend that even in a citylike Bangalore in India there aretwo hundred beds with ventilatorsavailable in a big hospital and inother cities as well. What is thisgovernment and health ministrydoing all day long?

It is a matter of shame that hos-pital making in Pakistan has beenmade a lucrative industry by rich,they have no idea that in the city of

Lahore we have seen big hospitalslike Sir Ganga Ram Hospital witha teaching medical college for girlsand to sustain its expenses therewas Sir Ganga Ram Trust buildingson the Mall Road, immediately af-ter partition the name of girls medi-cal college was changed and effortsto change the hospital name could

not be successful as the trust rentalincome was a hurdle. Lahore hadMayo Hospital, Lady WillingdonHospital, Gulab Devi Hospital,Janki Devi Hospital King EdwardsCollege and College of Dentistry,a full-fledged hospital and collegeof animal husbandry and many more,similarly Karachi, Pindi andPeshawar also had hospital doors

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aside they will be lucky to play wellagainst the minnows of cricket.

So where is the answer? Whatis the diagnosis and what is theprescription to cure the malady.Surprising as it may seem the an-swer lies in having a well coordi-nated plan. I was incidentally ex-amining the national action planagainst terrorists. It seems to havebeen compiled by section officerin the interior ministry. Why do Isay this? The action plan has neversurfaced for the public. The planis a confused document in whichexistentialism and normative as-pects have been confused. Themish mash of the national actionplan will not deliver. In any case Ihave been a pacifist all my life [areaction to serving in former EastPakistan] and do not see that in-terventions as helpful in turningthis country to safety.

Have we succeeded inKarachi? Justification can alwaysbe there but ask those that have losttheir loved ones. The Police havenever done anything wrong andwhat if lives are lost in this mannerfor after all the death toll on theroads is just as much if not more.More reforms? More blood shed?More disgruntled families? Morecrime with more unemployment?Come with me to Bharakau and seewhat is going on. The new meltingpoint for terrorists will be just a fewmiles from Islamabad. Islamabadstays smug. That is it. Unless therich and the powerful suffer mat-ters will not suffice. That is how itis. That is how it will remain. Ev-ery time the PM goes to Murreethere is hell to foot in Bharakau enroute. Remember the blotting pa-per is saturated.— The writer is a retired FederalSecretary.

—Charles Dickens British novelist

open for poor patients; no classand exclusive categorization wasthere, TB sanatoriums were avail-able. Now we have a business-oriented class dominating theboards of private hospitals wherethey demand hefty funds beforeas deposit and then submit esti-mate for treatment – a novelty thatwas unheard of previously.

Today there is a rat race forstarting small and big hospitals butthose who thought of service to hu-manity are forgotten even by theirown families. One such name Iwould like to mention is of Dr.(Professor) S. M. K. Wasti whomI knew well and he told me whenhe was compiling the history of thePakistan College of Physicians andSurgeons in Karachi in late eight-ies that he had started work to builda big hospital for the poor peoplein the Memory of his friend whohad coined the name of Pakistanas Chaudhry Rehmet Ali Memo-rial Trust Hospital in LahoreTownship where OPD treatmentfacility was available and admis-sion was provided on payment oftoken money of four annas - onequarter of rupee in 1990 onwards.Today even people who pose as so-cial welfare champions by build-ing and running hospitals arecharging hefty amounts for treat-ment from poor people.

Pakistan is posing as an Is-lamic republic but how can sucha state of affairs be contained withIslam? As long as health care,education and basic necessities offood and shelter are not taken careof by the state there is no reasonto call this country Islamic. Godbless Pakistan.—The writer is Karachi-basedsenior columnist.

Dr Zafar AltafEmail:dr_altaf@hotmail.com

Ali Ashraf KhanEmail:balti1551@gmail.com

Today evenpeople who pose as

social welfarechampions by

building and runninghospitals are

charging heftyamounts for

treatment from poorpeople. Pakistan is

posing as an Islamicrepublic but how cansuch a state of affairs

be contained withIslam? As long as

health care,education and basicnecessities of foodand shelter are nottaken care of by the

state there is noreason to call thiscountry Islamic.

Voice of the People

Weaponizingteachers

ASMA HUSSAIN MORIO

Peshawar school tragedy saw themassacre of 145 innocent souls (in-cluding 132 children). Teachers andstaff members were made to watchthe brutal killing of their students,as they could not make any attemptto protect the children and eventhemselves. Keeping in view thehelplessness and vulnerability ofteachers, government has decided toallow weapons to the teachers. Thisis going to be a lesser evil, becausedozens of Security agencies andPolice force nurturing upon theheavy taxes of the poor people andare not interested in providing se-curity to the masses, then what isthe alternate except to resort to theevil of gun running.

Being a lecturer, I vehementlysecond this decision for protection ofstudents. They should have weapons.I often wonder, what if some preda-tor manages to get in my class, whatwill I do? Throw writing material atthem? Those who oppose it shouldthink of it in this way, if your chil-dren are in a classroom, would younot want their teacher to protect theirstudents as their own children? If theydo have a gun they should know howto use it in case of code red. If terror-ists can intrude in schools and kill ourchildren then why would not teach-ers be able to protect their studentsand also save themselves? I wantteachers to be able to protect theirstudents. I want myself to be able toprotect my students and target onewho tend to kill me or my students.—Larkana

Relationshipis supreme

SHABINA ATIF

While walking at night, alone, lis-tening to the creaking sound madeby my treading feet on dry leaves, Iusually think about the burning is-sues of our life and nation. Some-times, I smile all by myself when Ithink how emotional fools we are!We mourn for so many days onPakistan’s defeat in a cricket match!At other times, I feel sad that wedon’t raise our voices when a girl israped; a daughter is kidnapped; andthen I say to myself “We need toreframe our minds!” But there is apoint where even I get confused andthat is “relationship”.

Is it worth-while having a rela-tionship? Do we really need to bindourselves in the strong shackles ofrelationship? How can we definethis word? If this word refers to theso called ‘strong bond’ of marriagethen why are so many marriagesbeing annulled? I have seen andheard ladies complaining about theirrelationships with their husbands butthey have to carry on with this bur-den of relationship. Why is it so?Why is a daughter always advisedby her parents never to leave herhusband’s house even if he torturesher; torments her? Living in thismale chauvinistic society means thatonly they are ‘the chosen ones”.Sometimes, even a primiparous ladyhas to bear another woman as herhusband’s second wife. What a curman can be at times!

Relationships are there to supportone another; feel the warmth of oneanother. If this is not happening, thenwhat’s the point of going on! Be vo-cal ladies! I know you might be think-ing that I may be a feminist but thisis not so! Ok, to some extent, yes,but honestly, is this not happening inour society? Are girls not becominga victim of pain inflicted by their hus-bands? Sometimes, mental torture

Indian membership in UNSCJAVAID BASHIR

The claims of India about her secular and democratic state were always proved otherwise, shamefully. The proof of which is prominent on the pages of history. It is up-to the world to decide after

going through, just a few examples:1) illegal annexation of Muslim- majority Hyderabad (1948); 2)ousting of Ranas in Nepal and putting King Tribhuvan on the throne (1950); 3) maligning Portugueseadministered Dadra & Nagar Haveli (1954); 4) capturing Goa, Diu & Daman (1961); 5) DisintegratingPakistan into two part (1971); 6) interference in Buddhist ruled Sikkim (1975) 7) training the TamilTigers to start a rebellion in Sri Lanka (1980); 8) maliciously ousting and restoring PM Gayoom ofMaldives (1988); 9) Destruction of Babri Mosque; 10) Ajit Doval, Indian National Security Advisor’smeetings with TTP in Afghanistan, attack on Army Public School, Peshawar and above all denial of theright of self-determination to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, guaranteed to then by the UN itself.Modi, presided over, killing of more than two thousand innocent Muslims, when he was CM of Gujarat.The world, what should hope, when he is PM? Atrocities are on record that in Indian held Kashmir(IHK), more than 113,000 innocent persons were martyred, 9800 women were raped and if one startsfrom Independence Day (ID) figure goes very, very high!! Missing of Kashmiri youth and those, whoare still in the detention centres are in addition. UN has passed over twenty-four resolutions, prominentare UNCIP’s August 13, 1948 and January 05, 1949 respectively. She did not implement. Even then,some countries are supporting her membership of the UNSC. Shame, shame!! Former Indian armyChief and at present, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Gen. V.K. Sing confessed in September 2013that he personally raised intelligence units like Technical Services Division (TSD) to operate terrorisminside Pakistan and use of bribe as a tool in Baluchistan and Indian held Kashmir. Naturally, a terroristalways supports terrorists for spreading terrorism. So, India is a Terrorist State. To call, secular state ofIndia, and support for membership of UNSC – a highest office for justice - is not logical instead, illogi-cal, certainly! These were/are major blunders of the Hindu State, if one start from minors, a lengthybook can be written, so the proverb “a wolf in sheep’s clothing” is pertinent for her. Supporting such aTerrorist Stat (TS) on the basis of their own interests i.e. selling of arsenal of arms, lifting-up one stateagainst the other – divide and rule - is not logical, say illogical totally. Doing so, UNSC’s existingreputation graph will go down badly. And, the world will be dragged into ‘Third World War’ quickly.So, the responsibility will be on the recommending states. It is the voice of the lovers of humanityaround the globe, please do not help a Terrorist State for the membership of UNSC!!—Via email

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View From Abroad

Understanding Turkey’s stance

LAST Sunday, the global media reported that Turkishtanks had rolled into Syria to

carry out an operation to evacuatethe tomb of Suleyman Shah fromthe only Turkish territory in thewar-torn Syria.

The region where the histori-cal tomb was located — approxi-mately 37 km from the Turkishborder — is recognized as a Turk-ish territory under the Treat ofAnkara in 1921, which was laterconfirmed under the Treaty ofLausanne. Until last year the arearemained under the control of theFree Syrian Army but the self-pre-scribed Islamic State (IS) had recentlyentered the area thus threatening theTurkish troops guarding the histori-cal site. Of course, the safety of itstroops and historical site was ofprime importance to Ankara. Sec-ondly, a routine change of guard hadalso become a problem due to theongoing unrest.

The operation has set off afrenzy of debate. Should the actionbe regarded as heroism, or neces-sity? The overall manner in whichthe operation was successfully car-ried out is indeed heroic but itshould not be considered a mereshow of strength. It was necessaryto ensure the protection of Turkishtroops and historical relics. Theaction was taken in the territorybelonging to Turkey due to the es-calating unrest in that area. It wasnot an unnecessary exercise, as

some circles wish to portray it.Their criticism of Ankara is un-founded and not very convincingdue to the following reasons:

Had the historical site andTurkish soldiers been harmed inthe event of an IS attack, thesesame elements would havethrashed Ankara for its failure toprotect its people and interests.Interestingly, these elements aresimply criticizing the governmentwithout suggesting any alternativethat could have been adopted.Thus, making it all the more clearthat the operation was the only vi-able option.

The small patch of Turkish ter-ritory inside Syria has become vul-nerable. There is no dearth of ele-ments trying to draw Turkey intoan armed conflict with the IS. Anattack on the tomb would haveended in Turkey getting embroiledin the ongoing Syrian conflict.

The road to the region is in aKurdish area and under the controlof the PYD/YPG. As I have statedhere before, the PYD is an exten-sion of the PKK, which has been atwar with Turkey for the last 30years, and is therefore Turkey’sworst enemy in Syria. It would beno surprise that the greatest provo-cation aimed at forcing Turkey intofighting IS came from the PYD.Ever since Kobane, the PYD hasbeen trying to force Turkey to joinin against the IS, and has the back-ing of almost the entire world.

Evacuation of the tomb was,therefore, the most suitable actioninstead of being dragged into an un-wanted war in Syria to play into the

hands of the PYD. In the wake ofthe operation, certain quarters areposing one question: “What next?”

One of the threats to Turkey hasbeen lifted, so will Turkey now takean active part in the coalitionagainst IS and allow its air base atIncirlik to be used? No. Turkey willnot take part in the war, and IS willnot attack Turkey in any way.

This question was raised as theTurkish Consulate staff who weretaken hostage by IS in Mosul werebeing freed, but Turkey never sup-ported the coalition in that sense.Indeed, the policy adopted towardIS by the coalition forces has to alarge extent failed, and will con-tinue to fail. That fact was admit-ted by US Chief of Staff MartinDempsey last October, and thefailure of the aerial attacks and thatsuccess cannot be achieved withsuch a strategy was openly ex-pressed.

As I have reiterated manytimes, violence is the main incite-ment to war. A policy of educationaimed both at IS and at the peopleof the region is essential for a solu-tion. Washington is now aware ofthis. A statement from the WhiteHouse last week announced Presi-dent Obama’s desire to play theleading role in assembling an inter-national coalition to fight an ideo-logical war against the IS. Refer-ence to this point, on which I haveconcentrated so much, from the USis welcome, and Turkey will alwaysback that strategy.

Will relations with the PYD/YPG thaw and lead to an agree-ment? No, they will not. As gov-

National counter-terrorism narrative

THE most common approachto deal with insurgencies, terrorism, or internal violence is

to use the forces to establish law andorder in the affected areas. .In mostof the cases, this has not been a suc-cessful strategy. Even when thesemeasures are successful in defeatingthe extremism or terrorism, the hu-man cost associated with military op-erations is very high The way out ofthe current impasse is to promoteculture of tolerance and moderationthrough good governance which is es-sentially a strategy of social, politi-cal and economic reforms .Peshawarschool massacre of 16 December2014 in which nearly 150 childrenlost their lives, was a watershed eventin the history of Pakistan.

Prime Minister of Pakistanwhile announcing the National Ac-tion Plan on 25 December 2014has very rightly said that the De-cember 16 massacre has drawn aline. On one side are coward ter-rorists and on the side stands thewhole nation. This incidentchanged the thinking of the wholenation. A consensus was developedbetween the civil and militaryleadership to clear the countryfrom the menace of terrorism. Theuncertain and ambiguous narrativeon counter terrorism was replacedwith a new united national narra-tive to curb terrorism. Earlier thediverse and divided counter terror-ism narrative created societal con-fusions and polarizations. As a re-sult, successive Pakistani govern-ments have failed to get publicsupport against terrorists.

The national counterterrorismnarrative should explain the rationalof fighting terrorism- why is it nec-

essary to fight the menace ofterror and what dangers it willentail for national survival if notproperly tackled today. Itshould highlight the causes andsources of terrorism. Withoutaddressing the causes and

sources of terrorism the counter ter-rorism efforts would not be success-ful. The war on terrorism cannot bewon without support of the popula-tion. Counter-narratives are createdto fight the war of ideas with the aimbeing to win hearts and minds of thepopulation. They basically indicatestate’s political will and clarity tofight extremism and terrorism.Counter-narratives should clearlyestablish the government’s credibil-ity before the public as to why theirfuture is with the state rather thanwith non-state groups. Pakistan’snational counterterrorism narrativecan best be described by answeringthree main questions: Why tocounter terrorism?, How to CounterTerrorism? and How to makecounterterrorism narrative accept-able and credible?

The best counter terrorism nar-rative is to convince the people andtake them into confidence on thequestion why is Pakistan fightingterrorism? It can be explained to thepeople the war on terror is a ‘JustWar”. It is a war for our nationalsurvival: Terrorism is a hindrance toPakistan’s development and is thebiggest threat to the economic, so-cial, political development of thecountry. The country has beenmauled by the marauding terrorismfor well over a decade in which morethan 50,000 people both civiliansand security personnel have beenkilled besides an economic loss ofUS$ 100 billion. Therefore, thereshould be zero tolerance for terror-ism both at state and society level.

The three main arguments thatcan be included in our counter ter-rorism narrative are: 1) Terrorists’arguments regarding implantation

of Islam and Shariah are againstessence of Islam. They want to im-pose their brand of Sharia whichis certainly not in line with what tis given in Quran and taught by theHoly Prophet (PBUH).

They are not following trueteachings of Islam Their killing ofsecurity forces and innocentmasses mainly through suicidebombings are un-Islamic. On sev-eral occasions they have violateda ceasefire that compelled the gov-ernment to launch a full-scale mili-tary operation; 2) Terrorists are tar-nishing the image of Islam andhave created a gulf between theMuslims countries on sectarianbasis. They are misguiding localelements by promoting “Takfiri’thought. They are being used bythe enemies of Pakistan and Islamto achieve their strategic objectivescreating instability in Pakistan spe-cially to show the world that Paki-stan is a failed state and its nuclearassets are unsafe; and 3) the terror-ists are anti-development and areposing the biggest threat to the eco-nomic, social, political developmentof the country.

How to Counter Terrorism? isthe second important question relat-ing to counter terrorism strategy.The terrorism can best be tackledby undertaking some critical mea-sures that may include: addressingthe root causes and sources of ter-rorism.; highlighting the importanceof civil society and public supportfor counterterrorism.; critical role ofmedia in fighting terrorists’ ideol-ogy; creating Sectarian and ethnicharmony by involving religiousscholars and community leaders;.stressing the importance of reform-ing education system including reg-istration and regulation of Madrasa.;highlighting that terrorism is beingused as policy tool by various pow-ers to damage the image of Islam andto create instability in Pakistan; andcreating awareness among the

Harun Yahya

masses about the funding of ter-rorism and that people should becareful while giving donations tocharities linked with terrorist or-ganizations. The National ActionPlan is silent on counter-radicalisation to stop more peoplefrom joining militant groups.Counter-terrorism is not effectivewithout corresponding counter-radicalisation efforts. A broadbased policy to change the extrem-ist mindset and to address thestructural factors responsible forexpansion of militancy should beformulated. The use of militaryforce should not be considered theonly solution to counter terrorism;it is just a short term measure.There is also a need to focus onpolitical, technical and economicpolicy approaches to curb terror-ism. In order to makecounterterrorism narrative accept-able and credible, there is a needfor government to have clarity inits policies with clear descriptionof responsibilities.

Any confusion in the thinkingof ruling hierarchy or the establish-ment will not help in developing astrong national counter terrorismnarrative. Time for half-baked de-cisions is over. Only the state canremove this confusion if it showsits resolve to eliminate extremismand terrorism in the society. Toensure its credibility in the massesthe government should ensure:good governance, rule of law, nospace militant groups, reformingpolice and other civil departmentsand eradication of corruption. Theunity and coordination among fed-eral government, provincial gov-ernments and the security forceswill not only strengthen the na-tional resolve to fight terrorism butit will also give a strong messageto the terrorists as well.— The writer works as ResearchFellow at Islamabad PolicyResearch Institute.

ernment officials have frequentlyand explicitly stated, no permis-sion was obtained from the PYDto allow the road to be used dur-ing the evacuation of the tomb ofSuleyman Shah, and no develop-ment in the region will result incooperation with the YPG. Aspresidential spokesman IbrahimKalin explicitly puts it, “The YPGis a terror organization.”

Will relations with the Syriangovernment change? Of course,there can be a change in policy re-garding Syria to find a solution inthe country. But the best thing willbe to establish an alliance by wayof Russia, rather than directly in-volving Assad. If Turkey is able toact as an intermediary in resolvingthe Syrian problem, then of coursemaking changes to its Syrian policywill be the right thing to do.

Calling for war may have pro-duced results in many places.However, Turkey is the heir to anempire that lasted 600 years, an ex-perienced and highly rationalcountry. It considers the require-ments of Islam and seeks solutionsfor peace, not war. It will there-fore never be a tool in acts ofprovocation, will never bow itshead to incitement and will nevertake part in a war that leads to thedeaths of the innocent. This is theconclusion that the opposition inTurkey and the coalition forcesshould both draw in the wake ofthe Suleyman Shah operation. Thewriter has authored more than 300books translated into 73 languageson politics, religion and science.— Courtesy Arab News

True joy ..!

SHE was short, squat anddowdy, and as I ran to jointhe group of tourists at the

heritage building I wondered whatthis women was doing as a guide.The lady looked up over the headsof the others and instead of an-noyance, smiled, and suddenly Isaw more than just friendliness, Iwas being welcomed because theguide was glad there was onemore to listen to her talk.

And what a talk it was.“This,” she said, “is an ances-tral house, nearly three hundredyears old!” “Three hundredyears old!” said a newly marriedhusband in the group andwinked at his pretty blushingbride. “Yes sir! And you can rest

assured the owners were as amo-rous and as great lovers as you andyour wife are!” she exclaimed andpointed to a giant wooden fourposter bed that lay in the middleof the room. “As you can see it’sbeen well used!” The otherslaughed and I noticed the ladyguide enjoyed the laughter.

“What do you think this is?” sheasked standing in front of a strangelooking box that had a small open-ing on top. “A hat stand?” said thesame husband pinching his newbride affectionately. “Ah no sir, butwhen Portuguese lord was busy withhis wife like you are sir, and didn’twant to go all the way outside to thetoilet, this is what he used!” Sheopened the box and revealed an oldfashioned commode.

The group chuckled and thecouple blushed and smiled at her.The lady guide smiled back affec-tionately. “How do you do it?” Iasked afterwards as she walked

with the guide outside the ancienthouse taking snaps of the portico,the stone carvings and the sculptureof the rooster on top. “Do what?”asked the lady. “Put so much joyinto your work?”

“Sir!” she replied, “I am a house-wife staying in this little village, andwhen the good Lord gave me thisjob, I decided not to let the goodLord down!” “You aren’t letting himdown, you seem to enjoy it!” “I loveit,” said Mrs Pinto.”Why?” “Willyou come with me?” asked theguide, “It is my lunch hour and ifyou don’t have a bus to catch…..”

I followed Mrs Pinto down thesteps of the quaint, old, Portuguesestreet till she came to a cottage,nearly on its last legs.

“This is where I stay!” she saidand led me in. I walked in lookingcuriously at old tiles and brickwalls, till suddenly I was in theonly room in the house. “Emily isthat you?” asked a voice. I looked

shocked at the thin, broken manwho lay on the bed. “Yes Pinto I’mback!” she said and walked overand hugged the cripple on the bed.“My husband!” she said to me.“He had an accident five yearsback. Truck hit him just outsideour house! Now he can’t walkabout alone!” “Weren’t you dev-astated?” I asked. “Overjoyed!”shouted Mrs Pinto, “Overjoyedhe’s alive!” We walked outside,the guide her husband, supportedby his wife and me. “Everyday,”said Mrs Pinto, “I thank God hewasn’t taken away from me, andwhen the government gave methis job with enough money totake care of him, why I’m the hap-piest person in the world!”

There were tears in my eyesas I walked out of the house. “I’veseen true joy,” I said to myselfwonderingly, “and it had nothingto do with money..!”—Email:bobsbanter@gmail.com

and sometimes physical! Why is it thatif a husband has an affair, the societysays, “So what!’ ‘O, it’s ok!

He will be careful next time.” Noblack scars remain on him. On con-trary, if a wife or a girl by chance, fallsin love or starts liking someone else,she will be hanged to death in the nameof religion! Why? Is religion appli-cable only for men? No, not at all! Itis our thinking that has exploited ourreligion! Men take all the leveragesand believe it’s their born right. I amagainst this kind of society where youhear the frightening screams of a help-less lady; where men roam freely todo everything! Our Lord has madedaughters blessings for us and lookwhat society has made of us!! When Iuse the word society, I mean a largenumber of people excluding a few. Iguess it is a wakening call for all ofus. If you want to have a relationshipthen respect your other half; love her;make her feel comfortable. Similarly,if you girls! Want to have a relation-ship, try to fulfil the expectations ofyour other half. This is how good so-cieties are formed and I believe this ishigh time we know that!—Via email

SIM verification - foroverseas Pakistanis

TAHIR MAHMOOD NADEEM

Through the columns of your es-teemed daily, I wish to point out oneissue that is bothering the overseasPakistanis these days. It is about theSIMs Verification Process. PakistanTelecom Authority (PTA) has norprovided any mechanism for verifi-cation of the SIMs available withmillions of Pakistanis workingabroad who are using these for vari-ous reasons and also do pay theroaming charges etc.

I am currently working in SaudiArabia. I have a Ufone SIM in myname (0333 448 2542) which is withme and in my use. I want that thisSIM should be verified. I called atthe Ufone Call Centre but I was toldthere was no mechanism for over-seas Pakistanis for verification of theSIMs. This is a major issue whichneeds immediate attention of PTA.The possible modality could be thatany overseas Pakistani who calls theMobile Service Provider Call Cen-tre or PTA designated number fromhis Pakistani SIM and verifies hisCNIC Number, his status should beconsidered as “Verified”. It is hopedthat PTA will take a positive actionin the matter.—Saudi Arabia (KSA)

Stop killingour futureSANABIL JAWED

Some people are destroying our fu-ture and we are doing nothing againstthem. Lawyers, doctors, engineers,teachers all are our future. They arethe pride of our nation but day by daythe rate of killing of the people ofthese professions especially is in-creasing. Just because of that fear,doctors and engineers are movingtowards other states.Its my requestto the government that sort out thisproblem because that criminals arenot destroying a single family bykilling them but of course they aredestroying the future of Pakistan.—Karachi

AdulterationHUMERA KHAN

A crippling problem confronting thePeople of Pakistan is large scale adul-teration; it is now a part of our livesunfortunately. Milk is adulterated byadding water and ammonia; black

Muhammad MunirEmail: munirwarsi@yahoo.com

pepper is adulterated with seeds ofpapaya, honey is polluted by addingsugar syrup in it, while Chinese star(badyan ka phool) anise is replacedby Japanese star anise which is notedible and cause neurological disor-ders as reported in Japan. It is posinga question mark on the system? It isan earnest request to the officers whohave authority to take steps in con-trolling this problem.—Via email

Curtain forYounas Khan

J BASHIR

At present Younas Khan is beingdubbed as the most under rated playerof Pakistan cricket team. A player isjudged, both on the basis of his po-tential as well as performance. He isa great batsman. He has plenty ofexperience and runs under his belt.He has done well batting at number3 position. Most of the time he hasplayed the role of the sheath anchor;he is certainly a match winner.

His stats prove his ability andexpertise. I do not think Pakistan teamcould be complete without him. Hewas misused in the first match as anopener. Change of order was fatal. Hewas under pressure playing as opener.We must respect and honour our se-nior players. They are assets for ourteam. His mere presence exudes con-fidence. He still has the spark.

Some critics have written himoff. Very few support in adversity.Curtain should not fall for him as yet.He should play One day cricket foranother couple of years. Khan shouldbe given the due respect which hegenuinely deserves. There is no needto get disheartened over one or twoincidences of bad performance.Sports should be taken as sports witha sportsman spirit. We must appreci-ate his services for cricket, as he gaveus some memorable innings. Weshould not make hasty decisions re-garding such a class player.— Lahore

Poison onour plates

SYEDA UNZELA MUSHTAQ

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif con-ducted a surprise visit to Aabpara andG-10 Markaz markets of Islamabadto inquire into the prices of the ed-ible items. The question which arisesis, are these visits of any use? Canthey be fruitful to us? The answer is:No! It’s quite astonishing that thevegetables we intake on a daily basisare actually a threat to our lives. Yes!

Leafy vegetables, that occupy acrown position in a dietician’s pre-scription, are being harvested on dirtywater in our country. Such chemicalsare being used which increases theweight of the veggies. Hence, caus-ing a number of diseases and increas-ing the number of people falling ill.

The elected government is com-pletely familiar with these on goingsin the country; still they aren’t takingany measures against it. It’s high time,that the concerned authorities shouldconcentrate on providing healthyfood and eatables instead of payingfruitless visits to the markets.—Karachi

IVAN SUKHOV

THE end of winter in Russia is marked bytwo holidays that, although major, aresomewhat less prominent than New Year’s.

The first is Defender of the Fatherland Day onFeb. 23 and the second is International Women’sDay on March 8.

Feb. 23 began as a day honoring militaryservicemen, but with Women’s Day just a fewweeks later, it gradually became a holiday de-voted to men in general. On Feb. 23, womencongratulate men, and on March 8, men presentgifts and flowers to women. This show ofmutual affection remains one of the few pleas-ant customs that every Russian continues tofollow — including those people born afterthe collapse of the Soviet Union.

It would seem that the events of 2014 addnew luster to the Feb. 23 celebrations. Indeed,the “polite men in green” who were seen dur-ing Russia’s recent annexation of Crimea ap-peared on the holiday posters adorning Mos-cow shops and offices on Feb. 23 — and nodoubt by order of municipal officials. State-con-trolled television and radio put the holiday on apar with the 70th anniversary of the victory overNazi Germany, with news anchors somberlyintoning, “In a world full of hot spots, Defenderof the Fatherland Day takes on new meaning.”

This year on Feb. 23, I rode the commutertrain with my grandfather, who devoted 50 of his84 years to service in the Soviet and Russianarmies. As we sat, an endless stream of vendorspeddled their wares to passengers, offering ev-erything from shoe glue to crossword puzzles.

Those who ride commuter trains regularly

Kremlin Glorifies Military, Ignores Social Decayhave long since learned that the number of suchvendors increases whenever the economyworsens. These days, they are as thick as flies.

Somewhere between the fellow hawkingshoelaces and someone else selling children’salphabet books, there appeared before us apoorly dressed elderly woman with bad teeth.She was not begging, although she held a plas-tic bag with a few coins in her hand. “Dear pas-sengers,” she managed to shout above the noiseof the train, “I would like to congratulate youon the holiday.” She proceeded to sing, in asometimes cracking but still youthful voice, amedley of Soviet military and patriotic songs.

My grandfather was a colonel in the So-viet engineer corps and helped in theChernobyl cleanup effort. Even at 84, I wouldnot call him an emotional person. But at thismoment, his face began to twitch.

It was not the false pathos broadcast ontelevision that elicited his response, but thiswoman, who sang her songs for the sake of afew coins on a loud and dirty commuter train.They were the same songs that their genera-tion had traditionally heard performed by mili-tary brass bands on ceremonial parade grounds,and that voiced the meaning of life for mygrandfather and millions of his compatriots.

No doubt every country with commutertrains has some version of this tottering andtattered singer, but this old woman with herancient coat who sang “Katyusha” to all whowould listen provided the perfect counterpointto the glamorous, smiling singers who gracethe commemorative telethons on state-con-trolled television.

She was a living symbol of the absolute

falseness of all the clumsy official propagandathat attempts to foist new meaning on this ven-erable military holiday. She stood there, a signof the collapse of the social welfare systemand the dashed hopes of her generation. Shewas hard reality — a fact that no prime timeglitter or pompous declarations could obscure.

Even the authors of the propagandistic tele-vision shows saw the obvious conundrum theyfaced. Would it be politically correct to con-gratulate the Russian soldiers fighting againstthe Ukrainian army near Donetsk? Or is it moreappropriate to do that on the less conspicuousholiday of Feb. 15, the anniversary of the with-drawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan in1989? Or should Russia’s servicemen simplycongratulate each other, be happy with greet-ings from their wives and expect no recogni-tion from their country because Russia does notofficially admit to being a party in this conflict?

Oddly enough, there are certain limits beyondwhich even the hot, flowing lava of Russian pro-paganda will not pass. The memory of World WarII is truly of great importance to Russians, andthere is a powerful cultural phenomenon associ-ated with those memories. In fact, it is not just acollective memory, but a certain political poten-tial. I think it is no exaggeration to say thatPresident Vladimir Putin could tap into thatpotential and, quite literally, mobilize millionsof people for military service. For example,he could have returned from the talks in Minskon Feb. 12 and addressed the country on na-tional television, saying, “Damn it all. TheWest has tried to hold us down for 25 yearsand we cannot reach an agreement with themon anything. Maybe it is partly our fault, but

now there is only one thing we can do: Onceagain, as we did in 1944, we must rally to-gether and restore our real borders — that is,with Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romaniafor starters.”

Anyone who thinks that millions of peoplein Russia and the near abroad would not respondto that call with unrestrained enthusiasm has apoor understanding of post-Soviet society.

However, Russian propaganda does notgush over that last boundary — not becausemodern politicians feel there are limits to howfar they can go, or out of concern for the in-evitable reaction of the outside world.

The reason is that the current form of pro-paganda sets out to achieve a mobilization inthe exact opposite direction. After all, if a massmobilization does occur, the first thing that thenewly-awakened Russian people would see isthe quality of the country’s leadership. Andthey would take a closer look at the leadersthemselves, people who spent billions of rublescelebrating the 70th anniversary of the victoryin World War II even while old women inragged dresses roamed commuter trains inhopes of earning 20 rubles for a loaf of bread.

That is precisely why the fighting inUkraine will continue as a clandestine opera-tion, and why the cynical ruling kleptocracywill continue staging a flashy show to divertthe public’s attention away from asking whereall the money came from for such a display,and where the rest of it has gone.

—Courtesy:MT[Ivan Sukhov is a journalist who has coveredconflicts in Russia and the CIS for the past 15years]

RAMI G. KHOURI

IT is really difficult to know if last week’s three-day summiton countering violent extremism that took place at the WhiteHouse and the US State Department should be taken seri-

ously or dismissed as just another public relations waste of timeand feel-good exercise.

This because the event was defined by a vigorous combina-tion of sensible, mature and realistic ideas — alongside analysesand approaches that are truly infantile and irrelevant to the im-portant task at hand.

The focus of the event, of course, was violent extremism byyoung Muslims around the world, who get so much attentionthese days for their ugly deeds. What was not on the agenda wasviolent extremism carried out by racist Americans, predatoryRussians, criminal Zionist settlers, Christian killers or militias,sectarian gangs and many state police forces in Arab and foreigncountries — partly, one assumes, because that kind of violentextremism is sanctioned or directly perpetrated by the govern-ments whose officials were sitting around the table.

This is not a throwaway criticism or a secondary issue; it isa core, structural problem that largely explains why political,religious and sectarian violence continues to spread around theworld, and why attempts to promote reason and peaceful coex-istence mostly fail. So attempts to counter the problem of politi-cal violence and radical ideologies will always necessarily failas long as they occur in a political context which prohibits in-cluding in the title “violent extremism” incidents such as the2003 Anglo-American invasion of Iraq that opened the flood-gates to the current waves of Islamist savagery, systematic Zion-ist colonisation and settler violence in Palestinian lands, chronicpolitical and physical assaults by Arab security states againsttheir own citizens, and many other examples. This is a profoundstructural constraint on making progress in this worthy endeav-our because it leaves the struggle lacking at once the most criti-cal dimensions of legitimacy, mobilising credibility and efficacy.

The dilemma here for foreign powers like the US, which caresso much about this issue that it organises such high-profile globalgatherings, is three-fold: How can the governments that themselvesroutinely use political violence or demean their own people be theones that counter this phenomenon? How can governments likethe US credibly work to curtail political extremism when a majorand continuing promoter and enabler of such extremism is Ameri-can military adventurism and criminality around the world?

How can foreign governments strike a realistic balance be-tween their awareness of the violence-inducing politics of gov-ernments in the Middle East and their own strategic desire tomaintain those governments in place? Such violent intellectualextremism in the American-led drive to counter violent extrem-ism such as that exercised by Daesh, Al Qaeda, Boko Haram andothers should not blind us to the fact that amidst the usual hy-pocrisy and haughtiness, President Barack Obama made somevery sensible and important points in his speech to the Washing-ton gathering last Thursday.

These touched on the local political and socio-economiccauses of youth alienation that help to radicalise some people.He noted specifically and correctly: “When people — especiallyyoung people — feel entirely trapped in impoverished commu-nities, where there is no order and no path for advancement,where there are no educational opportunities, where there are noways to support families, and no escape from injustice and thehumiliations of corruption — that feeds instability and disorder,and makes those communities ripe for extremist recruitment.

“We have to address the political grievances that terroristsexploit. Again, there is not a single perfect causal link, but thelink is undeniable. “When people are oppressed, and human rightsare denied — particularly along sectarian lines or ethnic lines —when dissent is silenced, it feeds violent extremism. It creates anenvironment that is ripe for terrorists to exploit. When peaceful,democratic change is impossible, it feeds into the terrorist pro-paganda that violence is the only answer available.”

Unusual for senior American officials speaking about the MiddleEast or Arab-Islamic dynamics, this is a case of refreshingly accu-rate, honest and relevant talk from a US president. It is important toacknowledge this, but also to ask how many of those violence-gen-erating governance problems in the global south occur in part be-cause powers in the global north maintain those states in place.

—Courtesy: JT

In fighting violentextremism

STEPHEN HOLMES. IVAN KRASTEV

The ongoing turmoil in Ukraine has frequently been compared to the Yugoslav crisis of the early 1990s — and,indeed, there are many similarities.

But when it comes to understanding why the conflict be-tween Ukraine’s government and Russian-backed separatists haspersisted — and why, after a year of increasingly brutal fighting,a resolution seems so remote — the differences are far moreimportant. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s tactics in Ukrainedo resemble those of Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic dur-ing the breakup of Yugoslavia. Putin’s misuse of World War IIreferences in propaganda, aimed at fueling intense Russian na-tionalism, is often said to be a cut-and-paste replica of Milosevic’sdisinformation campaigns in the early 1990s, which stirred upanti-Croat sentiment among Serbs.

Both Putin and Milosevic empowered ethnic kin in the coun-tries over which they wanted to assert control, before launchingmilitary invasions under the pretense of protecting those kin.Finally, both leaders secured the establishment of self-proclaimed“republics” within another country’s borders.

Given these similarities, many argue that Western powersshould emulate their approach to ending the crisis in Yugoslavia— and that means providing “lethal defensive military assis-tance” to Ukraine. After all, it is asserted, the Dayton Agreementthat ended the Bosnian War became possible only after the Ameri-cans decided to arm the Croats and Bosnian Muslims.

But, of course, Putin’s Russia is not Milosevic’s Serbia. Rus-sia is not a footnote in history or a Balkan mini-state; it is a nucleargreat power, against which Ukraine, however heavily armed, doesnot stand a chance militarily. Given this, providing weapons toUkraine would exacerbate the bloodletting, without compellingPutin to reconsider his approach and support a lasting peace.

Moreover, the geopolitical context has changed considerablyin the last two decades. At the time of the Yugoslav war, theWest not only occupied the moral high ground, but was alsoviewed as invincible, owing to its Cold War victory. Today, theWest is perceived as in decline, with America’s legitimacy as aglobal leader increasingly called into question.

In this context, German Chancellor Angela Merkel is rightto oppose arming Ukraine. But she is wrong to assume thatnegotiations with the Russians can produce a lasting solutionlike the Dayton Accords, because the conflicts themselvesare fundamentally different. Whereas Yugoslavia experienceda local crisis with broader European implications, Ukraine ismired in a European crisis with local implications.

Milosevic had a clear strategic objective: to create a GreaterSerbia. To this end, he wanted either to redraw the region’s borders,or at least conclude a deal that gave autonomy to Serbian-majorityregions outside of Serbia proper. Negotiations to end the Balkanwars were possible precisely because they centered on maps.

—Courtesy: Japan Times

[Stephen Holmes is a professor at New York University Schoolof Law and the author, most recently, of “The Matador’s Cape:America’s Reckless Response to Terror.” Ivan Krastev is chair-man of the Center for Liberal Strategies in Sofia and permanentfellow at the Institute for Human Sciences in Vienna]

Hard lessons for theUkrainian school of war

WASHINGTON—The U.S. House of Rep-resentatives gave final approval on Fridayto a one-week stopgap spending bill forthe domestic security agency, averting apartial shutdown with just hours to sparebefore a midnight deadline.

After a chaotic day that featured anembarrassing rebuke to Republican HouseSpeaker John Boehner from angry conser-vatives, the House voted 357-60 to keepthe lights on at the Department of Home-land Security for at least one more week.

The Senate had already passed the one-week extension a few hours earlier. Presi-dent Barack Obama was expected toquickly sign it. The dizzying twists andturns in the days-long political battle raisedfresh questions about Boehner’s ability tomanage his caucus of restive conservativesand the prospects for legislative achieve-ment in the new, Republican-run Congress.

Earlier on Friday, the House rejecteda three-week funding extension for theagency when conservatives rebelled be-cause the bill did not block Obama’s ex-ecutive orders on immigration. On a sec-ond try late in the evening, House Demo-crats provided the votes to pass a one-week

Congress averts securityagency shutdown

extension. Democrats said they were op-timistic a bill with nearly $40 billion indepartment funding for the full fiscal year,already passed by the Senate, would ad-vance in the House next week.

In urging her fellow House Democrats tosupport the one-week extension, House mi-nority leader Nancy Pelosi said in a letter tomembers: “Your vote tonight will assure thatwe will vote for full funding next week.” Theextension will give both chambers of Con-gress more time to work out their differenceson funding for the super-agency that spear-heads domestic counterterrorism efforts.

Boehner could risk another round ofchallenges from conservatives if he putsup for a House vote the Senate’s “clean”funding bill without the immigration re-strictions. The political battle was trig-gered by House Republican efforts to usethe Homeland Security spending bill toblock funding for Obama’s executive or-ders that lifted the threat of deportationfor millions of undocumented residents.

If Homeland Security’s funding had notbeen extended by midnight, spending author-ity would have been cut off for the agencythat secures U.S. borders, airports and coastal

waters. The agency would have been forcedto furlough about 30,000 employees, or about15 percent of its workforce. Nearly 200,000workers, including airport and border secu-rity agents and Coast Guard personnel wouldhave stayed on the job but would not havebeen paid until new funding was approved.

Created after the Sept. 11, 2001, at-tacks, the department encompasses theCoast Guard, the Secret Service, the Trans-portation Security Administration andimmigration, customs and emergencymanagement authorities. The agency hadbegun tentative preparations for a shut-down before getting the late-night reprievefrom the House. Obama had convened aFriday night meeting at the White Housewith security and budget officials to dis-cuss the ramifications of a shutdown.Many conservative Republicans had demandedthat any spending bill include provisions to re-strict funding for Obama’s immigration orders.Representative John Fleming of Louisiana, a TeaParty favorite who voted against the stopgap bill,criticized Boehner for not pushing harder to killObama’s executive order. Asked if House lead-ership should change, he said: “Obviously, we’renot getting good results.”—Reuters

BEIJING—A total of 1,864 gi-ant pandas are living in the wildin China by the end of 2013,representing an increase of 268or 16.8 percent over the previ-ous survey period ending in2003, official data showed onSaturday.

The habitat areas of giantpandas also expanded by 11.8percent to 2.58 million hectaresfrom the previous survey pe-riod, according to a nationwidesurvey on the highly endan-gered mammal conducted bythe State Forestry Administra-tion (SFA).

China’s total captive giantpanda population reached 375 bythe end of 2013, including 166males and 209 females. Com-pared with 2003, the captivepopulation increased by 211, or128.7 percent, with more of thebreeding age, the SFA said.

Wild giant pandas arefound in six mountain ranges,

16.8-pct hike in wildpanda population in China

including Qingling, Minshan,Qionglaishan, Daxiangling,Xiaoxiangling and Liangshan,covering 49 counties inSichuan, Shaanxi and Gansuprovinces.

The survey also showed atotal of 42 adult pandas andcubs were living overseas in 12countries by June 2014 as a re-sult of the collaborative re-search on giant pandas Chinahas established with the coun-tries.

China has conducted col-laborative research with 17zoos from Japan, the UnitedStates, Austria, Thailand,Spain, Australia, Britain,France, Singapore, Canada,Belgium and Malaysia,A total of 2,000 people spent60,000 working days in total tocomplete the survey in an areaof 4.36 million hectares be-tween 2011 and 2014, which isthe country’s fourth.—Xinhua

KIEV—Ukraine’s military saidon Saturday there had been asignificant decrease in attacksby pro-Russian separatists in theeast overnight, but said rebelshad fired GRAD missiles at thetown of Avdiivka despite a two-week-old ceasefire deal.

On Friday, Ukraine re-ported the first deaths among itsservicemen in three days, under-scoring the fragility of the trucemeant to have taken effect onFeb. 15, as government troopsand rebels pulled back heavyweapons from the frontline.

Overnight there was a “sig-nificant decrease in attacks ingeneral and a full ceasefire incertain parts of the conflictzone,” the military said on itsFacebook page.

It said the truce had beenmost fully observed around therebel-controlled city ofLuhansk and near government-held Mariupol on the Sea ofAzov.Kiev feared the port cityand industrial hub could be-

Significant fall inUkraine fighting

come the next rebel target af-ter they humiliated governmenttroops by seizing the strategictown of Debaltseve after thetruce was meant to have comeinto force.

The Ukrainian military re-ported isolated attacks byrebels on government posi-tions, including strikes fromGRAD missiles around gov-ernment-held Avdiivka, northof rebel-held Donetsk andhome to one of Europe’s larg-est coke plants.

Fighting in Ukraine’s in-dustrialized east has devastatedthe steel sector, which beforethe conflict erupted last Aprilaccounted for 15 percent of theeconomy.

Both government troopsand separatists said they con-tinued withdrawing heavyweapons from the front line,“point two” of the peace agree-ment aimed at ending the con-flict which has killed more than5,600.—Reuters

US Congressmen arriving to participate in House proceeding that averts security agency shutdown.

BAGHDAD: Islamic State fighters preparing to attack Samarra town in Iraq.

BAGHDAD—Islamic State sui-cide bombers and fighters strucktargets on Saturday in the north-ern Iraqi city of Samarra, wheresecurity forces and their Shi’itemilitia allies have been gather-ing for an offensive against theradical militants.

Security sources and resi-dents said the attack onSamarra was launched at 5.30am (9.30 p.m. ET Friday) whentwo Islamic State suicidebombers blew up their cars inthe northern area of Sur Shnas.

At the same time a mandrove a Humvee rigged withexplosives into the south of thecity and detonated it, while Is-lamic State fighters attackedsecurity forces to the west withsniper fire, mortars and rocketpropelled grenades.

Thousands of troops andfighters from Shi’ite militias

Xi urgespromotion ofgood values

BEIJING—President Xi Jinpinghas urged officials and public fig-ures to lead by example and pro-mote good values among Chinesecitizens, especially the youngergeneration. Xi made the remarksSaturday while meeting with rep-resentatives from cities, towns,villages and units honored by theCentral Commission for GuidingEthic and Cultural Progress.

“Society is witnessing a col-lision of thoughts, ideas and ever-changing new technology. Weshould carefully analyze and takeadvantage of the trend to ensurethat the moral and cultural driveis full of energy,” Xi said.

Xi stressed that a balanceshould be struck between mate-rial progress and the progress ofmorals and culture, and the latershould be integrated into all as-pects of society.—Xinhua

IS fighters attackSamarra ahead ofarmy offensive

known as Hashid Shaabi(Popular Mobilization) havegathered around Samarra for acampaign to drive Islamic Stateout of nearby strongholds onthe Tigris River, including thecity of Tikrit 50 km (30 miles)to the north.

Medical sources saidSamarra hospital had receivedthe bodies of three HashidShaabi fighters, and was treat-ing six wounded people.

Residents reported seeingblack smoke over parts of thecity and hearing powerful ex-plosions, as clashes continued.

In the town of Ishaaqi,about 20 km (10 miles) south-east of Samarra, snipers shotdead two Hashid Shaabi menas they tried to set up a sandbarrier on the main highwaylinking Samarra to the capitalBaghdad.—Reuters

AND BIOGRAPHER OF Dr.A.Q Khan” but he had beentaking interest in civiliannuclear energy too” It is in thisperspective that Pakistan Ob-server thought it appropriate tohost the RTC participated by allthose leading Karachiiteswhose voice was heard withrespect” he said. He ques-tioned how a handful of per-sons could hold more thantwenty millions populace of thecity hostage. He expressed theview that as Pakistan was tak-ing a new positive turn and thenation was in no non-sensemode, therefore, it was incum-bent upon the vast silent ma-jority to wake up and deal withthose to whom be described asobstructionists. “Pakistan is notthe widow of a poor man”, hesaid in an emotional tone.

In his message Dr. A. Q

Silent majority should wake up to check obstructionsFrom Page 1

Keeping in view the plantspecific information madeavailable at the conference andtaking into consideration a de-tailed presentation made bythe project by Chairman, Pa-kistan Atomic Energy Com-mission, the participants ofthis RTC.

1-Urge the government toaccelerate its efforts to over-come the current power short-ages through all availablemeans and make concrete plansfor the future so that the grow-ing needs of the country cancontinue to be met in a timelyfashion.

2.Welcome the commence-ment of work on K2, K3, the2X1100mw nuclear powerproject near Karachi which asan economic and reliablepower source, has the potentialto become an important con-tributor towards the fulfillmentof the electrical power needs ofthe country in general andKarachi in particular.

3- Deplore the efforts be-ing made in some circles tocomplete the timely executionof this much needed project byraising frivolous objections andtrying to frighten the publicthrough highly exaggeratedclaims about the dangers, andurge them to desist from thisnegative approach and join inpositive nation-building ef-forts. 4- Advise the K-2/K3project proponents, PAEC, tocomplete the project as soon aspossible and ensure that allsafety standards and regulatoryrequirements are fully com-plied with.

RTCFrom Page 1

N ZealandFrom Page 1

40,000 fans at Eden Park on theedge of their seats.

But Kane Williamson (45 notout) smashed the winning runswith a mighty six off PatCummins from the first ball of the24th over.—AFP

Khan said “Pakistan is facingsevere shortage of power forthe last ten years. It has to har-ness all possible energy re-sources in order to overcomeits current energy problems aswell as to ensure sustainableeconomic growth for the fore-seeable future. In this context,nuclear power has to play a vi-tal role as a safe, reliable, eco-nomical and environmentfriendly electrical energy sup-plier.

Pakistan acquired the tech-nical now-how for operating anuclear plant more than 40years ago when KANUPP(supplied by Canada0 becomeoperational. Even in the isola-tion imposed by the interna-tional embargoes soon after itsstart-up, Pakistani engineersdemonstrated their commit-ment and competence in not

only ensuring safe operation ofthe plant, but also in acquiringcomplete command over vari-ous sophisticated technologiesinvolved in manufacturing thefuel bundles foe KANUP.

The subsequent nuclearpower units set up at Chashmawith Chinese assistance havebeen providing energy to thenational grid at high capacityfactors and relatively low cost.The success of these units hasmade a very clear case for theviability of nuclear power inthis country.

Dr A Q Khan said: “I amvery pleased to know that withthe beginning of the 2200 MWK-2/K-3 project, Pakistan’snuclear power programme isnow embarking upon a newphase that will involve the con-struction of larger nuclear

power plants which will be ableto make a significant contribu-tion to relieving the country ofits energy deficits. The appre-hensions of some of our peopleabout the construction of theseplants are unfounded. The de-sign of these units is based onGeneration III technology withmany additional safety fea-tures. I am confident that theseplants will provide clean, safeand reliable electrical power tothe country in general, and toKarachi in particular. I wish theproponents of this vital newproject all success in theirendeavours. PakistanZindabad”.

The RTC on Nuclearpower plants was also attendedby Vice Consul of the Repub-lic of China MV Yongpeng andEdmund Chnu and Walter FanWei of ICBC. Faisal ZahidMalik Editor Pakistgan ob-server and Gohar Zahid MalikExecutive Editor Pakistan Ob-server were also present on theoccasion.

Dr. Ansar Parvez ChairmanPakistan Atomic Energy Com-mission in his presentation saidin developed economies over40 percent of the electricity isgenerated through nuclearplants being the cheapest en-ergy source. It is unfortunatethat half of our export earningsare spent on import of fuel oilfor generating thermal powerwhich is most expensive modeof power production. Hepointed out that all safety mea-sures required for power plantsare already ensured and aboveall that prior to the operationof the two plants of 1100 mwin Karachi the similar powerplants would be put into opera-tion in China, hence there isnothing to worry about a pos-sible eventuality. In case of anyearth quake and Tsumani beingtalked about essential steps areensured to maintain all safetymeasures.

He elaborated “the only

side effect of the nuclear powerplants is the radiation yet weare exposed to radition morethan a power plants. If we takea flight from Karachi to Wash-ington that exposes much moreradition to human body than thesitting by the side of a powerplant for more than 20 days.While the radiation emanatedfrom computers is also morethan a power plant so weshould not be mislead by suchunfounded fears of harm tohuman health”.

Hameed Haroon, the ChiefExecutive of Dawn group em-phasized that the governmentshould ensure transparency andcommunication with the peopleto create credibility of the gov-ernment policies. It is in the in-terest of the governance and thegovernment to develop credibil-ity in the eyes of the citizens toavoid uncalled for noise overgood and positive policies andsteps taken in the interest of thecountry and the people.

Mian Zahid Hussain forpresident of Korangi Associa-tion of Trade and Industry and aprominent business leader in hisremarks said “We have alreadydiscussed the advantages anddisadvantages of the nuclearenergy, I would like to talk onthis platform on consumer pointof view,”. “We, the industrial-ists, are facing acute energyshortages which adversely af-fecting our production,”Hussain said, adding that“Snail-paced growth in the GDPis result of low production.”“We are carrying bombs in ourvehicles in shape of CNG cyl-inders and every after onemonth, deaths were reported inthe city due to CNG cylinderblast, but when we talk aboutnuclear power, some peoplestarted raising objections claim-ing that the radiation omitted inenergy production processwould prove baneful for the resi-dents of the city,” he maintained.“Zahid Malik is not only true

Pakistani, but he is a big Paki-stani,” ex-Chief Minister (CM)Sindh Ghaus Ali Shah re-marked. He appreciated the pre-sentation of the PAEC Chair-man at the conference and en-dorsed the N-Power projectsbeing built in Karaci.

“MQM leader Dr FarooqSattar is playing key role inbringing the glories of the finan-cial-hub back and I would re-quest him to mobilize the pub-lic for setting-up nuclear powerplants on west of the port city,”Shah maintained. “If the metro-politan city get 2200MW fromnuclear energy than Karachi willbecome the city of lights again,”he claimed.

“The biggest issue in set-ting-up nuclear power plants islack of knowledge,” SenatorAbdul Haseeb Khan observed.“Our politicians, businessmenand industrialists actually do nothave much knowledge about thenuclear energy and this is theonly reason that when we talkabout nuclear energy, somegroups come in action and triedto misguide the citizens on thename of environmental haz-ards,” Khan added.

“To overcome this problem,we will have to generate cen-sus,” Khan stressed, suggestingthat “The government shouldgather all the stakeholders onone platform and informed themabout this program to generatemuch-needed census.”

“It is beyond my thinkingthat when there is no develop-ment in the country then westarted making hue and cry thatthe government has no develop-ment program, but when thegovernment starts developmentprogram then people startedraising objections,” LieutenantGeneral (Retd) MoinuddinHaider observed. “KANUPP isproducing nuclear power sincelast 40 years, but when we gofor setting-up more nuclearpower plants then some groupsstarted raising objections; claim-ing nuclear power is not human-friendly deal,” Haider added. “Ithink in presence of existingnuclear power plants in thecountry, we should not makehue and cry over establishmentof more nuclear power plants,”Haider maintained.

Justice (Retd) Said-uz-Zaman Siddiqui observed.“When we go for setting upnuclear power plants then wewould have to face internationalpressure and any negligencewould lead towards sanctions,”Siddiqui added. “I think weshould educate people and makethem understand that nuclearpower is cheapest and compara-tively less hazardous as compareto other sources of energy,”Siddiqui suggested. If the gov-ernment set-up K2 and K3nuclear power plants out ofKarachi, then there would bedebate that the government isoverlooking the financial-hub,”Roet-e-Hilal Committee Paki-stan (RHCP) Chairman ProfMufti Muneeb-ur Rehman said.“In the time of Zulfiqar AliBhutto, Canada refused to runKANUPP then our scientists runthe nuclear power plant,”Rehman recalled, adding that“KANUUP is in function sincelast 40 years and if we set-upmore nuclear power plants thenthere would be no threat to theresidents of the city.”

“Our scientists have set-upsecurity standards for runningnuclear power plants and feel-ing happy to say that our secu-rity standards are better than thestandards of other countries run-ning nuclear power plants,”Rehman maintained.

“Nuclear energy should bePakistan’s first priority,” formerPresident Karachi Chamber ofCommerce and Industry(KCCI) Mian Abrar said. “Theentire world is generating cheappower through nuclear powerplants then why a nuclear power

should not set-up nuclear powerplants,” Abrar questioned.

“The government shouldwork on energy mix and devisea strategy that how much powerit would have to generate fromnuclear, solar, wind and hydropower plants,” Abrar suggested.

Representing PakistanPeoples Party (PPP), formerSenator Taj Haider said thatK2and K# nuclear power plantsare the projects of PPP. “PPPCo-Chairman Asif Ali Zardariand former President Asif AliZardari visited China and re-quested to set-up two nuclearpower plants of total capacity2200MW,” he recalled.

“MQM leader Dr FarooqueSattar has raised objection re-garding location of the project,but I want to say here that thedecision of setting-up twonuclear power plants on west ofthe port city was taken afterkeeping all the consequences inview,” Haider told. “The politi-cal leadership is agreed to es-tablish K2 and K3 nuclearpower plants in Karachi and Isuggest that we should startthese projects without any fur-ther delay,” Haider stressed.

Speaking on the occasion,Institute of Business Adminis-tration (IBA) Department ofSocial Sciences Chairperson DrHuma Baqai said that we shouldkeep security threats from mili-tants in mind before setting-upnuclear power plants. “Theterrorists are targeting ourpower plants and if they man-age to target K2, K3, thenthere would be huge destruc-tion,” Dr Baqai highlighted.Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MNA QaiserSheikh said that Pakistan is 5thlargest country in the world interms of population, but whenwe talk about GDP growththen Pakistan is nowhere intop 50 countries of the world.“We do not have sufficient en-ergy for our industry and if thesituation remained unchangedthen it would become difficultfor the government to improveeconomic growth,” he re-marked.

Bibojee Services (Pvt)Ltd Advisor Brigadier (Retd)Tariq Khalil said that whenChina starts investment in Pa-kistan then some groups comein action to sabotage theprojects of public interest.“Currently, Pak-China friend-ship is facing internationalconspiracies and pressurefrom some lobbies in the coun-try,” he observed. “We lookinto positive aspects of nuclearpower and the concerns, but Ithink that advantages ofnuclear power is much morehigher than its disadvantages,”Khalil maintai-ned.

“We are paying moremoney by generating expen-sive energy through furnaceoil-base power plants, butwhen China come to assistPakistan for generating cheapenergy by setting-up nuclear

power plants then we raised anobjection that China is goingto test nuclear power genera-tion in Pakistan,” Avari Tow-ers CEO Byram D Avari said.“The government should relyon Chinese technology andChinese engineers and allowChina to set-up nuclear powerplants in the country to over-come simmering energy cri-ses,” he maintained. “Weshould not rely on one friend,but we should make morefriends to survive in this glo-bal village,” Avari stressed.

Prof Dr Atta-ur-Rehmanrenowned scientist, formerfederal minister for informa-tion technology and formerChairman Higher Educationcommission said there is nosecond opinion about the factthat country needs to get ridof energy crisis which calls forutilizing available resources,however a lobby of the vestedinterest is working againstnuclear power plants. Al-though safety measures are es-sentially needed but we can-not give up something onlybecause unfounded fears

Nisar Memon known po-litical figure while paying trib-utes to the scientists of Paki-stan and urged the people whowere opposing the benefits oftechnology not to harm Paki-stan.

Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh,Member National Assemblyand the former president ofKCCI said “our industries arenot operating to their capacitybecause of energy shortageand if we have to increase ourper capita income and GDP tocatch up rest of the world wehave to go utilizing availableenergy resources for the causeof the nation and to alleviatepoverty from Pakistan”.

Rafiq Pardesi, a prominentbusiness leader and the chiefexecutive of Emmar Builderswhile speaking on the forth-coming nuclear power plantsassured that the people ofKarachi are with the projects asthey want to live respectively inthis 21st century. The nuclearpower plants will also help re-soling the water shortage inKarachi by their additional ca-pacity to desalination of the seawater in a huge quantity.He of-fered his services to take the sci-entists anywhere in the world forinspection of nuclear powerplants operating elsewhere inthe world. He said that theseplants are our need to serve thecause of the nation.

IDPs to returnFrom Page 1

comprising 1,659 individualshad returned to their areas andwere given food, dry ration andshelter kit containing tents andhousehold items. He hadalso said that in the previousfour phases of repatriation,8,177 families comprising38,277 individuals had re-turned to their respective areas.

Shikarpur caseFrom Page 1

Melbourne courtesy of a 22-runwin against England.

“The important lesson isnever give up,” said Misbah.“That’s what you need to do asa player and as a team. That’swhat Imran Khan usually saysabout 1992. Even when theteam was in difficult times,they never gave up.

“They just kept trying, kepttrying, and kept trying. At lastthey just managed to do whatthey really wanted to do in thatWorld Cup.

“So, that’s what we are try-ing to do. We just have to dothe things and we have to workhard, and that’s what we’re try-ing to do”.

MisbahFrom Page 1

disqualified due to objectionsand now 36 are left to conteston 4 seats of FATA.

Pakistan People’s Party andMuttahida Qaumi Movementcandidates on Saturday wereelected unopposed in Senate onat least two women seats andtwo seats of technocrats.

PPP’s Sassi Palejo andMQM’s Hina Nighat got electedon women seats in Senate with-out any opposition while PPP’sFarooq H Naik and MQM’s bar-rister Saif have been unofficiallyelected on technocrat seats.

MQM’s Ameenul Haq andWaseem Akhtar took theirnomination papers back for gen-eral seats whereas Abdul QadirKhanzada for technocrat seat.Similarly, Babar Ghouri andGulfaraz Khattak took theirnomination papers back for gen-eral seat while MQM’s SeemaZarin took papers back forwoman seat.While talking to the media out-side the Pakistan Election Com-mission, Sindh Assembly mem-ber MQM Sardar Ahmed urgedsettlement of issues throughtalks. He said that the issue withPPP regarding the Senate elec-tion has been resolved..—INP

EC releasesFrom Page 1

22nd amendFrom Page 1

himself up inside animambargah in Shikarpurduring Friday prayers onJanuary 30. CM Sindh QaimAli Shah revealed that the sui-cide attacker responsible forthe Shikarpur bombing wasbrought from Balochistan.

Qiam Ali Shah told re-porters that the facts of theShikarpur case had been re-vealed and he praised therole of law enforcementagencies for the arrest of twoaccused. —INP

his concerns about the 22ndamendment being brought in toprevent ‘horse trading’ in theSenate election.Later, talking to newsmen, theInformation Minister saidMaulana Fazlur Rehman has ex-pressed some reservations,which would be conveyed to thePrime Minister. He said it wouldbe their endeavour to address res-ervations of the JUI (F) leader,who has been struggling for up-holding democracy and demo-cratic values.—INP/Sabah

SYDENY—Australian law-yer and founder of theIslamophobia Register,Mariam Veiszadeh, has re-ceived several deaththreats for her ongoingcampaign to track in-stances of abuse againstMuslims, CNN reported.

Threats and vile mes-sages have appeared allover the internet forMariam after she postedan image of a T-shirt forsale in Woolworths, one ofAustralia’s largest retail-ers, which showed theAustralian flag with the

TeacherdeniesradicalizingteensMONTREAL—A Muslim teacher oncejailed by Canada as asecurity threat denied onFriday he had radicalizedCanadian teens believed tohave headed to Syria tofight with Islamic State,saying his school had onlybrief contact with one ofthe six students. Thestudents, four men andtwo women aged 18 and19, left Montreal inJanuary and February forTurkey and then on toSyria, according to mediareports, the latest in astring of young Western-ers who have becomeradicalized and haveheaded to the Middle Easthoping to fight withIslamic State. The teacher,Adil Charkaoui, told anews conference inMontreal that anti-Muslimsentiment in Quebec is toblame for alienatingMuslim students, not hisclasses, where he saidonly Arabic, the Koranand “basic notions” aretaught.— Reuters

Prepare forwar: KimSOUL—NorthKorean leaderKim Jong-Unhas urged hisarmy to prepare for warwith the United States andits allies, state media saidSaturday, as Pyongyangramps up the rhetoricahead of US-South Koreamilitary drills. Kim’scomments came afterSouth Korea and theUnited States Fridayconducted a joint navaldrill involving 10 SouthKorean warships and a USAegis destroyer, ahead ofthe launch of large-scalemilitary exercises that haveenraged the North. “Theprevailing situation wherea great war for nationalreunification is at handrequires all the KPA(Korean People’s Army)units to become (elite)Guard Units fully preparedfor war politically andideologically, in militarytechnique and materially”,he was quoted by theofficial Korean CentralNews Agency (KCNA) assaying. —AP

Strictsentencesought forwomanDETROIT—Federal prosecutors arerecommending at least fiveyears in prison for aChicago activist who didn’ttell immigration officialsabout her convictiondecades ago for bombingsin Israel, including one thatkilled two college studentsat a supermarket. In a courtfiling, the prosecutorsargued a “slap on the wrist”for Rasmieh Odeh couldencourage others to seek ahaven in the United States.Odeh’s sentencing onMarch 12 in Detroit isshaping up as a clash ofconflicting portrayals. Herlawyers said the 67-year-old who runs dailyoperations at Chicago’sArab American ActionNetwork is a peaceful,selfless individual —AP

Australian Muslim woman battles Twitter ‘troll army’words “If you don’t loveit, leave,” – terming it ‘big-oted’.

“The reality is peopledon’t abuse me just be-cause I’m a woman or be-cause my name is Mariamor because I’m Middle-Eastern.

They abuse me becauseI have a scarf on my headand because I’m a Muslim,”Veiszadeh told CNN.

US based website, theDaily Stormer, posted of-fensive and insulting mes-sages targetting Mariam.

”Leave now before webehead your mother andbury you all with pigs…”

said one tweet from an ac-count, which has sincebeen suspended. Many ofthe messages include of-fensive hashtags as well.

Months after Veiszadehposted the tweet about theshirt, the Australian De-fence League- a right winggroup calling for Islam to bebanned in Australia- postedher tweet on its Facebooksite along with another postsaying ”Everyone is en-titled to dress as theyplease,” with the title “Hy-pocrisy Much?”

The post attracted doz-

ens of offensive commentsand abusive tweets whilethe Daily Stormer imploredits “troll army” to attack her.

However, support forMariam is growing via aTwitter counter-campaign– #IStandWithMariam –and Veiszadah is adamentthat the intimidation cam-paign against her will notbe successful.

In wake of the cam-paign, many took to Twit-ter to support Mariam andstand up against thosewho have been nasty andoffensive. —AP

MOSCOW—Boris Nemtsov, a Russian op-position politician and former deputy primeminister who was an outspoken critic ofPresident Vladimir Putin, was shot deadmeters from the Kremlin in central Moscowlate on Friday.

Nemtsov, 55, was shot four times in theback, the Interior Ministry said. A policespokeswoman on the scene said he hadbeen walking on a bridge over the MoskvaRiver with a Ukrainian woman.

Putin condemned the killing and tookthe investigation under presidential com-mand, saying it could have been a contractkilling and a “provocation” on the eve of abig opposition protest that Nemtsov hadbeen due to lead in Moscow on Sunday.

Police cars sealed off the bridge closeto the red walls of the Kremlin and RedSquare, and an ambulance was on thescene.

“Nemtsov B.E. died at 2340 hours as aresult of four shots in the back,” an InteriorMinistry spokeswoman said by telephone.

A police spokesman on the scene saidNemtsov had been shot at from a passingwhite car that fled the scene. The womanwas being interviewed by police.

Mikhail Kasyanov, a fellow oppositionleader, told reporters at the bridge: “That aleader of the opposition could be shot be-side the walls of the Kremlin is beyondimagination.

There can be only one version: that hewas shot for telling the truth.”

Kasyanov, a former prime minister un-der Putin, called Nemtsov a “fighter for the

Russian opposition leaderNemtsov shot dead

truth”.Nemtsov had been quoted as saying

he was concerned that the president mightwant him dead over his opposition to theconflict in Ukraine. Sunday’s oppositionmarch is intended as a protest against thewar in east Ukraine, where pro-Russianrebels have seized a swathe of territory.

Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, toldRussian news agencies that the presidenthad expressed his condolences and or-dered the security agencies to investigate.He said Putin had called it a “brutal mur-der”.

Another opposition figure, KseniaSobchak, said Nemtsov had been prepar-ing a report on the presence of Russiantroops in Ukraine. The Kremlin stronglydenies allegations by Kiev and Westerncapitals that it has sent troops and ad-vanced weaponry to back the rebels.

Like other opposition leaders, Nemtsovwas a fighter against corruption.

In other reports, he condemned mas-sive overspending on the Sochi WinterOlympics by the Russian authorities andlisted the many state buildings, helicoptersand planes that Putin has at his disposal.

Nemtsov was also one of the leaders ofmass rallies in the winter of 2011-12 thatbecame the biggest protests against Putinsince the former KGB spy rose to power in2000.

Nemtsov briefly served as a deputyprime minister under president Boris Yeltsinin the late 1990s, when he gained a reputa-tion as a leading liberal reformer. —Reuters

ISLAMABAD—The Economic CoordinationCommittee (ECC) of the Cabinet in its meet-ing chaired by Finance Minister, SenatorMohammad Ishaq Dar here Saturday ap-proved an amount of Rs.960 million forpayment of two months salaries to work-ers of Pakistan Steel on urgent basis.

Chairman Pak Steel briefed the meetingabout current profile of Pak Steel and saidsome difficulties were being faced in pro-duction due to power and gas shortage.He also requested ECC’s approval for spe-cific amount for workers salaries.

The Chairman added that despite diffi-culties the PSM, boosted by the specialRs. 18.5 billion bailout package by the Gov-ernment last year, had achieved 50% pro-duction capacity, starting from a mere 1%.He said the PSM management eyed 70%capacity target in March.

The chair while approving the amountfor payment of salaries, directed for forma-tion of special committee including Secre-tary Finance, Chairman /SecretaryPrivatization Commission, Secretary Indus-tries, headed by Chairman SECP to lookinto affairs of PSM. He also asked thePrivatization Commission to table its pro-posal for the restructuring of PSM at thenext ECC meeting. On a proposal submit-ted by Commerce Division, the meetingapproved disposal of 28,999 MT of unsoldsugar stock available with the TCP. Utility

ECC okays Rs 90mfor PSM staff salaries

Stores Corporation would procure sugarfrom TCP and this being an arrangementbetween two government entities, trans-parency would be ensured. The chair re-marked that USC would sell sugar to thecustomers at appropriate price and wouldnot receive any subsidy whatsoever.

While announcing this decision thechair directed the concerned authorities tokeep vigil on demand and supply situationof sugar and wheat in the country as thesewere important commodities of everydayuse and their availability to the masses wasto be accorded due care.

On a proposal by Ministry of Water &Power, the ECC accorded ex-post factoapproval for issuance of sovereign guar-antee by Ministry of Finance in respect ofsyndicated term finance facility amount-ing to Rs. 40,000,000,000/-(forty billion ru-pees) for the Power Sector.

The loan had been arranged on behalfof power distribution companies by PowerHolding (Pvt) Limited from consortium oflocal commercial banks.

The Ministry of Petroleum and NaturalResources proposed that in view of thewidening gap in natural gas demand/sup-ply on the gas supply network, especiallyM/s SNGPL network, up to 12 MMCFDgas from Miano Tight Gas field may beallocated to M/s SNGPL through swap-ping arrangements.—INP

12 Maj-Generalsof Pakistan Army

transferredISLAMABAD—Pakistan Armyhas made transfers andpostings of twelve majorgenerals. Officers with po-sitions are: Officers MajorGeneral Irshad DG law, Ma-jor General Basit Raza DGsupply and transport, Ma-jor General NaumanMasood GOC Peshawar,Major General MuhammadKaleem GOC Murree, MajGen Sahir Shamshad GOC,Maj Gen Chirag Haider GOCJehlum, Major GeneralKamran, GOC Artillery Divi-sion Gujranwala, MajorGeneral Arshad Vice Chief ofLogistic Staff and MajorGeneral Fahim has been ap-pointed as Commander Lo-gistics Area Multan. MajorGeneral Hafeez ur RehmanDeputy IG Communicationsand Information Technol-ogy, Major General FarhanDG Artillery and Major Gen-eral Zafar Ullah, DG Logis-tics GHQ.—Online

CAIRO—An Egyptian courtdeclared Hamas a “terroristorganization” on Saturday,further isolating the rulersof the Gaza Strip who oncefound a warm welcome un-der the country’s past Is-lamist government.

The ruling by JudgeMohamed el-Sayed of theCourt For Urgent Mattersdescribed Hamas as target-ing both civilians and secu-rity forces inside Egypt’srestive Sinai Peninsula andaiming to harm the country.The Sinai has been underincreasing attack by Islamicextremists since the Egyp-tian military ousted IslamistPresident MohammedMorsi in 2013.

Egyptian court declares Hamasa ‘terrorist organization’

“It has been provenwithout any doubt that themovement has committedacts of sabotage, assassi-nations and the killing ofinnocent civilians andmembers of the armedforces and police in Egypt,”the judge’s ruling said, ac-cording to state newsagency MENA.

In Gaza, Hamas officialMushir al-Masri con-demned the decision andurged Egypt to reversecourse.

“This ruling serves theIsraeli occupation. It’s a po-liticized decision that con-stitutes the beginning ofEgypt evading its role to-ward the Palestinian cause,”

he said. “This is a coupagainst history and anEgyptian abuse of the Pal-estinian cause and resis-tance, which fights on be-half of the Arab nation. Wecall on Egypt to reconsiderthis dangerous decision.”

The ruling further iso-lates Hamas, which oncefound open support underMorsi and from his now-outlawed Muslim Brother-hood group.

Egypt’s new govern-ment recently has begunclearing a buffer zone alongits border with Gaza in anattempt to destroy a cross-border network of tunnelsthat Hamas considers a life-line.—AP

Altaf dismayedover Senate

election crisisLONDON—Voicing concernsover the lingering crisis involv-ing upcoming Senate elec-tions, Muttahida QaumiMovement (MQM) ChiefAltaf Hussain wrote a letter tochief justice of Pakistan urg-ing for a befitting role of theSupreme Court to break thecurrent political imbroglio. Ina statement issued from theparty’s London Secretariat, heexpressed dismay over thecurrent political situation andcalled upon the apex court tointercede.

Altaf Hussain asserted,“As the Supreme Court is theguardian of the Constitution,I hereby call upon the Honor-able Chief Justice of PakistanJustice Nasirul Mulk and hislearned companion Judges tosuo moto, invoking article184(3) of the Constitution, is-sue directions under articles187, 189 and 190 of the Con-stitution whereby a propermethodology for the SenateElections is declared and ifnecessary, a commission beappointed under order 32 ofthe Supreme Court Rules,whereby members of theArmed Forces, select Par-liamentarians, lawyers,technocrats and othersknown in diversified fields,are appointed as membersof the commission so as toresolve the present cri-sis.”—Online

ISTANBUL—Jailed militantleader Abdullah Ocalancalled on his followers toattend a conference on dis-armament, according to astatement on Saturday, acrucial step in Turkey’sdrive to end a 30-year in-surgency with Kurdish mili-tan ts

Sirri Sureyya Onder, alawmaker from parliament’spro-Kurdish People’sDemocratic Party (HDP),read a statement fromOcalan on live TV that in-vited the Kurdistan Work-ers Party to attend talks ondisarmament in the springmonths.

The statement showsrenewed efforts by thegovernment and Kurds,who have sparred in parlia-ment this month over a do-mestic security bill. Talkswith Ocalan began in late2012 to end a conflict thathas killed more than 40,000people, mostly Kurds,since 1984.

The jailed leader madea call to the separatists say-ing, “As we are usheringthe 30 years of conflict to-wards permanent peace, itis our primary goal to reacha democratic solution,”Abdullah Ocalan said in hismessage.

DUSHANBE—Tajik DeputyForeign Minister,Nizomiddin Zohidi, met herewith Lieutenant-GeneralMuhammad AhsanMahmood, Chairman Paki-stan Ordnance Factories(POF) Board. The two dis-cussed prospects of furtherexpansion of bilateral coop-eration between Tajikistan

PKK ready to lay down armsOnder for democratic politics

“I’m calling on the PKKto hold an extraordinarycongress in spring to makea strategic and historic de-cision on disarmament,”Onder quoted Ocalan assaying in a joint press con-ference with Deputy PrimeMinister Yalcin Akdogan.

“This is a historic callto replace armed strugglewith democratic politics.”Onder said that both sideswere “closer than ever topeace.”The message came after anHDP delegation met withPKK rebels for talks at theirbase in the Kandil Moun-tains in Iraq on February 23and met Ocalan himself onhis prison island of Imralion the Marmara Sea on Fri-day.

The press conferencewas of significant impor-tance because it was thefirst time a message byOcalan was read live ontelevision and in the pres-ence of Turkish govern-ment officials.Akdogan emphasised theimportance of a ceasefireand said: “We havereached an important andhistorical point in thepeace process.”

“Silencing arms willcontribute to the develop-

ment of democracy,” hesaid.

In 2013 Ocalan calledfor a “historic” ceasefire,after many months of secretnegotiations with the Turk-ish government aimed atending a conflict that haskilled more than 40,000people since 1984.

But peace talks stalledin September 2013, whenthe insurgents said theywere suspending their pull-out from Turkish soil afteraccusing Ankara of failingto deliver on promised re-forms.

Government officialshave recently stepped upefforts to restart talks withthe Kurds and have metwith their representativesin the hope of reaching adisarmament deal withseparatist rebels byKurdish New Year inMarch.

The new efforts comeagainst the backdrop of acontentious security bill —currently being debated inparliament — boosting po-lice powers to crack downon protest. —AP/AFP

POF Chief visitsTajikistan

and Pakistan. They also ex-changed views on the cur-rent situation in Afghani-stan. The Pakistan Ord-nance Factories (POF)founded in 1951 by the Gov-ernment of Pakistan engi-neers, develops, produces,manufactures, and promoteswide range weapons and ex-plosives. —INP

Sheikhupura LNG plant togenerate 1000MW power: CM

MUZAFFAR ALI

LAHORE—Punjab ChiefMinister MuhammadShahbaz Sharif presidedover a high level meeting toreview the progress of en-ergy projects in the prov-ince which agreed upon tak-ing all necessary measuresregarding speedy progressfor early completion of en-ergy projects here on Sat-urday.

Addressing the meet-ing, Shahbaz Sharif said thatall out efforts were beingmade for decreasing energycrisis. He said that besidestraditional sources, energyprojects are being executedthrough renewable meth-ods.

Federal Minister forWater and Power Kh.Muhammad Asif and Fed-eral Minister for PetroleumShahid Khaqan Abbasi alsoattended the meeting.

Shahbaz said that a plan-

ning has been made for set-ting up energy projectsthrough LNG in the prov-ince. The government hasdecided to set up LNGpower plant nearSheikhupura and more than1000 megawatt electricitywould be generated fromthis plant, he said. FederalCabinet has given approvalto setting up of energyprojects through LNG atthree different places inPunjab and a total of 3600megawatt electricity will begenerated from theseprojects, he added.

Shahbaz Sharif thankedPrime Minister MuhammadNawaz Sharif and FederalMinister for PetroleumShahid Khaqan Abbasi forgranting approval to theprovision of 200 MMCFDLNG to Punjab. He ex-pressed the hope that anumber of energy projectswill be generating electric-ity during next three years

and the people will be pro-vided relief by reducing en-ergy crisis. He said that ev-ery moment of the nation isprecious and the energyprojects will be executedtransparently and speedily.

The Chief Minister saidthat departments concernedshould immediately takenecessary steps for LNGpower plants and workshould be started for layingpipelines and up-gradationof transmission lines at theearliest.

He said that energyprojects of LNG will be com-pleted on fast track.Shahbaz Sharif said that 100megawatt solar project hasbeen completed in a recordperiod of six months atQuaid-e-Azam Solar Park,Bahawalpur. He said that itis the first and biggest solarproject in the history of thecountry which, Punjab gov-ernment, has set up from itsown resources.

WEST BANK: Palestinian protesters run away from tear gas fired by Israeli soldiers during clashes following aprotest against the nearby Jewish settlement of Qadomem, in the West Bank village of Kofr Qadom near Nablus.

MORE than a third of US adults areobese and are, therefore, at higher riskof type 2 diabetes. But new research

suggests a surprising prevention strategy forboth conditions - eating chocolate. In a mousestudy, led by Andrew P.Neilson of the Departmentof Food Science and Tech-nology at Virginia Polytech-nic Institute and State Uni-versity, researchers discov-ered that a certain antioxi-dant in cocoa - the main in-gredient in chocolate - pre-vented mice from gainingweight and lowered theirblood sugar levels.

This is not the onlystudy to suggest that con-suming chocolate can pre-vent such health conditions.Earlier this year, MedicalNews Today reported on astudy claiming that choco-late, as well as wine and ber-ries, protects against type 2diabetes, while other re-search found that teens who eat lots of choco-late tend to be slimmer. Such studies claim thatthe reason chocolate may have these healthbenefits is because of the flavanols it contains.These are types of antioxidants.

But the researchers of this most recentstudy say that not all flavanols are the same. Infact, cocoa has several different types. Goodnews for chocolate lovers: a certain flavanolin cocoa may help prevent obesity and type 2diabetes. In their study, published in the Jour-nal of Agricultural Food and Chemistry, theinvestigators set out to determine exactly whichflavanol may be responsible for preventingweight gain and lowering blood glucose lev-

els.For the research, the investigators as-

signed mice to one of six different diets for12 weeks. These consisted of high- and low-fat diets, and high-fat diets supplemented

with either monomeric, oligo-meric or polymericprocyandins (PCs) - types offlavanols. Mice were given 25milligrams of these flavanolseach day for every kilogram oftheir body weight (25 mg/kg).The research team found that ahigh-fat diet supplemented witholigomeric PCs was the mosteffective for maintainingweight of the mice and improv-ing glucose tolerance - a factorthat could help prevent type 2diabetes.

“Oligomeric PCs appear topossess the greatest antiobesityand antidiabetic bioactivities ofthe flavanols in cocoa, particu-larly at the low doses employedfor the present study. Additionalstudies of prolonged feeding of

flavanol fractions in vivo are needed to fur-ther identify the fractions with the highestbioactivities and, therefore, the greatest po-tential for translation to human clinical ap-plications at reasonable doses.”

The investigators point out that the dosesof flavanols used in this study are signifi-cantly lower than doses used in past researchand are more feasible when translated intoflavanol levels for human consumption.“Therefore, our data suggest that moderatedoses of cocoa flavanols or cocoa powderhave the potential to be more effective inhuman clinical trials than previouslythought,” they add.

Chocolate could preventobesity, diabetes, study suggests

Khalil George MNA speaking during National Caucus Conference on ‘Quota issue andresources reservation for non-Muslim communities in Pakistan’.

Conference on empowerment of women

Equality between men, womenis a fundamental right

Head of UNDP Marc Andre Franche speaks during a conference organized by British High Commission in collaborationwith UNDP on International Women’s Day. Head of DFID Pakistan Richard Montgomery, Political Counsellor BritishHigh Commission Jennifer Cole and Country Representative UN Women Pakistan Jamshed M Kazi are also seen sittingon the stage.—PO photo by Sultan Bashir

ISLAMABAD—Senior Superintendent of Po-lice (Operations) Islamabad Mir Vais Niazhas constituted a special team to trace theculprit who killed a couple in the areas of‘Jhugi Syedan’ in area of Noon police sta-tion, police source said.

According to details, a person namelyChaudhry killed Mamoor and his wifeZulegha Bibi through firing over land dis-pute. After their murder, he fled and Rajab

Ali, the brother of deceased, lodged the re-port with police station on Februay 26.

Police team has been constituted follow-ing the orders of SSP which included the Sta-tion House Officer of Noon police stationand officials from Investigation wing ofIslamabad police.

This team has started investigation andSSP has directed them to ensure arrest ofculprit earliest.—APP

Special police team constitutedto trace killer of couple

STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—The Capital DevelopmentAuthority (CDA) is carrying out carpet-ing and patch work of different majorroads, service roads and crossings acrossthe Federal Capital to facilitate the resi-dents and improve the flow of traffic inthe city. Maintenance and patch work isin progress at fast pace and the CDA’s Ma-chinery Pool Organization (MPO) re-mained busy during the official holydayto complete the task at the earliest as di-rected by the Chairman CDA, MaroofAfzal.

The Chairman CDA has deputed thesenior officers of the Authority to monitor

the ongoing carpeting and patch work. TheMPO Directorate apprised that carpetingwork at the Faizabad portion of Express-way has been completed. Whereas workon the extension of road at Sector I-8Shakarparian crossing is in progress. Ev-ery effort is being made to complete thework on a dedicated lane being constructedhere to facilitate the students and the visi-tors of the schools in the area by the Sun-day evening.

The MPO Directorate informed dur-ing the inspection by the senior officersthat rehabilitation work in different areasof the Federal Capital is being carried outas many of the roads were damaged dur-ing the rains and some other roads needed

necessary patch work to ensure smoothflow of traffic. Chairman CDA has di-rected that the internal resources be uti-lized for carrying out the maintenance,carpeting and patch work of the roads andservice roads and the relevant formationsof the authority should collaborate theirefforts for early execution of the work.

He said that CDA is committed to pro-vide improved facilities to the residentsand all possible resources would be uti-lized in this regard. He also directed theEnvironment Wing of the Authority toimprove the medians, green belts and flow-ering on different roads, avenues and inthe residential sectors as well as the com-mercial areas of the Federal Capital.

CDA carrying out carpetingof major roads in capital

STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—With the Spring alreadyaround the corner, National UniversityScience and Technology (NUST), in linewith its annual tradition, kicked off a mas-sive tree plantation drive at its main cam-pus here.

Rector NUST Engr. MuhammadAsghar inaugurated the campaign byplanting a tree sapling of Pine. Pro Rec-

tors, Directors, students and staff of theUniversity attended the inauguration ofthis environment friendly campaign.

While, speaking on the occasion, theRector stressed upon the need for holdingsuch campaigns on a regular basis.

He said that the horticultural activi-ties were a key towards making the worlda better place to breathe in. He appreci-ated the efforts of the horticulture depart-ment of the Administration Directorate in

promoting the green culture on the cam-pus. Earlier, Director Administration,Arif Mahmud Siddiqui apprised the au-dience of how the Campus had steadilydeveloped since 2007, particularly high-lighting the improvement of landscapeand marathon effort of NUST horticul-ture staff.

He informed that at present therewere more than fifty different species oftrees planted across the Campus.

Massive tree plantation drivekicked off at NUST

RAZA UR REHMAN

ISLAMABAD —The BritishHigh Commission Saturdayhosted a conference in advanceof International Women’s Daywhich focused on women’s em-powerment and the importanceof supporting women in achiev-ing their potential. The interna-tional women day is celebratedin first week of march to bringinto limelight issues concerningwomen.

The conference was held incollaboration with the UnitedNations Entity for GenderEquality and the Empowermentof Women (UN Women Paki-stan), United Nations Develop-ment Programme Pakistan(UNDP Pakistan), and the UK’sDepartment for InternationalDevelopment Pakistan (DFIDPakistan), said a statement of thehigh commission here.

The daylong Conference in-cluded panel discussions on arange of topics including therole of men women’s empow-erment and the role of media inwomen’s rights. The discussionsinvited high profile panelistsworking for women rightsawareness in Pakistan.

The panelists includedNigar Nazar, CEO Gogi Stu-dios, Shahid Nadeem, Execu-tive Director Ajoka Theatre,Omar Aftab, CEO Women Em-powerment Group, QadeerBaig, Country Representative,Rutgers World PopulationFoundation Pakistan, Dr. ShahidMasood, Senior Political Ana-lyst, Asma Shirazai, Senior VicePresident, BOL TV.

The conference also gave anopportunity to students fromLahore University of Manage-ment Sciences, Bahria Univer-sity, Iqra University, ARID Ag-riculture University, PakistanInstitute of Development Eco-nomics (PIDE) and Riphah Uni-versity to showcase their presen-tations on different topics re-lated to women empowermentin all aspects of society.

Richard Montgomery, Headof Department for InternationalDevelopment Pakistan,Jamshed M Kazi, Country Rep-resentative of UN Women Pa-kistan, Marc Andre Franche,

Head of UNDP Pakistan and Jennifer Cole,Political Counsellor, British High Commis-sion also joined the panel discussions.

Speaking at the event, RichardMontgomery, Head of DFID Pakistansaid “Today’s event provided a wonder-ful opportunity for us to hear the diverseviews of the distinguished panelists andthose of Pakistan’s future leaders whowill undoubtedly go on to shape opin-ions in the future. It is important for bothmen and women to have a conversationon men’s role in addressing the chal-lenges facing women and how they canassist in women empowerment. Equal-

ity between men and women is a funda-mental right. Reducing gender discrimi-nation will not only lead to a fairer so-ciety, but a stronger economy and a moreprosperous country”.

Marc Andre Franche, Country Represen-tative UNDP, said; “UNDP supports a rangeof efforts to improve the position of womenin Pakistan, including in the justice sector,police force, community organizations, par-liamentarians and aspiring women candi-dates. Empowered women and girls have atruly transformative role to play in Pakistan.Evidence consistently shows that wherewomen are given opportunities, societies

develop more rapidly. We will continue totake steps to empower women and achievegender equality as a way to fight poverty”.

In promoting the “HeForShe” move-ment in Pakistan Jamshed M. Kazi, Coun-try Representative, UN Women emphasizedthe need for a united effort to galvanizemomentum: “With women constituting halfthe population of Pakistan, the HeForShecampaign will encourage ‘the other half’ tospeak out and take action against inequali-ties faced by women and girls. We are en-gaging men as champions for change; achange where women can live a life free ofinequalities and discrimination”.

Yellow flowers blooming welcoming the spring season in federal capital.

06:00 01:3004:30

07:45

Zohr

Asr

Isha

Fajar

Meghrab at Sunset

Brothers in Islamestablish regularprayers & charity

March 2-4Music workshop

3 day Music workshop from02.03.2015 to 04.03.2015 dailyfrom 10:00 am to 12:00 noon atPakistan national council ofthe Arts, lecture Hall, F-5/1,Islamabad. Renowned singerUstad Raees Ahmed, ViolinPlayer and Ustad AneesAhmed, Key Board player willconduct the workshop.

March 4Round table

“ROAD to and from Sendai”Round Table Conference onDisaster Risk Reduction,organised by Pattan Devel-opment Organisation 2 PM,Wednesday 4 March 2015 atHotel Marriott

March 2-8Youth drama

YOUTH Drama Festivalfrom 02.03.2015 to08.03.2015 daily at 07:00 pmat PNCA Auditorium, lead-ing educational institutionsof Rawalpindi/ Islamabadwill present their plays.

Residents of Mareer Hassan walking on the railway track near a moving train which may result in any accident.

Motorists facing hardships due to a traffic jam caused by MBP, near Naz cinema.

Cricket mania: Youngsters, impressed by ongoing ICC World Cup, playing cricket on the newly carpeted road duringnight.

LIAQAT TOOR

ISLAMABAD—Crackdown against unreg-istered, spurious and facke medicineshas been intensified on the directionsof Minister for National Health Services,Saira Afzal Tarar. On receipt of informa-tion, DRAP Authorities in collaborationwith FIA raided one of the local indus-tries in Kahuta Industrial area Islamabadwhere unlawful drugs were being manu-factured.

When the raiding party arrived at thescene, they found that the premises waslocked and a notice was sited at the gateshowing the closure of factory for threedays due to the death of father of one ofthe employees.

The team asked the on duty guardto open the gate which he refused to doso. However, one of the team membershopped in and opened the gate. Afterthe entry into the premises, the teamfound the factory operational and the

manufacturing was going on.It is disclosed, after the extensive

deliberations and questioning, that thecompany has been manufacturingSofasbuvir tablets (used for the treat-ment of hepatitis C) without prior ap-proval. It was further discovered thata drug named Ever long tablet (whoseregistration was withdrawn) was alsobeing manufactured unlawfully andthe stock have been sent to market forsale.

It is interesting to mention that thedrug has been packed in four differentcolor scheme packing. Viewing this, theobligatory legal action was taken underthe provisions of The Drugs Act 1976.According to Information exclusivelyavailable with The News, DRAP hasgiven permission to the Federal DrugsInspector to lodge an FIR against per-sons of the company including the topmanagement of the company and Pro-duction Incharge.

A spokesman of the Ministry said theMinister for National Health Serviceshas already announced zero tolerancepolicy for the manufacturing of unreg-istered/spurious drugs and factorieshave been sealed and action as per lawis being taken without any discrimina-tion. All the field offices of DRAP inthe provinces have been asked to keepstrict watch on the criminal trade ofspurious drugs and take immediate andstern action under the law.

Raid on factory manufacturing unregisteredhepatitis C drug: Minister vows zero tolerance!

RAZA UR REHMAN

ISLAMABAD—Federal Ombudsman has or-dered for reducing public transport farefrom Rs 160 to Rs 110 on Murree-Islamabadroute. Federal Ombudsman has also orderedIG Motorway to scale down the publictransport fare on Lahore-Islamabad in thesame proportion what has been ordered onMurree-Islamabad route.

These orders have been issued in thewake of complaints received in the office ofFederal Ombudsman stating that no impactof enormous reduction in petroleum prod-ucts prices has been passed on to the com-muters traveling on Murree-Islamabadroute and the transporters are overcharg-ing them blatantly.

In the backdrop of these complaintsFederal Ombudsman had summoned secre-tary RTA, SSP Islamabad and IG Motorwayand had sought details of the stepslaunched for reducing fares in the perspec-tive of down slide in petroleum productsprices. Federal Ombudsman expressed hisresentment over non curtailment in the faresof public transport remarking if the institu-tions will not discharge their obligationsthen how the people will get relief in thefares of public transport.

Federal Ombudsman ordered for de-creasing public transport fares on Murree-Islamabad route by Rs 50 and making itmandatory to put to display the fare list onfront seat of public transport.

Murree-Islamabad route

Federal Ombudsman ordersfor reduction in transport fare

STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—Vice-Chancellor, Allama IqbalOpen University(AIOU), Prof. Dr. ShahidSiddiqui has called for academicians-media col-laboration and close linkages to fight illiteracyand promote quality education. Talking to adelegation of education beat reporters hereSaturday, he said a pro-active role of mediacan help to establish literate and knowledge-based society.

The delegation which met the Vice-Chan-cellor in his office assured its cooperation tofocus more on education which is most essen-tial sector to develop a healthy and prosper-ous society. The delegation appreciated therole of AIOU in providing quality education atthe door-steps of the people across the coun-try. Dr. Shahid Siddiqui further said that mediahas developed itself as more powerful socialinstitution.

It has pivotal role in building positive andconstructive public opinion for the socio-eco-

VC AIOU calls for academicians-media collaboration to fight illiteracy

nomic development of the country. He briefedthe delegation about the initiatives undertakenrecently for the development of the Univer-sity. He also highlighted his priority areas thatincludes; promotion of research culture, pro-fessional development, revision of text-booksand strengthening students’ support system.Professional development At least four re-search journals would be published this year.

A package of incentives has already beenprepared to provide cash prizes to academi-cians for their research work. Besides this, Dr.Siddiqui further said a number of new stepshave been taken to promote literary, culturaland social activities in the University, he added.

To make the University a hub of academicand intellectual activities, AIOU undertakensix lecture series includes; Skill-Based LectureSeries, Distinguished Lecture Series, Book andauthor series, Research colloquium, Aware-ness and advocacy series and Media Dialogue.The delegation was headed by associations’President, Zafar Ali Sipra.

ISLAMABAD—Federal Directorate ofEducation has decided to takemonthly fees from students of lessthan 5 years of age to pay wages tostaff from 1stMarch. The decisionto this effect was taken at a meetingwhich was attended by areas offic-ers of 4 sectors. The fees will betaken only from students in urbanareas and not from those in rural ar-

eas .In the meeting it was also de-

cided that a letter will be written toministry of CAD, to form a schoolmanaging department similar toPunjab that should release funds forroutine need use of schools. In re-ports submitted to federal director-ate 50 % of students cannot studyin the school due to economic rea-

sons. Area officers pointed out thatto take fee from student less than 5year old is not a violation of article25A of constitution. Federal direc-torate Spokesperson Tahir Bhatt iconfirmed that funds will be takenfrom students to fulfill the needs ofschools and this decision will beimplemented on only a fewschools.—Online

Fee to be taken frommontessori school students

RAWA L P I N D I—Rawalpindi socialwelfare department has started aphase wise operation to cancel theregistration of all NGOs which arenon functional.

In the first phase lists are beingprepared to cancel the registrationof 50 bogus, nonfunctional andthose functioning only in name inthe cantonment area of the city. On

the orders of Punjab government,the field officers of social welfaredepartment have become active incollecting and verifying informationof NGOS working in the district.

Department has also issued no-tices to various NGOS for not doingtheir annually audit and not havingbank accounts. Social welfare de-partments have composed a list of

50 NGOS for the first time since 1960for doing scrutiny of NGOS.

The department has been or-dered to speed up work of the firstphase, so action can be taken in nextphase against the offenders. An ap-proval for cancellation of their li-censes will be sought from provin-cial secretary social welfare after thescrutiny process.—Online

Non-functional NGOsregistration to be cancelled

STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—A meeting to reviewUrdu research journals published inthe country and suggest steps fortheir up-gradation and assess sta-tus of recognition of different jour-nals was held at Higher EducationCommission (HEC) Islamabad.

Dr. Anwaar Ahmed, DirectorGeneral , Universi ty of Gujratchaired meeting of the Sub-commit-tee in Urdu, which was organizedby HEC’s Social Sciences Section.The Sub-committee thoroughlyevaluated various national journalsin Urdu and recommended different

cases for recognition and up-grada-tion. The Committee also evaluatedover 50 books in Urdu for equiva-lence.

The Committee appreciated ef-forts of Dr. Najeeba Arif, AssistantProfessor, Department of Urdu, In-ternational Islamic University forlaunching Pakistan’s first Abstract-ing/Indexing agency in Urdu.

Dr. Anwaar Ahmed appreciatedthe efforts of HEC for improvementof quality of research journals inUrdu and providing required aca-demic and financial support. Earlier,Dr. Muhammad Tahir Ali Shah,Deputy Director (Academics) HEC

briefed the participants about HECpolicy for journals of social sci-ences and humanities.

The Committee members includeDr. Muhammad Yousuf Khushk,Chairman, Department of Urdu,Shah Abul Latif Universi tyKhairpur, Dr. Tubina Tareen, Chair-person Department of Urdu,Bahauddin Zakariya Universi tyMultan, Dr. Nasir Abbas Nayyar,Assistant Professor, University ofthe Punjab Lahore, and Dr. SalmanAli, Department of Urdu, Universityof Peshawar. Dr. Najeeba Arif hasalso joined the committee as co-opted member.

HEC to upgrade urdu research journalsSTAFF REPORTER

RAWALPINDI—The implementation processof Punjab Healthcare Reforms RoadmapThursday was reviewed in detail during ameeting held here at Commissioner Officeunder the chairmanship of Health Advisorto Chief Minister Punjab, Khawaja SulmanRafique. The advisor said that provision ofquality health facilities to the masses waspriority of Punjab government and solidmeasures had been taken for this purpose.

He said that Punjab Health ReformsRoadmap was being speedily implementedin the province. The meeting was attendedby Parliamentary Secretary Health PunjabKhawaja Imran Nazir, Secretary HealthJawad Rafique, Director General (DG)Health Services Dr. Zahid Pervaiz, Commis-sioner Rawalpindi Zahid Saeed, District Co-ordination Officer (DCO) Rawalpindi SajidZafar Dall and DCOs & EDOs (Health) ofChakwal, Jhelum and Attock districts, Prin-cipal, Rawalpindi Medical College Prof.Muhammad Umar and Medical Superinten-dents of the teaching hospitals.

Kh. Sulman Rafique said the programmewas initiated in the province to upgrade allthe hospitals in rural and urban areas byfilling vacant posts of doctors, specialists,provision of medicines, equipments, ensur-ing presence of doctors and paramedicalstaff in BHUs, Tehsil Headquarters and Dis-trict Headquarters hospitals.

He said that a rationalized mechanismhad been evolved for monthly salary pack-age of doctors in accordance with their placeof duties especially in remote areas so thatthey could get proper incentives. He in-formed that powers had been delegated atDistrict level to take prompt decisions re-garding procurement of machinery and ap-pointment of doctors so that the targetcould be achieved within fixed period.

Secretary Health Punjab Jawad Rafiquehighlighted the salient features of PunjabHealthcare Reform Roadmap and askedDCOs and EDOs Health of Rawalpindi divi-sion to accomplish the assigned tasks andfulfill the deficiencies of BHUs, THQs andDHQs hospitals of their respective districtson priority.

Health Advisor chairs meeting forHealthcare Reforms Roadmap

Trade activities inresidential areas

ISLAMABAD—In order to copewith trade activities in residen-tial areas Capital DevelopmentAuthority (CDA) has set up acomplaint cell. Deputy direc-tor Abdul Razzaq has beenmade the person in charge ofcomplaint cell. With the estab-lishment of Complaint Cell, thecitizens will be able to lodgecomplaints of any trade activi-ties in residential areas.

This cell has been setupon the orders of SupremeCourt. The cell will take actionagainst non conforming use ofhouses and would also collectdata e. IN this regard Addi-tional assistant commissionerImran Zia from Haripur hasbeen posted as senior specialmagistrate on deputation Ear-lier Director Security LiaquatAbbasi had this additionalcharge.—Online

Three gamblers, sixfor immoral activities

rounded upRAWALPINDI—Police underits ongoing drive againstanti-social elements have ar-rested nine lawbreakers in-cluding three gamblers andsix for their alleged involve-ment in immoral activities.

According to Rawalpindipolice spokesman, KotliSattian police acting on a tip-off conducted a raid in MiladChowk area and arrested threepersons namely Shoukat,Shabraiz and Gul Dam Nisaras they were allegedly in-volved in betting while play-ing cards.—APP

MUZAFFARABAD: AJK Speaker Assembly Sardar Ghulam Sadiq kicking off Peshawar APS Martyrs Tree PlantationCampaign here on Saturday by planting a sapling.

MUZAFFARABAD: A group of people from Neelum Valley who joined PTI on Saturday here.

DR. JAVID IQBAL

PDP patron—Mufti Mohammad Sayeed saidit loud and clear that linking PDP with BJPis like linking North Pole with South Pole.

How do you link two extremes without collision,without contention of any sort, and without re-sultant confounding? It is difficult to decipher.However, there has to be a common denominatorthat links up the extremes representing two setsof constituencies with different aspirations. Deci-pher it, as you may, analyze it as far as you may,there is no common denominator except exerciseof power. It may be added, exercise of it by divid-ing bits and loaves of it. A vertical division fromA to Z of power sphere. The high sounding com-mon minimum programme, due care of aspirationswithin constitutional parameters is merely a ruseto calm down the fears of large number of con-stituents. The constituents who voted with a dif-ferent intent in mind to the one that they see ondisplay.

A day prior to the one scheduled for Srinagar

Making the extremes meetvoting, I asked two of my fellow medicos, lightheartedly almost in fun, whether they would vote.Pat came the reply—yes, with serious demeanor.I remembered the decades old jibe of Tennis Star—John McEnroe of United States. Taking seriousexception to an umpiring decision, he shouted—you cannot be serious man! Re-enacting McEnroe,I shouted while driving on bypass—you cannotbe serious man! However their seriousness held,they did vote the day next for PDP, taking theirspouses along. Four more votes, from the four-some in 60 + category who had never ever votedbefore, merely to keep BJP out. PDP benefitted tostrike a power deal with BJP, a tragedy ofShakespearian proportions. Like scores of othervoters, they are red faced, despondent, angry. Iwish, I could afford a laugh. Try as I may, I can-not but heave a sigh of helplessness, confrontedwith the gathering storm.

Over the week columns have appeared in ‘GK’ruing the vote cast to keep BJP out of power equa-tion. Yet, an equation has been stuck. And col-umns in defence of it have appeared too, exclu-

sive ones. The coalition with Mufti MohammadSayeed to lead it has been cast as a bridge to easethe Indo-Pak traffic, open welcome gates for re-sistance leaders. How naïve is the take, given themindset that has nothing but the status quo as themodus operandi. And in economic realm makeJ&K State, a land of milk and honey. As also ad-dress issues in order to re-cast constitutional safe-guards in a mould other than the one designed tocushion overwhelming majority of state from va-garies of time and space. Relegated in dark cham-bers remain the constitutional safeguards put inplace in past to ensure restricted residential statusto maintain the majority character of the state. Thesafeguard does not even merit mention, whilevague references to shell shocked article 370,veiled promises to roll back jack boots and softpedal security concerns by local police, abound,as per news reports.

Mufti Sayeed by aligning with BJP has re-donethe Farooq act. Farooq Abdullah’s political thesisentails, keeping to the right of Delhi regime. Thetake followed his political adventurism in keeping

congress at bay in JK power equation. An equa-tion, SMA, much taller than either Mufti or Farooq,had to accept in 1975-77 phase, until tall and straightMorarji Desai gave him a reprieve—1977-1982.Mufti Sayeed was instrumental in making that equa-tion sink with Delhi backing. As Farooq’s majoritywas sliced to a minority, with Mufti led congressaligning with Gh. Mohammad Shah, Farooq’s re-sistance melted faster than it developed. Farooq bybefriending Rajiv Gandhi eased out Mufti frompower equation. Mufti landing in VP Singh’s lapworked his way to be India’s Home Minister. Howmuch power was he was allowed to yield in an-other story with multiple takes?

Mufti Mohammad Sayeed is alive to Delhipower wielding, he has more often than not been apawn in the Delhi’s political chess board. Hence,he played true to his political profile build overdecades. In the process however, he belied whatmany had started believing that he has outgrownhis profile. The promised Messiah did not emerge.The fond hope build by his drummers did not hold,as he emerged in his true colours, notwithstanding

the dramatic sequence enacted over last two months.Post the election verdict of December, the 23rd2014, deliberate act of growing through motions oftalks and structural dialogues is but a façade to al-lay apprehensions, the developing concerns. How-ever talks have been held on power sharing mecha-nism, who will get what, the portfolio distributionwill make it clear, as in the past coalitions.

Omer Abdullah’s tweet of calling it a dramareflects his own experiences. Having exercisedpower to the extent he was allowed to, he knowswhere the shoe pinches. PDP spokesman’s con-tention of Omar’s take vis-à-vis constitutionalsafeguards leaves more questions than it answers.True Abdullah’s traded constitutional safeguardsfor power, how about spokesman’s leader? Wasn’the over decades an important element in saddleof power? The saddle that made a mess of JK’sseparate constitution, to an extent, where to call itseparate would be a sham? Amnesia selectivityhas limits!

—Courtesy: Greater Kashmiriqbal.javid46@gmail.com

SRINAGAR—As BJP and PDP reached an alli-ance, former chief minister Omar Abdullah hassaid it was a tie-up between North and SouthPoles and questioned “where are the celebra-tions on the streets of Jammu and Kashmir”.

The NC leader also claimed that with thesealing of the alliance the capital of the statehas shifted to Nagpur, an oblique reference tothe RSS headquarter. “With this hug (betweenPDP chief Sayeed and Prime Minister Modi) theSouth Pole and the North Pole met and the capi-tal of J-K shifted to Nagpur,” Omar wrote onTwitter.

Omar, the National Conference (NC) work-ing president, questioned where are the celebra-tions on the streets of the state? “As all the ex-pert J&K commentators will not tire telling us

JK capital shifts to Nagpur!: Omarthat this Modi-Mufti accord is the best thingsince sliced bread I must ask where are the cel-ebrations on the streets of J&K? There shouldhave been a spontaneous eruption of joy on bothsides of the mountains,” he said.

He claimed the reaction of the people ofKashmir to the alliance was “generally muted”.”Iam sure a few crackers will be organised be-tween now and Sunday (when Sayeed takes oath)but the general reaction is decidedly muted.#modimuftiaccord,” he said.

Referring to the speech of Prime Minis-ter Modi in Lok Sabha, Omar said, “Strongwords from @PMOIndia in Parliament to-day. Now to see them translated into actionbecause as is often said - talk is cheap,” hesaid.—KO

SRINAGAR —Chairman Hurriyat Con-ference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq as-serts that government formation cannever be a substitute to Kashmir reso-lution as such processes going on in thestate since 1947 have failed to make anydifference on the core issue.

Addressing late Friday congrega-tion at the historic Jamia Masjid here,Mirwaiz said JK has been witnessingchange of guard since 1947 but Kash-mir issue continues to linger on. “I be-lieve government formation can neverbe a substitute to Kashmir resolution.Kashmir resolution is linked with thefate of 1 .30 crore people,” he said.“Government of India must realize thisground reality and take steps towardsresolution of the vexed issues. Hurriyatis ready to give support to both, Indiaand Pakistan in this regard.”

He said BJP government in New

SRINAGAR—Invoking the role of China in re-solving the Kashmir dispute, National frontChairman, and Hurriyat Conference (JK) leader,Nayeem Ahmad Khan has said that India shouldtake concrete majors so that the people living inthe south Asian region enjoy stability, peace andconflict free lives. He said that the effectivecountries like China have a significant role toplay in resolving the disputes like Kashmir. “Ifit happens,” Nayeem Ahmad Khan said, “thatwill help Kashmiri youth to prefer a politicalpath.” He said that otherwise our brave youthwill continue to challenge New Delhi, despiteits military and economic might.

Nayeem Ahmad Khan in a statement added“the martyrs who rendered their lives in Traland Shopian, in fact want an end to the disputebut when their fore father’s voices were notgiven any heed they decided to fight it out.”Nayeem Ahmad Khan said that Kashmir dis-pute has nothing to do with neither changinggoverning hands nor it can be resolved by sanc-tioning worldly benefits to the inhabitants, butit needs political majors and steps on New Delhiand international levels.Nayeem Khan said thattalking about human rights violations and stop-

Nayeem invokes Chinarole in Kashmir solution

ping them are two different things. “Kashmirisare suffering since decades together by the handsof the men in uniform. It is our firm belief thatunless and until demilitarization takes place,there can be no stopping,” he said adding “tolinger the dispute and kill time by mere assur-ances and other impractical things will not helpand are the biggest rights violations in itself.”

Nayeem Khan said that the countries likeChina should play their role to convince NewDelhi to come out of their traditional and illogi-cal way and take serious majors to resolve thelong standing Kashmir dispute. He said, “Thisis inevitable to save the south Asian region frommore instability.” He said that Kashmiris wantimmediate resolution of the dispute irrespectiveof creed, colour and sect so India Pakistan andChina should respect the aspirations of thekashmiri masses.

Meanwhile, Nayeem Ahmad Khan condoleddeputy chief of Jamaat-e-Islami, Nazir AhmadRana on the sad demise of his mother. He alsocondoled senior Journalist Fayaz Bukhari on thedemise of his mother. Nayeem Khan prayed forthe deceased souls and patience of the bereavedfamilies.—KW

SRINAGAR—An Indian army trooper on Fri-day died of swine flu in Jammu Division of Statewhile no fresh case of H1N1 was reported fromKashmir Valley, officials said here.

According to GNS correspondent, the de-ceased trooper identified as Havildar DangarBavan Danabhai, who was posted at Akhnoor-based Crossed Swords Division died of swineflu at the Military Hospital in Satwari in the di-vision today.

The officials said the trooper was admittedin the hospital on February 14 after he testedpositive for H1N1. Earlier, a Superintendent ofPolice (SP) in Jammu City also died after hewas tested positive for H1N1.

HAMEED SHAHEEN

ISLAMABAD—The United Nations FoodProgramme is undertaking a flour fortificationinitiative in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) ata cost of $115 crore. Healthful nutrients wouldbe added to the eatable flour in Azad Kashmir’sflour mills.

A source told Pakistan Observer Saturdaythat the UNFP would supervise the operation of

GANDERBAL, IHK—An Assistant Sub-Inspector of Central Reserve Police Force was founddead in Alustang area of Ganderbal in central Kashmir on Friday.

Official sources said that CRPF trooper, ASI/GD Raju Singh of 115 Bn who was posted atNagbal, Zakoora today morning his body was found lying on the road side at Alustang.

A police team was immediately reached to the spot and taken the body for postmortem, theysaid.A police official while confirming the incident said that the initial investigations revealed that thetrooper had died due to excess consumption of alcohol. “A case under 174 Cr.Pc has registered inthis regard and further investigations taken up”, he said. —KD

UNFP launches $ 115 croreflour fortification plan in AJK

the project to see that it becomes successful inall respects and people repose their trust in it.

World Food Programme had also launcheda rural roads communication network back in1980s in AJK. The central villages were inter-connected with building lateral roads acrossAJK.The duration of the dollars 115 crore project isnot yet clear.The programme comes at thethreshold of 2016 general elections in AJK.

CRPF officer found dead in Alustang

Govt formation no substitute toKashmir solution: Mirwaiz

Delhi must have understood that thegenuine leadership of Kashmir and itspeople would never allow Kashmir is-sue to be put on the backburner. “Thetwo nations should accept the groundrealities and acknowledge they can’tprosper unless the main issue of Kash-mir is resolved as per the aspirations ofthe people,” Mirwaiz said. “The twonuclear powers must understand that themistrust between this is only becauseof Kashmir issue.”

The Hurriyat chairman said hehopes that the BJP government in NewDelhi must have realized that dialogueis the best way to resolve the pendingissues. “I am hopeful that New Delhimust have accepted the reality thatKashmir needs to be resolved keepingin view its historic perspective,” hesaid. “The concept of new India, peace,stability, economic prosperity (of India)

is impossible until BJP leadership takespositive steps towards Kashmir resolu-tion,” Mirwaiz said.

About the Indo-Pak foreign secre-tary level talks, Mirwaiz said it was awelcome step. “Hurriyat has alwayswished friendly ties between the twocountries. “We believe there is a needthat two powers must come closer andresolve all pending issues. The realfriendship between India and Pakistancan only take place when the main is-sue of Kashmir is resolved,” he said.

Mirwaiz also urged the leaders ofSAARC countries to take pains in under-standing the essence of resolution of thevexed Kashmir issue. “The SAARCcountries must ensure that Kashmir issueneeds a resolution as per the wishes andaspirations of people,” he said. “Kashmirissue must echo in each summit, be thatof SAARC, G8 or G2.” —GK

Indian trooper dies ofswine flu in Jammu

Meanwhile, the officials of Sher-i-KashmirInstitute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) said nofresh case of the H1N1 was reported in last 24hours. So far, according to officials of theSKIMS, 181 people have been tested positivefor H1N1 since October, 2014.

A spokesperson of the SKIMS said tensamples were taken today for testing H1N1. Theofficial said 9 patients are currently admitted inisolation ward of the hospital while two weredischarged.“Received reagents/chemicals for testing 500patients from NCDC, New Delhi arranged byHon’ble Governor, J&K State,” the spokesper-son of the SKIMS added.—KW

‘Kashmiridetainees being

politicallyvictimized inIndia’s jails’

SRINAGAR—In occupiedKashmir, the Chairperson ofKashmir Tehreek-e-Khawateen(KTK), Zamruda Habib, hasdemanded the shifting of allKashmiri political detaineeslodged in different jails of Indiato Kashmir.

Zamruda Habib in a state-ment issued in Srinagar said thatthe Kashmiri detainees werebeing politically victimized.

She expressed concernover the plight of FarooqAhmad Daga, languishing inNew Delhi’s Tihar jail forlast several years.

She called for the shift-ing of Kashmiri prisoners in-cluding Tariq Ahmad Dar,Mehmood Topiwala, LatifAhmad Waja, GhulamMohammad Butt , AliMohammad Butt , AbdulGhani Gooni and JavedAhmad Khan to the Valley.

She said that the detain-ees were not being providedbasic amenities due to whichthey were suffering from dif-ferent kinds of diseases.

She deplored that the in-mates were being treated in-humanly in Indian jails andthe international communityand human rights organiza-tions.—KMS

SRINAGAR—In occupied Kashmir, a delegationof Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Political Front(PPF), a constituent of the All Parties HurriyetConference (APHC), led by its Chairman,Muhammad Musaddiq Aadil visited the familymembers of martyred youth, Shabbir AhmadGanai, at Drubgam in Pulwama and expressedsolidarity with them.The delegates speaking onthe occasion said that the martyrs, Ashiq Hussainand Shabbir Ahmad, sacrificed for just cause andtheir sacrifices would not go waste.

They also denounced political gimmick ofpro-India parties to mislead the people for theirpetty interests and helping India to suppress theKashmiris’ ongoing liberation struggle.

They said, “Sang Pariwar has started knock-

PPF delegation pays homageto Kashmiri martyred youth

ing at our doors with the help of some so-calledlocal political parties like PDP and like-mindedgroups and we have to unite to defeat the de-signs of enemies of Kashmir cause.”

The leaders appealed to the world commu-nity to take notice of rights abuses perpetratedby Indian troops in the territory and help in theresolution of the lingering Kashmir dispute inaccordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiripeople.The delegation comprised Abdul Majeed Wani,Muhammad Farooq Mamoosi, Riyaz Ahmedand Molvi Mir Ghulam Hassan. The delegationalso visited Treki Wangoon area to pay homageto martyrs and express solidarity with their fami-lies.—KMS

Kashmiris’sacrifices notto go waste:

Shabbir ShahSRINAGAR—In occupiedKashmir, senior Hurriyet leader,Shabbir Ahmed Shah, has saidthat the Kashmiri martyrs’ sac-rifices, which have center-staged the Kashmir dispute atglobal level, will not be allowedto go waste.Shabbir AhmedShah visited Palhalan area ofBaramulla and expressed soli-darity with the family membersof the youth, Farooq AhmadButt, who was recentlymartyred by Indian troops.

Addressing a gathering on theoccasion, he said that the missionof Kashmiri martyrs would beaccomplished at all costs. He saidthat Kashmiris would not acceptany resolution of the Kashmir dis-pute contrary to their aspirations.He also paid glowing tributes tothe two youth martyred in Tral.

Meanwhile, Shabbir AhmedShah in a statement, while term-ing the forthcoming SecretaryLevel talks between Pakistan andIndia as welcome step, said thatthere was a dire need to prioritisethe Kashmir dispute in talks.

He said that Pakistani lead-ership and politico-religious orga-nizations, right from the day one,had been sincerely advocating ajust resolution of the Kashmir dis-pute. However, he deplored thatIndia had always created hurdlesin the way of settlement of the lin-gering dispute.—KMS

People who suc-ceed have momen-tum. The more theysucceed, the morethey want to suc-

ceed, and the morethey find a way to

succeed. Similarly,when someone is

failing, the ten-dency is to get ona downward spiral

that can evenbecome a self-

fulfilling prophecy.

—Tony Robbins

SALIM AHMED

LAHORE—A delegation ofChinese investors associ-ated with energy sector metPunjab Chief MinisterMuhammad Shahbaz Sharif,here Saturday during whichprospects of investment inenergy sector in Punjabwere discussed.

Speaking on the occasion,Muhammad Shahbaz Sharifsaid that there is a great scopeof investment in energy sec-tor. He said that facilities arebeing provided on prioritybasis for investment in energy

WASHINGTON—US economic growth braked more sharplythan initially thought in the fourth quarter as businessesslowed their pace of stock accumulation and the tradedeficit widened, but the underlying fundamentals remainedsolid. Gross domestic product expanded at a 2.2 percentannual pace, revised down from the 2.6 percent pace esti-mated last month, the Commerce Department said. Theeconomy grew at a 5 percent rate in the third quarter. Withconsumer spending accelerating at its quickest pace sincethe first quarter of 2006 and sturdy gains in other mea-sures of domestic demand, the slowdown in growth islikely to be temporary.

“There is every reason to believe that domesticdemand will grow at a rapid clip over the first half ofthis year too,” said Paul Ashworth, chief US econo-mist at Capital Economics in Toronto. Growth in con-sumer spending, which accounts for more than two-thirds of US economic activity, was revised down byone-tenth of a percentage point to a 4.2 percent pacein the fourth quarter, still the fastest since the firstquarter of 2006. A tightening labor market and lower

AMANULLAH KHAN

KARACHI—Governor State Bank of PakistanAshraf Mahmood Wathra has said that with strongcommitment of the Government, SBP’s strategicvision, sound legal and regulatory foundations,robust market infrastructure, technological andinstitutional innovations, and private sector dy-namism, the trajectory of microfinance is set forachieving the long term vision of “financial inclu-sion for all” in Pakistan.

He was addressing the second InternationalConference on Economics and Finance inKathmandu, Nepal titled ‘Promoting EquitableEconomic Growth through Inclusive Finance’ heldby the Nepal Rastra Bank. Sharing his thoughtson the need for promoting equitable economicgrowth among South Asian countries, the SBPGovernor described in detail his vision on pro-moting inclusive economic growth in Pakistanthrough financial inclusion. Wathra highlightedthe fact that the global financial crisis has pushedmost of the emerging economies into difficult eco-nomic challenges in recent history. He stressedthat globalization has increased the need for re-gional economic and financial cooperation amongSouth Asian countries due to the cross borderinterdependencies and taking advantage of theemerging opportunities.

Punjab govt toaugment sunflowercultivationSIALKOT—Punjabgovernment has formu-lated a plan for thepromotion of sunflowerand other oil seed cropsin the province. Sourcesin Agriculture depart-ment here told APP thatunder the programmeover 87,000 acres of landwould be brought underSunflower cultivation invarious areas of Punjab.In Sialkot district,Sunflower will becultivated on over 2000acres, sources added.Agriculture departmenthas directed the growersto use only recom-mended and authenti-cated seeds for obtain-ing maximum output andfollow guidelines ofagriculture experts. Atpresent only 34 percentedible oil is beingproduced within thecountry and 66 percentbeing imported formeeting the domesticneed. The sunflowercrop could play a vitalrole in enhancing theproduction of edible oilas sunflower seeds have40 percent oil capacity.—APP

Kinno exportboardSARGODHA—FederalSecretary for Informationand BroadcastingMohsin ShahnawazRanjha said in order toaddress the problems ofKinno cultivators thegovernment has com-pleted planning forsetting up Kinno ExportBoard in the district.Mohsin Ranjha waschairing a meeting andattended by provincialchief SMEDA RajaHassnain Javed, EDOagriculture Ramzan Niazi,President Kinno growerassociation HamidSaleem Warriach.—APP

APMC monthlyconcert todayLAHORE—A classicalmusic programme of theAll Pakistan MusicConference (APMC) willbe held at Alhamra Hall-III here on Sunday. Theartists including UstadMubarak Ali Khan,Nadeem Riaz Khan andAkmal Qadri will performon the occasion.—APP

LAHORE—Sustained buying by mills,spinners and exporters helped prices tomaintain firm trend on the cotton market inthe process of trading, dealers said. Theofficial spot rate was unchanged at Rs4950, dealers said. In the ready session,around 18,000 bales of cotton changedhands between Rs 4000 and Rs 5200, theysaid.

Prices of seed cotton in Sindh were un-changed at Rs 1800 and 2300 while in thePunjab phutti rates showed no change atRs 2000 and Rs 2600, dealers said. Somebrokers said that dwindling stock of finecotton inducing buyers to purchase asmuch as they can. Cotton analyst, NaseemUsman said that despite the declining trendin the international market, prices main-tained firm posture and it looks that buyingspree may continue in times to come, headded.

Reuters adds: ICE cotton fell as specu-lators took profits in light trading followingfour consecutive weeks of gains and a weak

US economy slows, trade deficit widens

Trajectory of microfinance set for financialinclusion for all: Wathra

Elaborating further, he said that the dwindlingexport earnings and receding foreign capital in-flows translated into foreign exchange market pres-sures. Therefore, added the Governor, ‘most ofus were challenged while we endeavoured to sta-bilize our foreign exchange markets due to weak-ening of exports earnings.’ He hoped that the com-mon challenges faced by the South Asian coun-tries would strengthen regional cooperation tohelp our nations sustain and contain future downside risks transmitting from advanced economies.

Referring to the strong fundamentals to theadvantage of South Asian countries, Wathra re-called that the region is home to around 1.7 billionpeople, with the youth in majority, thereby givingpositive population dynamics for both to growfast and greater headroom in terms of debt carry-ing capacity to continue economic expansion.Sharing SBP’s experience in promoting an inclu-sive financial sector in Pakistan Wathra assertedthat Pakistan has kept pace with the changing glo-bal trends in policy and practice, and the StateBank of Pakistan’s role has been pivotal in steer-ing the sector with a strategic vision and pursuinga systemic approach in developing themicrofinance sector on sound footings.

‘Pakistan was the first country in South Asiato have issued a Microfinance Law (MicrofinanceInstitutions Ordinance 2001) which paved the way

for creation of second tier banks catering to theneeds of low income segments of the societywhich were excluded from the mainstream com-mercial banks,’ he averred. Governor added thatSBP introduced specialized microfinance policyand regulatory framework pioneering global bestpractices.

These regulations and supervisory mechanismstrengthened the enabling environment helpingMFBs develop viable business models to realizesustainable growth in microfinance. ‘The successof microfinance regulations and market develop-ment in Pakistan is widely acknowledged by theinternational community,’ he recalled adding, ‘Ourmicrofinance regulatory framework was ranked No.1 in the world by the Economist Intelligence Unit(EIU) of the Economist Magazine in its reports in2010 and 2011, and third best in its annual reportsfor 2012 and 2013.

Wathra disclosed that the SBP strengthenedthe regulatory framework with enhanced focus onfinancial stability as the sector evolved; ‘StateBank revised the Minimum Capital Requirement(MCR) for Microfinance Banks (MFBs) in 2011while allowing the existing MFBs to raise the pre-scribed minimum paid-up capital in a phased man-ner over the next three years,’ he elaborated.Wathra said that SBP’s branchless banking (BB)regulations issued in 2008 help catalyzed impor-

tant branchless banking deployments in the coun-try and resultantly the retail network ofmicrofinance expanded overwhelmingly throughagents and mobile phone channels. He revealedthat since 2008 the sector is catering to more than3.24 million borrowers (as of Sep 2014) out of whichMFBs’ share is 1.155 million. Depositors havegrown to 5.734 million in Dec 2014, with averageyearly growth of 69%.

It may be recalled here that Pakistan is experi-encing phenomenal growth in the number ofbranchless banking transactions which have beenundertaken at thousands of small shops situatedin the streets and local markets across the countryto serve common people at convenient time.Wathra divulged that the average monthly vol-ume of such transactions is estimated to be around24 million. Average size of these transactions isonly Rs.5000 which shows that technological so-lutions are helping to reach out the millions ofpreviously financially excluded segments of oursociety. In the end he underscored the importanceof beginning the process towards financial coop-eration and integration, which is a longer term goalby engaging more actively in research and dis-cussions, in order to arrive at a long-term vision ofregional financial cooperation that the South Asiancountries can share, and to increase their under-standing of that vision.

Prices stabilise amid activetrading on cotton market

US export sales report last week. The most-active May cotton contract on ICE FuturesUS fell 0.46 cent, or 0.7 percent, to settle at64.20 cents a lb, the contract’s third straightday of losses.

The following deals reported: 200 balesof cotton from Shahdadpur at Rs 4000, 600bales from Lodhran at Rs 4850, 400 balesfrom Tando Adam at Rs 4475, 800 balesfrom Mianwali at Rs 5050, 2000 bales of cot-ton from Sanghar at Rs 4700, 1000 bales fromTonsa Sharif at Rs 5100, 800 bales from Rohriat Rs 4700/5000, 1000 bales from ShadanLund at Rs 5100, 400 bales of cotton fromJalalpur at Rs 4800, 1643 bales fromSadiqabad at Rs 5100, 500 bales fromKabirwali at Rs 4800, 2263 bales fromLiaquatpur at Rs 5100, 1000 bales fromKhanewal at Rs 4800/5100, 2000 bales fromKhanpur at Rs 5125, 400 bales from Faqirwaliat Rs 4850, 2500 bales from Rahim Yar Khanat Rs 5125/5200, 600 bales from Haroonabad4850 and 800 bales from Dera Ghazi Khan atRs 5150, they added.—Agencies

gasoline prices are likely to keep supporting domesticdemand and help the economy navigate a turbulentglobal economy.

Improved employment prospects and cheapergasoline also are keeping consumers in a buoyantmood. A second report showed the Universi ty ofMichigan’s final February reading on the overall in-dex on consumer sentiment was 95.4, higher than theinitial reading of 93.6. The data pointed to sturdy con-sumer spending growth this year.

“We continue to expect consumer spending to kickthe year off on a robust foot after the drop in energyprices gave consumers a substantial windfall,” saidBricklin Dwyer, an economist at BNP Paribas in NewYork. Business spending on equipment in the fourthquarter was revised to show it rising at a 0.9 percentrate instead of the previously reported 1.9 percentcontraction. First-quarter acceleration is now in thecards, with data on Thursday showing a rebound inbusiness spending intentions in January after fourstraight months of declines.

Sturdy Domestic Demand: the Commerce Depart-ment data showed that growth in final sales to domes-tic purchasers, a key measure of domestic demand,was revised to a 3.2 percent pace for the fourth quar-ter from the previous 2.8 percent rate. The GDP growthrevision was generally in line with expectations. Pricesfor most US Treasury debt rose, while US stocks weretrading marginally lower. The US dollar fell against abasket of currencies. Businesses accumulated $88.4billion worth of inventory in the fourth quarter, farless than the $113.1 billion the government had esti-mated last month. That resulted in the GDP growthcontribution from inventories being revised down toone-tenth of a percentage point from 0.8 percentagepoint previously.

The slower pace of inventory accumulation, how-ever, will be a boost to GDP growth this quarter. Cur-rent estimates put the first-quarter growth pace at be-tween 2.4 percent and 3 percent. Strong domestic de-mand sucked in more imports than previously reportedin the fourth quarter, resulting in a trade deficit, which

subtracted 1.15 percentage points from GDP growthinstead of the previously reported 1.02 percentage pointdrag. Despite the strong consumption, inflation pres-sures were muted, with the personal consumption ex-penditures price index falling at a 0.4 percent rate —the weakest reading since early 2009. The PCE indexwas previously reported to have declined at a 0.5 per-cent pace.

Excluding food and energy, prices rose at an unrevised1.1 percent pace, the slowest since the second quarter of2013. The low inflation environment suggests little ur-gency for the Federal Reserve to start raising interest ratesfrom near zero, where they have been since December2008. Residential construction spending in the fourth quar-ter was revised down, while government spending wasnot as weak as previously reported. But with the labourmarket gaining steam, housing is set for acceleration thisyear. A third report on Friday from the National Associa-tion of Realtors showed contracts to purchase previouslyowned homes rose 1.7 percent in January to their highestlevel in 1-1/2 years.—Reuters

ISLAMABAD—Ministry of Information Tech-nology and Telecommunications has sup-ported to create a portal for facilitating mo-bile and electronic trade for Pakistan withinand outside the country. The basic objec-tive of the portal is to use communicationboom in the country to take information,knowledge and opportunities at doorstepthrough Internet and mobile devices, so asto enhance and optimize economic poten-tial. National ICT Research and DevelopmentFund, a subsidiary of the Ministry had com-pleted the project at a cost of Rs 38.2 million.

Official sources said that business con-ditions in the country are rapidly and fun-damentally improved, ease of doing busi-ness, cost of doing business, compliancecosts, trading across borders, time and ac-cess to market must be radically improved.All of this is clearly doable with the tech-nology at our disposal today, the sourcessaid and added it is obvious that the com-munication boom in itself will not yield anypositive results for Pakistan unless specificapplications tailored for facilitating busi-ness and trade are available on internet andmobile devices.

They said the answer was to create a

E-logistics platform created tofacilitate mobile, electronic trade

modern trade portal, which puts everythingin perspective and brings all stakeholdersin the supply chain to one page. Thesources said basic objective was to createsuch a portal. Services specifically de-signed for the Pakistani businesses thatfacilitate trade within and outside Pakistan,provides visibility to our businesses andproducts both in the national and the inter-national market, reduce the cost of doingbusiness by facilitating businesses, in be-ing aware of, and complying with domesticand international regulations, to provideonline services suitable for trade and busi-ness and most importantly to educate andfamiliarize all stakeholders regarding useand benefit of such services.

The trade portal is the first E-Logisticsplatform, an electronic single window thatintegrates end to end domestic and inter-national trade of Pakistan on a single elec-tronic platform integrating all the crucialelements of the supply chain, like transport,terminals, shipping, banks, legal firms, bro-kers and traders with the ease of use avail-able through the internet and mobile, thuscapitalizing on the telecommunication boomin the country.—APP

STAFF REPORTER

LAHORE—The journey towards listing onthe domestic market for Mughal Iron andSteel Industries Limited (MISIL) started witha rousing response from the institutional andhigh net worth individuals with a total bid-ding amount of Rs 2.3 billion more than threetimes what the company expected to rise.Mughal Steel is one of the leading indus-tries of Pakistan in the steel and iron sector.

The strong interest from the investorscan be gauged from the fact that the entireblock of 20.512 million shares offered forbook building was picked up by the inves-tors, bidding at the top end of the price range,i.e @Rs 34/- per share, within a matter ofminutes of starting the electronic book-build-ing process. Long queue of eager investorscould be seen at the offices of the AKD Se-curities, the book runner of MISIL, inKarachi, Lahore and Islamabad Stock Ex-changes, hours before the commencementof the bids at the market opening time.

The scenes of the book building pro-cess were nothing short of the actual ‘goldrush,’ where the keen investors wanted tobid for the company’s stock and hoped togain from the future price hike in the MISIL’sstock. But, as in every book building pro-cess, only a handful of investors emergedsuccessful in getting the shares during thebook building process. The book building

MISIL starts journey listingon local bourse

process was undertaken under the presenceof the representatives of the Stock Ex-changes to ensure that the process wascompleted seamlessly. The book-buildingbidding window was universally made avail-able on KSE’s web site to ensure that livedata was available for viewing to all andsundry in the market.

The management of Mughal Steel hasexpressed its gratitude to all stakeholders;including the SECP, the stock exchangesand the investors who all contributed inmaking the public listing process of theCompany as successful. CEO of MughalSteel, Mr. Khurram Mughal shared that withthe successful book building, MISIL hastaken a step further to implement its visionfor the future growth of the Company’sbusiness as the capital raised from the in-vestors would play a key role in expandingthe business of the Company. He said thatwith the listing of MISIL, the Company ispoised to adopt a new motto of creatinglong term value for its shareholders, andthe Board and the management of the com-pany would do everything to continue toreward our new shareholders, who havereposed abundant confidence in theCompany’s capabilities. In the next stageof the IPO Process, MISIL shall offer theremaining 6.837 million shares to the gen-eral public through a public offering likelyto take place by mid-March.

Vast scope exists for investmentin energy Punjab sector

sector. The Chief Minister saidthat energy projects are beingexecuted speedily in the prov-ince. He said that theprogramme of generation ofenergy through coal, hydle,solar and other sources inPunjab is being forwarded.

There are vast opportu-nities of generating energythrough solar in Punjab, headded. He said that Punjabgovernment has completedsolar project of 100 mega-watt at Quaid-e-Azam SolarPark, Bahawalpur from itsown resources. ShahbazSharif said that planning

has also been made for fur-ther generating 900 mega-watt electricity from solar.

He said that planning hasbeen made for setting up ofpower stations for generat-ing 1000 megawatt electric-ity through LNG. He said thatlike other developmentprojects, energy projects arealso being completed trans-parently and speedily. Addi-tional Chief Secretary En-ergy, Chairman PPDCL, ChiefExecutive Officer Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park and con-cerned officials were presenton the occasion.

Lumia 435 &532 launched

in martsOBSERVER REPORT

KARACHI—Microsoft Mo-bile Devices & Services an-nounced the availability ofLumia 435 Dual SIM andLumia 532 Dual SIMsmartphones, the most af-fordable Lumia devices todate in Pakistan. Offering thelatest Windows Phone 8.1capabilities at incredibleprices, both Lumia 435 DualSIM and Lumia 532 DualSIM deliver smartphone ex-periences that help peopledo more on the go.

Lumia 532 Dual SIM is apowerful quad-coresmartphone that builds onthe success of the Lumia530. With a premium layereddesign, Glance Screen,front-facing camera andmore memory than theLumia 530, Lumia 532 DualSIM enables people toachieve their goals withMicrosoft experiences.Commenting on the occa-sion, Muhammad KamranKhan, Country GeneralManager, Microsoft De-vices & Services – Pakistansaid: “When we launchedthe first Lumia devices overthree years ago, we said wewere committed to bringingdevices to as many peopleand price points as pos-sible.

Today, with the launchof Lumia 435 Dual SIM andLumia 532 Dual SIM, we’verealized our goal of creat-ing the most affordableLumia devices to date,opening up the opportu-nity to reach those peoplewho are buying asmartphone for the veryfirst time.

Lumia 435 Dual SIMand Lumia 532 Dual SIMdeliver competitive hard-ware alongside innovativesoftware that will continueto receive the very latestupdates and enhance-ments, keeping users up-to-date with the best newfeatures.”

Lamudi.pkre-launches with

new outlookLAHORE—Lamudi.pk hasre-launched with a com-plete revamp of its websiteto offer a more intuitivedesign that streamlinesthe online house-huntingprocess for users globally.The new website intro-duces a responsive de-sign, with the site adapt-ing to match the user’sparticular device andscreen size. The platform’sappearance has been im-proved to display proper-ties for sale and rent in aneasier-to-read format withlarger photos.

Dedicated sectionsfor real estate agenciesand new spaces for adver-tisements have also beenintroduced. Lamudi.pk’s,Country Director, SaadArshed, said: “This rede-sign puts the user at thecenter of our product. Theresponsive design is veryimportant because weknow an increasing num-ber of our users accessLamudi on a mobile devicein addition to a desktopPC. The new design is tai-lored to our customers’needs, making it easierthan ever before to findthe perfect propertyonline and to contact realestate agents via phone,SMS or email. At the sametime, we will be introduc-ing a variety of new fea-tures to cater for our part-ners, particularly agentsand brokers.

This is why we have in-troduced dedicated sec-tions to showcase real es-tate agencies and createdmore space for listings,photos and advertise-ments.” On the homepage,users are greeted with abrighter, cleaner design inengaging new colors.Search results are easier toread, with a new two-col-umn design which hasmore space to display prop-erties and promote fea-tured agents. Search filtershave been customised anda new price slider added soboth web and mobile us-ers can easily filter resultsby price, property size andall other relevant fea-tures.—PR

Airbusprofits soon

MUNICH—Airbus Groupsaid its net profit soared59 percent in 2014 thanksto record deliveries ofpassenger jets and that itexpects revenue and op-erating profits to climb fur-ther this year. The com-pany, best known for itspassenger jets, chalkedup a net profit of 2.34 bil-lion euros ($2.6 billion),which would have beeneven better had it not beenfor a provision of 551 mil-lion euros for delays to itsA400M military transportplane.

That writedown wasmostly compensated forhowever with an excep-tional gain of 383 millioneuros due its sale of an 8percent stake in DassaultAviation, as well as itsholdings in Finnish de-fence company Patria.Operating profits climbed54 percent to 4 billion eu-ros, and it said this mea-sure of earnings does notinclude exceptional itemsand that it expects a slightincrease in 2015.—AFP

Currency Selling Buying

USA 101.50 101.30

UK 157.82 157.51

Euro 115.39 115.16

Canada 81.66 81.50

Switzerland 106.93 106.72

Australia 79.75 79.59

Sweden 12.24 12.22

Japan 0.8534 0.8517

Norway 13.47 13.45

Singapore 74.96 74.82

Denmark 15.45 15.42

Saudi Arabia 27.06 27.01

Hong Kong 13.09 13.06

Kuwait 343.42 342.74

Malaysia 28.21 28.15

Newzealand 76.79 76.64

Qatar 27.87 27.82

UAE 27.63 27.58

Kr Won 0.0922 0.0920

Thailand 3.129 3.123

KARACHI: Federal Minister for Commerce and Textile Industry Eng. Khurram DastagirKhan addressing launching ceremony of 9th Expo Pakistan 2015 at Governor House.—PO Photo

MIAN ARSHAD

ISLAMABAD—Islamabad Chamber of Com-merce and Industry has called upon thegovernment to pay priority attention to im-proving agriculture productivity in order toensure food security for its teeming millionsas food crisis was emerging a major issuefor the country.

Muzzamil Hussain Sabri President,Muhammad Shakeel Munir Senior VicePresident and Muhammad Ashfaq HussainChatha Vice President, Islamabad Chamberof Commerce and Industry said that accord-ing to a National Nutrition Survey, 60 per-cent population of Pakistan was facing foodinsecurity which should be a major causeof concern for the policymakers.

They said more than 70% population ofPakistan was directly or indirectly dependingon agriculture, but its decreasing productiv-ity was pushing the country towards seriousfood crisis. They said per acre agriculture pro-ductivity in Pakistan was around 2.6 tons perhectare as compared to India’s 2.8 ton andChina’s 4.7 ton per hectare. Similarly, rice yieldin Pakistan was 3.1 ton per hectare comparedto 3.3 ton in India and 4.2 ton in Bangladeshand 6.1 ton per hectare in China.

The recent report released by Food andAgriculture Organization has also con-

SIALKOT—Chairman Surgical InstrumentsManufacturers Association of Pakistan(SIMAP), Tahir Ashfaq said that export ofsurgical instruments has increased consid-erably due to effective measures adoptedby Trade Development Authority of Paki-stan (TDAP), alongside individual efforts oflocal business community. “A delegation ofsurgical manufacturers and exporters willvisit South Africa in May this year for ex-ploring the market and assessing the demandof surgical instruments”, he disclosed. In aninterview with APP, he said TDAP was mak-ing adequate efforts to enhance export ofsurgical instruments and was organisingtrade exhibitions in various countries.

“Export of surgical instruments is US $365 million and local industry is producing120 million surgical instruments, while 1.5million workers were engaged with this in-dustry”, he said. The SIMAP chairman said

LAHORE—In order to facilitate rice trade,the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has al-lowed Export Refinance Facility for brokenrice and withdrew Letter of Credit (LC) con-dition for financing of brown rice. Sourcessaid on the request of rice exporters, theSBP has relaxed Export Refinance Scheme(ERS) requirements for rice - one of the larg-est exported commodity, which is generat-ing over $1 billion foreign exchange annu-ally for the country.

The State Bank, through itsIH&SMEFD Circular Letter issued this weekhas made some changes in the negative listof EFS. Previously, export refinance facilitywas allowed for packeted Irri, Basmati, Par-boiled, White and Brown rice in retail pack-ets of 1-50 kgs. Broken rice was not eligiblefor the said facility. However, now the SBPhas excluded broken rice from the negativelist of EFS, after which exporters can alsoavail export refinance facility for broken ricein retail packets of 1-50 kgs.

Moreover, as per amendment, traders/exporters can get cheap financing for theexport of Brown rice without Letter ofCredit. Earlier, refinance facility for the ex-port of Brown rice in bulk or lose was only

TOKYO—Japan’s inflation rate has fallento its lowest level since just after Tokyolaunched a high-profile offensive aimed atconquering years of falling prices and tepidgrowth, data showed. The disappointingfigures weighed by weak consumer spend-ing and falling energy prices — challengeBank of Japan chief Haruhiko Kuroda’sclaim that inflation is on an uptrend. Theymay also aggravate doubts over Tokyo’swider bid to kick-start the world’s numberthree economy and reverse years of stag-nant or falling prices which were blamedfor holding back growth and denting firms’expansion plans.

Sustained inflation is a key measure ofPrime Minister Shinzo Abe’s three-prongedgrowth plan, dubbed Abenomics, to resus-citate Japan’s long-suffering economy. Thegovernment data on Friday showed thatJapan’s inflation rate last month came in at2.2 percent, down from 2.5 percent in De-cember. But stripping out the effect of asales tax hike last year, it rose just 0.2 per-cent from a year earlier, the lowest since azero percent rate in May 2013, and well shortof the Bank of Japan’s much-touted 2.0 per-cent inflation goal which it hopes to reachduring the fiscal year starting in April 2015.

Prices had been on the rise, largely dueto Japan having to import pricey fossil fuelsto plug an energy gap left by the shutdownof atomic reactors in the wake of the 2011Fukushima accident. But plunging oil prices

SIALKOT: Workers are busy in preparing export quality shoes at a local factory.

TDAP measures helpedincrease surgical exports

that Pakistani surgical instruments’ demandis increasing, especially in Ethiopia andother African countries. He said establish-ment of Common Facility Centre (CFC) wasdirely needed to facilitate small/mediumsurgical instruments manufacturers as itwould enable them bring innovation in theirproducts.

Tahir said that modernization of indus-try has became more imperative at this junc-ture but local SMEs were unable to installmodern machinery in their units and underthe circumstances the setting up of com-mon facility centre was vital. The SIMAPChairman urged the government to takeimmediate steps for the clearance of salestax rebate claims to facilitate the exportersin Sialkot. “It is heartening to note that dueto effective efforts of the government elec-tricity load shedding has decreased con-siderably”, he said.—APP

SBP allows export refinancefor broken rice

for European Countries under EFS Part-Iagainst Letter of Credit (LC). However, nowbanks have been asked to provide suchfacility for Brown Rice without LC condi-tion and limitation of countries.

A para: (Excluding Packeted Irri, BasmatiParboiled White Brown Rice in retail packetsof 1-50 kgs. Moreover, the export of brownrice in bulk/loose is eligible to European coun-tries under EFS Part-I against LCs only) fordescription of point No 8 of negative list forERS has been replaced with: “ExcludingPacketed Irri/Basmati/Parboiled/ White/Bro-ken Rice in retail packets of 1-50 Kgs. More-over, the export of Brown Rice in bulk/loosepacking is also eligible under EFS.”

Meanwhile, Rafique Suleman, ChairmanRice Exporters Association of Pakistan(REAP) has appreciated the SBP’’s decisionsaying this move will help enhance thecountry’s rice export. “We are expecting some20-25 percent increase in rice exports duringnext fiscal year as LC requirement was a majorhurdle in getting EFS for brown rice,” he said.Presently, Pakistan’s total rice exports stoodat 3.8 million tons including 0.3 million tons ofbroken rice and some 0.1 million tons of brownrice, he added. —Agencies

ICCI urges govt to improveagriculture productivity

firmed that agriculture productivity in Paki-stan was low compared to regional econo-mies. They said it was unfortunate that de-spite having one of the best irrigation sys-tems in the world, Pakistan could notachieve better agriculture productivity andgovernment should come forward to sup-port farmers in improving per acre yield.

They said government should establisha network of agriculture research facilitiesand ensure high yielding certified seeds,adulteration free pesticides and fertilizersto farmers at affordable cost so that theycould achieve better productivity. They saidgovernment should cooperate with farm-ers in adopting modern technology & ma-chinery, value addition of agro-productsand facilitate them in mechanized farming.

They stressed that farmers should alsobe provided latest trainings to utilize mod-ern methods of cultivation and harvestingwhich will greatly help the country in cop-ing with food crisis and ensuring food se-curity for its whole population. They wereof the view that with proper support andcooperation of the government, Pakistanhas tremendous potential to enhance itsagriculture productivity and promote tradeand exports of value added agro-productsthroughout the world which could put thecountry on sustainable economic growth.

Oil market‘may have

bottomed out’LONDON—Oil prices haveprobably touched bottomand should recover in thesecond half of 2015 as thecollapse in the market overthe last year begins to curbproduction, a Reuters sur-vey of analysts showed.Oversupply is likely to keepa lid on oil over the next fewmonths, and prices couldretreat a little in the shortterm, the 34 economists andanalysts contributing to thismonth’s Reuters poll said.But the market ought to seesustained rallies later thisyear, bringing North SeaBrent crude futures to anaverage of $59 a barrel in2015 and to $71.80 in 2016.

Last month, the Reutersoil price poll showed its big-gest month-on-monthdownward revision sincethe 2008 financial crisis, pro-jecting Brent at $58.30 thisyear, its fifth successivemonthly drop. Brentcrashed from a high above$115 a barrel last June to al-most $45 last month and hassince regained ground totrade at or slightly above $60this week. Brent has aver-aged $53.72 so far this year.Sentiment has stabilisedover the last month, withevidence week by week thatoil exploration and produc-tion are responding to thedramatic collapse in prices.Fewer drilling rigs in theUnited States should even-tually mean lower output.

“Oil prices have bot-tomed out and they will sta-bilize in the next few monthsbefore rising in the secondhalf,” said Daniela Corsini,analyst at Italian bank IntesaSanpaolo. Twenty-three ofthe 31 analysts who contrib-uted to both the January andFebruary Reuters polls re-tained their forecasts fromlast month, but eight in-creased their outlook. Ana-lysts agreed that a slow-down in non-OPEC produc-tion, led by US shale pro-ducers, and unrest in theMiddle East and North Af-rica, particularly Iraq, wouldsupport prices this year.

But several said a recentrally in prices had been over-done. “The price surgesince late January is exag-gerated and will be reversedin the upcoming weeks asthe oil market remains over-supplied,” Commerzbankanalyst Carsten Fritschsaid. The poll forecasts USlight crude, or WTI, will av-erage $54.50 a barrel thisyear and $66.90 in 2016. WTIhas averaged $48.93 a bar-rel so far in 2015. Brent’s pre-mium to US crude, known asthe Brent-WTI spread, isexpected to average $4.50 abarrel in 2015 from around$4.63 so far this year, the pollshowed.—Reuters

Europe shareshold at 7-year

highsLONDON—European sharesheld steady at seven-yearhighs as investor confidencestayed buoyant ahead of theEuropean Central Bank’smonthly •60 billion money-printing programme set to startin March. The FTSEurofirst300 index of top Europeanshares has surged 14 per centthis year, its strongest start tothe year since regional stockmarket benchmarks were cre-ated in 1986. “The market’s hada good run and it’s the end ofthe month so we’re going tosee it drift lower today aspeople book some profit,”ETX Capital’s head of trading,Joe Rundle, said.

Investors have boughtmore higher-yielding assets,such as equities, as yieldson core European govern-ment bonds have tumbledinto or close to negative ter-ritory on the prospect of theECB’s quantitative easingprogramme.

“The rally in stocks is sostrong that we could see acapitulation of the shorts atsome point, which wouldpush the market even higher.Clearly some indexes havereached frothy valuationlevels, but we’re still long inthe short term,” saidMirabaud Securities seniorequity sales trader JohnPlassard.

The FTSEurofirst indexwas little changed at 1,557.90points after hitting a freshseven-year peak of 1,558.01,with support from strongAirbus result, the world’s No.2 aerospace company, anddespite weaker Asian and USmarkets.—AFP

KARACHI—Institute for ad-vancing careers and talents(iACT) organized its firstcorporate training on thetopic of Conflict Manage-ment at Work. That work-shop was organized in thelocal hotel Karachi. Total 24participants from differenttrades and industries at-tended the workshop.

The Master Trainer ofthe event was Zain Goplani.The co-facilitator and eventmanager was Samad AbbasZaidi. Attendees were pas-sionate and enthusiasticthroughout the workshop.

The workshop was

iACT conducts corporatetraining session

based on activities and vid-eos to engage participantswho actively participated inthe workshop and gavetheir input and feedback tomake the workshop success-ful. The workshop revolvedaround the idea that con-flicts are healthy and goodfor life and are a product ofdiversity of views and ideasamong people.

The conflicts are a regu-lar part of personal and pro-fessional life of every per-son. These conflicts are notnecessarily a negative phe-nomenon and can be moul-ded into learning experi-

ences if dealt with properconflict resolution tech-niques.

The different styles ofhandling workplace con-flicts were also discussedwhich include-CompetitiveStyle, AccommodatingStyle, Avoiding Style, Com-promising Style and Col-laborative Style. The work-shop conveyed to partici-pants which situations arerelevant for each style ofconflict resolution. Certifi-cates were also distributedamong the participantsalong with the corporatebook of iACT.—PR

STAFF REPORTER

IS L A M A B A D —IslamabadChamber of Commerce andIndustry has called upon thegovernment to pay priorityattention to improving agri-culture productivity in orderto ensure food security for itsteeming millions as food cri-sis was emerging a major is-sue for the country. MuzzamilHussain Sabri President,Muhammad Shakeel MunirSenior Vice President andMuhammad Ashfaq HussainChatha Vice President,Islamabad Chamber of Com-merce and Industry said thataccording to a National Nu-trition Survey, 60 percentpopulation of Pakistan wasfacing food insecurity whichshould be a major cause ofconcern for the policymakers.

They said more than 70%population of Pakistan was

directly or indirectly depend-ing on agriculture, but its de-creasing productivity waspushing the country towardsserious food crisis. They saidper acre agriculture productiv-ity in Pakistan was around 2.6tons per hectare as comparedto India’s 2.8 ton and China’s4.7 ton per hectare. Similarly,rice yield in Pakistan was 3.1ton per hectare compared to3.3 ton in India and 4.2 ton inBangladesh and 6.1 ton perhectare in China. The recentreport released by Food andAgriculture Organization hasalso confirmed that agricultureproductivity in Pakistan waslow compared to regionaleconomies. They said it wasunfortunate that despite hav-ing one of the best irrigationsystems in the world, Pakistancould not achieve better agri-culture productivity and gov-ernment should come forward

to support farmers in improv-ing per acre yield.

They said governmentshould establish a networkof agriculture research facili-ties and ensure high yield-ing certified seeds, adultera-tion free pesticides and fer-tilizers to farmers at afford-able cost so that they couldachieve better productivity.They said governmentshould cooperate with farm-ers in adopting moderntechnology & machinery,value addition of agro-prod-ucts and facilitate them inmechanized farming. Theystressed that farmers shouldalso be provided latesttrainings to utilize modernmethods of cultivation andharvesting which willgreatly help the country incoping with food crisis andensuring food security forits whole population.

Policymakers urged to focuson food security

Japan inflation falls on lowerenergy costs

have dealt another blow to the BoJ’s infla-tion goals, and doubts are growing over theambitious target — even among BoJ mem-bers. Minutes from the central bank’s Janu-ary meeting showed that three of nine policyboard members were doubtful about the fea-sibility of reaching the price target. Despiteinsisting that the BoJ was marching towardits inflation goals, Kuroda has also said theBoJ would further expand its unprecedentedmonetary easing campaign — launched inApril 2013 — if necessary.

“Currently, 80 percent of private-sectoreconomists expect additional easing by theend of the year,” SMBC Nikko Securitiessaid in a note. “We expect additional eas-ing will come in late April.” The inflationdata were among a mixed bag of figures thatalso showed a better-than-expected expan-sion in factory activity, but analysts warnedthat the uptick was likely to fizzle in thecoming months. Separately, the internal af-fairs ministry said spending by Japanesehouseholds fell a greater-than-expected 5.1percent from a year ago, as the sales taxhike to 8.0 percent from 5.0 percent weighedon shopping nationwide.

The jobless rate last month ticked up to3.6 percent from 3.4 percent in December.Following the levy rise in April, Japan’seconomy fell into recession, prompting Abeto put off a second sales tax hike this year,which was aimed at taming Japan’s enor-mous national debt.—AFP

125

LAHORE: CEO Borjan Zahid Hussain giving away the trophy to winning team after final polo match played betweenTelenor Shahsawars and Newage/Master Paints during the Borjan Punjab Polo Cup 2015. Telenor Shahsawars wonthe final match.

PESHAWAR—Secretary FATA OlympicAssociation Shahid Khan Saturdayappealed to Governor KhyberPakthunkhwa to direct the concernedquarters for releasing of fund to holdfirst ever FATA Games.

This he said during the kits distri-bution ceremony among theweightlifting players here at FATAOlympic Association Secretariat. Newlyappointed Director Sports FATAArshad Naveed, Secretary FATAWeightlifting Association Aamir Iqbal,Secretary FATA Hockey AssociationAyub Khan, players and officials werealso present on this occasion.

He said from the last two-year theyhave constantly changing the sched-ule of the most talkative FATA Gamesand even formed various committeeson the will of former Director SportsFATA but despite many request thefund has not been released on one rea-son or the other.

He said millions of funds have beenutilized on the name of involving theyouth of FATA in healthy sports ac-tivities but despite repeated request noheat was paid to the request made byFATA Olympic Association to hold theFATA Games.

He appealed to the GovernorKhyber Pakhtunkhwa to take personalinterest toward this end.

He said there is no dearth of talentin FATA but that talented youth needsto be polished and groomed underqualified coaches. He said the youthof FATA have been suffered badly dueto insurgency and militancy. To removethe deprivation of FATA youth hold-ing of sports activities can play a keyrole, he added.

He disclosed that the former Direc-tor Sports Faisal Jamil Shah had madeso many promises to award annual fundto the associations affiliated with FATAOlympic Association and early release

of fund for the first FATA Games butthese promises were mere a sloganrather than practical step. He also de-manded a probe committee to investi-gate the fund being utilized by theformer Director Sports Faisal Jamil Shahduring his 14-year long tenure.

Replying a question he said he doesnot know why an action was takenagainst him. If he was involved in anysort of fund embezzlement or other de-partmental irregularities than a properprobe committee be constituted in thisregard, Shahid added.

In his brief talks with the media mennewly appointed Director SportsArshad Naveed said that he does notknow the actual financial position ofthe Directorate of Sports FATA becausehe recently got the charge. He said for-mal announcements of holding the FirstFATA Games would only be made assoon approval is given for the releaseof fund.—APP

FOA seeks Governor KP helpin holding First FATA Games

PARIS—Marseille collapsed dramaticallyfrom a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Caen atthe Stade Velodrome on Friday in a resultthat kept Marcelo Bielsa’s side in third placein Ligue 1.

Andre Ayew and Andre-Pierre Gignacseemed to have sealed the deal for the southcoast giants but Caen proved once againthey were not to be understimated.

Goals from Nicolas Seube and EmilianoSala, three minutes apart, and NicolasBenezet’s winner four minutes from time ex-tended the Normandy giantkillers’ run toseven.

The sensational defeat came at the endof a difficult week for OM with speculationover Bielsa’s future at the Velodrome andreports of a clash between the Argentinecoach and striker Andre-Pierre Gignac.

The France forward was benched but hisreplacement Michy Batshuayi, who scoreda brace as a substitute last weekend in the 2-2 draw with St Etienne, failed to score.

The young Belgian even missed a pen-alty, just two minutes into the game whenRemy Vercoutre dived to his right to preventBatshuayi from opening the scoring.

Two minutes into first half stoppage

Marseille in dramatic collapseagainst in-form Caen

time, Payet inherited a good ball from Ben-jamin Mendy. Just outside the box, theFrench international unleashed a powerfulstrike that Vercoutre could only deflect intoAyew’s path.

Gignac added a 15th goal to his Ligue 1tally from close range, just three minutes af-ter coming off the bench on the hour mark.

But Caen then pulled one back via Seubein the 67th minute. And they were level threeminutes later when Sala won his one-on-oneagainst Mandanda.

But the best was yet to come. Underpressure, Caen resorted to counter-attacks,a tactic that proved effective when Benezetbeat Brice Dja Djedje to sink a wonderfulstrike in the top right corner with just fourminutes to go.

Marseille stay third, two points behindsecond-placed Paris Saint-Germain and fourbehind leaders Lyon, who both now have agame in hand.

On Saturday, Lyon travel to lacklustreLille. In a late Sunday game, PSG face atough challenge as they head to fourth-placed Monaco, fresh from their stunning3-1 defeat at Arsenal in the ChampionsLeague.—APP

PARIS: Marseille’s French forward Dimitri Payet vies with Caen’s French midfielder N’GoloKante during their French L1 football match at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille.

DOHA—Wimbledon semi-finalist LucieSafarova breezed through to her first ever

Safarova reaches Qatarfinal for first time

Qatar Open final, comprehensively beatingCarla Suarez Navarro in straight sets.

Left-hander Safarova won 6-3, 6-2 in asemi-final which she totally dominated andlasted little over an hour.

The Czech broke the Spaniard´s servein the second game of the first set and wasrarely troubled by her opponent.

She dropped her serve just once, in theseventh game of the first set, but immedi-ately broke back to restore her advantageand served out for the set straight after.

A demoralised Suarez Navarro, who hadknocked out number one seed PetraKvitova in the quarter-finals, had few an-swers to the Czech´s powerfulgroundstrokes and ended up losing tamely.

It was only the third time the pair hadplayed each other, Safarova also winningthe two previous encounters.

It means Safarova, 28, who reached theWimbledon singles semi-finals in 2014,could play Venus Williams in the final justa week after beating her in straight sets inthe Dubai Tennis Championships.

Williams plays Victoria Azarenka lateron Friday. Safarova said she “didn´t mind”who she played in Saturday´s final.—AFP

DOHA: Safarova celebrates after she defeatedCarla Suarez Navarro in Qatar Open semi-final.

U-16 PeshawarRegion trialson March 21

PESHAWAR—A trials in con-nection with the PakistanCricket Board Under-16 Tal-ent Hunt Program of thePeshawar Region will beheld here at Arbab NiazCricket Stadium on March21, 2015 at 9 am.

This was stated by PCBGoverning Board Memberand President RegionCricket AssociationPeshawar while talking toAPP here on Saturday.

He said similarly the Pa-kistan Cricket Board has al-ready issued trial scheduledfor the other cities all acrossthe country to conduct thetrials.

He disclosed that the tri-als of Peshawar and DirLower districts would be or-ganized on March 21-22while trials of DistrictCharsadda, Nowshera andSwat would be held onMarch 26-27, 2015.

He also advised the play-ers to bring form-B and otherrelevant documents to as-certain their age well beforethe trials.—APP

BUENOS AIRES—Rafael Nadal, who is gun-ning for a record-tying 46th clay-court title,surged into the semi-finals of the ArgentinaOpen on Friday with a 6-1, 6-1 rout ofFederico Delbonis.

The world number four Nadal will faceCarlos Berlocq for a berth in the final of theATP Tour tournament. Nadal, who is play-ing in this event for the first time in 10 years,has won all three previous matches withBerlocq.

Nadal needed just 62 minutes to dispatchfellow left-hander Delbonis as the Spanishstar capitalized on five of his nine break-point chances in the quarter-final contest.

Nadal last played in this event in 2005,when he lost in the quarters to GastonGaudio. Nadal is seeking his 65th careersingles crown.

Earlier, Argentina’s Berlocq notchedhis second career win over Slovenia’s BlazRola, reaching the final four with a con-vincing 6-1, 6-3 victory. The 32-year-old

Berlocq broke Rola on six of his 11 chancesin the 79-minute match to reach his firstsemi-final since last July.

Juan Monaco kept his bid for a secondtitle in Buenos Aires alive with a 7-6 (7/1), 6-7 (4/7), 6-4 win over third-seeded PabloCuevas.

Monaco, who won the title in 2007,served for the match at 5-4 in the secondset before Cuevas fought back to force adecider. Monaco would get another chanceto serve for the contest in the third and fi-nal set.

“It was a relief because it was a difficultand long match,” said Monaco. “I cel-ebrated the way I did because I enjoy it.Having such feelings is what I missed mostabout tennis.

“I am very motivated because I havethe opportunity to play a final again andhere in Buenos Aires. That excites me a lotand I hope to play the best way to win to-morrow.” —APP

Nadal cruises into Argentina semis

LAHORE: Winner athletes with chief guest during the16th Annual Inter Unit Athletics Competition.

PESHAWAR—The caretaker Minister forInformation, Tourism and Sports forGilgit-Baltistan Inayat Ullah Shumalihere Saturday announced a row-freeShandur Polo Festival also known assports event at rooftop ground of theworld.

Addressing at the Sports WritersAssociation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Fo-rum at Media Center he said “I assureyou people that there will be no disputeat all during the sports event as rumorsand speculations were spread that notbased on reality,” a soft spoken InayatUllah Shumali added.

He said some vested interest peoplehave created misunderstanding betweenthe people of Chitral and Gilgit Baltistan,adding that there are no garages betweenus.

“We have to think on broader wayand should sink our personal differencesand pretty internal politics in the largernational prosperous so that to hold theprestigious event of the world in a befit-ting manners,” he said.

“I’m very pleased the Tourism Cor-poration Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (TCKP),and the government of KhyberPakhtunkhwa for taking sincere effortsin holding the event by involving repre-sentatives from Gilgit-Baltistan,” he re-marked.

He made it clear that the people of

Smooth Shandur Polo Festival assuredChitral and Gilgit-Baltistan are one andof same origin and have blood relation.

“We are inter-related to each otherboth traditionally and culturally,” he said.It is pertaining to mentioned here thatlast year the Gilgit-Baltistan Polo teamskipped the event due to internal differ-ences.

He said the govt of Gilgit-Baltistanhave already started mass contact byinvolving the people from the civil soci-eties of both Chitral, GB and even wholeof KP so as to put in a joint efforts forthe successful holding of the event be-sides attracting more local and foreigntourists.

He said the people of Chitral and GBhave been associated with the tourismindustries and such festival are their bedand better so we want to increase tour-ism activities to enable the people tostand on their feet rather facing massunemployment.

This Polo Festival is usually orga-nized in the month of July every year atthe highest polo ground of the worldknown as Shandur. The world famousShandur pass is about 3738 meter abovesea level and lies midway betweenChitral and Gilgit.

The distance from Chitral is 147 Kmand Gilgit is about 211Km. These areasremains snow covered in winter and turninto the green heaven during summer

season. There is a big lake in the area.The traditional Shandur Polo beingplayed between Chitral and Gilgit teamsevery year that attracted both foreigntourists and native came to see the fes-tival. The first recorded polo tournamentplayed at this ground was in 1936, sincethen every year in July a grand polo tour-nament takes place at Shandur pass.

The freestyle polo matches betweenteams of Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan isattraction for the lovers of King Gamesfrom around the world.

To keep alive the spirit of fanfareand festivity in the gala, the touristsand visitors are also entertaining withparagliding, indigenous folk culture,arts, crafts, traditional cuisines, folkmusic, fun and food of KhyberPakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and spe-cially Chitral. It the unique event heldevery year on the ‘Roof of the World’about 12,500 feet above sea level, wherethe Hindukush, Pamir and Karakoramranges meet.

The Shandur Polo ground is in thedistrict Chitral and is bordered on thewest by Yarkoon valley of Chitral andon the northerners by the valley ofGilgit district. It is dividing point be-tween the caracara and the handoutmountains ranges. The polo ground isabout 168 Km from the main townChitral and accessible by jeep.—APP

Stomach virus takesSharapova out of

Mexico OpenACAPULCO—Russian ten-nis superstar MariaSharapova pulled out of theMexican Open in Acapulcoon Friday due to a stomachvirus, keeping her out of thesemi-finals.

World number twoSharapova, 27, was due toface Caroline Garcia of Franceat the Abierto Mexicano inthe Pacific resort on Friday.

“I’m really sorry to haveto withdraw from the tourna-ment.

I had a great start to theevent and was hoping Icould recover in time fortonight’s match but unfortu-nately it was not enoughtime,” Sharapova said on herwebsite.—APP

5-member Skisquad off toSouth Korea

ISLAMABAD—A five-mem-ber national ski squad, in-cluding one coach flew toSouth Korea on Saturday tochip in the Asian Alpine SkiChampionship there, start-ing from Monday.

The team departed fromBenazir International Air-port Islamabad and wouldcome back on March, 5 af-ter participating in theevent, the spokesman of SkiFederation of PakistanObaid-ur-Rehman Abbasitold APP. He said Pakistansquad was consisted of twomen and as many womenskiers.

Olympian MohammadKarim and internationalskier, Mir Nawaz are the menmembers, while Amna Walliand Fatima Sohail are thetwo women who will repre-sent the country in theevent, he added.

Flt Lt. Faraz will accom-pany the team as coach. Hesaid the Pakistan skiers hadundergone a lot of trainingand practice at internationalski slopes and were in goodshape adding, “We are ex-pecting some very positiveresults from them.”—APP

Broadcasting rights

PakistanCricket Board

extendsbidding date

LAHORE—The PakistanCricket Board (PCB) hasdecided to extend the dateof submission of bid docu-ments by the bidders forthe next five years’ broad-casting rights.

A meeting in this regardwas held under the bidcommittee chairman EhsanMani and it was decided toextend the original datewhich expired on Friday.

The next date to sub-mit the bid will be decidedin a couple of days.

Though the PakistanCricket Board has not men-tioned any reason for ex-tending the date, it is pos-sible that since doubts arestill existing over the re-sumption of the Indo-Pakbilateral series, the Paki-stan Cricket Board may notget an attractive bid for itsfive-year broadcastingpackage.

According to an agree-ment, Pakistan are requiredto host India six times inthe next eight years but theBoard of Control for Cricketin India (BCCI) has put theball in the Indiangovernment’s court to giveits ruling on the tour.

The Pakistan CricketBoard is possibly awaitingthe Indian foreignsecretary’s visit to Paki-stan next month to resumedialogue between the twocountries which may alsosee some headway in re-sumption of cricket ties.

Last time, the PakistanCricket Board sold out thefive-year broadcastingrights for US$ 140million.

But since India did notvisit Pakistan in this pe-riod, as much as 60 percent of that amount wasnot received by the Paki-stan Cricket Board.—Agencies

Army win All Pakistan

Nishan-e-Haider Kabaddi

tourneyRAHIM YAR KHAN—Paki-stan Army won All PakistanNishan-e-Haider KabaddiTournament by defeatingPakistan Air Force (PAF) inthe final match played atJinnah Sports ComplexSadiqabad on Saturday.

Pakistan Army secured48 points against 42 pointssecured by PAF team.

Lala Abaid, Irfan Mana,Muhammad Mansha,Mustafa Ali and Saadullahshowed excellent perfor-mance by Pakistan Armywhile Sajjad Gujjar, Ali Shan,Rana Naeem, Rana Atif andMaroof Ali performed wellby PAF team.

Best player of the tour-nament award wasachieved by Lala Abaid ofPak Army and Shakeel ofPAF.

Chief of National Logis-tic Support Pakistan ArmyLt Gen Muhammad TariqGilani who was chief gueston the occasion gave awayawards along with cashprizes of Rs 150,000 to win-ning team and Rs 100,000 torunner-up team and Rs60,000 to SNGPL team whichsecured third position in thetournament.—APP

SYDNEY—New Zealand reached theWorld Cup quarter-finals Saturday ina nail-biting one-wicket win over Aus-tralia in an Eden Park classic whichsaw them almost suffer an embarrass-ing collapse in pursuit of just 152.

Sitting comfortably at 78-1, theBlack Caps were crippled by suddenstage-fright as their next eight wick-ets fell for just 68 runs with 40,000 fanson the edge of their seats. But KaneWilliamson (45 not out) smashed thewinning runs with a mighty six off PatCummins from the first ball of the 24thover, having watched helplessly asAustralian left-arm seamer MitchellStarc wreaked havoc with a career-bestsix for 28.

New Zealand captain BrendonMcCullum had hit a 21-ball fifty at thetop of the innings as the home sidecruised towards their total and evenat 131 fore four, they were still in poleposition.

But the slide started with GlennMaxwell dismissing Corey Andersonfor 26. Starc then took the wickets ofLuke Ronchi (six), Daniel Vettori (two),Adam Milne (0) and Tim Southee (0)to give Australia a sniff of an unex-pected win before Williamson held hisnerve.

Earlier, Trent Boult claimed career-best figures of five for 27 as NewZealand dismissed the four-time cham-pions for just 151. From 80 for one,Australia lost eight wickets for 26 runsbefore Brad Haddin (43) and Cummins(seven not out) put on 45 for the lastwicket.

“Trent Boult was outstanding forus, and so was Mitchell Starc for Aus-

New Zealand down Australia byone wicket, reach last eight

tralia,” said McCullum. “Some of thebatting wasn’t as good as it shouldhave been but that can happen whenyou are up against high-class seam

bowling. “Australia captain MichaelClarke, back in the team for the first timesince December after a hamstring in-jury, said the batting had let his sidedown. “It was horrendous,” he said.“The tension was there all game. It was

very entertainingand we would haveliked the result togo the other waybut credit to NewZealand. “Left-armseamer Boult’s fivewickets came in thespace of 18 balls forjust one run as NewZealand con-demned Australiato their second-lowest World Cuptotal. Southee tooktwo for 65 while left-arm spinner Vettorifinished with twofor 41 as NewZealand’s bowlingmaintained thesame momentumwhich helped themdismiss England for123 in Wellington.

Australia,who beat Englandin their opener twoweeks ago beforeseeing the clashwith Bangladeshrained off in

Brisbane, are now fourth in the poolwith three points, five behind NewZealand, with Sri Lanka andBangladesh also ahead of them. The

top four in each pool qualify for thequarter-finals. At the WACA in Perthlater Saturday, 5,500km away, twoworlds collide when mighty Indiatackle the United Arab Emirates’ teamof shipping clerks and airline staff, withat least two of the Gulf amateurs rel-ishing the showdown.

All-rounder Krishna Chandran andwicket-keeper Swapnil Patil were bothborn in India. But frustrated by thepedestrian pace of their playing ca-reers in the country’s over-crowdedtalent market, they decamped to theUAE to pursue jobs and cricket.

Chandran hails from Kerala andonce featured for a Bangalore collegeclub alongside Stuart Binny, a mem-ber of India’s squad at the World Cup.Patil is another Indian expat and islooking forward to meeting up withstar batsman Ajinkya Rahane after thepair played in a variety of youth teamsin Mumbai before the keeper movedto Dubai.

India have been in rampant formso far, beating Pakistan by 76 runs andthen trouncing South Africa by 130runs in games where they racked uptwo 300-plus totals. The UAE havelost both their games, to Zimbabweand Ireland, but only by four and twowickets respectively.

India’s in-form seamer MohammadShami, who took four for 35 againstPakistan and two for 30 against SouthAfrica, will miss the game with a kneeinjury.—Agencies

Australia innings:Finch b Southee ................................ 14Warner lbw b Southee ..................... 34Watson c Southee b Vettori ............. 23Clarke c Williamson b Boult ........... 12Smith c Ronchi b Vettori ................... 4Maxwell b Boult ................................. 1Marsh b Boult ..................................... 0Haddin b Anderson .......................... 43Johnson c Williamson b Boult ........... 1Starc b Boult ....................................... 0Cummins not out ................................ 7Extras: (b 4, lb 2, w 6) ................... 12Total: (all out; 32.2 overs) ............. 151Fall of wickets: 1-30, 2-80, 3-80, 4-95,5-96, 6-97, 7-104, 8-106, 9-106, 10-151Bowling ............................... O-M-R-WSouthee .................................. 9-0-65-2Boult ..................................... 10-3-27-5Vettori .................................. 10-0-41-2AF Milne .................................. 3-0-6-0Anderson .............................. 0.2-0-6-1

New Zealand innings:Guptill c Cummins b Starc .............. 11McCullum c Starc b Cummins ....... 50Williamson not out ........................... 45LRPL Taylor b Starc ......................... 1Elliott b Starc ...................................... 0Anderson c Cummins b Maxwell .. 26Ronchi c Haddin b Starc ................... 6Vettori c Warner b Cummins ............ 2Milne b Starc ...................................... 0Southee b Starc .................................. 0Boult not out ........................................ 0Extras: (w 10, nb 1) ....................... 11Total: (9 wickets; 23.1 overs) ....... 152Fall of wickets: 1-40, 2-78, 3-79, 4-79, 5-131,6-139, 7-145, 8-146, 9-146Bowling ............................... O-M-R-WJohnson .................................. 6-1-68-0Starc ....................................... 9-0-28-6Cummins ............................ 6-1-0-38-2Marsh ..................................... 1-0-11-0Maxwell ................................... 1-0-7-1

AUCKLAND: Kane Williamson of New Zealand is embraced by team-mateTrent Boult after sealing the nervy chase with a six against Australia in theWorld Cup 2015, Group A match on Saturday.

PERTH—Off-spinner RavichandranAshwin claimed four wickets to lead astrong Indian bowling performance asthe defending champions eased to anine-wicket victory over the United ArabEmirates in a World Cup Pool B encoun-ter in Perth on Saturday.

Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadejaand fast bowler Umesh Yadav chippedin with two wickets apiece as the Emiratiswere bundled out for just 102 in 31.3overs at the WACA to post the lowestscore of this year’s tournament.

Opener Rohit Sharma had missed outin India’s wins against Pakistan andSouth Africa but used the opportunityto get some runs under his belt as histeam chased down the target with 31.1overs to spare for a third triumph in as

Ashwin stars as India cruise toeasy win over UAE

many matches.Rohit (57) and

Virat Kohli (33)added 75 in an un-broken secondwicket stand to carryIndia home after in-form opening bats-man ShikharDhawan (14) fell to asharp one-handedcatch by RohanMustafa at point offMohammad Naveed.

Rohit, the ownerof the highest ODIscore of 264, broughtup his 24th fifty with a square-cut bound-ary off UAE captain Mohammad Tauqir.

He hit 10 fours and a six during his 55-ball knock. Tauqir would never have en-visioned such a shambolic batting dis-play from his team mates when he wonthe toss and opted to bat first. How-ever, the extra bounce on a pitch widelyconsidered as the fastest in the worldput them on the back foot from the on-set of their innings. Yadav bowled shortand fast and struck in his first over, thesecond of the innings, to remove openerAndri Berenger (four) with a bouncer.

Fellow opener Amjad Ali (four) didnot last much longer, edging a bouncerfrom Bhuvneshwar Kumar, a replace-ment for the injured Mohammed Shami,to wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhonibehind the stumps.

Skipper Dhoni brought Ashwin (4-25) on as his first change immediatelyafter the mandatory 10-over powerplayto start the innings and the tall spinnerpicked up a wicket with his second balland then ran through the UAE middleorder to bag his best figures in ODIs.

Shaiman Anwar, who scored an ag-gressive century during their two-wicket loss to Ireland, was the only bats-man to provide some resistance and fin-ished with 35 from 49 balls, his inningsincluding six boundaries.—Agencies

PERTH: Mohammad Naveed was bowled trying to cut a full delivery duringIndia vs United Arab Emirates, World Cup 2015, Group B match.

United Arab Emirates innings:Amjad Ali c Dhoni b Kumar ............. 4Berenger c Dhoni b Yadav ................. 4Krishna Chandran c Raina b Ashwin 4Khurram Khan c Raina b Ashwin ... 14Patil c Dhawan b Ashwin ................... 7Shaiman Anwar b Yadav .................. 35Rohan Mustafa lbw b MM Sharma .... 2Amjad Javed c Raina b Jadeja .......... 2Mohammad Naveed b Ashwin .......... 6Mohammad Tauqir b Jadeja .............. 1AM Guruge not out .............................. 0Extras: (lb 4, w 9) ............................ 13Total: (all out; 31.3 overs) ............. 102Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-13, 3-28, 4-41, 5-44, 6-52, 7-61, 8-68, 9-71, 10-102Bowling ................................. O-M-R-WKumar ..................................... 5-0-19-1Yadav .................................... 6.3-2-15-2

Ashwin ................................... 10-1-25-4Sharma .................................... 5-1-16-1Jadeja ...................................... 5-0-23-2India innings:Sharma not out ................................... 57Dhawan b Mohammad Naveed ...... 14Kohli not out ........................................ 33Total: (1 wicket; 18.5 overs) .......... 104Did not batAM Rahane, SK Raina, MS Dhoni,RA Jadeja, R Ashwin, B Kumar, UTYadav, MM SharmaFall of wickets: ................................ 1-29Bowling ................................. O-M-R-WMohammad Naveed .............. 5-0-35-1AM Guruge ............................. 6-1-19-0Amjad Javed .......................... 2-0-12-0Krishna Chandran .................. 3-0-17-0Mohammad Tauqir ............. 2.5-0-21-0

BRISBANE—Thrashed outof sight by India and thenbeaten comfortably by aWest Indies team who werein turn obliterated by SouthAfrica, Pakistan’s stock isnot looking terribly strong.There have been squabbles

with pundits in Pakistan,stray stories about YounisKhan retiring from ODIs (heisn’t just yet) and plenty ofquestions about how inju-ries and suspensions haveleft Misbah-ul-Haq’s menwith an impossible task toemulate the victoriousWorld Cup team of 1992.

However, the sight ofZimbabwe, also defeatedby the West Indies, affordsMisbah’s men a chance toregain some confidence atthe Gabba, a ground thatshould suit Pakistan’spacemen and the spin ofYasir Shah should he bechosen. Zimbabwe’s cap-tain Elton Chigumburaspoke on the eve of thematch of how his team isconscious that this may bethe last World Cup at whichthey have an automaticplace, and that they haveresolved to give a better ac-count of themselves than in2011, 2007 or 2003.

To do so and remain incontention for the quarter-finals, they would have todefeat Pakistan here, anddespite the subcontinentalside’s fragility, it is difficultseeing that happen inBrisbane. The weaknessevident in Zimbabwe’sbowling should allowPakistan’s batsmen a littlemore breathing room, whilethe bowlers can attack moreboldly. Even so, Pakistanhave never failed to surpriseor confound, and a defeatto Zimbabwe would cer-tainly rank highly amongthe more startling resultsreturned by the team of the“cornered Tigers”.In the spotlight

There has been an air ofirritation about Misbah-ul-Haq the past few days, ascriticism of his side and

their halting early progressat the World Cup hasreached a feverish pitchback home. He has not hadthe best tournament thusfar as a tactician and facedfamiliar censure for his col-lected, deliberate batting

style. Misbah has so oftenbeen the island of calm inthe Pakistani storm, but canhe remain so and allow hismen to try to mount a co-hesive challenge for theknockouts?

Handy starts so far atthis tournament have indi-cated that Brendan Tayloris in some decent form withthe bat. However, he hasbeen unable to go on fromthe 40s, and the limitationsof Zimbabwe’s bowling at-tack mean that more sub-stantial scores are neededfrom one of the team’s mostinfluential performers overthe years. A spinal centuryagainst a Pakistan teamstruggling for confidencewould allow Zimbabwe toput pressure on a team theyhave seldom beaten.

Pakistan (possible) 1Ahmed Shehzad, 2 YounisKhan, 3 Haris Sohail, 4Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), 5Sohaib Maqsood, 6 UmarAkmal (wk), 7 ShahidAfridi, 8 Wahab Riaz, 9Yasir Shah, 10 Sohail Khan,11 Mohammad Irfan.

Zimbabwe (possible): 1Sikandar Raza, 2 RegisChakabva, 3 HamiltonMasakadza, 4 BrendanTaylor (wk), 5 Sean Will-iams, 6 Craig Ervine, 7Stuart Matsikenyeri, 8Elton Chigumbura (capt), 9Tinashe Panyangara, 10Tendai Chatara, 11Tafadzwa Kamungozi.Pitch and conditions

The Gabba surfaceproved lively enough forthe bowlers to have achance but equableenough for handsomestroke-play when Irelandshaded UAE. Somethingsimilar can be expected onSunday. The weather fore-cast is fine.—Agencies

Pakistan’s last chanceto calm the critics

WELLINGTON—If socialmedia is to be believed,England’s players havebeen enjoying themselvesin Wellington. Several havebeen spotted in bars andrestaurants. Others havebeen snapped on the water-front. Perhaps they’re hop-ing to feel comfortable inthe city in which they suf-fered the massacre at NewZealand’s hands, eightdays ago. Maybe they’rehoping to keep minds freshand loose, still hoping tomount a World Cup surge.

They had been domi-nant against Scotland, asMoeen Ali and Ian Bell gal-loped to a graceful 172-runopening stand, and EoinMorgan rediscovered a littleof his confidence. Therewas energy in the pace at-tack too. Though Englandhad been beaten 5-2 by SriLanka late last year, thatteam had been withoutJames Anderson and StuartBroad, who are sure to makegood use of more helpfulconditions than the Englandseamers encountered in SriLanka.In the spotlight:

Before the World Cup,James Anderson was bowl-ing with such skill that En-gland had hopes his newball spells may dictate

games. But here we are,three games into the tour-nament and he has takentwo wickets - both againstScotland - at an average of67 apiece and is concedinghis runs at a rate of 6.38 perover. England need morefrom their senior players.Anderson also has a mod-est record in previousWorld Cups: in 2011 hiswickets cost 70.50 runseach and he was the 11thmost economical Englandbowler (conceding his runsat 6.55 per over); in 2007 heclaimed his wickets at a costof 41.12 apiece and wasEngland’s fifth most eco-nomical bowler and in 2003,his best tournament to date,he claimed his wickets at acost of 22.50 but wasEngland’s eighth most eco-nomical bowler (with a run-rate of 4.78 per over). If En-

gland are to progress to thebusiness end of this tour-nament, Anderson will needto improve that record.Teams news

Sri Lanka’s batting co-nundrum is now this: UpulTharanga is with the squad- some believe he shouldhave been there from thestart - but Lahiru Thirimanneis already settled, and scor-ing runs, as an opener.Thirimanne, however, is themore versatile of the twobatsmen, and is a better betat No. 4 or 5, where Sri Lankaare in search of reinforce-ment. There is also a case tobe made for strengtheningthe bowling, via quickDushmantha Chameera,who made a laudable debutat this stadium last month.Sri Lanka (probable) 1Tillakaratne Dilshan, 2Lahiru Thirimanne, 3 KumarSangakkara (wk), 4 UpulT h a r a n g a / D i m u t hKarunaratne, 5 MahelaJayawardene, 6 AngeloMathews (capt) , 7 DineshChandimal, 8 Thisara Perera,9 Rangana Herath, 10Suranga Lakmal, 11 LasithMalingaEngland (possible): 1 IanBell, 2 Moeen Ali, 3 GaryBallance, 4 Joe Root, 5 EoinMorgan (capt), 6 JamesTaylor, 7 Jos Buttler (wk), 8Chris Woakes, 9 Steven

Finn, 10 Stuart Broad, 11James Anderson.Pitch and conditions

The same pitch will beused in this game as the oneon which New Zealandthrashed England. To thatend, England have been pre-paring with an expectationthat the ball may againswing throughout the in-nings.

At least one side hasbeen bowled out in each ofthe last three ODIs on theground and only five timeshas a team exceeded 300here; once since the end of2005. In several recentgames the ball has appearedto hold up just a little andprovide some assistance tospinners. The weather isexpected to remain warm,clear and windy, with thestraight boundaries longerthan the square.—Agencies

England seek surgeagainst rallying Sri Lanka

AUCKLAND—Australia cap-tain Michael Clarke has dis-puted claims he made a tacti-cal blunder in his use ofbowlers during Saturday’sloss to New Zealand at the

World Cup. Australia wasfighting its way back into thematch, defending its meagertotal of 151, and MitchellStarc had taken three wick-ets in five balls when Clarkeremoved him from the attackand brought in MitchellJohnson.New Zealand wason the back foot at the time

of the change but CoreyAnderson hit Johnson’s firstthree balls for two fours anda six to alleviate the pressure.Starc returned and took an-other three wickets in his sec-ond spell, but New Zealandwon the match by a wicket,prompting questions as towhether Australia wouldhave won had Starc bowledthrough. “It’s pretty tough tobowl a 10-over spell,” Clarkesaid.

“So it was more to giveMitch (Starc) two overs off.“He was bowling beautifully,and I knew we could findanother way to get a break-through. I thought Mitchwould have a huge opportu-nity to try to go through thetail as he just about did. Gooddecision?”

Australia’s loss, whichleft it with one win, one lossand one match rained out atthe mid-point of its poolmatches, didn’t deliver any-thing more than a glancingblow to its ambitions of win-ning the world tournament.

It will likely still progressto the quarterfinals andmight meet New Zealandagain in the semis, if not thefinal. —Agencies

Under-fire Clarke defendskey bowling changes in

New Zealand loss

WELLINGTON—Sri Lankacoach Marvan Atapattu hasinsisted his side won’t un-derestimate a faltering En-

gland when the teams meetin the World Cup inWellington on Sunday.

England have yet tobeat a Test nation at the tour-nament so far, having beenthrashed by co-hosts Aus-tralia (111 runs) and New

Zealand (eight wickets) be-fore seeing off Scotland lasttime out.

Sri Lanka, the 1996champions, were alsobeaten by New Zealand be-fore defeating Afghanistanand Bangladesh to leavethem second in Pool A head-ing into this weekend’smatches.

“They have a fantasticseam bowling line-upthere,” Atapattu said Satur-day of England’s attack.“The format is such thatwe’ve got to guard againstbeing complacent. We’vejust got to play the bestcricket that we can on theday.

“They (England) are abalanced side. It is just thatI don’t think they can bevery happy about howthings have unrolled forthem in the recent past,” theformer Sri Lanka batsmanadded.—AFP

Sri Lanka coach Atapattuwary of England threat

Children taking interest in the flowers displayed during Pakistan Flowers Exhibition at Clifton.

A large number of people enjoying themselves during pleasant weather at Sea View.

A view of traffic jam on MA Jinnah Road due to water accumulated on different parts of the road after the recent rain.

MORE than a third of US adults areobese and are, therefore, at higher riskof type 2 diabetes. But new research

suggests a surprising prevention strategy forboth conditions - eating chocolate. In a mousestudy, led by Andrew P.Neilson of the Department ofFood Science and Technologyat Virginia Polytechnic Insti-tute and State University, re-searchers discovered that acertain antioxidant in cocoa -the main ingredient in choco-late - prevented mice fromgaining weight and loweredtheir blood sugar levels.

This is not the only studyto suggest that consumingchocolate can prevent suchhealth conditions. Earlier thisyear, Medical News Today re-ported on a study claiming thatchocolate, as well as wine andberries, protects against type2 diabetes, while other re-search found that teens whoeat lots of chocolate tend to be slimmer. Suchstudies claim that the reason chocolate mayhave these health benefits is because of theflavanols it contains. These are types of anti-oxidants.

But the researchers of this most recentstudy say that not all flavanols are the same.In fact, cocoa has several different types. Goodnews for chocolate lovers: a certain flavanolin cocoa may help prevent obesity and type 2diabetes. In their study, published in the Jour-nal of Agricultural Food and Chemistry, theinvestigators set out to determine exactly whichflavanol may be responsible for preventingweight gain and lowering blood glucose lev-

Chocolate could prevent obesityand diabetes, study suggests

els.For the research, the investigators assigned

mice to one of six different diets for 12 weeks.These consisted of high- and low-fat diets, andhigh-fat diets supplemented with either mo-

nomeric, oligomeric or poly-meric procyandins (PCs) -types of flavanols. Mice weregiven 25 milligrams of theseflavanols each day for everykilogram of their body weight(25 mg/kg). The researchteam found that a high-fat dietsupplemented with oligo-meric PCs was the most ef-fective for maintaining weightof the mice and improvingglucose tolerance - a factorthat could help prevent type 2diabetes.

“Oligomeric PCs appearto possess the greatest anti-obesity and antidiabetic bio-activities of the flavanols incocoa, particularly at the lowdoses employed for the

present study. Additional studies of prolongedfeeding of flavanol fractions in vivo are neededto further identify the fractions with the high-est bioactivities and, therefore, the greatestpotential for translation to human clinical ap-plications at reasonable doses.”

The investigators point out that the dosesof flavanols used in this study are significantlylower than doses used in past research and aremore feasible when translated into flavanollevels for human consumption. “Therefore, ourdata suggest that moderate doses of cocoaflavanols or cocoa powder have the potentialto be more effective in human clinical trialsthan previously thought,” they add.

KARACHI—President, Baskent Univer-sity of Turkey and an internationallyknown transplant surgeon, Prof.Mehmat Haberal and Director, SindhInstitute of Urology and Transplantation(SIUT) Prof. Adibul Hasan Rizvi signeda Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) here on Saturday, to explore newavenues of training, teaching and re-search between the two institutions inthe field of medical sciences.

Prof. Haberal is currently on a twodays visit to Pakistan to perform the

SIUT signs Memorandum ofUnderstanding with Turkish varsity

ground breaking ceremony of SIUT pro-posed children and cardiac hospital.

The MOU will open new vistas of co-operation between SIUT and Baskent Uni-versity for providing training facilities,research and teaching of medical man-power of SIUT which would include doc-tors, para medics and other support staffof hospital administration.

All the teaching, training and researchfacilities at Baskent University and SIUTwill be provided free. It is expected thatthe MOU signed between SIUT and

Baskent University will fill the prevail-ing gap of limited training facilities formedical manpower in the country.

Baskent University is a presti-gious academic institution of Turkeyimparting educational facilities notonly in the field of health care butalso in some nineteen other academicdisciplines. The SIUT on the otherhand is prestigious institution of Pa-kistan providing treatment to popu-lation at large in specialized fieldsfree of cost.—APP

KARACHI—The anti encroachments depart-ment of KMC during its action in Qayyumabadand near KPT flyover demolished many en-croachments on main road and pavements andremoved more than 100 pushcarts, cabins,counters, tyre shops, old furniture, gas cylin-ders and other items and deposited the seizeditems in the KMC Mehmoodabad Store.

According to a statement on Friday the antiencroachments staff faced strict resistance and

KMC demolishesencroachments in

Qayyumabadwere also fired upon by miscreants who alsotorched a government vehicle to stop the opera-tion. Five of KMC workers were injured in theincidents including a Deputy Director whereasthree policemen also got injured and were pro-vided medical treatment.

The operation against encroachments wassupervised by Director Anti Encroachments,Mazhar Khan along with other officers and po-lice.—APP

KARACHI—The KarachiMetropolitan Corporation

Drive launched toremove wall chalking in city

CITY REPORTER

KARACHI—The US Ambassador to Pa-kistan, Richard G. Olson and Sindh Min-ister for Education Nisar Ahmad Khuhroon Saturday inaugurated the newly con-structed Department of Teacher Educa-tion building at the University of Karachifunded by the U.S. Agency for Interna-tional Development (USAID).

The building is a state-of-the art,fully handicapped accessible, eco-friendly facility that is equipped with

US envoy inaugurates Departmentof Teacher Education building at KU

dedicated Wi-Fi and media libraries thatwill serve students and faculty of theuniversity.

Highlighting the United States’long-term commitment to improvingthe standard of basic education in Paki-stan, Ambassador Olson said, “Togetherwith the Government of Pakistan, theUnited States is working to improve thequality of teacher education in the coun-try and provide the best learning andwork environment for the future teach-ers of Pakistan.

This building will serve as a sym-bol of the partnership between theUnited States and Pakistan for devel-oping strong educational institutions.”

The University of Karachi buildingwill be used for two new teacher edu-cation programs that USAID and theHigher Education Commission of Pa-kistan designed in 2010: a two-yearAssociate Degree in Education (ADE)and a four-year Bachelors of Education(B.Ed. Honors).

Throughout Pakistan, the United

States government is working to im-prove education standards by providinga total of $45 million for the construc-tion and renovation of 17 new build-ings for Teacher Education Departmentsat universities throughout the country.

The Embassy also supports a widerange educational exchanges that havebenefited close to 14,000 students in Pa-kistan and operates the largest Fulbrightexchange program in the world. Formore information on USAID educationprograms, please visit:

has begun removing all graf-fiti (wall chalking) in the cityafter the launching of a driveby Provincial Minister forLocal Government SharjeelInam Memon during a visitto Sharea Faisal on Friday.

According to a statementissued here the need to re-move wall chalking had beeninpressed upon all politicaland religious parties whowere however also requestedto themselves arrange for re-

moval of such chalking fromcity walls and in future re-frain from doing so.

The Minister said thiswould help in maintainingthe beauty of the city andmaking it a clean and greencity.

Commissioner KarachiShoaib Ahmed Siddiqui, Met-ropolitan CommissionerMasood Alam, Director Gen-eral Parks and Horticultureand other officers accompa-

nied the Minister for LocalGovernment on this occasion.

Meanwhile in its greenand clean city campaignKMC in coordination withdistrict municipal corpora-tions removed a total of morethan 16 thousand tons of gar-bage from different areas ofthe city and dispatched it tothe landfill sites during lastfive days.

The municipal authorityalso performed fumigation

with the help of 30 spray ve-hicles in the areas. Colouringof trees, electric poles andpavements was also done indifferent areas of the cityalong with removal of wallchalking and banners.

The Metropolitan Commis-sioner visited different areas toinspect the progress of ongoingcampaign for cleaning in thecity. He also issued necessarydirectives to the concerned of-ficials.—APP

Lawyers gathered at Lahore High Court during High Court Bar Asscoaition election.

Police presenting the suspect accused in Abeera murder case Zeeshan and Farood beforemedia during press conference at Qila Gujar Singh.

Firefighters extinguishing fire which erupted in a theatre hall.

MORE than a third of US adults areobese and are, therefore, at higher riskof type 2 diabetes. But new research

suggests a surprising prevention strategy forboth conditions - eating chocolate. In a mousestudy, led by Andrew P.Neilson of the Department ofFood Science and Technologyat Virginia Polytechnic Insti-tute and State University, re-searchers discovered that acertain antioxidant in cocoa -the main ingredient in choco-late - prevented mice fromgaining weight and loweredtheir blood sugar levels.

This is not the only studyto suggest that consumingchocolate can prevent suchhealth conditions. Earlier thisyear, Medical News Today re-ported on a study claiming thatchocolate, as well as wine andberries, protects against type2 diabetes, while other re-search found that teens whoeat lots of chocolate tend to be slimmer. Suchstudies claim that the reason chocolate mayhave these health benefits is because of theflavanols it contains. These are types of anti-oxidants.

But the researchers of this most recentstudy say that not all flavanols are the same.In fact, cocoa has several different types. Goodnews for chocolate lovers: a certain flavanolin cocoa may help prevent obesity and type 2diabetes. In their study, published in the Jour-nal of Agricultural Food and Chemistry, theinvestigators set out to determine exactly whichflavanol may be responsible for preventingweight gain and lowering blood glucose lev-

Chocolate could prevent obesityand diabetes, study suggests

els.For the research, the investigators assigned

mice to one of six different diets for 12 weeks.These consisted of high- and low-fat diets, andhigh-fat diets supplemented with either mo-

nomeric, oligomeric or poly-meric procyandins (PCs) -types of flavanols. Mice weregiven 25 milligrams of theseflavanols each day for everykilogram of their body weight(25 mg/kg). The researchteam found that a high-fat dietsupplemented with oligo-meric PCs was the most ef-fective for maintaining weightof the mice and improvingglucose tolerance - a factorthat could help prevent type 2diabetes.

“Oligomeric PCs appearto possess the greatest anti-obesity and antidiabetic bio-activities of the flavanols incocoa, particularly at the lowdoses employed for the

present study. Additional studies of prolongedfeeding of flavanol fractions in vivo are neededto further identify the fractions with the high-est bioactivities and, therefore, the greatestpotential for translation to human clinical ap-plications at reasonable doses.”

The investigators point out that the dosesof flavanols used in this study are significantlylower than doses used in past research and aremore feasible when translated into flavanollevels for human consumption. “Therefore, ourdata suggest that moderate doses of cocoaflavanols or cocoa powder have the potentialto be more effective in human clinical trialsthan previously thought,” they add.

LAHORE—Audit report in respect of governmentof Punjab for the year of 2014-15 has revealedfinancial irregularities running into billion of ru-pees in the accounts of education department par-ticularly in less or non deduction of income tax.The audit was even denied access to the recordwhen Punjab Examination Commission Lahorefailed to produce record in respect of expensesincurred by it amounting to Rs 300 million andGovernment College of Elementary Teachers H-9 Islamabad did not produce record for verifica-

Financial irregularities worth Rs 300mresurface in Punjab Education Dept

tion with regard to million of rupees spentby it during the period 2007-13.

The audit report disclosed that administrationof Govt Central Model School Lower Mall madeinvestment of 30m rupees without inviting tenders& consultation and permission of finance depart-ment. Schools education department made purchasesof Rs 15m without making advertisement on PPRAwebsite. PES was disbanded and merged into PECbut the latter failed to collect unutilized amount northe funds of PES were transferred to PEC.—Online

STAFF REPORTER

LAHORE—Planning and De-velopment Department of gov-ernment of Punjab and Save theChildren Pakistan signed anMoU (Memorandum of Under-

Government, Save the Children signMoU on diarrhoea prevention project

LAHORE—Director General, PunjabEmergency Service (Rescue 1122) Dr.Rizwan Naseer inaugurated first Inter-national Office of the Asian Fire Ser-vice Association (AFSA) of UnitedKingdom at Emergency Services Acad-emy here.

AFSA’s Chairman of UK MehrbanSadiq, AFSA’s Fire Instructor/Techni-cal Expert Mr. Keith Trotter and AFSA’sSecretary General Ms Yasmeen, DeputyDirector (Training) Dr. Farhan Khalidand other officers were also present onthe occasion.

Initiating this collaborative step, Dr.Rizwan Naseer said that the Emergency

AFSA opens first international officeServices Academy welcomes the establish-ment of AFSA’s International office.

He said that the step had been initi-ated to enhance emergency services capac-ity, which unfortunately had been ne-glected in the developing countries; to re-view the curriculum of the training wings,suggest necessary addition and to enhancepractical skills of the rescue instructors.He said that the office shall work as a fo-cal point between Emergency ServicesAcademy, Pakistan, and AFSA to enhancefuture collaboration of the AFSA withother regional countries.

He further said that the office shall helpin ensuring the standard of the training

imparted to the Rescuers at the Emer-gency Services Academy as per Britishstandards.

Mehrban Sadiq on this occasionsaid that AFSA had established its firstinternational office at the newly estab-lished Emergency Services Academy inPakistan from where we shall be ableto enhance professional collaborationbetween Rescue 1122 and AFSA. Hefurther said that the AFSA would workas a helping hand in expediting inter-national accreditation of Rescue 1122and its instructors with internationalstakeholders in the field of emergencyservices.—APP

STAFF REPORTER

LAHORE—Chairman Punjab Information Technol-ogy Board Dr. Umer Saif has said that PITB has startedwork on a comprehensive project for protecting citi-zens from terrorism and crimes. He said that this isthe first project of its kind in Pakistan.

He said that under this coordinated system of com-mand, control & communication (IC3), monitoringof important public places, public and private build-

PITB launches command, control andcommunication project against terrorism

ings, religious and non-religious processions, publicgatherings, majaalis and areas of more crimes will bedone through digital methods and its central officewill work under the supervision of police.

Dr. Umer Saif said that under this system, be-sides automatic monitoring, location of a person mak-ing call on police emergency 15, on the spot directvideo coverage and the details of nearest police mo-bile vehicle will be seen in the one control room andthe nearest police van will immediately reach the site.

He told that besides utilizing social media, rapidresponse police force and all other law enforcementagencies will compulsorily be part of this system andPITB will impart training of utilizing modern equip-ments to them.

He said that IC3 system will help a lot in collect-ing solid proofs of crimes. Similarly, this project willalso play an important role in protecting life and prop-erty of the people as well as providing prompt justiceto them, he added.

standing) to work in close col-laboration on multi sectoralproject to reduce diarrhoea re-lated deaths in under 05 chil-dren in Punjab. The project isimplemented in Hafizabad andKhanewal district with supportof corporate sector partnerReckitt Benckiser.

Secretary Planning &De-velopment Department Mr.Waseem Ajmal Chaudhry andMrs. Tayyaba Aurangzeb,Country Director Save theChildren Pakistan signed thememorandum of understandingin presence of Additional Pro-gram Director PSPU PunjabDr. Zahida Sarwar, Deputy Di-

rector LG&CD Mr. NajeebAslam, Mr. Nusrat Tufail GillAssistant Chief P&DD, Dr.Mahmood Qamar AssistantChief P&DD, Dr. MasoodAbbasi Director Diarrhoea Pre-vention & Control Project,from Save the Children Paki-stan and many other stakehold-ers from health and local gov-ernment departments.

Diarrhoea prevention andcontrol is a flagship programbeing implemented for the firsttime in Pakistan wherein issueof diarrhoea is being addressedjointly by Health Department,Local Govt Department andPublic Health Engineering De-

partment under the overarchingrole of secretary P&DD and hisdepartment for effective imple-mentation and sustainability.

Secretary P&DD WaseemAjmal Chaudhary appreciatedthe role of INGOs in Pakistanin bringing positive change invarious sectors emphasizingthat public private partnershipcan make the beneficiaries ofdevelopment projects get maxi-mum out of these. He said thatgovernment and privatesector’s collaboration was amust for extensive learning forexperts at both sides. He fur-ther assured to take lead inimplementation of diarrhoea

prevention and control projectin Punjab in partnership withgovernment departments espe-cially Department of Health,PHED and LG&CD.

The Country Director Savethe Children expressed grati-tude to Secretary P&DD Gov-ernment of Punjab Mr. WaseemAjmal Chaudhry in taking aleading role and heading thesteering committee besides ex-tending thanks to JawadRafique Malik SecretaryHealth, Ali Bahadur Qazi PDPSPUS, Khalid AftabChaudhary Secretary LocalGovt Department and AsadRehman Gillani from PHED.