STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—The anti-ter-rorist court in Islamabad onSaturday sent former militarystrongman PervezMusharraf on a 14-day-longjudicial remand in the judges’detention case. JudgeKausar Abbas Zaidi of theanti-terrorist court issued theorder which makes it impera-tive for Musharraf to re-ap-pear in court on May 4.

Moreover, local authori-ties declared his ChakShahzad farmhouse on theoutskirts of Islamabad a sub-jail and he was shifted there

Musharraf on 14-dayjudicial remand

Chak Shahzad farmhouse declared sub-jail, visitors not allowed

Continued on Page 6

KAKUL—Chief of ArmyStaff, Gen. Ashfaq ParvezKayani Saturday said thatPakistan is fully capable ofresponding effectively to anythreat and added that despitethe current focus on internalsecurity, the armed forces re-main fully prepared to defeat

Pakistan to respondeffectively to any threat

Islam can never be separated from Pakistan: Kayanian external direct threat,

“Pakistan is a peace lov-ing country. Our quest forpeace is essentially based ona genuine desire to improveour lot and that of our futuregenerations. Let no one seeit as a weakness,” he madethese remarks while address-

ing Graduating Cadets of127th PMA Long Course, In-tegrated Course 46 andMujahid Course-1 here atPakistan Military Academy.

The COAS said, “Wehave exercised restraint in theface of some very belligerent

Continued on Page 6

Continued on Page 6

from the police headquarters.The case is based on an

FIR against the retired gen-

eral registered in August 11,2009 on the complaint ofChaudhry Mohammad Aslam

Ghumman advocate.He had asked the police

Continued on Page 6

SC to be movedover IHC decisionISLAMABAD—All PakistanMuslim League spokesmanDr Amjid has said that appealwill be filed in Supreme Courtagainst Islamabad HighCourt decision with regardto arrest of former presidentPervez Musharraf.

Talking to media men Sat-

Altaf asksTaliban to lay

down armsSTAFF REPORTER

KARACHI—The MuttahidaQaumi Movement (MQM)

MULTAN: CPO Ghulam Mahmood addressing to a seminar about Elections 2013 at Arts Council.

QUETTA—French Ambassa-dor at Pakistan PhilippeThiebaub has said sustain-able development in the en-ergy sector could guaranteeprosperity and socio-eco-nomic uplift of the countries.France is extending all-outsupport to the Pakistani stu-dents in carrying out researchwork. He was addressing at aclosing ceremony of “Travel-ling Expo” held at BalochistanUniversity of InformationTechnology and Manage-

Allama Iqbal’s75th deathanniversary

todayFAISALABAD—The 75thdeath anniversary of poetand philosopher Dr. AllamaMuhammad Iqbal will be ob-served here on Sunday(April 21). Special prayerswill be offered after Fajrprayers for the departed soulof the Poet of East Dr. AllamaMuhammad Iqbal.

Religious, social and po-litical organizations will alsoarrange functions.—APP

Past govtsignored issuesof FRs: Bettani

STAFF REPORTER

P E S H A W A R — A b d u l l a hNangyal Bettani the youngIndependent candidate ofFrontier Region (FR) on Satur-day claimed that past govern-ments did not carry out anydevelopment work in the back-ward six Frontier Regions.Addressing a pubic gatheringin FR Tank Jandola, he said thatformer MNAs did not solvethe problems of Frontier Re-gions rather they disrespectedthe mandate of the people.

France helps Pak students inresearch work: Ambassador

GUL HAMAAD FAROOQI

CHITRAL—Leaders of Paki-stan Tahreeki Insaf haveurged the government to re-store constitutional and legalrights of Kalash community.Addressing a press confer-ence Abdul Latif, presidentof PTI, Muhammad Isrargeneral Secretary, HajiMuhammad Sultan andMuntasir Billah said thatKalash community are theonly tribe of world who were

declared indigenous peopleby United Nations. Havingunique culture Kalsh are fa-mous in the world for theirculture, language, customaryand living matters but unfor-tunately they were not giventheir real status.

They said that there is nocolumn in registration form ofNADRA for Kalash but Hin-dus, Sikh, Christians andother minorities have beenmentioned there. As well asthey were deprived of their

constitutional rights byformer president PervezMusharaf in 2001 when heviolated constitution of 1973as a result Kalash communitycannot participate in electionas minority candidate.

They said that PTI chiefImran Khan had committedfor giving party ticket forPK-89 to Wazir ZadaKalash but due to some rea-sons we could not succeedfor his nomination in pro-vincial assembly.

PTI for restoration ofKalash constitutional rights

SALIM AHMED

LAHORE—Pakistan MuslimLeague-Nawaz (PML-N)Saturday said that imposi-tion of Martial Law in thecountry can only bestopped by holding ac-countable to those whosubverted the Constitutionand derailed the democracy.The PML-N leadersKhawaja Saad Rafique andSenator Pervaiz Rasheedtold reporters here Saturdaysaid that General (Retd)Pervez Musharraf shouldbe treated in the same wayas the violator of constitu-tion and law deserve.

They said PervezMusharraf hurt the dignityof the Army by subvertingthe Constitution and dis-solving the judiciarythrough unconstitutionalacts. There must be no lax-ity with the violator of lawand Constitution, he said,adding: “Political forcesneed to play their due rolefor accountability of a dic-tator who caused harm tothe country as well as na-tion.” They said they havefull faith in the independentjudiciary.

The PML-N spokesmanPervaiz Rasheed said that inthe Charter of Democracy

(CoD) signed between thePPP and PML-N, it wasagreed to point out thosewho caused destruction forthe country. However, hesaid the PPP, after cominginto power tried to give con-stitutional protection to un-constitutional and illegalacts of Pervez Musharraf butthe PML-N did not allowthis to be happened. He fur-ther said the PML-N alsoplayed a lead role in thestruggle for the restorationof judiciary. He added thatindependent judiciary is tak-ing independent decisionsunder the law.

Khawaja Saad Rafique

said on the occasion thatthe PML-N has becomehope for the nation andthose making tall claims andspreading baseless propa-ganda would face their wor-thy on May 11, 2013, whichwill usher a new era aprogress and prosperity inthe country through thestrength of votes. He saidthe PML-N wants account-ability of violator of Consti-tution and law. On the oc-casion, PTI leaderMahmood Gillani an-nounced to join the PML-Nreposing full confidence inthe leadership of MuslimLeague.

Adventurers’ accountability mustto stop Martial Law: PML-N

ment Sciences (BUITEMS)under the aegis of PakistanScience Foundation (PSF)here on Saturday.

PSF Chairman DrManzoor Hussain Soomroand Vice ChancellorBUITEMS Engineer AhmedFarooq Bazai were alsopresent. “Globalization hasshrunk the countries increas-ing their dependence on eachother,” Mr Philippe said add-ing countries are extendingtheir cooperation in different

fields in which efforts for sus-tainable development in en-ergy sector is among top mostareas of collaboration.

He said that end of powercrises is indispensable forsocio-economic developmentin the world. Lauding the roleof educational institutes forcarrying out research in thepower sector, he said thatFrance was extending its all-out support to the varsities inPakistan through PSC in thisconnection.—APP

Bajaur bomb attack condemnedStaff Reporter

PESHAWAR—The Khyber PakhtunkhwaGovernor, Engineer Shaukat Ullah Sat-urday strongly condemned the suicidebomb attack nearby to the Agency head-quarter Hospital in Bajaur Agency andexpressed his deep sorrow over the lossof precious lives. The Governor soonafter listening to the tragic news con-tacted the Political Agent of the agencyand directed him to ensure immediaterescue services to the affected people

and make best ever available treatment facilities possibleto the injured. The elements involved in the heinous crime,the Governor said, do not have any concern to the culturalnorms and religious values who could never escape fromthe course of justice. Expressing his heartfelt sympathieswith the members of the bereaved families the Governorhas further stated that the entire nations stand with themin this hour of grief and he himself will also take everypossible step to ease their agonies. He has also prayed forthe eternal peace of the departed souls and courage to thebereaved families to bear the irreparable loss with patience.The Governor has also wished early recovery of the in-jured. Joins ANP: Safdar Baghi, brother of Asif BaghiShaheed, Saturday resigned from PTI and joined ANP. AsifBaghi Shaheed, who was martyred in Qisa Khwani Bazarbomb blast and was ex-Nazim Nouthia. Safdar Baghi isyounger through brother of Asif Baghi Shaheed an-nounced joining of Awami National Party by resigning fromPTI with his family and friends. Safdar Baghi is an ex-Nazimof Nouthia and belongs to a well known and respectedfamily of Peshawar. He joined ANP along with his familyand hundreds of workers and has already launched anelection campaign for ANP candidate for NA-2 ArbabNajeeb Ullah Khan and KP-4 candidate Syed Aqil Shah.

Seraiki provinceMUZAFFARGARH—Former prime minis-ter and PPP senior vice chairman SyedYusuf Raza Gilani said on Friday thatPakistan People’s Party would honourits pledge of establishing Seraiki prov-ince after coming to power. Addressingthe party workers here at RangpurChowk, he said that the PPP made itsbest efforts for the establishment ofSeraiki province and in this regard gotapproved bill from the Senate but due to

hurdles created by the anti Seraiki province parties it couldnot be established. Gilani promised that after coming topower, new PPP government would declare Rangpur as tehsil.On this occasion, PPP candidate Mehr Irshad Sial was alsopresent. Later, Yusuf Raza Gilani went to the residence ofSyed Sajid Abbas who was killed in firing incident last nightand condoled with his family members. PPP’s manifestoensures basic needs by increasing spending on education,health: The manifesto of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) willensure basic needs in the country by increasing spendingon Health and Education. This was stated by Senator PPP,Saleem H. Mandviwalla while speaking along with SenatorSaeed Ghani on the occasion of Policy Seminar on “PPP’sManifesto in Relevance of Manifesto in Political Dynamics

QUETTA: Relatives of Baloch missing people at sit-in protest camp.

BASHIR AHMAD RAHMANI

HAFIZABAD—A WAPDA Sur-veillance team which raidedthe dera of a policeman FaisalBilal in village Madhrianwalato disconnect illegal connec-tion was tortured by the po-

WAPDA surveillance team tortured, detainedlicemen and also detained theteam members for few hours.WAPDA employees observedtoken strike against the inhu-man attitude of the Kassoki po-lice and demanded legal actionagainst them. According to of-ficial source, the WAPDA team

M HALEEM ASAD

TIMERGARA—Some centralleaders of political parties arecontesting elections from DirLower wherein deputy chiefof the Jamaat-i-islami SairajulHaq will contest on PK-95,deputy chief of the JUI-F andformer senator Maulana GulNaseeb Khan on PK-97, cen-tral general secretary of theQaumi Watan Party (QWP)Bakht Baidar Khan on PK-97,former state minister and PPPnominee Malik Azmat Khanon NA-34 Dir and Haji AyubKhan, brother of the ANP

central secretary informationZahid Khan on PK-94.

Similarly the ANP vicepresident Zahir Shah Khan isrunning election campaign forparty nominee Hussain ShahYousafzai, senator AhmadHassan Khan for PPP nomineeMahmood Zeb Khan while twoformer provincial minister HajiHidayatullah and MahmoodZeb Khan are also in the field.The electioneering has gotmomentum in the district andall party candidates includingindependents have been hold-ing indoor corner meetings.

A total of 29 candidates

withdrew their nominationpapers the other day, sourcessaid and added that now atotal of 14 candidates wouldbe contesting election in oneNational Assembly seat NA34 while 41 four in four pro-vincial assembly seats in DirLower. The first woman can-didate from Dir Lower MrsNusrat Begum would contestthe election for NA-34 as anindependent candidate withelection symbol of Pitcherwhich she chose by herself.

Meanwhile taking noticeof complaints by rival candi-dates six station house offic-

ers in Dir Lower of differentpolice stations were trans-ferred. The action was takento hold impartial and trans-parent election. The SHOswho were transferred, in-clude Farman Khan, BadshahHazrat, Anwar Syed,Muambar Khan, Tahir Khanand Ibrahim Khan.

*****The University of

Malakand on Saturday dis-tributed a total of 717 lap topsamong position holder stu-dents of the varsity under the‘Nawy Sahr’ programme ofthe government. In this re-

gard a function was held inthe main campus of the uni-versity. The vice chancellorProf Dr Jauhar Ali, HEC chiefplanning officer Raza Shahand chief coordinatorHayatullah Yousafzai distrib-uted the lap tops.

Speaking on the occasionvice chancellor stressed uponthe students to dedicate them-selves to study and gettingknowledge. He said the gov-ernment wanted to facilitate in-telligent students and distribu-tion of lap tops was one of itsproofs. He also asked studentsto equip themselves with good

Election campaign heats up in Dir Lowermoral character and behave insociety like social changers.

*****Former vice president of

the ANP Adenzai Raza Khanresigned from the party basicmembership. He remained withthe ANP for 40 years but an-nounced to quit it due to lead-ers’ behavior with workers.Talking to local journalists atChakdara on Saturday RazaKhan said that the ANP hadbeen no more party of poorworkers. He said party leadersincluding Asfandeyar WaliKhan had given up the phi-losophy of Late Bacha Khan.

ISLAMABAD—Fresh spell ofrain and snowfall in mountain-ous regions of up country in-cluding KhyberPakhtunkhawa (KP) and AzadJammu Kashmir has turned theweather pleasant. Accordingto Pakistan MeteorologicalDepartment (PMD) scatteredrain with thunder storm andstrong winds was expected inMalakand, Hazara, Peshawarand Kohat Division. Gustyweather was also expected inSargodha, Rawalpindi,Islamabad, Quetta, Zhob,Qalat, Hyderabad, MirpurKhas Divisions during thistime besides light rain.

Rain turned the weatherpleasant in Muzaffarabad cityand other nearby areas. Lightsnowfall has been recorded athilly areas of Neelum valley.During the past 24 hours,Peshawar, Malakand, Hazara,

Rain acrosscountry predicted

Rawalpindi, Islamabad,Hyderabad, Makran Divisions,Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmirreceived rain with strongwinds and thunderstorm.

Lasbela received 19mmrain while rain recorded in oth-ers cities was Dir 16mm, Chorr,

Parachinar, 15mm, MalamJabba, 13mm, Pattan, 12mm,Mirkhan, Kalam, 08mm, SaiduSharif, 07mm Darosh, 06mmwhile Abbottabad andMurree 3mm rain. During thepast 24 hours Sukkur re-mained hottest spot with tem-perature of 42oC.— INP

headed by Sana Ullah, Line Su-perintendent MuhammadAzam Butt and Rai Zulfiqar Aliraided the dera of Muharrir P. SKassoke Faisal Bilal situated inMadhrianwala to disconnectthe illegal connection which hehas got from overhead cable

but Faisal Bilal, MuhammadQaisar Hanjra and five otherstortured them, opened aerial fir-ing to harass them and de-tained them for few hours.Meanwhile, PA S S C Owill procure 16,30,000 bags(40,75,000 maunds) wheat from

the growers of the district fromMay 1 under the supervisionof District Administration andAdditional District CollectorSohail Ahmad has been ap-pointed as focal person for thedistrict and ACs of PindiBhattain and Hafizabad have

been appointed focal personsfor the respective tehsils. TheDCO Muhammad Zafar Iqbalhas said that the growers wouldbe relieved from fleecing by thearhties and middlemen and theywould be provided supportprice of their produce.

Now when GenMusharraf has submittedAFTER twenty-four hour drama, full of suspense and thrill, former

President General Pervez Musharraf (Retd) thought it appropriate to submit before the law, ending all kinds of wild speculations

as to who was shielding him from the might of the law. He is now inPolice custody and no one knows in which direction things would pro-ceed in the days to come especially when the Senate of Pakistan haspassed a unanimous resolution strongly recommending trial of the formermilitary ruler under Article-6 of the Constitution. In their speeches, mem-bers of the upper house were quite firm in their demand that the lawshould take its own course.

Musharraf has many cases against him and it would be interesting towatch where they lead him to yet one thing is quite obvious that the legalprocess is now underway and it should be allowed to proceed in a fairmanner. There must not be any undue haste in completing the process forthe sake of political or other expediencies and the accused may be givenfull opportunity to defend himself in courts. It is true that there has beennearly no political victimization in the country during the last five yearsand this should also be seen in the case of General Musharraf. There areno two opinions that everyone — big or small — is equal before the lawand there should be no favour or concession to any one on any consider-ation. Credit for this obviously goes to the vibrant judiciary that is striv-ing to write a new history in this regard and hopefully the fear of theaccountability would force the future rulers to conduct themselves strictlywithin the bounds of law and the Constitution. They must not considerthe Constitution and the law just as piece of papers written by men likethem but as sacrosanct guidelines to run the administration.

Boston: Lessons forthem and us

THOUSANDS of officers with rifles and armoured vehicles swarmedthe streets in and around Boston on Friday, hunting for a 19-year-old

college student wanted in the Boston Marathon bombing after his olderbrother was killed in a furious getaway attempt overnight. The suspectswere identified by law enforcement officials and family members asDzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev, ethnic Chechen brothers, who lived inthe US for about a decade.

The Boston incident and the way the American authorities have re-acted to the tragedy have many lessons for the United States and forcountries like Pakistan. It has been a routine for quite some time thatPakistani nationals or Taliban and Al-Qaeda elements used to be the primesuspects in any incident of violence or terror in any part of the globe. Insome cases, accusing fingers were raised towards Pakistan but investiga-tions later proved such allegations wrong. This time round, Americansdid not resort to blame-game without investigating the incident first andthe massive hunt for culprits led to conclusions other than the routinePakistan-bashing. Americans really deserve credit for launching a me-ticulous search operation to nab the killers but their findings are clearindications that there is deep-rooted resentment among suppressed peoplearound the world against the US policies. The United States must ponderover reasons and factors that lead to anger, annoyance and resentmentagainst the super power among different communities. Coming back home,the incident also have lessons for our authorities as Pakistan witnessesincidents of terror and violence almost daily but hardly any real culprit isapprehended. Normally, the police absolves itself of its responsibility bydeclaring that head of the suicide bomber has been found. We have awide network of intelligence agencies and a comparatively large force ofpolice and other law enforcing agencies but their performance is want-ing. Their counter-terrorism performance is so poor that even highly sen-sitive areas like GHQ, Kamra and Mehran base have not been spared byterrorists. Would someone look into these aspects?

Azerbaijan offershelp in energy sector

AS the country is in the midst of an unending power crisis and longhours of load shedding is being enforced on the domestic and indus-

trial consumers, a timely offer has come from friendly country- Azerbaijan— to help overcome the crisis.

In a meeting with office bearers of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce& Industry, the incumbent Azerbaijan Ambassador Dashgin Shikarov whois quite active in promoting relations between the two countries has madethe offer of providing expertise in hydel power generation and explora-tion of oil and gas resources. The offer is encouraging as Azerbaijan hasthe potential to tap natural resources and it is not a mere rhetoric. Peoplein Pakistan had been listening rhetoric from successive governments thatthe country has vast hydel and coal potential to generate electricity thatwould be enough for several decades but practically nothing had beendone. There was a surprising disclosure the other day that allocationsmade for the Bhasha Dam were diverted to the development schemes ofthe parliamentarians. That is proof of lack of vision of our leadershipas they are more keen for short time political gains rather than servinglong term interests of the country. Though the Minister for Water andPower has termed as a myth that the country has installed capacity togenerate 20,000MW, yet experts say that it is more than 16000 MWand only around 9500MW was being generated because of non supplyof oil to plants. Therefore we would stress that the government shouldseize the opportunity and start immediate negotiations with Azerbaijanfor enhanced cooperation in energy sector. We strongly believe thatonce energy crisis is resolved, lot of investment would come from thosewho are waiting in the wings and that would stimulate the economy.

Power to the people

It is better to beborn lucky thanrich.

US food aid

The United States has a proudtradition of supplying foodaid to hungry people around

the world, whether their plight isdue to chronic poverty or suddennatural disaster. Still, food aid wasnever a purely altruistic exercise.In 1954, President Dwight D.Eisenhower kicked off the programthat would become known as Foodfor Peace by saying that it would“lay the basis for a permanent ex-pansion of our exports of agricul-tural products with lasting benefitsto ourselves and peoples of otherlands.” In the six decades since,global food aid has generated salesfor US farmers, business for US-flagged cargo vessels and jobs forUS seamen.

In this sense, the United Statesis no different from many coun-tries that use foreign assistance tobolster domestic industries. But,over time, US food aid has tiltedtoo far in that direction, and toomany dollars ostensibly devoted tohelping the poor overseas are in-stead subsidizing special interestsin this country. Fortunately, Presi-dent Obama’s budget for fiscal2014 includes a plan to modern-ize and reform the $1.5 billion USfood aid program. Mr. Obamawould end “monetization,” the in-efficient practice whereby the fed-eral government buys commodi-ties from US farmers and shipsthem abroad to governments andnongovernmental organizations,which sell them in the local mar-ket and use the proceeds for de-velopment projects.

Furthermore, “monetized” USfood amounts to subsidized com-petition for farmers in needy areas.In some cases, it would make moresense for the United States to buyfood closer to where it’s needed,thus saving shipping time and ex-pense and, potentially, stimulatingagricultural investment in the de-veloping world. The Obama pro-posal would facilitate change in thisregard as well, allowing US aidagencies to buy up to 45 percent ofrelief commodities from non-USsources. Mr. Obama’s sensible sug-gestions have bipartisan support inCongress, which is not surprising,since his Republican predecessor,President George W. Bush, em-braced similar ideas. In a joint newsrelease, Reps. Edward R. Royce(R-Calif.) and Eliot L. Engel (D-N.Y.), the chairman and rankingmember of the House Foreign Af-fairs Committee, pronouncedthemselves “encouraged” by Mr.Obama’s proposal. Alas, those whobenefit from the status quo arepushing back. Merchant-marineunions warn that less work for USvessels will atrophy sealift capabil-ity that soldiers need in wartime —even though most US troops arecoming home from Afghanistan.Twenty-one senators from farm andcoastal states — includingMaryland’s Barbara A. Mikulski(D) — argued in a letter to theWhite House that the plan couldundermine agriculture, “one of thefew US business sectors to producea trade surplus.” But US farmersare already heavily subsidized andprospering. They need less federalsupport, not more. The people whohave a legitimate claim on theAmerican taxpayer’s aid are thehungry millions overseas.— The Washington Post

*****

Humantrafficking

When the UAE set up theNational Committee toCombat Human Traf-

ficking (NCCHT) in 2007, it un-derscored its commitment to tacklethis menace with unrelentingvigour. Since then, the issue of traf-ficking has been dealt with a multi-pronged strategy that includes acontinuous assessment of the situ-ation on the ground.

This commitment now hasgathered strength with last week’samendment of Federal Law 51 andthe implementation of a majorprogramme this year that involvesincreasing awareness on combat-ing trafficking at airports. In doingthis, the authorities are ensuringthey tackle the problem at an ex-tremely vital source — the entrypoint of victims. By placing a spe-cial focus on prevention, one of thefive Ps that form the main plank ofUAE’s fight against trafficking (theothers being prosecution, punish-ment, protection and promotion ofinternational cooperation), authori-ties are ensuring they furtherstrengthen efforts to eradicate thisdespicable crime. — Gulf News

MEDIA WATCH

—Proverb

Edmund Burke in 1770 madethe assertion and I quote ‘Iam not one of those that the

people are never in the wrong.They have been so, frequently andoutrageously both in this and othercountries. But I do say that in alldisputes between them and theirrulers, the presumption is at leastup on a par in favor of the people’.The same holds true today andthose cynics who ask whether theelections will bring better daysmay be well advised to understandthe logic of the collective wisdomof the people. Pakistan’s democ-racy is in a depressing state at themoment. Depressing becauselesser goons have reached the par-liament and have shown preciouslittle by their exertions. The men-tal exercise is more or less moronicand the collection of assets hasbeen more or les to their benefits.The results have come out. But theelection brings its own kind ofadvantages and may I add depress-ing news. The poor and honest willnot make it. The rich and cheatswill make it. This years turn outwill indicate whether we are ca-pable of making it as a democraticgovernment.

The anchors have made itworse for all the viewers. The buzzword is to start a conflict ofthoughts amongst the various par-ties present at any discussion. TheTV is a powerful conveyor ofviews and can do more damage bysimply anecdotal statements. Inthe fleeting moment the electronic

Ensure electoral transparency

HURMAT GROUP OF PUBLICATIONSZahid Malik

President & Editor-in-ChiefPh: 051-2256006

Faisal Zahid MalikEditor

Ph: 021-32631102

Gauhar Zahid MalikExecutive Editor

Ph: 051-2853818

IslamabadPh Exchange: 051-2852027

Reporting Desk: 051-2852028, News Desk: 051-5879329Marketing: 051-2262254, 2852029 Fax: 051-2262258

Email: observer@pakobserver.net Website: www.pakobserver.net

KarachiFaisal Zahid Malik

EditorPh: 021-32211777, 32635403

Fax: 021-32626902Email: obskhi@pakobserver.net

LahoreKhalid ButtResident Editor

Ph: 042-37593341, 37566702Marketing Ph: 37597364

Fax: 042-36300043Email: obslhr@pakobserver.net

QuettaGhulam TahirResident Editor

Mobile: 0333-7944760E-mail:obsqta@pakobserver.net

PeshawarTariq SaeedResident Editor

Mobile: 0321-9001476E-mail:obspwr@pakobserver.net

MuzaffarabadAbdul Hameed Shaheen

Resident EditorPh: 051-2852028, Mobile: 0315-5010791

Email: obsmzd@pakobserver.net / abdulhameedshaheen@yahoo.com

Sunday Magazine

Sadia Zahid MalikEditor

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

Every five years or so, Pakistanis vote in elections thattend to reopen old, fester-

ing economic, and ethnic and re-ligious wounds. The upcomingMay 11 parliamentary election istaking place against the back-ground of bloodshed and car-nage, which is more about poli-tics of mud throwing on othersthan ideologies or policies. Mostmain-stream parties have alreadykicked-off their campaigns, butwe won’t be seeing many faceschanging. The situation in thecountry is unstable moving back-wards instead of going forward.Because of poor security situa-tion in the country it would bedifficult to organize campaign.The stakes this year are espe-cially high following the disas-trous 2008 poll, which unleasheda pre-electoral bloodbath. Blood-shed and violence is highlylikely, particularly before and af-ter the election. Localized vio-lence has already begun.

Thanks God! The PPP ledcoalition government has com-pleted its five years darkest termand finally, the nightmare of thePPP Government is over, and themasses have breath a sigh of re-lief. This was the worst govern-ment not only for the poor butalso for the middle classes. Al-though unpopularity and angerover the performance of the out-going Government and theirplundering the country during itsfive years like a conquering en-emy force is more likely to dam-

media can create more dam-age than a life long enmitywith any one. The only per-son on TV who I can safelysay has the ability to work outhis sums is Rauf Klasra andI can tell you that he will not

assert any aspect unless he has writ-ten documents and he has made sureof what he is saying. I have seenpoliticians arguing the hind legs ofa donkey off with him but he hasalways the documents to cover whathe is saying.

Others are opinion givers andor revert to religion to make a point.That is neither here nor there. Thereal issue and debate would be withstrong facts to back the arguments.Too much noise on the TV screenis not any kind of credit to any one.Noise is seldom with reason. Therehave been people who are spoilers.But then we can have any kind ofcollective wisdom. The electionswill also prove another significantfact and that will depend on the turnout. Now that the transport will notbe provided to the voters will theyhave the sense to come out on thatday? And that will determinewhether the game is on for us. Hasdemocracy provided the where-withal to the people and has notbeen superficial and disengaging.

Is Pakistan a politicized nation?The answer if evidence from thepast is taken will most certainly beno. The power game is now withthe elites. The elites are now richerthan ever although when they cameto be representatives they werepoor. The asset list of last electedrepresentatives is tantamount towhat I have stated before. In factthe conversion of black or unac-counted resources is shown as prizebonds normally purchased throughloans obtained from cousins. Which

cousin will give four crores rupeesas loans for an unaccounted period?These remote elites become re-moter with time. People have aproblem for even when the decisionis about their welfare they are sel-dom if ever taken on board. Democ-racy in developing countries likePakistan will always have a prob-lem of outreach.

Once the polls have closed Pa-kistanis have a feeling of helpless-ness. It dawns on them that poweris in the hands of a group of peoplethat are not inclined to even recog-nize them much less listen to them.And in Pakistan the fall from gracecan be fast and furious as someleaders have experience in the pastand some are going through thatprocess. The decisions of the gov-ernment are superimposed on thepeople and with time this imposi-tion becomes more and more bla-tant. Take the development projects.These are seldom for the people butthe hidden agenda is always to thepower elites that want to do it theirway. Pakistan has had itsmotorways and it has its mosqueschools and it has its underpass andit has its roads to the houses of thepowerful built at exorbitant cost.For a poor country and its povertyridden people every penny counts.Yet does every penny count? Lookat the misallocation of resourcesand there are no exceptions.

The current elections do notprovide any legitimacy for the waythese have been conducted. Therules have been applied in a selec-tive manner. Today he is corruptand declared null and void and to-morrow he is valid when the rulesare clear and indicate the likelycourse of action. I have been a re-turning officer in the 1970 elec-tions. I can vouchsafe that the mat-

ter can be done very clearly andin an organized manner.Look at civil liberties that exist inthis country. Can any one have anyof these liberties that we shouldin fact take for granted elsewhere?The law enforcers are themselvesin turmoil. They can barely live ontheir own and so how can theymake do with their other familyexpenses. So? Inflation cuts in tothe very vitals of a society. Canpolitical forces be the same everywhere in Pakistan or will the situ-ation differ in different provinces?Can we fulfil the aspirations of thepeople of Karachi and ofBaluchistan or will we keep onshowing the wrong end of devel-opment and keep on taking credit.

Can democracy make thepeople happy? If the countriesround the world is examined thenstrong political freedom and as-sured civil liberties report higherlevels of well being. Can Pakistanassume that we have to be in sub-stantial democracy and not itsform? How many debates on is-sues have we had and how manylegislative acts have been carriedout. What is the basis of legisla-ture if it does not reflect the chang-ing circumstances that are requiredto be on the statutes? How manywere implemented.

How do we make this more rel-evant tour needs? How can we havebetter people in position? How ispublic service to be organized?How many of us really understandthe governance? That is the crux ofthe matter. How did USA learnthis? How is the Chinese systemworking-of selective democracy?Democracy can be tailored to thecountry’s culture. Why are we blindfollowers of the west? Use our ownideas. We may be better off.

age the party’s run in theelections; however vitalquestion is who will re-cover the amount of Ru-pees 18000 billion plun-dered by them and reversethe precious lands in all

the big cities grabbed by themduring that period. While the lifeof common men has become mis-erable, with the collaboration ofElection Commission and caretak-ers, the multi-billion dollar loot-ing of Pakistan’s resources islikely to continue, threateninghopes for peace and economic re-construction. It is alarming thatinstead of their accountability, theplunderers, loan defaulters, crimi-nals, corrupt, fake degree holdersand those who got heavy loanswritten off have once again haveeasily cleared their scrutiny pro-cess with the blessings of ElectionCommission. They are again try-ing to misguide the masses on thenew slogans.

The life of the poor has be-come like a living hell in last fiveyears. Political dynasties and feu-dal are putting the future of ourcountry in great risk—we muststop criminals from getting intogovernment. The governmentfailed to solve or even reduce theproblems faced by the poor dur-ing a long tenure of five years.Poverty has reached highest ever,the prices of essential daily useditems including food has skyrock-eted, business, investment and in-dustry are faced with unprec-edented loss, religious intoleranceand militancy increased, the en-ergy crisis worsened, the economyhas meltdown, the social crisis hasintensified, key fundamentalrights of people like life, safety,liberty, health, education are facedwith unprecedented jeopardy, and

unemployment and hunger are nowat climax.

Due to dissatisfaction, coupledwith the mutual suspicion and dis-respect between the rulers andmasses have led to a situationwhere most Pakistanis do not thinkof Pakistan as their home; and haveno respect, love, loyalty, and trustfor the country and to for its po-litical institutions. Naturally, therecan be no gratitude to a state thatassassinates its best and brightest?There can be no affection for acountry that encourages an atmo-sphere of fear and death. There canbe no loyalty to a country that doesnot provide security, employmentand other public goods for the vastmajority of the populace. Therecan be no trust between a peopleand a government that is adept atencouraging mediocrity, favorit-ism and ethnic conflicts.

However as long as we havebreath in our lungs there is hope.Hope leads us to faith and faithbreeds Confidence. Under today’scircumstance it’s best we not crytoo much and look towards theprospects of a brighter future. Weshould cast our votes very wiselyto the right people. Crying or com-plaining and pointing fingers ofblame only make the problemsworse and achieve nothing. Emo-tions can often get to the best ofus and the fact is that we can’t turnback the clock, it’s best to go for-ward in confidence and determi-nation. The government shouldtake extraordinary measures toensure fair, transparent and freeelections, and peaceful transitionof power. Hope and faith are theguiding light that will carry usthrough troubled times.

As long we maintain a visiontowards a brighter future, we havefaith. Hope, faith and confidence

are the three elements our nationand the world needs most in thesedelicate times.

People in Pakistan aresimple-minded and innocent. Letthem not be deceived anymore.Pakistan today is a rich man’sdemocracy. Discard the plunder-ers in the light of Article 62 & 63of the Constitution. There mustbe a campaign to inform the pub-lic about these candidates whoplundered and left governmentcoffers dry and empty. The cam-paign should help Pakistani vot-ers make an informed choice dur-ing elections and not to beswayed by empty political prom-ises. Make the masses aware oftheir rights and responsibilities.Intellectuals should come for-ward and create better societywith a true democratic spirit pre-pared to march further in a demo-cratic way.

Allow all members of the par-liament to vote on issues accord-ing to their conscience. Free themfrom the party-slavery and prac-tice full democracy within the re-spective party. Prevailing situa-tion of the country demands thatthe media should play its positiverole to guide the nation towardsright way. The causes creatingviolent attitudes need to be ad-dressed on priority basis. Other-wise in the next election which-ever party gets elected even thenthe worst condition of Pakistanwill not change.

Transparent elections are theonly way that will prove to bean important step towards peaceand an ultimate defeat for the ter-rorist elements. I believe in thelight at the end of the tunnel, Ibelieve in a brighter future, Ibelieve faith can move moun-tains. I believe in hope.

Dr Zafar AltafEmail:dr_altaf@hotmail.com

Shaukat M ZafarEmail: smzafar101@gmail.com

Voice of the People

Iran has been working on nuclearenergy technology since the1950s. It was all spurred by the

launch of US President Dwight DEisenhower’s Atoms for Peace pro-gram. History shows that the US andits allies were in fact the drivingforce behind Iran’s nuclear program.Nuclear research, facilities, and re-actors, and even the vision for Iranhaving nuclear weapons, were allconceived and initiated by the Shahand his government, with the directassistance and encouragement by theUS. This is very much similar towhat happened in Israel, which de-veloped its arsenal nuclear with thedirect help of the US and France.They were not conceived or initiatedafter the Revolution.

Concerns mounted over Iranianintentions in the aftermath of the Is-lamic Revolution in 1979 and outsideassistance effectively ended. It wasknown that Iran was reviving its ci-vilian nuclear programs during the1990s. However, revelations came in2002 of Iran’s clandestine research infuel enrichment and conversion

Cheatingin exams?MADIHA RASHEED

Cheating is becoming an essentialpart of our exams student thinksthat without cheating they cannotpass their exams in Pakistan exami-nations are held in different schoolsand if a principal is not allowingstudents to do cheating in examsand want every student to give ex-ams fairly the students are becom-ing aggressive. Also parents are be-coming against him. What is thisis this. Our education level? Mostof the students have joined politi-cal parties and want the school au-thorities to allow them to do cheat-ing. Political parties are also play-ing a vital role in helping their stu-dents in cheating in examination.They are treating the principal ofthe school and making plansagainst him. Is this fair as a Mus-lim we must give respect to our el-ders but what we are doing.

Everybody and every profes-sion deserves a respect. Respectmeans not to put someone at thelevel of superiority. Respect meansto give importance to their age, totheir experience, to their effort andto their parental behavior. If some-one assume himself a superiority,has an arrogance, in my view, hedoesn’t deserve a respect. Teach-ers are more important in our lifethan the other people. They gener-ally have good personality, eagerto teach, love the student like theirparents and they are humble. Be-ing good teacher is difficult asmuch as couldn’t do only to makemoney.

If a teacher only think to makemoney, and he/she sees his/her stu-dents only customers, yes we canprofessionally see them only as avendor who we pay their salary. ButI think most of the teachers are notlike vendors and they don’t seetheir student only money makingmachine; they work with big sacri-fice, they don’t make big money,they devoted themselves to theirchildren and they deserve a big re-spect. Hope we realize this realitysoon and become a good studentand a good Muslim.—Via email

Drone strikesand PPP govt

ASMA SHABBIR

Drone Strikes have proved cata-strophic for the people of the re-gion with thousands killed and nu-merous displaced. The logic ofeliminating terrorists by Americawithout trial has done nothing butinstill anger in the hearts of thetribal’s. There is no proof that socalled terrorists have been killed orwhether the people killed had any-thing to do with terrorism. The ca-sualties have been innocent people,women and children. Granted thatsome terrorists have infiltrated theregion but to just drop bombs onpeople on suspicion is not practicedanywhere else in the world.

Drones do not have eyes andare operated by people with flimsyevidence. The government mustmake its position clear on this mat-ter and must tell the Americans tostop bombarding innocent people.The present government maintainsthat the government of Musharrafmade a deal with the Americans.But that argument doesn’t holdgood as the PPP has been in powerfor 5 years now. It’s high time ittook and stand and protected itscitizens.—Karachi

Healthy foodand acneRAO BASIT ALI

I would like to draw your attentiontoward the effect of healthy foodon acne. Many healthy foods con-tain vitamins and minerals that areeffective in helping to treat acne.

Fill your diet with foods suchas carrots as they contain Vitamin-A, which helps to reduce excessproduction of sebum; red meats asthey are rich in zinc, which preventacne by controlling your oil glandactivity; and whole grains as theycontain various B vitamins, impor-tant for aiding your body in deal-ing with stress, which may causeacne. So please take healthy foodin your diet. Someone says:“Health is wealth”.—Karachi

Street beggarsSUMBUL BATOOL

There are two thoughts of schoolrelating to our society. Firstly a so-ciety which is developed success-ful, educationalist and getting all fa-cilities of life but on the other handthere is another society which isstill in dark time, no education, no

Disappearing forests in PunjabHAJI MUSA

About 50 years ago, the banks of River Indus in the Punjabwere lush green forests. But as the river started to dry up due

to several reasons, those trees started disappearing. The land overwhich those trees had stood, completely bare by now, has beenoccupied by squatters who are making millions of rupees withoutgiving anything to the government, the rightful owner. Thousandsof acres of such land lying on the eastern fringes of mauza LundiPitafi and the adjoining villages in district Muzaffargarh has beengrabbed by some unruly miscreants who on the strength of thisfree booty not only behave like dacoits creating mischief for thesurrounding settlements but are also depriving the government ofmillions in revenue. The government of Punjab is requested to getthis land vacated and auction it off on merit to deserving tillers.—Muzaffargarh

READERS

Email:editorial@pakobserver.net

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

—Editor

labour and no source of income. Aclass from this society is known asstreet beggars. These were thepeople who travel here and there andbeg other people for food, shelter,etc. In this category a large numberof children and youngster are presentwhich give negative impact of oursociety. As we listen many time thatthe youngster are the pillar of a suc-cessful society, so what about them?They are also a part of our societyand about 40 to 50% of our societyis based upon them. We should re-member that we can’t get success ora peaceful environment until or un-less both segments of societies gohand in hand. Therefore I request tothe government to take a serious ac-tion immediately by providing themhouse, food, education and everyfacility of life as they deserve it, tomake Pakistan strong.—Karachi

Facebookactivism

ASADULLAH LASHARI

The society has lost its revolution-ary zeal and has restricted itself totwitter, face book activism. Peoplefrom different walks of life join thesocial media campaign. Facebookhas emerged as the most favoriteplatform of the armchair activists toexpress their outrage against any is-sue. Due to lack of web censorship,anyone can say anything and it isnear perfect means for fanatics.

Liberals don’t get embroiled inheated arguments and the fundamen-talists dedicated to extreme ideolo-gies tend to win out. Youth has be-come highly monotonous,makingstatements from their comfort zones.in this hi-tech world, we should knowwhat to reflect and what to neglect.—Karachi

Shaking inearth and mind

SARAH PERACHA

Suddenly in between the afternoonnap, I felt that my bed was shakingup and then I realize that my bed wasliterally moving and I felt save tofall down from bed and run, it waspathetic to run with having end ofthe life thoughts but I did not knowthat more pathetic happenings werewaiting for us in the few comingminutes as we returned back to homeand switched on the television, I feltlike rather I am living in India or ourwhole media is more useless thanIndians as all Pakistani channelswere forwarding the clips and newsstories of Indian news channels inthe real beginning and as the tick-tock moved another shocking newsaired that Karachi Met Office hadnot recorded the jolts level inKarachi because of load shedding.

I was amazed that if Clifton,Azizabad, Malir Cantt and manyother high profile areas are forbid-den from load shedding then whyMet Office was having power fail-ure. There waw seriously zipping themouth situation in Pakistan wherestill our electronic media is forward-ing the news claims of Iran’s chan-nel that nineteen people are killedin Balochistan. There is no singlenews aired on television in the fourinitial hours which was typicallybased on Pakistan’s resources.—Karachi

Smoking inpublic transport

HUMNA KHAN

People smoking inside buses are notappreciated at all by any of the pas-sengers. The smoke is a disturbancefor everyone that is travelling on thebus. Although there is not much saidby the law and enforcement on thisissue but still smoking inside publictransport is a crime.

People don’t care even if otherhave problem with the smoke that isdispersed by the cigarette becausethey are so much intoxicated by thehype of the smoking at that time thatthey hardly notice frustrated facesof people around them. Manypeople when told not to smoke in-side the bus would act rudely and insome cases there are quarrels that

Myanmar’s chance to do right by all

In Myanmar, the word “kalar” isan insult that you hear shouted atMuslims. You can see it printed

in vicious pamphlets about theRohingya, Myanmar’s largest Mus-lim ethnic group, calling for them tobe kept away from towns, kicked outof the country or murdered.

Kalar is a slang word for “dark-skinned” — a form of abuse I knowsomething about. And I, like millionsof South Africans, know that suchabuse can never last. God did not cre-ate us for such hatred. I know alsothat a country is never truly free orprosperous until it is at peace withitself — until a nation, be it SouthAfrica or Myanmar, loves and raisesall its children equally. A nation mustwork hard and come together to real-ize this.So we must be very mea-

sured in our praise of Myanmar’s newopenness while its poorest and mostvulnerable people, such as theRohingya, are not living in safety anddignity. I travelled to Myanmar re-cently and saw for myself a greatnumber of the positive developmentsthat others around the world havebeen cheering.

I met with several political pris-oners who had been released by thenew government after decades of de-tainment under the junta. I wasthrilled to finally hold hands withAung San Suu Kyi, who is no longerunder house arrest and proudly standsin the parliament. We were free towalk the streets of Yangon together.

The dreaded red pen of newspa-per censorship has also been putaway; the printing presses are whir-ring, and Myanmar, which is alsoknown as Burma, enjoys a newfoundfreedom of expression that manyyoung people there had never expe-

rienced. But I departed with a heavyheart. I was shattered by the poverty,the decaying buildings, the uncertainelectricity supply and the broken side-walks. Driving into Yangon, ourgroup paid a number of tolls forwhich we received no receipt, noth-ing. How blatantly can you stealmoney that should be used to benefitordinary people?

I am worried that the winds ofchange are not blowing evenly, thatsome of the weak and the poor willbe left behind. And then there arethe Rohingya — just one poignantexample of Myanmar’s new free-doms becoming exploited by bul-lies and extremists. How can peoplebe treated in such a way — hunteddown, homes torched, beaten andkilled — in the name of a warpedsense of nationalism? Do the per-petrators not know that we are fromthe same human family? I wasmoved by a recent editorial in this

Desmond Tutu

raised international concern thatIran’s ambitions had metastasizedbeyond peaceful intent. U.S policiesof tightened sanctions and threat ofwar to curb Iran’s nuclear programare hurting ordinary Iranians. Sanc-tions and threat of war have failed toalter its behaviour and enabled theclerics to depict the US as the GreatSatan because threats do not solveproblems. If there is a unilateral andmultilateral military action then Irancan argue that it’s their legitimateright to build nuclear bomb for theirsafety and sovereignty. A democracythat doesn’t give right to other coun-tries isn’t a democracy.

A nuclear Iran acting as a coun-terbalance to Israel seems like a rea-sonable hypothesis. PresidentObama on a number of occasions haspublicly stated, “I have Israel’sback.” Attack by Iran on Israelwould be considered an attack on theUnited States that would elicit animmediate military response. Thebest way to stop Iran from goingnuclear is to turn the entire regioninto a nuclear-free zone, startingwith Israel which never signed thenuclear non-proliferation treaty.Other option which is most probableis Iran should get the bomb as Ken-neth Waltz argues that, “Nuclear

Views From Abroad

turn into fights at times. Even thecommuters hardly pay attention tosuch issues because at times theythemselves smoke in buses. I wouldlike to draw the attention of the con-cerned authorities of law and en-forcement that they should put astrict law that smoking is banned inpublic transport because there aremany people who might be suffer-ing from different health issues thatmight get worse due to smoke fromcigarettes.—Karachi

UnemployededucatedKIRAN ZEHRA

This is my response to AltamashSyed’s letter (Tuesday , April 16 .2013). I agree with the facts that thehe has explained in the letter that theeducated people are jobless and thepeople who are uneducated are onhigh posts as they have sources. Un-employment has become a chronicfeature of modern societies every-where. The estimated number of jobswhich are expected to be created onan annual basis is falling by the day.

This makes it very difficult tofind jobs and causes continuous un-employment. However, the combi-nation of unemployment with lackof financial resources and social re-sponsibilities may cause individualsto take up work that doesn’t fit theircareer profile or their skills. There-fore individuals may under-utilizetheir potential and talents, leading to“underemployment.” Governmentshould take this problem seriouslyotherwise there will be no value ofeducation in Pakistan.—Karachi

Fashion andits effects

MADIHA RASHEED

A unique combination of functionaland cultural systems defines and dis-tinguishes a society. Society is aplace where we live together andinteract with each other and also weshare our joys and sorrows. Fashionis something we deal with everyday.One can find a lot of changes andevolution in the history of fashion.Name brands became of particularimportance among young people.Fashion changes like wind whichmakes it difficult for man to keeppace with them. Fashion is a formof non-verbal communication to in-dicate occupation, gender etc. It notonly embraces clothing but also ac-cessories.

Unable us to make ourselves un-derstood with rapid comprehensionby the onlooker. Fashion is only ameans of ones expression? Musi-cians and other cultural icons havealways influenced that we are wear-ing, but so have political figures androyalty. The death of Diana, the prin-cess of Wales, was a severe blow tothe high fashion world, where herclothes were daily news fashionscreating both positive impacts aswell as negative impacts. Girls orboys follow the fashion in order toattract the representatives of theircontrary. Fashion industry employssome millions of people. It showsyour modern and flexible thinking.It is a way of celebrating the diver-sity and variety of the world in whichwe live.

Negative impacts youth onlythink about the new fashion stylesand this causes money wasting onit. The main task of students is study,since they spend more time on fash-ion, they will have less time andenergy on study. We seem to feelinadequate if not properly acceptedby society, so we are mentally dis-turbed by it and it can cause thingssuch as anxiety, depression and eat-ing disorders.—Via email

balancing [between Israel and Iran]would mean stability.” Hence, manyin the international community re-main skeptical. Despite U.S. intelli-gence finding in November 2007that highlighted Iran had halted itsnuclear weapons program in 2003,Bush administration officials contin-ued to warn that Iran seeks toweaponize its nuclear program. Iranrejects allegations by the US, Israeland their allies that its nuclear en-ergy program has been diverted tonon-civilian purposes and maintainsthat as a committed signatory to theNon-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) anda member of the InternationalAtomic Energy Agency (IAEA), ithas the right to use nuclear technol-ogy for peaceful purposes.

Iran is fully aware of strainswhich are coming from global nonproliferation regime, US and Israel.Therefore, Iran continues to acquirediplomatic support through the NAMforum. Iran is also trying to thwartglobal pressure and sanctions by at-taining support from Russia andChina. Russia and China also statedthat any action by US or Israel againstIran would be a serious mistake. Inresponse to increased western hostil-ity towards Iran, Chinese Major Gen-eral Zhang Zhaozhong remarked that

“China will not hesitate to protectIran even with a third world war”.The regional events may work infavor of Iran as other Islamist forcesrise to challenge Israel and the US.

Iran and the five permanentmembers of the UN Security Coun-cil plus Germany wrapped up theirlatest round of negotiations on April6 in Kazakhstan. The latest roundof talks, in Kazakhstan’s formercapital, Almaty, concluded withoutany positive sign. Delegates fromboth sides did not even decide onthe next round of talks. Iran, on itspart, has refused to halt its nuclearwork. Nevertheless the recentrounds of talks have been termedas “constructive” by Iran. The Ira-nian and Kazakh ministers also dis-cussed ways to strengthen the ami-cable relations between Tehran andAstana in various fields.

So now is the time for the U.S.and Israel to stop overreacting aboutIran’s nuclear program and stopimposing sanctions as Iran has al-ready managed to turn the pressureand difficulties “into opportunities.”On the other hand, US have failedto achieve any success through thepath it’s taken, by imposing eco-nomic sanctions.—The writer works for IPRI.

newspaper that called it “a moralerror” for Myanmar to gloss over itstroubles. This inter-religious strife,previously confined to one state, isspreading to other parts of Myanmar.Protests are being violently quashed.Swaths of land in villages are beingconfiscated. I pray that PresidentThein Sein, his colleagues and therest of the leadership of Myanmarcan all apply their impressive will-power so these tragedies can be ad-dressed.

Otherwise, I fear that the ex-traordinary kindness I found therewill never be rewarded and that arare chance — one that I worried wemight never see — will be missed.If the leadership of Myanmar cancome together and embrace all itspeople, the country can indeed be aland of milk and honey. The writeris archbishop emeritus of Cape Townand a Nobel Peace laureate.— Courtesy: The Washington Post

Truth is the first to be soughtfor and Beauty and Goodnesswill then be added unto

you…” Mahatma Gandhi Slowlybut steadily we have become anuntruthful nation, till today it isdifficult for us to take anyone atface value.

Even as someone speaks to us,we are on guard, trying to analyzehis speech, body language, his man-ner of speaking, his gestures, herposture and decipher whetherthey’re speaking the truth or not andbased on what our senses perceive

we modify and mould our reply andcarry on the conversation with liberaldoses of our own falsehoods.

After all if they’re lying whyshouldn’t we also? When Aristotlethe Greek philosopher who was alsotutor to Alexander the Great wasasked, what a man could gain by ut-tering falsehoods, he replied, ‘Not tobe believed when he is telling thetruth.’ On the other hand it is relatedthat when Petrarch the Italian poet aman of strict integrity was summonedas a witness and offered in the usualmanner to take an oath before a courtof justice, the judge closed the book,saying, ‘As for you Petrarch, yourword is sufficient!’

‘As for you Patrarch your wordis sufficient!’ Can we ever expect any-one to say thus to us? Can you imag-ine what delight, what joy it would

create in you if your child, your sonor your daughter, your spouse, turnedto you and said such words? Wordswhich mean; you are a person oftruth. But sadly we as a people, as anation have become a bunch of liars.We blame our politicians for beinguntruthful, but have you ever been tosome one’s house where the tele-phone rings and the child picks upthe phone turns to his father asks,“Dad are you at home or not?”

You think you’ve got away withsaving a few hundred bucks butyou’ve taught your child to lie, andthen one day the school principal callsyou over, “I’m sorry but we caughtyour son cheating!” “Cheating! Myson? That’s impossible!” “Here’sproof, this is the paper we found inhis socks!” You walk back ashamedwith child in tow and finally ask,

Seek out truth..!“Where did you learn to be acheat?” “You taught me to be onema!” Today the whole world re-veres and respects the teachings ofGandhiji. He used truth well. Whatmade Gandhi seek the truth? Whatmade Gandhi use truth as a weapon?Because truth was the most power-ful weapon Gandhi found he coulduse. In other words it makes logicalsense to be truthful.

So let’s try and get back to thislogical, workable way of leadingour lives, and watch how successwill come to us; not today’s suc-cess where we have cash in ourcupboards and wait fearfully forthe taxman to ring our doorbell, buta success where we not only dowell, but sleep well. Start seekingout truth..!—Email:bobsbanter@gmail.com

Voting behaviour in Pakistan

Elections are around the cornerin Pakistan. Pakistan has experienced eight general elections

(also including those held during dic-tatorship era) as well as 1951-54 di-rect provincial Assemblies and indi-rect Presidential election duringPresident Ayub’s era. Still Pakistanis in transitional phase and seekingto achieve a smooth and successfuldemocratic system. So, it would notbe an exaggeration to say that elec-tion system remained oscillatorysince independence. Major stum-bling block to the path of success-ful democracy is the lack of voter’sdirection and clear political vision.On providing clarity to electoratesby the political parties throughtransparent manifesto, only then theelected political party will be ableto better serve the national interestrather than perusing vested interestsof a few political elite.

The voting behavior of Pakistanis duly traced observing Pakistan’selectoral pattern in a historical per-spective. Since long Pakistan societyhas been stuck in the whirlpool of feu-dalism, sardari pattern, tribal Malikand Biradaries’ system, religious fac-tions, ethnicity, class structure, pres-sure and interest groups, etc. In pur-

suit of their own ideological consid-eration while supporting their respec-tive political parties, these disgruntledelements influence the voting behav-ior in Pakistan. These are not onlydominating the voters’ minds but alsoshaping their decisions to cast votein their favour against the voter’swill. This politico domineering gotmore accelerated and strengthenedduring the era of non-political gov-ernments coupled with weak politi-cal ideology. The underlying bitterreality shows that most of the ‘In-fluenced Voters’ are not freely think-ing while casting their votes, deny-ing the very fact that the right to voteis a way of expressing one’s ownchoice or opinion, especially by of-ficially marking a paper or by rais-ing one’s hand. To sum up, votingbehaviour is a set of attitudes andbeliefs towards election at the na-tional as well as at the local level.

While analyzing the voting pat-tern of the Pakistani society it comesout that the former stands fragmentedas follows: a) Pakistan’s IdeologicalVote backed by Muslim Leaguewhich created Pakistan under theleadership of Quaid-i-Azam, not thetoday’s Muslim League which is di-vided among “N”, “Q”, “F” etc., b)Bhutto’s charismatic slogan “Roti,Kapara or Makan Vote” led by Paki-stan People’s Party during Bhutto’sera, c) Victim Vote (Bhutto’sShaheedVote) slogan being exploited by

Pakistan’s Peoples Party during 90’sand subsequently in the last generalelections d) Religious Vote backed byall Pakistani religious parties, e) theso-called Moderate Vote claimed byMQM and ANP etc. and now recentslogan of change coined by PTI bythe name of Naya Pakistan.

Now media has become an in-dependent pillar of state in Pakistan.Media especially the social mediahas generated awareness among theelectorates about their independentpolitical rights, specifically amongthe Pakistani youth which consistsof more than 60 percent of the totaldemography. However, partiality orbiasedness of media cannot be over-looked. As there are evidences thatmedia persons and journalists dohave tilt and partisanship for oneparty or the other. Media can playits role by highlight and educatingabout the ethic of electioneering,rights and duties of voters, past tra-dition of casting vote etc.

As far as manifestos of the par-ties are concerned, they have re-mained failed in meeting the chal-lenges and concerns of the Pakistanisociety in the wake of all the politi-cal and social problems of the Paki-stani society particularly emergingserious energy crisis, ever spirallinginflation, nose-diving economy, un-employment, health facilities, floodand security situation, etc. In thewake of bleak situation, voter turn-

out has declined over the years dueto poor performance in fact no per-formance of political parties whenreach to power corridor. However,there are several causes of apathytowards political system which in-clude mere sloganeering and rheto-ric by politicians which leaveyounger voters disappointed andthus fanning a widespread feelingthat politicians do not pay heed tothe people’s concerns in general andto the youth’s issues in particular. Italso arises a feeling within massesthat there single vote would notmake any difference.

In fact, politics is a process ofdecision-making and settling issueswithin a society. Thomas MMagstadt and Peter M Schotten ex-plain politics as, “Politics is the pro-cess by which a community selectsrulers and empowers them to makedecisions, takes action to attain com-mon goals, and reconciles conflictswithin the community.” In this veryregard mass political participationat grass root level is a key towards asuccess which gives a sense of own-ership to the people while partici-pating in decision-making processat local, union or tehsil levels. Itwould not only control the influ-enced pre-poll rigging but also givesrealization and political awarenessto electorates to cast their vote withfull consciousness.—The writer works for IPRI.

Containing Iranian nuke techUsman Ali Khan

Email: usmanalikhan6@gmail.com

M Nawaz KhanEmail: nawazverdag915@hotmail.com

COURT NOTICE

In The Court of UmerFarooq Alvi Additional

District CollectorBahawalnagar Pakistan

File No. 489/12Next date of Hearing 15-05-2013 Muhammad Mukhtaretc s/o Fazal MuhammadArain R/o Chak No. 204/M, Tehsil Chishtian Dis-trict Bahawalnagar PunjabPakistanVersus1. Khalid Mahmood, 2.Shahid Mahmood, 3. Mst.Rifat Rafique D/oMuhammad Rafique, 4.Mst. Fazlan Bibi Wd/oMuhammad Rafique R/o159-Dranke St. RochdaleLawcsol, 111-FF UnitedKingdom.Subject: FILE REGARD-ING ISSUANCE OF PAR-TIALLY PARTIAL PATTAMMALKIAT REGARD-ING LAND UNDERABAD KARI SCHEMECOMPRISING RECT-ANGLE NO. 3-4 MEA-SURING 150 KANALSCHAK NO. 204/M TEHSILCHISHTIAN ALONGWITH AHATA NO. 33.

The subject cited caseis under process in thecourt of the undersignedin which your presence asrespondent could not bemade through ordinaryway of summoning. Nowthe case is fixed for hear-ing. Your are, therefore di-rected to appear in thecourt personally orthrough your attorney/ad-vocate for follow-up thecase.

In case of non appear-ance ex-part proceedingwill be initiated against youdated 15-04-2013.

Additional DistrictCollector

Bahawalnagar

COURT NOTICE

In the Court ofMuhammad Saleem, SbJudge Banking Court-

III, 12-B Allah ShafiChowk Pull Bararan

Road Multan.Suit No.248/2012ZTBL Branch Duniya purDistt, Lodhran —PlaintiffVersusJamshed Muhammad S/OAllah Bakhsh CasteBaloch R/O Chak No-5/MTehsil Duniya pur Distt,Lodhran —DefendantProclamation U/S 9 (5)Financial Institution Re-covery of Finances Ordi-nance 46 of 2001WHEREAS the aforesaidplaintiff has instituted asuit against you and oth-ers for recovery of Rs-584953/-alongwith markup/interest and costs etcclaimed to be payable byyou Proclamation u/s 9(5)Ordinance 46 of 2001 tothe above is hereby is-sued requiring you to makewithin 30 days of this proc-lamation, an applicationfor leave to defend thesuit.

Taken notice that onyour failure to file suchapplication within timespecified above the Bank-ing Court shall pass a de-cree as prayed for in theplaint. Next date for furtherproceedings, in the casehas been fixed on15.05.2013.

Given under my handand the seal of the court,this 10th day of December,2012Seal of the CourtJudge Banking Court III

Multan

COURT NOTICE

In the Court of MazharHussain Chaudhry.

Judge Banking Court-I,60-B, Abdali Road

MultanSuit No.454/2012ZTBL Rojhan Distt,Rajanpur —PlaintiffVersus(1)Hakim Ali S/O KhairBakhash Caste Gulrani (2)Iqbal S/O Khair BakhashCaste Gulrani Both R/OMouza Bara Tehsil RojhanDistt, Rajonpur —Defen-dantProclamation U/S 9 (5) Fi-nancial Institution Recov-ery of Finances Ordi-nance 46 of 2001 WHEREAS the afore-said plaintiff has instituteda suit against you and oth-ers for recovery of Rs-487606/- alongwith markup/interest and costs etcclaimed to be payable byyou. Proclamation u/s 9(5)Ordinance 46 of 2001 tothe above is hereby is-sued requiring you to makewithin 30 days of this proc-lamation, an applicationfor leave to defend thesuit. Taken notice that onyour failure to file such ap-plication within timespecified above the Bank-ing Court shall pass a de-cree as prayed for in theplaint. Next date for furtherproceedings, in the casehas been fixed on07.05.2013.

Given under my handand the seal of the court,this 04th day of April, 2013Seal of the CourtJudge Banking Court I

Multan

COURT NOTICE

In the Court of Mr.Muhammad Saleem Sb,Judge Banking Court, -12-B Allah Shafi Chowk

Pul Bararan RoadMultan.

Suit No.248/2012ZTBL Branch Duniyapur—PlaintiffVersusJamshed Muhammad S/OAlah Bakhsh Caste BalochR/O Chak No-5/M TehsilDuniyapur Distt, Lodhran—DefendantProclamation U/S 9 (5) Fi-nancial Institution Recov-ery of Finances Ordi-nance 46 of 2001WHEREAS the aforesaidplaintiff has instituted asuit against you and oth-ers for recovery of Rs-584953/—alongwith markup/interest and costs etcclaimed to be payable byyou Proclamation u/s 9(5)Ordinance 46 of 2001 tothe above is hereby is-sued requiring you to makewithin 30 days of this proc-lamation, an applicationfor leave to defend thesuit.

Taken notice that onyour failure to file such ap-plication within timespecified above the Bank-ing Court shall pass a de-cree as prayed for in theplaint. Next date for furtherproceedings, in the casehas been fixed on08.04.2013.

Given under my handand the seal of the court,this 26th day of February,2013Seal of the Court

Judge Banking CourtMultan

COURT NOTICE

In the Court of MazharHussain Chaudhry.

Judge Banking Court-I,60-B, Abdali Road

MultanSuit No.455/2012ZTBL Rojhan DISTT,Rajanpur —PlaintiffVersusPeer Bukhash S/O MureedBNukhash Caste Essani R/O Mouza Bara TehsilRojhan Distt, Rajanpur —DefendantProclamation U/S 9 (5) Fi-nancial Institution Recov-ery of Finances Ordi-nance 46 of 2001WHEREAS the aforesaidplaintiff has instituted asuit against you and oth-ers for recovery of Rs-486050/- alongwith markup/interest and costs etcclaimed to be payable byyou. Proclamation u/s 9(5)Ordinance 46 of 2001 tothe above is hereby is-sued requiring you tomake within 30 days of thisproclamation, an applica-tion for leave to defend thesuit.

Taken notice that onyour failure to file such ap-plication within timespecified above the Bank-ing Court shall pass a de-cree as prayed for in theplaint. Next date for furtherproceedings, in the casehas been fixed on07.05.2013.

Given under my handand the seal of the court,this 04th day of April, 2013Seal of the Court

Judge Banking Court IMultan

Gen KayaniFrom Page 1statements in recent months.

Let it suffice to say that Paki-stan is fully capable of re-sponding effectively to anythreat. Despite our currentfocus on internal security, weremain fully prepared to de-feat an external direct threat.”

He said let there be nodoubt that with a strong PakArmy and the nation stand-ing with it united, no harmcan ever come to Pakistan.Gen. Kayani said that in itsshort history, the country hasovercome many a challengesthat would have over-whelmed lesser nations.

He expressed the confi-dence that the nation can doit again. The COAS said, “Weare going through difficulttimes, but so has every othersuccessful nation at sometime in their history.”

Pak Army is fully commit-ted to the cause and as al-ways standing with the na-tion. He assured that the na-tion will succeed if it remainscommitted to the basis for

creation of Pakistan and re-main steadfast as a nation.

He reminded that Pakistanwas created in the name ofIslam and Islam can neverever be taken out of Pakistan.However, Islam should al-ways remain a unifying force.He said that regardless ofodds, Pakistan Army will keepon doing its best towards itscommon dream for a truly Is-lamic Republic of Pakistanenvisioned by the Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal.

He said he felt honouredand privileged to review thePassing Out Parade. “Thisday marks the culmination ofyour basic military training atan Institution which standsout with distinction amongstthe leading military academiesof the world.”

He felicitated the cadetsfor becoming part of the greatinstitution that is PakistanArmy. Gen. Kayani also con-gratulated the graduating ca-dets of brotherly Islamic Coun-

tries; Palestine, Sudan andTurkmenistan. The COASalso extended his special com-mendations to the ChampionCompany and those whohave won awards ofexcellence.He said that it istheir first and foremost re-sponsibility to maintain thesestandards. “I have full trustthat you will never hesitate toalways place your Country,Pak Army and your men be-fore your own selves.”

He asked the cadets thatthey have become part of aninstitution where nothing elsebut their own merit will be thesole consideration for careerprogression.

“Be ambitious. There isnothing wrong with it, but theonly way to achieve your am-bitions is through hard work.There is no shortcut to it. Dohave a dream and always aimhigh.” He urged them to takepride in excellence in what-ever they do, as this is thebest source of personal satis-faction.—APP

Flower, birdsshow at Wah

STAFF REPORTER

WAH CANTT—POF adminis-tration arranged a three dayflowers, pet, animals andbirds show at Jinnah ParkWah Cantt 19 21 April. Flow-ers are the best gift of God,and enhance love amongpeople. Lt Gen MuhammadAhsan Mehmood ChairmanPOF Board congratulatedthe organisers of this flowerexhibition particularly theField Admin group and WahCantonment Board for mak-ing magnificent arrange-ments for the show.

Various production unitsof POF and educational in-stitutions are participating inthe exhibition. POF BoardMembers, Army officers, Ci-vilian officers and their fami-lies are visiting this beautifulshow, Chairman and BegumChairman POF Board visitedeach stall of flowers and ad-mired them. Chairman POFBoard gave away prizes andshields among the positionholders.

In category “A” relatedto production units, 1st po-sition took by Board OfficeBuilding, 2nd by POF Hospi-tal & 3rd by POF Hotel. Incategory “B” comprising ofeducational institutions,Mashal Degree College got1st, FG Post Graduate Collegefor Women 2nd & Sir SyedCollege Campus-I 3rd posi-tion. In category “C” consist-ing of official bungalows 1stposition got by Brig. ShahidMehmood Commandant POFHospital. In Category “D”related to Cantt Board Dr.Sajjad Cantt Executive Of-ficer took 1st position. In theanimals Mr. Tallah Taufeeqtook 1st position while infancy birds Mr. Qaiser Shahgot 1st position. In FlowersStall category Cantt. BoardWah took 1st position.

WAH CANTT: Lt Gen Muhammad Ahsan Mehmood, Chairman POF Board, witnessinga flower stall at the exhibition held at Jinnah Park.

Suicide femalebomber kills 4

in BajaurTARIQ SAEED

PESHAWAR—The Bajauragency, where peace had re-turned after years of blood-shed and militancy was againsubjected to terrorism whena suicide explosion at thegate of agency headquartersHospital Saturday afternoonleft at least four people in-cluding a man in uniformmartyred and equal numberof others seriously injured.The officials and the Policesaid the suicide attack wascarried out by a female ter-rorist aged between sixty andseventy years.Reports reaching here fromKhar, the headquarters ofBajaur agency, said a femalesuicide bomber blew herself upwhen she was intercepted atthe main gate of AgencyHeadquarters Hospital Kharkilling at least four people in-cluding a Jawaan of the BajaurLevis.“The suspected femalebomber trying to enter thehospital was stopped by theLevis Jawaans at the gate andthen she detonated the explo-sives tied around her body.

Musharraf on 14-dayjudicial remand

From Page 1to initiate legal proceedingsagainst Musharraf for detain-ing over 60 judges, includingChief Justice IftikharMuhammad Chaudhry, afterproclamation of a state ofemergency in the country onNovember 3, 2007.

The case is one of threeagainst Musharraf in Paki-stani courts. He is also ac-cused of involvement in aconspiracy to murder BenazirBhutto in 2007 and over the2006 killing of Baloch nation-alist leader Akbar Khan Bugti.

The arrest of such a promi-nent military figure in a coun-try that has experienced threecoups has unsettled Pakistanat a time when it is preparingfor historic elections on May11. Saturday’s order came ata hearing in an Islamabadcourt, where Musharraf wasbrought under heavy securityas supporters and opponentsgathered outside the court.

The judge ruled that hewould be given judicial re-mand, which means that hewould be held in custody un-til the next hearing on May 4.Musharraf’s legal team hadbeen pushing to get his es-tate on the edge of Islamabaddeclared a sub-jail under Pa-kistani law.

The Islamabad chief com-missioner later issued a noti-fication declaring the resi-dence a jail, said police offi-cial Mohammed Khalid.Musharraf, who was takenfrom the court back to thepolice guesthouse where hehad spent the night, wastransported later Saturday tohis private house in the coun-try to remain there underhouse arrest.

When Musharraf enteredthe court Saturday, he wassurrounded by a phalanx ofpolice and paramilitary Rang-ers.

India eager tojoin IP gas

pipeline: IranTEHRAN—Iranian Oil Minis-try spokesman says NewDelhi is in talks with Tehranto join the multi-billion-dol-lar pipeline which Iran isbuilding to export natural gasto Pakistan.

“Since India has beenmotivated by Pakistan’s se-riousness in building the[Iran-Pakistan] ‘peace pipe-line’, New Delhi is negotiat-ing to join the project,”Alireza Nikzad-Rahbar said.

The Iranian official addedthat there has been consid-erable progress in the Iran-Pakistan (IP) pipeline, withIranian contractors startingwork on the Pakistani sectionof the pipeline, after finish-ing nearly 900 kilometers ofthe pipeline on Iran soil.

In March, Indian Minis-ter of Petroleum and NaturalGas M. Veerappa Moilyvoiced his country’s willing-ness to join the pipelineproject.—INP

Imran kicks offpoll campaignfrom LahoreSTAFF REPORTER

LAHORE—Chairman Paki-stan Tehreek e Insaf ImranKhan has started his electioncampaign for NA-122 Lahore– one of the four NationalAssembly constituenciesfrom where he is contestingthe May 11 polls.

According to details,Imran Khan began his elec-tion campaign from the cen-tral office of PTI located onMall Road, Lahore.

The PTI chief flanked byparty leaders, got onboard aspecially prepared float andled the rally of party leadersand supporters. The floatmade to look like a big bat, theelectoral symbol of PTI, drewparticular attention of theonlookers.The participants ofthe rally said that a glimpse ofchange that Imran Khanclaims to bring about is clearlyvisible in today’s rally.

STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—The ElectionCommission of Pakistan(ECP) on Saturday declaredaround 21,326 polling sta-tions across the country assensitive and very sensitive.

According to figuresprovided by the commission,11,053 polling stations aredeclared sensitive while10,237 are categorised ashighly sensitive.

Around 10 security menwill be deployed on highlysensitive polling stations

21,326 polling stationsdeclared sensitive

while seven security per-sonnel will be deployed onsensitive polling stations.Five security personnel willbe assigned duty on rest ofthe stations on the pollingday.

Sindh has been declaredas most sensitive provincebecause the numbers ofhighly sensitive and sensi-tive polling stations are 4,629and 3,621 respectively.

In Punjab, 2,911 pollingstations have been declaredas sensitive whereas 2,617polling stations are highly

sensitive.In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,

2,980 polling stations aresensitive whereas 1,056 arehighly sensitive.

In Balochistan, 1,451 poll-ing stations are sensitive and1,071 are highly sensitive.

Similarly in FATA, 510polling stations have beendeclared as sensitive while459 have been declared ashighly sensitive.

In Federal Capital, 11 poll-ing stations are sensitivewhile 10 have been declaredas highly sensitive.

Altaf asks Taliban to lay down armsFrom Page 1

chief Altaf Hussain hasasked Taliban leaders to laydown arms and become a partof the national stream. Heasked them to bring peoplearound with arguments in-stead of carrying out bombattacks. He appealed to thepeople at the helm of affairsand all political leaders towork for peace as the coun-try was in the throes of na-tional and internationalthreats.

He expressed these viewswhile speaking to a largegathering of MQM workersin Lal Qila Ground Azizabadon the occasion of the an-nouncement of the MQMcandidates for the generalelections of 2013.

He announced that theMQM had fielded 221 candi-dates from across the coun-try for the National Assem-bly and 450 candidates for allfour provincial assemblies.He declared that the MQMhad given tickets to twentytwo women on general seatsfrom different parts of thecountry.

He said that every politi-cal party had the right takeactive part in the elections.“Pakistan belongs to every-one and it is not the serfdomof any political party. Weshould protect each otherand must not fight with eachother. I seek forgiveness if Ihave hurt anyone.”

He also asked the Co-or-dination Committee to holdmeetings with other partiesand assure them of full co-

operation from the MQM.Speaking about the long

struggle of the MQM span-ning over a period of 35 years,he said that the APMSO wasformed on 11th June 1978which give rise to the MQMon March 18, 1984. TheMQM was later transformedinto Muttahida Qaumi Move-ment for extending its popu-lar appeal to the exploited anddisadvantaged peopleacross Pakistan.

He said that it was for thefirst time in the history of thecountry that genuinelyelected leadership from poorand middle-class segmentsof the society reached in theprovincial assembly, NationalAssembly and the Senate.

He said that the MQM isnot confined to any particu-lar region. It seeks to repre-sents to poor and middle-class people living through-out Pakistan.

He said that thousands ofthe MQM workers weremartyred during its long po-litical journey and many moresuffered inhuman tortures. Alarge number of workers hadto undergo the miseries of theexiled life. Even though I havebeen away from my lovingworkers for the past 22 years,yet there is an unbreakablebond of love and affectionwhich has never diminished.

He praised the participa-tion of women in the struggleof the MQM and said thatwomen had always been atthe forefront in difficulttimes.

He said that Balochistanwas the most backward prov-ince of the country but theMQM would not rest con-tent without getting the rightsof the people of Balochistan.“Injustices of the past wouldbe removed.”

Speaking about Sindh, hesaid that the next chief min-ister of Sindh provincewould be from the MQM.“Sindh is effectively runningPakistan as it contributesmore than 70 percent in thenational exchequer in termsof revenues and taxes.

Referring to the precari-ous situation in Lyari, he saidthat only one percent crimi-nal elements were holdingthe entire population of Lyarito hostage. He hoped thatthe people of Lyari wouldmake the MQM candidatessuccessful in the coming elec-tions.

He said it was necessaryfor holding free, fair andtransparent elections to allowall parties to take active partin the elections. Some terror-ist elements are conspiring tokeep the liberal parties out ofelection at the barrel of thegun. The MQM, the ANP andthe PPP are being targeted ofterrorism while other partiesare running their campaignfreely.

He appealed to the ChiefElection Commissioner, thecaretaker government andthe Supreme Court to takeimmediate notice of the dis-criminatory treatment and in-justices.

STAFF REPORTER

K A R A C H I — P a k i s t a nPeople’s Party leaders andcandidates alleged on Sat-urday a political party washolding the people of thecity hostage and convert-ing city areas into ‘No GoAreas’ on gun point.

They said that the PPPhad never created hurdlesfor the candidates of otherpart ies including theMuttahida Qaumi Move-ment but a political partythat claimed to have thelargest mandate in the citywas preventing candidatesof other parties from carry-ing on election canvassingand establishing their elec-t ion campaign offices intheir areas.

PPP Distr ict SouthPresident Haji Qasim, PPPcandidate from NA-249Abdul Aziz Memon, JavedNagori from PS-108, SaniaNaz from PS-109, Yousuf

Naz from PS-110 andAdnan Baloch from PS-111stated this while address-ing a press conference atFootball Ground in Liyari.

They said that the care-taker government, ElectionCommission and other in-stitutions were doing theirbest to hold the forthcom-ing general elect ionspeaceful and transparentbut an ethnici ty-basedparty was concerting cityareas especial ly the oldcity areas into No Go Ar-eas for other candidates.

They demanded ofChief Election Commis-sioner, caretaker PrimeMinister, caretaker SindhChief Minister, DG Rangersand IG Police to take actionagainst the armed men ofthat part icular party andhelp the candidates ofother poli t ical part ies toestablish their election of-fices in other parts of thecity.

PPP calls for actionagainst MQM

Electionoffices of PTI,JI set ablaze

STAFF REPORTER

KARACHI—An election campoffice of Jamaat-e Islami (JI)was set ablaze in NazimabadNo 2. A day earlier, electioncampaign office of PakistanTehreek-e Insaf was set onfire near UP more (Traffic Sec-tion).

According to details,some unidentified armed menattacked the election office ofthe JI at about 11 am Satur-day. The election office wasin close vicinity of an elec-tion office of another politi-cal party, which remained in-tact. The unidentified armedmen after ransacking the of-fice, put the furniture of theelection office on fire.

It was learnt through reli-able sources that the incidentof setting the election officeablaze had occurred overhoisting the party colour ofthe affected party, the JI.However, no casualty oc-curred.

Fahad newSaudi deputy

defense ministerRIYADH—The Saudi mon-arch has appointed a retiredarmy general as thekingdom’s new deputy de-fense minister in a shakeupjust days before a visit byU.S. Defense SecretaryChuck Hagel.

The official Saudi PressAgency said Saturday thatformer navy commanderPrince Fahad bin Abdullahbin Mohammed bin Abdul-Rahman was named to thepost.

The report gave no rea-son for the departure ofPrince Khaled bin Sultan, theprevious deputy.—AP

ISLAMABAD—The ElectionCommission of Pakistan hasdirected the federal and pro-vincial governments to en-sure law and order for thesmooth conduct of generalelections.

In a letter to the federaland provincial govern-ments, the Election Commis-sion has asked them to takeevery possible step the pro-tection of political leaders‚candidates and life and prop-erty of the public. The lettersaid that those disruptingthe law and order would bedealt with iron hands.

The letter said the Elec-tion Commission is man-dated under the Constitu-tion to hold free‚ fair andtransparent elections. The

ECP directs federal‚ provincial govtsto ensure law, order during elections

ECP has left no stoneunturned to achieve thisgoal. However‚ recent inci-dents of terrorism causingloss of human lives and de-struction of property hasmade political parties reluc-tant to organize in publicmeetings‚ short rallies andeven corner meetings.

The Commission said itis the legal and constitu-tional duty of the executivein each Province‚ headedby caretaker governmentsto ensure complete safetyto candidates‚ leaders ofeach and every poli t icalparty and the commonpeople.

Following is the text ofthe letter: The ElectionCommission of Pakistan is

mandated under the Consti-tution of Islamic Republic ofPakistan to hold free, fairand transparent elections.The ECP has left no stoneunturned in order to achievethis goal. However, the re-cent incidents of terrorismcausing loss of human livesand destruction of propertyhas put the political partieson guard with an undercur-rent of reluctance to orga-nize, manage and participatein public meetings, short ral-lies and even corner meet-ings, which militates theconcept of free elections andis likely to have an adverseeffect on the turnout of themasses to exercise their rightof franchise on the pollingday.—NNI

SC to be movedFrom Page 1

urday, Dr Amjid said “what-ever decision is given by thecourt will be acceptable to us.We will not interfere in theverdicts of the court. Courthas incorporated terrorismact clauses in the caseagainst Pervez Musharrafand we have accepted it.

He went on to say thatbaseless allegations werebeing leveled against PervezMusharraf as the latter hadnot kept any judge in habeascorpus uptill six months.

He held that PervezMusharraf had not orderedfor detaining judges as suchdecisions are taken after con-sultation with prime ministerand administration.—Online

HARARE: Mohammad Ashraful weaves out of the way of a Kyle Jarvis bouncer during Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh 1st Teston Saturday.

HARARE—Zimbabwe liftedthemselves above Bangladesh’sinternational stature with thewhopping 335-run win in the firstTest in Harare. Brendan Taylor’stwin centuries and skillful swingand seam bowling finished offthe game inside four days, asZimbabwe took a 1-0 lead in thetwo-match series.

The game ended when KyleJarvis took a magnificent catchat deep fine-leg to give GraemeCremer his fourth wicket, that ofRobiul Islam, to bowl outBangladesh for just 147. Earlierin the day, Zimbabwe declaredtheir second innings on 227 for

7, setting Bangladesh an improb-able 483.

Bangladesh’s top orderwilted against seam for the sec-ond time in the match and thehosts were just four wicketsaway from taking a 1-0 lead attea in Harare. The second ses-sion on the fourth day turned outto be even better for Zimbabwe,having removed four morewickets, after settingBangladesh an improbable 483.Mohammad Ashraful’s dim-wit-ted run-out close to the tea breakrounded off a forgettable sessionfor the visitors. Graeme Cremerspun one past Ashraful’s bat and

wicketkeeper RichmondMutumbami’s gloves, butBrendan Taylor saved the ball atslip. Ashraful, thinking it hadbeaten Taylor, went off for a runand was duly run out amid loudlaughter among the Zimbabwe-ans, getting out after making astart.

From this position of freefall,Bangladesh will do well to pushthe game into the fifth day. WithNasir Hossain the only special-ist batsman at the crease, theirchances look dire. They onceagain succumbed to the Zimba-bwean bowlers’ discipline, miss-ing far too many deliveries. Itcontributed to their frame ofmind as they desperately lookedto break the shackles, but endedup making far too many errorseither side of the lunch interval.

Shahriar Nafees’ aggressiveapproach in Test cricket has beento satiate his need to reach a fiftyquickly. But he has inadvertentlygiven the bowlers a greater op-portunity to beat his bat. AgainstKyle Jarvis, his greed got thebetter of him. After scoring twoconsecutive boundaries, he cre-ated a big gap between bat andpad, played all over a full deliv-ery from Kyle Jarvis and lost hisoff stump.

After the lunch break,Ashraful hardly got out of hisself-induced shell as he lookedto drag the game for as long aspossible. Mahmudullah at theother end went after the bowling,and soon enough, perished.Whether he had seen substituteSean Williams stationed at deepsquare-leg cannot be a valid point

for a batsman at this level ofcricket, but his innocuous pullshot said much about hismuddled mindset.

His dismissal again triggereda collapse as Shakib Al Hasanand captain Mushfiqur Rahimfell soon after. Similar to the firstinnings, Shakib was caught atgully but this time he wasn’tfending. He has a unique way ofplaying a late cut which he guidespast gully and point, but this timehe couldn’t keep the Jarvis de-livery down. Luck too wasn’t onBangladesh’s side as two of thedismissals showed. Jahurul Islamwas given out caught behindwhen the ball had appeared toflick his shirt on the way to thewicketkeeper Mutumbami. Aprolonged appeal from the slipscreated enough pressure on theumpire Tony Hill.

Mushfiqur was brilliantlycaught at second slip by Taylor,who jumped to his right andgrabbed it one-handed. TheBangladesh captain’s dismal Testis in far contrast to his oppositenumber.

Taylor started the day on 81,and took only 19 more balls toscore his second century in theTest, bouncing back after a disap-pointing West Indies tour. He isnow the first Zimbabwean captainto have achieved that feat, and thethird overall after Andy and GrantFlower. He had batted more thanfour hours for this century, hittingfive fours and two straight sixes.He dabbed the ball past point forthree runs to reach the century,roared and exchanged high-fiveswith Keegan Meth.—Agencies

Zimbabwe thrashBangladesh in first Test

Zimbabwe 1st innings: 389Bangladesh 1st innings: 134Zimbabwe 2nd inningsMaruma lbw b Robiul ...... 10Sibanda b Robiul ............... 4Masakadza c & b Robiul .... 0Taylor not out ................. 102Waller b Robiul .................. 4Chigumbura b Robiul ...... 27Mutumbami lbw b Robiul 0Cremer run out ................. 43Meth not out ..................... 31Extras (lb 2, w 2, nb 2) 6Total (7 wickets dec) 227Fall of wickets 1-7, 2-9, 3-16,4-27, 5-84, 6-84, 7-163Bowling ............. O-M-R-WRobiul .................. 19-1-71-6Hossain ................ 10-0-44-0Shakib .................... 9-2-22-0Enamul ................. 13-2-45-0Sohag ..................... 9-0-24-0Mahmudullah ......... 4-2-19-0

Bangladesh 2nd inningsJahurul b Masakadza ........ 22Shahriar b Jarvis .............. 11Ashraful run out ............... 40Mahmudullah b Jarvis ...... 21Shakib b Jarvis ................... 4Mushfiqur b Chigumbura .. 3Nasir b Cremer ................ 23Sohag b Cremer ................. 4Enamul not out ................... 6Hossain b Cremer .............. 4Robiul b Cremer ................ 0Extras (b 8, nb 1) 9Total (all out) 147Fall of wickets 1-21, 2-41, 3-77, 4-81, 5-85, 6-132, 7-136,8-139, 9-147, 10-147Bowling ............. O-M-R-WJarvis .................... 17-1-75-3Meth ..................... 12-5-16-0Masakadza ........... 10-4-26-1Chigumbura ........... 5-0-18-1Cremer .................. 5.2-1-4-4

SYDNEY—Shane Watson hasstood down from his role asAustralia’s vice-captain acrossall formats of the game, CricketAustralia said on Saturday, fol-lowing his controversial axing inIndia last month.

Watson said he had been“wrestling with the decision” fora while but it was the right timefor a change for him and theteam.

The allrounder’s decisionfollows a disappointing tour inIndia, scoring 99 runs in threeTests at 16.50 and continuing alean run of form over the pasttwo years where he has made627 Test runs at 24.11 withoutscoring a century.

Watson, 31, was sensation-ally dropped for the third Testand served a one-match ban af-ter failing to prepare feedback onhow the team could improve anddeliver it to management.

Three other players werealso axed. He made it clear he

felt the punishment was overlyharsh and, at the time, said hewould be considering his future,with Saturday’s announcementlikely to be met with questions

about whether he walked or waspushed from the role. “I thinkit’s the right time for a change

for both the team and me,”Watson said in a statement Sat-urday.

“I’ll be honest and admit Iwrestled with the decision forsome time, however once I madeup my mind, I informed CricketAustralia so the selectors couldconsider their options for theAshes given the squads will beannounced soon.”

Watson said by standingdown from the vice-captaincy hecould focus his attention on scor-ing runs and made it clear thatthough relinquishing the title “Ithink I can still be a leader andstrong contributor around thegroup.”

Chairman of selectors JohnInverarity said regardless ofWatson’s decision he remainedan important senior leader withinthe Australian team.

“Shane Watson should becommended for making thetough call to step down from thevice-captaincy to focus on play-

ing. Regardless, he will still bean important senior leaderwithin the team,” Inveraritysaid. “The selection panel willnow consider and then put avice-captaincy recommendationto the Cricket Australia Boardfor its approval.”

Watson said he had calledInverarity, coach Mickey Arthurand captain Michael Clarke“and they respect that decisionand agree with me that this isthe best outcome for me and theteam”.

“In my conversations withMickey and Michael I reaf-firmed my commitment to theteam and support for them as wefight to win back the Ashes andget back to being ranked num-ber one in the world.”

Cricket Australia has notset a date for the announcementof the Ashes squad. The firstAshes Test begins at TrentBridge in Nottingham on July10.—Agencies

Watson steps down as Australia vice-captain

LAHORE: Fast bowlers standing in a queue during trials of fast bowlers at Qaddafi Stadium.

MONACO—Eight-time defend-ing champion Rafael Nadal re-corded his 46th consecutive winat the Monte Carlo Masters bybeating Frenchman Jo-WilfriedTsonga 6-3, 7-6 (3) Saturday to setup a repeat of last year’s finalagainst top-ranked NovakDjokovic.

The Spaniard has reachedfive straight finals since return-ing from a seven-month layofffollowing a left knee injury. Hewill go for his fourth title of theseason against Djokovic, whocruised past unseeded FabioFognini of Italy 6-2, 6-1.

The Serb showed no signs hisright ankle is still bothering him,two weeks after twisting it dur-ing a Davis Cup match against theUnited States.Djokovic andNadal have not played againsteach other since last year’s FrenchOpen final, which Nadal won. Hehas won their last three encoun-ters, after Djokovic took the pre-vious seven - all of which weretournament finals. Nadal leadstheir career series 19-14.

The sixth-seeded Tsongasaved four match points, rallyingfrom 5-1 down to force a second-set tiebreaker. He tied it 3-3 be-fore making unforced errors byhurrying his shots. Nadal clinched

the victory with a forehand win-ner and took a step closer to aninth straight Monte Carlo titleand to extending his Masterstitles record to 23.

Tsonga started well butmissed three breakpoint chancesin the fourth game - including onewhich left him shaking his headin disbelief after Nadal scoopedthe ball off his ankles andwhipped it back down the line.‘’He was extremely good today,and this is also what I call the

champion’s luck,’’ Tsonga said.‘’The top players are able to dothat.’’ The flustered Frenchmanlost his next service game and to-taled 17 unforced errors in thefirst set compared to four forNadal. It looked like Nadalwould wrap up the second setmore quickly than the first,breaking for a 2-0 lead and hold-ing three match points at 5-2.Tsonga saved those with someexcellent shot-making, andturned the set around.—AP

Nadal, Djokovic reachMonte Carlo final

Lt Gen Muhammad Ahsan Mehmood, Chairman POF Board giving away trophy to thewinner of National Junior Squash Championship held at Jahangir Khan Squash Complex.

SPORTS REPORTER

WAH CANTT—Final of Na-tional Junior Squash Champi-onship in U-17 category wasplayed between Ahsan Ayazand Zeshan Khan at JahangirKhan Squash Complex WahCantt.

Zeshan Khan clinched thePOF Chairman Trophy by de-feating his rival with the score3-2. In U-15 category Finalwas played between AliKaramat and Mansoor Zamanin which Ali Karamat defeatedMansoor Zaman with thescore 3-1and won the final tro-phy.

Lt Gen Muhammad AhsanMehmood Chairman POFBoard was the chief guest onthis occasion and gave awaytrophies to the winners andRunners up of this JuniorSquash championship.

In his welcoming remarksCol (R) Inamullah Khan Sec-retary Tournament told that

this championship was ar-ranged on the special instruc-tions of Chairman POF Boardand its main object was to hunttalent at grass root level.

He further remarked thatPOF was playing active rolein the promotion of squash atNational and Internationallevel . This championshipstarted from 15th April and itstitled sponsor was NationalBank of Pakistan while Paki-stan Squash Federation ex-tended special cooperation forholding this squash champi-onship.

President Sports ControlBoard Mr. MuhammadRizwan, Organizing SecretaryCol (R) Inamullah Khan andSecretary Coordination Mr.Amanullah Khan and his teamplayed vital role in making thechampionship successful.

A large number of specta-tors witnessed the final andthey appreciated the players ontheir best strokes.

Zeshan clinches POFChairman Squash Trophy

Controlledaggression is keyfor fast bowlers:

WasimKARACHI—Former Pakistancaptain and fast bowler WasimAkram believed that controlledaggression is very important forthe pace bowlers.

He said if a fast bowler isstruck for a six, he should notgo to bowling mark with hishead down.

But he should come backwith controlled aggression tounsettle his opponent becausethis is part and parcel of thegame,” he told reporter at Na-tional Stadium where country’s18 top Test, ODI and interna-tional and first class pacemenare attending the PCB-UfoneFast bowlers training camp be-ing held under his supervisionwith the assistance from Paki-stan fast bowling coachMuhammad Akram.

He said they are stressing onthe bowlers, how to bowl in avariable conditions like ongreenish, bald or bouncy tracks.“We are also imparting training,how to use short of length balls,”he said.

Wasim Akram rated as oneof the greatest fast bowler in his-tory, said their special focus willbe on youthful left arm pacersJunaid Khan and MuhammadIrfan.—APP

Swat, Haripuradvance in KPInter-District

Hockey C’shipPESHAWAR—Swat and Haripuradvanced to next round after se-curing victories against their re-spective rivals in the ongoingKhyber Pakhtunkhwa Inter-Dis-trict Hockey Championship be-ing played here at Lala AyubHockey Stadium on Saturday.

Swat defeated Dera IsmailKhan by 5-2 in a thrilling matchwhile Buner stunned Haripur bysolitary goal in another match.Swat and Dera Ismail Khan pro-vided great thrill for the sittingspectators. Swat was jolted byDera Ismail Khan by taking anearly goal lead in the 7th minutethrough Murtaza on the first pen-alty corner. It was right wingerMuhammad Junaid move whichwas later on converted into a pen-alty corner. First of the session,the penalty corner was nicelytaken by full-back Murtaza.

After taking lead, Dera IsmailKhan put in more pressure andsoon doubled the lead through leftwinger Muhammad Amir throughfield attempt. Thus taking 2-0lead, Dera Ismail Khan got theball control and made some inci-sive rallies as a result it got threemore penalty corner but they werefailed to utilize any of them.

It was in the 29th minutewhen Swat succeeded in reduc-ing the margin through full-backMansoor Khan on the penaltycorner. When Mansoor reducedthe margin, right winger MuqasasAli netted another fine goalthrough field attempt to make thetally 2-2. At half time the twoteams were tied 2-2.

It was the second session inwhich Swat players managedtheir position according to thesituation and scored two quickgoals in the 56th and 60th minutethrough Ijaz Ahmad and AbbasKhan on the field attempts. After4-2 lead, Swat fully dominatedthe proceedings and did not al-low Dera Ismail Khan to strikeback.—APP

Misbah confident ofgood performance inChampions Trophy

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan captainMisbah ul Haq is confident thatteam will do well in the upcom-ing Champions Trophy and re-turn home as winner.

Talking to a private newschannel, He said that South Af-rican conditions are tough thanEngland, but even then team putup a good showing.

“We, therefore, will givegood performance in the Cham-pions Trophy.” To a question, hesaid that squad would be an-nounced in the light of players’performance in domestic tourna-ment.—APP

BFA confers awardto Shaukat Javed

ISLAMABAD—Baseball Federa-tion of Asia (BFA) has conferredan award to Pakistan FederationBaseball President Shaukat Javedfor his outstanding contributionto the development of baseball inAsia.—APP

ORAL cancer is the sixth most commoncancer reported globally with roughlytwo thirds of these reported in devel-

oping countries, according to a report.Regardless of nationality, roughly half of

long-term smokers will diefrom the effects of tobaccosmoking, be it oral cancer,lung cancer or cardiovascu-lar disease.

In India 20 deaths per100,000 are caused by oralcancer as compared to 10deaths per 100,000 in the USand two deaths per 100,000in the Middle East.

Oral cancer, as well asupdates in maxillofacial re-c o n s t r u c t i o n ,microneurosurgery, oraltrauma, and facial cosmeticand orthognathic surgery,will be reviewed at the 2ndOral and Maxillofacial Sur-gery Congress to be held inDubai from May 1-5.

Organised by Imedex in association withArab Health, this year’s meeting will providea number of new features that explore the rap-idly reshaping field of oral and facial surgery.

“The main causes of oral cancer haveclassically been related to smoking tobaccoproducts and the Middle East has a higherrate of tobacco consumption then many othercountries and this includes the use of theShisha or Hookah,” said Dr Eric J Dierks,Clinical Professor of Oral and MaxillofacialSurgery at Oregon Health and Science Uni-versity, USA and director of the Fellowshipin Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery basedat Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland,

Oregon, who will be speaking at the con-gress.

“There is a myth that smoking througha Shisha pipe is safer than smoking cigarettesbut this is almost certainly not the case. Sev-

eral recent studies have indi-cated that Shisha smokers ac-tually inhale more of thecooled smoke than would acigarette smoker thereby in-creasing their exposure to car-cinogens within the smoke,”he said.

To an ever greater ex-tent, human papilloma virus(HPV) is a causative factor incancer of sites in the orophar-ynx such as the tonsil or thebase of the tongue, althoughHPV related cancer is muchless common within themouth itself.

Approximately twothirds of cancers of the baseof tongue and tonsil are causedby HPV and 80 per cent of

these cases occur in men.“There is no relationship between either

smoking or alcohol intake with the HPV as-sociated oropharyngeal cancer. Fortunately,HPV associated oropharyngeal cancer actu-ally carries a much better prognosis than doesa cancer in this location that is not associ-ated with HPV. Although research is ongo-ing, the reason for this is as yet unclear,”Dierks said.

The early diagnosis of oral cancer is ex-tremely important because not only is theprognosis significantly better for early stagecancer, but the treatment involved is oftenless extensive, Dr Dierks said.

Oral cancer cases higher indeveloping countries

STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—BeaconhouseSchool System, Northern Re-gion hosted a grand HighAchievers Ceremony at theConvention Centre,Islamabad. More than 800 stu-dents received their awards foracademic brilliance in their Oand A Level Cambridge Inter-national Examinations. Theceremony was attended bymore than 1500 parents, fami-lies, teachers and high achiev-ers. Mr Sartaj Aziz, ViceChancellor Beaconhouse Na-tional University, graced theoccasion as Chief Guest. Theceremony was graced by dis-tinguished guests of honourwho included Mr. SaleemRanjha, Joint Secretary at

Prime Minister’s Secretariat,Mr. Mohammad RamzanAchakzai, Secretary IBCC, MsUzma Yusaf Senior Schools De-velopment Manager CambridgeInternational Examinations,Master Mohammad Ayub, inspi-rational teacher, Mr TalatHussain eminent journalistamong others. Students of theclass of 2010 and 2011 werehonoured at the ceremony; alongwith participants of theBeaconhouse International In-ternship Program, students whohave achieved success in vari-ous extra-curricular and co-cur-ricular activities. The keynoteaddress at the ceremony wasdelivered by renowned journal-ist Mr Talat Hussain. In his ad-dress he celebrated the students’success and urged them to con-

tinue on not just their academicpursuits but to also strive to becomplete achievers by adoptingthe principles for life that willmake them ‘complete achievers’.His thought provoking addressasked students to take time andthing over and develop in themtraits that will enable them to mak-ing their own and others lives bet-ter by contributing positively. Heacknowledged the precious rolethat parents and teachers play oneth lives of students. Among thespeakers at the ceremony wasCEO of Teach for Pakistan, MsKhadija Shahper Bakhtiar who isa Beaconhouse alumni. She cred-ited her years at Beaconhouse andher teachers at school for havinggroomed her and facilitated her forthe success she has achieved. Shehas gone on to launching and set-

ting up Teach for Pakistan, thebest way to contribute back to thecommunity – enabling goodteaching and learning.

The Chief Guest, Mr SartajAziz, Vice ChancellorBeaconhouse National Univer-sity has an illustrious career incivil service and politics. He pre-sented the awards to distinctionholders with their medals andshields for the batches of 2010and 2011. In his address, he con-gratulated Beaconhouse and allthe students and their parents. Heurged the students to always re-member the responsibility theyhave towards Pakistan.Beaconhouse student ShafiqueTahir performed a solo song thatis composed and written by him-self, the song was titled,“Badalna hai Pakistan”.

Beaconites celebrate academic brilliance

April 21

THE Islamabad Traffic Po-lice (ITP) would arrangefamily Gala in the F-9 Parkon April 21. As per traditionthe ITP family Gala for thecitizens would be arrangedin F-9 Park.

*****

DAWAH Academy is orga-nizing ‘Quran Khuwani’ inconnection with 75th deathanniversary of AllamaIqbal, in collaboration withDistrict Administration,Islamabad on Sunday after‘Assar’ Prayer at FaisalMasjid. People from all as-pects of life have been askedto attend Quran Khuwani.

April 25

ALLAMA Iqbal Open Uni-versity (AIOU) has sched-uled its final exams of MS,MPhil and PhDfrom Mon-day 25th April.

ISLAMABAD—Outstanding students with the Chief guest during O & A Level High Achieversceremony of Beacon House School System. —PO Photo by Sultan Bashir

RAWALPINDI—A total of 125candidates will be contesting onseven National Assembly seatsand 233 others on 14 ProvincialAssembly seats in RawalpindiDistrict in the upcoming generalelections.

According to the final listsof the candidates contesting up-

coming general elections, is-sued here Friday by the DistrictReturning Officers (DROs), thecontenders including formerprime minister Raja PervezAshraf, Imran Khan, SheikhRashid Ahmed, Chaudhry NisarAli Khan, Ghulam Sarwar Khanand Shahid Khaqan Abbasi will

125 to contest 7 NA, 233for 14 provincial seats

RAWALPINDI—District ElectionCommission, here on Friday al-lotted symbols to the candidatesfrom two National Assembly andfour Provincial Assembly con-stituencies for the general elec-tions-2013.

According to list, the candi-dates from NA 50 who have beenallotted symbols include: DrSarfraz Ahmed Cheema (slate),Raja Tariq Mehmood Janjua(Bucket), Saif Ullah Safi (Book),Shahid Khaqan Abassi (Tiger),Sadaqat Ali Khan (Bat) SolatMajeed Satti (Scale) Amir Jameel(Still Camera) Muhammad SanaUllah Haq (Table Lamp)Muhammad Khursheed (Stag)Muhammad Zakir (Kite)Munawar Hussain Abbasi (Cow)Waseem Akhtar Raja (Eagle)Yasmeen Fatima (Arrow).

In NA 56- allotted the sym-bols to the candidate Raja IsraAbbasi (Arrow) Raza AhmedShah (Scale) Aurangzeb Malik(Kite) Muhammad Hanif Abbasi(Tiger) Asif Javed (Stag) Imran

Election 2013

Symbols allotted to candidatesAhmed Khan Niazi (Bat)Maulana Cahudhry MuhammadAyaz (Table Lamp) AlhajMuhammad Asad Bhatti(Matqa) M Zahid Aziz (HudHud) Kamal Azfar Wakeel (Mis-sile) Miss Saira Khatoon (coat)Raja Zafar Iqbal (peacock)Chaudhry Hammad Afzal (os-trich) Ashfaq Abbasi (Bucket)Muhammad Zubair Kiayani(iron) Sardar Naseer Ahmed(key chain) Ali Idrees (Abaz)Muhammad Zubair Abbasi(Book) Wajid Hussain Mughal(Slate) Bin Yousuf (cow)

PP-1 the candidate who ob-tained symbols Arslan Ayaz (suitcase) Javed Iqbal satti (Bat) RajaAshfaq Sarwar (Tiger) RajaKhurrum Zaman (pressurecooker) Raja Shehzad Nematsatti (iron) Sajjad Abbasi (Scale)Sardar Muhammad SaleemKhan (Bicycle) Shakeel Ahmed(comb) Muhammad ishtiaqAbbbasi (ladder) MuhammadIlyas (Rabbit) Muhammad Zakir(kite) Muhammad Mubarrak

Abbasi (oil stove) MuhammadMuneeb satti (pitcher) NazeerAhmed Abbasi (key).

PP-2 names of candidateswho were allotted symbols IbrarHussain Abbasi (scale) Tanveerhussain Shah (Hud Hud) RajaSagheer Ahmed (Bed) Raja TariqMehmood (Book) RajaMuhammad Ali (Tiger) RajaSaeed Shahzad (pressure cooker)Shoaib sadiq Kiyani ( Giraffe)Shakeel Hussain (Olympic torch)Tariq Mehmood Murtaza (Bat)Muhammad Shabir Awan (Ar-row) Waseem Akhtar Raja(Eagle).

PP-13 candidates got thesymbols Muhammad Kamran(Table lamp) Syed Aziz Hamid(scale) Malik pervez Akhtar(Basket)Muhammad Arif Abbasi(Bat), Muhammad Ayazchaudhry (comb) MuhammadFayyaz Khan (Duck), GhulamRaza (Tiger) Raja ShahidMehmood (arrow) Sheikh KhizerHayyat (kite) Sajjad Khan (HudHud) Chaudhry Hammad Afazl

( ostrich) Chaudhry Habeeb urRehman (Bucket) Sher Zaman(stag) Dr Nadir Lai Khan (Mis-sile), Zubair Kiyani (iron) RajaTariq Mehmood (generator).

PP-14 the candidates allot-ted symbols to Naseer UllahKhan (stag) Chaudhry SarwarGujar (Gittar) Qari Karamat(Book) Dubeer Ahmed Khan(scale) chaudhry Imtiaz Ahmed(goat) Tariq Hassan (Tablelamp) chaudhry MuhammadAsghar (Bat) Saddam Shehzad(Missile) Raja Kamran Hussain(arrow0 Raja Zawar Hussain(Duck) Zahoor Ahmed Abbasi(iron) Muhammad Ali Khan(pressure cooker) RajaMuhammad Shafique (gen-erator) Sajid ur Reham HudHud) Raja Abdul Hanif Advo-cate (Tiger) Ali Idrees (pome-granate) Naseer MittoAmnovail (Bottle) SheikhMuhammad Ibrar (ki te’)Zahid Hussain Qurashi (cow)and Syed Nasir Bokhari (stillcamera). —APP

contest the polls on seven seatsof the National Assembly (NA).

While, 233 including RajaMuhammad Ali son of PML-N’sRaja Zafar-ul-Haq, Raja AshfaqSarwar, Chaudhry Nisar Khanand Sardar Naseem Ahmed willbe in the run on 14 provincialassembly seats.—APP

ISLAMABAD—Electioneering isgearing up with every passingday as twin cities of Islamabadand Rawalpindi are floodedwith banners, stickers and por-

Electioneering gets momentumtraits of leaders belonging todifferent political parties.

The portraits of candidatesbelonging to the PML-N, PTI,PPP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Awami

Muslim League and indepen-dent candidates could be seendisplayed on electricity polesin Rawalpindi andIslamabad. —INP

Securityof Chinese

workerstightened

STAFF REPORTER

RAWALPINDI—Security ofChinese officials working onNew Airport Project has beentightened following terrorthreats.

According to media re-ports, intelligence agencies in-formed the police about a ter-ror threat to Chinese engineer-ing and other staff working onthe New Airport Project, there-fore Rawalpindi police alertedthe officials deployed on theNew Airport and increased thenumber of security officials.

CITY REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—The federal capi-tal wore a festive look to cel-ebrate the National Book Dayon Saturday.

Beautifully designed ban-ners and hoardings with slo-gans of “Back to Book” and‘Read for Life’ and pictures ofthe celebrated writers could beseen at the prominent pointsand along the roads in the city.

On the inaugural day, se-nior writers, poets, and intellec-tuals of the country in order toexpress their love for books ar-rived at the Pak-China Friend-ship Centre and were accordedVIP treatment by the NBF andthe children of the twin cities.

Intazar Hussain who hasbeen recently chosen as one ofthe nominees of the Man BookerPrize 2013, final list was the firstto arrive. He was presented

Book fair at PCFC‘Basti’ his masterpiece by asmartly dressed school girl.

Likewise, MustansarHussain Tarar, AssadMohammad Khan, Atta-ul-Haq Qasmi, Turkish scholarDr Durmush Bilger, Urduscholar of Chinese origin DrTang Mengsheng, AhmedAqeel Rubi, Mehmood Shamand Javed Jabbar were given‘book present’ by the children.

They in return took ‘bookoath’ from the children. Chil-dren of Viqar-un-Nisa SchoolRawalpindi Roots, GSIS andothers performed Book An-them to the sheer delight of thewriters.

For young readers, a Chil-dren Book Reading Festival wasorganized by NBF and variousschools of the federal capital.

Children took keen interestin the story telling session.

IJP Road to beexpandedCITY REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—Following thehigh pressure of traffic andtroubles faced by the citizens,the Capital Development Au-thority (CDA) has decided toexpand the IJ Principal Road toeight lanes from four lanes.

According to statistics, thenumber of vehicles passingthrough 11 kilometre strip of IJPRoad from Peshawar Road toFaizabad Flyover has increasedfrom 50,000 vehicles to 70,000vehicles per day and the ratio iscontinuously increasing.

The expansion of the roadwill cost Rs4 billion. MemberPlanning and Design CDA SyedMustafeen Kazmi said that lay-out plan of up-gradation andexpansion has been prepared.He said that some influentialtransporters have encroachedupon the sides of the road thathad been delaying the projectin the past through red-tapismin connivance with some offic-ers in the civic authority.

He further said that a con-sultant firm has been directedto immediately prepare the de-sign of flyover to link NinthAvenue to Stadium Road so thatthe gridlocks on the chowkcould be avoided.

Margalla has 460birds species

ISLAMABAD—An expert on en-vironment Safan ShahabAhmed has said that there arenearly 460 various species ofbirds in the area of MargallaHills.

He said birds play an im-portant role in the beauty of thenature. He said that species ofbirds like Chief Pheasant,Monal, and Alexandrine Para-keet are facing severe threats inPakistan.

Replying to a question, hestressed on the need for pre-serving the species of thesebirds. —APP

ISLAMABAD: Students of Case enjoying performance of a local musical band during a 3-day festival at Sir Syed Memorial Society.

ISLAMABAD: Students saluting on the opening ceremony of Annual Book Fair 2013 orga-nized by National Book Foundation at Pak-China Friendship Centre.

“When cost is numberone in importance,

you’ve already lost.”

— Jim Rembach

AMANULLAH KHAN

KARACHI—Toyota MotorCorporation (TMC) has an-nounced cumulative globalsales of its hybrid vehiclestopped the 5 million unit markas of March 31, 2013, reach-ing 5.125 million units.

Positioning response toenvironmental issues as a man-agement priority and based onits belief that environment-

Toyota’s hybrid sales cross five million unitsfriendly vehicles can only trulyhave a positive impact if they areused widely, TMC has endeav-ored to promote the mass-mar-ket adoption of hybrid vehicles.

Last year, hybrid vehiclesaccounted for 14 percent ofTMC’s global vehicle sales and40 percent of its vehicle sales inJapan. As of this month, TMCsells 19 hybrid passenger carmodels and one plug-in hybridmodel in approximately 80

countries and regions aroundthe world, and between now andDecember 2015, TMC willlaunch a total of 18 new hybridvehicles worldwide and iscommitted to augmenting itsproduct lineup even further andincreasing the number of coun-tries and regions where it sellshybrid vehicles.

TMC calculates that as ofMarch 31, 2013, TMC hybridvehicles have resulted in ap-

proximately 34 million fewertons of CO2 emissions—be-lieved to be a cause of globalwarming—than would havebeen emitted by gasoline-pow-ered vehicles of similar size anddriving performance. TMC alsoestimates that its hybrid vehicleshave saved approximately 12million kiloliters of gasolinecompared to the amount used bygasoline-powered vehicles ofsimilar size.

In 1997 in Japan, TMClaunched the “Coaster HybridEV” in August and launched the“Prius”—the world’s first mass-produced hybrid passenger ve-hicle—in December. Since then,TMC hybrid vehicles have re-ceived tremendous support fromconsumers around the world.

TMC Vice ChairmanTakeshi Uchiyamada, who wasresponsible for development ofthe first-generation Prius, said:

“We developed the first-genera-tion Prius with the aim of mak-ing it a car for the twenty-firstcentury and as an indication ofToyota’s response to environ-mental issues. We had to de-velop a hybrid system fromscratch, making our task ex-tremely difficult.

Nevertheless, we took on thechallenge. The launch of thefirst- generation Prius had effectsbeyond our expectations, with the

vehicle increasing consumer en-vironmental awareness and rais-ing hybrid vehicle expectations.

The understanding of con-sumers at launch time laid thefoundation for the widespreadadoption, and, since then, con-sumers have continued to sup-port TMC hybrid vehicles. Forthis, I am extremely grateful.”

Having positioned hybridtechnologies that enable the useof different fuel combinations—

including the component tech-nologies necessary for develop-ment of various environment-friendly cars—as core environ-mental technologies for thetwenty-first century, TMC plansto continue working to furtherraise performance, reduce costs,and expand its product lineup—including that of non-hybrid en-vironment-friendly vehicles—to create vehicles that are popu-lar with consumers.

KARACHI: Federal Minister for Industries and Production Shahzada Ahsan Ashraf Sheikh chairing a meeting at PIDCHouse.

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan wit-nessed a significant increased ofnine percent in its oil productionduring the third quarter of cur-rent fiscal year while gas pro-duction declined by two percentin the same period.

Country’s oil productionduring third quarter of currentyear surged to 74.9 k barrel perday while gas production de-clined to 4.2 bcfd from sameperiod last year, the industryexperts said.

Oil production increased dueto improvement from Nashpa andMakori east fields along with com-missioning of Sinjhoro fieldswhere the major propeller of oilproduction in 3Q as compared toprevious quarters. Higher produc-tion from Zamazam, Mari, Uch,Kandkot and KPD-TAY helpedmaintained gas plateau, given ag-

Pakistan oil productionsoars to 9pc

ing effect of Sui and Qadirpur field.Commissioning of key de-

velopment projects bodes wellfor country’s hydrocarbon pro-duction and for profitability ofoil and gas exploration sector.country’s oil production surgedto average 80.1 kbpd in 3Q offiscal year 2013 depicting anincrease of 7% from precedingquarter and 12% from 3Q 2012.

Statistics shows that gas pro-duction stood at 4.2 bcfd during3rd quarter which is up 5% from2nd quarter of 2013. However, gasflows are down by an average 5%from same quarter last year. Im-proved production along withstable crude oil prices is likely tomanifest itself in better 3Q earn-ing for three major explorationand production companies that areOGDC, PPL and POL.

Among the exploration

companies all showed signifi-cant improvement in their oilproduction during 3rd quarterversus preceding quarters.

Oil and Gas DevelopmentCompany showed improvementand its production was up 3% fromprevious quarter while its gas pro-duction was up by 6%. PPL andPOL displayed impressive growthof 7% and 14% in oil productionduring third quarter of 2013 againstsecond quarter of current year. Gasproduction of these duo companiesdecreased by 3% and 8% respec-tively in third quarter comparedwith second quarter of 2013.

In the absence of any majordry well, stable crude oil pricesand average 1.7% PKR depre-ciation against US dollar in 3Qas against 2Q higher productionis likely to yield positive resultsfor these companies.—Online

STAFF REPORTER

LAHORE—The Chamber ofCommerce and Industry hasdecided to stage protest dem-onstration on April 27 (Satur-day) against unprecedentedpower and gas outages.

The decision was taken bythe LCCI Executive Committeeduring its meeting held here atthe Lahore Chamber of Com-merce and Industry on Saturday.

The LCCI PresidentFarooq Iftikhar presided overthe meeting while LCCI VicePresident Mian Abuzar Shadwas also present in the meet-ing.

Speaking on the occasion,the LCCI President FarooqIftikhar said that the LahoreChamber of Commerce and In-dustry is convening a meetingof Chambers of Commerce

LCCI to stage protest againstunscheduled power outages

and Industry in Punjab and allTrade and Industry Associationson April 23 (Tuesday) for tak-ing them on board for the pro-test demonstration.

The LCCI President saidthat there are chances of prov-ince wide protests and demon-strations if government fails toensure continuous supply ofelectricity to the industry that isproviding livelihood to hundredsof millions of people.

The LCCI President said thatthe business community does notbelieve in strikes and protests butit is being compelled to take suchextreme steps as they are left withno other option.

The LCCI President saidthat the businessmen were suf-fering on many counts only be-cause of unavailability of elec-tricity and gas.

On the one hand their indus-

trial units are not running upto their capacity whereas on theother hand they are payingmarkup and other dues for allthe 365 days of the year besidessalaries to their workers.

Farooq Iftikhar further saidthat unscheduled and repeatedpower outages have put theirexistence at stake.

He also feared massive layoffs in the wake of new waveof gas and electricity outages.The LCCI President said thatdistribution company staffwere approaching industrialistsand seeking illegal gratificationagainst continuous supply ofelectricity whereas the govern-ment claims that there is anacute shortage of power.

The government should takea strict action against such offi-cials who are trying to promoteBhattha Culture in the province.

PQ shipping activityKARACHI—Two ships arrivedat the Port to load/ offloadphosphoric acid at EVTL, andfurnace oil at FOTCO on April19, port sources said hereSaturday. Berth occupancywas maintained at 29% at thePort on Friday where a total ofFour ships namely M.V Kps-IAlican Bey - Powership, M.VMercy Wisdom, M.T HighiBury Park, M.T Karachi arecurrently occupying berths toload/ offload wheat, furnaceoil, phosphoric acid. Cargohandling operations werecarried out smoothly at thePort where a cargo volume33692 tonnes comprising30609 tonnes import, 3083tonnes export was handledduring the last 24 hours. M.VMichael-S sailed on Fridayafternoon. M.T Highi BuryPark sailed on Saturdaymorning. M.T Chem BulkSingapore at EVTL. M.V MscLevina at QICT, M.VDiamond Sea at FAP arrivedon April 20 as per arrivalschedule, the port sourcessaid.—APP

CNG sector to facecut in gas supplyStaff ReporterISLAMABAD—The Ministry ofPetroleum and NaturalResources is considering arequest by the industrial sector,particularly the fertiliserindustry, to stop gas supply totransport sector. A crucialmeeting of all major stake-holders of the gas sector hasbeen convened by minister forpetroleum and naturalresources in Lahore toconsider further reduction insupply to compressed naturalgas (CNG) dispensing stations.Representatives of the AllPakistan Textile MillsAssociation, All PakistanTextile Processing MillsAssociation, FertiliserManufacturers PakistanAdvisory Council, PakistanHosiery Association and AllPakistan CNG Associationhave been invited to themeeting. The sources said theproposal to stop gas supply toCNG stations followed astrong protest by a Karachi-based businessman andshareholder in the FatimaFertiliser.

STAFF REPORTER

KARACHI—Federal Ministerfor Industries and Production,Shahzada Ahsan Ashraf Sheikhdirected that all the projects ofPakistan Industrial Develop-ment Corporation (PIDC) andits subsidiaries be completedwithin the stipulated time asthese projects are very importantfor the economy of the country.The Minister said this whilechairing a meeting at PIDCHouse here on Saturday.

He also directed that the fi-nancial management system ofthe companies and its subsidiar-ies be regulated on internationalstandard. On the administrativeaffairs of the companies theMinister said that in all the fi-nancial matters rules and regu-lations should be followedstrictly.

Shahzada Ahsan AshrafSheikh also lauded the role of

PIDC projects becompleted in time: Sheikh

the PIDC in development of theindustrial sector. Chief Execu-tive Officer (CEO) PIDC KhalidM. Chadda gave a detailed pre-sentation on the affairs of thePIDC.

The CEO informed the Min-ister that the role of PIDC wasredefined in 2004-5 with themandate for strategic develop-ment and competitiveness. ThePIDC being the primary vehiclefor facilitating industrialisationplays role in creating an en-abling environment for varioussegments of the industrial sec-tor of Pakistan, he said.

CEO National IndustrialParks Mohsin M. Syed whilegiving briefing said that onewindow world class service forall the utilities would be estab-lished at the Industrial Parks.

Further, Board of Manage-ment which would purely con-sist of Resident Industrialistswill look after all the affairs of

NIP, he said. He said Karachibeing an important city requiresinvestment support to createemployment for which NIP wasworking on two projects includ-ing Bin Qasim Industrial Parkwhich was of 900 acres andKarachi Creek Industrial Parkon 230 acres.

Another project was atKhairpur Special EconomicZone for supporting the “Datessector, Rachna Industrial Parknear Sheikhupura for Auto andFood Sector- 180 Acres,Sargodha Industrial Park 100Acres, Risalpur Marble City inPartnership with Pakistan StoneDevelopment Corporation 100Acres, he added. Mohsin in-formed that these projectswould create 100,000 directjobs whereas one million jobswould indirectly be createdwhich would help immensely inreducing poverty in the coun-try.

STAFF REPORTER

LAHORE—The Punjab govern-ment has completed all arrange-ments for procurement of fourmillion tons of wheat at the rateof Rs 1,200 per 40-kg from thefarmers this season, spokesmanof Food Department said.

The government has set up374 wheat purchase centresacross the province for this pur-pose.

He said according to the es-timates of Agriculture Depart-ment, this year wheat productionis expected 18.627 million tonin Punjab as compared to theprevious year of 17.738 millionton, therefore, there is no chanceof any crisis of wheat this year.

The Department has taken

Wheat procurementarrangements finalised

all measures to overcome suchsituation that was why FoodDepartment has not imposedany ban on the purchase andtransportation of wheat so thatthe atmosphere of competitioncould be created among the pub-lic and private sector and thefarmers get due return of theirproduce.

The spokesman stronglycontradicted the news itemspublished in a section of thepress regarding posting offavourite staff and smuggling ofwheat. He said that like previ-ous year bardana at the rate ofeight bags per acre wheat culti-vation will be issued to the farm-ers after verification accordingto the record of Revenue Depart-ment.

STAFF REPORTER

LAHORE—Lahore Chamber ofCommerce and Industry (LCCI)Convener for Standing Commit-tee on Halal Meat ExportNaseeb Ahmad Saifi has saidthat Halal meat export from Pa-kistan can touch $500 millionmark in next five years if thecoming government patronizelivestock farmers and devise acoordinated and comprehensivepolicy for promotion of this in-dustry.

He claimed that Pakistanhad made remarkable progressduring last few years amongstthe Halal meat exporters. Hesaid Pakistan is most suitablecountry for livestock farmingbeing an agricultural country

Halal meat exportpotential seen at $500m

and suitable weather. However,he regretted that Pakistan whichis a Muslim agrarian countrywith good livestock productionstands 81st in the rank of meatexporters.

He was all praised for thesteps taken by the former ChiefMinister Muhammad ShahbazSharif for promotion of Halalmeat exports from Punjab andsaid if the coming governmentcould also support the exporterson that pattern, they could earnprecious foreign exchange forthe country and strengthen thenational economy.

Saifi said that according toa survey global Muslim popula-tion is around 1.86 billion,which constitutes 30 per cent ofthe total world population. He

said according to a report vol-ume of Halal products was $635billion dollars in the year 2010.

He said volume of HalalMarket in US was $17.60 bil-lion while Halal products con-stitute 18 per cent of the worldfood market. Similarly volumeof Halal food of Europe hadreached to $67 billion. He saidmany companies in Europe hadconverted themselves accordingto consumers of Halal products.However, he said our contribu-tion was negligible in this trade.

He said that exporters ofHalal food and meat were fac-ing numerous challenges andhardships in Pakistan, whichshould be resolved at the earli-est to promote food process-

Continued on Page 11

STAFF REPORTER

LAHORE—Spokesman of AllPakistan Textile Mills Associa-tion (APTMA) has lamentedover the poor response of thegovernment towards unprec-edented energy shortage for thetextile industry. He said the en-ergy supplies are totally non-existent for the textile industryin Punjab due to the lowestlevel of electricity generationand attacks on energy installa-tions including gas pipelinesand electricity generation plantsin different parts of the coun-try.

It may be noted that theAPTMA leadership includinggroup leader Gohar Ejaz, cen-tral chairman APTMA, Ahsan

APTMA concerned over energy woesBashir and other office-bear-ers have been holding pressconferences again and again tohighlight the alarming energysituation in textile industry butall in vain, as nobody from thegovernment is available to re-spond.

He said the APTMA leader-ship has clearly warned of thedeteriorating situation in the in-dustry due to the energy crisiswith a call for immediate actionto arrest it, already going out ofhand with every passing day.

At present, the energy cri-sis is ending up on unbearabletechnical faults in the textilemachines at the mills, hitting theproduction levels hard and cre-ating unrest among textile work-ers throughout the province of

Punjab.It is highly misfortune that

some 450mmcfd gas is totallysuspended due to the terroristattack on the gas pipeline and thegrid stations are also beingclosed down due to the shortsupplies of fuel.

He said the APTMA leader-ship will meet Chief MinisterPunjab on Saturday (today) toapprise him of the gravity of thesituation in Punjab. Already, theAPTMA leadership met theGovernor Punjab and briefedhim about the colossal lossesmeted out to the industry due tothe energy supply suspension.The APTMA leadership willalso make presentation to theMinister for Petroleum on Sat-urday.

S Korea wants toup economic ties

with PakistanSTAFF CORRESPONDENT

PESHAWAR—Ambassador ofKorea to Pakistan Choong JooChoi has said that his countrywould like to strengthen bilat-eral trade and economic rela-tions with Pakistan, and offer fa-cilities to its businessmen.

The Envoy said the Koreanfirms are being investing in vari-ous sectors, particularly hydropower generation in the Pakistan.The envoy expected the hope thatthe bilateral trade relations wouldbe strengthen with coming daysbetween two countries. He wasaddressing the members of busi-ness community during his visitto Sarhad Chamber of Commerceand Industry (SCCI). On the oc-casion, the Chamber president, DrMohammad Yousuf Sarwar, Ko-rea honorary consular general inPeshawar, Afan Aziz, the SCCIvice presidents, Malik Iftikhar,Mohammad Anees Ashraf, execu-tive members, businessmen andindustrialists were present.

Both sides have agreed forenhancement of bilateral traderelations, attracting investmentsin hydro power generation, tech-nical and vocational training,agriculture, generation of elec-tricity through coal, construc-tion, and petro-chemical alongwith exchange of business del-egation of the two countries.

STAFF REPORTER

KARACHI—Sindh continued tooutpace Balochistan, which hasthe biggest natural gas field inPakistan, in the production ofgas as proper exploration anddrilling activities could not beconducted in the latter.

The Energy Year Book(EYB) for fiscal year 2011-12disclosed that Balochistan withits two major fields Uch and Suicontributed 25 percent to thetotal gas reserves of the coun-

Sindh outpaces Balochistan ingas production

try, which is 9.0 percent loweras compared to the share con-tributed by Sindh’s gas fields.

This is the reason the re-serves of natural gas in the coun-try have come to 11-year lowlevel with the balance recover-able reserves standing at 26.9trillion cubic feet (TCF) by theend of financial year 2011-12,which is sufficient only for next17 years.

Considering the demand ofgas in the country touching newhighs, there is a dire need to

improve the indigenous gas sup-ply by warranting exploration ofthe mineral rich province ofBalochistan.

According to the recently pub-lished EYB for FY 2011-12, theproduction of gas reserves duringthe last fiscal witnessed 3.0 percentyearly decline as compared to 27.8TCF in FY 2010-11.

“If we assume current pro-duction level of 1.56 TCF peryear, it is alarming to note thatthe reserves are sufficient onlyfor a period of 17 years.

HBL, Daewooink accord

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

KARACHI—Habib Bank Lim-ited (HBL) and Daewoo Paki-stan Express Bus Service Ltdinked an accord to provide state-of-the-art electronic cash man-agement solutions.

Under the agreement HBLwill provide electronic and alter-nate delivery channels to DaewooPakistan, including Cash-in-Tran-sit (CIT) management, pan-Paki-stan ATM deployment and otherelectronic banking services. Alsoas part of the agreement, HBL re-cently installed 12 ATMs atDaewoo terminals with 10 moreATMs to be installed over the nextfew months.

Faiq Sadiq head PaymentServices said, “HBL has alwaysbeen at the forefront in deliver-ing and meeting the demands ofcustomers. This agreement is abeginning of a strategic relation-ship with Daewoo which willbring innovative solutions thatmeet the banking needs of ourcustomers.”

Faisal Siddiqui of Daewoosaid, “We are extremely happyand excited to partner withPakistan’s largest bank. DaewooPakistan Express Bus Serviceoperates over 350 departures aday, with over 40 destinations allover the country.

PIA revisesits employees

pensionSTAFF REPORTER

KARACHI—The pension ofPIA employees has been re-vised. The increase in pensionranges from 10% to 30% witheffect from 1st April 2013 al-ready approved by PIA Board ofDirectors’.

The increase in pensionhas been appreciated by theretired employees of the air-line who have thanked espe-cially, the Chairman PIA, LtGeneral (Retired) Asif YasinMalik and also Managing Di-rector PIA, MuhammadJunaid Younus and PIA Boardof Directors for revising thepension.

Cotton marketactivity improvedStaff ReporterLAHORE—Trading activityimproved on the cottonmarket on betterment in theelectricity supply in Punjab,dealers said. The official spotrate resisted further declineat Rs 6,650, they said. Ratesof seed cotton in Sindh wereunchanged at Rs 1,800 andRs 2,400, while in Punjabprices showed no change atRs 1,800 and Rs 2,500, theysaid. In the ready business,nearly 7,000 bales of cottonchanged hands between Rs6,200 and Rs 7,000, theysaid. Commenting on theimprovement in the volumeof daily-intake, cottonanalyst, Naseem Usman saidthat was an encouragingfactor and might provideexporters an opportunity tomeet export orders on time.Other brokers were of theview that massive powershortage was giving toughtime and financial losses.

Gold Tezab 46714.00Silver Tezabi 814.28

Gold Tezabi (24-Ct) 50420.00Gold 22 Ct 46010.00SilverTezabi 895.00Silver Thobi 815.00

USA 98.30 98.10

UK 150.34 150.03

EURO 128.45 128.19

Canada 95.92 95.73

Switzerland 105.53 105.31

Australia 101.40 101.20

Sweden 15.07 15.04

Japan 0.9984 0.9963

Norway 16.90 16.87

Singapore 79.59 79.42

Denmark 17.23 17.19

Omani Riyal 255.00 245.00

Saudi Arabia 26.21 26.16

Hong Kong 12.66 12.64

Kuwait 345.07 344.37

Malaysia 32.37 32.30

Newzeland 82.89 82.72

Qatar 27.00 26.94

UAE 26.76 26.71

KR WON 0.0880 0.0878

Thailand 3.423 3.416

Industriesminister

visits EPZASTAFF REPORTER

KARACHI—Federal Minis-ter for Industries and Produc-tion Shahzada Ahsan AshrafShaikh visited Export Pro-cessing Zones Authoritywhere he was briefed byEPZA Chairman Saadat SCheema.

The Federal Ministertook keen interest in theworking and concept ofEPZA, and assured manage-ment that all out efforts shallbe made by the Federal Gov-ernment to promote exportbased industrialisation in thecountry. It is a national causein which all the stakeholderswill be taken on board to re-solve all the issues forsmooth running of businessactivity in Pakistan, he said.

The minister also notedthe outstanding issues ofEPZA with provincial gov-ernments and Federal Boardof Revenue (FBR) and as-sured them of a sustainablesolution. He showed hisagreement on creation ofHalal zones which wouldprovide Pakistan an opportu-nity to boost its exports.

He instructed the EPZAmanagement to make all outefforts to attract local andforeign investment by in-volving commercial consu-lates of Pakistan workingoverseas. He appreciated thegreenery and pollution-freeenvironment in EPZA pre-mises and instructed theEPZA Chairman to continuehis efforts for a greener zone.He also planted a Palm treeon this occasion as a mark ofremembrance of his visit.

During the presentation,the Federal Minister was ofthe view that Gawadar wascoming up as an internationalattraction in world businessarena and it offered a goldenopportunity to EPZA to de-velop its zone in Gawadar toattract investment forprogress and prosperity ofthe country.

On this occasion,EPZA Chairman Saadat SCheema gave an overviewof the operations at differ-ent zones and the facilitiesand incentives availablefor the investors. ChairmanEPZA also briefed aboutthe achievements of EPZAin recent past which in-cluded the inauguration ofEPZ Gujranwala, signingof MoU with FaisalabadIndustrial Estate and Man-agement Company, open-ing of Liaison Offices in12 cities, introduction ofInternal Audit and Market-ing functions in EPZA. Allthese steps will go a longway in increasing the prof-itability of the authority infuture.

Chairman EPZA alsoadded that despiteunfavourable and challeng-ing world economy, duringthe first seven months of cur-rent financial year, EPZA in-vestors registered exports ofdollars 486 million and hadcontributed Rs 476 million asPresumptive Tax in nationalexchequer.

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

KARACHI:

MULTAN:

TARIQ KHATTAK

ISLAMABAD—The recent surgein transportation cost for bothcement and coal would notablyincrease freight costs for the lo-cal manufacturers and analystsare expecting an increase of 50rupees per 50 kg cement bag.

Nabil Saleh, Equity Analyst- Research at Taurus SecuritiesLimited said that this rise in costwill hurt profitability of the ce-ment sector which after a leanperiod in the FY08-FY11 hasstarted to improve.

“Eventually if the cementmakers are even able to pass onthis rise, it will hurt local andexport cement demand due tohigher pricing,” he added say-ing that increase of around PKR50 per 50 kg bag is expectedmainly fuelled by rise in cementtransportation costs which are

Cement prices to go upby Rs50 per bag

anticipated to escalate by 57%.According to sources, the

carriers’ association has in-creased charges by thousands ofrupees besides limiting the loadvolume per vehicle as per in-structions of the concerned au-thorities. The rise in transporta-tion charges has been announcedby All Pakistan CombinedGoods Transport and Transport-ers Welfare Association. Thenew charges were effective fromApril 14 2013. The transporta-tion union in Karachi has be-come so strong that it has beenvirtually dictating terms. Ratesare fixed daily by the union fortrucks loading from Karachi/Port Qasim for upcountry andfrom factory to Karachi andKarachi port. In fact, the unionrepresentatives are now evengoing to the respective factoriesto ensure increase in freight rates

for movement from factories inthe north to Karachi port.

A Cement industry execu-tive said that the Govt shouldintervene and immediately stopthe all of the sudden impositionof the axle load restriction as itwill hurt the industry. The sys-tems should be introducedgradually so that the relatedbusinesses could adjust their re-quirement and resources accord-ingly.

Sources said that this in-crease in transportation cost willimpact heavily on different com-modities, especially cementwhich suffers the double impactboth in terms of inward trans-portation of raw material andcoal from ports to upcountry andtransportation of finished prod-ucts to ports for exports and lo-cal markets for domestic con-sumption.

STAFF REPORTER

KA R A C H I—Habib BankLimited (HBL) has an-nounced 1Q2013 unconsoli-dated profit after tax of Rs 4.6billion (diluted EPS Rs3.4) asagainst Rs 5.6 billion (EPSRs4.2) in 1Q2012, down 19percent.

Mentioned decline in earn-ings comes from eight percentdecline in net-interest income(NII) and lower reversal onvalue of investment.

Though interest incomerose by 18 percent to Rs 30.7billion in 1Q2013, 47 percentincrease in interest expense toRs 17.9 billion squeezed thebank’s NII. HBL’s NII declinedby eight percent (or Rs1bn) toRs 12.8 billion as against Rs13.8 billion in the same period

HBL declares Rs4.6bpost tax profit

last year.According to Topline Re-

search team, although in1Q2013 bank’s provisionsagainst loans remained stagnantbut lower reversals (downRs231 million) of provisions forinvestments pushed cumulativeprovisions up by 22 percent atRs 1.3 billion as against Rs 1.1billion.

Sequentially, HBL postedearnings decline of 19 per-cent. The decline in earningsfrom preceding quarter is onaccount of 6.5 percent declinein NII, which is a manifesta-tion of declining spreads en-vironment. However, ninepercent decline in non-inter-est expense and 16 percentdecline in provisioning pro-vided some respite to theearnings, they said.

P&G winsawards

OBSERVER REPORT

KARACHI—P&G Pakistan hasbeen recognized for its CSR ef-forts by the National Forum forEnvironment and Health at theCSR Business ExcellenceAwards 2013.

P&G received awards in thecategories of Social Impact andSocial Commitment Report. Theaward recognizes the positivedifference P&G’s communityprograms are making in the ar-eas of health and hygiene aware-ness, education and orphan careacross the country.

Over the years, P&G pro-grams have touched and im-proved lives of 28 millionpeople, providing everyday ba-sics that help create the experi-ence of home and improvingeveryday health and confidence.

The Children’s Safe Drink-ing Water Program providesclean drinking water to commu-nities in need. Under the Keep-ing the Hope Alive and SafeSchooling for Building Futuresprogram P&G has partneredwith Health Oriented PreventiveEducation and Read Foundationto provide quality education tochildren from impoverishedneighborhoods.

A P&G Home has been es-tablished at the SOS Children’sVillage in Islamabad which isenabling ten orphan children tolive a normal life.

Nokiaintroduces

smartphonesOBSERVER REPORT

KARACHI—Nokia has madeavailable two new additions toits Lumia series, augmenting itsrange of Windows Phone 8 de-vices in Pakistan across pricepoints to attract younger andhyper social audience. With theavailability of the two new de-vices the company brings arange of innovative, unique andhigh end experiences to a wholenew set of audiences across thecountry.

Blending exceptional styleand innovation, Nokia Lumia720 offers a powerful camera aswell as an integrated entertain-ment and social experience ofWP8.

Nokia Lumia 520 is a highlyimmersive and affordablesmartphone that provides richselection of innovations for amore fun and excitingsmartphone experience. Speak-ing about the new devices, ArifShafique, country general man-ager, Nokia Pakistan and Af-ghanistan said, The WP8 mo-mentum is building and Nokiais charging ahead with theLumia series. The availability ofNokia Lumia 720 and NokiaLumia 520 in Pakistan marketreflects our commitment to builda winning ecosystem that willenrich people’s mobile experi-ence.

STAFF REPORTER

KARACHI—Industrialists havesaid that nothing had been doneto resolve the issue of poweroutages in the city’s industrialareas.

Industrialists said that in-dustrial estates in the city con-tinued to suffer power cuts last-ing eight hours. They warnedthat if the energy crisis persisted,industrialists would be com-pelled to close down their unitsand lay off workers.

Chairman of the Site Asso-ciation of Industry Dr ArshadVohra told this correspondentthat there was no let up in loadshedding in industrial areas de-spite the warnings of KarachiTown Industrial Alliance(KTIA).

He said that Caretaker ChiefMinister Zahid Kurban Ali had

Power cuts irk biz communityhosted a reception for business-men on where he (Dr Vohra)took up the issue power cuts inthe industrial areas.

He said that he was disap-pointed by the chief minister’sreply. He quoted the caretakerChief Minister as saying that he(the chief minister) was notaware of the problem.

Dr Vohra said that he hadinformed the Chief Ministerthat he had written a detailedletter addressed to him, ex-plaining the impact of loadshedding on industrial produc-tion and exports.

He said that as the ChiefMinister of the province, it washis responsibility to resolve suchissues on a priority basis.

The patron-in-chief of NorthKarachi Association of Tradeand Industry (NKATI), NoorAhmed Khan, said that the care-

taker chief minister was not evenprepared to listen to the indus-trialists point of view on the is-sue.

However, when industrial-ists persisted, the chief ministersaid that he had directed thecaretaker Minster for Industries,Khalid Tawab, to resolve the is-sue.

Sindh’s caretaker Minsterfor Industries Khalid Tawab saidthat the chief minister had di-rected him to resolve the issueon a priority basis, adding thatthe chief minister had also in-structed him to discuss the is-sue with the Governor of Sindhand seek his assistance.

He said that it was incorrectto say that the chief minister wasnot aware of the problem of loadshedding and expressed the hopethat the issue would be resolvedin a few days.

STAFF REPORTER

KARACHI—Chief ExecutiveOfficer of Pakistan Steel Mills,General (Retd) MuhammadJawed said that PSM needs Rs20 billion immediately to meetits capital requirement and topay its immediate liabilities.

For saving this national as-set from further deterioration, hesaid Rs 11 billion be releasedwithin seven days and Rs 9 bil-lion in next 15 days.

The CEO Pakistan Steelunveiled these facts while giv-ing a presentation to FederalMinister for Industries and Pro-duction Shahzada Ahsan AshrafSheikh during the Minister’svisit to Pakistan Steel here.

General (Retd) MuhammadJawed said Rs 11 billion are re-quired for raw materials and theremaining amount for paymentof other utilities. He listed thereasons for the failure of PSM’srevival.

These included insufficient

Pakistan Steel needsurgent Rs20b: CEO

working capital to complete thelogistic cycle, delay in releaseof funds, difficulties in openingof L/Cs with National Bank ofPakistan, delay in revival of L/Cs facility of Rs 3 billion byNBP.

He said the business plan forrevival of PSM was prepared byworld renowned professionalfirm, M/s Deloitte, in Novem-ber, 2011 and the plan in prin-ciple was approved by the Eco-nomic Coordination Committee(ECC) and later by the Cabinetin December 2011.

The salient features of the plan,he said, are: The Fresh injection ofRs 11 billion be made at a tenta-tive interest rate of 14% to financemainly working capital.

Repayment of principalamount be deferred for 3 years.The Government should pick upthe interest cost for first 3 years,of Rs 5.12 billion against issueof shares— Out of outstandingTerm Loan of Rs 8 billions, prin-cipal amount of Rs 5 billion (Rs

3 billion overdue as of June 30,2011 and Rs 2 billion due dur-ing FY 2012) will be restruc-tured and deferred for a periodof two years. However, interestwill be paid as per schedule.

He said that had the bail- outamount been paid in lumpsumand the amount was sufficientenough, the situation wouldhave been positively different.

Giving details of the bail-out packages, he said that in2008-09, the amount of Rs 20billion was demanded and 50%amount was received.

Rs 6,492 million wereutilised to pay old liabilities andRs 3,506 million only wereavailable as working capital. Hefurther said in 2009-10, Rs25.133 billion were demanded.

Rs 10.608 billion were sanc-tioned and Rs 9.907 billion re-ceived. Of this amount, Rs 4.277billion were consumed to payold liabilities and Rs 5.633 bil-lion only were in balance asworking capital.

and export industry. He said thatexporters should be given spe-cial incentives and get rid ofunjustifiable taxes and exporttax, interference of provincialinstitutions and uninterruptedgas and electricity supply. Itwould help not only this indus-try but also earn the preciousforeign exchange and bridgingthe gap between our import andexport bill.

Indian Halal food export hadreached $23 billion per annum,which should be a matter of con-cern for Pakistan, Saifi added.

He called for understandingthe importance of mark of certi-fied Halal products on theseproducts.

Halal meatFrom Page 10

FAISALABAD: AIOU Vice Chancellor Dr Nazir Ahmad Sanghi with Vice Chancellor UAFProf Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan inaugurates the wheat harvesting at PARS.

STAFF REPORTER

LAHORE—Investing in sus-tainable infrastructures and re-source efficient technologies incities offers a golden opportu-nity to deliver economic growthwith lower rates of environ-mental degradation, reductionsin poverty, cuts in greenhousegases and improved well-being,observed a new report ofUnited Nations Environment(UNEP).

The report is produced bythe International ResourcePanel (IRP), which is hosted bythe UNEP. It also observed thataround three-quarters of theworld’s natural resources arealready consumed in cities, andthe proportion of the globalpopulation living in urban ar-eas is set to rise to 70 percentby 2050. At the same time, cit-ies generally offer lower percapita resource use and emis-sions than their surroundingareas, it added.

Achieving inclusive sustain-

Investing in resource-efficienttechnologies to boost overall growth

able development for all, re-quires decoupling city-basedeconomic growth rates from theunsustainable consumption offinite natural resources, whichhas characterised most urbandevelopment to date. As theprice of depleting natural re-sources continues to rise, pro-moting sustainable urban infra-structures can benefit the envi-ronment and shield cities frompotential economic and socialinstability in an increasingly re-source-constrained 21st century,the report said.

According to the UNEPstudy, Melbourne, Australia, hasseen a 40 percent drop in emis-sions by introducing energy effi-ciency measures in public build-ings, while in Cape Town, SouthAfrica, a re-fit of low incomehousing with solar water heatersand efficient lighting has savedover 6,500 tons of carbon peryear, cut respiratory illnesses by75 percent, created scores ofgreen jobs and reduced the costof hot water for poor households.

Other efforts involve reducing oilconsumption by moving morepeople and goods onto publictransport powered by electricity,or re-establishing peri-urbanfarms to supply locally grownfood.

The study says much greatereffort is needed to support new andimproved infrastructure for water,energy, transport, waste and othersectors, generally located in andaround cities, to wean the world offunsustainable consumption pat-terns, and avoid serious economicand environmental implications forfuture generations. Some 60 per-cent of the built environment re-quired to meet the needs of theworld’s urban population by 2050still needs to be constructed. Thecost of meeting the urban infra-structure requirements of theworld’s cities between 2000 and2030 is estimated at US $40 tril-lion, both through the building ofnew infrastructure (mainly in de-veloping countries) or retrofittingexisting facilities (mainly in devel-oped nations), it added.

OBSERVER REPORT

FAISALABAD—It is need of thehour to adopt mechanized agro-nomic innovations in order toattract small farmers towardsagricultural mechanization inthe country.

This was stated by speak-ers of a Farmer’s day arrangedby Water Management Re-search Centre (WMRC) Uni-versity of AgricultureFaisalabad (UAF) at Postgradu-ate Agricultural Research Sta-tion (PARS) Jhang Road hereon Saturday.

Dr. Nazir Ahmad Sanghi,Vice Chancellor Allama IqbalOpen University (AIOU)Islamabad said that in this eraof science & technology no

Need stressed for mechanizedagronomic innovations

revolution could happen withoutadopting innovative approachtowards mechanization.

He said that rapidly increas-ing rate of population and stag-nant agricultural productivityhas been threatening food secu-rity in the globe.

He stressed the need forfarmers’ friendly and affordableagricultural tools in order tobring mechanical revolution inthe country.

Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad KhanVice Chancellor UAF called forprecision agricultural initiativeswith fabrication of new machin-eries for enhancement of agri-cultural productivity as well aswater use efficiency.

He stressed the need forequal distribution of water re-

sources to all provinces and vari-ous agricultural zones, so thatproductivity volume could beincreased.

He said that UAF has beenstriving for new agronomicpackages with water use effi-ciency and minimum inputs forfarming community.

US scientist Dr. Mark S.Hoddle lauded the initiatives ofUAF to attract farming commu-nity to witness demonstrativeexhibitory attractions at theCampus. He said that during hislast 6-visit to UAF he found thisinstitution more vibrant regard-ing technology transfer initia-tives. Earlier, Dr. Nazir Sanghialso inspected wheat crop andinaugurated the wheat harvest-ing at PARS.

WASHINGTON: IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde with finance ministers andcentral bank governors from the G20 during the 2013 Spring Meeting of the InternationalMonetary Fund and World Bank.

STAFF REPORTER

LAHORE—The Lahore Cham-ber of Commerce and Industry(LCCI) has urged theAgribusiness Support Fund(ASF) to establish knowledgecentres to equip poor farmerswith latest information aboutAgri technology, hybrid seedsand water management.

LCCI President FarooqIftikhar was talking to a three-member ASF delegation led byAyesha Gulzar. LCCI VicePresident Mian Abuzar Shad,former Senior Vice PresidentAbdul Basit, MohammadAnwar and Dr Shahid Raza alsospoke on the occasion.

While appreciating the ef-forts of ASF, the LCCI President

ASF asked to set up knowledge centressaid ASF should also allocatefunds for development of mod-ern storage facilities in Pakistanas a huge quantity of producewent waste because of unavail-ability of modern facilities. Healso stressed the need for provi-sion of information to the farm-ers to avoid pre and post harvestlosses that were much bigger inPakistan than any other part ofthe world.

He said the developmentand strengthening of small farm-ers would revolutionise agricul-ture sector. The low productionproblem is directly associatedwith the lack of information tothe small cultivators.

The LCCI president saidthat new farming techniques andtechnological innovations could

also be beneficial for small andlarge sized farmers.

He said USAID Agri basedprojects could render techno-logical assistance to farmersby teaching them the methodsof modern farming and facili-tating them with provision ofbetter quality seeds and un-doubtedly by knowledge shar-ing.

Farooq Iftikhar said that as-sistance in the provision of tech-nical setup for developing apackaging system for the agriproducts was a great essential-ity. Since those products had lowshelf lives and were perishableby nature, therefore, huge wast-age took place even before thoseproducts reach their destina-tions, he added.

Juniorentrepreneurs

exhibitionSTAFF REPORTER

PESHAWAR—A two-day JuniorEntrepreneurs Exhibition beganin the display centre of WomenBusiness Development CenterPeshawar.

The exhibition specific forgirls of age group 10 to 18 years,which remain continue for twodays was inaugurated by DrMohammad Yousaf SarwarMohmand, President KhyberPakhtukhwa Chamber of Com-merce and Industries (KPCCI).

This initiative has been es-pecially designed to instill theconcept of entrepreneurshipamong these junior entrepre-neurs and to aware them for con-sidering entrepreneurship as acareer option which will lead tojob creation for themselves andother members of the society.

Dr Yousaf highly appreciatedthe idea of giving young entre-preneurs such an opportunity. Healso acknowledged the efforts ofthe participating young girls.

NIT announcesresults of all

FundsSTAFF REPORTER

KARACHI—National Invest-ment Trust Limited (NITL), thefirst and largest Asset Manage-ment Company of Pakistan, hasdeclared results for all Fundsunder its management for thenine months of the current fis-cal year (FY13) ended March31, 2013.

This was stated by Chair-man/Managing Director NIT,Wazir Ali Khoja in a press re-lease after its Board of Direc-tors approved the nine-monthlyaccounts of all Funds under itsmanagement.

MD-NIT further stated thatas of 31st March 2013, NIT ismanaging 5 Funds with net as-sets under management ofaround Rs. 73.5 billion.

The Chairman stated that dur-ing 9MFY13, NI(U)T Fund real-ized capital gains of Rs. 1,620million against Rs. 891 million in9MFY12, depicting a substantialgrowth of 81.9 percent YoY. Thedividend income earned by theFund grew by 13.1 percent YoYand stood at Rs. 2,429 million ascompared to Rs. 2,148 million inthe corresponding period last year.

During 9MFY13, the FundsNAV increased by 28.76 percentfrom Rs 26.77 (Ex-Dividend) ason 30.06.12 to Rs 34.47 as on31.03.13 against the benchmarkKSE-100 index increase of30.74 percent.

During 9MFY13, gross sales(including CIP) stood at Rs 4,131million, compared to Rs. 3,894million in 9MFY12, a growth ofover 6 percent YoY.

Nevertheless, with a sub-stantial increase in the stockmarket, many investors opted toredeem their units to book capi-tal gains.

STAFF REPORTER

KARACHI—Lack of requiredfacilities at the largest sabzimandi of the country at Super-highway Karachi, exports offruits and vegetables have suf-fered.

Several millions dollarsworth of potato, onion, mangoand kinnow besides large quan-tity of different vegetables areexported across the globe fromthe bustling sabzi mandi thushelping the country to earn in-valuable foreign currency.

Pakistan’s fruit and veg-etable exports have gone downover the period of time and ex-porters have attributed lack ofinfrastructure at the sazbi mandiincluding non-existing road net-work, poor unhygienic condition

Exports of fruits,vegetables hit snag

and deteriorating law and ordersituation as some of the majorfactors which have contributedtowards declining exports.

The bustling mandi whichprovides livelihood to more than100,000 labours and tradersdaily is deprived of basic facili-ties considered as inevitable forexports of fruits and vegetablesand several efforts by the stakeholders to draw attention of theconcerned officials towards thismajor issue have miserablyfailed to elicit desired results.

Haji Shahjahan PresidentFalahi Anjuman wholesale Veg-etable Market claimed despitethe intention of inviting severalmajor vegetable and fruit im-porters from across the globe,the exporters were reluctant toinvite them to visit the place.

ORAL cancer is the sixth most commoncancer reported globally with roughlytwo thirds of these reported in develop-

ing countries, according to a report.Regardless of nationality, roughly half of

long-term smokers will diefrom the effects of tobaccosmoking, be it oral cancer,lung cancer or cardiovasculardisease.

In India 20 deaths per100,000 are caused by oralcancer as compared to 10deaths per 100,000 in the USand two deaths per 100,000 inthe Middle East.

Oral cancer, as well asupdates in maxillofacial re-c o n s t r u c t i o n ,microneurosurgery, oraltrauma, and facial cosmeticand orthognathic surgery, willbe reviewed at the 2nd Oraland Maxillofacial SurgeryCongress to be held in Dubaifrom May 1-5.

Organised by Imedex inassociation with Arab Health, this year’s meet-ing will provide a number of new features thatexplore the rapidly reshaping field of oral andfacial surgery.

“The main causes of oral cancer haveclassically been related to smoking tobaccoproducts and the Middle East has a higherrate of tobacco consumption then many othercountries and this includes the use of theShisha or Hookah,” said Dr Eric J Dierks,Clinical Professor of Oral and MaxillofacialSurgery at Oregon Health and Science Uni-versity, USA and director of the Fellowshipin Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery based

Oral cancer cases higher indeveloping countries

at Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland,Oregon, who will be speaking at the con-gress.

“There is a myth that smoking througha Shisha pipe is safer than smoking ciga-

rettes but this is almost cer-tainly not the case. Severalrecent studies have indicatedthat Shisha smokers actuallyinhale more of the cooledsmoke than would a cigarettesmoker thereby increasingtheir exposure to carcinogenswithin the smoke,” he said.

To an ever greater ex-tent, human papilloma virus(HPV) is a causative factor incancer of sites in the orophar-ynx such as the tonsil or thebase of the tongue, althoughHPV related cancer is muchless common within the mouthitself.

Approximately twothirds of cancers of the baseof tongue and tonsil are causedby HPV and 80 per cent of

these cases occur in men.“There is no relationship between either

smoking or alcohol intake with the HPV as-sociated oropharyngeal cancer. Fortunately,HPV associated oropharyngeal cancer actu-ally carries a much better prognosis thandoes a cancer in this location that is not as-sociated with HPV. Although research is on-going, the reason for this is as yet unclear,”Dierks said. The early diagnosis of oral can-cer is extremely important because not onlyis the prognosis significantly better for earlystage cancer, but the treatment involved isoften less extensive, Dr Dierks said.

KARACHI: Motorists are stuck in a massive traffic jam on Maripur road after angry pro-testors blocked the road.

KARACHI: Air Marshal Farhat Hussain, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, PAF with the graduating officers of No 64 flight safety officer course at PAF BaseMansoor Institute of Air safety.

KARACHI: Model walk on the Ramp during the PANTENE BCW 2013 at Expo Centre.—PO photo by Sultan Chaki

KARACHI: A voter browsing the final list of the candidates outside the offices of the Re-turning Officer.

IRFAN ALIGI

KARACHI—Sindh caretakergovernment directed the authori-ties concerned to submit detailsof polling stations in the prov-ince especially in the metropo-lis.

In this regard, Sindh provin-cial election coordination com-mittee under the chair of SindhHome Department additionalChief Secretary Waseem Ahmedheld a a high level meeting withRangers, Police, Election Com-mission and home departmentofficials. The meeting reviewed

Measures in offing for armydeployment at sensitive polling stations

the situation of law and orderand discussed the matter of de-ploying army at the polling sta-tions.

The additional Chief Secre-tary told the meeting to take ex-tended measures for the securityand prepare a contingency planduring the elections. The meet-ing was also told to prepare de-tails about the sensitive and non-sensitive polling stations andalso indicate those sensitivepolling stations where armyshould be deployed. The meet-ing was told to complete the as-signed tasks at the earliest so that

the same should be communi-cated to the federal caretakergovernment for onward action.

The meeting also decidedto acquire services of securitypersonnel of other institutionsso that the security plans couldbe made more effective to pro-tect the sensitive polling sta-tions. In this regard, the meet-ing was told to present detailsof expenses to be accrued onacquiring the services of thesecurity personnel of other in-stitutions so that necessary ap-proval should be obtained fromthe finance department.

PAF FlightSafety Officers

graduationceremonySTAFF REPORTER

KARACHI—Graduation cer-emony of No 64 Flight SafetyOfficer Course was held at PAFBase, Masroor. Air MarshalFarhat Hussain Khan Vice Chiefof the Air Staff, Pakistan AirForce was the Chief Guest onthe occasion. The Chief Guestawarded the certificates to thesuccessful participants. FlightLieutenant Khadija Awanbagged the Chief of the Air StaffBest Graduate’s Trophy for bestperformance in the course. Thecourse comprised officers fromPakistan Air Force, Army, Navyand friendly countries, whichinclude: Bangladesh, Iraq,Nepal, Sri Lanka, Sudan andNigeria. The Chief Guest, whileemphasizing upon the graduat-ing officers for the importanceof Safety in every aspect of theaviation industry highlighted thesignificance of Flight SafetyOfficers in prevention of acci-dents. While stressing upon therole of FSOs, he said that onlysincere efforts, dedication andtotal commitment can help themto achieve a safer environmentand this could only be possibleif they adopt safety as a value intheir lives. The Chief Guest ap-preciated the efforts put in by theInstitute in imparting qualityeducation and blending theorywith practice.

Earlier, The Chief Guestwas received by Air Commo-dore Noor Elahi Bajwa OfficerCommanding Institute of AirSafety.

KARACHI—A project encom-passing a 60-feet boat carryingsculptures of animals by lead-ing artist Anjum Ayaz, titled“Noah’s Ark - The Rehabitat”was launched at the AllianceFrancaise Karachi to lay stresson the importance of planetearth and how to save the en-dangered wildlife species.

Organisers said here onSaturday that the project waslaunched by local NGO,

Project based on boat carryinganimal sculptures launched

Canopy, which has taken thisinitiative to tell the young gen-eration how to save the imperil-led ecosystem.

The theme, Noah’s Ark, re-minds us how animals weresaved from extinction, theyadded. In his project presenta-tion, Khalid Hasan Khan was ofthe view that “since 1900 we arelosing one species each year.”

Hailing the project, an en-vironmental broadcaster from

Radio Ecoshock Canada, AlexSmith, said “we should have re-spect and space for vanishinganimals.”

The Director of the AllianceFrancaise Karachi, Jean-François Chénin and chief pa-tron of Canopy, Sardar Naved A.Khan also spoke.

Anjum Ayaz’s artwork hasbeen exhibited in Dubai,Marseilles, Montreal, NewYork, Paris, Singapore and To-

kyo. He said that he was in-spired by dancing peacocks inThar during his first visit toThar some 20 years back, “butnow, they are now no more vis-ible because of devastationplayed by man on earth,” heremarked.

He said that when he againvisited Thar, he realised thatthere was a need to play an ac-tive role to save the vanishinganimal species.—APP

KARACHI—Jamaat-e-Islami(JI) has announced its final listof candidates for general elec-tions on national and provincialseats in Karachi.

According to the details, JIis going to field its candidates on12 NA seats and 21 candidateson 21 PS seats, said a statementissued by JI on Friday.

The JI candidates who willcontest elections with electoralsymbol “Tarazu” are includedMuhammad Laeeq Khan for NA-241, Taj Muhammad for NA-242, Syed Muhammad Iqbal forNA-243, Syed Muhammad Bilal

JI announces 12 candidatesfor NA, 21 for PS seats in city

for NA-244, Dr Mairaj-ul-Hudafor NA-245, Rashid Naseem forNA-246.

Naimatullah Khan for NA-250, Zahid Saeed for NA-251,Muhammad Hussain Mahenti forNA-252, Asadullah Bhutto forNA-253, Abdul Jameel Khan forNA-255, Taufeequddin Siddiquifor NA-257.

The provincial asssemblycandidates from the city includedMuhammad Ameer Tariq willcontest for PS-90, Abdur Razzaqfor PS-93, Mukhtar Bin Hamidfor PS-94, Taj Muhammad Khanfor PS-95, Abdul Majeed

Khaskheli for PS-97, Shafiq-ur-Rehman Usmani for PS-99,Muhammad Ahmed for PS-100,Naseem Siddiqui for PS-101,Syed Muhammad Iqbal for PS-102, Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehmanfor PS-103, Syed Wajih Hasanfor PS-104, Farooq Naimatullahfor PS-105, Fazl-ur-Rehman forPS-108, H M Hanif for PS-111,Nasrullah Shajih for PS-116,Sabir Ahmed for PS-117, SyedQutub for PS-118, RashidMannan for PS-119, ZulfiqarAli for PS-120, MaharuddinAfzal for PS-125 and YounusBarai for PS-126.—APP

STAFF REPORTER

KARACHI—The constructionwork of the Jinnah TerminalFlyover would be completed byMay 15. This was stated by theCaretaker Sindh Minister for Lo-cal Government, Jaffer Khawaja,here on Saturday after reviewingthe construction work of theproject. The Jinnah TerminalFlyover is being built at a cost ofRs 289.78 million.

The Minister said that thethree-lane flyover would result inincrease in the flow of traffic. Hefurther pointed out that work iscontinuing on all the on- going lo-cal bodies’ projects and the require-ments in this regard would be met.

Police personnel tobe trained forelection duties

KARACHI—Additional Inspec-tor General of Police GhulamShabbir Sheikh Saturday di-rected the senior police officialsto arrange training of the subor-dinate staff for election dutiesbesides ensuring provision ofnecessary equipment includingsafety sheets, helmets, bulletproof jackets, teargas guns etcto them.

Addressing Police Darbarat the Garden Police Head-quarters here, he said a strat-egy has been devised to gradethe performance of officersand jawans and now only hon-est and efficient staff wouldhave their place in the depart-ment.—APP

Jinnah Terminal Flyoverto complete by May 15

Jaffer Khawaja said that thegovernment is taking steps for thebetterment of the people.

He also directed the Admin-istrator Karachi that attention bepaid towards the cleanlinessworks and for the provision ofrelief to the people. The Admin-istrator Kkarachi, Syed HashimRaza Zaidi, and chief of CPLC,Ahmed Chinoy, were alsopresent on the occasion.

The under-constructionflyover would consist of three lanesand nine spans, while it would be570 metres long and 10.5 metreswide. Two U-turns would also bebuilt along the flyover to save trav-elling time of the vehicles chang-ing their route along the flyover.

Security up inAbbasi ShaheedHospital Trauma

CentreKARACHI—KMC Administra-tor Syed Hashim Raza Zaidi hassaid that police and rangers’ of-ficers should be deployed oninside and outside routes ofAbbasi Shaheed Hospital forsecurity of patients and hospitalstaff. He said this while address-ing a meeting held for review-ing security arrangements inAbbasi Shaheed Hospital andTrauma Centre.

The security arrangementswhich were recommended in thelast meeting for Abbasi ShaheedHospital and Trauma Centrewere reviewed and a detailedbriefing about the arrangementsof traffic and security surround-ing the hospital was given.

Syed Hashim Raza Zaidisaid that security arrangementswould be made on priority ba-sis, especially on the insideroutes of the hospital.

Rangers’ officers on centralroutes should be deployed con-stantly for which discussionwith higher authorities of policeand rangers has been made.

He directed that hospitaladministration should be in con-tact with the deployed police andranger officers and security ar-rangements should be improvedby mutual cooperation.

He said that Abbasi ShaheedHospital should improve its ser-vices for citizens.

This is one of the biggesthospitals in Karachi and wewould have to set our prioritieson right track for enhancing hos-pital standard.—APP

Folk latestcollection

correspondingto modern styleKARACHI—A brand that re-cently captured the spotlight,Folkloric; created by NajmaShah who started designing 15years ago as a hobby.

The brand recently came outwith its latest Summer collectionfor 2013. The brand offers col-orful clothes and accessories forwomen and girls. Folkloric in-troduced its latest stylish Semi– formal for Women & Girls,who love the outfits embroi-dered with an oriental look inany party. Folk latest collectionis made according to the mostrecent style. The collection isunique as it is accented byNajma Shah’s unique stylingand unparalleled use of colors.

The brand is famous for itsartistic outfits at reasonableprices. “I’m very much thrilledabout my new collection as thelevel of anticipation has risen formy brand and I believe in grow-ing to the juncture every time”,said the enthusiastic designer.“My fresh collection offers newand exhilarating designs and I msure it has something for every-one”. The fresh collection hasmade use of chiffons, jamawar,silk, net and malai lawn.—NNI

PEOPLE who are exposed to fine particle matter (PM) air pollution from traffic pollution for a prolonged period of

time are at an increased risk of developingarteriosclerosis, according to a new studypresented at the Euro Prevent 2013 congressin Rome.

This isn’t the first timethat road traffic has beenlinked with heart disease, aprevious study conducted inDenmark in 2012 identifiedthat traffic noise is signifi-cantly associated with riskof heart attack.

The aim of this study, asdescribed by Dr HagenKälsch from the West-Ger-man Heart Centre in Essen,Germany, was to seewhether the increased heartrisks associated with trafficcame from either noise, par-ticle pollution, or both.

The researchers useddata from the German HeinzNixdorf Recall Study, whichincluded a total of 4,814 participants. Theyused street maps to calculate how near theparticipants were to roads with lots of traffic,chemistry transport models to estimate theirexposure to pollutants, and validated tests tomeasure traffic noise.

Through the use of computed tomogra-phy imaging they measured vascular vesselcalcification in the thoracic aorta, which re-vealed the patient’s level of arteriosclerosis.

Increased proximity to major roads withtraffic was associated with an increased levelof aortic calcification in the 4,238 partici-pants of the study. The degree of calcifica-tion increased by 20.7% as particle volume

increased by 2.4 micrometers, and increasedby 10% for every 100 meter proximity toheavy traffic. Dr Kälsch confirmed thatboth exposure to PM air pollution as wellas road traffic noise are associated with sub-clinical arteriosclerosis.

He said: “These two ma-jor types of traffic emissionshelp explain the observed as-sociations between livingclose to high traffic and sub-clinical arteriosclerosis. Theconsiderable size of the asso-ciations underscores the im-portance of long-term expo-sure to air pollution and roadtraffic noise as risk factors forarteriosclerosis.”

Traffic noise and finePM are thought to increasecardiovascular risk by actingthrough similar biologicalpathways and causing an im-balance in the autonomic ner-vous system.

TAC is one of the mostreliable markers of sub-clini-

cal arteriosclerosis, along with coronary ar-tery calcification (CAC).

All air pollutants, including carbonmonoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2),sulphur dioxide (SO2), and particulate mat-ter (measured as PM10) were associatedwith an increased risk of heart attack, ex-cept for ozone (O3).

Traffic air pollution may be particularlyharmful for infants - researchers from theKarolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden,reported in the American Journal of Respi-ratory and Critical Care Medicine, that traf-fic air pollution exposure during infancyharms the lungs for many years.

Exposure to traffic pollutionincreases risk of heart disease

LAHORE: Former CM Punjab Shahbaz Sharif shaking hand with workers during an election campaign at NA-129.

LAHORE: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Arif Nizami addressing agathering on the death anniversary of Allama Iqbal at Aiwan-e-Iqbal Complex.

STAFF REPORTER

LAHORE—Principal PostGraduate Medical Institute ProfAnjum Habib Vohra has said thatwith the establishment of newdiagnostic centre for heart pa-tients at a cost of Rs.1.07 crore,the services available at LahoreGeneral Hospital have furtherextended and this revolutionarystep would go a long way to pro-vide medical facilitation to heartpatients.

He expressed these views onthe occasion of inauguratingmodern equipment ofEchocardiography, Halter Moni-toring and ETT at Medical Unit-III at Lahore General Hospital.

The event was attended byProf Khalid Masood Gondal,Prof. Ghayas-un-Nabi Tayyab,Prof. Agha Shabbir Ali, Prof EjazHussain, Prof. Khalid Bashir, DrRafique Basharat, Dr Israr-ul-Haq Toor, Dr Sheraz Anjum andother doctors.

Assistant Prof Dr RafadAhmed will be the incharge ofnewly established diagnostic cen-tre while Dr Aadil and Dr Tahair-ul-Islam will assistant him.

Talking to the media, ProfAnjum Habib Vohra further saidthat doctors who will operate themodern machinery have beentrained by Agha Khan UniversityKarachi so that they could extendtheir services skilfully.

He said that all possible mea-sures are being taken for up gra-dation and improvement of ser-vices standard at Lahore GeneralHospital.

He said that before the estab-lishment of diagnostic centre atLahore General Hospital, theheart patients were facing greatdifficulties but through the per-sonal interest of Secretary HealthCapt (Retd) Arif Nadeem, Punjabgovernment has solved thischronic problem of the people.

He said that like other de-partments at Lahore GeneralHospital Diagnostic Centrewould also provide medical fa-cilities free of cost to deservingand poor patients.

New diagnostic centre forheart patients in LGH

Major terrorbid foiled

LAHORE—The law enforcingagencies on Saturday sabotagedmajor terror bid as truck carry-ing explosive material at riverRavi, Lahore.

The intelligence agenciessources said 130 gunnies filledwith explosive material at riverRavi were seized.

According to the reports, twoalleged terrorists have been ar-rested and transferred to an un-known place for interrogation.

After the incident the localadministration directed to tightenthe security and the security ofthe city put on high alert.

Meanwhile, the administra-tion also ordered to law enforc-ers to shoot those who will notstop at check-posts for check-ing.—Online

STAFF REPORTER

LAHORE—A spokesman ofthe Bilawal House has saidthat the Benazir Income Sup-port Programme (BISP) wasthe ‘largest and unique socialprotection programme’ of theformer PPP democratic gov-ernment providing direct fi-nancial assistance to 22% vul-nerable population of the coun-try consisting 7 million fami-lies. This programme is mak-ing difference between starva-tion and food security for poor-est of the poor, he added.

He said that theprogramme titled as “BenazirIncome Support Programme

Act” was unanimously passedby the Parliament. He said thatthe PPP Government initiatedthe programme in 2008 to trans-late the vision of the ShaheedBenazir Bhutto focused to thewelfare of those whose subsis-tence was at stake due to acutepoverty.

He said that the efficiencyand the reach of the programmeto such a large chunk of country’spopulation had been appreciatedby the World Bank and the AsianDevelopment Bank and theirevaluation mattered by any stan-dard. He further said that eventhe Secretary General of theUnited Nations Mr. Ban Ki-Moon while commenting on the

programme urged the other de-veloping countries to replicate itbecause of its transparency, ef-ficacy and usefulness, adding itssuccess story in Pakistan spokevolumes and was thereforeworth emulating.

He said that the credibilityof the programme was aboveboard and it was because of thisthat the USAID and the BritishDFID had contributed $160 mil-lion and 300 million pounds re-spectively for the BISP. Whowill contribute such a hugeamount of tax payers’ money ofother countries if the programmedoes not meet the criterion ofinternal accountability and thirdparty validation, he asked from

the critics. He pointed out that theprogramme was a shining ex-ample of transparency, account-ability and effectiveness and useof technology under one roofthrough one window operation.He further said that under theprogramme, three million poorchildren would be enrolled forfree education besides providingthe services of micro-finance,health insurance, technical skillsto youth so that they could leada decent life while contributingin the national economy at thesame time.

The spokesman said that thecritics of the programme werepolitically motivated and did notcare for the corers of poor people

BISP termed largest, unique socialprotection programme

who had been having two timesquare meal through thisProgramme. The other veryimportant dimension of theprogramme, the spokesmansaid, was the empowerment ofwomen because woman headof the family was entitled toreceive the financial assis-tance. The women empower-ment is equally of paramountimportance for the nationbuilding process.

He further said that about25 Million women had to getNational identity Card becauseit was the condition for the de-serving person to have I.Dcard for applying assistanceunder the programme.LAHORE: A vendor selling colourful chicks, taking a nap under shade of a tree on Zafar Ali Road.

SALIM AHMED

LAHORE—Punjab Chief Minis-ter Najam Sethi has said that heis personally monitoring the situ-ation arising out of measles out-break, and directed health authori-ties that healthcare system shouldbe made more effective through-out the province.

He said all resources whichare needed would be provided inorder to safeguard children frommeasles and added that vaccina-tion is highly essential to preventchildren from measles.

The Chief Minister directedthat vaccination facility should bemade available at all hospitals andmedical centres. He said that lifeof every child is precious andcaretaker government would ef-fectively discharge its responsi-

bilities in this regard. He in-formed that public awarenesshelpline 0800-99000 has beenfully activated, from where citi-zens can acquire necessary infor-mation regarding preventivemeasures against measles. Hesaid public awareness aboutmeasles is also being raisedthrough the mass media, whileconcrete steps are being taken toensure vaccination in measlesaffected areas. He directed thatno effort should be spared to pro-vide foolproof medical care tomeasles affected children, be-sides ensuring provision of bestmedical facilities to them.

The measles epidemic hasclaimed three more lives, risingthe overall death toll to fifty threein the Punjab province. One ofthe deceased was identified as

Fatima, 3, who was undergoingtreatment at Children Hospital ofLahore. She belonged to Vehari.The other two, Bismillah, 3, andArsalan, 3, succumbed to diseaseat Lahore’s Mayo Hospital today.

Meanwhile the interna-tional organization Gavi hasassured Punjab government offull support in controlling thespread of the epidemic. Theorganization will not only pro-vide funds but will also techni-cally assist the team of doctorsto curb the epidemic.

Chairman Samanabad TownEmergency Response Commit-tee on Dengue and ProvincialSecretary Schools MuhammadAslam Kamboh has directedEducation and Health Depart-ments that besides dengue,awareness about preventive mea-

sures against measles should alsobe promoted among the studentsat the functions arranged at pub-lic and private educational insti-tutions. This was stated by himwhile presiding over a specialmeeting in Samanabad Town re-garding eradication of dengue.Town administration and offic-ers of all concerned departmentsincluding Education, Fisheries,PHA, WASA and Solid WasteManagement were also presenton the occasion.

Provincial SecretarySchools directed the officials ofPHA and Fisheries Departmentto visit Gulshan Iqbal Park twicea week and submit a detailed re-port in the next meeting aftertaking necessary steps for elimi-nating dengue larva at the lakeand other places.

I am personally monitoringmeasles outbreak situation: Sethi

Death toll rises to 53 in Punjab

Wattoo seeksCM levelsecurity

STAFF REPORTER

LAHORE—Former Chief Min-ister of Punjab and PPP Presi-dent, Punjab, Mian ManzoorAhmed Wattoo, has said that hewould file a petition in the Su-preme Court if security as perentitlement as the former ChiefMinister is not provided to himwithin three days by the Gov-ernment.

He said that visible discrimi-nation was a glaring violation ofthe established rules dealingwith the privileges to the formerChief Ministers.

It is grossly unfair to singleme out to deprive from securitywhile others were enjoying farabove their entailment, he said.

He also underscored the im-portance of extending security tothe PPP leaders and their candi-dates because they were on thehit list of the extremists who an-nounced the naked threat in nouncertain terms.

PU syndicatemeets

STAFF REPORTER

LAHORE—Punjab UniversitySyndicate held its meeting onSaturday at Committee Room ofVice Chancellor’s office.

The Syndicate approved theproposal to delegate powers ofnotification of PhD degrees, ap-pointments and affiliation tothree committees. A committeewas also formed to look into thematter of plagiarism chargesagainst a PU dean.

Regarding inquiry of changeof results etc in Institute of Com-munication Studies, the Syndi-cate has decided to summonformer PU Dean Dr Mughees-uddin Sheikh and former Direc-tor ICS Dr Ahsan Akhter Naz inits next meeting and will pro-ceed under PEEDA Act.

The Syndicate has alsoformed a committee to inquireinto misconduct of Dr Naz andDr Mughees in financial irregu-larities at ICS. Two further com-mittees will probe sexual harass-ment allegations and illegal ad-missions against Dr Naz. TheSyndicate also ratified the sus-pension order of Dr Naz for 90days. The Syndicate unani-mously decided to implementreport of Higher Education De-partment and Audit Departmentregarding Additional Treasurer.The Syndicate also unani-mously endorsed decisions togenerate income through com-mercial activities.

MUZAFFAR ALI

LAHORE—University of Veteri-nary and Animal Sciences LahoreVice-Chancellor Prof TalatNaseer Pasha has urged the needfor involving students and facultymembers in civic engagementactivities for the welfare of localcommunities and inculcatingcivic sense in students.

He said this in a meeting withExecutive Director Innovation inCivic Participation USA Ms Su-san Stroud and Project ManagerUSA-Pakistan Higher EducationInitiative on Civic EngagementTehreem Saifey here Saturday.Senior faculty members and rep-resentatives of student clubs/

organiosations of the UVASwere also present.

Dr Pasha said that the UVASwas already executing variouscommunity welfare projects tofacilitate local people on univer-sity campus as well as on theirdoorsteps. He said that the uni-versity had established commu-nity farms on its Ravi CampusPattoki by providing free landand advisory services to the lo-cal farmers.

He said that the universitywas also executing a communitywelfare program in five districtsof Punjab and two districts of theSindh province under an Austra-lian funded Agriculture SectorLinkages Programme.

The Vice-Chancellor alsosupported the idea that civic en-gagement activities should bepart of curriculum of various uni-versity academic programs.

Dr Susan appreciated theuniversity efforts for the better-ment of local community andpoor farmers. She emphasizedon the need for certain changesin curriculum incorporatingsome civic engagement activi-ties syllabi.

Earlier University Advance-ment and Financial Aid Direc-tor Dr Aneela Z Durrani andProf Dr Nasim Ahmad spokeabout the academic, researchand community welfare servicesof the UVAS.

Students advised to takeactive part in civic activities