The killing of an American aid worker Warren Weinstein and Italian Giovanni Lo Porto, who were held hostage by Al Qaeda in Pakistani tribal area, in an American drone strike in January this year has again brought to limelight the issues related to such attacks. It has given birth to several questions regarding the legality of drone strikes in tribal areas as well as the intelligence gathering involved in it. An Al Qaeda leader, Ahmad Farouq, was also killed in that strike on Jan 15.

The killing of the two hostages was made public by the US government a few days ago. It was reported in international and national media that the drone strike was aimed at wiping out a compound linked to Al Qaeda. It was reported that the American CIA authorised the attack, but had no information that the two hostages were being kept there. This shows that intelligence gathering and surveillance might not always be accurate and there are chances of killing of innocent citizens in such attacks.

“On behalf of the United States government, I offer our deepest apologies to the families,” said US President Barack Obama with a grim face, clearly showing the pain he had felt. “I profoundly regret what happened,” he added.

While the issue of civilian killings in drone strikes has been surfacing from time to time and several cases were reported by the media, no apology has so far been extended for those killings by the US government. Similarly, the successive Pakistani governments, who were bound under the Constitution to safeguard the life and property of their citizens, have never come forward to publicly tender an apology for such killings.

In Oct 2013 the Amnesty International launched a report “Will I be next? US drone strikes in Pakistan”, wherein it particularly highlighted two incidents it said may have violated international law. The said report pointed out that in one of the incidents 18 labourers were killed in a strike near the Afghan border as they were preparing to eat a meal at the end of their working day in July 2012.

In the second such occurrence, a 68-year-old woman, Mamana Bibi, was killed as she picked vegetables in her family’s fields at Ghundi village of North Waziristan in October 2012. Her grandchildren, who were eyewitness to the occurrence and had also received injuries, still recount with vividness how their grandmother was blasted into pieces. That family still awaits justice.

Prior to AI report, another important report “The civilian impact of drones: unexplained costs, unanswered questions” was jointly released by the Human Rights Clinic at Columbia Law School and the Center for Civilians in Conflict by the end of 2012.

Later, in May 2013 the International Crisis Group issued a report “Drones: myths and reality in Pakistan”. Both the reports have carried comprehensive recommendations for the US and Pakistani governments and also discussed the issue of non-combatant casualties in these attacks.

Another important development took place early this month when the Islamabad High Court ordered the capital police to register a criminal case against a former station chief of CIA at Islamabad, Jonathan Bank, and ex-CIA legal counsel John A. Rizzo for murder, conspiracy, terrorism and waging war against Pakistan. The court made the decision over a petition filed by an inhabitant of Waziristan Agency Kareem Khan, whose son Zahinullah Khan and brother Asif Iqbal were killed in an alleged drone strike in Dec 2009 in Waziristan.

However, looking at different judgments of the superior courts on the issue of drone strikes it is evident that there is no uniformity in their findings over it. Prior to the IHC judgment, the Peshawar High Court had in May 2013 declared the US drone strikes in Pakistani tribal areas as a war crime and issued several directives to the government and security forces to ensure stoppage of such strikes in future, including taking up the issue at the UN Security Council and the General Assembly.

A bench comprising the then chief justice Dost Mohammad Khan (now a judge of the Supreme Court) and Justice Mussarat Hilali had ruled: “The drone strikes, carried out in the tribal areas (Fata) particularly North and South Waziristan agencies by the CIA and US Authorities, are a blatant violation of the basic human rights and are against the UN Charter, the UN General Assembly Resolution, adopted unanimously, the provision of Geneva Conventions thus, it is held to be a war crime, cognisable by the International Court of Justice or Special Tribunal for war crimes, constituted or to be constituted by the UNO for this purpose.”

The court had delivered the verdict in four almost identical writ petitions and had ordered: “The government of Pakistan and its security forces shall ensure that in future such drone strikes are not conducted and carried out within the sovereign territory of Pakistan. Proper warning be administered in this regard and if that does not work, the government of Pakistan and State institutions, particularly the security forces, shall have the right being under constitutional and legal obligations to shot down the drones, attacking Pakistani territories or when these enter the airspace of Pakistan sovereign territory.”

Subsequently, in Dec 2014 the high court dismissed a contempt of court petition against the federal government and prime minister for non-implementation of the said judgment. The ministry of foreign affairs had told the court that the government had taken up the drone strikes issue at the international level and it was implementing the court orders. It was stated that the prime minister had taken up the issue of drone strikes at 68th General Assembly of the UN and termed the strikes as an attack on the sovereignty of Pakistan.

Contrary to the judgment of the high court, the Supreme Court in at least two of the cases ruled that it had no jurisdiction to issue directives to the government for cessation of US drone attacks. Early this month the court in one of the cases observed that the issue did not fall within the ambit of Article 184(3) of the Constitution which deals with the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court for enforcement of fundamental rights.

Legal experts believe that the American government is morally bound to tender an apology for killing of the innocent Pakistani citizens in drone strikes like it had apologised over the killing of its own citizen. They say that it is responsibility of the Pakistani government to compensate the families who lost their innocent relatives in such strikes.

Published in Dawn, April 27th, 2015

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ISLAMABAD: Though the government is yet to take any decision to cancel a prestigious award conferred on an academic blacklisted for plagiarism, another case of alleged plagiarism surfaced against him.

On March 23, President Mamnoon Hussain conferred Tamgha-i-Imtiaz on Dr Masroor Ikram, an HEC declared blacklisted academic, who teaches at the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS).

Dr Ikram was among the four professors of PIEAS who were found guilty of plagiarism by the HEC.

All the four were declared as the “blacklisted scholars” by the HEC in January this year for at least two years. However, the authorities concerned concealed the fact from the president who conferred the award on the academic on the Pakistan Day.

Also read: ‘Blacklisted’ academic conferred award

Later, when the matter was highlighted in the media, the Prime Minister Office sought details from the HEC to determine the facts. Sources said an inquiry was still under process into the matter. Prime Minister’s spokesman Musadiq Malik was not available for comments.

Meanwhile, the sources told Dawn that the professor also committed plagiarism in another research paper which was published in the international Journal of Cancer Research in 2005.

According to a copy of the research paper available with Dawn, Dr Ikram along with Dr Shamraz Firdous and another author got published a research paper, “Measurement of the optical properties of breast tissue in vitro using mueller matrix polarimetry” in the research journal in 2005. The sources said a significant portion of the paper was copied from various publications.

Dr Shamraz is also among those four faculty members of the PIEAS who were declared blacklisted by the HEC.

The sources said the research paper of Dr Ikram and Dr Shamraz was found copied with 70 per cent similarity index, 41 internet sources, 59 publications and nine per cent student papers.

However, they said the paper was not yet declared plagiarised by the HEC as so far no one has taken up the case with the plagiarism committee of the HEC. Secondly, the sources said, the paper was published in the year 2005 while the HEC started detecting plagiarism cases in 2007.

When contacted, Dr Ikram owned the research paper published in 2005. However, he added: “Without seeing the alleged copied material which you are talking about, I can’t pass further comments.”

In reply to a question about Tamgha-i-Imtiaz, he said: “I have filed an appeal against the HEC for declaring me blacklisted and a decision in this regard is awaited.”

Published in Dawn, April 27th, 2015

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HYDERABAD: The Sindh Hari Mazdoor conference held here on Sunday called for fixation of minimum wages at Rs25,000 per month, cut in defence spending and increase in health and education budgets.

The conference jointly organised by the National Trade Union Federation (NTUF), the Home-Based Women Workers Association and the Sindh Agriculture General Workers Union raised workers’ issues and urged the government to meet their demands.

It urged the government to abolish the third party system of hiring workers, ensure issuance of appointment letters and put in place health and safety precautions at workplaces and labour inspection system in factories.

The conference chaired by the NTUF president Rafiq Baloch and attended by peasants, home-based women workers and industrial workers from across the province called for the registration of all workers with social security, old-age benefit and other social cover organisations.

Take a look: Livelihood crisis

It said the employees should have right to form unions in all departments including Karachi Shipyard; privatisation policy should be done away with immediately; and all types of contractual labour including third party system should be abolished. All temporary and contractual employees of government, public and private institutions should be regularised, it said.

It demanded eight-hour work schedule, implementation of government pledges about labour and human rights under GSP Plus, abolition of laws discriminatory against women, due representation in trade unions and labour welfare institutions, subsidy on electricity, water, gas and food items, representation for haris, labourers and working women in assemblies and protection of rights of labourers working abroad under international laws.

It urged the government to announce Rs6,000 minimum pension, set up labour colonies in all towns, cut defence spending and increase the budget for education and health, end feudal system, distribute government land among landless haris and give proportionate representation to haris and labourers in assemblies.

It said the haris should be allowed to form unions, government should take steps to implement labour laws for agricultural workers, give them facilities under social security system, set up hari courts and amend the Sindh Tenancy Act to meet present day needs.

The gathering called for stopping all mega projects in the province, accepting Sindh’s right of ownership on its freshwater bodies and coasts and stop attempts to artificially change Sindh’s demography.

It called upon the government to write off loans of haris, take notice of sale of adulterated seed and pesticides, bringing an end to alleged discrimination against Hindus, abolition of private jails, jirga system and forced labour, a halt to demolition of workers’ colonies and settlements and corporate farming.

The conference urged the government to accept home-based workers as labourers, formulate a policy for them, ratify ILO Convention C-177, register contractors and middlemen of home-based workers, collect their data and raise their wages.

The speakers including NTUF deputy general secretary Nasir Mansoor, Saira Feroz Khoru, Gul Rehman, Khattal Faiz, Riaz Abassi and others said that workers in Sindh were deprived of basic rights and their honour always remained at the mercy of feudal lords.

SUKKUR: Activists of the Workers of Sindh Hari Committee demonstrated outside the Sukkur Press Club on Sunday, demanding an end to injustices being meted out to poor peasants and small growers.

The committee leaders Mir Munawwar Talpur and Mohammad Bukhsh Kaladi who led the protest said that peasants and small growers were denied gunny sacks while influential landlords who were part of the Sindh government were being provided the same on a large scale.

The officials of foods department on the other hand were taking advantage of the situation by selling away the sacks to traders.

Published in Dawn, April 27th, 2015

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ISLAMABAD: The designated branches of 10 scheduled banks will start receiving Haj applications under the government scheme from Monday (today).

An official of the ministry of religious affairs and interfaith harmony said that banks would continue to receive applications till May 8. Successful candidates will be selected through balloting on May 14.

Over 143,300 Pakistanis will perform Haj this year, half of them through the government scheme and the rest under the private organisers.

Take a look: Decision to restrict children at Haj under consideration

The official said that Haj applicants must possess a machine-readable passport with its validity until March 21, 2016.

The cost under the government scheme is Rs255,971 for pilgrims to depart from the airports of Karachi, Quetta and Sukkur (south region) and Rs264,971 for those from Peshawar, Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, Rahimyar Khan, Faisalabad and Sialkot (north region) as compared to the last year’s Rs262,231 and Rs272,231, respectively.

The fare of flights departing from airports in the north region has been reduced to Rs98,700 from last year’s Rs107,700. The fare from airports in the south region has been reduced to Rs89,700 from Rs97,700. All airlines will be asked to charge the fixed fare.

An amount of Rs10,270 has been fixed as Haj charges for an infant travelling with parents from the south region. It will be Rs11,170 for the north region.

The children born after Nov 9, 2013 will be treated as infants. Normal Haj charges will have to be paid for other children, the official said.

The parents of a child will have to pay Rs400 on account of Hujjaj Mohafiz Fund and Rs900 as vaccination charges.

Pilgrims opting to perform Qurbani through the Islamic Development Bank will be required to pay Rs14,210.

Published in Dawn, April 27th, 2015

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QUETTA: The Balochistan-Internet Policy Observatory Pakistan (iPOP) and a coalition of digital rights organisations, technology companies and IT security experts have urged the government to review the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Bill, 2015, which has been adopted by the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on IT and Telecom.

Arzak Khan, the head of iPOP, said on Sunday that the bill in its present form had failed to offer a comprehensive solution to cyber security threats.

“The government must review the law and not pass such a bill that imposes a fake compromise between security and our most basic rights.”

Take a look: Electronic Crimes Bill 2015: Big brother (and his brothers) are watching you

He urged the government to consult all stakeholders, including civil society, research institutes, think tanks, IT experts and most importantly, people who used internet before passing any legislation.

“The Internet Policy Observatory Pakistan strongly opposes the bill in its current form. The growth of IT and telecom industry is the key to socio-economic development of Pakistan, but the current bill, instead of creating an enabling environment and promoting internet access, is expected to stifle innovation and diffusion of internet.

“Internet is a great tool for development and we must take advantage of the positive aspects of this technology without suffering an undue loss to our civil liberties under the euphemism of ‘national security and protection of society’,” Mr Khan said.

“The Internet Policy Observatory Pakistan totally rejects Minister for IT and Telecom’s claims of the consultative process being open and transparent. The bill was edited with military level secrecy and all stakeholders concerned were kept in the dark. I believe that the bill will not take Pakistan to the next level of economic development but will pave way towards choking off access to the internet in the name of ‘information security’ an understatement for censorship.”

Published in Dawn, April 27th, 2015

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If you actually manage to get your tailor to stitch your lawn, designer lawn has its perks. You get a customised fit and it’s a full 3-piece look with no mix and matching required. However, after a while all those designer lawns start to blur together and eventually there’s an overkill of print and embroidery.

Luckily the Pakistani prêt market has come along in leaps and bounds over recent years. There are loads of alternatives, ranging from the minimalist to the print-happy. You don’t have to stick to fussy designer lawns to keep your cool in the summer heat.

1. Generation:

One of the oldest prêt brands, Generation has seen a recent revival. Their various collections this season, including the denim collection and the Moroccan Whites collection have been very successful. The denim collection in particular took an international trend and turned it into attractive Pakistani daywear.

Three picks from Generation. — Photo courtesy: Generation's Facebook page

2. Sapphire:

A super hit from the time they opened their doors, Sapphire’s prêt has quickly become a staple. Their outfits are high quality, stylish and affordable — a combination that’s hard to beat. Khadijah Shah as creative head has hit the right balance between wearability and style. Fast fashion at its best.

Sapphire. — Photo courtesy: Sapphire's Facebook page

3. Khaadi:

Khaadi is practically a Pakistani prêt institution, with fans of all ages. With a variety of styles, great fit, a bright signature and attractive prices Khaadi is justly popular. It’s a brand that has made the transition to the international market while remaining relevant to locals.

Outfits by Khaadi. — Photo courtesy: Khaadi's website

4. Daaman:

With a minimalist aesthetic and interesting silhouettes, Daaman’s range is a cut above standard high street prêt. It’s a refreshing change from the prints and embroidery favoured by other brands, and the look is chic and modern.

Outfits by Daaman. — Photo courtesy: Daaman's website

5. Sana Safinaz:

Sana Safinaz entered the prêt market with a bang in 2013 but saw a little dip as customers tired of the print with embroidery look. Their latest collections have upped the variety factor and the brand has been boosted by the introduction of their new Basics range. With Basics kurtas retailing at between Rs2,490 to Rs2,990, the range has been a major daywear hit.

Basics by Sana Safinaz. — Photo courtesy: Sana Safinaz's website

6. Working Woman

The newly re-launched Working Woman brand has always been known for its classic understated look. The brand's signature look features single colour shirts with elegant detailing but Working Woman has also introduced a print range and an evening wear range. Both are typically understated – perfect for the woman who wants variety without gaudiness.

Three looks by Working Woman. — Photo courtesy: Working Woman's website

7. Coco by Zara Shahjahan

Zara Shahjahan’s Coco brand is both reasonably priced and creative. Her quirky prints have an unmistakable charm and the outfits have a fun, boho vibe. Coco is doubly attractive because it has the Zara Shahjahan signature without the designer price tag.

Coco. — Photo courtesy: Coco's Facebook page

8. Sania Maskatiya

Sania Maskatiya’s lawn for Al-Karam is one of this year’s major hits but her signature cotton prêt range at her own store is also brilliant. Noticeably different to her lawn, Sania’s prêt features original prints and luxe details.

Three looks from Sania Maskatiya.— Photo courtesy: Sania Maskatiya's website

9. Satrangi by Bonanza

Satrangi has been making waves with one of this year’s most attractive campaigns, the Sweet Escape campaign. It’s not just the campaign though – the collection is vibrant and different. Striking and summery with folk overtones, it’s very different from designer lawn. Bonanza, like Generation and Khaadi, has the added advantage of great fitting. Definitely worth a closer look

Kurtis from Bonanza. — Photo courtesy: Bonanza's website

10. Threads and Motifs

Threads and Motifs was initially a game-changer of embroidered fabric. Although there are now many alternatives, they continue to turn out quality designs and their cotton range is worth a closer look. With intricate embroidery on pure cotton lawn or chikan fabric, Threads & Motifs is a formal, feminine alternative to print-laden designer lawn. They sell both fabric and custom-stitched shirts, which is an added advantage.

Threads and Motifs. — Photo courtesy: Threads and Motifs' website

Apart from these, high street giants Gul Ahmed, Al Karam and Nishat all do excellent prêt ranges. Designers like Ayesha Farook Hashwani and Nida Azwer also have interesting cotton formal-wear. There are plenty of options if you want to stand out from the lawn-wearing crowd.

Salima Feerasta is a freelance journalist and the creative force behind style blog karachista.com. Follow her on Twitter @karachista

By Syed Mehdi Bukhari

I wandered lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,

When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host, of golden daffodils;

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,

Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

- William Wordsworth

Deosai Plains

When after a long journey through mountains, valleys, villages and hills; I saw Deosai for the first time, it struck to me as if Wordsworth wrote the poem for Deosai.

Its not an exaggeration — really, one should visit and see for themselves. The Deosai National Park and the Sheosar Lake are the literal personification of Wordsworth’s poetry.

A hundred years ago, humans would consider uninhabited and far-off places too frightening to visit. They would refer to such deserted and forsaken lands with strange names which reflected their fear of the unknown.

Things are changing now. In this age of industrialisation and commercialisation, with scores of amusement facilities offered in the metropolis, the number of people visiting these forsaken lands in the northern areas of the country is increasing.

Humanity is progressing in intellect, but deep inside, the peace of soul and mindfulness appears to be missing which people are not seeking in these deserted lands. If one is in search of solitude and wilderness, then why not visit Deosai?

Desosai Plains

Deosai Plains

Deosai Plains

Crossing Deosai

Deosai is the combination of two words ‘Deo’ (giant) and ‘Sai’ (shadow). For centuries, it is believed that this place is haunted by giants, thus the name ‘The Land of the Giants’ came into being. The weather in quite unpredictable here, sometimes it starts snowing in summer. Sunlight and clouds seem to play hide and seek here, with the sun shining one minute, and overcast in next.

This area remained uncrossable for ages due to abundance of variety of wildlife here. Icy winds, thunderstorms, and presence of wildlife make it impossible to dwell here even in this age, that’s why Deosai is mostly uninhabited.

Nomads from Kashmir pass through the Deosai plains with their herds, it is their path of choice since centuries.

Deosai has a deafening silence, a silence spanning over centuries. The silence is so deep that one can hear his own heartbeat, unless a marmot’s whistle fills the valley.

Deosai is located on the boundary of Karakoram and the western Himalayas, and at no point it is less than 4000 meters above sea level. It remains covered with snow for 8 months. The rest of the year, it hosts a range of beautiful flowers of all hues and colours, but not a single tree is found in this plateau spread over 3000 sq. km.

Sheosar Lake

Nomads of Deosai

Nomads of Deosai

There are several springs in Deosai, brimming with trout fish serving as food for locals and bears alike. 5000 meter high mountains in the backdrop, wildlife dwelling in these mountains, clouds so low that one can almost touch them, Himalayan Golden eagles flying between the clouds, and a strange fragrance in the atmosphere which probably is a mixture of brown bears, red foxes, white tigers, and naughty marmots — this is the real beauty of Deosai.

A road from Skardu Bazaar turns to the Sadpara village. From this curvy road, Sadpara lake seems so beautiful, that the onlookers forget to blink. Soon comes the Sadpara village, where the local children have conspired with the nature to stop the vehicles.

A spring flowing through the road has broken it, slowing down the cars, and as soon as a vehicle slows down, local children stop them to sell cherries and other local fruits.

When the village is left behind, the road becomes uneven, and increasing height puts pressure on ears. High mountains on one side, and depths on the other side — it is enough to disrupt the heartbeat of first-time visitor. But when you are done with the journey, such a scene awaits you, which can neither be described in words, nor can it be entirely captured in photographs.

Deosai Plains

Sadpara Village

Edge of Sheosar Lake

Crossing the bridge at Barra Paani, there is a road which leads to Sheosar Lake. Sheosar in local language means ‘andhi’ (blind). This lake is one of the highest lakes in the world. The deep blue water, with snow-covered mountains in backdrop, and greenery with wild flowers in foreground offer such a view in summers, that one is left amused for the rest of his life.

If the weather is clear, the killer mountain Nanga Parbat’s snow-covered peak can be seen easily. And if the lake is calm, then Nanga Parbat’s image appears in the lake as if someone has dissolved white paint in the blue waters. This lake is the heart of Deosai.

Very few people have risked their lives to cross this plain during the winters. I wanted to see Deosai in November, when there would be no tourists.

I should have turned back to Skardu that day from Sadpara Check Post. Army vehicles were returning half-way, waving to me to turn back due to rough weather. But I was very excited to see Deosai, my gut feeling was begging me to not turn back.

Edge of Sheshar Lake

Barra Pani

Sheosar Lake

Sheosar Lake

The punishment for this stubbornness was that the jeep track had completely disappeared due to snow, increasing the risk, and pushing the jeep with snow chains in the tires. Tires would bury deep in the snow, and at several spots, the snow had turned into ice, causing me to slip.

That entire day was spent pushing the jeep, digging the snow, and praying to God for safety. Nature doesn’t reward you easily, it has a price. I was dead-tired at the end of the day, but the beautiful scene ahead of us was worth it.

We saw a brown bear and her cub a little before Sheosar Lake. Visibility was not too good due to snowfall, but it was a heartening sight anyway. I didn’t have a lens of above 200mm focal length too, so I just took a binoculars and enjoyed watching them. In the meanwhile, 3 Himalayan red foxes passed by our jeep.

Snowfall had intensified as we reached Sheosar Lake. The visibility couldn’t have been more than 20 meters. I was inside the jeep, appreciating the nature in its roughest form. Smell of bears spread in the atmosphere; there was no one else there other than me, my driver, and nature at that time.

Dusk near Chillam

A bear with her cub.

Chillam Village

Near Chillam Village

In the extreme cold weather and a tiring day, we crossed Deosai and reached Chillam Check Post. Registered myself at the check post there and hit the road to Astore. A little girl was going to her home with her two sheep. Upon hearing the sound of the jeep, the sheep went off the road. The little girl turned back and smiled at me; the day’s tiredness just vanished away.

The sun was setting behind the mountains as we went from Chillam to Astore. I saw an old man sitting beside a grave. He had just wiped his tears while the Pakistani flag was hoisted at the grave.

I moved forward to greet him and he asked: “Neeche se aaey ho?” (Have you come from below?). That is how the mountain dwellers call the tourists. I responded positively. After a random exchange of words, I asked him about the grave.

He said: “This is my son’s grave. I am a retired soldier, and now labor to keep the life going. I put him in a college in Rawalpindi with my pension, savings, and labor. He was my only child. While coming to Astore from Pindi, he was off-loaded from the bus, identified, and killed for his religious views.”

I was left without words. A deafening silence had enveloped the valley.

After a brief pause, he continued: “his grave lies in the way to work, so I stop by for a few moments to pray here everyday.”

I didn’t know what to say. While leaving, I once again looked at the Pakistani flag, but this time, it felt as if the crescent and the star had turned blood red.

Jeep road near Deosai

Sunset at Chillam

Nangaparbat view from Sheosar Lake

The northern areas of Pakistan are beautiful, they please our soul. But at the same time, we should be conscious of the miseries of the local people. All of the ecstasy of the journey had collapsed on hearing the tragic story from the old man. I couldn’t help but weep inside.

When the jeep started moving, the driver turned on the tape-recorder. A ghazal broke the eerie silence inside the jeep. Though it was freezing cold outside, here I felt a fire within me.

Sheosar Lake

Travelling towards Chillam village

Self portrait of the author near Sheosar Lake

ISLAMABAD: The Indus River System Authority (Irsa) is feeling threat to its existence by a government move to amend a 1992 act of parliament and control the water regulator’s administrative powers.

“If changes are made in the act, it will open a Pandora’s box and may jeopardise the functioning of Irsa and ultimately lead to its annulment,” Irsa Chairman Raqib Khan has written to the federal government.

The letter was written after the introduction of an amendment bill in the National Assembly by Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, a PML-N legislator from Sindh.

Take a look: Irsa says water distribution its responsibility

At an emergency meeting, Irsa comprising five members – four from the provinces and one from the centre – unanimously opposed the amendment.

The National Assembly Sec­re­­tariat had sent the proposed bill to the regulator for information after Speaker Ayaz Sadiq admitted it for introduction.

Irsa has taken the position that the regulator was established under clause 13 of the Water Apportionment Accord 1991 duly approved by the Council of Common Interests (CCI) with consensus. “Any amendment to the act will be repugnant to the spirit of the accord as well as the autonomy given to Irsa under the act and may frustrate the achievements while signing the historical 1991 accord,” it said.

The regulator recalled that water-related amendments to the Irsa act were earlier suggested wherein no consensus was arrived among the provinces and the centre.

Also read: Irsa’s operational, financial independence restored

An Irsa official said the authority was being threatened because it had been resisting water discharges for power generation against the irrigation requirements of the provinces. He said the regulator had been extending possible cooperation to the power sector authorities, but it could not allow water releases without provincial indents or when the provinces were drawing half of their allocated water shares.

If changes are made in the act, it will open a Pandora’s box, says Irsa chief Raqib Khan

The bill introduced by Mr Vankwani sought an amendment to section 12(2) of the Irsa act and proposed that financial and service rules and regulations of the regulator should be approved by the federal government. The funds allocated for duly approved projects will not lapse till their completion, but all saved or unutilised funds shall be seized and deposited in the Federal Consolidated Fund at the conclusion of every fiscal year.

The bill also proposed that the house rent ceiling as approved by the government for its employees should also apply to Irsa employees and that “Irsa shall have no car or any such vehicle for the use of its officers, members and the chairman”. Instead, an entitled person should be paid an amount equal to a government officer under the monetisation scheme, except that its staff be provided a staff bus.

Interestingly, about two weeks ago, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the National Assembly had restored operational and financial independence of Irsa, suspended a couple of months ago over objections raised by the Auditor General of Pakistan. The committee, however, advised Irsa to get its administrative issues settled in the shortest possible time in consultation with the establishment division to address reservations of the audit department.

A few days after the PAC decision, Mr Vankwani introduced the amendment bill in the assembly.

A sub-committee constituted by the PAC under the chairmanship of PPP parliamentarian Syed Naveed Qamar had suspended special and housing allowances after examining audit paras about Irsa for the fiscal year 2003-04. The allowances granted in 2003-04 on the directive of then chief executive Gen Pervez Musharraf were found irregular by the AGP.

While moving the Irsa headquarters from Lahore to Islamabad in 2002 to address Sindh’s concern over new water reservoirs, the then government had promised additional allowances and out-of-turn housing facility in Islamabad for the Irsa staff.

But after the shifting of the headquarters to Islamabad, the Ministry of Housing declined to provide housing facility and said Irsa was not in the housing list of the federal government because it was established under an act of parliament like corporations and other regulators.

The regulator was allowed to frame its own rules under section 12(2) of the Irsa Act 1992 to provide for housing and special allowances like the secretariat allowance being paid to federal government employees to compensate increase in the cost of living arising out of its shifting from Lahore to Islamabad.

Subsequently, Irsa framed its own rules providing for allowance on the pattern of secretariat allowance at 20 per cent of basic salary and housing allowance at the government rate applicable to other officials.

The water and power ministry approved the allowances and issued a no-objection certificate.

Published in Dawn, April 27th, 2015

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ISLAMABAD: Highlighting the role of Pakistan Air Force in the ongoing Operation Zarb-i-Azb and its vision beyond 2025, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman said on Sunday that the PAF would play a lead role in rooting out terrorism from the country.

Addressing fighter pilots and officers of the PAF at a ceremony held in Sargodha, he said the force would always live up to the expectations of the nation while safeguarding the aerial frontiers of the motherland.

He said the indigenisation and procurement of sophisticated weapons systems would have been a distant dream without the unflinching dedication and visionary leadership of the PAF in the bygone years.

Also read: Honours for 38 PAF officers

The PAF paid tribute to the services of its veterans at a ceremony held at the Mushaf Base.

Among the guests were former air chiefs and war veterans of the PAF and high ranking serving officers.

Air Chief Marshal Aman paid accolades to the pioneers of the PAF for their gallantry during the 1948, 1965 and 1971 wars.

He assured the retired officers that the PAF would fully benefit from their rich experience and continue to seek guidance from them.

He said the PAF would follow in their footsteps to attain the ultimate vision of being ‘second to none’ as envisioned by the Quaid-i-Azam.

According to a press release, the air chief’s address was followed by the screening of a documentary titled ‘The saga of excellence’ which highlighted the PAF’s evolution from a small air force to one of the best air forces in the world.

Base Commander Air Commodore Sar­fraz Khan gave a briefing on the development stages of the PAF since its inception.

The most admired part of the event was an aerobatics show by the F-16 aircraft. Wing Commander Azman Khalil displayed manoeuvres.

The guests visited a display of F-16s, JF-17 Thunder, retrofitted Mirages, F-7Ps, airborne early warning and control systems, air-to-air refuellers and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Ground combaters of the PAF also presented a firepower demonstration.

The event was rounded off with stream night takeoffs by F-16 and Mirage aircraft for a night operation exercise.

Published in Dawn, April 27th, 2015

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A severe storm in northwest Pakistan, dubbed a "mini-cyclone" killed 44 people and injured more than 200, officials said.

Fallen trees, rubble from buildings and mobile phone towers blocked several main roads in Peshawar while flood water from torrential rainfall reached three feet (one metre) deep in some parts of the city of more than three million people.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chief Imran Khan said on Sunday that general elections would be held this year and that his party would win them.

“The PTI will form the government this year after winning the elections,” he remarked.

He was speaking at a ceremony marking the opening of a drive aimed at cleaning the Korang river, organised by Green Zone, an NGO. Around 100 schoolchildren took part in the drive.

Also read: Tehreek-i-Insaf major winning party in KP cantt elections

Mr Khan lauded the efforts of the schoolchildren and said his party’s government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was also working hard in the environment sector.

He pointed out that the KP government planned to plant about one billion trees across the province.

He directed newly-elected PTI councillors to pay special attention to environmental issues.

Published in Dawn, April 27th, 2015

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MULTAN: Veteran politician Javed Hashmi has termed Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chief Imran Khan’s act of dissolving intra-party election tribunal a disgusting crime.

Talking to the media here on Sunday, Hashmi said retired Justice Wajihuddin Ahmed had issued notices to those involved in rigging in PTI intra-party election after completing his findings but Imran had dissolved the tribunal and did now allow him to bring truth about the party election before the public. He said the retired judge was a respectable personality who had played his role in the restoration of the judiciary and “departure of Justice Wajih from the PTI is unfortunate”.

Know more: PTI notifies dissolution of intra-party election tribunal

Mr Hashmi further said Imran Khan’s way of running the PTI was disastrous for the party which could be judged by the recent election results, pointing out that the areas like Defence and cantonments used to be the strongholds of the PTI and election results indicated that the party had become a stranger in its own house.

“The party has been shifted into the reverse gear and it seems it would be nowhere in Multan in the coming elections,” he said.

He said he had not decided to join any party yet, however, he would take a decision soon.

Published in Dawn, April 27th, 2015

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QUETTA: Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP) leader Nawabzada Talal Akbar Bugti passed away on Monday morning from a protracted illness in Quetta's Combined Military Hospital (CMH).

Sources in the family told DawnNews that the Baloch leader's health condition started to deteriorate on Sunday night and he was shifted to CMH for treatment.

According to doctors, Bugti had been suffering from asthma since a long time. At the hospital, Bugti suffered a heart attack which led to his demise, said a report published on Radio Pakistan.

A large number of JWP supporters reached Bugti House to see their leader's body before burial. It is yet to be decided when Bugti will be buried as his sons Shahzain and Gohram are currently in their native town of Dera Bugti.

Talal Akbar Bugti was the son of former governor of Balochistan and chief minister Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti, who was killed in a military operation in Chalgri area of Bhamboor hills of Dera Bugti in 2006.

Talal Akbar Bugti received his education from Aitchison College, Lahore and was considered to be a significant political personality in Balochistan.

QUETTA: At least two Hazara men were killed and another wounded after unknown assailants opened fire on a bus carrying pilgrims near the Chandni Chowk area in Quetta's Satelite Town on Monday.

The bus, carrying pilgrims belonging to the Shia Hazara community, was travelling from Quetta to Taftan, a town on the border of Iran.

A large number of security and rescue personnel reached the spot, which is situated in the outskirts of the provincial capital city of Balochistan province.

Rescue workers shifted the victims to the Civil Hospital Quetta for treatment.

The armed men managed to escape from the site where similar attacks have been carried out against pilgrims in the past as well.

PM seeks report

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif strongly condemned the incident and extended condolences to the bereaved families. He directed authorities to provide best medical treatment to the injured.

The premier also sought a report into the attack and instructed for the immediate arrest of the culprits. He reiterated government's resolve in eradicating the menace of terrorism and extremism from the country.

Balochistan has been under the grip of violence for more than a decade.

Scores of people have lost their lives in attacks related to Baloch separatists and recent sectarian suicide bombings and targeted killings.

Additional reporting by Irfan Haider

President Barack Obama secretly exempted the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from carrying out adequate intelligence-gathering missions in Pakistan before conducting drone strikes in the country.

The Wall Street Journal quotes current and former United States (US) officials as saying President Obama made rules for the US drone programme stricter in 2013, but secretly approved a waiver allowing the CIA more flexibility when it comes to conducting drone strikes against suspected militants in Pakistan.

The rules introduced in 2013 were meant to reduce the possibility of civilian casualties, and required that targets must be an imminent threat to the US.

The waiver, however, exempts the CIA from adhering to these rules while launching drone strikes in Pakistan.

The deaths of two hostages, Warren Weinstein and Giovanni Lo Porto, who were killed in a drone strike targeting Al-Qaeda militants, could have been avoided had the exemption not been in place for Pakistan.

Know more: Obama apologises for hostage deaths in Pak-Afghan border strike

The CIA would have been required, by the rules, to gather more intelligence before conducting a drone strike.

It says that under a classified addendum to the directive approved by Obama, the CIA’s drone programme in Pakistan was exempted from the “imminent threat” requirement, at least until U.S. forces completed their pullout from Afghanistan.

It adds that the exemption for Pakistan means that the CIA can do "signature strikes" and more "targeted drone attacks" on militant leaders who have been identified without collecting specific evidence that the target poses an imminent threat to the US.

The killing of these hostages has renewed a debate in the administration over whether the CIA should be required to adhere to the same regulations that are applicable on drone strikes outside of Pakistan, the report says.

Obama apologised and took responsibility for the deaths of the hostages, saying that the operation had been “fully consistent with the guidelines under which we conduct counter terrorism efforts in the region”, but did not specify what the guidelines were, and how they were different from those applicable to other countries.

Current and former officials say that many of the changes he called for in 2013 have not yet been implemented, or are still underway.

President Obama announced a review to ensure mistakes like this are not repeated in the future.

Read more: Obama pokes fun at political friends and foes at White House dinner

ISLAMABAD: The judicial commission constituted to investigate malpractices in the 2013 general elections presented a questionnaire to political parties asking them to submit responses on alleged poll rigging by April 29.

Chairing the meeting of the commission today, Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk said the terms and conditions for the commission were clear but replies of most political parties were not in accordance with the terms of references.

During the commission's ongoing investigation, the questionnaire was sent out to ask three main questions about the 2013 general elections. Each question had a further sub-question to ensure clarity in responses.

The questionnaire asked whether the 2013 elections were carried out in an honest and impartial manner. It directed parties to submit supporting material and present eye-witnesses in the event of a no.

The questionnaire also inquired whether or not the elections were manipulated in a "systematic" manner and the identity of those who may have designed and planned it.

A copy of the questionnaire. - DawnNews

In relation to the systematic procedure, the questionnaire further asked whether rigging was carried out in national constituencies or national and provincial. It also asked if alleged rigging was carried out in a certain province or all four provinces.

The questionnaire will enable political parties to answer the commission's questions regarding electoral rigging clearly. The commission also asked political parties to submit material and name witnesses to support their allegations and responses in the questionnaire.

Read: SC forms commission to probe alleged poll rigging

The commission was formed earlier this month, following the Ordinance issued by President Mamnoon Hussain to proceed with the formation of a judicial commission which would investigate allegations of poll rigging, a demand made by PTI during the party's 126-day-long sit-in in Islamabad last year.

According to a signed agreement, the judicial commission will investigate the matter preferably within 45 days of its making.

PESHAWAR: At least 44 people were killed and more than 200 wounded when a mini-cyclone, described by Met Office as the third worst in the country's history, struck Peshawar and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday.

Most of the victims were women and children as torrential rains lashed Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera and other areas of the province causing roofs to cave in and walls to collapse.

Also read: Abnormal rain, hailstorm expected in April: Met Office

Rescuers rushed victims to hospitals as roads submerged in water hindered their operations. Ambulances and rescue vehicles found it difficult to enter into some areas due to fallen trees and electric poles. Residents carried some of the injured on their backs to cars heading to hospitals.

An emergency has been declared at all local hospitals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Most of the victims were shifted to Peshawar's Lady Reading Hospital. As the number of casualties kept increasing LRH could not cope with the influx of injured and, therefore, fresh arrivals were taken to the Khyber Teaching Hospital.

While extending his condolences on the loss of life and property due to the torrential rains, Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif approved a package of Rs500,000 for the family of each deceased person and Rs50,000 for each person injured.

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader Imran Khan's wife Reham Khan also visited victims. While speaking to media representatives, Khan said that "we stand by the affectees in their hour of need". She added that most of the victims sustained head injuries and they are being provided with the best medical facilities - DawnNews screengrab

Two army battalions have been deployed in the affected areas for rescue and relief work.

The severe storm uprooted trees, blew away billboards, and damaged power transmission lines, causing a blackout. Many areas were without power in parts of Peshawar and Charsadda districts.

A huge shed at the toll plaza on the motorway was also torn away by the strong winds.

Met Office has forecast more showers in the next 24 hours.

Torrential rainfall resulted in accumulation of three feet deep water in some areas.

AFP quoted Mushtaq Ali Shah, director of the provincial meteorological department, as saying that the storm was a “mini- cyclone”.

He added that the cyclone had lost speed but heavy rainfall was likely in the province’s northern districts.

Pakistan typically experiences such rains during its monsoon season in June and July.

Rain, hail lash twin cities, flights suspended

Dark grey clouds eclipsed the morning sun in Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Monday as heavy rain with thunder and lightning lashed the twin cities in the last 24 hours.

The Meteorological department recorded 22 millimetres of rain in Islamabad and 7mm in Rawalpindi.

Mercury in the area dropped as hail pelted on the twin cities and gusty winds blew.

The weather in the capital and adjoining areas also affected the flights schedule at Benazir Bhutto International Airport.

According to Flight Inquiry service, flights planned for departure to eight different cities of the country have been suspended and several others delayed as a result of the pouring rain.

A Pakistani man runs for cover from heavy rain in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Monday, April 27, 2015. —AP

Rs13mn available for rescue: KP Information Minister

Speaking to a press conference, Provincial Information Minister Mushtaq Ghani said the Deputy Commissioner Peshawar has Rs13 million available to be used for the aid of those affected by the severe weather.

He said 10 teams have been formed to carry out operations to rescue the people affected by the torrential rains.

Ghani lauded the performance of Rescue 1122 who he said reached the victims at the cost of their lives and treated them on the spot.

He said the calamity that hit the province was unanticipated and natural, hence there was a need to remain united in providing assistance to those affected.

ISLAMABAD: Chairing a meeting with heads of various civil law enforcement agencies at his ministry on Monday, Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said the Karachi operation will meet its logical end.

Briefing the minister on the situation in Karachi, Sindh Rangers Director General (DG) Major General Bilal Akbar said his force was effectively undertaking measures against criminal elements in Karachi, which has resulted in a significant drop in the city’s crime rate.

In his remarks on Karachi's situation, the interior minister said the operation in the metropolis was a battle between the criminal elements and the peaceful citizens of the city, adding that the cleansing will continue till it reaches a logical conclusion.

Know more:Rangers chief explains Karachi operation is ‘not against a particular party.’

Nisar called for greater coordination among the civil armed forces, intelligence agencies and security agencies of the country in order to overcome security challenges in Pakistan.

During the meeting, Nisar directed heads of all forces to chalk out a comprehensive framework so as to meet present as well as future challenges Pakistan will face. He told all officials that their responsibilities are bound to multiply manifold and that they must ensure Pakistan’s internal and external security is intact.

The interior minister reiterated his call that policy guidelines regarding interaction with the foreigners, direct invitations for foreign trips, and media statements on policy matters be observed at all levels.

Nisar said the interior ministry will continue supporting the civil armed forces in every possible way. He said he was aware of the financial constraints facing the forces and had always pleaded their case with the government.

“I have always considered expenditures on security as an investment. This year alone the government has allocated Rs30 billion for raising 28 wings of the civil armed forces,” Nisar said.

Apart from the Sindh Rangers chief, the Anti Narcotics Force DG, the inspector general (IG) of Balochistan Frontier Corps (FC), the Punjab Rangers DG and the Karachi Coast Guards chief also briefed the interior minister on their respective performances, problems and suggestions.

Balochistan FC IG Major General Sher Afgun, while briefing the minister, said his force was operating on various fronts in the province including operations against criminal and anti-state elements, border security, security of state properties, and keeping a check on poppy cultivation among other things.

THE sense of thrill found in the PML-N hierarchy is missing, but Pakistan’s businesses view China’s promise of $46bn investment with a focus on building a China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as a potential game changer.

It considers the convergence of the country’s interests, prohibitively deficient in infrastructure, with those of China — which is keen to expand its economic footprint in South and central Asia— a big boon for ordinary and corporate citizens of the country.

Having being disillusioned in the past many times over tall talk about the economy, the business leaders wished China had transferred some token amount of the multi-billion pledge instantly for some doable projects to shore up investors confidence and generate an uptick in the market.

They saw the long-term nature of projects for the lack of an instant market response. But for a brief spurt in the capital market, the commodity and currency markets did not react to the deal.

The businessmen missed the inclusion of their class in the two days of festivities in Islamabad and found it rooted in the ruling party’s style of governance, and probably China’s preference for a singular state authority over multiple stakeholders.

The perception is strong that the PML-N likes to hold its cards close to its chest and detests the idea of sharing plans and policies with anyone but its inner team of confidantes. Businessmen believe this increases the party’s high level of alienation from the society.

Yes, it is great if Asia’s rising giant is willing to hold our hand, but there is no free lunch in business. The economic corridor will benefit Pakistan, but its value to China is probably yet to be understood — business leader Majyd Aziz

Many of them also expect political bickering on the issue of unilateral change in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor’s (CPEC) earlier route, which can strain inter-provincial harmony that is necessary for the implementation of the mega project.

They fault smaller provinces, particularly Sindh, for not being able to negotiate a fair cut in the huge deal. They particularly mentioned the Karachi Circular Railway project, which have been sold to the Chinese had the PPP-led government done its homework and pursued it properly.

They want the government to share details of economic deals with the private sector, as it is not clear how the amount will be channelised and what exactly would be the combination of aid, loan and grant for project financing etc.

Senior business tycoons hammered upon the need for transparency and information sharing to ward off the risk of leakages leading to a situation where individuals and companies benefit at the cost of the country. They mentioned many instances of liberal resource inflows into the country that failed to create the desired impact.

Arshad Saeed Husain, president of the American Business Council, was optimistic. In an e-mailed response, he said: “Pakistan desperately requires investment in infrastructure and energy projects, so we view the announcement positively. A deteriorating infrastructure coupled with energy shortages and compounded by security concerns have kept investors at bay”.

“A renewed commitment to the CPEC bodes well for investors groups that are already in Pakistan as well as for investors looking to enter the country,” he added.

Muhammad Rafique Ibrahim, a leading textile tycoon, was also optimistic. “There are questions begging answers, but all in all China’s investment commitment is a sign of growing confidence in Pakistan. It might take some time before the gains become visible, but the bottom line is that Pakistan is not losing but gaining support,” he said over phone.

Majyd Aziz, who is active in multiple business forums, focused on Pakistan’s geographical advantage and the convergence of its interests with China’s. “Yes, it is great if Asia’s rising giant is willing to hold our hand, but there is no free lunch in business. The CPEC will benefit Pakistan, but its value to China is probably yet to be understood. A report suggests that savings on trade transit cost for China will compensate its investment cost in Pakistan within the first two years once the route becomes functional.”

Razzak Dewan, another leading businessman, was concerned about what he called an ‘invasion’ of Chinese goods eroding the country’s manufacturing base. “Infrastructure takes time to develop, but our immediate worry is dumping of goods by Chinese companies in Pakistan, driving people out of business. Something should be done to check the trend”.

Tariq Rafi, another reputed businessman, hinted at the tardiness of the Sindh government. “If Punjab can get money for the Orange Line from China, I am sure funding for the circular railway wouldn’t have been an issue had the Sindh government been persuasive.”

Saleem Mandviwala, a businessman-turned-politician from Sindh said the last PPP government had worked hard on cultivating relationships and generating a level of comfort between the two nations to draw them closer economically.

“The PML-N must control its temptation to go solo. It is imperative that the ruling party adopts an inclusive approach and lets other segments and parties participate in the planning and implementation of the CPEC,” he said.

During his two-day visit last week, China’s President Xi Jinping had signed multiple agreements amounting to an investment of $46bn — about three times the total foreign direct investment received by Pakistan in the last one decade.

According to details under the CPEC plan, the Chinese government and banks will lend to Chinese companies for investment in identified projects. About $15.5bn worth of coal, wind, solar and hydropower projects will come on-line by 2017 and add 10,400MW of electricity to Pakistan’s national grid. A $44m fiber-optic cable will also be built.

Published in Dawn, Economic & Business, April 27th, 2015

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LAHORE: Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday ordered formation of a larger bench to hear a petition filed in 1991 that sought disqualification of the then premier Nawaz Sharif on grounds that he does not comply with Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution.

The case had been pending for decades after which the court has ordered that a larger bench be formed to hear the high-profile case, since according to law, cases involving high-profile individuals such as the prime minister require at least five or seven judges on the bench.

The unavailability of the required number of judges is why the petition has been pending for so long.

According to DawnNews, there were a few occasions over the years when a larger bench was made, but then some judges opted out from hearing the case.

After the initial hearing of the case today, a two-member LHC bench requested the chief justice for a larger bench to hear the case that was filed by Ali Imran in 1991.

Petitions seeking PM’s disqualification

A few months ago, the Supreme Court had dismissed petitions seeking the disqualification of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Three identical petitions had been filed by PML-Q chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Advocate Gauhar Nawaz and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader Ishaq Khakwani, arguing that Nawaz Sharif had lied on the floor of the National Assembly on the issue of arbitration by the army during the political crisis in August last year, when the PTI and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) had staged sit-ins in Islamabad .

Nawaz had told the parliament that it was PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri and PTI Chairman Imran Khan who had requested a meeting with army chief General Raheel Sharif in order to broker a settlement with the government over the political stalemate.

The premier had said he gave permission to the army chief to engage the two leaders and play the role of a mediator.

But Imran Khan and Qadri had categorically rejected the premier's statement that they had invoked the army's help, and slammed the premier for "lying to the nation".

The military had later issued a short statement saying that it was playing the role of facilitator during the political crisis at the behest of the government.