PESHAWAR: The walled city is a renowned meat-lover's paradise. From succulent tikka karahi at Namak Mandi to chapli kababs at Qissa Khawani Bazaar, Peshawar’s love affair with meat dishes is an everlasting one, beckoning eternal carnivores.

Near the gates of the Khyber Teaching Hospital (KTH) in Peshawar, however, is an eatery that serves as the outlier. With no chic interior designing, no air conditioning, no windows, and not even any doors, Cherry Berry is not your average restaurant, simply because its enterprise is contained within the metallic frame of a yellow, single-door Suzuki pick-up van.

The owner of this Suzuki van and the thriving joint is Shaukat Khan, who people affectionately call “Shaukatay”. Shaukat, now 50, established this restaurant 17 years ago by setting up a small cart outside the doctor hostel gate at KTH with only two dishes on his menu at the time: the brain masala and fried beans.

The restaurant's popularity gradually gained strength among locals — five to 10 customers a day in 1998. Today, the cart serves approximately 300 people each night from the back of Shaukat’s specially designed Suzuki.

The trademark 'Cherry Berry' dish amusingly gets its name from a local soft drink that Shaukat holds dear. With no cherries or berries, the dish contains sliced boneless chicken cooked in a distinctive curry.

Shaukat Khan, preparing dinner for his customers in his mobile restaurant. — Photo by author

The Suzuki, equipped with a stove that is welded at the rear end and a few energy saver light bulbs that are connected to the car battery, surprisingly generates a uniquely homely atmosphere. Shaukat feels this attracts customers from all walks of life, despite long queues and the absence of chairs.

Customers waiting to receive their food. — Photo by author

Every night, from 9pm till midnight, a plethora of customers; doctors, engineers, students, and labourers come to dine-in at Cherry Berry, preferring it to other more expensive restaurants in the vicinity. The menu, too, has matured, retaining the classic brain masala, fried channas (chickpeas) and beans and adding two more: qeema and the trademark 'Cherry Berry' dish which, amusingly gets its name from a local soft drink that Shaukat holds dear. With no cherries or berries, the dish contains sliced boneless chicken cooked in a distinctive curry that Shaukat proudly claims is not available anywhere else in the entire metropolis of Peshawar.

The restaurant's specialty: 'Cherry Berry'. — Photo by author

It is the quality of food, along with Shaukat’s insistence on affordability and hygiene, that draws people like Muhammad Saleem, a regular customer who operates a shop selling medical supplies nearby. “This is like a mini-Pearl Continental for me,” says Saleem as he picks up his order. “The only thing missing is the fancy showpieces and uniformed waiters”.

Another customer, Dr. Qaiser Yousufzai,who is there to pick up two plates of Cherry Berry for him and his wife, admits that the hygiene and quality of the food means that after his work ends at KTH, he usually prefers to pick up food from Shaukat’s restaurant.

Patrons dining on the sidewalk. — Photo by author

Perhaps the biggest fan of Shaukat's fare is a government officer employed at the hydropower department in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

“Pakher (Salam) Shaukat Lala!” he exclaims as he pulls up to the yellow van. Shaukat says with some pride that this man has been coming to eat at his restaurant since his days at Islamia College Peshawar. “I have driven for more than 20 kilometres and left behind many a restaurant on the way just to be able to get some of Shaukat’s special, fresh food,” says the man as he ordered Cherry Berry and brain masala.

He then turns the other way, smiling, and repeats a request that Shaukat hears every night, “Shaukat Lala, order tayyar hai (is my order ready)?”

Last night in Lahore, stars from every aspect of Pakistani life ranging from cricket to music to film came together to celebrate one thing: Pakistan!

Under the banner of soon-to-be-aired Chand Sitara, the likes of Salman Ahmed, Ali Zafar, Junaid Jamshed, Zoe Viccaji, Hadiqa Kiyani and more sung this patriotic anthem:

Fans of classic Pakistani bands Vital Signs and Junoon have been hoping for this moment for a while. With Junaid Jamshed and Shahzad Hasan representing Vital Signs and Salman Ahmed doing the same for Junoon this mash up is historic, but will it be able to live up to classics like 'Jazba Junoon' or 'Dil Dil Pakistan'?

Here's a round up of other memorable moments from Chand Sitara.

6 moments that stood out, for better or worse:

1. Junaid Jamshed brings it home with a much-awaited rendition of 'Dil Dil Pakistan.'

You can say what you want but you can't deny Jamshed is an extraordinary singer and he proved that once again with his cover of the classic patriotic jingle, Dil Dil Pakistan.

The former Vital Signs singer also sang Hum Hain Pakistani Hum To Jeetaingay, as well as Chand Sitara.

2. Lesser-known talent was celebrated with equal fervour:

The event was a star-studded affair, with many veteran celebs coming together with the newer crop of singers who have stepped into the arena. However, amongst the ones celebrated were also unsung heroes from all walks of life.

Pakistan's only licensed Formula 1 driver, Saad Ali also attended the event, along with Haroon Tariq, a world record holder who got a whopping 87 A's in O/A levels.

3. Pakistani cricket was a major presence:

When they're not busy on the field, our talented cricketers are attending events like Chand Sitara to show us they have a soft corner for Pakistan. Our favourites, Shahid Afridi, Umar Akmal and Shoaib Malik were present.

Malik, in particular, was quite excited.

A pleasant surprise was seeing Zeeshan Abbasi there.

4. Junaid Jamshed comes under fire for, um, hand holding:

JJ started trending on Twitter after a picture of him clasping Hadiqa Kiani's hand emerged on social media; fans were confused by the gesture though haters rejoiced -- and soon enough everyone weighed in with their two cents:

Jamshed, who often comes under the crossfire, has not posted an apology video yet, like he usually does.

Read: Junaid Jamshed in hot water again over sexist remark. Social media responds

5. Fashion took the front seat

Zoe Viccaji, Anoushay Ashraf and Mehreen Syed all made our jaws drop; these ladies always have their finger on the fashion pulse!

Zoe and Anoushay opted for spunky Sana Safinaz ensembles.

Mehreen decided to go for a more traditional look, looking radiant as ever.

6. Even the brightest stars get nervous before the big performance!

Read also: With 'Chaand Sitara', Vital Signs and Junoon greats hope to lift Pakistan's spirit

The trio reunited after years and Jamshed returned to the stage to sing after over two decades -- they were bound to get some stage fright! Fret not, nothing a little impromptu prayer won't fix!

The evening has reaffirmed what we have known all along -- It's time for Vital Signs to get back together!

QUETTA: Several renowned political leaders, writers, poets and authors on Tuesday paid rich tribute to veteran Baloch nationalist leader, Mir Ghous Bakhsh Bizenjo.

Ruling Baloch nationalist political party – National Party (NP) – had organised a public meeting in connection with the 26th death anniversary of Bizenjo.

Crowd at a ceremony to pay tribute to Ghous Bakhsh Bizenjo. – Photo by author

Political leaders from various political parties expressed concern over issues relating to Balochistan and stressed upon the need for a negotiated settlement to overcome them.

Mir Tahir Bizenjo, the central senior vice president of National Party, referring to the leader as "Baba-e-Balochistan" said he had always stood by principles of politics and upheld the banner of democracy and democratic institutions.

A large number of NP activists from Quetta and other parts of Balochistan participated in the public meeting, where supporters of the National Party could be seen waving flags.

Leaders who spoke on the occasion demanded that Baloch masses be given rights over the rich mineral and natural resources in the province and also called for an end to the prevailing deprivation.

Tahir Bizenjo also underlined the need for Baloch-Pashtoon unity and urged political forces to join their hands to strengthen the democratic system in the country, stressing that Balochistan's issues can only be resolved through a solid political vision and commitment.

"Drastic measures should be taken to resolve all issues relating to Balochistan," he said

Akram Baloch, another central leader of NP also paid homage to late Mir Ghous Bakhsh Bizenjo and urged party workers to follow the political principles of the leader. He said the late Bizenjo always raised his voice for the oppressed and underprivileged segments of society.

Renowned Baloch literary figures including Ayub Baloch, Munir Badini and others also spoke on the occasion, highlighting various aspects of Bizenjo's life and his political and academic struggles.

Leaders from Jamaat-i-Islami, Awami National Party, Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party, Hazara Democratic Party, Balochistan National Party – Mengal and other political parties also participated in the public meeting.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif while addressing the Belarusian State University in Minsk on Tuesday stressed the need for regional peace and prosperity and said, "We want cordial and cooperative ties with India and Afghanistan."

The Prime Minister also said, "We will not allow our territory to be used by any terrorists irrespective of their nationality or ethnicity."

Nawaz also spoke of Pakistan's commitment towards eradicating "the menace of terrorism from its soil".

"Our relations with Russia are on an upward trend," he added while expounding on his "vision of a peaceful neighbourhood".

"Pakistan wants good relations with all its neighbours on the basis of sovereign equality," he said.

He emphasised the importance of using trade to enhance regional prosperity and encouraged investment in Pakistan.

"Today Pakistan is one of the most investor-friendly countries in the world. All sectors are open to foreign investment with no upper limit to foreign equity," he said.

He spoke of the government's plans to expand foreign direct investment in the power, infrastructural development, agricultural and agro-based industry, mining, and oil and gas exploration sectors.

The government, he said, "aims to revive the economy, overcome energy shortages, eradicate extremism and promote human rights".

"We are committed to good governance, fiscal discipline, widening the tax base and introducing fiscal measures to promote the economy," he said.

Premier Sharif was also made an honorary professor by Belarus State University.

PM Nawaz is on a three-day official visit to Belarus. During the visit, the premier will have a one on one meeting with president of Belarus followed by the delegation level talks.

The prime minister will also participate in Pakistan-Belarus Business and Investment Forum. The president of Belarus and the prime minister will inaugurate joint Pak-Belarus Business Forum.

The Pakistani premier told the Belarusian parliament that the government had “almost double” its budgetary allocation for education.

“We remain committed to increase it further to reach the mark of 4pc of GDP,” he added.

“We in Pakistan have a particular focus on the development of our educational institutions. Our Vision 2025 emphasises a knowledge-based economy,” he said, referring to the government’s five year plan.

The Prime Minister called for “closer collaboration both regionally and globally” to combat regional challenges such as security, development, climate change and depleting water resources.

He also said, "the rise of Asia as a global political and economic powerhouse is a momentous development. The shanghai cooperation organisation and Eurasian economic union are growing at an accelerate pace. The creation of the Asian infrastructure bank is an important accomplishment."

He added that he sees Pakistan as a gateway of trade and energy between our northern, eastern and western neighbours, connecting the region through trade routes, oil and gas pipelines and power transmission lines.

The prime minister mentioned his need for improving connectivity and efficiency by spreading a network of roads, railways and telecommunications. He felt that China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will change the entire dynamics of the region especially with its connectivity projects.

He also said, "Our region also has ample opportunity for cooperating in the field of energy. We can all reap the harvest from various energy projects in the region such as central Asia, south Asia 1000 and Trans-Afghanistan Pipeline (Tapi) projects."

"We are keen to strengthen our ties with Belarus in all spheres," he added.

Nawaz concluded with a quote from Jinnah: "The prosperity and advancement of a nation depends upon its intelligentsia."

Belarus-Pakistan friendship zindabad, long live Belarus-Pakistan friendship.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also signed 18 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, on Monday.

Read more: Pakistan, Belarus sign 18 MoUs

The MoUs cover the sectors of information, culture, education, scientific cooperation, information technology, forestry and agriculture.

A number of important agreements and MoUs were signed during the visit. The agreements and MoUs focused on agriculture machinery, tractor plant, milk and dairy industry.

An MoU also declares Islam­abad and Minsk sister cities.

“We want bilateral cooperation with Pakistan in all fields,” said the president of Belarus.

“By working together we can unlock the vast potential of mutually beneficial cooperation in industrial and agricultural sectors. We had a productive round of talks, and matters related to trade, industry, agriculture and investment were discussed in detail,” elaborated Nawaz Sharif.

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday sought a report from Advocate General Punjab Naveed Rasool Mirza, Inspector General Police Punjab Mushtaq Sukhera and Home Secretary Punjab Azam Suleman to determine if the Kasur child abuse case can be tried in an anti-terrorism court (ATC).

A petition filed by Advocate Aftab Ahmed Bajwa in the LHC on Monday was heard by LHC Chief Justice Manzoor Ahmed. The petition stated that since the case is of a serious nature, it should be tried in an ATC.

The report will describe what sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act ─ in particular, Section 7 of the ATA, "Punishment for acts of terrorism"─ are applicable to the case in order to decide whether the case can be tried in an ATC.

Also read: Child abuse case: Accused says children abused in his presence

Police have contacted victims' families to inform them that Section 7/ATA has been included in the seven First Information Reports lodged against the accused.

The LHC CJ ordered the SP Investigation and SHOs to present the report in a hearing which is scheduled to take place tomorrow.

Also read: Kasur scandal: 'I thought of killing myself everyday'

Reports of the sexual abuse of about 280 children have shocked the country. Most of the victims who are from Husain Khanwala village near Kasur are less than 14-years-old. The victims were sexually abused and filmed by members of a gang. Their families had also been blackmailed by the gang since 2009.

A property dispute allegedly brought the issue to the surface.

Four more complainants

Relatives of four more victims have come forward to register their complaints in the child abuse scandal.

An application was filed by family members claiming that the victims had been abused at gunpoint.

Five accused presented in ATC

Five of the accused in the case, Tanzeelur Rehman, Ateequr Rehman, Obaidur Rehman, Wasim and Yahya were presented before Lahore's ATC-IV.

Investigating Officer Inspector Shah Waliullah of the Ganda Singhwala police station accompanied the accused for the hearing being conducted by Judge Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah.

Also read: Editorial: Victims of abuse

Unicef urges govt to deliver justice

“No child should suffer violence, abuse or exploitation; the horrific crimes in Kasur underline how we must all do more to protect children from such abuses,” Unicef Regional Deputy-Director for South Asia Philippe Cori said.

The United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) local chief said, “Recent reports of children being sexually abused over a period of several years in the Kasur district are appalling."

Unicef is in contact with the Government authorities to understand the full dimension of this crime, he added.

Cori expressed hope that “every effort will be made by the government to bring to justice those responsible for these terrible abuses.”

Unicef is ready to expand its work with local and national authorities to increase such efforts, so that no child has to suffer these terrible horrors, he asserted.

(With additional input by Mateen Haider)

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday lodged a strong protest with India over the latest ceasefire violation across the Line of Control (LoC) and also strongly condemned the death of a civilian on the Pakistani side due to firing across the LoC.

The Indian High Commissioner was summoned to the Foreign Office by the Director General (South Asia) to lodge protest.

"The Indian Deputy High Commissioner J P Singh was summoned to the Foreign Office today by the Director General (SA) to lodge a formal protest with the Government of India over the killing of a Pakistani civilian,” said Qazi Khalilullah, spokesperson from the Foreign Office.

Read: LoC firing: Injured woman dies in Rawalpindi

“Pakistan also condemned the latest unprovoked ceasefire violations by the Indian security forces at the LoC in Nakial sector near Kotli and Bhimber Gali sector on August 9, in which Pakistani posts were targeted,” added Khalilullah.

The Indian envoy was asked to ensure that the Ceasefire Understanding of 2003 should be adhered to in order to create peace and tranquility along the LoC.

Earlier today, a woman who was critically injured last week during an exchange of fire between Pakistani and Indian troops along the LoC succumbed to her injuries at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Rawalpindi, according to a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Last week, Pakistan Army lodged a strong protest with the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) over unprovoked firing by Indian troops on August 4 along the working boundary at Sialkot's Pukhlian sector.

Read more: Pakistan moves UNMOGIP over unprovoked Indian firing along LoC

The army had launched a similar complaint with the UN body in July also, in relation to incidents of unprovoked firing by Indian forces at Sialkot's Chaprar sector and in Rawalakot's Neza Pir sector along the LoC.

Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan by the UN-monitored de facto border of LoC but is claimed in full by both the countries.

Ceasefire violations along the LoC and working boundary between Pakistan and India continue intermittently, with casualties reported on both sides.

Official sources say unprovoked firing by Indian troops on the working boundary has been continuing for the past many weeks.

KARACHI: Former Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) lawmaker Nabeel Gabol filed a petition in the Sindh High Court (SHC) on Tuesday seeking Rangers' security from the government against alleged death threats issued to him by MQM.

Gabol, a former MNA, maintained in the petition that he no longer has police protection provided by the government.

He further said that the Sindh government has refused to entertain his request to reinstate the security despite his claims of having received death threats from individuals within MQM because of his statements against the party in talk shows.

Gabol warned that if anything were to happen to him, MQM and Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah should be held responsible, the former for the crime and the latter for failing to provide adequate security cover to him.

Take a look: I witnessed poll rigging in NA-246: Nabeel Gabol

Meanwhile, the member of MQM coordination committee, Qasim Ali Raza, reacted strongly to the claims levelled by Gabol and accused the former lawmaker of doing political showmanship just to attain security from Rangers.

The MQM leader said "Gabol should at least show some reverence" and asked him to stay within his limits.

“It is the right of Gabol to request for security, but levelling false claims against MQM leadership for this purpose is a disgraceful act,” said Raza in a statement issued by MQM coordination committee.

Read: MQM's Nabeel Gabol resigns from National Assembly

After being practically sidelined by the PPP leadership, Gabol had joined MQM in 2013 — months before the general election — to what he called “serve the people of Lyari”.

Later he won the NA-246 seat in Karachi on MQM’s ticket. He tendered his resignation from the party earlier this year hinting at the differences surfacing between him and the party as reasons.

Previously, Gabol has been elected MNA from Lyari (in 2008) on a PPP ticket. He became minister of state for ports and shipping, but later resigned from the post. He has been winning elections from Lyari for over two decades. He has also served as deputy speaker of the Sindh Assembly.

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced Tuesday it will conduct by-election in Haripur's NA-19 constituency using biometric machines in a test run on 30 selected polling stations.

According to the ECP, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Ufone will render technical assistance in this regard.

The launch of the test project is in line with the desire of political parties, which was conveyed through the Electoral Reforms Committee of Pakistan (ERCP).

The ERCP recommended that by-election be conducted through biometric machines to educate the general public about its use in electoral activity.

"Since the whole exercise would be performed purely on an experimental basis, the impact of the use of biometric machines in the by-election would certainly not disturb the electoral process in the constituency," the ECP said.

The ECP has already taken all contesting candidates on board and briefed them comprehensively about the measure, sharing with them the list of selected polling stations where the technology will be used, the objectives of the pilot project and standard operating procedures of using biometric machines.

All contesting candidates have welcomed the use of biometric machines as an experiment and have also expressed their consent in this regard, resolving to extend complete support to the ECP by sensitising their polling agents and educating voters at large about the use of such machinery.

Interactive training sessions on the use of biometric machines will be completed on Aug. 13, while the by-poll is scheduled for Aug.16.

ISLAMABAD: The United States has indicated to Pakistan that further extension in the Coalition Support Fund (CSF) beyond 2015 may not be possible.

The issue about the future of CSF, according to a defence source, was discussed at the 23rd Defence Consultative Group Meeting (DCG)-Interim Progress Review (IPR) held at the defence ministry on Tuesday. Principal Deputy Secretary of Defence Ms Kelly Magsamen led the US delegation comprising officials of the defence and state departments.

Under the CSF arrangement, the US reimbursed Pakistan for operations and maintenance costs incurred in direct support of its operations in Afghanistan. Since 2001, the US has reimbursed $13 billion to Pakistan, which is the largest recipient of the fund.

Know more: Pakistan gets $336m in Coalition Support Fund, foreign reserves climb to $19bn

The arrangement was supposed to end with the completion of the drawdown in December 2014, but the US government through legislation extended the programme for another year. The extended programme, which came with extra conditions, allowed reimbursement of up to $1bn.

At the DCG meeting Pakistan sought its further extension due to continuing challenges. Besides helping in meeting security expenses, the government has been using CSF inflows to narrow down current account deficit.

A source said the US unwillingness to continue the programme was because of its changing priorities as it appeared more focused on the challenges posed by Middle Eastern terror group Daesh.

Speaking at the forum, Defence Secretary retired Lt Gen Alam Khattak emphasised on the importance of Pakistan in the regional security and said: “Pakistan is at the frontline fighting for the stability of the region. … Pakistan’s armed forces are committed to flushing terrorists out of the area by continuing operation Zarb-i-Azb.”

Pakistan, according to the source, needs sustained assistance for continuation of operations as well as rehabilitation of the displaced people. About two million people have been displaced because of counter-militancy operations and they are now being rehabilitated at a cost of Rs100bn.

Rehabilitation of IDPs technically does not come under the activities mandated under the CSF, but Pakistani officials use this argument to strengthen their case for continuation of the programme.

Pakistan had in 2014 lobbied for conversion of the CSF into a ‘Stability Support Fund’ after changing some of its parameters. The US administration initially looked convinced about the proposal, but it couldn’t materialise due to Pakistan government’s failure to pursue the matter at the political level. Additionally, the source said, the US needed to realise that Daesh was also posing a serious threat to this region.

According to a defence ministry’s statement on the meeting, the US delegation agreed that Pakistan was a stabilising factor in the region following the drawdown of coalition forces and was contributing to efforts for peace in the region.

It said the participants of the meeting were hopeful that “outstanding issues related to defence cooperation between USA and Pakistan” would soon be resolved. But the statement did not say what the outstanding issues were.

Published in Dawn, August 12th, 2015

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QUETTA: A police official was killed and another critically injured when a huge explosion rocked Gawalmandi Chowk in Quetta, DawnNews reported on Tuesday.

Rescue authorities rushed to the site of the incident. The injured were rushed to Civil Hospital Quetta where emergency was imposed to provide urgent treatment to those critical.

Initial reports claim that four people, including one policeman, were injured in the blast which occurred near a police station.

Police and security forces have cordoned off the area, it added.

The blast smashed windows of shops and also damaged the vehicles parked nearby. Shops in the area were closed and traffic suspended after the blast.

Police and Frontier Corps officials reached the site and cordoned off the area. An investigation into the incident is also underway.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.

Also read: Blast kills one, injures 15 in Quetta

Balochistan Home Minister Sarfaraz Bugti reached the site of the blast and strongly condemned the incident.

"We would not bow down before miscreants," Bugti told reporters at Gawalmandi Chowk area, where the blast went off. He said, "terrorists have been targeting innocent people".

The provincial home minister said such nefarious designs would be foiled with the support of masses. He assured that the perpetrators of the blast would be brought to book.

Armed militants have targeted security forces and pro-government politicians for over seven years in the province which borders Afghanistan and Iran.

Authorities have been conducting raids in the city to arrest militants and put a check on acts of violence that have haunted Quetta for a while now.

(This is a developing story and will be updated accordingly)

ISLAMABAD: The armed forces command said on Tuesday the military was ready to meet all national security challenges.

“The forum reaffirmed the resolve of Armed Forces to respond to entire spectrum of threats in the most befitting manner as per comprehensive security strategy,” said an ISPR statement issued at the end of a meeting of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (JCSC) held at the Joint Staff Headquarters.

Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Rashad Mahmood presided over the meeting, which was attended by Gen Raheel Sharif, Chief of the Army Staff, Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah, Chief of the Naval Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, Chief of the Air Staff, retired Lt Gen Alam Khattak, defence secretary, and senior officers of the three services.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee is the principal coordination forum of the armed forces and meets every quarter to discuss and review the operational preparedness of the three services.

A spokesman explained that the statement referred to security challenges faced both at the internal and external fronts, including shelling by Indian forces along the Line of Control and Working Boundary, India’s provocative statements and its involvement in terrorism.

“Participants appreciated the strides (made) against the menace of terrorism and reviewed the progress made in the ongoing operations against terrorists,” the statement said.

It also said that issues pertaining to national security, emerging regional geostrategic environment, and joint military education and training were also deliberated upon.

“The satisfaction over the standard of preparedness of Armed Forces to take on... challenges being faced by the country was also expressed in unequivocal terms,” it added.

Published in Dawn, August 12th, 2015

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KARACHI: Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Tuesday said those saying the PPP is finished are mistaken, adding that the PPP "was not finished" and it "will not be finished" since "Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had taken over its reins."

"When Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto died, people said the PPP was over; when Benazir Bhutto died everyone thought the PPP would not rise again."

Talking to supporters and workers at the Bilawal House in a special gathering arranged on the national minorities day, Bilawal said the PPP opposes those who divide the nation along religion, calling them the country's enemies.

"Any resident, no matter whatever religion he follows, is a Pakistani before anything else," said the PPP chairman.

He said Quaid-e-Azam’s vision for Pakistan was a country where all could practice their religion freely, without fear. He said PPP founder Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was a staunch opponent of divisions based on religion, and worked to find ways to unite and strengthen the public.

"The PPP's ideology has remained the same to this day – it is the only political party that does not divide people on the basis of religion," said Bilawal.

Bilawal said his mother, Benazir Bhutto, had taken on elements spreading hate in the guise of religion, and eventually sacrificed her life in the battle.

"Despite being a woman, my mother challenged those using religion to create divide; the PPP is against such politics," said Bilawal.

After his speech, Bilawal Bhutto, along with his sister Bakhtawar and other senior PPP office bearers, cut a cake to celebrate the minorties' day.

Earlier, Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah and PPP vice president Sherry Rehman also addressed the gathering.

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court asked the Election Commission of Pakistan and Punjab and Sindh governments on Tuesday to sit together and come up with agreed dates for holding the local bodies’ elections in the two provinces.

A three-judge bench headed by Justice Jawwad S. Khawaja had taken up a petition filed by the ECP seeking permission to delay the elections in Punjab and Sindh for at least 30 days.

The elections are scheduled to be held on Sept 26.

Take a look: ECP files petition in SC to delay LG polls in Sindh, Punjab

The ECP said in the petition that the election process could not be initiated till the recent floods in certain districts subsided because most of the affected people, their household and animals were accommodated in government buildings.

The court asked Advocate General of Punjab Malik Naveed Rasool and Advocate Munir Paracha representing the ECP to satisfy it on the need to delay the elections by coming up with recommendations and suggestions.

Advocate Paracha suggested to the court that he was ready to sit with the two provincial governments to propose a new date for the polls.

The Punjab and Sindh governments should seek an apology from the people for not handing over to them the constitutional right of being governed through elected representatives at local level, Justice Khawaja said, adding that seeking apology from the people became all the more important because the governments in power in the two provinces were the same when the local bodies were dissolved in 2009.

The court praised Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan for holding the elections despite the fact that they were governed by different governments when the local bodies were dissolved.

Published in Dawn, August 12th, 2015

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ISLAMABAD: The Senate on Tuesday passed the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill 2015 aimed at protecting court officials and witnesses, and providing them indemnity against prosecution in any other court of law.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif piloted the bill to further amend the Pakistan Army Act, 1952, in the Upper House, which was passed with a majority vote.

Senator Farhatullah Babar, however, called for wide circulation of the proposed Bill to gauge public opinion, but his suggestion was turned down by the government.

The PPP senator was of the view that the proposed Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill 2015 was inconsistent with the recent judgment of the Supreme Court on challenges to the 21st and the 18th constitutional amendments.

Know more: Military courts’ secrecy unnerves experts

Opposing the defence minister's motion to get the Bill passed, Babar said “the SC in its majority verdict of 13 to 4 had held that the Parliament could make constitutional amendments but such amendments were subject to judicial review”.

Editorial: Military courts

The statement of objects and reasons of the Bill said: “An extraordinary situation and circumstances exist which demand special measures for speedy trial of certain offences relating to terrorism.”

“There exists a grave threat to the integrity of Pakistan owing to raising of arms and insurrection by terrorist groups," the Bill read.

Babar, however, said “the existing practice of military courts pronouncing death penalty against unnamed accused via unnamed judges sitting at an undisclosed location and without any mention of charges, the prosecution's case, the defence plea and without the presence of independent observers" was against the requirement of adequate procedural safeguards.

He called for soliciting public opinion from a wide spectrum of the society to address these concerns in the proposed Bill.

“The issue was not the setting up of military courts; rather the issue was the parameters within which these courts will be allowed to function,” said the PPP senator.

The move was however turned down when the Senate chairman put his motion to voice vote.

Editorial: Military courts: a wrong move

Resolution passed to express solidarity with minorities

The Senate also unanimously passed a resolution expressing complete solidarity with religious minorities and vowing to protect their rights on the occasion of minorities' day.

The resolution was moved by Minister for Ports and Shipping Kamran Michael.

The resolution recalled the struggles and sacrifices of minorities during the Pakistan movement and in the face of challenges confronting the country.

Separately, Farhatullah Babar's move to refer the National University of Medical Sciences Bill to the relevant committee was endorsed by the house.

The defense minister wanted to get the Bill passed immediately in Tuesday's sitting but contrary to his desire, it was referred to the committee for discussion and analysis.

LAHORE: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Tuesday remanded five men arrested in connection with the Kasur child abuse case to police custody for 28 days.

“Police produced the five men in an anti-terrorism court where the judge remanded them into police custody for further interrogation for 28 days,“ said Lahore court's prosecutor Sheikh Saeed.

Read: Kasur child abuse case: LHC CJ seeks report on inclusion of ATA clauses

"These five men will join seven others who are already in police custody in connection with the child abuse case," added Saeed.

Police spokeswoman Nabeela Ghazanfar also confirmed the details.

Chief Minister of Punjab Shahbaz Sharif has ordered an independent judicial inquiry and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has vowed stern action against those responsible.

An initial police probe, carried out last week at the behest of the provincial government, described the allegations as “baseless” -- a conclusion immediately rejected by local media and rights activists.

The head of Punjab's Child Protection Bureau, Saba Sadiq, described the case as “the largest child abuse scandal in Pakistan's history."

CM Punjab suspends senior police officials

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Tuesday suspended senior police officials from Kasur for failing to conduct their duties effectively in relation to reports of child molestation in the area.

According to a notification issued by the government, District Police Office (DPO) Rai Babar and Deputy Superintendent Police (DSP) Hassan Farooq have been dismissed from their positions for not taking timely actions to prevent child sex abuse and the ensuing videotape blackmailing that has allegedly continued for the past many years in Kasur district’s village Husain Khanwala.

Also read: Accused says children abused in his presence

Meanwhile, Punjab Police Inspector General (IG) Mushtaq Sukhera visited the affected village on Tuesday evening, where he conducted a press conference that was attended by families of the victims.

The provincial police chief said the scandal was one of the worst in Pakistan’s history, adding that a joint investigation team had been constituted to thoroughly probe the matter.

Sukhera said there was no need to take the matter to a military court and requested villagers not to register “fake cases.”

On the occasion, the IG listened to villagers’ grievances vis-à-vis the police’s inaction.

But the police chief had to cut short his conference when the villagers became agitated at his responses over their complaints on the police’s inefficiency. Sukera was escorted by a heavy contingent of policemen while protestors attempted to stop his vehicle from leaving the area.

Earlier today, the Lahore High Court (LHC) sought a report from Advocate General Punjab Naveed Rasool Mirza, Inspector General Police Punjab Mushtaq Sukhera and Home Secretary Punjab Azam Suleman to determine if the Kasur child abuse case can be tried in an ATC.

Earlier, relatives of four more victims had come forward to register their complaints in the child abuse scandal. An application was filed by family members claiming that the victims had been abused at gunpoint.

Reports of the sexual abuse of about 280 children have shocked the country. Most of the victims who are from Husain Khanwala village near Kasur are less than 14-years-old. The victims were sexually abused and filmed by members of a gang. Their families had also been blackmailed by the gang since 2009.

ISLAMABAD: The United Nations Children’s Fund has expressed concern over reports of children having been sexually abused in Kasur district over a period of several years.

Describing the reports as “appalling”, Unicef Regional Deputy Director for South Asia, Philippe Cori said in a statement on Tuesday that the horrific crimes in Kasur underline how we must all do more to protect children from such abuses. “No child should suffer violence, abuse or exploitation,” he said.

Unicef is in contact with the government authorities to understand the full dimension of the crime. “Our sympathies are with the children who have been victims to this abuse.

Take a look: Accused says children abused in his presence

It is vital that the children and families affected are immediately offered the necessary care and protection that will prevent further victimisation and allow the difficult process of healing to begin”.

He said that Unicef was working closely with the authorities in Pakistan to prevent and respond to such issues affecting children, including sexual violence and abuse.

“We welcome efforts in Pakistan to tackle the issue of child abuse — including Pakistan signing the ‘we protect’ statement of action”.

Mr Cori said that Unicef was ready to expand its work with local and national authorities in Pakistan to increase such efforts, so that no child has to suffer these horrors, and hoped that every effort would be made by the government to bring to justice those responsible for the abuse.

Published in Dawn, August 12th, 2015

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MINSK: Pakistan and Belarus agreed on Tuesday on fast tracking their relations by preparing a medium- and long-term roadmap to chart out future collaboration and identify new areas of cooperation.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who is on a three-day visit to Belarus, in his meeting with the Prime Minister Andrei Kobyakov at the House of the Government, said that there was wide scope for increasing interaction in many areas between the two countries.

He agreed with a proposal of Belarusian prime minister of tasking the Belarus Pakistan Joint Economic Commission with preparing a roadmap by September for the purpose.

Also read: Belarus University crowns Nawaz 'honorary professor'

The Belarusian prime minister said that he saw relations between the two countries move to a far higher level in one year’s time, keeping in view the progress achieved so far.

He said a solid foundation would provide opportunity for both sides to boost economic, trade and commercial cooperation.

He called for preparing an intensive schedule for the Joint Economic Commission so that a solid package of proposals could be finalised for cooperation in agriculture and industrial sectors of Pakistan.

He also offered his county’s support to Pakistan in the infrastructure projects along the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that the bold initiative of President Alexander Lukashenko had fast tracked the ties between the two countries and in a matter of little over two months the two countries had made good progress.

He said the two countries shared a commonality of views on various regional and international issues.

Referring to the agreements signed between the two countries during the visit of President Lukashenko to Pakistan and the ones now inked in Minsk, he said these had provided a solid framework for enhanced collaboration and strengthening of bilateral ties.

He said the trade volume of $60 million between the two countries was not reflective of the true potential and should be substantially increased.

Stressing the need for working together for strengthening trade ties, he said the two

countries could explore possibilities of joint ventures.

He said Pakistan offered excellent opportunities for foreign investors and had investment-friendly regulations for a market of nearly 200 million people.

He said Pakistan not only provided cheap labour, but also offered great incentives for investment. He said Pakistan also was a gateway to the Middle East and a larger market for industrial goods.

He invited the Belarusian investors to benefit from the incentives provided by the Government in the Special Economic Zones.

He said Pakistan was also desirous of stronger collaboration with Belarus in defence production.

Addressing the inaugural session of the Pakistan-Belarus Joint Business Forum, the prime minister asked entrepreneurs of Belarus to invest in Pakistan which was one of the most investor-friendly countries and offered lucrative returns.

He said that Pakistan allowed 100 per cent foreign ownership, complete liberty to repatriate profits and dividends and even guaranteed rate of return in some sectors like energy. All these factors, he said, had enhanced investors’ confidence in Pakistan.

The prime minister also visited a specially arranged exhibition of medical, agricultural, electronic and defence items by Belarusian industries. He enquired about their quality, export market and whether they wanted joint ventures with Pakistani partners.

The prime minister appreciated efforts of President Lukashenko for enabling Belarus to develop a robust economy in a short period of time.

Speaking on the occasion, President Alexander Lukashenko said that Belarus and Pakistan were playing their role to enhance peace and stability in Eurasia, and to bring sustainable development and prosperity to the region.

Mr Alexander Lukashenko termed the year 2015 as a landmark year in Belarusian-Pakistan relations. He said the two countries had created a solid foundation for cooperation in politics, economy, science, education and culture.

“Belarus views Pakistan as a reliable partner in the Asian region,” Mr Alexander Lukashenko said, adding that Belarus and Pakistan had all political preconditions for advancing trade, economic and investment cooperation.

HONORARY PROFESSOR: The prime minister also attended an event of prestigious Belarusian State University where he was conferred the title of Honorary Professor.

Rector Sergey V. Ablameyko of the university donned him with a gown and conferred on him the title of Honorary Professor.

The prime minister thanked the university for the honour and expressed the hope that ties between the two countries would further strengthen in the days ahead.

VISIT TO VICTORY SQUARE: The prime minister also visited the Victory Square here to honour millions of people who had lost their lives in the Great Patriotic War (World War II).

He observed silence for a few minutes. National anthems of the two countries were played and a contingent of Belarusian armed forces presented a salute.

TRACTOR PLANT: The prime minister visited the Minsk Tractor Works, known in Pakistan for its famous Belarusian tractors.

Prime Minister of Belarus Andrey Vladimirovich Kobyakov received Mr Sharif at the tractor plant.

He was briefed about the plant and informed that it offered over 100 models of tractors, in more than 200 assembly options for all climatic and operational conditions.

The 510 Model that is being used in Pakistan, was also put on display. The prime minister enquired about different models, their cost and their usefulness in the country.

He was also informed about the construction machinery being built at the factory. He also saw different type of passenger buses and heavy trucks which could be used in different configurations.

Pakistan has already started production of the Belarus tractors at a plant in Karachi that is expected to enhance production to 5000 units per annum.

Published in Dawn, August 12th, 2015

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ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) allowed an elder from Balochistan on Tuesday to become a party in a case relating to hunting the endangered houbara bustard. The elder is said to be of the view that by permitting foreign dignitaries to hunt the bird brought prosperity and welfare not only to the people, but also the province.

“The dignitaries who come to hunt the bird have not only established certain projects but are also paying Rs10 million for hunting 50 birds in season,” said petitioner Attaur Rehman through his counsel advocate Adnan Bhasharatullah, adding that the province earned approximately Rs2 billion every hunting season.

A three-judge Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Jawwad S. Khawaja was hearing a petition moved by advocate Raja Mohammad Farooq on behalf of Aamir Zahoorul Haq. They are urging the SC to order the constitution of an independent commission to look into the extreme apathy, inactivity and deliberate skipping of the statutory duty devolved upon the federal and provincial governments in allowing permits and licences to dignitaries which were often misused and violated. As a result, they believe birds like the endangered houbara bustard might become extinct.

Take a look: BHC orders protection of the houbara bustard

At the last hearing on July 29, the apex court said that it appeared that the federal government prima facie had no authority to issue permission to foreign dignitaries for hunting the houbara bustard in the four provinces.

The petition filed by Mr Rehman is in fact an appeal against the Nov 27, 2014 verdict of the Balochistan High Court (BHC) in which the high court held as illegal the decision of the foreign office to allocate certain areas in Balochistan for the 2014 hunting season.

The allocated areas in Balochistan are District Zhob, Ormara and Pasni of district Gwadar, Kharan (excluding Nag Dera breeding area), Panjgur, Washuk, Khuzdar, Lasbela, Lehri tehsil of district Sibi, Old Katchi and Sani Shoram of district Bolan and district Qila Saifullah, including Kar Khurasan.

The high court had also ordered the provincial government to perform its duties and ensure protection, preservation and conservation of the endangered species. The BHC also observed that issuing licences to foreigners for hunting the endangered species amounted to compromising the country’s security of environment.

Through the new petition, Mr Rehman is trying to portray a different picture by highlighting that treaties on the subject relied upon by the high court were misinterpreted. The petitioner argued that hunting the houbara bustard was a traditional sport practised for centuries by foreign dignitaries as well as locals.

The petition highlighted that by not allowing the dignitaries to hunt the bird, a large number of welfare projects aimed at upgrading the lives of the locals might be shut down.These include 26 hospitals, healthcare units and dispensaries, 26 housing projects, 22 schools and colleges, 32 water supply projects, 41 tube wells, open wells, windmills, reservoir and canals, 43 mosques, 16 projects for preserving the environment and wildlife, four Islamic cultural centres and five projects to provide electricity to villages and towns.

The petition stated that the high court’s judgment was contrary to the facts, law and equity and, therefore, should be set aside. The case will be heard again on Wednesday (today).

Published in Dawn, August 12th, 2015

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ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain has said that the enemy of minorities was the enemy of Pakistan.

Addressing a gathering on the National Minorities’ Day at the Presidency on Tuesday, he said: “Islam, constitution, state and people are custodians of the rights of the minorities, anybody violating this principal would be considered an enemy of Pakistan and the state would take punitive action against such elements.”

Take a look: Accused says children abused in his presence

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yusuf, Parliamentary Secretary Khalil George, representative of Hindu community and MNA Dr Rameesh Kumar, representative of Sikh community MPA Sardar Rameesh Singh Arora, representative of Christian community MNA Mrs Asia Nasir, representative of Parsi community MNA Asfanyar Bhandara and representative of Bahai community Ms Mona Qaimi also addressed on the occasion.

He said the government had taken measures for the protection of the rights of minorities.

Representatives of minority communities said they loved Pakistan because it was one of the countries where minorities enjoy equal rights and face no discrimination.

Published in Dawn, August 12th, 2015

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LAHORE: India is releasing water from its dams over Sutlej and Beas which is likely to generate low flood at Ganda Singhwala on August 13.

The Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) said on Tuesday that the flow in River Sutlej at Ganda Singhwala was likely to increase from 45,000 to 55,000 cusecs on August 13. As a result, river Sutlej is likely to attain low flood at this point.

It said India was likely to release 20,000 cusecs of water in the river.

Know more :Flood destroyed 7,000 houses, crops on 350,000 acres in Sindh: report

The FFD said River Indus at Guddu, Sukkur and Kotri was in high flood. It was in medium flood at Chashma and Taunsa and in low flood at Tarbela and Kalabagh. River Kabul was also in low flood at Nowshera.

Tarbela Dam is filled to its capacity of 1,550 ft and its outflows are almost matching its inflows these days. The inflow on Tuesday was 336,000 cusecs and the outflows 314,000 cusecs.

Officials said Punjab last week had requested Wapda authorities to release, if required, a maximum of up to 500,000 cusecs from the dam so as to keep the downstream flows manageable.

The Met office said the weather would remain mainly dry over most parts of the country in the next 24 hours. However, isolated thundershowers were expected over the upper catchments of all the major rivers along with north-northeast Punjab, northeast Balochistan, Kohat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan and Dera Ghazi Khan.

Meanwhile, Lahore received partial rain which enhanced humidity in the air and caused mugginess.

The Met office recorded 10mm of rain at its Jail Road office and said it rained heavily on the eastern side of the city.

Published in Dawn, August 12th, 2015

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