BAGH: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said here on Wednesday that the hearts of Pakistanis beat in unison with Kashmiris and warned that the incidents of firing across the Line of Control (LoC) were a threat to international peace.

“Our patience should not be taken as our weakness... desire for peace is our strength,” he told a gathering after inaugurating a string of development projects in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The prime minister said recent incidents of firing from across the LoC and death of civilians had shaken the conscience of the international community.

He termed such incidents a threat to international peace and said Pakistan would continue to raise its voice against human rights violations and atrocities at all international forums. “We cannot forget those who lost their lives along the LoC.”

Pakistani citizens and their property along the Working Boundary had also been attacked, Mr Sharif added.

Projects for 2005 earthquake survivors in Azad Kashmir inaugurated

The prime minister said Pakistan was playing an effective role against terrorism and would continue its fight till elimination of terrorists from its soil.

He said all those supporting terrorism would also be dealt with.

The Zarb-i-Azb operation was gaining success and would continue till all objectives were achieved, the prime minister observed.

He said incidents of kidnapping for ransom, targeted killing and extortion in Karachi had decreased to a negligible level and street crimes would also be curbed.

During his daylong visit to Bagh, he inaugurated 42 projects in the health, education and basic infrastructure sectors. “These projects will benefit three million people in Azad Jammu and Kashmir,” Mr Sharif said. The total estimated cost of the projects is Rs2.7 billion.

The prime minister announced that a modern cardiac centre would be set up in Bagh and more such hospitals would also be opened in AJK.

He asked the Punjab government to urgently build a quality road from Kotli Sattian to Kalyari Bridge saying that a bridge over River Jhelum would also be built at Khapdar.

The projects include schools, basic health units, administrative offices, roads, drinking water, a memorial, a bus terminal and a sports complex in Bagh, Poonch and Muzaffarabad areas that were devastated by the 2005 earthquake.

Addressing a gathering at the newly inaugurated sports complex in the town, he said he was keen to see widespread development across AJK and would have been more happy to invite local people to see the government’s efforts for their wellbeing.

He promised that the pace of development would accelerate and schools, colleges, healthcare units and roads would spring up across the valleys and hills of Azad Kashmir.

The prime minister lauded the high literacy rate in AJK and said his government was committed to increasing it.

He said the newly inaugurated projects would provide better services to the people and also create jobs and business opportunities that would boost local economy.

He said the water supply scheme in Bagh would cater for the town’s needs for the next 30 years.

Prime Minister Sharif said the Oct 8, 2005, earthquake had devastated vast areas, but also proved to be an opportunity to build better.

He said Pakistan had no experience of coping with a calamity of this magnitude, but the people had risen to the challenge with courage and commitment, with help from the armed forces and the international community.

Nawaz Sharif praised the performance of the Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority and said the rebuilt projects could be compared with those in the developed world.

The prime minister paid tribute to the earthquake survivors who had worked hard to rebuild their homes despite having suffered heavy personal and physical losses.—APP

Published in Dawn, September 3rd, 2015

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SHIKARPUR: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Thursday called for Pakistan Rangers to take action against corruption in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) if his party's provincial government was unable to do the same.

In an address to party workers in Shikarpur during a two-day visit to Sindh, Imran called on Rangers to take action against all corrupt officials in Sindh who were still at large.

The PTI chief also said on the occasion that the biggest problem facing Sindh was corruption, and the people of the province wanted to see real change in the current system.

“Corruption destroys a society, and we would fight for the rights of the people of Sindh,” stated Imran.

Read: PTI to hold sit-in on October 4 if ECP members do not resign: Imran

The PTI chief claimed that funds for provincial development in Sindh had gone into the pockets of “those in power.”

Imran Khan, who is on a two-day Sindh visit, aims to consolidate his support base in the province.

Earlier last week, Imran Khan had announced to hold a sit-in in front of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in Islamabad if its members do not tender their resignations by October 4.

In August, Imran Khan had warned all members of the ECP to transparently answer the questions he raised or he will take to the streets once again.

He had criticised the reply he had earlier received from the body over a letter he had sent questioning its shortcomings in light of the Judicial Commission report, Khan said it was his right to pose questions not only as a Pakistani but also as the chairman of a major political party.

While addressing a press conference, Imran Khan had said that the ECP provincial officials have no legal or moral standing left and they should immediately resign.

He had also stated that the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) chairman should also tender his resignation as he was part of covering-up the rigging that took place in the general elections of 2013.

Imran, earlier in July had accepted the judicial commission's report, which was constituted to probe alleged rigging during the general elections of 2013.

ISLAMABAD: Talking to media personnel after being briefed by military officials on the progress of operation Zarb-i-Azb Thursday, NA Standing Committee on Defence Chairman Rohail Asghar said Pakistan Army will remain in the country's tribal areas till 2019.

The PML-N MNA went on to say that several abettors of terrorists had also been held or eliminated during operations, adding that it won’t be a “big deal” if politicians are arrested as a result of operations.

“Nothing is more important than Pakistan,” said Asghar.

Asghar said around 64,000 internally displaced people had returned to their native towns in the tribal region so far.

He said some Taliban militants had fled to Afghanistan, while others had joined the self-styled Islamic State for material gains.

Asghar said despite the tough terrain in Shawal, forces were fearlessly making advances and making Zarb-i-Azb a success.

Earlier during the briefing, military officials told the NA body that since the start of operation Zarb-i-Azb in June 2014, forces have killed more than 3,500 terrorists.

More than 300 military men and officers have also lost their lives during the operation, said military officials.

Briefing the NA committee about progress on the operation, military officials said the army was conducting the final phase of operation Zarb-i-Azb in Shawal Valley of North Waziristan.

They added that forces had control over strategic heights in Shawal Valley, and now ground and air forces were targeting terrorists in their hideouts.

The committee was told that over 1,000 intelligence-based operations conducted throughout the country have eliminated major terrorist networks. Officials said no area had been left unguarded by forces after it was cleared.

BAHAWALPUR: Three death-row prisoners were executed here on Thursday at the central jail.

According to jail officials, Muhammad Khan of Chishtian, Muhammad Boota of Haroonabad and Faqir Muhammad of Rahim Yar Khan were hanged.

They said Muhammad Khan had murdered a man in 1995. Boota killed Sofia Khan over some marriage dispute in 2003 and Faqir Muhammad murdered an 11-year-old boy in 2004.

Their death warrants were issued by the district and sessions judges.

THREE HELD: Baghdadul Jadid police claimed on Thursday to have arrested the principal ‘As’ of a private school in Mohajir Colony and his two students ‘Ra’ and ‘Ta’ for attempted rape of a class-V student whose video was also made by them.

According to police sources, the suspects attempted to rape the girl the other day. Later, they allegedly blackmailed her father who was forced to pay them Rs50,000.

Further investigation is under way.

BCCI POLLS: Members of the business group were unofficially elected unopposed on 13 seats of Bahawalpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

According to a press release, 13 seats out of a total 26 of the executive body of chamber were declared vacant. The 13 slots included six seats each of corporate and associate classes besides a reserved seat for a woman.

On behalf of the business group, Khalid Javed, Adeel Bhatti, Hammad Hamid, Nasir Shakeel, Waqas Muhammad Saeed, Muhammad Altaf (corporate class); Azeem Niaz, Shujaur Rahim, Chaudhry Muhammad Nawaz, Chaudhry Muhammad Amin, Chaudhry Umar Waheed, Abdul Latif (associate class), and Ms Tayyaba Tahseen Akram (woman slot) filed their nomination papers. No one filed nomination papers against them as a result they were unofficially declared elected unopposed.

Election for president, senior VP and VP will be held on Sept 28.

Published in Dawn, September 4th, 2015

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KARACHI: Doctors at the Liaquat National Hospital on Thursday allowed Muttahida Qaumi Movement lawmaker Rashid Godil, who had been critically wounded in a drive-by shooting a fortnight ago, to go home, but his family desired him to stay longer at the facility citing ‘better nursing care’, said hospital sources.

They added Mr Godil was satisfactorily stable and could recuperate further at home if he so desired. However, when doctors offered to his family that they could take him home, the relatives said he should stay longer at the hospital.

“They want him to stay more here as they believe the nursing care available at the hospital was much better than home,” the sources said.

Officials at the hospital, however, did not comment whether Mr Godil’s family cited security reasons as well for their decision.

Mr Godil sustained five bullets in the deadly shooting in Bahadurabad on August 18, which killed his driver and wounded him critically.

The doctors said Mr Godil had sustained two bullet wounds in the neck and three others in the chest and abdomen. One bullet that affected his right lung was still in the body and would stay there as he was not that stable to be operated upon, they added.

Also read: MQM's Rashid Godil critical after Karachi attack

Published in Dawn, September 4th, 2015

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LAHORE: Shadman police registered on Thursday a case against six of its officials, unidentified so far, for allegedly raping a woman at a private guest house.

The woman of Gulberg had lodged a complaint with Shadman police and stated that six policemen kidnapped her from Ferozepur Road and kept her at a guest house where they raped and tortured her for seven days.

DIG (Operation) Dr Haider Ashraf said he constituted an inquiry team comprising Model Town SP Mustanser Feroze, Ichhra circle DSP Zahid Husain and CIA DSP to probe the incident.

He said the woman in her statement said that she went to Liberty Market to meet one ‘M’ where a man Shahzad kidnapped her, took her to a guest house, intoxicated and raped her.

Quoting the victim, the DIG said the woman lost her consciousness and later found that she was sold for Rs150,000 to policemen who raped her for seven days.

He said they registered the case and were conducting an inquiry.

The DIG said if any policeman was found guilty, a stern action would be taken against them.

A police source told this reporter that medical examination of the woman confirmed rape. He said Shadman SHO’s gunman and three other policemen of the station were involved in the incident and an identification parade was being held to nab them.

Shadman SHO Tanveer Ahmed whose subordinates were booked for the crime claimed that no FIR was lodged into this particular incident.

Published in Dawn, September 4th, 2015

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A CASE under way in the Supreme Court has cast light on the rapid growth of Defence Housing Authorities across Punjab and certain accompanying irregularities.

The growth of DHAs, housing societies meant for military officers, in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Bahawalpur and Gujranwala, has developed along two lines.

One is the growth in actual size, and the second is the increase in the powers the authorities have picked up over the years, particularly during military rule.

Over the years, the upscale property developer of the Pakistan Army, which says it works for the “families of martyrs”, has acquired land sometimes in a questionable manner; at other places, it has obtained land that was earmarked for development projects meant to serve the civilian population.

This acquisition has taken place on such a large scale that it has invited scathing comments from the bench.

Also read: SC asks Lahore DHA to explain expansion

Meanwhile, the Punjab government appears to have remained more or less a passive observer of the entire process.

The provincial government has a large role to play in land acquisition and relevant approvals for subsequent development.

In Rawalpindi, for instance, provincial government functionaries did try to object to the grant of land on which the DHA is built. They argued that it was marked for a dam, but were unable to mount any serious challenge to the army’s bid to obtain the land for its property developer.

In other provinces, the sheer scale of growth of DHAs in the cities has inevitably constricted the supply of land that could be used for more affordable housing needed by the larger population. The Punjab government is either too powerless to regulate the pace and direction of land acquisition by this powerful property developer, or too timid to take a stand.

The result is a mushrooming growth of elite housing societies — while affordable housing lags far behind the numbers required for a growing population. It is all the more distressing to see this phenomenon unfold against the backdrop of what the army high command has described as an “existential war” that the country is waging against extremist militant groups.

The government in Punjab has no excuse to dither endlessly as large tracts of land are gobbled up for more speculative investment and servicing elite needs. Apart from taking action to curb this trend, it must announce an even more ambitious plan for allocating land for affordable housing to meet the needs of its citizens.

Published in Dawn, September 4th, 2015

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SRINAGAR: Four suspected militants and a soldier were killed early on Thursday in India-held Kashmir in a gunbattle near the Line of Control, the second such incident in 24 hours, a police officer said.

Police sealed off a forested area in northern Handwara overnight on suspicion that militants were moving towards a village, triggering a 10-hour gunbattle between the government forces and militants.

“The militants were engaged near a stream in the forested area. All four of them were killed and we also lost a soldier in the fighting,” deputy inspector general of police for the area, Gharib Das, said adding that two soldiers were injured.

Also read: Two killed in Kashmir

Fighting between troops and militants has increased recently in the disputed region, with four suspected militants killed and another captured during a day-long battle last week.

On Wednesday, government forces reportedly killed a militant from the Hizbul Mujahideen group in a battle in Rafiabad area that also left one soldier dead.

Several militant groups have for decades battled hundreds of thousands of Indian troops deployed in the region, seeking independence for Kashmir or its merger with Pakistan.

The conflict has left tens of thousands, mostly civilians, dead.

The two countries’ border security chiefs are preparing to meet in New Delhi this month amid an increase in firing by their troops across the Line of Control.

Published in Dawn, September 4th, 2015

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LAHORE: The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) extended its scope against tax evaders to the services sector on Thursday by taking action against renowned fashion designers and sealing 13 outlets in Gulberg and the Defence Housing Authority against non-compliance of sales tax.

The estimated tax recovery from the sealed outlets of non-compliant fashion designers (FDs) is Rs80 million.

An enforcement team led by Additional Commissioner Ayesha Ranjha and Assistant Commissioner Sumaira Ambreen paid a visit to B-Block DHA and MM Alam Road and sealed outlets in shopping malls.

Fashion designers such as Zara Shahjahan, Muse, Mini Bindra, Sania Maskatiya, Nida Azwer, Ayesha Imran, Shirin Hassan and Ammar Bilal were included in 13 outlets which were sealed.

Ayesha Ranjha told Dawn that the PRA had been in contact with the 13 fashion designers for the last one year or so regarding tax collection on their services.

“A regular three-month correspondence with the violators failed to make them comply with the tax and we have decided to seal the violators,” she said.

She said one of the sealed fashion designers – Mini Bindra – was an Indian designer and not registered with the Punjab Sales Tax on Services Act. She said almost 100 fashion designers fell in the category of violators but a survey to identify exact number of fashion designers in the provincial capital was in progress. She said the fashion designers whose outlets were sealed would meet the PRA officials on Friday (today) for business evaluation and payment of ST to resume business.

The official said Rs80 million were an expected tax recovery from 13 FDs but exact calculation would be made after business evaluation.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated Muse is owned by Khadija Shah. The error is regretted.

Published in Dawn, September 4th, 2015

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LAHORE: The Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) has forwarded its recommendations to the government on seminary data form and steps for promotion of interfaith harmony.

In its recommendations forwarded to the Committee for Madrassa Reforms on Thursday, the PUC said the affairs of the religious schools should be supervised by a single department and the education ministry should preferably be the overseer as these institutions deal with education.

It stressed the need for arrangements of extracurricular activities for students of seminaries besides liaison with their administrations at the union council level for improvement of the institutions.

The council also prepared a code of conduct for promotion of harmony between various sects and religions and demanded the government give it a legal status.

During preparations of the recommendations, the Tahaffuz Madaris Deenia and Wafaqul Masajid Pakistan expressed concern at the madrassa data form and demanded that it be made simple with deletion of “irrelevant” and repeated questions.

PUC central chairman Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi and secretary-general Sahibzada Tahir Qasmi demanded the ministries of interior and religious affairs should frame a policy on madrassa affairs and religious harmony after consulting political and religious leaders. They demanded the government review their concerns also.

Published in Dawn, September 4th, 2015

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ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) approved on Thursday the Net Metering Regulations, 2015, to allow consumers having surplus power from their solar panels or wind systems to sell electricity to distribution companies.

Nepra said the net metering regime would allow customers with a three-phase electricity connection to get monetary benefits by offsetting at least a part of their power bills by generating electricity.

Under the regime, a meter capable of recording power flows in both directions will be used. Such a meter records readings when consumers are drawing power from the utility’s grid (that is, using more energy than they are producing) and also when energy is sent to the grid (that is, using less energy than they are producing).

Also read: Govt to recover all circular debts through consumer tariff

At the end of a given month, the consumer is billed only for the net electricity used. Net metering works only for grid-connected systems and what makes it beneficial is that excess energy sent to the utility will be paid for, at the rate identified in the regulations.

For example, a typical 5-kw On-Grid Solar Power Generation System installed at the consumer’s premises costing around Rs700,000 produces five units of electricity per hour. This adds up to a total of 35 units each day, considering the average daylight of seven hours available for Solar PV panels to operate.

By producing 35 units daily, a consumer can produce 1,050 electricity units every month. Assuming that the consumer is paid at Rs13 per unit, the money that can be made every month will be around Rs13,650.

If there is an average consumption of 600 units per month for domestic use, 450 units can be sold to the utility to provide an approximate benefit of Rs5,850 per month.

For an average consumption of 2,000 units per month, the consumer will only be charged for the extra 950 units consumed and end up saving a healthy amount worth 1,050 units per month.

To avail this facility under the Net Metering Regulations, a consumer will have to submit an application to the local sub-divisional office of the distribution company concerned, providing all relevant information regarding the installed power generation system (solar or wind). This will be followed by technical review of the application by the distribution company and in case of acceptance of the application the consumer and the company will enter into an agreement.

After submission and payment of demand notice for interconnection by the consumer, the distribution company will be responsible for installing and commissioning a system for sale and purchase of electricity under net metering.

Following the successful implementation of the net metering regime, domestic and commercial consumers will be encouraged to set up their own small-scale and grid-connected solar photovoltaic and wind plants.

Although there is an option for wind power generation, Nepra has urged consumers to opt for solar photovoltaic power generation as solar panels are readily available in the market and make maximum use of available space.

Nepra says the step is being taken to boost the renewable energy market in the country and add surplus units to the national grid, contributing towards a reduction in electricity demand and easing the ongoing energy crisis.

Published in Dawn, September 4th, 2015

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http://www.dawn.com/news/1204867/families-of-jamrud-suicide-attack-victims-in-distress

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court on Thursday rejected the plea of Dr Asim Hussain’s wife for shifting her interned husband to a private hospital for medical treatment, but directed the Rangers authorities to get his medical tests conducted in the presence of his wife and daughter.

With these directions, a two-judge bench headed by Justice Sajjad Ali Shah disposed of a petition of Dr Asim’s wife, Dr Zarina Hussain, for shifting him to a hospital for treatment.

The petitioner had initially filed an application before Chief Justice Faisal Arab requesting the provision of medical facilities for Dr Asim — a former petroleum minister and close aide to former president Asif Ali Zardari. He is presently working as chairman of the Sindh Higher Education Commission.

The chief justice converted the application into a petition which was sent up for hearing to the division bench headed by Justice Shah.

According to Dr Zarina, Dr Asim is suffering from serious ailments such as diabetes and hypertension and needed medical attention, so he should be admitted to a hospital.

On Thursday, the law officer of the paramilitary force told the judges that Dr Asim was being provided with all the necessary medical care in custody.

He said that a specialist doctor and two nurses were available round the clock and Dr Asim was not suffering from any ailment that required his hospitalisation.

“Dr Asim is physically fit,” the Rangers law officer said, adding that his arrest from his office was ample proof of his being fit.

He told the judges that the detainee was being interrogated for severe offences and requested the court to dismiss the plea.

After hearing arguments, the court disposed of the petition, ruling that Dr Asim could not be shifted to the hospital.

However, the court directed the Rangers to ensure every medical facility to the suspect.

The court also asked Dr Zarina Hussain to file a separate petition if she wanted to challenge her husband’s arrest.

Earlier, the court had thrown out a petition challenging Dr Asim’s arrest.

Dr Asim’s arrest came in what has been described as the first major action against the Pakistan People’s Party leadership during the ongoing Karachi operation.

On August 26, over 12 personnel in plain clothes belonging to the Federal Investigation Agency and an intelligence outfit arrived at the HEC office and the man leading them introduced himself to Dr Asim and asked him to accompany them. Dr Asim was then taken to an undisclosed location for questioning.

The following day, he was produced before an antiterrorism court that allowed the Rangers to keep him in custody for 90 days.

Published in Dawn, September 4th, 2015

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LAHORE: Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah claimed on Thursday that the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan’s Aftab Group was involved in the assassination of retired Col Shuja Khanzada.

Responding to a call attention notice in the Punjab Assembly, Rana Sanaullah said the perpetrators involved in the suicide attack on the residence of the home minister belonged to the TTP Aftab Group. “Some suspects have been arrested and soon the law-enforcement agencies will capture others,” he said.

He said the Joint Investigation Team and agencies were investigating the matter. “It is a very sensitive matter and a banned organisation has also played a role in the attack. The motorcycle (number) used in the attack has been traced,” Sanaullah said, assuring the House that all those involved in the attack would soon be arrested.

As the discussion on the annual reports 2011-12 of Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority and Punjab Service Public Commission 2012-13 began, PTI’s Sadique Khan pointed out a lack of quorum. Deputy Speaker Sher Ali Gorchani adjourned the proceedings till Friday morning.

Earlier, Parliamentary Secretary on Local Body Ramzan Sadique Bhatti said the government would soon set up a slaughterhouse in southern Lahore and was also planning to shift Gowala colonies from the residential colonies.

Replying to a question, he said Islamic mode of slaughtering was followed at all slaughterhouses of the province.

PTI’s Mian Aslam said Rs25,000 to 30,000 were being charged for preparing a grave at Miani Sahib as a “land mafia” was controlling its affairs. The parliamentary secretary dismissed Mr Iqbal’s claim saying Rs100 were charged for preparing a grave and Rs1,000 in case of a cemented one.

Published in Dawn, September 4th, 2015

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FAISALABAD: An Anti-Terrorism Court handed down on Thursday two years’ imprisonment to two clerics on charges of making provocative and hate speeches.

Ghulam Yaseen Muawiya, Sajid Ali and Abdul Latif were booked by the Shorkot City police on Jan 7 for delivering hate speeches against the government and a sect at the funeral prayer of Ali Ahmed, who belonged to the banned Sipah-i-Sahaba Pakistan.

Also read: Prayer leader gets 10-year jail for hate speech

Judge Raja Pervez Akhtar awarded two years’ imprisonment to Muawiya and Ali each under Section 9 of the ATA with Rs20,000 fine.

The convicts who were on bail were arrested after the verdict was announced and sent to the district jail, Jhang.

The third suspect, Abdul Latif, was exonerated for lack of evidence.

Published in Dawn, September 4th, 2015

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LARKANA: Sindh Minister for Information Nisar Ahmed Khuhro has rejected reports that some PPP leaders are preparing to part ways with the party, adding that those who have already deserted the party know very well where their fate is headed.

The PPP would actively participate in forthcoming local government elections and the party would award tickets to prospective candidates after completion of an intra-party process of consultations, he said.

Mr Khuhro, along with Sindh Minister for Local Government Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, was briefing journalists after an important party meeting headed by PPP chairman Bilawal Butto-Zardari at Naudero House on Thursday.

Bilawal meets party leaders, workers in the 2nd phase of discussions on party affairs

The PPP head met elected representatives of the PPP, party office-bearers and workers of Sukkur division in what was being touted as the second phase of intra-party discussions on forthcoming local bodies’ elections and other party issues.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, PPP leaders Islamuddin Shaikh, Ali Gohar Mahar, Ahmed Ali Pitafi, Naeem Kharal, Syed Jawed Shah and others briefed Mr Bhutto-Zardari about the political situation in the division and the party’s level of preparedness for the LG polls.

Mr Khuhro said the party chief asked the leaders and workers to concentrate on the party’s organisation and step up contacts with people. Such consultative meetings would continue in future, he said.

He said that despite the fact the PPP had laid down unprecedented sacrifices for democracy and people, its leadership had never escaped to safe havens abroad.

About MQM chief Altaf Hussain’s latest statement, he said that the former sometimes issued such statements in an emotional frame of mind.

Mr Khuhro said in answer to a question that Sindh Governor Dr Istratul Ibad had met former president Asif Ali Zardari in his capacity as governor of Sindh as the MQM had already disowned him.

He said that it was a basic right of a party worker to speak his mind on all party issues but once the party took a decision, he would have to accept it whether he liked it or not, or get prepared to face disciplinary action.

In a reference to the ongoing operation and action against PPP leaders, Mr Khuhro raised a question, saying: “Are all ills in Sindh?” He criticised the government for dilly-dallying on the release of a report on the Model Town firing incident and remarked about Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chief Imran Khan’s visit to Sindh, saying: “We give no importance to him and his tour of Sindh”.

He called for a halt to what he described as a policy of political victimisation meted out by the ruling party and said that it would not only cause political polarisation but would also deal a serious blow to democratic institutions.

MNA Faryal Talpur, chairperson of PPP women’s wing, and other party leaders also attended the meeting.

Bakhtawar visits varsity, college

Bakhtawar Bhutto-Zardari visited the under-construction Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University near Arija town on Thursday.

She also visited Bibi Aseefa Dental College and a family park near Larkana Institute of Nuclear Medicines and Radiotherapy.

Published in Dawn, September 4th, 2015

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KARACHI: For more than 1,000 years, Parsis have thrived in South Asia but an ageing population and emigration to the West driven by instability in Pakistan means the tiny community of "fire worshippers" could could soon be consigned to the country's history books.

The ancestors of today's Parsis in Pakistan — followers of Zoroastrianism, one of the world's oldest religions — fled Persia over a millennium ago for the safety of the western Indian subcontinent.

Legend has it Parsi leader Jadi Rana made a pledge to the then emperor of India that Zoroastrians, known in the region as Parsis, would not be a burden but would blend in like sugar into milk.

But today they are a fading people across the subcontinent, with many affluent families from India and Pakistan leaving for the West.

The community, which has long been active in business and charity, has been unnerved by the upsurge in Islamist extremist violence. One expert said the loss of the Parsis in the society would be a "huge blow" to Pakistan's diversity.

Only around 1,500 are left in Karachi, Pakistan's largest city, where they have "fire temples", community centres and final resting places also known as the "Tower of silence" — where the remains of their dead are left in the open to be consumed by vultures according to their tradition.

Parsis are often called "fire worshippers" because their religion considers fire — together with water — as agents of purity and fires are lit as part of religious ceremonies.

A man standing inside a fire temple in Karachi. — AFP

They have long been discreet in observing their faith, but some, like 23-year-old art student Veera Rustomji, think they need to do more to preserve their heritage.

"It's been successful that we have been an unattacked and unharmed community because of our low profile," she said at her studio at the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture (IVSAA).

"But at the same time it backfires because a lot of people focus on how the community is becoming small numerically."

Business leaders

Rustomji has traced her family's past in Hong Kong, where Parsis founded a university, a ferry service and hospitals. It is this link to business as well as charity that Byram Avari ─ the head of the Avari, one of Pakistan's leading luxury hotel groups ─ said has allowed the community to build an enduring relationship with Karachi.

Byram Avari, the head of the Parsi community in Pakistan speaking during an interview in Karachi. — AFP

"Before partition the ladies maternity home called Lady Dufferin hospital was put up by the Parsis, the NED University of Engineering and Technology, DOW medical college, the Spencer Eye hospital and I cannot tell you how many numerous things have been set up by the Parsis for the people of Karachi," he told AFP.

Parsis believe "in giving back what they had", he added.

But today young Parsis are leaving in droves. The past decade has seen Islamist violence soar, with religious minorities often in the extremists' cross-hairs. While Parsis have not been specifically targeted, many feel vulnerable.

'We cannot see a future'

"There is a general instability in the country. Because of this we cannot see a future for our community here right now," says Kaivan Solan, a 27-year-old training to become a priest.

Izdeyar Setna, 37, a freelance photographer with a slew of international clients, added that Parsis were seeking new lives in countries with larger Parsi communities, such as Canada.

Izdeyar Setna, a member of Karachi's Parsi community, speaks to AFP during an interview at his studio in Karachi. — AFP

"I think most people are leaving because of a few reasons. One is security. The way things are, people are scared not knowing if things are going to get better," he said.

"So I think they are trying to get out. Most people are going to Canada, or the USA, wherever it is easy to get the visa."

In the city's Parsi neighbourhood, the rotting stench of death emanates from the Tower of Silence, a large circular structure where the bones of the dead are kept in accordance with Zoroastrian practice.

For many, these traditions must go on and the compound provides a sense of belonging.

It is home to dozens of Parsi families but many have now hired armed guards because of attempts to seize their land by a neighbouring Muslim community.

"Losing a community like the Parsis is definitely a huge blow to a tolerant Pakistan, its cultural diversity and economic well-being as Parsis have contributed immensely to the progress of this country," said Rabia Mehmood, a researcher on religious minorities at the Jinnah Institute think tank.

Not all the threats faced by Parsis are external. They are already facing a low birth rate and their marriage laws are extremely strict, forcing women to leave the community if they "marry out" — though men marrying non-Parsis is tolerated.

"I would love to [marry] if I find the right person, but it's difficult because the numbers are so small," Rustomji, the student, said.

Growing up in such a close-knit society, familiarity can breed contempt, she said.

"I grew up in Karachi and all the Parsi boys I know since I was 10. It's just science that I wouldn't just fall in love with them when I turn 28," she said, referring to the age by which most Pakistani women get married.

"When Parsi men marry out of the community, they are undeniably accepted more and unquestioned ... I find that very hypocritical because Zoroastrianism is a religion that advocates equality for both sexes."

Most people know Pakistani Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, who was shot by the Taliban in 2012 for demanding girls' right to education, but few have heard of the 19th century Afghan heroine she was named after.

According to Pashtun tradition, Malalai of Maiwand spurred her countrymen to victory against British troops in 1880, taking to the battlefield to rally a demoralised Afghan force with a verse about martyrdom. She was later struck down and killed.

The legend is recounted in "He Named Me Malala", a new documentary about Yousafzai, now 18, whose attack while riding a school bus shocked the world.

"You named her after a girl who spoke out and was killed. It's almost as if you said she'd be different," director Davis Guggenheim tells Yousafzai's father, Ziauddin, in the film.

"You're right," he replies.

Filmed over 18 months, the intimate portrait shows a teenager more at ease on the world stage - speaking at U.N. headquarters in New York - or addressing students in Syrian refugee camps than with classmates in Britain where she was flown for surgery.

"In this new school, it's hard," she says, admitting a lack of shared experiences with the other girls.

While much is known about Yousafzai's advocacy work, the documentary lifts the lid on her family life in central England with much humour generated by her two brothers.

"She's a little bit naughty," says Yousafzai's youngest brother, who she introduces as "a good boy" in contrast to her other brother who she calls "the laziest one".

She giggles when asked if she would ever ask a boy on a date.

BE SILENT OR STAND UP

Using archive footage and voice recordings of Islamist leader Fazlullah, the documentary captures the steady crackdown on freedoms in Yousafzai's native Swat Valley, including schools destroyed by bombs and music CDs burned.

Encouraged by her teacher father, Yousafzai began blogging for the BBC at the age of 11. Writing anonymously, she described life under the harsh edicts of the Taliban, bombed-out schools, executions under the cover of dark and girls' education limited to reading the Koran.

She later made public appearances in Swat Valley, calling for girls' right to an education.

"My father and my mother both inspired me to believe in myself. In a society where women's rights are not respected, my parents gave me examples," Yousafzai said at a screening of the documentary in Washington DC this week.

"There's a moment where you have to choose to be silent or to stand up," she says in the film. "My father only gave me the name Malala, he didn't make me Malala. I chose this life and now I must continue it."

Ziauddin Yousafzai said the film was not the story of one family but millions suffering because of war and conflict, adding that millions of Syrian children had been deprived of an education.

"When you meet these girls, their passion and taste for education it is remarkable. They want to learn," he said in Washington.

"In the global south, in developing countries, most of the children fight every day to get educated. Many families have sold their whole property - their cows, their farm and everything to get their children educated."

Yousafzai's Malala Fund, which support girls' secondary education, wants the film to be shown in schools to inspire students to stand against bullying, racism and human rights violations.

The movie opens in theatres in the United States from Oct. 2 before it is released in Britain later in the month.

KARACHI: A sessions court on Thursday disposed of an application of an Indian lawyer seeking information and subsequent custody of a deaf and mute woman and observed that diplomatic channels be used since the matter involved two countries.

Geeta, aka Guddi, aka Fatima, now 21, has been brought up at Edhi Home where she has been residing for the past 13 years. She was found sitting alone and disorientated on Samjhauta Express in Lahore by the Punjab Rangers and believed to have come from India after crossing the Wagah border by train.

The court disposed of the application filed by Momin Malik, an Indian lawyer and social worker, under Section 552 (power to compel restoration of abducted females) of the criminal procedure code as not being maintainable.

The applicant named the Edhi Foundation and the provincial home department as respondents and asked the court to call a report about the confinement of Geeta, her appearance in court and to restrain the charity organisation from shifting her anywhere in order to enable her family members to take her custody after adopting the procedure.

Mr Malik along with his counsel also sought permission to obtain her handwriting and blood samples in order to ascertain whether she was an Indian national and identify her family, as five Indian families claimed her as their family member but they lacked financial resources to travel to Pakistan.

The applicant, who told the court that he was a practising lawyer at Panipat district courts, submitted that he had also approached the Indian high commission in Islama­bad, but the diplomatic move was delayed for one reason or the other.

The applicant’s counsel, Khawaja Mohammad Azeem, argued that the application may be allowed in the interest of justice since there was no alternative remedy available to approach Geeta to get actual information so that her travel back to her native country could be facilitated.

However, Advocate Naeem Qureshi representing Edhi Foundation, contended that the applicant has no locus-standi to file the application, as he was authorised neither by the Indian government nor by the reported family members of Geeta to get information and facilitate the victim to shift her to India.

Around 5,000 people were being maintained at Edhi Home in a proper manner with full facilities, he argued, adding that the applicant may provide the address and other particulars of the actual family of Geeta to the charity organisation that may be able to facilitate and hand the woman over to her family.

Atam Parkash Channai, identifying himself as the founder of Hindu Helpline Pakistan, also jumped in as he through his counsel Nadeem Shaikh moved an application to become a party by contending that he was also rendering services in such matters to extend cooperation to needy persons.

He submitted that the other applicant had no authority to receive the custody, claiming that they had resources to accommodate and facilitate Geeta to travel from Pakistan to India if her identity as an Indian national was proved.

The district prosecutor, Wahid Ansari, also opposed the application and argued that the Indian lawyer was not authorized to move the court though he could approach the Indian high commission.

He argued that the custody could not be handed over to any stranger and asked the court to dismiss the application.

Geeta’s statement recorded

The court also recorded the statement of the woman with the help of the principal of a deaf and dumb school.

Geeta, using her expressions, informed the court that she did not know the name of her native town as she was very young when she lost her family. She, however, expressed that her village had vast fields and a water channel ran between them. She also managed to communicate the number of her siblings and her house number.

Indian HC’s domain

The district and sessions judge (south), Ahmed Saba, observed that the applicant was required to submit an application through proper channel with the Indian high commission, which has specific domain to move the ministry of foreign affairs of Pakistan.

The ministry had the privilege to transmit the request through the Sindh home department to proceed ahead in accordance with law since every high commission had a focal person to redress grievance of such nature, the court observed.

It further observed that the Edhi Foundation had been looking after the woman in a proper manner for more than 10 years while the applicant also had no privilege to seek such remedy directly.

The court ruled that proper procedure and diplomatic channels were to be adopted since the matter involved the two countries which had signed agreements in relation to such matters and it was to be resolved with mutual consent.

It was the specific domain of the Indian government to ascertain the nationality of the woman at the first instance, the court order concluded.

Published in Dawn, September 4th, 2015

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Is the Punjab Revenue Authority the latest #AyeshaMumtaz on the streets?

The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) shut down two major designer retail outlets in Lahore yesterday, MUSE and Zara Shahjahan. Shoppers who visited either brand's outlets were greeted with notices on their entrances calling for their premises to be sealed.

The Punjab Revenue Authority's notice on the front door of Muse (L) and Zara Shahjahan (R)

Established two years ago, the PRA's mandate includes taxing business entities providing services. Muse and Zara Shahjahan, and later, several other design houses, were sealed under violation of Rule 6 of the Punjab Sales Tax on Services (Enforcement) Rules, 2014. Under this rule, companies providing services within Punjab are authorised to pay a sales tax on the services rendered.

Also read: 13 fashion outlets sealed for tax default

But does owning a retail store qualify as providing a service or a good?

Assistant Commissioner Enforcement -IV Sumaira Umbreen says it's the former, with a special emphasis on custom orders: "Designers by definition are charging for their designs and are therefore need to register with the PRA and pay the service tax. When they make an outfit or a bridal on a custom order they are providing a design service and that service is taxable; the PRA is a separate entity from the Federal Board of Revenue and this tax is on top of the sales tax.”

How can we isolate the design function within a brand? Every retailer, after all, will have all their overheads built into the price of their product including the cost of hiring designers or incurring a design fee

It seems that the road to understanding the burgeoning Pakistani fashion industry is still murky. If a designer sells custom outfits under the same label as their retail brand does the PRA's claim still hold? If creating bespoke outfits is providing a service, then doesn’t your local tailor provide you with the same service? Are they also taxable under the same law?

When asked whether a local tailor who also takes custom orders would also be taxed Umbreen replied: "Yes. We will be going after smaller vendors soon because they are also providing a service.”

It stands to fact that many retailers in the market have in-house design teams as opposed to outsourcing designs, like, say, textile mills do. If this is the case then are all retailers and manufacturers with in-house design teams subjected to this tax? To this Umbreen responds, “No, not all retailers are subjected to this tax, just the ones calling themselves designers, because they are in essence charging a design fee built into the price of their product.”

Muse stocks luxurious pieces like this embellished jacket and feather-trimmed skirt - Photo: Faisal Farooqui and his team at Dragonfly

What remains ambiguous is the distinction between what counts as a service and what counts as a good, and how to isolate the design function within a brand: every retailer, after all, will have all their overheads built into the price of their product including the cost of hiring designers or incurring a design fee.

As for the designers involved, Muse has filed a petition in the High Court against the sealing of their outlet. “Since this is an ongoing legal matter Muse cannot comment,” says Moeed Yousaf of Muse.

Zara Shahjahan, the other design house whose retail store was sealed on the same grounds, said: “We are providing a retail product and are a legally registered company, registered with the FBR. We are not providing any services other than selling a product that is designed, manufactured and packaged by us.”

Zara Shahjahan is known for flirty, feminine prints and cuts. - Photo: Faisal Farooqui and his team at Dragonfly

Design services by definition include any service that is designed by a particular entity, person or company but not necessarily executed by them.

If someone has designed every item coming into the market, whether it is a garment, shoe or even a pen, be it high street or high end, and are all these items now taxable under Rule 6 of Enforcement Rules 2014 of the PRA?

The plot thickens, and one thing's for sure: this is not the end of this story.

Momina Sibtain is a fashion and lifestyle journalist who started her career at The Express Tribune and worked as the Managing Editor of Sunday Times. Follow her @MominaSibtain on Twitter.