Upper house polls: PTI may dominate, but not control Senate

With a much-anticipated election just around the corner, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf seems poised to emerge as the largest party in the Senate. But the 28 seats it is likely to end up with will not be enough to dominate the 100-member upper house and the ruling party can expect encounter stiff resistance to persist as it tries to get its bills to sail through. Half of the Senate’s current members will complete their six-year term on March 11, leaving 48 seats up for grabs. While the upper house currently has a total of 104 members – half of whom retire every three years – the merger of the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa means the four seats reserved for the former will retire with the Senators who hold them. Although PTI is expected to secure a majority in the Senate following the upcoming election, full control of the house will likely elude it. With a projected 19 seats, the Pakistan People Party is expected become the second largest party, followed closely by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz with 17 seats. This means two of the PTI’s staunchest political opponents and key constituents of the anti-government Pakistan Democratic Movement will almost match the ruling party in the upper house. Even if it counts on its allies, which include the Balochistan Awami Party that is likely to end up with 13 seats, the numbers game in the Senate is likely to be more or less even with the combined opposition. Although this will prevent the latter from bringing in its own Senate chairman, it will still mean the PTI will have to convince both its allies and the opposition to pass even the simplest legislation. The numbers game Since the electoral college for the Senate elections comprises existing members of the National and provincial assemblies, results usually boil down to respective parties’ current presence in the legislative bodies. However, rare is at may be, there have been instances in the past where certain assembly members have voted against their party compatriots. Based on its current numbers in the National and provincial assemblies, PTI is likely to retain the seats of its retiring senators and win twice as many new ones. The party currently has 14 seats in the Senate, seven of which will be vacated on March 11.   In the upcoming election, PTI expects to gain 10 senators from its home ground of K-P, another six from Punjab, two each from Sindh and Islamabad, and one from Balochistan. In total, the ruling party will likely end up securing 21 seats, bringing its total strength in the upper house to 28. PPP, meanwhile, is expected to lose two seats once eight of its senators retire. All of them are from Sindh and the party is expected to retain only five seats following the upcoming election. Thus, its strength in Senate will reduce from 21 to 19. It is PML-N, however, which seems poised to suffer the biggest blow. More than half of the PML-N’s 29 senators – 17 to be precise, all from Punjab – will retire come March 11. Based on its current strength in other assemblies, it is expected to regain only five seats. PML-N’s overall strength, thus, will be reduced to 17 as well, forcing it to cede the crown of the largest opposition party in Senate to PPP. On paper, the third key PDM constituent, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl, is expected to marginally improve its position following the Senate election. Although two of its senators, one from K-P and the other from Balochistan, will retire on March 11, the party is expected to retain both seats and gain an extra one. But following the rift that emerged in the party, the JUI-F could yet suffer some shock. As for the rest, the Muttahida Qaumi movement is expect to lose its Senate strength by two as four of its five senators are retiring and it is only expected to regain two seats. Following the retirement of its amir Sirajul Haq from the Senate, Jamaat-e-Islami will have only one member in the upper house. If the Grand Democratic Alliance secures one seat from Sindh, it will double its strength to two. The Balochistan National Party-Mengal, meanwhile, is expected to secure two new seats, as are the National Party and the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party. Since the final numbers will emerge only after the election results are announced, political experts project that the opposition parties’ newly formed alliance – Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) – could win an additional seat in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. With the support of ANP, PPP and PML-N, one seat can be won in K-P and n Balochistan through the MMA, BNP-M, PkMAP and ANP coalition. Open vote, early elections Since securing an overwhelming win in the 2018 elections, the PTI government has been eager to hold Senate elections early through and through an open vote. While the ruling party has claimed that the latter would promote transparency, the PDM has been sternly opposed and termed it an attempt by the government to prevent its lawmakers from switching loyalties. Subsequently, the government presented a bill seeking to amend constitution for an open vote in the Senate elections. Though, it was passed from the standing committee concerned, the National Assembly witnessed a noisy session when the government presented the 26th constitutional amendment bill in NA. The bill has yet to be passed by the assembly. On early elections, the Election Commission of Pakistan clarified that according to Article 224(3) of the Constitution, elections cannot be held before the 30-day period on seats that will fall vacant after the expiry of the term of the members of the Senate. “This means elections on vacant Senate seats cannot be held before February 10, 2021,” it had stated; leaving the government’s hope of seeing the elections happening in February alive without giving any surety. The ECP had also suggested that the Senate elections could take place in the first week of March. The federal government has also sought the Supreme Court’s opinion on whether the Senate elections could be held through open ballot by amending the Election Act 2017 that requires simple legislation. The presidential reference is being heard in the apex court pending a decision. Seeing the strong resistance from the opposition in the NA, President Dr Arif Alvi on February 6 signed off the Election Amendment Ordinance, 2021, under which upcoming Senate elections could be held through open balloting. The ordinance, which amends sections 33, 86 and 122 of the Election Act 2017, was announced with immediate effect. Its enforcement will be subject to the outcome of a presidential reference pending before SC. Earlier, the Attorney General for Pakistan Khalid Jawed Khan also clarified that the Senate elections would be held through open ballot and not through show of hands. He had clarified that the Senate elections were not possible through show of hands as voters use votes for more than one seat in the Senate elections. However, he had said that the name of the voter will be written on every vote and hence, it will be considered an open poll. The opposition has engaged the government in the legal battle as well, arguing that the Supreme Court could interpret the constitution but not make a new law.

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Covid jab mandatory for Hajj pilgrims

The administration of Covid19 shots has been made mandatory for the pilgrims intending to perform Hajj, sources said. An estimated 200,000 people from Pakistan will go for the religious obligation this year. They need to be administered the Covid-19 dose before their departure to Saudi Arabia. Sources said that pilgrims going for Hajj from all over the world will be vaccinated against coronavirus in their own countries. Hajj will be performed in the month of July this year. The process of receiving applications for Hajj scheme at official level in Pakistan will begin this month while the flight operations for the purpose will start late May or early June. The authorities will set up vaccination centres in major cities of the country to administer shots to the pilgrims. A country of 220 million people, the pandemic has affected more than 500,000 residents in Pakistan and claimed nearly 12,000 lives. Last week, the first consignment of 500,000 shots of Covid vaccine produced by China’s Sinopharm reached the federal capital. A Pakistan Air Force aircraft brought home the consignment which was received by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi from Chinese Ambassador Nong Rong at a ceremony at the Nur Khan Airbase. According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, Qureshi thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for supporting Pakistan in the fight against the pandemic. “This [consignment] is a testament to the friendship between China and Pakistan,” he said at the handover ceremony. The government started the vaccination drive by administrating it to the frontline health workers first. In addition to the Chinese vaccine, Pakistan has been pledged 17 million doses of AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine under a global scheme to deliver coronavirus treatments to developing nations. About six million doses will arrive by the end of March under the COVAX scheme, with the remainder due by mid-year. Last week, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Health Dr Faisal Sultan said that 70% of the country’s population will receive the Covid-19 vaccine by the end of current year. “The vaccines will be administered in a phased process, with frontline healthcare workers being the first ones to receive the doses,” Dr Sultan said while addressing a presser at the National Command and Operation Centre, which is the nerve centre of government’s unified efforts against Covid-19 — as the drive kicked-off nationwide. “The population eligible to receive the doses technically totals 100 million and only those above the age of 18 can receive it,” he added. The SAPM said that in the first phase, the vaccination would be administered to about 0.5 million healthcare workers. In the second phase, it will be administered to about 9.5 million citizens above the age of 65 years. “In the third phase, the doses will be given to 0.6 million general healthcare staffers and to the 6.3 million people between the age of 60 and 65.” Dr Sultan said adequate doses will be available in the forthcoming months, adding that Pakistan was in contact with several countries regarding the jabs. The SAPM maintained that the Sinopharm vaccine had proven efficacy of 79 to 86 per cent, adding that it has been authorised for use in China, Egypt, and the UAE following tests. “It is a useful and beneficial vaccine,” he added. He went on to add that Sinopharm was completely safe for use and so the masses should dismiss any reservation about it. According to sources, by the end of this year, it is estimated that two billion people in 91 countries will be vaccinated against the virus.

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Senate open vote decree puts SC in a bind

The presidential reference seeking the Supreme Court’s guidance about conducting the upcoming Senate polls through an open ballot has put the SC in a difficult situation, particularly after the promulgation of a presidential ordinance in this regard. President Dr Arif Alvi on Saturday signed the Election Amendment Ordinance 2021 under which the upcoming Senate elections can be held through open ballot. The ordinance will enter into force with immediate effect but its enforcement will be subject to the outcome of the presidential reference, seeking the SC’s opinion if the Senate elections could be held through open ballot without any constitutional amendment. A five-judge larger bench, presided over by Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed, will resume today (Monday) hearing of the presidential reference asking the court to guide if the Senate election should be held “under the Constitution” or under the Election Act 2017. However, a number of opposition parties, legal experts and media channels accused the government of “mala fide” and claimed that the government has tried to pressure the SC through the ordinance. They even urged Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed to take notice of the ordinance which is subject to the outcome of the court’s decision. Some government officials, however, said they had no option but to promulgate the ordinance before issuance of the Senate elections schedule which is likely to be announced on February 11. They said the SC could not decide the reference on time as the larger bench was not available for two weeks. One section of lawyers said that instead of promulgating the ordinance, the government should have requested the larger bench to pass an interim order. Guidance may be sought from the bench even in the prevailing situation, they said. Sindh High Court Bar Association (SHCBA) President Salahuddin Ahmed described the presidential reference as “completely unprecedented' Talking to The Express Tribune, SHCBA president contended that there is no other example of introducing legislation conditional to the opinion of the court in a pending case. "It has effectively dragged the court into the legislative process. It clearly shows that the reference itself was filed by the president to lend support to the government’s intended legislative initiatives," he said. Ahmed said if the president had moved a reference in the SC, basic respect for the judicial institution demanded that he waited for the result of the reference before issuing any legislation on the subject. "Moreover, the president’s power to promulgate ordinances is limited to emergent circumstances necessitating temporary legislation with a life of 120-days. “Using this power with barely a month to go before Senate elections and when the president had himself prorogued the parliamentary session only 2 days ago is a clear display of mala fide." Ahmed said the Election Act 2017 is an expression of the parliamentary will and clearly mandates secret balloting in the Senate polls.  He said if any change to the Election Act 2017 was required it should have been placed before the parliament. “Using the ordinance-making power to temporarily suspend the parliamentary will and then placing the ordinance for approval at the end of the 120-day period before the same senators — elected through this amended procedure — amounts to making a mockery of the parliament and its legislative process.” The SHCBA president said the ordinance also shows the utter confusion within government ranks. It first moved a reference to the SC to ask whether changing the Senate election procedure to open balloting required a constitutional amendment. “Without waiting for an answer, it then proposed a Constitution Amendment Bill, thereby acknowledging that the Constitution requires secret balloting. Now it has again reversed the course and has issued an ordinance mandating open balloting," he said. He demanded that out of respect for the SC and the parliament, the ordinance should be withdrawn. Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Khalid Javed Khan is still arguing the matter before the SC larger bench and counter arguments are still awaited. Lawyers, who witness the proceedings of the presidential reference case, believe that the bench has divided views on the matter and one cannot predict the outcome of the case. Earlier, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in its reply submitted in the apex court opposed the government’s plan to hold the Senate elections through open ballot by amending the Election Act 2017. All opposition parties and bar associations have opposed the government plan on the Senate elections.

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India should be forced to rescind its illegal, unilateral actions in IIOJK: FM Qureshi

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Saturday said India should be forced to rescind its illegal and unilateral actions in Indian Illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and move towards a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute as per the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. Qureshi made these remarks while addressing the ambassadorial meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir via video link. The foreign minister commended the brotherly nations of Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Niger for effectively articulating the voice of the Ummah [Muslim community] in solidarity with the oppressed people of IOJK. “The steadfast and resolute support of the OIC, reaffirmed recently at the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Niamey, is a source of great strength to the Kashmiri people in their just and legitimate struggle for their inalienable right to self-determination,” the foreign minister said. He stressed that it was important to sustain this momentum whereas a unified political message to India from the OIC would be critical. Read More: Qureshi writes to UNSC, seeks intervention on Kashmir “We should forcefully demand India halt its egregious human rights violations against innocent Kashmiris and provide access to human rights organizations in the illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir,” FM Qureshi asserted. The top diplomat further stressed that under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan, Pakistan has pursued an intense political and diplomatic campaign on the Kashmir dispute. Referring to the Indian atrocities, the foreign minister said IIOJK has been shrouded in a veil of darkness in the wake of illegal actions of 5th August 2019. “The inhuman military siege and communication blockade there has already lasted five hundred and fifty days,” he said adding that IIOJK was the largest open-air prison in the world today. He maintained that India introduced controversial legislation to change the demographic structure of the occupied territory in violation of international law including the 4th Geneva Convention and the UN Security Council Resolutions.  

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Why Pakistan offers an ‘olive branch’ to India

Tensions have been simmering between Pakistan and India since August 5, 2019 when India revoked the special status of the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir. There have been no channels of communications between them as Pakistan downgraded diplomatic ties with India and took a raft of other measures. The two sides repeatedly accused each other of vitiating the environment for talks. Prime Minister Imran Khan took the attack to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, branding him as Hitler. But this week two statements given first by Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and then Prime Minister Imran Khan to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day appear to suggest a shift. The army chief, while speaking at a PAF graduation ceremony, stressed the need for a “dignified and respectable” solution to the Kashmir dispute. “It is time to extend hand of peace in all directions. Pakistan and India must also resolve the longstanding issue of Jammu and Kashmir in a dignified and peaceful manner as per the aspirations of people of Jammu and Kashmir and bring this human tragedy to its logical end.” On Friday, the prime minister in a series of tweets sounded reconciliatory, unlike his previous statements. “If India demonstrates sincerity in seeking a just solution to the Kashmir issue, in accordance with the UNSC resolutions, we are ready to take two steps forward for peace,” read one of his tweets. The prime minister had made a similar offer when he made the victory speech after the 2018 elections. But then the situation was different, there was no Pulawama nor Balakot happened and on top of it there was no change in the decades-old status of Kashmir. “The prime minister’s statement is significant, but this has been our consistent stance. We always want to resolve the Kashmir dispute through dialogue,” remarked Maliha Lodhi, who served as Pakistan’s ambassador to the UN, when asked whether this suggested a shift on the part of Pakistan to move beyond the August 5, 2019 events. After the abrogation of articles 370 and 35A of the Indian constitution, Pakistan set certain conditions before talks could resume with India. One of the conditions includes reverting back to the pre-August 5, 2019 situation. But the statements made by the prime minister and the army chief did not explicitly say if there were any conditions attached to the Pakistani offer. Foreign Office spokesperson in his weekly briefing explained Pakistan had always believed in a peaceful settlement of all issues, including the core issue of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. “It is India that has vitiated the environment with its illegal, inhuman and unilateral actions of August 5, 2019. The onus is on India to create an enabling environment for a meaningful engagement,” Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said. The spokesperson further said India must rescind its illegal and unilateral actions, end its state-terrorism against the Kashmiri people, and agree to resolve the Jammu & Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people. Sources say the toned down rhetoric on the part of Pakistani civil and military leadership is a “calculated move” to convey a message to the world, particularly to the new US administration, that Pakistan is not in any way a hurdle to the regional peace. Qamar Cheema, South Asian affairs expert, agrees that the Biden administration may be the reason for a fresh “olive branch” offered by Pakistan to India. “Pakistan may have realised that President Biden is in favour of multilateral approach to resolve global issues. It is perhaps in this context Pakistan feels that this is the right time to send a positive message,” Cheema contended. “The message Pakistan wants to convey is that it is India that is a hurdle to peace,” he added. Former president Donald Trump, although offered to mediate on Kashmir, did not press India further when the Modi government opposed any outside intervention. Officials here feel that President Biden may revert to the old style US diplomacy by nudging and prodding India from behind-the-scenes to re-engage with Pakistan.  

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PM, PDM lock in new war of words

While expressing solidarity with the people of Kashmir, Prime Minister Imran Khan in his Kotli rally on Friday fired a broadside at the opposition parties while reiterating his revolves not to give the opposition any NRO or reprieve. The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) leaders on the other hand used their Muzaffarabad rally to accuse Prime Minister Imran Khan led federal government of complicity with India, which, they claimed, emboldened the enemy to annex the disputed Himalayan valley in August 2019. Turning his guns on the 11-party opposition alliance, PM Imran said, "I'm ready for any sort of agreement, but I will never hand out an NRO to the looters". "I will help the opposition out with organizing their long march anywhere they want, but will not give them the NRO". Leaders of the opposition parties on Thursday geared up for a decisive battle against the PTI led government as they announced that the date of their long march to Islamabad. Speaking after a marathon summit meeting, PDM President Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that the long march to overthrow the government would be held on March 26. On Friday, PML-N de facto president Maryam Nawaz said Imran Khan must be held accountable for his failure to stop India from annexing Kashmir – a move that according to her India could not even think about even during dictatorial rules in Pakistan. “Why your government failed to give a befitting response to India. Your silence shows your guilt. Why you failed to raise your voice for Kashmiris? What is your foreign policy?” Maryam said addressing herself to the prime minister. She said it was Prime Minister Imran Khan who wished for re-election of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “When the Kashmiris needed your voice, you [Imram Khan] were busy filing a treason case against the AJK prime minister [Raja Farooq Haider],” she said. Maryam claimed that now the government of Imran Khan is using “their elders” to pressure the PML-N to agree to a constitutional amendment that seeks to change the mode of voting in the upcoming Senate election. “However, [PML-N supreme leader] Mian Nawaz Sharif and I have told them that we could not cooperate with this fake government even if it cost us our Senate seats,” she added. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari told the audience that the PDM will not allow a puppet government to sell the Kashmir cause. “A selected prime minister cannot give a befitting response to Modi. During the PTI’s rule, India made an unprecedented move on Kashmir. The government is following General Pervez Musharraf’s formula on Kashmir. However, we would send Imran Khan packing before the next election in Kashmir,” he said. “It is unfortunate that a country that saw a prime minister like Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and the first woman prime minister of the Muslim world, Benazir Bhutto, is being run by a ‘puppet prime minister’.” Bilawal blamed Prime Minister Imran Khan of being helpless following the Indian annexation of Kashmir. “Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly following the annexation, all this prime minister had to say was ‘What can I do?’” Bilawal said. “Where past Pakistani prime ministers are remembered for their historic speeches given over the Kashmir issue, this reply is what the history will remember the incumbent prime minister for,” he added. The PPP chairman went on to say that if Pakistan is to respond to Modi’s fascism, it will have to do it through a powerful prime minister and not a “puppet prime minister”. “If we have to defeat Modi, we will need a democratic government, not a ‘selected’ government”, he went on to add. Referring to the presidential ordinance regarding providing consular access and reviewing and reconsidering the case of Indian spy Kulbhushan Jahav, Bilawal accused PM Imran of trying to play representative to Indian spy instead of being the ambassador of Kashmir. Bilawal said the PPP continues to stand with Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s slogan of referendum [in Kashmir], while blaming the incumbent government of following the governance example set by Gen Pervez Musharraf. PDM chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman also criticized the prime minister and said it was distasteful for him to call Imran Khan a politician. He warned the people of Kashmir that if they supported Imran Khan, he would damage them, the way he has damaged the rest of Pakistan. “Today, I want to say something to you. Listen to it intently. We rejected the 2018 elections. This is a rigged government. We will not accept the rigging in the Gilgit-Baltistan elections… and now they [this government] are preparing to rig the upcoming AJK elections,” he said. The JUI-F further called upon the participants to be wary of candidates who switch loyalties from their parties to the PTI before the AJK elections. “Those who join the PTI for the elections will be considered the traitors of Kashmir, and will not be given votes,” Fazl asserted. Speaking of India’s annexation of occupied Kashmir in August 2019, the PDM president observed that not only will India’s unilateral action be rejected but, “we will, hopefully, also wage a war to have the action reversed”.  “What has this government given to Pakistan that it will give to Kashmir?” Fazl asked. “This government will ruin Kashmir,” he added. Fazl concluded his speech, expressing hope that Kashmir will win freedom and will become a part of Pakistan.

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Kashmiris should not lose hope: FM Qureshi

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Thursday said Kashmir was a state issue and was not limited to a political party or government even though each country had economic and trade interests. “P5 [the permanent members of United Nations Security Council] understand the position of Pakistan taken on the Kashmir issue and Kashmiris should not lose hope as the entire nations stands by the oppressed people of India Occupied Jammu and Kashmir,” said the minister on Thursday in an exclusive interview to The Express Tribune. Talking about political disputes between the opposition and the government, Qureshi maintained that the political parties might have differences but the nation was united on the issue of Kashmir. “The opposition’s politics is based on lies and hypocrisy as it strived to do politics in Muzaffarabad,” he said, adding the country’s narrative on Kashmir should be clearly conveyed to the world that “Pakistan vows to Kashmiris that it will never leave them alone”. The federal minister maintained the Kashmir issue was put up at the UN Security Council twice a year, while the demonstrations across the world against Indian occupation in IIOJK had been increased multiple times. In response to a question, Qureshi said the country’s relations with Russia didn’t intend to join any bloc of world power, while the newly-elected United States President Joe Biden was well aware of the intentions of Pakistan. “We wish a stable and lasting relationship with the US,” he added. Qureshi also highlighted differences between opposition and the government and its resolution, saying the ruling party wished to reconcile with the opposition but it was unfortunate that the efforts were intercepted by the unknown elements. “The government has scheduled a meeting of the House Business Advisory Committee, but some elements have tried to speculate the results of the meeting,” said the federal minister. Asking a rhetorical question over the clashes of treasury and opposition benches in the National Assembly on Thursday, Qureshi said who could be held responsible for the attack on the speaker. He accused the opposition parties for not taking any action against its lawmakers in the selection of Senate chairman and lauded the prime minister for expelling 20 lawmakers from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf on allegations of violating party’s rules. “The government has introduced a bill in the lower house of the Parliament to curb horse trading [in Senate elections], said the foreign minister lauding the efforts of the party. The foreign minister further said the opposition was planning to horse trading Senate seats according to reports and to achieve the purpose leaders from Multan were being brought to Islamabad. He also blamed India for interference in Balochistan as New Delhi’s relationships with its neighbour countries were not cordial. “India has violated the Geneva Conventions and the Shimla Agreement,” he said, adding the world witnessed the case of Infolab as Pakistan raised the issue in the United Nations. Pakistan has exposed India on every forum, while the incident of Balakot has spilled the beans on the intentions of the neighbouring country, he added. Referring to the Afghanistan issue, Qureshi said the country’s narrative on the matter was clear that the issue of Afghan government and the Taliban could be resolved through dialogue. He said an agreement with an agency including Federal Board of Investigation should be lauded if it aimed to bring back looted wealth of the country. In response to a question, the foreign minister said the United Arab Emirates clarified that it would not establish relations with India at the expense of its ties with Pakistan. “Pakistan has cordial relations with the UAE, OIC and Saudi Arabia,” he added. He also clarified that Pakistan didn’t consider recognising Israel but the political drama was staged through rallies.  

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In Rawalpindi, man booked for allegedly molesting minor daughter

Following a woman accused her husband of molesting their 10-year-old daughter, police on Thursday said they had registered a first information report (FIR) against the suspect. The Rawalpindi police, however, said they had launched a thorough investigation into the case, given the fact that the couple had been living on separate floors in the house and that they had been mulling over their options to end their marriage. The couple has a 10-year-old daughter a 12-year-old son, the police added. According to the FIR, the complainant told the police she and her children would sleep on the first floor of the house, while the husband would live on the ground floor. Read More: Seminary teacher ‘caught molesting child’ The woman alleged that the man took the daughter to the ground floor after she had slept four to five days ago. When the daughter returned to her floor, she was crying, the woman added. The mother said she asked the girl as to why she was weeping. To which, the daughter responded that she had been molested by her father, the woman alleged. The complainant added that the suspect had threatened her as well as the minor daughter of facing dire consequences if they talked of the incident. Talking to The Express Tribune, police officials the girl had undergone a medical examination. They added that they were waiting for the medical report after which they would decide their future course of action. Published in The Express Tribune, February 5th, 2021.

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Stark warning: ‘Kashmir is on the brink of genocide’

The systemic state-sponsored discrimination against Kashmiri Muslims bears all the hallmarks of a genocide, according to the founder and president of Genocide Watch, a global organization that flags the intentional destruction of ethnic, racial and religious groups. “We believe that the Indian government’s actions in Kashmir have been an extreme case of persecution and could very well lead to genocide,” said Dr. Gregory H. Stanton, Founding President Genocide Watch. Dr Stanton, who served at the US Department of State during President Bill Clinton’s term, is known for drafting the United Nations Security Council resolutions that created the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, the Burundi Commission of Inquiry, and the Central African Arms Flow Commission. Speaking from Washington D.C., where he is based, Dr. Stanton described the situation in occupied Kashmir as appalling. “Kashmir is under military rule and it is a very clear pre-genocidal situation,” he cautioned. In the picturesque valley, Dr Stanton said, the Indian government has confined more than seven million Kashmiris to their homes. “The state has been under lockdown. The Narendra Modi government imposed a sweeping communications blackout and a curfew that was so draconian that residents couldn’t even step out. In short it is a police state,” warned Dr. Stanton, referring to the situation in the valley after the Hindu nationalist government in New Delhi unilaterally stripped the region of its constitutional autonomy. According to Dr Stanton the persecution of Kashmir’s Muslims has increased significantly on Prime Minister Modi’s watch. “So many of the early stages of genocide are already present. We don’t wait until it is a full out mass killing campaign to declare genocide. There are early warning signs of genocide now and that’s what we believe is the situation in Kashmir,” explained the American scholar, who is known for examining the stages of genocide in the nineties, which ultimately became known as his ‘10 stages of genocide’ theory. Shortly after Kashmir’s special status was revoked by the Modi government, the Genocide Watch issued an alert for the region. In its warning, which is based on Dr. Stanton’s ‘10 stages of genocide theory’, the organization cautioned that Kashmir was inching closer to a genocide. Response to Kashmir In a no-holds-barred interview, Dr. Stanton, who has served at the US Department of State for several years said, he has little hope that the new Biden administration would denounce the Indian Prime Minister for his actions against Muslims. “I don’t see a strong foreign policy yet coming out of the Biden administration. I would make it part of our policy that we need to communicate to Mr. Modi that the US will not tolerate the kind of intolerance that he is preaching if we are going to have a good economic relationship with India.” He said the US would have to employ economic persuasion to convince Prime Minister Modi to abandon his anti-Muslim campaign in Kashmir and across India. “We should condition our economic relations on the improvement of the political situation in India,” said Dr Stanton. According to Dr Stanton, there is a very slim chance that the US government will adopt such a stance in the US-India relationship, particularly at a time when Washington D.C. is trying to prop up New Delhi to negate Beijing’s growing influence in the region. “I’m afraid the Kashmir issue will stay on the back burner and we would like to get along with the Modi government. The best way to counter China for Biden would be to promote India at this point,” said Dr Stanton. The cost of denying the situation in Kashmir, he said, hurts everybody and not just the victims. “If you continue to deny the persecution of a group, you will continue the persecution,” said Dr. Stanton. America’s inaction in the Kashmir situation, he said, hurts its commitment to human rights. Response from the international community in Kashmir’s case, Dr Stanton said, has been ‘shameful’. “I don’t think the global community exists. I think it is a mythical beast that exists somewhere out there,” quipped the 74-year-old American genocide scholar. “The truth is that we are still a world divided in nation states and a lot of these policies that are made by these states are for their own interest.  And they are certainly not human rights oriented.  So, what is going to be important for most nation states is their trade with India,” explained Dr Stanton. Modi’s policies At one point during the interview, the former academic also compared India’s prime minister to Adolf Hitler.  “Many Jews in Germany identified themselves as Germans and they fought for Germany in the First World War. The whole idea that they were a threat was made up by Hitler. Unfortunately, that’s the case in India, where Muslims are portrayed as enemies of the country,” explained Dr. Stanton. “There is no doubt that the Muslims of India are loyal to the country. It is a fiction made up by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that they are traitors,” he added.  Dr Stanton warned that Modi’s policies would divide the Indian society, which will ultimately make the country unproductive. “It is very harmful for India’s political and economic future. I hope there are opponents of such policies who will unseat Mr. Modi,” said the Washington D.C. based expert on genocide. Expressing his concerns about the situation, Dr. Stanton said: “If Modi is able to whip India into a froth of hatred, and that is possible, I really do fear for the Muslims.” “My fears are that if Modi continues to use exclusionary language and passes more exclusionary laws, Muslims are going to be more and more discriminated against and persecuted not just in Kashmir and Assam but all over India,” cautioned Dr. Stanton. The Solution  In an hour-long conversation with the Express Tribune, the former fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars ruled out conflict as a solution for the Kashmir crisis. “The only solution to the Kashmir situation is ‘real diplomacy’. I actually think that Pakistan currently has a leader who is capable of that. I don’t think India does.  So right now, I don’t think that diplomacy is likely to happen,” said Dr. Stanton. The Washington-based scholar urged the India’s Prime Minister to halt the construction of the dangerous Hindu-nationalist ecosystem. “I appeal to Prime Minister Modi to recognize the history that India has had of a diverse and tolerant society. I am sure he wouldn’t give any thought to that.”

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Pakistan’s stoic love affair with marble

Pakistan has a rich presence of historical monuments that pay an ode to the glory of marble structures. Founder of Pakistan Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s tomb in Karachi is one such compelling example. Naturally, Pakistan is a country that has been bestowed with an abundance of precious stones and high-quality marble reserves. According to a report by the State Bank of Pakistan, the country is one of the largest exporters of marble and marble products, and the demand for its products is on the rise in both the international and domestic markets. “The country has access to high-quality marble reserves in KPK, FATA and Balochistan. But due to lack of modern quarrying techniques, electricity crises and bad law and order situation, marble industry continues to face challenges and losses,” the report noted. There is a rise in demand for marble across the world due to its increasing use in construction for both commercial and residential purposes. Italian and French-style mosaic artwork on precious marble is also popular in the Arab countries. In 2010, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) stated that marble and onyx reserves in Pakistan are estimated more than 300 billion tonnes. Read more: PM Imran Khan recommends reading 'History of the Pathans' In Pakistan, there are large deposits of precious stones and marble in Balochistan and the northern areas. As the marble discovered in the country in a raw form is not cut according to the international standards, it loses its value in the process. Marble dealer Ajmal Khan shared that marble is brought from Balochistan to Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad and Multan via trains or trucks in the form of blocks and big stones. These stones are polished and cut later on, he added. Generally, marble products are sold in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Faisalabad, Multan, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan as well as Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar. Apart from monuments, Quranic verses, flowers, leaves and utensils are also made from marble, creating mosaic artwork. It takes roughly between two days to three months to create these artefacts. After their preparation, they are packed in a special type of packaging to protect their delicate texture. Saqib Naveed, a master of mosaic artwork, shared that he has been involved in the marble artwork since the last twenty years. Talking to The Express Tribune, he said, “When I started the artwork in marble, I wanted to do something that would please my Lord. Hence, I decided to write the Quranic verses in the form of mosaic art.” Gaining finesse in his art over the years, Naveed makes patterns having verses and drawings of flowers. “It takes two months to create a work of art. But people do not pay for our hard work. Mosaic art is a difficult thing. It is highly valued in Italy, France, Greece, Turkey and Iran, but it is now gaining popularity in Pakistan.” To create a marble masterpiece, thousands of pieces of the stone in different colours are combined with special chemicals. Things are not as bright as they seem, the process of marble cutting also affects eyes and hands. The dust that rises during marble-cutting causes respiratory illnesses. However, it is pertinent to take precautions while producing the artwork. A geologist, Javed, said that Pakistan is rich in natural minerals. “Marble discovered in Balochistan is wasted due to the lack of modern cutting capacity. In contrast, in China and Italy, marble is utilised through modern technology. The government should formulate a comprehensive plan in this regard and send skilled workers to foreign countries for training so that the marble industry can be strengthened.” Published in The Express Tribune, February 5th, 2021.

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LHC hears citizens’ woes over roadblocks

The Lahore High Court's (LHC) Rawalpindi bench has formed a two-member commission to look into complaints stemming from the closure of routes and business centres due to the cricket match between Pakistan and South Africa at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium that began on Thursday. Advocate Malik Saleh Mohammad filed a petition on behalf of a citizen, Zahidul Islam, wherein it was stated that the district administration had closed the roads due to a test match at RCS. He claimed that the move was in violation of basic human rights. Justice Shahid Karim immediately summoned the district administration after which officials reached the court. The district officials maintained that they have not blocked any roads. Read More: VVIP roadblocks compromise public convenience The court emphasised that the stadium’s security is important but it could not come at the expense of the basic human rights of the citizens. It added that the people should not be affected in any way. The court formed a two-member commission comprising High Court Bar President Malik Waheed Anjum and Secretary-General Raja Fahim Altaf to ascertain the true nature of the situation and adjourned the hearing till February 10. However, as reported, the Rawalpindi City Traffic Police issued a traffic plan for the test match on Friday and advised citizens to use alternative routes to avoid inconvenience as main roads will remain closed. Senior Traffic Officer (STO) Syed Abid Abbas Shah had said that the main double-road would remain closed for all traffic from the beginning to the conclusion of the practice session as well as the match every day and urged the commuters to cooperate with the police performing duties during the match. It was decided that traffic coming from Rawal Dam towards Rawalpindi will be diverted to the Islamabad Expressway while traffic will be allowed to enter Rawalpindi via Dhoke Kala Khan, Khanna and Korali whereas traffic going from Rawalpindi to Islamabad will take a U-turn in front of the Kidney Centre and use the opposite side to enter the capital. Furthermore, traffic moving from IJP Road and 9th Avenue Chowk towards Rawalpindi will have to take Pindora Chungi, Katarian, Carriage Factory and Pir Wadhai route to enter Rawalpindi instead of the Double Road, it was noted. Shah had stated that heavy traffic would be strictly banned in the area around the stadium while the match was being played. Published in The Express Tribune, February 5th, 2021.

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Conduct MDCAT exams again: NA panel

The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination on Thursday recommended that Medical and Dental College Admissions Test (MDCAT) results may be cancelled and the tests may be conducted again to secure the future of students. The committee meeting held under the chairmanship of Khalid Hussain Magsi made this recommendation after a thorough discussion on the results of MDCAT. The committee was of the view that on reservations of the body regarding flaw and discrepancy in MDCAT test results, the Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC) president could not satisfy the committee. Read More: Remote areas’ students couldn’t qualify for MDCAT, Senate told Discussing the allocation of seats and fee structure of private medical colleges, the committee recommended and directed that the PMC may allocate seats to private medical colleges and determine their fee structure by themselves. The committee further recommended that passing marks for admission test of MDCAT should not be more than 50%. The committee urged the PMC to hire the services of medical professionals with administrative skills instead of other professionals. The meeting was attended by Dr Haider Ali, Jai Parkash, Raja Khurram Shahzad Nawaz, Dr Nousheen Hamid, Dr Seemi Bukhari, Fouzia Behram, Aliya Hamza Malik, Dr Nisar Ahmed Cheema, Dr Samina Matloob, Dr Darshan, Dr Sobia Shazia Aslam Soomro, Ramaish Lal, and Salahuddin Ayubi as a special invitee. Member of the committee MNA Sobia Shazia said it is beyond comprehension that the power to test the students was taken away from the provinces and handed to the centre. “If we were to get a briefing from a secretary, then we should have gone to the ministry,” she said, adding that future of children is at stake, the people who organised the exams should come here in the committee and explain why questions were given out of course. The latest medical and dental college entrance exams conducted under the Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC), appear to have held a mirror up to the state of education across the country. According to MDCAT results obtained by The Express Tribune, the percentage of failing students from Sindh stands at 74.51 per cent in rural and 56.39 per cent in urban parts of the province. Furthermore, out of the 25,266 students from rural and urban Sindh who participated in the test, over 16,965 were those who failed the test with less than 120 marks. Going by which, the success rate of students in rural and urban Sindh stands at a mere nine per cent and 43.61 per cent respectively. Thereby, making rural Sindh one of the most educationally impoverished regions in the country. In contrast, in KP, a majority of 74.4 per cent of students have been able to score a passing grade. Published in The Express Tribune, February 5th, 2021.

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Ehsaas programme to improve orphan care

The government’s Ehsaas programme has approved first-ever standards for private sector orphanages and child care in a special meeting held in Islamabad on Thursday under the chairmanship of Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Sania Nishtar, a spokesperson shared. They said that the programme’s strategy had stipulated that standards would be developed for orphanages and a committee was established for this purpose in 2019 and all major NGOs hosting orphanages were members of the committee in addition to various parliamentarians. The committee held 17 formal meetings and 70 side sessions, they added. Read More: SAPM urges tribes to help in Ehsaas survey The standards that were developed had several iterations endorsed by UNICEF, which is also formally part of the committee, the official maintained. The standards were formally approved on Thursday and it was decided that these standards will be notified for all orphanages in the federal area and will be shared with provinces asking them to implement them as well, they mentioned. "Drawing on strengths of all stakeholders, these standards have been devised to set a new precedent by improving the quality of orphan care as this aspect was neglected in the past with regard to public service delivery," Dr Sania remarked. Published in The Express Tribune, February 5th, 2021.

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Body of ‘robber’ shot by accomplice found in Rawalpindi

A robber who was injured by a bullet fired by his accomplice in a mugging bid late Tuesday night was found dead a day later. The robber’s body was found at a desolate place in the jurisdiction of the Bani police station in Rawalpindi on Wednesday. The police said the suspect’s body was moved to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital for a post-mortem. According to the police, two robbers had attempted to snatch the motorcycle of a citizen on Tuesday night. As the man resisted their mugging bid, one of the robbers opened fire, injuring an eight-year-old boy and his accomplice. After the firing, the robbers fled the scene, leaving their motorbike at the crime scene, the police said. Read more: Gang robs over 30 shops at MA Jinnah Road Upon receiving the report of the incident, the Bani police rushed to the spot and obtained the closed-circuit television camera (CCTV) footage of the incident. The police also impounded the motorcycle left behind by the suspects. It was later found out that the impounded bike was snatched in the Ferozabad neighbourhood the same night. Taking notice of the incident, Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO) Muhammad Ahsan Younus gave the task to the Rawal SP to arrest the suspects. Under the supervision of the SP, various teams carried out search operations at public and private hospitals in their respective areas. Meanwhile, the police received a report of an unidentified body via its helpline. The deceased was identified as Majid Alam alias Majid Billa, one of the suspects involved in the snatching attempt, the police said. The alleged robber had previously been booked in eight different cases at Ganjmandi, Pirudhai and Bani police stations, the police added. The police said a case had been registered by Mohammad Zain and the search for the other robber was under way. Published in The Express Tribune, February 4th, 2021.

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Ban sought on F-9 park drive-in cinema in Islamabad

After hearing a petition demanding a ban on the drive-in cinema set up at the capital’s F-9 Park, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) referred the matter to the Capital Development Authority (CDA). IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah on Tuesday heard the petition calling for the closure of the open-air cinemas in the federal capital. The court directed the CDA chairman to issue a written order on the matter after hearing the applicant. Read more: Cinemas, theatres in dire straits after 100-day closure As per details, the petitioner’s lawyer, Yasir Chaudhry, appeared before the court and said that the drive-in cinema launched on December 19 at the F-9 Park was only a source of entertainment for the people who owned vehicles. He added that the drive-in cinema was a commercial activity that was prohibited at public parks according to the Supreme Court’s orders. The petition held that running a cinema at a public park caused environmental pollution as well. After the conclusion of the arguments, the court referred the matter to the CDA chairman and directed him to issue a written order. Published in The Express Tribune, February 4th, 2021.

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Capital breathes healthy air after months in Islamabad

The air quality of the federal capital recorded improvement after repeated days of polluted ambience as hazardous pollutants were below permissible levels. Previously, the air quality had reached a record high, however, the new year has brought it with much relief for the immunocompromised citizens of Islamabad. According to the data released by Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA), the particulate of 2.5 microns (PM2.5), which is a hazardous ambient air pollutant causing chronic respiratory diseases and premature deaths, was recorded within safe limits in the capital's air on Wednesday, a spokesperson shared. The data maintained that PM2.5 was recorded at 29.85 micrograms per cubic meter (mg/m3), which is lower than the National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) of 35 mg/m3 as well as the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) standard of 20 mg/m3. Read more: Week’s lockdown helps improve capital’s air It further revealed that the presence of 23.65 mg/m3 sulphur dioxide and 17.16 mg/m3 nitrogen dioxide against the NEQS’ 120 mg/m3 and 80 mg/m3 meter, respectively, were recorded. As per the data released on December 30, 2020, the PM2.5 was recorded at 55.83 micrograms per cubic metre (mg/m3) whereas sulphur dioxide was recorded at 33.8 mg/m3 and nitrogen dioxide was 21.03 mg/m3 against the NEQS of 120 mg/m3 and 80 mg/m3, respectively. According to an EPA official, the prevailing dry weather and increased vehicular emissions was the main reason for the compromised air quality in the city. It is the most health damaging environmental pollutant causing chronic respiratory diseases and premature deaths as it could easily penetrate into human blood through the lungs, the official added. They further said that sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide were released from industrial emissions and car engines at different concentrations that accumulated into the ambience causing air pollution. The official maintained that the capital’s air quality was commendable during the lockdown as vehicular emissions had drastically reduced, however, after three months of repeated polluted days the air quality was once again healthy. The main reason of air pollution was a large number of vehicles on the roads emitting combustion gases, they added. The spokesperson shared that EPA regularly monitored the capital's air quality, which was found to be unhealthy during dry weather, storm or pre-rain like situation. The residents should continue to wear face masks and sunglasses during outdoor visits just as they were advised to when pollution levels were recorded high, they added. A senior pulmonologist of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences expressed serious concern over the presence of hazardous pollutants in the air as they can cause respiratory diseases and serious health complications. He said the people should be careful during dry weather and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities. Use of face mask or covering was the best remedy to avoid contact with hazardous pollutants while sunglasses during day time will help prevent eye rashes or allergy due to dust, he added. Published in The Express Tribune, February 4th, 2021.

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Islamabad mayor endorses reduction in property tax

The Islamabad Mayor Pir Adil Shah Gillani said on Wednesday that he is a public representative and protecting the interests of the public is his key responsibility. He shared that the 300 per cent hike in property tax by the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) in one go was not in favour of the residents. He said this while addressing the business community during his visit to Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) while further endorsing the demand of the ICC for withdrawal of this exorbitant hike in property tax. Shah said that the business community is the main pillar of the economy, therefore, facilitating them is of the utmost important in order to ensure smooth growth of business activities. He added that his term will conclude on February 15, however, he will address the maximum issues highlighted by the business community. Read more: Govt offers property tax concession The mayor further said that the director municipal administrator will be asked to remain in touch with ICCI to resolve the issues of the business community. On the occasion, ICCI President Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan said that ICCI and MCI are working on common objectives to develop a better infrastructure for business activities and beautification of the city, therefore, both should work jointly to achieve common goals more effectively. He stated that encroachments from markets should be removed in collaboration with relevant associations, adding that the Citizens Club should be revived in cooperation with ICCI. Other senior officials of ICCI thanked the mayor for visiting and mentioned that MCI should address the issues of industrial areas in the capital such as repair of roads and improving water, sewerage and sanitation systems. The representative of various market associations from Blue Area, Jinnah Super, Sectors F-10 Markaz, G-9 Markaz, Public Works Department and other markets present on the occasion highlighted various issues of traders for redressal. They maintained that parking issues in markets should be addressed by renovating green belts as parking areas. Published in The Express Tribune, February 4th, 2021.

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FIRs lodged against 43 ‘illegal housing schemes’ in Pindi

The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has registered first information reports (FIRs) against 43 illegal hosing societies. The cases were registered RDA’s Metropolitan Planning and Traffic Engineering (MP&TE) Directorate following the directions of RDA Chairman Tariq Mehmood Murtaza and RDA Director General Chaudhary Maqbool Ahmed by The RDA said it was also taking legal action against the advertisement and marketing of illegal housing schemes. The authority said it had registered FIRs and issued notices to the sponsors of the illegal 43 housing schemes. Read more: In Rawalpindi, Cases registered against 29 housing societies The RDA said it had warned all that without getting a no-objection certificate (NOC) from it before the launch of housing schemes, apartment projects and commercial buildings within its area, all sorts of advertisement, marketing and development of such projects through advertisement agencies, private limited companies and civil proprietorships is illegal. The RDA has also advised the public not to make any investment in illegal housing schemes. Moreover, the sponsors have also been warned to stop the marketing of their unapproved/illegal housing scheme and should contact the RDA for getting approval of the scheme as per the law. “Otherwise, strict legal action will be taken against them,” said the RDA spokesman. Published in The Express Tribune, February 4th, 2021.

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Book titled ‘Tragedy in Kashmir’ launched at PNCA

The Pakistan National Council of the Arts hosted a book launch ceremony on ‘Tragedy in Kashmir’ authored by (late) Abdul Haq Suharwardy, the first and only Kashmiri former chief secretary of Azad Jammu and Kashmir since partition, a spokesperson shared on Wednesday. It was mentioned that the author has comprehensively covered the struggle for freedom by the Kashmiris despite the atrocities meted out to them since the partition of sub-continent. Read more: UN chief urges India, Pakistan to come together to resolve Kashmir dispute The book also covers the narrative of the foul play by the Nehru family and the British raj that turned the heavenly valleys of Kashmir into a living hell for its residents as well as the story behind how the Muslim majority districts of Gurdaspur and Batala were given to India to establish a road connection with them, the speakers noted. Furthermore, they maintained that the book takes into account the tragedy of Kashmiri leadership whose lack of foresight ended up in the debacle of Indian occupation of the valley and the heroic struggle of the tribal people who were successful in liberating what is now known as Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including Gilgit-Baltistan. Published in The Express Tribune, February 4th, 2021.

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PRCS sets up blood donation camp

The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) on Wednesday organised a donation camp in the federal capital to help address a serious shortage of blood amid depleted donations due to the coronavirus pandemic. National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri was the chief guest on the occasion. PRCS Chairman Abrarul Haq and other senior officials were also present at the camp set up in the F-7 Markaz area. Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri said thousands of people have lost lives to Covid-19 across the country. “However, even more lives are at risk due to blood shortage, especially of those who are suffering from leukaemia, thalassemia, haemophilia, anaemia or those undergoing critical surgeries or injured in road accidents.” He welcomed the PRCS initiative of setting up blood camps which, he said, was also in line with the government’s agenda of ensuring the provision of safe blood to every patient as well as those injured in road accidents. He urged all segments of the society to wholeheartedly help the PRCS in this humanitarian cause. Read more: Blood donated for thalassemia patients Speaking on the occasion, PRCS Chairman Abrarul Haq said Pakistan had an additional requirement of blood supply because of a high number of thalassemia patients, adding that the challenge had magnified due to lack of blood donors amid the Covid-19 pandemic. “Estimates suggest that only 28 out of 10,000 people donate blood in Pakistan. Out of these, only 11 per cent of donations are by people who don’t have a friend or family in immediate need,” he said. “It is estimated that every five minutes, someone is killed or badly injured in a road accident in Pakistan out of which many lose their lives for want of a timely supply of blood,” he lamented. “According to a Pakistan Thalassemia Centre report, Pakistan has approximately 100,000 patients suffering from the genetic blood disorder. Among other diseases, an estimated 5,000 children with beta-thalassemia are born per year,” he added. Abrarul Haq said educational institutions and industrial units had been a major source of blood collection and that their closure in days of the pandemic had severely impacted the blood donations. “However, since all schools, universities and other institutions have now reopened, it is time for an urgent intervention to ensure an uninterrupted supply of blood for those whose life depends on regular blood transfusions,” he added. Published in The Express Tribune, February 4th, 2021.

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