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Jahangir World Times Published: April, 2013

Gwadar Port: Geo-economic and Geostrategic Dimensions

Gwadar has geostrategic significance as it lies on the conduit of three most commercially important regions of the world. Gwadar has geostrategic significance as it lies on the conduit of three most commercially important regions of the world. The oil rich Middle East, Central Asia bestowed with natural resources, and South Asia having the potential for growth, for this century.

Another Test or Another Trap Monday, April 01, 2013

The awarding of the multi-billion dollar contract for construction and operation of Gwadar Port to China Overseas Port Holding Company (COPHC), a state-run Chinese firm, in February this year, has added a new chapter in decades-long Sino-Pak partnership. The project is mutually beneficial for both countries in the region for it will not only give them a corridor for greater commercial activity but will also bring closer the Central Asian countries. It is also expected to earn them a great strategic leverage. The recent agreement is the part of a plan to open up an energy and trade corridor from the Gulf region, across Pakistan to western China.

The transfer of project operations to China caught attention of the international media and triggered discourse on the economic and strategic shift that the presence of China tends to induce in one of the world's major maritime zones. Naturally, it raised concerns of major stakeholders in the Indian Ocean, particularly Pakistan's eastern neighbour, India, and the United States.

It was March 2002, when the groundbreaking of Gwadar Port marked the execution of the decades- old plan of Pakistan to build a deepwater seaport (Panamax port) at its coastline in Balochistan province. Highlighting the paramount geo-economic and geostrategic significance of the port, the then president Pervez Musharraf said:

“The Gwadar port shall provide modern, up-to-date facilities for cargo vessels in line with modern ports. The coastal highway which is also being constructed simultaneously with the port, will provide a very healthy linkage between Karachi and Gwadar ports. If we see this whole region, it is like a funnel. The top of the funnel is this wide area of Central Asia and also China's western region. And this funnel gets narrowed on through Afghanistan and in Pakistan northern areas into Pakistan and goes through Pakistan and the end of this funnel is Gwadar port. So this funnel, futuristically, is the future economic funnel of this whole region. All the top of this funnel, the broad top of the funnel, anything going into it or out of it, Pakistan and Gwadar port provides the real input, the inlet and the outlet into it. There is no doubt that Gwadar port, when operational, will play the role of a regional hub for trade and commercial activity.”

The port was established with the help of a Chinese construction company and the first phase of the project was completed with initial investment of 248 million dollars in a record time of four years. After completion of the first phase of the project, the operational contract was given to the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) through open bidding in 2007. Owing to some unforeseen reasons, the PSA expressed reservations on investing the agreed amount in five years time. Also, it failed to operationalize the port as expected and agreed in the contract. Later on, Pakistan offered the operational contract to China which the latter rejected.

With the changing dynamics of regional politics and the global shift that has taken places during past couple of years, apparently, three key factors compelled China to opt for taking the operational command of the Gwadar port. First, the increasing US influence in the Asia-Pacific poses considerable economic and strategic challenges to China. Second, Gwadar port provides China with an alternative route and eases its reliance on Strait of Malacca. Third, the expected withdrawal of the US forces from Afghanistan by 2014 is going to provide other countries a room for economic ventures Afghanistan as well as the Central Asian Republics. The expected withdrawal of the US forces from Afghanistan by 2014 is going to provide other countries a room for economic ventures Afghanistan as well as the Central Asian Republics. To the US and India, it's quite a perturbing development. The policy analysts in both the countries are wary of China’s greater access to the Indian Ocean through Gwadar as it poses a challenge to the commercial and strategic interests of the US and India. Some quarters in the US referred to China's entry into Gwadar as part of its “string of pearls” strategy which refers to Chinese Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs) extending from mainland China to Port Sudan straddling over Strait of Malacca, Strait of Bab-el Mandeb, Strait of Hormuz and run through some significant maritime centres, including Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Maldives. It is believed that the array of ports that China has established in the Indian Ocean region, including a port in Hambantota, Sri Lanka; a port in Chittagong, Bangladesh and a port and pipeline complex off Myanmar's coast in Rakhine region; would help the country maximize its control over the commercial and naval activity across the Indian Ocean.

Indian concerns are no different than the America's. India is apprehensive of Chinese presence in Indian Ocean. For couple of obvious reasons, India is also flustered on China's control over a port in Pakistan. Through Gwadar, China would be in a position to invalidate the India-US “counter China strategy”. India also fears that China's growing influence may result in harming Indian interests. Above all, India believes that the port would enable Pakistan to take control of more of the world energy circulation and interdiction of Indian sea-borne trade. However, India seldom mentions its plans to invest profusely in Port of Chabahar in southeastern Iran. The port was partially built by India in 1990s and is located on the flanks of Indian Ocean and Oman Sea.

Criticism and apprehensions apart, economically, the port is expected to be the hub of trade and commerce in the region as it holds tremendous opportunities to boost economic prospects and activity in Pakistan. Pakistan has a coastline of about 1100 km along the shores of Arabian Sea. Total annual trade of Pakistan is about 38 million tonnes out of which 95 per cent takes place through sea. According to projected estimates, Gwadar port will exponentially increase the shipping activity in other ports (Karachi port and Ports Qasim) as well. However, Baloch nationalists have expressed reservations and has severely criticised the decision to provide China access to the Gwadar port. They view it as an unlawful exploitation of the resources and depriving people of Balochistan of their own economic asset. Also, they are sceptical of China's plans believing it would lead to further militarization of the region.

While analysing the future of Balochistan with reference to Gwadar port, Robert D. Kaplan, an American Geopolitical analyst stated:

“One key to its (Balochistan) fate is the future of Gwadar, a strategic port whose development will either unlock the riches of Central Asia, or plunge Pakistan into a savage, and potentially terminal, civil war.”

From a geostrategic perspective, Pakistan will have a strategic depth and access to the finest naval facilities. It may also enjoy greater maritime interaction with the Middle East countries as well. The Chinese naval presence may also meliorate Pakistan's coastal defence. It will also give Pakistan an edge over India, economically and strategically. China heavily relies on the Middle East for energy resources and hence the country is involved in trade, exploitation and development here and in African region. The Gwadar port can provide the Chinese with a listening post to observe the naval activities of US in the Persian Gulf 460 km further west of Karachi and away from Indian naval bases. In military and strategic terms, Gwadar port can help China to monitor the SLOCs from the Persian Gulf. Gwadar has strategic importance for China as about 60 per cent of its crude supply comes from Gulf countries that are close to Gwadar. Besides, owing to historical affiliations with Indian Ocean region, China considers it its right to be associated with every activity in the Indian Ocean.

Along with opportunities, a number of challenges and risks are also involved in the Gwadar port project for both Pakistan and China. Baloch nationalists' stance towards the project and the continued unrest in Balochistan needs to be dealt with carefully and sensitively. China, while expanding its influence in the Indian Ocean, may also come across the problem of distance for shipping activity. The unrest in Balochistan may also pose some security-related risks and challenges to development activity in Gwadar. Moreover, China needs to be cautious and conscious of its internal economic and political weaknesses which, at certain point, may cause trouble to its greater interests in the Indian Ocean.

As the Gwadar port project will require time to be fully functional, speculations and predictions will keep circulating and resonating in the media and policy circles of major stakeholders. Nevertheless, the port is destined to change the future course of commercial activity in the region.

The writer is an IR analyst and a visiting faculty at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST), Karachi. Email: [email protected] Nabiha Gul IRAN GAS PIPELINE POLITICS

Long-awaited Gas Pipeline agreement has been finally inked by Iran and Pakistan. Both countries signed historic deal partly out of feeling of Islamic solidarity, to take Pakistan out of energy crisis, and partly to frustrate Western countries’ imposed isolation on Iran in the name of nuclear programme.

Another Test or Another Trap Monday, April 01, 2013

The gas pipeline is not the only one that will limit to Pakistan and it is not the only pipeline which is threatened by the US sanctions. In 1992, Tehran had offered assistance in the construction of a gas pipeline to carry Turkmen gas to Turkey and Western Europe through Iran. The idea of such a pipeline, costing $ 3 billion, upset Washington, which tried to sabotage it. Thus under the US pressure, it was announced that the plan was being held in abeyance since international bankers were unwilling to finance a project involving Iran. A fear was also expressed that Iran, for political reasons could turn off energy supplies to Turkey and Europe, thus playing with the future of the two.

In 1995, a reversal for America occurred when Turkish Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan signed a $ 20 billion natural gas deal with Iran. This deal was scheduled to run for twenty-five years. A pipeline was to be laid to carry initially 3 billion cubic meters of Iranian gas annually, rising to 10 billion cubic meters in 2005.

Confident of their oil and gas wealth, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan continued to defy Washington's policy of economic boycott of Iran. In December 1997, Iranian President Muhammad Khatami and Turkmen President Niyazov inaugurated a pipeline to carry natural gas from Turkmenistan's Korpeje gasfield to Kord-Kui in northeast Iran. Further to that, in June 1998, the National Iranian Oil Company invited bids for a $ 400 million contract for a 400-kilometer (250 miles) pipeline between the Caspian port of Babol Sar and Tehran, to carry oil supplied by tankers to Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. The pipeline was designed to handle 200,000 bpd, with Iran exporting the same amount from its Gulf ports to the customers of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.

In July 2007, Iranian and Turkish energy ministers signed a memorandum of understanding under which Turkmen and Iranian gas would be exported to Europe through Turkey. Moreover, Turkey would also develop three later phases of Iran's giant South Pars gas field of Tehran's buyback scheme. This MoU was 'a dream come' true for Turkey as she was a pivotal country for the transfer of energy from one part of the world to the other. However, the document drew a quick condemnation from the US State Department. Like his predecessor Erbakan, Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan rebuffed Washington.

Iran-Pakistan (IP) Gas Pipeline is one of the projects in Iranian historical perspective. However, in this project, Pakistan is keeping high ambitions for the resolution of its energy crisis and as a result political stability. Pakistan is short of 4000 MW electricity which has impaired its already shabby economy. Power breakdowns have badly blighted the country's economy by dawdling industrial production, deteriorating the country's agricultural capacity and having a detrimental brunt on business. In a cyclical manner, laying off has resulted in declining purchasing power resulting in reduction of daily- wagers. Hence the poverty level is on the rise. The growing dependence on costly furnace oil, with $ 1 billion per year import, for the production of thermal power continues to raise electricity charges. Pakistan is keeping high ambitions for the resolution of its energy crisis and as a result political stability. Once the shortfall is compensated, Pakistan will regain political stability which will be supported by the strengthening of its political economy, enhanced industrial output, bringing back laid off workers, foreign investment and over and above shrink poverty level. The imported gas from Iran would allow the generation of additional 4,123 megawatts of electricity at cheaper rate. It will also restore the 2,232 megawatts of idle thermal power generation capacity that will help, in addition to the domestic gas, for other uses such as manufacturing fertilizer and supplying gas to domestic consumers. While Pakistan would pay Iran $3 billion a year, it would reduce its oil imports by $5.3 billion, resulting in a net annual reduction in energy imports by about $2.3 billion.

The energy crisis in Pakistan has become a question of life and death for the survival of the state. Hence success of the IP project is the dire need for the survival of the country. Once, successful, India which is already facing energy crisis, will give a second thought to rejoin the project what was originally called Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) Pipeline. After an exchange of MFN status, it will be another milestone in providing the two arch-rivals to resolve their mutual suspicions and conflicts via economic means. Thus it would be another Confidence Building Measure (CBM) that will result in true sense of “A Peace Pipeline”. No doubt, a successful project attracts the attention of every country interested in cashing the booty of a ready-made venture. China can join the project via Pakistan which will in turn bring significant economic benefits from the deal for Pakistan. The US threat of sanctions against Pakistan is a definite bluff. However, The US can use Saudi Arabia and Qatar to exert pressure on Pakistan to abandon the IP project. However, there are serious hurdles in the way of IP becoming functional, the most important being a stiff opposition from the US. The US wants to strangulate the Iranian economy through sanctions and imposed isolation on Tehran. While brandishing the threat of sanctions against Pakistan, we need to gingerly weigh their possible effects. At the moment, the US is about to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan and the cheapest way out is via Pakistan. Secondly, peace and reconstruction of/in Afghanistan is in its absolute embryonic stage. Pakistan- being a frontline ally of the US during the war on terror in Afghanistan played a pivotal role in the execution of the US objectives in the region. Be it a Bonn Conference in 2011 or negotiations with the Taliban, it has always been seen that any effort in Afghanistan minus Pakistan is doomed to fail. Therefore, Pakistan's help is a prerequisite in restoring long-lasting peace in the post-2014 Afghanistan. Thirdly, in Pakistan, pro- American sentiments are extremely rare. The US sanctions will add fuel to the fire. Hence, the US threat of sanctions against Pakistan is a definite bluff. However, the US can use Saudi Arabia and Qatar to exert pressure on Pakistan to abandon the IP project. Still, this will depend on what they offer in reciprocation to an already pursued and half completed project.

Gone are the days when the extra-territorial major powers' Cold Wars used to take place in this region. The animosity between Iran and the US is a bilateral issue which must not hinder the development process of other regional countries. Pakistan and India are arch-rivals. But the US ignored this fact and signed a nuclear deal with India. Similarly, any pressure by the US on Pakistan for the IP project will tantamount to the negation of its own trend of bilateralism that she set in this region. For an animosity between Iran and the US, Pakistan must not bear the brunt. Everybody for oneself and God for us all.

The writer teaches at the Department of International Relations, University of Peshawar. [email protected] Dr Syed Hussain Shaheed Soherwordi

NATO's Thorny Prison Dilemma As the majority of coalition forces prepare to withdraw from Afghanistan at the close of 2014, concerns are growing for the future of the detainees they must leave behind.

Another Test or Another Trap Monday, April 01, 2013

During the course of the twelve-year war, NATO troops have apprehended thousands of suspected insurgents, most of whom have been released or transferred to the Afghan authorities. However, renewed fears regarding the prevalence of torture in Afghan custody have compelled ISAF forces to halt the process of handing prisoners over to the Afghan authorities.

In a damning report, released in February, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) concluded that torture is an "institutional policy or practice" in at least ten of the country's detention facilities. The methods include beatings, suspension from the ceiling and electric shocks. Transferring prisoners to face such conditions is a breach of international law. But as ISAF remains tied to a fixed timetable for military withdrawal, the need to find a legal solution to prisoner transfer, by getting rid of institutional mistreatment, grows ever more pressing.

For the British government, the issue is a particularly thorny one, and its approach to transfers has drawn sharp criticism, both from human rights groups and lawyers acting on behalf of prisoners who faced mistreatment after being transferred from British custody.

On 29 November 2012, Defence Secretary Philip Hammond was forced to re-impose a third moratorium on the transfer of UK-detained prisoners to the Afghan intelligence service (NDS). As of October 2010, the UK had detained 1,399 individuals, of whom at least 487 were transferred to the Afghan authorities. Today, the number remaining in British custody is believed to stand around 70.

Hammond's decision to ban transfers came after two years spent defending the practice of releasing detainees into a penal system where abuse has been described as widespread. The day before a high court hearing into the legality of a previous transfer that had resulted in allegations of sustained abuse, the Defence Secretary obtained new (as yet undisclosed) evidence suggesting that prisoners transferred to Afghanistan's National Directorate of Security (NDS) were indeed at "real risk of serious mistreatment or a flagrant denial of justice". The ban on prisoner transfer appears to have been vindicated by the new UNAMA report. After interviewing 635 inmates held across 89 detention facilities, UN representatives concluded that the culture of abuse was most prevalent within NDS Kandahar, a key destination for UK-detained prisoners once they have been transferred.

So far, the British government has aimed to minimise the risks facing detainees by using a two- pronged strategy. This strategy involved 'diplomatic assurances' from the Afghan security services that the individuals in question will remain free from harm, while at the same time, monitoring and encouraging the use of surveillance within detention centres.

The practice of striking diplomatic deals regarding torture has long been controversial. Amnesty International has condemned the practice as a dereliction of both states' duty to take the overall threat of torture seriously. The specific focus on the treatment of individual detainees, Amnesty argues, ignores a wider picture of abuse in which confessions are regularly extracted through mistreatment. Amnesty has also pointed out that diplomatic assurances are not legally binding and not only that, but they have no enforcement mechanisms. This leaves the governments involved to voluntarily assume responsibility for investigating breaches and holding perpetrators to account. In the case of Afghanistan, levels of accountability for mistreatment remain very low. According to the recent UNAMA report, over the last 18 months, NATO representatives have reported 80 allegations of detainee abuse to Afghan authorities. To date, Afghan officials have only taken action over one case. After ISAF nations resumed transfers to these facilities and reduced its monitoring, incidents of torture appeared to rise once again. Britain's latest agreement with Afghanistan regarding the treatment of prisoners was signed in a low-key meeting between Asadullah Khalid, head of the NDS, and a representative from the British Foreign Office. To say that Khalid is seen by many to be a deeply flawed interlocutor is putting it lightly: he has been described by Canadian diplomats as someone 'known to personally torture people' in a 'dungeon under his guest house'.

The worth of Khalid's assurances against the use of torture is monitored by a team of British military personnel. They conduct interviews with UK-transferred prisoners, questioning them about their detention experience and giving them an opportunity to register any allegations of mistreatment. However, critics argue that British monitoring efforts are at best ineffective, and at worst, lead to a systematic cover-up of abuse. The human rights charity ‘Reprieve’ has documented examples of British monitors finding torture equipment in interrogation rooms, but saying nothing out of fear of 'causing a scene'. More concerning still is that UNAMA this week reported receiving "sufficiently reliable and credible information that officials hid detainees from international observers and held them in underground or other locations"

This is not to say that monitoring does not have an impact. UNAMA observed that some NDS facilities saw a decrease in allegations of torture during the one-year period in which the interviews took place. This corresponded with a decrease in transfers by international military forces and increased monitoring. However, after ISAF nations resumed transfers to these facilities and reduced its monitoring, incidents of torture appeared to rise once again. Monitoring is a useful and necessary stage in the quest to eradicate torture in Afghan detention facilities. It is not, however, a silver bullet. Britain's repeated bans on prisoner — transfer to the Afghan authorities have led to a shift in strategy when it comes to detentions. Military operations are usually conducted in conjunction with Afghan forces, and it is now the latter that is expected to take charge of any arrests.

But this does not solve the problem of what to do with the prisoners who remain in British custody. Speaking at a press conference in Kabul on Monday, Georgette Gagnon, UNAMA's Director of Human Rights, emphasised the need for the ISAF governments to focus on "deterrents and disincentives to use torture, including a robust, independent, investigation process, criminal prosecutions and courts' consistent refusal to accept confessions gained through torture". Without such deterrents, she said, Afghan officials will have no incentive to cease the practice of torture.

As the date for NATO's withdrawal from Afghanistan draws ever closer, the imperative for coalition governments to encourage such deterrents will grow ever stronger.

(Courtesy: Foreign Policy Magazine) JWT Desk

A conversation with Urdu Spokesperson of the US State Department,

Nayyera Haq

Another Test or Another Trap Monday, April 01, 2013

Nayyera Haq, Urdu Spokesperson of the US State Department, comes from a family of Punjabi descent with roots in Multan and Lahore. She holds a Master's degree from Georgetown University where she served as a Fellow of Journalism and Law. She has been the student of history in University of Michigan, one of the top universities of the world. In her recent visit to Pakistan, Jahangir's World Times had an exclusive interview with her.

Q: - Very warm welcome to Pakistan Ms Haq! It's a privilege to have an interview with the spokesperson of the US State Department who is of Pakistan origin. Kindly tell us a little bit about yourself?

Ans: - Thank you for giving me an opportunity to interact with people of Pakistan through your prestigious magazine. As you know, I am currently serving as the US State Department's Urdu spokesperson. At that position, I am a Senior Advisor to the State Department focusing on communicating issues important to South Asia, especially Pakistan. Previously, I have served as a media advisor to Deputy Secretary of State Thomas Nides, Ambassador Holbrooke, former Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and Congressional Leader Nancy Pelosi.

Q: - What are your responsibilities as US State Department's Urdu spokesperson, and why the need was felt to appoint an Urdu spokesperson at the State Department?

Ans:- No doubt, my roots are in Pakistan but I grew up and completed my studies in the United States. As a spokesperson of the State Department, I have to enhance the relations between American and the Pakistani people. You would be aware of the fact that there is hardly any American voice in Pakistani media. Even if there are some, those are not in Urdu.

At the State Department, we want that relationship with Pakistan should not only be with the government but also with the people of Pakistan so that we can understand each other in a better way and foster our relationship.

Q: So you are designated to enhance people to people contacts and establish communication channel. What's the message you have brought for the people of Pakistan? Ans: - I have brought the message from the people of the United States that America's relationship with Pakistan is very important. It's a historical relationship and its continuation is in the interest of both the nations.

Q: - The extremists and terrorists have tarnished Pakistan's image abroad. The foreign visitors frankly admit of having a negative perception of Pakistan in their respective countries. How would you improve Pakistan's image, especially in USA?

Ans: - There are some serious misperceptions on both sides. A lot is stated and aired by Pakistani TV channels against the United States. Contrarily, the American people's thinking about Pakistan is quite different. The common people in the United States aspire to whatever can be desired by a common human being. They also want progress of their children along with good health and economic development of the family to ensure a brighter future. We can improve our understanding level by forging cooperation between the people of two countries.

Q:- If that be the planning, what areas you have identified for enhancing this mutual cooperation?

Ans: - The United States provides fair amount of humanitarian assistance. The government and the people of United States want to focus on the projects of human interest. Our cooperation is not limited or restricted to War on Terror. We have also been providing assistance in other sectors like energy, education, health, etc. For instance, electricity shortfall is a grave problem in Pakistan. In this very sector, the US has helped Pakistan in adding hundreds of megawatts of electricity in the national grid.

Last year, we provided aid to electrify nearly six hundred thousand (600,000) homes. With active US cooperation, Pakistan will be able to provide electricity to about 2 million more homes. This is just one example. If the two sides work together on the projects, focusing on the well-being of common people in Pakistan, there will, surely, be an enhanced understanding between the two countries.

Q:- Pakistan has suffered a great deal in the ongoing war against terrorism. We have also suffered in economic terms. Our foreign trade has been destroyed. What is the thinking back in Washington? Ans;- Everyone in the United States acknowledges that no other country has sacrificed so much as Pakistan. Pakistan has been severely affected by terrorism. The menace of terror has hit this entire region. In fact, extremism is increasing in the world despite relentless efforts to curb it. The United States came under such attack in 2001 that gave birth to this crisis. Now, it is in the interest of all of us to join hands against the rising extremism and terrorism across the globe. We have not forgotten prosperity and development of Pakistani people at all. For this purpose, immediate steps like promotion of trade and provision of energy are necessary.

Q;- President Obama has been re-elected. The Secretary of State, Secretary Defense, Director of CIA, etc. are newcomers. What are the policy perspectives of President Obama, in his second term, on Pakistan?

Ans:- The Pak-US relations are spread over many decades. Our philosophy behind the bilateral relations with Pakistan is very clear. We think that these relations are important and must continue. The new Secretary of State, Senator John Kerry, is a great friend of Pakistan. He is the one who started human assistance programme for Pakistan. Hopefully, under his leadership at the State Department, the bilateral relations will be strengthened. I want to tell you from the US perspective that Pakistani people have sacrificed a lot and we acknowledge this fact. Elimination of terrorism is in mutual interest of Pakistan and the United States. I say it again that these relations must be based on the mutual interests. The US government rarely finds an opportunity to communicate its message directly to the people of Pakistan. There should be a transparency in it so that the people can assess themselves whether the United States has done something for them or not.

Q;- A reconciliation process is going on inside Afghanistan. Whether the United States is holding talks with the Taliban?

Ans:- The objective of the United States has always been to encourage an Afghan-led and Afghan- owned peace process. Afghanistan is the homeland of Afghans and only they have to decide about the fate of their country. As far as the talks between various Afghan groups are concerned, I would just say that the United State always supports reconciliation. JWT Desk

Papal Conclave The Election of 266th Successor of St. Peter

The retirement of Benedict XVI on Feb 28 was the first time in nearly 600 years that a pope stepped down.

Another Test or Another Trap Monday, April 01, 2013

This situation forced the Roman Catholic Church to begin the ancient election process known as “Conclave.” For centuries, the procedure of electing a new pope was simply called a “papal election.” That was, until 1274, when the word conclave started being used instead.

The voting by cardinals to elect the next pope takes place behind the locked doors of the Sistine Chapel, following a highly-detailed procedure, last revised by Pope John Paul II.

Under the rules, secret ballots can be cast once on the first day of the conclave, then normally twice during each subsequent morning and evening session. Except for periodic pauses, the voting continues until a new pontiff is elected.

Only cardinals under the age of 80 can vote in the conclave; older cardinals do not enter the Sistine Chapel. In theory, any baptized male Catholic can be elected pope, but current church law says that he must become a bishop before taking office; since the 15th century, the electors always have chosen a fellow cardinal.

Each vote begins with the preparation and distribution of paper ballots by two masters of ceremonies, who are among a handful of non-cardinals allowed into the Chapel at the start of the session.

Then the names of nine voting cardinals are chosen at random: three to serve as "scrutineers," or voting judges; three to collect the votes of any sick cardinals who remain in their quarters at the Domus Sanctae Marthae; and three "revisers" who check the work of the scrutineers.

The paper ballot is rectangular. On the top half is printed the Latin phrase ("Eligo in Summum Pontificem") ("I elect as the most high pontiff"), and the lower half is blank for the writing of the name of the person chosen.

After all the non-cardinals have left the Chapel, the cardinals fill out their ballots secretly, legibly and fold them twice. Meanwhile, any ballots from sick cardinals are collected and brought back to the Chapel. Each cardinal then walks to the altar, holding up his folded ballot so it can be seen, and says aloud:

"I call as my witness Christ the Lord who will be my judge that my vote is given to the one who before God I think should be elected."

He places his ballot on a plate, or paten, and then slides it into a receptacle, traditionally a large chalice.

When all the ballots have been cast, the first scrutineer shakes the receptacle to mix them. He then transfers the ballots to a new urn, counting them to make sure they correspond to the number of electors.

The ballots are read out. Each of the three scrutineers examines each ballot one-by-one, with the last scrutineer calling out the name on the ballot, so all the cardinals can record the tally. The last scrutineer pierces each ballot with a needle through the word "Eligo" and places it on a thread, so they can be secured.

After the names have been read out, the votes are counted to see if someone has obtained a two- thirds majority needed for election -- or a simple majority if the rules are changed later in the conclave. The revisers then double-check the work of the scrutineers for possible mistakes.

At this point, any handwritten notes made by the cardinals during the vote are collected for burning with the ballots. If the first vote of the morning or evening session is inconclusive, a second vote normally follows immediately, and the ballots from both votes are burned together at the end.

When a pope is elected, the ballots are burned immediately. By tradition, the ballots are burned dry -- or with chemical additives -- to produce white smoke when a pope has been elected; they are burned with damp straw or other chemicals to produce black smoke when the voting has been inconclusive.

The most notable change introduced by Pope John Paul II into the voting process was to increase the opportunity of electing a pope by simple majority instead of two-thirds majority, after a series of ballots. The two-thirds majority rule holds in the first phase of the conclave: three days of voting, then a pause of up to one day, followed by seven ballots and a pause, then seven more ballots and a pause, and seven more ballots.

At that point -- about 12 or 13 days into the conclave -- the cardinals can decide to move to a simple majority for papal election and can limit the voting to the top two vote-getters. In earlier conclaves, switching to a simple majority required approval of two-thirds of the cardinals, but now that decision can be made by simple majority, too. JWT Desk

On Ties with India Historically speaking, Pak-India bilateral relations have predictably been unpredictable. The more both countries seem to make headway the more pitfalls they have to contend with in trying to negotiate this fragile and volatile relationship.

Another Test or Another Trap Monday, April 01, 2013

Just at a time when all was set for the third round of composite dialogue between Islamabad and New Delhi, the incidents at the Line of Control (LoC) upset the applecart. Using these incidents as justification to delay his planned visit to Pakistan, Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh was quick to opine that it was not possible for the Congress-led coalition government to have 'business as usual' with Pakistan.

While the Pakistani leaders, foreign office, media and opinion-makers showed maturity in dealing with the ensuing crisis at the LoC, their counterparts in India resorted to their usual tricks of playing to gallery. Though the composite dialogue process was not halted, which has been the usual practice when faced with spanners in the normalization works, a visible slowdown in the bilateral relations was clearly discernible. New Delhi cancelled the Secretary-level talks to discuss Wullar Barrage issue and put a stopper on making operational the new visa regime. It also ordered Pakistani hockey players to leave the Indian soil immediately.

As a reaction, Islamabad, which was all set to grant the status of Most Favoured Nation to India by December 2012 had to defer its decision.

Before leaving office near the end of tenure, Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar threw light on the main highlights of the PPP-led government's handling of foreign policy at a press conference. On her government's policy towards India during five years in office, she had this much to say:

“There is level of mistrust even in the Indian media. I am disappointed but would not call it a strategic failure. We have walked the talk. We can only conduct our own policy and wait for them to come to us. We need to lead domestic opinion rather than follow. Both countries have invested in improving relations so let us take away ammunition from the naysayer.” This nicely sums up the situation.

A review of Pakistan's India policy reveals that New Delhi has failed to make good use of extraordinary consensus among the stakeholders in the country on the need of improving relations with its eastern archrival. The following is instructive in this regard:

It was in June 1997 that the composite dialogue framework, which had eight points including Jammu & Kashmir, was launched. Pakistan made progress on composite dialogue framework conditional to the resolution of the core issue of Jammu & Kashmir, while India favoured a simultaneous progress on all issues contained in the dialogue process. Both countries stuck to their traditional stands through the following years till 9/11 happened and changed the regional and global geostrategic landscape.

As global terrorism became a major concern, India joined the bandwagon and tried to portray the indigenous freedom struggle as terrorism, allegedly aided by the safe havens located in Pakistan. The emerging international consensus against terrorism and policy shifts forced Pakistan to review its India-policy. It was for the first time in Pakistan's history since 1947 that Islamabad backtracked from its historic stand on Kashmir during incumbency of General Pervez Musharaf.

Instead of echoing its usual mantra of the UN resolutions being the key to acceptable solution, it accepted the Indian downgrading of the Kashmir issue as bilateral one between New Delhi and Islamabad. The various formulae proposed by Musharraf reflected the country's departure from its traditional stand much to the ire of rightist political and religious parties. The rest is history.

All along the succeeding years, India pegged dialogue with Pakistan with the latter's progress on dismantling terrorist network, it accused Islamabad of harbouring. Each time when both countries picked up the thread where it was broken either it was in January 2004 or 2010, the leaderships of both countries made tall claims of 'opening a new chapter' in bilateral relations. But each time, as history goes by, one minor incident has the potential of derailing the whole process with both countries going back to their earlier positions. The various formulae proposed by Musharraf reflected the country's departure from its traditional stand much to the ire of rightist political and religious parties. India's Pakistan policy shows that it has allowed itself to be dictated by past by refusing to visualize the dividends that normalization and peace with Pakistan would bring. It failed to discern a sea change in all elements of national opinion vis-à-vis India. Pakistan's powerful military, whose strategic orientation has historically been anti-India, favoured normalization of ties with New Delhi. General Musharraf's peace overtures reflected a strong desire within the establishment to think out of box to improve ties with their eastern neighbour. Recently, the military identified home-gown terrorism as the biggest threat to national security.

Previously, this 'coveted slot' has been occupied by India. This is a major policy shift, which has taken years to come about starting with Islamabad's fight against terrorism from 2001 onwards. Secondly, there is a rare consensus among all key political parties in Pakistan to improve relations with India. PML-N, PPP and PTI, which otherwise have deep fissures on political plain, are on the same page and the leaderships of these parties have conveyed their willingness to engage India in productive and result-oriented dialogue. The religious parties that feed on anti-India rhetoric have not been able to get the kind of acceptance they would get in the past. There is a greater realization among the masses as well that improved relations with New Delhi are in Pakistan's interest as it will save precious resources for usage on the uplift of society. It will also give greater space to the armed forces to deal with the menace of terrorism, which has assumed dangerous proportions for the country's stability and security.

In failing to render this consensus into a basis for improved ties on sustainable basis, the Indian leadership has proven to be reactive, lacking depth of vision and courage to put the region on a trajectory of socioeconomic development. A lot depends on the approach of new governments, which would be voted into power in Pakistan in 2013 and in India in 2014 following parliamentary elections, as how they take up the bilateral agenda. Armed with fresh mandate, they would have the political support to begin afresh. What they need to understand is that continued and meaningful engagement is no more a luxury but a strategic need. But only time will tell whether they learn lessons from history or insist on repeating previous mistakes.

The writer is a civil servant and can be reached at [email protected] Amanat Ali Chaudhry

Why Obama's Israel Trip Is One Big Mistake Netanyahu insulted the president, backed Romney, and hasn't moved the peace process. Now, White House should not reward behavior like that, not even from an ally.

Another Test or Another Trap Monday, April 01, 2013

Iran is accelerating its nuclear program, Syria's gruesome civil war is beginning to bleed across its borders, Two years after Hosni Mubarak's ouster, Egypt's political transition is, at best, dicey and yet according to deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes, “more important” than all of that “in some respects” is that President Obama take this opportunity to “speak directly to the Israeli people.''

I get the logic of whoever dreamed up the president's trip to Israel this week: Send Obama to reassure the Israelis he's got their back on Iran. Demonstrate he doesn't prefer the Arabs—an impression left in his first term when he visited Cairo but didn't stop by Tel Aviv. Pay his respects at the graves of Israel's fallen and acknowledge the historical artefacts that show Jews' ties to the land. Let them know he really admires their technological prowess. Then maybe Israelis will feel more inclined to make peace with the Palestinians knowing the relationship with their most important ally is solid.

But this trip—the timing and the script—makes no sense. And even more than simply being a big waste of Obama's time at a moment when he has little time to waste, it's burning crucial American political capital that ought to be reserved for moments that truly warrant it.

The White House says the president is going to hear out what the newly – appointed Israeli government has planned. Here's a quick preview: Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon wants to bomb Iran and Housing Minister Uri Ariel wants to build new settlements. If Obama wants to talk about drafting ultra-Orthodox Jews intothe Israel Defense Forces or the price of apartments in Tel Aviv, he'll find an audience. Those relatively marginal issues are what dominated Israel's recent election, not the future with the Palestinians.

Three years ago, Vice President Joe Biden went to Israel tasked with a similar mission—reassure Israelis that Obama loves them. Biden hit all the right notes, saying that the bond between Israel and the United States was “unshakeable” and “unbreakable” so many times that we reporters, who covered that trip, started keeping a running tally. Then as the vice-presidential motorcade was leaving the Yad Vashem Holocaust museum, news that Israel's Interior Ministry had authorized 1,600 housing units in East Jerusalem destroyed what should have been a pure celebration of American-Israeli ties. Biden returned to his hotel to consult with the White House on what to say, leaving Netanyahu waiting awkwardly at his residence for an hour and a half for dinner. When Biden arrived, he issued an unprecedented rebuke that embarrassed the Israeli prime minister, as they sat down to eat.

American-Israeli ties remained sour. Two months after Biden's visit, Obama refused to hold a photo op with Netanyahu when he visited the White House. The next year, when the president agreed to share the stage with Israel's prime minister, Netanyahu lectured him before the cameras in the Oval Office on why Obama's (hardly original) idea that the 1967 borders could be a baseline for peace negotiations with the Palestinians was bunk. In 2012, Netanyahu—frustrated that he couldn't goad Obama into saying when the U.S. would bomb Iran—publicly suggested the president had no “moral right” to stop Israel from taking action itself. All the while, Netanyahu, over the past few years, did nothing to further peace with the Palestinians. He floated via surrogates that he thought Obama was naïve on the Middle East. And he left the strong impression last year that he was rooting for Mitt Romney to win the U.S. presidential election.

In spite of all this, the president is headed to Tel Aviv. The anti-Obama peace-process sceptics can't help but gloat. As Barry Rubin, a conservative, pro-Israel American pundit put it on his Facebook page: “I think we have just won a huge victory … Obama has admitted defeat on trying to bully, manipulate, or pressure Israel.”

The White House doesn't want this trip to be about Netanyahu or his new government. That's why Obama will address Israeli college students in a convention hall rather than speak to politicians in the Knesset. But when it comes to how this trip will be perceived in Israel, it will be all about Netanyahu and his political fortunes. Netanyahu will be seen as the victor in his battle with Obama, rewarded not only for defying—or standing strongly against, depending on one's political perspective—an American president. And Netanyahu will learn one powerful lesson from Obama's visit: I don't have to do anything on the Palestinian issue. I can continue to expand settlements, focus solely on Iran, and insult the U.S. president, and he will still come and thank me with a two- day dog-and-pony show.

It's clear why the White House wants to avoid the thorny Israeli-Palestinian disputes of Jerusalem, settlements, and refugees. Past presidents have expended enormous time and energy on the matter and failed miserably. The last time Obama tried to articulate some guiding principles on borders, he got shouted down by Bibi. The United States “will always continue to be engaged in this process in terms of trying to move it forward,'' Rhodes told reporters in a pretrip briefing that illustrated just how radically Obama has scaled back his ambitions since September 2010, when he said he thought peace could be achieved within a year. If Obama wants to talk about drafting ultra-Orthodox Jews into the Israel Defense Forces or the price of apartments in Tel Aviv, he'll find an audience. So why is Obama going? Is it really an attempt at “repairing relations with America's primary Middle East ally” as the Washington Post's Scott Wilson wrote? Or as Jeffrey Goldberg wrote in a column for Bloomberg, to reintroduce himself to Israelis and convey to them that he understands their situation? Perhaps! But if it is, then this is truly a waste of time. Just as Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel—whose nomination was held up by those who worried he wasn't pro-Israel enough— wasn't running for Israeli defense minister, Obama isn't running for Israeli office (or any office for that matter). And anyone who knows Israelis and their current mindset on the Palestinians (Palestinians, who?) knows that a little ego stroking isn't going to get that population behind a peace deal.

That doesn't mean the trip couldn't do some good. While the president is there ostensibly repairing the relationship with Israelis who've felt jilted, Obama may be sending an important signal to Tehran. The message: Just because I can't stand Bibi doesn't mean I won't stand with him in preventing you from getting a nuclear weapon.

Since Obama is making the 12-hour flight, there's one important thing he can accomplish if he wants to achieve something beyond simply making Israelis feel good. When he delivers his speech in Jerusalem, he can remind Israelis that if they want their nation to be a nation like all others—one with internationally accepted borders, no longer targeted by divestment campaigns, and not facing a possible third Intifada—they need to stop saying they have no partner and make peace with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas before it is too late. And if they can do that, he looks forward to coming back a second time as president—when they have a peace deal to sign. JWT Desk History of Elections in Pakistan

Pakistan is inching closer to the new elections and people of Pakistan will soon elect their representatives for the next five years. At this point, let's take a look at the past elections held in Pakistan.

Another Test or Another Trap Monday, April 01, 2013

ELECTIONS OF 1970 In the General Elections 1970, twenty-four political parties contested for 300 National Assembly seats; 13 were reserved for women. Parties were allowed to begin their election campaigns from January 1, 1970.

A total of 1,957 candidates filed nomination papers for 300 National Assembly seats, however, 1,579 eventually contested the elections. Awami League ran 170 candidates, of which 162 were for constituencies in East Pakistan. Jamaat-i-Islami fielded 151 candidates. The Pakistan Peoples Party ran only 120 candidates, of which 103 were from constituencies in the Punjab and Sindh. The Pakistan Peoples Party had no candidates in East Pakistan. The Convention Muslim League ran 124 candidates, the Council Muslim League 119 and the Qayyum Muslim League 133.

RESULTS Awami League emerged as the single largest party in East Pakistan capturing 160 seats in the National Assembly. Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party (PPP) emerged as the largest party in West Pakistan, capturing 81 seats. The PML (Qayyum), PML (Council), PML (Convention), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, Jamiyat Ulema-e-Pakistan and Jamaat-e-Islami won only 37 National Assembly seats.

PARTY POSITION In the provincial elections, the Awami League won 288 of the 300 seats in the East Pakistan Assembly, but none in any of the four West Pakistan assemblies. The Pakistan Peoples Party did well in the Punjab and Sindh Assemblies but failed to win any seats in East Pakistan. The Assemblies of the North West Frontier Province and Balochistan were dominated by the more conservative National Awami Party (Wali) and the PML (Qayyum).

ELECTIONS OF 1985 Elections of the National and Provincial Assemblies were scheduled to be held in February 1985 on non-party basis. To contest the elections, a precondition was that a candidate must be supported by at least 50 people to be eligible.

POLLING AND RESULTS The elections were held on February 25 and 28, 1985 for national and provincial assemblies respectively. More than 800 important political personalities were arrested in a pre-election crackdown; election campaigns were not allowed and a ban was imposed on political parties, processions, rallies and even loudspeakers.

DISPOSITION OF THE HOUSE The National Assembly continued to be dominated by the rural landlords. The only change was that the younger generation of landlords had taken over from their elders. The social background of the new members of parliament can be judged from the following figures: Nearly 75 per cent of the 847 members of these bodies were big landlords.

ELECTIONS OF 1988 On August 17, 1988, General Zia along with 31 other notables died in a C-130 plane crash near Bahawalpur. Under the constitution, the Chairman Senate, Ghulam Ishaq Khan became the acting president. On October 2, 1988, the Supreme Court of Pakistan ruled that political parties would be allowed to participate in the upcoming elections.

CONTESTING PARTIES The elections proved, mainly, a two-party race between Pakistan People's Party and a coalition of right-leaning parties called the Islami Jamhoori Ittehad (IJI). Pakistan People's Party (PPP), led by Ms. Benazir Bhutto and the conservative Islamic Democratic Alliance (IJI), headed by Mr Nawaz Sharif, as well as a multitude of other groups, fielded some 1,370 candidates for the Assembly's 217 popularly-chosen seats.

POLLS Elections for the National Assembly were held on 16 November, 1988. PPP emerged as the single largest party by receiving 38.52% votes. It captured 93 of the 207 directly-contested seats in parliament, which has 237 members. IJI was able to grab 30.16% of the votes, but only 55 seats.

After the women's seats were apportioned, the Pakistan People's Party controlled 105 of the 237 seats. The PPP formed a coalition-government with the MQM. On December 2, 1988 Benazir Bhutto was sworn in as the prime minister of Pakistan. The provincial elections, held on November 19, initially resulted in PPP governments in three out of four provinces. However, in Punjab, JI leader Nawaz Sharif became Chief Minister.

ELECTIONS OF 1990 On August 6, 1990, President Ghulam Ishaq Khan dismissed Benazir government and announced new elections on 24 October, 1990. He chose the leader of the opposition in the former National Assembly, Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi, as the new caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan.

CONTENDER PARTIES 1. Pakistan Democratic Alliance, established by PPP together with Asghar Khan's Tehrik-i-Istiqlal, and two smaller parties. 2. IJI, the coalition that had also competed with the PPP in the 1988 elections. 3. Altaf Hussain's MQM, Khan Abdul Wali Khan's Awami National Party, Jamiat-ul-Ulama-e-Islam and the Jamhoori Watan Party. The results showed that IJI secured a booming victory, winning 106 of the 217 general seats. The PDA could win only forty-five seats. Candidates of small ethnic parties and independents captured the remainder.

Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif was elected Prime Minister by the National Assembly on November 1, 1990. President Ghulam Ishaq Khan dissolved the assemblies on 18th April 1993 on corruption and other serious charges. General Elections were scheduled to be held on July 14, 1993.

The President appointed Balakh Sher Mazari as the interim Prime Minister. On May 26, 1993, the Supreme Court revoked the Presidential Order and reinstated Nawaz Sharif as the Prime Minister. However, both the prime minister and the President resigned on 18 July 1993. Moeen Qureshi, a top World Bank official, became the next caretaker PM.

ELECTIONS OF 1993 Elections for National Assembly and Provincial assemblies were scheduled for October 6 and 9 respectively.

CONTESTING PARTIES 1,485 candidates, in all, contested polls for the National Assembly. None of the main parties gained a controlling majority; PPP obtaining 86 seats to PML's 72.

The first session was held on 15th October 1993. Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani took oath of the office of the Speaker National Assembly on 17th October 1993. Ms. Bhutto was sworn in on 19 October after she defeated Mian Nawaz Sharif with 121-71 margin for the Leader of the House slot. On 14 November, former PPP Foreign Minister Farooq Ahmed Khan Leghari was elected President.

On November 5, 1996, President Leghari dismissed Ms Bhutto's Government and appointed Malik Meraj Khalid, Rector of the International Islamic University, as caretaker Prime Minister. The next elections were scheduled to be held on February 3, 1997.

Benazir Bhutto filed a petition with the Supreme Court but on January 29, 1997, only six days before the general elections, the Supreme Court rejected her petition.

ELECTIONS OF 1997 After the dissolution of Benazir Government, the elections for eleventh National Assembly were held on 3rd February 1997. Besides PPP, main contenders were: Pakistan Muslim League (PML) Nawaz, Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM); and Jamaat-e-Islami. A total of 6,289 candidates contested the election.

The first session was held on 15th February 1997 whereas Mr Illahi Bukhsh Soomro took oath of the office of the Speaker National Assembly on 16th February 1997. Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif took oath as Prime Minister of Pakistan on 17th February 1997.

On 12 October 1999, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif ordered Musharraf's dismissal. However, senior Army generals refused to accept it and in a coup, the Generals ousted Sharif administration. Chief of Army Staff General Pervez Musharraf assumed the title of Chief Executive. Through Provisional Constitutional Order (PCO) issued on October 14th 1999, he held the Constitution in abeyance, suspended the Senate, National and Provincial Assemblies, Chairman and Deputy Chairman Senate, Speaker, Deputy Speaker National and Provincial Assemblies and dismissed the Federal and Provincial governments.

ELECTIONS OF 2002 On 12 May 2000, the Supreme Court of Pakistan ordered Pervez Musharraf to hold general elections by 12 October 2002. On 11 July 2002, the President and Chief Executive of Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf, announced that general elections for the National Assembly and four Provincial Assemblies would be held on 10 October 2002.

The National and Provincial elections were held on the same day. More than 72 million registered voters aged 18 and above from a population of 140 million, elected members for the 342 National Assembly seats and 728 seats of the four Provincial Assemblies. A total of 2,098 candidates contested for 272 general seats of the National Assembly. The remaining 60 seats were reserved for women and 10 for non-Muslims.

Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid-i-Azam (PML-Q), a faction of the former Pakistan Muslim League (PML) obtained the largest share of seats, 77, but fell short of majority. The Pakistan People's Party Parliamentarians (PPP-P) came second with 63 seats. Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA), an alliance of six Islamist parties, won 45 seats.

On November 19, 2002, Chaudhry Amir Hussain was elected the new Speaker of the National Assembly while on November 21, 2002, Mir Zafarullah Jamali was elected as the 21st Prime Minister of Pakistan by securing 172 votes out of 329 votes. However, he resigned on 26 June 2004 and Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain replaced him as the interim Prime Minister who was later replaced by Shaukat Aziz.

Elections 2008 On 8 November 2007, Musharraf announced that the election would be held by 15 February 2008. Later the election date was changed to occur on or before 9 January 2008. Even later, he suggested 8 January 2008 as the election date. On 15 November, 2007, Mohammad Mian Soomro was appointed as caretaker prime minister at the expiry of the term of the previous government.

The year 2007 saw numerous political crises culminating in the December 27 assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

Five main parties who contested these elections were: (1) Pakistan People's Party (2) Pakistan Muslim League- Q (3) Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (4) Awami National Party (5) Mutahidda Qaumi Movement ELECTIONS OF 2013 Now, Pakistanis have another opportunity to send their elected representatives to the parliament through their votes. This time apart from PML (N), PPP, MQM and PML (Q), Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is among the major parties that are going to contest the polls. Imran Khan is focusing the youth and is expected to make a major upset in the results. Adeel Niaz

Sindh

The Land of Endless Opportunities

Another Test or Another Trap Monday, April 01, 2013

The gateway of Islam in the Indo-Pak Subcontinent, Sindh is the second largest province of Pakistan. It is home to the Indus Valley Civilization that is one of the earliest urban civilizations in the world.

Geography East Indian states of Gujarat and Rajasthan West Indus River and Balochistan North Punjab South Arabian Sea

Sindh forms the lower Indus basin and lies between 23 to 35 degree and 28-30, north latitude and 66-42 and 71-1 degree east longitude. It is about 579 kms in length from north to south and nearly 442 kms in its extreme breadth (281 kms average). It covers 140,914 square kms and is about as large as England.

The biggest international airport of Pakistan is situated in Karachi and is known as Qaid-e-Azam International Airport.

Districts

There are 27 districts in Sindh. Karachi consists of 5 districts. A list of these districts with their respective areas is as follows: Total area of Karachi is 1485 sq. Km. District Thar covering a total area of 19637 sq. km. is the largest district in Sindh.

Did You Know? Sindh has two gigantic seaports and both are located in Karachi

Natural Resources Sindh is the richest province in natural resources of gas, petrol and coal. Here is a brief account of Sindh’s natural resources.

Coal 99% coal reserves of Pakistan are in Sindh. These are located in Lakhra, Soondha, Thar, Meeting- Jhampeer and Badin. Among these, Thar coal reserves are the largest in the world. Thar region is endowed with mammoth coal (lignite) reserves estimated to be 175 billion tonnes which can produce 100,000MW of electricity for next 300 years and can be a key to energy security and economic prosperity. Major coalfields in Sindh are:

Thar Coalfield Total Area 9,100 sq. Km Coal Reserves 175b tonnes Badin Coalfield Total Area 1,110 sq. km Coal Reserves 1.36b tonnes Sonda Coalfield Total Area 1,822 sq. km Coal Reserves 7.11b tonnes Lakhra Coalfield Total Area 1,309 sq. km Coal Reserves 1.33b tonnes

(Source: Sindh Coal Authority)

Did You Know? If all the oil reserves of Saudi Arabia & Iran are put together, these are approximately 375 billion barrels, but a single Thar coal reserve of Sindh is about 850 Trillion Cubic Feet, Which is more than oil reserves of Saudi Arabia & Iran.

Natural Gas Sindh produces 48% of natural gas of Pakistan. There are 10 gasfields in Sindh from where natural gas is extracted. These are: Kandhkoat, Khairpur, Mari (The largest gasfield where 20% gas is stored and 18% gas is produced/used), Suri/Hundi, Golarchi, Khaskheli and Leghari.

Note: The Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) daily extracts nearly 986 MMCF of natural gas, 368 tonnes of LPG and 71 tonnes of sulphur. On 18th September, 2012, Italian energy major ENI discovered a major reserve of between 300 billion and 400 billion cubic feet of gas some 350 kilometres north of Karachi in Pakistan.

On October 27, 2012, OGDCL announced the discovery of 400 billion cubic feet from Bhadra Gas Field situated in Dadu district of Sindh.

Crude Oil/Petrol Sindh produces 62% of the total oil production of Pakistan.

Major Oilfields of Sindh Tando Alam, Lashari, Thora, Sono, Missan, Pasakhi and Kunnar

Politics Karachi is the capital of Sindh. Provincial Assembly of the province is based in Karachi while Sindh Public Service Commission is headquartered at Hyderabad. The provincial Assembly consists of 168 members including 130 general seats, 29 seats reserved for women and 9 seats for Non- Muslims.

The foundation stone of the building was laid by Sir Lancelot Graham, the Governor of Sindh, on 11 March 1940. The construction of the building – declared open by Sir Hugh Dow, the Governor of Sindh, on 4 March 1942 – was completed within a span of two years. In 1971, after a lapse of about 24 years, it was again declared as the Sindh Assembly building. Since then it has been used as such.

Important Khan Bahadur Muhammed Ayub Khoro is the only person in the history of Sindh since 1947 who has served thrice as the Chief Minister of the province. Mr. Mahmood A. Haroon has been the Governor of Sindh for two terms.

Did You Know? The 30th Governor of Sindh, Dr Ishrat Ul Ebad Khan, took up the post on December 27, 2002, becoming the youngest governor to hold the office. He now holds also the record of longest-serving Governor of any province of Pakistan since its inception in 1947.

Culture The culture of Sindh has its roots in the Indus Valley Civilization. • Poets Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai and Sachal Sarmast are the two most revered sufi poets of Sindh. Some famous regional poets are Shaikh Ayaz, Ustaad Bhukhari, Ahmed Khan Madhoosh, Adal Soomro, Ayaz Gul, Abdul Ghaffar Tabasum, G.N.Qureshi, Rukhsana Preet, Waseem Soomro. • Folktales Famous folktales of Sindh include Sassuee Punhoon, Moomal Rano, Umar Marvi, Noori Jaam Tamachi, Suhni Mehar and Sorath - Rai - Diyach Leela Chanesar. • Language Besides Urdu, Sindhi with its dialects Kutchi, Lasi, Parkari, Memoni, Lari, Vicholi, Utradi, Macharia, Dukslinu (spoken by Hindu Sindhis) and Siraiki are two main languages. • Sports The most famous regional sports include Malakhiro, Wanjh Wati, Kodi Kodi, Beelarhoo, Thipai Rand, Notinn and Biloor. • Music Famous Sindhi singers include the great Abida Parveen, Ustad Muhammad Juman, Ustad Manzoor Ali Khan, Zarina Baloch, Shaman Ali Meerali, Mai Bhaghi, Allan Faqir, Sohrab Fakir and many other singers who prefer singing Sindhi songs.

Pakistan's Prime Ministers born in Sindh Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Muhammad Khan Junejo, Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi, Shaukat Aziz, Muhammad Mian Soomro and Raja Pervaiz Ashraf were born in Sindh.

Places to Visit Moenjodaro, Kot Diji Fort, Gorakh Hill, Runnikot Fort, Naukot Fort, Thatta and Makli Graveyard, Banbhore, Keenjhar Lake, Hyderabad Fort (Pakko Qilo), Haleji Lake,

Did You Know? 1.The Gorakh hill station is 5,866 feet above sea level and is part of the Khirthar mountain range. With pleasant weather and a beautiful landscape, it is the only place in Sindh where it snows in winter.

2. Makli Graveyard is one of the largest necropolises in the world, with a diameter of approximately 8 kilometers, Makli Hill is supposed to be the burial place of some 125,000 Sufi saints.

Twin Cities Karachi Port Louis, Mauritius since 1 May 2007 Shanghai, China since 15 February 1984 Puttalam, Sri Lanka November 2012 Hong Kong Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Tashkent, Uzbekistan Istanbul, Turkey Beirut, Lebanon Dhaka, Bangladesh Izmir, Turkey, since 1985 Houston, United States since 8 May 2008 Manama, Bahrain Pristina, Kosovo since 24 July 2008 Dubai, U.A.E Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 1 June 2008 Moscow, Russia 28 August 2011 Mashad, Iran, 11 May 2012 Chicago, USA

Hyderabad Toledo, Ohio, USA

Sindh & Pakistan Movement • Sindh was an important centre of activities during the Khilafat Movement. The Hijrat Tehrik also started in Sindh • Under the Government of India Act of 1935, Sindh was made a province with its own Legislative Assembly on April 1, 1936. • The Sindh Provincial Muslim League Conference held its first session at Karachi in October 1938 under the presidentship of Quaid-i-Azam. • A Muslim League Assembly party was established in Sindh ,of which Ghulam Hussain Hidayatullah was elected leader and Mir Bandeh Ali Talpur deputy leader. • It was only the Sindh Assembly, amongst all the provinces of undivided India, which passed a resolution on March 3, 1943, presented by the late G.M. Syed on the lines of the Lahore Resolution, in support of Pakistan. • On June 26, 1947 the Sindh Assembly, at a special session, decided to join the new Pakistan Constituent Assembly. Thus, Sindh became the first province to opt for Pakistan.

Islands in Sindh Churna: The second-largest island of Pakistan Manora: A tiny peninsula located south of the port of Karachi Others Baba Bhit Island, Buddo Island, Bundal Island, Khiprianwala Island, Shams Pir and Clifton Oyster Rocks - small islets

Lakes in Sindh Drigh Lake Qambar Shahdadkot Hadero Lake Thatta Haleji Lake Thatta Hamal Lake Qamber Shahdadkot Keenjhar Lake Thatta Manchar Lake Dadu

Artificial Lakes and Reservoirs Chotiari Lake Sanghar District Hub Lake Karachi and Lasbela District on Sindh and Balochistan border

Famous Shrines Syed Qutub Ali Shah: Tando Jahania, Hyderabad

Abdul Wahab Faruqi (Sachal Sarmast): Khairpur

Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai: Bhit Shah, Matiari

Syed Usman Marwandi (Lal Shahbaz Qalandar): Sehwan

Syed Abdullah Shah Ghazi: Karachi

Sakhi Sultan: Mangho Pir, Karachi

Qutbe-Alam Shah Bukhari: Karachi

Abdullah Shah As'habi: Thatta

Some Random Facts Indus, the largest river of Pakistan, originates from Tibetan Plateau and after covering the total distance of 3180 kilometres, it falls into the Arabian Sea near Thatta in Sindh.

Blind River Dolphin, also called Indus Susu, found in the Indus River is one of four river dolphin species and subspecies in the world that spend all their lives in freshwater.

Sir Cowasji Jehangir Institute of Psychiatry Mental Hospital, commonly known as Gidu Bander, is the biggest mental hospital in Pakistan.

The territory of Sindh was annexed to the Bombay Presidency in 1843.

Pir Sibghatullah Shah Rashdi, Pir Pagara, launched a militant revolt known as "Hur Movement" against the British Raj. Muhammad Usman Butt

Venezuela's 'Comandante' Hugo Chávez An iconic leader who raised Venezuela's profile

Venezuelan President Hugo Rafael Chávez Frias, who died on March 7, was a charismatic and prograessive leader, whose idiosyncratic brand of socialism gave hope to the poorest people in the Latin American country.

Another Test or Another Trap Monday, April 01, 2013

Mr Chávez was born on July 28, 1954 in the state of Barinas. The Chávez family were of Amerindian, Afro-Venezuelan, and Spanish descent. His parents, Hugo de los Reyes Chávez and Elena Frías de Chávez, were working-lower middle class schoolteachers who lived in the small village of Los Rastrojos. He attended the Daniel O'Leary High School in Barinas city. At age seventeen, Chávez studied at the Venezuelan Academy of Military Sciences in Caracas. At the Academy, he was a member of the first class that was following a restructured curriculum known as the Andrés Bello Plan. He later said, “I found my true vocation there.”

Living in Caracas, he saw more of the endemic poverty faced by working class Venezuelans, something that echoed the poverty he had experienced growing up, and he maintained that this experience only made him further committed to achieving social justice.

In the Academy, he found time to study the lives of the 19th Century South American revolutionary leader Simon Bolivar and Che Guevara. In 1974, he was selected to be a representative in the commemorations for the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Ayacucho in Peru, the conflict in which Simon Bolívar's lieutenant, Antonio José de Sucre, defeated royalist forces during the Peruvian War of Independence.

He graduated in 1975 and had already begun to form political ideas that he would later put into practice as president, including the belief that the military had a duty to step in if a civilian government was deemed to have failed to protect the poorest in society.

In 1977, he founded a revolutionary movement within the armed forces, in the hope that he could one day introduce a leftist government to Venezuela: the Venezuelan People's Liberation Army (Ejército de Liberación del Pueblo de Venezuela, or ELPV), was a secretive cell within the military that consisted of him and a handful of his fellow soldiers.

In 1989, Carlos Andrés Pérez was elected President after promising to oppose the United States government's “Washington Consensus” and financial policies recommended by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Nevertheless, he did neither once he got into office. Disturbed by his policies, Chávez began preparing for a coup d'état, known as Operation Zamora. Initially planned for December, Chávez delayed the MBR-200 coup until the early twilight hours of 4 February 1992.

On that date, five army units under Chávez's command moved into urban Caracas with the mission of overwhelming key military and communications installations. Chávez's immediate goal was to intercept and take custody of Pérez, who was returning from an overseas trip. Despite years of planning, the coup quickly encountered trouble.

A revolt by members of the Revolutionary Bolivarian Movement claimed 18 lives before Colonel Chávez surrendered.

He was languishing in a military jail when his associates tried again to seize power nine months later. The second coup attempt in November 1992 was crushed as well.

Chávez spent two years in prison before relaunching his party as the Movement of the Fifth Republic, making the transition from a soldier to a politician. In his television and radio shows, Chávez answered calls from citizens, discussed his latest policies, sung songs and told jokes, making it unique not only in Latin America but the entire world. He spent time canvassing and found strong support and friendship from Cuba's revolutionary president, Fidel Castro to whom he has a father-son relation.

Chávez believed in overthrowing the government by force but was persuaded to change his mind and instead became a candidate in the 1998 presidential elections.

Venezuela had enjoyed an unbroken period of democratic government since 1958, but the two main parties, which had alternated in power, stood accused of presiding over a corrupt system and squandering the country's vast oil wealth.

Chávez promised “revolutionary” social policies, and constantly abused the “predatory oligarchs” of the establishment as corrupt servants of international capital.

Chávez's promises of widespread social and economic reforms won the trust and favor of a primarily poor and working class following. Chávez won the election with 56.20% of the vote and on 2 February 1999, he was officially inaugurated as the President of Venezuela.

Whilst he was remaining fiscally conservative, he introduced measures in an attempt to alleviate the poverty of the Venezuelan working class. Chávez immediately set into motion a social welfare programme called Plan Bolívar 2000, which he organised to begin on 27 February 1999, the tenth anniversary of the Caracazo massacre.

In his television and radio shows, Chávez answered calls from citizens, discussed his latest policies, sung songs and told jokes, making it unique not only in Latin America but the entire world.

Chávez held a referendum to form a constitutional assembly to frame a new constitution. Under the new constitution, presidential election was held in July 2000. Chávez was re-elected with 59.76% of the vote.

In the presidential election of December 2006 Chávez was once again elected. On 7 October 2012, Chávez won election as president for a fourth time, and for the third time he won a six-year term.

The inauguration of Chávez's new term was scheduled for 10 January 2013, but he was undergoing medical treatment at the time in Cuba from where he left for the eternal abode.

On his death, a prestigious British newspaper “The Guardian” wrote:

Chávez was a democratically elected champion of the poor. His policies lifted millions out of abject poverty and misery. He represented a break from years of corrupt regimes with often dire human rights records. His achievements were won in the face of an attempted military coup, an aggressively hostile media, and bitter foreign critics. He demonstrated that it is possible to resist the neo-liberal dogma that holds sway over much of humanity. He will be mourned by millions of Venezuelans – and understandably so. Muhammad Usman Butt

Will Capitalism Destroy Civilization?

An economic system based on a free market, open competition, profit motive and private ownership is called capitalism.

Another Test or Another Trap Monday, April 01, 2013

There is “capitalism” and then there is “really existing capitalism.”

The term “capitalism” is commonly used to refer to the U.S. economic system, with substantial state intervention ranging from subsidies for creative innovation to the “too-big-to-fail” government insurance policy for banks.

The system is highly monopolized, further limiting reliance on the market, and increasingly so: In the past 20 years the share of profits of the 200 largest enterprises has risen sharply, reports scholar Robert W. McChesney in his new book “Digital Disconnect.”

“Capitalism” is a term now commonly used to describe systems in which there are no capitalists: for example, the worker-owned Mondragon conglomerate in the Basque region of Spain, or the worker- owned enterprises expanding in northern Ohio, often with conservative support – both are discussed in important work by the scholar Gar Alperovitz.

Some might even use the term “capitalism” to refer to the industrial democracy advocated by John Dewey, America's leading social philosopher, in the late 19th century and early 20th century.

Dewey called for workers to be “masters of their own industrial fate” and for all institutions to be brought under public control, including the means of production, exchange, publicity, transportation and communication. Short of this, Dewey argued, politics will remain “the shadow cast on society by big business.”

The truncated democracy that Dewey condemned has been left in tatters in recent years. Now control of government is narrowly concentrated at the peak of the income scale, while the large majority “down below” has been virtually disenfranchised. The current political-economic system is a form of plutocracy, diverging sharply from democracy, if by that concept we mean political arrangements in which policy is significantly influenced by the public will.

There have been serious debates over the years about whether capitalism is compatible with democracy. If we keep to really existing capitalist democracy – RECD for short – the question is effectively answered: They are radically incompatible.

It seems to me unlikely that civilization can survive RECD and the sharply attenuated democracy that goes along with it. But could functioning democracy make a difference?

Let's keep to the most critical immediate problem that civilization faces: environmental catastrophe. Policies and public attitudes diverge sharply, as is often the case under RECD. The nature of the gap is examined in several articles in the current issue of Daedalus, the journal of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Researcher Kelly Sims Gallagher finds that “One hundred and nine countries have enacted some form of policy regarding renewable power, and 118 countries have set targets for renewable energy. In contrast, the United States has not adopted any consistent and stable set of policies at the national level to foster the use of renewable energy.”

It is not public opinion that drives American policy off the international spectrum. Quite the opposite. Opinion is much closer to the global norm than the U.S. government's policies reflect, and much more supportive of actions needed to confront the likely environmental disaster predicted by an overwhelming scientific consensus – and one that's not too far off; affecting the lives of our grandchildren, very likely. “One hundred and nine countries have enacted some form of policy regarding renewable power, and 118 countries have set targets for renewable energy” As Jon A. Krosnick and Bo MacInnis report in Daedalus: “Huge majorities have favored steps by the federal government to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated when utilities produce electricity. In 2006, 86 percent of respondents favored requiring utilities, or encouraging them with tax breaks, to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases they emit. Also in that year, 87 percent favored tax breaks for utilities that produce more electricity from water, wind or sunlight. These majorities were maintained between 2006 and 2010 and shrank somewhat after that.

The fact that the public is influenced by science is deeply troubling to those who dominate the economy and state policy.

One current illustration of their concern is the “Environmental Literacy Improvement Act” proposed to state legislatures by ALEC, the American Legislative Exchange Council, a corporate-funded lobby that designs legislation to serve the needs of the corporate sector and extreme wealth.

The ALEC Act mandates “balanced teaching” of climate science in K-12 classrooms. “Balanced teaching” is a code phrase that refers to teaching climate-change denial, to “balance” mainstream climate science. It is analogous to the “balanced teaching” advocated by creationists to enable the teaching of “creation science” in public schools. Legislation based on ALEC models has already been introduced in several states.

Of course, all of this is dressed up in rhetoric about teaching critical thinking – a fine idea, no doubt, but it's easy to think up far better examples than an issue that threatens our survival and has been selected because of its importance in terms of corporate profits.

Media reports commonly present a controversy between two sides on climate change.

One side consists of the overwhelming majority of scientists, the world's major national academies of science, the professional science journals and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

They agree that global warming is taking place, that there is a substantial human component, that the situation is serious and perhaps dire, and that very soon, maybe within decades, the world might reach a tipping point where the process will escalate sharply and will be irreversible, with severe social and economic effects. It is rare to find such consensus on complex scientific issues.

The other side consists of skeptics, including a few respected scientists who caution that much is unknown – which means that things might not be as bad as thought, or they might be worse. Omitted from the contrived debate is a much larger group of skeptics: highly regarded climate scientists who see the IPCC's regular reports as much too conservative. And these scientists have repeatedly been proven correct, unfortunately.

The propaganda campaign has apparently had some effect on U.S. public opinion, which is more skeptical than the global norm. But the effect is not significant enough to satisfy the masters. That is presumably why sectors of the corporate world are launching their attack on the educational system, in an effort to counter the public's dangerous tendency to pay attention to the conclusions of scientific research. “For the first time in human history, humans are facing the significant prospect of severe calamity as a result of their actions – actions that are battering our prospects of decent survival.” At the Republican National Committee's Winter Meeting a few weeks ago, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal warned the leadership that “We must stop being the stupid party. We must stop insulting the intelligence of voters.”

Within the RECD system it is of extreme importance that we become the stupid nation, not misled by science and rationality, in the interests of the short-term gains of the masters of the economy and political system, and damn the consequences.

These commitments are deeply rooted in the fundamentalist market doctrines that are preached within RECD, though observed in a highly selective manner, so as to sustain a powerful state that serves wealth and power.

The official doctrines suffer from a number of familiar “market inefficiencies,” among them the failure to take into account the effects on others in market transactions. The consequences of these “externalities” can be substantial. The current financial crisis is an illustration. It is partly traceable to the major banks and investment firms' ignoring “systemic risk” – the possibility that the whole system would collapse – when they undertook risky transactions.

Environmental catastrophe is far more serious: The externality that is being ignored is the fate of the species. And there is nowhere to run, cap in hand, for a bailout.

In future, historians (if there are any) will look back on this curious spectacle taking shape in the early 21st century. For the first time in human history, humans are facing the significant prospect of severe calamity as a result of their actions – actions that are battering our prospects of decent survival.

Those historians will observe that the richest and most powerful country in history, which enjoys incomparable advantages, is leading the effort to intensify the likely disaster. Leading the effort to preserve conditions in which our immediate descendants might have a decent life are the so-called “primitive” societies: First Nations, tribal, indigenous, aboriginal. The countries with large and influential indigenous populations are well in the lead in seeking to preserve the planet. The countries that have driven indigenous populations to extinction or extreme marginalization are racing toward destruction.

Thus Ecuador, with its large indigenous population, is seeking aid from the rich countries to allow it to keep its substantial oil reserves underground, where they should be.

Meanwhile the U.S. and Canada are seeking to burn fossil fuels, including the extremely dangerous Canadian tar sands, and to do so as quickly and fully as possible, while they hail the wonders of a century of (largely meaningless) energy independence without a side glance at what the world might look like after this extravagant commitment to self-destruction.

This observation generalizes: Throughout the world, indigenous societies are struggling to protect what they sometimes call “the rights of nature,” while the civilized and sophisticated scoff at this silliness. is all exactly the opposite of what rationality would predict – unless it is the skewed form of reason that passes through the filter of RECD. JWT Desk

IRAN IN “WORLDWIDE THREAT ASSESSMENT”

On 12 March 2013, U.S. Director of National Intelligence James Clapper presented to the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence the worldwide threat Assessment of the US intelligence community. The text below is the excerpts of the statement of the record which relates to the Iranian regime.

Another Test or Another Trap Monday, April 01, 2013 TERRORISM AND TRANSNATIONAL ORGANIZED CRIME TERRORISM

IRAN AND LEBANESE HIZBALLAH The failed 2011 plot against the Saudi Ambassador in Washington shows that Iran may be more willing to seize opportunities to attack in the United States in response to perceived offenses against the regime. Iran is also an emerging and increasingly aggressive cyber actor. However, we have not changed our assessment that Iran prefers to avoid direct confrontation with the United States because regime preservation is its top priority.

WMD PROLIFERATION IRAN AND NORTH KOREA DEVELOPING WMD-APPLICABLE CAPABILITIES We assess Iran is developing nuclear capabilities to enhance its security, prestige, and regional influence and give it the ability to develop nuclear weapons, should a decision be made to do so. We do not know if Iran will eventually decide to build nuclear weapons.

Tehran has developed technical expertise in a number of areas—including uranium enrichment, nuclear reactors, and ballistic missiles— from which it could draw if it decided to build missile- deliverable nuclear weapons. These technical advancements strengthen our assessment that Iran has the scientific, technical, and industrial capacity to eventually produce nuclear weapons. This makes the central issue its political will to do so.

Of particular note, Iran has made progress during the past year that better positions it to produce weapons-grade uranium (WGU) using its declared facilities and uranium stockpiles, should it choose to do so. Despite this progress, we assess Iran could not divert safeguarded material and produce a weapon-worth of WGU before this activity is discovered.

We judge Iran's nuclear decision-making is guided by a cost-benefit approach, which offers the international community opportunities to influence Tehran. Iranian leaders undoubtedly consider Iran's security, prestige and influence, as well as the international political and security environment, when making decisions about its nuclear program. In this context, we judge that Iran is trying to balance conflicting objectives. It wants to advance its nuclear and missile capabilities and avoid severe repercussions—such as a military strike or regime threatening sanctions.

We judge Iran would likely choose a ballistic missile as its preferred method of delivering a nuclear weapon, if one is ever fielded. Iran's ballistic missiles are capable of delivering WMD. In addition, Iran has demonstrated an ability to launch small satellites, and we grow increasingly concerned that these technical steps—along with a regime hostile toward the United States and our allies—provide Tehran with the means and motivation to develop larger space-launch vehicles and longer-range missiles, including an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

Iran already has the largest inventory of ballistic missiles in the Middle East, and it is expanding the scale, reach, and sophistication of its ballistic missile arsenal. Iran's growing ballistic missile inventory and its domestic production of anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM) and development of its first long-range land attack cruise missile provide capabilities to enhance its power projection. Tehran views its conventionally armed missiles as an integral part of its strategy to deter—and if necessary retaliate against—forces in the region, including US forces.

REGIONAL THREATS IRAN Iran is growing more autocratic at home and more assertive abroad as it faces elite and popular grievances, a deteriorating economy, and an uncertain regional dynamic. Supreme Leader Khamenei's power and authority are now virtually unchecked, and security institutions, particularly the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), have greater influence at the expense of popularly elected and clerical institutions. Khamenei and his allies will have to weigh carefully their desire to control the 14 June Iranian presidential election, while boosting voter turnout to increase the appearance of regime legitimacy and avoid a repeat of the disputed 2009 election. Meanwhile, the regime is adopting more oppressive social policies to increase its control over the population, such as further limiting educational and career choices for women.

Iran's financial outlook has worsened since the 2012 implementation of sanctions on its oil exports and Central Bank. Iran's economy contracted in 2012 for the first time in more than two decades. Iran's access to foreign exchange reserves held overseas has diminished, and preliminary data suggest that it suffered its first trade deficit in 14 years. Meanwhile, the rial reached an all-time low in late January, with the exchange rate falling from about 15,000 rials per dollar at the beginning of 2012 to nearly 40,000 rials per dollar, and inflation and unemployment are growing.

Growing public frustration with the government's socioeconomic policies has not led to widespread political unrest because of Iranians' pervasive fear of the security services and the lack of effective opposition organization and leadership. To buoy the regime's popularity and forestall widespread civil unrest, Iranian leaders are trying to soften the economic hardships on the poorer segments of the population. Khamenei has publicly called on the population to pursue a “resistance economy,” reminiscent of the hardships that Iran suffered immediately after the Iranian Revolution and during the Iran-Iraq war. However, the willingness of contemporary Iranians to withstand additional economic austerity is unclear because most Iranians do not remember those times; 60 percent of the population was born after 1980 and 40 percent after 1988.

In its efforts to spread influence abroad and undermine the United States and our allies, Iran is trying to exploit the fighting and unrest in the Arab world. It supports surrogates, including Palestinian militants engaged in the recent conflict with Israel. To take advantage of the US withdrawals from Iraq and Afghanistan, it will continue efforts to strengthen political and economic ties with central and local governments, while providing select militants with lethal assistance. Iran's efforts to secure regional hegemony, however, have achieved limited results, and the fall of the Asad regime in Syria would be a major strategic loss for Tehran.

LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN Iran has been reaching out to Latin America and the Caribbean to decrease its international isolation. President Ahmadinejad travelled to the region twice in 2012. Tehran has cultivated ties to leaders of the Venezuelan-led Alliance for the Peoples of our Americas (ALBA) in Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, and maintains cordial relations with Cuba and Nicaragua. Relations with Tehran offer these governments a way to stake out independent positions on the international issue of Iran, while extracting financial aid and investment for economic and social projects. JWT Desk JWT Desk

Waiting for the Chop

The economy has survived austerity thus far this year thanks to housing, but the “sequester” could change that.

Another Test or Another Trap Monday, April 01, 2013

What is Sequester? Sequester is a procedure in United States law that limits the size of the federal budget. It involves setting a hard cap on the amount of government spending within broadly-defined categories; if Congress enacts annual appropriations legislation that exceeds these caps, an across-the-board spending cut is automatically imposed on these categories, affecting all departments and programs by an equal percentage. This part of the fiscal cliff became effective on January 1, 2013, but the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 delayed it until March 1.

When Barack Obama and the Republicans in Congress agreed on January 1st to let a payroll tax cut expire and tax rates rise on the rich, they rolled the dice with the economy. They, in effect, bet that America's recovery was solid enough to withstand higher taxes and spending cuts, including a “sequester” that took effect on March 1st. At 1.9% of gross domestic product, that is a contraction second only to that of Greece among rich countries this year.

At America's biggest retailer, it looked at first like the gamble had not paid off. “Where are all the customers? And where's their money?”, one executive at Walmart said in an e-mail dated February 1st. February sales to date “are a total disaster,” another wrote on February 12th.

But the company painted a less dire picture on February 21st, when it reported its earnings. While sales had indeed flattened out, the culprit was not, it appeared, the tax increases, but delayed tax refunds (also a result of the January 1st legislation). Customers last year cashed $4 billion worth of income tax refunds at Walmart's shops, but so far this year had cashed only about $1.7 billion. Presumably when the refunds come through in March, so will the usual spending they bring.

For now, the economy seems to have shrugged off austerity. GDP, which stalled at the end of 2012 because of one-off factors including Hurricane Sandy, now seems to be growing at about a 2% annual rate, Ben Bernanke, the Federal Reserve chairman, said on February 26th; that is the same, uninspiring pace it averaged throughout 2012. In effect, the economy is caught between headwinds and tailwinds that have roughly cancelled each other out. The headwinds, besides the government's austerity, include a rise in petrol prices that could trim 0.2% off this year's GDP by depressing consumption. “Rising home prices and a stock market at near-record levels added $4.8 trillion to household wealth last year” On the positive side is the spreading recovery in the housing market. In January, sales of new homes shot up to their highest level since 2008. The inventory now equals just 4.1 months' sales, an eight-year low and a powerful spur to new construction. The economic benefits go well beyond bricks and nails. Rising home prices and a stock market at near-record levels added $4.8 trillion to household wealth last year, reckons Paul Dales of Capital Economics, bringing it to around $65 trillion, close to its pre-crisis peak. He figures the “wealth effect” of stable stocks and modestly higher home prices should lift consumer spending enough to add 0.7% to GDP this year.

Rising home prices should also loosen the supply of mortgage credit by making default, foreclosure and litigation less likely. John Williams, president of the San Francisco Fed, recently spoke of a virtuous circle, “with sales volumes growing, home prices increasing, and foreclosures coming down”.

Yet it is far too soon to declare the experiment with austerity a success. The sequester still looms, and its effects are unpredictable. Mr Obama and Republicans agreed to sequester in 2011 purely as a spur to negotiate a more rational plan for reducing the deficit.

The sequester was originally designed to slice $1.2 trillion from spending over a decade. The initial installment is a cut of $85 billion for the seven months until the end of September, though that will reduce actual spending by only $42 billion since some money approved in one fiscal year is spent in the next. Most entitlements, such as pensions and health-care, are excluded, which makes the reduction in the rest more severe: 13% in defence spending for the next seven months and a 9% cut to other domestic discretionary programmes.

After long insisting that the sequester was too horrible even to contemplate, the Obama administration has finally begun to give details of its implementation. The cuts will come primarily through reduced grants, such as for Head Start, an anti-poverty programme for preschoolers, and staff furloughs (unpaid days off). Since the government must give at least 30 days notice of furloughs, and most agencies have not yet done so, the public may see no impact until April. With luck, the sequester may have been unpicked by then. In a survey of its members, the National Treasury Employees Union found that 63% expected to eat into retirement savings and 57% would take on additional debt. Regionally, Maryland, Virginia and Washington D, C, will be hit hardest, as they are home to the highest concentration of federal workers and contractors. The most directly affected will be federal employees. Marcherie Williams, who works for the Internal Revenue Service in Philadelphia, complained about the “uncertainty” the sequester is causing for her and her co-workers. In a survey of its members, the National Treasury Employees Union found that 63% expected to eat into retirement savings and 57% would take on additional debt. Regionally, Maryland, Virginia and Washington D, C, will be hit hardest, as they are home to the highest concentration of federal workers and contractors. The most damaging effects may come from cutting back on federal services. The Aerospace Industries Association, a trade group, reckons the Federal Aviation Administration's plan to furlough most of its 47,000 employees by one day per pay period could cut air traffic by 5% to 10%. This would reduce the fees paid to the FAA by airlines, negating most of the beneficial impact on the deficit. Cargo flights, often made at night, could be hurt the worst.

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association claims the furloughing of meat, poultry and egg safety inspectors will affect 6,300 establishments and cause $10 billion in lost production. Likewise, the furlough of customs officers could result in huge delays at border crossings, crippling the supply chains that are crucial to the automobile industry, says one trade group.

Such predictions must be taken with a grain of salt since it is in each industry's interest to sound the alarm. But the underlying point is correct. If you wanted to cut the deficit in the most damaging way, you'd choose the sequester. JWT Desk

Media Power & Responsibility

In an unlettered society where one rarely comes across people genuinely into writing or reading and where books are sold not by content but by weight as a waste paper commodity and where bookstores are disappearing fast, getting converted into video shops or burger stands, the arrival of every single new book by a Pakistani author is freshening expression of a resolve not to give up the book culture.

Another Test or Another Trap Monday, April 01, 2013

Yasmeen Aftab Ali's “A Comparative Analysis of Media and Media Laws in Pakistan” is, indeed, a welcome arrival focusing as it does on a subject that is of great relevance to our society where not only the media laws, if there are any, but also all other laws are of no practical consequence. The author, a prolific writer in social media, a well-known lawyer and prominent academic in mass communication, has very ably used her practitioner's experience in opening an insightful window into an otherwise untraversed area in our written literature.

This book is, perhaps, the first study of its own kind encompassing all media-related issues in our country and generating awareness of the vast legal framework available to the people as well as the media community on the rights and obligations of all in handling this important vehicle of public opinion and information. The author not only traces the historical evolution of this institution in Pakistan, but also brings out, with specific instances, the growing tendency for abuse of media- related freedoms.

Besides putting the media's role in its perspective as the 'fourth pillar' of a democratic state, she has tried to clarify in common man's language the much misunderstood concepts of freedom of speech, freedom of expression, defamation, contempt of court, cyber law, electronic media and social responsibility with comparative analyses of the laws on these issues in our own country and those in other countries.

Now, as in any other country in today's world, our media is playing a pivotal role as a source of information on almost every aspect of our national life as also on issues and developments of national, regional and global importance across the globe in the context of their relevance to Pakistan. In many respects, information has never been so free presenting new challenges to the society as a whole and helping people discover new facts and hidden realities, while making governments more accountable.

All societies now recognise that free expression has its limits. The foremost challenge thus remains how the free media itself is using its newfound freedom in meeting its own obligations towards respecting the freedom of the public as individuals or even as groups or society as a whole. This book makes the case for the media's responsibility in remaining within the limits of legal, moral, cultural and ethical norms of the society and also the need for promoting diversity, transparency, accessibility and accountability among fast-growing media corporations and the government agencies that regulate the media.

With more and more corporate conglomerates buying up independent news outlets, broadcasters are becoming less and less accountable to the public and as a consequence, fewer voices and perspectives are to be heard. An increasingly concentrated media ownership system in our own country has had a negative impact on the quality of news and information that we receive about the nation and the world. There are instances, globally as well as in our own country, of growing abuse of media power to influence the political and cultural scenes.

Those of us who remember the classic fairytale movie, “The Wizard of Oz”, might see in it some allegorical resemblances with the world of media in our times today. Its main character, Dorothy Gale, is a young, helpless, good-natured adopted orphan girl snatched up by a Kansas tornado and deposited in a fantasy land of witches. When she and her companions finally reach the palace of the Wizard, and in the main hall, a huge head faces them talking and breathing fire and smoke, and holding the terrorised but rapt attention of anyone who looks upon his face. An increasingly concentrated media ownership system in our own country has had a negative impact on the quality of news and information that we receive about the nation and the world. That is until a curtain is moved and we find that the Wizard is actually a little wimpy old man, who just works levers and pushes buttons to make the huge head talk and move. “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain,” the Wizard yells into a microphone, hoping the huge talking head will make Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion and the Scarecrow ignore the facts and concentrate on the illusion.

As in the “Wizard of Oz”, the people in our world today are transfixed on our own talking heads that come from our own Wizard boxes every day and night in regular news bulletins, including frequent breaking news every now and then. And the news media, especially the electronic media understands completely how much power they have over the minds of the masses, even those who say “they can't trust the media.” By using graphic images, focusing on everything they want you to see and hear, shaping events by reporting only on those that they choose, they control an empire that is actually a fourth pillar of the state. And, no wonder, they control our minds.

The media exercises influence and authority over us. And there is no doubt that money and muscle power are getting control over the media, which is becoming a commercial enterprise rather than being driven by public good, and if recent developments in the country are an eye opener, our media is no longer immune to corruption. Vested foreign as well as local interests are also pouring in money with ulterior motives. They say, lawlessness is the son of anarchy and brother of violence and corruption and this “broken” family lives happily in Pakistan. These renegade companions flourish only in societies where common purposes and collective good lose out to vested interests.

Though we have a voluntary code of ethics adopted since 1972, the performance of media in our country has yet to rise to the globally recognised standards of reporting with responsibility. Since 2002, we also have a statutory body, the Press Council of Pakistan, to ensure freedom of press in the country consistent with universally acclaimed professional and ethical standards relating to newspapers, news agencies, editors and journalists. There are reports that instead of seeking to reinforce the laws and ethical codes on such issues as morality, cultural propriety, plagiarism, fairness, etc, the Council, under pressure from newspapers, is seeking the repeal of defamation laws. That sounds odd for any democratic society where the press has to be both free and responsible. By using graphic images, focusing on everything they want you to see and hear, shaping events by reporting only on those that they choose, they control an empire that is actually a fourth pillar of the state. Lately, there have been attempts at distorting our history and even questioning the very raison d'être of Pakistan under the nose of those who have vowed to protect and preserve Pakistan's 'ideology' in total breach of Article 19 of the Constitution and violation of items 4 and 9 of the PCP's Code of Ethics. It is time our media owned its national responsibility by shielding the glory of Islam and our country's independence and national integrity. A recent case in point was the prominent op-ed space given by a major newspaper claiming 'guardianship' of our ideology to an Indian maverick's viewpoint questioning the very raison d'être of Pakistan.

No doubt, the reach of the media and its impact on general public is increasing and in a country where there is no rule of law, too much of freedom also has its own hazards. Too much of commercialism that is going beyond the prescribed codifying limits is unhealthy and must be reined in. Yasmeen Ali's book is a timely rejoinder on all these issues so that media's freedom is an asset, rather than a liability for our society. To be so, it must remain within an obligatory framework of legal, social, moral, cultural and ethical standards in keeping with Pakistan's value system.

The writer is a former foreign secretary Shamshad Ahmad The writer is a former foreign secretary.

THE ANTI-TERRORISM (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2013:

Nationalizing the International Law on Counter Terrorism Financing The debate that the recent wave of terrorism is a byproduct of international politics is not new in Pakistan; though many tend to disagree with this point of view.

Another Test or Another Trap Monday, April 01, 2013

If the legislation of a country is any measure, the recent Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Act, 2013 (ATA) and Anti-Terrorism (second amendment) Bill 2013, passed by the Senate on 5th and 14th March 2013 respectively, testify that the legislation is an outcome of succumbing to international pressure, and not of indigenous and domestic circumstances. The 'internationalized' aspect of the new amendments to Anti-terrorism Law shows that legislature and executive in Pakistan are more responsive to international pressure than to local needs and national aspirations.

A report issued by Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT), on this issue, suggests that the 'Financial Action Task Force' (FATF), an intergovernmental organization established in 1989 and tasked, inter alia, to develop international standards in form of its recommendations to safeguard international financial system, repeatedly urged Pakistan to amend its anti-terrorism laws to tighten the asset seizure and counterterrorism regimes. Consequently, a draft of twenty-five amendments to ATA was proposed by Interior Minister Rehman Malik in 2010. The bill was sent to the Senate Standing Committee on Interior on July 27, 2010. The bill remained pending with the Committee for two years after which it was reportedly withdrawn in 2012. In the meanwhile, in October, 2011, FATF pressed upon the government to pass the law by February, 2012. However, Pakistan missed the deadline and resultantly, was blacklisted. The recent ATA amendments are a fruition of the government's earlier commitments at international level. Given this background and noting the 'external' element in the legisla tion, it is now appropriate to outline some characteristic points of the new amendments.

In present form, there are, in all, twelve amendments in the Act. For conceptual clarity, these amendments may be divided into two broad categories: A. Definitional Amendments B. Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) Amend ments A. Definitional Amendments: In Common Law countries, legislations are drafted to express the will of the masses through the legislature. The will is expressed in legal jargon and with the help of drafting techniques. One such technique is to come up with a definitional clause. The definitional clause generally addresses the issues of capturing the abstract ideas of parliamentarians in Black Letter Law form. In ATA 1997, Section 2 deals with definitions, while Section 6 explains, at great length, the terrorism. The recent ATA amendments are a fruition of the government's earlier commitments at international level.

The ATA (Amendment) Act 2013 amends both Sections 2 and 6. It amends Section 2 to redefine the concepts of 'money' and 'property' with the effect of widening the connotations and resulting in international applicability of the ATA. It also amends Section 6 to include application of all the offences defined in eight international conventions (outlined in Fifth Schedule to ATA 1997 read with its Section 34) relating to Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft, International Persons, Diplomatic Agents, Taking of Hostages, Violence at Airports, Safety of Maritime Navigation, Safety of Fined Platforms on Continental Shelf and Terrorist Bombings. The importation and nationalization of international law into ATA is the characteristic of this set of amendments. An important point worth noting is that the newly-added Fifth Schedule has a clause which enables the Federal Government to specify through 'notification' any other convention or international treaty to be included for application in Pakistan through ATA law. The delegation of power for incorporating the international law to the executive must be minutely examined as the domain is predominantly reserved for the legislature.

A. Counter Terrorism Financing Amendments: Counter Terrorism Financing (CTF) Regime of Pakistan's terrorism law is embedded in Section 11 and twenty-four of its clauses (from 11A to 11X). The new amendments introduce minor changes in Sections 11A, E, F, H, P, R, S, T. Section 11O attempts to simplify and empower both provincial and federal governments to effect seizure, freezing and detention of person and property involved in terrorism.

In the previous form, only the provincial government had the power to affect seizure of property. The seizure and freezing of accounts is a tricky subject in Pakistan. Interestingly, the new amendments make no references towards Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2010, and by not addressing the extant legislation on the point, two regimes have become operational. One is under the AML Act, 2010 and the other under the new amendments. The primary law enforcement agency (i.e. Police), as usual, has been kept out of business and no trust has been reposed in it. The exclusionary approach towards police and a multiagency environment for CTF is counterproductive: as in every case, the fragmentation of powers of counterterrorism agencies results in benefit to criminals who exploit the legal and administrative lacunae in courts. Charles H. Kennedy, in his article, 'The Creation and Development of Pakistan's Anti-Terrorism Regime, 1997-2002, noted: “If the purposes of establishing an anti-terrorism regime are to lessen terrorism, punish terrorists, improve the efficiency of the legal system, and dispense speedy justice, Pakistan's anti-terrorism regime has been a complete failure. Conversely, if the purposes of an anti-terrorism regime are to improve one's position relative to one's domestic political opponents, or to improve public relations, or to rehabilitate one's standing with the international community, then Pakistan's antiterrorism regime has generally been a success.”

The writer has done LLB (Hons.) Shariah and Law from International Islamic University, Islamabad, and BCL from the University of Oxford ([email protected]) Kamran Adil

Psychological Assessment & Interview Guide I

Highlights

Another Test or Another Trap Monday, April 01, 2013

Interviews Preparing Interview Questions Competitive Exams (CSS, PMS, PCS) Interviews Psychological Examination The Panel Interview Study Material for Interview Dos and Don'ts for an Interview Tips by Toppers Mock Interviews

CSS, PMS and PCS are the most prestigious competitive exams in Pakistan. Every year, thousands of candidates appear in them to make their dream of a brighter and enviable future come true. But, only a few pass the exams and most of them remain unable to get through due to lack of sufficient and proper guidance. The paucity of quality books is another key factor in this regard.

But, “Psychological Assessment and Interview Guide” penned by Dr Waheed Asghar, an officer in PAS group, is the best book that addresses this problem and provides invaluable material which is imperative for success in psychological assessment and interview. I have combed through the book and found it extremely helpful as it presents the most relevant material in a novel way. The author has provided effective techniques along with illustrations so that the readers may comprehend the rudiments.

Besides guidance on how to prepare, the book also features mock interviews and tips by toppers. Another striking feature is the presence of material comprising questions that are frequently asked. It equips the readers with great confidence when they actually appear before the interview panellists.

Adeel Niaz Editor Jahangir's World times Former Project Head Institute of Public Administration & Policy Studies Superior University, Lahore. Adeel Niaz Can PTI Win the Elections - 2013

In Pakistan's political history, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is the only political party that has gone through dramatic ups and downs in terms of popularity.

Another Test or Another Trap Monday, April 01, 2013

Some recent polls suggest that its popularity is at all-time low since the massive political gathering of 30th October. After Imran Khan's phenomenal success in attracting the masses, a “tsunami” of scathing criticism was directed at him and his party that PTI is gathering traditional politicians around him; voting for PTI would mean right wing vote division which would ultimately help PPP and Zardari in coming back to power, etc. But, here the question arises that whether this entire brickbat is logical and based on valid arguments or it is just propaganda against him? Another pertinent question is that is PTI really a symbol of “change” or it is only a political sloganeering like of other parties?

Some analysts have talked a lot about the right-wing vote division. While discussing this point, they rely mainly on previous elections' results that whenever the traditional right wing—comprising Jamaat-e-Islami , PML(N) and some other parties—is divided, PPP being the main beneficiary this chasm came to power. But these analysts forget two fundamental things about PTI. Firstly, PTI has attracted not only the right-wing but also the left-wing votes because it represents “change” for all the Pakistanis irrespective of their being the right wingers or the leftists. For instance, Makhdoom Javed Hashmi who has been the backbone of PML (N) and PPP's former diehard follower Shah Mehmood Qureshi are on the same page in PTI. In addition, innumerable individuals with rightist or leftist political affiliations are now the steel frame of the PTI at the grassroots level.

The second, and perhaps the most crucial, fact is that this time 40 % of the voters are newly- registered young men and women who have never voted before and who aspire to bring “change” in this filthy system of dynastic politics. Given the popularity of PTI and Imran Khan in the youth of Pakistan, it is expected that they will vote for PTI. If it happens, it would be a “huge success” in the history of Pakistan.

The second criticism is about the inclusion of same 'old and traditional' faces in the party. It's quite tricky, as some parties while raising the slogans of change and criticizing others, forget their own deeds. It is important to mention that there is a huge difference between Pakistan's rural and urban social fabric. The rural fabric, or we can say the constituency politics, is mostly caste-and-biradari- based. Here, the loyalties are towards biradari as in times of trouble, they will come to help. So, in these circumstances, “personalities” become far more important than the “parties”. That's why every political party in Pakistan had to include these “electables” if it wants to come into power and without power, you cannot bring “change”. Even Quaid-e-Azam, whose vision and purpose of change was above and beyond any doubt, and whose will and steadfastness to his ideals gave us this country, had to accept these electables coming from the Unionist Party of Punjab into his folds. Even majority of the Muslim League belonged to the Unionist Party of Punjab and had the Muslim League not got the Majority in Punjab, Pakistan would have been a dream yet.

Some also allege Imran Khan of criticising Nawaz Sharif and his party only while sparing PPP despite its ineptness in running the country which implies that PPP is bucking up PTI. This is just ridiculous. Imran Khan repeatedly said in his public meetings that everyone knows about the endemic corruption, plunder and loot of PPP but PML (N) has equal role in bringing Pakistan at the brink of disaster and he thinks befitting to tear their “veil of chastity” apart. Imran Khan has consistently maintained that people should not consider PML (N) an option as there is no difference between the two. Both are equally corrupt, though, the method is different. PTI has attracted not only the right-wing but also the left-wing votes because it represents “change” for all the Pakistanis Undoubtedly, the upcoming general election is the most important for our country as it would decide the future course of Pakistan. Some analysts predict them to be similar to the elections of 1946 and 1970 which proved milestones in the political destiny of the nation. At this juncture of our political history, when the whole country is smouldering and there is acute energy crisis, a sagging economy and continuing war on terror; change has become inevitable for our country.

PTI followers say that it is the only party and Imran Khan is the only leader who can bring real change in Pakistan. It is so because Pakistan needs someone who neither can only handle all these issues but introduce some institutional changes in our body politic and socioeconomic fabric along with reshaping the state structure which will lead us to prosperity and development on a sustainable basis. It is the need of the hour to build institutions and Imran Khan has proved his mastery in this skill. A glowing example of his abilities is in front of everyone in form of Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital that is also reflective of his love and devotion for the oppressed and downtrodden Pakistanis and, at the same time, his ability and vision for change.

Secondly, the recent intra-party elections also show his determination towards changing the outdated political system and turning the state enterprises into “institutions” where policies rather than “personalities” matter.

Thirdly, PTI is the only party which has announced 20 % tickets for Youth which is indicative of its seriousness towards including the “infantry” of change in the parliamentary process.

Fourthly, PTI is the most innovative party in the political domain of Pakistan and it is the innovation which leads a nation towards progress.

All these features and merits are an omen that Pakistan will have a better government after the next elections if PTI wins.

In the end, it is necessary to advise that do use your right to vote and play your part in giving the future direction to our dear homeland. This is the only way you can change the direction of the nation's destiny. If you don't vote, you will have no one to blame for if the next government does not solve your problems.

The writer is a social and political activist and a businessman. He can be reached at [email protected]. Tayyab Tariq

Pakistan Votes 2013 For the very first time in its history, Pakistan is on the verge of transition as PPPP-led government has completed its full 5-year term and soon the elections will be held to choose their successors. Keeping in view the full-throttle electioneering, parties' luring manifestos and youth's role in bringing about the much-trumpeted 'CHANGE', Jahangir's World Times is going to publish the expert opinions of renowned political analysts, journalists and TV anchors.

Another Test or Another Trap Monday, April 01, 2013

Q.1: Slogan of 'Change' is going to be the focal point of coming elections or it is just rhetoric?

Yes, there is an urge among the masses to embrace a change because they are fed up of the politics of exploitation only. In fact, the slogan of change has become the focal point of general elections- 2013.

Exactly a change is not going to happen in Pakistan in future. Because the slogan of change is raised by PTI but they are not in a position to get majority presently it seems PML (N) will be in the lead.

Political numbers game tells us clearly that there would not be any substantial change. But if we see from the angle of nature and direction of Pakistani politics there will be change.

No doubt, people want ‘Change’ and they will vote for any party who can assure them a real ‘Change’ in the system. But, I’m not foreseeing any revolutionary or big change in the coming elections.

We do need change but that will come only through a surgical operation rooting out its systemic perversities and structural fault lines. To deal with our current malaise, papering the cracks will not do.

Well, a lot of change has already occurred; we have an independent judiciary, a vibrant media, an assertive ECP and new electoral rolls made by NADRA. I am not saying it will change our political scene altogether but we will go ahead in a positive direction.

Q. 2. Is youth going to be a decisive factor in the upcoming general elections 2013?

Yes, the youth can emerge as a decisive factor in the election-2013 because there are nearly 300 million young voters enrolled in the new electoral rolls. Their role will be ultimately decisive if they come up to cast their vote.

Only two political parties – PTI and PML (N) – took major steps to attract youth. But I cannot say decisively that there won’t be any role of youth but one thing is sure that now the era of ideological politics is over.

Youth, as a political factor, will be determined by how many young men and women actually come out to vote. If they go to the polling stations big numbers will come out and begin to vote then I think PTI is going to have the first advantage.

No doubt, people want ‘Change’ and they will vote for any party who can assure them a real ‘Change’ in the system. But, I’m not foreseeing any revolutionary or big change in the coming elections.

We do need change but that will come only through a surgical operation rooting out its systemic perversities and structural fault lines. To deal with our current malaise, papering the cracks will not do.

Yes, the youth would be a decisive factor this time because they have a strong will to bring a real change. They are trying to convince their families that they vote to fulfil this fevered dream.

Q. 3: If the elections result in a hung parliament, how the next government deal with major issues like energy crisis, ailing economy and troubled foreign relations?

No, I think it would be premature to say so. In fact, it depends, largely, on the public participation in the election process. If we have a high turnout then one party may get majority.

I think a single party or an alliance will get the majority and the next government will not be as dependent on ‘coalition’ as PPP has been throughout their tenure. I hope the new government will tackle these issues successfully.

Yes, I think there would be a hung parliament. This time, Imran Khan’s PTI is the only new element. From the numbers angle, no big changes will take place. But, surely, the next parliament would not be dysfunctional.

Yes, it seems that we will have a hung parliament. I agree that the coalition government has weak decision making capabilities but it cannot be so all the time. Coalition governments are successful in many countries.

I hope not. We need one party in control of the country. For decades, we have had a parliamentary system without our parliament ever functioning as a “full sovereign body.” Presently, it seems that the elections will result in a hung parliament but we can’t rule out anything out of the box; it can happen.

Q. 4: How would the nationalists influence the results especially after joining hands with PML (N)?

In my opinion, they will influence the results but only if they successfully capitalise the anti-PPP sentiments in Balochistan and Sindh. So PML (N) and nationalists need to work on that.

Yes, it will influence the results in few constituencies. For instance, Mumtaz Bhutto and Raisanis can bring some seats for PML (N).

We must see why nationalist parties are inclined to PML (N). Actually, Sindhi and Baloch nationalists have been deeply disappointed by President Zardari. So, they consider PML (N) a better option. Definitely, it’s a setback to PPP.

Better wait and see. Nationalism itself is fast becoming a rare commodity. Like the rulers, the subjects too are becoming money-minded. Elections will be decided by money pumped in the process by hook and crook.

Yes, to some extent it would. But PML (N) and nationalists’ alliance should be seen in a broader perspective. These ‘traditionally anti-centre forces’ are now joining hands with a mainstream party i.e. PML (N). So, it’s going to be their victory too.

Can PTI be a surprise factor in these elections?

I think people do trust and Imran Khan and believe in his slogan of change. But, the ground realities and constituency-based politics suggest otherwise. He will not be in a position to bring about a real change.

I don’t think that PTI will be a ‘surprise package’. We must understand that ideological politics is irrelevant nowadays and people are more concerned about their urgent needs. So, PTI would be unable to surprise in the electoral results.

Well, Pakistan is a country of surprises. But the rules of political science suggest otherwise. PTI may muster vote and get seats but this is not the election where any party is going to sweep.

I don’t think so. In my opinion, PTI will not be able to give any surprise. It would be wrong to assume that all the newly-registered voters will vote for go to PTI.

The people are looking for a surprise. But are they themselves going to give surprise? They must come out of their drawing rooms and make the difference.

Yes, PTI can give the surprise. Actually, PTI is focusing on becoming symbol of change. They are trying for active participation of the people in the election especially of youth. If it happens, we may have a surprise. Waqas Iqbal Evolution or Revolution; What Pakistan Needs?

Long marches have failed to unfold the untold and unseen in Pakistan. Things are same; poor governance, illiteracy, health issues, inflated prices, deteriorated law and order, human trafficking, rampant unemployment and acute energy crisis are still haunting the nation.

Another Test or Another Trap Monday, April 01, 2013

Prologue

The honeyed words do not bring out substantial changes; there is Herculean effort behind everything existing and surviving at its best. In Pakistan, alarmingly, the social fabric has been tearing apart with every passing moment. Societies are built through their mantle and approach towards life. Though, international economic system and political compulsions have affected Pakistan a great deal, things could have been better had the society behaved differently. Institutions are the pillars of state. They take years, perhaps, decades, of strenuous efforts and consistent hard work to be stable and strengthened. This evolution makes them so strong and effective that they can tackle any unforeseen problem(s). The other way to achieve this ambitious goal is 'revolution'. But the question arises that is revolution the only solution to bring Pakistan out of the quagmire and direct it toward a track that may lead it to prosperity? Probably not!

‘Revolutionary’ changes in Pakistan

Let us peep into the past and see what the ‘revolutions’ have done to Pakistan. In 2001, General Musharraf promulgated the Local Government Ordinance with an aim to transfer power and authority to the elected representatives the grassroots level. Whole administrative system in the country faced sea changes. Police reforms of 2002, also, introduced a new culture in police ranks. This was unprecedented in Pakistan's history that a huge effort was made in the name of separation of judiciary from executive and was by no means less than a revolution. But, after a decade or so, of this revolution, the current happenings are perturbing rather disappointing. Local Bodies' elections have not been held since 2009 despite repetitive Supreme Court directions. In federal capital, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir LGO 2001 was never implemented, Balochistan tried to revert it in 2010 but Balochistan High Court foiled the bid, Khyber Pakhunkhwa government introduced The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Local Government Act, 2012 that resembles the 1979 system and what we have seen in Sindh, promulgation and then repeal of the SLGPO, is seriously perplexing and flabbergasting. Police department, since the beginning of war on terror, has suffered more than army. The objective realities speak volumes about failure of executive. The main reason behind this debacle is that the changes in administrative setup, in the name of devolution of administrative and financial powers, and in police system, were a hasty decision made without any prior planning and homework. Today, Pakistan, the only Muslim nuclear power, is perceived as haven of terrorists, the most dangerous nation, and the most untrustworthy neighbour. In a society that has an extremely centralized system of governance, devolving powers to the level of union councils in one go proved futile.

Next example of the major policy shift was that of U-turn on Taliban and Kashmir issues. This issue has been a subject of intense debates since last many years. Whether the government actions were right or wrong, is not the only issue; the major cause of frustration is that when all the governments in past kept on pursuing a particular policy, how that policy could be changed overnight without realizing the repercussions of it? Today, Pakistan, the only Muslim nuclear power, is perceived as haven of terrorists, the most dangerous nation, and the most untrustworthy neighbour. Neither the Kashmir issue has been resolved nor have the water disputes been settled rather we further got our image tarnished by the actions like hosting Osama bin Laden and also were accused of sending Ajmal Qasab to India to carry out the brutal acts of 26/11. End to drone attacks and suicide bombings is still out of sight. This all resulted due to the imprudent policy shift.

Pakistan witnessed another 'revolutionary' change in form of 'freedom of media'. PEMRA was established in 2002 and, in no time, influx of private channels changed everything. Where there was only one PTV, the state-owned channel, to provide people with information and entertainment and to highlight only the official version of every issue, there came around 100 channels, loaded with infotainment. In civilized societies, media is independent and plays a crucial role to project the nation's image. But Pakistani media, unfortunately, failed to develop a unanimous national policy. Except a few issues of national importance, where media played a positive role in bringing them to light, most channels have been playing Russian roulette with Pakistan. Media has failed to provide healthy and productive contents to the masses at large. Regrettably, it has become a source of cultural erosion and ultimately moral and social ills. At the same time, cellular companies expanded their web across Pakistan and made communication easy and instant like never before. But, alas, the way our youth has made, and is making, use of this facility is certainly not productive.

Lastly, there is one of the most important revolutions in Pakistan's chequered history and that is of movement for the independence of judiciary that proved last nail in the coffin of General Musharraf. Soon, the new government was installed comprising mainly the anti-Musharraf political parties. Whole nation firmly believed that this is the dawn of new era and it will bring the light of justice for the poor in Pakistan. Traditionally, the judiciary had been pro- establishment but now, it was quite opposite and expected to be very healthy and positive. However, after 5 years of the democratic government, ground realities are absolutely against the aspirations of the nation. Judiciary and executive have been at daggers drawn. This isn't what the people of Pakistan have aspired to. Roots of political system need proper nutrition to get stronger and political institutions grow with the passage of time. History proves that sometimes, one has to pick the gun up to put the gun down. Occasionally, the tree of liberty must be watered with the blood of patriots and tyrants. But it can only be done when external threats and internal loyalties are clear and goal is one. People live the way they behave and react.

Democracy is a behaviour that requires evolution as it doesn't come overnight. Roots of political system need proper nutrition to get stronger and political institutions grow with the passage of time. But when roots are dug into time and again, the tree i.e., the institutions, tumbles and withers and society deteriorates. Pakistan is at crossroads at the moment. So-called 'revolutionary changes' have given us nothing but “dehshat gardi”, “media gardi” and “wakeel gardi”.

Pakistanis are indulged in religious and sectarian conflicts, killing of polio workers, and even questioning ideology of Pakistan. This is flabbergasting and is an outcome of extremist behaviour, dictatorial approach, dogmatic minds and stagnant society.

Pakistan needs only evolution and it begins with thinking, rationally, by the mature minds who ponder over problems around them. Minds become mature when mental growth takes place and it comes only with education, enlightenment and freedom of thought. Educated and visionary minds will lead to the prosperous and developed Pakistan.

If Pakistan goes, successfully, through the peaceful transition from one elected government to the next it will be a massive behavioural change. This is what the evolution means in the truest sense of the word. If this process goes on, soon Pakistan will be in a position to rebuild itself and stand head and shoulders high among the comity of nations. The writer is a PAS officer

For comments: [email protected] Sikander Zishan

The Appalling Massacre at Jallianwala Bagh

"The incident in Jallian Wala Bagh was 'an extraordinary event, a monstrous event, an event which stands in singular and sinister isolation" ...Winston Churchill

Another Test or Another Trap Monday, April 01, 2013

On April 13, 1919, Brigadier-General Reginald E.H. Dyer opened fire on an unarmed gathering in Jallianwala Bagh. Official sources place the casualties at 379, private sources say that the number was over 1000 and Civil Surgeon Dr Smith indicated that they were over 1800.

Background

In the spring of 1919, British India was at a crossroads of history. The First World War was over, and soldiers were returning to discover an India more impoverished and less free than it was when they left. News of the Russian Revolution had fired the imagination of thousands of young Indian. The trial and martyrdom of the Ghadar Party leadership in the Lahore Conspiracy trial, and the internment of some 1,500 of the emigrants in India, proved an abiding symbol for a younger generation of radicals.

Moreover, after the Lucknow Pact of 1916 both Hindus and Muslims initiated joint struggle for the self-rule.

Rowlatt Report This Hindu-Muslim unity was unfavourable to the British Raj. Government formed a committee to probe into their secret activities. This was headed by Justice Sidney Rowlatt who presented his report on 30th April, 1918. In the light of this report, the Government introduced the 'Rowlatt Bill' in the Imperial Legislative Council, of which Quaid-e-Azam was also a member. This bill gave unlimited powers to the administration and the police. The accused had no right to appeal or employ a lawyer for his defence. The Government was authorized to put any individual under house arrest without assigning any reason.

This added fuel to the already blazing flames of hatred, among the masses, against British Raj.

Indian Reaction

Quaid-e-Azam resigned from the Imperial Legislative Council after the passage of this bill. Gandhi also launched his Non-Violence Movement against this statute. Nation-wide strikes became a routine. In the wake of growing discontent, Sir Michael O' Dwyer - the Governor of Punjab - banned all public meetings, processions and protests in the province. The Government also put a ban on two well-known leaders of Amritsar, the Cambridge-educated allopath Dr Saifuddin Kitchlew and his homeopath colleague Dr Satyapal, from making speeches. Later on, they were arrested and sent to Dharamsala. Their arrest fuelled the protests and left India in panic.

Events

On 9th April, 1919, a large crowd gathered in a park demanding the release of their leaders but the police dispersed them by resorting to firing on them. On 10th April, General Dyer received orders to leave Jalundhar for Amritsar. He reached Amritsar with 475 English and 710 Indian soldiers and two armoured vehicles. On the morning of April 13, Baisakhi day, Dyer's troops marched through Amritsar, proclaiming that all assemblies would be "dispersed by force if necessary." A public announcement was being made that a rally will be held at 4:30 p.m. at Jallianwala Bagh. By afternoon, a peaceful gathering of over 20,000 people was in place, hearing a succession of speeches condemning the Rowlatt Act and the recent arrests and firings.

When General Dyer was told that a meeting was being held at Jallianwala Bagh, he reached with 90 troops there instantly and ordered them to open fire on the unarmed gathering. The firing continued for fifteen minutes and left 379 people dead on the spot and more than 1200 critically injured.

Back in his headquarters Dyer reported to his superiors that he had been confronted by a revolutionary army, and had been obliged to teach a moral lesson to the Punjab.

In a telegram sent to Dyer, British Lieutenant-Governor of Punjab, Sir Michael O'Dwyer wrote: "Your action is correct. Lieutenant Governor approves."

Aftermath

O'Dwyer requested higher authorities that the martial law be imposed upon Amritsar and other areas. This was granted by the Viceroy, Lord Chelmsford, after the massacre. Following the public outcry against the massacre at Jallianwala Bagh, the government was compelled to appoint a committee of enquiry with Sir John Hunter as the chairman. The Congress appointed its own committee with Motilal Nehru as chairman and Gandhi as one of its members.

Deposing before the Hunter Commission, inquiring into the shooting, General Dyer said his action was meant to punish the people if they disobeyed his orders. However, what was more damning was his statement,

''I think it quite possible that I could have dispersed the crowd without firing but they would have come back again and laughed, and I would have made, what I consider, a fool of myself.''

The Hunter Committee split down the middle, with its three Indian members, Jagat Narayan, C.H. Setalvad and Sultan Ahmad, authoring a dissent. The majority condemned Dyer, arguing that in "continuing firing as long as he did, it appears to us that General Dyer committed a grave error," but broadly endorsed other acts of violent repression. The dissenting members, understandably, argued that the martial law regime's use of force was wholly unjustified.

British Reaction

The public opinion in England stood divided regarding the brutal tactics used by General Dyer. Some considered his acts a timely action to teach a lesson to the Indians whereas others felt that this tragedy played a vital role in arousing the nationalistic feelings among the Indians.

Conclusion

On the whole, the massacre at Jallianwala Bagh shattered into pieces once for all the tradition of loyalty to the British Crown. And within a period of 27 years, it was proved that the brutal acts of General Dyer and Lt. Governor O'Dwyer could not suppress the passion for independence that flared up after the above episode.

Note:

On 13th March, 1940, an Indian revolutionary from Sunam, named Udham Singh (a.k.a. Mohammad Singh Azad), who had witnessed the events in Amritsar and was himself wounded, shot dead Sir Michael O'Dwyer, believed to be the chief planner of the massacre (Dyer having died years earlier) at the Caxton Hall in London. JWT Desk Study in England

Britain has long attracted and welcomed high caliber students from all corners of the world. In the recent UK Visa Policy, Tier 4 is the points-based system that mainly deals with the students.

Another Test or Another Trap Monday, April 01, 2013

Can You Apply? As a Tier 4 (General) student, you must have 40 points in the points-assessment. You can score: 30 points for having a valid confirmation of acceptance for studies at an acceptable level with an approved education provider; and 10 points for having enough money to cover your course fees and living costs.

What Course You Should Study? You must study a course at an acceptable level. There are additional requirements for certain types of courses. You may be able to do a work placement as part of your course, and a short preparatory course before the main course. Your course must be provided by an education licensed Tier 4 (General) sponsor.

What Should I Apply for? You must be applying to: 1. study full-time in the UK on a course that meets the additional requirements; or 2. undertake a recognised Foundation Programme as a postgraduate doctor or dentist in the UK; or If you will be studying full-time on a course other than a Foundation

Programme, the course must also: lead to a qualification at or above level 6 on the revised National Qualifications Framework (NQF) or its equivalents; or be a short-term 'study abroad' programme as part of your higher education course at an overseas institution; or be an English language course at or above level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR); or be an English language course at any level, if you are a government-sponsored student or if the course is a pre-sessional course; or involve at least 15 hours per week of organised daytime study. 'Daytime' is 08:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday.

Note: If you are studying English as a foreign language, this qualifies as 'an English language course'.

If the course is below revised NQF level 6 or equivalent and is not an English language course or a study abroad programme, it must: be approved at or above level 3 on the NQF or Qualifications and Credits Framework (QCF), or accredited at or above level 6 in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF; or be approved at or above level 4 on the NQF or QCF, or accredited at or above level 7 in the SCQF; or be a pre-sessional course to prepare you for your main course of study.

Note: Level 3 of the NQF is equivalent to a UK 'A level'. Level 6 of the revised NQF is equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree.

Money Required The money you will need depends on the length of your course and the location where you will study. To score 10 points in points assessment, you must show that you can pay your course fees for your first period of study and your living costs for up to nine months.

Course Fees If you are applying to start a new course, you must show that you have enough money to pay your course fees for the first year of your course or for the entire course.

Your confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) tells the amount of money you need to show to pay your course fees. If you do not know what this amount is, you must ask your Tier 4 sponsor. Money to Cover Your Living Costs The amount of money you must show to cover your living costs will depend on: where you will be studying in the UK; and whether you have recently been studying in the UK – if you are a current or recent student, it may be considered that you have an 'established presence' as a student in the UK.

Where are You Studying? Normally living costs are calculated as follows: £1,000 a month if you are spending more than half of your study time in inner London; or £800 a month if you are spending more than half of your study time outside inner London.

Note: 'Inner London' is defined as any of the following London boroughs: Camden, City of London, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Lewisham, Newham, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Wandsworth, Westminster.

How much money do you need? If you have an established presence, you must show that you have enough money to cover your living costs for: 2 months; or the length of your course, if this is less than 2 months. If you do not have an established presence, you must show that you have enough money to cover your living costs for: 9 months; or the length of your course, if this is less than 9 months. If the length of your course includes a part of a month, the time will be rounded up to the next month.

JWT Desk JWT Desk

World Health Day - 7 April 2013

In 1948, the World Health Organization held the First World Health Assembly. The Assembly decided to celebrate 7 April of each year, with effect from 1950, as the World Health Day. The theme for 2013 is high blood pressure.

Another Test or Another Trap Monday, April 01, 2013

World Health Day is celebrated on 7 April to mark the anniversary of the founding of World Health Organization in 1948. Each year a theme is selected for World Health Day that highlights a priority area of public health concern in the world.

About High Blood Pressure High blood pressure – also known as raised blood pressure or hypertension – increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure. If left uncontrolled, high blood pressure can also cause blindness, irregularities of the heartbeat and even heart failure. The risk of developing these complications is higher in the presence of other cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes. One in three adults worldwide has high blood pressure. The proportion increases with age, from 1 in 10 people in their 20s and 30s to 5 in 10 people in their 50s. Prevalence of high blood pressure is highest in some low-income countries in Africa, with over 40 per cent of adults in many African countries thought to be affected.

However, high blood pressure is both preventable and treatable. In some developed countries, prevention and treatment of the condition, together with other cardiovascular risk factors, has brought about a considerable reduction in deaths from heart disease.

Reducing Blood Pressure High blood pressure contributes to an alarming number of deaths each year. Although it may not have apparent symptoms, high blood pressure leads to heart attacks and strokes aside from also causing kidney failure. You can reduce your blood pressure by reducing your weight (if you're obese) and making a few small changes in your life, say doctors. Here are some suggestions that doctors usually give in this regard:

- Walk it out — Walking at a brisk pace can help lower your blood pressure. A good workout will ensure the heart uses oxygen more efficiently. Getting a rigorous cardio workout 4 to 5 times a week can make a huge difference. Start by incorporating about 15 minutes of exercise in your daily routine and slowly increase the time and difficulty level.

- Deep Breathing — Learning some slow breathing and meditation techniques can do wonders. It will help reduce stress and keep your blood pressure in check. Try taking out 10 minutes every morning and at night. Inhale and exhale deeply. You can also join a yoga class for some time to learn the proper method. - Go for potassium-rich foods — You have probably heard of the negative effects of sodium on the body, and potassium is an essential mineral to counter the effects of sodium on blood pressure. Fruits and vegetables are rich in potassium. Try adding sweet potatoes, tomatoes, orange juice, potatoes, bananas, peas and prunes and raisins to your regular diet.

Important World Days in April 2 April World Autism Awareness Day 4 April International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action 7 April Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Rwanda Genocide 7 April World Health Day [WHO] 12 April International Day of Human Space Flight 22 April International Mother Earth Day 23 April World Book and Copyright Day [UNESCO] 25 April World Malaria Day [WHO] 26 April World Intellectual Property Day [WIPO] 28 April World Day for Safety and Health at Work [ILO] 29 April Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare 30 April International Jazz Day

- Go slow on the salt — Whether you have a family history of high blood pressure or not, reducing your intake of salt can make a huge difference to your health. Before adding that extra pinch of salt to your food, think if you really need it. Try substituting salt with lime, garlic, pepper or other herbs and spices. Go slow on processed and packaged foods. Potato chips, frozen chicken nuggets, bacon, etc. are high in sodium. Try calculating your daily sodium consumption. Keep a food diary and you may be surprised at how much you're taking in.

- Dark chocolate benefits — The darker variety of chocolate has flavonols that make blood vessels more elastic. Choose one that has at least 70 per cent cocoa to really reap the benefits.

- Don’t smoke — Smokers are at higher risk of hypertension. But even though tobacco and nicotine in cigarettes can cause temporary spikes in blood pressure, smoking itself is not thought to cause chronic hypertension .Nevertheless, quitting smoking may help you lower your blood pressure a bit, says Dr. Fletcher. And, of course, the other health benefits are countless.

- Tea benefits — Herbal teas are the way to go. In a study conducted, those who sipped on hibiscus tea daily lowered their blood pressure. Many herbal teas contain hibiscus or you can always opt for green tea. The effects of caffeine are still debatable. Drinking caffeinated beverages can temporarily increase blood pressure. The solution is to check your blood pressure within 30 minutes of drinking a cup of coffee to determine if it works for your body.

World Health Days in 2000s 2013: High Blood Pressure 2012: Good Health adds life to years 2011: Antimicrobial resistance: no action today no cure tomorrow 2010: Urbanization and health 2009: Save lives. Make hospitals safe in emergencies 2008: Protecting health from climate change 2007: International health security 2006: Working together for health 2005: Make every mother and child count 2004: Road safety 2003: Shape the future of life 2002: Move for health 2001: Mental health: stop exclusion, dare to care JWT Desk

Rights of Minorities in Islam

Islam is a religion that exhorts its followers to be humane with their fellow- humans. There seems to be no such tenet that allows humiliation of a human being, rather in an Islamic society, minorities enjoy more rights than in any other society.

Another Test or Another Trap Monday, April 01, 2013

Shariah enunciates explicitly and makes it binding that minorities, too, will be entitled to rights as granted to Muslims, while living in an Islamic society. Indeed, Islam urges allegiance to providence, but neither puts pressure on one's changing articles of faith nor resorts to coercion in the matters of religion. As for the preaching of the Divine message, the Holy Qur'an says:

“There is no compulsion in religion; no doubt the virtuous path has become clearly distinct from the erring; then whoso does not accept devil and believes in Allah, he grasped a very firm knot which is never to open and Allah Hears and Knows.” (Baqarah: 256)

At another point, preaching that hurts one's religious sentiments is barred by saying:

“O Muhammad (PBUH)! Invite mankind to the way of your Lord with wisdom and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His path, and He is the Best Aware of those who are guided.” (Nahl: 125)

The rights that Islam has bestowed on minorities can best be adjudged from the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He said, “The violators of agreements who tend to usurpation of others' rights or those who take anything without lawful authority or against the will of the possessors, will be pointed out on the Day of Judgement, and they would be cornered on behalf of the complainant.”

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) always warned Muslims against any violation or infringement of the minorities' rights. According to a hadith, the Prophet said, “Whosoever murders a zimmi will not enter the folds of Heaven, not even the fragrance which can be smelt at a distance of forty years (of travelling).” In fact, Islam has given a directions, every now and then, for the protection of rights of minorities.

Once a Christian delegation came to meet the Holy Prophet (PBUH) – He (PBUH) made arrangements for their stay in the Masjid-e-Nabwi. Even they were allowed to worship over there according to their religion. And they did so as graciously allowed by the Prophet. (Ibne Sa'ad – Al-Tabqaat al-Kubr)

At another occasion, when a delegation of Christians from Habsha called on the Holy Prophet (PBUH), he offered them to stay in Masjid-e-Nabwi. He provided them a warm hospitality and ensured their safety. He said, “These people are considered distinguished and, hence, are held in high esteem. This is why I have deemed it fit to become their host, and given them due respect that they deserve.”

It may be recalled that in his lifetime, Muslims and Non-Muslims (minorities) were treated as equals.

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) once said, “The protection of rights of Non-Muslims (dhimmis) is my foremost responsibility.” – Al-Masnad. “Whosoever murders a zimmi will not enter the folds of Heaven, not even the fragrance which can be smelt at a distance of forty years (of travelling).” Numerous examples can be quoted from Islamic history during the era of Khilafat-e-Rashida (The Pious Caliphate). Islam enjoins upon everybody (even a Non-Muslim) the right to personal liberty and right of confidentiality, as enjoyed by Muslims.

Islam allows all the Non-Muslims to follow their religion with full freedom. Thus, an Islamic State does not object to their creed and doesn't even criticise their faith in any way. Obviously, the Non- Muslims can perform their religious rites and rituals within the limits of their places of worship. The Non-Muslims have the same freedom of religion and worship in their own way, as have the Muslims. Use of force or pressure for the propagation of Islam is strongly prohibited by the Quran. However, if the religion of a Non-Muslim comes into a direct clash with Islam, then Islamic law will take precedence.

For instance, it is not permissible for Christians to go around preaching their faith in an Islamic country even though they believe that it is compulsory for them to do so. The reason is because this directly clashes with Islam that forbids such a thing. One may ask "Why don't you just let the non- Muslims preach their faith and let the people freely accept or reject? It is their personal choice". Well then using the same logic, we could then argue "Why don't you just let the drug–dealers sell their drugs and let the people freely accept or reject? It is their personal choice".

In the eyes of Islam, the Non-Muslim who preaches his faith is worse than a drug–dealer selling drugs. If the drug–dealer happens to convince someone to buy his drugs then the most harm that could possibly be inflicted on the person is that his carnal body dies from an overdose.

Islamic State doesn't bar Non-Muslims to adopt any profession to earn their livelihood through fair means save that can prove detrimental to the state. In short, except for participating in the state affairs, they should be given all the rights which are sanctioned by the norms of justice and fairness for people in a civilised society, and in this regard, all dealings should be done in a befitting manner because Allah likes people who adopt this attitude.

The writer is a religious scholar. Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq Naqshbandi

‘I believe Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity’ Javed Nabi Khoso 3rd in Sindh (Rural) CSS-2011

Another Test or Another Trap Monday, April 01, 2013

Jahangir's World Times (JWT): Kindly tell us about your educational background and achievements, especially your success in CSS.

Javed Nabi Khoso (JNK): I did Masters in Business Administration, with distinction, from University of Sindh, Jamshoro. Before joining Civil Service, I have been serving as Patrol Officer in National Highways and Motorways Police. By the grace of Allah Almighty, I passed the CSS exam in second attempt and stood third in Sindh (Rural). I have opted for the Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) Group.

JWT: Please share the experience of your first attempt, and also tell how did you secure this prestigious position?

JNK: I attempted for the first time in 2010 but couldn't get enough marks to make the required aggregate. The main cause of my failure, I believe, was the selection of optional subjects (like History of India and Pakistan) along with imprudent time management. I couldn't give proper time to studies mainly due to my job. Nevertheless, I achieved the ultimate goal of my life by strong determination, dedication, hard work and last but not the least, prayers of my parents.

JWT: What is so special in PAS and why did you prefer it over other groups?

JNK: Well, I believe all the groups have their own importance and prestige but, PAS is a general management cadre. It was my dream to join this finest service of Pakistan. PAS gives you full opportunity to deliver your best for the well-being of the marginalized segments of the society while reaching the grassroots level. Besides, PAS has a tremendous scope of mobility and easy access to public while at the same time, gives you an opportunity to provide timely assistance to the needy as well.

JWT: In the light of your experience, what strategy the aspirants should follow to score high in CSS?

JNK: I believe that securing good marks in different subjects is a key factor to realize the dream of a brighter future in Civil Service. There is no shortcut to success, at all; this is the first thing one should keep in mind. Therefore, one has to work hard, grasp the subject with thorough understanding of the key concepts. He must be able to present a discourse on the given topic.

Solving the past papers and choosing the productive material can be helpful in this regard. For instance, I acquired good marks in Everyday Science, Islamiyat, Journalism, Sociology and Current Affairs. The reason behind it was that for all the subjects, I divided the time properly and devised effective strategy coupled with consistent practice. I think the aspirants should avoid reading too lengthy study material rather they should stay focused, composed and write legible and attractive material while attempting the questions. In addition, I would say that do write clearly and avoid writing irrelevant and ambiguous information. Solve past papers and get your work checked by seniors or seasoned teachers.

JWT: Should the students consult books or they should rely on already prepared notes.

JNK: One may find countless books, available on almost each and every subject, and every book has its own importance and utility. I think careful selection is necessary in this regard as books play a vital role in organizing, developing and channelling your knowledge. The best practice while preparing for the written part of the exam is to go through the books especially those suggested by the FPSC. Reading books is extremely helpful to enhance and improve your writing skills along with developing thorough understanding of the subjects. However, making notes to secure good marks is also important, but, notes should be brief yet comprehensive.

JWT: What strategy one should follow to make a difference in the final result?

JNK: I think the best strategy to make a difference is the effective time management and three P's i.e. preparation, practice and precision. Careful selection of optional subjects, constant evaluation of writing standard, guidance and suggestions from seniors and determination coupled with self- confidence are imperative as well. Just focus on your goal and don't care of the competition.

JWT: Most candidates fail Essay and English Précis and Composition papers. What steps would you suggest to pass these?

JNK: I think the main cause behind failure, in these papers, is the lack of practice and weak writing skills. The best way to pass them is to “write, write and write”, because more you write more improvement will be in skills, and ultimately, it will ensure your success. One can improve English by regularly reading newspapers like Dawn and reputed magazines like Jahangir's World Times. While attempting the Essay paper, choose the topic over which you have full command. Avoid spelling mistakes and grammatical errors because both of these are the main causes of low scores or failure in the said papers.

JWT: Seeking guidance prior to exams is a prerequisite of CSS. What sort of guidance is required for the fresh aspirants and how do you see Jahangir's World Times (JWT) as far as guidance for CSS-exam is concerned?

JNK: I think guidance plays a pivotal role in CSS preparation. The fresh aspirants should seek guidance for matters like selection of subjects, attempting the paper, do's and don'ts of solving the paper, allocating time to different subjects, and last but not the least, I would say again, effective writing skills. I think Jahangir's World Times is the best and most resourceful magazine for CSS aspirants. It defines and covers all areas and dimensions which are of fundamental importance in passing this prestigious exam. JWT abounds in information and guidelines with defined parameters. So, I recommend it to all the aspirants to better understand the “course of success”. JWT helped me a lot during my preparation especially for interview.

JWT: Do you believe in luck factor in CSS? We notice so often that many average students get allocated while talented and brilliant students, at times, are unable to make it?

JNK: I believe luck is when hard work meets opportunity. So, without thorough and elaborate preparation, there is no luck especially in case of competitive exams like CSS. The main reason behind allocation of average students is the way they present their ideas which exhibit simplicity and brevity and, at the same time, are centred on objectivity.

Any Message:

Have faith in yourself and unwavering belief in Almighty Allah. Never give up and always do your best to achieve your goal.

For feedback: [email protected] Waqas Iqbal

QUERIES of CSS, PMS, PCS Aspirants

Jahangir's World Times is the only magazine that caters for the needs of the candidates of the prestigious competitive exams including CSS, PMS and PCS. Candidates often face difficulties in selection of subjects, choosing the right books, preparing for the interviews and so on. JWT's CSS GURU is an initiative to provide the guidance candidates may need at any stage. Our guru will answer all your queries. If you want to ask something and need guidance, please write to us or email at the following address: Jahangir's World Times 121-D, Gulberg II, Lahore. email: [email protected]

Another Test or Another Trap Monday, April 01, 2013

Q1: Sir, I took Psychology and Sociology as optional subjects because they regularly have been scoring subjects. But the CSS-2013 psychology paper is quite different. So can we assume now that psychology is no more a scoring subject?

Do appreciate the fact that over the years, the number of candidates appearing in CSS has substantially increased. Thus it has provided your examiners with a fair number of candidates to work on. He tests their knowledge as well as understanding of the issues by judging their abilities to apply that knowledge on situations/issues put forth by the examiner. Only those candidates who demonstrate better reasoning and analytical skills will obtain good marks while crammers will be filtered out. Make an in-depth analysis of questions set in CE-2013, then review your study material or notes. Trends have changed now, so should your approach. Remember, it's a competitive exam and you need to outshine others. So, adapt yourself to the new approaches of the examiner.

Q2: Should one take Indo-Pak History to secure good marks in Pakistan Affairs as the 2013 paper of Pakistan Affairs was more about the Indo-Pak history?

A fair knowledge of Indo-Pak History is a prerequisite for securing good marks in CSS. The 2013 PA paper focused mostly on the pre-independence part as most questions related to the historical perspective. In addition, the questions required comprehensive explanations. It depicts an interesting shift in FPSC policy as this paper contained, traditionally, the questions that required simple narration of facts/factors and candidates didn't bother to consult anything except the study material prepared specifically for those questions. This year, it was entirely a different case. For instance, the question “Critically examine the Muslim shift from militancy to education with a special reference to the educational movements launched during the 19th century in South Asia.” required a comparison of methodology and results of Armed Movements against Educational movements. Similarly, “Compare the socio-economic and political conditions of the Muslims and non-Muslims at the advent of British rule in South Asia”, Muslim society in mid-19th century was required to be compared with the Non-Muslim Indian society. The topics are same but the approach has changed. Going for Indo-Pak History is at your own will but a sound knowledge of Pakistan History is essential.

Q3: Many papers in CE-2013 were quite different. Has CE-2013 gone against the previous trend? I would say it has carried forward the trend of past couple of years. I have suggested, time and again, in these pages that the candidates should focus on topics rather than questions. Gone are the days when few pages of handy notes on Geography or Islamiyat would do the trick for you. The competition has increased manifold and you should be abreast of it. CE-2013 is an eye-opener for those who still rely on obsolete methods.

Q4: How can I learn the way to analyse an issue critically?

Dear aspirant, it requires a changed approach. Most candidates go after descriptive study as they learn the basic facts and figures related to any topic. For “critical analysis”, they rely on references of renowned theorists and historians. But simply mentioning work of others also comes under descriptive technique. Critical analysis is subjective writing because it expresses your opinion on or evaluation of a particular issue. You are expected to challenge the established views and claims on any issue. You need to test the veracity of those claims with arguments. Don't take things on their face value, just try to evaluate the truth, worth and significance of the thing under analysis especially focusing on the currency of the issue and any controversies related to it.

For analytical study, divide your preparation in three parts: information, interpretation, and evaluation. The information part introduces the topic. The interpretation makes you understand the topic in detail while the evaluation part makes you build your opinion on the issue based on strong argumentations and justifications. Proper referencing is an essential part of evaluation.

Q5: Why British History is preferred over Indo-Pak History when the latter helps in Pak Affairs paper as well?

Each subject has its own significance. British History is preferred for it has generally been more scoring than Indo-Pak History. Whereas the candidates of IPH are many and all of them rely on same and limited books available, BH is opted for by fewer candidates and there are only a few good books available on it. Moreover, BH syllabus introduces to the candidates the political developments in world history of last four centuries. The candidates understand the evolution and foundations of modern institutions of world including democracy, capitalism, cabinet, parliament and local government. The history of key world events that transformed the world – the two World Wars, French Revolution, Russian Revolution, Imperialism, Capitalism, Socialism, Decolonization, Industrial and Agrarian Revolutions, Cold War, War on Terror, UN, etc. broaden their knowledge– base and help them in handling Current Affairs paper as well.

Q6: How to write a short autobiography in CSS Psychological part?

A short autobiography, like the one in CSS, may contain four aspects. You may write them in separate paragraphs or may combine one or two of these. The first paragraph contains your introduction and usually starts with your name and other basic information like parentage, place and date of birth. It may also include the city or cities where you have been living. Profession of parents and any significant aspect of first few years of your life may also be mentioned. The second paragraph may include any significant event(s) that shaped your life. You can mention any specific incident(s) where you overcame obstacles in your way.

The third paragraph contains your résumé. Here, you mention your educational qualifications and any skills and credentials that make you head and shoulders high among other candidates. It may include your traits that make you suitable for this job. Moreover, you should describe how these skills and traits helped you so far in your professional life. In fourth paragraph, conclude with current information about you. Your responsibilities in your organization should find a place here. You can also mention your place of living and family.

You can mention your goals or any motivating philosophy in last one or two lines.

Q7: Is it necessary to give references of Quranic verses in Arabic in the Islamiat paper to get good marks?

It is preferable to quote original text of Quranic verses if you can reproduce exactly. For that, you must prepare each topic with 3-4 most relevant verses in original Arabic text as well as their translations. But always remember that it's only your discourse that fetches you good scores. Quoting references and relevant verses supports your arguments. So, it doesn't really make big difference. JWT Editorial Board

POTA SELECTED YOUNG GLOBAL LEADER 2013

After months of deliberation and a rigorous selection process, Dubai’s Vikas Pota has been selected the ‘Young Global Leader’.

Another Test or Another Trap Monday, April 01, 2013

With multi-billionaire Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and co-founder and CEO of Google Larry Page, noted as some of the titles past winners, Pota pipped hundreds of other nominees, from around the world, to the post, with his vision championing a better education system proving winner worthy to the World Economic Forum (WEF) judging panel. The YGL 2013 included four nominations from Pakistan. They were Maryam Nawaz, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Athar Osama and Shehrbano Taseer. Maryam Nawaz is the daughter of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and is currently pursuing a PhD in practical politics. She has been managing her family-owned Sharif Trust for the last 15 years, which includes a hospital, schools and colleges.

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is an Emmy and Oscar award-winning Pakistani-Canadian journalist and documentary film-maker who works towards raising awareness about women’s issues and rights in Pakistan. Her documentary, “Saving Face” received global recognition since its release in 2012.

Athar Osama is a scholar who launched Muslim-Science.Com, an online journal discussing the issues of Science, Technology, Innovation and Policy mainly concerned with Muslim countries. He is the first Pakistani who was honoured with the World Technology Network award in 2011. He is also the founder of Pakistan Innovation Foundation.

Shehrbano Taseer is the daughter of assassinated former Governor of Punjab, Salman Taseer. She works to raise awareness about the rights of the disadvantaged, more specifically women and minorities.

Upon receiving the honour, Chief Executive of the Varkey GEMS Foundation Pota said:

“I am absolutely thrilled to have been nominated and selected to join the World Economic Forum’s ‘Forum of Young Global Leaders’.”

Recognising the most distinguished leaders from around the world, under the age of 40, the ‘Young Global Leader’ title is handed out each year, with the winner given an exceptional opportunity to work together with the WEF on issues that currently impact on the state of the world.

Past Young Global Leaders • Mark Zuckerberg, founder and CEO of Facebook • Larry Page, co-founder and CEO of Google, USA • Abdulla Bin Ali Al Thani, VP of the Qatar Foundation • Salman Khan, founder and executive director of Khan Academy • Marissa Mayer, CEO of Yahoo! Inc • Enrique Pena Nieto, President of Mexico • David Cameron, UK PM JWT Desk

Would the U.S. Nuke North Korea?

If the North aims nuclear missiles at the South, would the U.S. immediately retaliate with nuclear weapons?

Another Test or Another Trap Monday, April 01, 2013

The uproar over North Korea's third nuclear test has died down to some extent. Vehement condemnation and outcries toward unruly North Korea - as if it was ready to start a nuclear war - have simmered down. But the advances in the North's nuclear armament have become alarmingly dangerous and demand quick resolute actions because it poses the first major task for the new Park Geun-hye administration.

In her inaugural address, Park sent a solemn message to Pyongyang, warning that it will end up as the biggest victim from the nuclear test and urging it to put down nuclear weaponry to join the path of peace and co-prosperity. However, she repeated her campaign promise of a different approach from the hardline Lee Myung-bak administration, reiterating that she will strive to build mutual trust with the North - despite its nuclear threat and based on “irrefutable deterrence.” A new storm in a teacup may be brewing.

What does she mean by “irrefutable deterrence”? North Korea is armed with more than 1,000 ballistic missiles that can reach South Korea, Japan and Guam. If it actually succeeded in building a smaller and lighter bomb as it claimed, it is closer to turning out miniaturized nuclear warheads small enough to fit atop its long-range missiles. The country is estimated to be near developing inter-continental ballistic missiles that can even strike the U.S. mainland within a few years.

North Korea also supposedly has more than a hundred mobile launchers that can evade preemptive strikes from the U.S. and South Korea.

Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Jung Seung-jo said South Korea could make preemptive strikes upon signs of attack movement in the North. The military will establish a so-called kill chain that can detect alarming movement in North Korea, identify a target and strike it in less than a half hour. But we cannot entirely believe in a perfect system that could completely intercept North Korean missiles. Does the military mean it can deliver full protection from nuclear bombs flying from North Korea? The military is currently working on a Korean Air and Missile Defense System. But so far, its endeavours are more of a showpiece. Even when completed, it cannot guarantee an impeccable kill chain and irrefutable deterrence that the government has been promising. In tactics, we cannot effectively defend ourselves from the North's nuclear attack. The next choice should be a strategic approach. The United States promises a so-called nuclear umbrella - a rhetorical term it now defines as “extended deterrence” - and is working with South Korea on joint strategies against North Korea's nuclear attack. When the situation reaches a certain contingency stage, the U.S. is expected to automatically deploy submarines or B-2 or B-52 bombers - all equipped with nuclear bombs - to the surrounding area of Korea. The United States promises a so-called nuclear umbrella - a rhetorical term it now defines as “extended deterrence” - and is working with South Korea on joint strategies against North Korea's nuclear attack. Whether these capabilities are sufficient, however, remains questionable. If the North aims nuclear missiles at the South, would the U.S. immediately retaliate with nuclear weapons? It is a hypothetical question that can be answered in several ways. Security chiefs in Washington would debate and weigh what the U.S. would gain from nuclear involvement. Given the risk of a nuclear war with China, a U.S. nuclear retaliation cannot be completely assured. Some hawks are demanding that South Korea arm itself with nuclear weapons, although the idea is unfeasible as the country is bound as a member of the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty.

The remaining realistic option would be strengthening our strategic leverage in the U.S. alliance. South Korea could positively consider joining the U.S.-led missile defense system. If it opts to join the planned buildup of defensive posture in the Asia-Pacific arena, South Korea's strategic importance to the U.S. would increase. In a similar context, we could also negotiate delaying the timetable for the U.S. transfer of wartime operational control set for 2015. These arrangements could heighten the possibility of full commitment and retaliatory response from the U.S. against a North Korean attack.

Beijing would likely strongly oppose Seoul's joining the U.S. missile shield program in Northeast Asia that it claims is intended to contain China. But Beijing cannot step in as South Koreans now live in imminent danger of a nuclear threat from the North because of its lukewarm attitude about impending danger.

Deterrence alone cannot be a fundamental solution to the North's nuclear threat. At the same time, we cannot make a preemptive strike to destroy North Korea's nuclear weapons as it could trigger a full-blown war. The buildup of mutual trust on the Korean Peninsula - as suggested by President Park - may be a better solution than that. There is no guarantee on how long and how well it will work. But that way would prevent a war and save millions of lives. JWT Desk JWT Desk

COUNTRY LIFE IS BETTER THAN URBAN LIFE

1. Introduction

Another Test or Another Trap Monday, April 01, 2013 2. Urban life emerged as civilizations flourished 3. Urban life blessed man with the comforts of life 4. Life in countryside a. Serenity and tranquility b. Clean environment and healthy surroundings c. Rich culture and simple lifestyles d. Sincere and trustworthy people e. Lesser crimes f. Stronger social bonding g. Agricultural self-sufficiency

5. Country life lacks basic amenities 6. Concept of suburbs 7. Conclusion

Introduction Man is a social animal by nature and he cannot live in isolation. Throughout history, human beings have gathered to form civilizations some of which flourished in such a way that they reached the zenith of development. All these civilizations were characterized by their peculiar and unique settlements and culture patterns. Human settlements form a feature that has been a defining element between the two distinct forms of societies – rural and urban. The debate on “country life versus urban life" is as old as the hills. Whereas country life presents the very basic form of living, urban life is blessed with more comforts and facilities. Urban settlements emerged as civilizations progressed and people required a closer interaction for their economic, social and political needs. Urban life comforted man with basic amenities as well as sheer luxuries of life and has become a hallmark of prosperity and growth. Country life, on the other hand, offers a natural setting, impossible to be found in urban dwellings. The serene beauty and absolute purity of country environment, its traditional and rich culture and simple lifestyle, stronger social bonding and sincerity among people and remarkably fewer rates of crimes make country life a preferable form of living. Though country life, in many cases, lacks access to the civic amenities that are indispensable for a trouble-free living, most people still prefer to live in rural areas.

As mentioned above, man cannot afford to live alone. No child can be brought up normally in isolation. The essential characteristics of a human being that turn him into a 'social man' from a 'social animal' are developed through interactions in society. A child acquires the qualities of learning, reasoning, socializing and communicating with others from the society. Human settlements are the defining feature of societies. Thus, the two basic forms of societies – rural and urban – are defined by human preferences of socialization. It is their desire for stronger political and social interactions that drives them to form urban settlements. Even the earliest civilizations of human history – Sumerians, Egyptians, Babylonians and Indians, to name a few, were centred on one or more cities. In fact, the word 'civilization' itself means living in cities or urban areas. Urban settlements serve not only as political power-centres; they also provide opportunities for greater prosperity of civilizations.

The maximum comforts of life are available only in urban environments. Modern facilities of health, education and civic amenities are the most striking feature of urban areas. Country folks can only dream of these facilities. Parks, recreational activities, better employment opportunities, modern banking and financial services, communication networks are provided in urban areas though some of them are available, to some extent, in villages as well. From universities to security arrangements, and from hospitals to shopping-malls, all these facilities are found in urban areas.

Despite all these modern services and facilities, urban centres fail to cater the needs of human beings that can be fulfilled by villages only. The modern facilities in cities come at the cost of peace of mind and true and sincere relationships. Today, people are fed up of the fast and artificial life in cities. They travel hundreds of kilometres to enjoy the scenic beauty of nature that is an essential feature of countryside. Living in countryside still offers many attractions for the human beings.

The most important and foremost among them are the serenity and tranquillity found there.

The extreme overcrowding of cities is nowhere to be found in villages where one lives absolutely free of such irritating disturbances. The refreshing atmosphere of countryside ensures calmness and peace of mind which urban dwellers cannot even think of.

Environment in rural areas is pure and clean. The fresh air, cleaner water, lush green fields, fresh fruits and vegetables are some benefits of countryside. Unlike urbanites, country folks do not face the problems like air and noise pollution, filthy gutters, and menacing traffic jams. They do not suffer from diseases and epidemics that are caused by contaminated water and overcrowded dwellings.

The rich culture and simple lifestyle also at tract those who aspire to have a serene living. There is a high regard for culture and traditions in countryside. The culture, in its purest form, is celebrated only in villages. People are proud of their traditions and each social event is celebrated with great ardour and fervour. Another important feature of country life is its sincere and true people who are always there to help each other. Show-offs and exhibitionists are seldom found there and people know each other personally and very well. Frauds, forgeries and deceits that are rampant in urban societies, find little space in the fabric of rural society.

As people know each other, these settlements have a tight community which results in strong social bonding. They share work in fields, take care of each other and are together through thick and thin. This creates a stronger sense of community unlike urban life where one may not know even his next-door neighbour for years.

This close social bonding ensures lesser nuisance and crime rate in countryside. Urbanites are victims of street crimes, land-grabbing, extortion and even murders. In countryside, the conflicts are resolved through social control. The verdicts of elders are accepted and respected by everyone and disputes are settled amicably. This is in total contrast with the urban society where litigations and complaints are common.

Another benefit of countryside is self-sufficiency in food as most people are involved in agriculture. The issues of food security or grains shortage are not known to them. Moreover, the cost of living is fairly lesser there. Contrarily, it is too high in urban areas. Accommodations are hard to find even at exorbitant prices. The standard of living is also low. Squatters are common in cities and people are forced to live in unhygienic and congested environment.

The benefits of living in countryside are countless. However, everything has its price. The cost of enjoying pure and natural environment is the lack of basic amenities of life. The modern systems of sanitation, solid waste management and supply of drinking water supply are found in cities only. Urban dwellers enjoy modern facilities of health and education at their doorstep.

The concept of suburbs is getting common as it offers a mixture of simplicity and purity of countryside and modern facilities of urban life. Suburbs are the hamlets or neighbourhoods that are outside of but reliant on nearby large city. Nowadays, people prefer living in such areas where they can enjoy natural beauty along with availing the modern facilities.

To conclude, it's purely a matter of choice which way one wants to live. Countryside and urban areas are two distinct societies offering peculiar benefits and facilities. Country folks aspire to have a reach to the modern civic amenities whereas urban dwellers long to live in serene and peaceful atmosphere of countryside. Many a people find ways to enjoy benefits of both and believe that the principle in Chinese adage 'making money in big cities and retirement in the country' is the best choice. However, country life serves as an attraction to most people fed up of the busy lives in noisy and turbulent cities. [email protected] Dr Waheed Asghar (CSP) Vocabulary in News sequester: (n) segregation, cut, a general cut in government spending.

Another Test or Another Trap Monday, April 01, 2013

If the sequester is allowed to go forward, thousands of Americans are likely to become jobless. conclave: (n) secret or private meeting, council, congress, parley The conclave of 115 "cardinal electors" elected the new Pope. scorching: (adj.) burning, roasting, sweltering, unbearably hot At least three athletes fell unconscious due to scorching heat. unprecedented: (adj.) unheard-of, novel, unusual, ground-breaking, unexampled Rebels unleashed an unprecedented barrage of mortar fire against troops in Aleppo. emphatic: (adj.) absolute, certain, cogent, explicit, vigorous Nasir Jamshed led Pakistan to an emphatic win over India at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. fiery: (adj.) choleric, febrile, hot-tempered, irascible, vehement The killing of Shias in Karachi ignited fiery speeches in Senate. panacea: (n) cure-all, catholicon, elixir, nostrum, remedy Reconciliation is a panacea for national ills. frolic: (n) fun, gaiety, gambol, joviality, merriment, romp Indian cinema's frolic with sports, especially cricket goes back a long way. deft: (adj.) adept, adroit, apt, dexterous, ingenious, proficient, skilful Deft handling of revolution and love made Faiz Ahmad Faiz a great poet. acquiesces: (v) accede, adapt, approve, conform, reconcile, yield WikiLeaks cables showed that the government privately acquiesces in the drone strikes. adamant: (adj.) unyielding, hard-nosed, inexorable, intransigent, obdurate, stubborn Pakistanis are adamant that Isaf should apologise for the Salala incident. alter ego: (n) doppelganger, second self Superman's alter ego was Clark Kent. angst: (n) anxiety, distress, torment, malaise, perturbation, vexation Many kids suffer from acne and angst. antecedent: (adj.) preceding, earlier, former, prior, foregoing, precursory They were allowed to take account of antecedent legislation. tryst: (n) appointment, engagement, meeting, rendezvous Anupam Kher spoke minutes after his tryst with Hollywood A-listers at the Oscars. apoplectic: (adj.) furious, raging, fuming, frenzied, incensed, livid Obama's comments provoked an apoplectic reaction from Russia`s interior ministry apostate: (n) deserter, renegade, defector, turncoat, backslider, Mumtaz Qadri told the court that he had taught a lesson to an apostate, Salman Taseer. rudderless: (adj.) adrift, aimless, directionless, purposeless, undirected When Dr Qadri left for Canada, his party was rudderless. falter: (v) hesitate, waver, vacillate I have not faltered in my quest for a new future. behemoth: (n) giant, mammoth, titan, leviathan NBP is a banking behemoth in the Pakistani context. belligerence: (n) hostility, animosity, antagonism, pugnacity, unfriendliness North Korea should halt its provocations and its policy of belligerence towards its neighbours. bibliophile: (n) booklover, intellectual, reader, savant Lahore International book fair was a pure delight for the bibliophiles. brimming: (adj.) overflowing, awash, chock-full, jammed, loaded, We will not take anything for granted against Indians who are brimming with confidence. broadside: (n) criticism, censure, denunciation, diatribe, philippic She defiantly replied with a broadside. bunk: (n) nonsense, applesauce, balderdash, claptrap, flimflam, twaddle Now we've got the original sources of the article saying this whole thing is bunk. cacophony: (n) discord, dissonance, disharmony, stridency As we entered the farmyard, we were met with a cacophony of animal sounds.

PHR V play down: belittle, derogate, underrate Food safety experts played down the risk of mad cow disease entering the USA. shrug off: dismiss, disregard, ignore, minimize Government shrugged off controversy over Sharia enforcement in Malakand. atone for: expiate, amend, appease, compensate, rectify The PML-N should atone for its contacts with the terrorist outfit and capture them.

Idioms play Russian roulette: take big risks, skate on thin ice, gamble President Zardari and his team continued to play Russian roulette with their government's future. flex muscles: use or increase your influence or power Candidates flexed muscles before polls in Hafizabad constituency. blue-eyed boy: preferred, favoured, chosen, recommended, pet, best-liked, Hina Rabbani Khar said that Haqqani group was once CIA's “blue-eyed boy”. Muhammad Usman Butt

WORLD IN FOCUS

News From National & International Press Feb 2013- March 2013

Another Test or Another Trap Monday, April 01, 2013 National

Feb 16: A massive bomb devastated a residential area in Quetta, killing at least 67 Shia Hazaras.

Feb 16: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement announced to quit the federal and provincial governments in protest against 'negative attitude' of the People's Party.

Feb 17: Pakistan and Palestine agreed to form a joint commission comprising foreign ministers of the two states to expand bilateral ties in economic, agricultural, banking, social and cultural sectors. Feb 18: In a partial award announced in the Kishanganga dispute, the Hague-based Court of Arbitration allowed India to divert only a minimum flow of water from Neelum/Kishanganga River for power generation.

Feb 18: A Pakistani student of Myers College Chakwal, Muhammad Shujaat Mirza, topped the world in O Level International Cambridge Examinations.

Feb 18: President Asif Ali Zardari confirmed nomination of Justice Nisar Muhammad Shaikh, Justice Nadeem Akhtar and Justice Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui as permanent judges of the Sindh High Court.

Feb 18: The government of Sindh appointed Mirza Omair Baig as Justice of Peace for District South Karachi. He will perform as Honorary Magistrate within the territorial limit of the District.

Feb 19: Abdul Hafeez Shaikh stepped down as federal Minister for Finance and Revenue. Minister of state for finance, Saleem H. Mandviwalla, replaced him.

Feb 19: President Asif Ali Zardari approved addition of 27 symbols to and omission of 'cat' from the existing list of election symbols, taking the total number of approved symbols to 197.

Feb 19: The International Chamber of Commerce International Court of Arbitration (ICC ICA) denied Tethyan Copper Company (TCC) any relief and supported the arguments of the government of Balochistan.

Feb 21: The Sindh Assembly repealed the 'Sindh People's Local Government Act, 2012' and revived the 'Sindh Local Government Ordinance, 1979'.

Feb 21: The National Assembly passed the Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (PIMS), Islamabad Bill, 2013.

Feb 21: Oscar and Emmy award winner Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy was appointed as a SAARC Goodwill Ambassador for HIV and AIDS for the year 2013 and 2014.

Feb 22: President Asif Zardari accorded his assent to the Pakistan Academy of Letters Bill 2013 and also signed the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan Bill 2013.

Feb 22: The government replaced Secretary Water and Power Nargis Sethi with Rai Sikander, a Grade-21 officer. Ms Sethi will continue to serve as the cabinet secretary.

Feb 22: Former Kinnaird College principal Dr Mira Phailbus was appointed Punjab Ombudswoman. This is the first time that a woman has been given this slot in Pakistan.

Feb 23: The president appointed Justice Iqbal Hameedur Rehman as a judge of the Supreme Court (SC) of Pakistan, and Justice Muhammad Anwar Khan Kasi as the Chief Justice of Islamabad High Court (IHC).

Feb 24: Pakistan's Envoy to the United States Sherry Rehman was awarded the Smith College Medal for her outstanding dedication to the women's rights. Sherry graduated in 1985 from the institution.

Feb 24: A massive power breakdown plunged major parts of the country into darkness. From Islamabad to Karachi, most major cities faced power outage because of a major fault in the National Power Control Centre (NPCC) system.

Feb 25: According to the Global Terrorism Index, that profiles data on terrorism from across the world, Pakistan is the second most affected country in the world by terrorism, after Iraq.

Feb 25: The National Assembly unanimously passed the 'Defence Housing Authority, Islamabad, 2013' bill.

Feb 26: Board of directors of Pakistan Steel Mills approved appointment of Maj Gen (R) Muhammad Javed as chief executive officer of Pakistan Steel under the Pakistan Steel Companies Ordinance 1984.

Feb 26: The government approved a record Rs.100 billion bailout package for the ever-bleeding Pakistan International Airlines.

Feb 26: President Asif Ali Zardari signed the Instrument of Ratification for Pakistan to become a member of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

Feb 28: At least 352 people were killed and 699 were injured in 27 bomb blasts that ripped through various areas across Pakistan during the first two months of 2013. According to official figures, in January, 16 blasts which took place in different parts of the country caused 199 casualties and left 380 wounded while in the month of February 11 explosions took place killing 153 and injuring another 319.

Feb 28: Mainstream political and religious parties and civil society groups agreed to negotiate peace with militant elements through a broadened tribal jirga earlier formed by Jamiat Ulema-i- Islam-F. The parties attending an All Parties Conference (APC), hosted by the JUI-F, agreed on a five-point declaration.

Feb 28: The Punjab government and the Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to unearth corruption, if any, in three mega projects in the Laptop Scheme, Ujala Programme and the Metro Bus Project.

Feb 28: A Congressional resolution was introduced in the US House of Representatives to recognise Dr Shakil Afridi, who helped CIA trace Osama bin Laden, as an American hero.

Mar 01: A Pakistan-born 17-year-old student in California, Shayan Ahmad, launched SheFacebook, a new Facebook for women.

Mar 01: Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf appointed Ghulam Nabi Mangrio as Managing Director of Pakistan Security Printing Press, Karachi. Mar 01: The government appointed Abdul Wadood Shah, a grade-22 officer of the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP) group, DG Intelligence Bureau, replacing Akhtar Gorchani,

Mar 01: The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) decided to start inviting applications for 'general recruitment' online from April.

Mar 01: The Election Commission of Pakistan appointed key electoral officers and made public an updated electoral roll containing 85.42 million entries.

Mar 01: The Islamic Development Bank (IDB) signed a financing package of $227 million with Pakistan to fund polio eradication activities in the country. The Gates Foundation will provide support for the administrative costs.

Mar 01: The Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif announced regularisation of services of all contract employees from grade 1 to 16 in the province.

Mar 01: The Lahore High Court Green Bench directed the Punjab government to constitute a “Fire Safety Commission” to devise a mechanism in order to curtail the loss in fire incidents.

Mar 02: The Punjab government issued policy for the regularisation of contract employees under which those in BS-16 and above will be appointed through the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) and those in lower grades by the departments concerned.

Mar 03: Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif inaugurated Kalma Chowk Underpass, the largest underpass in the history of the Pakistan.

Mar 04: Promotion of Education in Pakistan (PEP), a US-based non-profit organisation agreed to donate Rs.22 million for the establishment of Student Advancement Endowment Fund (SAFE) in Pakistan.

Mar 05: The Senate unanimously passed the “Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2013” allowing the government to impose bars on leaders of banned outfits.

Mar 05: President Federation of Pakistan Chamber of commerce & Industry Senator Haji Fazal Kadir Khan Sherani appointed Dr Mirza Ikhtiar Baig as Chairman Pak-UAE Business Council of FPCCI for the year 2013.

Mar 05: The cabinet committee for educational reforms in Punjab recommended maintaining national language, Urdu, as medium of instructions at primary and elementary school level because of its significance as a tool of national integration while English should be a compulsory subject instead of medium of instructions at primary and elementary level.

Mar 06: Punjab's largest dialysis centre was set up at the Lahore General Hospital.

Mar 06: The Senate passed the bill seeking creation of a new province in Punjab.

Mar 06: The provincial government transferred IGP Sindh, Fayyaz Ahmed Leghari, to the centre and one of the deputy inspectors general (DIGs) was relieved of his posting following a Supreme Court order.

Mar 06: The National Assembly unanimously passed a resolution demanding that television channels remove anchors airing unverified programmes against parliamentarians. Mar 07: The federal cabinet provided a subsidy of Rs.16 billion on tube-wells and extended provincial quotas in federal jobs for another 20 years.

Mar 08: Bangladesh Premier Sheikh Hasina Wajid nominated Prof Waris Mir, former head of Journalism Department of the Punjab University, for the highest civil award of the country.

Mar 08: PML(N) Chief Mian Nawaz Sharif reopened the Pak-Tea House, the historical hangout of legendary men and women of letters of the subcontinent, after a long closure of 16 years.

Mar 08: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) again rejected government interim committee and reconfirmed Pakistan Olympic Association (POA), headed by Lt Gen (rtd) Arif Hassan, as legitimate body.

Mar 08: The National Assembly marked the International Women's Day by passing a key anti- terror law that seeks to establish a National Counter Terrorism Authority as a focal institution to integrate the country's effort against terrorism and extremism.

Mar 08: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly unanimously passed the “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Press, Newspapers, News Agencies and Books Registration Act, 2013” binding the owners of press, newspapers, news agencies and books registration to submit a declaration of paying salaries to employees as per Wage Board Award.

Mar 09: A mob enraged over alleged blasphemy set on fire a number of houses belonging to Christians in Badami Bagh.

Mar 09: Dr Abdul Qayoom Soomro was elected senator on a seat reserved for technocrats in Sindh.

Mar 09: The Bangladesh government honoured poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz and rights activist Asma Jahangir's father Malik Ghulam Jilani.

Mar 09: Imran Khan laid foundation stone for the second Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital of the country in Peshawar.

Mar 10: A 220-page book in English entitled “My Debut in Journalism” comprising letters and articles written by founder of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was published. Mar 10: President Asif Ali Zardari approved, on the advice of prime minister, conferment of Sitara- i-Imtiaz on Sarmad Ali, the managing director of the Jang Media Group and president of All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS).

Mar 10: Federal Tax Ombudsman and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Shoaib Suddle and SSP Mirwaiz Niaz were elected President and General Secretary respectively of the International Police Association (IPA), Pakistan Section.

Mar 11: US real estate tycoon Thomas Kramer and CEO Bahria Town Ahmad Ali Riaz Malik signed a $20 billion agreement for Pakistan's first-ever Island City, Bundal & Buddo Islands, Karachi.

Mar 12: The National Assembly unanimously passed “The Prohibition of Corporal Punishment Bill 2013” which says that any person who is guilty of inflicting corporal punishment on a child shall be punishable with imprisonment extending up to a maximum period of one year of fine up to Rs.50,000/- or both.

Mar 12: A two-member division bench of Islamabad High Court (IHC) suspended the order of a single bench against collection of the gas infrastructure development cess (GIDC) from industrial and commercial consumers.

Mar 12: The National Assembly exempted politicians from personally delivering their nomination papers to returning officers.

Mar 12: The governor of Balochistan issued an ordinance under which primary and secondary school education was declared compulsory and free.

Mar 12: Former Punjab chief secretary Javaid Mehmood was appointed new provincial ombudsman. The recently-appointed Mira Phailbus would hear complaints filed by women.

Mar 13: The Senate passed two important bills paving the way for setting up an anti-terror body for coordinating and interacting with law enforcement agencies to curb rising terrorism and another for removing the restriction on election candidates to appear in person before returning officer for submission of their nomination papers.

Mar 13: The federal cabinet approved the Investment Policy, 2013, and Foreign Direct Investment Strategy, 2013-17.

Mar 13: With the four successful GWR attempts Pakistan's count of records in the Punjab Youth Festival rose to 21 World Records.

Mar 14: On the final day of the Punjab Youth Festival, the country was graced with another two Guinness World Records.

Mar 14: The Supreme Court upheld the Election Commission of Pakistan's right to get its new nomination forms printed by saying that the nomination paper was strictly in accordance with the law and the Constitution and there should be no objection to it.

Mar 14: The Sindh Assembly regularised services of thousands of government employees working on a contract or ad hoc basis by adopting a bill (No. 24 2013). Mar 14: A division bench of the BHC reinstated Mir Tariq Magsi as Leader of Opposition in the Balochistan Assembly after annulling a ruling of Speaker Syed Matiullah Agha.

Mar 14: Asian Development Bank (ADB) decided to provide BISP with a further financial support of $200 million.

Mar 14: The historic 'Federal Ombudsmen Institutional Reforms Bill 2013' became part of the book as the president inked it. The law will further ensure expeditious disposal of complaints of the citizens. The two houses of the Parliament had earlier adopted the bill unanimously.

Mar 15: Three out of four countries in Asia and the Pacific are facing a serious shortage of water. The Asian Water Development Outlook 2013 found that 37 out of 49 nations did not have enough water, the worst being India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Cambodia, Kiribati, Nauru and Tuvalu.

Mar 15: According to a report revealed by United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP), Pakistan ranks 123 on the gender inequality index of the 2013 Human Development Report.

Mar 15: United Nations' special rapporteur, Mr Ben Emmerson, on human rights and counterterrorism said that US drone strikes violate Pakistan's sovereignty and called for their immediate cessation.

Mar 15: The Sindh Assembly passed by a majority vote four government bills increasing by up to 660 per cent the salaries/honoraria, fringe benefits, perks and allowances of the speaker, deputy speaker, ministers, special assistants and lawmakers with a retrospective effect from July 1, 2011.

Mar 15: Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf issued an order for an “unprecedented security protocol” for himself and former Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani. The special security protocol would be provided to five former prime ministers.

Mar 15: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's ruling and opposition parties nominated a former chief justice of Peshawar High Court (PHC), Justice (retd) Tariq Pervez Khan, as caretaker chief minister of the province.

Mar 15: The Punjab government appointed three new members of the Punjab Public Service Commission. They included former capital city police officer Aslam Tareen, Sohail Ahmad and Shaukat Hayat Durrani.

Mar 16: The National Assembly of Pakistan completed its full-term of five years for the first time in the democratic interludes of Pakistan. The National Assembly held 50 sessions during last five years.

International

Feb 18: The CIA thrillers “Argo” and “Zero Dark Thirty” won top screenplay honours from the Writers Guild of America.

Feb 18: European Union foreign ministers approved the launch of a 500-strong EU military mission to train the Malian army as Brussels also announced the holding of a major international conference on the country's future. Feb 19: Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah swore in the country's first female members of the Shura Council, an appointed body that advises on new laws.

Feb 20: British Prime Minister David Cameron visited the site of Jallianwala Bagh massacre in India, describing the episode as “deeply shameful” while stopping short of a public apology.

Feb 21: Sri Lanka banned the sale of land to foreigners, charging that prime properties bought by outsiders had been neglected and that the country was not reaping the full benefits of their tourism potential.

Feb 22: The US State Department warned Pakistan against any oil deals with Iran.

Feb 23: Facebook's and Google's founders set aside their rivalries to create the “Breakthrough Prize” for science that's worth more than double the value of the Nobel Prize.

Feb 24: African leaders signed the UN-mediated deal at ending two decades of conflict in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo and paving the way for the deployment of a new military brigade to take on rebel groups.

Feb 24: Rightwing leader Nicos Anastasiades won presidential election in Cyprus.

Feb 25: India's aviation ministry withdrew international flying rights and domestic slots from debt- laden Kingfisher Airlines, making more seats available for rival carriers.

Feb 25: “Argo” stormed to Best Picture victory at the Oscars. The most overall wins – four – went to “Life of Pi”. “Lincoln” failed to win in any major category but Daniel Day-Lewis took a record third prize for best actor.

Feb 25: Philippine President Benigno Aquino signed a landmark law compensating human rights victims of dictator Ferdinand Marcos. The billion pesos ($244 million) will be distributed to potentially thousands of people who were tortured, raped or detained, as well as relatives of those who were killed, by Marcos's security forces during his 20-year rule.

Feb 25: Israel and the United States staged the first test flight of the latest generation of their Arrow missile defence system, the Arrow 3.

Feb 25: Pope Benedict XVI issued a decree allowing cardinals to bring forward a conclave to elect his successor. Feb 25: Park Geun-hye became South Korea's first female president, vowing zero tolerance with North Korean provocation and demanding Pyongyang “abandon its nuclear ambitions” immediately.

Feb 26: A UN Security Council committee removed al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden from its sanctions list almost two years after his death.

Feb 26: United States Secretary of Defence nominee Chuck Hagel suggested in a previously unreleased speech that India had for many years been using Afghanistan to fight a proxy war against Pakistan by sponsoring terror attacks inside it.

Feb 27: America's first black President Barack Obama unveiled a full-length statue of civil rights icon Rosa Parks inside the US Congress.

Feb 27: Chuck Hagel was sworn-in as US Defence Secretary, a day after the Senate confirmed him.

Feb 28: Pope Benedict XVI ended his eight-year reign, becoming the first pontiff in six centuries to resign instead of ruling for life. The papacy became officially vacant at 1900 GMT.

Feb 28: At least 34 people were killed in Bangladesh in a wave of violence after Delwar Hossain Sayedee, the Jamaat-e-Islami party's vice president, was found guilty of war crimes, including murder, arson and rape. Sayedee is the third person to be convicted by the controversial domestic tribunal.

Feb 28: In a stunning reversal, UN appeals judges acquitted the former chief of the Yugoslav National Army, Gen Momcilo Perisic, of aiding and abetting atrocities by rebel Serbs, including the Srebrenica massacre, by providing them with military aid during the Balkan wars.

Mar 02: Drastic budget cuts, “sequester”, became effective in the United States, hours after President Barack Obama signed an order initiating $85 billion in reductions.

Mar 03: President Barack Obama appointed Phillip Gordon as new coordinator for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf.

Mar 05: Taiwan presented a special medal to a 102-year-old former general, Lee Hsueh-yen, for leading his squadron of aircraft against Japan on the Chinese mainland during World War II.

Mar 06: The UN atomic agency's board of governors approved giving Japanese director general Yukiya Amano a new four-year term.

Mar 06: One million Syrians have fled their homeland since a revolt erupted two years ago, the UN reported.

Mar 07: The UN Security Council voted to tighten financial restrictions on Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and crackdown on its attempts to ship and receive banned cargo in violations of UN sanctions.

Mar 08: Former Argentine president Carlos Menem was convicted of orchestrating arms smuggling while in office. Mar 08: John Brennan took oath of office as the new director for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

Mar 08: Iran's Mahmoud Ahmdinjead and Cuba's Raul Castro joined about 30 other heads of states at the funeral of Hugo Chávez in an emotional farewell to the charismatic Venezuelan leader who changed the face of politics in South America.

Mar 08: Tunisian politicians formed a new government, with Ali Larayedh as the new prime minister.

Mar 09: Uhuru Kenyatta narrowly won Kenya's presidential election, but his main rival, Raila Odinga, refused to concede. Kenyatta is the son of Kenya's founding president and one of Africa's richest men.

Mar 10: Aung San Suu Kyi was selected to continue as head of Myanmar's main opposition party. The Nobel laureate was named chairwoman of the National League for Democracy's new executive board.

Mar 10: The world's biggest religious festival concluded with nearly two million pilgrims attending it. The two-month-long Kumbh Mela ended on the occasion of Mahashivratri, a major Hindu festival celebrated across India and Nepal.

Mar 12: A Japanese energy explorer said that it extracted gas from offshore methane hydrate deposits for the first time in the world.

Mar 12: The United States and Russia clashed in the UN Security Council over a response to the latest agreements between Sudan and South Sudan on restarting the flow of oil and pulling troops back from their tense border.

Mar 12: For the first time, India test-fired its indigenously-developed medium range subsonic cruise missile, Nirbhay from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur.

Mar 13: Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina was elected to be the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church, and said he would take the name Francis I. Pope Francis, 76, appeared on the central balcony of St Peter's Basilica just over an hour after white smoke poured from a chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel to signal he had been chosen to lead the world's 1.2 billion Roman Catholics.

Mar 14: China's parliament named Xi Jinping as president, four months after he took charge of the Communist Party with pledges of reform.

Mar 14: Author Tan Twang Eng became the first Malaysian author to win Asia's top literary prize, the $30,000 Man Asian Literary Prize, for his novel “The Garden of Evening Mists” set during the aftermath of the Japanese occupation of Malaya.

Mar 14: “History will remember President Hugo Chávez, a charismatic leader whose progressive policies brought Venezuela's poverty rate down from over 70 per cent at the close of the 20th century to around 20 per cent today,” said Vuk Jeremic, president of the 193-member UN General Assembly.

Mar. 14: Nepal's chief justice, Khilraj Regmi, was sworn-in as head of an interim government tasked with steering the country towards elections by June.

Mar 15: China's parliament installed bureaucrat Li Keqiang as premier, putting him in charge of running the world's second-largest economy.

Everyday Science

Feb 21: Astronomers announced the discovery of the smallest known planet. Dubbed Kepler-37b, the planet, roughly the size of Earth's moon, was discovered outside of our solar system and is the smallest ever found in space.

Feb 21: The meteor that rocked Russia on February 15, 2013, was the nbiggest since 1908, at 55 feet in diameter, estimated NASA.

Feb 24: Scientists said they had found traces of a micro-continent hidden underneath the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius.

Feb 26: Scientists from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) identified a physical mechanism behind the extreme weather that has plagued many parts of the world in recent years — and that it is tied to climate change.

Feb 26: A Royal Navy ship discovered and mapped a 'Grand Canyon' beneath the waves using state-of-the-art technology. HMS enterprise discovered the 250 metre-deep (820ft) canyon beneath the Red Sea.

Feb 28: An international team of scientists at Belgium's Antarctica research station found the largest meteorite in nearly 25 years, helping them to unlock the secrets of our solar system.

Mar 12: An analysis of a Mars rock sample by the Curiosity rover has unveiled minerals, including hydrogen, carbon and oxygen, that are the building blocks of life, NASA said.

Mar 04: Building on earlier pioneering work by researchers at the University of California, San Diego, international consortium of university researchers has produced the most comprehensive virtual reconstruction of human metabolism to date. Scientists could use the model, known as Recon 2, to identify causes of and new treatments for diseases like cancer, diabetes and even psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.

Mar 13: The world's largest ground-based observatory, the ALMA space observatory, opened for business in the desert of northern Chile. Mar. 14: Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield took the helm of the International Space Station (ISS), marking only the second time in the outpost's 12-year history that command has been turned over to someone who is not American or Russian.

Economy

Feb 18: The United Arab Emirates signed 17 defence contracts to purchase military equipment worth $1.4 billion including US-manufactured Predator drones.

Feb 20: Bangladesh signed a loan deal with a Japanese development agency for construction of the country's first-ever metro rail system, costing $2.8 billion.

Feb 20: Iran agreed to set up a $4 billion oil refinery in Gwadar with an estimated capacity of about 400,000 barrels per day.

Feb 20: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) slapped a heavy penalty of Rs.50 million on BMA Capital Management Limited, a broker of the Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE).

Feb 21: The board of ICI Pakistan Limited announced the appointment of Asif Jooma as chief executive of the company, effective February 25, 2013.

Feb 24: China's Huawei, the number three smartphone maker behind giants Samsung and Apple, unveiled a new mobile, the Ascend P2, which, it claims, is the fastest in the world.

Feb 26: Pakistan State Oil was declared defaulter by the world market due to delay in payments under the LC head.

Feb 26: The US Senate Finance Committee approved President Barack Obama's nominee Jack Lew to be the new Treasury secretary, replacing Timothy Geithner.

Feb 27: The federal government appointed five new directors on the central board of directors of the State Bank of Pakistan for a period of three years with immediate effect.

Mar 01: The Federal Board of Revenue issued three notifications to revise duty to various products to yield additional revenue for achieving its collection target.

Mar 01: The SECP directed the Pak-Qatar Family Takaful and its CEO to pay Rs.800,000 and Rs.200,000 respectively, in fines to the regulator for running advertisements containing “deceptive and/or misleading information”. Bank Islami Pakistan published an advertisement in Dawn on October 27 last year that promoted three Takaful products of Pak-Qatar Family Takaful.

Mar 02: The Committee on Transport of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) has found all the 12 dry ports in Pakistan as having 'little potential'. The Committee also found that out the Asia and the Pacific region has a total of 234 dry ports, out of which only 109 have the potential. Dry ports of eight regional countries, including34 in India, were also found to be not `potential`. All the 17 dry ports in China, 8 dry ports in Myanmar, 5 in the Philippines, and 2 in Sri Lanka have been described as "potential'. Out of 19, Turkey has 17 potential dry ports; Russia has 10 potential out of 15 dry ports; Iran 5 out of 9; Bhutan 5 out of 6; Bangladesh 9 out of 17 and Azerbaijan 10 out of 18.

Mar 06: The federal government appointed Ashraf Mahmood Wathra as Deputy Governor, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) for a period of three years.

Mar 07: Bushra Naz Malik, director on the board of the Lahore Stock Exchange (LSE), was appointed as a member of the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP).

Mar 08: Justice Noorul Haq Qureshi of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) ruled against various prize schemes offered by cellular companies in the country and declared them against the interest of consumers.

Mar 09: Taiwan's top smartphone maker HTC said a German court had dismissed two patent infringement complaints brought against the company by Finnish phone giant Nokia.

Mar 14: The Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) and Government of Sindh broke ground to mark the beginning of coal extraction project at Thar Coal block II.

Mar 14: China has overtaken Japan as the world's second biggest economy while lifting hundreds of millions of its people out of poverty, a United Nations report said.

Sports

Feb 16: The 15-time Grand Slam winner, Serena Williams, replaced top ranked Victoria Azarenka after beating Petra Kvitova in the quarter-finals of the Qatar Open. She is now the oldest female to hold the coveted position.

Feb 17: The head of the international wrestling federation resigned in the wake of the decision to remove the sport from the list of guaranteed Olympic events.

Feb 17: Outgoing world number one Victoria Azarenka outclassed Serena Williams to win the Qatar Open.

Feb 17: Australia clinched the women's World Cup for the sixth time with a 114-run win over the West Indies in the final.

Feb 19: FIFA announced that goal-line technology will be used at the 2014 World Cup and two more systems could be considered in addition to the existing pair.

Feb 21: Army lifted the title after beating Police in the final of the 11th National Men's Netball Championship.

Feb 24: 101-year-old Fauja Singh, believed to be the world's oldest distance runner, retired after ending his last race in Hong Kong.

Feb 25: Hosts Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) won the 60th National Cycling Championship held at the National Cycling Velodrome in Lahore while Pakistan Army bagged the second position.

Feb 28: Karachi Blues were crowned the inaugural Super Eight champions of the Faysal Bank Quaid-i-Azam Trophy National Cricket Championship after clinching an emphatic nine-wicket victory against Sialkot in the final.

Feb 28: National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), in compliance with the direction of Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, hired services of Muhammad Asif, World Snooker Champion 2012. Mar 01: Liechtenstein's Tina Weirather earned the first World Cup win of her career in Super-G as overall leader Tina Maze edged closer to Hermann Maier's points record.

Mar 03: Denzaro of Gul Zareen Khan clinched the country's most prestigious race the Pakistan Derby here at the Lahore Race Club course.

Mar 03: A fourth system of goal-line technology has been approved and granted a licence, soccer's governing body FIFA said.

Mar 03: Fancied bay colt Denzaro etched his name in the annals of the Pakistan Derby after producing a majestic burst of speed to outclass his rivals to win the country's premier classic race.

Mar 03: Olympic champion Jenn Suhr lit up the US indoor athletics championships by leaping 5.02 metres to set a new women's pole vault world record, while throwing down the gauntlet to Russian great Yelena Isin bayeva.

Mar 03: Fast bowler Umar Gul took five wickets for only six runs and captain Mohammad Hafeez smashed a career best 86 off 51 balls as Pakistan annihilated South Africa in the decisive second Twenty20 International.

Mar 03: Opener Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara broke the record of 224 runs for the second- wicket partnership against Australia, set by Sunil Gavaskar and Mohinder Amarnath in 1986 at Sydney by scoring 294 runs.

Mar 03: Rafael Nadal destroyed David Ferrer to win the Mexican Open, losing just two games as he claimed his second title in three events since returning from a lengthy injury lay-off.

Mar 04: Football superstar David Beckham was named an ambassador for the Chinese Super League.

Mar 04: American Michael Thompson birdied the final hole to hold off Australian Geoff Ogilvy and capture his first PGA title, winning the $6 million Honda Classic by two strokes.

Mar 04: Muhammad Hafeez became the first Pakistani and eighth batsman overall to score 1000 runs in Twenty-20 cricket.

Mar 07: The strong ZTBL women's cricket team outplayed the Punjab outfit in the final to win the second Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Women Cricket Challenge Trophy at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Mar 08: Asian No.1 Nofil Kaleem lived up to his billing when he won the Qatar under-14 tennis championship at Doha's Khalifa Tennis Centre.

Mar 10: Mohammad Ashraful and Mushfigur Rahim smashed impressive centuries, 189 and 152 respectively, in a record stand. Their 261-run unbroken stand was Bangladesh's highest for any wicket in Tests, the previous best being 200 for the second wicket between Tamim Iqbal and Junaid Siddique against India in Dhaka in 2010. Bangladesh also surpassed their previous highest total of 413 against Sri Lanka in Tests.

Mar 10: Team Sky rider Richie Porte became the first winner of Paris-Nice as he won the final stage 9.6km time-trial to hold off the challenge of American Andrew Talan-sky.

Mar 11: Former world number one Tiger Woods picked up his biggest victory since 2009 after winning the WGC-Cadillac Championship in Miami.

Mar 11: Mushfiqur Rahim became the first Bangladeshi to crack a double-century while Nasir Hossain hit a maiden ton as the tourists gained a 68-run lead in the first Test against Sri Lanka.

Mar 12: The Sports Board Punjab (SBP) went for six successful Guinness World Records (GWR).

Mar 12: Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt and British heptathlete Jessica Ennis won the Laureus World Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Awards following their success at the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Mar. 13: Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket appointed Ralph Waters as chairman of the organising committee for the 2015 World Cup after the death of James Strong.

Obituaries

Feb 17: Keiko Fukuda, the Japanese-born granddaughter of a samurai who learned judo from its founder and became the highest-ranked woman in the martial art, died at age 99.

Feb 19: Former Czechoslovakia star Zdenek Zikán, who memorably scored four goals at the 1958 World Cup died at the age of 75.

Feb 19: Donald Richie, one of the most prominent American writers on Japan and on expatriate life, best known for introducing the English-speaking world to the golden age of Japanese cinema, died. He was 88.

Feb 24: Renowned Educationist, scholar and writer Dr Nazir Qaiser passed away. He was 87.

Feb 27: French resistance hero and Holocaust survivor Stephane Hessel, whose 2010 manifesto “Time for Outrage” sold millions of copies, died at the age of 95.

Feb 28: Former Lahore High Court chief justice Abdul Shakoor Salam died.

Feb 28: The mastermind of Britain's 1963 Great Train Robbery, Bruce Reynolds, died, at aged 81. Reynolds was a petty criminal who was responsible for planning the world-famous robbery of the post office train which ran between Glasgow and London on August 7, 1963. Mar 02: Poet, writer, intellectual and academician, Shabnam Shakeel, died in Karachi.

Mar 03: Sammy Guillen, one of a handful of players to have played Test cricket for two countries, has died in Christchurch aged 88. He represented West Indies and New Zealand during an eight-Test career in the 1950s.

Mar 04: Prominent Australian businessman James Strong, the chairman of the organising committee for the 2015 cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, has died aged 68.

Mar 04: The former provincial president of women wing of Pakistan People's Party, MNA Malik Mehrun Nisa Afridi, died. She was 65.

Mar 06: President Hugo Chávez died after a two-year battle with cancer, ending 14 years of his rule that won him passionate support among the poor.

Mar 08: Former Pakistan Test cricketer and chief selector Haseeb Ahsan passed away. He was 73.

Mar 09: Film star Aasia passed away in Canada. She was 61.

Mar 11: Flags flew at half-mast across Sweden as the country mourned the death of Princess Lilian, a Welsh-born commoner who stole Swedes' hearts by waiting three decades to marry her lifelong love Prince Bertil.

Mar 13: Parveen Rehman, the Director of the Orangi Pilot Project, was shot dead in Orangi Town.

Mar 14: Ieng Sary, one of three elderly Khmer Rouge leaders on trial for atrocities that took the lives of as much as one-fourth of the Cambodian population in the 1970s, died in Phnom Penh. He was 87.

Mar 15: Pakistan's most celebrated news photographer F.E. Chaudhry passed away, the day he was to celebrate his 105th birthday. Muhammad Usman Butt

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