INTERNATIONAL

JANUARY 2021

Fly with pride, Fly with AirSial

JANUARY 2021 - 3 I n t e r n a t i o n a l a v i a t i o n

f

New

By Abdul Sattar Azad Phone 34615924 Fax 34615924 Printed by Sardar Sons

4 - JANUARY 2021 Vol 28 JANUARY 2021 No.04

New player's entry into aviation industry amid pandemic termed bold 06 AirSial, 's newest , takes off domestically 07 PIA to operate cargo flights to 08 06 Pakistan puts curbs on passengers from UK 10 Serene Air allowed to operate flights to Saudi Arabia, UAE 11 Gerry's dnata has formed a multiyear partnership with Virgin Atlantic Airways 11 PIA getting rid of four aircraft due to expensive lease 12 CAA`s bifurcation an international aviation requirement: minister 14 Top 20 safest named 15 Deaths in air crashes rose last year despite decline in number of flights 17 Sparks fly in PIA 18 EU ban won`t be lifted before CAA audit, PIA told 19 Air force inducts 14 locally-built JF- 21 EgyptAir and Gulf Air expand codeshare agreement 23 SIAL provides best facilities to the airlines and passengers 25 07 AirSial celebrates 1st flight from to 27 Human Rights: 'Lebensraum of Cashmere' 29 EU states ban flights as Britain says new virus strain is`out of control` 32 New year brings final separation between Britain and EU 34 Textile exports rise 5pc 36 Pakistan seeks data sharing pact with UAE to curb under invoicing 38 Sarghoda's citrus claim to fame 39 Corals in bristle with marine life 41 Culture Day celebrated in Karachi, major towns of province 42 Special permits issued to Qatari royal for houbara hunting 45 An Exciting Excursion 49 21

JANUARY 2021 - 5 New player's entry into aviation industry amid pandemic termed bold

hile the country's three operational airlines have Wbeen taking cost-cutting measures against the backdrop of a crisis that the global aviation industry has been facing since the outbreak of coronavirus, the decision of AirSial to enter an already saturated market is being seen as a bold move that may give a tough time to competitors but will benefit the people. The market situation can be gauged from a recent report of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) predicting that airline revenues this year will plunge by 60 per cent as a result of the coronavirus pandemic that “threatens the survival of the air transport industry”. Pakistan's commercial aviation sector is no different from the rest of the AirSial Airbus A320 world as its airlines are taking drastic Domestic market Fleet size measures, including job cuts, for their At present, only three of the six The combined fleet size of Pakistan's survival. airlines PIA, and Serene Air are four airlines is less than 50 aircraft, Operation of three airlines operational as CAA's 'certified operators'. whereas Emirates, the flag carrier of the suspended in recent years The PIA and Airblue operate commercial UAE, possesses a fleet of 255 passenger RPT licences flights on both domestic and international aircraft alone and Air India, the flag carrier Over the years, the Civil Aviation routes, but the Serene Air is yet to start its of our eastern neighbour, operates 172 Authority had granted Regular Public international operation. aircraft. Transport (RPT) licences to many The fourth one, AirSial, has entered The PIA spokesman said the airline airlines. Some of the airlines went out of the domestic market after it met the had a fleet of 30 aircraft including 12 business like Aero Asia. Currently six requirement of having minimum three Boeing 777s, 11 Airbus A-320s and seven airlines the Pakistan International aircraft, as its chairman Fazal Jilani is ATRs. Airblue has a fleet of 10 aircraft, all Airlines (PIA), Airblue, reported to have announced selling tickets Airbus A320 and A321, while Serene Air International (SAI), Bhoja Air, after the formal inauguration by the prime has five aircraft including four Boeing and Serene Air possess RPT licences but minister. 737-800 and one -200. only three of them are operational as While the entry of a new player will In the financial year 2018-19, a total CAA's certified operators. definitely provide intending passengers of 3,002,554 passengers in the country Issued by the CAA director general better fares and service, it will slash the used Airblue, PIA, Serene Air and SAI with the federal government approval for revenue of the other airlines because of (whose operations were suspended by the carriage of passengers and cargo services, increased competition and capacity. Yet CAA in August 2018 for failing to pay over RPT licence is only a permission to the old players did not shy from extending Rs1.5 billion arrears). develop an organisation on ground. It is good wishes for the new entrant. PIA got the lion's share as 1,795,877 not considered a permission to operate an “We welcome development of the passengers travelled through the national aircraft for which an airline must obtain an local aviation industry and wish AirSial all flag carrier, followed by Serene Air Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the the best,” PIA spokesman Abdullah H. (875,536), Airblue (314,485) and SAI CAA. The CAA puts certain conditions Khan said while talking to media. (16,656). A total of 18,470 PIA flights took that an airline needs to meet before “Competition is healthy as it improves off and landed on various country's starting its flight operations. A fleet of products and services for the consumers,” airports during 2018-19 followed by minimum three aircraft is the first such he said. Serene Air's 5,686 flight take-off and requirement for initiating passenger Similar views were shared by Airblue landings, Airblue's 1,991 and SAI's 155. flights while one aircraft is needed for that sees AirSial's commencing Aviation experts have been urging the cargo operations. For getting an AOC, a government to rationalise heavy taxes on company must register its fleet in commercial flight operation as a 'bold step'. air tickets in order to make air travel Pakistan. affordable for more people. And The CAA had earlier suspended the “We welcome the new entrant in the restrictions imposed in the wake of operations of Bhoja Air and Air Indus in market and wish them well. The aviation coronavirus pandemic have already 2012 and 2015, respectively, while SAI's industry across the world and especially impacted the fragile industry badly. operations were suspended in 2018. Air Pakistan is passing through a time never As IATA director general Alexandre Indus, which lost two aircraft in the 2014 really seen before. To enter the industry is de Juniac had recently said that airlines terrorist attack on Karachi airport that led a bold step indeed,” said Raheel Ahmed, “will have to continue to draw on their to suspension of its operations in 2015, Airblue's deputy managing director. reserves until at least the fourth quarter of says on its website it is planning to import “Competition in any field is good for the 2021”, there are slim chances that the local three latest models ATR 72-600 to restart consumers. It improves the overall aviation industry flourish in the short term its operation shortly. standard of service.” without government patronage. 6 - JANUARY 2021 AirSial, Pakistan's newest airline, takes off domestically

routes with three A320s: Karachi to ; ; ; and Sialkot. The first three routes are Pakistan's top-three based on pre-coronavirus 2019 seat capacity, OAG data shows. Sialkot, however, was thin, with fewer than 48,000 two-way seats with one carrier: Pakistan International. Sialkot is the headquarters for AirSial. From Karachi, , , , , and all had more seats than Sialkot. Karachi Quetta had four times as many and was the This decline was the result of a myriad of things, including the country's struggling economic performance, PIA's ongoing major problems, and the end of Shaheen Air in late 2018. Source: OAG Schedules Analyser. AirSial's flights will be almost the joint-highest in February. ir Sial on Friday 25 Dec. Chamber of Commerce and Industry who Currently, AirSial is operating only started its Karachi-Islamabad launched the project after the success of two routes: Karachi to Islamabad and Aflights operation using their earlier initiative, the Sialkot Lahore. Each has a 14-weekly offering. Airbus A320-200. International Airport Ltd. From the week beginning 1 February, Prime Minister Imran Khan had The airline management has also set however, these will rise to 21-weekly inaugurated Air Sial on Dec 9 in Sialkot, up its booking and facilitation office at apiece. In this period, Peshawar and the third private airline of Pakistan, which Islamabad International Airport as it was Sialkot will start with a four- and three- made operational by the airline staff. had been launched and operated by weekly service respectively. Sialkot's business community, initially Initially, the airline will operate two with three Airbus A320-200s. from Karachi and Lahore flights and two Although things may change, AirSial is scheduled to have 49 weekly flights each The first flight of Air Sial with 185 between Karachi and Islamabad which the way in February. It'll have the second- passengers on board departed from Jinnah management said would be increased to International Airport on Friday 25 Dec. three flights. highest volume of flights and have just morning on domestic route and touched They claimed that the airline will two fewer than market leader, PIA. down the Islamabad International Airport provide international standard service to Interestingly, all but Peshawar will at around 9:15am. its passengers. have higher total weekly flights than in the On arrival at IIAP, the Air Sial staff Come early February, AirSial will same week in peak year 2017. And Lahore members welcomed the passengers. have four routes in operation from Karachi and Islamabad are up significantly over Later the flight took off for Karachi. with 49 weekly flights each way. 2019; the hole left by Shaheen has been filled. Air Sial, a licensed airline, is the The carrier, Pakistan's fourth brainchild of members of the Sialkot domestic operator, currently plans four Con. on page 26,27

Mr. Tariq Amin COO AirSial along with the airlines staff cutting a cake at IIAP

JANUARY 2021 - 07 Speaking on the occasion, Askari PIA to operate PIA, Askari Bank Bank President Abid Sattar said that “Askari Bank is one of the country's cargo flights to launch co-brand leading credit card issuers and PIA is the country's national airlines with a truly Saudi Arabia credit card remarkable history and a promising future”. he Pakistan International he Pakistan International He said: “We're truly honoured to be Airlines has announced its Airlines (PIA) and Askari associated with our national carrier. This is Tdecision to operate cargo TBank Limited have launched the first all Pakistani Card where both co- flights to Saudi Arabia to boost exports. Co-Brand Credit Card through which both brand partners are locally based. We see PIA spokesman Abdullah Hafeez organisations will offer their services for great potential in this partnership and we said that fruits, vegetables and meat were the benefit of a large number of customers hope that this will prove to be beneficial exported to Saudi Arabia and the delivery in Pakistan. for our Pakistani consumers.” of these products by air would save time. A press release issued by the PIA said He said the decision to operate cargo that Askari Bank and the PIA, being two 110 pilots, cleared flights to Saudi Arabia had been taken as market leaders in their respective exports from Pakistan were likely to be industries, have long been associated with affected because of a ban imposed by Pakistan's national identity and it was only SC told on international passenger flights. natural that they would join forces to Mr Hafeez said the cargo fares had create a unique value for their consumers. he Supreme Court was been kept very attractive and reasonable Hence, the product has been designed informed on Monday Dec. 14 on the orders of PIA's Chief Executive keeping in mind safety and security in Tthat the national flag carrier Officer Arshad Malik. The first flight with transaction combined with ease in travel. had cleared 110 pilots out of the 141 whose 42 tonnes of cargo departed for on The unveiled cards, in three tiers, Silver, licences to fly had been suspended against Tuesday 22 Dec., he said. Gold and Platinum, have been loaded with the backdrop of the fake degrees The PIA had already started cargo some amazing features, including controversy. flights to . complimentary PIA loyalty programme Senior advocate Salman Akram Raja, Saudi Arabia's General Authority of membership, discounts on PIA tickets, representing the Pakistan International Civil Aviation has already issued a local & international lounge access, Airlines, informed a three-judge SC bench circular to all airlines operating in the accelerated mile earning compared with headed by Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed Kingdom to temporarily suspend normal credit cards, priority check-in, that PIA had cleared 110 pilots and international flights for one week. generous startup points and much more. cancelled the licences of 15, whereas 14 After receiving the circular, the PIA Speaking at the launching ceremony pilots had been declared to be unfit to fly. A immediately suspended its flights of Askari-PIA Co-Brand Credit Card held few cases were pending decision, he said. scheduled to operate. in Islamabad on Friday, PIA Chief The information came when Justice M e a n w h i l e , t h e I s l a m a b a d Executive Officer Arshad Malik said that Umar Ata Bandial asked what steps were International Airport administration with the card would be a true representation of a taken by the airline to vet the suspended the help of health authorities has put in Pakistani brand. “This card is designed licences and whether the Civil Aviation place strict measures to prevent spread of keeping in view this important but Authority (CAA) was pushing the issue the new wave of coronavirus as every neglected segment. enough to get back the business by inbound passenger from the United “It is with great deliberation, research verifying the licences. Kingdom is being subjected to a check- and the right intentions that we have up. developed a product that will reward its An official said that a swab of every users greatly by paying them back for their PIA launches passenger arriving from the UK even by loyalty and trust in our brand.” an indirect flight was being taken and the He said that the European Union Quetta-Turbat passengers were advised for one-week Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) had quarantine at their homes. They were only acknowledged that the PIA had done its operation part but the final verdict was subject to allowed to go after giving their addresses akistan International Airlines final audit. “Only remaining issue is pilot and whereabouts, he added. (PIA) on Thursday Dec 10 licensing,” he said. The government has already allowed started operating flights from the passengers holding Pakistani He further said that the PIA P Quetta to Turbat to facilitate the residents passports and business, visitor and transit management would change the face of the of southern Balochistan. visas issued by the British authorities to airline in upcoming years despite all PIA spokesman Abdullah Hafeez travel back to Pakistan while keeping a challenges. Khan said the airline had launched two- negative polymerase chain reaction test The CEO said that the PIA was way flights between Quetta and Turbat on report conducted within the 72 hours prior suffering because of pilot licensing issues Thursday Dec 10 and would operate to commencement of travel to Pakistan. and safety concerns. flights two times a week on the route.

08 - JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 - 09 of the Supreme Committee of the Sultanate of to prevent entry into Pakistan puts curbs on passengers and exit from the Sultanate in the wake of the pandemic, International Airport has been closed for international from UK flights from 11:59pm on Dec 21. This suspension will remain effective akistan on Monday Dec. 21 from Dec 22 to 29th. Following the placed travel restrictions on suspension, PIA has also cancelled all PU K p a s s e n g e r s a f t e r flights to Muscat. emergence of a new mutated strain of The PIA spokesperson said the airline Covid-19 that was spreading rapidly in would not operate its flights during the ban England. while all affected passengers would be The measure is intended to restrict the accommodated as soon as the flights spread of the variant in Pakistan, said a resume. spokesperson for the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC). A SIGN on the M56 motorway informs the drivers on Monday Dec. 21 that all routes into France are A preliminary analysis, reportedly, closed at the junction with the M6 at Lower Stretton, suggests that this particular strain is northwest England. A growing number of countries UK aviation firm approximately 70 per cent more blocked flights from Britain over a new highly transmissible. However, there is no infectious coronavirus strain the UK said was 'out of acquires stakes in evidence to suggest that the infection control'. [Right] A sign alerts travellers to the caused by the strain is any more severe so closure of Terminal 3 at Heathrow Airport in west far. London Pakistan The NCOC spokesperson said many and Karachi-Madina-Karachi have been countries, including Saudi Arabia and cancelled while flights from Lahore to Oman, had either completely banned or Madina, Madina to Karachi, Madina to A UK-based global aviation services imposed additional restrictions on flights Multan and Karachi-Jeddah-Karachi were specialist Menzies Aviation on Friday also cancelled. and travellers coming from the UK. Dec. 4 announced the acquisition of a 51 The PIA spokesman said: “Until Saudi Arabia temporarily suspended per cent shareholding in Royal Airport international commercial flights for one flight permissions are restored, all flights week while Muscat International Airport will remain cancelled,” adding the Services (RAS). has been closed effective from 11:59pm a ff e c t e d p a s s e n g e r s w o u l d b e An aviation services business based on Dec 21. accommodated as soon as the flight in Pakistan, RAS has been operating in the operation for Saudi Arabia was restored. Following Saudi Arabia's decision, country since 2007 and has a strong Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) The PIA has requested passengers to cancelled its 44 flights to and from the register their contact number with its call position in local markets, a press release kingdom on Monday. centre so that they could be timely said. It has been providing a range of Saudi Arabia's General Authority of informed about the status of flights. aviation services including ground and Civil Aviation (GACA) had announced Mr Khan also asked passengers to cargo handling, airline ticketing and cargo contact PIA's call centre 111-786-786 for late on Sunday Dec. 20 night that all sales across Pakistan. RAS handles both international flights except in exceptional any guidance or information. cases would remain suspended for one Direct or indirect travel from the UK domestic and international carriers across week, which could be extended for would be temporarily suspended, starting eight airports, with revenue in excess of another week. from 11:59pm on Dec 22, the $20 million in 2019, the press release “Foreign flights currently in the spokesperson said, adding that passengers added. territory of the Kingdom are allowed to who were transiting through the UK and The deal offers Menzies Aviation the leave,” the GACA said in its notification did not leave airside during the transit issued to all airlines operating in the would be allowed to enter Pakistan. opportunity to enter the growing Pakistan airports of Saudi Arabia. The spokesman further said travellers aviation services market as the acquisition However, the GACA said travel who were in or had been in the UK over the creates a strong platform for the company. suspension would not affect cargo flights past 10 days would not be allowed to enter It [acquisition] represents clear delivery and supply chain, adding that instructions Pakistan, however, Pakistani passport would be reviewed and updated in light of holders, who travelled to the UK on visitor against the company's strategic objectives the developments related to the pandemic. or temporary visas, would be allowed to of increasing depth of service capability The new development came about return but would have to follow protocols. and expanding its geographical footprint, after several European countries imposed These include producing a negative the statement added. travel ban from UK after Britain warned result of the PCR test taken a maximum of “We are delighted to be partnered that a highly infectious new strain of the 72 hours prior to boarding the flight in the virus was spreading fast. UK and undertaking another test on arrival with Royal Airport Services. The PIA spokesman Abdullah Hafeez as arranged by the federal and provincial acquisition is in line with our global Khan, in a statement, said the airline had governments. The passengers will be strategy to offer our service portfolio to temporarily suspended its flights to and required to stay in the airport or will be new markets and we believe that a from Saudi Arabia for a week as per the taken to a government facility until the test circular issued by the Saudi General is taken and will also be required to presence in Pakistan will provide a strong Authority of Civil Aviation. undergo mandatory enforced home platform for further regional growth PIA flights for Lahore-Jeddah- quarantine for seven days. opportunities,” Menzies Aviation's Lahore, Islamabad--Islamabad On the other hand, as per the decision Executive Chairman Philipp Joeinig said.

10 - JANUARY 2021 of violation of its orders regarding Serene Air allowed to operate flights following the approved slots to ensure effective compliance with Covid-19 SOPs at different airports across the country. to Saudi Arabia, UAE In a directive to the all-schedule landing airlines, the CAA director of air media that the transport said that it had been reported by airline's offices in the airport managements of different Jeddah and Riyadh locations that airlines are still reluctant to had already been adhere to the approved slots finalised and established and approved by the Air Transport Directorate shortly the offices of CAA. It is not only causing congestion will be set up in but also hampering the effective and . implementation of Covid-19 SOPs. “Due to the The CAA directed the airlines to C o v i d - 1 9 ensure strict adherence to approved slots p a n d e m i c , t h e p r o c e s s o f and in case of change of plus/minus 15 minutes in slot timings, prior coordination The Civil Aviation Authority has granted permission to private airline Serene Air o p e r a t i n g to operate flights to Saudi Arabia and the . international flights must be made with the respective airport he Civil Aviation Authority was delayed, but it management, otherwise strict action will ( C A A ) h a s g r a n t e d would be started in January 2021,” he said. be taken against airlines. Tpermission to private airline Meanwhile, the CAA has taken notice Serene Air to operate flights to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates Gerry's dnata has formed a multiyear (UAE). The permission was granted by the partnership with Virgin Atlantic Airways Aviation Division to Serene Air after approval by the federal cabinet. 10th December 2020 Gerry's dnata, a switch to Gerry's dnata services. These The private airline will start its joint venture of Ground Handling flights for Jeddah, Riyadh, Dubai and airlines include Etihad Airways which Services between dnata Dubai and Gerry's previously worked with a small local Sharjah in January 2021. Group Pakistan has announced its player, Azerbaijan Airlines which The airline will use new Airbus A330 partnership with Virgin Atlantic Airways resumed operations through charter and Boeing 777 aircraft for operating its by becoming the airline's preferred services after a strategic move out of flights to Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Ground Services Provider (GSP) for Pakistani market and Pegasus Airline, the Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Lahore-London and Islamabad- second carrier operating out of . Civil Aviation has permitted Serene Air to London/Manchester flight operations in Gerry's dnata's trajectory over the operate its flights to Jeddah and Riyadh. Pakistan. last seven years tells a compelling story of CAA takes exception to violation of Virgin Atlantic Airways is scheduled transformation, making it an uncontested to operate in January from Lahore and leader in the ground handling services Covid SOPs by airlines. Islamabad with direct flights to London. Serene Air has also sought market of Pakistan. With a clientele base In its extended plans, Manchester route of 13 scheduled passenger airlines, 10 permission to operate flights to China and will be opened for direct flights from the and its application is cargo airlines and more than 30 charter Islamabad. Whereas, Virgin Atlantic operators as partners, the ground under process. Cargo had stepped into Pakistani territory handling services landscape is The airline had started its domestic on 8th December 2020. dominantly secured by Gerry's dnata. operation four years ago. Haris Raza, CEO, Gerry's dnata said Currently, it provides its services to 07 The CAA director of air transport "We have a firm commitment to stations across Pakistan and holds the and economic regulations issued a delivering high-quality and safe ground- a c c o l a d e o f b e i n g t h e o n l y notification granting permission to handling services in Pakistan which is transformational market player with Serene Air for operating international fundamental to our success in this market. Artificial Intelligence and Machine flights. We have proudly played an integral part in Learning backed cargo warehouse keeping the global supply chain going operation system. The notification said: “The during 2020 and are designation of Serene Air to the UAE and thrilled to welcome Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has V i r g i n A t l a n t i c been accepted by the respective Airways and Virgin aeronautical authorities; Serene may like Atlantic Cargo to the to submit its operational plan for Gerry's dnata family in commencement of international Pakistan with our full operations to and from the UAE and KSA s u i t e o f g r o u n d to the CAA. handling and cargo “Formal flight schedule be submitted services.” t h r o u g h A i r Tr a n s p o r t F l i g h t At the onset of Management at an appropriate time when COVID-19, several Serene Air is ready to commence airlines with well- international flight operation for the KSA established operations and UAE.” in Pakistan made a A senior official of Serene Air told s t r a t e g i c a l l y benefitting decision to

JANUARY 2021 - 11 PIA getting rid of four aircraft due to expensive lease

P I A o f f i c i a l s negotiated a deal to return the aircraft to the leasing company with no PIA is sending four leased ATR72-500s back to the cash penalty. It is owner. beyond the norms back. o f l e a s i n g The first ATR72 has already left b u s i n e s s , ” t h e Karachi spokesman said. The aircraft in question are AP-BKV, He said the AP-BKX, AP-BKY, and AP-BKZ. personal efforts of According to planespotters.net, the ATRs the airlines' chief as came to PIA in the middle of 2015 after a well as support stint flying for UTair-Ukraine. All four from its board of aircraft have spent much of 2020 parked. The PIA has decided to remove four ATR aircraft from its current fleet of 30 due to directors made One of the ATRs, AP-BKY, has already an “expensive lease” arrangement. s u c h a d e a l left Pakistan. Aircraft tracking databases h i l e t h e P a k i s t a n possible under have it landing in Johannesburg on International Airlines is set extreme pressure December 14. to acquire more planes as on the aviation sector due to the pandemic. Pakistan's criminal investigation, W “It will save the national carrier part of its business plan, it has decided to counter-intelligence, and security agency, remove four ATR aircraft from its current millions of dollars in rent, which would the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), fleet of 30 due to an “expensive lease” have been paid had the aircraft continued has commenced an investigation into the arrangement. to be in the PIA fleet but would be sitting 2015 leasing deal. At issue is the lease One of the four ATR aircraft was sent idle due to the pandemic,” the spokesman price paid. Pakistani news channel Ary to Johannesburg from Karachi on said, adding: “The bleeding has stopped News reports three ATR planes were Saturday Dec. 12, while the remaining and an expensive deal of the past has been leased at Rs179,500 per aircraft. That three would soon be sent to the firms from terminated. This is yet another course equates to approximately US$1120, so the which the national flag carrier had correction by the PIA CEO.” figure likely reflects a per day rate, or just acquired them on dry lease. Air Marshal Malik congratulated the over US$34,000 per calendar month. The The PIA's fleet comprises 12 Boeing PIA team on successful negotiations that remaining two ATRs cost slightly less. 777s, 11 Airbus A-320s and seven ATRs. led to the return of the aircraft. He said it was a difficult but unavoidable decision at After the cancellation of the lease this crucial time. arrangement of four ATRs, the airline would keep operating the remaining ATR He said under the supervision of the aircraft on short routes to make them federal government, PIA would soon add financially viable. new aircraft to its fleet, which would improve the airline's products and services A PIA spokesman said in a statement considerably. “New aircraft and improved that the first ATR-72 aircraft, having service expected since long by our registration number APBKY, departed passengers will soon be realised,” he said. from Karachi for Johannesburg, South Africa, while three more ATR-72s would Recently, PIA decided to add eight be returned. new narrow-body aircraft to its fleet on dry lease. The aircraft with seating capacity of He said the ATR-72 aircraft were 170-plus are expected to be delivered next An investigation has been launched into the ATR leases. high on operational cost and expected year. market value, making flight operations It is reported the 2015 leasing non-profitable. The PIA management has sought bids decision has since cost PIA US$43.7 from different parties by January 11 for million, a hit to the bottom line the These aircraft were acquired on lease acquiring the eight aircraft on dry lease, in 2015 and are costlier than the present embattled airline can ill-afford. The which means the airline would acquire the airline is said to have assets worth around market price but PIA was facing problems aircraft without flight crew. in returning them due to enforcement of a US$668 million but is carrying debts of long-term agreement. Pakistan International Airlines to nearly $3 billion. Earlier this month, return ATR72-500s to lessor He said the management, on the CEO Arshad Malik claimed PIA was on instructions of PIA chief executive officer Citing high lease costs and sub- track to become profitable within a few retired Air Marshal Arshad Malik, optimal utilization, PIA Pakistan years. reviewed the lease agreement thoroughly International Airlines is sending its fleet of “We are trying to reduce the PIA's and got benefit of a clause in the leased ATR72-500s back to the owner. The losses with the cooperation of the private document during the suspension of flights Karachi-based airline has four ATRs from sector,” today's Express Tribune quotes due to the Covid-19 pandemic. aircraft leasing company ABRIC Leasing. him saying. The lease was due to run until 2021, but “We are facing issues because of the “The ATR-72 planes on lease to PIA PIA has brokered a deal with ABRIC and were costing rentals whilst on ground. coronavirus pandemic, but the PIA will has already started sending the planes soon reach new heights. 12 - JANUARY 2021 Al-Khalil Centre, Suite No. 12,-14, 3rd Floor, Kashmir Road, Sialkot = Pakistan. Tel No. 0092 52 3240608, 0092 52 3242110, 0092 52 3242109, 0092 52 3252110 Web: www.saf.com.pk Email: [email protected]

JANUARY 2021 -13 said it did not elaborate which sections or CAA`s bifurcation an international directorates were included in the airport services and which were in the regulatory division and what were their core aviation requirement: minister responsibilities. They also asked the authorities viation Minister Ghulam Transfer of service application forms concerned about what will be the service Sarwar Khan said the - containing an undertaking - has been structure of the two divisions and what Abifurcation of Civil Aviation offered to CAA employees with terms and will be the pay and allowances and Authority (CAA) was being done conditions. pension structure of the two divisions. according to the International Civil On the other hand, the CAA They said after their concerns and Aviation Organisation (ICAO) employees have expressed their concerns ambiguities were clarified, it would help requirement. over the bifurcation plan. After receiving them choose the proper and appropriate In reply to a question during a press the HR directorate's letter, the employees section for further serving in the CAA. conference on Saturday Jan. 2, the minister said the CAA will be separated into two divisions on the basis of Appointment of CAA chief challenged regulatory functions and airport services which will improve the services and in IHC facilities. About diversion of flights to Islamabad from Lahore, the minister said International Civil Aviation Organisation the main runway at Allama Iqbal (ICAO) on flying by the country's airline International Airport, which was pilots to 188 countries. equipped with CAT3B anti-fog landing “It's to bring to the kind notice of this system, was being repaired and the Honourable Court that ICAO has already secondary runway had no such facility. As issued serious safety concerns about CAA a result, incoming flights affected by fog Pakistan and if not handled properly were being diverted to Islamabad according to International aviation International Airport. regulatory standards, it would have dire The minister said CAA had offered consequences against entire aviation its employees to transfer from one A petition has been filed in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against the recruitment of industry of Pakistan,” the petition said, department to another based on their adding that the government has tried to skills and qualifications as a part of the retired Flight Lieutenant Khaqan Murtaza as the director general of the Civil Aviation Authority (DG obstruct the process of the court through bifurcation of the department into CAA). deceptive skills and got appointed a DG “Regulatory, Airport and Operations” petition has been filed in the against the rules, regulations and the divisions. Islamabad High Court (IHC) Supreme Court ruling. The CAA will be split into two against the recruitment of It further said that after PIA A320 divisions operational and regulatory A retired Flight Lieutenant Khaqan Murtaza each for different responsibilities. crash and a lot of argument / splash on the as the director general of the Civil media against inefficiency of CAA, the The CAA board in September 2020 Aviation Authority (DG CAA) that seeks post of DG was advertised by the aviation had approved the functional separation of contempt of court proceedings against the ministry. After that around 600 candidates CAA into two divisions in line with a government functionaries for making this decision of the federal cabinet. applied for the post; among them 18 appointment. candidates were short-listed and The aim of the functional separation The federal government on Nov 28 interviewed by the defunct selection board was to demarcate the regulator and appointed Mr Murtaza as the DG CAA. on Oct 14, but no one was selected by the service role of the CAA, not only to meet A notification on the subject issued by the international aviation standard but redundant board. the Establishment Division said: “The Thereafter, on Nov 7 the secretary also to enhance the overall efficiency of federal government has appointed Flt Lt the functions. aviation informed the cabinet that they (Retd) Khaqan Murtaza, a BS-21 officer could not find a single suitable candidate F o l l o w i n g t h e d e c i s i o n , a of Pakistan Administrative Service, management plan was made for smooth among 600 applicants, which was false, presently posted under government of fabricated and frivolous statement by him transitioning of the functional separation Sindh, as director general (of) Civil of the aviation regulator. Aviation Authority, under section 10 of the (Responsible 1 in the petition), as all short- If an employee belonged to the Civil Servant Act, 1973 with immediate listed 18 aspirants were much more family of airports and operations division effect and until further orders.” qualified than the present DG selected trade but due to their experience was Mr Murtaza was working as principal against the IHC orders, the petition working in the regulatory division or vice secretary to the Sindh governor. He was contended. versa, they are given a choice to opt for also the chief executive officer of the The petition requested the court to set transfer of service in the division of their Sindh Infrastructure Development aside the notification for the appointment choice. Company Limited. of Mr Murtaza and issue a directive for The CAA Human Resource In the petition, Capt Asim Nawaz making this appointment on merit. directorate has asked its employees for referring to the Nov 27 order of the IHC It also requested the court to initiate their willingness for transfer of service in alleged that Mr Murtaza, an officer of the contempt of court proceedings against the the division of their choice with fulfilling Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS), officials responsible for obstructing the the criterion of any post. Interested was not a qualified person for the highly court order. employees should submit their technical and challenging post, especially The IHC will take up the petition willingness till Jan 15. when Pakistan is facing a ban of the recently.

14 - JANUARY 2021 from aviation's governing bodies and lead Top 20 safest associations; government audits, and fleet Scott kirby elected age in making their determinations. airlines named “However all airlines have incidents every new chairman of day, and many are aircraft or engine manufacture issues, not airline operational problems. It is the way the flight crew the star alliance handles these incidents that determines a good airline from an unsafe one,” Thomas chief executive said. Saudi Arabia board cott Kirby, CEO of United reopens flight Airlines, has been elected as the new Chairman of the Star (PHOTO: Shutterstock) S Alliance Chief Executive Board (CEB). operations after He succeeds Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa Holdings and of Copa Airlines, who irlineRatings.com, a global two weeks held the post for the last four years. airline safety, and product Speaking on behalf of all Star Alliance r a t i n g w e b s i t e , h a s CEOs, Kirby said: “I would like to thank A audi Arabia on Sunday Jan. announced its Top Twenty Safest Airlines Pedro for the time he invested and his 2021 from the 385 different airlines it 3announced the reopening of dedication to the role of CEB Chairman. monitors. The Top 20 in order are: Sborders and the resumption of His four-year tenure came at an important Qantas international flights after a two-week time in the Alliance's development, during which the organisation has demonstrated Airways suspension aimed to stem the spread of a its technological leadership in the Air New Zealand new Covid-19 strain. implementation of a digitally transformed Singapore Airlines The government ordered the lifting of customer experience.” In his role as CEB Emirates “precautionary measures related to the Chairman, Kirby will conduct the two EVA Air spread of a new variant of coronavirus”, annual board meetings and act as the designated spokesperson for the board. Etihad Airways the Ministry of the Interior said, according Alaska Airlines Reflecting on his tenure, Heilbron to the official Saudi Press Agency. Cathay Pacific Airways commented: "It was an honour for me to Saudi Arabia has recorded more than British Airways lead the board at a time of challenging 363,000 cases, including over 6,200 market conditions for the entire airline /Virgin Atlantic industry. Scott's standing as CEO of our Hawaiian Airlines deaths the highest among the Gulf Arab states but has also reported a high largest member airline, and an Southwest Airlines acknowledged industry leader, make him Delta Air Lines recovery rate. an excellent choice to lead the Star American Airlines Riyadh suspended international Alliance Chief Executive Board during SAS flights and access through land crossings the most challenging times for our Finnair and ports on December 21. industry." Kirby said: “I am looking Lufthansa Other Gulf countries, Oman and forward to working with the board over the KLM next two years in continuing our , who had taken similar measures, groundbreaking work in delivering the United Airlines have also lifted them in recent days. leading airline alliance customer According to AirlineRatings.com But travellers returning from Britain, proposition, focused on seamless travel Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey Thomas, these South Africa or “any country where the experiences and superior loyalty airlines are standouts in the industry and new variant of the coronavirus is benefits.” All 26 member airlines are are at the forefront of safety, innovation, represented by their respective CEO on spreading” are subject to more and launching of new aircraft. “For the CEB, which acts as the controlling instance, Australia's Qantas has been restrictions, the statement added. body of the Alliance and provides the recognised by the British Advertising Foreigners coming from those overall strategic direction. Standards Association in a test case as the countries must spend 14 days in another world's most experienced airline,” country before entering Saudi Arabia, and Thomas said. “Qantas has been the lead show a negative test. airline in virtually every major Saudi nationals returning from those operational safety advancement over the countries will be able to enter directly but past 60 years and has not had a fatality in must then spend two weeks in quarantine the pure jet era,” he added. “But Qantas is on arrival, and be subject to tests. not alone. Long established airlines such Last month Saudi Arabia was one of as Hawaiian and Finnair have perfect the first Gulf countries to launch a massive records in the jet era.” vaccination campaign using the Pfizer- According to Thomas, the editors analyse: crashes, serious incidents, audits BioNTech jab. JANUARY 2021 -15 16 - JANUARY 2021 agreement. While Saudi Arabia made it Deaths in air crashes rose last year clear that it intended to lift the blockade, the other three countries did not, but despite decline in number of flights Kushner said “we expect” that they will also join together to lift the blockade. said. Under the emerging agreement, Qatar will In 2017, aviation had its safest year on suspend lawsuits filed in international courts related to the blockade, the official record worldwide with only two fatal said. accidents involving regional turboprops In June 2020, the International Court that resulted in 13 deaths and no fatal of Justice (ICJ) ruled in favor of Qatar, crashes of passenger jets. rejecting an appeal of a 2018 ICAO The United States has not had a fatal decision to dismiss their challenge of US passenger airline crash since February jurisdiction. A minor victory, since it was 2009 and had one fatality due to a US based on procedural questions rather than Soldiers carry a coffin containing the remains of passenger airline accident in that period. advancing throughout the merits of the one of the eleven Ukrainian victims of the Ukraine case presented by Qatar in 2017, but International Airlines flight 752 plane disaster analysts deemed the dismissal as positive during a memorial ceremony at the Boryspil for the country's position in the litigation. International Airport, outside Kiev, Ukraine Saudi Arabia to January 19, 2020. In the current state of things, any measure that eases conditions for carriers he number of people killed in end Qatar's is more than welcome. If this relaxation of large commercial airplane the blockade finally takes place, steep Tcrashes in 2020 stood at 299 Airspace ban overcharges will be avoided by Qatar worldwide, even as the number of crashes Airways, as flight extension to elude fell by more than 50 per cent, a Dutch Saudi Arabia was penalizing both fuel quantity and crew expenses. These costs consulting firm said recently. impacted severely in 2019 results for the Aviation consulting firm To70 said in company, which reached -$639 million, 2020 there were 40 accidents involving ten times the losses accrued in the 2017- large commercial passenger planes, five 2018 period. Although not all expenses are of which were fatal, resulting in 299 to be attributed to the blockage, the fatalities. In 2019 there were 86 accidents, combination of factors was a big burden in eight of which were fatal, resulting in 257 the fiscal year that ended in March 2020. It fatalities. is expected that despite the severe drop of demand that occurred in the fiscal year Large commercial airplanes had 0.27 A Qatar Airways A350-1000 taxies in São Paulo/Guarulhos. that will end in March 2021, the fatal accidents per million flights in 2020, n 2017 there was a diplomatic overextended flight routes will still play a To70 said, or one fatal crash every 3.7m escalation in which Bahrain, role in the carrier's economy. flights up from 0.18 fatal accidents per ISaudi Arabia, the United Arab Qatar Airways' reroutes have led to million flights in 2019. Emirates and Egypt decided to cut flights longer routes, more fuel expenses and The decline in crashes came amid a to and from , and to which Saudi more CO2 emissions. In fact, the CEO sharp decline in flights due to the Arabia added the closure of its airspace. Akbar Al Baker confirmed some years ago coronavirus pandemic. Flightradar24 The denial of the use of Saudi airspace their dissatisfaction with the blockade: “While this illegal blockade has been reported commercial flights it tracked created multiple inconveniences for Qatar, which had to program longer routes ongoing for more than three years, we worldwide in 2020 fell 42pc to 24.4m. should never allow these illegal actions to More than half of all deaths in the to circumnavigate blocked airspace. But with the signing of a major deal for the be normalized. Threats to the safety and To70 review were the 176 people killed in region, the latest in a series of normalcy of International Civil Aviation January 2020 when a Ukrainian plane was deals sought by the United States aimed at should never be an acceptable tool for shot down in Iranian airspace. building a united front against , that political posturing, and the international The second deadliest incident community must not allow the current blockade could finally be lifted. actions to set the precedent for using involved a Pakistan airliner that crashed As part of the agreement, Saudi freedom of navigation as a weapon to in May, killing 98. Arabia will reopen its airspace and all land harm our country and its people”. Large passenger airplanes covered and sea borders with Qatar starting It has been some very busy days for by the statistics are used by nearly all Monday Jan 4, Kuwait's Foreign Minister the Qatari carrier after receiving three new travellers on airlines but exclude small Ahmad Nasser al-Sabah said on Kuwait Boeing 777 freighters and their 53rd commuter airplanes in service. TV. The Saudi state agency SPA quoted Airbus A350. Moreover, the carrier has Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as Over the last two decades, aviation agreed on many new codeshare saying that the annual meeting of Gulf agreements with different airlines to deaths have been falling dramatically. As leaders would unite member countries “in recently as 2005, there were 1,015 deaths promote connections with Qatar. From the face of the challenges facing the now on, the airline will fly their aircraft aboard commercial passenger flights region.” without any airspace restrictions. As the worldwide, the Aviation Safety Network The ruler of Qatar, Emir Sheikh Qatar Airways CEO said, “As global (ASN) said. Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, will attend, travel recovers, our passengers can rely on Over the last five years, there have the royal court said. Jared Kushner, the US us to fly greener and smarter with more been an average of 14 fatal accidents for presidential adviser for the Middle East, flights to more destinations via the Best commercial passenger and cargo planes said that the crown prince of Saudi Arabia Airport in the Middle East, Hamad resulting in 345 deaths annually, ASN and the emir of Qatar would sign the International Airport.” JANUARY 2021 -17 Sparks fly in PIA

MID a sense of fear and associated with the Pakistan Muslim insecurity that has prevailed League-Nawaz, termed the relocation of Aa m o n g t h o u s a n d s o f h e a d o f f i c e t o I s l a m a b a d a n employees, the Pakistan International “undemocratic and anti-people” decision Airlines' (PIA) management is moving that has shattered the national solidarity. forward with its plan to cut the existing And the pilot's body, Pakistan Air workforce by half and shift the head office Line Pilots Association (Palpa), said that of the national flag carrier from Karachi to shifting of the head office would have far- Islamabad despite the fact that it needs the reaching consequences and locals would parliament's nod before taking any such lose jobs, as most employees were unable step, it has emerged. The head offices of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), to move out of Karachi. including the flight services division, commercial While the PIA management has its department and human resource divisions, will be shifted However, an aviation expert having own reasons to justify the relocation of the from Karachi to Islamabad by the end of January. 40 years of experience believed that head office and downsizing, current and shifting of the head office was “one of the former employees paint a grim picture of support offices to Islamabad because of the inherent shift in travelling demographics. best thing that can happen to help PIA get the state of affairs in the airline where back on its feet”. even the country's premier spy agency is Previously, majority of PIA's traffic originated from Karachi being the trade He agreed with the PIA that Karachi being used as a tool to silence dissenting was no more leading in number of flights voices. centre and largest city of the country but now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and adjoining saying “maximum flights out of Pakistan Background interviews with areas contribute majority of the labour in are from Islamabad and Lahore”. representatives of employees, officers, Gulf countries and north eastern GT Road Downsizing plan pilots and engineers suggest that none of adjacent areas and AJK contribute With 29 planes, the current aircraft- them was taken on board by the maximum traffic to Europe, the UK and management before and after deciding to to-employee ratio of PIA is 500 employees Far East,” said PIA spokesperson Abdullah per aircraft and the airline management shift the head office as well as the airline's Hafeez Khan. hub to Islamabad from Karachi. wants to reduce it by half to 250 per “So it's very natural that PIA in order aircraft. They say that the management could to target this segment has to increase its The PIA currently has 14,500 not shift the head office on its own presence in the north. With increased without obtaining the approval of the employees and earlier this month it had operations, the manpower requirement has introduced a Voluntarily Separation parliament that has to amend the Pakistan also increased. It is now not possible to International Airlines Corporation Scheme (VSS) with a target of laying off keep the workforce centralised in Karachi 3,500 workers. (Conversion) Act, 2016. while running operations from the north,” Section 7 (2) of the PIAC Act reads: The current and former officials view he explained the management's point of the relocation of head office plan as a “The Headquarters of the Company and view. any of its subsidiary companies carrying move to rid the airline of maximum But the decision is being seen as a number of staffers particularly those living on air-transport business shall be at political move to deprive people of Sindh Karachi.” in Sindh and Balochistan. and Balochistan who would find it hard to They say the management had 'No valid reason' settle in a city situated far away from their “There is not a single valid reason to home. Almost every political party has transferred around 800 employees of all justify shifting of either the head office or rejected the decision and only on Tuesday groups to Islamabad from Karachi and, airline's hub from Karachi to Islamabad,” PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari therefore, most of Sindhi and - said PIA Officers Association's general vowed to include PIA workers in the speaking employees opted for the VSS secretary Safdar Anjum, who is most opposition's anti-government campaign. instead of going to a city that was far more vocal among all against the incumbent Currently, PPP-backed Peoples Unity expensive than Karachi. management led by retired Air Marshal is the CBA in PIA but many of its A Palpa spokesperson told Dawn that Arshad Malik. opponents allege that the CBA is not doing “employees have been put under “Karachi is a unique place where what it was supposed to do i.e. to safeguard tremendous stress by posting them out to entire organisational network of PIA is the interest of workers and instead its Islamabad” at the shortest possible notice situated within an area of two-three leaders have been showered with favours so that they could avail VSS. kilometres. It has the Ispahani Hangar, by the incumbent management. Mr Anjum of Officers Association complete engineering system. Is it wise to The Air League, a workers' body and Palpa spokesperson say VSS was not a close down the hangar, outsource several new scheme as it was offered twice during other works and give engineering to PAF different administrations. just to relocate the head office to “No one can object to a retirement Islamabad?” he asked. scheme as long as it remains voluntary,” He claimed that the only reason said Mr Anjum, adding: “But the VSS is behind the relocation decision was that not voluntary as employees are being Air Marshal Malik and his coterie of harassed and intimidated.” advisers, whom he brought from the “An atmosphere of fear and Pakistan Air Force on deputation, had dreadfulness has been created so that houses and families in Islamabad. employees opt out in the fear of aftermath However, the PIA management has of VSS; this includes selective leakages of rejected all the allegations as politically documents, Mandatory Separation motivated. Scheme, forced transfers, shifting of head “PIA is shifting its operational and office, downgrading basic rights and

18 - JANUARY 2021 benefits, and so-called performance- carry the same narrative as their political and other charges. As he retired from the based profiling, leading to firing of masters. Their presence is not as PAF and became the full-time PIA CEO, employees,” the Palpa spokesperson said. important and critical in greater political he draws support from the Pakistan When asked about allegations of landscape as they tend to believe.” Tehreek-i-Insaf government for bringing harassment and use of intelligence outfits The incumbent chief executive of reforms and restructure the debt-ridden for intimidating employees, PIA PIA was the vice chief of air staff when he organisation. spokesperson Khan said: “PIA assumed the responsibility of national “Whatever his intentions are, one associations are all politically affiliated to carrier. His administration has so far thing is clear that his anti-workers steps are the parties that instilled them in the sacked over 900 people on disciplinary making Prime Minister Imran Khan and corporation and generated funds and grounds because of their alleged PTI highly unpopular,” observed a senior influence through them, and they often involvement in corruption, fake degrees PIA official, asking not to be named. Pakistan and it would not be lifted until the EU ban won`t be regulator brought reforms to the Emirates takes its satisfaction of EASA. lifted before CAA Sources said that PIA was in constant newest A380 to touch with the European agency and had provided it necessary documents as audit, PIA told evidence regarding the implementation of London the agreed corrective action plan. EASA A day after Aviation Minister had told PIA that it found the documents mirates will deploy its latest Ghulam Sarwar Khan expressed hopes satisfactory but linked the lifting of the flagship A380 aircraft that the ban imposed on Pakistan ban with meeting certain conditions that Efeaturing new premium International Airlines (PIA) to operate primarily related to the CAA because of economy seats and other enhancements flights in Europe would be lifted soon, the the 'fake' pilots' licence issue. across all cabins to London Heathrow. European Union Aviation Safety Agency EASA told PIA it was investigating Starting from 4th January, passengers (EASA) informed the national flag carrier the issue of 'fake' pilots' licences and it flying between Dubai and London that the ban had been extended by three would review the ban after an audit but Heathrow can experience Emirates' latest months and that it would not be reviewed added that its officials could not visit A380. Operating as EK003/004, the until a safety audit of the Civil Aviation Pakistan because of the coronavirus aircraft is scheduled to depart Dubai daily Authority (CAA), it emerged on Saturday pandemic. at 14:30hrs, arriving at 18:20hrs in 26 Dec. Taking advantage of ban London Heathrow. The return flight Only on Friday Dec 25, the aviation The EASA ban is not only causing a departs London at 20:20hrs and arrives in minister had told reporters in Taxila that huge financial loss to PIA, it is also giving Dubai the next day at 07:20hrs. All most concerns of EASA regarding the an opportunity to foreign airlines to timings local. process of issuing licences to commercial expand their operations. pilots had been addressed and soon the Emirates recently unveiled its latest Earlier this month, British airline A380 with brand new premium economy ban imposed on PIA flights in European Virgin Atlantic launched its direct flight countries would be lifted. seats that offer a generous seat pitch of up operations for Islamabad and Lahore to 40 inches, in addition to new economy However, a senior PIA official while British Airways had already confirmed to media that PIA had received class seats similar to those installed on its expanded its operations from Islamabad to latest Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, a disappointing message in response to a Lahore. request made by the airline. enhancements to its popular A380 First EASA had in July suspended the and Business Class including its signature He said that the national carrier had authorisation for PIA to operate flights in asked the European agency to give its the EU member states for six months due Shower Spa and Onboard Lounge, and provisional permission to operate flights to safety concerns after the aviation refreshed colours and fittings across all to and from European destinations since it minister, while making public the cabins. had met several conditions. preliminary report of the May 22 air crash, Until more Premium Economy seats us provisional permission,” he said, told parliament that 262 Pakistani pilots enter its inventory, the airline intends to adding that in response the agency said it possessed dubious licences. offer these as spot upgrades for its valued could not issue such a permission. The curbs were extended later as customers on a discretionary basis. All The EASA letter says: “Regarding EASA was not fully satisfied by the other signature Emirates A380 First, the lack of confidence in certification and measures taken to improve the process of Business and Economy cabins are oversight activities performed by the issuing the licences as well as other safety available for reservation on emirates.com Pakistani CAA, which was the second matters. or via travel agents. aspect that led to the suspension of Third The European agency had given PIA The airline has safely and gradually Country Operator Authorisation, the the right to appeal against its decision in restored its network over the past months, investigation performed by the European two months but its Air Marshal Arshad bringing back signature experiences Commission and by the ICAO have not Malik-led management decided not to onboard and on the ground with yet been concluded. lodge the appeal because of the visit of a comprehensive measures in place for the “Consequently, as all preconditions team of International Air Transport health and safety of its customers and to lift the suspension are not met and, as an Association's (IATA) Operational Safety employees. audit will be necessary, the agency Audit (IOSA) to assess the operational Emirates currently serves London decided not to revoke your Third Country management and control systems of the Heathrow with five daily flights of which Operator Authorisation but to extend the airline. four are operated with an A380. The suspension period by additional three The IOSA team visited the country in airline also operates 10 flights a week to months....” September and its focus was on PIA's Manchester and daily flights to both The official explained that the ban flight operations and its passenger service, Birmingham and Glasgow. was not on PIA per se but on the state of engineering, etc. JANUARY 2021 - 19 20 - JANUARY 2021 Gen Bajwa Air force inducts 14 locally-built JF-

appreciates ASF's akistan Aeronautical Complex for their continuous support. JF-17B and (PAC) formally handed over 14 Block-III production was a significant role in aviation Pstate-of-the-art indigenously achievement as it would play an important developed fourth generation JF-17 role in geostrategic milieu due to the Thunder Block-III dual carrier fighter jets technology installed in the modern security equipped with a long-range superior radar aircraft. en Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief system and advance firing capability to He mentioned that the project's of Army Staff (COAS), Pakistan Air Force (PAF) at a simple completion was not possible without the appreciated the role of the ceremony on Wednesday 30 Dec. assistance of Chinese experts, engineers G and technicians. This project had further Airport Security Force in aviation Terming the aircraft's inclusion in the security and hoped that the new entrants, national fleet a 'significant milestone' in solidified Pak-China friendship and including women, would further the country's history, Chief of Air Staff Air bilateral defence ties, he said. strengthen the ASF. Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan said A i r M a r s h a l A n w a r a l s o He was speaking at the 48th Basic JF-17 Thunder was proved a battle-tested acknowledged the role of media for Aviation Security Course passing out aircraft during the successful expression highlighting Pak-China friendship and parade held at Airport Security Force of mastery in Operation Swift Retort collaboration under China Pakistan Academy here. A large number of serving against Indian Air Force's violation of Economic Corridor and JF-17B Thunder and retired officials and families of territorial sovereignty on Feb 27, 2019. production. He urged the media to further passing-out trainees witnessed the parade. While addressing the handing over promote the Pak-China ties and The COAS said that training of ASF ceremony at the PAC Kamra, the air chief collaboration in a positive manner. trainees would enhance the standards of commended completion of the project in He said PAF had demonstrated its aviation security in Pakistan. He time by the Aircraft Manufacturing capabilities time and again and was ever expressed satisfaction with the training Factory (AMF) team of the PAC involved ready to thwart any aggression of the and performance of the ASF trainees and in the development of the advance enemy with a crushing response. also appreciated participation of women generation of the JF-17B Thunder Block- PAC Chairman Air Marshal Syed in the force. He congratulated the trainees III jets version. Nauman Ali briefed the participants over and their families and gave away prizes to Air Marshal Anwar proudly said that the project details and highlighted that JF- position-holders. PAC Kamra upheld its traditions despite 17 Thunder would be the shining symbol Earlier on arrival, the COAS was the most challenging times of the of cooperation between the two received by Maj-Gen Zafar UI Haq, pandemic. “I would like to commend the neighbouring countries. director general of ASF at the academy. entire team and PAC leadership, including Despite many odds due to Later, the COAS visited the Pakistan PAC chairman and AMF managing coronavirus-related lockdown in PAC, the Rangers Sindh headquarters, where he director, for their concerted efforts to meet technicians and experts completed the was received by Maj-Gen Omer Ahmed the project deadlines.” project in due time with the extraordinary Bokhari. The PAC, he said, was the backbone support of the Chinese experts for meeting During interaction, the COAS of PAF's operational readiness and had the programme targets. appreciated the contributions of the displayed its capabilities to meet the Air Marshal Ali resolved that PAC Rangers in maintaining peace and challenges with limited resources at the would stand committed to fulfill the stability in Karachi and paid homage to optimum level. sacred duty of augmenting fighting force their sacrifices. The air chief also extended his and strength to defend the country's aerial He also laid a wreath on Yadgar-i- gratitude to the Ministry of Defence sovereignty. Shuhuda, says an ISPR press release. Production and Chinese Aviation Industry Speaking on the occasion, Chinese Ambassador Nong Rong said PAC's successful acquiring of the capacity to build JF-17B Thunder Block-III aircraft set up a perfect model of Pak-China friendship. “Pakistan has become self- sufficient in developing JF-17 Thunder and an advance fighter aircraft producing country in the world. JF-17 Thunder has finally become the backbone of Pakistan's defence,” he remarked. He expressed the hope that it would further strengthen defence ties between Pakistan and China. Close collaboration between both countries would bring more success, he said. The Chinese aviation industry representatives also addressed the ceremony via video messages and the air chief visited the facility where he observed the newly built aircraft whereas PAC school children presented a national song. PERSONNEL of the Pakistan Air Force stand in a row near the 14 dual-seat JF-17B multi-role aircraft rolled out at a ceremony on Wednesday Dec.30 at the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex in Kamra. JANUARY 2021 - 21 22 - JANUARY 2021 Airbus-Boeing spat hits new heights at EgyptAir and Gulf year end Air expand codeshare

reduced due to the horrific effects on the agreement global economy from the Covid-19 virus,” the USTR said. “The result of this choice was that Europe imposed tariffs on substantially more products than would have been covered if it had utilised a normal period.” As a result the US “is forced to change its reference period to the same period used by the European Union,” the statement said. Gulf Air Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft makes a fly-by as Emirates Airlines Airbus A380-800 plane is seen during At the time the tariffs were announced, the Bahrain International Air Show 2018. USTR complained the move was long-running US-EU aircraft unjustified since the subsidies provided to trade dispute flew to new Boeing by the state of Washington had long ulf Air, the national carrier of Aheights as the year drew to a since been revoked, but did not raise the the Kingdom of Bahrain, and close, as Washington hit France and calculation issue in the public statement. GEgyptAir, the national airline Germany with new punitive import But the statement said “the United of Egypt, announced the expansion of tariffs. States explained to the EU the distortive their codeshare partnership, bringing It was the latest retaliation in the 16- effect of its selected time period, the EU more travel opportunities for their year-old conflict over government refused to change its approach.” However, customers. subsidies for competing aircraft USTR said that “in order to not escalate the Building upon the success of their manufacturers Airbus and Boeing, and situation, the United States is adjusting the existing codeshare relationship, Gulf Air defies recent statements that the sides product coverage by less than the full will be adding its 'GF' code on EgyptAir's were close to reaching a final truce. amount that would be justified utilizing the flights to Aswan, Asyut, Hurghada, Luxor The US Trade Representative EU's chosen time period.” The US also and Sharmel-Sheikh. This expansion (USTR) recently announced new tariffs deplored an EU decision to exclude the UK further enhances seamless travel options on aircraft parts, wine, cognac and from its calculations, which it argued brandies from France and Germany, for Gulf Air and EgyptAir passengers unfairly increased the tariffs. including thru-check-in. adding those to a long list of products As usual in the trans-Atlantic dispute, from EU countries that have been subject This cooperation also supports the each side blames the other for the strengthening of commercial cooperation to 25 percent duties since 2019. escalation. between the two airlines. The USTR said the move was in Hope for a truce Brussels complained Captain Waleed A. Hameed AlAlawi, retaliation for tariffs the European Union that Washington had “unilaterally” imposed in November which it considers Gulf Air's Acting Chief Executive Officer, unjustified and calculated unfairly. disrupted ongoing talks and said it would seek a solution to the row with the said: The latest twist in the battle over incoming administration, which takes “This is a welcoming and positive aircraft subsidies that turned increasingly office on January 20. announcement for Gulf Air, EgyptAir and sour under the protectionist instincts of our customers, given the current US President Donald Trump comes The European Commission said it “regrets that the United States has chosen challenging industry climate. Customers despite hopes for a trade truce once of both airlines have more options to fly President-elect Joe Biden takes office to add further EU products to its retaliation January 20. list in the WTO Airbus case on aircraft and feel reassured with all the extra health The World Trade Organization subsidies.” and safety measures in place to ensure a (WTO) has given the go ahead for “The EU will engage with the new US safe journey. The relationship between the Brussels and Washington to impose the Administration at the earliest possible Kingdom of Bahrain and the Arab retaliatory duties in separate but related moment to continue these negotiations and Republic of Egypt has always been strong cases over subsidies granted to Boeing find a lasting solution to the dispute,” it and we feel proud to be working closely and Airbus. said. with our friends in EgyptAir. I look After a WTO ruling in October, the The feud over European aircraft forward to seeing this partnership grow.” EU last month levied additional customs manufacturer Airbus and its American Captain RoshdyZakaria, EgyptAir duties on $4 billion worth of American competitor Boeing is the longest and most Chief Executive Officer, said: products including Boeing planes but also complicated ever handled by the WTO. “The current situation requires all farm produce, such as wheat and tobacco, The aviation feud predates Trump, but partners to enhance their cooperation ties plus strong alcohol and chocolate. Washington quickly embraced the and to exert many efforts in serving their But Washington said the EU opportunity to impose tariffs on in loyal customers. From this view, EgyptAir calculated the amount using pandemic- European goods after the WTO last year and Gulf Air have worked on enhancing ravaged trade data, which meant a much authorized duties on a record $7.5 billion in their partnership by offering EgyptAir wider array of American goods were goods. domestic destinations to Gulf Air targeted. Washington imposed punitive tariffs “In implementing its tariffs... the EU of 25 percent on iconic EU products such customers who will enjoy the utmost used trade data from a period in which as wine, cheese and olive oil and put a 15 levels of hospitality and health procedures trade volumes had been drastically percent tariff on Airbus planes in March. onboard our flights.”

JANUARY 2021 - 23 24 - JANUARY 2021 SIAL provides best facilities to the SIAL delegation airlines and passengers fetes Chairman TZA

ewly elected Chairman Sialkot Tannery Zone NAssociation Chaudhry Raza Munir has said that the Tannery Zone project launched by the business community of Sialkot for the development and improvement of leather industry will prove to be a good omen for Sialkot and Pakistan. It will have far- reaching effects on the country's economy. He expressed these views while talking to a delegation led by Vice Chairman SIAL Chaudhry Muhammad Afzal Shaheen to meet him and congratulate him on his election as Chairman Tannery Zone Association. The delegation also included former chairman SIAL Mohammad Ashfaq Chaudhry, former vice chairman NaeemYousuf, director SIAL Mohammad Javed Chaudhry, Mian Atiq-ur-Rehman and Faraz Akram Awan. Chairman Sialkot Tannery Zone Association Chaudhry Raza Munir said that the business community of Sialkot has succeeded in establishing a dry port, Sialkot Airport and its own airline as part of the ongoing service to the people of Sialkot and Pakistan. At the same time, Mian Naeem Javed Chairman SIAL work is underway on a tannery zone hairman SIAL Mian Naeem airlines coming here, passengers from Lahore project to eliminate environmental Javed has said that the and remote areas already choose their journey pollution from Sialkot city. Soon after the m a n a g e m e n t o f S i a l k o t from Sialkot Airport but now due to fog flights completion of this project, all the C tanneries from Sialkot city will start International Airport has taken full care of the that cannot land at Lahore or Islamabad needs and regulations of its passengers and Airport, land at Sialkot Airport, so their shifting to Sialkot tannery zone, which on airlines during the Corona epidemic and has passengers have to be taken to their respective t h e o n e h a n d w i l l e l i m i n a t e taken all possible steps for them. We are now airports. There is a responsibility of SIAL environmental pollution due to the fully prepared to provide better facilities to management that helps them and make every dismantling of scattered leather factories passengers on flights that cannot land at other effort to make it easier for them. He said that and units in Sialkot city. However, the airports during fog season. He expressed these the SIAL management was campaigning with diseases caused by them will decrease views while talking to representatives of different airlines to sign memorandum of rapidly. airlines at the SIAL Secretariat. Vice understanding as an alternative airport so that The production of international Chairman Chaudhry Muhammad Afzal their flights may land at Sialkot Airport at any quality leather in the tannery zone will Shaheen, Airport Manager Nisar Ahmed and time. Chairman SIAL Mian Naeem Javed said also enhance the quality of its products. other officials were also present. Chairman that they are trying to provide the best possible Higher exports will also boost the SIAL Mian Naeem Javed said that due to the facilities to all the airlines and their passengers. country's foreign exchange. Chaudhry location of Sialkot Airport between Lahore He also thanked the representatives of all the Raza Munir thanked the delegation for and Islamabad and the proximity of Sialkot to airlines for their exemplary cooperation in this visiting his residence and assured them of Lahore Motorway and the cheap fares of many difficult situation and appreciated their his full cooperation. services.

Vice Chairman SIAL Muhammad Afzal Shaheen Chaudhry (4-R) presenting a bouquet to Raza Munir new chairman Tannery Zone Association while former chairman SIAL Muhammad Ashfaq Chaudhry, former vice chairman Vice Chairman SIAL Ch. M. Afzal Shaheen presenting a sheild to Mr. Umar NaeemYousuf, director SIAL Muhammad Javed Chaudhry, Mian Atiq-ur- Farooq co-ordinator CM Punjab for party Affairs at SIAL Rehman and others are also present on the occasion.

JANUARY 2021 - 25 Glimpses of AirSial 1st flight from Karachi to Islamabad Karachi

Mr. Tariq Amin COO AirSial cutting cake at Jinnah International Airport to Mr. Tariq Amin with AirSial staff at Islamabad International Airport on the inaugurate the AirSial flight from Karachi to Islamabad. occasion of departure the 1st flight of AirSial from Islamabad to Karachi,

Mr. A. S. Azad Editor Flyer International with Mr. Tariq Amin COO AirSial on An interior view of AirSial Airbus A320. board the inaugural flight of Air Sial.

Mr. Fazal Jilani briefing a media person in Karachi.

26 - JANUARY 2021 AirSial celebrates 1st flight from Sialkot to Karachi

Mr. Ameen Ahsan, CEO AirSial, Mr. Afzal Shaheen Vice Chairman SIAL, Mr. Mr. Fazal Jilani Chairman AirSial addressing the guests at a ceremony held at Babar Iqbal CEO SIAL, Mr. Fazal Jilani Chairman AirSial Mr. Qaisar Iqbal Ramada Plaza Hotel Karachi on the occasion of 1st flight from Sialkot to Baryar President SCCI and Mr. M. Umer Mir, Vice Chairman AirSial cutting Karachi . the cake on the occasion of 1st flight from Sialkot to Karachi.

Mr. Fazal Jilani Chairman along with Mr. Ameen Ahsan CEO, Mr. M. Umer Mir Mian Naeem Javed Chairman SIAL Dr. Mian Azhar, Dr. Muhammad Akram, Vice Chairman and Mr. Tariq Amin COO AirSial presenting a souvenir to the Mr. M. Afzal Shaheen Vice Chairman SIAL and Mr. A. S. Azad Editor Flyer guest of honour. International.

JANUARY 2021 - 27 28 - JANUARY 2021 Human Rights: 'Lebensraum of Cashmere' Professor Safdar Sandal

the entire population. In addition, all lines organization RSS, has caused Articles 370 were cut telephone, Cell-phone network, and 35A to be repealed. The RSS, which Internet, television and radio,were no inspired the Norwegian white supremacist longer working. Despite these bans, there Andreas Breiivik, among numerous other were protests and riots in the valley. The anti-Islamic events in democratic Europe, Government of Jammu and Kashmir for his attack in Norway-he killed 77 people called on pilgrims and holiday makers to in 2011. BJP admired in his manifesto, the leave the region. Pakistan responded by transformation of society in India into a announcing the expulsion of the Indian purely Hindu one. The RSS was founded in Ambassador, limiting diplomatic relations 1925 as a paramilitary organization at a time with India and calling on the International when Hitler published his book “Mein Court of Justice. It was not only a Kampf”. With attacks on Muslims and violation of the Indian Constitution itself under the influence of National Socialism, but also a clear abuse of the resolutions 'RSS' had developed into a hardliner - fascist passed by United Nations Security organization and 'BJP' being its offspring, Council (UNSC) and a devastation of unlawfully deleted the Article 370 from the Human Rights - structure. Kashmir had Indian Constitution, which had given been defined as a disputed territory. The Indian-occupied Kashmir a special and Indian National Congress plans to appeal autonomous status. Pakistan which also The writer to the Constitutional Court of India, over claims the region, based on rules of conduct oday, when I write this article, this unconstitutional act of the BJP. set at the time of Partition, condemned the it is the middle of the Article 35A was designed and integrated in move as haughty, one sided and thus T'International Human Rights Day' (year 2020) and also amidst an unprecedented in Human History of violations, trampling down of Human Rights in India. The readers will automatically feel and refer it, to the treatment meted out to the people of Kashmir, Muslims, Christians and Dalits (and other low castes of Hindus) as widely acknowledged by the world opinion. To be more contentious, I wish to lament over, that in Indian held Kashmir, the Modi government unilaterally lifted the special status of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019, and sent an additional force of 35,000 soldiers to the already well-armed area. Instead of letting Parliament to vote on it, he had his decision to delete two relevant articles in the Indian constitution enforced by President Ram NathKovind. The announcement put senior politicians in Kashmir under house arrest, closed schools and shops and curfew imposed on 1954 as a presidential decree to empower unconstitutional and contrary to the UN the state law to resolutions. Asa party to this international define permanent conflict, Pakistan has the right to use all residents of the possible options to counter these illegal state and their steps, claimed the 'Pakistan Ministry of special rights and Foreign Affairs'. privileges; Indian Before proceeding further on the matter nationals from and quite relevantly; I like to state other states could somepersonal experiences and complaints not acquire land or over religious intolerance existing property in J&K, worldwide. During my numerous trips of take up work or Europe and lastly in April 2019 (Covids take advantage of have stopped further trips meanwhile), I other government was leisurely walking in the beautiful benefits such as 'walking street' (Schiller Strasse) of the most higher education advanced city Munich of a civilized country, and health care. Germany. Nearly in the middle of the street 'BJP' - the in a square was formed a stage and on it (Members of happy Pakistani Christian community in a rally, celebrating the dawn of political arm of the stood nearly a dozen people(probably Christmas 2020) Hindu terrorist clergy). One of them was delivering a speechcriticizing and desecrating 'Quran' by JANUARY 2021 - 29 holding the Holy Book in his hand and In 1947, Kashmiri leader Sheikh committed on them incessantly. It seems obviously insulting it, in German Abdullah who did not accede to Pakistan improbable that the position could be language. Despite having a little and preferred for an 'Independent corrected in the near future :a lot of water knowledge but not mastery over German Kashmir' (or a plebiscite for it to decide its has flowed under the bridge since 1947-48. language, I did understand as to what he future), despite the fact that the state was Three wars have resulted so far and a meant. I dared ask a man standing next to to be completely land-locked and million people have died on both sides of me, as to what the speaker with the mike encompassed by warring countries, India, the Line of Control. After all, they do say: was saying. The good German fellow Pakistan and China (now all three are “fool me once shame on you, fool me replied to me; 'forget him', but to be nuclear powers) was easily duped by twice, shame on me”. Who will solve the honest, I was badly hurt. After that I Nehru to side with him which he did at the dilemma? I apprehend if I can see it done, strolled my way. There were about 50-60 cost of his own people. The decades that in my lifetime!! people listening to the speech un- followed took a gruesome posture for Prof. Safdar Sandal intentionally. I do not call it (being a Kashmiris with 'inhuman abuses' being A business - analyst student of Political Science) a 'Freedom Director - 'Sialkot International Airport of Speech' which hurts the sentiments and beliefs of other people. Long-awaited bridge over Chenab links On another occasion in (Tyrol) Austria, I was sitting in the lawns of the SIAL, finally functional hotel where I was staying; a bearded man approached me and he started to convince me to become a Christian. I was dumb- he much-awaited mega speed checking by the traffic police as well project of Shahbazpur bridge as patrolling of police on both sides of the founded at his attempt. It was bridge particularly after evening to make unbecoming of the hotel management to Tover Chenab river connecting the travel smooth on the route. However, have allowed such people an entry in the Gujrat with Sailkot international airport and Sialkot-Lahore motorway (M11), has Gujrat police have already established a hotel premises and make the guests feel finally been completed after construction small picket at the start of bridge by uncomfortable, about which I protested of an eight-kilometre long road on Sialkot putting barriers whereas Punjab patrol to them later. A similar attempt was faced side of the bridge. police also have its formal check post by me in my apartment in Gothenburg around 10 kilometres into the Sialkot side (Sweden), a couple of years ago, which The route has now become formally functional for the motorists who have near Bangla Chowk from the bridge but too was despised by me, despite the fact patrolling mechanism has not yet been that I have an open heart. But I believe in started travelling towards Sialkot and Lahore from Gujrat side for the last more activated within 20 kilometres of both firm personal freedom and do not like to than a week. However, final touches are sides of bridge. be disturbed by others especially when being given to the project through Though the project of Shahbazpur they are un-invited, unexpected and construction of shoulders on both sides of bridge had been approved by the PML-Q's naturally not welcome. I wonder how the newly- built road on Sialkot side as Punjab government in 2006-07, the PML- such people are let loose. I feel happy 11-kilometre long road and a bridge over N government had changed its location that in a Muslim society to which I belong stormwater channel on Gujrat side had and site plan due to some technical issues. to, nobody ever dares or likes to insult any already been completed. Later, the then Punjab chief minister holy books like Bible, Torah, Gita or The In the absence of yellow and white Vedas etc. To do so, is punishable under Shahbaz Sharif had allocated a huge sum lanes as well as the cat's eyes along the of Rs 5.2 billion for the project in 2015-16 law.In my country the Christians and road shoulders, the driving on this road other religionist live together and enjoy when the execution of project was started can be dangerous for the motorists as by the contractor firm National Logistic complete freedom and harmony. drivers usually drive fast on this newly- Criticism of other religious faiths is not Cell (NLC) that had completed 90pc of the constructed road which has resulted in work until April 2018 however the done by the people by habit and it has also several road accidents during the last one strictly been forbidden in Islam. It is completion of project was delayed for at week or so, said Osama Iqbal who daily least 32 months due to paucity of funds. definitely a better and civilized way of commutes to Sambrial tehsil of Sialkot life. The Punjab government released from a village of Gujrat by his car. Rs272.8 million in the budget of current I come back to my preceding He said his vehicle had also been hit paragraph. Pakistan which also claims fiscal year after which the project is now by a speeding car whereas several other being given final touches. the region (Kashmir) condemned the incidents had also been reported in the Indian move as 'illegal'. The “Pakistani dangerous zone. Official sources said Chief Minister Usman Buzdar is likely to inaugurate the Ministry of Foreign Affairs” warned A resident of Jalalpur Jattan Town India of any 'unilateral steps' to change that close to the Shahbazpur bridge said project within the current month. the internationally committed status of the vehicle of his father Kashmir. “As a party to this conflict, had fallen into a Pakistan will use all possible options of roadside ditch recently counter these illegal steps”, stated the due to dense fog. He ministry of foreign affairs in Islamabad. told media that had M o d i e m p l o y i n g H i t l e r ' s t h e r e b e e n l i g h t “Lebensraum” policy', wishes to occupy installed along the route any land around his country in pursuit of or at least there were his Hindutva ideology which he believes cat's eyes and yellow to apply for the whole of the sub- lanes on the road, the continent India, to be Hindu only, as risk to travel on the road Adolf Hitler had a firm faith in the could be minimised. superiority of German race and He demanded the inferiority of other races. That mentality provision of safety caused the World War II, in which 75 measures along the million people were killed. route such as lights,

30 - JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 - 31 EU states ban flights as Britain says new virus strain is`out of control`

uropean countries banned turned on his previously stated policy of more transmissible in a patient in flights from the UK recently easing containment measures over the September. And Public Health England Eand the WHO called for festive season. notified the government when modelling stronger containment measures as the Scientists first discovered the new revealed the full seriousness of the new British government warned that a highly variant which they believe is 70 percent strain. infectious new strain of the virus was “out of control”. As the World Health Organisation urged its European members to strengthen measures against a new variant of Covid- 19 circulating in Britain, European nations including Germany, Ireland, Italy, Austria, Romania, The Netherlands and Belgium said they were moving to block air travel. A German government source said the restriction could be adopted by the entire 27-member European Union and that countries were also discussing a joint response over sea, road and rail links with Britain. Rome and Berlin said they would both be suspending flights to and from [Clockwise] A passenger walks at Rome's Fiumicino airport after the Italian government announced the suspension of all flights to and from Britain over fears of a new strain of the coronavirus. An international Britain from midnight. high-speed Eurostar train is seen at London's St Pancras railway station after European countries banned The Netherlands imposed a ban on flights coming from the United Kingdom. A sign on the door of a shop on London's Oxford Street notifies UK flights and Belgium said it would customers that it has had to close because of the latest coronavirus restrictions. follow suit from midnight with a ban on planes and trains from the UK. Alarm bells were ringing across Europe which last week became the first region in the world to pass 500,000 deaths from Covid-19 since the pandemic broke out a year ago after it appeared that a new, even more infectious strain of the virus was raging in parts of Britain. Austria's health ministry told the APA news agency that it would also impose a flight ban, the details of which were still being worked out. A spokeswoman for WHO Europe said that “across Europe, where transmission is intense and widespread, countries need to redouble their control and prevention approaches.” Romania also said it banned all flights to and from the UK for two weeks. French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and EU chiefs Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel held a conference call on Sunday about the matter, according to the Elysee palace in Paris. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the infectiousness of the new strain had forced his hand into imposing a lockdown across much of England over the Christmas period. “Unfortunately the new strain was out of control. We have got to get it under control,” UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News after Johnson U- 32 - JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 - 33 week in response to a fast-spreading Transportation is suspending services to New year brings final variant of the virus identified in England. the EU. The British government insisted that “We figure it gives the country a week separation between the border systems and infrastructure we or so to get used to all of these new systems need are in place, and we are ready for the in and out and we can have a look and Britain and EU new start. hopefully resolve any issues in advance of But freight companies are holding actually sending our trucks,” said Young's ike a separated couple still their breath. U.K. haulage firm Youngs director Rob Hollyman. living together, Britain and the LEuropean Union spent 2020 wrangling and wondering whether they France threatens veto as 'difficult' can remain friends. After more than four years of Brexit political drama, the event itself is Brexit talks drag on something of an anticlimax. Lockdown measures in Britain to curb the uropean doubts over a post- coronavirus have curtailed mass Brexit trade deal with Britain gatherings to celebrate or mourn the Eboiled over with France moment, though Parliament's huge Big threatening a veto as tricky negotiations Ben bell sounded the hour as it prepares to entered what could be their final hours. ring in the new year. As night fell in LFrance threatens British Prime Minister Boris veto as 'difficult' Brexit talks drag Johnson, for whom represents the onondon, EU and UK negotiators Michel fulfilment of his promise to get Brexit Barnier and David Frost were locked in done, said the day marks a new beginning last-minute debates over fishing rights, in history and a new relationship with the fair trade rules and an enforcement Michel Barnier (centre), the European EU as the biggest ally. mechanism to govern any deal. Commission's representative in negotiations with the United Kingdom, arrives with his team at the “This moment is finally upon us and But, with time running out for the conference venue. now is the time to seize it,” he said after accord to be ratified before the end of the Johnson faces his own choice about Parliament approved a UK-EU trade deal year and ahead of Britain's departure from whether to compromise. overnight, the final formal hurdle on the the EU single market, EU capitals are getting cold feet. “Time is in very short supply. We are UK side before departure. at a difficult point in the talks,” Johnson's It has been four years since Britain “If there's a deal that isn't a good one, official spokesman told reporters. voted in a referendum to leave the bloc it we'd oppose it,” France's minister for European affairs Clement Beaune told “What is certain is that we will not be had joined in 1973. The UK left the EU's able to agree a deal that does not respect political structures on Jan 31, 2020, but Europe 1 radio, adding that “every country has the right to veto”. our fundamental principles on sovereignty the repercussions of that decision have yet and taking back control.” A European to be felt, since the economic relationship A European diplomat said that source with knowledge of the talks said with the bloc remained unchanged during Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain and reports of an imminent conclusion to the an 11-month transition period that ended Denmark share France's concerns that in eight months of wrangling were on Thursday. the rush to conclude a deal, Barnier will “premature”, suggesting big differences Now Britain has left the EU's vast give too much ground on rules to maintain remained. fair competition. single market and customs union, the British officials have complained that biggest single economic change the Britain's nearest neighbours suspect the EU has made new demands late in the country has experienced since World War Germany and the European Commission process that London sets up an II. are too keen to agree a deal to avoid independent body to regulate state A free trade agreement sealed on damaging economic fallout. subsidies. Downing Street insisted anew Christmas eve after months of tense “We don't want to lock in an that its red lines will apply once Britain negotiations will ensure Britain and the unbalanced relationship for decades to leaves a post-Brexit transition period on 27-nation EU can continue to trade in come,” the diplomat said. December 31: controlling UK borders, goods without tariffs or quotas. That “We are not going to want to explain regulating its own state subsidies and should help protect the 660 billion pounds to our companies why they are being managing its fishing waters. ($894 billion) in annual trade between the undercut in their market by enterprising The European Parliament has warned two sides, and the hundreds of thousands British corporates in a less regulated that it will need to see the text within days if of jobs that rely on it. environment.” Germany currently holds it is to properly examine it in time to enact But firms face sheaves of new the EU's rotating presidency and is also the it by the end of the year. paperwork and expenses. Traders are bloc's biggest economy and most And European leaders will now want struggling to digest the new rules imposed influential member. to see what Barnier is planning at their by a 1,200-page deal that was agreed just a Asked about the state of the talks, summit on December 10. week before the changes take place. Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman But the host of next week's summit, The English Channel port of Dover said Europe “is ready to reach an European Council president Charles and the Eurotunnel passenger and freight agreement with Great Britain, but not at Michel, hailed Barnier's work and urged route are bracing for delays, though the any price”. unity “until the last minute, the last second pandemic and the holiday weekend mean “It's clear that there are red lines, yet of the procedure”. there will be less cross-Channel traffic there is always room for compromise,” Some diplomats suggest that EU than usual. The vital supply route was Steffen Seibert told reporters. capitals could allow Britain to crash out of snarled for days after France closed its Thus far, the capitals have remained the single market without a deal in January border to UK truckers for 48 hours last united behind Barnier, who has been and then return to new trade talks later in battling Frost as UK Prime Minister Boris 2021. 34 - JANUARY 2021 country would remain the “quintessential Divided United European civilisation”. But Johnson, the face of the Brexit campaign, has been short on detail about Kingdom casts off what he wants to build with Britain's “independence” or how to do it while into the Brexit borrowing record amounts to pay for the Covid-19 crisis. His 80-year-old father, Stanley unknown EUROPEAN Union's chief Brexit negotiator Johnson, who had voted for Britain to Michel Barnier talks to European Commission remain in the bloc, said he was applying president Ursula von der Leyen following their for a French passport, which would give statement on the outcome of the Brexit him rights and freedoms in Europe now negotiations in Brussels recently. [Right] Britain's inaccessible to most Britons. Prime Minister Boris Johnson leaves after holding In the June 23, 2016, referendum, a remote press conference to update the nation on 17.4 million voters, or 52pc, backed Brexit the post-Brexit trade agreement, inside 10 Downing Street in London. Britain said an while 16.1 million, or 48pc, backed agreement had been secured on the country's staying in the bloc. Few have changed future relationship with the EU. their minds since. England and Wales voted out but Scotland and Northern nation bloc can continue to trade in goods Ireland voted in. without tariffs or quotas after the UK breaks fully free of the EU on Jan 1. FOLKESTONE (United Kingdom): Lorries are “Scotland will be back soon, Europe. being loaded inside a train bound for Europe at the Keep the light on,” Scottish First Minister Relief was palpable all around that Eurotunnel. Nicola Sturgeon said. nine months of tense and often testy negotiations had finally produced a The referendum revealed a United positive result. he United Kingdom began the Kingdom polarised about much more than N e w Ye a r o u t s i d e t h e the European Union, and fuelled soul The Christmas eve breakthrough was TEuropean Union's orbit searching about everything from doubly welcome amid a coronavirus pandemic that has left some 70,000 people recently after ending a tempestuous 48- secession and immigration to capitalism, year liaison with the European project, its in Britain dead and led the country's the legacy of empire and what it now neighbours to shut their borders to the UK most significant geopolitical shift since means to be British. the loss of empire. over a new and seemingly more Leaving was once the far-fetched contagious variant of the virus spreading Brexit took effect in substance at the dream of a motley crew of eurosceptics on strike of midnight in Brussels, or 2300 in England. the fringes of British politics: the UK “We have taken back control of our London time (GMT), at the end of a joined in 1973 as the sick man of Europe. transition period that largely maintained laws and our destiny,” declared British the status quo for 11 months after Britain Two decades ago British leaders were Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who posted formally left the EU on Jan 31, 2020. arguing whether to join the euro. They a picture of himself on social media, never did. beaming with thumbs up. “This is an amazing moment for this European Commission President country,” Prime Minister Boris Johnson, But the turmoil of the euro zone crisis, attempts to integrate the EU further, fears Ursula von der Leyen said it was a long and 56, said in his New Year's Eve message. winding road, but “we have got a good deal “We have our freedom in our hands and it about mass immigration and discontent with leaders in London helped Brexiteers to show for it”. is up to us to make the most of it.” For five She added: “It is fair, it is a balanced years, the frenzied gyrations of the Brexit win the referendum with a message of patriotic, if vague, hope. deal, and it is the right and responsible crisis dominated European affairs, thing to do for both sides.” buffeted the sterling markets and tarnished “We see a global future for the United Kingdom's reputation as a ourselves,” said Johnson who won power The 27 EU countries and the British in 2019 and, against the odds, clinched a and European parliaments still need to reliable pillar of Western stability. vote on the agreement, though action by Supporters cast Brexit as the dawn of Brexit divorce treaty and a trade deal, as well as the biggest Conservative the European body may not happen until a newly independent “global Britain”, but after the Jan 1 breakup. Britain's the drama has weakened the bonds that parliamentary majority since Margaret Thatcher. parliament is set to vote on Dec 30. bind England, Wales, Scotland and France, long seen as Britain's toughest Northern Ireland. obstacle to a deal, said the uncanny After all the vitriol, one of the most UK, EU reach post- steadfastness among the 27 nations with significant events in European history widely varying interests was a triumph in since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 itself. passed with little fanfare: the United Brexit trade “European unity and firmness paid Kingdom slipped away, shrouded in the off,” French President Emmanuel Macron silence of the Covid-19 crisis. agreement said in a statement. With gatherings banned in London And German Chancellor Angela and most of the country due to soaring Merkel said that unity will now probably rates of infection, there were few outward Just a week before the deadline, result in all the EU nations backing the displays of emotion when the Great Bell Britain and the European Union struck a deal: “I am very optimistic that we can known as Big Ben tolled 11 through a free-trade deal recently that should avert present a good result here.” scaffold. economic chaos on new year's day and It has been over four years since As EU leaders and citizens bade bring a measure of certainty for businesses Britons voted 52% to 48% to leave the EU farewell, Johnson said there would be no after years of Brexit turmoil. and in the words of the Brexiteers bonfire of regulations to build a “bargain Once ratified by both sides, the campaign slogan take back control of the basement Dickensian Britain” and that the agreement will ensure Britain and the 27- UK's borders and laws.

JANUARY 2021 - 35 from textile and non-textile commodities. Textile exports rise 5pc Meanwhile, during the month under review, imports also increased 7pc leading akistan's textile and clothing were down 16.51pc in value in the first to a slight increase in trade deficit. exports grew by 4.88 per cent five months' despite increasing by 54.42pc Data showed a significant growth has Pyear-on-year to $6.04 billion in quantity. Similarly, import of crude oil been seen in the exports of home textiles between July to November FY21 dipped 27.01pc in value, but posted a (20pc), pharmaceutical products (20pc), compared to $5.76bn in the same period growth of 14.78pc in quantity during the rice (14pc), surgical goods (11pc), last year, data released by the Pakistan period under review while those of stockings & socks (41pc), jerseys & Bureau of Statistics (PBS) showed. liquefied natural gas fell by 34.73pc in pullovers (21pc), women's garments In November, export proceeds were value. On the other hand, liquefied (11pc) and men's garments (4.3pc), as up by 9.27pc from a year ago. In October, petroleum gas (LPG) imports jumped compared to Nov 2019. export proceeds were up by 6.18pc and in 52.06pc in value in July-Nov, largely to Between July to November, exports September, they grew by 11.03pc while a plug a shortfall in local production. slightly increased by 2.11pc to $9.737bn, decline of 15pc was recorded in August. Machinery imports went down from $9.536bn over the corresponding months of last year. Exports in the new In the first month of the current fiscal 5.78pc to $3.37bn in the first five months fiscal year started on a positive note but year, exports recorded a robust increase of from $3.58bn last year. The decline in witnessed a steep decline of 19pc in 14.4pc on a year-on-year basis. The imports was recorded in almost all kinds August before rebounding in September, rebound in exports of textile and clothing of machinery except power generating October, and November. is the outcome of a series of incentives to machinery, office machinery and mobile To promote exports of textile support exporters to meet the challenges in phones. products, the Ministry of Commerce the wake of the pandemic and disruption The power generating machinery released Rs1.78bn for the textiles sector in supplies. imports went up 21.73pc in the first five under Drawback of Local Taxes and The demand for country's exports had months mainly due to revival of power Levies (DLTL) scheme. “I hope this will collapsed in months following March due projects under the China-Pakistan resolve the liquidity issues of our to the Covid-19 pandemic, while there has Economic Corridor and office machinery exporters and enable them to enhance been a gradual improvement since June increased by 0.7pc during the months exports”, said Adviser to PM on from international buyers. under review. Commerce and Textile Razak Dawood. Adviser to PM on Commerce in a In the telecommunication sector, He said the DLTL for non-textile tweet said that in November, the exports of imports surged by 31.32pc on the back of sector are also being released shortly. cotton yarn declined by 25pc, raw leather mobile handsets arrivals which were up by Razak also disclosed that the export of by 21pc, and cotton fabric by 12.2pc. 45.26pc. This was the result of a animal casings from Pakistan to Japan has “This is an indication that exports of low crackdown on smuggling and doing away resumed after a ban of four years. “I with free imports in baggage schemes. commend the efforts made by our trade value-added products are decreasing and section in Tokyo. I advise our trade we are moving towards more value-added Import of other apparatus fell by 6.39pc. missions to actively engage with exports”, he said while adding that “I urge The overall transport group witnessed importers,” he said. our exporters to keep pursuing this a growth of 13.92pc. This growth was “I urge exporters to take benefit of policy.” mainly driven by an increase in imports of this opportunity and move full speed In The PBS data showed that ready- road motor vehicles (build unit, FY20, exports fell by 6.83pc or $1.57bn to made garment exports edged up by 4.36pc CKD/SKD) and CBU during the months $21.4bn, compared to $22.97bn the in value while plunging in quantity by under review. previous year. Data shows visible 44.64pc during July to November this year An increase of 60.36pc was seen in improvements in export orders from from a year ago. Exports of knitwear imports of textile group raw cotton, international buyers, mainly in the textile increased by 14.34pc in value and 32.35pc synthetic and artificial silk yarn. and clothing sectors since May. On the in quantity; bedwear exports were up Overall food group import jumped by other hand, imports also rose by 7.77pc in 12.28pc while dipped 7.95pc in quantity. 44.53pc to $3.01bn during the first five November to $4.229bn, as against Towel exports went up 14.24pc in months this year as against $2.08bn from a $3.924bn over the corresponding month value and 3.79pc in quantity, whereas year ago. The government is importing of last year. During 5MFY20, the overall import bill slightly increased by 1.29pc to those of cotton cloth dipped 8.73pc and wheat and sugar to bridge local shortages. $19.422bn, up from $19.175bn over the 31.78pc in quantity. The import of almost all essential food corresponding months of last year. products milk, wheat, dry fruits, tea, Among primary commodities, cotton The continuous decline in imports has yarn exports plunged by 37.34pc, yarn spices, palm oil, soybean oil, pulses, sugar provided some breathing space to the other than cotton by 16.69pc, made-up etc witnessed growth during the months government in managing external articles excluding towels was up 15.53pc under review. accounts despite a downward trend in and tents, canvas and tarpaulin increased exports. However, imports are now by a massive 58.05pc during the months Exports jump 7.67pc expected to increase further in the coming under review. months following the abolishment of Textile machinery imports dropped regulatory duty on imports of raw by 6.07pc during the first five months of to $2.161bn materials and semi-finished products. current fiscal year a sign that no In FY20, the import bill witnessed a expansion or modernisation projects were akistan's exports grew for the steep decline of $10.29bn or 18.78pc to taken up by the industry in the given third consecutive month in $44.509bn, compared to $54.799bn in the period. PNovember to $2.161 billion, up previous year. Petroleum imports declined 22.78pc 7.67 per cent from $2.007bn in the The country's trade deficit also went in the first five months (July-November) corresponding month last year, data up by 7.88pc in November, mainly due to a to $3.94bn, compared to $5.11bn over the released by the Pakistan Bureau of growth in imports proceeds. In absolute last year, the PBS data showed. Statistics showed recently. terms, the trade gap stood at $2.068bn, as compared to $1.917bn over the Of these, petroleum product imports The increase in exports is mainly driven by double-digit growth in proceeds corresponding month of last year.

36 - JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 - 37 insufficient water/vapour treatment was maintaining a positive trajectory and Measures to boost facilities. the fruit now getting better prices as After a brief presentation by the Agro compared to previous years. mango exports Wing of Commerce Division, the The export increased to $104 million participants noted that mangoes export in 2019-20 from $78m the previous year. Pakistan seeks data sharing pact with UAE to curb under invoicing

The source said Pakistan Customs has requested the Ministry of Finance to take up the issue diplomatically with the Gulf The Ministry of Commerce in consultation with nation for signing of the EDE. stakeholders has agreed to take several measures On the income tax side, the FBR has for promotion of mango exports. also approached the UAE finance ministry he Ministry of Commerce in for provision of information on those consultation with stakeholders Pakistanis who have sought iqama (work has agreed to take several permit) under the residence by investment T scheme in a bid to hide their illegal wealth. measures for promotion of mango exports. After extensive discussions at a Containers are stacked at the Jebel Ali port According to the source, under- invoicing from China was minimised to an virtual meeting held on Saturday Dec. 12 in Dubai. extent following the electronic exchange and chaired by Commerce Adviser Razak n what appears to be a last resort, of date on import value between the two Dawood, it was agreed that the Trade Pakistan Customs has linked countries. As a result, the valuation tables curbing the menace of under- Development Authority of Pakistan I of products were also updated. (TDAP) will examine all the legal issues invoicing by the country's importers to the The valuation tables and other inking of an Electronic Data Exchange for operationalising the already-imported measures will be completed by March 31, (EDE) agreement with the United Arab Vapour Heat Treatment Plant, presently 2021, to control under-invoicing, the Emirates (UAE). lying at the Expo Centre Karachi. source said. The existing system will also Over the past few years UAE ports Pakistan Fruit & Vegetable Exporters, be upgraded further while the Customs have emerged as a leading source of Importers & Merchants Association Department will also include Artificial under-invoicing for Pakistani importers (PFVA) chairman Waheed Ahmad, Intelligence in the Customs clearance who declare their products at lesser value farmers and exporters of mangoes also process by end June 2021, the source there in order to reduce their tax payments. participated in the meeting. added. The issue of under-invoicing among It was also agreed that the ministry An official statement issued after the others was raised at the Federal Board of will focus on exploring new markets and meeting said that Member Customs Revenue (FBR) Policy Board meeting obtain tariff concessions for the export of Operations Tariq Huda made a detailed chaired by Finance Adviser Dr Hafeez mangoes. Dawood advised the TDAP to presentation on Customs Valuation Shaikh recently. double its efforts for marketing mangoes (under-invoicing) and highlighted A well-placed source privy to the abroad. measures which would be taken to plug in meeting told media that Indian goods are It was decided that cold storage areas gaps and enhance the department's also being routed via UAE ports to would be established at airport and revenues in future. Pakistan with change in origin. This is a shipping ports, besides the Ministry of He informed the meeting that the FBR major issue of concern for Pakistani Aviation and the Civil Aviation Authority has issued Valuation Rulings and entered authorities, the source added. (CAA) will be approached for reserving a into EDE agreements with China, Iran, Pakistan has suspended its trade dedicated area for mango consignments. Afghanistan, etc to address the issue of relation with India in reaction to India's Also the CAA will be asked to install under-invoicing of imports effectively. decision to revoke Article 370 of its bigger scanners for consignments instead These agreements have yielded positive constitution that granted occupied of loading and unloading small crates. results, he claimed. Kashmir a special status in August 2019. It was also agreed that the The finance adviser stressed the need The FBR Policy Board was briefed establishment of a Mango Development to evaluate the clearance time with over the steps so far taken to control the Council will be explored which will have reference to the regional trading partners menace which also include Pakistan's representation from all stakeholders, in order to make the FBR more request to the Emirati authorities for competitive. including farmers, traders, cool chains signing the agreement. “We have already The policy board meeting was also representatives, research institutes, etc. requested the UAE authorities in this attended by Minister for Privatisation The meeting also discussed in detail regard,” the source said. However, no Mohammad Soomro, Special Assistant to all bottlenecks being faced by mango response was received so far, the source the Prime Minister on Revenue Dr Waqar growers and exporters. The main issues added. Masood, Adviser to the PM on identified were meeting the compliance Pakistan's commercial imports Institutional Reforms and Austerity Dr requirements, high freight charges, lack of excluding oil from UAE stood at $1.6 Ishrat Husain and Minister for Industries cold storage facilities at the airports, and billion. and Production Hammad Azhar. 38 - JANUARY 2021 Sarghoda's citrus claim to fame

“You are entering the world's best cotton at around 3,000 acres. the late 1980s, an American company, citrus-producing regions,” boasts the It was a cotton-producing region until Cargill, also set up a large citrus juice signpost to every motorist on the the onslaught of sugarcane that began with extracting plant but it left after the first motorway as they approach the Sarghoda the commissioning of the first sugar mill in wave of terror incidents in the country. district from Lahore or Islamabad side. 1966 by the Noon family. Two more mills The boom in the citrus value addition Lying between rivers Chenab and Jhelum were established in the later years, while industry came in the 1990s and now over or Chejh doab, the district comprising 1.4 another is functional close to the district's 200 units are engaged in the grading, million acres produces more than 60 per boundary in Jhang. Free supply of seeds polishing and waxing of kinnow across the cent of the total 2.1m tonnes citrus and is and offers of cash payments in advance by district. The value chains are very diverse, mostly known for the unique taste of its the mills attracted the farmers towards and a number of different players actively kinnow, a citrus variety. growing sugarcane. participate in these chains, which Before the introduction of the canal ultimately decide the destination of citrus system by the British, the district, then fruit. known as Shahpur, used to serve as The waxing improves the fruit's shelf pastures (Bars in the local diction). life to 60 days enabling the country to Sargodha, the current headquarters of the fetch over $200 million per year through district, was founded in 1903 as the Lower exports to Russia, Ukraine, Indonesia, Jhelum Canal colony along the railway Middle East, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and track laid in the last decade of the 19th some European destinations. Legal and century. illegal exports to Iran and Afghanistan With a population of around 4.9m in also continue. However, only 10-12pc of the district, Jatt is the major tribe whose around one million tonnes produced is sub-clans like Noons, Ranjhas, Pirachas, exported and the rest is consumed in the Cheemas, Gondals, Midhianas, Chatthas, local market. Tiwanas and Luks are mostly engaged Qasim Ejaz, a kinnow exporter, with farming. Cheemas, Chatthas and the bemoans that little attention is being paid like from Sialkot and Indian Punjab It worked against the cotton crop by the federal commerce ministry to their districts were incentivised by the English because the climatic changes, particularly problems. He says the authorities are not through the grant of large tracts of lands to the increase in moisture due to the water- even ready to raise the quota issue with migrate to Sargodha for cultivating barren guzzling sugarcane, invited pest attacks on their Indonesian counterparts as the island lands at the inauguration of the canal the white lint. The resultant need for country issues a quota at a time when system. There are also Rajputs, Araen and pesticide sprays added to the cost of kinnow season is about to end here. He Kambohs but have mostly migrated after production and the drop in production says they have suggested barter trade with the Partition and inhabit urban centres. further incentivised growers away from it. Indonesia, selling kinnow against large Now cotton is sown on just a couple of palm oil imports, but to no avail. Noons, Pirachas, Cheemas and thousands of acres for the lovers of 'desi' Ranjhas are politically influential clans. lint. Consequently, almost all ginning Hanif Hanjra, a progressive farmer Malik Feroze Khan Noon served as prime from Bhalwal, says almost 30pc of the minister for a few months in the 1950s, produce is lost because of poor post- while scions of Pirachas, Cheemas and harvest technologies and unskilled labour Ranjhas have been serving in various employed to pick the fruit. He says that federal and provincial cabinets. Rising each tree produces between 100-150kg from the 1979 non-party local body polls, kinnow. The yield is reducing each year late Malik Anwer Ali Cheema remained owing to a lack of research on developing unbeaten in all National Assembly new seeds, spurious insecticides being elections till his death before the 2018 marketed with impunity, deeper tillage polls. and excessive use of fertilisers damaging The climate and soil texture is natural soil fertility, he laments. Greenery suitable for most kinds of Rabi and Kharif and canker diseases are also causing crops, fruits and vegetables. There is also financial losses to the growers as the a very wide range of plant and animal agriculture research institutions are failing species in the district. Amongst plants, to find a solution to fruits' whitefly S h i s h a m ( D a l b e r g i a s i s s o o ) , problem. Kikar(Acacia), Phulai (Acaucs Moclerta), Fish farming is a new trend gaining Simal (Bombax ceiba), Siris (Albizia factories and the lone Noon Textile Mill in attention in the countryside. Fish farms at lebbeck), Toot (Morus Alba), Neem Bhalwal are closed. The mill restarted around 5,000 acres of land have sprung up (Azadirachta Indica), and Jamman functioning after it was sold to another during the last four years or so. Mehr (Eugenia Jambolana/Black Plum) are party. Abrar, a fish farmer from Sillanwali tehsil, found in abundance. Citrus and guava (presently sown says mostly low-lying unutilised land or Wheat, rice, sugarcane, fodder, over 4,500 acres) orchards also gained the tracts affected by salinity and cotton and maize are major crops. Peas, popularity in the early 1970s. A couple of waterlogging are being used to earn spinach, cauliflower, coriander, squash, citrus value addition units were also set up, extra money by the farmers. He claims that bitter gourd, chillies, radish, carrots are one by the Noons, during that period. Iran Sargodha is third in producing fish among the major vegetables. Wheat is sown on was the largest market for Pakistani citrus 36 districts in Punjab. A frozen fish around 0.5m acres, sugarcane on 150,000 fruits followed by Afghanistan. The processing plant is also being set up at the acres, rice on 115,000 acres, citrus revolution in Iran and the eruption of the recently established motorway industrial orchards claim 220,000 acres, various Afghan war damaged both markets to the zone close to the Bhera interchange. types of fodder on 190,000 acres, and disadvantage of growers and traders. In

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40 - JANUARY 2021 He disclosed this while speaking at a Corals in Astola Island bristle with press conference after arriving in Quetta on a two-day visit on Thursday 3 Dec. He said that in the first phase Pakistan marine life would lay around 11km-long railway track from Chaman to Spin Boldak, declaration aimed to help conserve adding that a survey had been completed biodiversity of the area, ban illegal fishing in this regard and preparation for PC-1 of and regulate sustainable recreational the project was in progress. activities.” National Assembly Deputy Speaker According to WWF-P studies, the first Qasim Suri and senior officials of one conducted in 1995, Astola Island is a Pakistan Railways were present on the hotspot of biodiversity, diverse terrestrial occasion. flora and fauna. Mr Rashid further said that after The island is home to an endemic saw construction of the railway track between scaled viper (Echis sochureki astolae), Chaman and the Afghan border town of A STUNNING view of Astola Island. carpet viper and cliff racer. This is in Spin Boldak, Pakistan would be ready to addition to nine species of sea snakes extend the railway track from Spin Boldak recent four-day diving which inhabit the subtidal habitats around to Kandahar if the Afghan government expedition undertaken to the island. The island is reported to be expressed its willingness. Aevaluate the environmental inhabited by two agama lizards namely He said that linking Chaman with conditions of Astola Island in Balochistan skink and long-tailed desert lizard. Spin Boldak through rail would further found “amazing wildlife and a very The island is known for a well- promote trade between the two healthy and productive marine diversified bird fauna consisting of 19 neighbouring countries. ecosystem”. terrestrial and 87 aquatic birds occurring Referring to the government's The team didn't find any evidence of on the island. decision to restart the Quetta-Chaman coral bleaching as has recently been The organisation has reported 82 passenger train, the railways minister said noticed around the Churna Island. species of terrestrial plants from the island. that it was running successfully and According to a World Wide Fund for The island harbours rich marine animals, Pakistan Railways had decided to hand Nature-Pakistan (WWF-P) statement including 23 species of hard coral and a over the operation of the Quetta-Chaman released recently, the Indus scuba divers number of soft corals. train to the private sector. led by S.H. Momin Zaidi undertook Moreover, 156 species of associated Talking about restoration of the train surveys at important diving sites along fish are found in coral habitat including a service between Sibi and Harnai, he said Astola Island a Marine Protected Area large number of invertebrates. The island is that all arrangements had been completed and found coral and associated habitats also rich in commercially important fish to restore the train service. Work on the teeming with marine life including and shellfish species, a source of Sibi-Harnai track had been completed and important fish, such as barracuda, livelihood for coastal communities of the all stations along the route had now been trevallies, hot-lips as well lobsters, fan- area. renovated, he said, adding that soon after worm, sea urchins and soft corals. receiving security clearance the train The Arabian humpback whale, which The team also dived to a shipwreck service would be launched. is considered to be one of the rarest marine In reply to a question, he said there located about 4km off Astola Island, mammals, is also occasionally reported which was also found to have rich marine was a plan to resume services of more from the surrounding area. The protected, passenger trains from Quetta, but due to life. threatened and endangered species such as Several green turtles were seen Covid-19 a large number of people were crustaceans, sharks, whales, whale sharks, avoiding travelling through trains and nesting on the island's beaches and guitarfish and mobulids have been juvenile turtles hatching and returning to planes. reported from the island. The minister said Pakistan Railways the sea. According to experts, coral habitats Commenting on the team's findings, had launched many freight trains across harbour the highest biodiversity of any the country and was earning income from Muhammad Moazzam Khan, technical ecosystem globally and directly support them. advisor on marine fisheries at WWF-P, over 500 million people worldwide, said Astola Island was known to be rich in Mr Rashid criticised the opposition's mostly in poor countries. But, they are also alliance Pakistan Democratic Movement, marine biodiversity and once had the the most threatened ecosystems on earth, largest nesting ground of the great-crested saying that its leaders were playing with largely due to unprecedented global the lives of the people by holding public tern globally. warming and climate change. gatherings at a time when the cases of “However, due to the introduction of Covid-19 were increasing. feral cats and rats, nesting colonies have Minister announces He said the opposition should dwindled in the past few decades. The understand that it could not remove the island is also an important fishing ground Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government for fishermen based in Pasni and other Pak-Afghan train through its public gatherings or agitation. coastal areas of Balochistan, besides The Imran Khan government, he added, being a nesting area of green turtles.” service would complete its five-year term. The existence of healthy corals and He said the people of the country had associated habitat around the island, he he then Minister for Railways rejected the politics of the opposition pointed out, was much to do with Sheikh Rashid Ahmed had parties. negligible industrial activities in the Tannounced plans to link Answering another question, he said vicinity. Pakistan with Afghanistan through that politicians never closed the door of “This can also be attributed to the railway by laying a track from Chaman to negotiations, adding that political parties declaration of the island as a Marine Spin Boldak, the first Afghan town near should hold talks for resolving issues Protected Area in June 2017. This the Pak-Afghan border. being faced by the country. JANUARY 2021 - 41 Sindh Culture Day celebrated in Quaid's birth Karachi, major towns of province anniversary

indh Culture Day was Mr Baladi said: “We are fortunate that celebrated with celebrated in the metropolis we are receiving greetings from all over and other major towns of the the world.” S He asked the powers that be to read province with jubilant crowds wearing traditional Sindhi caps and Ajraks and singing and Shah Latif Bhitai's 'Sur Samoondi' to dancing to music and songs sung by understand the longing of the people of popular vocalists. Sindh for the sea. enthusiasm The main event was held at the Another nationalist leader, Nawaz Karachi Press Club, but this time the Zaur, asked the federal government to stop venue was spread to Fawara Chowk on “illegal” occupation of islands of Sindh Abdullah Haroon, to the YMCA Ground and vowed to resist it. He also announced near the Arts Council Chowrangi as that the people of Sindh would resist mostly media houses organised the events quarrying of stones from the Karoonjhar that were supported by activists and Hills in Thar. leaders of different political parties. Some Another nationalist leader, Illahi Bux of the organisers demanded that the Bikak, recalled that Sindh Culture Day Fawara Chowk roundabout be renamed was started in December 2009 when a TV 'Culture Chowrangi'. anchor criticised then president Asif Ali Zardari for wearing a Sindhi cap during his The Sindh governor and chief minister, along with In their speeches, political activists other officials, offer fateha at the Quaid's mazar. vowed that they would resist Centre's visit abroad. He said it was the Sindhi- language media which started observing move to take over the islands of Sindh and In a rare show of unity, Sindh quarry stones from the Karoonjhar Hills the culture day. Barring these political speeches, it Governor Imran Ismail and Chief in Thar apart from making other political Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah together demands. was a mostly culture event, where people danced and sang songs in jubilation. visited the mausoleum of Quaid-i-Azam The main event began in front of the Mohammad Ali Jinnah to pay homage to KPC at 12noon, which continued till late Some of the popular singers, including Shaman Ali Mirali, Tufail the father of the nation on the occasion of into the evening. It was attended by a his birth anniversary on Friday 25 Dec. large number of people, including women Sanjrani, Asif Siyal and Ali Murad Jatoi, sang folk songs and Sufi poetry and CM Shah reached the Quaid's and children. mausoleum in the morning a little before Some of the participants came riding received applause from the audience. Social media star Asghar Khoso also to receive the governor. horses from Gulshan-i-Hadeed led by a They offered fateha and laid floral female, who were welcomed by the entertained the participants. organisers. Some small events were also held at wreaths together at the mazar. Speaking to the participants on this different places in Malir and other parts of People largely appreciated the occasion, Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz the city. message communicated through this leader Asif Baladi said that the people of Meanwhile, police claimed to have gesture when a video was posted on social Sindh had today joined together and that arrested one of the participants of Sindh media by an aide of the CM. the “flow of people” was equal to the flow Culture Day at Bhains Colony who Both Governor Ismail and CM Shah of the Indus River when it flows from the allegedly resorted to aerial firing and also penned their comments in the visitors' Himalayas. He said that the people of whose video went viral on social media. A book with a specific reference to the Sindh had proved that they were united to police spokesperson in a statement said Quaid's birth anniversary. resist Centre's move to control Sindh's that the Sukhan police had registered a Change of guard at Quaid's islands. He said culture was also part of case against the held suspect and seized mausoleum politics and economy and vowed to arms and ammunition from him and A total of 78 cadets, including six continue a peaceful struggle “for started an investigation into the case. female cadets, from the Pakistan Military achieving rights of the people of Sindh”. Academy (PMA) on Friday Dec. 25 assumed guard responsibilities of Mazar- i-Quaid in an impressive ceremony. PMA Commandant Major General Omer Ahmed Bukhari was the chief guest on the occasion. The ceremony was also attended by senior military and civil officials and prominent citizens. Of the 78 PMA cadets, 72 represented the 144 and 147 Long Course while female cadets were from the Lady Cadet Corps 17. Maj Gen Bukhari laid a wreath and offered fateha. The ceremony concluded with a march past by the cadets assuming guard responsibilities.

42 - JANUARY 2021 Pir Sohawa to be Seven projects GB official hunts developed into under way to Himalayan ibex tourist spot promote tourism in coastal areas he Capital Development A u t h o r i t y ( C D A ) i s Tconsidering converting Pir Sohawa into a tourist spot which would become an alternative to Murree. A number of restaurants and hotels will be established to attract tourists from within and outside the country as Pir Sohawa is one of the most peaceful areas of the country. The decision was taken during a visit to the area by CDA Chairman Amer Ali Ahmed and Special Assistant to Prime The projects will attract not only tourists but also local official hunted Minister on Overseas Pakistanis and investors interested in investing in the coastal areas Himalayan ibex with horns Human Resource Development Syed of the province. Ameasuring 44 inches near the Zulfiqar Abbas Bukhari. he Balochistan government has Nanga Parbat base camp in Astore district Mr Ahmed termed Daman-i-Koh, Pir launched seven projects to here on Friday 25 Dec. Sohawa and adjoining areas a rare gift of Tpromote tourism in coastal Masood Sifat, a CSP officer, claimed God for Islamabad. areas of the province and work on these the trophy hunting after travelling for 14 He issued instructions to various projects is in progress. hours amid snow. directorates to establish more hotels and The projects will attract not only According to the GB wildlife and restaurants for tourists in the area. He also tourists but also investors interested in environmental department, Mr Sifat directed them to pay special attention on investing in the coastal areas of the hunted the ibex in Chorat Rupal cleanliness of the area besides increasing province. Conservancy. the number of sanitation staff and This was said in a briefing at a installing additional bins. meeting to discuss promotion of tourism, The local hunter had got the hunting permit after paying Rs200,000 to the The CDA chairman said it was the culture and archeology and development responsibility of the civic agency to take schemes launched at tourist sites in department. He had also paid Rs50,000 to care of the greenery and ensure various areas of Balochistan. the local community. cleanliness of the area. The meeting was presided over by This was the first Himalayan ibex “This area has the status of a tourist Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan Alyani hunt in Astore under the trophy hunting destination not only for residents of the and attended by Adviser to the CM on programme. capital city but also for the whole country tourism and culture Abdul Khaliq Hazara, The purpose of hunting of the and abroad,” he said. Giving instructions Chief Secretary of Balochistan Capt (retd) Himalayan ibex in Astore is to attract to the Road Maintenance Department, he Fazeel Asghar, Additional Chief Secretary foreign hunters to take part in trophy said work on repairing, carpeting and lane Planning and Development Abdul Saboor hunting of wildlife species. marking in Daman-i-Koh should be Kakar and the secretary of culture and The wildlife, environment and forest completed as soon as possible. tourism. department has already auctioned four Officers of Road Maintenance, The meeting was informed that a permits for Astore Markhor, 18 for Blue Sanitation, Environment, Streetlights and master plan had been prepared for Sheep and 150 for Himalayan ibexes for other departments were also present. promotion of tourism and culture and trophy hunting programme of 2020-21. An official of the CDA added that Pir work on eco-tourism resorts was under The trophy hunting programme starts Sohawa is one of the most beautiful areas way at seven places in the coastal areas of in November and ends in April. Foreign, of the federal capital and most of the the province. national and local hunters hunt the dignitaries visiting Islamabad were taken The participants were briefed about trophies after getting licences in there.Pir Sohawa is a rapidly developing feasibility and construction of cultural conservation areas of -Baltistan. tourist resort located on top of Margalla complexes in different areas of the Hills. province at a cost of Rs50 million. Meanwhile, Diamer district magistrate imposed ban on cutting of According to official website of the “Model beach parks will be forests and transportation of timber. CDA, the Margallas are a series of hills established at Gadani, Kund Malir, located in the north of Islamabad. These Ormara, Pasni and to provide According to a notification issued on hills are an excellent site for hiking. maximum facilities to tourists,” the Friday Dec. 25, timber mafia was The best season to hike here is the tourism secretary told the meeting, adding indulging in illegal cutting of forests and mild winter months when there is less rain that the master plans for Ziarat and Shaban transportation, which was cause and the days are extremely pleasant. valleys had also been prepared. deforestation and environmental Interesting places here are Daman-i-Koh, Chief Minister Alyani said that pollution. Pir Sohawa, Gokeena, Mount Happiness tourism offices should be set up at The district magistrate, exercising his and Loh-i-Dandi. divisional levels, tourism information authority under section 144, imposed ban The area is also home to a number of centers should be opened on major on illegal cutting of forests and wild animals such as barking deer, wild highways and signs on tourist spots and transportation of timber, and warned that boars, Asiatic leopard, chinkara, red fox, culture should be installed on the action would be taken against those found leopard and jackals. highways. violating the ban. JANUARY 2021 - 43 44 - JANUARY 2021 Special permits issued to Qatari royal for houbara hunting

he federal government has nature conservation treaties but its A royal family member, Sheikh Fasil issued special permits to Emir hunting is also banned under local wildlife bin Nasser bin Hamad al Thani, has been Tof Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin protection laws. Pakistanis are not allotted Diplo tehsil in Tharparkar district Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani and nine other allowed to hunt this bird. in Sindh and Qila Saifullah district, members of the royal family to hunt the The federal government, however, including Kakar Khurassan and Qamar internationally protected houbara bustard specially invites royal Arab hunters to Din Karez, in Balochistan. Another during the 2019-20 hunting season, it has hunt it every year. member of the royal family, Sheikh Khalid been learnt here reliably. The sources said that according to the bin Thani al Thani, has been given Dadu Among the permit holders are the hunting permits issued by the foreign city in Sindh to hunt the protected bird. emir's uncle, his brother and other ministry's deputy chief of protocol, A ruling family member, Sheikh dignitaries of the tiny country located on Mohammad Adeel Pervaiz, the names of Fahad bin Abdul Rehman bin Hamad al the northern side of the Arabian peninsula the Qatari hunters and the areas allocated Thani, has been allocated Mirpurkhas along the coast of the Gulf. The allotted to them are: Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim district in Sindh. Sheikh Mohammad bin hunting areas are spread over three bin Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani has been Ali bin Abdullah bin Thani has been given provinces Sindh, Balochistan and Punjab allocated the hunting areas in three Barkhan district in Balochistan. of the country. provinces. The areas are Tharparkar Sheikh Thani bin Abdul Aziz Al- The hunters can hunt 100 houbara district, including Mithi and Nagarparkar Thani has been allotted Surab tehsil in bustards in a 10-day safari during the minus the protected area in Sindh; Kalat district of Balochistan. Sheikh Fasil three-month hunting season between Nov Mashkhel tehsil in Balochistan, and Jhang bin Qasim bin Faisal bin Thani al Thani 1, 2019 and Jan 31, 2020. The permit is and Layyah districts in Punjab. has been given Dera Bugti district in person-specific. A former deputy prime minister Balochistan. Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Originally the inhabitant of the colder Sheikh Mohammad bin Khalifa al Thani, Thani al Thani has been given central Asian region, the houbara bustard, who is also a brother of the father of the Kech/Turbat district in Balochistan. in order to avoid harsh weather conditions emir of Qatar, has been allocated district The sources said that earlier when the in its habitat, migrates southwards to Loralai (less Duki area) in Balochistan. ruling Tehreek-i-Insaf Pakistan party was spend the winter in a relatively warm Sheikh Jasim bin Hamad al Thani, in the opposition, it used to criticise the environment here every year. who is a son of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa federal government over this issue and at Keeping in view its dwindling al Thani (father of the emir), has been that time did not allow houbara hunting in population the migratory bird is not only given Musakhel and Drug tehsils in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where it was in the Musakhel district and Sani Shoran tehsil provincial government. protected under various international in Kachhi district in Balochistan. Royals from Bahrain also given Houbara bustard hunting permits

he federal government has Hamad bin Abdullah Al-Khalifa, can hunt issued special permits to King in tehsil Shah Bander of Sujawal district in Tof Bahrain Hamad bin Isa bin Sindh. Salman Al-Khalifa and six other members The interior minister and the king's of the royal family to hunt the cousin, Lt Gen Sheikh Rashid bin internationally protected Houbara Abdullah Al-Khalifa, has been allocated bustards during the hunting season 2020- Jaffarabad district in Balochistan and 21, it is learnt here reliably. Naushehro Feroz district in Sindh for According to sources, others in the hunting. elite list of hunters include the king's The federal government has issued special permits Commander-in-chief of the Bahrain to King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al- Defence Force Field Marshal Sheikh uncle, interior minister, commander-in- Khalifa and six other members of the royal family to chief of defence forces, king's defence hunt the internationally protected Houbara Khalifa bin Ahmad Al-Khalifa has been adviser and a couple of his cousins. bustards during the hunting season 2020-21. allotted tehsil Toisar of Musakhel district The sources said that the hunting The king and members of his family in Balochistan. The king's adviser on defence affairs, permits were person -specific and the will hunt the internationally protected Sheikh Abdullah bin Salman Al-Khalifa, hunting could be carried out for 10 days birds. has been allocated tehsil Jati of Sujawal only with the bag limit being 100 bustards. The permits mentioned the names of district in Sindh. The sources said that the special the hunters and the areas allocated to King's cousin Sheikh Ahmed bin Ali hunting permits issued by the foreign them. Al-Khalifa has been allocated Hyderabad King Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al- ministry's deputy chief of protocol (P&I) district and Malir district (excluding Malir were delivered to the Embassy of the Khalifa can hunt in Jamshoro district of and Dhabeji areas) in Sindh. Kingdom of Bahrain in Islamabad so that Sindh, including tehsils of Thano Bula King's another cousin Sheikh Khalid these could be sent to the hunters Khan, Kotri, Manjhand and Sehwan. bin Rashid bin Abdullah Al-Khalifa has belonging to the tiny island country in the The king's uncle and senior member been allotted Tando Mohammad Khan Gulf. of the ruling family, Sheikh Ebrahim bin district in Sindh.

JANUARY 2021 - 45 46 - JANUARY 2021 of 8,844.43 metres (29,015 feet). Archaeologists uncover Earth's highest point The provoked a row with Nepal, which was only resolved in 2010 when ancient street food gets higher as China, Kathmandu and Beijing agreed that their measurements referred to different things shop in Pompeii one to the height of Everest's rock and the Nepal revise Everest other to the height of its snowcap. height UAE royals arrive in Chagai for hunting Houbara bustards

An undated photo made shows the thermopolium in leven members of the royal the Pompeii archeological park. family of the United Arab rchaeologists in Pompeii, the EEmirates (UAE) on Sunday city buried in a volcanic he highest point on Earth got a Dec 20 arrived in Chagai district for Aeruption in 79 AD, have made bit higher on Tuesday Dec. 8 as hunting Houbara bustards. the extraordinary find of a frescoed hot TChina and Nepal finally According to official sources, the food and drinks shop that served up the agreed on a precise elevation for Mount royal hunters who arrived at Dalbandin ancient equivalent of street food to Roman Everest after years of debate. Airport in a special plane were led by passersby. The agreed height of 8,848.86 metres Sheikh Sultan Bin Tehnoon Bin Known as a thermopolium, Latin for (29,031 feet) unveiled at a news Mohammad Al Nahyan. Salar Khan hot drinks counter, the shop was conference in Kathmandu was 86 Sanjrani, younger brother of Senate discovered in the archaeological park's centimetres (2.8 feet) higher than the Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, accompanied Regio V site, which is not yet open the measurement previously recognised by the royal delegation. public, and unveiled on Saturday 26 Dec. Nepal, and more than four metres above The sources said the UAE hunters Traces of nearly 2,000-year-old food China's official figure. had arrived in Chagai for the first time as were found in some of the deep terra cotta This discrepancy was due to China earlier they had been allotted hunting jars containing hot food which the shop measuring the rock base on the summit areas in Nokkundi, Taftan and Saindak. keeper lowered into a counter with and not as with the new reading the The royal hunters were received by circular holes. covering of snow and ice on the peak. civil and military officials at the airport. The front of the counter was Everest straddles the border of Nepal and Later, they moved to their camp in the decorated with brightly coloured frescoes, China. Employing trigonometry hundreds Kachanawar area by road amid tight some depicting animals that were part of of miles away on the Indian plains, British security. the ingredients in the food sold, such as a colonial geographers first determined The UAE delegation comprises chicken and two ducks hanging upside Everest's height in 1856 at 8,840 meters Sheikh Sultan Bin Tehnoon Al-Nahyan, down. (29,002 feet) above sea level. Arif Mohammad, Mohammad Ismail, “This is an extraordinary find. It's the After Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Mohammad Matar Obaid Dalmouk, first time we are excavating an entire Norgay Sherpa famously first reached the Mohammad Saeed Shuwain, Eid Jauaan thermopolium,” said Massimo Ossana, summit of Everest on May 29, 1953, an Mohammad Al-Shamsi, Rashed Nayel director of the Pompeii archaeological Indian survey readjusted the altitude to Rasheed, Abdullah Awadh Saeed, Abdul park. 8,848 meters (29,028 feet). Sattar, Ali Musabeh Mishar, Saeed Archaeologists also found a That measurement was widely Abdullah Ahmed and Tanveer Zia Dar. accepted, with the number appealing not decorated bronze drinking bowl known as The sources said the delegation, a patera, ceramic jars used for cooking only to ambitious mountaineers but also inspiring names for adventure clothing which was equipped with hunting stews and soups, wine flasks and instruments and falcons, would stay in the amphora. lines, restaurants and even a vodka brand. In 1999 the US area for one week. Pompeii, 23 km southeast of Naples, National Geographic was home to about 13,000 people when it Society concluded was buried under ash, pumice pebbles and the world's highest dust as it endured the force of an eruption point was 8,850 equivalent to many atomic bombs. meters (29,035 feet), “Our preliminary analyses shows that but Nepal never the figures drawn on the front of the officially recognised counter, represent, at least in part, the food this -- although it is and drink that were sold there,” said widely quoted. Valeria Amoretti, a site anthropologist. C h i n a Amoretti said traces of pork, fish, m e a n w h i l e snails and beef had been found in the conducted several containers, a discovery she called a surveys of its own, “testimony to the great variety of animal and in 2005 came up products used to prepare dishes”. with a measurement

JANUARY 2021 - 47 48 - JANUARY 2021 From highways to An Exciting Excursion the skies: truck art By Aahil Waqas goes airborne Pakistan's famous truck art will move from its highways to the skies, as a flying academy is painting a two-seater Cessna aircraft with the colourful technique. With elaborate and flamboyant motifs, Pakistani truck art has inspired gallery exhibitions abroad and prompted stores in Western cities to sell miniatures. “We want to show the world that Pakistan is not all about Financial Action Task Force and terrorism issues; it's a very diverse country and a land of opportunities,” Imran Aslam Khan, chief operating officer of Sky Wings, a flight training organisation, said. He also plans to paint other aircraft, with the aim of promoting tourism in The Happiest Day of my life: Pakistan. Last Sunday I went with my father to Such art has become one of Pakistan's the flying club for a joy ride. best-known cultural exports in recent At the flying club, I saw big and years. Unesco, for example, has been small airplanes, they were looking using truck art, blended with indigenous amazing to me. I was so excited to have a themes, to promote girls' education in a joy ride with my papa. We sat in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cockpit for a joy ride. We flew high over province. Lahore city. The city was looking “The world is familiar with our truck stunning from the sky. Everything art representation; now, with this aircraft, appeared to be tiny such as cars, our colours will fly in the air. We are really buildings, people and homes. I also excited,” Haider Ali, the artist painting the spotted my house. After an hour of the joy aircraft, said at the academy's hangar. ride, it was time to land. We landed safely Trained by his father, Ali, 40, has been on the runway. decorating trucks since his childhood and I felt a bit gloomy as it was time to go is now one of the most prominent such home. We took pictures with beautiful painters in Pakistan. aircraft. It was great fun, I felt lucky because I got a chance to see my favorite aeroplanes and ride on it. It was a thrilling experience that I could ever have in my life.

Aahil Waqas studies in class-1, and his father is a pilot. JANUARY 2021 - 49 Islamabad - 051-111-222-787 Lahore - 042-111-222-787 Faisalabad - 041-111-222-787 Hyderabad - 022-111-222-787 Karachi - 021-111-222-787

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