Karachi Eat Food Festival 2020

1 The soul of terrorism is now dying in Pakistan the far off erstwhile -Fed stan’s problems were not erally Administered Tribal only internal but also ex- Areas (FATA). Tariq Khosa, ternal as well at this front. a former police officer, ad- Tariq Parvez, former direc- dressing the session said tor general Federal Inves- that they must identify tigation Agency (FIA), said that where they had done that they needed “civilian- wrong in this war on ter- ized security” to fight this ror. He said that the war on war as military has done terror was an ill-conceived its part of work. Dr. Jochen term and an ideological is- Hippler, Country Director sue. “It is battle of hearts Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and minds,” he said add- (FES) and mediator of the ing that the state policy session, concluded that ormer National Securi- of the past yet they were was flawed on elimination there is a habit of finger ty Advisor Lt Gen (retd) moving in the right direc- F of terrorism and violence. pointing on one another Nasir Khan Janjua said that tion.“Taliban ideology is Our focus is on counter- for creating the mess of they are winning the war diminishing, receding and ing terror not countering terrorism but the fact is on terror but Pakistan still there is no more recruit- violent extremism, Khosa that all including “US, Eu- has to go a long way to ment (of militants) and en- said adding that the Mul- rope, Saudi Arabia and Pa- end this menace.Speaking emy is on the run and non- lah mindset has not been kistan shared responsibility at a session titled “Have state actors are receding,” addressed fully yet. “It is of the mess.” He said that We Won the War against said Janjua the, the former a long-drawn battle and violence is receding in Pa- Terrorism?” of the “Dia- commander of Pakistan Ar- we have not achieved our kistan but they need to be logue Pakistan 2020”, the my’s Southern Command objectives fully and we careful in future not to lose former NSA said that the in once insurgency-hit Ba- have a long way to go,” he this success. war on terror was a com- lochistan. “The soul of ter- concluded. Zahid Hussain, sthat dialogue is promoand plicated issue but they had rorism is now dying in Paki- a senior political analyst, that the latter needs to be done extremely well at this stan.” The former NSA said said that Pakistan could made possible both at the front.“We are doing well if that the real attack of the reclaim that some of its national and international this war has not conclud- enemy was on Balochistan areas have been cleared levels. ed. We are winning this and Karachi in this war de- of militancy but it is still The Nation war and we will win it,” he spite the fact that the army there. He said that Paki- said while addressing the was busy in operations in participants of the one- day national level dialogue organized by Pakistan In- stitute for Peace Studies (PIPS), an Islamabad-based think tank.He added that that there was a long way to go to end this menace because the Afghan con- flict has yet to be concluded and has direct effects on Pakistan besides internal reasons the country was facing. He also said that though there were many blunders and follies 2 UK eases travel advisory amid ‘improving security situation in Pakistan. section of the Karakoram Highway where the FCO advises against all travel to the area between Manseh- ra and Chilas alone (previ- ous travel advice covered the full route from Islam- abad to Gilgit). Travellers may bypass this section by taking the alternative route through the Kaghan Valley and Babusar Pass,” it added. “The FCO no longer advises against all but essential travel to the Kalesh and Bamboret Valleys. “The FCO advises against he United Kingdom has now “travel by road to the more of what Pakistan has all travel to most of Ba- Teased its travel advi- North of Pakistan as well to offer,” Dr Turner added. sory for British nationals as the Kalesh and Bambo- The statement also cited owing to the “improving ret Valleys”. In this regard, the long-awaited return security situation in Pa- the British High Com- of British Airways’ flights kistan” after almost five missioner to Pakistan, Dr to Pakistan back in June years, the UK Foreign and Christian Turner, said: “It 2019, as well as the visit Commonwealth Office is great credit to the hard of UK Royals — Prince Wil- (FCO) announced on Fri- work of the Government liam and Catherine, Duch- day. In a statement fol- of Pakistan in delivering ess of Cambridge — to var- lowing a “wide-ranging improved security over ious towns and cities in the assessment” of Pakistan’s the past five years. “I am country in October 2019. security situation, the FCO delighted that British na- The new travel advice said British nationals could tionals will be able to see “for Pakistan reduces the

lochistan including the city of Quetta. This is except for the southern coast of Balochistan, including the city of Gwadar, where the FCO advises against all but essential travel,” it noted. Two years ago, in 2018, British nationals visited Pakistan some 484,000 times, while, as of now, 22 flights directly go to the UK every week. The News

3 Lahore among the ‘safest cities’ in the world and Karachi 6. In mid-2019, In 2016, Lahore observed Lahore’s position improved a slight decrease on WCI to to 202 and Karachi’s to 71. 86th while Karachi improved Crime rate in Karachi below to 26th. In mid-2016, La- that of many first world cit- hore was ranked 81st with ies: DG ISPR a decrease of four positions The survey further revealed and Karachi witnessed fur- that Karachi has improved ther improvement and fell its ranking almost 11 times on 31st. In 2017, Lahore was more since 2014, while La- ranked 119th and Karachi ith an improvement of 28 places in mid-2019. An hore’s improvement tripled. 47th. In mid-2017, Lahore Wof 56 ranking plac- increase in a city’s ranking It also showed that the rat- was graded 114th and Kara- es, Lahore, the seat of gov- means a drop in its crime ing on the World Crime In- chi on 50th.In 2018, Lahore ernment in Punjab, is even rate. Karachi, the largest city dex by Numbeo has been was ranked 138th and Kara- safer than Paris, New York, of Pakistan, also improved persistently in the ascend- chi stood in 50th position. Berlin and Chicago on the by 22 places on the list and ing order.The index showed In mid-2018, Lahore was World Crime Index (WCI), moved from 66th position that in 2014, Lahore was on declared 173rd and Karachi according to a survey con- to 88th. 74 and Karachi on sixth. In 62nd in the list. Senior po- ducted by Numbeo.Lahore An analysis of the last five mid-2014, Lahore’s position lice officials however have was ranked 230th out of a years of ratings of the two slipped four places to 70th cast doubts over credibility total 374 cities of the world major Pakistani cities re- and Karachi’s improved to of the index, questioning in the Numbeo’s survey for vealed that there has been eighth. In 2015, Lahore im- how a survey could be trust- Jan 2020. It was placed at a gradual improvement with proved to 89th and Karachi ed with only 146 contribu- 174 in Jan 2019 and moved each passing year. In 2014, to 10th. In mid-2015, La- tors. Dawn to 202 with an improvement Lahore was placed on 74 hore’s position improved to 96th and Karachi’s to 21th. ing booth to coordinate tion,was organised this year Karachi Eat Food Festival 2020 with some friends,I noticed anticipated as one of the jury for the food-tasting that each person, from the largest food festivals in - Pa submissions, I wanted to be ushers to the grounds and kistan, with a well-laid out there every day to see the eateries staff,knew their map for the attendees foran culmination of the event. drill well They would have easy walk through. Keeping And it did not disappoint. to be standing for several in mind the number of peo- CKO Event Architecture hours on end for three days ple that would want to have Foodies in Karachi were de- is the brainchild of Aslam termined to get to one of Khan and Omar Omari. Earli- the largest events of the er, at the food tastings I also social calendar: the Kara- met Cyra Anklesaria, the chi Eat Food Festival 2020. event producer.A very en- One of the most happen- terprising group of people, ing events, the crazy gusts CKO Event Architecture has of wind and cold could not successfully managed and keep the food lovers away. established this event, being The annual three-day food the pioneers of food festival festival was again a success culture in Pakistan sever- this year, and most people al years ago. The event has multiplied in the number of whom I spoke to said it was straight as the event would their food seated, the area much more organised and a eateries and the audience successfully over the many be hosting approximately was filled with more bench- well set-up event this time over 200,000 people. es and seating arrange- around. years. As I stood near the ticket- The Karachi Eat Food Fes- ments this year.The News As I was part of the initial tival 2020, seventh edi- 4 Pakistan Stock Exchange Gains 1.5 he Pakistan Stock Ex- However, Dollar at inter- T change (PSX) Thursday bank in early trade was opened on a positive note down by 17 paisa at around and gained 1.5 percent.Ac- 154.90 rupees.It is perti- cording to details, the KSE nent here to mention that 100 Index at was surged the psx on Wednesday wit- by 636 points to trade at nessed bearish trend as 41,994 points in the morn- the KSE-100 Index fell by ing.The pakistan stock 546.91 points or 1.32 per- exchange (PSX) Thursday cent due to geo-political opened on a positive note and regional security con- and gained 1.5 percent.Ac- cerns.The benchmark KSE- cording to details, the KSE 100 Index of the Pakistan 100 Index at was surged Stock Exchange had closed by 636 points to trade at at 41,357.56 points. 41,994 points in the morn- THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE ing.

Largest urban forest to be planted along LyarianMalir rivers

Movement-Pakistan, other political parties are also supporting the provincial government in the project. He also announced constructing football and boxing grounds and volley- ball and basketball courts for the children of the city so they can involve them- selves in healthy activities. The minister said that due to climate change and the ever-increasing tempera- ture of Karachi, it is neces- sary to plant more trees. He asked the citizens not he world’s largest urban Peoples Party (PPP) Chair- that only environ- to litter in any part of the Tforest will be planted man Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. ment-friendly trees that city, especially in forest ar- along the Lyari River over This was announced by bear fruits will be planted. eas. He said that action will an area of 26 kilometres, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Shah told the media that be taken again those who and this project will soon Sindh’s minister for local the project has been ini- litter. District West Deputy be inaugurated by Pakistan government and forests, tiated according to the vi- Commissioner Fayaz Solan- during sion of the PPP chief, and gi, West District Municipal his visit that the first phase of the Corporation Chairman Izha- to the project will be initiated at ruddin, Chief Conservator river on the bank of the Lyari River, Ijaz Nizami and Divisional Mon- while in the second phase Forest Officer Maqsood day. He the urban forest will be Ahmed also accompanied v o w e d planted along the Malir the forests minister. The to en- River. Shah said that apart Nation sure from the Muttahida Qaumi

5 PM Imran featured on Time Magazine

rime Minister Imran PKhan on Monday was on Time Magazine’s cover along with four other world leaders for the publication’s World Economic Forum (WEF) edition. WEF founder Klaus Schwab, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, and Europe’s Central Bank President Christine Lagarde were all in a chairlift with PM- Im ran with the Swiss Alps in the background. The annual summit is set to commence in Davos tomorrow for four days. While US tional exchequer. PM - Im are on the guest list, includ- the invitation-only event, President Donald Trump ran’s advisers Abdul Razak ing Trump, who is expected which takes place in the Al- and climate activist Greta Dawood and Zulfi Bukhari, to address the gathering on pine resort town of Davos, Thunberg can also be seen as well as, other officials January 21. The country’s amid tight security. Near- sitting together on another will accompany him to Da- premier will brush shoul- ly 3,000 participants from chairlift in the illustration. vos, where he is expected ders with foreign investors 118 countries are expected PM Imran will also attend to hold meetings with sev- and inform them of invest- to attend the event. The the summit from January eral world leaders, includ- ment opportunities Paki- New 21-23 with the entire trip ing US President Trump. stan holds. This year marks costing $68,000 to the na- Fifty-three heads of state the 50th anniversary of World’s tallest mural’ unveiled in Karachi

286-foot-high public art no said Per- Amural, claimed to be civati had world’s tallest, was unveiled worked in in Karachi in January 2020. Karachi be- The mural titled ‘Rising fore at IPAF Blue’ made by Italian artist and also Giuseppe Percivati is part of worked in the International Public Art several oth- Festival (IPAF), an initiative er countries of “I Am Karachi.” such as the The mural titled ‘Rising US, Portu- Blue’ made by Italian artist gal, Australia Giuseppe Percivati is part of and Japan. the International Public Art The News Festival (IPAF), an initiative of “I Am Karachi.” Speak- ing on the occasion, Italian Consul-General Anna Ruffi- 6 Revisiting Mohammad Khalid Akhtar’s writings on his 100th birthday.

audio recitation, reduce the pricking caused as my own small by humour, and has created tribute to this opportunities for thinking great writer. and reflection in the manner A series of of teaching children. In this Akhtar’s com- primer, the meaning and ic writings were definition of things are pre- published in sented by actually narrating the 1950s in lit- reality with light hyperbole erary journals with such beauty that we under the title simultaneously laugh and of Maloomati reflect upon these things. Qaeda (Informa- He has also made various tional Primer). aspects of our country the Two essays of topic of his primer, in which series were also the manner of his satire is published in his very unique and aggressive; Last month marked the edged across the nation, collection Khoya Hua Ufaq and with him nothing is un- 100th birth anniversary of perhaps even commemorat- (The Lost Horizon), in which said for fear or prudence. one of the great Urdu sat- ed in the form of a Google Akhtar has written truthful- Here he also deals with cer- irists and novelists, Mo- doodle. Nonetheless, here I ly about the various trends, tain aspects and conversa- hammad Khalid Akhtar have humbly presented this behaviours, isms in society tions which are usually hin- (1920-2002). Ideally, his original translation of his In- and about humans; and has dered by plain and humble birthday should have been formational Primer for Chil- adopted a new method to deference.Dawn celebrated and acknowl- dren, with an accompanying Hazara Motorway section opens operational up to the issue in January and Mansehra but ow- to open the motorway ing to the toll tax from both sides. issue for incoming NHA contractors were re- traffic from Islam- ceiving different toll tax abad and Pesha- from incoming traffic and war which had to outgoing at Abbottabad exit on Shah Ma- interchange. From Abbot- qsood interchange tabad to Islamabad toll and again enter on tax charges were 130 ru- the motorway to pees but from Islamabad continue the jour- to Abbottabad contractor ney for Abbotta- is charging 160 rupees. bad and Mansehra People of Abbottabad by paying an ex- and public transporters tra 30 rupees toll have demanded from azara Motorway from details, Hazara Motor- tax. On the public NHA to address the issue HShah Maqsood to way section-I was opened complaint, Commission- of excessive charge of toll Abbottabad section was till Shah Maqsood inter- er Hazara Syed Zaheerul tax and make it unified. opened.According to the change and later it was Islam promised to resolve The News 7 Aussie High Commissioner wishes good luck to Pak women cricketerTennis the T20 World Cup and #FILLTHEMCG campaign. “We are holding the final of the World Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the biggest cricket stadium in the world, with a bold ambition to set a record for attendance at a women’s sporting fixture,” he said. The current record for attendance at a women’s sporting fixture is 90,185, set at the final of the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup in the USA. “We aim to beat that world record,” he added. Pakistan women team will depart for Australia on January 31 and will play its Australian High Commis- to meet Pakistani women’s their male counterparts,” first match against West In- sioner Dr Geoffrey Shaw cricket team players. I wish Shaw added. dies on February 26 at Ma- met with Pakistan national the team a fantastic stay in The High Commissioner nuka Oval. The Nation women’s cricket team at Australia. The players will also invited fans and visitors National Stadium Karachi definitely receive a very from Pakistan to be part of on Tuesday and wished warm Australian welcome. them good luck ahead of We expect some fabulous the ICC T20 Women’s Crick- cricket,” said the High Com- et World Cup in Australia, missioner, while talking which will commence from to the players. Dr Shaw February 21. Present at the said it will be a big year for reception were Pakistani women’s cricket in Austra- women players selected for lia. “Australia is about to the T20 World Cup, chair of become the first cricketing Pakistan national women’s nation to close the gender selection committee Urooj prize money gap. At this Mumtaz, the team’s coach- year’s T20 World Cup, Crick- es and senior members et Australia will top up prize of Pakistan Cricket Board money won by the women’s (PCB). “It is a great privilege team to deliver parity with