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DAWN WIRE SERVICE
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Week Ending : 04 January, 1996 Issue : 02/01
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The DAWN Wire Service (DWS) is a free weekly news-service from
Pakistan's largest English language newspaper, the daily DAWN. DWS
offers news, analysis and features of particular interest to the
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Karachi Carnage
..........11 vehicles set ablaze, city violence claims 61 lives
..........Mohajirs committed to defend Pakistan: Dehlavi
..........Rashid Rajputs detention challenged
..........MQMs appeal to HR bodies
..........MQM protest
..........If right denied, province will be demanded: Afaq
..........Altaf urges people to get rid of PPP govt
Opposition
..........PML unification talks stalemated
..........PML disunity cant persist, says Chattha
..........Nawaz seeks govts proposal on Karachi
..........Nawaz wants govt MNAs to resign
..........Nawaz says third option not accepted
..........Country passing through critical juncture: Nawaz
Ruling party
..........India wants to divert attention from N-test plan
..........Firm stand taken against terrorism, says Shah
..........Opposition should back govts peace efforts: Khan
MNF status deliberations
..........Nawaz calls for closer ties with India
..........Kashmir a key issue PM rules out uneven trading with India
..........Qazi wants OIC pressure in India
..........Jehanzeb cautions govt on trade ties with India
Press and its Perils
..........Journalist to probe: Kawish issue
..........JSTPP calls off boycott of Kawish
MYC protest
..........Transporters say Haqiqi detained buses
..........Country has been mortgaged to US, alleges MYC
..........MYC strike disrupts life in Karachi
..........MYC happy with strike success
..........Nawaz terms strike peoples verdict against govt
..........Workers baton charged in Lahore
Peshawar Blast
..........Peshawar bomb blast: Afghan general held
..........Suspect held near Torkham
..........Police arrest Must Gul
..........Afghan general released
..........Blast due to govts failure: Murtaza
..........Qazi blames govt for lawlessness
..........Two suspects arrested at Afghan border
Imrans statement criticised
Imrans hospital not charitable
Press report: FO Delhi claim on air drop termed ploy
PA warns against move to divide province
Tough task ahead for NFC
Uproar in senate over Shahbazs transfer
Sherpao opposes demand for Shahs removal
Noorani hints at understanding with PML, thanks people
Nawazs demand termed undemocratic
Minister: flays new formula demand
MQM urged to resume talks
Afzals views on the political situation and Kalabagh dam
Lawyers condemn police raid
Islamabad, Delhi swap lists of N-facilities
Govt castigated for governing through ordinances
The economy under siege
PIA, CAA offer different versions on charter flight
Pakistan to protest against explosion by India
Islamabad to again seek Altafs extradition
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Financial crisis looms in PTVC
Billions lost due to perpetual delay
Trade ties with India
Resumption of trade ties with India
The critical setback to industry
Shipping Industry: IT Dept to plug tax evasion
PNSC suffers Rs 434.374m loss during 1994 - 95
Insurance firms to be exempted from gain tax
Compensation package for UBL workers
UBL employees, PC sign package deal
Senate panel report on privatisation
IMF official named: special secretary to finance ministry
Larger decline averted on stock market
Stock market ends on subdued note
KSE index of share prices gain 38 points
KSE to introduce recomposed index from 15th
Turnover on stock market soars to 26 million
Stock market opens new year account on bearish note
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Corruption Ardeshir Cowasjee
1995, a year of hope and despair Dilawar Hussain
The hunter and the haunted Mazdak
1995 eminently forgettable Editorial Column
Karachi & its trials M.H. Askari
A correct move Editorial Column
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Akram wants to see Miandads fitness
Pakistan batter Kenya 7 - 0; tournament rescheduled
Belgium, Italy chalk up exhilarating wins
Pakistan jrs crush Russia by 10 - 0 in youth hockey
Dutch down South Africa in youth hockey
Pakistan to face Japan in Semis of youth hockey
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961204
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11 vehicles set ablaze, City violence claims 61 lives
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Staff Reporter
Sixty one people, including ten MQM activists, were killed in the
city. Eleven vehicles were also set on fire in terrorism-related
incidents in Districts East, South, Central and West of Karachi.
Among the years victims were 222 members of law enforcement agencies
who were ambushed, or killed after being kidnapped while at least 130
MQM activists were killed in encounters as claimed by police or in
judicial custody.
The MQM leader, Mr Altaf Hussain, has condemned the killing of three
of his party workers Mohammad Arshad Qureshi, Mairaj Ahmad and
Mohammad Salim.
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951229
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Mohajirs committed to defend Pakistan: Dehlavi
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Bureau Report
LAHORE, Dec. 28: MQM chief negotiator Ajmal Dehlavi ruled out any
possibility of a cooperation with the government till it relents in
its excesses against the Mohajirs.
Mr Dehlavi said the government used the card of negotiations as
licence to kill in Karachi. How could the negotiations continue when
the government failed to honour its commitments made earlier? And how
could it be believed that any agreement reached during parleys would
be implemented? he asked.
He said the allegations that MQM wanted to dismember Sindh and
separate Karachi from the country, were as baseless as saying that
the sun rose from the west today. Mohajirs had created Pakistan and
they could not even think of its dismemberment.
Mr Dehlavi said Mohajirs were ready to smash the heads of those who
had dismembered the country. If required they would indulge in
terrorism to fight those who were conspiring to break the country.
He said in Karachi 13,000 innocent people had been killed so far. The
extent of economic damage was around Rs 500 billion in Karachi alone
and the government was still claiming that everything was alright, he
said adding: It means the government would not realise the gravity of
the situation till the political suicide of the nation and the country
was complete.
Continuing, Mr Dehlavi asked: Was it democracy to do all the wrong
things and to seek oppositions cooperation on matters of mutual
interests? Was it democracy to file cases against Mr Sharif and his
family? Was it correct to imprison Sheikh Rashid Ahmad, and prepare to
attack Dera Bugti over political differences with Nawab Akbar Bugti?
Or to persecute the MQM and register countless cases against Altaf
Hussain?
He said if all Muslim League factions joined hands, the country could
get rid of the situation.
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960101
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Rashid Rajputs detention challenged
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Staff Reporter
KARACHI, Dec. 31: The wife of Rashid Ahmad Rajput filed a petition in
the High Court of Sindh against the arrest and detention of her
husband, a former mayor of Hyderabad and MQM MNA and MPA.
Mr Rajput was arrested in Karachi on Saturday and the petition was
admitted for regular hearing by the court and Jan 2 has been fixed for
the purpose.
Shoaib Bukhari and other members of the MQM Legal Aid Committee are
defending Mrs Rajput.
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960101
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MQMs appeal to HR bodies
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Staff Correspondent
KARACHI, Dec. 31: The MQM Coordination Committee called upon
human rights organisations to exert their influence for the release of
former deputy mayor of Hyderabad and National Assembly member Rashid
Ahmed Rajput.
The coordination committee termed his arrest part of the governments
policy of political victimisation.
He said the arrest of Mr Rajput exposed the hollow claims of the
government that it believes in human rights and democratic values and
wants to solve the problem through negotiation.
It appealed to all democratic forces to come to the aid of Mr Rajput.
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960103
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MQM protest
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Staff Reporter
KARACHI, Jan 2: The MQM coordination committee has called for a day
of protest on Thursday to mourn the deaths of its four activists in
fake encounters with police and the rangers.
It has threatened with indefinite strike if extra-judicial
killings of the Mohajirs continued. The MQM has asked transporters
to keep their vehicles off the road, schools should remain closed
alongwith industry and other business activities.
Two army officers were among those killed in various encounters in the
city on Monday. Police had blamed the Naeem Sherri group for allegedly
taking part in the kidnapping and killing of the hostages.
Authorities had accused that 17 MQM activists had participated in that
operation.
The MQM alleges that its four activists, Mohammad Saleem, Mohammad
Naseem Ahmed, Akram Pervaiz and Shabbir were arrested in the first and
second weeks of December during raids by the law enforcement agencies.
After keeping them in illegal detention and subjecting them to
torture, they were killed on Tuesday in Gharibabad.
Our London Correspondent adds: Mr Altaf Hussain, leader of the MQM
also endorsed the strike call. In a statement he alleged that four
activists of the party were killed in a faked encounter. He urged
the human rights organisations to protest to the government against
the killings of Mohajirs.
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960103
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If rights denied, province will be demanded: Afaq
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Staff Reporter
KARACHI, Jan 2: MQM Haqiqi chief Afaq Ahmed said on Tuesday that if
the rights of the Mohajirs were not accepted, a demand for a separate
province might become inevitable.
He said continuing socio-economic and political injustices had
alienated the Mohajirs and compelled them to think of seeking a
separate province within the geographic boundaries of Pakistan. Mr
Ahmed reaffirmed his demand for launching a movement for a separate
province if the rights of the Mohajirs were not given to them by June.
The Haqiqi chief regretted that some members of the Sindh Assembly had
equated his demand with sedition and anti-Pakistan activities. We are
not asking for the division of Sindh, we are only asking for justice
and equal rights as Pakistanis as enshrined in the Constitution of
Pakistan, said Mr Ahmed, and added that any decision about the
division of Sindh had to be taken by the federal government in
consultation with the provincial leadership.
He, nevertheless, pointed out that demanding a separate province
within the limits of Pakistan was not against the integrity of the
country.
Recalling historical records, Mr Ahmed contended that Sindh had always
been divided in more than one political and administrative unit. In
this context he mentioned that Hyderabad, Umarkot, Khairpur and
Shikarpur had been a separate political entities when the Britishers
occupied Sindh, and added that until the formation of One Unit,
Khairpur had existed as a separate political unit.
He refuted the allegations by some members of the Sindh Assembly that
the Mohajirs were trying to usurp the right of the Sindhis.
Mr Ahmed alleged those who were opposed to accepting the legitimate
rights of the Mohajirs and obstructing the creation of a separate
province were, in fact, helping Altaf Hussain to create a separate
country.
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960104
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Altaf urges people to get rid of PPP govt
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Staff Correspondent
LONDON, Jan 3: A call for the people of Pakistan to get rid of the PPP
government has been made by the Mohajir Qaumi Movement leader Altaf
Hussain who said that they should make a joint effort to save the
country.
In a statement he said the Pakistan Peoples Party, has given the
country bullets instead of food, shrouds instead of clothing and
graves instead of shelter. He said the PPP has never proved to be a
good Omen for the country, and whenever it came into power it ruined
the economy, made life difficult for the people and has harmed the
security, integrity and the territorial boundaries of Pakistan.
The Mohajirs, he alleged, have particularly been targeted and many
have been killed following their arrests. To prolong its control of
the Government, the PPP is using the state machinery against the
Mohajirs so as to create a gulf between them and the armed forces.
The MQM leader accused the government of taking the country to the
brink. He appealed to the patriotic elements not to remain silent and
leave the Mohajirs in a lurch, as it would mean abandoning the safety
and the territorial integrity of the country.
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951229
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PML unification talks stalemated
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Ashraf Mumtaz
LAHORE, Dec. 28: The PML(N) and the PML(J) have lost interest as well
as hope for reunification of the two factions as a result of which no
date has been fixed for the third round of talks on the subject.
However, neither side is ready to accept responsibility for the
deadlock.
Interestingly, they made the same statement many times before when
contacted by this correspondent on the subject of further unity talks
between the two groups.
Some PML(N) sources though told Dawn that their party had reached the
conclusion that the cost of reunification of the two groups was too
heavy for the PML(N) to pay than the benefits it could expect in
return.
During the first two rounds of talks, sources said the PML(J) had set
its conditions for unity with the PML(N). These conditions were that
in the new organisational set-up, both factions should have equal
share in the top two offices of the party. This means the PML(N) and
the PML(J) should nominate presidents of the two provinces each, and
where the president is from one faction, the Secretary-General should
belong to the other.
Also, the PML(J) demanded that all its MNAs, MPAs who remained
steadfast with the party in all situations should be given PML tickets
at the time of next elections.
The PML(N) has yet to give its formal response to these demands.
The PML(N) sources say the party is already repenting its decision of
shaking hand with former Punjab chief minister Manzoor Wattoo who,
PML(N) President Nawaz Sharif said on many occasions, was the biggest
of all political turncoats. Party leaders have reached the conclusion
that Mr Wattoos alliance with the PML(N) has not been liked by the
people and they think that Mr Nawaz Sharif has made a major political
mistake by having an alliance with Mr Wattoo.
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960101
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PML disunity cant persist, says Chattha
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Staff Correspondent
MULTAN, Dec. 31: PML(J) president Hamid Nasir Chattha said that
Pakistan Muslim League was a single party and it was unnatural for
it to be divided into factions.
He hoped that the good sense and goodwill would prevail and all
Leaguers would again sit down together in the larger national
interest. He however clarified that the reunification was possible
only on principles.
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951229
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Nawaz seeks govts proposals on Karachi
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Bureau Report
LAHORE, Dec. 28: Disappointed over the rejection of his formula for
improving situation in Karachi, opposition leader Nawaz Sharif asked
the government to offer counter proposal within three days. He said if
the nation accepted the governments formula, he would have no
hesitation in accepting it.
The opposition leader said he had proposed a neutral chief executive
for Sindh with complete sincerity so that the inferno in Karachi
could be extinguished. By rejecting it, he regretted, the government
had surprised the entire nation including the MQM.
Insisting that mid-term elections had become indispensable for the
integrity of the country, the PML(N) president said he was not making
the demand to become once again the prime minister.
Situation in the country, he alleged, had gone out of the control of
what he called the incompetent, incapable and corrupt government.
Referring to the cooperation requests made by the prime minister, he
said he was not willing to join hands with her in promoting killings,
inflation, unemployment, corruption, lawlessness, political
victimisation and excesses in Karachi.
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951230
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Nawaz wants govt MNAs to resign
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Bureau Report
LAHORE, Dec. 29: Reacting sharply on Prime Minister Benazir Bhuttos
challenge to opposition legislators to resign en bloc and contest
the elections again to check their popularity, the opposition leader,
Mian Nawaz Sharif, has proposed that if treasury members also resign
and contest again it will give the electorate a fair chance to elect
the popular leadership.
Taking a strong exception to Ms Bhuttos statement, Mr Sharif argued
that if mid-term polls were not held on the demand of the opposition
parties, the people would themselves take to the streets within three
to four months to agitate against the government policies, forcing it
to quit power and to hold fresh general elections. How long can they
tolerate the unprecedented price-hike of essential goods, corruption
and increasing rate of crimes, he asked.
As far as Benazir Bhuttos challenge to the opposition to re- check
its popularity after quitting from the assemblies is concerned, I
would like to draw her attention to the outcome of all the by-
elections in the Punjab and the NWFP since the 1993 general elections,
in which only opposition parties candidates were returned to the
assemblies, he said, maintaining that this singular factor was enough
to reply to her challenge.
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951231
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Nawaz says third option not accepted
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ISLAMABAD, Dec. 30: Leader of the opposition and President of PML
Mohammad Nawaz Sharif has said solution of the long-standing Kashmir
issue in accordance with the UN resolution is inevitable for
establishing good relations between India and Pakistan.
Taking exception to out of context playing up by the official media
of his interview the Islamabad-based correspondent of the Indian
newspaper The Hindu Nawaz Sharif said he had clearly stated in his
interview that India would have to resolve the Kashmir issue in
accordance with the UN resolutions.
The PML chief said: We reject any third option or the idea of
independent Kashmir. He said he had stated in his interview that
elections in the occupied Kashmir would tantamount to add fuel to
fire.
Nawaz Sharif clarified that he had categorically stated in his
interview that he would support negotiations between India and
Pakistan on Kashmir if India is agreeable to resolving the issue
according to the UN resolutions.
He said: If India settles the dispute through UN resolutions today,
we will be ready to established good relations with her.
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960103
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Country passing through critical juncture: Nawaz
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Staff Reporter
KARACHI, Jan 2: The PML President and leader of the opposition, Nawaz
Sharif, has said the country is passing through a critical juncture,
both in terms of economic and law and order situation, owing to the
present regimes wrong policies.
Terming the Karachi situation grave, he held the government
responsible for the citys worsening law and order situation. Karachi
crisis can be solved within weeks if the government is removed, the
former premier claimed.
Lambasting the government for creating a financial mess, he alleged
that because of mismanagement, the country was drifting towards
bankruptcy.
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951229
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India wants to divert attention from N-test plan
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ISLAMABAD, Dec. 28: Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto said India was
making baseless allegations against Pakistan to divert attention from
its nuclear test plans and domestic problems.
Bhutto denied Indian claims that the Pakistani militarys Inter-
Services Intelligence (ISI) was involved in a mystery air-drop of
weapons over eastern India.
India has raised the bogey of Pakistani involvement in a bid to hide
its plan to explode a nuclear device, she said, and added that the
Indian leadership was also trying to cover up its domestic problems
including its failure in suppressing the freedom struggle in
Kashmir.
She charged India with helping the Mohajir Qaumi Movement (MQM), which
is blamed by her government for the unrest in Karachi.
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951229
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Firm stand taken against terrorism, says Shah
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KARACHI, Dec. 28: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Abdullah Shah has said
that the government has taken a firm stand against terrorism.
The chief minister said that the opposition especially the MQM has
boycotted the session for the third consecutive time. He said they
should come to the House and if they think there is any injustice they
can air their grievances in the House.
The Chief Minister also referred to Altaf Hussains threatening
statement and said the man who was sitting thousands of miles away
should come back and face the courts. He said that Altaf Hussain was
playing someone elses game and working on some one elses
instigations.
Syed Abdullah Shah also mentioned that India has started a drama that
some planes are throwing weapons in India. He pointed out that in the
past India had staged a similar drama that its plane was hijacked to
Lahore and thus closed the route between the then East and West
Pakistan.
He also referred to false propaganda by leaders, including Nawaz
Sharif, and added that the very purpose of such an exercise was to
encourage terrorists; which the Chief Minister can never give in to.
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951230
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Nawaz calls for closer ties with India
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Umashanker Phadnis
NEW DELHI, Dec. 29: The leader of the opposition in Pakistan, Mr Nawaz
Sharif, has called for strong ties with India and has said he would be
willing to support to the hilt any effort by the government of
Pakistan to improve relations with India.
Answering a specific question by the correspondent whether he would
support Ms Bhutto if she were to engage in confidence- building
measures with India, Mr Sharif said: Yes. If a sincere bilateral
approach to address the problems is adopted, I would support that.
Decrying the arms race in the subcontinent, Mr Sharif said: For 50
long years, we (India and Pakistan) have been in an arms race. How
many more decades should we still want to waste?
Advocating a sincere solution to the problem of Kashmir, Mr Sharif
said: Pakistan will cooperate. The third party, Kashmiris, will have
to endorse any acceptance of a (solution) by India and Pakistan. at
the same time, he favoured talks between India and Pakistan in terms
of solutions which have been prescribed by the UN. He ruled out the
option of a sovereign status for Jammu and Kashmir.
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951231
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Kashmir a key issue PM rules out uneven trading with India
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Bureau Report
ISLAMABAD, Dec. 30: Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto said Pakistan would
not open trade with India without ensuring an even playing field for
its own industry.
Commenting on a recent interview of opposition leader Nawaz Sharif to
an India daily in which he had supported the idea of free trade with
India, she said if the opposition leader had some concrete proposal
than he should take the government into confidence.
Pakistan, being a member of World Trade Organisation (WTO), was
conferring with India and other member countries to fulfil its
international commitments, she said adding that relations between
India and Pakistan could not normalise till the resolution of Kashmir
issue.
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951231
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Qazi wants OIC pressure on India
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Staff Reporter
KARACHI, Dec. 30: Jamaat-i-Islami chief Qazi Hussain Ahmed urged the
government to implement the OICs (Organisation of Islamic Countries)
resolution binding its members to keep on economic pressure on India
until the Kashmir issue was resolved.
Speaking at a Press conference at the city Jamaat office, Idare Noor-
i-Haq, Qazi Hussain Ahmed criticised the government for giving India
the MFN (most favoured nation) status for trade, saying that the
governments decision had not only disappointed Kashmiri Mujahideen,
but had also relegated the Kashmir issue.
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960103
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Jehanzeb cautions govt on trade ties with India
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Staff Correspondent
PESHAWAR, Jan 2: Mr Jehanzeb Khan, who declared himself as caretaker
acting president of the federation of Pakistan chambers of commerce
and industry, has administered a note of caution to the government on
establishing trade ties with India and giving it the status of Most
Favoured Nation. He asked the government to take immense care and seek
the consent of the business community so that trade impact should not
affect Pakistans economy.
he said that all decisions regarding the trade relationship should be
in the interest of the Pakistani business community so that the
manufacturers and investors should not suffer.
He also demanded that the government should drop the names of
exporters and Industrialists from the Exit Control List if it wants to
strengthen economy and develop strong trade relationship with other
regional states.
He regretted that the business class which contributes about 70
billion rupees in taxes and 9 billion dollars in exports to the
national exchequer is totally neglected today.
He criticised the government economic policies disclosing that the
foreign reserves have shrinked to only 1.2 billion dollars due to
capital flight and uncertain political situation in the country. He
informed the current devaluation of rupee was more then 7 per cent
contrary to the govt claim. He said, if the government co-operates the
business community can work as a bridge between the business
communities of other states.
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951229
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Journalist to probe : Kawish issue
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Staff Reporter
KARACHI, Dec. 28: A journalists committee on Friday conducted an
inquiry into the allegations made by a Sindhi daily against the Jeay
Sindh Taraqi Pasand Party to help end the partys confrontation with
the newspaper.
JSTPP information secretary Punhal Sario said journalists and Sindhi
intellectuals had been asked by his party to speak to the management
of Kawish to publish a clarification against allegations that JSTPP
Chairman Dr Qadir Magsi was directly involved in a theft case in
Hyderabad.
The JSTPP has alleged that its workers are being arrested, even while
the Sindhi daily against which it has launched its campaign has not
published a clarification.
The party said it would continue its boycott of the newspaper until a
clarification was published.
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951231
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JSTPP calls off boycott of Kawish
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Staff Reporter
KARACHI, Dec. 30: The Jeay Sindh Taraqi Pasand Party called off its
boycott of a Sindhi daily newspaper following a clarification from the
paper retracting its earlier allegations against the party.
According to the Taraqi Pasand Party Coordinator in Karachi Ali Hasan
Chandio, the party called off its boycott after Kawish issued its
clarification contradicting an earlier claim it had published, made by
the Sindh Professors Lecturers Association's Liaquat Aziz, charging
JSTPP Chairman Dr Qadir Magsi with involvement in thefts.
Mr Chandio said the Taraqi Pasand Party would seek the formation of a
permanent committee of journalists which would mediate between
political parties and newspapers to ascertain that they abide by a
code of ethic.
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951230
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Transporters say Haqiqi detained buses
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Staff Reporter
KARACHI, Dec. 29: The Karachi Transport Ittehad has alleged seizure of
buses and mini-buses by MQM (Haqiqi) on Dec. 24 for its public meeting
on the following day at Shah Faisal Colony.
They alleged seizure of buses and mini-buses in a large number by
Haqiqi workers in connivance with the traffic police showed that the
local administration sided with them. As a result, a small number of
vehicles operated on Dec. 25 in the city.
They urged the government to arrange payment for vehicles detained by
the party for its use. Under the circumstances, they said, the
transporters would be forced to resort to strike any day to protect
their interests if the government failed to come to their rescue.
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951230
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Country has been mortgaged to US, alleges MYC
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Staff Correspondent
HYDERABAD, Dec. 29: On the call of Milli Yakjehti Council, a protest
day was observed to condemn the government policies and register
resentment against the closure of madaris and arrest of religious
leaders.
Speaking at a big rally at Market Chowk, the leaders of Jamaat-i-
Islami, JUI (both factions), Tehrik Jafria Pakistan, JUP, Ahle Hadith
and Anjuman Naujawanan-i-Islam said the entire nation was united
against the government which had allegedly mortgaged the sovereignty
and economy of the country to America.
They claimed that PML and Altaf Hussain had supported the wheel-jam
strike which showed that the entire nation was disappointed with the
performance of the government.
They declared that their struggle and strike was neither lingual nor
parochial, but it was aimed at saving the country and getting rid of
the tyrant government.
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951231
-------------------------------------------------------------------
MYC strike disrupts life in Karachi
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Staff Reporter
KARACHI, Dec. 30: The Milli Yekjehti Councils call for strike against
governments anti-Islamic policies largely affected life in the
megalopolis.
All the major markets and shopping centres, and most of the private
banks and financial institutions including hundreds of industries
remained closed.
However, the University of Karachi, remained open, where exams were
held without any hindrance.
The public and private transport remained off the roads during the
first half of the day. In the afternoon, some traffic started flowing
on the roads. A small number of rickshaw, taxis and buses were also
seen plying.
In the morning, the city witnessed sporadic incidents of violence in
which armed MYC youths forced some shopkeepers to close their shops
which were open in the posh localities of Clifton and Defence, they
also set ablaze a mini bus in Liaquatabad and resorted to shooting at
public and private transport on G. Allana Road in Kharadhar and on I.
I. Chundrigar Road.
The MYC chief and the president of Jamiat Ulema-i-Pakistan, described
the success of Karachi to Khyber strike as a vote of no-confidence
against the government.
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951231
-------------------------------------------------------------------
MYC happy with strike success
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Bureau Report
LAHORE, Dec. 30: The leaders of Milli Yakjehti Council and its
constituent parties termed the strike a historic victory of the
Islamist forces. They claimed that with their positive response to the
strike call, the people had expressed their dissatisfaction with the
present government.
The MYC chief Maulana Shah Ahmad Noorani condemned the arrests of MYC
activists and lathi charge on them. He said the government would not
be able to suppress their voice through the use of force.
He said Ms Benazir Bhutto should learn a lesson from the mistakes of
her father. And if she continued to follow in the foot steps of her
father, she would meet the same fate, he said.
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951231
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Nawaz terms strike peoples verdict against govt
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Staff Correspondent
MULTAN, Dec. 30: Opposition Leader Mian Nawaz Sharif said that people
had given clear mandate in favour of the opposition by observing
complete strike throughout the country.
Reiterating his claim that 1996 would be the year of change, he asked
the audience to be ready for any kind of sacrifice to save the
country from anti-state, corrupt and dishonest rulers.
The PML chief asked Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto to tender mid-term
election advice to the president without further delay. You (PM) will
not be able to do so (tender advice) after three months, he warned.
Mr Sharif alleged that the ruling party was plundering the countrys
wealth besides letting loose a rein of terror. He said Mr Asif Zardari
had purchased horses worth over Rs 300 million while the people were
starving.
Mian Nawaz Sharif said the countrys solidarity and Integrity was in
danger under the leadership of Benazir Bhutto and added that she would
dismember the country in case she was allowed to rule for a long time.
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951231
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Workers baton charged in Lahore
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Dawn Report
LAHORE, Dec. 30: The main business and trading centres in Lahore
remained closed in response to the strike call given by the Milli
Yakjehti Council. However, there was only a partial wheel-jam for some
time in the morning and thereafter traffic flowed almost normally.
The major police-MYC workers clash took place near Mansoora, the
headquarters of the Jamaat-i-Islami, Pakistan. The police had been in
the areas since the early hours of the day, but took action against
MYC workers when they blocked the road and pelted stones on passing
vehicles.
The clash continued for a while and the district administration tried
to persuade the MYC workers to go inside Mansoora. But when these
efforts failed, the administration ordered teargassing and lathicharge
which was massive.
The JI claimed that the police also resorted to firing to intimidate
workers. During the clash, which went on, 10 MYC workers were
arrested.
At Chungi Amr Sidhu police teargassed and baton charged a group of MYC
workers who were allegedly damaging buses and blocking roads. As many
as 15 workers were also reportedly arrested.
The MYCs Lahore office denied that the workers were damaging buses.
They said they were protesting against the earlier arrest of JUPs
city vice-president Maulana Amin.
During clashes in Allama Iqbal Town, Green Town/Township, Shahdara,
Chowk Yateem Khana, Saddar, Shadbagh, Baghbanpura, Manga Mandi and
Icchra several MYC workers were also arrested.
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951229
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Peshawar bomb blast: Afghan general held
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Abdul Sami Paracha
PESHAWAR, Dec. 28: Gen. Ghaffar, in charge of the Afghan transport
ministry, was hauled up by the CID, Peshawar, in connection with the
Peshawar bomb blast.
The General is an active member of the Harkat-i-Inqilab-i-Islami of
Maulvi Mohammad Nabi and a close aide of President Rabbani. The
intelligence agencies which are suspecting Afghan involvement in the
blast had prepared a list of the Pro-Rabbani refugees and
functionaries of the Kabul government in Peshawar sometime back. They
have now started crackdown on them in various parts of the province in
an attempt to solve the bomb blast mystery.
Afghan and Arab families in Peshawar are living in fear as the
intelligence personnel have picked up hundreds of people in a
clandestine operation and women and children of those arrested were
not properly informed about there whereabouts.
Intelligence personnel who have arrested the general for his alleged
involvement in the bomb blast were maintaining silence. They suspect
that the General had provided a vehicle to the terrorist which was
used in the bomb blast.
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951231
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Suspect held near Torkham
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Staff Correspondent
PESHAWAR, Dec. 30: The border security forces have nabbed a suspect at
Torkham Pakistan-Afghan border and handed him over to the joint
interrogation team, for further investigation.
The Khyber Khasadars held one Mehboob Khan son of Deedar Khan
Kamarkhel Afridi from Bara and a retired Subedar Major of border
militia, when he was returning from Jalalabad capital of Naugaihar.
He was later handed over to the political authorities Khyber Agency,
who have shifted him to the provincial joint interrogation team (JIT).
The political authorities, when contacted, refused to give any further
information, about the nature of suspicion about the tribal, whether
he was suspected to be involved in some subversive activities or any
other case.
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951230
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Police arrests Must Gul
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Staff Reporter
KARACHI, Dec. 29: Mr Must Gul, a Kashmiri activist, was picked up by
the police from the Jamaat-i-Islami office.
It was the second police raid at the Jamaat office. The first raid on
the office was conducted in the small hours of Friday when the police
party failed locate Mr. Gul.
The Sindh government order was served by an SDM who first showed it to
city Jamaat chief Naimatullah Khan. When Mr Khan informed Mr Gul about
the orders, he said: I am a citizen of Pakistan and as such its my
responsibility to respect the law of the land, and then he
accompanied the police party.
Shortly after this, the local leaders of the MYC (Milli Yekjehti
Council protested against Mr Guls arrest.
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960103
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Afghan general released
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Ahmad Hassan
PESHAWAR, Jan 2: A retired Afghan general who was nabbed by Peshawar
police in connection with car-bomb blast and other terrorist acts, was
set free, exonerated of all charges.
Gen Abdul Ghaffar, formerly attached to Harakat-i-Inqilab-i- Islami of
Maulvi Nabi Mohammadi, was arrested because police suspected him to
have some connection with the sabotage activities directed from
Afghanistan.
The general was taken into custody by CID police, Peshawar from Jamrud
and later shifted to some unknown place for interrogation. During last
one week, the sources revealed, the general was thoroughly
interrogated but police failed to find anything against him. Neither
the former Afghan general was remanded to judicial custody nor any
charge formally registered against him.
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960101
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Blast due to govts failure: Murtaza
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Bureau Report
PESHAWAR, Dec. 31: Mir Murtaza Bhutto, chief of the PPP(SB), has
termed the Peshawar blast not only a foreign policy failure but also
the result of a law and order collapse. He claimed the police had
tried to save their skin by presenting a wrong picture of the case.
Mir Murtaza said there could be a foreign hand in the blasts and acts
of terrorism and most probably the Afghans could be involved.
He urged the government to keep its hands off from meddling in the
Afghan affairs and leave that nation to decide their internal affairs
at their own. This, he said, was necessary in the wake of withdrawal
of Soviet forces and Rabbani.
He described Peshawar blast as a national tragedy which should have
been faced with national zeal and the sabotage should have been
unearthed for the people. But, the police, he said had released a true
photo of a person by falsely dubbing it to be a sketch. It was no
solution of the case, the PPP leader maintained.
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960101
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Qazi blames govt for lawlessness
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Staff Reporter
KARACHI, Dec. 31: Qazi Hussain Ahmed, the chief of Jamaat-i- Islami,
has held the government responsible for the deteriorating law and
order situation in the city.
Accusing the government for patronising acts of the law enforcers,
he directed party workers to assist those who were subjected to
terrorism of the police and political activists. In this context, he
said there should be no discrimination on political consideration.
Qazi Hussain Ahmed flayed the government for allegedly following the
dictates of the United States which has threatened integrity of the
country and endangered sovereignty of the neighbouring Islamic
countries like Iran.
He was of the view that the Unites Sates is trying to use Pakistan as
a springboard for undermining the Muslim world. Commenting on the
arrest of Major Must Gul and his subsequent externment from Sindh, the
JI chief alleged it was done to please the US and India.
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960104
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Two suspects arrested at Afghan border
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Ahmad Hassan
PESHAWAR, Jan 3: Two suspects including an Iraqi national and a
Karachi police constable, arrested at the border check post of
Torkham, have been handed over to the provincial Joint Interrogation
Team.
The Iraqi national Ali Ibne Yaseen and the Karachi police constable
Mir Salam were detained by the border security personnel when they
returned from Jalalabad. The two were kept in custody for summary
interrogation by the political authorities who decided to hand them
over to the JIT for further investigation and find out if they have
any links with suspected terrorists who infiltrate from across the
border. The Karachi police constable, the sources said, was held to
confirm or clear his credentials if he has MQM connections.
A high alert had been declared and the border security checking
toughened ever since the December 21 Peshawar blast. There have been
dozens of arrests of suspect Afghans entering or leaving the border at
Torkham during last two weeks although most of them have since been
released.
Meanwhile, eight Afghan suspects were also handed over to the JIT
along-with the Iraqi national and Karachi police cop who were held at
the border check post. They were also held by the security staff
suspecting them of having links with the saboteurs now operating in
Pakistan.
Sami Paracha adds: The joint investigation team of the special branch
has released four Afghan nationals suspected of the recent bomb blast
as no evidence could be found against them.
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951229
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Imrans statement criticised
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ISLAMABAD, Dec. 28: Running a charitable institution and pursuing
politics are two different things, and amalgam of both is simply not
possible, Sarfraz Nawaz, a former fast bowler and Adviser on Sports,
said.
In a press statement, he asked Imran Khan, to define what he is up
to?.
It is not the government which is damaging the cause of a charity
organisation, but instead, it is Imran himself, who has drifted away
from his earlier declared goal and prefers to indulge in politics.
The government on its part, he stated, has in the past allowed
maximum-permissible tax concessions to the hospital. In this context,
he cited the availed permission to import a tax- free camera worth two
million dollars, besides arranging for free PIA tickets, etc.
About the matter of advertisement of the hospital on television, he
said, the PTV has a set policy.
An advertisement and a political statement are two separate things.
If there is a political content or overtone in the guise of an
advertisement, it naturally cant fall within the bracket of an
advertisement. This simply is the case with Imran, he said.
In the case of Imran, the people know that he is indulging in
politics and is giving political statements, he cannot claim to be
running a purely welfare venture. He is only forwarding his politics
in the garb of charity, which is abhorable by any standards, he said.
Sarfraz said, there could not be any comparison of the institution
being run by Imran with Edhi or Hameed Khan Trust. If they (Edhis
and Hameeds) are allowed to advertise their charitable tasks, they
could genuinely do so as they rightly are charitable institutions
but, Imran Khan is running an institution which is a mix of charity
and politics.
It is high time, he said, that Imran defines and decides as to what is
the nature of his institution.
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960101
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Imrans hospital not charitable
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ISLAMABAD, Dec. 31: Interior Minister Naseerullah Babar informed the
Senate that Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust (SKMT) was not a charitable
institution but a family trust, therefore, it could not be given
facilities of charitable institution.
Malik Muhammad Qasim, Chairman Anti-Corruption Committee, said that
the government had provided land free of cost for the setting up of
Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust and also tried to help in its
construction in every way.
He said that no other institution was given such latitude which was
accorded to SKMT, adding, import of equipments was exempted from all
type of duties.
Malik Qasim said that as far as income tax is concerned, no one is
above the law and every citizen of the country is duty bound to submit
income tax and wealth tax information. So that, he added, Imran should
not show reluctance to give information about his income tax.
Prof Khurshid said that the hospital was providing free of cost
medical facilities to the poor but government had banned its
advertisements on television and was not providing facilities extended
to a charitable institution to Shakaut Khanum Memorial Trust.
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951229
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Press report: FO Delhi claim on air-drop termed ploy
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Hasan Akhtar
ISLAMABAD, Dec. 28: Pakistan foreign ministry debunked the Indian Home
Minister Chavans allegation of arms air-drop and asserted that such
unfounded and malicious allegations against Pakistan clearly indicated
that hawks which want to propagate (India-Pakistan) tensions are
flying high in India.
The spokesman affirmed that Pakistan respected the sovereignty of all
foreign governments and declared that Islamabad harboured and
aggressive designs against India. The spokesman, however, declined to
deny or confirm whether the alleged flights which New Delhi
intercepted before levelling arms-drop charges originated from
Karachi. But, he claimed, that as a rule Pakistan carried put checks
of overflights.
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951229
-------------------------------------------------------------------
PA warns against move to divide province
-------------------------------------------------------------------
KARACHI, Dec. 28: The Sindh Assembly unanimously adopted a motion
condemning the statement of Afaq Ahmed, chairman of MQM Haqiqi,
regarding separate province for Mohajirs or dividing Sindh.
The chief minister, however, stressed the need for searching our own
souls as to why after half a century some people have an impression
that they are not being treated properly; this impression needs to be
erased from their minds, he said.
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951229
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Tough task ahead for NFC
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Aslam Sheikh
ISLAMABAD, Dec. 28: The quest for a new deal for tax-sharing between
the federation and the provinces has now been launched after the
inauguration of the reconstituted National Finance Commission by the
prime minister. But the indications after the first meeting are that
it will be a tough assignment over the next few months.
Distribution of taxes collected by the centre has been a controversial
issue since the early years of Pakistan. While the new constitutional
arrangement every five years is now virtually settled by a consensus
among Islamabad and provinces, the NFC decisions are still mistakenly
called Award rather than an accord hammered out by mutual give-and-
take by the centre and the provinces.
How the provincial share from the federal pool is to be distributed
among the provinces has also become a contentious issue again. Punjab
reportedly is seeking special royalty for some of its commodities
because the one on oil and gas plus electricity has transferred
substantial resources mainly to the NWFP and Balochistan, and to a
lesser degree to Sindh. Punjab seems to be of the view that its per
capita share in the divisible pool is the lowest notwithstanding the
size of its population. Besides it has also been deprived of proceeds
from export duty on cotton and rice now abolished.
The fact that there has been no fresh census since 1981 has encouraged
some to challenge the suitability of population factor as the basis
for the distribution of taxes among provinces. This position is mainly
taken by the NWFP and Balochistan seeking weightage in the share of
taxes because of their larger development needs. While Punjab and
Sindh favour the retention of population as the basis of tax
distribution, they also have their differences on the choice of the
year as the basis of such distribution. Demographic changes have
increased percentage share of Sindh in total population (from 17.9 in
1951 to 22.6 in 1981) and reduced that of Punjab from 60.8 per cent in
1951 to 56.1 in 1981.
The NFC will have to move cautiously in dealing with these sensitive
issues to avoid further accentuation of inter-provincial controversies
because of the on-going uneasy political situation. It needs to be
remembered that economic issues and uneven distribution of resources
among provinces became major factors in creating the situation which
led to 1971 disaster. The issues involved in the NFC deliberations
must, therefore, be sorted out through maximum consensus and mutual
accommodation.
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951229
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Uproar in Senate over Shahbazs transfer
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Mohammad Malick
ISLAMABAD, Dec. 28: The shifting of Shahbaz Sharif from Adiala to
Attock prison resulted in a double embarrassment for the government,
which not only had to grudgingly assure his return but also painted
itself into a legal corner over the issue of the jurisdiction of
courts in allowing incarcerated parliamentarians to attend the
proceedings.
Proving that rank had its privileges, the opposition senators raised a
hue and cry over the shifting of Shahbaz Sharif, who is not even a
member of their house, but obviously his being the brother of the
leader of the opposition, made all the necessary difference.
Minister of State for Law Raza Rabbani tried playing down the whole
affair by describing it as a necessary administrative measure.
At this point, Chairman Wasim Sajjad, himself an ace lawyer, at once
took on Rabbani on a very pertinent legal objection. He asked Rabbani
to inform the House about the identity of the court on whose orders
you had Shahbaz moved from one prison to another. He pointedly
reminded Rabbani that the government had repeatedly refused to produce
the arrested senators despite his ruling on the grounds of them being
in the courts custody and not in the governments and added but now
you have suddenly moved him on your own.
While Rabbani mumbled something inaudible, Sajjad concluded his biting
discourse by advising the government that it would still be better if
you honour the rulings and the House. By this time Rabbani, too,
seemed to have composed his thoughts and informed the House that the
relevant court had already been moved.
Rabbanis statement did not satisfy the agitating senators who, after
shooting off a barrage of angry speeches, staged a boycott of the
proceedings until the government came up with a categorical stance on
the issue. At this point the interior minister Gen (retd) Naseerullah
Babar also promised to look into the matter despite its being a
provincial matter.
Babar assured the House that Shahbaz would be brought back to
Adiala, requesting the opposition members in the same breath to
curtail their visits to the jail. He, however, did not give any time
frame for Shahbazs return from Attock.
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951229
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Sherpao opposes demand for Shahs removal
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Bureau Report
PESHAWAR, Dec. 28: The NWFP Chief Minister, Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao,
reacted sharply to the Leader of Opposition, Mian Nawaz Sharifs
demand that the Sindh government should be removed immediately. Mr
Sherpao, in a statement, termed the demand as a negation of both the
democratic norms and the Constitution.
The chief minister said that the leader of the opposition should have
refrained from issuing such an irresponsible statement. Mr Sherpao
said that the Abdullah Shah government in Sindh was a constitutionally
elected government, and it was enjoying the support of the majority in
the Sindh Assembly as well as among the people of the province.
He urged the opposition leader to desist from issuing such
irresponsible statements which amounted to undermining the norms of
democracy.
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951231
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Noorani hints at understanding with PML, thanks people
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Staff Reporter
KARACHI, Dec. 30: The chairman and other leaders of the Milli Yekjehti
Council (MYC) expressed their gratitude to the people for observing a
complete and peaceful wheel-jam strike throughout the country.
Maulana Noorani thanked the PML, the MQM and the MQM (H) also for
extending their support in making the strike a most successful one.
Asked whether there was any chance of cooperation with the PML in view
of its support for the strike, Maulana Noorani said: Chances of
reaching understanding with the PML have brightened.
At the outset of his Press conference, Maulana Noorani alleged that
the government not only harassed workers of the MYC component parties
during its Fridays protest day and on Saturdays countrywide strike,
arrested 200 workers, raided the city Jamaat-i-Islami office twice,
used baton-charge against workers in Lahore and Sheikhupura.
Accusing the United States of instigating sectarian clashes in
Pakistan, Maulana Noorani alleged the US by weakening our country
could use our territory against Iran.
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951230
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Nawazs demand termed undemocratic
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Staff Reporter
KARACHI, Dec. 29: Minister of State for Law and Parliamentary Affairs
Mian Raza Rabbani said that leader of the oppositions demand for a
neutral and un-elected set-up in Sindh to pave the way for resolving
the Karachi problem was an anti- democratic approach.
Mr Rabbani said the government had inherited the problem of terrorism
in Karachi which became more serious after the army operation launched
by the Sharif government. That operation, he claimed, had not only
resulted in the fragmentation of the MQM but also added to the
problems of the Urdu-speaking people in Karachi .
He also flayed the opposition leader for bringing judiciary into
disrepute which, he claimed, was independent and functioning according
to the law. He said the government was fully aware of the Karachi
problem and was doing its utmost to solve it through administrative
and political means.
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951231
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Minister: flays new formula demand
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Naseer Ahmad
KARACHI, Dec. 30: Federal Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs
Prof N. D. Khan, stressing the need for resolving national issues
through dialogue, criticised the Milli Yekjehtis strike call and
Nawaz Sharifs demand for an alternative formula for the Karachi
issue.
He said the government was ready to be guided through talks as the
nation needed conciliation and not confrontation. Lashing out at
Opposition leader Nawaz Sharif for his reported demand for an
alternative formula for solving the Karachi issue, he instead blamed
the problem on Mr Sharif himself saying it was he who had handed over
the city to the army.
He asked the opposition leader to dissociate himself from terrorists
and this is our alternative formula for resolving the issue. The
minister said he wanted to know the former prime ministers response
to the demand for division of Sindh.
He advised opposition legislators to wait till 1998 for elections. If
they do not have enough patience, they would better enjoy recreation
abroad, he remarked.
He criticised the demand for a presidential system in the country and
said the present parliamentary system suited it most. The country can
afford no more experiments, he said and added that the present
institutions needed to be strengthened.
If there is no political stability, there will be no economic
stability as well, he said.
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951231
-------------------------------------------------------------------
MQM urged to resume talks
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Staff Reporter
KARACHI, Dec. 30: Renewing the governments call to the MQM for
resuming the stalled talks, Federal Minister for Law and Parliamentary
Affairs N.D. Khan said the opposition could not be absolved of its
responsibility toward the restoration of peace and normality to
Karachi.
Mr Khan said both the government and the opposition had equal
responsibility in this regard.
Commenting on opposition leader Mian Nawaz Sharifs statement asking
the government to come up with a solution to the problem within three
days, Mr Khan said: He owes equal responsibility toward bringing
improvement in the Karachi situation as it is of vital importance to
national security.
Mr Khan flayed the opposition leader for criticising the government
for the situation in Karachi and other parts of the province but not
condemning the acts of terrorism in which innocent people had lost
lives, and economy had been badly affected.
Mr Khan said that the attitude of Mian Nawaz Sharif was becoming
negative and counter- productive day by day. He has been engaged in
destabilising the government from the day one.
The chief government negotiator said that being the leader of the
major opposition party, Mr Sharif should have pursued his own agenda
rather than followed the agenda of other parties.
It was he who had handed over the Sindh province and Karachi to the
army on June 19, 1992, and today he was asking for solving the Karachi
problem within three days.
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951231
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Afzals views on the political situation and Kalabagh dam
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Staff Correspondent
QUETTA, Dec. 30: Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Northern
Areas, Afzal Khan, has said that MQM and other opposition parties
should come forward with concrete proposals to pave the way for the
solution of Karachi crisis.
MQM is a reality and without participation of this party no political
talks could succeed for the resolution of Karachi crisis, said
federal minister. He said that frequent strikes, support to terrorist
activities and violence was not solution of the Karachi crisis and it
would bring more difficulties and problems for the people of this
city.
He said that Prime Minister had already extended an invitation to
opposition leader Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif for political dialogues
on various important issues including Karachi crisis but PML-N Chief
refused to accept this offer.
Opposition leader should accept the invitation of Prime Minister
Benazir Bhutto and they should sit together to develop consensus on
national issues including nuclear programme, Kashmir and restoration
of peace to Karachi, Afzal Khan added.
He said that differences between political leaders and parties on
different issues is part of democracy but it should not be turned into
personal enmity.
Replying to a question about Kalabagh Dam, Mr. Afzal Khan said that
although PQP was strongly against the construction of this huge dam in
NWFP but we could not support any terrorist and unconstitutional way
to sabotage the construction of this dam.
Construction of Kalabagh Dam is a matter of our life and death and
our party would continue its opposition without any compromise, said
Mr Khan.
He said that three provinces viz; Balochistan, Sindh and NWFP were
opposing this project and the provincial assemblies of all the three
provinces also adopted unanimous resolutions against the construction
of the Dam.
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960101
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Lawyers condemn police raid
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Staff Correspondent
KARACHI, Dec. 31: An emergency meeting of the managing committee of
the Sindh High Court Bar Association condemned the midnight intrusion
by police into the house of Obaidur Rahman, a seniormost member of
Sindh High Court Bar, after breaking open the locks.
The meeting viewed with great concern the fact that after the unlawful
raid and illegal search, Mr Rahman was taken away forcibly from his
house in a police van and wrongfully confined at North Nazimabad
Police Station without any due process of law.
They have demanded that the authorities concerned should immediately
and unconditionally tender an apology for disturbing and violating the
privacy, family land freedom of Obaidur Rahman and for trespassing
into his house by breaking the locks without any cogent reason.
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960102
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Govt castigated for governing through ordinances
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Mohammad Malick
ISLAMABAD, Jan 1: Law Minister N.D.Khans hope of a smooth rendering
of item three of the days agenda was dashed when the opposition
senators castigated the government for governing through ordinances.
The item pertained to the laying of no less than 11 presidential
ordinances before the House, with a fair share consisting of those
being repromulgated.
The issue was brought up rather surprisingly by Sen Manzoor Gichki,
incidentally an ally of the ruling party. Not surprisingly, however,
the senator was immediately swamped by the whole- hearted support of
the opposition which was more than eager to agitate an issue that has
been proving a constant source of embarrassment for the government.
Even the president had registered his disapproval with the pace of
ordinances in his address to the joint parliamentary session.
While both N.D.Khan and his deputy, Raza Rabbani, were present, the
law minister left it to Mr Rabbani to defend the government. In his
counter- arguments, the minister of state for law reasoned that the
Supreme Court did not bar the government from issuing ordinances,
and advised the opposition to revert to the court to seek a detailed
interpretation of its verdict. He said parliamentarians could not
interpret the verdict of the Supreme Court.
At this point Aftab Sheikh, an accomplished lawyer himself,
interjected by arguing that while the House could not debate the
verdict of the court it could surely discuss the issue in the light of
the Constitution. He asked the law minister to explain the emergency
behind issuing ordinances as warranted in Article 89 of the
Constitution. He said most of the subjects covered by these ordinances
did not even qualify as being of emergency nature, let alone of
proving an emergency.
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960102
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The economy under siege
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The year that has just closed its accounts has left behind memories,
mostly, of despair and gloom and a few achievements and upturns in the
country's economic performance. On the negative side it was marked by
spasms of turmoil in the capital market, continued stagnation in
manufacturing, imposition of heavy taxation, exorbitant increases in
charges of utilities, and sharp fluctuations in exports (a respectable
increase in the first half and a sharp decline in the second). Added
to this long list were the devaluation of the rupee, frequent strikes
and suspension of economic activity, unabated double digit inflation,
etc. The heaviest battering the economy took was from planted rumours
(demonetisation, financial bankruptcy) military coup, etc.) which,
along with strikes, played havoc with it. The sponsors of these had
aimed at just that and largely succeeded in achieving their objective
of scaring away foreign and domestic investment and providing big push
to prices.
On the positive side, agriculture sector appears to have turned the
corner and infrastructure, after long neglect, is receiving attention
and investment. Budget deficit came down from 8 per cent of GDP to 5.5
per cent, though not yet within the safe limit. Revenue collection
registered some improvement while the State Bank partially succeeded
in imposing financial discipline and started operating a
comprehensive market mechanism to ensure monetary stability. The basic
maladies of the economy, inherently strong and resilient, are rooted
in the inflexibility of the revenues and expenditure of the federal
and provincial governments and lack of will on the part of the
political leadership to evolve an appropriate corrective strategy.
These maladies are not new. Their symptoms began to appear when during
the early '80s current expenditure began to be financed by loans and
development, outlays declined as a proportion of total government
declined government spending. It is now 20 per cent against 40 per
cent in the late 70. As a part of current and entire development
expenditure having been financed, over a period of a decade and a
half, from loans, debt servicing amounted to a very high proportion of
total revenues. In 1994-95 debt servicing and defence together
consumed close to 90 per cent of the total revenues; in 1996-97
revenue collection may fall far short of the requirements even for
these two heads.
Budget deficit for 1994-95, though reduced as a proportion of GDP,
exceeded the target by 1.5 per credit. The trend showed signs of
accelerating during the first half of fiscal 1995-96. This deficit is
the root cause of most of the economic ills. It limits government's
policy options; reduces financial resources for development, in both
the private and public sectors; disturbs monetary stability;
accelerates inflationary pressures; intensifies mal-distribution of
income; strengthens the renter class; and leads to a decline in
exports, creating dis-equilibrium in the balance of payments; and
prepares the ground for devaluation. The year 1995 saw all these
things happening as a result of the failure to achieve the target of
budget deficit. The government followed the established pattern of
raising taxes to reduce deficit, thereby increasing the burden of the
urban classes.
Despite the proddings of the IMF and the World Bank whose writs
otherwise run unchallenged, successive governments have failed over
the years to raise water rates, levy tax on farm incomes or recover
the nominal tax that has been imposed on agricultural assets. For
promotion of a tax culture, fair play and equity are essential.
Because of the absence of these, a sort of resistance, as distinct
from evasion, to payment of taxes is developing. Before this grows
into a movement, the rulers must eliminate discriminatory laws and
practices and base the taxation system on fairness and the universally
accepted principle of equal income equal tax.
During the earlier part of the year, government-business relations
remained very tense, leading to protest strikes, a phenomenon unheard
of in business world. In the latter half, the relations between the
two slightly improved as a result of various packages of concessions
and incentives, especially for the spinners. The government's
proposals for reforming the structure of trade bodies has drawn a
positive response from a large body of businessmen. Cordiality between
the PPP government and the big business could not be restored,
however, because of the government's insistence on the recovery of
defaulted loans, raising of equity-debt ratio and absence of easy
availability of loans from financial institutions. Until recently most
industrialists had largely relied on soft loans, made available
liberally; most of them were never paid back. Defaulted loans which
amounted to Rs 80 billion two years ago are now said to have crossed
the Rs 100 billion mark despite accelerated recoveries. It is because
of these factors and also the high rate of interest (resulting from
the reduced credit pool because large resource locked up in non-
performing loans) that large-scale manufacturing remained stagnant.
The year 1996 is expected to stimulate economic recovery.
The hope emanates from the upswing in the agriculture sector which
contributes a quarter of the GNP, provides employment to half the
labour force and transmits life blood into other sectors. All the
major cropswheat, rice, cotton and sugarcanehave done well. Minor
crops have not done badly either. Cotton would lift both manufacturing
and exports and, as a consequence, other sectors as well. Capital
market is already showing signs of recovery. If law and order improves
and confrontationist politics does not target the economy for its
onslaughts as it did last year, the rest of the macro-economic
indicators should look up. On its part, the government needs to remove
the impression of drift and indecision and problems should be attended
to as soon as they arise.
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960103
-------------------------------------------------------------------
PIA, CAA offer different versions on charter flight
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Sabihuddin Ghausi
KARACHI, Jan 2: Conflicting answers have been offered by Pakistan
International Airlines and Civil Aviation Authority to the Federal
Anti Corruption Committees (FACC) query regarding the operation of a
mysterious charter flight to India from Pakistan in June last.
The FACC, headed by Sen Malik Mohammad Qasim, inquired about this
particular charter flight to India after reading press reports that
wives of top bureaucrats flew in New Delhi for shopping on which
50,000 dollars were reported to have been spent.
The PIA informed the FACC of a chartered flight on June 6. It was
operated from Islamabad to New Delhi and was flown back to Lahore.
It was chartered by National Power, Karachi for Keith Henry, the
firms chief executive from UK, and his team, Saeed Khan of PIA
informed the FACC on Dec. 12.
However, before getting this reply from the PIA, the FACC was informed
by the CAA on Dec. 6: We have found out one non-scheduled extra
section of F-27 flight PK 2721/2722 operated on Islamabad-New Delhi-
Lahore sector on 06 June 1995. On its return from New Delhi on the
same date, it landed at Lahore. An extra section operated by the
PIA does not fall into the category of charter flight, Zahid Raza,
GM, air transport, informed Ali Ashraf Khan, a member of the FACC, in
his official letter on Dec. 6.
While acknowledging the receipt of the letter and taking exception to
the inaccuracy of the information, the FACC in a strongly worded
communication to the PIA managing director, told him that the answer
is sufficiently misleading, perhaps deliberately couched as such with
certain reasons unknown to us.
The FACC pointed out the inaccuracy between the replies offered by the
PIA and Civil Aviation and has demanded a copy of the passengers
manifest showing the names of passengers who travelled on both sectors
on this flight.
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960103
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Pakistan to protest against explosion by India
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ISLAMABAD, Jan 2: The dangers of testing a nuclear device by India are
too widespread and Pakistan just cannot remain unconcerned over such a
development which will have a nuclear fallout on it.
Pakistan has no choice but to strongly protest over any attempt by
India to explode a nuclear device, said Shafqat while commenting on
the reports that India is preparing to explode a second nuclear
device. India tested its first nuclear device in 1974.
Shafqat said a nuclear test by India will have a destabilising impact
on South Asia and will exacerbate an arms race. He said seen in the
backdrop of Indian burgeoning missile programme (development of
Prithvi and Agni), it will make South Asia a dangerous place.
Mr Shafqat said whether it was Indian lobbying to become member of UN
Security Council, develop a long-range missile system and a desire to
have a very high profile nuclear programme, are all efforts geared in
one direction to become a global power.
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960103
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Pakistan to protest against explosion by India
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ISLAMABAD, Jan 2: The dangers of testing a nuclear device by India are
too widespread and Pakistan just cannot remain unconcerned over such a
development which will have a nuclear fallout on it.
Pakistan has no choice but to strongly protest over any attempt by
India to explode a nuclear device, said Shafqat while commenting on
the reports that India is preparing to explode a second nuclear
device. India tested its first nuclear device in 1974.
Shafqat said a nuclear test by India will have a destabilising impact
on South Asia and will exacerbate an arms race. He said seen in the
backdrop of Indian burgeoning missile programme (development of
Prithvi and Agni), it will make South Asia a dangerous place.
Mr Shafqat said whether it was Indian lobbying to become member of UN
Security Council, develop a long-range missile system and a desire to
have a very high profile nuclear programme, are all efforts geared in
one direction to become a global power.
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960104
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Islamabad to again seek : Altafs extradition
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Ihtashamul Haque
ISLAMABAD, Jan 3: Pakistan has decided to officially seek the
extradition of MQM leader Altaf Hussain from London and try him here
on various charges.
British Home Secretary Michael Howard is arriving in Islamabad on Jan
7 and we will discuss with him how to extradite MQM leader Altaf
Hussain despite the fact that Pakistan does not have an extradition
treaty with England, Interior Minister Naseerullah Babar said.
He told Dawn on Wednesday that the extradition of Mr Hussain from
London would be one of the main issues to be discussed with the
British home secretary during his three-day stay.
Pakistan had earlier requested Interpol to apprehend the MQM chief and
extradite him. However, nothing came out of that move.
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Meet Sabz and Zaitooni.
Theyve been around for 180 million and would like to stay.
Can they?
Its up to you
Pakistan harbours 2 of the 7 species of turtles found in the world
today.
For 180 million years, Sabz (Green Turtle) and Zaitooni (Olive Ridley
Turtle) have come to Karachis beaches to lay their eggs. Sadly today
Sabz and Zaitooni are in danger. Soon they may be extinct. Unless you
help.
Once the eggs are laid, Sabz and Zaitooni returns to the sea. The eggs
although camouflaged in a nest hole are threatened by predators; Every
year fewer and fewer eggs hatch. If this continues, none of Sabz and
Zaitoonis eggs will hatch and they will disappear forever.
Are you going to allow this to happen?
Sabz and Zaitooni are a vital balancing link in our ecological system.
They have brought colour and variety to our beaches. They are one of
the most ancient vertebrate life forms in the world and play an
important role in our understanding of nature.
Once Sabz and Zaitooni go they will never come back!
To save Sabz and Zaitooni, more enclosures to protect their eggs have
to be built and maintained. But we cannot manage alone.
We need your help to ensure that Sabz and Zaitooni stay.
So its up to you.
Please join us in saying ........
SABZ AND ZAITOONI, PLEASE STAY
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SABZ AND ZAITOONI CONSERVATION PROJECT
Facts on the Marine Turtles of Pakistan
Two species of marine turtles nest on Karachis beaches at Hawkesbay
and Sandspit; the Green Turtle (Sabz Kachwa) and Olive Ridley
(Zaitooni Ridley Kachwa).
The Green Turtle (Sabz Kachwa):
* Latin name: Chelonia Mydas
* Adult shell length: 90-110 cms
* Adult weight: 280-300 Ibs
* Food: Seaweed
* Nesting areas: Tropical & subtropical beaches around the world
* Interesting Fact: They are the only vegetarian species among marine
turtles. It takes 12 to 15 years before they reach adulthood and
return to nest. They have the highest commercial value for food among
all sea turtles.
The Olive Ridley Turtle (Zaitooni Ridley Kachwa):
* Latin Name: Lepidochelys Olivacea
* Adult shell length: 70-75 cms
* Adult weight: 100-150 Ibs
* Food: molluscs
* Nesting areas: Costa Rica, India, Mexico and Pakistan
* Interesting Fact: The rarest and smallest among marine turtles.
How do turtles make a nest and by their eggs?
Coming ashore at night the female turtle digs a 3 feet deep hole with
her powerful flippers. Once fixed in this depression she lays an
average of 100 eggs. After laying the eggs she covers the hole with
sand using both her front and rear flippers and then return to the
sea.
What happens after the eggs hatch?
The eggs usually hatch after 40 to 60 days due to the heat from the
sun and0 the chemical composition of the sand. Once they hatch they
are attached to the brightest spot over the sea. If there are
artificial lights the hatchlings are easily disoriented. They may then
run inland and suffer exhaustion, desiccation, death by predators or
accidents by vehicles on the road.
Why do Turtles Cry?
Turtles appear to shed tears when they come ashore to lay their eggs.
In fact they are excreting excess salt from their bodies to maintain
their physiological salt balance.
Why are Turtles disappearing from our Shores ?
All marine turtles species are in danger of extinction due to the
following reasons:
- Commercial trade for turtle skins shells medicines and cosmetics.
- Destruction of the eggs by predators and poachers
- Accidental capture of turtles in fishing nets.
- Extensive shore-line development human disturbances and pollution.
Why Protect our Turtles ?
Turtles are known as the last of the worlds living dinosaurs. They
first appeared on earth between 150 and 200 million years ago during
the Triassic period. Their ancestors were land dwelling reptiles. Now
if through negligence and greed we allow these magnificent animals to
become extinct we will lose one of the most ancient vertebrate life
forms in our world today.
How can You Save our Turtles?
You can help save our turtles by making a donation to the Sabz and
Zaitooni Turtle Conservation Project.
Payments can be sent in the following form to the address given below:
cheque or
credit card payment authorization (American Express or Visa)
Address:
The Sabz and Zaitooni Turtle Conservation Project
c/o Dawn Group of Newspapers
Haroon House
Dr.Ziauddin Ahmed Road
Karachi-74200, Pakistan
Sabz and Zaitooni need your help to stay on our lovely Karachi
beaches.
===================================================================
===================================================================
960102
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial crisis looms in PTVC
-------------------------------------------------------------------
M. Ziauddin
ISLAMABAD, Jan 1: The financial viability of Pakistan Television
Corporation (PTVC), one of governments oldest commercial
organisations, has lately become highly uncertain as expenditures have
begun outstripping its income of around Rs. 1.50 billion annually.
Overheads, overstaffing, medical expenses, staff loans, bonuses, ex-
gratia payments, house rent advances and uncalled for secretariat
allowances etc are said to be the main factors upsetting PTVs budget
which is burdened with an annual salary bill of Rs. 500 million for
6000 staff. There are 700 more posts lying vacant in the Corporation
because of the governmental ban on recruitment.
In 1993 the revenue income was around Rs.700 million which went upto
Rs.1.50 billion in 1995, but meanwhile expenses rocketed up due mainly
to an uncalled for sudden jump in the perks and take home salaries of
the staff and also because of mismanagement. Attempts of some of the
past administrations and that of the present one headed by Mrs. Rana
Sheikh to bring about a qualitative change in the programming
including news and current affairs programmes have come to nought
because of budgetary constraints and due also to the chronic dearth of
talent at the senior levels where the real creative work is carried
out and programmes conceived.
Until the advent of Lt. General (retd.) Mujibur Rehman in the PTVC in
late 1970s, promotions in the Corporation used to be accorded on the
basis of merit and seniority, but the General-turned-Information
Secretary made seniority the sole criteria for going up the ladder
which reportedly killed initiative, devotion and creativity and
promoted sycophancy, indifference and pedestrianism.
Talented young staffers awaiting promotion are said to have taken up
assignments outside the Corporation to satisfy their creative
impulses, earning in the process additional incomes while the
untalented are ruling the roost at the helm purely on the basis of
seniority.
Because of in-house dearth of creative talent, the Corporation is said
to have started buying programmes from outside which is reported to
have added further to its financial difficulties. Previously, outside
producers used to buy time from the PTV at a hefty fees to telecast
their programmes, financing the entire deal by enlisting the support
of private sponsors and advertisers.
The increase in broadcast time by 100 per cent in the meanwhile and
the competition since in the shape of NTM are also said to have
affected PTVs income and expenditure. More so, because the government
in the meantime has also stopped providing the Corporation financial
help for running the boosters and stations set up for socio-economic
reasons in non-revenue regions.
However, financially doubtful decisions at important junctures and
overstaffing are said to have, in the main, made the Corporation as
economically unviable as the PIA has now become, and if immediate
corrective steps are not taken, to make it leaner and meaner, the PTV
is soon likely to join the Pakistan Railways on the shelf of perpetual
losers, fear independent financial analysts.
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951229
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Billions lost due to perpetual delay
-------------------------------------------------------------------
M.Ziauddin
ISLAMABAD, Dec. 28: A public sector cement project, conceived as a BMR
investment with a completion period of three years, has taken more
than seven years to be commissioned with a cost overrun of nearly Rs 3
billion.
My in-depth investigation reveals a pathetic case of mis-management,
and lack of appreciation for the cost implication vis-a-vis timeliness
of project execution.
Surprisingly, the time delays have occurred despite the frequent
supervision by the World Bank team and large supervisory inputs from
the outside consultants for which the corporation paid an amount of Rs
342 million.
A cause of the additional cost burden is said to be owing to the
denomination of the loan financing in a currency (German mark) which
has been appreciating against the dollar.
Such irresponsible use of public resources by responsible officials
with clout is said to be the main reason for the recurring budgetary
deficits, as bureaucrats with the right connections are known to get
the finance ministry to approve of the most unreasonable expenditures
without much difficulty.
Also, the entire period of seven years during which Rs 3 billion were
added to a Rs 2 billion cement project was one of heightened political
turmoil in the country, making it possible for the officials
responsible to escape accountability.
That is why bureaucracy relishes political turmoils and where there
is none, it creates made-to-order crisis so as to carry on its
business unhindered, explained a former bureaucrat who claims to know
his class inside out.
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951229
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Trade ties with India
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Staff Reporter
KARACHI, Dec. 28: The Federal Commerce Secretary, Mr Salman Farooqi
disclosed that the government was not according India the status of
Most Favoured Nation as being propagated by certain quarters.
He removed the conception about trade with India and added that we
are not in a hurry and have enough time to hold consultations and
carry out studies to protect countrys interest.
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960102
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Resumption of trade ties with India
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Staff Reporter
KARACHI, Jan 1: Acting Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir,
Chowdhry Mohammad Eusaff has urged the Pakistan government to give due
consideration to the sacrifices of freedom fighters in Kashmir before
taking any decision on resuming trade with India.
Chowdhry Eusaff specifically mentioned the nefarious designs of India
aimed only to inflict an economic blow to Pakistan as well as
Kashmir.
Highlighting the importance of trade linkages between Pakistan and
Kashmir, he said irrespective of tension prevailing at the border
the industrial area of Azad Kashmir has been relatively peaceful for
the last one year and people should consider investing in these
industrial zones.
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951230
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The critical setback to industry
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Sultan Ahmed
In a country where the manufacturing sector has to be given top
priority to reduce the massive unemployment, accelerate the sluggish
economic growth, and increase the exports, 1995 has been a
disappointing year. Some have attributed the very low growth in the
manufacturing sector in 1994-95 to the shortfall in cotton production
and its high prices, but that is only a part of 'the explanation. The
larger part of the setback was due to a combination of negative
factors in which official policies played the decisive role.
The manufacturing sector grew by 4.41 percent in 1994-95 against 5.39
percent in the preceding year, but the setback to the large scale
sector was even greater as it expanded by only 2.69 per cent against
4.14 per cent during the preceding two years. The situation was saved
by the small scale industrial sector which grew by 8.4 per cent as in
the preceding year despite the small financial assistance and other
help it received from official quarters as it lacks. political clout
and is not well organised to exert the right pressure on the
government.
Even in the area of sugar production which had a record output the
industry faced serious problems as it was not permitted to export its
surplus at a time of peak world prices and the decision to permit
exports currency slowly and only partially for fear of shortages at
home pushing up prices and destabilising the government politically.
Simultaneously the government reduced the tax relief to the industry
and tried to force the mills to sell sugar at arbitrarily low prices
at home by arresting a few of their owners and seizing some of their
stocks, particularly in the Punjab.
As a result of negative fiscal policies following the move to collect
Rs 45.5 billion more as taxes in 1994-95 principally from industry,
many industries recorded negative growth, including a fall in the
making of motor cycles of 20.3 per cent bicycles of 15.3 percent and
motor tyres and tubes of 5.2 per cent, paper and board industries of
4.9 percent, jute goods 11.4 percent, cigarettes of 3 percent and
fertilisers of 0.3 percent after a growth of 21 percent the year
before. Compared to that the cotton yarn output increased by 3 percent
and cotton cloth by 7.8 percent showing the poor performance of the
principal industry of Pakistan which had to import cotton at high
prices.
Figures for the industrial performance in the second half of 1995 are
not available. But Mr V.A. Jafarey, adviser to the Prime Minister on
finance, said recently that while the target for industrial growth for
the current year is 6 percent which means its climbing down from the
earlier fixed 6.8 per cent. He said that apart from the cotton
textiles, there has been an increase in all other industries: motor
cycle output has grown by 1.7 per cent, State Cement production by 9
percent and soda ash by 11 percent cigarette making too has increased
substantially. But what matters is not a marginal increase in
manufacturing growth but substantial growth to fulfil the target of
6.8 percent which itself is very low by all standards compared to the
growth of 8 percent recorded in 1991-92.
It is a reflection of the poor performance in the industrial sector
that brochure on two years of peoples government 1993-95 -
achievement and performance published by the government does not
contain a chapter on industrial performance nor does it make any
specific mention of industry.
What is too disappointing is the industry is recording a poor rate of
growth despite the fact that 34 per cent of all imports is machinery
and five percent more of that is import of raw materials for making
machinery. Import of non-electrical machinery in 1994-95 rose to Rs 30
billion from Rs 25.4 billion the year before, and the same pattern
continues now as the rise in the imports during the first five months
of the current year too has been attributed to increase in import of
machinery.
But while the import of machinery goes on rising straining the foreign
exchange resources of the government critically, 3,500 industrial
units in the country are reported to be sick with its critical impact
on industrial output. A committee of the Federation of Chambers of
Commerce and Industry, which has been examining the issue now say it
has finalised suggestions for revival of, or assistance to, about 367
units. And following the directive of the State Bank of Pakistan
repayment of loans of some of these units have been re-scheduled.
So clearly, what matters is not how much-more of machinery is imported
year after year but how well that is used and how much of that goes
into real value added production and exports? There are six major
reasons why industries have been faring badly in recent times.
1. Industry has been forced to bear the brunt of taxation by the
federal and provincial governments while agriculture is exempt from
income tax and trade and service sector as a whole is taxed very
lightly even which the consumers have to pay high charges. Industries
have been hit hard by the additional revenues of Rs 45.5 billion
sought to be collected last year which eventually failed dismally.
2. What upset the industrialists was not only the high and varied
taxation, including turn-over tax, but also the rigorous or arbitrary
manner in which that was sought to be collected, with fear as the
principal instrument. Arrests of industrialists and confiscation or
seizure of their assets became common, and that demoralised the
industrialists.
3. Industrialists were also forced to pay back the loans on which they
had defaulted for long and they were not prepared for that, or not
willing, and to make matters far worse the interest rates shot' up and
following the removal of the cap on the maximum interest rate the rate
rose to 25 percent. And rising interest rates remained the continuing
factor.
4. The crisis in the stock exchanges where the index of the last 22
months added to their problems and they found it difficult to raise
money from the public, and banks offered too little loans on their
shares after their prices had crashed, particularly in the vast
textile sector.
5. As taxes on production went up and along with cost or production
through the rise in the cost of power, POL and gas, smuggling into the
country increased in a big way, and competed successfully with many
Pakistani manufactures.
6. Exports did not increase last year in quantitative terms as much as
prices which accounted for the 18 percent rise in export earnings
which were offset by the 16.7 percent rise in imports. Of course, the
lasting violence and destabilisation in Karachi, and the opposition,
and at times between the government and industrialists made major
contribution to industrial stagnation.
The sustained inflation at 13 percent or even more reduced the demand
for goods at home at high prices and smuggling met the demand
partially at lower prices. Now that the cotton output has risen to
about 10 million bales the industrial picture, particularly in the
textile front, should improve, but there is the lasting tussle between
the cotton lobby and the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association, which
the government has not been able to resolve. And the textile
industrialists demand for a separate textile ministry has been opposed
by the growers.
The need of the times is for the industrialists to become more
enlightened, far sighted and realistic in the post uraguay round the
world with its increasing intense global competition in exports. And
they have also to improve the quality of their products by conforming
to the European Unions ISO 900 standards. And they have to make more
of the value added and export more instead of exporting cheap products
which invite anti-dumping penalties. All that would demand radical
departures from the policies pursued by many of them, and improving
their performance with their banks and the minority share holders,
instead of being accused on all fronts.
And the government has to enter into a real compact with industry on a
long term basis, remove the varied bottle-necks to rapid industrial
growth and ensure a minimum manufacturing growth of 10 percent for the
next 10 years, which means agriculture, too, has to be developed and
modernised to play a major supportive role gainfully for itself.
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960101
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Shipping industry : IT Dept to plug tax evasion
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Staff Correspondent
KARACHI, Dec. 31: The Income Tax Corporate Region has identified
shipping as a potential revenue earning area and an exercise is
underway to ensure that time-chartered ships are duly taxed.
The official who declined to be quoted said the IT Corporate Region
had gathered through its sources that some foreign shipping companies
had been operating through their time-chartered vessels without paying
taxes on them.
He said voyage-chartered vessels will continue to operate without
paying taxes and added that the vessels of such countries that have
bilateral shipping agreements with Pakistan will also continue to
enjoy tax exemptions.
It was also mentioned that the IT department and the Central Board of
Revenue (CBR) can easily track down such agencies. It should not be
difficult for the CBR to ascertain whether a shipping agency conducts
only such functions that are declared in its registration documents or
trespasses them.
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960102
-------------------------------------------------------------------
PNSC suffers Rs 434.374m loss during 1994-95
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Staff Reporter
KARACHI, Jan 1: A loss of Rs 434.374 million was declared by the
Chairman, Pakistan National Shipping Corporation at the 17th Annual
General Body meeting of the corporation.
The PNSC chief informed the shareholders that the fluctuation in the
charter market was the cause of the losses. He said that the situation
further aggravated due to heavy depreciation of Pak rupee against US
dollar and Japanese yen through which most of our overseas payments
are effected.
He said that over 135 per cent increase in bulk cargo lifting was
mainly to securing of entire iron ore affreightment contract from
Pakistan Steel. Compared to 0.161 million tons in 1993-94, PNSC
carried 1.450 million tons of iron ore during 1994-95.
Simultaneously the wheat lifting during the year under review
increased to 1.478 million tons from 0.670 million tons during 1993-
94. The bulk cargo was lifted on chartered vessels as at present PNSC
does not own any bulk carrier.
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960102
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Insurance firms to be exempted from gain tax
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ISLAMABAD, Jan 1: The President, Islamabad Stock Exchange (ISE), Mr
Tariq Iqbal said that the insurance companies would soon be exempted
from capital gain tax after the resolution of the procedural
difficulties in this regard.
He said, the presidents of the three stock exchanges had suggested
during their meeting with the prime minister last month, to exempt the
insurance companies from capital gain tax in order to bring them at
par with the other listed companies of the stock market, which was in
principle agreed by the government.
Responding to a question, the president, ISE categorically dispelled
the impression that presidents of the three stock exchanges who had
met the prime minister in December last had asked the government for
injecting funds into the stock market to help overcome the crisis in
the market.
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960103
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Compensation package for UBL workers
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Faraz Hashmi
ISLAMABAD, Jan 2 : A compensation package, to be given to the
employees of United Bank Limited (UBL), will be signed between the
Privatisation Commission and representatives of All Pakistan Employees
and Officers Federation of the UBL.
The commission has agreed to pay 20 per cent shares of the bank to the
employees, which will be disbursed progressively according to the
percentage of shares sold to the strategic investor.
In the first phase, when the commission will sell 26 per cent shares
of the bank to the investor, the employees will get 5.1 per cent
shares.
After one year, when the commission will hand over another 25 per cent
shares to the investors, the employees will again get 5 per cent
shares. Subsequently, when the remaining 39 per cent shares will be
off-loaded, the employees will again get 9 per cent shares.
The commission has already pre-qualified three international
companies, Faysal Bank, Bahrain EC and Saudi Basharahil for final
bidding scheduled to be held on Jan 8.
The government had made a commitment to the IMF to sell 26 per cent of
UBL shares to a strategic investor.
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960104
-------------------------------------------------------------------
UBL employees, PC sign package deal
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Faraz Hashmi
ISLAMABAD, Jan 3: The Privatisation Commission, cleared a major
impediment in the sale of the United Bank Limited (UBL), by signing a
compensation package with the employees union.
The agreement singed by the United Bank Limited Employees Federation
of Pakistan (UBLEF), on behalf of 24000 workers and officers with the
Privatisation Commission gave job security for a period of one year,
assurance to regularise 50 per cent adhoc employees on seniority basis
and the implementation of Wage Board Award due from January 1 and
offer of 20 percent bank shares.
The 20 per cent of the total shares of the bank will be sold to the
employees at the bid price offered by the strategic investors.
The Secretary General of the UBLEF Abdul Aziz Memon, who was a
signatory to the agreement expressed his satisfaction and praised the
government for protecting the rights of the workers.
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960103
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Senate panel report on privatisation
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Nasir Malick
ISLAMABAD, Jan 2: The Senate opposed the sale of state-run United Bank
Limited (UBL) to a foreign investor, asked the government not to sell
Pakistan Telecommunication Corporation in a haste and use
privatisation proceeds for debt retirement.
The privatisation of UBL should be deferred till the broader issue of
selling majority shares in our financial institutions to foreign
buyers has been decided, a report of the Senate Standing Committee on
Finance said.
The report said that the two companies Faysal Islamic Bank of
Bahrain and Saudi Basharatul Group short-listed by the Privatisation
Commission for the sale of 26 per cent shares of the PTC to a
strategic investor were foreign companies.
The Senate Committee report said that the sale of UBL, with more than
1,600 branches in Pakistan and 25 highly profitable branches abroad,
would be a serious departure of Pakistans policy of allowing only
restricted activity to foreign banks.
It pointed out that even during Uruguay Round of trade talks, the
developing countries had put up a stiff resistance to demands for
opening their services sector to foreigners, notably banks and
insurance companies.
The committee also asked the government for holding an independent
assessment about the credibility and propriety of the buyers
interested in purchasing the UBL by an impartial committee headed by
the Governor of the State Bank.
The report said the sale of the UBL was being pushed without carrying
independent valuation of the banks assets and liabilities. Valuation
is the first important step in the process of privatisation in order
to obtain a benchmark price below which the enterprise should not be
sold.
It said the committee was of the considered opinion that in the
interest of transparency as well as the delicate nature of banking, an
independent committee headed by State Bank Governor be constituted for
valuation purposes.
PRIVATISATION OF PTCL: The committee has also opposed the sale of 26
per cent shares of PTCL to a strategic investor at less than the price
at which 10 per cent shares of the organisation were sold earlier in
1994.
The government had sold 10 per cent of PTCL shares at Rs 55 per share
in 1994.
The report said the present prices of the PTCL shares at the countrys
three bourses were almost half Rs 27 per share than the price at
which these shares were sold earlier.
If another 26 per cent shares are offered in the present depressed
state of the market to one of the strategic investors, the country
would receive only one-third or even one-fourth of the real value of
the most precious national asset.
It said at the present market price, the PTCL would hardly fetch 1.2
billion dollars, which would be equal to 14 months earnings of the
PTCL.
But an official of the Privatisation Commission, when contacted to
comment on this issue, said the fears of the committee were unfounded.
He said the investors would be offering the price not considering the
present market conditions but their long-term financial interests,
particularly when they would also be taking over the control of the
organisation.
The report also asked for formulating adequate regulatory mechanism so
that the bidders would have a clear view of the rules they had to
follow.
The government on Monday appointed two regulatory bodies for PTCL but
Committee chairman Prof Khursheed said these bodies have yet to frame
the rules.
The committee recommends that the privatisation of PTC should be
deferred until the relevant law for regulatory mechanism has been
approved by the Parliament, the report said adding: Also 26 per cent
shares should be sold to a strategic investor at this stage only of
the price offered is reasonably above the price at which 10 per cent
shares were sold along with the transfer of management.
It said that if such a price could not be realised then the
privatisation of the PTC should be deferred till conditions of the
countrys stock market improve.
MISUSE OF PRIVATISATION PROCEEDS: The Senate committee termed the sale
of 13 industrial units by the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party as a loss
to the national exchequer.
It said unlike past, when the liabilities were also transferred, only
assets were transferred in the sale of 13 units. These units were sold
at a total price of Rs 864 million whereas the liabilities which were
written off and the money paid by the government in golden hand shake
stood at 1.36 billion. The sale of these units thus involved a net
loss of 506 million rupees to the state, the report said.
The committee also opposed the government for using proceeds from the
privatisation funds. He said out of Rs 34.5 billion earned so far
through the privatisation, the government has already spent Rs 10
billion on development projects under PDSP and SAP, extended loan of
Rs 3.0 billion to WAPDA and earmarked another Rs 6.0 billion for
development projects and paid debts to the tune of Rs 6.0 billion.
Only Rs 6.0 billion has so far been utilised for debt retirement,
the report said.
These resources must not be utilised for budgetary support and
deficit financing... there is a consensus that these funds should be
utilised entirely for retiring the countrys debt rather than current
expenditures.
The report said the total debts were to the tune of 32.0 billion
dollars 24.0 billion dollars foreign debt and the remaining internal
debts. This is a very serious situation and we have asked the
government to stop budgetary support from this fund. Only 10 per
cent of the privatisation proceeds should be utilised for
development.
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960104
-------------------------------------------------------------------
IMF official named : Special Secretary to finance ministry
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Ihtashamul Haque
ISLAMABAD, Jan 3: The government has decided to appoint Mr Mikal Aziz
as a Special Secretary to the ministry of finance, to help overcome
economic problems including inflation and budget deficit.
Mr Mikal Aziz is the son of late Foreign Minister Aziz Ahmad and is
currently serving as one of the Senior Executives of the International
Monetary Fund (IMF), in Washington.
Sources said he is likely to accept the PPP government s offer to
virtually head the ministry of finance and take corrective measures
for improving the economic situation of the country.
Sources said that one of the reasons to appoint Mr Mikal Aziz was to
further cultivate better financial relations with the major donor
agencies, specially the World bank and the IMF.
Although the World bank has increased its annual assistance level from
$700 million to $1 billion and the IMF providing uninterrupted tranche
from the ESAF programme of $1.5 billion, the government wanted
additional foreign resources.
The prime minister is particularly interested to see substantial
increase in the foreign exchange reserves.
Mr Mikal Aziz had earlier served as the Chief Economist in the
Planning Commission as well as the head of the World bank and IMF
division in the Commission.
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960103
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Larger decline averted on stock market
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Commerce Reporter
KARACHI, Jan 2: Stocks remained in a bearish frame of mind as heavy
toll in city violence inhibited large technical buying from any
quarter.
But a near spate of new issues during the first fortnight of the new
year, offering shares worth about Rs 700 million to the general public
after last years relative quiet tells a different story.
The market resistance to further decline was led by the current
favourites, notably PTC vouchers and Hub-Power, which were again
massively traded.
But fresh decline in some of the MNCs, notably Lever Brothers, Ciba-
Giegy, Shell, PSO, ICI Pakistan, Brooke Bond, Reckitt and Colman and
PSO worried investors as their performance could have negative impact
on the others despite the fact that Engro Chemicals, Siemens Pakistan
and Wellcome Pakistan managed to finish with good gains. Philips,
which fell Rs 7 was the leading losers.
Some of the local blue chips also followed their lead and fell
modestly under the lead of Adamjee Insurance, D.G.Khan Cement,
Kohinoor Power, Quice Foods and Mustehkam Cement were leading among
the losers.
However, all was not bad with the broader market as a good number of
leading shares and second-liners managed to end with good gains under
14th ICP, Century Paper, Kashmir Edibles, 6th ICP, Crescent Bank and
Wellcome Pakistan, which rose by Rs 1.70 to Rs 5.
Other notable gainers were led by KASB, 9th ICP, and Bata Pakistan,
although gains were modest.
Bulk of the support remained centred around the five current
favourites, notably Hub-Power, PTC vouchers, Dewan Salman, Faysal Bank
and ICI Pakistan, which together accounted for 90 per cent of the
total volume.
The most active list was topped by PTC vouchers, up 25 paisa on 5.777
million shares, Hub-Power, higher 35 paisa on 5.775 million shares,
ICI Pakistan, off Rs 1.10 on 823,700 shares, Faysal Bank, off Rs 1.10
on 686,000 shares, Lucky Cement, easy five paisa on 296,000 shares,
Maple Leaf Cement, up 50 paisa on 217,000 shares, Honda Atlas Cars,
lower 10 paisa on 143,500 shares and Dewan Salman off 25 paisa on
1.036 million shares. There were some other notable deals also.
Trading volume rose to 19.603 million shares from the overnight 16.248
million shares thanks to active short-covering at the lower levels.
There were 317 actives, out of which 181 shares fell, while 72 rose,
with 64 holding on to the last levels.
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951229
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Stock market ends on subdued note
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Commerce Reporter
KARACHI, Dec. 28: Stocks market closed on a subdued note as investors
took profits at the higher levels.
The Karachi Stock exchange index of share prices, however, could not
sustain the resistance level of well over 1,500 points and breached it
by an extremely narrow margin, reflecting that a section of operators
was not inclined to close the year beyond this level.
Fateh Textiles, Dewan Textiles and Nakhshbandi Textiles were some of
the big gainers in this sector. Among the investment shares, first
four ICP mutual funds, Askari Leasing, Capital Security, and some
others were good gainers and so were Dewan Salman in the synthetics
,which attracted fresh heavy buying at the lower levels and aided
mainly a good cash dividend and bonus shares.
Cement and energy shares fell fractionally on selling at the higher
levels and so did auto shares.
But chemical and pharmaceutical shares were actively traded and mostly
on the higher side, leading gainers among them being Colgate, Hoechst
Pakistan, Reckitt and Colman, Sitara Chemicals and Engro Chemicals,
rising by one rupee to Rs 4.50.
Nestle Milkpak and Quice Foods were notable gainers in the food
sector, but other sections showed modest decline.
Leading losers were led by Gadoon Textiles, Quality Steel, BOC
Pakistan, and Packages, which suffered fall ranging from Rs 4 to 10.
Telecard, which has been ruling steady around Rs 100 for the last
several sessions, also fell by Rs 10 and so did National Fibre
followed by Ciba-Geigy, Cherat Cement, Elite Modaraba, Al-Faysal Bank,
and Sui Northern.
The most active list was topped by Hub-Power, lower 20 paisa on 8.461
million shares followed by PTC vouchers, steady five paisa on 5.601
million shares, Dewan Salman, higher Rs 1.10 on 1.730 million shares,
Lucky Cement, lower five paisa on 690,000 shares, Faysal Bank, off 05
paisa on 502,500 shares, ICI Pakistan, ICI Pakistan, easy five paisa
on 608,800 shares, and Askari Bank, off Rs 1.65 on 239,000 shares.
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951231
-------------------------------------------------------------------
KSE index of share prices gains 38 points
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Muhammad Aslam
Stocks closed the last week of the fading year on a stead note as
strong institutional support aided partly by a good bit of speculative
and year end buying pushed prices of most of the leading shares
substantially higher from the bottom levels.
The Karachi Stock Exchange index of share prices rose by 39 points at
1,499.28 as compared to 1,460.88 a week earlier, reflecting the
strength of the base shares and other blue chips.
"Over the year the market lost Rs. 80 billion in the total market
capitalisation and the KSE 100 share index shed 600 points, although-
it recovered at the fag end of the year to 1,550 points after hitting
the bottom at 1,322 point at one stage", analysts said.
"The market has lost about Rs. 80 billion in the protracted bearish
spell spread over almost the entire year and needs a correction",.
Dividend announcements both from Dewan Salmam at 20 percent cash and
an identical amount of bonus shares and seven percent cash by TriStar
Modaraba were in line with the market expectations owing to a bad year
and were well received.
But an omission by First Habib Modaraba was disappointing and has its
toll. After consolidating its post-record dividend (320 percent), BOC
Pakistan resumed its upward drive as the management and some order
investors reappeared in the rings to grab the floating stock. There
were sellers as 800 shares were traded and in the process it rose by
another Rs. 70 to Rs. 550 its peak level so far.
National Asset Leasing, Lease Pakistan, Standard Chartered, Union and
Trust Leasing were notable gainers among them. In the bank sector,
Citicorp, Crescent Bank MCB, Al-Faysal and Javed Omer and some others
were leading gainers.
Leading insurance and textile shares also came in for active
shortcovering and generally ended partially recovered under the lead
of Dadabhoy, ALICO, University and Insurance. Leading gainers in the
textile sector were led by Gadoon, Regent Textiles, Kohinoor Textiles
and Nishat Mills.
Barring Dewan Salman, which was massively traded after the news of 20
percent cash dividend and 20 percent bonus, synthetic shares were
generally neglected including Dhan Fibre and Pak Synthetics for want
of support.
Cement shares came in for stray support and extended the previous
gains and so did energy shares, major gainers among them being Chrate,
Dadabhoy and D.G. Khan cement.
Among the energy shares, PSO, Mari Gas Nishat Tek and some other rose,
while Haroon Oils, and Sui Southern fell modestly on selling at the
higher levels.
Leading MNCs played on both sides of the fence amid active rolling of
positions from one counter to the other.
While Siemens Pakistan, Enrgo Chemicals, Glaxo Lab; Lever Brothers,
Pakistan Elektron, and Al-Ghazi Tractors rose sharply, Shell, Ciba-
Geigy, Parke-Davis, Pakistan Gum Hoechst Pakistan, Nestle milk pak and
Wellcome Pakistan suffered modest pruning on late selling.
Trading volume soared to 78 million shares. The volume leaders were
again led by Hub Power, which was massively traded in each session
amid alternate bouts of buying and selling, finally ending with a net
modest gain on large volume. It was followed by PTC vouchers, Dewan
Salman, Faysal Bank, and the newly turned active, ICI Pakistan on
heavy buying at the current lower levels. Lucky Cement, Dhan Fibre,
25th ICP Mutual Funds, Bank of Punjab, Honda Atlas, Fauji Fertiliser,
Askari Bank and some others.
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960101
-------------------------------------------------------------------
KSE to introduce recomposed index from 15th
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Commerce Reporter
KARACHI, Dec. 31: The Karachi Stock Exchange is expected to introduce
its recomposed 100-share index from Jan 15, after adding six new
companies to the list and deleting as many.
The recomposed index will, the recomposition committee claims,
recapture 78.07 % of the total market capitalisation as compared to
76.5 % of the current one, making it more representative.
The committee reviews the performance of the listed stocks after three
months and adds and deletes largest stocks in the list to make the
100-share index truly reflective of the financial health of the stock
market.
The six companies, which have been added to the list under the
capitalisation rules are as under: Siemens Pakistan Engineering Co,
Sandoz Pakistan, Faysal Bank, Century Paper, Security Paper, Ibrahim
Fibre and those deleted are: PEL Appliances, Essa Cement, EFU General
Insurance, Fidelity Investment Bank, Khadim Ali Shah Bukhari & Co and
Pakistan National Shipping Corporation.
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960101
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Turnover on stock market soars to 26 million
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Commerce Reporter
KARACHI, Dec. 31: Volume on the Karachi Stock Exchange soared to well
over 26 million shares as investors moved in to cover positions at the
last session of year amid active two-way trading.
The Karachi Stock Exchange index of share prices after opening well
below the 1,500-point barrier, fell on late selling to close with a
fractional fall of 2.97 points at 1,497 as compared to 1,500.73 at the
last weekend.
Big gainers were led by BOC Pakistan, which soared Rs 110 to attain a
new peak at Rs 600 on a volume of 1,700 shares. It was followed by
MNCs, notably Glaxo Lab and Philips, which posted gains ranging from
Rs 11.25 to 26, followed by Quality Steel, rising by Rs 7. Other
notable gainers included ICP SEMF, Nafees Cotton, Adamjee Insurance,
KASB Fund, Indus Bank and some other.
Among the leading losers, Lever Brothers, Alico, Bank of Punjab, PSO,
Shafiq Textiles, Fazal Textiles, and Century Insurance were leading,
falling by one rupee to Rs 5.
The most active list was topped by Hub-Power, off 50 paisa on 6.120
million shares followed by PTC shares, lower 20 paisa on 4.250 million
shares, Dewan Salman, up 50 paisa on 1.205 million shares, LTV
Modaraba, easy 20 paisa on 377,700 shares, Faysal Bank, off 50 paisa
on 239,500 shares, ICI Pakistan, lower 45 paisa on 225,700 shares and
Dhan Fibre, firm 20 paisa on 201,100 shares.
Trading volume rose to 26.382 million shares from the previous 20.719
million shares thanks to heavy activity in pivotals.
There were 356 actives, out of which 149 shares fell, while 138 rose,
with 69 holding on to the last levels.
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960102
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Stock market opens new year account on bearish note
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Commerce Reporter
KARACHI, Jan 1: The stock market opened the new year account on a
bearish note as investors sold in haste on news of fresh killings in
the city.
The KSE 100-share index fell 1.83 per cent or 27.04 points at
1,470.04, wiping out the market capitalisation of Rs 5.6 billion just
in one go at Rs 322.184 billion.
Minus signs dominated the list under the lead of Glaxo, which ended
with a trimmed gain of Sunday, falling Rs 20 amid active selling.
Other big losers were led by Lever Brothers, Philips, and Packages,
falling by Rs 5 to 8. Dewan Salman, which has been in strong demand
after the announcement of dividend last week also came in for active
selling and was marked down by Rs 3.85 on heavy selling. Other
prominent losers were led by leading shares such as Pilcorp, Al-Faysal
Bank, Bankers Equity, Crescent Bank, Cherat Cement, Adamjee Insurance,
Engro Chemicals, and Cherat Paper, which fell by Rs 1.40 to 3.
Some of the leading shares came in for selective support and managed
to finish modestly higher under the lead of Trust Leasing, Prudential
Bank, Fazal Textiles, National Fibre, Sui Northern, Hoechst Pakistan,
Quice Foods and Pak General Insurance, rising by one rupee to Rs 4.50,
biggest gain being in the last company.
Among the actively traded shares, PTC vouchers were leading, sharply
lower by Rs 1.20 on 6.159 million shares. It was followed by Hub-
Power, which was also marked down by 65 paisa on 5.212 million shares.
Other actives were led Dewan Salman, down Rs 3.85 on 1.223 million
shares, ICI Pakistan, easy Rs 1.30 on 541,000 shares, Faysal Bank,
lower 85 paisa on 522,500 shares, Lucky cement easy 60 paisa on
343,000 shares, LTV Modaraba, lower 15 paisa on 188,000 shares and
Habib Modaraba, up 45 paisa on 157,500 shares. There were some other
notable deals also.
Traded volume fell to 16.248 million shares from the overnight 26.382
million shares owing to the absence of leading sellers.
There were 336 actives, out of which 197 shares fell, while 84 rose,
with 55 holding on to the last levels.
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960101
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Corruption
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Ardeshir Cowasjee
ON AUGUST 11, 1947, three days prior to the birth of Pakistan,
Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the Father of the Nation, addressed the
Constituent Assembly of Pakistan: "... the first duty of a government
is to maintain law and order ... The second thing ... one of the
biggest curses from which India is suffering ... is bribery and
corruption. That really is a poison. We must put that down with an
iron hand and I hope you will take adequate measures as soon as it is
possible for this assembly to do so." I write this three days after
the nation celebrated his birthday "with the usual fervour," a
birthday which this secular man of liberal thought decreed be
celebrated with that of Jesus of Nazareth so that the Christians of
Pakistan would for ever, together with most of the rest of the world,
have a holiday on December 25.
This Father bequeathed to us a house in which to peacefully live and
prosper. Within twenty-four years, the house split, we were left with
half. Now, forty-eight years down the road, the remaining half is
tottering, crumbling but instead of concentrating on propping it up,
we still hold symposium, seminars, debates, and argue why he built and
left us a house.
One of the last priceless pieces of the family silver, United Bank,
stolen by the government in 1974 in the name of the people, is now on
the block, and in order to appraise this distress sale one must look
at how the nationalised Muslim Commercial Bank and the smaller Allied
Bank were privatised and sold.
What our corrupt governments do is to first decide to whom the cake is
to be given, and it is then suitably baked. In the case of MCB,
Tawwakul was the highest bidder for the controlling shares at Rs 56
per share, followed by Adamjees, then Crescent. Mansha came in fourth
at Rs 43.49. Lower still was Saeed. Nawaz wanted Mansha to have the
bank, so his government manoeuvred a bid raise for Mansha to match the
highest, and he was given control. Adamjee, Crescent and Saeed backed
out. Abdul Qadir Tawwakul fought for his rights. He petitioned the
court, wherein he filed an affidavit from which I quote: "Let it be
stated that in his (finance minister Sartaj Aziz's) office (and with
him were the governor, SBP, and chairman, PBC, and with me were
Sirajul Haque, a senior advocate and his two other colleagues who will
vouch the veracity) ... the petitioners were bullied and threatened
with dire consequences if they challenged the government decision."
(SHC, CP 60/91, Abdul Qadir Tawwakal and Others vs The federation of
Pakistan & Another). The Tawwakuls were subsequently harassed and
chased by the 'hounds' and faded out of the picture. The impresario
who stage-managed Mansha's performance was banker Hussain Lawai,
formerly of the United Bank of the Middle East and the Faysal Islamic
Bank, who was appointed to manage the MCB after its control was vested
in Mansha.
Enter Benazir for the second time. Impresario Lawai fell in with the
new production team and things were made so hot for Mansha that he
exiled himself to the tundras, where he remains. Lawai continues to
work loyally for the leadership.
Benazir has been instructed by the IMF to get on with the UBL
privatisation, with which the government has been fiddling for the
past two years. The Privatisation Commission (PC), headed by Naveed
Qamar (who has been known to appoint the same legal advisers and
experts to advise the PC as employed by the bidders) was ordered to
ensure 'transparency' and 'accountability' in the sale.
The statement of qualification (SOQ) was issued. The PC's avowed
intent on accountability and transparency can be gauged from: (1) the
note it appended to 'Basis for Disqualification': "Commission can
reject any SOQ without assigning any reason whatsoever", and (2) the
note appended to the 'Eligibility Criteria': "The Privatisation
Commission reserves the right to reject any bid without assigning any
reason whatsoever."
Eight applied: Foreigners A1-Faysal Bank of Bahrain and Basharahill
Group of Saudi Arabia, and the home-grown Global Group, Dewan Crescent
Unigem, Lahore Motors, Asset Investment Bank, and Haji Saifullah
Bangash. All six Pakistani groups have been disqualified for one
reason or another.
The Marketing Memorandum (MM) was issued by the PC, describing what is
on the block. Our born-again Abedi, Hussain Lawai, backed by the
government, again came into play. UBL is a fine bank. The significant
sales pitch printed in the MM tells us that:
* "UBL is a large commercial bank with approximately 20 per cent
market share ranking it second in Pakistan which is a large country by
any measure, and is an exciting market in which to operate."
* "The State Bank in its capacity as the owner and regulatory body
will provide adequate support to the management... State Bank is a
majority shareholder (94 per cent), government institutions hold the
remaining 6 per cent."
* "The government which is committed to the principles of equity and
transparency has adopted a two stage process for the sale ... the
bidders will be pre-qualified... the bidders must submit their SOQ by
November 12,1995 ... pre qualifying bidders will be invited for due
diligence and for subsequent submission of price bids ... the
government expects to award the contract by end December 1995." (the
bidding has since been extended to Jan 7).
* "Pakistan is the world's ninth most populous country with GDP
increasing on average by over 6.4 per cent over the last ten years ...
Deposits for the banking sector have grown at an average of over 18
per cent for the last five years... The banks have been very
profitable with returns on equity shown in excess of 50 per cent ....
The issue of banking licences is tightly controlled. It is very
difficult to obtain a licence... UBL has no such restrictions in terms
of geographical coverage ... UBL represents a good entry point to the
banking sector in Pakistan."
* "UBL has investments and subsidiaries throughout the Middle East,
UK, USA and Switzerland. The prevalent regulatory regimes operating
and the difficulty of obtaining licences in many of these countries
has made these assets of significant strategic value."
* Page 8 of MM: "UBL's profitability performance is poor as a result
of several factors, including the failure to provide a wide range of
services (e.g. credit cards) ..." But, on page 13: "The credit card
schemeUNICARDwas introduced in 1970 ..."
* Overseas branches (28): UK 11; USA 2; Switzerland 1; UAE 7; Bahrain
3; Yemen 2; Egypt 1; Qatar 1. Joint ventures (2): Saudi Arabia and
Oman; (not mentioned in the fact that the joint ventures are extremely
profitable and the profits for last year shown by the UAE branches in
the region of Rs 0.4 billion. And, it should be emphasised that since
the BCCI fiasco, it is most impossible for Pakistani banks to now
obtain banking licences abroad.)
Local branches (1670): Sindh 372; Punjab 908; NWFP 211; Balochistan
58; Azad Kashmir 121;
* Grand total 1,700. "UBL's real estate which includes many valuable
sites in prime urban locations has not been revalued (since the
1960s?).
Compared to the MCB, whose controlling interest was sold to Mansha at
Rs 56 per share five years ago, and to the very small bank, Allied
Bank, whose controlling interest was sold to its employees at Rs 70
per share, about three years ago, UBL, "Pakistan's second largest bank
with approximately a 20 per cent share of Pakistan's commercial
banking market" and with 30 strategically situated outlets abroad is a
gold-mine.
Taking into consideration the depreciated value of the rupee since
1990, UBL's assets, liabilities its profitability and potential,
insiders estimate the correct value per share at the end of 1995 to be
substantially in excess of Rs 100, whereas knowledgeable sources
indicate that the only two foreigners in the field, jockeyed by the
impresario, jointly or severally, will acquire the controlling
interest at the give-away price of between Rs 20 to Rs 30 per share.
And, there is a built-in 'finder's' or 'fixer's' fee of 10 million
dollars. Losers: The acquiescent cowardly (thus rendered helpless)
people of Pakistan.
Winner: The sole beneficiary.
To lighten our burden as we ring in the New Year, I recite my
discussion with a yuppie economist trained at Yale who has returned to
serve his country as a financial expert, a security expert, currency
trader, stockbroker, etc, etc. After projecting a dismal analysis of
our economy, he said, "Magar, kuch ho jayaga. When I asked, "Keya
hoga?" he replied, "Allah bachaiga." My retort "Allah ke darbar me
insaaf hai?'' "Bilkul, bilkul. Wahan nahin, to kahan?"
My only reaction to this was that Allah would punish us. He gave us a
country, with plains and forests, with rivers and enough flowing water
to generate all the electric power needed and much more (for which we
successfully negotiated the Indus Water Treaty), a long cyclone-free
coastline, a good climate, millions of resourceful people, etc.
In toto, a viable country. But what have we done with it? The Yale
yuppie's answer was that Allah is merciful and beneficent and raising
his eyes heavenward, he proclaimed that we have no cause to plead,
that we can only file a mercy petition before Him.
DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS
951230
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1995, a year of hope and despair
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Dilawar Hussain
For the investors in Pakistan stocks, the year 1995 provided, endless
opportunities for both hope and despair. Although, the market tried
everything from plausible to the absurd, nothing it seemed, could stop
the rampage of the bears that first began in March last year. Up until
the last week of '95, the KSE index of 100 shares had already dipped
to 1462 points, reflecting 30 per cent slide from 2059 in the
beginning of the year and a whole 45 per cent plunge from the peak of
2661 touched in March '94. Market capitalisation which stood at
Rs,400.517 billion at the dawn of '95 had dwindled to Rs 325.698
billion by December 24, representing 19 per cent drop over the year
and loss of nearly Rs 80 billion of the market cap.
"Interest rate hike in developed economies, collapse of Mexican
currency and the scarce liquidity caused by numerous mega issues
including PTC, Hubco, Dhan and Faysal Bank" were identified by various
experts to be some of the factors that fuelled the bearish fire.
The month of November proved to be the worst when the KSE lost 4 per
cent of the market cap or Rs 12 billion in the span of just about a
dozen trading sessions.
In desperation, the stock market managers sent SOS to Islamabad. The
response was unexpectedly quick and the government assured the market
of all possible help. As the principal strain was identified as
liquidity crunch, the government agreed to release Rs 80.0 million to
ICP, NIT and SLIC, being their share in the proceeds of the privatised
units. The money would be channelled into the market, by these major
institutional players. Though the government deferred decision over
the exemption of bonus issues from taxation, till the next budget, it
permitted provident, pension and EOBI funds to be invested in the
equity market, subject to certain conditions, all for the protection
of investors' interest.
While the secondary market in shares remained shrouded in uncertainty,
the new offerings in primary market were, by and large; well
received. Nearly three of every four new issue of shares at the KSE
during 1995, were oversubscribed.
During the current year to end November, the capital market managed to
mobilise an aggregate sum of Rs 26.8 billion through new listings,
right and bonus issues, debt instruments and debt/equity swaps. Even
as the figure fell short of the record Rs 34.7 billion that the market
mobilised in '94, the previous year enjoyed the unusual benefit of
such mega issues as PTC vouchers, Hub Power Company and Dhan Fibre.
In all 40 offerings of shares in the primary market were made until
end-November this year (68 in '94). While these companies seeking
listing at the KSE, offered Rs 4.9 billion worth of shares to the
general public, they received an aggregate sum of Rs 16.2 billion.
Another possible indication of continuing investors' interest in
equities was the huge volume of business. Trading volume soared to
2.710 billion shares during the January-November 1995 as against 1.684
billion shares in the corresponding eleven months of the previous
year. New trading record was set on June 13 when the volume of
business hit an incredible 46.405 million shares. Average daily
turnover during the year increased to 13.287 million shares from 7.833
million shares in 1994.
No one denies that going by fundamentals, the Pakistan equities offer
the best value for money. Battered by the 20-month long bear rampage,
the market price of listed shares has fallen from average of Rs 64 in
March '94 to Rs 24 currently. Not all, but a large number of blue chip
scrips are trading at incredible single digit multiples.
For 1996, the international fund managers may reallocate sum of around
$ 14 to 20 billion for investment in emerging market equities. Many
managers of local brokerage houses admit that the markets in Hong Kong
and Singapore and possibly India may be able to wrest a larger share,
but save for the few discouraging factors, the Pakistani bourses are
well ahead of our immediate competitors: Malaysia, Indonesia and
Philippines. Two main hurdles that deter foreign investors are
identified by some stock strategists as the fear of further
devaluation of the Pak Rupee in the first quarter of next year and the
uncertainty about the state of health of the economy and Government's
liquidity.
DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS
951230
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The hunter and the hunted
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Mazdak
OSCAR WILDE once described the sport of fox-hunting as the
unspeakable hunting the uneatable. And while it is true that
partridges can be quite tasty, at two lakhs apiece, ones palate has
to be pretty jaded not to gay while wolfing down bhuna hua teetar.
Of late, the papers have been full of presidential shikars and their
costs, with newspapers diligently estimating the cost per bird, with
some cost accountants working it out at Rs 215,000 for each partridge.
I know these are inflationary days, but even so, this seems excessive.
Now considering the firestorm of criticism the Presidents hunting
trips provoke, one would have thought that he would not make them such
public affairs. If he cant do without decimating the wildlife in the
areas he visits, why cant these shoots be made smaller and more
discrete?
We are told by his media people that much of the costs involved are to
do with improving the infrastructure of the areas the presidential
hunting parties traverse. If roads have to be laid in the middle of
nowhere, who benefits apart from the contractors concerned? In any
case, one of the points about hunting is that you should be prepared
to rough it out.
Indeed, dedicated shikaris tramp for hours over all kinds of terrain
and are lucky to get a few shots at game. There is something decadent
about driving around in air-conditioned jeeps with beaters flushing
out birds for you to pot at your leisure. In fact, this is the
preferred hunting style of some of our foreign guests who annually
play havoc with many endangered species in Pakistan with the
governments connivance.
For years now, successive governments have been exhorting us to
conserve the environment. However, politicians and bureaucrats have
simultaneously and wantonly been butchering wildlife, feeling
themselves to be above the law. And since no action is ever taken
against them for flaunting the bag limits or hunting out of season or
in restricted areas, it seems they are quite right in their
assumption. For those of our leaders who cant shoot straight,
partridges and sundry other birds are netted. And not only do they
brazenly break the law themselves, they issue permits to visitors from
some neighbouring countries to hunt the houbara bustard to extinction.
Then we have the obscene stories of hundreds of migratory birds
slaughtered to feed starving guests at feudal weddings. While all this
mayhem is going on, the officials and ministers of various wildlife
and environmental departments not only remain silent spectators, but
join in the slaughter with great gusto on the principle of if you
cant lick them, join them.
Urging us to care for our environment while raping it is on the same
moral plane of exhorting us to pay our taxes without shelling out a
penny themselves, and our leaders are adept at both pastimes. This is
all on a par with the double standards of those who control our
destiny: they routinely remind us of Islamic values while robbing us
blind.
In this day and age, what is the attraction of hunting? Shikari
friends rave on about their love for the outdoors, the thrill of the
chase and the excitement of blasting game out of the sky. It is true
that there is the atavistic hunting instinct buried deep in most of
us, but surely we have come a long way from the days when our
forefathers hunted for survival.
I stopped shooting long ago, but confess to enjoy accompanying friends
on shikar occasionally. In my defence, let me say we walk considerable
distances over rugged countryside, and rarely see very much game, no
doubt the result of persistent over-hunting.
There is something magnificent about seeing wild ducks on the wing on
a cold winter morning or the startled look in the eyes of an untamed
beast in the wilderness. I last went on a safari to Kenya three years
ago, and even after poaching has severely depleted East African herds,
the savanna still seethed with wildlife: lions, elephants, rhino and
several kinds of deer were plentiful in the Serengeti. While
captivated by the sight of the spectacle, I was reminded of how we had
virtually annihilated all of our wild animals.
So even when we know that we have driven our wildlife to the edge of
extinction, why do so many people still insist on hunting? If they
want to prove they are good shots, they can do at a target range or
compete in clay pigeon shooting. Certainly they cant be wanting to
test their courage because it doesnt take much to be chauffeured
around the countryside, taking pot shots at birds flushed out by
beaters. And if they just want to eat partridges, they can easily be
bred in captivity. Obviously, some macho thing is at work here, with
men wishing to prove themselves in a pre-historic ritual. The entire
gun fetish has been the subject of many learned papers written by
psychologists who see the gun as an extension of the male.
When I go on this rant with shikari friends, they attempt to silence
me by reminding me that I dont mind joining them in eating the
partridges and the ducks they have shot. But this implies that just
because I eat meat, I should slaughter animals myself. While I accept
that every living thing must die, I draw a line at hastening this
death personally. OK, so perhaps I am splitting hairs, but I refuse to
become party to the death of any living creature that is not
threatening me. If our remaining wildlife is to survive, it is clear
that our conservation laws will have to be strictly enforced. But when
the highest in the land themselves flout these laws, how can the poor
game wardens function? However, this is true for much else that is
wrong with this country: when our rulers consider themselves to be
above the law, there is no chance that the rule of law can be imposed.
DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS
960101
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l995: eminently forgettable
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Editorial Column
SOME years are memorable; others are best forgotten. 1995 falls in the
second category. While it certainly added more than its share to the
national sum of cynicism and despair, it provided less grounds for
detecting any silver lining in the mass of its unrelieved greyness.
Some problems have become permanent features of the Pakistani
landscape. So there is not much point in crying over them. Corruption
of all kinds, are now reaching the highest peaks of authority, is a
phenomenon to which most Pakistanis are resigned. As they are to the
fact that politics has become another name for the promotion of self-
interest. The administrative system in all its facets is becoming more
corrupt and inefficient by the day. Civic services are declining.
About the state of law and order, the less said the better. The
education system is in a shambles and becoming more of a disaster as
time passes, with no government, vehement protestations to the
contrary notwithstanding, being really pushed about to arrest its
steep decline. Health care, as and when needed, is a concept to which
most Pakistanis are alien. These are problems, however, which have
come to be accepted as part of the natural order of things. The usual
response to them, therefore, is a resigned shrug of the shoulders.
Equally pointless is the lament about the nation lacking a sense of
direction. If the nation has not been sure of its destination for the
last two decades, no single year is going to make up this deficiency.
The year that has just come to a close, however, made more immediate
contributions to the nation's dismal state of affairs. These came in
the form of skyrocketing inflation, an aggravation of the Karachi
situation and the realisation - that should have come sooner but from
which there can be no further escaping - that the nation is living
beyond its means, the revenue that it earns not being enough even for
its current expenditure. The resource crunch that this reflects is
affecting all sectors of the economy. Not that the government was
ready to admit as much. Throughout the year, even when there was a run
on foreign exchange accounts and the Karachi stock exchange plummeted
to its lowest level for a long time, it kept insisting that the
economy had been put on the right path, a claim that people battered
by inflation and the falling value of the rupee had a hard time
believing.
Karachi for its part retained its capacity of keeping the country as a
whole in a state of depression. The stand-off between the government
and the MQM continued with neither side showing any willingness, let
alone any ability, to moderate its stubbornness or recognise the
limitations of short-sightedness. The government's approach to the
problems of Karachi was best symbolised by the oft-repeated insistence
of the interior minister, General Babar, that the back of terrorism
had been broken - a claim cruelly mocked by the continuing violence to
which Karachi remained a prey throughout the year. Nor was any light
forthcoming about how this imbroglio could be resolved, with the
government matching the terrorism that it had to face with high-handed
tactics of its own and with the sputtering negotiations between the
two sides running into the sand.
In the political arena outside Karachi the only sounds that
predominated were those of ceaseless wrangling, both the ruling PPP
and the opposition PML(N) accusing each other of a variety of sins and
refusing to enter into any dialogue that could help impart a measure
of civility to the expression of their differences. Not to be outdone
by anything else, throughout the year both houses of Parliament
remained avenues for the exchange of acid and vitriol, with the
favourite method of legislation continuing to be the issuance of
presidential ordinances. While the government may have spent little
time in worthwhile or useful governing, it could at least claim that
it had strengthened its grip on power by removing Manzoor Wattoo and
installing a more pliable figure as chief minister of Punjab, thereby
belying the opposition's hopes, fervently expressed almost
incessantly, that it would soon be shown the door. How this wish could
be translated into fact, the opposition, a bit chastened by the non-
success of its anti-government agitation in 1994, was not in a
position to explain.
On the foreign policy front there was no end to the government's self-
congratulation when the Brown amendment, which allows a one-time
supply of arms (minus the F-16s) for which Pakistan has already paid,
was passed by the American Congress. In other respects, however, there
was not much room for happiness in the external field. Relations with
the Rabbani government in Afghanistan took a turn for the worse, with
the Pakistan embassy in Kabul being sacked by what clearly seemed like
an officially-encouraged mob. When a bomb blast sent shock waves
through Peshawar later in the year, the suspicion was strong in
Pakistan that the Rabbani government may have had something to do with
it. Relations with Iran were also not of the best, with both countries
trading suspicions if not actual accusations about what each was
doing, or which particular faction each was supporting, in
Afghanistan. As for relations with India, they remained in their
customary freeze with no initiative from either side to bring about a
thaw in this situation.
For two separate reasons the army remained in the glare of public
attention in the last quarter of the year. The first came in the form
of the attempted coup whose masterminds were accused of planning to
eliminate the high command of the army preparatory to seizing power
and installing an Islamic regime in the country. The second was rooted
in the search for the next head of the army, a question that generated
a great deal of speculation because of the delay in naming a successor
to General Waheed but one that was resolved satisfactorily in the end
when the choice fell on the man next to him in seniority: General
Jehangir Karamat.
The one positive thing that could be detected in the national scene
lay in the realisation that despite the twin scourges of corruption
and mal-administration, democracy had survived another trouble-ridden
year and the system, much as it is, had not broken down. Indeed, the
din of its firebrand rhetoric notwithstanding, the slower pace of the
PML(N)'s mobilisation campaign seemed to betray the recognition that
the government was not about to go in a hurry. But despite this one
sliver of positiveness which contained within it the hope that in
spite of its other troubles, Pakistan might be on the verge of putting
its history of chronic instability behind it, there was no mistaking
the growing doubts being expressed in different quarters about the
ability of the political class to master the country's problems.
A decade ago Pakistanis used to moan that what they lacked was a
system and the regularity of elections. Now having had these things
and their problems not having abated a jot, they have come round
slowly to the view that, while they have a system, there is something
wrong with the people working it. Their yearning, therefore, is for
honest leadership, an expectation souring into further bitterness
because as they look around and scan the horizon, they probably
realise that it is not going to be anytime soon that this expectation
is likely to be fulfilled.
DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS
960103
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Karachi and its trials
-------------------------------------------------------------------
M.H. Askari
FOR Karachi, the year 1995 ended much the same way as it began with
virtually no signs of normality and calm returning to the city, not in
the foreseeable future. Karachiites may have become more or less used
to it, but the sight of the checkposts and bunkers at road-crossings,
armoured personnel carriers, commonly mistaken for tanks, parked at
street corners and members of the law enforcement agencies patrolling
the streets with deadly looking weapons held at alert, still terrify
the casual visitor.
The intervening twelve months accounted for about 2000 deaths by
violence, most of them leaving no trace of those guilty of the crime.
Senseless attacks by militants, riding in cars or on motorcycles and
on people crowding the shopping establishments or the roadside tea-
stalls have been quite a common occurrence. There have also been
innumerable reports of factional fights, revenge killings and what are
officially described as police encounters. the violence is having an
almost dehumanising effect on the people.
A vast segment of the citys population, ironically in no way
responsible for the street violence or for random attacks on shops and
houses, is forced to live in an almost constant state of terror.
Localities which in the past never went to sleep are now plunged in
semi-darkness and enveloped in an eerie silence soon after sunset. It
is anybodys guess whether the administration, which has the
responsibility for law and order, can actually fathom the depth of
fear and anxiety which families in middle class housing areas and
kachi abadis must suffer when their young sons or other male kin do
not return home at the end of the day. Not infrequently, the missing
persons are to be found in thanas and their release is secured at some
cost to ones self-respect and resources.
There is no indication how much longer the intensive law enforcement
drive, which is now in its fourth year, would continue. The
authorities should be aware that it has not contributed much to
restoring the peoples confidence in the administration and its
capacity to provide them with a sense of security. On the contrary, it
is largely seen as a source of harassment. There have been innumerable
accounts of excesses committed in the course of the siege-and-search
operations in localities which are regarded as the strongholds of the
lawless elements. Since large numbers of those serving with the law
enforcement agencies have been recruited from areas quite remote from
Karachi, they are generally regarded as outsiders. There can be hardly
any social or family pressures upon them to treat the common people
with compassion or to build a relationship of trust with them. The
sense of alienation between the people and the law enforcement
agencies has only deepened in the recent years. The situation is
widely perceived in terms of we and they and this undermines the
effective working of the administration.
There have been attempts at building bridges. The chief minister of
Sindh, Syed Abdullah Shah, constituted a committee to advise him on
his governments handling of the Karachi situation. But it has had
only a marginal effect on the overall situation.
Not unexpectedly, the opposition has been attempting to use the
Karachi situation to secure a foothold in Sindh and Mr Nawaz Sharifs
move to convene an all-parties conference on Karachi on December 25
in Islamabad was in essence a part of this strategy. Mr Sharifs
demand for the dismissal of the present chief minister of Sindh and
his replacement by a neutral chief minister was an over-simplified
response to an extremely complex situation. In any case, it was while
he was the prime minister that the Operation Clean-up was launched
resulting in the present travails of Karachi.
There can be no substitute for a meaningful dialogue between the MQM
and the PPP and it is clear that the talks between the MQM and the
ruling party, led by Mr Ajmal Dehlavi and Mr N.D. Khan, have become
altogether stalemated. In any case, the desultory and casual manner in
which the talks were conducted hardly ever made them look credible.
Almost every round of talks was followed by accusations and counter-
accusations by the two sides. The hope that the level of the talks may
be raised was generated by reports of a meeting between Mr Ajmal
Dehlavi and the prime minister, carried by a section of the media.
However, the reports have been firmly denied by the prime ministers
secretariat even though Mr Dehlavi continues to maintain that the
meeting did take place. His sudden departure for London has now given
rise to speculation that he may be carrying with him some specific
proposals with regard to further negotiations concerning the Karachi
situation.
It is clear that there can be no progress in the PPP-MQM contacts
without the involvement of Mr Altaf Hussain and, howsoever unpalatable
it may seem to be for the government, there can be no way out of the
present cul de sac without his blessings. For the Mohajirs it is by no
means an enviable situation that their future should be hostage to the
will of a single person, sitting a long distance away from Karachi.
But this is how the situation has come to be.
There is also no denying that sections of Mohajirs who, to begin with,
found nothing in common with Mr Altaf Hussains political ideology now
frankly identify themselves with the MQM. While it may be embarrassing
for the government to initiate direct talks with the MQMs self-exiled
chief, some means need to be discovered to soften the ground and
secure Mr Altaf Hussains tacit agreement to certain ground rules.
In principle, no sane person should object to the pre-condition that a
resort to arms should be altogether ruled out in any political
process. However in the case of MQM, there has to be a reasonable
assurance that what it presently perceives as its persecution would
also be given up as and when it is asked to give up arms. How such
trust can be established after all that has happened in the past two
or three years is not easy to determine. Perhaps, if the government
could decide upon a deadline for the withdrawal of the paramilitary
force, it could help to ease some of the pressures which the people of
Karachi are presently experiencing.
At the same time, some serious consideration could be given to the
MQMs demand for amnesty (at least interim amnesty) for Mr Altaf
Hussain and some of the partys other senior leaders now under
detention. Such amnesty could be linked to the condition for a firm
commitment to the commencement of a serious dialogue and a time-limit
for the conclusion of such a dialogue.
Perhaps, to begin with, the government could set up a judicial or
quasi-judicial committee for a preliminary scrutiny of the various
charges against the MQM leaders. Such a committee, to command the
confidence of both sides, will need to include non-partisan people of
unquestioned integrity.
It would be unrealistic to suggest that once the scrutiny has taken
place, charges of a serious nature, with adequate prima face evidence,
should be dropped. However, those accused of such charges should be
held in judicial custody until the disposal of their cases and not be
left in the custody of the law enforcement agencies. That there would
be serious difficulties in the way of establishing the proposed ground
rules goes without saying. However, a modicum of mutual trust has to
prevail, perhaps through the intercession of a neutral third party, if
there is an earnest desire on all sides to pull Karachi out of its
present quagmire.
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960104
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A correct move
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Editorial Column
THE freezing of assets worth Rs 4.3 billion belonging to 21 notorious
drug barons highlights the magnitude of the narcotics problem facing
the country. The action once again confirms the fact that it is
largely the big fish that are behind the insidious spread of the
menace over the years. Vast fortunes have been accumulated by them
through the illicit drug trade. As in the case of drug lord Haji Sakhi
Dost Jan, the estimated value of frozen assets is around Rs 70
million. Since the offender is a sitting MPA of the Balochistan
Assembly, it also underlines a nexus between politics and drug trade,
which had long been suspected and even established in the past. Those
whose assets have been frozen by the Anti-Narcotics Force include some
of the most wanted figures in connection with drug related offences -
Haji Ayub Afridi for one. Forfeiture of his property has already been
ordered by a Peshawar court.
Action against these drug barons relates to the period 1994-95. Since
efforts are under way to get orders from competent courts to freeze
assets of other drug lords, it is evident that many big fish are still
at large. Unless they are tracked down and brought to justice, there
can be little improvement in eliminating the drug problem. Freezing of
assets as part of punishment for proven offenders can act as a
deterrent against organised trafficking.
With links to international drug-crime syndicates and operating under
different covers and guises, drug barons with powerful connections
pose a difficult problem of arrest and prosecution. This is where the
will
and commitment of the government to the total eradication of the drug
menace will be on test.
Narcotics have pervaded all levels of society in varying degrees, the
worst hit being the youth who are falling prey to the poison in
increasing numbers. The problem is most tellingly illustrated by the
rising crime graph in the country. Nearly two million people across
the country are hooked on drugs, a million of them addicted to heroin
alone, outstripping the capacity of the country's drug rehabilitation
programmes. The problem will become even more acute if stiff measures
are not taken now to curb production and supply of narcotics and
punish traffickers and pushers engaged in this deadly business.
Unsparing action against these anti-social elements is essential. At
the same time, the agencies responsible for tracking down the culprits
must also make a thorough and honest job of the responsibilities
assigned to them. If there are serious lapses stemming from shady
deals which accounted for failures in the past, the drive against
heroin and other drugs will not prove much of a success.
===================================================================
951229
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Akram wants to see Miandads fitness
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Samiul Hasan
KARACHI, Dec. 28: Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has said that he would
personally see the fitness of Javed Miandad in the One-day National
Championship before he makes a decision about the master batsmans
inclusion in the World Cup party.
Akram said as a captain, he would like to play with the best possible
strength and Javed Miandads experience and talent are invaluable.
But Javed (Miandad) has not played cricket for the past two years. He
has to play in all the One-day Cup matches and has to prove his
fitness.
Akram was, however, of the view that besides a training camp, there
was a need of three one-day games. The two teams can be made within
the 20 probables announced and these matches can be for charity or
flood relief.
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951230
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Pakistan batter Kenya 7-0; tournament rescheduled
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Farhana Ayaz
ISLAMABAD, Dec. 29: Pakistan youth prevailed over lowly rated Kenya
rather unimpressively in the 7-0 scoreline including the first hat
trick of the contest by Muhammad Usman who converted three penalty
corners while Belgium pulled a 2-1 win against Italy in the two
matches held on the second day of the 7up World Youth Hockey Festival
at Army Hockey Stadium, Rawalpindi.
In a reshuffling of its kind in a world competition, Malaysia was
shifted from pool-A to pool-B in place of India and its opening match
with Kenya was stated as null and void. It has been quite a situation
here with Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) hanging on desperately to
make India participate in the tournament being allotted to Pakistan
by International Hockey Federation (FIH) on experimental basis. The
efforts were well placed but has remained unsuccessful after a
recent agreement between the two counterpart federations to resume
hockey clashes.
According to information available, Indians had some visa problems.
We cannot wait more than two days, secretary PHF Lt. Col. Muddassar
Asghar said when asked about the outcome of the negotiations.
Interestingly, PHF press release on behalf of the two tournament
directors C.Hernandez and W.Doyer stated that due to the fact that
India is definitely not coming to the tournament, in order to have two
equal pools of five nations in this invitational hockey festival, the
Malaysian team has been transferred to pool B. The match schedule
has been adjusted according to this decision.
About picking Malaysia, TD Carlos Hernandez stated that they wanted
to have an Asian team replace an Asian team. The change means Pakistan
after playing easy games in their pool will be getting a tough semi-
finals, while Holland is expected to have a easy pre-final.
In the two pool-A matches played, yesterday, Pakistan recorded a 7-0
triumph over underdogs Kenya. Although, the winning margin is big but
the team failed to click through out the game. Kenya played all hands
up right from the start and their defensive mood irritated hosts from
displaying class hockey to the holiday crowd.
For Pakistan, Muhammad Usman stole the limelight by converting three
penalty corners in the first session to record the first hat trick of
the tournament. Usman set the pace by slamming home on the very first
penalty corner in the 2nd minute of the game. Later, he charged in
with back to back conversion on 7th and 8th penalty corner in the 25th
and 26th minutes. On three occasions the Pakistan right flank
harmonised but they relied more on securing penalty corners than
warming up to produce something spectacular. The short Kenyan
custodian was instrumental in bringing off some incredible saves. At
half time Pakistan was leading 3-0.
Pakistan found the going rather extra easy in the second session
as the under trained opponents had no steam to put a valiant fight
against the hosts. Pakistan added four more, two on penalty corners
off Waseem and Ali Raza after Waseem converted a penalty stroke in the
48th minute. The only field goal of the game came from right half
Irfan Yousuf, who connected a back pass from schemer Ejaz in the 58th
minute. Left winger Babar and inside right Ejaz were unlucky on two
occasions when their solo efforts landed short of target.
In the second half twice umpire Write blew on Ali Razas lifted shot
that although landed on the board after deflection but was given
foul. However, the umpire is the best judge to see whether the
projected shot was to land over the 18 inch board but the Pakistani
bench thought both to have been goals. Pakistan took 19 penalty
corners in all. Teams: Pakistan: Muhammad Qasim, Ali Raza, Tariq
Imran, Irfan Yousuf, Muhammad Saqlain, Waseem Ahmed, Zakarullah, Ejaz
Imran, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Khalid (capt), Aamir Mehmood,
Iftikhar Ahmed, Muhammad Usman, Imran Yousuf, Rana Atif, Babar
Abdullah. Kenya: Samuel Ochiening Owiur, Kanyi Cyrus, Wilson
Otieno, David Wanjohi, Gurmukh Singh Sehra, Faizgh Mubarak, Gurbinder
Singh (capt), Narinderpal Singh Mankoo, Firoz Bashir Sultan, Amit
Pyaralal, Rashpal Singh Virdee, Sandeep Singh, Wycliff Otieno Dola,
Steven Mbugwa Miracho, Eric Irungu, Bassam Abdul Karim.
Earlier, Belgium overpowered Italy 2-1 to console their opening day 0-
9 humiliation by hot favourites Pakistan. Renaod Fayt, put Belgium
ahead in the 2nd minute of the game with an indirect try into the
cage. After tasting blood, they stepped up the tempo to double the
lead however Italian rebutted the challenge. Italy after settling in,
initiated dangerous inroads and capitalising on a fine lay off on the
right Pieter Theuniers sounded the equaliser in the 13th minute. Both
teams relied heavily on the rolling substitution rule and the bench
management remained busy replacing the players frequently.
In the last moments of the first session Belgium mid fielder S.
Schroeyens banged home to finish 2-1 at half time. After resumption
Italy had one solid chance of getting par again with a penalty stroke
in the 45th minute but Mauro Zedda failed to push the ball past the
keeper.
Belgium: Stephane Moraux, Thilbault Collin, Laurent Bollon Perin,
Pieter Theuniers, Nicolas Renaer, Jeremy Zembsch, Sebastien
Schroneyens, Jonathan Delguste, Patarics Cierts, Alexander Letier,
Jean Bruno, Kevin Kielbaey, Renaud Fayt (capt), Jean Francois, Tanguy
Deswaef.
Italy: Omar Bianciatto, Luca Pompei, Luca Dambros, Loris Perelli,
Egenio Ardito, Luca Urli, Marco Corradetti, Dino Serra, Michele Cirna,
Domenico Chiricosta, Mauro Zedda (capt), Flavio Casali, Marco Tironi,
Francesco Congiu, Andoea Pirani, Stafano Serra. In view of the public
strike on Saturday, the tournament directors have decided to shifted
the pool-B Wah fixtures to Rawalpindi since it will be a rest day
Rawalpindi. Following is the revised schedule of the World Youth
Hockey Festival:
Pool-A to be played at Rawalpindi.
Teams: Pakistan, Kenya, Russia, Belgium and Italy. Dec. 28: Italy vs
Russia (2-2), Pakistan vs Belgium (9-0). Dec. 29: Belgium vs Italy (2-
1), Pakistan vs Kenya (7-0). Dec. 30: Rest Day Dec. 31: Russia vs
Belgium at 1000, Italy vs Kenya at 1430. Jan 01: Pakistan vs Russia at
1000, Kenya vs Belgium at 1200. Jan 02: Rest Day Jan 03: Kenya vs
Russia at 1200, Pakistan vs Italy at 1430. Jan 04: Rest Day. Pool-B to
be played at Wah.
Teams: Japan, Mexico, Holland, South Africa and Malaysia. Dec. 28:
Holland vs Japan (3-0), South Africa vs Mexico (4-0). Dec. 29: Rest
Day Dec. 30: Matches to be played at Pindi: Malaysia vs SA at 1000,
Mexico vs Japan at 1200. Dec. 31: Malaysia vs Japan at 1200, Holland
vs Mexico at 1430. Jan 01: Rest Day Jan 02: Malaysia vs Mexico at
1000, S. Africa vs Holland at 1200. Jan 03: S. Africa vs Japan at
1200, Malaysia vs Holland at 1430. Jan 04: Rest Day For all the
positional matches on Jan 5-6, the teams from Wah will be transported
to Rawalpindi and similarly teams from Rawalpindi to Wah.
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960101
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Belgium, Italy chalk up exhilarating wins
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Farhana Ayaz
ISLAMABAD, Dec. 31: Two down Belgium rallied to a 6-3 win over Russia,
Malaysia succumbed 0-2 to Japan in a match dominated by them, five
goals from spearhead Jiskoot, second hattrick of the contest, Holland
cruised to a 6-0 easy victory over Mexico, while Italy recorded their
first triumph with a 3-0 success against Kenya here in four matches
played in the World Youth Hockey Festival at Rawalpindi and Wah.
In the first match of pool-A, Belgium recovered from an early shock of
trailing by two goals within seven minutes into the game by finishing
the first session at par 2-2. Russian mid-fielder Alexie Mikheev put
his team ahead by converting the first penalty corner with a sizzling
drive past keeper Deswaef in the 4th minute.
The lead contributed to further dislodge the Belgium defence who in an
attempt to save dangerous move by a Russian strikers, faulted inside
the striking zone to get penalised for a penalty stroke. Alexie sent
the ball high in the right corner of net to make it 2-0.
Belgium struck slowly tried to revamp its tactics first blocking off
the Russian attacks and later pushed ahead with some knitted moves
that drew the opponents backward. In the 22nd minute Belgium succeeded
in reducing the margin off Nicolas Renaer who after hustling through
the defenders drew out the keeper and sent the ball in with classical
reserve flick. The first goal also acted as a positive stimuli for
Belgium who went out to outclass the Russians after that. Moving with
confidence, the Belgium strikers found yet another opening through
substitute Kevin Kielbaey who banged home in a goalmouth melee to draw
level 2-2 two minutes before half time.
Resuming in the same spirit, Belgium slammed home two goals in the
early session of second half off Jean Collin and Kevin to sit pretty
leading 4-2 before Russian centre-forward reduced the margin 3-4 with
a 55th minute field goal.
But, Belgium rounded off with two more goals before finish in a
roaring fashion to announce their sure berth in the pre-finals from
pool-A. Belgium secured fourteen penalty corners in all against two by
the rivals.
At Wah, Malaysia continued to find the going tough after being shifted
to pool-B with a 0-2 defeat at hands of Japan, earlier South Africa
held them to a 2-2 draw.
However, the worst part for Malaysia was their outright pressure on
the opponents during the game, but as it is only the goals count and
Japan touched home on the first two penalty corners awarded to them in
the first 20 minutes of the match. Japanese skipper Ryouta Asari shot
his team into lead by converting on an indirect penalty corner drill
in the 11th minute. Nine minutes later, Junji Fudatzuji repeated the
action to double the lead.
The manager stated that except for taking the decision in a sporting
way there was nothing else they could have done against his team being
shifted to pool-B after India failed to turn up. Insiders within
Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), have stated that Pakistan Embassy
failed to give visas to the Indian team after the Indian officials
submitted an incomplete list for visa. It was learnt that at least two
names were missing from the 16-member squad.
Holland outplayed Mexico 6-0 in another pool-B fixture. Centre-forward
Friso Jiskoot stole the limelight with five classical field goals
including a hat trick, the second in the tournament. The spearhead
struck the first blow in the 5th minute, added the second three
minutes before half time. Jiskoot deflected three more after the
breather in the 41st, 45th and 55th minutes to complete his tally.
The last goal was scored by right wing Mark Jong.
With this win Holland is sitting on top of the pool-B having played
and won first two of their four games. They will take on South Africa
and Malaysia in the next two fixtures.
In pool-A, Italy recorded their first win of the tournament, with a
3-nil triumph over underdogs Kenya.
Fixtures: Jan 1:(Pool-A) Pak vs Russia at 1000, Kenya vs Belgium at
1200. Jan 1:(Pool-B) Rest Day Points Table: (tabulated as matches
played, won, lost, draw, goals for, goals against, points) Pool-A:
Pakistan-2-2-0-0-16-0-4 Belgium-3-2-1-0-8-10-4 Italy-3-1-1-1-6-4-3
Russia-2-0-2-0-5-8-1 Kenya-2-0-2-0-0-10-0 Pool-B: S.Africa-2-1-0-1-6-
2-3 Holland-2-2-0-0-9-0-4 Japan-3-2-1-0-8-4-4 Malaysia-2-0-1-1-2-4-1
Mexico-3-0-3-0-1-16-0.
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960102
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Pakistan jrs crush Russia by 10-0 in youth hockey
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Farhana Ayaz
ISLAMABAD, Jan 1: Four carpeted slams by full back Ali Raza recorded
the third hat trick in the tournament as Pakistan whacked Russia 10-0
while in their last pool fixture Belgium registered a 3-0 triumph over
Kenya to qualify for the pre-finals here in the two Pool-A games of
World Youth Hockey Festival played at Army Hockey Stadium.
While the position in pool-A became clear with Belgium grabbing the
number two slot behind Pakistan, the tie between South Africa and
Holland slated at Wah will place the Dutch ahead. However, the South
Africa-Japan fixture on Jan 3 will decide the number two from pool-B.
The hosts were in aggressive mood, and their excellent rhythm in the
first session kept the Russians at their toes. The hot favourites
playing their first match in the morning hours smacked the opponents
with eight goals before the breather. The tally was led by right full
back Ali Raza. He sliced in three beautiful grounded shots on three
penalty corners in the 3rd, 5th and 13th minute to record the quickest
hat trick of the tournament. Alis blistering connections tallied
successfully with the hit-in as he sent three piercing shots onto the
board that completely shattered the opponents as Pakistan geared up to
record the biggest win of the tournament so far. Ali also converted
one more penalty corner in the second half.
Against Russia the Pakistani forward line looked in devastating form
from the outset as they infiltrated the opponents zone at will. Led
by Muhammad Khalid, Pakistans right and left flanks produced
sparkling combination moves set in the Asian style to make the inner
trio find flowing openings to charge successfully. The workout paid
off with Rana Atif giving final touches to two such fluent moves in
the 30th and 32nd minutes.
Earlier, inside left Khalid yielded two. In the 17th minute Khalid
hopped on to a gap pass from Rana, drawing out the keeper he placed
the ball with his left flick. Later, Khalid pushed the ball home on a
rebound from keeper who blocked Ranas attempt in the 23rd minute.
Khalid came close to record a hat-trick but his surging try was
thwarted by keeper Loukine. For Pakistan left wing Babar Abdullah
slammed home in the last minute to make it 8-0.
In the second session, Pakistan settled down to try out its different
combinations, in which they switched players and also tested out Aamir
Mehmood and Iftikhar Ahmed, besides trying Khalid on the inside right
and making right half Waseem take the pivotal role. The experiment may
have given the bench management an idea about the strength of their
boys on given positions however, it failed to make the tally look
healthier.
Pakistan added two goals in the second half, with Rana Atif clanging
his third in the 50th and Ali converted a penalty corner in the 55th
to seal it 10-0.
In the second fixture, Belgium playing their last pool game
sallied to a 3-nil win against Kenya, a team which is yet to score a
goal in the tournament. This success also placed them in the pre-
finals as number two in Pool-A.
Belgium squandered a number of chances before striker Renaod Fayt,
who also the skipper, put them in front when slackness on part of
Kenyan defence gave ample time to Renaod to push home. Belgian
strikers remained unsuccessful to double the lead in the first half.
Mid fielder Jean Collin scored twice in the second session, he
converted a penalty corner indirectly in the 51st and four minutes
later put the ball in the cage in a goalmouth clash.
Fixtures: Jan 2: Pool-A (Rest Day); Jan 2: Pool-B Mal vs Mexico at
1000, S.Africa vs Holland at 1430.
Points Table:(tabulated as matches played, won, lost, draw, goal for,
goals against, points).
Pool-A
Pakistan -3-3-0-0-26-0-6
Belgium -4-3-1-0-11-10-6
Italy -3-1-1-1-6-4-3
Russia -3-0-2-1-5-18-1
Kenya -3-0-3-0-0-13-0
Pool-B
Holland -2-2-0-0-9-0-4
S. Africa -2-1-0-1-6-2-3
Japan -3-2-1-0-8-4-4
Malaysia -2-0-1-1-2-4-1
Mexico -3-0-3-0-1-16-0
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960103
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Dutch down South Africa in youth hockey
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Farhana Ayaz
ISLAMABAD, Jan 2: In a game of fast attacks, Dutch downed South
Africa 3-1 while Malaysia shrugged off their slackness by posting a 2-
0 defeat on Mexico here in the two Pool-B fixtures of World Youth
Hockey Festival at Wah.
The Holland-South Africa tie smothered the Dutch in the first session
after their lead through conversion by Mark de Jose Josef Kramer in
the 11th minute got equalised in the 17th coming from a penalty
corner.
Holland after driving home on the first penalty corner in the 11th
minute looked more aggressive. However, according to the Dutch manager
J.V Vettorato believes that since the ball was going out after the
attempt was saved by the keeper, a call of corner was the correct
decision instead of penalising it for a penalty corner.
Although, it may be added here that the ball went high after
touching the keeper before going out. But, more importantly striker
Emile Smiths lethal slam powered through the Dutch defence to make 1-
1. The decision, no doubt, shocked the Dutch strikers who set about
to miss half a dozen scoring chances as the equaliser from opponents
shook up their confidence. The Dutch engaged in squandering flunked to
take lead till breather.
Holland resumed to move ahead in integrated fashion. Their two vibrant
strikers skipper Friso Jiskoot and Jeroen van der Venne struck two
fine goals in solo accesses. Skilful Jiskoot grabbed an opportunity in
the 49th minute charging in from the 23rd yard area he pushed home
after beating the whole of deep defence to put Holland ahead again.
Later, striker Jeroen striding in from the left switched towards right
and entering the circle dodged the keeper before placing home.
Trailing by two goals, the agile South African defence brought off a
spectacular save when Egbert Ho had lobbed the ball into the net.
Holland had four penalty corners in all.
In the first game, Malaysia overpowered a much improved Mexico by two
goals to nil to score their first win of the competition.
However, even an outside chance of pre-finals qualification cannot be
given to Malaysia against Holland, the top team of pool-B in the last
fixture on Wednesday afternoon.
Malaysian forwards scrimpy attitude once inside the shooting zone
cost them the crucial tie against Japan, a clash they could have won
but for the lack of fiery spirit required to deliver the goods. And
although, they were quite affluent in making the moves but their fuss
in striking area negate all efforts. Against Mexico, they yet again
failed to cope with the tendency of frittering open chances. At least
seven sure opportunities were thrown away.
Applying defensive tactics the Mexicans produced some brilliant saves
that kept the opponents at bay. Malaysian right wing Abdul Razak
Saidin broke the deadlock when he moved in on his position and slammed
in the lead in the 27th minute. More charges from Malaysian strikers
remained unsuccessful till the breather.
The tempo of the game did not change after resumption and Malaysia
could just make one goal off fullback Gobinnathan Krishnamurthy five
minutes before finish. Mexican strikers failed to get a single try on
the opponents in the game.
Mexico after completing their tally of pool fixtures noted one
thing in common, they equalled the most conceded goals 18 alongwith
Russia placed in pool-A.
FIXTURE: Jan 3: Pool-A: Kenya vs Russia at 1200, Pakistan vs Italy at
2:30. Pool-B: S.Africa vs Japan at 1200, Malaysia vs Holland at 2:30.
Points Table (tabulated as matches played, won, lost, draw, goals for,
goals against, points):
POOL-A: Pakistan-3-3-0-0-26-0-6 Belgium-4-3-1-0-11-10-6 Italy-3-1-1-1-
6-4-3 Russia-3-0-2-1-5-18-1 Kenya-3-0-3-0-0-13-0
POOL-B: Holland-3-3-0-0-12-0-6 Japan-3-2-1-0-8-4-4 S.Africa-3-1-1-1-7-
5-3 Malaysia-3-1-1-1-4-4-3 Mexico-4-0-4-0-1-18-0
DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS
960104
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Pakistan to face Japan in semis of youth hockey
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Farhana Ayaz
ISLAMABAD, Jan 3: Pakistan youth will run in against Japan while
Holland will face Belgium in the two pre-finals of the World Youth
Hockey Festival after the pool fixtures were completed simultaneously
at Rawalpindi and Wah on Wednesday.
No matches are scheduled for Thursday. The semi-finals to be played
at Rawalpindi along-with the Italy-Malaysia tie and two other
positional games at Wah has been slated for Friday.
Four matches were played yesterday. In pool-B, Japan came from behind
at two down to hold South Africa 2-2 to qualify for the pre-final and
set a date with hosts, and Holland rolled over Malaysia 3-1 in the
other match. In pool-A, Pakistan wrapped up its pool itinerary by
nailing Italy to a 5-0 win, while Russia overwhelmed underdogs of
the competition, Kenya by two goals to one.
Hot favourites Pakistan youth continued its winning spree in the
tournament with a 5-0 triumph over Italy. Pakistan having complete
command of the match failed to score a big win. Pakistani strikers
quite dynamic in skill fascinated themselves in selfish acts of
hitting the bulls-eye against the hard working Italians. The action,
obviously, did not pay off.
Full back Ali Raza, opened the accounts by converting the first
penalty corner in the 4th minute. Pakistan doubled the lead in the
11th when right half Waseem Ahmed pushed home on a penalty stroke
awarded after Italian defender obstructed with his stick. Six minutes
before breather centre forward Muhammad Farooq slammed home third goal
for Pakistan.
In the second session, seven open chances went abegging while on at
least two occasions the two inner strikers were unlucky after the ball
either hit that goalpost or got deflected under the keepers leg who
had no idea where the ball had gone. In between these futile accesses,
left full back Tariq Imran banged home a blistering shot into the
right corner in the 53rd minute to leave a diving custodian
frustrated.
Italians in their rare combined charge managed to secure a penalty
corner in the 63rd minute, although the shot went in but referee
called a moving ball. Two minutes before final whistle Ali Raza
converted the last penalty corner for Pakistan to score his seventh
goal of the tournament.
In a crucial pool-B fixture, Japan came from behind trailing by two
goals against South Africa to manage a tie and qualify for the semi-
final. South Africa who dominated the first session of the game failed
to stop the spirited fightback of the opponents in the last ten
minutes before breather and later in the second half. South Africa a
more balanced side than the Japanese played on a strategy of blocking
off the key opponents to capitalise on the opportunities that came
their way. Forward Emile Smith struck home the opener in the 16th
minute to put SA ahead. Seven minutes later right wing Darryn
Gallagher scored the second from top of the circle to make it 2-0.
The Japanese quite shaken by the early loss, slowly rejuvenated their
position by mounting pressure through combined moves. They succeeded
in obtaining their first penalty corner in the 25th minute. From
there onwards the Japanese did not look back as powering penetration
from both flanks they were able to reduce the margin on the fifth
penalty corner just one minute before half time. The goal was scored
by skipper Ryota Asari.
The Japanese picked up the tempo where they had left it in the first
session, raiding the South African danger zone, however they failed to
equalise on five penalty corners and at least three chances as the
opponents struggled to keep their structure intact. SA defence quite
vulnerable gave way when Naohiko Tobita rallied home indirectly on
the eleventh penalty corner to equalise.
Holland going strong inflicted a 3-1 defeat over Malaysia, however,
the latter did well to keep the first half barren. Once, the Dutch
drew first blood in the 46th minute off their ever dependable skipper
Friso Jiskoot in a goalmouth clash, striker Maarten Froger rolled over
Malaysian defence on two occasions in the 51st and 55th minutes, the
second on an indirect penalty corner. For Malaysia Veerapalan reduced
the margin by pushing home on the second and last penalty corner for
his team.
In the noon pool-A match, Russia pulled up a 2-1 win over Kenya. Put
into lead by S. Koltchugine who converted the penalty stroke in the
10th minute, he also scored the second goal for Russia in the 44th
minute of the game. Kenya who managed to test their skills better
against the Russians, reduced the margin off a penalty stroke
conversion off Singh Sohal in 45th minute. Kenya had seven penalty
corners and one stroke while Russia had six PC and one stroke.
Tabulated as matches played, won, lost, draw, goals for, goals
against, points:
Pool-A:
Pakistan 4 4 0 0 31 0 8
Belgium 4 3 1 0 11 10 6
Italy 4 1 2 1 6 9 3
Russia 4 1 2 1 7 19 3
Kenya 4 0 4 0 1 15 0
Pool-B:
Holland 4 4 0 0 15 1 8
Japan 4 2 1 1 10 6 5
S.Africa 4 1 1 2 9 7 4
Malaysia 4 1 2 1 5 7 3
Mexico 4 0 4 0 1 18 0
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