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DAWN WIRE SERVICE
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Week Ending : 31 July 1999 Issue : 05/31
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Contents | National News | Business & Economy | Editorials & Features | Sports
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
Pakistani Community on the Internet.
Extracts, not exceeding 50 lines, can be used provided that this
entire header is included at the beginning of each extract.
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mail DAWN Group of Newspapers
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Please send all Editorials and Letters to the Editor at
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(c) Pakistan Herald Publications (Pvt.) Ltd., Pakistan - 1999
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CONTENTS
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NATIONAL NEWS
+ Washington backs Nawaz on Kashmir
+ Nation proud of its armed forces, says Musharraf
+ National Assembly gives new lease of life to job quota
+ London Club to reschedule loan, says Dar
+ MQM warns govt against blocking passive resistance
+ PPP to launch anti-govt rallies on Aug 4
+ Signing of CTBT: Pakistan calls for coercion-free environment
+ Objectives in Kargil achieved: Sartaj
+ Pakistan & IMF agree on all major matters
+ Delhi says it's for Islamabad to resume talks
+ London MQM workers call off hunger strike
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BUSINESS & ECONOMY
+ Act amended: State Bank now to buy, sell forex directly
+ GST on power, gas, petrol: Pakistan accepts IMF, WB condition
+ Loans write-off: State Bank issues guidelines to NBFIs
+ WB gives India, Bangladesh $1 billion each, Pakistan $440m
+ Nine captive power companies improve profit by 114%
+ Levy of sales tax: Powerloom owners' strike threat
+ CBR evaluating impact of tax on reserves
+ Life insurance ratio in Pakistan one of the lowest
+ Petroleum dealers call off strike
+ Massive buying in Hub-Power shares
+ UAE-based traders to invest in PM's transport scheme
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EDITORIALS & FEATURES
+ Sound advice Ardeshir Cowasjee
+ Accountability Pakistani-style Ayaz Amir
+ Our image abroad Irfan Husain
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SPORTS
+ Pakistan likely to boycott Sharjah event
+ Suspended players not to be selected, says Mujeeb
+ Wasim Akram denies any wrongdoing
+ Pakistani boxers bag 6 gold medals in Iranian contests
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NATIONAL NEWS
990730
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Washington backs Nawaz on Kashmir
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Shaheen Sehbai
WASHINGTON, July 29: The US State Department on Wednesday came out
strongly in support of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as the senior
most official handling South Asia defined President Clinton's
personal interest in the Kashmir issue and assured a "supporting
and facilitating" US role in resolving it.
Assistant Secretary Karl Inderfurth told a crowded on-the-record
briefing for South Asian journalists Mr Sharif had full knowledge
that he would come under some strong criticism at home when he
undertook the Kargil withdrawal.
The briefing came after recent reports of major street
demonstrations in Pakistan against the withdrawal from Kargil, a
development which experts say would not be viewed by Washington as
positive in any way.
The general view in Washington is that Nawaz Sharif had taken a
courageous stand by pulling back his forces and he should be
supported like late President Anwar Sadat of Egypt. Many also
realise the fate of Anwar Sadat and do not wish the same to happen
to Mr Sharif.
Inderfurth went on record to explain in detail what President
Clinton had meant by mentioning in the July 4 statement that he
would take personal interest in persuading India and Pakistan to
bilaterally resolve their issues.
"That was a way to make it very clear that the President does take
a strong personal interest in South Asia," he said.
"The President is quite frustrated he could not travel to the
region so far. The July 4 statement is a further evidence of his
desire to support in any way he can, the resolution of long
standing conflict, and do it within the context of what he believes
is the best way, the bilateral context.
"The President believes Lahore declaration itself stands for
intensification of efforts to resolve all issues including Kashmir.
We are hopeful that the supporting, facilitating role that we
played in Kargil crisis can demonstrate to the parties that while
they must deal with it directly, US and others in international
community may have a useful supporting role to play."
Inderfurth said the July 4 statement was like a "deposit in a bank"
and was a public declaration of that intention and desire on the
part of the President. "You can take that and put it in a bank as
deposit and commitment on part of US to use our influence again in
a supporting role to assist in this process.
"Part of this would be determined as events unfold," he said. "We
will have to take our direction and lead from what the parties do
and initiate in the post Kargil period. We will encourage movement
as soon as possible. That is something Secretary of State Albright
did with Foreign Minister Singh in Singapore where she talked about
importance of resuming the Lahore process and general importance of
moving forward on nuclear non-proliferation issues as well as some
positive movement and thinking on Kashmir issue itself.
"This is the direction we are going. It will be further defined and
elaborated as we go forward," Inderfurth stated.
Asked to comment on the new pre-conditions imposed by India to
resume the Lahore process, Inderfurth said he would not comment
directly on what one was saying to the other. "One has to read FM
Jaswant Singh's speech of July 20. That is a thoughtful exposition
on where the two countries should go in the post-Kargil
environment. I would trust there would be a response from Pakistan
to what the FM said. I think it is very clear that he reaffirmed
his desire to return to Lahore process at the appropriate time and
his commitment remains firm to the process. So again we hope views
will be exchanged between the two capitals soon."
To a question about the nuclear benchmarks and what US expected
after Kargil, Inderfurth said even as Kargil took place, the US had
discussions with Pakistani officials in Geneva.
"We are quite aware that a national election has been scheduled in
India. We will have to wait until elections are over. We will re-
engage quickly. In the meantime we hope it would be possible for
Pakistan to take certain steps on CTBT and other steps which are
part of those benchmarks. We are of the view that we are moving in
the right direction and we are hopeful that we see more concrete
steps by both governments as soon as possible," he said.
"What Daley said others have made the same point before. Our
relationships with India and Pakistan stand on their own. There is
no issue of a balance involved. We continue to address the concerns
and pursue our interests with each country according to the
circumstances. That is all he was saying. Some may have read into
it more, given the current circumstances and the Kargil crisis etc.
But these are two countries they have some similarities but many
differences. We have not had the same history and relationship with
each. We take them on their merit and deal with circumstances as
they come as we did on Kargil.
"Please do not read more into statements than is actually there.
Stick with the lines."
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990726
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Nation proud of its armed forces, says Musharraf
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Correspondent
RAWALPINDI, July 25 : General Pervez Musharraf, Chairman of Joint
Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of Army Staff, has said the
Pakistan armed forces are keeping themselves abreast of the
situation and are meting out selective and telling punishment to
the enemy, wherever the situation so warrants.
According to a press release of ISPR, issued here on Sunday, Gen
Musharraf was addressing officers and men during his two-day visit
to the Northern Areas.
He said operational preparedness, training, discipline and an
unswerving faith in Allah were the factors which had contributed to
the superb performance of Pakistan troops on the Line of Control.
The COAS, who was accompanied by Corps Commander Lt-Gen Mahmud
Ahmed, FCNA commander and other senior army officers, appreciated
the fighting spirit and high morale displayed by the troops
operating under adverse conditions.
Gen Musharraf expressed his total satisfaction at the manner in
which the troops had repulsed aggressive actions of the enemy along
the LoC and demonstrated their capability of defending every inch
of the country's land.
He paid tributes to the officers, junior commissioned officers and
jawans who had sacrificed their lives while defending the
motherland, adding that the entire nation was proud of its valiant
armed forces.
Assuring the troops of all possible support, the COAS told them
about the government's resolve to meet the country's defence needs.
He also informed them about steps being taken for the welfare of
the next of kin of Shuhada and for the personnel of the Northern
Light Infantry, whose performance during the recent escalation had
remained par excellence. He distributed cheques among the families
of Shuhada.
After spending two days and a night with troops deployed at forward
locations in the Northern Areas, Gen Musharraf returned to
Rawalpindi on Sunday.
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990728
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National Assembly gives new lease of life to job quota
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Correspondent
ISLAMABAD, July 27: Displaying unanimity in the ranks of treasury
and combined opposition on Tuesday, the NationalAssembly passed the
much-awaitedConstitutional(Sixteenth Amendment) Bill, 1999 by 162
against four votes, more than two-thirds majority, reviving the
quota system in services till 2013.
The Bill was finally adopted by the process of division. When the
speaker asked the members wishing to vote for yes vote to proceed
to the lobbies on his right side, the MNAs belonging to both the
treasury, independents and the opposition made a beeline to proceed
to the lobbies.
Only one PPP MNA, Shabir Ahmed Khan Chandio, who is forced to sit
on a wheel-chair owing to his physical disability, kept sitting in
the house. The speaker directed the teller to come to the house and
get his signature for vote.
After 45 minute-exercise, the speaker announcing the results,
saying that the Bill had been adopted by 162 votes. The MQM voted
against the Bill with a tally of four votes.
Earlier, the Muttahida legislators in the National Assembly put up
a stout opposition to the Bill. Dr Nishat Mallick of the MQM
speaking on the Bill said that the MQM, who were four people
present in the house, should be given opportunity to speak out
their mind on an important bill.
In 1973, he said that the government had taken the plea that the
quota system was being kept in force for only ten years in view of
the existence of backward areas in the country since equal
education and other facilities were not available to the people of
these areas for competing the people from developed areas.
However, Dr Nishat said that even after ten years no steps had been
taken by the government to bring such people at par with the
developed areas in terms of education.
He said distinction of urban and rural was maintained only in
Sindh, while in the other three provinces, no distinction on the
basis of rural and urban was made. He expressed apprehension that
in the year 2013, once again another constitutional amendment would
be sought to extend the period on the same grounds. MQM members
Kunwar Khalid Yunus, Arif Khan advocate and Tariq Javed also
opposed the Bill terming it as being against the spirit of the
Constitution. The members were given two minutes to speak on the
Bill. They said that the discrimination on the basis of rural and
urban would create frustrations among the people and would generate
feelings of alienation among them, leading to creating a new
Bangladesh in the country.
The Constitution (Sixteenth Amendment) Bill, 1999 provided that in
the Article 27 of the Constitution, Clause (1), in the first
proviso for the word "twenty" the word "forty" shall be
substitutedand shall be deemed always to have beenso substituted.
When the speaker put this Clause to vote, he first asked the
members who wished to support it to rise from their seats. The
count revealed that in all 155 members voted for the adoption of
Clause 2. This was followed by the count of those who opposed the
Clause 2. Only four MQM MNAs stood up tooppose it.
The speaker then put the clause to vote and asked the members
supporting Clause 1 to rise from their seats. The counting of the
votes showed that 162 supported it. Then the speaker asked the
opponents of the Bill to rise. Only four MQM MNAs stood up. The
speaker declared the Clause passed.
The prime minister did not attend the House though hehad earlier
presided over the PML parliamentary party meeting and was present
inhis chamber till the passing of the Bill.
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990730
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London Club to reschedule loan, says Dar
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Nasir Malick
LONDON, July 29: The London Club has agreed to reschedule
Pakistan's $877 million loan for another three years, Finance
Minister Ishaq Dar said on Thursday.
Mr Dar, who held a detailed meeting with the representatives of the
London Club, which comprises 10 banks and financial monetary
institutions, on Wednesday told reporters at a news conference that
the average interest rate for three years would be Libor (London
inter-bank offering rate) plus 1.19 per cent, the payment of which
would be made in quarterly instalments from January 2001.
Elaborating, he said different rates of interest had been agreed
for the three-years period. During the first year it would be Libor
plus 1 per cent; the second year it would increase to Libor plus
1.25 per cent and the final year it would be Libor plus 1.50 per
cent.
"The effective interest rate for this three-years period will come
to 1.19 per cent on an average," Dar said. "It will be a uniform
rate of interest for all the banks and financial institutions."
He said Pakistan had requested to reschedule the loan for four
years with Libor plus 1 per cent interest but the Club had
suggested to extend it for only one year with Libor plus 4.5 per
cent interest. "However, we have finally convinced them to extend
the loan for three years with a uniform average rate of 1.19 per
cent for this period," Dar said.
"There was some tough time for us because a Western bank was
refusing to extend the period and unless all the banks agree the
loan cannot be rescheduled," he said. "But finally that bank also
agreed."
He praised the Middle-Eastern banks and said their role had been
very positive during these talks.
He said instead of paying each bank heavy fees for their solicitors
and other expenses, Pakistan had agreed to pay 0.02 per cent or
around 60,000 sterling pounds to all the banks and the same amount
to its own solicitor in London. Thus the total overhead expenses
would come to 120,000 sterling pounds.
"This must be the cheapest cost (of expenses) that we are paying to
London Club," Dar said asserting that these costs run up to half a
million dollars or more.
He said the banks would be sending the "signed term sheets" to
Pakistan on Monday or Tuesday. Once these sheets are received,
Pakistan would release the interest arrears accumulated of around
$52 million up to July 14, 1999.
He said it took almost five months to make the London Club agree to
rescheduling the loans according to Islamabad's terms.
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990730
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MQM warns govt against blocking passive resistance
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Reporter
KARACHI, July 29: Amid mounting tension the Muttahida Qaumi
Movement on Thursday warned the administration that if it tried to
obstruct or to sabotage their peaceful hunger strike, then the
party would be compelled to launch a public protest campaign, and
the onus for its consequences would be on the government.
Senator Aftab Shaikh, deputy convener of the MQM coordination
committee, was talking to newsmen after the fourth batch of the
hunger strikers, two elders and two ladies, led by MNA Tariq Javed
and MPA Asim Kabir, replaced the previous batch for another 24
hours at midday outside the Karachi Press Club (KPC).
They were carrying placards deploring extrajudicial killings and
police excesses and injustice to the people of Sindh. They also
deplored the violations of human rights and of constitutional
provisions.
The anti-MQM group, which called itself "Voice of Karachi," also
resumed its protest on the pavements of Lakson Square, opposite the
KPC. They had hung banners inscribed with slogans demanding
punishment for the killers of their relatives.
Senator Shaikh alleged that the local administration and the police
had tried to prevent the people from coming to the site of protest
and had put up barricades.
He said even he and his parliamentarian colleagues were stopped at
the barricade. He had to personally remove the barricades to make
way for the vehicles, said the MQM senator.
Senator Shaikh said he had told the officials on duty that "if we
are not allowed to exercise our right of peaceful protest, then we
will cut short the hunger strike programme and go into agitation."
He said the MQM did not recognize Section 144 because it was a
colonial law and against the fundamental rights guaranteed in the
Constitution.
He refuted allegations that the MQM was trying to break up the
country. "This is absurd because we are the people who fought for
Pakistan and gave sacrifices for its creation. It is malicious
propaganda of those vested interests who engineered the
dismemberment of the country and are adamant on denying the people
their rights," he said.
"We want our rights, and we reject the dictatorial and fascist
tendencies of the government," said Senator Shaikh. He said the
people were already enraged over the administration's attitude due
to which there was a strike in Hyderabad on Wednesday. He indicated
that if the regime's attitude did not change, "other forces, which
are marking times, would also jump into the fray and launch an
anti-government movement."
This was a reference to the anti-Nawaz protest rallies planned by
the PPP in the Sindh province on Aug 4.
He said that the claim of heavy mandate did not mean that the
mandate of others had diluted. Nawaz Sharif must learn to respect
the mandate of others.
He said the local administration was clearly divided. The civil
administration was moving in one direction, while the Inspector-
General Police, Sindh was acting in another direction.
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990730
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PPP to launch anti-govt rallies on Aug 4
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Bureau Report
PESHAWAR July 29: The NWFP PPP, in line with its central executive
committee's decision, has announced that it will launch anti
government movement from August 4, by holding rallies throughout
the province.
Maj-Gen Naseerullah Khan Babar and Iftikhar Gilani would lead a
protest demonstration and address a rally in the provincial capital
to start the campaign, the PPP MPA and acting provincial president,
Najmuddin Khan, told a news conference here on Thursday.
Questioning the government's sagacity first in "allowing its
troops" to enter in Kargil sector and then their withdrawal under
external pressure, he said the comprise by the premier had not only
shattered the prestige of the nation but also jeopardized the
Kashmir cause.
Mr Khan feared that the government might sign the Comprehensive
Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) by compromising more national interests and
might even allow the United States to use its territory to launch
operation against Osama Bin Laden.
The majority of the political parties were getting closer on one
point agenda of getting Nawaz Sharif removed from power as he (PM)
had become a security risk for the country, the PPP leader said and
asked his party workers to prepare themselves for ensuing polls
which, he remarked, were getting closer.
Lashing out at the country's "failed" foreign policy, he observed
that the failure of the rulers had isolated the country and
deprived it of its tested friends.
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990728
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Signing of CTBT: Pakistan calls for coercion-free environment
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Bureau Report
ISLAMABAD, July 27: Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Siddique
Khan Kanju on Tuesday reiterated Pakistan's commitment to non-
proliferation and called for coercion free environment to move
towards signing of the CTBT.
According to a press release issued by the Foreign Office, Kanju
was talking to a four member Japanese delegation headed by Mr Kazuo
Aichi who called on him here on Tuesday.
Mr Aichi is the secretary of Japan-Pakistan Friendship League in
the Japanese Diet. He also heads the special committee on external
economic cooperation in the Diet.
While extending a warm and hearty welcome to the delegation, the
minister of state underlined the importance that Pakistan attaches
to its excellent relations with Japan.
"The minister of state highlighted Pakistan's commitment to non-
proliferation and called for a coercion free environment to move
towards signing of the CTBT, " the FO press release said.
Mr Kazuo Aichi thanked Kanju for a warm welcome and detailed
briefing on various issues concerning regional security and socio-
economic development.
"He lauded Pakistan's efforts for peace and urged resumption of
dialogue under the Lahore Declaration to bring durable peace and
stability in the region," it said.
He observed that time had come to assess the negative impact of
Japanese sanctions. He appreciated Pakistan's continued commitment
to non-proliferation, the press release concluded.
HEALTH: The delegation also called on Health Minister Makhdoom
Javed Hashmi to discuss the issues of common interest.
A press release said that the health minister briefed the
delegation about the progress Pakistan had made in areas of health
and population welfare.
The delegation was informed that the population welfare programme
had been designed to provide better quality of life and that the
ministry of population had successfully achieved the targets fixed
in the 8th five year plan to bring down the population growth rate
upto 2.4 per cent.
The minister said that the population growth had started to
decline.
Mr Aichi assured the minister to do their best in the continuation
of their support in the areas of health and population. The
minister appreciated the assistance being provided by the Japanese
government in these areas and requested Mr Aichi to help for
getting the proposals matured which were submitted by Pakistan for
government of Japan's consideration.
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990730
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Objectives in Kargil achieved: Sartaj
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Correspondent
LONDON, July 29: Foreign Minister Sartaj Aziz has claimed that
Pakistan has "achieved its objectives" in Kargil by bringing
Kashmir issue on the top of the world agenda.
Speaking at a dinner reception hosted in his honour by a UK-based
Pakistan Cultural Foundation, the foreign minister said that India
was trying to use the Kargil issue to divert the international
attention from state repression in the occupied Kashmir and to
create an impression that it was terrorism and not freedom movement
which was going on in held Kashmir.
He said when the Kashmir history would be written, Kargil would be
remembered as a landmark in the independence struggle and in
retrospective it would be considered as an issue, which brought
Kashmir on the international agenda.
Besides, he said, Pakistan had also made it clear that it would not
accept India's hegemony in the region or accept the principle of
might is right.
By capturing the heights of Kargil, he said, the freedom- fighters
showed a "qualitative change" in their "abilities" and instead of
hit and run operations, it was for the first time that they
captured an area and made Indian army to bleed.
He said that in spite of India's aerial bombardment and heavy
artillery fire, its forces failed to get these posts vacated from a
handful of around 700 freedom-fighters.
The minister said that one of the reasons why the Mujahideen
occupied Kargil was that Indian troops, sitting on the heights had
made the life of the people of Neelam Valley in Azad Kashmir a hell
by closing down the Valley road and making the people of the area
captive for two years since 1994.
He said the freedom-fighters blocked Laddakh Road for two months in
retaliation which meant that India would be able to send only 50
per cent of the supplies to Siachen area through road as the winter
was approaching to close the road.
He also indirectly agreed that India had marginalized Kashmir in
Lahore peace process but asserted that it had now once again come
on the forefront and Kashmir was considered as a "flash point" for
a nuclear confrontation.
Mr Aziz indirectly admitted that India had succeeded in getting
sympathies of the international community over the Kargil issue but
asserted that it was misusing that support.
The minister said while Pakistan had de-escalated the tension, it
was now waiting for the resumption of substantive talks on Kashmir
issue with India and called upon the international community to
exercise its influence on the Indian government to resume the
talks.
Earlier, Lord Nazir Ahmad asked Pakistan to counter Indian
propaganda and informed that Indian diplomats were telling "pack of
lies" to British parliamentarians and feeding them half-truth on
Kashmir issue.
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990729
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Pakistan & IMF agree on all major matters
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Shaheen Sehbai
WASHINGTON, July 28: Finance Minister Ishaq Dar claimed on Tuesday
that understanding had been reached with the IMF on all major
issues, but an IMF spokesman said though "good progress" had been
made, several issues were still to be discussed.
Both Mr Dar and the spokesman said an IMF mission would go to
Islamabad in August. Mr Dar said it would complete the "nitty
gritty and a detailed financing plan" while the IMF spokesman said
it would also tackle the remaining issues, making it clear that
more discussions were to be held.
When Mr Dar's attention was confronted with the IMF statement, he
was taken aback and asked how could they say so. He then tried to
explain what might have happened.
"It (the review) has been completed but they cannot say it is over
until it is over. All issues have been taken care of. There is no
major pending issue on which we don't have a consensus and a joint
decision. Now they have to go and prepare according to these
decisions, like the revenue figures. They have to go and see all
the figures and make sure that the figure is Rs308.1 billion as has
been reported. Here they had to rely on verbal things now they have
to go and prepare back-up reports, data and statistics.
Technically, it will not be complete even one day before it is
circulated to the board and that is always the case."
The IMF spokesman, when asked on Wednesday morning about the
differences, told Dawn Mr Dar was correct about the technical
details but the IMF insisted that discussions on several issues
would also take place.
The spokesman was aware of that fact that the stock market in
Karachi had reacted adversely to the IMF statement. "We are saying
that good progress has been made in our talks but if everything had
been agreed, the mission would not be going again to Islamabad."
Experts said Mr Dar had failed to win a firm commitment about the
release of funds from the IMF, his claims that consensus on
everything had been reached notwithstanding. The BBC quoted IMF
spokesman William Murray by name, as saying: "Good progress was
made in resolving outstanding issues for the completion of the
programme review. An IMF mission will visit Islamabad next month
and we hope to conclude the discussions."
Last year, the IMF's $1.5bn lending programme was frozen following
Pakistan's nuclear tests. Disbursements resumed in January and
Pakistan is set to receive $460m in loans between now and October
2000 - provided it meets reform promises it has made to the IMF.
The last instalment received by Pakistan was $51m in May.
Mr Dar made the claims at a news conference at the Pakistan embassy
after five days of intensive negotiations and dismissed the IMF
statement, saying: "They must be referring to the detailed working
which they have to do on each issue which is a routine matter.
Unless the issues were resolved, the mission would not go back."
He opened the news conference with a short statement, saying that
understanding on major issues had been reached and budgetary,
fiscal, monetary, exchange rates and structural reforms had been
well covered.
"We have arrived at an understanding that an IMF mission will
hopefully come back to Pakistan to complete their nitty gritty and
detailed financing plan and before the end of August they will
return to Washington so that a report could be prepared for
circulation to the board which will meet before the annual IMF
meetings. Then we will get the $280 million tranche in September."
Pakistan, he said, had crossed so many reviews. "It was known as
the first-tranche country. We are now better than the past. It is
our fourth review."
Mr Dar claimed that the review for which he led the team had been
completed but the IMF spokesman told Dawn that the review had not
been completed. "The discussions have to be concluded and several
issues remain to be resolved," the spokesman said.
Mr Dar insisted that the IMF mission would not go back to Pakistan
unless there was a consensus on each major issue. "Even micro
matters have been settled and now they have to be translated into
action." Asked about a gap of Rs45 billion between the IMF
calculations and government figures, the finance minister said it
had now been bridged. "I cannot give details but I say
fundamentally there were some differences. The calculations
required some revision. There are certain measures which we are in
the process of taking. They are not quantified and taken into
account. We have reconciled the figures. Now there is no gap."
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990729
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Delhi says it's for Islamabad to resume talks
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SINGAPORE, July 28: India said on Wednesday it was up to Pakistan
to initiate a dialogue on peace, claiming it was Islamabad that had
derailed the previous peace process.
In an interview with Reuters, Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh
reiterated there was no place for a mediator in any talks between
the two countries.
"We were the initiators of the dialogue...the initiation was the
dramatic bus journey that the Indian prime minister undertook to
Lahore," Singh said, referring to the meeting held between Atal
Behari Vajpayee and Pakistan premier Nawaz Sharif in February to
discuss peace.
"Unfortunately our neighbour re-routed the bus ride from Lahore to
Kargil and it is now important that they bring it back on the
Lahore road. As soon as it is there, the process of dialogue can be
restarted," he said.
Singh said he saw Pakistan-India relations as a purely bilateral
affair, adding there was no place for an intermediary.
He said US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright had told him that
cross-border terrorism had no place in international conduct, and
stressed the "inviolability" of the Line of Control.
Albright called last week in Washington for an immediate end to
"acts of terrorism" along the Line of Control, adding that both
India and Pakistan had made "conflicting claims" about fighting
there, and "we can't verify either".
Singh and Albright then held talks on the sidelines of an
Association of South East Asian Nations meeting in Singapore on
Sunday.
Singh, who also met his Chinese counterpart for talks, said China
and India would hold a security dialogue soon.
"The idea will be fleshed out by the two ministries of external
affairs and I expect that it should be some time early autumn this
year," Singh said.
He said Indian and Chinese military and diplomatic experts would
meet shortly on the clarification of the Line of Control.-Reuters
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990729
-------------------------------------------------------------------
London MQM workers call off hunger strike
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Correspondent
LONDON, July 28: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement on Wednesday called
off the hunger strike its leaders had started here in the United
Kingdom eight days back.
The MQM had set up a camp opposite the 10-Downing Street to observe
the hunger strike in protest against the "ethnic cleansing" of
Mohajir community in Pakistan.
Several MQM leaders, including Senator Nasreen Jalil and Senator
Mustafa Kamal, besides MPAs had staged the hunger strike.
The MQM had planned to call its members of parliament from Pakistan
to take part in the protest, but the government stopped the MQM
members from leaving the country.
During the protest, the MQM workers distributed thousands of
pamphlets and handbills among the tourists to inform them about the
grave human rights violations taking place in Pakistan,
particularly against the Mohajir community in Karachi and other
urban areas of Sindh.
An MQM spokesman said that the protest in London had been called
off because of their "pressing engagements" in view of a similar
camp set up in Karachi.
===================================================================
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
990731
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Act amended: State Bank now to buy, sell forex directly
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Mohiuddin Aazim
KARACHI, July 30: The State Bank can now buy foreign exchange from
and sell it to any person whether in Pakistan or abroad after an
amendment introduced to the State Bank of Pakistan Act.
The SBP has informed all the banks and financial institutions of
the amendment introduced through the Finance Act, 1999, which
allows it to buy or sell foreign exchange from any one in Pakistan
or abroad. Earlier the SBP was making foreign exchange transactions
only with the authorized commercial banks.
"The (State) Bank may buy or sell to any person whether in Pakistan
or abroad approved foreign exchange at such rates of exchange at
such places and on such conditions as it may determine from time to
time," says the amended section of the Act as quoted in SBP
circular of July 29.
Earlier it read: "The (State) Bank shall sell to or buy from any
authorized dealer (bank) in Pakistan approved foreign exchange at
such rates of exchange at such places and on such conditions as the
Federal Government may from time to time by general or special
order determine."
The SBP circular has only reproduced the amended section (23) of
the State Bank Act of 1956 without making any comment. It has
simply asked all the banks and other financial institutions to
acknowledge the receipt of the information.
Bankers expect that the SBP may issue detailed guidelines on the
subject in near future.
The shift in the policy is unmistakably clear: it would now be the
prerogative of the SBP to determine the rates of exchange and other
specifics related to buying and selling of the foreign exchange.
The federal government would no longer exercise this right. It is
also obvious that the commercial banks with valid licences would no
longer act as the State Bank authorized dealers to buy or sell
foreign exchange.
The SBP itself would start buying and selling foreign exchange in
the local and international market.
Senior bankers said the amendment empowering the State Bank to
enter into foreign exchange transactions on its own would help it
stabilize the rupee when needed. "Now the SBP could buy foreign SBP
now to buy, sell forex directly exchange from the open market and
pour it into the inter-bank market and vice versa," said a
treasurer of a leading foreign bank.
Treasury head of a local bank said the commercial banks would now
find little room for manipulating foreign exchange business to earn
huge profits. But treasurers of a couple of foreign banks said with
the SBP now free to enter into foreign exchange deals "with every
Tom, Dick and Harry" the banks would have very little role to play.
The bankers and open market currency dealers are anticipating the
State Bank intervention in the open market any time now to squeeze
the spread between inter-bank and open market exchange rates.
Currently the spread ranges between Rs2.20 and Rs2.50 with the
inter-bank rate oscillating between Rs51.20 and 51.50 and the open
market rate between Rs53.50 and Rs53.70 a US dollar.
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has been on record saying that the
government may force the open market currency dealers to stop their
business if the spread goes up beyond Rs1.00-1.50 a dollar.
The president of Pakistan Forex Association, which groups about 300
licensed money changers, said with the SBP now allowed to buy and
sell foreign exchange freely the exchange rates both in the inter-
bank and open market would stabilize. "It is a right step in the
right direction", he said while talking to Dawn by telephone.
Senior bankers say the State Bank would now be able to raise swap
funds from the international market but it is yet to be seen how
the market would rate the central bank i.e. at what rate would the
SBP be able to attract these funds and on what conditions.
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990730
-------------------------------------------------------------------
GST on power, gas, petrol: Pakistan accepts IMF, WB condition
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Correspondent
LONDON, July 29: Pakistan has agreed with the IMF and the World
Bank to impose GST on petrol, gas and electricity before the
release of the next tranche of $270 million loan "without putting
any extra burden" on the consumers.
It emerged on Thursday after talks with Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.
Mr Dar arrived here on Wednesday from the United States after
holding talks with the IMF and the World Bank officials for the
release of $270 million tranche in September.
The IMF, according to reports, had conditioned the release of the
loan with the imposition of GST on petrol, gas and power.
Though the minister did not divulge the details of the
"understanding" reached with the IMF, it was very clear from his
talk that Pakistan has agreed to the Fund's conditionalities. But,
simultaneously, it has found a way out not to burden the consumers.
It is understood that Pakistan will decrease the central excise
duty or some other duties on these items in proportion to the GST.
When asked whether he had agreed to IMF conditionality of imposing
GST on these services, the minister refused to answer the question
saying he has to brief the cabinet first before making any
announcement.
However, he said: "The common man is not concerned whether GST is
there or not, if he is paying the same money on bills (which he is
already paying)."
It was very evident the government is considering that while it
will fulfil the IMF conditionality on the one hand, it will give an
equal relief to the consumers by reducing the excise or some other
duties proportionate to GST.
"Consumers will not be burdened," he said while advocating for GST.
"It is a future tax as direct taxes like income tax are dying".
IMF TEAM'S VISIT TO PAKISTAN: Asked about his talks with the IMF
and the World Bank for the release of $270 million tranche, the
minister said that the fourth review by a Fund team was completed
in June 1999, after which he could not continue talks because of
other pressing engagements like the budget, trade policy and then
the Kargil situation.
He said his present visit was aimed at picking up the thread from
the same place where it was in June 1999.
"I can tell you that during my six-day talks with the IMF and World
Bank officials, an understanding has been developed."
Asked to elaborate the "understanding", the minister said "it is
enough to say that an understanding has been arrived with them."
Dar asserted that the IMF team would be visiting Pakistan in mid-
August for continuation of talks. "If there is no understanding how
have they agreed to visit Pakistan", he questioned while referring
to newspaper reports which hinted that the talks had been
deadlocked.
"Inshallah, the IMF will be holding its board of governors meeting
before September and we will get money in September," he hoped.
RUPEE DEVALUATION: The minister said there would be no devaluation
of the currency and asserted that any devaluation in rupee would
not be in the national interest.
"I never believe devaluation can help the country rather I believe
it will be a path of destruction," Dar said. "I am not willing to
accept devaluation at any cost because I know this is not in the
national interest."
He said the IMF had put a lot of pressure on Pakistan in October
last year to devalue the rupee but he had refused to do so. "I knew
it will result in an instant shooting up of Pakistan's defence
budget, its debt servicing and was nothing less than a disaster
recipe for the country."
Dar said during his meeting with the IMF officials he asked them
what happened to their predictions that the dollar would go up
against the Pakistani rupee. "They told me that Pakistan is a
miracle country."
He agreed that the government had to be tough with the foreign
currency dealers who were manipulating the price of the dollar
against the Pakistani rupee. "The State Bank arrested only 44
people in 14 days and the dollar rate started declining," he said.
"Governments have to take such steps to save their currencies from
such manipulations."
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990730
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Loans write-off: State Bank issues guidelines to NBFIs
-------------------------------------------------------------------
KARACHI, July 29: The State Bank has issued guidelines to Non-Bank
Financial Institutions (NBFIs) in case they need to write-off any
irrecoverable loans/advances or mark up.
The NBFIs received a circular from the Central Bank's Banking
Supervision Department here Thursday which warned them that while
rescheduling or restructuring is permissible, it should not be done
simply to break time frame and allow unwarranted improvement in the
classified category of loans.
The NBFIs include modarabas, leasing companies and investment
banks.
Banking sources said the circular follows reports that various
financial institutions were writing-off unqualified applications of
defaulters just to show improvement in the balance sheets.
The SBP circular said bad/irrecoverable loans may be continued to
be written off by NBFIs themselves with the approval of their
respective board of directors.
But, before considering write-off proposals, they should ensure
that the write-off proposal is duly audited by the Internal Auditor
who would be required to clearly indicate whether any deviation
from the credit policy approved by the board took place in
sanctioning the advance.
Moreover, any irregularity or slackness that occurred during the
disbursement or documentation should also be mentioned.
The SBP further asked for names and designation of officers/staff
responsible for various lapses in handling the advance which led to
its write off in full or part and that action taken against them
may also be specified.
The NBFIs are also required to produce the latest valuation of
properties / stocks held as security against advances, indicating
present market value as well as forced value duly assessed by an
approved surveyor.
It was made clear to banks that no write off will be allowed if the
forced sale value of the security held is more than the outstanding
amount recoverable.
They were further asked to ensure that all liquid assets including
government securities, share certificates held under lien and
pledged goods etc have been realized and sale proceeds are
appropriate towards adjustment of outstanding.
The SBP further asked the banks to ensure that the borrower /
guarantor has no known means of repayment and that the borrowers
have not created other business interests and assets out of the
non-performing loans proposed to be written off and that no
criminal misappropriation of stock or other moveable/immovable
securities by the borrower was involved.
The write-off of loans, if any, in the names of directors of the
bank or their relatives, dependents or other concerns in which they
have interest and in the name of head of banks etc would require
prior approval of SBP.
These banks are further required to give full particulars of loans
written off to the Credit Information Bureau (CIB) of SBP.-APP
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990729
-------------------------------------------------------------------
World Bank gives India, Bangladesh $1 billion each, Pakistan $440m
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Correspondent
WASHINGTON, July 28: India and Bangladesh received more than $1
billion each while Pakistan got $440 million from the World Bank in
financial year 1999, which ended on June 30, the bank announced on
Wednesday.
Bank's lending commitments to the South Asian countries reached
$2.6 billion for 18 projects. These commitments included $1.8
billion in interest-free credits from IDA, and $750 million in
market-based loans from the IBRD.
Disbursements reached $2.7 billion, showing a significant increase
over the previous year. India and Bangladesh were among the bank's
top ten borrowers in fiscal 1999. India was the largest borrower
with commitments totalling $1.5 billion ($654 million in IDA
credits and $400 million in IBRD loans) for seven projects.
Lending to Bangladesh reached record levels, with the approval of
six projects totalling more than $1 billion (all IDA credits).
Pakistan received $440 million ($90 million in IDA credits and $350
million in IBRD loans) for two projects; Sri Lanka, $29 million for
one IDA-financed project; and Nepal, $17.5 million in IDA credits
for two projects.
In close coordination with the IMF and other donor agencies, the
bank moved swiftly to help maintain macroeconomic stability and to
help meet balance of payment needs in the region through two multi-
sector programmes. These included a $200 million credit to
Bangladesh, which helped the country recover from last year's
devastating floods, and a $350 million loan to Pakistan, which
supports structural reforms in banking, tax administration, public
utilities, and public expenditure.
Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), a $90 million IDA credit
supported the work of local partners such as NGOs and community-
based organizations (CBOs), to provide micro-credits to
individuals, and grants and technical assistance to communities for
small infrastructure projects, such as water supply schemes and
roads.
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990730
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Nine captive power companies improve profit by 114%
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Nasir Jamal
LAHORE, July 29: Nine captive power generation companies improved
their net profit by 114% to Rs540.018 million during the first half
of the financial year 1999 ended Dec 31, 1998 from Rs252.114
million in the corresponding period the previous year.
The sales of these companies rose by 21.21% to Rs2.248 billion from
Rs1.848 billion in the same period as against an increase of merely
5.31% in the cost of sales to Rs1.427 billion from Rs1.355 billion,
according to the unaudited financial statements of these companies
for the first six months ended Dec 31, 1998.
The growth in profits is attributed to lower prices of furnace oil,
improved production efficiency, upward revision of the Wapda tariff
and contained sales cost.
Kohinoor Genertech Ltd (KGL) and DG Khan Electric Co were actually
able to cut down their costs of sales by 17.78% and 1.39%,
respectively. KGL and DG Khan Electric were able to reduce the cost
of their sales despite the fact that their respective sales shot up
by 2.25% and 23.64% and profits by 76.55% and 128.12%.
Ibrahim Energy improved its profits by a staggering 234.29% to
Rs48.733 million while its sales rose by 17.28% and cost of sales
by 2.59%. Mapleleaf Electric followed it by registering growth of
233.35% in its profits to Rs92.278 million from Rs27.682 million.
Its sales improved by 48.79% and cost of sales by 18.94%.
Genertech Pak's profits shot up by 137.40% to Rs54.833 million
while its sales and costs rose by 32.31% and 5.65%, respectively.
Sitara Energy Ltd registered an increase of 123.24% in its profits
taking them to Rs119.837 million from Rs53.681 million. Its sales
and their costs grew by 23.24% and 12.82%, respectively.
Ideal Energy's profits bolstered by 55.60% to Rs25.731 million from
Rs16.536 million while its sales rose by 12.28% and the cost by
9.30%. Elahi Electric Co improved profit by 43.94% to Rs41.016
million from Rs28.496 million, sales by 19.79% and cost by 3.10%.
Kohinoor Power trailed behind the others by improving its profits
by 11.54% to Rs22.286 million from Rs19.980 million and its sales
rose by 4.6% and cost by 4.02%.
Large industrial consumers were allowed to establish their own
power plants in the early 1990s in view of shortage of energy and
the growing industry in the country because the public utilities,
Wapda and KESC, were unable to meet the demand.
Most plants have been set up in the Punjab and supply power to
their sponsors' industrial units. Their main consumers are sugar,
textile, chemicals and cement industries.
'The profitability of captive power plants hinges on the price of
furnace oil. Any fluctuation in the oil price can tumble their
income.' Waseem Butt of Trust Securities and Brokerage Ltd (TSBL)
says. 'The lowering of the furnace oil prices is reflected in the
incomes of these companies.'
Besides, the financial health of their consumer industries can and
does affect their incomes to a great extent. 'Those supplying power
to cement industry have been forced to give rebate to their
consumers that affects their incomes,' says an official at one of
these plants.
The problems in the consuming industries can result in their
reduced capacity utilization of the captive power plants and
profits. Most of them are actually operating much below their
capacity utilization due to a slowdown in economy and less demand
by end users.
Some companies claim that they are 'trying to boost capacity
utilization by selling power to the other industries'.
'These power plants have contributed great deal to improve the
financial situation of their consumers and to help them make more
money by saving them from the upward changes in the power tariffs
and from power breakdowns, unreliable supplies, loadshedding and
power fluctuations,' says TSBL analyst Fahim Ahmed.
Under their agreements with the government, the captive plants are
allowed to sell the surplus power to public utilities as well as
other industrial consumers.
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990730
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Levy of sales tax: Powerloom owners' strike threat
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Correspondent
FAISALABAD, July 29: The owners of silk and cotton powerlooms
factories and sizing units have announced to observe a complete
strike from August 1 in protest against the imposition of sales tax
on powerlooms and sizing units.
Chairman All Pakistan Cotton Powerlooms Association, Rana Ikhlaq
Ahmed, chairman All Pakistan Sizing Industries Association, Rana
Talib Hussain, and other representatives of various trade
organizations talking to newsmen here on Thursday pointed out that
final notices for the registration of sales tax to the powerloom
owners were issued and July 30 was the deadline.
They pointed out that the government had earlier announced that it
would not impose any sales tax on powerlooms and sizing industry up
to year 2003.
They urged the federal government to honour its commitment
otherwise thousands of labourers would be rendered jobless and
their families would be pushed to the very verge of starvation
because of the collapse of the powerlooms and sizing industries.
They announced that protest camp had already been set up in the
local Karkhana Bazaar where representatives of the traders would
observe a token hunger strike daily by rotation.
They alleged that local MNAs were taking the owners of powerlooms
and sizing units for a ride and they did precious little to resolve
their problems.
They said they had been in illusion because MNAs and officials kept
promising that the irritants that tormented them would be removed
and they would be able to present their case before the federal
authorities, but no such meeting ever took place and now yet
another crisis stared them in the face. They said the only option
they were left with was to go on strike and agitate as long as the
authorities refused to be considerate and reasonable.
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990729
-------------------------------------------------------------------
CBR evaluating impact of tax on reserves
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Mohiuddin Aazim
KARACHI, July 28: The Central Board of Revenue is evaluating the
possible impact of the government decision of levying a 10 per cent
across-the-board tax on those companies whose reserves exceed 50
per cent of their paid-up capital.
Sources close to CBR told Dawn that senior CBR officials were
currently weighing the pros and cons of the decision in terms of
revenue generation and corporate governance.
"It would be too early to say that the CBR would recommend any
amendment in the decision but senior officials are studying its
pros and cons," one of the sources told Dawn.
Sources at Karachi Stock Exchange said that KSE had sought a
meeting with CBR Chairman Iqbal Farid to discuss this issue and
solicit his support for amending it to the long-term benefit of the
corporate sector. They said CBR had so far not responded to their
request.
The sources said KSE would also seek a meeting with Finance
Minister Ishaq Dar on his return from Washington to urge him to
differentiate between good and bad companies in levying the tax on
reserves. Sources at CBR said senior CBR officials were also
waiting for the minister to discuss this issue in detail and seek a
go-ahead signal to find out the way to appease the agitating
businessmen.
KSE has demanded that the tax should be levied only on those
companies who fail to distribute at least 50 per cent of their
current year earnings among their shareholders. Several other
business bodies including Lahore Stock Exchange have also urged the
government to restrict imposition of the tax only to those
companies which fail to give out dividends to their shareholders.
A senior KSE official said an across-the-board levy of 10 per cent
tax on the companies with extra reserves would defy the very spirit
of it. He recalled that minister Ishaq Dar had made it clear in his
budget speech on June 12 that the tax was not being levied only to
earn revenue but to encourage the companies to pay dividends.
"Now if the tax is levied across the board it would force good
companies paying dividends to find out ways for out of the book
channelization of funds," observed the official. "Some companies
might also resort to issuing unnecessary bonus shares which would
dilute the earning per share of the companies discouraging the
investors." For the last two years or so capital investment in the
country has remained at its lowest ebb. "So any fresh move to
discourage investors from making investments in the companies of
their choice would severely hit the country."
"I am not sure how the government might tackle the issue but
indications are that the demands of the business community make
some sense and the government may have to accommodate them," an
Islamabad-based official told Dawn on phone.
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990729
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Life insurance ratio in Pakistan one of the lowest
-------------------------------------------------------------------
KARACHI, July 28: Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce
Muhammad Sulaiman has said that life insurance ratio in Pakistan is
one of the lowest in the world.
Speaking at grand gold medal awards ceremony, organised by Karachi
Southern Zone of State Life Insurance Corporation (SLIC) here
Wednesday, Sulaiman exhorted the SLIC workers to work with
dedication.
He said if every sales representative sells one policy every month,
all the financial problems of the corporation would be solved.
He said persistency of life insurance policies would play an
important role in success of the corporation.
The Additional Secretary of Commerce suggested that the policy
holders should be discourage to take a loan against their policies.
After taking a loan, the policy holders are unable to repay it,
which ultimately result in surrender of the policy.
Earlier, the SLIC Chairman Dr. Najeeb Sami hoped that the annual
target of Rs. 1.65 billion premium for 1999 would be achieved.
Later, gold and silver medals were distributed among the winners.-
APP
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990725
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Petroleum dealers call off strike
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Correspondent
ISLAMABAD, July 24: Petroleum dealers have called off their
country-wide strike scheduled for July 26 after the federal
government assured them on Saturday to consider their demands.
All Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (APPDA) President Malik
Mohammad Majeed and Director General Oils of Ministry of Petroleum
held negotiations here on Saturday to assess the prospects of
meeting the dealers' demands. The demands include revival of the
dealers' deduction profit to 5 per cent as per the APPDA-government
agreement of 1993, and reduction of withholding tax imposed in
1999-2000 federal budget from 10 per cent to 5 per cent.
The ministry acquired a three-month period for fulfilling these
demands and assured the APPDA that the CBR would be asked to review
the 10 per cent withholding tax. The APPDA leaders said there were
some hurdles in the way of resolving these issues for which the
government has been given a three month period. Those who
participated in the talks included APPDA Senior Vice President,
Mohammad Ashfaq Tarar, Vice Presidents Chaudhry Suleman and Tahir
Mushtaq, and adviser to Punjab Chief Minister S.A Hameed.
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990731
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Massive buying in Hub-Power shares
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Reporter
KARACHI, July 30: Massive buying in Hub-Power on news of an early
settlement of the tariff issue with the Independent Power Producers
on Friday triggered fresh strong speculative support in the energy
sector, which took the entire market along with them to the new
peak levels.
The linkage of the aid release by the IMF with the long-drawn IPP
issue seems to be the chief motivating force behind the massive
support equally shared by the foreign investors as the general
perception was that "settlement of the power cut issue is now
imminent", said a member of the KSE.
The share of Hub-Power surged to well above the resistance level of
Rs.20.00 at Rs.20.45,up Rs.1.60 on a massive activity of 84m
shares, out of the total volume of 203m shares.
The KSE 100-share index posted a fresh gain of 26.22 points at
1,251.79 as compared to 1,225.57 points after initial smart advance
was clipped by the late weekend selling. It was early up by 32
points.
The breach of the barrier of 1,250.00 is significant in more than
one ways as it generally prove a launching pad for a sustained run-
up at least up to 1,400 point level.
"It was the IMF pressure or one of the conditionalities to release
the fourth tranche of $280 million,which forced the finance
minister to set up a new two-member committee to settle the issue
immediately", analysts said.
But some other doubted the perception of an early settlement of the
IPP issue as for the last several months energy shares respond
bullishly to such news that originate from various sources whenever
aid talks start with the IMF or the other donor agencies but the
issue stayed unresolved.
However, a section of leading brokers "makes millions in between
after buying Hub-Power at the fall and selling it at the
speculative rise", they added.
A wave of fresh heavy speculative buying in Hub-Power was initiated
by some of the leading foreign investors as no one among them was
inclined to be outwitted by their local rivals below Rs.20.00.
Other energy shares, notably those sponsored by the foreign
investors and are still ruling below their face values were also
actively traded as a section of institutional traders also made
heavy buying in them.
"The IPP issue has been one of the major irritants for the market
for the last about two years and its early settlement could give
the needed boost to it the same day", said a leading floor broker.
He said the next week could be very crucial for the direction of
the market as the official committee is expected to give its
verdict after examining the tariff cut proposals of the management
of Hubco and some other foreign sponsors.
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990727
-------------------------------------------------------------------
UAE-based traders to invest in PM's transport scheme
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Reporter
LAHORE, July 26: Pakistani businessmen living in United Arab
Emirates will invest in the prime minister's national transport
scheme.
This was stated by Pakistan Business Council Dubai President
Muhammad Siddique Chaudhry after a discussion on the transport
scheme at the head office of Small and Medium Enterprise
Development Authority here on Monday.
SMEDA Chairman Khawaja Belal Ahmed was also present. Siddique
Chaudhry said it was first time that a long term transport plan had
been devised in Pakistan which showed lot of promise to
investors.He said overseas Pakistanis always looked forward to
opportunities for investment in their homeland.
The Pakistan Business Council, he said, enjoyed full patronage by
the UAE government and had been helping Pakistanis working there in
providing them information pertaining to their jobs, business,
remittances and economic policies carved out by Islamabad time to
time.
He told SMEDA officials that soon the council would arranged a
business convention for Pakistanis and others working in gulf
states and other Arab countries.
The moot is likely to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Nawaz
Sharif. Appreciating the transport scheme, he invited the authority
to arrange a presentation of the transport plan at the convention
as well.
Kh.Belal Ahmed told the visitors that SMEDA would participate in
the convention being arranged by the Pakistan Overseas Foundation
in Islamabad on Aug 25 this year.
He said efforts would also be made to take part in the UAE moot. He
said the authority was striving to get legal protection for its
schemes which it had formulated for various sectors' development so
that no government in future could deviate from the basic
strategies.
He informed the council members that being the patron of SMEDA
prime minister took personal interest in authority's plans and
ensured their execution through various government organizations.
Back to the top
===================================================================
EDITORIALS & FEATURES
990725
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Sound advice
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Ardeshir Cowasjee
NOTHING has changed for the better. Nine years ago, in May 1990,
during Benazir Bhutto's first round, I was visited one evening by a
henchmen of the prime minister and her husband, an officer of the
grade of an SDM. He sent in his card which read "Ahmad Fahim
Mughal, Private Secretary to the Prime Minister, Bilawal House,
Karachi."
He had come to see me, in his official capacity, about a huge
highrise complex, 'Classic Homes,' of which he claimed to be a part
owner, the others being 'Powerful Friends.' I had filed a suit
against this illegal construction and the Sindh High Court had
granted a stay. He very directly asked me to withdraw the suit and
have the stay vacated at the next hearing of the case in three days
time. If I did not do so, showing me his fist, he told me I would
have to face the consequences.
The suit had actually been filed by 27 affected citizens, many of
the 26 not accustomed to dealing with people such as Mughal and his
bosses. Worried about their safety, I went to court the next
morning to find my lawyer, Khalid Anwer, to ask him what could be
done to save the others from potential harassment. Khalid told me
that fifty per cent of our judges exist in fear of their rulers and
were not likely to spring to our aid. Safety could only lie in
exposing bullies who issued threats. His suggestion was that I
write to President Ghulum Ishaq Khan, sending copies to the high
office holders of the land, and spread the word in the press, which
I did. I also wrote a column the following Friday and no more was
heard from Mughal - no further threats issued. Khalid had given
sound advice: when threatened, expose the threatener.
Now, in 1999, on the morning of Sunday July 18, Moinuddin Khan, who
had been brought in by the prime minister early in his second round
to be chairman of the Central Board of Revenue and who has now
reverted to his original profession, banking, rang from Riyadh. He
told me that his brother, Naeemuddin Khan, an officer of the United
Bank who dealt with bad debts and recoveries, had been abducted
from his house in Karachi the night before by the FIA under
instructions from Senator Saifur Rahman, head of the accountability
bureau, the prime minister's chief trouble shooter. Naeem's
whereabouts were not known. Knowing how Najam Sethi and Hussain
Haqqani had been recently treated, Moin was naturally worried. What
could be done?
Ringing Saifur Rahman would not help as he would deny all knowledge
or involvement. All that could be done was to file a writ of habeas
corpus, though many of our judges are not aware of the meaning or
importance of the urgency of this writ, and do not realize that it
must be heard as soon as a petitioner's advocate rises and
announces that he has filed such a writ. Moin said that they had
already decided to do this and that advocate Akram Shaikh was being
instructed accordingly.
Senator Saifur Rahman, close confidante and friend of the prime
minister from whose secretariat he operates, has taken upon himself
the responsibility of ensuring that Nawaz Sharif and his government
rule over us in perpetuity. Like the rest of the partymen, using
his clout he had borrowed money from the government bank UBL in
1991, during Nawaz Sharif's first round and become a mill owner and
industrialist. Some sums have been repaid but as of today he, his
family, his textile mill and his business concern Redco owe UBL,
from borrowings made in Pakistan and abroad, some Rs.1.4 billion
(140 crores).
Before Nawaz Sharif came in for the second time, the loan
repayments were rescheduled twice but the repayment schedule was
not adhered to. Come Sharif and his second round, banker Zubayr
Soomro was brought in to head UBL and the recovery process in all
cases was activated. For the third time, Saifur Rahman's repayments
were rescheduled, and yet again no repayments were made in time.
Finally, UBL filed a recovery suit in the Lahore High Court and the
harassment of Zubayr commenced. His safety was guaranteed by the
fact that he is the son of the Speaker of the National Assembly,
Ilahi Bakhsh Soomro.
Saifur Rahman, in turn, filed a suit in the LHC against UBL
claiming damages, pleading that interest was un-Islamic, etc, etc.
The suits are being heard. Then, about six weeks ago, Saifur Rahman
filed a writ in Justice Malik Qayyum's court at the LHC seeking,
inter alia, that proceedings in the UBL suit be stayed so as to
give him time to approach the high-powered bankers' rescheduling
committee. Justice Qayyum passed no orders.
The heads of seven banks and financing institutions forming the
committee are: Shaukat Tareen, Habib; Mohammadmian Soomro,
National; Zubayr Soomro, United; Mian Mohammad Mansha, President,
Muslim Commercial; Rashid Chaudhry, Allied; Mohammad Ali Khoja,
PICIC; Bilal Shaikh, NDFC. This committee cannot take notice of any
rescheduling until the affected bank itself refers the matter to
it. This UBL has not so far done. Saifur Rahman can prevail upon
five of the seven committee members (let each think he is one of
the two).
In the meantime Saifur Rahman managed to get one-time Ittefaq
lawyer, Chaudhry Mohammad Farooq, who is also the Attorney-General
of Pakistan, the first law officer of the people, to write to the
Governor of the State Bank asking him to direct the committee to
consider questions relating to Saifur Rahman's unpaid loans. The
State Bank has brought this letter to the committee's attention but
so far it has taken no action.
In the meantime, on the orders of Saifur Rahman, the income tax
authorities commenced harassing Naeemuddin and his other brother,
Banker Bahauddin of Deutsche Bank. Saif rang Moinuddin in Riyadh on
July 9 asking him to prevail upon Naeemuddin to be reasonable. Moin
told him his brother abided by his own norms.
On July 18, as soon as Zubayr learnt that Naeemuddin had been
abducted by the FIA, he moved to save his man. The first person he
turned to was naturally his father, Ilahi Bakhsh, who leapt into
action, and found the prime minister at Lahore airport as he and
his ninety hangers-on were about to board their special Umra
flight. The prime minister took a second wise decision and
instructed his Principal Secretary, Saeed Mehdi, to order the
immdiate release of Naeemuddin, who had been flown from Karachi to
Islamabad and lodged in Saifur Rahman's safe domed secretariat.
On July 22 when I rang Saif to ask him why he felt compelled to
harass those who did not 'cooperate,' he denied all knowledge of
Naeemuddin's abduction. For good measure, he informed me that the
previous day certain power-wielders of Islamabad were considering
sending the federal police to collect me from Karachi and to ensure
my presence before the Privileges Committee of the National
Assembly. When I asked who they were, he would not name them, but
told me he had restrained them from taking any such action. I had
to refresh his memory.
On April 13, 1998, MNA Khwaja Asif, holding the rank of a federal
minister, reported to the National Assembly secretariat that I had
not only "used abusive language but also threatened me with dire
consequences." He considered this to be "a clear breach of my
privilege and attempt to stop me from performing my duties as a
parliamentarian." I was summoned by the Privileges Committee. Much
correspondence ensued. On December 5, 1998, I wrote a seven-page
letter in the final paragraph of which I wrote : "Let me state that
in principle I have no objection to appearing before the Committee
but before I do I would like to be categorically told about the law
under which I am required to appear, the details of the allegation,
as well as the evidence upon which it is based, and the finding of
the Committee on the crucial issues I have raised hereinabove."
After my talk with Saif, I wrote another letter to the Secretary of
the Privileges Committee drawing his attention to the General
Clauses (Amendment) Act 1997 (adding section 24A to the General
Clauses Act 1897) passed by parliament. This requires any
authority, office or person making any order, or issuing any
direction, to give reasons for making the order or issuing the
direction. I reiterated my readiness "to appear before the
Committee as and when lawfully summoned, but I must be made aware
of the law which entitles you to summon me . . . . . I justifiably
feel that an unsubstantiated statement made by a legislator is not
sufficient reason to inconvenience any citizen."
I would like to believe that my lawyer, Khalid Anwer, our present
government's law minister, is giving 'sound advice' to the prime
minister but that his advice is not being heeded.
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990730
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Accountability Pakistani-style
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Ayaz Amir
AFTER sowing in Kargil the seeds of a disaster with few parallels
in our tear-laden history, and in the process making clowns of
ourselves in the international arena, on whom do we vent the
concentrated fury of our righteous indignation? On the national
cricket team. As some of our media wizards might say, this is
homespun accountability.
Our star cricketers may be louts to the last man: lazy, greedy,
erratic and temperamental who perform well only by fits and starts.
But in possessing these attributes in what way do they differ from
the rest of their countrymen? After 50 years of sustained effort we
have managed to turn ourselves into a nation of boors, with the
dominating national qualities being greed, laziness and mediocrity.
What then entitles the nation's Moral Commissioners to judge anyone
else harshly, least of all our cricketers who at least are good at
something?
What can the rest of us claim for ourselves, including our rulers
who, even after their victories in Washington, feel no qualms about
saying that occupied Kashmir will soon become a part of Pakistan?
This inspiring claim, fired at a nation still trying to recover
from the Kargil experience, was made at Hiran Minar a few days ago
at the ground-breaking ceremony of another inter-change on the
motorway, the white elephant whose continued pampering is very
likely to be the one economic activity which will survive when
everything else comes to a standstill.
Consider also as to who is doing the judging. Pakistan's Chief Boy
Scout, Senator Saifur Rehman. What is the operating Scotland Yard
principle here at work? Set a saint to catch a thief. True, there
is a cloud over his dealings with UBL to which he owes over a
billion rupees. But he says his default was "engineered", a term
which is Pakistan's contribution to the art and science of banking.
Before the Lahore High Court he has also taken the plea that
interest is unIslamic, something which he apparently did not
realize when drawing his loans. For good measure he is also suing
UBL for a sum exceeding 900 crores for causing him undue distress
and discomfort. In short, just the right man to conduct an ethical
probe and visit judgment upon the cricket team.
Indeed, if the course taken by the heavy mandate over the last two
and a half years emphasizes anything it is the striking
indispensability of two individuals. In matters judicial, Justice
Qayyum of the Lahore High Court. In matters investigative,
administrative, financial and miscellaneous, Senator Saifur Rehman
of Redco. Small wonder then if after having dealt with Benazir
Bhutto, Asif Zardari, the independent power producers, the Jang
Group (whose insurrection, alas, proved only too short-lived) and
the Friday Times, the indefatigable Boy Scout has been entrusted
with another national task: reforming the morals of the cricket
team.
But what are our cricketers being accused of? That they have fixed
matches and as a result brought a bad name to the country. It might
be asked as to who has brought a worse name to the country: these
match-fixing louts or the victors of Washington and Kargil? Whose
is the more heinous offence? But to deal with questions is to tread
on dangerous ground. So allowing this to pass, let us dwell instead
on match-fixing.
Is this charge not likely to provoke the laughter of the gods? In a
nation where everything is fixed - police, judiciary, customs, bank
loans, favoured terms of trade for privileged industries (but not
which is a strategic asset) and even elections - is it not funny to
prosecute cricketers for match-fixing?
The present Muslim League itself is a monument to one of the
greatest feats of political fixing seen in Pakistan. Conceived and
consummated by the country's invisible masters, its aim was to
build a counter-weight to the PPP. This was largely achieved and
the result was the Islami Jamhoori Ittehad on whose back Nawaz
Sharif successfully resisted the PPP from 1988 onwards. With this
and other skeletons in our cupboard, it reveals a skewed sense of
proportion to go after the supposed shenanigans of the cricket
team. If confronted by the biblical injunction, let him cast the
first stone who hath not sinned, what would Senator Rehman say?
If these same louts had come back with the World Cup as they had
half a chance of doing, they would have been treated as demi-gods.
Non-taxpaying traders would have held receptions in their honour.
The Lord Mayor of Lahore would have feted them in the Shalimar
Gardens or the Fort, two items of our inheritance abandoned to the
peculiar post-independence culture of Lahore a long time ago. But
having thrown away their last match our of sheer incompetence or
call it what you will their sins are suddenly being remembered.
A picture in the papers says it all. Wasim Akram with an
ingratiating double-handshake stooping before the newly-appointed
cricketing czar, Mujeebur Rehman. Both of them should be ashamed of
themselves: Akram, for behaving in a servile manner and not having
any self-respect, Mujeebur Rehman for allowing this to happen.
Akram after all, match-fixer or not, is a cricketing legend, one of
the greatest all-rounders in the world today. Who is Mujeebur
Rehman? His only known qualification for his cricketing job is his
being the younger brother of Boy Scout Saifur Rehman.
It is things such as this which give one a headache. After 52 years
what do we have to show for ourselves? That we have become a nation
dedicated almost solely to the pursuit of mediocrity and bad taste.
What else explains the need to commemorate with as much noise as
possible the anniversary of our nuclear explosions, install cheap
replicas of Shaheen and Ghauri missiles at traffic inter-sections,
make empty boasts all the time, have no sense of remorse for our
actions and none of shame?
When the prime minister is shown on television taking telephone
calls from the general public on Saturday mornings, two plastic
models of these missile can be seen standing next to his desk. Have
they been put there to convey an impression of fortitude and iron
resolve?
There is then Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, the Pakistani Oppenheimer, from
whom there seems to be no escape. Every day in the papers there is
a picture of him attending a ceremony where his scientific genius
is lauded.
With things like this going on all the time, and with verbal and
other forms of excess having become national pastimes, it is
perhaps a hopeless undertaking even to suggest that a bit of
modesty in word and gesture might do us some good or that before
attempting to reform anyone else's morals we might try looking into
our own bosoms.
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990731
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Our image abroad
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Irfan Husain
IF the average Pakistani knew of the low esteem much of the world
held his country in, he would be most unhappy. Luckily, there are
no opinion polls to confirm this view.
On the other hand, most of us who suspect this state of affairs
probably ascribe it to an international plot. For these conspiracy
theorists, our actions and words do not warrant any reaction
abroad. Just consider a few recent gems to understand why we are
increasingly seen as an incomprehensible, irrational rogue state by
those foreigners who are aware of and interested in what is
happening here.
While I will discuss the Kargil fiasco at greater length in another
article, let me say that the rest of the world is appalled by the
recklessness of the entire episode. I was abroad for the last six
weeks, and can report that the stories and editorial comments
published on the affair were almost uniformly critical of Pakistan.
That a nuclear power could be irresponsible enough to launch such
an adventure was horrifying. And while reporters and editors did
write that the Pakistani government denied a hand in the whole
affair, nobody really believed it. In fact, no Pakistani here or
abroad swallowed this fabrication either.
But if the initial blunder wasn't bad enough, we have the spectacle
of thousands of people demonstrating against the decision to call a
halt to the fighting. How should foreigners view such a bellicose
reaction? It would have been perfectly proper for a popular
response against the government for instigating hostilities, but
instead here are people demanding that the killing and dying
continue in the mountain wastes of Kashmir.
Then we have the spectacle of the government hounding a respected
journalist. On my return flight, I noticed a New York Times story
carried by the Khaleej Times of Dubai. The report detailed Najam
Sethi's trials and tribulations at the hands of the Nawaz Sharif
government, including the attempt to declare The Friday Times
editor a non-Muslim. I then picked up Newsweek, and found another
major story on the subject there. I am sure millions of people
around the world are now aware of this vicious vendetta against a
journalist.When I was in London recently, several people asked me
why the government was gunning for Sethi, and the only reason I
could think of was that he was doing his job and exposing
corruption in high places. What should foreigners think of a
government and a country where journalists are arrested, beaten up,
incarcerated without charges and their faith called into question?
To top it all, the Election Commission is examining in all
seriousness the "charge" that Sethi is a non-Muslim. In case I have
such doubts about somebody I dislike, I trust the Chief Election
Commissioner will take similar note of my suspicions. In fact, this
is a novel way of harassing opponents, and one that seems destined
to become a popular pastime.
In another move to hassle him, 52 income tax-related cases have
been slapped on the editor. This blatant misuse of state power to
silence dissent is repellent to all those concerned about democracy
and the freedom of the press. Sethi now faces the very real
prospect of having his house confiscated, his weekly's office
sealed, his book selling business seized and his bank accounts
frozen. He has already been stopped at the airport and his passport
taken away when he was leaving for London recently to accept an
award conferred on him by Amnesty International.
Then we have the bizarre indictment of the national cricket team
for having lost the final of the recent World Cup. Apparently,
effigies of players were burnt, their houses stoned, and inquiries
launched into the causes of the defeat. Nobody abroad can
understand why the loss of a game should inflame such passions and
arouse such hysteria. The English press had been full of praise for
our team, calling it the most exciting and talented squad in the
tournament. And when it lost by such a humiliating margin, it was
put down to inexperience and nerves. Nobody suggested that they had
deliberately thrown the match, and the accusations appearing in the
Pakistani papers were quoted with amusement and amazement.
There have been stories in the British press of late detailing the
sad saga of many girls born of Pakistani parents who are forced to
marry against their will. When one such girl eloped with the man
she loved, she was murdered at the behest of her parents. There are
bounty hunters who track down young women who flee their homes to
avoid forced marriage. These mediaeval acts in their midst shock
average Britons who have been amazingly tolerant of the most
bizarre behaviour by many of those who have chosen to settle in
their midst.
The defence most of these parents give in court is that they acted
according to the norms prevailing in Pakistan, and all too often,
they get off with only a mild reprimand. Unfortunately, it is true
that they took their barbaric notions from here, although they
should certainly not be permitted to put them into practice in a
civilized country where young men and women are free to marry
according to their choice once they have reached the age of
consent. So even when our countrymen who have settled abroad choose
to act in a barbaric manner, their attitudes do reflect on us as a
nation.
So far, I have not even mentioned the drug smuggling, the illegal
immigration and the rabid fanaticism our countrymen are known for
across the globe. But all these traits have gone a long way in
giving Pakistan and Pakistanis a very unsavoury image and
reputation abroad. We may choose to close our eyes to this reality
or ascribe it to an international plot against us. But it is more
difficult to face the truth and try to do something to change the
image we have built for ourselves abroad.
I stopped in Turkey for one glorious week on my way back with a
very old and dear friend on the Aegean coast at her summer house in
a small village. Keep in mind the fact that until relatively
recently, Pakistanis were warmly welcomed in Turkey. Anyway, Deniz
and I walked into a village shop for some groceries, and my hostess
introduced me to the shopkeeper as a visitor from Pakistan. The man
looked at me and said, "Ah, Pakistan!" I swear I could hear the
pity in his voice.
===================================================================
SPORTS
990730
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Pakistan likely to boycott Sharjah event
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Samiul Hasan
KARACHI, July 29: The ad hoc committee of the Pakistan Cricket
Board (PCB) is contemplating pulling out its team from October's
Sharjah Champions Trophy, informed sources said.
The Sharjah contest, to be played between Oct 13 to 22, will also
be competed by former world champions Sri Lanka and the West
Indies.
According to an agreement between Pakistan and the Cricketers
Benefit Fund Series (CBFS), the team is bound to tour Sharjah at
least once each year till 2000.
But the ad hoc committee has objected to the CBFS's decision to pay
Pakistan a token money from the television rights it has signed
with TransWorld International (TWI).
"The CBFS has signed a $25 million contract with TWI. But is paying
just $225,000 to Pakistan which is peanuts. We strongly object to
this rational and are seriously considering to pull-out from the
Sharjah tournament in protest," a top ad hoc committee official
stated.
The official added that he would also be discussing the issue with
the Indian cricket board officials and would seek their help.
"India will also be getting the same money.
"The point is that TWI signed a lucrative deal because Pakistan and
India tour Sharjah and play matches. Therefore, we have a claim to
ask for more share from the television rights.
"Ask TWI, will they pay a similar amount to CBFS if New Zealand or
England or even South Africa are playing? People of the Emirates
want to see Pakistan and India in action.
"The CBFS is cashing in on the names of Pakistan and Indian
cricketers without giving their boards the share they deserve," the
official added.
The official, requesting not to be identified, added that the
players have also lodged a serious complain against the attitude of
the CBFS officials.
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990730
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Suspended players not to be selected, says Mujeeb
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Reporter
KARACHI, July 29: The chairman of the ad hoc committee Mujeeb-ur-
Rahman on Thursday reiterated that the suspended trio, including
skipper Wasim Akram, will not be selected in the coming season
until they proved their innocence.
"They are great players but the charges against them are quite
serious. They will first have to get their names cleared before
becoming eligible for selection," he said in his first press
conference in the city during which he faced a barrage of questions
regarding the suspension of the three players.
Mujeeb stressed that the three players were suspended on an interim
report prepared by a three-member probe committee of the defunct
board and submitted 10 months ago.
He, however, offered no comments when pointed out that at least
Salim Malik was cleared of match-fixing and betting charges when
the investigations were carried out by former Justice (retd)
Fakhruddin G Ebraheem in 1995.
He stated that he has not insulted the national heroes by
suspending them.
"I want them to get cleared of all charges. I have promised my
full support to them and have also offered them that I can arrange
meetings for them with Accountability Cell chief so that they can
defend themselves.
"The board is not insulting any player but if any one found guilty
will be dealt severely. It is premature to say what action would be
taken against players found guilty but it would be a tough
punishment," Mujeeb asserted.
"No player is neither above discipline nor is indispensable," he
said.
Mujeeb said five players viz Moin Khan, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mushtaq
Ahmad, Saqlain Mushtaq and Waqar Younis were not suspended because
the Accountability Cell had levelled specific charges against Wasim
Akram, Salim Malik and Ijaz Ahmad.
However, he added that if the judicial commission named the
involvement of any of the five players in match-fixing, he would be
taken to task.
"They have not been suspended until now because the interim report
didn't mention their names as prime suspects. But if the judicial
commission named any of the five players, they would be severely
dealt with," he said.
Mujeeb said he has already made up his mind that the three players
will not be selected until the judicial commission submits its
recommendation. "The team may lose in their absence, but at least
the defeat would not be attributed to any foul play. I don't mind
losing but the allegations of match-fixing are something which
takes the gloss out of the prowess of the team."
Mujeeb said Pakistan cricket was getting a bad name because the
issue had been dragging on for four years. He said he believed that
the players should have been banned then and there.
Mujeeb, for the first time, said the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
was suspended because of mismanagement.
SUSPENSION OF PCB:
He said the management was suspended because of the repeated
allegations of match-fixing. He said the defunct board failed to
handle the issue and that's why it prolonged for so long.
He denied the impression that his brother Senator Saif-ur-Rahman
manoeuvred to get him inducted as the ad hoc committee chief.
"He, in fact, advised me not to become the ad hoc committee
chairman," he said.
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990726
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Wasim Akram denies any wrongdoing
-------------------------------------------------------------------
LONDON, July 25: Pakistan captain Wasim Akram, suspended by the
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following a probe into allegations of
match fixing, on Sunday denied any wrongdoing.
"I absolutely refute any charges," Akram said on Channel Four
television. He is currently commentating on the Test match between
England and New Zealand.
"This is more to do with politics than anything else," Akram said.
"I am going to go back (to Pakistan) next week and sort this out."
Akram said the ongoing allegations about match fixing and betting
were damaging the game in Pakistan. "Young cricketers are going to
get scared of losing," he said.
He said that almost everybody, rich or poor, gambled in Pakistan.
"When they lose, they have to blame someone."
Akram said it was "a long story. I think what has happened is that
in Pakistan sport has a lot to do with politics and this is more
political than anything else. I
"It is getting too much. They are ruining Pakistan cricket and the
youngsters in Pakistan are scared of losing now. You won't be able
to win in future."
He was also critical of the press for fuelling the rumours.
"I don't know what they are doing to their own team. I don't
believe what is happening. The press in Pakistan can do anything
they want. You can sue them but it takes about 100 years to sort
the case out.
"They write what they want to write, whatever will sell they write,
so the press and media in Pakistan have a big hand in this
campaign."-Reuters/AFP
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990729
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Pakistani boxers bag 6 gold medals in Iranian contests
-------------------------------------------------------------------
KARACHI, July 28: Pakistan pugilists conjured up six medals in the
recently held International Boxing Tournaments in the Iranian
cities of Tehran and Ramsar.
In the event held at Ramsar, Pakistani boxers scooped-up four
medals. Ali Asghar Shah, the 16th Commonwealth Games silver
madallist, and Haider Ali bagged a gold medal each in lightweight
and flyweight categories, respectively.
While Sohail Baloch who took part in any international event for
the first time, won a silver in bantamweight and Olympian
Usmanullah got a bronze in welterweight.
Usmanullah once again proved his agility and skills in the Iranian
capital Tehran when he grabbed a silver in welterweight while his
team-mate Haider Ali got a bronze in flyweight.
The seven-member Pakistan squad reached here today and went to
Islamabad to join the camp established there in connection with
South Asian Federation (SAF) Games to be held in Nepal, Kathmandu
coming September.
The team coach Juan Dussace has expressed satisfaction on the
performance of the team and termed the tour as fruitful which has
given international exposure and will help Pakistani boxers prepare
themselves for the SAF Games.
The team which participated in the two events in Iran is ; Haider
Ali (flyweight), Sohail Baloch (bantamweight), Asghar Ali Shah
(lightweight), Usmanullah (welterweight) and Abdul Rasheed (light-
middle weight).
Major Zubair was team manager while Juan Dussace coach. -PPI
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