------------------------------------------------------------------- DAWN WIRE SERVICE ------------------------------------------------------------------- Week Ending : 8 April 2000 Issue : 06/15 -------------------------------------------------------------------
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CONTENTS =================================================================== NATIONAL NEWS + PML to ask Nawaz to nominate party chief + Shahbaz, three others handed over to NAB + Life sentence for Nawaz Sharif + Nawaz says verdict engineered + Kulsoom terms verdict 'personal revenge' + Verdict a political decision, says Hasan Nawaz + CE rejects Kulsoom's remarks as absurd + 22 PML activists arrested + Abida urges removal of Nawaz as PML chief + 'No harm if cases against Benazir are re-probed' + ICJ to decide Atlantic case in four months + Indian claim on ICJ's jurisdiction opposed + War between Pakistan and India feared + Sultan urges United Nation to hold plebiscite + India makes conditional offer for talks with Mujahideen + Ehtesab court convicts Wattoo + US was forewarned of attack on Sikhs, says JKLF leader + Police on alert after threat to kidnap Americans + Kashmir real cause of tension in S.Asia: CE + Pakistan not behind trouble in Kashmir + One killed, 26 injured in 3 blasts + Akora boat accident toll rises to 23 + Chenab boat tragedy: 26 bodies recovered, 22 still missing + Four die, 50 injured as Shalimar derails + Official says sabotage caused derailment + Afghan governor shot dead in Peshawar + Ties with United States worsening: CE + Reorganization of foreign office likely + High fee of Pakistan origin card criticized + Saudi Arabia introduces new Umrah regulations --------------------------------- BUSINESS & ECONOMY + IMF data on tax revenue for 8 months + Curbs relaxed on bank guarantees + Fresh foreign currency deposits growth halted + Foreign missions can open FCAs + SBP move to stop misuse of FCAs + Pakistan gears up to fight legal battle on Basmati + Permission to lay pipeline refused + Stocks show fractional decline --------------------------------------- EDITORIALS & FEATURES + Being grateful for small mercies Ayaz Amir + Looking for a scapegoat By Irfan Husain + The verdict + Victory at Sharjah + Clinton's failed odyssey Shameem Akhtar + S. Asia after Clinton's visit Dr Maqbool Ahmad Bhatty ----------- SPORTS + Pakistan makes winning start to Windies tour + Sindh Open squash: Shams shocks Amjad to become new champion
=================================================================== DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS =================================================================== NATIONAL NEWS 000408 ------------------------------------------------------------------- PML to ask Nawaz to nominate party chief ------------------------------------------------------------------- ISLAMABAD, April 7: Power politics in the Pakistan Muslim League (PML) will intensify with the conviction of deposed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as the development poses a question as to who will be the acting president of the party. According to the party constitution, only the president (Nawaz Sharif) can nominate one of the eight vice-presidents as acting president while the central executive council or the general council of the party have no authority to do so. Senior party leaders told NNI that in the present situation, the CEC and parliamentary party would meet on April 9 to pass a resolution demanding of Nawaz Sharif to nominate one of the vice- presidents as the acting president. The vice-presidents are Raja Zafrul Haq, Ejazul Haq, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, Lt-Gen (retd) Majid Malik, Khurshid Kasuri, Illahi Bukhsh Soomro, Subedar Khan Mandokhel and Gohar Ayub Khan. According to party sources Zafrul Haq at the moment enjoys backing of Chaudhry brothers (Shujaat Hussain and Pervaiz Ellahi). Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, Lt-Gen (retd) Majeed Malik, Illahi Bukhsh Soomro, and Gohar Ayub Khan have also supported his nomination, the sources said. Ejazul Haq, on the other hand, is a strong contender for the top slot but some party leaders oppose the idea on account of some of his statements after Oct 12 military takeover. He, however, enjoys full support of the so-called dissidents, including Mian Mohammad Azhar, Abida Hussain, Syed Fakhar Imam and Khurshid Kasuri, the sources added. They said that Nawaz Sharif had a soft corner for Raja Zafrul Haq and he had repeatedly thanked him for keeping the party united. However, Syed Fakhar Imam has repeatedly said that the new party president should be elected through secret ballot in a general council meeting.-NNI DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000408 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Shahbaz, three others handed over to NAB ------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau Report ISLAMABAD, April 7: Four persons acquitted by Anti-Terrorism Court No. 1 of Karachi in plane hijacking case were handed over to National Accountability Bureau officials for investigation after their arrest in corruption cases, Prosecutor General of NAB Farouqe Adam confirmed. Those who were handed over to NAB officials included former Punjab chief minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif, defunct Ehtesab Bureau chief Saifur Rehman, former principal secretary to former prime minister Saeed Mehdi and former IG Sindh Police Rana Maqbool. They were brought to Rawalpindi from Karachi in an air force plane and later produced before an Accountability Court in Rawalpindi. The prosecutor general said that warrants of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, Shahbaz Sharif and Saifur Rehman were issued in November last year but they could not be arrested as they were in Landhi jail in connection with the hijacking case. He said now the case has concluded and those involved in corruption cases had to be arrested. After their production before a judge, Shahbaz Sharif, Senator Saifur Rehman, Rana Maqbool and Saeed Mehdi were shifted to Attock Fort. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000407 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Life sentence for Nawaz Sharif ------------------------------------------------------------------- Staff Reporter KARACHI, April 6: Deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif was sentenced to two life terms and imposed heavy fines by the Anti-terrorism Court No. 1 in the plane hijacking case. The remaining six defendants were acquitted of all charges. The courtroom echoed with the shrieks of Sharif's family members as Judge Rahmat Hussain Jafferi announced the verdict around 11:43am, also ordering confiscation of the entire property of the former prime minister. The court convicted Nawaz Sharif for hijacking under Section 402-B of Pakistan Penal Code and sentenced him to rigorous life imprisonment and fined Rs500,000. He will have to undergo an additional five-year term if he defaulted on the payment. The court also ordered confiscation of his entire property for the same charge. The former prime minister was also convicted under section 7 (ii) of the A.T. Act for creating terror among the people and sentenced to a life term and fined Rs500,000. He will have to undergo an additional five-year term in case of default. The judge also ordered Nawaz Sharif to pay Rs2 million as compensation under section 544-A Cr.PC, which would be distributed among the passengers of flight PK-805. All the sentences will run concurrently, the judge ordered. The judge acquitted the remaining six defendants - Shahbaz Sharif, former Punjab chief minister, Saeed Mehdi, former principal secretary to Nawaz Sharif, Saifur Rahmam, former Ehtesab Bureau chief, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, former PIA chairman, Syed Ghous Ali Shah, former adviser to the then prime minister on Sindh affairs, and Rana Maqbool Ahmed, former Sindh IGP - of all charges and ordered their release if they were not required in any other case. At the outset of the proceedings the judge asked the seven accused to rise and said that the court, after going through the evidence of the prosecution witnesses and submissions of the defence, found that Section 324 of PPC (attempt to murder) was not attracted in this case as the PK-805 was once allowed to land for refuelling. The judge also exonerated the seven accused of the charge of kidnapping the passengers of the PK-805. Then he announced the acquittal of Shahbaz Sharif, Saeed Mehdi, Saifur Rehman, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Syed Ghous Ali Shah and Rana Maqbool Ahmed of the charge of hijacking. Marium Safdar, daughter of Nawaz Sharif, yelled "Have fear of God" as Judge Rahmat Hussain Jafferi announced the first sentence awarded to the former prime minister on the charge of attempting to hijack the plane. Assigning reasons for lesser sentence to Nawaz Sharif for hijacking, the judge, in his order, observed: "It is an admitted position that when this offence was committed at that time section 402-B was not a schedule offence which was included in the schedule vide Notification No. F.3 (77) 97 A. III dated 2-12-1999, before the submission of challan. As such, now it was to be seen whether the amendment had retrospective effect or not. Similar point had been decided by the High Court of Sindh reported in 1986 P.Cr.. L. J., page 1653. It has been observed at page 1641. He observed that this was a simple case of attempt to hijack the aircraft." The worst possible cases of attempt to hijack can be visualized, therefore, the lesser punishment in this case would meet the ends of justice. The judge further observed: "Apart from the above position, the offence was committed at the spur of moment and in heat of passion when the then prime minister of Pakistan, who was the defence minister also, came to know that his authority was eroded by some few army soldiers, therefore, he has reacted in this manner. In view of the above position this court convicts the accused, Mian Mohammed Nawaz Sharif, under section 402-B." The judge also ordered the superintendent jail to release approver Aminullah Chaudhry if he was not required in any other case. The judge observed: "In this case, the approver Aminullah Chaudhry, in accordance with the condition of the agreement, is relieved of his obligation as no required certificate has been filed by the public prosecutor showing that the approver has failed to fulfil the conditions of the pardon, as such, the approver Aminullah Chaudhry is released." The female family members of Sharif chanted slogans in the courtroom as the judge rose after announcing the sentences from his 157-page judgment. Reacting to the judgment against Nawaz Sharif, Begum Kulsum Nawaz said her husband was innocent. "His morale is high despite conviction," she added. She rejected the verdict saying the present regime could not take the risk of setting Nawaz Sharif free. "He is a tiger in cage. How can they set him free," she said. She said the judgment was based on the "personal vendetta" against her husband. "But we are not afraid of them," she said. When asked whether the PML workers could take to the street, she replied: "Anything can happen". Marium Safdar, daughter of Nawaz Sharif, said the judgment was "all engineered". She said if the situation arose she would lead the protest campaign against the verdict. The family members of Nawaz Sharif present in the courtroom also included Asma Nawaz Sharif, Saira Hussain Nawaz, Kauser Yousuf, sister of Nawaz Sharif, and wife and sons of Shahbaz Sharif. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000407 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Nawaz says verdict engineered ------------------------------------------------------------------- KARACHI, April 6: Nawaz Sharif said the verdict finding him guilty was "engineered". "This is most definitely an engineered verdict," he said in a statement after being sentenced to life imprisonment. "I have full faith in the Almighty and Inshallah all this will be behind us," he added. Mr Sharif said the tactics used against him would neither "serve the cause of the future (of the country) nor in any way legitimize this illegal government." -NNI DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000407 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Kulsoom terms verdict 'personal revenge' ------------------------------------------------------------------- Staff Reporter KARACHI, April 6: Begum Kulsoom Nawaz, wife of the deposed prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, has termed the plane hijacking case "a deceptive case" and the sentence awarded to her husband a "personal revenge."We will go in appeal against the verdict and are sure to get relief from the high court", she said, adding that the Sharif family could not think of leaving Pakistan, they would continue to live and die in the country. She said that the FIR had been lodged after one month and that, too, not by any of the PK-805 passengers. Besides, she said, when the plane was in the space, the army had already taken over the power. Neither any threat was given nor any pressure exercised and the court, too, had conceded that Nawaz Sharif had been sentenced on the basis of the evidence given by the approver. She said that under the Shariat an approver's evidence was not acceptable and, as such, it was not a hijacking case but a "high- shocking" case. "Nawaz Sharif took the verdict very bravely and he remained composed, she said. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000407 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Verdict a political decision, says Hasan Nawaz ------------------------------------------------------------------- Staff Correspondent LONDON, April 6: The son of deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif, Hasan Nawaz, expressed disappointment over what he termed a "political decision" of the Anti-Terrorism Court sentencing his father to 25 years' imprisonment. "Fight has just begun, it's (this decision is) not the end," he told Dawn. He added that an appeal would be filed against the verdict within two days. He said his family were "totally disappointed" at the decision of the court. "I presume the court was under great pressure," he said. "How is it possible that only my father was guilty?" he questioned. "Suppose I ask someone to shoot a person and he obeys my order and kills the person, will he not be convicted along with me?" he asked. "Suppose my father had given instructions, then someone, somewhere in the PIA or the Civil Aviation Authority must have carried and implemented those orders to stop that plane. But no other person has been convicted which proves that it was a political decision," he said. Asked whether he was also disappointment at the Pakistan Muslim League's decision not to hold any protest demonstration against the verdict, he said: "We have stopped banking on people; we have faith and trust in God." Asked if he would say that the trial was fair, Hasan Nawaz said "It was not fair in the sense that judges were changed, venue was changed, Nawaz Sharif's lawyer Iqbal Raad was killed, a Provisional Constitutional Order was brought in to pressurize the courts, Nawaz Sharif was brought in armed personnel carriers and intelligence people occupied the seats in the court room. So in these respects I would say it was not fair." However, he hoped that a trial in the High Court would be more open and fair. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000407 ------------------------------------------------------------------- CE rejects Kulsoom's remarks as absurd ------------------------------------------------------------------- Staff Reporter LAHORE, April 6: Chief Executive Gen Pervez Musharraf rejected as absurd Begum Kulsoom Nawaz's allegation that he had influenced the Anti-Terrorism Court trying deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif in the plane hijacking case. Talking to reporters at the Punjab University, where he was the chief guest at the 110th convocation of the country's oldest educational institution, he said Begum Kulsoom Nawaz had been issuing statements everyday, but he had not consider it dignified to comment on them. He added that on being asked on various occasions about such statements he had only explained to various people the legal procedure of the trial and that appeals in such cases were referred for a final decision to the president. Gen Musharraf said he had also made it clear to everybody that he figured nowhere in the 'chain of command' dealing with such matters. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000407 ------------------------------------------------------------------- 22 PML activists arrested ------------------------------------------------------------------- Staff Reporter KARACHI, April 6: At least 22 Pakistan Muslim League supporters were arrested at a security barricade outside the court premises. Those who were whisked away in waiting police vans included a former minister of the PML, Tehmina Daultana. Others included Tooba Durrani, Nayyar and Imdad Chandio. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000403 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Abida urges removal of Nawaz as PML chief ------------------------------------------------------------------- ISLAMABAD, April 2: PML leader Begum Abida Hussain demanded the removal of deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif as the party chief to pave way for what she called a rapprochement between the party and the army. Talking to PPI, she said that only a change of the party leadership could lead to conciliation between the PML and the army, adding that the party should adopt a "wise approach" by removing Nawaz Sharif. She said the party needed to bring in a new leadership which had never been involved in plunder of national assets. She was of the view that those who looted the national wealth in their lust for self-aggrandizement would neither be acceptable to the people nor the state institutions. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000403 ------------------------------------------------------------------- 'No harm if cases against Benazir are re-probed' ------------------------------------------------------------------- By Ashraf Mumtaz LAHORE, April 2: Begum Kulsoom Nawaz insists that former prime minister Benazir Bhutto was convicted on corruption charges on the basis of solid proof and not forged documents. However, she says there is nothing wrong if the present government agrees to have the pending cases against the PPP chairperson re-investigated. "I don't support the demand for a fresh probe into the corruption charges. But if the rulers agree, there is no harm in re-opening the matter," she said. Begum Kulsoom denied that the PML government had victimized the PPP leaders or kept them behind bars without any charge against them. She said in fact the cases against the PPP leaders had been instituted by the then presidents Ghulam Ishaq Khan and Farooq Leghari and former caretaker prime minister Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi. Begum Kulsoom said in case the PML government was restored, it would have the pending cases against the PPP leaders probed afresh. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000408 ------------------------------------------------------------------- ICJ to decide Atlantic case in four months ------------------------------------------------------------------- THE HAGUE, April 7: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) said it will decide in three or four months if it has jurisdiction over Pakistani claims for compensation after India downed one of its planes in August last year. India claimed it shot down the naval patrol aircraft because it was in its airspace, while Pakistan said the plane was on a routine training mission in Pakistani airspace. All 16 people on board died. The ICJ finished reviewing the case after four days of arguments by both sides, with Pakistan supporting the court's authority to rule on a complaint it had filed on September 21. India, however, said it recognized the tribunal's jurisdiction except in cases involving current or former members of the Commonwealth of former British colonies, which includes both countries.-AFP DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000405 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Indian claim on ICJ's jurisdiction opposed ------------------------------------------------------------------- THE HAGUE, April 4: Attorney-General Aziz A. Munshi has opposed the Indian claim that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has no jurisdiction in the case where India deliberately shot down an unarmed naval aircraft inside Pakistan's territory, causing the death of 16 young men. "India could not resile from the compulsory jurisdiction under Article 36 of General Act of 1928 and could not be allowed to defeat the treaty obligations and international law," Mr Munshi argued. Opposing the Commonwealth reservation plea which India claims to invoke, he argued that it lied outside the range of reservations which were permitted by Article 36(3) of the General Act of 1928. He said Pakistan would make further submissions in this behalf. Representing India at the UN court, Soli J. Sorabjee said India recognised the ICJ's jurisdiction except in cases involving current or former members of the C'wealth. As India and Pakistan were C'wealth members, the court was not competent to judge the case, which "must be dismissed," he said.-AFP DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000402 ------------------------------------------------------------------- War between Pakistan and India feared ------------------------------------------------------------------- ISLAMABAD, April 1: The chairman of the external relations committee in the suspended Senate, M. Akram Zaki, has expressed fears of war between India and Pakistan. "There is an intensified danger of war after the rejection of Islamabad's offer for talks by New Delhi," he observed. Talking to PPI on Saturday, the former secretary-general of foreign affairs said the United States cannot establish durable peace in the region by sacrificing demands for justice. He said India was following an expansionist, aggressive and jingoist policy, adding that the sudden shift in the American policy had boosted the morale of the Indian leaders. He said the way President Clinton had supported Indian position and tried to appease Indian leadership during his visit had encouraged the India to further stiffen its attitude towards Pakistan. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000402 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Sultan urges United Nation to hold plebiscite ------------------------------------------------------------------- ISLAMABAD, April 1: The AJK prime minister, Barrister Sultan Mahmood, urged the United Nations to take practical steps for holding a plebiscite in occupied Kashmir in accordance with the UN Security Council's resolutions. In a statement, he also called on the world body to pressure India to stop shelling along the Line of Control. Condemning the Indian rulers over continued shelling of Azad Kashmir's civilians, he urged the UN to play its role in resolving the Kashmir dispute. He said India was targeting the civilian population to achieve its nefarious designs. But the people of border areas would foil the India's aggressive moves.-APP DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000406 ------------------------------------------------------------------- India makes conditional offer for talks with Mujahideen ------------------------------------------------------------------- NEW DELHI, April 5: The Indian government is ready to hold talks with the Kashmiri freedom-fighters if they abandon violence, the country's interior minister was quoted as saying. "If the militant outfits lay down arms and leave the path of violence, the government would have no hesitation in opening talks with them," United News of India (UNI) quoted Home Minister Lal Krishna Advani as saying. In an apparent departure from policy on the Valley, UNI quoted Mr Advani as saying that the release of three All Parties Hurriyat Conference leaders from prison this week was an effort to open dialogue with the Mujahideen's groups. "The government is willing to hold talks with militants on every demand - legitimate or perverse, if they abandon the path of violence," Mr Advani elaborated. In the meantime, India's policy towards Kashmir freedom struggle would be "firm and nasty," he added.-Agencies DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000405 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Ehtesab court convicts Wattoo ------------------------------------------------------------------- Staff Reporter LAHORE, April 4: The former chief minister of Punjab, Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo, was convicted in two different cases by an accountability court. In a case of illegal allotment of plots to 110 people in different Lahore Development Authority schemes, he was sentenced to four years' rigorous imprisonment and was prescribed a fine of Rs4 million. He will undergo a further imprisonment of 18 months if he fails to pay the fine. The former chief minister was disqualified from being elected or chosen a member of parliament or provincial assembly. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000402 ------------------------------------------------------------------- US was forewarned of attack on Sikhs, says JKLF leader ------------------------------------------------------------------- By Nasir Malick LONDON, April 1: A Kashmiri freedom group had forewarned the United States that Indian intelligence agencies might cause a "catastrophic human tragedy" somewhere in occupied Kashmir to malign the Kashmiri freedom fighters and to implicate Pakistan during the visit of President Clinton to the South Asian region, it has emerged. The warning was given to the United States by a five-member delegation of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF). The delegation had met the officials of the US State Department in Washington a week before the visit of President Clinton but the concern was not conveyed to the White House authorities in time. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000402 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Police on alert after threat to kidnap Americans ------------------------------------------------------------------- KARACHI, April 1: Police have been put on alert following a warning issued by the U.S. State Department that there was a threat to kidnap U.S. citizens in and around Karachi. The State Department warned Americans in Pakistan, particularly in Karachi, that it had intercepted a threat that an American citizen would be abducted between March 31 and April 6. "Although, the information is unconfirmed, it is prudent for all Americans to review their security practices, particularly being aware of their surroundings and varying their travel plans, times and routes," the statement said. "We have taken extra measures for the security of U.S. citizens in Karachi and police have been deployed around the residences of the Americans," the police official said. "We are aware of the situation are taking all measures to ensure security to them," he added.-dpa DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000403 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Kashmir real cause of tension in S.Asia: CE ------------------------------------------------------------------- BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, April 2: Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf expressed his readiness for resumption of dialogue with India, saying the Kashmir dispute remained the major cause of tension in South Asia. Kashmir problem is the real cause of tension and other issues are mere irritants. It needs to be addressed, the chief executive told reporters. "I have made my position unambiguously clear that I am willing to meet anybody anytime, anywhere," he told a questioner.- APP DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000406 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Pakistan not behind trouble in Kashmir ------------------------------------------------------------------- By Ihtashamul Haque ISLAMABAD, April 5: Chief Executive Gen Pervez Musharraf told the cabinet that he had tried to take US President Bill Clinton into confidence on the issue of terrorism and told him that Pakistan itself had been the worst victim of terrorism in the region. "The chief executive condemned terrorism in all its forms and said that Pakistan was not at all supporting any militant group or party to carry out any activity in occupied Kashmir," said a ministerial source. He said that the CE told the cabinet meeting that Pakistan was ready to start talks with India anytime and at any place and that the US president should force New Delhi to respond to the offer. The chief executive also told the US president that there was no truth in the allegations that Pakistan was involved in cross-border terrorism or some people in his government were supporting alleged terrorist activities in occupied Kashmir. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000408 ------------------------------------------------------------------- One killed, 26 injured in 3 blasts ------------------------------------------------------------------- Dawn Report LAHORE, April 7: A man was killed and at least 26 people were injured in three explosions in Lahore, Kasur and Rawalpindi on Friday. Sixteen people were injured, two of them seriously, when a high-intensity explosive device went off in front of a cigarette kiosk at Badami Bagh general bus stand here while six passengers were injured in Kasur blast. The blast took place near the exit of the general bus stand, not far from the main operation area of crowded wagon and flying coaches stand. According to Civil Defence's bomb disposal squad, the blast was caused by a locally-made time device, weighing over 1.5-kg. The police authorities were not clear about the motive of the blast or the elements behind it. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000402 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Akora boat accident toll rises to 23 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau Report PESHAWAR, April 1: The number of those killed in boat accident in River Kabul has risen to 23, Akora Khattak police told Dawn. Police said nine bodies were recovered so far while efforts were underway to search for bodies of those still missing. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000406 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Chenab boat tragedy: 26 bodies recovered, 22 still missing ------------------------------------------------------------------- Staff Correspondent GUJRAT, April 5: Four more bodies were recovered by army divers from the Chenab where a boat was capsized seven days ago. The number of bodies so far recovered has risen to 26, while 22 persons are still missing. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000405 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Four die, 50 injured as Shalimar derails ------------------------------------------------------------------- By Sarfaraz Ahmed JHIMPIR, April 4: Four people died and at least 50 others were injured when a Lahore-bound Shalimar Express derailed over a small bridge, 29km from Thatta. The railway authorities suspected subversion as the cause of the accident which suspended the movement of all upcountry and down trains. The passengers and the railway staff said that nine coaches of the 17-bogey train, which had left the Karachi Cantonment Station at 11:30am, derailed at 1.05pm. All the nine bogeys were badly damaged; four of them plunged into a ditch, two smashed into each other with one resting on the other. The remaining were lying off the tracks. The wreckage was found scattered around the steel bridge and along the tracks over a radius of one hundred yards. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000406 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Official says sabotage caused derailment ------------------------------------------------------------------- KARACHI, April 5: Pakistan Railway refuted reports about derailment of Lahore-bound 105-Up Shalimar Express between Buradabad and Jhumpir railway stations on Karachi-Kotri section due to collapse of some bridge. "Sabotage cannot be ruled out as during initial inquiries, three bolts of the fish plates on each side of the Up tracks were found missing," Iqbal Samad Khan, general manager of the Railways, told APP. These bolts, he said, hold the tracks together and as a result of their removal, the alignment of the rails was disturbed as the locomotive along with six coaches passed at this point. By the time the seventh coach approached the disturbed alignment, the wheels instead of rolling on the correct path, mounted the disturbed rails and it was at that time the derailment occurred. Consequently all the nine coaches of the train went off the tracks. He said the damage to the bridge occurred when the derailed coaches hit the girders and sleepers of the bridge.-APP DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000405 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Afghan governor shot dead in Peshawar ------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau Report PESHAWAR, April 4: The governor of Afghanistan's Kunduz province was shot dead along with his bodyguard in a shootout by an unknown assailant. Governor Arif Khan was travelling in his car after leaving his Hayatabad residence when an armed young man, hiding by the roadside, opened indiscriminate firing and killed him on the spot. The bodyguard of the deceased, Shah Rahim, was also killed, while driver Salim and his three companions, Khudai Noor, Haji Mulazai and Sher Khan, were seriously injured and taken to hospital. Reports indicate that the slain Afghan official was a staunch supporter of the Taliban government which could lead to suspect's links with the Afghan opposition, police sources revealed. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000404 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Ties with United States worsening: CE ------------------------------------------------------------------- BANGKOK, April 3: Chief Executive Gen Pervez Musharraf warned that the relationship between Washington and Islamabad was "deteriorating on dangerous issues". In Thailand on the last leg of a tour of Southeast Asia, Gen Musharraf said the United States and Pakistan remained deeply divided on key "issues of concern ... and tension," including Kashmir, terrorism, nuclear weapons and Islamabad's relations with Afghanistan. "I'm bothered about what Pakistan's relationship with the United States is ... the substance of that," said the CE, a week after US President Bill Clinton ended a tour of South Asia.-Agencies DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000404 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Reorganization of foreign office likely ------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau Report ISLAMABAD, April 3: The government is contemplating a thorough reorganization of the foreign office to project Pakistan's diplomatic, commercial and defence interests in an effective manner. The foreign office people were being told that they should not highlight Pakistan's national interests as identified by them. Instead, they should accommodate the points of view of others, including the think tanks and other independent bodies, official sources told Dawn. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000403 ------------------------------------------------------------------- High fee of Pakistan origin card criticized ------------------------------------------------------------------- Staff Correspondent LONDON, April 2: The Pakistan Action Committee, an organization formed by High Commissioner Akbar Ahmad, has strongly criticized Pakistan government for imposing a high fee of pound sterling 200 per person for Pakistan origin card, which the government wants to introduce among expatriate Pakistanis for identification purposes. The cards for 10-years will be available at a cost of $300 ( pound sterling 200) per person. In a press statement PAC Secretary General Mansour Malik termed the high fee as a "rip off" and said that instead of providing facilities to expatriates, the government should try not to rip them off. Asking the government to reconsider their decision of imposing such a high fee, Mr Mansour Malik also called for ending unnecessary problem to Pakistanis living there. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000403 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Saudi Arabia introduces new Umrah regulations ------------------------------------------------------------------- By Syed Rashid Husain RIYADH, April 2: Saudi Arabia has introduced new Umrah regulations for the intending pilgrims. Under the new rules, to be effective from July, Umrah visas can be obtained from Saudi missions abroad through contracted agents of Umrah service companies. These companies will be responsible for the movements of the pilgrims in the kingdom within the specified period which will also be extended from 15 to 30 days. All these companies will be issued licences by the Haj ministry. Pilgrims, applying for Umrah visa, need to fulfil health conditions, set by the Saudi health ministry; should also have a return ticket with confirmed reservations and a bank draft of the Saudi monetary agency-approved banks, drawn in the name of the agent. The new regulations are aimed to curtail overstaying of the Umrah visitors in the kingdom. It also fulfils a long demand of the expatriates to allow their relatives coming for Umrah to visit them in other parts of the kingdom.
=================================================================== BUSINESS & ECONOMY 000406 ------------------------------------------------------------------- IMF data on tax revenue for 8 months: ------------------------------------------------------------------- By M. Ziauddin ISLAMABAD, April 5: Preliminary revenue data compiled by the IMF on its own has indicated that collection in the first eight months of the current financial year amounted to Rs209.3 billion, showing a short fall of Rs16.4 billion compared with Fund program�s target of Rs225.7 billion. This shortfall indicated " a virtual collapse in tax administration in most areas, " maintained the Fund in a written communication sent to finance minister Shaukat Aziz. The Fund has attributed the stagnation in revenue collection to what it called "the uncertainties created by massive reshuffling of responsibilities, rightsizing of the CBR, and the continuing threat of NAB swords on corrupt officials. If this situation is allowed to persist and the performance of the last few months is not reversed soon, we could be heading for a massive shortfall in the range of Rs24-25 billion.," warned the Fund letter. The Fund data for up to February 2000 reveal cumulative shortfall in direct taxes (Rs7.2 billion), customs duties (Rs4 billion), excise duties (Rs3.7 billion) and sales tax (Rs1.4 billion) compared with their respective cumulative Fund program targets for the same period. Conceding that the GST revenue performance had been " impressive" in recent months, the Fund expressed its concern at the marked slowdown in GST growth (down from 90.6 per cent in the first quarter to 74.3 per cent over the eight months period through February). According to the Fund, current direct taxes were running 10.7 per cent below the target, compared with 7.6 per cent for the period up to January. At this pace up to February, the shortfall on account of direct taxes would be Rs13.6 billion (from the target of Rs127 billion to Rs114 billion) in the current year. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000407 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Curbs relaxed on bank guarantees ------------------------------------------------------------------- Staff Reporter KARACHI, April 6: Banks can now issue open-ended guarantees on case by case basis for certain purposes without clearance from the State Bank provided such guarantees are fully secured against cash collateral or other liquid securities. Open-ended guarantees are those which do not contain the specific amount and the date of expiry. An SBP circular issued to all banks says the SBP has allowed banks to issue the following types of guarantees: (i) Advance payment or bid bond guarantees-guarantees against performance of ongoing government/semi government and autonomous bodies contracts. (ii) Guarantees requested by public utility companies such as gas and electricity etc. in respect of their customers to cover the utility supplied during the period of guarantee. (iii) Court guarantees. (iv) Customs/Shipping Guarantees. (v) Revenue related government departments guarantees. The circular says the SBP has decided to allow banks to issue open- ended guarantees in such situations where it is an integral part of the business. It says banks can issue such guarantees without its clearance only where they have fully secured their interest by cash collateral or other liquid securities. The circular says banks would continue to seek prior approval of the State Bank for issuance of open-ended guarantees for the purposes other than the ones mentioned above. In 1983, the SBP had directed the banks that all guarantees issued by them must contain specific amount and expiry date and a date by which claims are to be lodged. The latest circular lifts this restriction. Senior bankers say the removal of the restriction would help them streamline and improve their business - and also enable them to reach out to more customers particularly smaller ones. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000402 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Fresh foreign currency deposits growth halted ------------------------------------------------------------------- By Mohiuddin Aazim KARACHI, April 1: Fresh foreign currency deposits have almost stopped growing as resident holders are now supposed to disclose the source of income and are required to pay withholding tax on these deposits. Bankers said fresh foreign currency deposits placed with State Bank saw a growth of only $20 million in past two months. They said FCDs of all banks placed with SBP since June 1999 stood at $327 million on March 31 up from $307 million on Jan 31, 2000. Senior bankers close to SBP said total fresh foreign currency deposits including $575 million placed abroad before June 3, 1999 also reflected sluggish growth at below $880 million on March 31. Bankers say another thing that impedes growth of FCDs is a low rate of return: most banks pay 2.0-3.0 per cent interest on FCDs. They cannot offer more because the State Bank in turn pays them a maximum return of 4.80 per cent on three-month placement of such deposits. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000405 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Foreign missions can open FCAs ------------------------------------------------------------------- By Mohiuddin Aazim KARACHI, April 4: Foreign diplomatic missions and diplomats as well as their home-based staff can now open and maintain fresh foreign currency accounts in Pakistan-separate of the special diplomatic accounts they are maintaining at present. International organizations and their expatriate employees can also enjoy this freedom under a State Bank order. The SBP issued a circular informing all banks that the restrictions on foreign currency accounts of foreign diplomatic missions and international organizations stood cancelled. The SBP had imposed these restrictions in July and September last year mainly to stop capital flight. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000405 ------------------------------------------------------------------- SBP move to stop misuse of FCAs ------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau Report ISLAMABAD, April 4: The State Bank has separated foreign exchange reserves from foreign currency accounts to prevent the misuse of the FCAs. SBP Governor Ishrat Hussain told Dawn that the bank would never show these FCAs as part of its reserves as was done by successive governments. He said that at present there were $300 million in the FCAs, while $500 million had been taken away from the country. He said gross reserves stood at $1.5 billion while net reserves were being maintained at $1.2 billion, excluding $300 million relating to the FCAs. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000403 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Pakistan gears up to fight legal battle on Basmati ------------------------------------------------------------------- By Rauf Klasra ISLAMABAD, April 2: Pakistan has decided to start legal proceedings against M/S Ricetech, a US firm currently marketing "Kasmati and Texmati" rice in the US and UK. Sources said the government has asked its legal advisors to prepare a case in the light of a report prepared by the National Agriculture Research Centre (NARC) Islamabad so that it could be submitted to the US Patent Office. Sources said the government has also asked its high commissioner in New Delhi, Ashraf Jahangir Qazi, to immediately send a copy of a bill passed by Indian parliament for patenting Basmati rice on the basis of geographical appellation. Sources said, commerce ministry has told Mr Qazi that "Pakistan needs to follow up the Indian example as the patent laws in Pakistan do not cater to any invention in rice varieties." Sources said, Mr Qazi has been told that India and Pakistan had both conveyed their concerns to the Patent Office of the US on the issue and on the basis of a survey carried out by the NARC, Islamabad. "Our legal advisors have been asked to prepare the case for submission to the US patent office to prove that Basmati rice is grown in Kala Shah Kaku (Lahore) which was subsequently taken by Indians for local adoption," sources quoted the commerce ministry as telling Mr Qazi. Sources said, Mr Qazi has been further informed that Indian government had already passed a bill for patenting Basmati on the basis of geographical appellation and Pakistan needs to follow up the same example. Pakistani ambassador was informed that grant of patent to a US company could completely jeopardize the exports of rice from India and Pakistan to Europe and US. The letter disclosed that Indian high commissioner in Islamabad had contacted joint secretary (export) to suggest that since the grant of patent by US government to M/S Ricetech would equally affect the rice exports of both India and Pakistan, therefore, legal battle could be fought jointly by sharing the information between the two governments as well as rice export associations of the tow countries. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000406 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Permission to lay pipeline refused ------------------------------------------------------------------- Staff Reporter KARACHI, April 5: The Pak-Arab Refinery has approached the Sindh Wildlife Department (SWD) to allow it to lay a pipeline through the Khirthar National Park. The department has, however, not given the permission to the oil company to lay the pipeline through the park as it is a protected area under the Sindh Wildlife Protection Act and all such commercial activities are banned there. The Economic Coordination Committee, which met under the Federal Finance Minister, Shaukat Aziz, has, however, given the approval for the issuance of the Letter of Support (LoS) to the PARCO and had directed it to complete the $600m white oil pipeline project by 2002. Sindh Wildlife Conservator Mahboob Alam Ansari said that keeping in view the importance of the project he had sent the proposal to the Sindh Law Department, where it was being reviewed and a final decision would be taken after obtaining necessary legal opinion. The pipeline is expected to lessen the burden of the oil-tankers on the national highways and would also lessen the cost of transportation of oil. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000408 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Stocks show fractional decline ------------------------------------------------------------------- Staff Reporter KARACHI, April 7:The KSE 100-share index showed a modest decline of 12.22 points at 1,943.21 as compared to 1,955.43 a day earlier. Trading volume shrank below the 200m share mark. Big gainers were led 13th ICP, Al-Faysal Bank, Gadoon Textiles, Sapphire Fibre, Dewan Salman, and Pakistan Gum Chemical, which posted gains ranging from Rs 1.30 to 1.90. But the largest rise was noted in Shell Pakistan and Mehmood Textiles, finishing with extended gains of Rs2.70 and 4.00 respectively. Leading losers were led by Mitchell's Fruits, Pak Guarantee Insurance, PIC and lever Brothers, which posted fall to the extent of Rs5.50 to 14.00. Other prominent losers were led by Gulistan Textiles, Lafeyette, Bawany Sugar, Dawood Hercules, Punjab oil and Cherat Paper falling by Rs1.75 to 3.00. Trading volume fell to 185m shares from the previous 322m shares more than 70 per cent of which went to the credit of PTCL, ICI Pakistan and Hub-Power. Losers maintained a fair lead over the gainers at 132 to 98, with 53 holding on to the last levels. The most active list was again topped by PTCL, higher by 70 paisa at Rs31.85 on 51m shares followed by Hub-Power, up 25 paisa on 37m shares, ICI Pakistan, lower 15 paisa at Rs 17.55 on 18m shares, PSO, off Rs 1.90 at Rs241.50 on 11m shares and Dhan fibre, up 25 paisa at Rs 16.15 on 9m shares. Other actives were led by Ibrahim Fibre, steady five paisa on 8m shares, FFC-Jordan Fertiliser lower 25 paisa on 6m shares, Japan Power, easy 10 paisa on 5m shares, Sui Northern, off 55 paisa also on 5m shares, Engro Chemical, easy five paisa on 4m shares, Adamjee Insurance, sharply lower by Rs6.65 also on 4m shares, Dewan Salman, up Rs1.70 on 3.551m shares and Lucky Cement,lower 25 paisa on 3.727m shares. DEFAULTER COMPANIES: Shares of over a dozen companies came in for trading but the on-balance trend was on the lower side amid slow deals. Pak Telephone was traded higher by 15 paisa at Rs2.65 on 6,000 shares followed by Mehran Jute, easy five paisa at Rs0.50 on 5,500 shares, Crescent Board and Salman Noman, both unchanged at Rs3.25 and 2.00 on 5,000 shares each.Back to the top
=================================================================== EDITORIALS & FEATURES 000407 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Being grateful for small mercies ------------------------------------------------------------------- By Ayaz Amir WE had a chance of shooting ourselves in the foot yet again but, mercifully, desisted. I do not know who is to be thanked for this, Judge Jaffery, General Musharraf or the collective wisdom of the military government. But whoever it is deserves the nation's thanks. If Nawaz Sharif had received the death sentence there would have been no end to the blackening of Pakistan's already besmirched image. That we have been spared this outcome is no small cause for rejoicing. All the others have been acquitted: a smart decision indeed although I know of people who would be disappointed at Saifur Rehman going scot free. Even if he had no hand in the events of October 12, 1999, like Cinna the poet who was strung up for his "bad verses" (or so at least Shakespeare assures us), Saifur Rehman for the effrontery he displayed when in power deserved to get something. Anyhow, it is good for the country this sorry chapter now comes to a close. A death sentence, even if it was never to be carried out, would have turned Nawaz Sharif into an instant martyr, the continued object of international concern and attention. His party also would have felt bound to stick to him in his hour of trouble. Life imprisonment changes all this. It has the ring of dullness to it and as such robs his cause of any lingering excitement. Calls to replace Nawaz Sharif as Muslim League head can be expected to intensify. Being written off as a thing of the past by colleagues who hung on his every word is a more daunting and bitter prospect than even the lonely months in prison which stretch ahead. Between an imprisoned leader buoyed up by the active sympathy of his followers and someone whom people are only waiting to forget and cast aside lies a world of difference. It was said in a news report that in prison Nawaz Sharif was reading Nelson Mandela. Wrong choice of author. He should be reading something closer to home. Sharif of course is paying the price for his foolishness. He may have been convicted on the hijacking charge but the fact that this charge was brought against him was a consequence of, and not the reason for, his dismissal from power. Had the god of foolish things smiled on him on October 12 it is not his conduct which would have been judged but perhaps someone else's. Let us not forget that two parallel chain of events were taking place on that fateful day. Nawaz Sharif tried to install a favourite as army chief and also tried to prevent General Musharraf's plane from landing at Karachi or indeed anywhere in Pakistan. Because he was oblivious to the 'balance of forces' (a late Marxist expression), he failed on both counts. The army meanwhile not only tried to remove him and seize power but, being the army, it also succeeded. Since to the victor belong the spoils, it should not be surprising if in the aftermath of these happenings it is only Nawaz Sharif who should have been in the dock for his actions and no one else. This is not to cast any aspersion on Judge Rehmat Hussain Jaffery who has delivered, on the basis of the evidence presented, a fine judgment. A judge sits in judicial not political judgment and as such has to focus his eyes narrowly on the precise issue before him. Political judgments he has to leave to others. Nawaz Sharif's real crime was that his hitherto legendary luck ran out on October 12. He over-reached himself when he tried to remove one army chief too many. The army high command was already bitter because of the fallout from the Kargil crisis. It also remembered General Jahangir Karamat's resignation as army chief which occurred amidst tension between him and Nawaz Sharif. Smarting under these injuries, the army command was in no mood to be pushed around. Any man would have sensed this. Not the king of the heavy mandate who plunged in where a Caesar would have feared to tread. In Pakistan there is a written penal code (largely Macaulay's handiwork) and an unwritten political code distilled from the experience of the past 52 years. Offences, even serious ones, under the written code are open to mitigating circumstances. But for serious offences under the political code there is little leniency. In a country where life is cheap and policemen can get away with staged murders, a former prime minister was hanged because he had 'conspired' to murder a political opponent. Note that he had actually pulled no trigger and yet he swung from the gallows. Of course, he may have committed a crime under the written code. But more serious were his offences falling under the unwritten code and it were these which took him to his rendezvous with Tara Masih. After he was overthrown from power and his popularity, far from diminishing, actually soared, General Zia felt threatened: there was one rope and two necks. Zia made sure it was not his neck around which the noose tightened. Sharif also committed an offence falling under Pakistan's unwritten code of political conduct but there the comparison between him and Bhutto ends. Compared to Sharif, Bhutto was a titan, which is why the generals who overthrew him were afraid of him. Musharraf has said repeatedly he is not a vindictive man. More to the point, he does not seem to be a paranoid man. But it is also true that Sharif is no threat to anyone. He can come out from prison tomorrow and be a threat only to Ijazul Haq and Mian Azhar. He is built altogether on a smaller scale. But built, let us not forget, closer to Pakistan's diminished hopes and specifications. In the '70s, despite defeat at the hands of India and the loss of East Pakistan, Pakistan marched to a bolder tune. In the air was a greater elan and confidence. Pakistan's circumstances today are impoverished. The times and the great talents of the Muslim League complement each other. In today's Pakistan we could only get leaders like Nawaz Sharif, Benazir Bhutto and - well, let me go no further. But if comparisons between Sharif and the original Bhutto are unrealistic, a comparison of their respective parties yields interesting parallels. Just prior to his hanging Bhutto had gone on hunger-strike to protest against something or the other. As a result his physical condition, which was already bad, further deteriorated. The Central Executive Committee met in solemn session in Islamabad with acting secretary-general Yasin Wattoo (now a stalwart of the PML) in the chair and issued a solemn appeal to Bhutto to break his hunger strike: "Beloved chairman, please eat" being the headline in an Urdu newspaper. When a possible death sentence hung over Nawaz Sharif the leadership of the Muslim League declared that they would pray for him. Perhaps the Muslim League feels vindicated because its prayers have been answered. Prior to Bhutto's hanging the most fervent wish of senior PPP leaders was that their resolve should not be tested. They had no stomach to stand up to the army. Feelings have been no different in the Muslim League whose top leaders repeatedly made it clear that they did not believe in confronting the army. The PPP at least was honest about its pusillanimity and made no attempts to make a virtue of it. The Muslim League has been cleverer: its leadership has said that the country cannot afford any confrontation between the Muslim League and the army. In Pakistan the unforgiving nature of the permanent government is matched only by the fecklessness of the political class. There is another point worth remembering about the unwritten code which is the highest law of the land. The most heinous crime in it is political overstretch. For a politician stretching out his hand too far there is no forgiveness. That is why there is point to the demand once voiced by the late Maulana Kausar Niazi that there should be a separate graveyard for ex-prime ministers in Islamabad. No occupation in Pakistan has proved to be more hazardous. Bhutto senior may have been a dangerous creature but it says something for our bracing climate that every prime minister to come after him has also felt the sword of abrupt dismissal on his or her neck: twice Benazir, twice Nawaz Sharif and, long ago, even the vapid Junejo. While it is true that prime ministers have been strangely incompetent commodities, it remains not a little strange that in Pakistan wherein the history of folly is long and colourful other crimes routinely have gone unquestioned and, of course, unpunished: assembly sackings, constitution abrogations, unwanted wars, even the country's dismemberment. Over these events which have regularly punctuated Pakistan's tempestuous history broods the eternal silence of the sphinx. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000408 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Looking for a scapegoat ------------------------------------------------------------------- By Irfan Husain BOTH collectively and individually, we Pakistanis have a truly amazing capacity for self-delusion. A case in point is the recent report published by this newspaper containing recommendations for reforms in the foreign office made by a number of senior army generals. One of them has written: "Today Pakistan is most isolated. China is lukewarm, Iran is not as close (as it used to be), Muslim world [sic] lacks desired warmth, USA/West [sic] misses no opportunity to show us in bad international light, a lot more is to be done in South Asia, Afghanistan, Central Asian Republics and Africa. We definitely need a breakthrough with Russia." This analysis displays a disquieting degree of innocence in a senior army officer. If, as the author of this report suggests, Pakistan is "most isolated", who is to blame? Are not our blind support of the Taliban and our aggressive Kashmir posture the main causes for our isolation? And who is the architect of these policies? Certainly not our politicians or our foreign office mandarins. Both may be guilty of much else, but I'm afraid GHQ has to accept much of the blame for this isolation: when Benazir Bhutto was offered the position of prime minister in 1988, one of the conditions imposed by the establishment was that she would not tinker with Zia's Afghan policy. She was happy to go along, and this has been true of her successor, Nawaz Sharif. Similarly, the foreign office has very little input in our moral and material support of the jihadi groups fighting in Kashmir. While officially we deny supplying and training these guerillas, it is difficult to believe that they could have carried out the Kargil operation alone and unaided. To then expect the foreign office to defend this action in capitals abroad, and to blame it for not doing so effectively, is both churlish and cynical. Another general writes: "What is the system of dealing with negative news in international news or electronic media? They need to have a pre-emptive and, in fact, offensive strategy. Why did we not react to the Indian campaign of calling Pakistan a rogue army?" Having served as the information minister in our embassy in Washington ten years ago, I can assure the general that the international media does not accept orders as readily as an army battalion does. Just getting a denial or a rebuttal printed in the letters column can become a major task. Forget about "offensive" or "pre-emptive" strategies,it is very difficult for a Third World diplomat from a country with a serious image problem to influence a newspaper's policies or perceptions. There are 600 press officers from countries and organizations around the world based in Washington to monitor and influence US media. To expect the Pakistani representative to adopt a "pre-emptive" or "offensive" strategy in such an environment is to display total ignorance about the working of the western media. And when he asked why our missions abroad did not react to "the Indian campaign of calling Pakistan a rogue army", the general would do well to remember that the same Pakistan army has staged four coups in our 53-year old history, and has interfered incessantly in politics even when it was ostensibly in the barracks. We have before us the admissions of an army chief and the ex-ISI head about the financing of anti-PPP candidates in national elections. Against this background, it becomes difficult to defend such an institution abroad, especially when the fighting in Kargil had reached battlefield proportions, and the prime minister of the day had denied giving the orders to launch the attack. When Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait ten years ago, many people wondered why he took that insane step, when we could all foresee the consequences. I am convinced he took the gamble because he is too unsophisticated to know the dynamics and compulsions of western power centres, chiefly the US. Having hardly travelled abroad, he sees the world through his narrow vision; and as a dictator, he takes all major decisions himself without having to convince his colleagues and his country. Thus, his moves are largely divorced from global political realities. Sadly, one is forced to conclude that despite the many differences between Pakistan and Iraq, our decision-making process also seems to function in isolation. While deciding to first set up and then give open-ended support to an obscurantist group like the Taliban, the government of the day (led by Benazir Bhutto, incidentally) imagined there would be no collateral damage in terms of negative publicity abroad and a spillover effect at home. Similarly, when foreigners and innocent civilians are killed at random in Kashmir, Pakistan is held at least partly responsible because of the succour we provide to the many militant groups operating there. Nobody abroad (and many at home) accepts the distinction currently being made between jihad and terrorism: random violence targeting innocent civilians is abhorred the world over, irrespective of the righteousness of a cause. The author of one of the recommendations asks: "Does our foreign policy have desired linkage [sic] with our national interests and aspiration?" Clearly not: any sane foreign policy is directed towards enhancing security through improving ties with neighbours and favourably influencing major powers where possible. In our case, we have antagonized neighbours like Iran by blindly supporting the anti-Shia Taliban, while simultaneously allowing local Sunni militias free rein to terrorize Shias. Relations with India are at their lowest ebb. China is annoyed with the activities of Pakistani fundamentalist groups on its soil, and is in any case too busy trying to establish itself as a world power to continue supporting our activist Kashmir policy. As to our "national interests", we have yet to define them: do they lie exclusively in gaining all of Kashmir and getting control over Afghanistan through the Taliban? Or do they consist of aiming for a prosperous, peaceful and progressive Pakistan? The latter was Jinnah's vision,and the former is the ambition of the establishment. Unfortunately, there has been no public debate on these vital matters as a small but powerful and articulate section of our society has virtually hijacked the national agenda. A major problem is that while this same lobby would like to see Pakistan improve its economy and interact effectively on the world stage as an equal, it insists on following narrow, retrogressive policies in the region and at home. This has the natural effect of isolating Pakistan. Unfortunately, the establishment remains blind to this contradiction. Until this contradiction is recognized and resolved, it is pointless blaming the foreign office or anybody else. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000407 ------------------------------------------------------------------- The verdict ------------------------------------------------------------------- MR NAWAZ SHARIF was convicted yesterday to a life term by the anti- terrorist court in Karachi trying him and six others in what had come to be known as the plane hijacking case. His property was also ordered to be seized and he was asked to pay compensation to the passengers of the PIA flight (PK 805) he was charged with having attempted to divert and, in the process, having put their lives at grave risk. His co-accused, including his brother, Mr Shahbaz Sharif, were let off, although they have many other cases waiting for them outside. Mr Nawaz Sharif's lawyers have said they are going to appeal in the Sindh High Court against the sentence; the state has said it is going to challenge the verdict concerning the co-accused. The saga relating to this particular case, therefore, seems likely to continue for some more time to come. Irrespective of the legal interpretation of the matter, there will be relief that, in view of Pakistan's delicate internal and external situation, the judge has chosen to disregard the prosecution's plea for Mr Nawaz Sharif to be awarded the death penalty. A state struggling to prevent an economic collapse, and with its civil institutions seriously weakened and diminished, cannot afford to face further upheavals. Already in the relatively brief period of 50 years, we have managed to convict three elected prime ministers. Mr Z. A. Bhutto was hanged by the Ziaul Haq military government; Ms Benazir Bhutto was convicted by the Lahore High Court's Ehtesab Bench during Mr Nawaz Sharif's tenure and now lives in exile abroad; and now Mr Sharif himself has been sent to prison with another military government in power. Both Ms Bhutto and Mr Sharif have to ask themselves how much they contributed to their own downfall. The latter has been sentenced by a court set up under an ordinance promulgated, and vigorously defended, by his own government; in this limited context it can be said that he has been hoist with his own petard. But more than specific instances of transgressions of law or abuse of authority by our rulers, we have to consider the inherent weakness of our political and democratic system which prevents a civilized transfer of power from one government to another and which often leads to vindictive actions. Lack of inbuilt accountability repeatedly confronts us with the phenomenon of one set of rulers slapping charges and hurling accusations at the one they have replaced or displaced. Democracy is not merely the name of a special way of governance; it cannot work without an attitude of mind which is based on integrity, tolerance, norms of responsible conduct and reasonable compromises. Nor can the disposal of a court case here or there or the conviction of one leader or another explain away all the factors that keep the country's system of governance vulnerable to non-political interventions. The plane case was seen as crucial for the present administration as providing a moral (not a constitutional) rationale for the October 12 takeover, and to that extent General Pervez Musharraf and his team will feel that they have been vindicated. But there is a whole legal and political morass surrounding it which must await the full judgment to be properly unravelled. A question that immediately arises is the far lesser quantum of punishment awarded to the other co-accused. It will be asked whether those who carry out what are deemed to be illegal orders can hide behind the concept of diminished responsibility and also, whether, as in the case of the director-general of civil aviation, turning approver absolves an individual of all culpability. Perhaps the court did not find the evidence against the others convincing enough, but some will argue that this may be seen as indicating that the main case also was not without its weak points. However, it must be remembered that Mr Nawaz Sharif and his counsel had time and again expressed their full confidence in the trial judge and the independent and open manner in which the trial was conducted, and they will find it difficult now to cavil at the verdict. During the hearing of the case, everyone was shaken by the murder of the defence counsel, Mr Iqbal Raad, and it was feared that this might cast a shadow on the trial. This did not happen, but the murder must nevertheless be speedily investigated and every effort made to bring the criminals to book. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000402 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Victory at Sharjah ------------------------------------------------------------------- BEFORE leaving for Sharjah, the Pakistan captain, Moin Khan, had said that despite the heavy defeats in one-day and Test match series against Sri Lanka at home, his team was in a positive frame of mind but added that the nation should not expect miracles. But a miracle it was that he and his boys wrought by winning the Coca- Cola Cup in. The three-nation competition featuring India, South Africa and Pakistan on a double-league basis was not roses, roses all the way for Pakistan who have had a rotten run since their defeat in the World Cup final last June. The start of the tournament was inauspicious, however, and Pakistan lost to arch rivals India by five wickets, but in the return match, they made more than amends with Inzimamul Haq hitting a blistering hundred. This was a must- win game for Pakistan and they did it in style. Their total of 271 for three was to remain the highest by any side in the tournament which was, until the final, a low-scoring affair. In their return match against South Africa to whom they had lost in the earlier encounter, Pakistan brought off an amazing win to set up the final against the Springboks. Bowled out for 168, Pakistan looked clearly out of the game with South Africa cruising along at 74 for one. It was at this stage that speed super-star Shoaib Akhtar bowled the over of his life. He got three wickets in that memorable over bowled at incredible speed and that was the end of that. In the final, Pakistan, batting first, began with an opening stand of 121 runs between Imran Nazir and Shahid Afridi and never looked back. South African captain Hansie Cronje threatened to take the game away from Pakistan single-handedly but was thwarted by some splendid bowling by Waqar Younis and off-spinner Arshad Khan. Pakistan's margin of victory - just 16 runs - looks narrow on paper but it was not. Cronje was right: Pakistan were out to prove a point and they proved it. Victory is always sweet, especially when it comes at the cost of the South Africans after 14 consecutive defeats but there are some serious points to ponder here. Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar have had groin problems and without them Pakistan are not half the side they are. Young Imran Nazir is an exciting prospect as an opener but Saeed Anwar is on the injured list. Even otherwise too, Pakistan are becoming more and more injury prone and that does not bode well for the future considering that the next World Cup is due in 2003. Pakistan have a wealth of talented young cricketers but they wilt under pressure, not for lack of skill but for want of stamina. Something will have to be done to improve their stamina if Pakistan want to be serious contenders for the World Cup. As former super- star Zaheer Abbas said at the end of the Test series against Sri Lanka, the last of which was won by Pakistan by a huge margin, all is not well that ends well. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000402 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Clinton's failed odyssey ------------------------------------------------------------------- By Shameem Akhtar THERE was a touch of irony in President Clinton's initial reluctance to meet General Musharraf, with whom the US had to sort out crucial issues of cross-border terrorism and non-proliferation and his eagerness to meet Sultan Qaboos of Oman and Hafez-al-Assad of Syria both of them having come to power by extra-constitutional means. This is called real politik in international affairs. The US president has nonetheless set the precedent for the benefit of his Indian hosts that if the leader of a superpower has to meet the coup leaders and crowned heads - for such are the compulsions of statecraft - why can't the leaders of lesser powers do the same. This is the message that President Clinton sought to convey personally to the Indian and Pakistani governments and he claims to have extorted a no-first-strike promise from both. But, one may recall that both Vajpayee and Musharraf had already declared this even before Clinton's visit in an interview with the Newsweek. However, the American leader could not secure a definite commitment to sign the CTBT from India and Pakistan, both prevaricating over the matter to gain some more time. President Clinton could not have expected much from Islamabad on this score since it would be ridiculous to demand signature from the government whose legitimacy his administration seems to question. The US has thus missed a great opportunity to get Pakistan sign the document by not according full recognition to General Musharraf's government. Nor could he get his unacknowledged host give a "roadmap" for a return to democracy. By his steadfast adherence to his March 23 announcement of devolution of power to the grass-roots institutions, the general has gained in stature as a national leader who could say 'no' to a superpower. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000403 ------------------------------------------------------------------- S. Asia after Clinton's visit ------------------------------------------------------------------- Dr Maqbool Ahmad Bhatty THE six-day visit of President Clinton to South Asia has ended. One cannot but help admiring the finesse and adroitness he displayed in handling this landmark visit so that the three countries visited are fairly well satisfied with its outcome while the fundamental interests which have been served are those of the United States. This was the first visit of a US president to South Asia in the post-cold war period, though it was the first ever visit to Bangladesh while India received a presidential visit after twenty- two years, and Pakistan after thirty-one years. In a manner of speaking, the visits to Bangladesh and India, which preceded that to Pakistan, were also utilized to convey a message to Pakistan. Bangladesh was rewarded with approbation and substantial aid for retaining a democratic set-up, and for ratifying the CTBT. In India , where Clinton spent five days, the democracy connection was again emphasized, and the focus was on laying the foundation for partnership with the dominant power of the region that also offered an attractive market for trade and investment for the US. Reservations were expressed over India's nuclear and missile program and stress laid on resolving Kashmir through dialogue, while the concerns of New Delhi over terrorism were shared. The cordiality and warmth displayed during visits to several cities and regions reflected a desire to launch a long-term relationship with India. The visit to Pakistan was the shortest in duration, and was kept deliberately formal and businesslike, lest any ceremonial touch be interpreted as warmth towards a military regime. However, Clinton did use his address to the country, which was broadcast on the electronic media, to manifest cordiality towards a friend of long standing with which a close relationship had developed over the years. He specially recalled the role Pakistan had played in bringing the US and China together, and more recently during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. He began his speech by quoting the Quaid-i-Azam, and ended it with a verse from Iqbal. He also reminded his Pakistani audience that he was a supporter of just causes and had come to the aid of Muslim populations in Bosnia and Kosovo. He offered to restore economic and political partnership provided Pakistan met the various challenges he had enumerated relating to non-proliferation, restoration of democracy, fighting terrorism, and pursuit of a peaceful settlement of Kashmir through dialogue. He made the special gesture of ending his address with "Pakistan Zindabad", to underline his friendly sentiments towards the country. We need to make a careful assessment of the impact of the visit on India and Pakistan, and how it would influence their bilateral relations. The key items in his agenda for both countries were non- proliferation, and lessening of tensions over Kashmir, which he had repeatedly called "the most dangerous place in the world". The latter concern was considered exaggerated by the Indian President K. R. Narayanan. The message he conveyed to both India and Pakistan was summed up as follows by a foreign news analyst: "Respect the Line of Control, show restraint, stand against violence, restore the dialogue". He also told both sides that there could be no military solution of Kashmir, and, while the US would not mediate, it could help them restore the Lahore process that had opened up bright prospects for bilateral talks. The main conclusion drawn by the Indian leadership from the visit is that even though there was no give by New Delhi on the main US concerns. President Clinton virtually recognized India as the major power in the region. Brajesh Mishra, security adviser to the Indian prime minister, stated during a panel discussion on India's Zee TV in the evening of March 25, after the US President left the subcontinent, that the US had conceded a major role for India not only in South Asia but also in an Asian and global context. The view held by most Indian analysts is that the importance attached by Washington to India is based on its size, resources and ancient civilization as well as its success in operating on the basis of the twin foundations of the post-cold war world, namely democracy and a market-based economic system. On the other hand, Pakistan is perceived by them as meriting attention because while it has acquired nuclear teeth, it is plagued by political instability and a near bankrupt economy. It is also seen by Washington to be involved in terrorism that targets both India and the US. The conclusion drawn from this assessment is that India can now negotiate from a position of strength, especially on Kashmir, because Pakistan would be courting disaster if it enters into an arms race with an economically stronger India. As international observers have pointed out, while making official Washington's desire to forge close bilateral relations, Clinton's message was not totally supportive of India in the international context. An AFP report quoted the prominent Indian daily, the Pioneer, which grudgingly acknowledged that Clinton had displayed such personal cordiality that "a spirit of celebration had attached itself to the visit of a man known to be one of the most hostile anti-Indian US presidents". This perception reflected the view held by many in the Indian power elite that the importance being attached by Clinton to resolving the Kashmir dispute, and his warnings about the dangers of a conflict over it were "internationalizing" the issue, and indirectly helping Pakistan. President Clinton arrived in South Asia when its two leading powers appeared to be heading towards a conflict over Kashmir that could assume nuclear dimensions, which is why he had repeatedly referred to it as 'the most dangerous place in the world. Therefore Pakistan and India both followed his utterances on the problem during the visit with close interest. India appeared to derive satisfaction from Clinton's address to the people of Pakistan, which urged respect for the Line of Control in Kashmir, and warned against the dangers of any effort to change frontiers by force. He also made it clear that the US would not mediate and that the only feasible approach towards a solution was through dialogue, for which the Lahore process offered the best hope. This had led Gen. Pervez Musharraf, in his news conference immediately after Clinton's departure, to declare that Pakistan was ready to resume a dialogue with India, "any time, any place and at any level", provided Kashmir was included as the main item. The response to this from New Delhi has been to reiterate that India would agree to the resumption of dialogue only after "cross- border terrorism" has ceased. This cannot but be seen as a refusal to resume the Lahore process and highlights New Delhi's desire to prolong the crisis, in which case it somehow feels that the pressure will increase on Pakistan. However, two aspects need to be highlighted which put the responsibility for maintaining the stand- off on Kashmir squarely on India: i) The stand that the violence in Kashmir is being kept alive by fundamentalist "terrorists" from Pakistan is being adopted to deny that the movement against the Indian occupation is basically indigenous; ii) Even if it were assumed that some of the freedom fighters joining the struggle of the Kashmiris, which has been in progress since 1989, do enter Kashmir across the Line of Control, how can Pakistan be expected to prevent their entry, if the 700,000 Indian troops occupying Kashmir cannot do it? As the Chief Executive underlined in his press conference after Clinton's departure, Pakistan cannot assume the responsibility for fulfilling any such condition. So far as Clinton's reference to any change of borders by force was concerned, he pointed out that the Line of Control was not a frontier, but a line which was temporary, and its future had to be settled by dialogue. In the meantime, Pakistan was showing respect for it, and cooperating with the UN observers stationed on it. The resumption of the Lahore process is what Clinton urged on the two adversarial neighbors to help reduce tensions, especially those over Kashmir. The massacre of 39 innocent Sikhs in a village near Srinagar just as Clinton was starting his visit to India has created a situation that has become an embarrassment for India. Though the finger of suspicion was expected to point to "Pakistan- based terrorists", the world remains skeptical that the freedom fighters would open themselves to international opprobrium just at the time of the Clinton visit. Pakistan has condemned the outrage, and called for an impartial inquiry, which India has turned down. In other respects also, the immediate impact of the visit has been to harden perceptions and attitudes on both sides. The Indians are convinced that the US has chosen them to be its partner in Asia, and that the overall trend resulting from the visit is that Washington expects Islamabad to make concessions, so that various problems, notably that over Kashmir, would be settled in the light of Indian perceptions and interests. Clinton's insistence on the bilateral settlement of Kashmir, and the stress placed on countering terrorism are seen to reflect a basic convergence of views between Washington and New Delhi. Pakistani reactions to the visit are generally positive as well. Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar pointed out that no leader in the world had emphasized the need to settle the Kashmir question as the US president did and therefore he gave expression to "high expectations" in Pakistan about the results of the visit. Pakistan ambassador to the US, Dr Maleeha Lodhi, saw some advantage to accrue even from the closer US-India relations. They would enable Washington to "inject some restraint" into India's behavior towards its neighbors. While India appears to feel encouraged to adopt a tough stance on the resumption of the Lahore process, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, who evaluated the outcome of the visit positively, hinted at possibilities of progress from the existing hard-line positions. Pakistan might use its influence to moderate the activities of the "Jihadis" if India eases its repression inside Kashmir. The Jihadi groups themselves regard Clinton's attitude as biased in favor of India, and feel that pressure would be brought mainly on Pakistan to accept a settlement favorable to India. While the positions of the two sides appeared to be as far apart as ever on Kashmir and related issues, the expectations that Clinton expressed of fulfillment of various pledges by Pakistan seemed to confirm the impression that he would exercise pressure on Pakistan as the weaker party to fulfil various pledges, notably on terrorism. Gen. Musharraf reiterated his intention to visit Afghanistan to talk to the Taliban on terrorism, and on the problem of Osama bin Laden. However, he also insisted that the central problem to be addressed in the region was Kashmir. Any expectations of quick results from the visit of President Clinton would be unrealistic. The reiteration of India's conditions for the resumption of a bilateral dialogue which New Delhi itself insists is the only acceptable mechanism for resolving Kashmir and other issues virtually ensures that Clinton would have to resort to quiet "persuasion" to bring India and Pakistan to the negotiating table. Unless he does so, Kashmir will remain "the most dangerous place" in the world, and his visit would be seen as a wasted effort. Given his awareness of the tensions in South Asia, and his record of success in resolving explosive issues in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, he will certainly follow up on the visit, to apply his "healing touch", and to avert what could escalate into nuclear disaster.
=================================================================== SPORTS 000406 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Pakistan makes winning start to Windies tour ------------------------------------------------------------------- Monitoring Desk KARACHI, April 5: Pakistan made a winning start to their tour of West Indies when they defeated Zimbabwe by five wickets in the tri- nation one-day series match at Antigua's Recreation Park. Chasing a target of 200, Pakistan achieved victory with 17 balls to spare. Abdur Razzaq (28 not out) hit the winning boundary. With him was Moin Khan (25 not out). Shahid Afridi who blasted two sixes and five fours in his breezy run-a-ball 69 put But Pakistan on course for a comfortable win. Afridi,adjudged Man-of-the-Match, added 67 runs for the third wicket with Inzamam-ul-Haq (32). But both the batsmen perished in an identical fashion - holing out in the deep off Dirk Viljoen. Pakistan found themselves in some sorts of problems when Yousuf Youhana (21) was run-out in a terrible mix-up with Moin Khan. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 000408 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Sindh Open squash: Shams shocks Amjad to become new champion ------------------------------------------------------------------- By A. Majid Khan KARACHI, April 7: Fifth seed Shamsul Islam Khan gave an incredible performance to record another sensational upset when he defeated top seed and title favorite Amjad Khan 3-2 to become the new champion of Habib Bank A.G. Zurich Sindh Open Squash Championship at the PIA Jahangir Khan Squash Complex. In the 73-minute closely fought all-PIA final, the 22-year-old Quetta-born Shamsul Islam Khan, ranked 68 in the world, turned out to be a better tactician in controlling the rallies to record a 15- 13, 7-15, 15-12, 14-17, 15-11 triumph over world No 17 Amjad Khan, the 1998 Pakistan Open champion. In the 16-minute opener Amjad Khan gained a 5-4 lead after getting a stroke following the longest rally. Amjad went 6-4 ahead but Shams came back with a series of drops and nick to go 10-9 up after leveling 6-6. At 12-12 another 45-stroke rally ended in stroke for Amjad and he was 13-12 but the top seed turned frustratingly erratic when he thrice hit the board and Shams was the winner at 15-13. Amjad Khan was more steady in the second game when he controlled the short rallies as Shams lost his concentration. Amjad looked in command of the proceedings as he led 9-4 with a brace of backhand drives and crosscourt to win the second game 15-7 in only nine minutes. The third game was a close affair in the initial stages and after seven-all Shams exerted pressure when he drove hard and fast, forcing Amjad to commit mistakes from the back of the court. Shams was 12-10 in front before winning at 15-12. Amjad Khan led the fourth game 10-7 and 14-12 but at the game ball he hit the board but made the score two-all when Shams hit the board three successive times. Amjad triumphed 17-14. In the decisive game, Shams played a superb aggressive game to lead 10-8 as Amjad was struggling to regain his rhythm and touch by uncharacteristically committing errors. Shams looked a certain winner when he was 14-11 ahead and won the title with a backhand drop to clinch the final game at 15-11. ------------------------------------------------------------------- You can subscribe to DWS by sending an email to <subscribe.dws@dawn.com>, with the following text in the BODY of your message: subscribe dws To unsubscribe, send an email to <unsubscribe.dws@dawn.com>, with the following in the BODY of you message: unsubscribe dws ------------------------------------------------------------------- Back to the top.
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