------------------------------------------------------------------- DAWN WIRE SERVICE ------------------------------------------------------------------- Week Ending : 08 July 2000 Issue : 06/26 -------------------------------------------------------------------
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CONTENTS =================================================================== NATIONAL NEWS + Pakistan not isolated, says United States envoy + Chief Executive begins talks with politicians + India must accept the reality of Pakistan: Chief Executive + Hubco invokes govt's sovereign guarantee + Helicopter case: Nawaz paid duty, deposes Sartaj + Acquittal plea in plot reference rejected + 14th Amendment: Nawaz can't act against dissenters: lawyers + Chief Executive, Fahim discuss reforms + Missile: China denies US report + Shaukat, IMF discuss fiscal reforms + National Accountability Bureau Ordinance amended + Politicians not to be associated with government + Farooq denies hand in octroi contract + Benazir urges Common wealth to take into account HR record --------------------------------- BUSINESS & ECONOMY + Rs90bn assets declared: Rs9 billion collected from TAS + Corps commanders briefed: CBR seeks army help in tax recovery + Trade gap swells to $1.725 billion + Target can be met: 24% projected rise in tax revenue: Shaukat + 1999-2000 target exceeded: Govt borrowings touch Rs60bn + Rs950m to improve industrial technology + Traders refuse to return tax forms + 10% hike in drug prices + Surcharge on salary tax removed + Survey on 'credit' agencies: Asian investors distrust ratings + Stagnation feared in trade ties with Japan --------------------------------------- EDITORIALS & FEATURES + The sole statesman-3 Ardeshir Cowasjee + Education of the military Ayaz Amir ----------- SPORTS + Moin hopes to win tri-series + BCCI protests over manager's remarks + Tauqir advises Majid against irresponsible statements + Sri Lankans break free from Pakistan's shackles + Pakistan to play 2 Tests in England
=================================================================== DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS =================================================================== NATIONAL NEWS 20000702 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Pakistan not isolated, says United States envoy ------------------------------------------------------------------- ISLAMABAD, July 1: Dispelling the impression that Islamabad had been internationally isolated, US Ambassador to Pakistan William B. Milam said on Saturday that Pakistan was an important country not only for the region, but also for the United States. "This is a false impression, and it has to be undone by the Pakistanis themselves. We realize Pakistan is an important country and we cannot ignore it. It is an important player in the region, and we want to keep engaged," he said. The envoy was speaking at a luncheon hosted by Mian Abdul Waheed, the former chairman of foreign affairs committee of the suspended National Assembly. "Although we are trying to settle matters with the military government, still it is better that democracy returns to Pakistan as early as possible. The US can discuss the issues with a civilian government in a better way," the ambassador said. Mr Milam said Washington wanted to see Pakistan economically strong and stable. "The United States also wants to invest in the country like some other nations. But it requires a conducive atmosphere. "There are certain apprehensions among investors due to the IPPs issue and law and order situation. They are reluctant to come here. It is for the government and the people to improve the atmosphere," Mr Milam said. He urged the government to focus, particularly, on improvement of law and order situation. The luncheon was attended by the British High Commissioner in Pakistan, envoys of Switzerland and the Netherlands, and some PML leaders.-NNI DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 20000704 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Chief Executive begins talks with politicians ------------------------------------------------------------------- Ihtashamul Haque ISLAMABAD, July 3: Chief Executive Gen Pervez Musharraf on Monday started direct negotiations with the politicians by assuring them that democracy would soon be restored in the country. He held one-to-one meetings with the Pakistan Muslim League convener, Raja Zafarul Haq, Secretary General of Jamiat Ulama-i- Islam (JUI) Maulana Fazlur Rahman, the newly-formed National Awami Party chief, Ajmal Khattak, and PML(N) dissident leader Mian Mohammad Azhar. Gen Musharraf is likely to meet leaders of other parties on Tuesday. Mr Haq, an influential leader in the PML, described his meeting with Gen Musharraf "very good and productive" and said that issues like the future political set up, the proposed amendments to the Constitution, and hardships being faced by the deposed prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, came under discussion. He told Dawn that the main thrust of the discussion was how to go back to democratic dispensation. "How should the future election commission function in order to revive political activities were discussed during the meeting", Mr Haq said. Responding to a question he said the PML central executive committee would meet shortly to discuss his meeting with the chief executive and to chalk out a future strategy of the party. "Although I have raised a number of issues before Gen Musharraf but primarily it was a listening session from my side", he said adding he gathered an impression during the meeting that the chief executive wanted an early restoration of democracy and a civilian set up in the country. "My meeting took place on the invitation of the chief executive and let us see how things would move in the future", said the PML convener. He said he did not know whether he would have another meeting with Gen Musharraf. "I had not sought a meeting with him; if he invites me again I would meet him with the permission of my party." Answering a question Mr Haq said he told the chief executive that Nawaz Sharif was facing unnecessary hardships. "The chief executive did not say any thing specific about Mr Sharif but he said he would look into the issue", Mr Haq said. "There are some issues which were discussed with the CE, and will now be placed before an important meeting of the Muslim League", he said. Official sources told Dawn that the CE "very candidly and openly" discussed his future strategy with the PML leader by saying that the country needed to be pulled out of political and economic crises. He said accountability had to be conducted to set things right and that the mess of the last 52 years will have to be removed to have a fresh beginning. Mr Haq also clarified Nawaz Sharif's statement over Kargil. They said the CE told the PML leader that he was not against the politicians and the political parties and that he had all the respect for them. However, he made it clear that the people would have to differentiate between the good and bad politicians. Those who brought bad name to the country and looted the national exchequer did not deserve any sympathy, he asserted. JUI CHIEF: Later in the afternoon, the CE met Maulana Fazlur Rehman and also assured him that the military government was not there for an indefinite period as some people were anticipating. When contacted the JUI chief told this correspondent that the CE had accepted to incorporate various Islamic provisions in the Provisional Constitutional Order (PCO). "The general has also accepted our suggestion that a joint ministerial committee of Pakistan and Afghanistan be constituted to discuss and stop the terrorism and drug trafficking", he said. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 20000702 ------------------------------------------------------------------- India must accept the reality of Pakistan: Chief Executive ------------------------------------------------------------------- NEW DELHI, July 1: Chief Executive, General Pervez Musharraf, has called on India to change its mindset towards its neighbours and help lead South Asia to development. In an interview with the Hindustan Times published here on Saturday, Musharraf specifically criticised what he called India's bullying, "big brotherly" attitude towards Pakistan, which he said blocked improved relations between the rivals. "We would like to see India as a country that is tolerant towards its neighbours and which has a good relationship with us," said Gen Musharraf. "One would expect India to take all the countries of the region along with it towards the path of development, towards removal of poverty and towards the resolution of all the problems afflicting the region." He urged New Delhi to play a more constructive role within the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), which he said was falling far short of its potential for affecting positive regional change. Questioned what that attitude might be, Musharraf said India needed to accept "the reality" of Pakistan. "One gets the impression here that in some minds the acceptance may not be there," he said. "If this acceptance is there, then also accept that Pakistan is a sovereign country that cannot be bullied or dominated unnecessarily. This is what we expect from India." "We want the Kashmir dispute resolved according to the wishes of the Kashmiris. And this cannot necessarily be done within the purview of the Indian state," Musharraf said.- AFP DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 20000708 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Hubco invokes govt's sovereign guarantee ------------------------------------------------------------------- Ihtashamul Haque ISLAMABAD, July 7: The Hub Power Company invoked on Friday the Pakistan government's sovereign guarantee after Wapda failed to open a "satisfactory" letter of credit (L/C) for making the payment of Rs3.9 billion to the company. The Hubco has issued a formal notice to the managing director of private power and infrastructure board (PPIB), the ministry of water and power, and the GoP. It has notified the Wapda of continuing breach of section 9.10 of the power purchase agreement (PPA). Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz and senior officials of the ministries of finance and water and power remained busy throughout the day on Friday to find out some solution to the problem arising out of the Hubco's move. According to informed sources, they discussed two options: either to approach the superior courts to stop the power company from invoking the sovereign guarantee or make available funds for Wapda to open some credible LC in any reputed bank. This is the first time that any foreign company has invoked the sovereign guarantee of the GoP. It was announced today that the government would give fresh offer of tariff to Hubco within this month. A two-member committee, comprising the finance minister and Wapda chairman, was finalizing the details, it added. The committee was constituted by the chief executive for negotiating with all the IPPs, including Hubco and Kapco, on tariff issue. According to the notice issued by Hubco to the PPIB, the copy of which was obtained by this correspondent, Wapda has been accused of continuing breach of section 9.10 of the PPA, which requires Wapda to provide a letter of credit and in a form satisfactory to Hubco with respect to all amounts payable by the authority. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 20000707 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Helicopter case: Nawaz paid duty, deposes Sartaj ------------------------------------------------------------------- Rafaqat Ali ATTOCK, July 6: Sartaj Aziz stated before the accountability court here on Thursday that customs duty for the helicopter was "arranged" by Nawaz Sharif, and the PML had spent Rs615,000 as its operational costs. The accountability court at Attock Fort, headed by Judge Farrukh Latif, recorded the statement of former foreign minister Sartaj Aziz in the helicopter case involving Nawaz Sharif and Saifur Rehman. Prosecutor-general accountability Farouk Adam said that prosecution would produce two or three witnesses more and close its evidence by Saturday. Arguments would begin on Monday. According to the PGA, the case would, most probably, conclude on Tuesday. For the first time the deposed prime minister used his right of cross-examination, ending his boycott of court proceedings. "Nawaz Sharif is actively participating in the court proceeding and he has ended his boycott of the court proceedings," Mr Adam said. Nawaz Sharif, however, was not allowed to make a statement in the court by the judge, who said it was not a proper forum to deliver "a political speech". The judge observed that the accused would be asked to record statements under Section 432 of the Cr.PC and then they would be at liberty to make whatever statements they wanted. The former prime minister, however, continued speaking in the court. He stated that his confidence in the court had shaken and that the requirements of justice were not being fulfilled. "I know what will be your verdict, and you better sit in the GHQ." Sartaj Aziz, who was summoned on the request of the prosecution, was shown a letter he had written to the Civil Aviation Authority for the registration of MI-8 helicopter. He confirmed that he had written the letter in his capacity as secretary-general of the Pakistan Muslim League. Mr Aziz stated that he had signed the letter on Nov 5, 1996 before it was sent to CAA in response to its letter addressed to Nawaz Sharif. When Mr Aziz said he wanted to explain the background in which the letter was written, the prosecution objected to it. At this stage Nawaz Sharif, who had remained indifferent after announcing his boycott of the proceedings, rose and requested the court to allow Mr Aziz to speak. The prosecutor said he would have no objection if Nawaz Sharif wanted to question the witness. The judge then asked Nawaz Sharif to put a question to Mr Aziz. Nawaz Sharif showed reluctance before he went into the witness box and asked Mr Aziz to explain the background in which he had written the letter to CAA. Mr Aziz replied that there were some technical issues discussed in his letter. The first question was regarding the de-registration of the helicopter in Russia. The real question, he stated, was the ownership of the helicopter. The helicopter, he said, was first chartered for three months from the Javaid Aviations by PML for the election campaign. It was purchased by Shaikh Abdur Rehman of Qatar in October 1993, and was grounded soon after the PPP came to power. It remained grounded for two-and-a-half years on different pretexts until the Supreme Court ordered in 1996 that it should be registered and allowed to fly. Mr Aziz said that the customs authorities kept issuing notices to the Javaid Aviations after the helicopter was grounded. It was, he said, correct that customs duty for the helicopter was "arranged" by Nawaz Sharif, and PML spent Rs615,000 as operational costs. The helicopter, he said, was registered in the name of Nawaz Sharif in November 1996 after the SC order. It could not have been shown in the tax returns of 1996 as it was not registered in the name of Nawaz Sharif by June 30, the former finance minister contended. Before June 1997, he added, the helicopter crashed. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 20000705 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Acquittal plea in plot reference rejected ------------------------------------------------------------------- Tahir Siddiqi KARACHI, July 4: Accountability Court No 1, headed by Judge Dr Qamaruddin Bohra, dismissed on Tuesday another application for acquittal of former land utilization secretary Ramesh Udeshi in a plot reference. The reference No 23/20000 pertained to the allotment of a 28.8 acres to Noor Mohammed Dahiri at a throwaway price in violation of rules and existing policy, thus causing a loss of Rs9.2 million to the state. The court had earlier ordered the release of Dahiri in this reference and in another identical reference after the NAB chairman gave his consent to this effect. The beneficiary returned the entire 28.8 acres and also surrendered the forfeiture of the paid amount of Rs853,050. The court, however, disqualified Dahiri from contesting elections or holding public office for 21 years. Another accused, Mohsin Haqqani, former deputy commissioner of Karachi West, was released on June 5 by the court after the NAB withdrew the prosecution against him. While ordering the release of Haqqani, the judge however observed that the case against Haqqani was not fit to be withdrawn under Section 31-B of the NAB Ordinance and that "wrong facts" were placed before the NAB chairman and "the consent was obtained by misguiding him." The ex-DC was alleged to have issued the challan for instalment in respect of the 28.8 acres in Deh Orangi, though the land in question was ordered to be allotted in Pir Mangho where no land was available. The court had issued non-bailable warrants for the arrest of Haqqani on April 6. He, however, surrendered before the court on June 3 and was released on June 5. The then chief minister, wanted in several plot references, has been declared a proclaimed offender in the case. Another accused, Noor Mohammed Khati, a former assistant commissioner of revenue department, is untraceable. It was alleged that Dahiri applied to the Directorate of Mineral Development Department Sindh, for a quarry licence over an area of 63.6 acres in Deh Pir Mangho. When the quarry licence continued to be operative, he moved an application to Udeshi and the then chief minister endorsed it on May 6, 1994 with the remarks "Request allowed. No Summary." The reference alleged that the then secretary of land utilization department, being in connivance with Abdullah Shah to benefit Dahiri, floated a summary for allotment of 28.08 acres in Deh Pir Mangho for conversion of 28.08 acres for industrial and commercial use at the rate of Rs25 per square yard. It was alleged that no report was called from the revenue officer by Udeshi "in collusion with Abdullah Shah to illegally benefit Dahiri in violation of Sindh Business rule, 1986, without observing the formalities as envisaged in the rules and in flagrant violation of the existing ban." DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 20000705 ------------------------------------------------------------------- 14th Amendment: Nawaz can't act against dissenters: lawyers ------------------------------------------------------------------- Asad Ali LAHORE, July 4: Lawyers say that PML President Nawaz Sharif cannot act under the 14th amendment against the party members who dissented from his decisions regarding the party's internal matters. The lawyers were asked about the PML president's competence to have recourse to the 14th amendment to counter the moves by some of the members of the suspended assemblies and Senate who after October 12 last disagreed with the leadership on different issues. Senior Advocate S.M. Zafar said in the light of a Supreme Court judgment proceedings could only be initiated against a party member if he or she violates party discipline inside the parliament. He said this meant both voting or speaking against the party. Asked if defection law would apply to the PML's suspended MNAs trying to form a separate group at present, the advocate replied in the negative. He said 14th amendment could not be applied during suspension of assemblies. He said even if the assemblies were in place, party presidents could not act under the law in case of a dissent outside the parliament. He replied in the negative when asked if the law would be applied when a member disagreed with his leadership at a parliamentary party meeting. Dr A Basit said the 14th amendment gave full powers to a party chief to initiate action against the members for dissenting with him on the matters relating to the parliamentary affairs and other issues. However, he said the Supreme Court on a petition filed by the Wukala Mahaz diluted the amendment and limited its scope. He said the SC created a distinction and said powers under the new law could only be applied in the matters relating to party manifesto or issues to be taken before the parliament. But, he added, that the party president decided in his or her discretion if a debate concerned party's internal matter or it was an issue which related to the parliament. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 20000705 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Chief Executive, Fahim discuss reforms ------------------------------------------------------------------- Ihtashamul Haque ISLAMABAD, July 4: Vice chairman of Pakistan People's Party and former federal minister Makhdoom Amin Fahim called on Chief Executive Gen Pervez Musharraf here on Tuesday and discussed with him matters of national importance. The meeting was held in response to the invitation of the chief executive and is a part of the series of his meetings with the country's politicians. "The CE apprised the PPP leader about the government's reforms policies and heard his views on various issues", says a press release of the CE secretariat. According to the PPP central secretariat, the meeting between the chief executive and the PPP vice-chairman was held with the approval of the chairperson Benazir Bhutto and after taking into confidence the leadership of Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA). Mr Fahim presented the point of view of the PPP and also of the political alliance of PAI and GDA of which the PPP is a component party. He reiterated the PPP demand for early holding of fair and free elections to the national and provincial assemblies and return to democratic and civil rule. He said that the local bodies' polls were important but these could not be a substitute for the general elections. "Urgent measures need to be adopted for the holding of general elections", he said. Mr Fahim also demanded an end to the political victimization of PPP members.He demanded that all these cases against PPP leadership be withdrawn. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 20000705 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Missile: China denies US report ------------------------------------------------------------------- BEIJING, July 4: China denied on Tuesday it was selling missile technology to Pakistan. "I want to state clearly that there is no such thing as Chinese sales of missile technology to Pakistan," foreign ministry spokesman Sun Yuxi told a news conference in response to a report by the New York Times. "The report is totally groundless." The newspaper said on Sunday that in a series of classified briefings in Congress, intelligence agencies described how China stepped up the shipment of specialty steels, guidance systems and technical expertise to Pakistan. The New York Times said the intelligence agency briefings in Congress were complicating President Bill Clinton's effort to win quick Senate passage of a bill establishing permanent normal trade relations with China. The bill, which paves the way for China's membership of the World Trade Organization, has been passed by the House of Representatives and had been expected to sail through the Senate. A US official said Washington was worried about possible Chinese sales of so-called "dual-use" technology with both civilian and military applications.-Reuters DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 20000707 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Shaukat, IMF discuss fiscal reforms ------------------------------------------------------------------- Masood Haider NEW YORK, July 6: Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz met the Deputy Managing Director of International Monetary Fund, Eduarado Anianat on Wednesday and discussed with him a number of financial matters including Pakistan's new reform package. The two met at the sidelines of the United Nations Economic and Social Council's annual meeting. On Tuesday Mr Aziz said Pakistan has been servicing its loans to IMF and the World Bank without getting any money from these institutions. PETROLEUM PRICES: Referring to petroleum prices he said these have been de-linked from Pakistan's budget and are now linked to the prices set up by the consortium of oil producing nations, OPEC. In an interview to Dawn, partially reported on Thursday, he said that there will be a quarterly review of the petroleum prices and the trend operating in the market would be reflected on the petrol pumps. The next review is to take place on September 15. While saying that if the oil producing nations drop the prices of oil the prices may come down, he however, cautioned that prices of some petroleum products like diesel do not properly reflect in that drop. "Sometimes diesel prices remain higher despite the drop in oil prices," he stressed. In the United States where petroleum prices have seen a steep hike due to rising oil costs, the price of diesel had more than doubled. On the issue of rise in gas taxes, he said that Sui gas is not really a budgetary item. The prices which have risen were necessary to develop and explore more gas reserves, he said. "This is not a tax imposed as a consequence of the new budget," he added. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 20000706 ------------------------------------------------------------------- National Accountability Bureau Ordinance amended ------------------------------------------------------------------- ISLAMABAD, July 5: The President Rafiq Tarar on Wednesday issued an ordinance to amend the National Accountability Bureau Ordinance, 1999. The amendments said that any person, who had been arrested and investigated by the NAB on charges of default or non-payment of dues, might be referred to Reconciliation Committees, if the Governor of the State Bank deems fit. "For the purpose of this ordinance the Governor, State Bank of Pakistan shall constitute one or more Reconciliation Committees." The reconciliation committee shall have a nominee by Governor of the State Bank, a senior and well-qualified official of the bank who shall be the chairman of the committee. Two members of the committee shall be taken from the NAB, appointed by the NAB chairman. Besides, five Chartered Accountants shall also be its members. The ordinance added that if the committee failed to resolve the matter or borrower refused to accept its decision, the case shall be referred to the Accountability Court. It amended ordinance said that the Accountability Courts shall have powers to punish for contempt of court with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months and with fine which may extend to one million. Any person who abuses, scandalizes, ridiculous and disobeys the directions of courts and does anything which, by other law, constitutes contempt of court may be charged for contempt of court. The ordinance said a holder of the public office or any other person voluntarily comes forward to return the illegal gain made by him, the chairman of the NAB may accept his offer and that particular case might be discharged against him. The NAB chairman can delegate his powers to the person whom he deems fit and proper. "The chairman NAB or an officer duly authorized by him, may appoint such officer and staff as he may consider necessary for the efficient performance of his functions and exercise of powers under this ordinance."-NNI Faraz Hashmi from Islamabad Bureau adds: In its amendment the government brought wide-ranging procedural changes in the original National Accountability Bureau Ordinance (NAB), of 1999, empowering the president to remove the chairman of the NAB and appoint a deputy chairman of the bureau. In the original ordinance the president had the powers to appoint the chairman but he had no powers to remove the chairman. About the appointment of deputy chairman of the NAB, the original ordinance laid the power with the chief executive. The recent changes effected also barred serving district and session judge for being appointed as the judge of the accountability court. In the section 5-g, concerning the appointment of judge to an accountability court the words "other than serving district and session judge shall hold the office for a period of two years unless removed by the president of Pakistan after consultation with the Chief Justice of Pakistan. THE ACCUSED: Today's ordinance also made slight change in the definition of an accused person. In the original ordinance the employed director and chief executive were not included in the definition of person. But this exemption has been withdrawn. The NAB chairman has also been empowered to delegate any of his powers or authorise performance of any of his function to an officer of the NAB as he may deem fit. A new section has also been inserted in the original ordinance enhancing the powers of accountability courts to take cognizance of their contempt. The new section 16(B) titled as contempt of court states: "The court shall have the power to punish for contempt of court with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months and with fine which may extend to one million rupees any person who: a) abuses, interferes with or obstruct the process of the court in any way or disobeys any order direction of the court. b) scandalizes the court or otherwise does anything which tends to bring the court a person constituting the court into hatred, ridicule or contempt; c) does anything which tends to prejudice the determination of a matter pending or most likely to come up before the court or; d) does anything which by any other law, constitutes contempt of court. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 20000706 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Politicians not to be associated with government ------------------------------------------------------------------- Ihtashamul Haque ISLAMABAD, July 5: The cabinet on Wednesday endorsed Chief Executive Gen Pervez Musharraf's initiative to meet politicians with a view to briefing them on various national and international issues. It was of the view that there was a need to take political leaders into confidence on important issues, official sources said. Presiding over the cabinet meeting, Gen Musharraf said the initial contact with the politicians had been good and it had encouraged him to have more similar contacts in the larger national interest. He said he would meet other politicians also to seek their suggestions on different issues. The CE was quoted as having said that he was not opposed to politicians as had been given the impression by some quarters. However, sources said, the CE's meetings with the politicians did not necessarily mean that they would be associated with the government and that these meetings were aimed at breaking the ice for a better understanding of the issues. The cabinet was of the view that meetings with the political leaders were relevant and helpful in developing a consensus on national stability, economic revival and important policy initiatives. It was informed that the political leaders supported the accountability process in principle as there was a need to create a culture of transparency and good governance. IRSA: The CE briefed the cabinet on the water management system in the country and his earlier discussions with the Sindh governor and provincial cabinet. To ensure equitable and judicious distribution of water under the Indus River System Authority accord, it was decided that the accord should be implemented in letter and spirit. It was also decided that the federal representative in IRSA would be from Sindh. Thus, Sindh would have two representatives on the IRSA - one as member from Sindh and the other as the federal representative. The IRSA headquarters is also being shifted from Lahore to Islamabad immediately to stress the independent federal status of IRSA. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 20000706 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Farooq denies hand in octroi contract ------------------------------------------------------------------- Rafaqat Ali Attock, July 5: Dr Farooq Sattar, a former senior minister of Sindh, stated before the Accountability Court here on Wednesday that he would produce witnesses to prove that he had not exerted pressure for the award of any octroi contract. Dr Sattar further stated that the NAB had failed to bring out fresh evidence to justify alleged disregard of the Supreme Court order on the same issue. He said the apex court had reserved judgment on an identical issue and a fresh trial would amount to a contempt of the Supreme Court. Dr Sattar is facing charges that he had used his influence in the awarding of a contract to M/s Bolan Enterprises for the collection of rail/road route octroi for the year 1997-98. He stated that he would like to produce witnesses before the court. He also stated that the apex court had also issued an interim order allowing the contractor to retain the entire amount collected as octroi. Dr Sattar pleaded that no incriminating evidence had been brought against him and, therefore, the reference, not being competent, could not form the subject matter of any criminal trial. When asked by the court why the present reference had been filed against him, Dr Sattar said he did not know , but he added that he felt that the basis of the case was his political affiliation. He further stated that, being a worker of the MQM, a party which was given a mandate by the people of Karachi, he could not have even imagined that there should be any shortfall in KMC revenues. Replying to a question asked by the court, Dr Sattar said he had tried to find out as to why, how and on what pretext was M/s Bolan Enterprises collecting octroi at the Bhains Colony on goods coming from Port Qasim. He had been informed, he stated, that the situation had arisen due to a sudden divergence. When asked what measure he had taken to rectify the situation, Dr Sattar stated that he had agreed to a proposal of the then administrator that an octroi post be set up at Port Qasim, and had initiated a move for the extension of the KMC municipal limits up to Port Qasim, enabling the Karachi Municipal Corporation to collect octroi on the cargo diverted to Port Qasim. The extension was recommended in September 1997 and he had acted upon it accordingly. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 20000708 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Benazir urges Common wealth to take into account HR record ------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau Report ISLAMABAD, July 7: Pakistan People's Party Chairperson Benazir Bhutto has called upon Commonwealth Secretary-General Don Mckinnon to take into account human rights record of the previous government while expressing concern over the trial of Nawaz Sharif by the military regime. Noting the stand the Commonwealth had taken with regard to the trial of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, she called on the organization to be more even-handed, said a press release, issued by the PPP media centre here on Friday, following Ms Bhutto's meeting with the Mr Mckinnon in London on Thursday. Ms Bhutto, who discussed with Mr Mckinnon the future of democracy in Pakistan, said the former regime had trampled upon human rights and due process of law. She said if the Commonwealth took interest in the trial of Mr Sharif, it should also take interest in the situation faced by the PPP leaders at the hands of the former regime. She hoped that the Commonwealth would increase its focus on rule of law and independent functioning of judiciary. The two leaders, who met at the Marlborough House, the Commonwealth headquarters, also discussed human rights situation and needs for monitoring due process of law. Ms Bhutto informed the secretary-general of the reservations her party had about the present accountability law and the arrests of the PDF members, including former ministers Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar, Haji Nawaz Khokhar, Anwar Saifullah Khan, Siraj Durrani, Faisal Saleh Hayat, Naveed Qamar and Asif Ali Zardari. She said her party had called for a date for elections and the release of political prisoners. The military government, she hoped, would engage the established political parties in meaningful dialogues to develop an "exit strategy" to pave the way for the restoration of democracy in the country. She said her party was a liberal party that would like to see reforms, including joint electorates and women's seats, which could institutionally strengthen the liberal framework in the country. Mr Mckinnon said he hoped to visit the country in summer to discuss with the military government the Commonwealth's viewpoint.
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BUSINESS & ECONOMY
20000702
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Rs90bn assets declared: Rs9 billion collected from TAS
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Ikram Hoti
ISLAMABAD, July 1: Assets worth Rs90 billion have been declared
under the Tax Amnesty Scheme while a tax amount of Rs9 billion has
been received, on expiry of the scheme on June 30.
An official announcement here on Saturday said that the Central
Board of Revenue has been expecting only Rs5 billion in tax and
Rs50 billion worth of declarations of assets and incomes. The
scheme had been launched on March 1, 2000, for legalization of
undeclared assets and incomes at 10% income tax and with the
condition of no-probe into source of these incomes and assets.
"It has been the most successful amnesty scheme in the country's
history", says the CBR.
CBR officials say that in 1958, a similar scheme fetched Rs220
million. Another amnesty scheme in 1969 brought Rs225 million, in
1976 Rs450 million, and in 1997 Rs140 million. All these schemes
collectively fetched in revenue Rs1 billion, approximately.
The CBR spokesman says: Collection of this hefty amount under the
TAS 2000, mainly from the 13 cities where economic documentation
survey is being conducted, reflects that "the impact of survey has
started showing on the national economy."
The spokesman further said that the survey teams have so far
collected 70,456 forms from recipients after distributing 383,696
forms in 13 major cities of the country.
The forms collected were 19,420 from the business community while
51,036 were from the residential areas.
Income Tax officials available for extending assistance to the
survey form recipients in all matters relating to the declarations
in 13 major cities can be contacted on telephone (UAN) 111-227-227,
it added.
APP adds from Peshawar: Under the Tax Amnesty Scheme, expired on
June 30, an amount of Rs. 160 million has been collected in NWFP
against the declaration of assets worth Rs. 1.6 billion, said Taj
Muhammad, Special Officer Income Tax, here on Saturday.
In all, a total of 1147 persons availed the opportunity and
declared their hidden assets under the scheme.
Earlier, on June 28 (Wednesday) total amount collected under the
scheme was calculated as Rs. 93.6 million. However, within two days
the figures of collected money rose to 160 million.
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20000707
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Corps commanders briefed: CBR seeks army help in tax recovery
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Ikram Hoti
ISLAMABAD, July 6: The Central Board of Revenue has communicated to
the army that their assistance would be required to ensure tax
compliance even after the conduct of survey for documentation of
economy.
Briefing corps commanders at their 72nd conference on Thursday, CBR
chairman Riaz Hussain Naqvi explained that Rs100 billion additional
revenue projected from the ongoing survey would be made possible
only by a follow-up action for tax compliance. The Chief of General
Staff, Lt-Gen Mohammad Aziz Khan, presided over the conference.
The tax compliance, he said, would only be ensured if the
assistance of army continued to maintain pressure on taxpayers for
at least three years. The ongoing protest from traders, especially
the retail sector, could have evolved into an eruption if the army
had not been directly involved in the conduct of the survey, he
pointed out.
The CBR chief informed the corps commanders that the survey would
bring one million new taxpayers. He said that continued support
from the army was essential for smooth conduct of the tax survey.
Once the retrieval of survey forms distributed among the business
and residential sectors in 13 major cities picked pace, those
cities would be covered for documentation in seven months, he
added.
He stated that there was a negative revenue impact of the traders'
strikes and protest which, if continued, would frustrate the tax-
generation plans for 2000-2001.
He said the CBR plans to complete the survey in posh residential
areas by Sept 30, and by Dec 30 in other areas, including business
establishments. From Jan 1, he said, the survey would be extended
to 60 other, smaller towns in the country.
He hoped that as a result of the survey the registered income
taxpayers' population would increase by 25-30 per cent which would
mean an addition of 300,000 new taxpayers. At present, there were
only 1.5 million registered IT-payers.
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20000707
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Trade gap swells to $1.725 billion
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Correspondent
ISLAMABAD, July 6: The fiscal year 1999-2000 ended with a trade gap
of $1.725 billion, signifying an increase of 4.4 per cent over the
year 1998-99.
The aggregate trade figures for the out-going financial year
provided by the ministry of commerce here on Thursday, however,
belie somewhat the earlier apprehensions that the trade deficit
might exceed two billion dollars during the year.
These apprehensions were based on the pattern of previous months
when the trade gap was climbing by around $200 million per month.
Instead, the trade gap went up by $117 million during the first 11
months of 1999-2000.
The trade deficit during 1998-99 was $1.65 billion.
According to these figures, the country exported merchandise worth
$8.459 billion, that is 8.7% more than in 1998-99. The imports
totalled $10.184 billion, up 8.0% over the previous year.In
absolute terms, however, the imports outdid exports: While the
exports were up by $681 million compared to 1998-99, the imports
increased by $752 million.
The exports thus fell short of the target of $9 billion for the
year by about 6 per cent or $541 million.
Viewed in terms of the proportion of imports covered by exports,
the figures also show some improvement. While in 1998-99, the
exports had paid for 82.5 per cent of imports, in the year just
ended, the proportion covered by exports went up to about 83.1%.
Despite 8.7% increase in exports during the whole year, their
performance during the final month of the year showed a negative
trend, compared to June, 1999. During the month of June, exports
totalled $766 million, down 4.4% from the correspondent month of
last year. However, these show a slight increase of 1.3% over May,
2000.
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20000707
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Target can be met: 24% projected rise in tax revenue: Shaukat
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Masood Haider
NEW YORK, July 6: Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz said that the
projected 24 per cent rise in tax revenue "was aggressive but not
unrealistic" pointing out that without much effort this year there
was a 17 per cent increase in revenues.
In an exclusive interview to Dawn in New York, on Tuesday, where he
was on a four-day private visit, Aziz said "if we don't plan
aggressively we will never get out of this quagmire we are in."
In fact Aziz pointed out that given the fact that country's wheat
crop this year has been extraordinary the projected Gross Domestic
product (GDP) could rise from 4.5 per cent to 4.8 per cent. Next
year it could be 5 per cent, he added. It can't be done.
Expressing confidence that country is headed in the right
direction, Aziz said that "the entire government machinery will be
dedicated to meeting the target set in the budget.
He said that "the way to look at the targets is not to look at the
year to year increase only, but to see the tax collection
percentage of GDP. In the developed countries its 30 to 40 per cent
of GDP, we only have 13 per cent. The developing countries average
ranges between 18, 20 or 22 per cent of GDP.
He underscored "In the year 1999-2000 which ended June 30 our
collection of taxes went up by 17 per cent, so keeping that
percentage in mind 24 per cent increase in revenue with all the tax
survey going on is not unreasonable,"
"It is high it is aggressive but I think it is attainable. Because
of what we are doing," he said.
Aziz said "If we have fiscal autonomy and we reduce our deficit our
reliance on foreign loans and domestic loans will reduce, pointing
out that presently 55 per cent of our budget goes on debt
servicing."
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20000702
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1999-2000 target exceeded: Govt borrowings touch Rs60bn
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Mohiuddin Aazim
KARACHI, July 1: Net borrowing of the government for budgetary
support rose to about Rs60 billion on June 10 eclipsing hopes of
meeting the revised target of Rs28 billion for fiscal 1999-2000.
Sources at the ministry of finance told Dawn that between July 1,
1999 and June 10, 2000 the government had made a net borrowing of
around Rs60 billion from the banking system.
They said the borrowing figure might fall on June 30 with faster
inflow of tax revenue and the additional income through tax amnesty
scheme but it could hardly be reduced to Rs28 billion. Between July
1, 1998 and June 12, 1999 the government had retired about Rs64
billion worth of net bank credit instead of making any fresh
borrowing.
Under the 1999-2000 credit plan, the government was supposed to
retire Rs13.6 billion of bank credit instead of making any fresh
borrowing. But as external inflows remained suspended and revenue
collection fell short of target the government had to borrow from
banks.
Realizing that the target of retiring a net credit of Rs13.6
billion in 1999-2000 Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz said in his
budget 2000-01 speech that net government borrowing in 1999-2000
would be kept at Rs28.3 billion. By the time he was making his
speech on June 17, the net government borrowing had risen to Rs53
billion as on May 27-according to the then latest statistics.
Normally the data relating to government or private borrowing is
compiled with a two-week time lag. The latest data shows that
between July 1, 1999 and June 10, 2000 government borrowing under
commodity operation rose to Rs31.5 billion. In the same period in
fiscal 1998-99, government borrowing for commodity operation was as
low as Rs3.6 billion.
Under the 1999-2000 credit plan, commodity operation financing was
to rise by Rs10 billion. Sources close to ministry of finance say
there is also a carry-over of Rs17 billion in commodity financing.
This means that even if the commodity financing ends up at Rs27
billion on June 30 that would be well within the target. Bankers
say the commodity financing of Rs31.5 billion up to June 10 may
either remain almost intact at the end of June or even fall
slightly.
The statistics show that up to June 10 banks and development
financial institutions had disbursed Rs14 billion worth of credit
to the private sector against full-year target of Rs104 billion.
Bankers say the figure may either remain pegged at this level by
the year-end on June 30 or decline marginally on faster retirement
of seasonal credit.
Sources close to ministry of finance say the failure of the
government in meeting its monetary targets set for 1999-2000 might
go unnoticed by IMF and World Bank in the absence of any funding
agreement in 1999-2000.
But in the current fiscal year Pakistan will have to meet its
monetary targets at any cost because a new funding agreement with
IMF-World Bank is on cards.
The finance minister announced in his budget 2000-01 speech that
the government would retire Rs2.2 billion of net bank credit in the
current fiscal year instead of making any fresh borrowing.
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20000707
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Rs950m to improve industrial technology
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Correspondent
ISLAMABAD, July 6: The government has allocated a sum of Rs950
million to bring about technological intervention in the industries
like textile, engineering, electronics, energy, ocean resources and
biotechnology sector in the year 2000-2001.
Sources said, these interventions would be initiated and monitored
by the National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) under
its technology information programme.
The textile fabric sector has been allocated Rs150 million to
improve its quality. The fund will be utilized to bring about
uniformity in the finishing process in the textile sector to boost
exports.
Sources said, these activities included bringing about improvement
in the technology of finishing, dyeing, printing and to ensure
correct finishing shrinking control.
Sources said, besides this, a sum of Rs200 million has also been
earmarked for the development of high yield, disease resistant and
stress tolerant crop varieties. The development of biological pest
control methods would also be undertaken; development and
commercialization of food processing and preservation techniques,
controlling waterlogging and salinity, development of methods for
increasing efficiency of the irrigation system.
On energy sector side, a sum of Rs0.15 billion has been allocated
for energy resources assessment; exploration; utilization of
indigenous low quality coal; development and adaptation of
renewable energy resources vis solar, wind, and other alternate
technologies; energy efficiency improvement and conservation,
adoption of environmental control technologies.
For the promotion of electronic industry, the Commission will spend
a sum of Rs150 million. The project activities will focus on
silicon technology, design and development of communication
satellite/ ancillary ground equipment, optical instruments,
establishment of electronics parks for promotion of the electronic
industry.
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20000706
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Traders refuse to return tax forms
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Reporter
KARACHI, July 5: Shopkeepers of electronic markets in Saddar on
Wednesday refused to give back the tax survey forms to the visiting
tax officials.
A team of income tax officials comprising Tariq Zahid, Sultan
Nasir, Assistant Collector Sales Tax, Dr Iftikhar and Major Ayaz
and some personals of law enforcement agencies, visited shops at
Abdullah Haroon Road and demanded return of the filled tax survey
form.
These officials, according to Karachi Electronic Dealers
Association (KEDA) press release, were informed that shopkeepers
would not return the form unless the association was not taken into
confidence.
KEDA claimed that the tax officials turned rude and threatened to
adopt the same tactics which were taken to deal with the Multan
dealers recently.
The association said that despite intervention of Sindh Governor,
the tax officials remained in the market for at least an hour,
causing fear among the traders and resulting in traffic jam.
Later KEDA President, Mohammad Irfan informed Income Tax
Commissioner, Akhtar Jamil to take notice of the incidence. He
urged the government to suspend Dr Iftikhar.
Meanwhile, Chairman, All Pakistan Organization of Small Traders and
Cottage Industries (APOSTCI), Umer Sailya urged the government to
release the traders by July 7 who were arrested in Multan.
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20000706
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10% hike in drug prices
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Correspondent
ISLAMABAD, July 5: Local and international pharmaceutical companies
have increased prices of medicines by 10 per cent from July 1,
2000.
The pharmaceutical companies include that which have revised prices
of their products include Glaxo Wellcome and Highhoon Laboratories
among others.
Glaxo Wellcome Company's medicines revised trade and retail prices
are as follows:
Products Revised trade Revised retail
Prices prices
Angised tablets Rs 7.34 Rs 8.64
Betnovate cream Rs 11.40 Rs 13.41
Betnovate ointment Rs 11.40 Rs 13.14
Betnovate-N cream Rs 12.43 Rs 14.62
Betnovate-N lotion Rs 36.07 Rs 42.44
Betnovate-N oint Rs 12.43 Rs 14.62
Ceporax capsule (250mg) Rs 73.06 Rs 85.95
Dicofen tablets (50 mg) Rs 85.68 Rs 100.80
Grisovin-FP tablets(125mg) Rs 277.23 Rs 326.15
Kemadrin Tablets Rs 30.74 Rs 36.17
Migril Tablets Rs 16.85 Rs 19.59
Zantac Tablets (500mg) Rs 146.88 Rs 172.80
Amphyil Tablets Rs 14.46 Rs 17.01
Calci-Ostlin Syrup Rs 13.25 Rs 15.59
Zeffix (100mg) Tablets Rs 1,390.35 Rs 1,635.70
Zofran injection (8mg/4ml) Rs 3,698.86 Rs 4,351.60
Zofran Tablets (8mg) Rs 3,102.33 Rs 3,649.80
Highnoon Laboratories' medicines revised trade and retail prices
are:
Products Revised trade Revised retail
Prices prices
Herbesser Tablets(30mg) Rs 321.68 Rs378.45
Herbesser Tablets(60mg) Rs 584.88 Rs 688.10
Herbesser Capsule Rs 105.82 Rs 123.86
Herbesser Capsule Rs 201.78 Rs 237.39
Feverin Tab (50mg) Rs 932.70 Rs 1,086.80
Aria Syrup Rs 40.00 Rs 47.06
Heprovac-B 10mcg Rs 127.50 Rs 150.00
Yotopar Injection Rs 198.00 Rs 220.00
Unitinase injection Rs 2,700.00 Rs 3,000.00
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20000706
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Surcharge on salary tax removed
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Ikram Hoti
ISLAMABAD; July 5: The federal government has notified removal of
10% surcharge on the tax payable by the salaried class, and a
further 50 per cent relief from tax liability to full time teachers
and researchers serving in non-profit institutions.
Two notifications were issued here on Wednesday, which explain the
method of calculation of tax by the salaried persons under the
revised rates for the financial year 2000-20001. SRO 457(I)/2000,
dated July 1, 2000, notifies the following: In part IV (of the
First Schedule to the Income Tax Ordinance 1979), after clause (6),
the following new clause (61) shall be added: "The provisions of
paragraph C of part V of First Schedule, in so far as these relate
to surcharge, shall not apply in respect of any assessment year
commencing on or after July 1, 2000".
Circular No 16 of 2000 (Income Tax), dated July 3, 2000, notifies
the method of calculation as follows: Although the basic tax rates
remain the same, the salaried persons would be allowed a reduction
in their tax liability for the assessment year 2000- 2001. Besides
this reduction, a further relief equal to 50 per cent of the
liability would be admissible to full time teachers and researchers
(T&R) serving in non-profit institutions, including the government
training and research institutions duly recognized by a board of
education or the University Grants Commission.
Highest amount of income tax payable by salaried persons whose
salary income range is Rs50,001-60,000, would be Rs100 (T&R Rs50).
The highest tax amount for the salary income range of Rs60,001-
80,000 is Rs450 (T&R Rs225); for the salary income range of
Rs80,001-100,000 the highest tax amount payable is Rs1000 (T&R
Rs500); for the salary income range of Rs100,001-150,000 the
highest tax amount payable is Rs3750 (T&R Rs1875); for the salary
income range of Rs150,001-200,000 the highest tax amount payable is
Rs7500 (T&R Rs3750); for the salary income range of Rs200,001-
300,000 the highest tax amount payable is Rs19,250 (T&R Rs9625);
for the salary income range of Rs300,001- 500,000 the highest tax
amount payable is Rs52,400 (T&R Rs 26,200); for the salary income
range of Rs 500,001-1,000,000 the highest tax amount payable is
Rs186,750 (T&R Rs93,375).
The persons receiving salary income above Rs1,000,000 would be
enjoying a 5 per cent reduction in tax amount on the amount of tax
payable at the presently applicable rates. The T&R would be
enjoying a further 50 per cent cut on the tax amount payable by
them at the presently applicable rates.
Apart from this, a uniform tax credit of Rs2500 would be admissible
from assessment year 2001-2002 to all persons where salary is more
than 50 per cent of the total income. This reduction in tax
liability is applicable for the assessment year 2001-2002 while for
the purpose of tax withholding, it will be applicable from July 1,
2000.
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20000704
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Survey on 'credit' agencies: Asian investors distrust ratings
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SINGAPORE, June 3: Many Asian investors are disenchanted with
international credit rating agencies for their performance during
the financial crisis.
Asset Research polled investors in Asian bonds. The survey found
the agencies are still being blamed for their performance during
the crisis triggered in mid-1997.
"Some people don't really trust the ratings very much," Asia
Research said. "They are a bit suspicious of them because they were
not considered to have been accurate."
The survey results, published in The Business Times, showed despite
the blemished image, only 5 per cent said credit ratings had no
impact on their decisions while 46 per cent said they play a small
to significant role.
The agencies maintained the criticism emerging from the survey was
unwarranted. "We were ahead of the industry," Julia Turner,
managing director of Moody's Asia Pacific, was quoted as saying.
"We downgraded Thailand in 1996 and got a lot of criticism for
that," she noted.
Cecile Saavedra, S&P managing director for Asia, told Asset
predicting crises is not the agency's role.
"Our role is to review the ability of a company to weather shocks,"
she said, adding she did not believe anyone could have forecasted
the extent of the crisis from which the region is recovering.
The survey however revealed that investors still rely on credit
ratings in making decisions, a survey released on Monday showed.
Moody's emerged on top in the importance of agency ratings in the
investment process, according to the findings undertaken by Asset
Research. Standard & Poor's came in second, followed by Thomson
Bank Watch and Fitch IBCA.
Standard & Poor's emerged as the best rating agency in Asia when
weighted by assets under management followed by Moody's.-dpa
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20000704
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Stagnation feared in trade ties with Japan
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Reporter
KARACHI, July 3: Mr Shun Imaizumal, leader of the visiting Japanese
economic mission, said here Monday that unresolved issues like the
IPPs or deferred payments/non-payment of public credit may lead to
stagnation in Pakistan-Japan economic relations.
Speaking at a meeting of Pak-Japan Business Cooperation Committee
at the Federation House, he said honouring of commitments and
consistencies in economic policies are vital for seeking Japanese
investment.
The mission referred to the non-honouring of commitments with IPPs
by Pakistan and delays in payments of foreign investors have shaken
the confidence of Japanese investors. He called for a sustainable
business environment.
He said the Japanese companies evaluate "returns" on investment
before making any fresh commitments in any country.
On economic sanctions, Shun said Japanese laws are "very strict"
against countries conducting nuclear tests. He suggested that
Pakistan should sign the CTBT before India so that economic
sanctions could be lifted.
According to a press release, he said it is important to continue
economic exchanges at the public level between the two countries.
Earlier, FPCCI president, Fazal-ur-Rahman Dittu called upon the
Japanese mission to recommend to their government to withdraw
economic sanctions imposed on Pakistan as a gesture of goodwill to
give a helping-hand to the government in its efforts to revive the
economy.
He urged the Japanese companies to participate in the government's
programme for modernization and upgradation of textile machinery
under 'pay as you earn scheme' and by entering into collaboration
with the local entrepreneurs for the manufacture of textile
machinery, spare parts and components.
Asad Umer, Director PJBC and other participants suggested that
Japanese should consider setting up of manufacturing units in
Karachi Export Processing Zone based on raw materials available
locally for export to Japan and other countries.
Back to the top=================================================================== EDITORIALS & FEATURES 20000702 ------------------------------------------------------------------- The sole statesman-3 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Ardeshir Cowasjee NO set of documents (nor even one single document) exists which spells out the 'ideology of Pakistan'. Thus, every man with a thought process available to him is entitled to his own conception of what this ideology is. However, it would be absolutely logical to assume that the ideology should rightly spring from what our sole statesman envisaged for the country he created and, more accurately, from what he wrote and said. There are many who hold that the Objectives Resolution, which was drafted and came into being a mere six months after the death of Mohammed Ali Jinnah, is the embodiment of the 'ideology'. There are others who hold that it is not quite what Jinnah had in mind as the ideological cornerstone of his nation. The Objectives Resolution, the text of which, in English and in Urdu, was embossed on brass plaques and once mounted in the hall of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, has been pronounced by our successive democratic and other leaders to be a reminder to us all of the purpose of the creation of Pakistan. It is regarded as the main source of guidance for whatever dispensation of justice exists, for the execution or non-execution of the affairs of the state. On the day in March 1993 when the present Supreme Court building was inaugurated by the then prime minister, Nawaz Sharif (later to be its ultimate demolisher), he declared that not only had the Objectives Resolution been affixed to the wall of the highest court of the land, but that it was imprinted in the hearts of every loyal Pakistani. Right. Now let us look at this Objectives Resolution. It was moved and adopted on March 7, 1949, on the first day of the fifth session of the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan, meeting in the Assembly Chambers at Karachi, at four of the clock in the evening. The official report for the 1949 day's debates records: "The Honourable Mr Liaquat Ali Khan (East Bengal, Muslim) : Mr President, Sir, I beg to move the following Objectives Resolution embodying the main principles on which the Constitution of Pakistan is to be based. "In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful; "Whereas sovereignty over the entire universe belongs to God Almighty alone and the authority which He has delegated to the State of Pakistan through its people for being exercised within the limit prescribed by Him is a sacred trust ; "This Constituent Assembly, representing the people of Pakistan, resolves to frame a constitution for the sovereign independent State of Pakistan ; "Wherein the State shall exercise its powers and authority through the chosen representatives of the people ; "Wherein the principles of democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance and social justice, as enunciated by Islam, shall be fully observed ; "Wherein the Muslims shall be enabled to order their lives in the individual and collective spheres in accord with the teachings and requirements of Islam as set out in the Holy Quran and the Sunna ; "Wherein adequate provisions shall be made for the minorities freely to profess and practise their religions and develop their cultures ; "Wherein the territories now included in or in accession with Pakistan and such other territories as may hereafter be included in or accede to Pakistan shall form a Federation wherein the units will be autonomous with such boundaries and limitations on their powers and authority as may be prescribed ; "Wherein shall be guaranteed fundamental rights, including equality of status, of opportunity and before law, social economic and political justice, and freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith, worship and association, subject to the law and public morality ; "Wherein adequate provision shall be made to safeguard the legitimate interests of minorities and backward and depressed classes ; "Wherein the independence of the judiciary shall be fully secured ; "Wherein the integrity of the territories of the Federation, its independence and all its rights, including its sovereign rights on land, sea and air, will be safeguarded ; "So that the people of Pakistan may prosper and attain their rightful and honoured place amongst the nations of the world and make their full contribution towards international peace and progress and happiness of humanity." But it was not the true English text of the original Objectives Resolution which was sanctified that day in 1993 on the wall of our apex court. The plaque in the Supreme Court gave a modified version of this Resolution. The original stipulated that "adequate provision shall be made for the minorities freely to profess and practise their religions and develop their cultures." On the plaque, in the English version, the word 'freely' was deliberately omitted. Now to quote from Liaquat's subsequent address to the President, the Honourable Mr Tamizuddin Khan, a quotation which must bear constant and frequent repetition : ". . . the people are the real recipients of power. This naturally eliminates any danger of the establishment of a theocracy . . . . In the technical sense, theocracy has come to mean a government by ordained priests, who wield authority as being specially appointed by those who claim to derive their rights from their sacerdotal position. I cannot overemphasize the fact that such an idea is absolutely foreign to Islam. Islam does not recognize either priesthood or any sacerdotal authority; and, therefore, the question of a theocracy simply does not arise in Islam. If there are any who still use the word theocracy in the same breath as the polity of Pakistan, they are either labouring under a grave misapprehension or indulging in mischievous propaganda. ". . . . . Therefore, there should be no misconception in the mind of any sect which may be a minority in Pakistan about the intentions of the state. The state will seek to create an Islamic society free from dissensions, but this does not mean that it would curb the freedom of any section of the Muslims in the matter of their beliefs. No sects, whether the majority or a minority, will be permitted to dictate to the others and, in their own internal matters and sectional beliefs, all sects shall be given the fullest possible latitude and freedom. Actually, we hope the various sects will act in accordance with the desire of the Prophet who said that the differences of opinion amongst his followers are a blessing. It is for us to make our differences a source of strength to Islam and to Pakistan and not to exploit them for our own interests which will weaken both Pakistan and Islam. ". . . . We believe that no shackles can be put on thought and, therefore, we do not intend to hinder any person from the expression of his views." To return to the Supreme Court of Pakistan and the plaques initially affixed to the walls of the entrance hall. In 1993 I made a vain attempt to get through to Chief Justice of Pakistan Afzal Zullah, to impress upon him that the English version of the Resolution should be amended to contain the word 'freely' which in the Urdu version had not been omitted. Then came Chief Justice Dr Nasim Hasan Shah, a man with a great sense of humour with whom it is always a pleasure to converse. An expert at ping-pong, Dr Shah said he would do what he could do to set the record straight. Nothing happened. He was followed by Chief Justice Sajjad Ali Shah who settled the issue by having both plaques, the English and the Urdu versions, removed from the hallowed walls which still remain bare. Sajjad Ali Shah's court was later, on November 28, 1997, stormed and morally destroyed at the behest of the then born-again prime minister Nawaz Sharif. Those who have followed Sajjad in the Supreme Chair have still to identify and punish the desecrators of the people's apex court.What our sole statesman's reaction would be to not only the Objectives Resolution, but to all those men and women and events that have followed it down the years can only be imagined. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 20000707 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Education of the military ------------------------------------------------------------------- Ayaz Amir ANYONE with a modicum of sense to his credit could have told the nation's military saviours that they should have done this a long time ago. To give credit where it is due, Sardar Mumtaz Bhutto, fairly early on in the tenure of this rising monument to confusion, had forcefully argued in a couple of newspaper articles that it was in the military's interest to open lines of communication with 'clean' politicians. If faltering memory serves me right, this term was his contribution to what was then a stalled national debate. After full eight and a half months the military government, assailed on all sides by cries of failure, has finally seen the wisdom of embarking upon a course that elementary political sense might have dictated that it follow right at the beginning. Still, no point in quarrelling with small mercies. One or more fundamental points need to be clarified, however. Since we are a nation of monkeys forever looking for redeemers and saviours where nothing but disaster lurks, it is scarcely surprising if on the morrow of October 12 there was no shortage of people who saw heroic overtones in the leading figures of this government. None of Marilyn Monroe's several honeymoons could have been as ecstatic as the one General Musharraf enjoyed in those halcyon days. Whither are they fled? Several wan moons later it should be abundantly clear even to the congenitally benighted that at this juncture what the country needs above anything else is a revolving door round which the military can swirl and on the rebound head straight for its barracks. The military need not leave a vacuum behind. The political space it vacates can be filled with the 'clean' figures of military mythology - people like Mian Azhar who, among a descending order of scoundrels and charlatans, are the least tainted by the shenanigans of the past 15 years. Certainly stars in uniform who may have acquired a taste for power, and the nominated brigade which can only hope to enter the portals of power through the back door, will strongly oppose any such move. But then from such elements nothing better is to be expected. They should not be given a veto over the country's future. Reform and renewal are dead concepts. We have seen how of much of reform has been delivered in the last eight months. Time now to bury these illusions and move ahead. There has to be a political revival with the military's voice heard on important national matters. Do we need a national security council for this purpose? This idea is beloved of the military but it will not work because as we have seen in the past any dichotomy of power sows the seeds of political instability. Far better to have a French-style president who embodies in his person the military and political points of view. The prime minister could be his nominee or at least work under his wings. Other experiments have been tried; all have failed. The Ayubian experiment of a powerful presidential system was a disaster. The ZAB and Sharif models of powerful prime ministers led directly to the imposition of military rule. The Eighth Amendment model of a powerful president and a representative prime minister served only to spread strife in the political arena. It's time to move on to something more stable and enduring. With someone safe like Mian Azhar as prime minister, how about General Pervez Musharraf as the country's first Gaullist president? Will this be a perfect democracy? Of course not. But then this hybrid solution is the only thing allowed by the prevailing circumstances. The military cannot be forced back to barracks. When it decides to withdraw, it will do so itself, on its own steam and propelled by a sense of its own necessity. But this trick - that of withdrawal - must be pulled off for the larger good of the country. Politics is not the military's cup of tea. Furthermore, involvement in politics is the surest way to compromise the military's professionalism. Would any Pakistani want that? Do we want the Pakistan army to turn into the Thai or Indonesian armies, fit only for mounting coup d'etats? If the military is the last bulwark of national stability and survival, as the prevailing wisdom in Pakistan affirms, that's all the more reason to preserve its elan and fighting spirit. If these are lost, what remains? Conducting an orderly retreat (ask anyone from staff college) is the most difficult of all military operations. Getting out of the quagmire the country is in will not therefore be easy. But there is no other way out. So General Musharraf's meetings with 'clean' politicians is a good beginning. But if these meetings are not merely to become grist for the regime's propaganda mills, they must form part of a game plan which leads to a political restoration. Otherwise they will make no sense. But what is the military waiting for? Today, despite everything, it can still dictate the national agenda and make the politicians who are available dance to its tune. Tomorrow will be too late. The military should beware of the example of the traders. In the halcyon days after October 12 which trader would have had the audacity to challenge the military? It is the ineptitude of the government over the past eight months which has emboldened them to throw a gauntlet to the ill-considered tax survey drive. Keeping this in mind, it is to the military's advantage to start thinking seriously of a political withdrawal before public frustration with its rule mounts. But on whom to dump the burden of civilian rule? On who else but the troopers of Pakistan's permanent King's Party, the Muslim League, a willing accessory down the years to every adventurist dispensation? Once again the Muslim League is proving true to form, the champions who pass for its leaders virtually panting to be used as the military deems fit. Eight months ago they were in a similar state of beatific anticipation. A sign then from General Musharraf's little finger would have brought them scurrying to his side, in the process disposing of the Sharifs unceremoniously. But the military was too full of itself and too ready to take everything for granted. So that golden moment was lost. But it is still not too late. With their misjudged clamour the Sharifs are writing themselves into the history books while the stalwarts of their party are looking for other scripts on which to perform. The only question is, is the military capable of writing a new script? Can it sense which way the wind is blowing? Putting its ears to the ground, can it hear the approaching beat of distant horses? Can the military also fulfil certain other essential requirements? Can it put a muzzle on its principal spin-master, whose vested interests are not tied to the revival of democracy? When General Musharraf met the first batch of clean-laundered politicos, Javed Jabbar, who is not programmed to keep quiet, was quick to chime in with the comment that these politicos not only belonged to different political parties but were also influential personalities in their own right. Note the attempt to draw a line under the political parties. If some of the confusion besetting the paths of this government is to be dissipated, this kind of smart thinking will have to be suppressed. General Haider will have to be persuaded to put aside his blunderbuss (the first weapon, in any case, which should be confiscated in any drive to recover illegal weapons) and asked to reconsider the virtues of announcing mock battles which are followed by all-too-real retreats. Serious thought will have to be given to confining General Naqvi to quarters who in the name of his various schemes has spread more confusion across the land than any other individual. General Amjad of NAB presents a more formidable problem. He is presiding over something which began as a hymn to the rising sun but which has ended up being one of the all-time great Pakistani disasters. But he is a serious personality who takes his work seriously. Among mortals, said Euripides, second thoughts are always best. Getting General Amjad to think second thoughts cannot be an easy undertaking.Through thick and thin, however, let us keep one thing in mind. Taking issue with a government does not mean questioning the country's validity. When France fell in 1940 and the British Expeditionary Force was driven back to the Channel by the advancing Germans, Englishmen did not despair of England. They cursed Chamberlain for not being up to their country's need in the hour of its greatest danger. There is no reason to despair of Pakistan which, God willing, will find its place in the sun sooner or later, but every reason to wish to kick its Chamberlains into the departing sea.
=================================================================== SPORTS 20000703 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Pakistan clinch Test rubber 2-0: Moin hopes to win tri-series ------------------------------------------------------------------- KANDY (Sri Lanka), July 2: Having accomplished his first task by winning the three-Test series against Sri Lanka 2-0 (1 drawn), Pakistan's cricket captain Moin Khan sounded a warning to his hosts and South Africa. Pakistan's next target was the one-day triangular series starting on July 5 in the southern Sri Lankan town of Galle with Sri Lanka and South Africa, he said. "Our team morale is very high after the Test series win over Sri Lanka, and we are looking forward to winning the one-day triangular," said Moin. "We have won the last three one-day tournaments we've taken part in. We have a very good combination. We have won against South Africa at Sharjah and hopefully we will do it again here," he said. Big-hitting Shahid Afridi has been recalled to strengthen the Pakistan team for the seven-match triangular. Batsmen Mohammad Wasim and Qaiser Abbas left for Pakistan as they will not be part of the one-day squad. All-rounder Wasim Akram who is also unavailable for the tournament will leave on Monday. Akram, named Man-of-the-Series at the end of the Tests, said that this would be his last tour to Sri Lanka. "I am 34 and I don't think I will be around by the time the next Sri Lanka tour comes along. I would like to visit the country as a tourist in future," said Akram. "I really had a great time. I enjoyed my batting and I think it's about time I concentrated on it. I have been doing so for the last couple of series," he said. "Wasim is a great one-day player. He always gives 100 percent. We will definitely miss him. We have a few youngsters who need to get some experience. It's a good opportunity for them," said Moin. "We came here looking to win the Test series, and I am really glad we are taking the trophy home," said Moin after the fifth and final day's play was washed out by rain and the third Test abandoned as a draw. "It was a tremendous effort from our boys, the way they have been performing in the last four months. It was a totally combined effort and everybody performed well in the series, that's why we won," said Moin. "The series was a great opportunity for the young players to play with the seniors. The absence of Saqlain (Mushtaq) put a lot of responsibility on Arshad Khan, and he responded well," he said. "The turning point was the innings of Wasim Akram and his partnership with Arshad in the first Test. The way we were performing in the last few months, we were positive and we were thinking of a 3-0 win. "Sri Lanka came back very hard in this game and it could have been a good match had it not been for the rain," Moin said. Akram and Arshad shared a 90-run last wicket stand that turned the first Test on its head after Sri Lanka had looked like taking a big first innings lead. A disappointed Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya said: "Unfortunately, we can't do anything with the weather. We started doing very well in this Test. "We have been going down in the batting until we got this record partnership. We got a big score which has lifted up our confidence for the future games". Jayasuriya made 188 and his vice captain Marvan Atapattu an unbeaten 207, putting together a record first wicket stand of 335 for Sri Lanka. Atapattu who made 380 runs at an average of 95, ran a close second for the Man-of-the-Series award. "The Pakistanis are an experienced side and they have been playing a lot of cricket in the last six months. They have been putting a lot of pressure on us. They are bowling well with the new ball as well as the old. The series has taught our cricketers to play hard," said Jayasuriya. Looking ahead at the next Test series against South Africa, Jayasuriya said that it would be a tough one. "It won't be easy. We will have to play very positive and hard cricket against them.," he said.-AFP DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 20000707 ------------------------------------------------------------------- BCCI protests over manager's remarks ------------------------------------------------------------------- Reporter KARACHI, July 6: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has protested to their Pakistani counterparts over the comments made by team manager Brig (retd) Khawaja Mohammad Nasir about India being the 'hub of bookies'. According to web-site http://www.go4cricket.com, BCCI secretary J.Y. Lele has sent a strong worded letter to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) director Yawar Saeed on the instructions of the A.C Muttiah, the board chief. "The match-fixing and betting episode is being examined in India by the Delhi Police and CBI, in Pakistan by the Qayyum Commission and in South Africa by the King Commission besides the ICC is examining (it) through its code of conduct commission. "Nasir's remark are absolutely out of place and unwarranted. On one side the relations between the officials of BCCI and PCB are so cordial and on the other your manager makes such baseless and unnecessary remarks. "We therefore strongly protest (against) this and request you to kindly ask all concerned and your manager to refrain from making such remarks when the investigating agencies are examining these issues at various levels," Lele was quoted as having written. While pressure mounts on the Pakistan team manager Nasir, he told the web-site in Colombo that the Indian officials were over- reacting. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 20000704 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Tauqir advises Majid against irresponsible statements ------------------------------------------------------------------- Correspondent LAHORE, July 5: Pakistan Cricket Board ad hoc committee chairman Lt. Gen. Tauqir Zia advised former PCB chief executive Majid Khan not to issue irresponsible statements on a sensitive issue like match-fixing. He disclosed that a special committee had been formed by the ICC to investigate into the unsubstantiated allegations levelled by Ai Bacher against the Pakistan team. Gen Tauqir was talking to mediamen at the Qadhafi Stadium on Monday for the first time after returning from England, having attended the ICC meeting there. He said that the match-fixing was a very sensitive issue and a senior star like Majid Khan should avoid talking about it without having any solid proof. It may be mentioned here that the South African cricket chief Ali Bacher has quoted Majid Khan about Pakistani cricketers involvement in match-fixing. Bacher has also alleged that the Pakistan team's matches in last World Cup against India and Bangladesh were fixed. The PCB chairman also warned the former Test wicket-keeper Rashid Latif against issuing press statement on this issue. He said that the PCB had reserved the right to take action against Rashid Latif. He said that two Asian cricket giants, Pakistan and India, had good understanding at ICC level and were supporting each other's point of view there. He said that India had confirmed its participation in the Asia Cup Under-17 Tournament to be held in Sindh and Balochistan this month. That had paved the way for the Indian Senior team's tour to Pakistan in January, 2001, the PCB chief said. Talking about Pakistan's next schedule of activities, Lt. Gen. Tauqir Zia said that the team would take part in a three-nation tournament in Singapore next month. Besides Pakistan, the other teams are South Africa and New Zealands. Pakistan and India would play for Sahara Cup at Toronto, Canada in September, before meeting in Dubai for another series, he said. He said that PCB general manager Zakir Khan would visit Dubai in near future to examine the condition of pitches there. He said that paceman Shoaib Akhtar would be fit for the game within one month and he (Akhtar) might be considered for Singapore tour, but the cricketer's selection for the home series against England, due in October, was sure. Replying to another question, the PCB chief said that the ICC did not hand over any proof to him about an England tabloid News of World allegation on former Test captain Salim Malik's involvement in match-fixing. He said that only PCB would investigate into that allegation. He said that the PCB would soon take over the control of the Pindi Stadium. DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 20000706 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Sri Lankans break free from Pakistan's shackles ------------------------------------------------------------------- GALLE (Sri Lanka), July 5: Marvan Atapattu hit 62 as hosts Sri Lanka broke free from Pakistan's shackles to score a five-wicket victory in the opening match of the tri-series here on Wednesday. Sanath Jayasuriya's men, handed an embarrassing 2-0 defeat by Pakistan in the recent Test series after losing both one-dayers to them in last month's Asia Cup in Bangladesh, fought back splendidly to make amends. Lanky left-arm seamer Nuwan Zoysa set up the win with a career-best 4-34 as Pakistan, sent to bat in overcast conditions, crashed to 53-6 before ending with 164-8 from 45 overs. Atapattu then notched up his sixth successive one-day half-century against Pakistan and exciting left-hander Kumar Sangakkara made 35 on debut to fashion their team's facile win in the 38th over. The pair put on 66 for the fourth wicket after fast bowler Waqar Younis gave the hosts a fright by removing opener Avishka Gunawardena with the fifth ball and Jayasuriya in his third over. But Pakistan missed veteran all-rounder Wasim Akram, who opted out of the series for personal reasons, as Waqar hobbled off the field with cramps and the rest of the attack made little headway. While Waqar gave away just eight runs in his five overs, new ball partner Mohammad Akram went for 42 in his eight overs and Abdur Razzaq 45 in nine. Moin blamed the defeat on brittle batting, saying the loss of quick wickets at the start set his team back. "The early collapse put pressure on the later batsmen and even though Inzamam played well, we did not manage to have enough on the board," he said. "It was Sri Lanka's day today, but I am confident that Pakistan will fight back in the remaining matches and reach the final." Zoysa came off after claiming 3-16 in a hostile opening spell of seven overs, but there was little respite for Pakistan from the tight Sri Lankan fielding.-AFP DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS*DWS 20000703 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Pakistan to play 2 Tests in England ------------------------------------------------------------------- Reporter KARACHI, July 2: Pakistan will play a two-Test series in England against the home side next year in April-May, a spokesman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said. The series was finalized during the bilateral discussions between the officials of the two boards after the International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting at Lord's last week. The PCB officials tried to persuade their counterparts in England to increase the number of Tests to at least three. But their request was declined on the ground that next year's programme had already been finalized. The PCB spokesman said the board didn't want to play a two-Test series but was left with no other option as the previous board had already accepted the proposal. "We have beaten England in England three times in a trot. But the last time we got a five-Test series was in 1992.Pakistan beat England 1-0 and then 2-1 in the 1987 and 1992 five-Test series respectively. In 1996, Pakistan won 2-0 in a three-Test series. The PCB spokesman said Pakistan was willing to play against Bangladesh in the inaugural Test but said further discussions will be held in Nairobi, Kenya, during the ICC knock-out tournament in the directors meeting. "Bangladesh are currently in the process of contacting all the cricket boards. But who will play them first will be decided there as all the boards will come up with their availabilities." ------------------------------------------------------------------- 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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