Trump will appeal historic conviction

NEW YORK: Donald Trump said on Friday he would appeal the guilty verdict that made him the first US president convicted of a crime, though he will have to wait until after his sentencing on July 11 before taking that step.

In rambling remarks at the Trump Tower lobby in Manhattan, he repeated complaints that the trial was a “rigged” attempt to hobble his comeback White House bid.

“If they can do this to me, they can do this to anyone,” Trump, 77, said in an unscripted 33-minute speech. Applauded by supporters, he took no questions from reporters.

“We’re going to be appealing this scam,” he said.

Trump will have 30 days from the date of his July 11 sentencing to file a notice of appeal.

Biden slams accusations of ‘rigged trial’; ex-president still faces far more serious charges, but trials may not take place before election

President Joe Biden, who will face Trump in the Nov. 5 election, said Trump had been given an opportunity to defend himself in the same justice system that applies to all Americans.

“It’s reckless, it’s dangerous, it’s irresponsible for anyone to say this was rigged just because they don’t like the verdict,” Biden, 81, said at the White House.

Weakest case

The New York hush money case against Trump was considered the weakest by many legal experts, but it resulted in a stunning conviction and is likely to be the only one of the four facing the ex-president to be tried before the November election.

He has been indicted in Washington and Georgia on far more serious charges — seeking to overturn his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden.

He also faces charges in Florida for allegedly hoarding top secret documents after leaving office in January 2021 and refusing to return them.

The Republican, who is seeking to recapture the White House in November, won’t be hampered from campaigning even if he is incarcerated, nor would that prevent him from taking office if he were to win.

But the other cases facing Trump are considerably more complicated because they involve actions taken while he was president or after leaving the White House.

He would also not be able to pardon himself in the New York case if he becomes president, as it was not brought by the federal government, but by the state, where only the governor can clear his name.

More serious cases

Trump had been set to go on trial in Washington on March 4 on the election subversion charges but the case has been frozen pending a Supreme Court ruling on his claim that a former president is immune from prosecution.

A ruling is expected by the end of June but it is unlikely a trial can take place before November, when Trump is expected to take on Biden in a rematch of their 2020 contest.

The other election interference case — in Georgia — has been bogged down in appeals and a bid by Trump and his co-defendants to disqualify district attorney Fani Willis following revelations she had a romantic relationship with the man she hired as a special prosecutor.

Evidence in the Georgia case includes a taped phone call in which Trump asked a top state election official to “find” enough votes to reverse the result.

Eighteen co-defendants were indicted along with Trump on racketeering and other charges, including his former personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani and White House chief of staff Mark Meadows.

In Florida, Trump is accused of endangering national security by holding onto secret nuclear and defense documents after leaving the White House. The case had been scheduled to go on trial on May 20 but has been postponed indefinitely by District Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee.

Published in Dawn, June 1st, 2024

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PM Shehbaz directs reduction in petrol price by Rs15.4

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed the finance ministry to slash the petrol price by Rs15.4 per litre for the next fortnight.

A statement issued by state-run broadcaster PTV said the “people-friendly policies” of the government had brought economic stability and achieved a clear reduction in inflation.

The statement also mentioned a cut of Rs7.9 per litre in the price of diesel, although it did not specify if it meant high-speed diesel or light diesel oil.

Petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) prices were expected to decrease by approximately Rs6.5 to Rs7.5 per litre on May 31, despite a slight exchange rate loss due to a bearish trend in the international market.

Informed sources had said the prices of petrol and HSD had declined in the international market by about $3.25 and $2.1 per barrel, respectively, in the last fortnight. This is on top of the $8.7 and $4.3 per barrel drop in petrol and HSD rates, respectively, in the previous fortnight.

The import premium on petrol has decreased by about seven per cent in the last fortnight to $9.7 from $10.3 per barrel.

However, the rupee slightly lost about 10 paise against the US dollar during the fortnight.

The HSD price also dropped by about $2.1 per barrel in the international market, and its import premium paid by the benchmark Pakistan State Oil remained unchanged at $6.5 per barrel. Thus, the HSD rate was estimated to be down by Rs6.25 per litre from the current rate of Rs274.08 per litre at the depot stage.

Officials said the price of petrol had gone down to about $95 per barrel from around $98.27 per barrel earlier in the international market, while the price of HSD had reduced to $97 from $99.12 per barrel. The prices of petrol and HSD had also dropped by Rs15.93 and Rs7.88 per litre, respectively, with effect from May 16.

The government has already achieved the Rs60 per litre petroleum levy — the maximum permissible limit under the law — on both petrol and HSD and collected Rs720 billion in the first nine months ending March 31. The government had set a budget target to collect Rs869bn as petroleum development levy (PDL) on petroleum products during the current fiscal year under the commitments made with the International Monetary Fund.

Higher petroleum and electricity prices have been fuelling inflation. Petrol is mostly used in private transport, small vehicles, rickshaws, and two-wheelers and has a direct bearing on the budget of the middle and lower middle classes. On the other hand, HSD prices are considered highly inflationary as they are mostly used in heavy transport vehicles, trains, and agricultural engines like trucks, buses, tractors, tube wells, and threshers. They particularly add to the prices of vegetables and other eatables.

Currently, the government charges about Rs82 per litre tax on petrol and HSD. Although the general sales tax is zero on all petroleum products, the government is charging Rs60 per litre PDL on both products. On the other hand, it is charging Rs50 per litre for high-octane blending components and 95RON petrol. The government also charges about Rs19-20 per litre customs duty on petrol and HSD.

Petrol and HSD are the major revenue spinners, with monthly sales of about 700,000-800,000 tonnes compared to just 10,000 tonnes of kerosene demand.

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Doubling down, PTI calls for HRC report to be published amid govt furore

Doubling down in the face of heated government criticism, the PTI on Friday called for the contents of the Hamoodur Rahman Commission (HRC) Report to be immediately released to the public.

In a post on social media platform X dated May 26, PTI founder Imran Khan’s account had shared a video along with a quote attributed to him: “Every Pakistani should study the Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report and get to know who was the true traitor, General Yahya Khan or Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.”

The video argued that the former military dictator was the one actually responsible for the country’s breakup, referring to alleged atrocities committed by the Pakistani military during the civil war.

The posts generated intense blowback and controversy, particularly from the government ranks. An investigation has been launched by the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cyber Wing into the post.

The PTI subsequently on Tuesday distanced Imran from the controversial social media post, saying it was not aimed towards the military and should be seen in a “political context”.

However, after a few days of explanations and clarifications by a myriad of PTI leaders in the face of persistent criticism from the government ranks, the party doubled down today and demanded the HRC report’s immediate release.

A statement issued after the PTI Core Committee meeting said: “It has been demanded to release the HRC report immediately in order to save Pakistan from serious internal challenges similar to 1971, to learn from history and to inform the public about the facts.”

The party said it considered and rejected the FIA’s investigation into the matter, as well as the registration of any possible new case on this basis, as being “unjustified”.

“In the light of the notice issued by the FIA, the legal team has been entrusted with the preparation of a detailed legal strategy” regarding the social media post, the statement said.

It added that the PTI considered and deliberated the matter of Imran’s May 26 post and the attached video from multiple aspects.

“The collapse of East Pakistan is the greatest tragedy in our national history, whose causes and motivations of which are political in every respect. The HRC appointed by the government of Pakistan has mentioned these factors in detail in its report,” the party said.

It added that it had sent a “sincere” message to today’s state decision-makers to return to constitutional bounds and learn from history because of the alleged resemblance of the political events of the past two years to that of the 70s and their tragic results.

“The most important role in the tragic downfall of East Pakistan was played by contempt of the public mandate, which continues today with all its destruction.”

The party said Imran’s pointation to the “deadly effects of a power-hungry individual on the country’s integrity, nation, the Constitution, democracy and especially on our brave army” was worthy of inviting thought by every patriot.

The PTI said it had always recognised the army’s role as an institution in the performance of national duties such as the defence of national security and integrity within the scope of the Constitution and law, adding that it would never target the military for criticism.

The party further said that organisational affairs, especially those related to mobilising the organisational structures at the lowest level, were also reviewed in the meeting.

“Organisational officials/structures from the centre to the lowest level have been directed to immediately complete preparations for nationwide peaceful protests,” the PTI said, adding that Imran intended to call for a nationwide peaceful protest soon.

Defence minister advises Imran to ‘shut up’ to reduce tension

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif advised Imran to “shut up if he wants to reduce tension”.

However, he added: “I suspect he wants to maintain and heighten the tension and he is again trying to create some May 9-like situation with this [post].”

Talking to Geo News today, he said the PTI was attempting to retreat from Imran’s X post, pointing to party leader Barrister Gohar Ali Khan’s response.

“This is the first time they’ve had to retreat because of the reaction to it (the post).”

Asif said he had his own opinion on the “sad events” of 1971 and he would not drag those events into the present. “To amplify it in today’s environment through a tweet and bring it forward is I think a deliberate attempt to increase tension.”

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Israel claims control of corridor along Egyptian border

• Intense fighting knocks out communications in Rafah
• Slovenia also moves to recognise Palestinian state

RAFAH: Intense shelling and gunfire rocked Rafah on Thursday after Israel declared it had seized a strategic corridor along the Palestinian territory’s border with Egypt.

Israel said its forces had taken over the 14-kilometre Philadelphi corridor, which it claims was used for weapons smuggling via tunnels.

Egypt, a longtime mediator in the conflict, has rejected claims of smuggling tunnels running beneath the buffer zone.

“Israel is using these allegations to justify continuing the operation on the Palestinian city of Rafah and prolonging the war for political purposes,” a high-level Egyptian source was quoted as saying by state-linked Al-Qahera News.

Egyptian officials have said a potential Israeli takeover of Philadelphi could violate the two countries’ 1979 peace deal, though there has been no official comment from Cairo since the military’s announcement.

In Gaza, communication services have been cut off due to “the ongoing aggression”, telecommunications company Jawa said in a statement on Thursday.

Witnesses reported fighting in central and western Rafah and bombardment in the east that killed at least five people near an aid warehouse.

Nasser Hospital in nearby Khan Yunis said at least “four martyrs were brought to the facility following a bombing” in west Rafah.

Witnesses said Israeli forces demolished buildings in east Rafah where the Israeli incursion began on May 7, initially focusing on the vital Rafah border crossing, a key entry point for aid.

An AFP correspondent reported shelling and gunfire in north Gaza, where witnesses saw thick plu­mes of smoke over Jabalia refugee camp and Beit Lahia.

A stream of civilians fled Rafah, taking their belongings on their shoulders, in cars or on donkey-drawn carts.

Food sales in Gaza

Separately, Reuters rep­o­rted that Tel Aviv had lifted a ban on the sale of food to Gaza from Israel and the occupied West Bank.

Army authorities gave Gazan traders the green light to resume their purchases from Israeli and Palestinian suppliers of food such as fresh fruit, vegetables and dairy goods this month, days after Israeli forces launched an assault on the enclave’s southernmost city of Rafah, the agency said, quoting Palestinian officials, businessmen and international aid workers.

But this is not nearly enough. Two distributors inside Gaza declined to say how much they bought and sold goods for.

They pay the West Bank suppliers by bank transfer and take cash from sellers in local markets.

Slovenian recognition

Following in the footsteps of Spain, Norway, and Ireland, the parliament of Slovenia announced its intention to recognise a Palestinian state.

Slovenian lawmakers are to vote on the measure, after the country’s centre-left government sent a decree on recognising a Palestinian state for parliamentary approval, speeding up a procedure that was initially scheduled to end by mid-June.

“This is a message of peace, we believe the moment is now for the whole world to join efforts towards the solution that will bring peace to the Middle East: that is a two-states solution,” Prime Minister Robert Golob told journalists.

During his news conference, a Palestinian flag was hoisted alongside the Slovenian and EU flags on the front of the prime minister’s office in the capital.

Published in Dawn, May 31st, 2024

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At least 50 injured in major blast in Hyderabad LPG shop: officials

At least 50 people, mostly children, received burn injuries in a major blast at a liquid petroleum gas cylinder filling shop in Hyderabad’s Preetabad area on Thursday, health officials said.

According to Liaquat University Hospital’s (LUH) burn ward registrar, Dr Shahzad Memon, the blast occurred in the jurisdiction of the Pinyari police station, injuring at least 50 people.

The blast took place in a ground-floor shop located in Zacha Bacha hospital area on Mir Nabi Bux Town road in UC-8 of Neerunkot town.

Rescue 1122 teams and firefighters arrived in the area along with ambulances and began moving patients.

Firefighters brought the fire under control in the shop that had begun to spread to the building’s upper floors where the property owner’s family resided.

Residents on the upper floor of a building owned by one Babuddin Qureshi were moved to other areas. “The shop is owned by Akram Arain and he himself is injured. Arain is a tenant of Babuddin Qureshi, who is also seriously injured”, said the cable operator of the area, Sarwar Qazi.

He said Parveen Qazi — a political activist — was also injured along with her son and two grandsons.

Qureshi’s property was also a space for a seminary where mostly children were studying. “When the blast took place, children were either leaving or entering the seminary,” said Israr Ali, a local mechanic.

Hyderabad Deputy Commissioner Zain Memon and Senior Superintendent of Police Dr Farrukh Ali also arrived at the spot.

Hyderabad Mayor Kashif Shoro and Deputy Mayor Saghir Qureshi also visited the site and LUH.

All the injured were moved to LUH’s burns ward, Dr Memon told Dawn.com. The hospital’s record showed that 16 people were moved to Karachi for treatment.

“They are seriously injured with 90pc burn wounds,” said LUH administration officer Dr Aftab Phull of those moved to Karachi.

He said the rest were admitted to the paediatrics intensive care unit (ICU) or the adult ICU in the burns ward.

Hospital staff said chaotic scenes were witnessed in LUH’s casualty and burn wards as the injured began to arrive in ambulances followed by their grieving relatives.

“We are unable to figure out how to handle it as there was so much chaos. But then we settled it and began moving patients to Karachi who had a higher percentage of burn injuries,” Dr Phull said.

A statement from the spokesman of Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said the provincial chief took notice of the incident and directed the commissioner to treat the injured in LUH, along with ordering Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof Dr Ikram Din Ujjan to supervise the treatment.

CM Shah also instructed the VC to refer those in worse condition to Karachi. “The precious lives should be taken care of in every way,” he said.

The chief minister also ordered the commissioner to conduct an inquiry and inspect other shops once relief operations were over.

---

Additional reporting by Imtiaz Ali.

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Pakistan seeks ‘security cooperation’, raises Bisham attack in Kabul meeting with Afghan Taliban

A Pakistani delegation met Afghan officials in Kabul on Thursday and sought “security cooperation” while taking up the terrorist attack in the Bisham area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa which killed five Chinese and their Pakistani driver.

Five Chinese engineers and their Pakistani driver were killed in the suicide bombing on March 26 as their bus was attacked in the Bisham city of Shangla district. They were travelling between Islamabad and a hydroelectric dam construction site in KP’s Dasu.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said last week that the attack was planned in Afghanistan by the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakis­tan (TTP). He had demanded the Afghan interim government hand over the TTP leaders, including its chief Mufti Noor Wali Mehsood.

The Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid had denied Naqvi’s statement and said Pakistan should not hold Kabul responsible for its failure.

The Afghan interim government had condemned the Bisham attack in a statement. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack and the TTP says it was not involved.

Today, the Afghan interior ministry said in a statement that Deputy Interior Minister Maulvi Mohammad Nabi Omari received a Pakistani delegation led by Interior Secretary Khurram Agha.

Omari welcomed the delegation and said that the trip was “effective in solving problems and developing relations”, the statement said.

“The visiting delegation mentioned that the security in the region is beneficial for everyone and expressed the hope that some of the existing problems will be solved,” it said.

Pakistan has not offered any comments on the visit, which is the first high-level visit from Pakistan after the March 26 attack.

The Afghan interior ministry’s statement said Agha spoke about the terrorist attack in Bisham and expressed the desire for cooperation from the Afghan side in security.

Omari said Afghanistan sought peace for itself and wanted the same for others.

“We do not believe in ‘evil’ politics. Our intentions and actions are to promote peace in the region for the benefit of ourselves and everyone,” the statement quoted him as saying.

The Afghan minister said that the Bisham terrorist act was a tragic incident. “All of us should take responsibility for the security of our areas and instead of diverting issues, we should facilitate in real cooperation,” he added.

He said the Islamic Emirate was committed to not allowing others to use its territory against anyone and expected the same from others.

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Four killed in firing from across Iranian border

QUETTA: Four Pakis­tani nationals were killed and two others injured in firing by Iranian forces along the border in Washuk district of Balochistan.

According to officials, the firing occurred in the Judar-Bacharai border area late Tuesday night.

“Iranian forces op­­ened fire inside Pakistani border,” a senior official of the Mashkel administration said, adding that the victims were sitting in the Pakistani border area when the Iranian forces opened fire.

“We have received four bodies and two injured,” Dr Ashraf at Mashkel Rural Health Centre said. “The Pakistani nationals killed and injured were involved in the supply of Iranian smuggled oil,” an official posted at the border said.

However, one of the injured, identified as Akhtar, claimed that they were waiting for an oil consignment when the Iranian forces opened fire, resulting in the deaths of eight people, including four Iranians who were taken away by Iranian forces.

Published in Dawn, May 30th, 2024

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SHC restrains Pemra from enforcing court reporting ban

KARACHI/LAHORE: While the Sindh High Court restrained the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) from taking any adverse action against private TV channels till June 6 for airing news tickers about court proceedings, a Lahore High Court judge observed that a larger bench should decide the petitions challenging Pemra ban when similar petitions were pending before Islamabad and Sindh high courts.

The SHC, in its written order issued on Wednesday, also directed the petitioners as well as all court reporters to demonstrate due care and caution while covering judicial proceedings for news channels.

However, it also observed that the petitioners were “not aggrieved with entire notification/ corrigendum nor could point out any illegality or defect particularly in the directive.”

Headed by SHC Chief Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi, a division bench heard the case on Monday and issued notices to Pemra, other respondents and deputy attorney general, directing them to file comments, with an advanced copy for their counsel, before the next hearing.

LHC judge suggests larger bench to hear challenges to bar on live coverage of court proceedings

Citing the Ministry of Infor­mation and Broadcasting, Pemra, Pakistan Broadcasters Association and others as respondents, petitioner Shahid Hussain and some other journalists, including court reporters, moved the SHC and questioned the May 21 notification of Pemra.

The prosecution counsel, the SHC noted, asserted that the impugned notification was issued without any lawful authority, against fundamental rights and in violation of the Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertise­ments) Code of Conduct, 2015.

The counsel alleged that Pemra while issuing the notification also misinterpreted a Supreme Court decision in a suo motu case in 2019 to the extent “further TV channels are directed to restrain from airing tickers/headlines with regard to court proceedings till the final order”.

The bench in its order stated, “Prima-facie, it appears that the petitioners are not aggrieved with entire notification/ corrigendum nor could point out any illegality or defect particularly in the directive to the extent it refers to the constitutional mandate and Pemra laws relating to legal obligation of the media/social media, satellite TV channels and the court reporters, while reporting court matters or commenting fairly on judgements/decisions, however, after final decision by the court.”

It further stated that the concerns expressed by the petitioners to the extent of placing complete restriction or ban on court reporting till final decision or order in case required consideration in the light of constitutional provisions, Pemra laws and judgements of superior courts, if any, on the subject.

Larger bench

On the other hand, Justice Abid Aziz Sheikh of the Lahore High Court on Wednesday observed that a larger bench should decide the challenges to the Pemra ban on live coverage of court proceedings.

The judge noted that the petitions involved important questions such as if the impugned notification was beyond Pemra’s code of conduct or Article 19 and 19-A of the Constitution; whether accurate reporting of the court proceedings was allowed by the SC specifically in the Hudaibiya Paper Mills Ltd (PLD 2018) case and would not prejudice the determination of sub judice matters; and if the ban impinged upon independence of judiciary and the concept of separation of power.

Justice Sheikh noted that the LHC also needed to decide whether it could hear the petitions when similar petitions were pending before the SHC and Islamabad High Court.

Published in Dawn, May 30th, 2024

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Destruction of girls’ schools in KP alarms education ministry

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training has drawn the attention of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to the destruction of girls’ schools by terrorists in the newly merged districts and demanded a prompt action against the menace of terrorism.

In a letter written to the KP chief secretary, the federal education secretary has expressed grave concern over the recent incidents of torching of schools in the merged districts.

“It is particularly disheartening to note that these heinous acts of terrorism are disproportionately targeting institutions dedicated to girls’ education,” the letter said.

“The federal government is deeply alarmed by these developments, which not only endanger the lives of our children but also threaten the progress we have made in promoting education and gender equality in these regions,” it said, adding that education of girls is a cornerstone of the national development strategy, and any attack on this front is an attack on the future of the nation.

“I want to reassure you that the federal government stands in solidarity with the provincial administration of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during this challenging time. We are fully committed to supporting all necessary measures to ensure the security of educational institutions and to swiftly rebuild the schools that have been destroyed.

“It is imperative that we work together to counter this menace of extremism and restore a sense of safety and normalcy for our students and educators,” the letter added.

“I propose the establishment of a joint task force comprising federal and provincial representatives to develop a comprehensive plan for the reconstruction of damaged schools and the enhancement of security measures across the region,” the federal education secretary said in the letter.

The letter added that this task force should focus on community engagement and resilience-building to prevent further extremist activities and to foster an environment where education can thrive without fear.

“Please be assured of our unwavering support and cooperation. Together, we can and must ensure that the right to education, particularly for our girls, is protected and promoted, despite the challenges posed by extremist elements. I look forward to your prompt response and to working closely with your office to address this critical issue,” the federal education secretary concluded.

Published in Dawn, May 30th, 2024

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Iran’s Khamenei seeks trusted hardliner to replace Raisi in June vote

Iran fires the starting gun this week on an election to replace President Ebrahim Raisi, whose death in a helicopter crash could complicate efforts by the authorities to manage a task of even greater consequence — the succession to the supreme leader.

Once seen as a possible successor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s ageing ultimate decision-maker, Raisi’s sudden death has triggered a race among hardliners to influence the selection of Iran’s next leader.

Khamenei, 85, seeks a fiercely loyal president in the June 28 election to run the country day-to-day and be a trusted ally who can ensure stability, amid manoeuvring over the eventual succession to his position, insiders and analysts say.

“The next president is likely to be a hardliner unwaveringly loyal to Khamenei with a background in the Revolutionary Guards. Someone with an unblemished background and devoid of political rivalries,” said Tehran-based analyst Saeed Leylaz.

Registration for candidates opens on Thursday, although that is only the beginning of a process that will see hopefuls vetted by the Guardian Council, a hardline watchdog body that disqualifies candidates without always publicising the reason.

Three insiders familiar with the thinking at the top level of the Iranian establishment said there had been discussions among the leadership about the merits of various ways of handling the presidential contest.

“The prevailing outcome was that the primary [goal] should be securing the election of a president who is intensely loyal to the supreme leader and his ideals. A low voter turnout will inevitably secure it,” said one of the sources, who like the others declined to be identified due to the sensitivity of the topic.

That goal — victory for a hardline president able to shape a smooth transition at the pinnacle of power when Khamenei eventually dies — nevertheless presents a conundrum for the ruling clerics managing the vote next month.

To ensure the winner is a diehard Khamenei loyalist, it is likely the upcoming election will be dominated by hardliners with outlooks similar to his, the insiders and analysts say.

Limited choice for voters

But restricting the choice on the ballot is likely to dampen voters’ interest and keep turnout low, dealing an unwelcome blow to the prestige of the 45-year-old Islamic Republic.

The quandary is a familiar one in Iran. In a race where those who run are carefully reviewed, typically the challenge for the clerical establishment is securing a high turnout.

The Guardian Council will publish the list of qualified candidates on June 11.

Raisi clinched victory in 2021 on a turnout of about 49 per cent — a significant drop from the 70pc seen in 2017 and 76pc in 2013 — largely amid widespread voter apathy after the Guardian Council eliminated heavy-weight conservative and moderate rivals.

Critics say the turnout also reflected discontent over economic hardship and social and political restrictions which drove months of protests ignited by the death of a young woman arrested by the morality police in 2022.

Including low-key moderate candidates on the ballot might be a way to attract a larger turnout, some analysts say.

Currently sidelined from power, reformists remain faithful to Iran’s theocratic rule but advocate improved relations with the West, and gradual moves towards more freedom of expression and a loosening of the strict Islamic dress code.

Reformist former senior official Mohammad Ali Abtahi said the pro-reform camp would contest the election if its candidate was permitted to stand, although he added it was not clear how much political space reformists would be allowed.

“This cycle of low voter turnout, which has ensured hardliner victories in past parliament and presidential elections, can be changed […] But I have my doubts about any potential political opening,” he said.

Potential candidates

However, the reformists’ electoral strength remains unclear, as some voters believe they failed to bring greater freedoms in the periods when they were in power in the past decade.

Moreover, the 2022 protests exposed a widening rift between the reformists and demonstrators demanding “regime change”.

“Even allowing a few known moderates to stand […] might not be enough to get people to turn out. Voters have been repeatedly misled by the idea that reform-minded candidates […] would produce real change,” said Eurasia group analyst Gregory Brew.

A new president would be unlikely to make any change to Iran’s nuclear or foreign policy, both of which are controlled by the supreme leader.

The registration of candidates could include Parviz Fattah, a former Guards member who heads an investment fund linked to the leader, and Saeed Jalili, a former chief nuclear negotiator who in 2001 ran Khamenei’s office for four years, the insiders said.

Fattah will make his final decision “after meeting some senior authorities on Wednesday”, a third insider said.

Interim President Mohammad Mokhber and former parliament speaker and a Khamenei adviser, Ali Larijani, have also been mentioned in Iranian media as possible candidates. Larijani was barred from standing in the 2021 presidential race.

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26 extra days of extreme heat in a year due to climate change: report

PARIS: The world experienced an average of 26 more days of extreme heat over the last 12 months that would probably not have occurred without climate change, a report said on Tuesday.

Heat is the leading cause of climate-related death and the report further points to the role of global warming in increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather around the world.

For this study, scientists used the years 1991 to 2020 to determine what temperatures counted as within the top 10 per cent for each country over that period.

Next, they looked at the 12 months to May 15, 2024, to establish how many days over that period experienced temperatures within — or beyond — the previous range.

Then, using peer-reviewed methods, they examined the influence of climate change on each of these excessively hot days.

They concluded that “human-caused climate change added — on average, across all places in the world — 26 more days of extreme heat than there would have been without it”.

The report was published by the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, the World Weather Attrib­ution scientific network and the nonprofit research orga­n­isation Climate Central.

2023 was the hottest year on record, according to the EU’s climate monitor, Cope­r­nicus. The report said that in the last 12 months some 6.3 billion people — roughly 80 per cent of the global population — experienced at least 31 days of what is classed as extreme heat.

In total, 76 extreme heatwaves were registered in 90 different countries on every continent except Antarctica. Five of the most affected nations were in Latin America.

Published in Dawn, May 29th, 2024

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Imran only wants talks with the empowered, says Alvi

• Ex-president says ‘Form 47’ govt has nothing to offer, stresses need to ‘act quickly’
• Gohar claims tweet about 1971 was ‘political’, no criticism of military intended

KARACHI: In yet another overture to the powers that be from the embattled party, PTI leader Arif Alvi said on Tuesday that Imran Khan is willing to talk, but only to quarters “who could offer something”, as dialogue with those who had come into power through ‘Form 47s’ would be a fruitless exercise.

In a quick interaction with reporters during an appearance at a PTI protest camp outside the Karachi Press Club, the former president also downplayed comparisons of the current political situation with the events preceding the fall of Dhaka, saying that “it’s never about the whole institution but a few individuals”.

In the same breath, however, he stressed the need to move quickly, saying that the prevailing situation was “pushing everyone towards a dead-end”, which could encourage someone to take the wrong decision that could set off a powder keg.

While being critical of the military’s role in politics, he said that it was the only sta­k­e­holder with whom meaningful dialogue was possible.

“We never invited the military to intervene in politics,” he said in response to a question. “But Imran Khan wants to talk to those who have the power to decide. Do you feel that those who have come to power through Form 47s have anything to offer? Holding talks with them would be fruitless.

“Those who want to unite and struggle for the restoration and supremacy of the Consti­tution should do that. But talks should only be held with those who can offer something and bring something credible to the table,” Dr Alvi said.

When asked if such an exe­r­cise would further wea­k­en the “broken political system”, he said all this was being done in an effort “to fix the same broken political system”.

Earlier, while speaking to protesting party workers, he said: “For the last two years, Imran Khan has been calling for talks because he believes that dialogue should be held. But [on such proposals] we are insulted.

“If you don’t want to talk due to your ego and anger, it’s your choice. It was Imran Khan who sacrificed his ego and always called for dialogue. But if these talks aren’t held, it would further push everyone to a dead end.”

Clarifying what Imran Khan wanted to convey through his recent post on social media platform X about the fall of Dhaka, Dr Alvi said: “Imran Khan has just highlighted things and talked about individuals and not institutions. He gave an example that whatever had happened in 1971 or what damage was caused by General Yahya, we as a nation should learn from that part of our history.”

He said that successive governments had tried their best to cover the “mistakes” of the past, and went on to say that Imran Khan was one of the most loyal leaders in the history, who had “kept national secrets” and “covered mistakes” despite facing charges as serious as treason.

“The civilians always cover the mistakes of the nation,” he said. “It was civilian prime minister [Zulfikar Ali] Bhutto who stopped the Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report from going public, so that the mistakes made aren’t exposed. Now you are calling another PM a traitor? Filing a case of treason over the cipher [issue]?”

“Whatever mistakes are made, civilians take the blame. Imran Khan is the man who has kept a veil on so many national secrets. Yet, he’s facing cases of treason,” the former president regretted.

He also warned that the economy would never become stable and people would prefer to invest outside the country if political instability prevailed, adding that only popular support could bring stability on both, the political and economic fronts.

1971 parallel ‘a political one’: Gohar Separately, PTI leader and MNA Barrister Gohar Ali Khan distanced Imran Khan from the controversial social media post about the 1971 civil war and the Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report, saying that the post was not aimed towards the military and should be seen in a “political context”, Dawn.com reported.

In a post on social media platform X dated May 26, Imran’s account — which is managed by his social media team since he is incarcerated in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail — shared a video along with a quote attributed to him: “Every Pakistani should read the Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report and get to know who was the true traitor, General Yahya Khan or Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.”

“The context and comparison that we drew with 1971 was in a political context and not otherwise — nothing about the army,” Barrister Gohar said in an interview with a digital news outlet, published on Tuesday.

“It was just our [meaning about the] political context,” Barrister Gohar said, adding that a party’s mandate and majority were changed in 1971, similar to the PTI’s allegations about the current election result and government.

He said Imran was in prison and “does not approve each and every video or context”.

Published in Dawn, May 29th, 2024

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‘Nothing to do with army’: PTI disassociates Imran from controversial 1971 X post

The PTI on Tuesday distanced party founder Imran Khan from a controversial social media post on the 1971 civil war and the Hamoodur Rahman Com­mission Report, saying that the post was not aimed towards the military and should be seen in a “political context”.

“The context and comparison that we drew with 1971 was in a political context and not otherwise — nothing about the army,” PTI leader and MNA Barrister Gohar Ali Khan categorically said today in an interview with digital news outlet Azaad Urdu.

In a post on social media platform X dated May 26, Imran’s account, which is managed by his social media team due to him being incarcerated in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail serving sentences in multiple cases, shared a video along with a quote attributed to him: “Every Pakistani should study the Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report and get to know who was the true traitor, General Yahya Khan or Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.”

The video argued that the former military dictator was the one actually responsible for the country’s breakup, referring to alleged atrocities committed by the Pakistani military during the civil war.

The video also interspersed images of the current civilian and military leadership, alleging that they stole the party’s mandate in the general elections.

The PTI had doubled down on the post, saying that the report analysed the “role of the Pakistan military in the political-military involvement in East-Pakistan from 1947 to 1971”.

“Mysteriously all 12 copies created were either stolen or were destroyed. The uncanny resemblance with the current turn of events in last two years, involving military and civilian relationships makes one question,” the PTI had said, seemingly referring to the state crackdown under way against the party.

The posts generated intense blowback and controversy, particularly from the government ranks.

PPP Senator Sherry Rehman had said the post was “alarming” and the PTI was “continuously fueling the narrative of hatred and incitement” by comparing Imran to Sheikh Mujib.

The posts were harshly criticised in a meeting of the PML-N general council today where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lashed out at the PTI founder, saying: “Imran Khan’s ugly face has been exposed. He defames the Pakistan Army.”

Political maverick Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar had also said the post was akin to “misleading the youth of today”.

Responding to the criticism, the PTI earlier today said Imran had only asked people to read the report and did not compare himself with anyone.

In a longer post today, the party denounced the heated criticism against it as “poisonous false propaganda campaign of the mandate-thief government”, adding that the party had referred to the events of 1971 only to learn from history.

It said the party and Imran did not believe in handing out labels of treason.

In a video interview later today, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan elaborated on the intended meaning and purpose of the incendiary social media post.

“It was just our [meaning about the] political context,” he said, adding that a party’s mandate and majority were changed in 1971, similar to the PTI’s allegations about the current election result and government.

“Sometimes things are exaggerated. Imran Khan has nothing to do with this [post] because he did not see its content or other things.”

He said Imran was in prison and “does not approve each and every video or context”.

Barrister Gohar reiterated that just because the post mentioned the commission report or its contents, “it should not be interpreted in this context as if we are against them (the army) or that we are looking at [the matter in] a military context. Our version of the scenario was political context [then and now].”

Talking about access to social media in the country and its user statistics, Gohar said just because a post was seen on social media on a particular day, “it does not mean that a party has orchestrated a campaign. The PTI does not a run a campaign against anyone at any time.”

In a subsequent X post, Gohar reiterated: “Our comparison of 1971 was in political context … see what happened to the country in 1971 which is being done now. This is our narrative,” adding that the PTI was not the Awami League and nor was Imran Sheikh Mujib.

The incarcerated former prime minister has drawn comparison to the events of 1971 before as well.

In April, drawing a parallel between current developments in Pakistan with the circumstances leading to the 1971 Dhaka tragedy, Imran had warned that the present situation could result in economic collapse, reminding the powers that be that countries and institutions could not survive without a stable economy.

“In 1970, army chief Yahya Khan wanted a hung parliament, but when Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s party got a clear majority army held a fraud by-election in which 80 seats of Awami League were snatched as Yahya Khan wanted to become president,” Barrister Salman Akram Raja had said, while narrating the PTI founder’s message during a presser at the National Press Club after the party’s legal team met Imran in Adiala Jail.

In March, Imran had said that it was the ‘stolen mandate’ of East Pakistan that was behind the 1971 tragedy, adding that the country could not survive without political stability.

In November 2022, Imran had compared his struggle for ‘real freedom’ with that of Sheikh Mujib and reminded that the country had split into two after a political party with a legitimate political mandate was denied its right to rule.

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Families of those facing military courts call for their fair trial

LAHORE: The families of PTI activists facing military court proceedings in cases regarding the May 9 violence demanded a fair trial for their dear ones.

Over a dozen family me­­mbers of PTI activists who are currently facing trial before military cou­rts, and their lawyers Rab­biya Bajwa and Abuzar Salman Niazi, addressed a press conference at the Lahore Press Club on Sunday.

Ms Bajwa said that there was a criminal silence over the violation of the basic human rights in Pakistan, adding that they would launch a campaign to wake the people to stand against the violation of human rights and Constitution of Pakistan.

She claimed that the fa­­m­­ily members of those fa­­cing trials in military cou­rts were not allowed to meet the incarcerated persons.

Despite the passage of one month, the Supreme Court has also not constituted a bench to hear petitions regarding civilian trials in military courts.

She said the government had submitted a report to the court, saying that 20 citizens were released, but none of the judges had questioned the government why they were had not been allowed to meet their friends and family during nearly a year in captivity.

She said that trying civilians in was an attempt to sideline a major political party, and discourage political activities in the country.

Mr Niazi said that the Supreme Court should immediately constitute a larger bench to hear the cases of civilians held in military custody to ensure their early release, because civilians’ trials in military courts were “unconstitutional and unlawful”.

He said that the Supre­me Court was again facing a situation where it would have to choose between supporting dem­ocracy and the Consti­tution or the whims of an individual.

He said that past judges had favoured the ‘Doctrine of Necessity’ were not remembered in good terms, but those who stood against it were remembered by history.

Published in Dawn, May 28th, 2024

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Margalla Hills fire controlled after hours-long efforts

A major fire that broke out early on Monday near the Saidpur village range on Margalla Hills was extinguished by Islamabad’s Capital Development Authority (CDA) and other departments after hours-long efforts.

Spread over 12,605 hectares, the Margalla Hills National Park witnesses many fire incidents during summer every year. The hills also caught fire earlier this month after a blaze near Loi Dandi erupted.

CDA spokesperson Kamran Aslam told Dawn.com that three helicopters were used to bring the fire under control which was raging at four different sites.

Earlier today, the CDA said the exact cause of the wildfire could not be ascertained, adding that “sizzling heat” with strong winds spread the fire to an area of three square kilometres.

Aslam said over 75 firefighters reached the spot to extinguish the blaze, adding that there was difficulty in controlling the fire due to the strong winds.

Later on, around 200 more firefighters arrived, he said.

Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change Romina Khurshid Alam said that rising temperatures caused by global warming led to fires in the hill, adding that the ministry was closely monitoring the control measures taken.

She lauded the fire control efforts of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), CDA and Islamabad Wildlife Management Board to douse the fire.

The climate change ministry earlier said that the NDMA and General Headquarters also mobilised a helicopter to assist in extinguishing the fire.

PM commends efforts to extinguish fire

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the swift response and efforts of all departments concerned in controlling the Margalla Hills fire.

He appreciated the Pakistan Army, NDMA, Islamabad administration, Alam and officers and staff of the ministry for their “tireless efforts” in extinguishing the fire.

The prime minister said following his direction, the helicopters of the PM House and 6th Aviation also participated in the firefighting operation.

He directed the relevant authorities to assess the damage caused to the forest and take measures for its restoration.

Additionally, he instructed veterinary doctors to provide medical assistance to the injured wildlife.

He had earlier issued a directive to use all resources to extinguish the fire.

“Control of the fire should be ensured as soon as possible,” the premier had said according to a post on PTV’s X account, adding that no human life should be harmed in the fire and the protection of the wildlife should be ensured.

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PPP seeks ‘more than due’ share in standing committees

• Wants to ‘accommodate its supporters’ as chairmen
• PM urged to allocate funds for flood-hit Sindh
• Qatar, Kuwait emirs accept invitations to visit Pakistan

ISLAM­ABAD/KARA­CHI: The PPP, a key ally of the PML-N-led coalition government in Centre, has demanded a bigger share of the pie of parliamentary committees and more federal money for Sindh, a party source told Dawn.

The party — which agreed to support the federal government in the National Assembly and Senate without seeking any ministries — insisted on chairing more committees in the two houses than its due share as per its seats.

The fresh demands were made by senior PPP leadership during a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday.

The PM “has assured us to look into all proposals”, claimed the PPP source privy to the discussions.

The source added that as per the number of its seats, PPP would get to chair 11 standing committees, “but it wants 12”.

Currently, the party has 24 seats in the upper house of parliament, as per the information available on the Senate’s website.

“We are not sure about the exact numbers in the National Assembly but there too, the PPP expects more,” the source said.

The reason, as explained by the source, was that PPP wanted to “accommodate” its own political partners who “support it in different ways”.

More money for Sindh

The PPP delegation also demanded that “special funds” be allocated in the next federal budget for Sindh’s flood-affected areas.

Several rehabilitation projects, approved in the last budget, couldn’t be executed after the caretaker administration took charge in August 2023, the source said, adding that rising inflation has made it challenging for the provincial government to handle the situation without the Centre’s support.

The PPP delegation, which comprised Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Sherry Rehman and Syed Naveed Qamar, also conveyed its reservations over the proposed amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), according to a source in the PM Office.

PM Shehbaz has alrea­dy formed an eight-member committee, head­ed by Rana Sanaullah, to deve­lop political consensus on the proposed amendments and submit recommendations in 15 days.

On May 9, the PM app­roved the amendments to set up a Digital Rights Pro­tection Agency under Peca to regulate social media.

An official release by the PMO said the PPP delegation “discussed the upcoming budget 2024-25”.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Adviser to PM on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah and Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarrar also attended the meeting.

PM thanks Norwegian counterpart

Also on Sunday, PM Shehbaz called his Norwe­gian counterpart, Jonas Gahr Store, to convey “his deep appreciation for Norway’s landmark decision to recognise the State of Palestine”.

He said Norway’s “principled decision” would send “a strong message of hope and solidarity to the brave Palestinian people who have been enduring Israel’s brutality”.

He also welcomed the ICJ’s recent ruling on Rafah and Gaza and called for its full and effective implementation.

The two leaders reiterated their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties in various sectors, including trade, investment, education, and renewable energy.

Kuwait, Qatar emirs accept invitation

The emirs of Kuwait and Qatar have accepted PM Shehbaz’s invitation to visit Pakistan.

This was conveyed by the two countries’ ambassadors, who held separate meetings with the PM on Sunday.

They presented the letters of their respective leaders, confirming their acceptance of an invitation to visit Pakistan.

The PM also reaffirmed “Pakistan’s support for the Chinese stance on Taiwan”.

“As an iron brother and a strategic partner of China, Pakistan has always extended its principled support to the Chinese position on Taiwan and will continue to do so,” the PM wrote on his official X account.

He said the “so-called elections or transition of the self-proclaimed government in Taiwan did not change the objective facts on the Taiwan issue”.

Published in Dawn, May 27th, 2024

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More than 670 feared dead in Papua New Guinea landslide, UN agency says

More than 670 people are assumed to have died in Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) massive landslide, the United Nations’ migration agency estimated on Sunday as rescue efforts continued.

Media in the South Pacific nation had previously estimated Friday’s landslide had buried more than 300 people.

But more than 48 hours later, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said the death toll may be more than double that, as the full extent of the destruction is still unclear and continuing dangerous conditions on the ground are hampering aid and rescue efforts.

Only five bodies have been retrieved from the rubble so far.

The agency based its death toll estimates on information provided by officials at Yambali Village in the Enga province, who say more than 150 houses were buried in Friday’s landslide, Serhan Aktoprak, the chief of the agency’s mission in PNG said in an email statement.

“Land is still sliding, rocks are falling, ground soil is cracking due to constant increased pressure and groundwater is running, thus the area is posing an extreme risk for everyone,” Aktoprak said.

More than 250 houses nearby have been abandoned by the inhabitants, who had taken temporary shelter with their relatives and friends, and some 1,250 people have been displaced, the agency said.

“People are using digging sticks, spades, large agricultural forks to remove the bodies buried under the soil,” Aktoprak said. The IOM said an elementary school, small businesses and stalls, a guesthouse, and a petrol station were also buried.

The UN’s PNG office said five bodies were retrieved from an area where 50 to 60 homes had been destroyed, with several injured reported, including at least 20 women and children.

IOM said the community in this village was relatively young and it’s feared that the most fatalities would be children of 15 years or younger.

Community grieving

Social media footage posted by villagers and local media teams shows people clambering over rocks, uprooted trees and mounds of dirt searching for survivors. Women could be heard weeping in the background.

The landslide hit a section of highway near the Porgera gold mine, operated by Barrick Gold through Barrick Niugini Ltd, its joint venture with China’s Zijin Mining.

The Porgera Highway remains blocked, IOM said, and the only way to reach the Porgera Gold Mine and other localities cut off from the rest of Enga Province is via helicopter. The geographic remoteness and the tough, hilly terrain is slowing rescue and aid efforts.

The government and the PNG Defence Force engineering team are on the ground now, but heavy equipment like excavators required for rescue have yet to reach the village. IOM said the community may not allow the use of excavators until they consider they have fulfilled their mourning and grieving obligations.

“People are coming to terms with the fact that the people under the debris are now all but lost,” IOM said in an earlier status update by email.

The government plans to establish two care/evacuation centres, each on one side of the landslide-affected area to host the displaced who may need shelter. A humanitarian convoy has started distributing bottled water, food, clothing, hygiene kits, kitchen utensils, tarpaulins and personal protective equipment.

Aid group CARE Australia said late on Saturday that nearly 4,000 people lived in the impact zone, but the number affected was probably higher as the area is “a place of refuge for those displaced by conflicts” in nearby areas.

At least 26 men were killed in Enga Province in February in an ambush amid tribal violence that prompted Prime Minister James Marape to give arrest powers to the country’s military.

The landslide left debris up to 8 metres deep across 200 square kilometres, cutting off road access and making relief efforts difficult, CARE said. Marape has said disaster officials, the Defence Force and the Department of Works and Highways were assisting with relief and recovery efforts.

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Cyclone hits Bangladesh as nearly a million flee inland for shelter

An intense cyclone smashed into the low-lying coast of Bangladesh on Sunday, with nearly a million people fleeing inland for concrete storm shelters away from howling gales and crashing waves.

“The severe Cyclone Remal has started crossing the Bangladesh coast,” Bangladesh Meteorological Department Director Azizur Rahman told AFP, adding the raging storm could continue hammering the coast until at least the early hours of Monday morning.

“We have so far recorded maximum wind speeds of 90 kilometres per hour, but the wind speed may pick up more pace.” Forecasters predicted gusts of up to 130km/h, with heavy rain and winds also lashing neighbouring India.

Authorities have raised the danger signal to its highest level.

Cyclones have killed hundreds of thousands of people in Bangladesh in recent decades, but the number of superstorms hitting its densely populated coast has increased sharply, from one a year to as many as three, due to the impact of climate change.

“The cyclone could unleash a storm surge of up to four metres above normal astronomical tide, which can be dangerous,” Bangladeshi senior weather official Muhammad Abul Kalam Mallik told AFP.

Most of Bangladesh’s coastal areas are a metre or two above sea level and high storm surges can devastate villages.

A man carries a child towards a shelter during rainfall in Kuakata on May 26, ahead of cyclone Remal’s landfall in Bangladesh. — AFP

“We are terrified,” said 35-year-old fisherman Yusuf Fakir at Kuakata, a town on the very southern tip of Bangladesh along the predicted route of the storm, speaking just before its arrival. While he had sent his wife and children to a relative’s home inland, he stayed put to guard their belongings.

At least 800,000 Bangladeshis fled their coastal villages, while more than 50,000 people in India also moved inland from the vast Sundarbans mangrove forest, where the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers meet the sea, government ministers and disaster officials said.

“We want to ensure that a single life is not lost,” said Bankim Chandra Hazra, a senior minister in India’s West Bengal state.

Ferry sinks

As people fled, Bangladeshi police said that a heavily laden ferry carrying more than 50 passengers — double its capacity — was swamped and sank near Mongla, a port in the expected path of the storm.

“At least 13 people were injured and were taken to a hospital,” local police chief Mushfiqur Rahman Tushar told AFP, adding that other boats plucked the passengers to safety.

A young man drowned in rough seas at Kuakata on Sunday afternoon, district government administrator Nur Kutubul Alam told AFP.

Bangladesh’s disaster management secretary Kamrul Hasan said people had been ordered to move from “unsafe and vulnerable” homes. “At least 800,000 people have been shifted to cyclone shelters,” Hasan said.

The authorities have mobilised tens of thousands of volunteers to alert people to the danger but local officials said many people stayed home as they feared their property would be stolen if they left.

He said around 4,000 cyclone shelters have been readied along the country’s lengthy coast on the Bay of Bengal.

Airports close

In addition to the villagers and fishermen, many of the multi-storey centres have space to shelter cattle, buffaloes, goats and pets.

On the low-lying island of Bhashan Char, home to 36,000 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, 57 cyclone centres were opened, deputy refugee commissioner Mohammad Rafiqul Haque told AFP.

The country’s three seaports and the airport in the second-largest city Chittagong were closed, officials said.

India’s Kolkata airport closed Sunday, while the Indian navy readied two ships with aid and medical supplies for “immediate deployment”.

While scientists say climate change is fuelling more storms, better forecasting and more effective evacuation planning have dramatically reduced the death toll. In the Great Bhola Cyclone in November 1970, an estimated half a million people died — mostly drowned by the storm surge.

In May last year, Cyclone Mocha became the most powerful storm to hit Bangladesh since Cyclone Sidr in November 2007. Sidr killed more than 3,000 people and caused billions of dollars in damage.

Last October, at least two people were killed and nearly 300,000 fled their homes for storm shelters when Cyclone Hamoon hit the country’s southeastern coast.

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Pesco wants MPA booked for ‘forcibly resuming power supply’

PESHAWAR: The Pesh­a­war Electric Supply Com­pany (Pesco) on Saturday filed a police complaint against PTI lawmaker Fazl Elahi for allegedly interfering in its work and forcefully resuming the electricity supply.

The complaint, a copy of which is available with Dawn, was signed by Pesco’s Peshawar executive engineer.

The request was made against Mr Elahi after he allegedly led a mob into the 132-KV Rehman Baba grid station and forcefully restored power supply to his constituency.

Announcements about the protest were made through mosque loudspeakers, and locals were asked to gather outside the grid station.

Dozens of area residents reached the grid station and chanted slogans agai­nst the federal government.

While talking to the media during the demonstration, Mr Elahi claimed that despite repeated requests, the power supply remained suspended during hot weather.

He vowed not to tolerate “power outages for 18 hours a day”.

Mr Elahi even reques­ted public representatives of other constituencies to lead their voters and hold similar protests.

The protesters, while chanting slogans against the federal government, entered the grid station and restored the power supply on nine feeders.

The MPA further warned that demonstrators would take control of the grid station if their demands were not met. “We will close the power there and cut off the electricity supply to the whole area.”

The protest ended after Pesco held out the assurance to reduce the duration of power cuts.

In Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur while talking to reporters after the SIFC meeting said that the federal government had agreed to sit with him on the issue of unannounced loadshedding.

“We are also meeting with interior minister and some federal ministers on the matter.”

The complaint

Pesco officials wrote a letter to the Rehman Baba police station to lodge an FIR against Mr Elahi and another individual named Jameel, for “intervening” in its official duties and causing loss to the national exchequer.

The complaint stated that a mob of 400 to 500 persons, led by Mr Elahi, entered the grid station and forcefully restored the power supply of 11-KV Sorazai feeder, 11-KV Sorazai Bala feeder, 11-KV new Chamkani feeder, 11-KV Yaka Toot feeder, 11-KV new Hazar Khani feeder and 11-KV Qalandar Baba feeder.

The feeders remained ‘activated’ from 10am to 1pm and caused heavy loss to Pesco since all feeders were defective, the complaint added.

“[D]uring the above interval of time, approximately 70,000-units, worth Rs3.64 million, were consumed as per the data provided by the grid, due to the unlawful act of the MPA along with supporters,” the complaint read.

The two individuals “challenged the government’s writ”, Pesco claimed.

When contacted, Rehman Baba police confirmed to Dawn that they had received three applications for the registration of cases.

“We have received three different applications for registration of cases. The cases are being filed,” Amjad Ali, posted at the police station, told Dawn.

However, the cases were yet to be lodged till the filing of this report.

A senior Pesco official told Dawn that there are 3,627 connections on the Hazar Khani feeder of Chamkani sub-division with a total load of around 6,113KV.

Published in Dawn, May 26th, 2024

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Archer, Buttler star as England beat Pakistan in second T20

Jofra Archer claimed two wickets on his long-awaited return to international cricket to help England beat Pakistan by 23 runs at Edgbaston to move 1-0 up in the four-match T20 series.

England captain Jos Buttler smashed 84 off 51 balls to set the hosts a target of 184.

The tourists were bowled out with four balls to spare as Archer did his case for selection in next month’s T20 World Cup in the United States and West Indies no harm.

The fast bowler has been beset by elbow injuries since his starring role in helping England win the 50-over World Cup in 2019.

On his first international appearance for 14 months, and first on home soil since 2020, Archer bounced back from an expensive first over, which went for 15 runs, to finish with two for 28.

Muhammad Rizwan was removed in the first over by Moeen Ali and Reece Topley took three wickets for 41.

Buttler was the star of the England batting with three sixes and eight fours. He was ably supported by 37 from Will Jacks and Jonny Bairstow’s 21 but England failed to build on the platform given to them by their skipper.

Five wickets fell for just 25 runs as Pakistan battled back with Shaheen Shah Afridi the pick of the bowlers, taking 3-36.

England lead the four-match series 1-0 after the first match was washed out on Wednesday.

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PM Shehbaz joins calls for enforcement of ICJ ruling

ISLAMABAD: Supporters of the Palestinian cause on Friday hailed the ICJ verdict ordering Israel to halt its military operation in Rafah, as Pakistan called on the international community to immediately implement the world court’s decision to stop Israeli aggression in Gaza.

In a statement issued after the ruling, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the courage of the 13 judges who made the decision and thanked South Africa for filing the petition against Israel’s genocidal campaign against Palestinians.

He also urged the international community to ensure the provision of humanitarian aid and relief to the people of Palestine besides providing immediate access to the UN investigation commission to Gaza and Rafah.

Pakistan will continue to play its role in protecting the basic human and legal rights of the Palestinian people, he assured.

Later, PM Shehbaz telephoned his Irish counterpart Simon Harris and felicitated him on assuming office.

On the issue of Palestine, the PM expressed deep admiration for the recent decision taken by the government of Ireland to recognise the state of Palestine. Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia were also among the countries that welcomed the ruling.

In a statement, the Egyptian foreign ministry called on Israel to “comply with its legal obligations within the framework of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and international humanitarian law, and to implement all interim measures issued by the ICJ, which are considered legally binding and enforceable, as they are issued by the highest international judicial body.”

“Egypt stresses that Israel bears full legal responsibility for the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip as the occupying power, calling on Israel to stop its systematic policies against the Palestinian people of targeting, starvation and siege in violation of all provisions of international law and international humanitarian law.”

In its statement, Saudi Arabia also welcomed “the decision issued by the International Court of Justice ordering Israel to immediately stop the military offensive or any other actions in Rafah, in accordance with the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.”

Anwar Iqbal adds from Washington: US media outlets, such as CNN and The New York Times, noted that President Biden had quickly rejected the ICJ’s arrest warrant against the Israeli prime minister last week, but had yet to comment on Friday’s order.

Several media outlets noted that the US judge at the ICJ, Sarah Cleveland, voted in favor of the court’s order for Israel to halt its offensive on Gaza’s Rafah. When she was elected as an ICJ judge last November, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised the court as a “guardian of international law.”

Amnesty International, emphasized that all third-party states have a legal duty to prevent genocide, meaning they themselves must take action to ensure that the ICJ’s provisional measures are implemented.

Oxfam praised the ICJ order to halt Israel’s military actions in Rafah, emphasizing that Israel “must comply with the ruling, cease its offensive, and allow humanitarian aid to reach Gaza.”

Published in Dawn, May 25th, 2024

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Punjab cabinet approves action against Imran, PTI leaders for ‘hateful’ rhetoric against institutions

The Punjab cabinet on Tuesday approved undertaking legal action against incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan and other party leaders for building a “hateful narrative against the state institutions”.

A statement from the Punjab government said the decision was taken in a provincial cabinet meeting presided over by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

Elaborating on the development during a press conference in Lahore, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said the home department had submitted an inquiry report which allegedly revealed that PTI members were “spreading mischief inside and outside the [Adiala] jail”.

She alleged that the PTI spread propaganda that Imran was not allowed to meet anyone, adding that the party was “spreading hate as part of organised propaganda”.

Bokhari said it was decided to file a complaint according to the report submitted by the home ministry.

“To spread incitement in the country, to destabilise the country, to spread hatred against the institutions in the country, that is the total agenda of this party,” she said, adding that the PTI was not thinking about the country’s benefit or favour.

Last week, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly had lashed out at the country’s military establishment over its alleged political role. He had indirectly called for the trial of the director general of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) under Article 6 over his “political press conference”.

His comments came after ISPR Director General Maj-Gen Ahmed Sharif had said that any dialogue with the PTI could happen only if it “earnestly apologises publicly in front of the nation”.

The PTI had termed the ISPR presser as “full of contradictions”.

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Asad Qaiser rejects DG ISPR’s ‘unconstitutional’ demand of PTI apology over May 9 riots

Former National Assembly speaker and PTI MNA Asad Qaiser on Friday termed the Inter-Services Public Relations’ (ISPR) demand for an apology from PTI founder Imran Khan for the events of May 9 as “unconstitutional”.

ISPR Director General (DG) Maj-Gen Ahmed Sharif on May 7 had said that any dialogue with the PTI could happen only if it “earnestly apologises publicly in front of the nation”, promises to adopt “constructive politics” and forgoes “politics of anarchy”.

Imran has refused to apologise for the May 9 riots, saying he was under detention at the time and was unaware of the protests. Imran mentioned that he became aware when he appeared before the then-chief justice of Pakistan, Umar Ata Bandial.

May 9 holds significant importance in the country’s political landscape as it was on this day last year when military installations came under attack following Imran’s arrest, which formed the basis of a severe state crackdown against him and his party.

Speaking on the matter in an interview with DawnNewsTV programme ‘Doosra Rukh’ today, Qaiser said, “It is unconstitutional for any institution to speak like this in public.”

He added that “we should all apologise before God”, further saying that there was “no possibility of an apology [to the ISPR]”.

“I am a Pakistani,” Qaiser said. “If I speak against one of my institutions, it causes me great pain. I am not ready to speak against my army and we should respect our institutions.”

Taking office in 2018 a ‘mistake’

Asked about whether the party made any mistakes under Imran’s leadership, the ex-NA speaker admitted that taking government in 2018 with a “weak mandate” was one of them.

“We should not have taken on a weak government [in 2018],” Qaiser said. “We were compromised because we inherited a weak mandate unable to pass legislation.”

When asked why the party took office and if there was any pressure, Qaiser deemed the decision “a mistake” in his opinion.

He further said that whether the decision to dissolve the assemblies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab was right or wrong “is a matter for debate”.

“I cannot say [whether it was correct] because it was a collective decision by the party,” he said. “My opinion was different, we should have maintained our assemblies.”

Dissatisfaction with government

Qaiser expressed his dissatisfaction with the government and accused it of pursuing an agenda to stifle freedom of speech.

He said the greatest challenge facing Pakistan was the absence of the Constitution and the rule of law. “We are under civil martial law,” he said.

“Human rights and free speech are being stifled, with laws being put in place to limit what people can say.”

Qaiser added that the PTI would protest Punjab’s controversial defamation law in the national assembly.

“We will challenge this new law in the courts,” Qaiser said, adding that the PTI would meet with journalists’ organisations within the coming days for consultations on how to move forward.

Asked about the longevity of the current administration, Qaiser said that the PML-N “will become the PML-Q (Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid) not long from now”.

“Nawaz Sharif is calculating how much longer his party will last,” he said. “In the future, I see the PML-N becoming the PML-Q. Mark my words.”

“They are sitting in office on a fake mandate,” Qaiser added. “His (Shehbaz Sharif’s) brother has lost, his niece has lost and she is an illegitimate chief minister.”

He expressed that he was “99 per cent certain” that the public considered the administration to be illegitimate.

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Democrats recoil at Congress invite for Netanyahu

WASHINGTON: A proposal to invite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address a joint session of the US Congress has raised hackles among Democrats, with some key Democratic leaders urging Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to abstain from endorsing the invitation.

Democrats hold the Senate majority while Republicans dominate the House of Representatives.

Most liberal Democrats and progressives have already announced they will boycott the session if it’s held. This further complicates the situation for the Biden administration and other Democratic leaders who are trying to balance their support for Israel with criticism of Netanyahu’s military tactics, which have led to over 35,000 civilian deaths in Gaza.

House Intelligence Committee member Jim Himes stated, “Netanyahu should be focused on freeing hostages, not on charming legislators.” Rep. Dan Kildee, a member of Democratic leadership, told Axios, “I don’t think it’s a good time … let’s not complicate an already complicated situation.”

Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi simply said “no” to the idea. House Speaker Mike Johnson, however, has cornered Schumer by turning his invitation to Netanyahu into a public debate so close to the November 2024 elections. He knows that refusing to endorse the invitation will alienate pro-Israeli voters, while endorsing it will annoy liberal and progressive Democrats.

Republicans also know that it will be difficult for Schumer to boycott the session if Netanyahu speaks. Schumer is the first Jewish Senate Majority Leader in American history.

Two-time presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders, who earlier this week said the ICC would be “right” to seek arrest warrants for Netanyahu, responded with a resounding “no” when asked if Schumer should join the invitation.

Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2024

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Punjab governor says ‘possibility’ of sending defamation bill back for review

Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider on Thursday raised the possibility of sending the Punjab Defamation Bill, 2024, back to the assembly for further consultation and review amid uproar over its passing.

The Punjab Assembly had passed the defamation bill on Monday, rejecting all amendments proposed by the opposition amid protests by the PTI-backed Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) and journalists covering parliamentary proceedings.

The SIC members tore apart copies of the bill after the House passed it through a voice vote. Subsequently, more than 80 civil society organisations registered their protest on Tuesday, outrightly rejecting the bill which was a “gross infringement on the fundamental rights of freedom of expression and press freedom”.

The Judicial Activism Panel (JAP) — a self-styled public interest forum based in Lahore — had also urged the Punjab government to reconsider the bill, calling it “draconian”, “illogical” and a “violation of the judgments of the superior courts.”

In an interesting development, even the PPP, which is an ally of the PML-N government, had distanced itself from the controversial bill.

Speaking about the entire matter in an interview on Geo News programme ’Capital Talk, the Punjab governor was questioned about the possibility of him sending the bill back to the assembly for review to which he said: “There is definitely a possibility present that I ask the provincial government to revisit the bill and try to improve it.”

The Punjab governor said he had not seen the bill as of yet, “but from what I’ve heard and from the controversy across the country, it seems that the bill needs to be rethought.”

Governor Haider said it would have been better if the matter was not rushed and the bill was presented after due time for a discussion with all stakeholders.

However, he said: “That bill has now passed but I still say that does not mean it is the final word and there should be discussions on it with journalist associations. All stakeholders should sit together and find some way out after cooling heads on both sides with which these matters can be resolved amicably.”

The governor said there was some merit to the bill. “If you look at the social media aspect of it […] Anyone can blame anyone on anything […] the person who is blamed, he can say whatever he wants, however, no one is willing to listen to him,” he said, adding that it would be better if the bill was handled after addressing all such concerns.

The governor said he would review the bill with his legal team. “It will be my strong wish that the bill is reviewed again,” the governor said, reiterating that all parties consider it together.

“If you need my help then I will be present there,” Haider said, calling for all stakeholders to debate the bill’s additions and subtractions.

“I am sure that the bill will be revisited and a solution will then be found through a consensus,” he said.

Defamation bill

Vetted by the Special Committee-1 in the absence of standing committees, the bill was tabled by Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman after the PML-N government refused to delay voting on the bill, even for a week, at the request of journalists.

The draft law proposes a special tribunal to try those involved in drafting, publishing and/or airing “fake news”. The tribunal shall decide the case within six months and may impose a fine of up to Rs3 million. However, in cases of allegations against individuals holding constitutional posts, the high court will hear the cases.

Also, the bill says the government will provide legal assistance to women and transgender individuals in defamation cases through an official legal team.

The government earlier did not agree to send the draft bill to a selected committee comprising opposition members to invite all stakeholders for consultation, saying it had already been discussed threadbare by the special committee.

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