‘Yokai Parade’ exhibition in Karachi offers glimpse into world of unearthly Japanese creatures

Art and supernatural lovers were left spellbound as the ‘Yokai Parade — Supernatural Monsters from Japan’ exhibition closed its doors for Karachiites.

The three-day exhibition, held from Monday to Wednesday, showcased pieces reproduced from various art forms that depicted yokai — best described as “Japanese folkloric imaginary monsters”.

Words such as ghosts and jinns do not suffice to categorise what yokai are, since these imaginary beings dating centuries back have various shapes, sizes, myths, and even behaviours, thanks to the creativity of Japanese artists.

As time passed, the art medium for these depictions changed from picture scrolls to woodblock prints to card games and popular media, which were displayed at the event (most of them being fine-quality replicas).

The Karachi exhibition was organised by the Japan Foundation in collaboration with the Consulate-General of Japan in Karachi, the Pakistan Japan Cultural Association (PJCA), and the State Bank of Pakistan Museum, where it was held.

The travelling exhibition, which has made stops in several Asian countries, was curated by Yumoto Koichi, director emeritus of the Yumoto Koichi Memorial Japan Yokai Museum, and featured 84 artworks.

“Before it came to our Islamabad embassy which organised it in Lahore, it was [held] in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Turkiye, New Zealand — just to name a few,” said Rabia Ali, a Cultural and Public Affairs official at the Consulate-General of Japan in Karachi.

“After our exhibition in Karachi, it’s going to be shipped to Myanmar,” she added. Earlier this month, Lahore citizens got a chance to see the artefacts up close.

The exhibition in Karachi was held at the SBP Museum — what better location than a museum to display art depicting historical imagination?

Ears shaped like a vampire’s, an eye or three popping out, lively expressions, swords and sticks in hands, and unusual body proportions are some of the features yokai often feature.

Many have animal characteristics combined with human limbs — the head of a cat, short webbed feet like a reptile’s, tongue or neck stretching like a snake’s — or in many cases, animal bodies standing in an upright pose like humans.

Another popular category is of objects taking yokai forms, where you can see musical instruments, pots, lanterns, and suitcases, among others, come to life — often in a whimsical way.

Such creatures are also referred to as Tsukomogami, tools that have acquired a spirit. They have acquired a place in shows as well, such as in Malevolent Spirits: Mononogatari, where a tool’s functions define the resulting being’s abilities.

Yokai are depicted on a ‘Night Parade of One Hundred Demons’ picture scroll at the ‘Yokai Parade — Supernatural Monsters from Japan’ exhibition, at State Bank Museum in Karachi on Oct 30, 2024. — Photo by author

Explaining the exhibition’s aim, Ali, the Consulate-General official, told Dawn.com: “We aim to spread the Japanese culture — all forms of Japanese culture whether they be in written form, through workshops, exhibitions, [or] any cultural festivals that we hold throughout the year.”

Detailing the audience’s response, she said: “As soon as I explain to the audience what it’s about, they are really intrigued and are able to connect it through Pakistani culture as well, like folklore and myths.”

Speaking to Dawn.com, Ali described the visitors as “very impressed” with the bizarre yet amusing paintings. She noted that despite there being a difference in cultures, the Pakistani audience took great interest in the show, considering we have our own local horror folklore and myths.

From scrolls to media

The setup was divided into four “chapters”, or sections, providing a chronological overview of how hundreds of supernatural creatures have continued to live over the years in various mediums.

The first chapter, titled ‘The Spectacular World of Yokai Picture Scrolls’, featured scrolls depicting “various yokai running wild and rampant across washi paper that, at times, is over 10 metres long”, as the exhibition leaflet states.

The next chapter was titled ‘The Richly Colorful World of Yokai’, which showcased woodblock prints that infused even more liveliness into yokai through vivid colours.

The third chapter, ‘Yokai and Games’, gave a glimpse into how yokai were incorporated into games in the late 1800s as time passed. This was the era when yokai became evidently closer to people as they were often featured in board/card games and fictional works.

People “eventually felt a sense of closeness and affection for them, which even gave birth to amicable and almost friendly-looking yokai”, the Japan Foundation notes.

Monster Menko cards are at display at the ‘Yokai Parade — Supernatural Monsters from Japan’ exhibition, organised by the Consulate-General of Japan at State Bank Museum, in Karachi on Oct 30, 2024. — Photo by author

The final chapter, ‘Yokai Passed Down to Present Day’, showed how the stuff of the supernatural world became embedded into entertainment media in the form of monster movies and adorable merchandise.

Merchandise depicting Amabie is at display at the ‘Yokai Parade — Supernatural Monsters from Japan’ exhibition, organised by the Consulate-General of Japan at State Bank Museum, in Karachi on Oct 30, 2024. — Photo by author

While yokai art was the central topic of the show, what really caught people’s eyes were yokai statues. While a large replica stood tall on a block, as if almost guarding the exhibition, smaller ones were lined separately in glass cubes.

The exhibition also included a sub-category of yokai known as ‘Prophetic Beasts’, which were said to foretell the future.

Among these was Amabie, a three-legged sea creature with fish scales that could predict a good harvest or an epidemic. According to BBC, Amabie regained popularity on social media in 2020 during the Covid pandemic with people sharing drawings of it with the hashtag #AMABIEchallenge to ward off the disease.

According to the Japan Foundation, yokai seems to have “gradually become less of a subject of fear and have come to be viewed as a more charming and friendly presence”.

This is especially true when it comes to present-day Japanese media. Yokai are the central figures in not just heart-pounding horror animes such as Mononoke but also in rather calming slice-of-life ones like Natsume’s Book of Friends.

Such shows have piqued the interest of many in Pakistan as well and made them familiar with popular Japanese legends.

Hamza Khan, one such visitor at the exhibition, told Dawn.com that the event was “pretty cool”. Recalling having seen “these depictions in movies and TV shows”, he highlighted that reading about their history was interesting to him.

Khan, who was accompanied by a friend, said he wished to see more exhibitions, especially about Japanese cuisine, as well as more comic conventions (also known as comicons).

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Saving the mangroves of Karachi

https://aurora.dawn.com/news/1145259/saving-karachis-oxygen-islands

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UK treads fine line on slavery legacy, while ruling out reparations

Commonwealth countries want talks on slavery reparations but the United Kingdom — engaged in soul-searching over its former empire for several years now — is not open to financial compensation, officials and analysts say.

“I think segments of British society might be ready to talk about reparation but you have other sectors, the majority really, that strongly oppose it,” Sascha Auerbach, director of the Institute for the Study of Slavery at Nottingham University, told AFP.

Meeting last week at a summit in Samoa, the Commonwealth’s 56 members said the “time has come” for talks about the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade, in a landmark declaration that raised the prospect of future reparations.

African, Caribbean, and Pacific nations want Britain — and other colonial powers — to apologise for slavery and other ills of colonisation, and to start talks about compensation.

Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a former human rights lawyer, has rejected both requests, arguing that he wants to “look forward” rather than have “very long endless discussions about reparations” involving the past.

“I think he is concerned that the country is not ready to have this conversation,” said Alan Lester, a historian at the University of Sussex, noting that any talk of restorative justice a few months after far-right riots rocked England is seen as politically risky.

The issue is divisive. Figures in centre-left Labour — which came to power in July — have long been open to the debate, but the Conservatives reject it outright.

Robert Jenrick, one of the candidates to be the new Tory leader, has said that criticising the British Empire is anti-patriotic.

He wrote recently that “the territories colonised by our empire were not advanced democracies”.

“Many had been cruel, slave-trading powers. Some had never been independent. The British empire broke the long chain of violent tyranny as we came to introduce — gradually and imperfectly — Christian values,” he added.

While Britain has expressed remorse for slavery in broad terms, London has baulked at the idea of paying financial reparations, which would likely come with a hefty price tag.

A 2023 report co-authored by a United Nations judge, Patrick Robinson, concluded that the UK likely owed more than 18 trillion (or 21 trillion euros) for its involvement in slavery in 14 countries.

This figure took into account the unpaid wages of slaves, trauma caused, and damages owed to their descendants.

So far, the Commonwealth countries have not put forward any figures of their own.

“It’s very unlikely that countries would ask for that figure,” Lester, the historian, told AFP.

Auerbach suspects that money is not the countries’ “main goal”.

“What they want is recognition and accountability,” he said.

Opponents in Britain point out that a public apology could open the doors to legal action against the country. Auerbach notes that the Netherlands’ government and king apologised last year for slavery and has not yet been sued.

For its part, the British royal family has so far stopped short of apologising.

King Charles III did, however, on a visit to Kenya last year, express his “greatest sorrow and deepest regret” over the “abhorrent and unjustifiable acts of violence committed against Kenyans” during colonial rule.

“It’s a delicate subject. I would say that the monarchy has navigated this debate very skillfully,” Professor Pauline Maclaran at Royal Holloway, University of London, told AFP.

Other British institutions have issued apologies or owned up to mistakes, including the Church of England which officially said sorry in 2020.

The National Trust, which protects heritage sites, published a report the same year detailing links between dozens of properties it runs and the slave trade.

Earlier this year, the esteemed Royal Academy of Arts held an exhibition about how British art was implicated by slavery — a first in its more than two centuries of existence.

“At least we’re having the conversation in the Anglo-Saxon world, which is not the case in Spain or France,” said Auerbach.

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Mujtaba Haider Khan, CEO, Reon on how batteries will replace solar power in the near future

https://aurora.dawn.com/news/1145238/batteries-are-the-future-they-are-the-core-missing-piece-in-the-energy-transition-puzzle

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Army officer, 2 soldiers martyred in intelligence-based operation in KP’s Bannu: ISPR

A Pakistan Army major and two soldiers were martyred during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district on Wednesday, according to the military’s media wing.

A press release from the Inter Services Public Relations said security forces carried out an IBO in the district’s general area of Bakka Khel based on the reported terrorist presence.

It added that the troops “effectively engaged” the militants at their location, killing eight and injuring seven.

“However, during intense exchange of fire, Major Atif Khalil (age: 31 years, resident of Sudhanuti district, Azad Jammu and Kashmir), a brave officer, who was leading his troops from front, fought gallantly and embraced martyrdom along with his two men.

“The two soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice include Naik Azad Ullah (age: 36 years, resident of Kara districtk) and Lance Naik Ghazanfar Abbas (age: 35 years, resident of Layyah district),” the ISPR said.

It added that a sanitisation operation was being carried out to eliminate any other terrorists in the area.

“Security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” the ISPR concluded.

Last week, a 19-year-old army cadet was martyred when armed terrorists opened fire on a mosque during evening prayers in KP’s Lakki Marwat.

The country has witnessed a sharp uptick in the number of attacks targeting security forces, other law enforcement agencies, and security checkpoints, particularly in Balochistan and KP.

Attacks escalated after the banned militant Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan outfit broke a fragile ceasefire agreement with the government in 2022 and vowed to target security forces.

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‘I’ll be backing Kamala Harris’: Hollywood icon Schwarzenegger endorses Democratic ticket

Arnold Schwarzenegger, the “Terminator” star and former Republican governor of the US state of California, endorsed Democratic candidate Kamala Harris on Wednesday as the only way to “turn the page” on Donald Trump’s divisiveness.

The former bodybuilder, 77, said that while he had issues with both major parties, Trump’s rhetoric calling the United States “a trash can for the world” had made him “furious”.

With just days until the November 5 election, Schwarzenegger becomes the latest of dozens of prominent former Republican officials — including former vice president Dick Cheney — to endorse the Democratic candidate for president over Trump.

“To someone like me who talks to people all over the world and still knows America is the shining city on a hill, calling America … a trash can for the world is so unpatriotic, it makes me furious,” said the actor.

“I will always be an American before I am a Republican. That’s why, this week, I am voting for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz,” he wrote on X.

Since leaving office in 2011 after two terms as the governor of the most populous US state, Schwarzenegger has championed environmental issues, small businesses and immigration reform.

After the January 6, 2021 assault on the US Capitol by a mob of Trump supporters, Schwarzenegger likened the attack to the Nazi Kristallnacht riots in his native Austria, and called the Republican a “failed leader” who “will go down in history as the worst president ever”.

On Wednesday, he said doesn’t “like either party right now”.

“My Republicans have forgotten the beauty of the free market, driven up deficits, and rejected election results,” he said. “Democrats aren’t any better at dealing with deficits, and I worry about their local policies hurting our cities with increased crime.”

However, a vote for Trump would “just be four more years … with no results that makes us angrier and angrier, more divided, and more hateful,” he said.

“Vote this week,” he implored. “Turn the page and put this junk behind us.”

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Israel unleashes bloodbath in Gaza, south Lebanon

GAZA / BEIRUT: An Israeli air strike on a single residential block in Beit Lahiya killed nearly 100 people on Tuesday, leaving rescuers scrambling through rubble for survivors, with medics saying that at least 20 children were among the dead.

Meanwhile, at least 60 people, including children, were killed and 58 others wounded in Israeli attacks on Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley.

Separately, eight Austrian soldiers belonging to the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) sustained injuries in a rocket strike on the force’s headquarters in Naqoura.

Palestinian rescuers and desperate family members gathered round the demolished five-storey block in Beit Lahiya in the north of Gaza.

A charred body with long hair hung out of an upper-storey window and corpses wrapped in blankets were lined up in the street below, as stunned relatives sought to identify the dead.

Nearly 100 killed in Beit Lahiya airstrike; 60 dead in attacks on Bekaa Valley; US envoy presses Israel on Gaza humanitarian crisis

“The number of martyrs in the massacre of the Abu Nasr family home in Beit Lahiya has risen to 93 martyrs, and about 40 are still missing under the rubble,” Gaza civil defence agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP.

“The explosion happened at night and I first thought it was shelling, but when I went out after sunrise I saw people pulling bodies, limbs and the wounded from under the rubble,” said Rabie al-Shandagly, 30, who had taken refuge in a nearby school in Beit Lahiya.

“Most of the victims are women and children, and people are trying to save the injured, but there are no hospitals or proper medical care,” he told AFP.

Lebanon attacks

In the town of Boudai, videos on social media appeared to show residents pleading for heavy equipment to be sent to help rescue people believed to be trapped. Video posted on social media showed damage to buildings and forests ablaze, as rescuers searched for the injured.

The regional head of Baalbek’s Civil Defence crews told the BBC that the air strikes were like a “ring of fire”.

“It was a very violent night,” Bilal Raad said.

“It was like a ring of fire has suddenly surrounded the area.”

He added the attacks had targeted “residential quarters where civilians live or near them”, and said a lack of equipment had hampered search and rescue efforts.

The town of Al-Allaq was hardest hit with 16 people killed, all from the same family, he said.

UNFIL troops

A statement from Austrian Defence Ministry on Tuesday said that UNIFIL soldiers sustained injuries in a rocket strike on Camp Naqoura near the Israeli border.

“We condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms and demand that it be investigated immediately,” the ministry said in a statement, adding that it was not clear where the attack came from and none of the soldiers needed urgent medical care.

US admonishes Tel Aviv At the UN, the US envoy said Israel was not addressing the “catastrophic humanitarian crisis” in Gaza. The statement came as a deadline imposed by Washington for Israel to improve the situation or face potential restrictions on US military aid loomed.

“Israel’s words must be matched by action on the ground. Right now, that is not happening. This must change —immediately,” US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the Security Council.

The United States told its ally Israel in a letter on Oct 13 that it must take steps within 30 days.

Published in Dawn, October 30th, 2024

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Militants gun down five security guards in Panjgur

QUETTA / GWADAR: Mil­itants killed five private security guards dep­loyed on the construction site of a dam in Panjgur district of Makran division on Tuesday, officials said.

A Balochistan government spokesman said the attack took place in the early hours of Tuesday.

Late on Tuesday night, the outlawed Baloch Libera­tion Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack.

The victims were hired by the contractor for security duty at the dam site in the Promom area of Panjgur, officials added.

A senior police official told Dawn that the assailants, armed with automatic weapons, arrived at the site on motorcycles.

Victims were protecting dam construction site

“Over a dozen armed men attacked the dam site where the victims were looking after the equipment and machinery,” the police officer said, adding the victims briefly returned fire but they were outnumbered.

The Balochistan government spokesperson, Shahid Rind, said all five victims were locals.

He said security forces moved the bodies and two injured to the Panjgur district hospital. The injured are said to be in a stable condition.

There are reports that attackers also took away the weapons of security gu­ards posted at the attack site. However, officials have not confirmed the reports.

The five victims have been identified as Zahir Ali, Aminullah, Nawaz Ali, Hussain Ali Shah and Abdul Ghafoor while the injured included Amjad Ali and Muhammad Safa.

Security officials said an investigation had been lau­n­ched, and a search operation in the area was underway to find the attackers.

Condolences

The president, prime minister and Balochistan government officials have condemned the attack and vowed to hold the militants accountable.

Balochistan Governor Bal­o­chistan Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail and Chief Mini­ster Sarfraz Bugti have ter­med the incident “condemnable and unforgivable”.

They said terrorists were following the agenda of inimical elements who were against development and peace.

“The enemy is irked by the peace and development of Balochistan,” the governor said, adding that terrorists will “never succeed in their nefarious purposes” and that they were cowards who targeted innocent people.

“Terrorists will not be spared, unjust bloodshed must be accounted for,” CM Bugti said in a statement.

He expressed his condolences to the victim’s families and expressed good wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured.

Published in Dawn, October 30th, 2024

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Invisible heirs: Mobilink’s powerful campaign on women’s inheritance

https://aurora.dawn.com/news/1145236/a-womans-right-to-inherit

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Taliban govt assures Afghan soil won’t be used for attacks on Pakistan

Emphasising that the Taliban government would not allow terrorist groups to use its soil against Pakistan, Afghan Chargé d’Affaires (CdA) Mawlawi Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb on Tuesday said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor created many opportunities for the region that could benefit Afghanistan as well.

Pakistan has experienced an increase in terrorist attacks as a total of 59 of them occurred countrywide in August compared to 38 attacks in the previous month, according to a digital database maintained by the Pak Institute for Peace Studies, an Islamabad-based think-tank.

Islamabad has repeatedly conveyed its concerns to the Afghan government over the presence of terror outfits, including the banned militant Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan group, inside Afghanistan, saying that the militants have consistently used Afghan soil to launch terror attacks inside Pakistani territory. Kabul denies the allegations.

Speaking at a seminar titled “Strengthening Economic Ties between Pakistan, Afghanistan and Central Asia” organised by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) in Islamabad, Shakeeb said he felt that any insecurity in Afghanistan and the inability to prevent the outflow of terrorism would not allow the building of regional economic cooperation that could help bring prosperity to the people of the entire region.

Mawlawi Shakeeb also stated that Afghanistan’s involvement in the Belt and Road Initiative would not only enhance investments in its infrastructure. but also bring the regional countries closer. “We believe that trilateral cooperation among Afghanistan, Pakistan, and China can usher in a new era of regional collaboration,” he added.

Terming Pakistan as one of the leading trade partners of Afghanistan, he expressed the Afghan interim administration’s commitment to enhancing trade and investment between the two countries.

He acknowledged the recent challenges in trade and economic relations between the two countries, adding that he felt that Afghanistan was striving to revitalise economic relations.

Besides security-related issues, Mawlawi Shakeeb highlighted Western sanctions, frequent closures of crossing points, limited customs facilitation, frequent checking of loaded vehicles and sudden and unilateral increases in tariffs as major obstacles to trade flows.

He underlined the need for the two countries to invest in trade infrastructure, streamline customs processes, strengthen trade facilities, develop transportation links, build mutual trust and enhance diplomatic dialogues to achieve long-term trade benefits.

While calling for greater collaboration on economic policies and expansion of transportation and transit projects between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Mawlawi Shakeeb emphasised the desirability of sustained diplomatic engagement among regional countries and joint efforts for peace and security to provide a sustainable foundation for regional economic cooperation.

He also underpinned the need to refrain from imposing economic restrictions and other policies that hindered regional economic cooperation.

The Afghan CdA highlighted the importance of Afghanistan as a bridge between South and Central Asia. He shared that the Afghan interim administration had already begun work on the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline and added that Kazakhstan had expressed interest in joining the project.

He also shared that Afghanistan was working towards implementing projects such as the Trans-Afghan Railway, CASA-1000 and other regional initiatives.

IRS President Ambassador Jauhar Saleem also underscored the importance of peace and stability in Afghanistan for intraregional trade and economic prosperity.

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Two FC men martyred in Kurram

KURRAM: Two Fron­tier Corps (FC) personnel were martyred when unidentified shooters opened fire on Tall Scouts in the Char Khel area of Lower Kurram district on Monday, police sources said.

The attack was carried out at a time when half a million residents have been facing acute shortage of daily commodities due to uncertain situation in the district, with several roads closed and public transport off the road.

The police sources said that the FC personnel were deployed for the pro­tection of road users when some unidentified armed men attacked them. The two FC personnel suffered injuries in the attack and were rushed to Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Tall.

Later, police sources said both personnel could not survive.

Residents seek security instead of road closures, say children can’t go to school

Meanwhile, locals complained that roads were closed and patients could not be transported to hospitals, adding that there was acute shortage of medicines in the area.

Medical superintendent of district headquarters hospital of Parachinar, Dr Syed Meer Hassain Jan, said that patients, who could not be treated at the DHQ were required to be referred to other hospitals, but they could not be transported due to closure of roads.

The residents said instead of closures, roads should be secured. They complained that children could not go to schools due to closed roads. They said that in areas where schools were open, the students could not be transported due to shortage of fuel in the area.

Farmers lamented that since roads were closed, seeds could not be transported to the district timely besides there was also acute shortage of fertilisers in the area.

Also, traders and goods transporters dem­a­nded immediate opening of roads. They said that Kharlachi border crossing with Afghanis­tan was also closed, adding that the routes should be secured for durable peace in the area.

Published in Dawn, October 29th, 2024

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Pakistan’s canal crisis

https://aurora.dawn.com/news/1145239/pakistans-canal-emergency

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Grid-based battery energy storage solutions

The rise in demand for electric vehicles (EVs) worldwide, driven by governments’ rebates to curb carbon emissions, has spurred advancements in battery technology. Significant research funding has gone into the EV battery to achieve the objectives of a high number of charge cycles, distance, and low weight and volume, with Chinese companies, CATL and BYD are leading the way.

These developments and the economies of scale have resulted in a constant decline in the cost of storage batteries. Lately, falling international prices of raw materials have pushed the small battery manufacturers out, leaving a few major players, mainly from China. Once dominant, Nickel Manganese Cadmium batteries are being replaced by Lithium Iron Phosphate technology, which now holds nearly half the market share.

Benefiting from the rapid improvements in storage technology, battery-based energy storage systems (BESS) are gaining acceptance at the grid-scale level to address the intermittent nature of variable renewable energy (VRE) sources like wind and solar. With the large-scale induction of VRE in the grid, concerns about their irregular output are rising.

Initially, with fewer installed gigawatts (GWs), backup energy storage systems were not a priority. Still, the supply-demand mismatch and other system stability concerns are becoming more pronounced with the large-scale induction of VRE in the grids. Pakistan’s installed solar capacity has reached 14GW, although only 3GW is connected to the grid. As more grid-connected solar power comes online, the need to integrate storage batteries into the grid will gain importance.

As the world doubles down on sustainability research, interest in battery-based energy storage systems rises

Battery storage offers numerous benefits, including short-term energy shifting, ancillary services, grid congestion alleviation, and expanded electricity access. An important factor to consider before installing large-scale grid-based storage batteries is the added complexity due to the large number of components housed in the battery module.

EVs typically require 50-100kWh battery capacity, while grid storage systems range from tens to hundreds of MWh. A 1GW BESS can have up to 1.5 million parts, posing operability, maintenance, and continuous operation challenges.

Critical BESS components depend on complex supply chains that are vulnerable to disruptions from raw material shortages and regulatory changes. Integrating storage technologies with the existing grid requires careful planning, as cost and benefit projections can be difficult to quantify. Unlike EVs, where lithium iron phosphate technology is widely accepted, the best technology for stationary applications like grid storage is still being debated.

The international demand for BESS projects, after rising slowly in recent years, is projected to grow exponentially in the coming years. EV batteries and grid-based battery energy storage systems have distinctly different requirements. EV batteries should have a high energy density and lightweight and fast charging capabilities, making lithium-ion batteries ideal due to their performance across these parameters and cost balance.

On the other hand, BESS batteries prioritise scalability, long cycle life, and cost-effectiveness, with vanadium redox flow and sodium-sulfur batteries being popular choices for their large energy capacity and long-term storage capabilities. At this time, lithium-ion batteries, due to their technical prowess, are the most commercially successful technology and have become virtually the norm in both EV and BESS applications.

Pakistan’s electricity sector has several technical options as it proceeds with the deployment of BESS projects: in the transmission network, in the distribution network near load centres, or co-located with VRE generators. VRE resources which are located far from load centres require transmission investments to deliver power efficiently.

Due to the intermittent nature of VRE resources, transmission capacity may be underutilised for much of the year, making it less advisable to co-locate BESS near VRE facilities or in the high-voltage transmission system.

Conversely, locating BESS modules near the load centres can reduce transmission and distribution losses, relieve congestion, and defer upgrades in the electricity distribution companies’ networks. Distribution-level BESS can also enhance local power quality and resilience during extreme weather events. Due to these factors, the optimum choice for the National Transmission & Despatch Company (NTDC) would be to install BESS projects near load centres.

That said, the ideal approach would be to install BESS modules on the sites of the generation companies’ (Gencos) thermal generation plants that are being retired. They are close to the load centres and distribution networks managed by power distribution companies. The sites of the retired Genco plants have ample physical space as well as power interconnection arrangements and will thus enable storage systems to be brought into service relatively quickly.

The integration of grid storage systems offers technical challenges that NTDC must be mindful of. Installing BESS modules without fully understanding their complexities can put the entire grid system’s reliability at risk.

It is proposed that efforts be intensified so that power entities remain abreast of the latest research and developments in grid-based energy-storage systems and adopt the most appropriate solutions for the country.

Battery energy storage systems are not a source of clean energy in themselves, but they are a new scheme that increases the operational efficiency of the national power system by optimally utilising the outputs from solar and wind generation facilities.

The author was formerly the Director of Energy at the Islamic Development Bank and presently on critical energy issues and strategies.
Email: farrukhmian5@gmail.com

Published in Dawn, The Business and Finance Weekly, October 28th, 2024

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No trade with neighbours ‘illogical’: Aurangzeb

• Minister stresses need for ‘DNA change’; says database to be utilised to identify tax evaders
• After Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi airports to also go under the hammer
• World Bank agrees to provide grant for capacity-building

WASHINGTON: Not trading with your neighbours doesn’t make sense, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said on Sunday, when asked a question on increasing regional trade, particularly with India.

Speaking at a wide-ranging presser, held at the Pakistan Embassy in Washington, he clarified that while “political connotations” or “geopolitical issues” affecting regional trade were outside his purview, Pakistan was “already engaging with its neighbours”.

He noted that all intergovernmental organisations effe­ctively serve as “regi­onal corridors,” citing examples from south-east Asia and the countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

“We recently attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conference and are keen to join the BRICS alliance because we seek to expand trade,” he added.

Mr Aurangzeb has been in Washington to attend the annual meetings of the Inter­national Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group over the past week.

Sharing insights from his discussions with international financial leaders, rating agencies, and US business representatives, he reported that all had acknowledged Pakistan’s economic progress, particularly in reducing inflation. He credited government reforms for these gains, noting that foreign exchange reserves have risen to over $11 billion.

The minister added that US businesses had shown strong interest in investing, and international lenders have agreed to a one-window approval process for projects in Pakistan.

World Bank grant

Mr Aurangzeb also told the news conference the World Bank had agreed to provide a grant to Pakistan for capacity-building projects.

“It will be a grant, not a loan,” he stated, highlighting key points from his discussions with international lenders and financial leaders in Washington.

The World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) provides grants and low-interest loans to countries at higher risk of debt distress, with no repayment requirement on grants.

The minister also announced that Pakistan would soon enter a ten-year Country Partnership Agreement with the World Bank, focusing on critical challenges such as climate change, child stunting, and access to education for out-of-school children.

A World Bank Country Partnership is a strategic framework that guides the bank’s engagement with a nation over a set period. Designed in alignment with government development priorities, it provides a roadmap for World Bank initiatives and measures their impact on the country’s progress.

Mr Aurangzeb added that Pakistan has begun discussions with the IMF as well on climate resilience financing, emphasizing that “anything less than a billion dollars would not be meaningful.”

When asked about the major challenges to economic growth, the minister identified Pakistan’s rapidly growing population as the most significant threat to economic stability. He attributed this growth to heightened resource strain, rising unemployment, and declining per capita income.

Tax collection

The finance minister reiterated Pakistan’s goal to make the current IMF program its last, contingent on continuing with the stated reforms. “We need a DNA change. We need an export-oriented economy, not an import-oriented economy,” he said.

He also underscored efforts to expand the tax net and improve tax collection.

“We have a database of individuals we believe should be paying taxes, and we will utilise this to ensure tax enforcement and compliance,” Mr Aurangzeb stated.

“We will no longer allow tax evaders to escape with just a penalty; there will now be consequences for non-compliance.” He also announced that the government would soon introduce a new law prohibiting non-filers from purchasing cars and properties. “We do not want to victimise anyone, but we will not tolerate tax evasion,” he affirmed.

The government aims to raise the tax-to-GDP ratio from 9pc to 13pc, supported by reforms within the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

Privatisation

When asked about the timeline of privatisation of state-owned entities (SOEs), the minister said many ministries had come before cabinet committee on SOEs and made pleas regarding their “essential or strategic” assets. “We had discussions with them and said let’s put it into the privatisation pipeline, so we have sent them to the cabinet committee on privatisation, which in turn has sent it to the privatisation commission.”

He said they were not just looking at institutions that were a “drag on the exchequer”, but also those which are ‘profitable’.

For example, he mentioned the case of State Life Insurance Corporation. “There were many questions asked, like, ‘This company is profitable so what is your problem?’ The problem is that if this can be done by the private sector, why should be keep it public?”

“PIA and Islamabad airport are the two assets [whose privatisation] is in the works. This involves a detailed discussion on due diligence and technical evaluation, so we are hopeful that during November, we will get to a good outcome in terms of decisions,” he said.

“But we don’t want to stop there; if [the sale of] Islamabad airport is successful – and you know that the International Finance Corporation in terms of that sell-side mandate, so we told them to look at Lahore and Karachi airports as well. Preparatory work on that is already underway and as soon as Islamabad airport reaches a conclusion, these airports should come into play right away.”

Published in Dawn, October 28th, 2024

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Will not follow court order on reserved seats: NA speaker

Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said on Sunday that he would not follow the Supreme Court’s order on the reserved seats case, stating that he would wait for a decision by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) before taking action.

Speaking on the Geo News programme ‘Jirga with Saleem Safi’, the speaker also said that the Supreme Court cannot challenge the recently passed 26th constitutional amendment, stating that doing so “would go against the Constitution itself”.

“It is the Election Commission’s job to notify members,” Sadiq said. “If we start listening to courts, there are many decisions … We won’t do it on the court’s order, we will wait for the ECP to notify it,” he added.

The speaker added that he would receive court orders, but would not act on them, instead wait for a notification from the ECP.

In July, the top court declared the PTI eligible to receive reserved seats for women and non-Muslims in the national and provincial assemblies, giving it a new lease on life in the legislature by declaring it a parliamentary party.

“The court told them (the PTI) that they could affiliate with a party after 15 days, so the PTI members went ahead and joined the SIC (Sunni Ittehad Council) … so floor crossing was allowed.”

Sadiq added that had the PTI candidates not joined the SIC, the position would be wholly different. “Instead, the court gave them 15 days, re-writing the Constitution.”

“Since we’ve amended the Constitution, they (the SC) have even less of a right to make rulings,” he added. “If the court said that we cannot take a decision because it’s backdated, we can respond that their decision was also backdated.”

Asked if he prefers the ECP over the apex court, the speaker said that despite being notified about court decisions, he preferred to wait for the former’s directions on an issue concerning parliamentarians.

“Once we receive a notification from the ECP, we apply our minds and take a decision,” he said.

Constitutional amendments cannot be challenged

Earlier this week, the SC was requested to strike down the 26th Amendment, with the petitioners requesting an inquiry by a judicial commission or any other forum to determine whether the two-thirds majority was voluntary or unlawful inducement was at play.

Sadiq slammed the decision by the SS, reiterating that the court “interprets the Constitution” but “cannot rewrite it”.

“It is baked into the rules,” he said. “The court cannot challenge constitutional amendments, that in itself would be violating the Constitution. However, the calls to challenge the amendment are growing quieter.”

‘There was no mystery behind the constitutional amendment’

Asked about the process of passing the 26th Amendment and the mystery surrounding it, the speaker clarified that there was a “lack of coordination” during the process.

“I don’t think it was mysterious, I think there was a lack of coordination,” he said. “Even when preparations were made, Maulana sb (JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman) kept changing the time when he’d tell us his position … he’d say ‘I’ll tell you tonight’, then say ‘I’ll tell you tomorrow’.

“It did not help that sessions in parliament kept getting delayed from 3pm to 6pm,” he added. “We tried to make sure all parties reached a consensus, but it didn’t happen despite our efforts.”

Sadiq stated that passing the 26th Amendment was a month-and-a-half-long process. “I appreciate Bilawal’s effort to create consensus on this,” he said. “The prime minister also kept his team active on this and engaged with Maulana sahib and the PTI and SIC.”

The speaker also lauded Fazl’s “key role” in the amendment process, expressing hope that he and PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari could “bring in the opposition on future legislation as well”.

“I urge the government to bring a bill to the opposition first so that they can get their input,” he said. “Interacting like this will improve the working relationship between both sides.”

Asked if there are any amendments in the pipeline, the speaker responded that he has no knowledge of any proposed amendments.

“I have no knowledge of any amendments in the pipeline,” he said. “I don’t think there is a 27th amendment … if there were, we’d be told to make preparations and schedule sessions of parliament.”

During the interview, the speaker maintained that parliaments across the world have the option to appoint judges to the apex court. “Every parliament in the world has this power … in America, they hold congressional hearings to appoint judges,” he explained.

“If parliament can make Constitution, and judges interpret it, can parliament not appoint judges?” Sadiq asked.

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Pakistan condemns attack as violation of Iran’s sovereignty

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan issued a strong condemnation on Saturday of Israel’s missile strikes on Iran, describing them as a “grave violation” of the country’s sovereignty and international law.

In a statement, the Foreign Office warned that the attacks posed a significant threat to peace and stability in an already volatile region.

“Israeli military strikes against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iran are a grave violation of the UN Charter and international law.

“These strikes undermine the path to regional peace and stability and also constitute a dangerous escalation,” the FO said, holding Israel responsible for an “escalation and expansion of the conflict”.

Starmer says Israel has right to self-defence; Biden hopes ‘this is the end’ after strikes

Pakistan also urged the UN Security Council to step in and halt “Israeli recklessness in the region and its criminal behaviour.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed these concerns on social media, condemning the attacks and warning of broader risks to peace. “Deeply worried by the recent act of Israeli aggression against Iran,” he wrote on X.

“Such actions threaten not only regional peace and stability but also violate principles of sovereignty and international law. While strongly condemning this action, Pakistan stands with Iran and its other neighbours in pursuit of peace.”

He further called for restraint and diplomacy, emphasising Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution.

The Foreign Office also urged the international community to play a role in restoring peace and security in the region, warning that unchecked escalation could lead to severe consequences.

Muslim states slam attack

Pakistan’s condemnation aligned with similar reactions from other leading Muslim countries, which have widely criticised the Israeli attacks as violations of sovereignty.

Qatar described the attacks as a “blatant violation” and cautioned against serious repercussions, calling for dialogue to preserve regional stability.

Saudi Arabia condemned the attacks, urging restraint and de-escalation.

Iraq denounced Israel’s “aggressive policies”, decrying international silence and calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon. Kuwait criticised the strikes as illustrative of Israel’s “policy of chaos”, while Syria expressed solidarity with Iran’s right to defend its territory.

The UAE and Oman highlighted the need for restraint, with Oman describing the attacks as fuelling a “cycle of violence”. Malaysia condemned the strikes as a threat to regional security, calling for an immediate end to hostilities.

Collectively, these countries urged the international community to intervene to prevent further destabilisation across the Middle East.

Biden hopes ‘this is the end’

US President Joe Biden said he hopes “this is the end” after Israeli warplanes struck military bases and missile sites in several Iranian provinces , agencies add.

“It looks like they didn’t hit anything other than military targets,” Biden told reporters. “I hope that this is the end.”

Also, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “I am clear that Israel has the right to defend itself against Iranian aggression. I’m equally clear that we need to avoid further regional escalation and urge all sides to show restraint. Iran should not respond.”

Similarly, the French foreign ministry stated, “France urges all parties to abstain from any escalation and action that could worsen the extremely tense context in the region.” German chancellor Olaf Scholz said, “My message to Iran is clear: we cannot continue with massive reactions of escalation. This must end now. This will provide an opportunity for peaceful development in the Middle East.”

Russia urges restraint

Russian foreign ministry stated, “We urge all parties involved to exercise restraint, stop the violence and avoid a catastrophic scenario.”

Similarly Indian external affairs ministry said, “We reiterate our call to all concerned to exercise restraint and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy. The ongoing hostilities are to nobody’s benefit, even as innocent hostages and civilian population continue to suffer.”

Published in Dawn, October 27th, 2024

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Pakistan third-worst country for law and order, security: World Justice Project

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has been ranked the third-worst among 142 countries in terms of law and order, according to a new report.

The World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index is an annual survey which ranks nations on eight factors: Constraints on Government Powers, Absence of Corruption, Open Government, Fundamental Rights, Order and Security, Regulatory Enforcement, Civil Justice, and Criminal Justice.

In the 2024 edition of the report, Pakistan was ranked 140th for Order and Security, which measured three factors: crime control, protection from armed conflicts and the use of violence to resolve civil disputes.

Only Mali and Nigeria were below Pakistan in terms of law and order and security.

Gets overall ranking of 129 out of 142 nations on Rule of Law Index

Pakistan ranked 103rd for constraints on government powers, 120th for corruption, 106 for open government, 125th for fundamental rights, 127th for regulatory enforcement, 128th for civil justice and 98th for criminal justice. Among the six South Asian states, Pakistan and Afghan-istan are at the bottom of the index.

Overall, the rule of law has declined globally for the seventh year in a row.

The report revealed that a majority of countries witnessed a dip in their overall rankings, marked by executive overreach, deteriorating human rights, and justice systems that are failing to meet people’s needs.

Among the high-income group, Denmark topped the ranking, followed by Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Germany.

‘Eroding’ rule of law

This year, the rule of law weakened in 57 per cent of the countries surveyed.

However, the report also suggests that the decline is “slowing” and that “progress is possible” as the proportion of countries where the rule of law is eroding shrank for the third year in a row.

For the first time in five years, more countries — 59pc — improved than declined on the Absence of Corruption factor.

A majority of countries have also improved their criminal justice system, the report stated.

The decline in civil justice has also slowed since the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, it said, while acknowledging that problems delivering timely and independent civil justice continued to spread.

Between 2016 and 2024, people in 81pc of countries have lost protections for their fundamental rights. Additionally, 77pc have registered a dip in governmental checks and balances, including oversight by legislatures, courts, civil society, and the media.

“After seven consecutive years of rule of law declines, it can be easy to focus on the negative. But to do so would ignore accomplishments in anti-corruption and the hard work occurring to improve justice systems globally,” WJP co-founder and president William H. Neukom said.

“The global community must redouble efforts to expand these rule of law gains in all areas.”

Electoral transparency

In the elections held in 2024 so far, the ruling party has maintained power in 13 out of 15 countries, the report stated.

Meanwhile, some of the most improved countries in the 2024 Index saw new, democratically elected governments take office last year, it said.

Voters in Brazil and Poland opted for a change in each country’s most recent national elections. Both countries had experienced some of the largest rule of law declines since 2016 “before changing course in the past year”.

Published in Dawn, October 26th, 2024

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Imran’s sisters released after bail in capital protest case

GUJAR KHAN / ISLAMABAD: Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan, the sisters of PTI founder Imran Khan, were released from the Jhelum District Jail on Friday after a judge granted them bail.

Noreen Naizi, Mr Khan’s third sister, family members and party workers gathered outside the prison and welcomed the two women, who were detained for allegedly leading a protest in Islamabad earlier this month.

The crowd showered them with rose petals and chanted slogans in support of Mr Khan and his sisters.

In a brief talk with reporters, Ms Aleema claimed she and her sister were kept isolated from other inmates and not allowed facilities like TV and telephone calls.

The release of Mr Khan’s sisters came two days after his wife, Bushra Bibi, was granted bail in the Toshakhana case.

Ms Aleema said her brother was also detained in the same case and demanded his release as well.

Ms Niazi dismissed the speculation that back-to-back bails were a result of any “deal” with the powers that be.

Sources said that Mr Khan’s sisters were headed towards Islamabad after their release but later went to Lahore under police security.

Jhelum District Police Officer Nasir Mahmood Bajwa told Dawn that foolproof security arrangements were made outside the jail during their release.

Bail granted

Earlier on Friday, ATC judge Abual Hasnat Mohammad Zulqarnain accepted the post-arrest bail petitions of Mr Khan’s sisters.

Prosecutor Raja Naveed opposed the bail applications, arguing in court that Mr Khan’s sisters played a central role in organising and leading the protest. He requested the court to dismiss the bail applications.

The defence counsel argued that the sisters of Mr Khan were booked for political reasons and that, being women, they were entitled to bail.

After the arguments, Judge Zulq­arnain approved bail with the condition of surety bonds of Rs20,000.

The judge also issued their to release orders , concluding that the evidence provided by the prosecution did not sufficiently justify continued detention.

Contempt petition

Islamabad High Court (IHC) also disposed of the contempt petition against Adiala Jail officials for not allowing a meeting between Mr Khan and his lawyers.

Earlier this month, the Punjab government, while citing security concerns, announced that no visitors would be allowed in the Adiala Jail where Mr Khan was imprisoned. After the prohibition expired on October 18, the restriction was extended for another two days and then for an indefinite period.

IHC Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan resumed hearing on Friday, a day after prison authorities assured that no further ban on visitors would be imposed.

Mr Khan’s counsel filed a case against the prison’s administration for allegedly violating a prior court order allowing the PTI founder’s legal team to meet him in jail.

During Friday’s proceedings, the jail superintendent and other officials appeared before the judge and stated their positions.

Mr Khan’s counsel, Advocate Faisal Chaudhary, argued his fundamental rights were being compromised in custody.

He asserted that Mr Khan’s meetings with his lawyers were required to prepare his defence, and the action, allegedly by the prison administration, hindered this essential legal assistance.

Islamabad Advocate General Ayaz Shaukat assured the court that the temporary ban on visits had been lifted and would not be imposed again.

Published in Dawn, October 26th, 2024

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Putin says Ukraine twice approached Russia regarding peace talks via Turkiye

Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed on Friday that Ukraine has twice approached Russia with peace proposals, mediated by Turkiye, only to abandon its initiatives soon after.

In an interview with the Russian channel Rossiya 1, Putin urged Kyiv to clarify its stance on peace talks.

“Our Turkish partners … have approached us with what they described as initiatives from the Ukrainian side. But each time we agreed, the Ukrainians had already withdrawn their proposal. This has happened twice. Ultimately, we need clarity on their readiness and intentions,” he said.

Putin said Turkish representatives had given him “Ukraine-related materials” on the sidelines of the Brics economic bloc summit in the city of Kazan, which he said required careful review and that he had not yet had the chance to examine them thoroughly.

He, however, emphasised that any agreement would need to consider and respect Russia’s interests.

Russia’s started its “special military operation” in Ukraine in February 2022, saying it had to help and protect eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk that were fighting against Kyiv since 2014.

While several countries, including Turkiye, have acted as intermediaries to facilitate potential peace discussions, these talks have faced significant setbacks, often stalling or breaking down.

However, despite occasional proposals from both sides, broader peace talks have failed to progress, largely due to incompatible demands and underlying distrust.

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Safa Gold Mall sealing order of CDA set aside

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has set aside the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Safa Gold Mall sealing order.

IHC Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz noted that the CDA initially allowed the owner to construct on the extra space, but later on realized the permission was granted erroneously.

The judge held that the private businessman could not be penalized for the mistake of the CDA’s employees.

CDA had auctioned plot No 5 in Jinnah Super Market in 2010, where its health department was once located. But in a highly questionable move, the civic agency converted the health facility in to a commercial plot.

While sealing the building in 2022, CDA defined that the floor-area ratio of the building would be 1:5 with 100pc coverage and the number of storeys was ground-plus four, thus capping the height of the building.

Later, the plot owner, in connivance with the CDA officials, constructed three additional and unauthorised storeys.

Though he got permission from CDA for three additional storeys, but when the matter was highlighted, the CDA withdrew the permission of three additional storeys.

Later, the matter was probed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and several CDA officials as well as owner of the mall faced jail.

Published in Dawn, October 25th, 2024

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Climate set to warm by 3.1°C without greater action, UN report warns

Current climate policies will result in global warming of more than three degrees Celsius by the end of the century, according to a United Nations report on Thursday, more than twice the rise agreed to nearly a decade ago.

The annual Emissions Gap report, which takes stock of countries’ promises to tackle climate change compared with what is needed, finds the world faces as much as 3.1°C of warming above pre-industrial levels by 2100 if governments do not take greater action on slashing planet-warming emissions.

Governments in 2015 signed up to the Paris Agreement and a cap of 1.5°C warming to prevent a cascade of dangerous impacts.

“We’re teetering on a planetary tightrope,” UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said in a speech on Thursday. “Either leaders bridge the emissions gap, or we plunge headlong into climate disaster”.

Global greenhouse gas emissions rose by 1.3 per cent between 2022 and 2023, to a new high of 57.1 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, the report said.

Under current pledges to take future action, temperatures would still rise between 2.6-2.8°C by 2100, the report found. That is in line with findings from the past three years.

“If we look at the progress towards 2030 targets, especially of the G20 member states … they have not made a lot of progress towards their current climate targets for 2030,” said Anne Olhoff, chief scientific editor of the report. The world has currently warmed by about 1.3°C.

Nations will gather next month at the annual United Nations Climate Summit (COP29) in Azerbaijan, where they will work to build on an agreement made last year to transition away from fossil fuels.

Negotiations in Baku will help to inform each country’s updated emissions-cutting strategy, known as a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), which is due in February 2025.

The report suggests that nations must collectively commit to and implement a cut of 42pc on yearly greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, and reach 57pc by 2035 for any hope of preventing warming beyond 1.5°C, a target now seen as likely out of reach.

Inger Andersen, executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme, urged countries to use the Baku talks to increase action in their NDCs. “Every fraction of a degree avoided counts,” she said.

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TikTok, PTA move to raise awareness about online safety

KARACHI: TikTok, in collaboration with the Pakistan Telecom­m­u­nication Authority (PTA), has annou­nced the launch of the #DigitalHifazat contest, an initiative aimed at raising digital safety awareness among the youth across the country.

The contest invites TikTok creators to produce short, impactful videos highlighting six key areas: resp­onsible social media usage, combati­­ng online harassment, preventing online fraud, ensuring youth safety and well-being, understanding TikTok’s safety tools, and addressing misinformation on social media platforms.

Through the #DigitalHifazat contest, TikTok and the PTA aim to inspire the platform’s users to help spread the message of digital safety and foster a culture of verifying information before sharing.

By participating, users will play a role in educating others about resp­onsible online behaviour, contributing to a safer digital environment for all.

Users aged 13 and above can take part in #DigitalHifazat contest

TikTok, a short-form video hosting service, remains committed to the safety of its users, ensuring that content on the platform adheres to its Community Guidelines, mitigating issues such as online harassment, fraud, threats to the youth safety, and misinformation.

The #DigitalHifazat contest is part of TikTok’s ongoing efforts to uphold these values and maintain a secure, positive space for its global community.

Creators can join the contest by posting their videos with the hashtag #DigitalHifazat and tagging @ptaofficialpk in their submissions. Videos need to be submitted by filling out the form on the contest’s official hashtag page on TikTok, available both in English and Urdu. The page can be accessed by searching the #DigitalHifazat hashtag on the app. Winning videos will be selected on the basis of content quality, relevance to the topic and compliance with TikTok’s Community Guide­lines. Results will be announced on the official hashtag page and the winner will win an Apple iPad Air while two runners-up will receive Samsung smartphones. The content is open to participants aged 13 and above.

The partnership between TikTok and PTA underscores a shared commitment to enhancing digital literacy and safety in Pakistan. The contest will serve as a platform for Pakistani youth and digital enthusiasts to express their views on critical digital issues, ultimately fostering a more informed and responsible online community.

Published in Dawn, October 24th, 2024

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Lawyers’ protest on Karachi’s main roads triggers traffic jams

Lawyers protesting the alleged beating of their colleague and inaction by the police triggered widespread and prolonged traffic congestion along Karachi’s main arteries on Wednesday evening, according to officials and witnesses.

The traffic police spokesperson said in a statement that the lawyers staged a demonstration on main Korangi Road near Kala Pull at around 3:15pm, protesting the non-registration of a first information report (FIR) by Mehmoodabad police against the alleged torture of lawyer Iqbal Inayat Jatoi.

Police did not disclose details about the alleged assault when contacted by Dawn.com for comment.

Both lanes of Korangi Road were closed and traffic was diverted to alternative routes.

“Please take a U-turn at the CSD signal towards Jinnah Hospital Road and Boulevard Signal,” said an alert from the Traffic Police posted on X.

“At around 9:42pm, the lawyers shifted their demonstration to Sharea Faisal, blocking both lanes of the main road near the Finance and Trade Centre,” Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Traffic Police Ahmed Nawaz Cheema told Dawn.com.

Both tracks of the main road, which link the city with the airport and National Highway, were closed, said traffic police in a statement.

When contacted, South Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sajid Amir Sadozai confirmed to Dawn.com that the lawyers were protesting “due to some issue of non-registration of FIR with the Mehmoodabad police in district east”.

The East SSP and DIG did not respond to Dawn.com’s request for details about the alleged assault.

The blockade of both lanes caused severe traffic congestion in several areas of the provincial metropolis, where citizens were held up for hours.

“Due to the protest … traffic is slow at the following places: Kala Pull to FTC … Boulevard signal towards Hino Chowrangi,” another Traffic Police alert read.

Sindh Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah took notice of the protest on Sharea Faisal and sought a report from the Karachi additional inspector general of police, according to his spokesperson Abdul Rasheed Channa.

The blockages not only hindered transportation but also inconvenienced commuters, said the provincial chief executive, saying that Sharea Faisal was a “jugular vein” of Karachi and its closure triggered problems for the citizens.

“No one would be allowed to take the law into their hands in the name of protest,” he declared.

Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar also took notice of the lawyers’ protest on Sharea Faisal and made contact with East SSP, said Karachi police spokesperson Sohail Ahmed Jokhio.

Lanjar directed the East SSP to immediately reach out to the lawyers and work to end the protest through “negotiation and understanding” and clear the roads, the spokesperson said in a statement.

It added that the home minister requested that a “reputable” police officer with a good understanding of the issue be assigned to hold negotiations with the lawyers.

The lawyers ended their protest later in the night at the home minister’s request, Jokhio said in a statement. He added that a delegation of the lawyers would meet with the home minister.

“The lawyers are our brethren and their legitimate demands would be fulfilled,” Lanjar was quoted as saying in the statement.

Meanwhile, Traffic Police reported that the flow of traffic on both Korangi Road and Sharea Faisal had been restored to normal.

Lawyers to boycott court proceedings on Thursday

Meanwhile, Karachi Bar Association (KBA) General Secretary Ikhtiar Ali Channa and President Amir Nawaz Waraich issued a statement announcing a boycott of court proceedings on Thursday over the alleged torture of lawyers.

They also announced that there would be a “ban” imposed on the entry of police officers in city courts.

In their statement, the lawyers alleged that their colleague was beaten in Mehmoodabad but the police did not register an FIR. They added that lawyers staged a protest on Kala Pull after which the FIR was registered.

However, they said that some “miscreants” allegedly attacked the protesting lawyers at Kala Pull and damaged their vehicles as well. The KBA office-bearers said they wanted to lodge another FIR against the miscreants who attacked them during the protest, but Defence police were not willing to do so.

The demonstrators moved to Sharea Faisal, demanding that Defence police file the FIR.

The Sindh Bar Council (SBC) also strongly condemned in a statement the “barbaric attack by private goons and police personnel” on SBC member Iqbal Inayat Jatoi, saying he was “seriously injured”.

“Despite the gravity of the incident, the FIR has not yet been registered,” the statement said. “In condemnation of this criminal and terrorist act, the Sindh Bar Council announces a full-day strike on across all courts in Sindh Province.

“We also demand that Sindh inspector general of police , Karachi deputy inspector general of police and the concerned SSP and station house office immediately lodge the FIR and arrest the culprits involved in the premeditated attack,” M Rustam Bhutto, acting secretary of the SBC, said in a statement.

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IMF sees country’s economic growth at 3.2pc, inflation at 9.5pc

ISLAMABAD: The Interna­tional Monetary Fund (IMF) has forecast Pakistan’s economy to grow by 3.2 per cent during the current fiscal year, falling short of the government’s budget target but surpassing projections by two other leading multilateral organisations.

This growth rate is expected to be accompanied by a single-digit inflation rate of 9.5pc and a current account deficit nearing 1pc.

In its World Economic Outlook (WEO-October 2024) released on Tuesday, the IMF also estimated global economic growth to stabilise at 3.2pc after “winning the battle against inflation”, despite ongoing risks related to regional conflicts, a slowdown in China, and the lasting effects of tight monetary policies and financial market volatility.

The IMF, which recently approved a $7 billion bailout for Pakistan, expects the country’s growth rate to gradually improve to 4.5pc by 2029. In contrast, both the World Bank and Asian Development Bank project Pakistan’s growth rate for the current fiscal year at 2.8pc and inflation at the higher side of 10pc.

Forecast falls short of budget target, but surpasses projections by two leading multilaterals

The WEO forecasts Pakistan’s inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index, at 9.5pc for the current year, decreasing to 6.5pc by 2029, down from 23.4pc in 2024. The current account deficit is expected to remain flat at 0.9pc of GDP this year and in 2029, compared to a low of 0.2pc last year.

The IMF also predicts the unemployment rate to decline to 7.5pc next year from 8pc in the current year, though it did not explain how these figures were determined, given that Pakistan’s last labour force survey was conducted in FY21.

Global growth

The WEO anticipates global growth to remain stable yet subdued at 3.2pc in 2024 and 2025, virtually unchanged from July 2024 estimates. Notable revisions include upgrades for the United States that offset downgrades for other advanced economies, particularly the largest European countries.

In emerging markets and developing economies, disruptions in production and shipping of commodities — especially oil — along with conflicts, civil unrest, and extreme weather events have led to downward revisions for the outlook in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa. These declines have been partially offset by positive forecasts for emerging Asia, where strong demand for semiconductors and electronics, driven by significant investments in artificial intelligence, has spurred growth.

The risks to the global outlook are tilted to the downside amid heightened policy uncertainty. Sudden surges in financial market volatility — similar to those experienced in early August — could tighten financial conditions and impact investment and growth, particularly in developing economies with large near-term external financing needs, potentially triggering capital outflows and debt distress.

Further disruptions to the disinflation process could be instigated by new spikes in commodity prices due to persistent geopolitical tensions, complicating central banks’ ability to ease monetary policy and posing significant challenges to fiscal policy and financial stability, according to the WEO.

A deeper or prolonged contraction in China’s property sector, especially if it results in financial instability, could weaken consumer sentiment and create negative global spillovers given China’s significant role in global trade.

An intensification of protectionist policies could heighten trade tensions, reduce market efficiency, and further disrupt supply chains. Rising social tensions might lead to unrest, undermining consumer and investor confidence and potentially delaying necessary structural reforms, the WEO concludes.

Published in Dawn, October 23rd, 2024

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BNP-M ‘defector’ Qasim Ronjho changes his story, twice

ISLAMABAD: Tuesday was an eventful day for BNP-Mengal Senator Qasim Ronjho — one of two lawmakers who voted against their party line in favour of the 26th constitutional amendment in the Senate — as he changed his story at least twice within 24 hours.

Early in the day, he had reportedly resigned his membership of the upper house after being instructed to do so by party chief Akhtar Mengal.

Then, during Senate proceedings, he tried to get a chance to speak on the floor, but this attempt was scuttled by the timely exit of members from the treasury benches.

Following the sitting, he appeared for a press conference alongside Mr Mengal and others, where he claimed he was detained by “some powerful people” and “rem­a­ined their guest” for six days. Ronjho said he was a kidney patient and during his detention, he was taken for dialysis twice. He also said he had contracted mal­aria during his days in custody.

However, in contrast to the frail frame he presented on Sunday night, being wheeled into the house on a wheel chair, Mr Ronjho seemed quite fit in his interactions on Tuesday.

During the presser, the BNP-M chief said that Mr Ronjho wanted to narrate his ordeal during the Senate session and an­­nounce his resignation, but was not allowed to speak.

But in a video message released hours later, he changed his story once again, claiming that he had been forced to speak at the news conference by his party.

“All the words I uttered were fabricated and based on lies,” he said, adding that he was forced to read out a written statement.

In the video, Senator Ronjho denied his abduction by anyone, saying he was present at his house for the last two weeks.

Published in Dawn, October 23rd, 2024

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Kartarpur corridor deal extended until Oct 2029

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and India on Tuesday announced a five-year extension of Kartarpur Sahib Corridor Agreement, ensuring continued access for Sikh pilgrims to the revered Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur.

The announcement was made by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and India’s Ministry of External Affairs through separate statements issued from Islamabad and New Delhi.

The corridor agreement was initially signed on Oct 24, 2019, for a five-year period. The extension will, therefore, allow the corridor to operate beyond its original expiration date of Oct 24, 2024. Inaugurated on Nov 9, 2019, the corridor connects Dera Baba Nanak in India’s Punjab to the Gurdwara in Kartarpur, Pakistan.

The agreement that governs the use of corridor provides for up to 5,000 pilgrims on a daily basis to visit the shrine without a visa from dawn to dusk, although they are required to carry a passport. They are, however, not allowed to stay overnight.

The corridor operates throughout the year, except on days of closure mutually agreed upon by both governments. The pilgrims, as per the agreement, are charged $20 per person as service charges for using the corridor.

“Its renewal underscores Paki­stan’s enduring commitment to fostering interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence,” FO said in a statement. It highlighted that since the corridor’s inception, thousands of Sikh pilgrims from India have benefited from visa-free access to the sacred site for Sikhs where Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, spent his final days.

The establishment of the corridor, which was referred to as a “Corridor of Hope” by United Nations Secr­etary-General António Guterres, is seen as a fulfillment of the longstanding aspirations of the Sikh community.

The FO emphasised that Pakistan remains dedicated to protecting the rights of religious minorities and facilitating access to religious landmarks.

India’s Ministry of External Aff­airs, in its statement, noted that the agreement’s renewal was achie­ved through diplomatic channels. It exp­re­ssed satisfaction that the exte­nsion would ensure “uninterrupted operation” of the corridor for pilgrims from India visiting the gurdwara.

Interestingly, India raised concerns over the $20 service charge levied by Pakistan on each pilgrim. “In view of the continued requests of pilgrims regarding the removal of USD 20 service charge levied by Pakistan per pilgrim per visit, India has once again urged Pakistan to not levy any fee or charges on the pilgrims,” the ministry said.

Indian Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar commented on the extension via X (formerly Twitter), reiterating the Indian government’s commitment to facilitating access for the Sikh community.

“PM @narendramodi’s government will continue to facilitate our Sikh community’s access to their holy sites,” Jaishankar posted.

Published in Dawn, October 23rd, 2024

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