Foreign fighters flee Pakistani tribal zone

MIRANSHAH: Some of the world´s most feared fighters are quietly slipping away from a Pakistani tribal region ahead of a long-rumoured military operation, raising questions about the effectiveness of such intervention.

The exodus from the mountainous North Waziristan district on the Afghan border began in late May following Pakistani air strikes, locals have told AFP.

But it has been hastened by the Taliban´s all-night siege of Karachi airport this week, which all but destroyed a tentative peace process.

On Wednesday night two US drone strikes hit the region killing at least 16 in the first such attack this year, fuelling suspicion of coordination between the two countries, with Islamabad´s patience for talks seemingly exhausted.

But as pressure builds for a fuller response to the airport assault, which was joined by militants from Uzbekistan, residents and officials in the district´s main town of Miranshah said the majority of foreign and local fighters had already left.

"Most of them have gone deep into the mountains towards the Afghan border," a senior security official told AFP.

The locals said militant groups were also seen escaping from villages. Rumours of a ground offensive in North Waziristan, one of seven tribal regions along the border, have abounded for years.

But authorities have held back from a final push -- possibly fearing the blowback in Pakistan´s major cities such as Karachi, where 38 people including 10 militants were killed at the airport.

However, the sheer numbers of people leaving -- some 60,000, according to official estimates, since late May -- suggest that this time might be different.

- Empty bazaars -
Residents saw foreign militants leaving the Machis Camp and Data Khel village near Miranshah, as well as the villages of Musaki, Hurmaz, Hesso Khel and Api.

The fighters included Chechens, Uzbeks, Turkmen, Tajiks and Uighurs, residents and officials said.

They arrived during the early 2000s, lured by the fiery rhetoric of Osama bin Laden and the chance to fight "infidel" forces in Afghanistan.

Married into the local population, some have erected mud houses in small villages among the area´s rugged mountains.

Others "have rented houses and rooms here but they have now left towards the Afghan border", a grocery shop owner in Miranshah bazaar told AFP.

Another resident in Miranshah estimated that more than 80 percent of local and foreign fighters have left North Waziristan.

The migrations began on May 22 when Pakistani F-16s pounded suspected targets, killing at least 75 according to the military.

Government representatives also began holding talks two weeks ago with a grand jira, or council of elders, warning them to hand over foreigners in the area or face severe consequences.

"Tribesmen are against war, they want to solve this conflict with talks and according to tribal traditions and that´s why we have formed a peace jirga," jirga chief Sher Mohammed told AFP.

Residents said some jirga members last week made announcements from mosque loudspeakers in several villages asking foreign fighters to leave the area.

They also made those under their command hoist Pakistani flags to demonstrate their loyalty and ward off aerial attacks.

Most areas along the border are not well demarcated, which allows militants to escape into Afghanistan.

"They have moved towards Shawal and Birmal," an intelligence official said, referring to remote villages on the Afghan border.

A second security official said: "It is good that they (fighters) are leaving. We hope that tribesmen will not allow them to come and settle here again.

"In case of any military operation, we will face less resistance," he added. Residents said they have seen less activity of the feared Haqqani fighters in recent weeks.

"They are also disappearing, probably they have gone to Khost, Paktia or Paktika," one resident in Miranshah told AFP, naming Afghan border provinces.

Pakistani doctor arrested in Houston

HOUSTON: MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas : Authorities say the Montgomery County’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force arrested 21 men including a Pakistani accused of soliciting minors in the month of May.

Officials from the Conroe Police Department, each Montgomery County Constable’s office, and the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office conducted undercover operations throughout the county.

They say each suspect arrested believed he was meeting an underage child he contacted online to engage in sexual contact.

“The men arrived at predetermined locations where they were arrested for 2nd degree felony Online Solicitation of a Minor”.

Some were also charged with Possession of Child Pornography.Those 21 arrested included a Pakistani physician, Dr. Yasser Iftikhar Ahmad, under the charge of "
2 COUNTS ONLINE SOLICITATION OF A MINOR ".

37 years Dr Iftikhar graduated in 2001 from Aga Khan Medical University Karachi and now he is practicing as an MD and director of infection control at Houston local hospital. The offense is punishable by two to twenty years in prison

The Internet Crimes against Children Task Force will continue aggressively pursuing those that intend to victimize our children through the internet,” said ICAC's Chief Prosecutor Cindy Pulcher. "The effectiveness of this unit continues to be reflected in multiple predators arrested and charged each month. We will continue these efforts until these offenders realize that you do not prey on the children of Montgomery County."

PM directs Pakistani HC in London to provide consular access to Altaf

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has directed Pakistani High Commission (HC) to London for providing consular access to Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain immediately, Geo News reported.

According to the spokesman of Prime Minister House, the government was ready to provide legal and moral assistance to Altaf Hussain.

The federal government termed reaction in Karachi over Altaf’s arrest ‘regretful’, saying that damaging life and property is against the law.

PM Nawaz directed Sindh government and law enforcement agencies to ensure safety of life and property of masses in the province.

First Pakistani metro train to run in Lahore

 

SHANGHAI: The first metro train in the history of the country will run in Lahore. The historic 27-kilometre-long elevated mass transit project will cost $1.6 billion and is aimed at facilitating the commuters through the city.
Pakistan and China on Thursday signed the framework agreement on the Lahore Orange Line Metro Train Project.Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif signed the pact from Pakistan’s side at a ceremony, which was also witnessed by President Mamnoon Hussain and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Chairman of the Chinese National Development Reforms Commission signed the pact.

Speaking on the occasion, Shahbaz said that the metro train would be a unique project and a milestone in Pakistan’s history. He further said that the metro train project would facilitate the commuters.

The train route will start from Ali Town to Thokar Niaz Baig, from Multan Road to Scheme Mor, Chowburji, MAO College, Mall Road, Lakshmi Chowk and Railway Station, from Garhi Shahu Bridge to GT Road and UET and from Pakistan Mint to Dera Gojran.

He said the project would begin by the end of this year and Chinese authorities would invest, design, construct and monitor the project.

India: Pakistani couple in trouble with newborn baby

NEW DELHI: The newborn baby has become an offense for Pakistani couple in India as the Indian authorities stopped them at Munabao railway station over document row.

Mai Fatima and her husband Mir Muhammad --- residents of Ghotki in Pakistan --- had gone India two-and-a-half months back to meet Fatima's aging father.

Their visa was originally for one-and-a-half months but was later extended by another month when Fatima's father suddenly passed away. Fatima had come to India she was seven months pregnant and on April 14 she gave birth to a baby boy at a private hospital.

Indian local municipal council had issued a birth certificate in the name of Sohail Khan. When the couple along with the newborn left for Pakistan via the Thar Express they were stopped at Munabao railway station.

The Indian authorities stopped the couple and asked them to get the relevant documents (passport or visa) from Pakistani High Commission in India.

The immigration officers asked them to either go back to Pakistan leaving the child behind or complete the documentation of their baby.

Pakistani community expresses solidarity with Hamid Mir

LONDON: People from different walk of life staged a demonstration outside Pakistani High Commission in London to express solidarity with Geo News anchorperson Hamid Mir.

Pakistani journalists, political and social organizations in Britain participated in this demo.

The demonstrators demanded arrest of the assailants of Mir besides making the investigation process transparent.

Saudi companies’ food mandatory for Pakistani pilgrims

ISLAMABAD: The Saudi Arabian government has made for Pakistani pilgrims mandatory to buy food from Saudi companies, Geo News reported.

Sources in the Ministry of Religious Affairs told Geo News that food will be provided to Pakistani pilgrims at Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah for six days in return of advance payment.

Meanwhile, the sources said, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, in a letter to Saudi officials, stated that Pakistani pilgrims should not be forced to buy food from particular companies as they take meal of different taste.

He demanded of the Saudi government to lift this ban on Pakistani pilgrims as buying of food from these companies would further increase financial burden on them.

The sources added that Sardar Yousuf had also held a meeting with Saudi Ambassador to resolve the issue.

Sports diplomacy to highlight Pakistani talent in UAE

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister’s Special Envoy Ambassador Javed Malik said on Wednesday sports played an important role in connecting people and promoting a sense of healthy interaction aimed at building positive relations between the communities.

“We always support such initiatives that bring people together, he said while speaking as the guest of honour along with diplomats from Sri Lanka and India who were joined by the Chairman of Dubai Cricket Council at the launching ceremony of T20 Super Stars Cricket Tournament being organized in Dubai under the auspices of Dubai Cricket Council.

Sixteen teams are taking part in the high profile tournament which also includes seven teams from Pakistan associated with various cities across the country who have been sponsored by local corporates in an effort to promote goodwill and friendship among the community, said a message received here from Dubai.

Speaking about the initiative, Ambassador Javed Malik said cricket was very popular in the sub continent. We enjoy watching our national teams. Tournaments such as this also give an opportunity to the community to actually play themselves.

“Several Pakistani players are part of these teams and it is good to see them performing at various levels of the game”, he added.
The tournament includes teams with players from UAE, Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka, Javed Malik said.

More than one million Pakistanis live, work and do business in the UAE and they play a vital role in supporting Pakistan’s economy through their remittances and act as a bridge that connects Pakistan and United Arab Emirates. Events such as these not only provide healthy recreation for our community but also go long way in promoting cordial people to people relations.

He appreciated the Dubai Cricket Council for their positive role in promoting the game of cricket in the UAE. (APP)

 

UK: Body of missing Pakistani student found

Police searching for a Pakistani student of Bradford University, who went missing in Liverpool more than six weeks ago, have recovered a body from the River Mersey.

Aamir Qudeer, 21, a first-year engineering student, was last seen in Bradford on February 26, before travelling by train to Leeds and then vanishing in Liverpool.

His family have made repeated pleas for information on his disappearance, including appeals in Bradford, Leeds and Liverpool city centres.

Investigating officer Detective Inspector Neil Benstead said: "We can confirm that we were alerted by Merseyside Police to the discovery of a man's body, which was found in the river in South Liverpool on the morning of Sunday, 13 April.

"The body was recovered by emergency services, following a call from a member of the public at about 9am.

Pakistani visual effects artist wins third Oscar

HOLLYWOOD: Pakistan national visual effects artist Mir Zafar Ali won Oscar for third time.

Zafar’s latest work in Frozen, extremely liked by audience, especially the scenes in which Princes Elsa build her own ice palace. All visual presentations behind these scenes are done by Zafar Ali.

The movie Frozen broke all previous records by obtaining optimum business on Box Office.

38 year old visual artist Zafar said while taking Oscar award that he finds himself very blessed that Almighty Allah has given him such fame and his efforts got supreme reward in the form of Oscar.

Mir Zafar Ali got his first Oscar in 2008 for working in the movie named as The Golden Compass. Life of pie was the second film which led Zafar wins second

Pakistani student wins distinction from top UK university

LONDON: A Pakistani student has gained top position in Bachelor’s of Business and Finance at the Heriot-Watt University by gaining 14 As.

Ahmer Baloch, aged 26, originally from Haveli Naseer Khan, a small village in the district of Lodhran, started his studies at the UK university in 2012 after qualifying for the American High School Diploma from Pakistan’s American School of International Academics (ASIA) in Lahore.

Heriot-Watt University is ranked within the top 20 universities of the UK i.e. 9th on the Sunday Times Top 100 Universities and 18th on The Guardian University Rankings, 2nd in Scotland and has the top ranking for many degree disciplines in the UK. Heriot Watt has three campuses in Scotland, one campus in London and one each in Dubai and Malaysia with combined student strength of over 30,000 students.

Although the graduation ceremony will be held on 27th of June 2014, the results have been published and it has been confirmed to Ahmer Baloch that he has topped the university.

Speaking to The News, Ahmer Baloch said he felt very proud at achieving the distinction: “It’s a proud moment for me as a Pakistani student from a highly ranked overseas university. I want this to be an inspiring and motivating factor for all the Pakistani students out there and want to let them know that if they work hard and persevere then only sky is the limit. From all the students combined, less than 5 percent achieved a distinction (highest possible mark for a degree). Among those that did achieve a distinction, I was the highest achiever (top graduate) around the world.” Ahmer Baloch, who now has offers of jobs from leading European financial firms, wants to make his achievement a special note for all the youngsters in Pakistan who lose their way in high school and come to a point where they think all hope is lost for them. It’s because Ahmer Baloch had given up on studying himself when he was 18. After finishing high school, he thought studying was a waste of time and he would be better off working on the lands of his father in Lodhran.

That all changed when he met his future wife Umme Rubab, a Briton of Pakistan origin who is a broker at a London firm, in Lahore and she went on to change Baloch’s whole perception.

“She taught me how to remain positive in the most negative of situations and never give up. I also learnt from her the joy of being self made and independent. I moved to London after my marriage and started my bachelor’s once again but this time, with absolute determination and drive to achieve success. I worked extremely hard preparing for the exams and after the finals, I could easily say that I was expecting to be the top in my class. Little did I know how strongly Allah helps those who help themselves. Two weeks after the results were posted, I received a letter from my university informing me that not only had I achieved a distinction, I had achieved a higher distinction among all of the university’s students around the globe! To make it even better, the degree helped me land a job at Ernst & Young, one of the ‘Big 4’ Professional Services firms in the UK and one of the best around the world.”

Ahmer paid tribute to his father Muhammad Iqbal Khan Baloch who never gave up on him “and found a way to see past all my previous mistakes and persisted with supporting me financially no matter what”.

Morning Glory other 5 Pakistani crews expected today

LAHORE: The captain of the Morning Glory oil tanker, Noman Beg arrived on Saturday morning here, Geo News reported.

Talking to media at the Allama Iqbal International Airport here, Noman Beg said it was the blessing of the God and prayers of the people that he got released and arrived home safely.

Noman Beg expressed his deep gratitude and thanks to all those, especially social activist Ansar Burney and the Pakistan embassy in Libya, who tried utmost in getting him and the other five Pakistani crews released expected to arrive sometime today.

Captain Noman Beg said that during the captivity he spent his time reciting the holy Quran and praying to God.

Earlier, it was reported that five out of the six members — Captain Mirza Nauman Baig, Mohammad Mehdi Shamsi, Syed Asif Hassan, Naik Zada and Mohammad Irshad — are expected to be flown back to Pakistan today, while the chief officer, Ghuffran Marghoob, is yet to be handed over to the Pakistani authorities by the Libyan government.

Pakistani crew of MT Morning Glory to reach home soon: Ansar Burney

KARACHI: Ansar Burney, Chairman Ansar Burney Trust, Tuesday confirmed that the 6 hijacked Pakistani crew members of the cargo vessel MT Morning Glory released from Libyan custody today will reach home soon.

The spokesman of Pakistan Foreign Office has confirmed the handing over of Pakistani crew to the embassy in Tripoli, Libya. He said flight arrangements were being made to take them back home.

The Pakistani crew is expected to return by Wednesday evening.

The released crew members of MT Morning Glory include 6 Pakistanis, 6 Indians, 3 Sri Lankans, 2 Syrians, 2 Sudanis and 2 Eritreans.

The Pakistan crew members are: Mirza Noman Baig (Captain), Ghufran Marghoob Ahmed (Cheif Officer), Syed Muhammad Mehdi Shamsi (2nd Officer), Syed Asif Hassan (3rd Officer), Naik Zada (Crew Member), Muhammad Irshad (Crew Member).

Ansar Burney said after the successful rescue effort by the American forces from Cyprian sea water, the cargo vessel along with 21 crew members had reached Libya, where they remained in government custody till earlier today.

He said all the crew members on Board remained safe and expressed gratitude to the Pakistan's Ambassador in Libya, Lt Gen (Retd) Javed Zia who visited and met the Pakistani crew.

Ansar Burney also thanked US President, Barrack Obama, US Pentagon, US Forces, Pakistan's President Mamnoon Hussain, Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, Secretary General of NATO Anders Fogh Rasmussen, US Embassy at Islamabad and Pakistan Embassy in Libya for saving 21 human lives including 6 Pakistanis.

He had requested Libyan authorities for an early release of all crew members citing the hardship they had already faced as a result of the hijacking of the vessel by Libyan rebels belonging to Port Es Sider.

Earlier, Ansar Burney had also urged Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Syria, Sudan and Eritrian governments to assist Ansar Burney Trust to ensure an early release of the 21 crew members.

Morning Glory Pakistani crew likely to return home today: FO

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday clarified that there are no signs of Iranian guards’ presence on Pakistan’s land.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Tasnim Aslam during her weekly briefing said, “Our authorities have combed Pakistani territory in search of the missing Iranian guards, however, there are no clues that they are in Pakistan.” The spokesperson said Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also discussed this issue on telephone last night and the tone of discussion was very polite.

She said Pakistan and Iran enjoy deep-rooted multifaceted ties and were cooperating on the issue of missing guards.

The spokesperson said Iranian guards went missing at least 5-10 kilometers inside Sistan and an organization, Jaish-ul-Adl, claimed the responsibility for the missing guards.
She said Pakistan will extend all possible cooperation to Iran for the recovery of these guards.

Replying to a question, Tasnim Aslam said the dead body of a killed Iranian guard was not found from Pakistani territory, which also gives the hint about other guards.

The spokesperson said on the issue of missing Iranian security guards, Pakistan is neither apologetic with Iran nor wants that Iran will have aggressive attitude.

Morning Glory

Regarding the Morning Glory vessel, the spokesperson informed that the Pakistani crew is likely to arrive today or tomorrow. She said after necessary investigations in Tripoli, Libyan authorities have cleared all of them.

The spokesperson said since adoption of UN Resolution on 19th of this month, illegal transportation of Libyan oil has been declared a crime.

She said as precautionary measures, Pakistanis who work on such merchant vessels abroad, need to be very careful and make sure they are working with well-established companies to avoid any future complications.

Nuclear Supplier Group

On Nuclear Supplier Group, the spokesperson said Pakistan feels it qualifies for NSG status.

“We have sought the status of NGS for our energy requirements,” she added.

The spokesperson said the world has acknowledged Pakistan as a responsible nuclear state and there are also voices that Pakistan cannot be kept away from Nuclear Supplier Group.

Referring to recently held Nuclear Security Summit, Tasnim Aslam said Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif made a very strong point for inclusion of Pakistan in NSG on non-discriminatory basis.


Modi’s Statements

Regarding Narendra Modi’s statements, the spokesperson said it is unfortunate that Pakistan becomes an issue during the election campaign in India.

She said Pakistan strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. She reiterated Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir dispute and urged India to sit with Pakistan for the resolution of all outstanding issues including Jammu and Kashmir.

The spokesperson said, “Pakistan wants to resolve the dispute through dialogue as it is imperative for development of the region and welfare of people.”

She said Pakistan wanted the international community to convince India for resumption of composite dialogue, therefore Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in his recent statement clarified that Pakistan wants to resolve the Jammu and Kashmir issue with India through dialogue process but India is reluctant to do so, therefore, common friends like United States should force India to come to the negotiating table to resolve the dispute.

She said Jammu and Kashmir issue is still on the agenda of Security Council of the United Nations and presence of UN military group across Line of Control in Kashmir indicated that this is internationally recognized dispute and it is not the internal matter of India.

The spokesperson said people of the two countries should get the benefit of the trade and economic ties.

Drone Attacks

On the issue of drone attacks, the spokesperson hoped the United States will maintain its recent policy on drones as they are counterproductive.

She said there has been a broad international consensus against drones. Referring to EU Parliament’s resolution, she told it demands from all European countries to refrain from becoming party on drone strikes.

Bangladesh Flag Ban

In reply to a question regarding Bangladesh government’s directive for its cricket spectators, she said it is a matter to be looked into by the International Cricket Council.

She said spectators are well-aware of their feelings and can better decide about their support for any country.

US Media Report

Commenting on a report publish in an American newspaper, about shifting of Al-Qaeda leadership from Pakistan to Syria, the spokesperson said there has been no proof that Al-Qaeda leadership is moving to Syria from Pakistan and the report published in the newspaper is baseless and wrong.

The American newspaper while quoting Director of CIA John Brennan said that dozens of militant fighters, including some mid-level planners, have traveled to Syria from Pakistan in recent months.

Pakistani artistes react to Veena Malik’s tweet

 

On Saturday, the social media reacted strongly to reports of Veena's alleged anti-India tweet. After the news went viral, we received a mixed reaction from some members of the Pakistani entertainment industry.

Farhan Saeed, former member of the Pakistani band Jal, told us, "It's really sad if she did so, but then what else do we expect from Veena Malik? Anything that keeps her in the news. I think we artistes should be a bridge between the two countries, especially the ones who work on both sides of the border. But coming from Veena, it is surely a publicity stunt."

Sunny Ghanshyam, lead guitarist of Raeth, remarked, "What is she all about? No one knew who Veena Malik was before she came to India. It's only after she got a chance in Bollywood that she got her recognition here in India. She should be grateful and should owe her success to India. I'm sure she got this rishta out of what she is today or else it would have been really difficult for her to travel to the US. Sad how people change over times they need to respect the people and the place."

Adds Hadiqa Kiani, pop singer and renowned makeup artist, "It's not about India or Pakistan . Human beings are the same everywhere. We must think beyond racism."

Polio vaccination proof mandatory for Pakistani nationalists to enter India after March 15

Though the requirement was supposed to come into effect from January, India extended the deadline to allow Pakistan to set up necessary infrastructure.

India on Tuesday announced that proof of vaccination against polio would be mandatory after March 15 for everyone entering India from Pakistan to safeguard the country’s polio-free status.
Travellers from Pakistan will have to carry vaccination certificate, which would be later returned to them along with their visa.
“Pakistani nationals resident in Pakistan and planning to travel to India after March 15, 2014 will be required to submit along with their visa applications a certificate of vaccination for one dose of Oral Polio Vaccination received at least four weeks prior to departure to India,” a statement released by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad said.
India had earlier announced that starting March 15, it would be mandatory for all persons – adults or children – travelling to the country from Pakistan to furnish proof of vaccination against the crippling disease.
“The step is being taken to safeguard India’s polio-free status attained after sustained efforts and investment,” an Indian High Commission official said.
Though the requirement was supposed to come into effect from January, India extended the deadline to allow Pakistan to set up necessary infrastructure.
The measure is applicable to all travellers from all countries where polio disease is endemic or where cases of polio are reported.
The number of polio cases in Pakistan, one of the only three countries where the disease is endemic, crossed over 90 last year. A number of fresh cases have also come to light this year.
Militants and gunmen frequently attack vaccination teams, accusing them of being Western spies and part of a plot to “sterilise” Muslims.
The announcement came on a day when Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif chaired a meeting on polio at his residence.
Sharif said it is a matter of grave concern that there is a possibility of travel restrictions being imposed on Pakistanis since virus from Pakistan has been found linked to polio cases in other countries.
“Since it is a question of honour, image and prestige of our country, we must redouble our efforts to eradicate polio from our country,” Sharif was quoted as saying in an official statement.

Regulation, Pakistani style

GETTING the government to be an enabler rather than a disabler is the real challenge. The weaknesses of our economic system(s) can be traced to a deficiency of governance at one level or another. The most crucial aspect of this is the desire of the state machinery to regulate most activities, a task carried out by creating visible and invisible road blocks. Small enterprises, in view of their size and limited managerial resources, suffer more than larger enterprises from the cumbersome rules and regulations, their uncertain application and arbitrary amendments with little, if any, redress. There is a need to reduce the footprint of the state by dismantling the overextended regulatory framework and apparatus strangulating private activity, facilitating corruption and shackling the economy’s growth prospects. A large part of the regulatory framework is structured around antiquated and superfluous laws and rules. It exists because of lack of clarity on the role of government, in a world that has changed dramatically over time. Frequently, new products and instruments are available that are more effective mechanisms for achieving the objectives underlying the laws or administrative arrangements for their enforcement. For instance, there are building and electricity inspectors to ensure the safety of private buildings used for public purposes. These services are not required if such buildings are comprehensively covered by insurance companies. Through this instrument the owners of such buildings can be spared the frequent visits of such government functionaries, who would be denied opportunities to extort bribes, while assuring the public’s safety in using these buildings. At times the regulations actually block private efforts to improve productivity, efficiency and sustainability of operations. For instance, the sugar industry needs restructuring to become viable, involving mergers and closures of a number of inefficient sugar mills with small capacities. Unfortunately, provincial government policies prohibit the relocation and consolidation of mills, required for achieving economies of scale and maintaining competitiveness, adversely impacting efficiency and productivity of investments. The theological principle to regulate economic activity based on complete distrust of the market and a belief in the state’s omnipotence has restricted the space for private-sector operations. The role of markets is underestimated in the belief that the state is much more knowledgeable and objective and that markets are often rigged and imperfect and private behaviour shortsighted. Even civil society in Pakistan is suspicious of markets and provides the bureaucracy with an excuse to regulate. The bureaucracy opts for direct controls rather than market-friendly fiscal rewards and punishments not only because of the powers that it gives them to extort money but also because they prefer certainty of command and understand little about the subtlety of induced behaviour. Owing partly to the nature and history of Pakistan’s economic development, where even the middle class was not the product of a dynamic growth process but was created through public-sector employment, we seemingly cannot visualise economic growth without support and patronage. Thus, civil society continues to view the state as an all-powerful paternal entity that is supposed to protect us against all risks and also provide for all occasions. Not surprising then that government continues to be large and unaccountable and rules rather than serves. Flawed concepts drive us to mimic big countries in constructing complicated state apparatus. Unfortunately, donors also provide us uniform advice, persuading us to set up the same institutions as in developed countries. Resultantly, we have regulators for each market, at times two for the same market — for example the State Bank and the SECP are simultaneously regulating financial institutions, and in the case of modarabas there is the third regulator, the religious/Sharia board. In several instances (eg Nepra, Ogra, PTA, Pemra, etc) regulatory bodies have been created more to park retiring, well-connected civil servants who clearly do not possess the skill set required to perform the job to which appointed. The official concept of a typical regulator is the head of the agency, two to three assistants (called ‘members’, again mostly retired bureaucrats), PAs and peons, office space, several cars and mobile phones. How the government views their utility is evident from its insistence that their decisions be implemented only after review and notification by the government. And without competent regulators privatisation could result in a public sector monopoly being replaced with a private sector monopoly. Every good organisation makes periodical attempts to clean its own house. All procedures and practices are subject to a fresh review. However, our governments hardly ever question their own mechanisms and practices, except to protect their interests and those of the civil servants. Many agencies in the public sector are moribund with little or no accountability for the quality of their output, even for delivery of services. Hence, there is a need to redefine its role and the way it carries out its business, which would involve a major reduction in the areas of its activity. Based on the discussion above the logical way forward would not be to review individual legislation and rules, and amend them through patchwork (our standard operating procedure), but to disband all regulatory laws in one sweep, demanding that those wanting regulation of an economic activity should argue their case with supporting regulatory proposals. Of course, such an exercise will have to be well planned so as not to create a void in some essential areas that can be readily identified beforehand.

Ishaq Dar stresses Pakistani Mission abroad to bring foreign investment

ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar Monday emphasized upon the Pakistani Missions abroad to draw attention of the investors to Pakistan where huge potential is available for foreign investment.

This he said while speaking with Pakistan's Ambassador designate to Qatar, Shehzad Ahmad who called on him here.

The Finance Minister said that there is huge potential of foreign investment in Pakistan particularly in economy, energy and infrastructure sectors.

"We have introduced a very robust economic revival programme which includes public private partnership on the basis of Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model", he added.

The Minister said that the new initiatives will be instrumental for economic rebuilding. Important initiatives include deregulation, undertaking structural reforms to improve management of public finances and making Pakistan an attractive investment destination.

He said that Qatar has expertise in energy sector and the Ambassador should encourage the potential investors from Qatar on opportunities available in the Country.

The Ambassador designate briefed the Minister on his plans to represent Pakistan effectively in Qatar. The Ambassador assured the Finance Minister that he will work hard to enhance existing cooperation between the two countries.

He also thanked the Finance Minister for his Ministry's commitment and support to provide assistance in attracting foreign investment in the Country.