DAWN NEWSPAPER | PAKISTAN HISTORY TERM REPORT | 20th February, 2014 |

Anoosha HaroonSaneeza AsrarShafaq ShafqatNazia KhanSyeda Aminah Asim12/18/2014 |

NATIONAL
ANOOSHA HAROON
Headline “PLEA TO BOOK MUSHARRAF IN DRONE CASE REJECTED”

Drone attacks in Pakistan started off in 2004-2005 under the presidency of General Pervez Musharraf and targets the northern areas especially North-Waziristan. These U.S drone attacks have been condemned by all political parties and they have protested to show their agitation. The reason behind these drone attacks is to get rid or terrorists and Talibans but it is not the most efficient and precise way as U.S claims it to be. Because many innocent civilians have lost their lives because of these drone attacks.

Lately, a petition was filed against Mr. Musharraf and alleged him for making a deal with U.S secretly and that there should be a legal action against him. This petition also requested the court to direct the Secretariat police to register an FIR against the former president General Retired Pervez Musharraf.

The petiton referred to an interview which Mr. Musharraf gave in April, 2013 in which he said that yes he did allow U.S drone attacks “but only on few occasions when target was isolated and there was no chance[s] of collateral damage”. This was the first time that any Pakistani official accepted the fact that they had granted permission of drone strikes.

This petition was however rejected and considered as not maintainable.

Other headlines: * MQM seeks ban on Taliban’s media coverage. * APNS criticizes government over non-payment of dues. * Pakistani held in South Africa for firing at rioters. * Two killed as pressure blows up gas pipeline. * Seven killed in firing. * Economic cooperation deals signed with China.

METROPOLITAN
SANEEZA ASRAR
Headline “Mama Qadeer laments lukewarm welcome in Punjab”
Abdul Qadeer Baloch is Vice Chairman of Voice for Baloch Missing Person (VBMP), a non-governmental organization striving for the safe release of Baloch missing persons.
The VBMP claims that government and intelligence agencies are responsible for abducting and killing thousands of Baloch people. They claim there are 18000 ‘missing people’ and about 1000 have been extra judicially killed. Abdul Qadeer’s own son was abducted and killed allegedly by secret state agencies.
The VBMP started a long march with about 20 people in October 2013 to highlight this issue. The long march participants included women and children who were the family members of the victims.
The march started from Balochistan and went through Sindh and Punjab. According to the article, the VBMP were not well received in Punjab. They received threats along the way and were even attacked several times by people. It is alleged that the police did not provide them adequate protection and may have even intentionally let the attacks happen.
The marchers also claim that they received death threats and decomposed remains of their missing family members to discourage them from their march. However, the protestors remained steadfast.
The VBMP took their case to the government hoping they would help. But the government made empty promises and provided no concrete aid.
Then the protestors met with UN and EU representatives in Islamabad, who expressed shock at the awful situation in Balochistan and promised they would help. However, no action has been taken by these international authorities.
It is important to note that these protestors are neither political nor do they have any political agenda. They are just family members of the victims who want justice for their loved ones. Since 2005, human rights organizations have recorded serious human rights violations in Balochistan by security forces, including extrajudicial executions, torture, forced disappearances, forced displacement, and excessive use of force.
The media did not provide much coverage to this long march, unlike the coverage provided to movements like Lawyers Long March or political parties’ long marches. I feel it is probably due to the Baloch nature of this long march that the media did not give much attention to it. Also, the government and intelligence agencies (who are probably responsible for the missing persons) want to suppress these protests and hide this issue as much as possible.
Pakistan has a history of not giving Baloch people their due rights. Balochistan’s relationship with the federation has largely been turbulent due to the issues of lack of provincial autonomy, control over the province’s resources, and the economic and political repression by the successive central governments.
I chose this article because it shows that Baloch views and sentiments are indeed largely ignored by the rest of Pakistan. I learned in class that Baloch people are ignored by the central government due to their low population and this article validated that.
While the VBMP’s struggle and intention is praiseworthy, I think that it will not lead to any solution or justice for the missing people. This is because there were such few people in the march and in addition, they were Baloch. The media and rest of Pakistan do not care much for Baloch people and ignore them.
Abdul Qadeer Baloch has made world history and broke Gandhi’s record. Gandhi had marched 390 kilometers on foot against British Government in 1930, whereas Abdul Qadeer Baloch traveled for more than 2000 kilometers on foot from Quetta to Sindhi and Punjab.
Other headlines: * “Another bomb defused in SITE Karachi” This is the 3rd such bomb found in SITE in recent past. However it was safely defused which is good news. * “Charges meant to derail operation, SHC told” MQM claims their worker was killed by police, and the police claims it is false allegation to pressurize the law enforcement agencies and stop their operations against criminals. * “Order reserved in decades-old rigging case” An anti-corruption court reserved order on acquittal applications of two men accused of rigging in 1988 elections. It is disappointing how long it takes the courts to make decisions. * “Body formed to expedite regularization of villages, Sindh” Sindh CM has formed a committee to expedite this process. This is a good move for Pakistan. * “Sindh plans organ transplantation centres in major cities” This is a good step as it will facilitate the organ transplant process and ensure more people have access to donated organs. It will also crack down on ‘kidney bazaars’ and illegal organ theft and selling. * “Sheep deaths in Thar linked to lack of vaccination” The cattle owners claim that the government misappropriated funds and did not take preventive measures to vaccinate the cattle, which led to many livestock dying. This shows corruption and inefficiency of the government. * “Man on operation table gets fingers burned, Rawalpindi” A gunfire victim got his fingers burned due to hospital negligence at Benazir Bhutto Hospital. * “Three sewage treatment plants non-operational in Peshawar” Officials claim these plants were established at unfeasible locations, hence their disuse. This is a waste of public money.

INTERNATIONAL
Nazia Khan
Headline “AMERICANS SEE AFGHAN WAR AS A MISTAKE”

A Gallup poll released on Wednesday showed that for the first time since October 2001, when the United States invaded Afghanistan, those who see the invasion as a mistake outnumber those who believe that US was justified in invading Pakistan i.e. 49 percent of those who polled said the invasion was a mistake while 48 percent said it was not. In 2001, a U.S.-led coalition began to attack on Taliban-controlled Afghanistan with an intense bombing campaign by American and British forces. The war followed the September 11 attacks, and its public aims were to dismantle al-Qaeda and denying it a safe basis of operation in Afghanistan by removing the Taliban from power. Many countries including France, Germany, Canada and Australia provided logistical support to US in this regard.
After the war, there were mixed views of the people from all across the world about the afghan war. Some people supported the invasion while some people did not.
Gallup has been conducting these polls since 2001 but this marks the first time when the majority of the people had a negative view of the war.
In 2001, Gallup conducted its first survey about this issue and the results showed that a huge number of people (89%) were in the favor of the war and only a very few minority (9%) expressed their concern over the conflict and viewed the war from a negative aspect. The reason for such results might be that in the turbulent and disturbed atmosphere that followed 9/11, Americans were overwhelmingly supportive of the decision to send US military in Afghanistan.
Then in 2002, the support for Afghan war further strengthened and now 93 percent of the people were in the favor of the war.
However, over the time the views of Americans started to change and by 2013, the people had already started to view the war as a mistake as 44 percent of the people were against it but still the majority of the Americans i.e. 51 percent still believed that US was justified in the invasion. So now in 2014, it was the first time ever when more people were against the war as compared to the people who were in favor. Many Americans now want US troops out of Afghanistan.

Other Headlines 1. “84-year-old nun gets jail term for breaking into one of the most carefully guarded nuclear facilities in the United States” The woman along with two other members of a pacific group spent two hours in the National Security Complex and they hoisted banners and spray painted messages like “work for peace not war” 2. “Top officer seen as slow to deal with ethics issues of US military” There have been no high-profile firings and no announcements of far-reaching punishments that would indicate that top officials are taking ethical issues seriously. 3. “Burhanuddin’s death- A great loss for Muslims” In a condolence message, a tribute was paid to the late leader’s contributions in education and social welfare. 4. “Thai court bans use of force against peaceful protests” In Bangkok, a Thai court ordered government not to use force against peaceful protest when street clashes left five dead and dozens wounded. 5. “Pakistan breaks Indian monopoly over vehicle supply to Sri Lankan forces” Pakistan broke the Indian monopoly by giving 100 Toyota Corolla cars to Security Forces. 6. “Singapore, Dhaka judged best and worst Asian cities” Singapore topped an international survey of the best cities in Asia for expatriates while Bangladeshi capital Dhaka was named the worst. 7. “EU considers sanctions after Ukraine breakdown” Anti government protestors were locked in a stand-off with riot police across burning barricades on Wednesday after fierce clashes left at least 26 people dead in Ukraine’s worst crisis. 8. “Weather, computer outage cause US flight delays” More than 700 US flights were cancelled and about 4,400 were running late on Tuesday as a winter storm swept across the Northeast. 9. “Suicide attacks near Iranian centre kill four in Beirut” Two suicide bombers blew up their cars near an Iranian cultural centre in Beirut. 10. “Woman man the home front in World War 1” Driving trams, ploughing fields and manning production lines radically changed woman’s role in society.

BUSINESS
SYEDA AAMINAH ASIM
Headline “GAS SHORTAGE HITS SITE UNITS”
Aamir Shafaat Khan

KARACHI: More than 70 per cent of 3,800 factories in Site industrial area who depend on natural gas have suspended their production due to non-availability of gas.
Reason for choosing the article:
Since Karachi is the largest industrial sector in Pakistan and provides maximum strength to its economy, the issue of its gas shortage is a highly important one. The problem prevails over many years and still remains unresolved. Karachi, being one of the largest cities in Pakistan contributes to 70% revenue generation across the country.

Summary of the article:
The industrial area of Karachi constitutes for the 14% exports of the country, and 30% share in revenue generation of Karachi. Also, it provides employment to 500,000 daily wage earners, contractual, and permanent employees.
The shortage of gas is expected at this time due to cold weather conditions due to the high domestic demand in the northern areas of Pakistan like Quetta.
Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) had already made a commitment with the Site Association of Industry that it would not provide gas to the fertilizer industry before March till the demand from Quetta subsides. But the SSGC had already started providing gas to the fertilizer industry despite the commitment.
Site Association of Industry’s Chairman, Younus M. Bashir, argued that industries necessitates a gas pressure of eight pounds per square inch (psi) which comes to over 60 mmcfd (millions of cubic feet per day) requirements in Site area. Industries can function at 4 psi but from Tuesday evening, most of the industrial units getting 1-1.5 psi pressure. This amount is highly insufficient for the industries to run effectively.
The industrialists took up this matter to the high officials of Sui Southern Gas Company on Wednesday, 19th February 2014, but they didn’t get a reasonable response. In response to this issue, 80% of the members of the Site Association of Industry are favoring to close down units and lay off workers. Also, the Site Association has called its general body meeting on Friday, 21st February 2014, to decide future course of action.
Aminullah Khan, the senior general manager (distribution) of SSGC, when contacted said in the argument that the Site Area industries have been hit hard by the severe gas shortage since Monday due to demand and supply gap. Also, he claimed that gas supply to Fauji Fertiliser had been suspended from January to February 15th 2014. Hence, the gas supply has been resumed. Moreover, he said that the SSGC has extended gas load-shedding to CNG stations to maintain gas pressure for domestic sector.

Analysis of the article:
After having a look on the above article, an important arises: Why there exists a gas shortage in Pakistan?
These problems are deep and complex, and are rooted more in shortages of governance and political will rather than of pure supply. There exists the absence of comprehensive and integrated energy strategy, resulting in lack of coordination. Also, insufficient revenue exists to support energy generation and infrastructure, due to low liquidity in Pakistan’s struggling economy and high rates of tax default. Moreover, the leadership’s unwillingness to implement politically unpopular changes to address the situation enhances the crisis.
Resolving Pakistan’s energy crisis needs political will, additional funding, and new power-generation sources. International donors are available to tackle the crisis, since Pakistan lacks significant internal sources of revenue. However, indigenous energy solutions should be promoted and the numerous natural resources prevailing in Pakistan should be exploited in order to deal with the crisis.

Other headlines:

* KSE 100-index plunges 197 points: The KSE-100 index on Wednesday took another deep plunge into the red of 197.45 points to settle at 25686.93. * Disbursements among poor rise by Rs49bn: Disbursements among poor increased to Rs81bn during 1st half of 2012-3, according to data released by finance ministry. * Current account gap widens to $2bn: The current account deficit rose to $2 billion in the first seven months of this fiscal year. * Japan hurt by steel import limits aimed at China: TOKYO: Amid a sharp increase of low-priced steel product exports from China, other countries have been invoking... * ATMs raise Bitcoin profile: WASHINGTON: Even if you aren’t sure what a Bitcoin is, you may soon find them at a nearby machine. * Egypt crude oil tender: LONDON: Egypt’s state-owned oil company is seeking around 500,000 barrels of crude oil in its first tender in a... * Britain reaches Eurofighter deal: LONDON: Britain has reached an agreement over the rising cost of providing Saudi Arabia with Typhoon Eurofighter... * Retailers start Bangladesh factory inspections: DHAKA: Safety experts hired by Western retailers on Wednesday launched mass inspections of Bangladesh clothing.

SPORTS
SHAFAQ SHAFQAT
Headline “PAKISTAN BEAT INDIA IN BLIND CRICKET SERIES OPENER”

Pakistan hosted the blind cricket series against India in Karachi. The first ODI took place in the Southend Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, February 19th 2014. Pakistan recorded a thrilling three wicket win over traditional rivals India in the first match of the Sindh Pakistan-India Blind Cricket Series. India was the first to bat they put up a huge total of 418 runs in 40 overs. Ketan Patel played an energetic innings making 126 runs while Hatesh scored 109. Muhammad Haroon took two wickets of India. Pakistan played their innings with great enthusiasm and in reply to Indian batting, reached the victory target in the 39th over with three wickets in hand. Anees Javed played a superb knock out of 163 runs and Mohammad Zafar scored a breezy 90 to help Pakistan in winning the thrilling game. Afzal Zaidi, Administer DMC Karachi South, Munawar Niazi, Director Marketing FFC and Syed Sultan Shah, President World Blind Cricket Council distributed prizes among the players. Earlier that day, Commissioner Karachi Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui inaugurated the blind cricket series and said it will portray a soft image of Pakistan throughout the world. He added that the series would also pave the way for the revival of international cricket in Pakistan. His exact words were:
“Sportsmen are actually ambassadors of their respective countries and the arrival of an Indian team at this juncture is a good sign for the promotion of goodwill and friendship among the two neighboring countries,”
The second ODI will be played on Friday at the National Stadium while the third match will be held on Sunday.
The cricketers are categorized according to the level of their sight loss. B1 has no sight up to the ability to see the difference between light and dark. B2 is from the ability to be able to distinguish the shape of an object held in front of their face, up to, a sight acuity of 2-60. This means that they can see at a range of only two meters, what a fully sighted person can see at 60 meters. Or, they have a field of vision of less than five degrees. B3 includes the acuity of 6-60. They can see at six meters what a fully sighted person can see at 60 meters. A playing XI must have a minimum of four B1s and a maximum of four B3s. Any category can be replaced by a player of a lower category to make up the XI. There must be a B1, B2 and a B3 player in each cycle of three batsmen where possible. The ball is made of moulded plastic with steel ball bearings inside to make it rattle.
I chose this article because the news appealed to me as a Pakistani. Like every other Pakistani, I too love when Pakistan wins in sports and upheavals the spirits of all the Pakistanis who are rarely given chances to rejoice. This news is a source of pride for us. This shows how talented Pakistan is if the management is not biased and the selection is done fairly unlike the management of Pakistan’s team that possess all the senses except common sense. The lack of politics in the blind team and management has resulted in good results compared to the cricket team of Pakistan. The Pakistani blind cricket team is ran and organized by the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) which is affiliated with the World Blind Cricket Council (WBCC). Another reason why I chose this news is that it promotes international cricket in Pakistan. Pakistan was banned from hosting international cricket matches in March 2009 after the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team. Since then not even a single international match has been played in Pakistan. A match like this between Pakistan and India gives hope and projects a positive image of Pakistan around the world which can encourage other international teams to come play in our country. Lastly, the multiple successes of the blind cricket team over the years shows us that anything is possible if you are willing enough to work hard for it and then to achieve it.

Other headlines: * “Nadal makes triumphant Rio return”- Top-ranked Rafael Nadal, playing for the first time since losing last month’s Australian Open final, beat fellow Spaniard Daniel Gimeno-Traver 6-3, 7-5 Tuesday at the Rio Open. * “Blundering umpires continue to embarrass Pakistan and PCB”- Under-fire umpires Ahsan Raza and Shozab Raza will supervise the President’s Trophy final between Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and United Bank Limited (UBL) which is slated to be played from March 12 to 16 at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan. * “PCB to probe fixing in T20 Cup”- The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced it would investigate allegations of match fixing in the Faysal Bank T20 Cup match which was played last week in Rawalpindi. * “Imam-inspired Pakistan crush Scotland to seal last-eight berth”- Pakistan, Australia and Afghanistan progressed to the quarter-finals of the ICC Under-19 World Cup after recording emphatic victories on Wednesday. * “Raza Sawani excels in ranking tennis”- Won double crown in Sindh rankning tennis for Union Club trophy. * “NZ media showers praise on ‘Captain Fantastic’”- Brendon McCullum scored 302 runs in a test match against India making him the first New Zelander in 84 years of test cricket to reach 300 runs. * “Dhoni under fire after latest overseas Test flop”- Beleaguered skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was put on notice by his predecessors on Wednesday after India suffered yet another away series defeat, with one of them calling his leadership ‘obnoxious’.