ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman and former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday said that his party is going to file cases against PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, IG Islamabad and female judge.
Saudi-Egyptian World Cup bid could make Qatar’s experience look like a cakewalk
At first glance, a potential bid by Saudi Arabia and Egypt, two of the world’s worst human rights violators, together with Greece, to host the 2030 World Cup sounds like an invitation to a perfect public relations fiasco.
That is undoubtedly true if one looks at Qatar three months before its World Cup kicks off in November.
Coverage of the Qatar World Cup in independent media remains harshly critical of the Gulf state’s final preparations for the tournament and migrant worker and human rights record, despite significant legal and material reforms.
Moreover, human rights groups continue to confront Qatar with legitimate demands such as an improved compensation system for workers who suffered serious harm, including death, injury, and wage theft.
Even so, Qatar’s rough public relations ride over the last 12 years since it won in late 2010 its World Cup hosting rights, despite having been responsive to criticism, may prove to have been mild compared to what likely awaits Saudi Arabia and Egypt, if and when they submit a formal bid to FIFA, the world soccer governance body. Greece, too is likely to be taken to task for partnering with the two autocracies.
Saudi Arabia has wanted to host a World Cup for some time as part of a concerted effort to establish itself as a regional sports hub, eclipsing Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
Sports is one pillar of a larger endeavour to position the kingdom as the Middle East’s commercial and political centre of gravity. Moreover, as the custodian of Mecca and Medina, Islam’s two holiest cities, Saudi Arabia is already a major religious point of reference.
The sports effort also aims to boost Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s creation of an entertainment sector that caters to youth aspirations, contributes to the diversification of the country’s oil export-based economy, and helps project the kingdom as forward-looking and cutting-edge rather than secretive and ultra-conservative as it was perceived for much of its existence.
By partnering with Greece and Turkey, Saudi Arabia hopes to enhance its chances of winning the bid in a competition that is likely to be dominated by multi-country proposals. The bid’s strength is that it would be tri-continental, Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Other potential contending partnerships include Spain and Portugal; England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland, and Wales; a North African combination of Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria; and a joint South American effort by Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, and Paraguay. Romania, Greece, Bulgaria, and Serbia have also expressed interest in banding together.
Partnering could allow Saudi Arabia to circumvent FIFA’s likely hesitancy to award the tournament to a Middle Eastern country as sole host for the second time in a decade.
The potential alliance with Egypt and Greece follows an earlier apparently failed attempt to team up with Italy for a World Cup bid.
Saudi Arabia’s willingness to risk the kind of scrutiny that Qatar was exposed to is rooted in a degree of hubris on the part of Mr. Bin Salman and an evaluation of the Qatari experience.
Mr. Bin Salman has been encouraged by the willingness of leaders like US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to put behind them the unresolved 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul and the arrest of scores on often flimsy charges and welcome the crown prince back into the international fold.
By the same token, Mr. Bin Salman has nothing to fear from non-democratic members of the international community like China and Russia and much of the Global South that either sit in glasshouses, do not want to align themselves with US and European lip service to the defence of human rights, or opportunistically don’t want to get on the wrong side of Saudi Arabia.
Saudi hubris was evident in this month’s sentencing of 34-year-old Leeds University PhD candidate Salma al-Shehab, a mother of two, to 34 years in prison for following and retweeting dissidents and activists on Twitter.
Mr. Bin Salman’s willingness to shoulder the risk is likely to be rooted in an analysis of Qatar’s experience that suggests that, on balance, the Gulf state’s hosting of the World Cup will prove to be a success, despite continued negative press in Western media, provided that it pulls off the tournament without significant glitches.
However, Saudi Arabia and Egypt’s human rights records are far more egregious than Qatar’s, which is hardly commendable by any measure.
Like the kingdom and Egypt, Qatar is an autocracy with a legal infrastructure that fortifies the emir as the country’s absolute ruler. Like the potential 2030 World Cup bidders, Qatar lacks freedom of the press and assembly, outlaws extra-marital sex, and refuses to recognize LGBT rights.
But unlike Saudi Arabia and Egypt, Qatar’s jails are not populated by political prisoners or offenders of anti-LGBT laws. Human rights groups estimate that Egypt keeps 60,000 political prisoners behind bars.
Egypt and Saudi Arabia, which has enhanced the rights and opportunities of at least some women, eased gender segregation, and lifted bans on modern entertainment such as music, dancing, and cinema. have often targeted LGBT communities for domestic political gain.
Human Rights Watch has repeatedly charged that Egyptian authorities “arbitrarily arrest” LGBT people and “detain them in inhuman conditions, systematically subject them to ill-treatment including torture, and often incite fellow inmates to abuse them.
Going to extremes, Saudi Arabia, amid a push to encourage tourism, launched “rainbow raids” in late 2021 on shops selling children’s toys and accessories.
Authorities focused on clothing and toys, including hair clips, pop-its, t-shirts, bows, skirts, hats, and colouring pencils “that contradict the Islamic faith and public morals and promote homosexual colours that target the younger generation,” according to a commerce ministry official.
Earlier, the kingdom banned Lightyear, a Disney and Pixar animated production, because of a same-sex kiss scene, and Disney’s Doctor Strange in the Universe of Madness, in which one character refers to her “two mums.”
The litany of Saudi violations of fundamental rights includes a ban on non-Muslim houses of worship even though the kingdom has recently emphasized inter-faith dialogue and welcomed Jewish visitors, including those with a double nationality of which one is Israeli, as well as Christian religious leaders.
As a result, the headwinds a bid involving Saudi Arabia and Egypt is likely to encounter could make Qatar’s experience look like a cakewalk.
Qatar has demonstrated a degree of dexterity in dealing with its World Cup critics, a quality that the Saudi crown prince and Egyptian general-turned-president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi have yet to exhibit.
Dr. James M. Dorsey is an award-winning journalist and scholar, an Adjunct Senior Fellow at Nanyang Technological University’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, and the author of the syndicated column and blog, The Turbulent World of Middle East Soccer.
Indonesia records first case of monkeypox virus
JAKARTA, AUG 20: Indonesia has recorded its first case of monkeypox in a 27-year-old man who returned from travelling overseas, the country s health ministry said on Saturday.
The World Health Organization designated the outbreak of the virus an emergency last month — something it reserves for diseases of highest concern.
Indonesian health ministry spokesperson Mohammad Syahril said the patient had a “high awareness and knowledge of the disease”.
“So when he got the symptoms, he immediately checked it (with) the doctor. The result came (back) positive within a day,” Syahril told reporters, adding that the man was now in isolation in capital Jakarta.
Symptoms of monkeypox — which is endemic in parts of Central and Western Africa — include lesions, fever, muscle ache and chills. It has only been fatal in rare cases.
The patient arrived in Indonesia on August 8 and developed symptoms of fever and rashes a week later.
The ministry spokesperson declined to identify the country from where the man had travelled to Indonesia.
Elsewhere in Southeast Asia, Singapore has confirmed more than a dozen cases and the Philippines and Thailand have also recorded their first cases. The United States has recorded thousands of cases.
In contrast to previous outbreaks in Africa, the virus is predominantly spread from intimate contact — though it is not a sexually transmitted disease.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says other routes are also possible, including sharing bedding, clothing, and prolonged face-to-face contact.
The World Health Organization on Wednesday called for people infected with monkeypox to avoid exposing animals to the virus following a first reported case of human-to-dog transmission.
DCM Schofer Highlights 75th Anniversary at Alumni Reunion
DNA
Islamabad, Aug 20: Deputy Chief of Mission Andrew Schofer celebrated the importance of the United States and Pakistan’s 75 years of bilateral relations when he met with approximately 700 alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs. Alumni of U.S. educational and professional exchanges gathered in Islamabad on August 20 to share their experiences and to continue strengthening ties between the United States and Pakistan.
Recognizing the extensive contributions that members of Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) have made to their communities since the organization’s founding in 2008, the Deputy Chief of Mission remarked, “the 75th anniversary of relations between our two countries demonstrates our enduring people-to-people ties. The future depends not just on our leaders; it depends on our people. PUAN and its 37,000 members are a great example of the power of that people-to-people relationship.”
During his speech, Deputy Chief of Mission Schofer also highlighted the countries’ strong bilateral partnership, including the 77 million COVID-19 vaccine doses the United States has committed to Pakistan, as well as the historic trade and investment relationship, which continues to see the United States as Pakistan’s number one export destination.
The Islamabad-Rawalpindi Chapter reunion brought together politicians, scholars, journalists, business leaders, cultural leaders, and students for their first post-COVID era event. The chapter reunion featured a job fair which brought international and local companies to offer on-site job recruitment. PUAN alumni have led dozens of service activities in the Islamabad area during the past year, improving their communities in the fields of education, leadership development, and women’s empowerment.
PUAN Country President Syed Khurram Gillani and Islamabad-Rawalpindi Chapter President Syed Shahid Kazmi encouraged participants to volunteer for the network’s philanthropic activities and to spread the knowledge they gained in the United States. The network also recognized several prominent alumni and volunteer mentors who have given back to their communities with Distinguished Alumni and Emerging Leader awards.
The U.S. government funds one of the largest professional and academic exchange programs in Pakistan, sending approximately 800 Pakistanis to the United States on exchanges every year. Over the past 75 years, we have funded more than 14,000 Pakistanis to study in the United States and more than 22,000 young Pakistanis have participated in our English language programs.
PUAN organizes events across Pakistan through 14 regional chapters. Activities include community service projects, leadership training, roundtable discussions, and entrepreneurship programs.
Record-breaking inflation compounded public miseries: Asad
ISLAMABAD, AUG 20 /DNA/ – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Central Secretary General Asad Umar lashed out at the government for its failure to rein in the unbridled price hike of essential items, inflicting unbearable pain on the inflation-ridden masses.
In a statement on Saturday, Asad Umar said that latest prices of the daily-use commodities showed that the inflation raced to all-time high of 42.3 percent.
He said that the storm of inflation compounded the miseries of the poverty-stricken masses manifolds.
Asad stated that the country was suffering the most due to flawed policies of the imported government, as political crisis was deepening with each passing day instead of decreasing.
He said that there was no way out of the crisis except of holding fresh, free and fair general elections. He cautioned that the use of force would make the situation worse.
“Will politicians come up with a solution or someone else,” he asked.
Captain (retd) Usman to be new CDA Chairman
ISLAMABAD, Aug 20 (DNA): The federal government has decided to give the
additional charge of Capital Development Authority (CDA) chairman to
Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Usman.
Captain (r) Muhammad Usman has recently assumed the charge of Islamabad
Capital Territory (ICT) Chief Commissioner.
A summary for giving him additional charge of Chairman CDA to has also
been sent to the Federal Cabinet. After the approval of the federal
cabinet, the establishment division will issue a notification in this
regard.
It is pertinent that as per section 6 of CDA Ordinance 1960, a CDA
board member may be appointed as CDA chairman and Islamabad chief
commissioner by virtue of his post as a CDA board member, therefore, it
has been decided to give him additional charge of CDA chairman. DNA
CTP campaign in full swing to check traffic rules violations
ISLAMABAD, Aug 20 (DNA): The campaign of Islamabad Capital Traffic Police (ICTP) to check violation of traffic rules was in full swing and special efforts were being made to maintain traffic discipline in the city.
The main objective of this road safety campaign was to ensure safety to people while road users were being educated for lane discipline during drive.
Following directions of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Dr. Akbar Nasir Khan, Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Dr. Syed Mustafa Tanweer has constituted special teams to control
lane violation on various roads and ensure smooth flow of traffic in the city. Strict checking was being made against those not using helmets during bike ride.
ICTP’s team remain present on all important roads including Islamabad Expressway, Srinagar (Kashmir) highway to educate road users about traffic rules ICTP’s FM Radio 92.4 was also disseminating the messages about road safety and to educate audience about traffic rules.
SSP (Traffic) has appealed the citizens to cooperate with the force by following traffic laws. He said that action would be taken against those not following lanes during drive as the sole purpose is to ensure safe road environment in the city.
He hoped that citizens will follow traffic rules and help ICTP through their cooperation in ensuring secure traffic system in the city.
Those violating traffic rules would be fined and safer road environment would be ensured through constant monitoring, SSP (Traffic) Dr.Syed Mustafa Tanweer maintained.
The force issues traffic violation tickets not as a punitive measure but the purpose was to ensure safe road environment in the Capital and secure the lives of the people, the SSP (Traffic) added.
Shaheen ruled out of Asia Cup, England home series
DNA
Rotterdam – Shaheen Shah Afridi has been advised 4-6 weeks rest by the PCB Medical Advisory Committee and independent specialists following latest scans and reports.
This means Shaheen has been ruled out of the ACC T20 Asia Cup and home series against England, but is expected to return to competitive cricket in October with the New Zealand T20I tri-series, which will be followed by the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Australia 2022.
Shaheen had suffered a right knee ligament injury while fielding during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.
PCB Chief Medical Officer, Dr Najeebullah Soomro said “I have spoken with Shaheen and he is understandably upset with the news, but he is brave young man who has vowed to come back strongly to serve his country and team. Although he has made progress during his rehabilitation in Rotterdam, it is now clear he will require more time and is likely to return to competitive cricket in October.
“PCB’s Sports & Exercise Medicine Department will be working closely with the player over the coming weeks to ensure his safe return to competitive cricket.”
Shaheen will stay with the squad to complete his rehabilitation. His replacement for the ACC T20 Asia Cup will be announced shortly. The Pakistan side will arrive in Dubai from Rotterdam on Monday.
Curtain Raiser: Foreign Minister’s visits to Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway
ISLAMABAD, /DNA/ – Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will undertake official visits to Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway from 22-26 August 2022, on the invitation of his counterparts. These countries are part of the Foreign Minister’s first visit to Europe since assuming office.
Besides consolidating and expanding bilateral cooperation with these important partners, the visits will provide a valuable opportunity to further strengthen Pakistan’s engagement with Europe and to share Pakistan’s perspective on regional and global issues.
In addition to meeting his respective counterparts in Berlin, Copenhagen, Stockholm and Oslo, the Foreign Minister would hold meetings with other dignitaries and interact with the media. The focus of the visits would be on further deepening and broadening
Pakistan’s economic engagement with these key export destinations and identifying more opportunities for our people. The Foreign Minister is also scheduled to sign a ‘Green Framework Engagement’ agreement with Denmark,focusing on Climate Change Cooperation, a priority area of the government.
Pakistan has long-standing, multi-dimensional relations with Germany, Denmark Sweden, and Norway. These countries are home to sizeable Pakistani communities, are important destinations for our students to pursue higher education, and have significant investment ties withPakistan.
The Foreign Minister’s visits will impart further impetus to Pakistan’s multi-faceted engagement with these countries.
China’s stance sensible on tension across Straits: Pakistani analyst
BEIJING, Aug. 20 (DNA): The United States wants to reverse its declining trend by engaging China in a war. Its stance on the Taiwan question has been characterized by “strategic ambiguity” and China has been aware of its purpose for a long time.
According to Gwadar Pro, the remarks were made by Dr. Rashid Ahmad Khan, a political analyst and an expert on South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf security issues.
Regarding border disputes, the US wants to confuse the Chinese mainland with Taiwan and deliberately tries to engage China in a war.
However, China is a very sensible country. It will not get involved in any war, he added.
“We all know that Nancy Pelosi is not the first US House Speaker to visit Taiwan. House speakers have visited Taiwan before as well. However, Nancy Pelosi’s visit holds more importance because the visit was made at a time when the relations between China and the US were quite strained,” said Rashid.
“Tensions between the two countries have been going on for a long time over the issue of Taiwan. The reason was that America had started providing modern weapons to Taiwan. The US has been giving aid to Taiwan since 1949.
However, at this point, America’s aid to Taiwan was a source of concern for China. Any interference step is not acceptable for China at any cost,” added Rashid.
In the current situation, Chinese mainland has downgraded its relations with Taiwan and put economic pressure on it. China will not attack Taiwan at any cost. “The American media itself has criticized Pelosi’s visit an unnecessary provocation. America did not benefit from it at all. It did not achieve anything. On the contrary, I think that it has harmed Taiwan and the world.”
Indeed, the feeling has gained strength in America that the world considers America as a declining power. America’s strategy has also failed in Ukraine. To offset all these effects, the US wanted to launch another new campaign to tell the world that it still has courage, power and determination.
“We all know that there have been statements from American officials. According to them, the US perceives that it is challenged by China. Therefore, at this point, America thinks that it is the right time to engage China in this kind of fight,” Rashid said that Pelosi’s visit was well calculated to provoke China.
The US provoked a conflict in Ukraine and would like to see the same thing happen in Taiwan straits.
