ISLAMABAD : Journalist Matiullah Jan, who went missing in Islamabad on Tuesday and returned home after nearly 12 hours, has thanked the national and international journalist community, politicians, judiciary and others for their ‘quick response’ which led to his safe return.

“I am back home safe and sound. God has been kind to me and my family. I am grateful to friends, national and int. journalist community, political parties, social media and rights activists, lawyers bodies, the judiciary for their quick response which made it possible,” Jan wrote in a Twitter post on Wednesday.

Jan, who was abducted on Tuesday afternoon from outside his wife’s school, returned home after being missing for about 12 hours.

The journalist was supposed to appear before the Supreme Court this week concerning a contempt of court case based on an allegedly contemptuous tweet by him.

Jan was dropped off at about 11pm on Kohat Road near Fateh Jung.

The correspondent quoted Jan as saying that he had been kept blindfolded and driven around for quite some time. He was then taken to an unknown location. Later, he was handed over to his brother.

Jan’s abduction has prompted uproar on social media with both the national and international journalist community, political parties and human rights organisations demanding the government ensure the “safe recovery” of the journalist.

Govt’s responsibility to safely recover Jan: Shibli
After news of his abduction had surfaced, Information Minister Shibli Faraz had said that it was the government’s responsibility to safely recover Jan.

Faraz, while addressing a press conference, had said that he spoke to interior minister Brig (retd) Ijaz Shah about the incident and that “it is confirmed that [Jan] has been kidnapped”.

“It is the government’s responsibility to ensure his safe recovery and it will fulfil this responsibility,” he had said.

Shah said he had no information regarding the disappearance of Jan.

Rights organisations voice concern
Following the incident, the International Press Institute (IPI) had issued a statement, expressing outrage at the incident.

“We fear that Mutiullah Jan’s life is in danger, and immediate steps must be taken to locate him and ensure his release from his apparent kidnappers”, IPI Deputy Director Scott Griffen said. “Given the history of violence against journalists in Pakistan, the authorities cannot delay in seeking to protect Jan’s safety.”

Amnesty International South Asia had also expressed concern about the “fate and wellbeing” of Jan.

“We are extremely concerned for the fate and wellbeing of@matiullahjan919. He has been the subject of physical attacks and harassment for his journalism. The authorities must establish his whereabouts immediately. #ReleaseMatiullah,” tweeted the human rights organisation.

RAWALPINDI, JUL 21 (DNA) – The Virtual International Trade Forum, organized by the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) will be held on July 22.  The purpose of the trade forum is to make the business community aware of trade and export opportunities in African markets.

Giving details, Chamber President Saboor Malik said that this forum is the continuity of the Africa Trade Forum organized by RCCI last year.

The virtual forum will be attended by commercial and trade consular from Pakistan and abroad, officials of the Ministry of Commerce and CEOs of the companies. The trade forum will be inaugurated by PM advisor on Commerc  Razzaq Dawood.

He said that Pakistan would have to find new markets to boost exports. Africa is a continent of more than fifty countries. Pakistan’s trade volume with African countries is only close to 3 billion dollars, which could be doubled in the next three years. He said that an increase in trade in food, textile and pharmaceutical sectors could be made possible. He said that in order to increase Pakistani exports to African countries, new trade avenues would have to be explored.DNA

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Any and all constitutional amendments should be debated through a broad-based consensual, deliberative political process.

DNA

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Policy Research Institute organized a special webinar on “18^th Amendment: Impact on Governance in Pakistan” here in the capital.Speakers included Mr Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, President and Secretary General Board of Directors, Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT); and Dr Nadeem ulHaque, Vice Chancellor, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE).

In his Opening Remarks, Acting President IPRI, Brig. (Retd.) RaashidWaliJanjua highlighted that following thetenth anniversary of the 18^th Constitutional Amendment, serious soul-searching is required to see what it has failed to achieve, whether there are lessons to be learned to modify it and remove bottlenecks to improve its implementation and make changes. He outlined that the 18^th Amendment was unanimously adopted by the Parliament after 2 years of deliberations. It sought to enhance the federal character of the Constitution, but there were certain issues regarding the capacity and readiness of the provinces that are still hanging fire, and need proper debate. He remarked that the most important aspect of 18^th Amendment was restructuring of the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award under which the provincial share in fiscal resources is 57.5 per cent. Under Article 160(3A), share of the provinces in each NFC Award cannot be less than the share given in the previous award, so the critics claim that the transfer of a large part of fiscal resources to the provinces limits the financial space of the federal government, putting constraints on its ability to undertake debt servicing, amongst others. The capacity issue of provinces and their readiness to shoulder the responsibilities devolved to them also remains a question. He hoped that the webinar would address important questions like how will the capacity issues of the provinces to handle education and health be addressed; what can be the role and status of local governments; would the center be as effective to address the issues of law and order and other security- related issues and development-oriented responsibilities of the federation under the 18^th Amendment as devised.

Discussing post-18^th Amendment fiscal space issues faced by federal government and possible solutions, Dr Nadeem ulHaque stressed the need for exhaustive research and debate before any policy is proposed in the National Assembly. ‘A white paper should be circulated a year before any policy is set in motion’, he said. He shared that the case of the 18^th Amendment has begotten a frenzy of speculations and conspiracy theories pitting the opposition against the government; and stressed that the 18^th Amendment is a political issue rather than an economic one. Dr Haque pointed out the NFC award happened hastily, and has thus far, not been representative nor offers any clarity on what needs to be done, by whom and how. ‘Policy decisions taken in a vacuum have serious consequences’, he warned. He also stressed that the 18^th Amendment calls for a smaller federal structure but despite that the size and number of federal ministries/agencies/departments continues to increase albeit under different nomenclature. At the same time, he explained that the provinces too have been jealously guarding their turf and not focusing on strengthening local governance, an important part of the Amendment. Albeit, a decade into its passage, terms of the 18th Amendment are yet to be implemented in letter and spirit, he lamented.

Discussing the post-18th Amendment governance challenges and possible solutions, Mr Ahmed Bilal Mehboobfirst provided a historical overview and background of the issue.He stated that since health, education and labour are not part of the Concurrent List,serious issues of coordination have arisen. Sharing the Terms of Reference of the Council of Common Interests (CCI), he opined that despite not being 100% functional, the CCI has become ‘a state within a state’ making decision-taking complex and time-consuming. Issues like the annual census is one case in point. He also remarked that unlike the Indian Constitution, the 18^th Amendment does not provide a detailed framework for the functioning of local governments such as length of term, number and functions of tiers, direct or indirect election. ‘Local governments are imperative for effective governance under Article 140-A, but have been left to the mercy of the provinces, as shockingly 3 of them are without local government,’ he remarked. He also pointed towards the federal government’s desperation to wriggle out of locked National Finance Commission provisions under Article 160 (3A). MrMehboob was of the view that since Provincial Assemblies lack the will, capacityand power to deal with additional legislative challenges, civil services need to be prepared for greater responsibility through the 18^th Amendment. Talking about possible solutions, MrMehboob said that ‘talk of amending the 18^th Amendment is not only absurd, it is provocative and counterproductive since sub-national zones have struggled and worked hard for it, and have strong emotional bonds to the 18th Amendment.’ Perseverance, patience and continuous dialogue is required to develop consensus. He also added that while change through a judicial verdict is an option, it would be unwise to solve a political issue through judicial means. ‘Dissent should be accepted as a norm and there must be a realization that open and civilized discourse on the 18^th Amendment (which is part and parcel of the Constitution) should not be deemed as anti-province, or anti-Centre nor unpatriotic as long as the end goal is to make Pakistan astrong country with effective governance mechanisms.

In the interactive Question/Answer session, speakers agreed that implementation of the 18^th Amendment has been met with resistance from central bureaucracies that stand to lose political influence if power is devolved effectively from provincial governments to local governments. However, such a challenge might still be an afterthought as local governments are a long way from exercising the level of autonomy guaranteed to them in the Amendment.

DNA

RAWALPINDI, JUL 21 – 233rd Corps Commanders’ Conference, presided by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa was held today at GHQ.

Forum reviewed operational readiness and evolving threat spectrum in context of external and internal security of the country. COAS complimented efforts put in by all formations to maintain high level of combat readiness particularly in the wake of evolving regional security situation.

Taking special note of continued atrocities in Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir as illegal actions of August 5, 2019 complete  one year next month, forum paid tribute to brave Kashmiris for their legitimate struggle for freedom.

COAS especially lauded efforts in aid of civil administration in fight against COVID -19 and LOCUST.  Stressing the need to exercise maximum care with respect to Eid Ul Azha and Muharram to maintain the gains  achieved  in countering the pandemic, forum also appreciated efforts of Doctors, Healthcare workers, Paramedics across the country.

COAS expressed complete satisfaction with overall  operational readiness of Army as the forum reiterated resolve to thwart any threat to Pakistan’s security.

Hamid Asghar Khan

Covid -19 has compelled increased reliance on Skype, Zoom and other online platforms. Many feel that these mediums, while useful, are an inadequate substitute for actual meetings. Thus, upon receiving an invitation to meet with the Moroccan Minister for Housing, Land Management & Urban Affairs Mme. Nouzha Bouchareb in person, I leapt at the opportunity.

Economies everywhere are struggling with the adverse impact of the pandemic, and Morocco, like Pakistan, views the housing and construction sectors as key to stimulating economic resurgence. A helpful series of incentives and concessions have been unveiled to kickstart housing and construction in both countries.

The Kingdom has successfully focused on equitable regional development. Instead of one or two major cities, well thought out efforts have been made to improve infrastructure, housing, business, educational and recreational facilities in all  regions. This has enabled showcasing of the diverse landscape, promoting tourism  attracting over a million tourists a month, contributing 10% to the national economy.

Madame Minister herself is an expert in sustainable development. She dilated upon the “Cities without slums” initiative geared to providing affordable housing for the less fortunate. It is now universally acknowledged that a key goal of modern town planning is to cap the size of large cities to limit urban sprawl. Major challenges  are increased traffic, pollution, vanishing green areas, waste management, unaffordable property values and scarce water resources. All of these impact on quality of life, health and mental wellbeing.

Megapolis such as New York and Karachi were badly affected by Covid-19. The staggering density of thousands of souls living per square mile, crammed into highly urbanized areas was no doubt a factor. Conversely, the impact of Covid-19 has been far more temperate in rural and open areas.

 Consequently, an increasing desire of moving to rural areas for a healthier and more relaxed lifestyle, surrounded by the purity and delights of nature is emerging. There are reports of increased interest in suburban and rural living options away from, but within commuting distance of large cities.

Sydney, Australia presents an interesting model that our Housing Authority may wish to study. The city center, known as the central business district -CBD- witnesses a huge influx in the morning, only to empty out with amazing speed in the evening as over half a million people takes buses, trains, boats, and cars and to return to their comfortable homes in the suburbs after a day’s work.

 Less than 15% live within the down town city area itself, the vast majority undertake a comfortable commute to the suburbs between 20 minutes to an hour away from the CBD for quality living.

Australia, like Morocco, keeps sustainable development and environmental preservation as key goals. Thus large expanses of green belts and forested areas are maintained between self-contained small villages along train and bus lines, providing eminently manageable living clusters with adequate breathing and living space. Clinics, schools, shopping areas and other essential amenities in local living clusters preclude the need for daily travel to the city.

Our Districts in Pakistan are the optimum platform for enabling development of new living clusters.  A move away from from Karachi, Lahore and Pindi-Islamabad has to be incentivized, with district governments identifying and making available suitable state land for the construction of housing, hospitals, schools, clinics, colleges, petrol pumps and markets.

The capacity to innovate is going to be a key factor in the success of our construction and housing initiatives. Karachi suffers from extraordinary challenges of waste management, water supply, traffic, storm drainage and electricity. Similar challenges are fast emerging in Lahore and Pindi-Islamabad where land cost also puts affordable housing beyond the reach of many.

The Government has done well in recent years to enhance rural connectivity by constructing a network of highways and interchanges. Consideration must be given to develop new self-contained towns in accessible rural areas, half an hour or so from major cities.

The construction of secondary and tertiary access roads in rural areas can greatly enable freeing up hitherto blocked land. Suburban clusters in districts if planned and developed as a strategy can easily address the 9 million housing unit shortage that Pakistan currently faces.This will prevent further overburdening of already overcrowded metropolis’ and will contribute to wider, broad based development of hitherto neglected areas.

Extension of public transport is essential to enable commuting. The extraordinary differential in raw land price, say between Islamabad, and the mostly uninhabited acres adjacent M2 up to Kallarkahar may be considered. If a new town were announced in this area, a shuttle train service connecting it to Islamabad could be financed through the booking of land alone. This could be a signature project for the government, generating jobs, economic activity and much goodwill in a high visibility, easily accessible area.

Thought can also be given to having themes for proposed new clusters, such as conceiving an Education Town, Health Town or Tech Town. District Government’s  can identify state land  for such initiatives on public private partnership basis.

Development may also be centered around pre-existing points of attraction to promote tourism and leisure activities. With the proper infrastructure Taxila could become a mecca for Budhists. We have already witnessed the attraction of the Kartarpur complex, and the many scenic lakes of Chakwal can afford tremendous leisure opportunities, as can other historic forts, temples and monuments scattered across the Potohar.

Banks are already making mortgages more easily available, but it would be beneficial to update the legal regime and enact easy repossession laws to secure  loans being extended. Further incentives for the installation of solar energy grids, water harvesting, use of local finishing items, and environment friendly construction materials would help economic revival.

 The state through robust regulatory oversight must  ensure adequate parking, solid waste, sanitation, sewerage systems, and sufficient green areas for leisure are incorporated in projects.

A key bottleneck is access to land record. Functionaries such as patwaris, being custodians of land record must remain available at state provided offices to cater for public needs. Much work has been done to computerize records, but further effort is required to ensure transparency and efficiency at the lower end of the revenue spectrum.

Procedures for planning permissions also need simplification. Special enabling provisions for districts to develop satellite towns would be attractive not only for local dwellers, but also for workers returning from abroad, now accustomed to more modern housing facilities.

The new Housing Authority must secure inputs from the institutes of Architects and Town Planners as well as environmental experts. A careful study of the successful and sustainable development model adopted by many countries including Morocco would be beneficial. A dash of flair and imagination would come in handy as we proceed with creating attractive new living options outside of existing overcrowded cities.

We have a rich tradition in architecture. Our own Sir Ganga Ram, the famous civil engineer born in Punjab, left us with iconic architectural splendors such as Aitchison College, Lahore GPO and Lahore Museum among many others that he so ably designed and built. Heritage preservation must invariably form an integral part of the national development agenda.

It is for the new housing Authority to seize upon the mandate, incentives and facilities provided by the government, to reflect and plan on the basis of international best practices, and usher in a vibrant new era of excellence in suburban development.

The author is a Diplomat serving as Ambassador of Pakistan to the Kingdom of Morocco