Iran us nuclear dealThe nuclear non-proliferation issue in the Middle East is not a new concern and the region’s record is anything but not a good one. Apart from Israel, all the countries of the Middle East are members of the NPT, although most of them have attempted at one stage or another to covertly acquire nuclear capability. Since the 1960’s as predicted by John F. Kennedy, the international community together with the US has focused on preventing any likely surge of nuclear capability via the mechanism of the NPT regime. Fortunately, Kennedy’s prediction that there would be fifteen to twenty-five new nuclear states by 1973 did not come true. Nevertheless, these kinds of concerns were revived in 2006 when the director of the IAEA, Mohammed El-Baradei declared that, ‘‘the world is reaching a point where Kennedy’s prediction is very much alive.’’ Baradei’s concern was voiced in the mid-2000s in response to North Korea’s split from the NPT, which coincided with the 2002 IAEA report on Iran.It is this Iranian nuclear programme, along with the previous proliferation concerns which is now seen as the primary concern for the international community. The period between 2003 and 2005 was an exception in that Tehran agreed to suspend its uranium enrichment due to a deal struck with the foreign ministers of the EU3. In 2006 however, the Iranian nuclear issue became another proliferation concern for the AngloSaxon world when it coincided with the rising number of new demands by states for civil nuclear reactors.In November 2013, Iran signed an interim agreement called ‘The Joint Plan of Action’ within the five permanent members of the Security Council and Germany (P5+1){ [US, UK, France, Russia, China and Germany is often referred to as the   E3 +3 (or E3/EU+3) by European countries ]}, suspending the advancement of uranium fuel enrichment and other nuclear activities that could be deemed as sensitive. This temporary deal for a period of six months came into force on 20 January 2014. The six months time frame is expected to bring favourable results for all parties concerned and would be utilised by the negotiating team to build a more permanent agreement. The goal of the negotiations was to reach a mutually-agreed long-term comprehensive solution that would ensure Iran's nuclear programme will be exclusively peaceful. Iran reaffirms that under no circumstances will it ever seek or develop any nuclear weapons. In return the P5 and other states have agreed to roll back certain provisions of the economic sanctions currently in force, which have severely impaired Iranian economy. Some restrictions have been suspended on the Iranian petrochemicals, automotive and precious metals industries and have begun the staggered release of US$ 4.2 billion in Iranian cash frozen in overseas banks. Other Western provisions that were eased included restraints on insurance for Iran’s oil shipments and licenses for services and parts needed by Iran’s commercial airlines.

According to strategic analysts, the Iranian-US nuclear deal is a game changer in world politics. The option of military confrontation between US-Iran would be ruled out. It would help in improvement of Iranian diplomatic posture and economic standing in the international arena. There would be resumption of Iranian trade in oil and gas sector and in mining sector. Iran would freely engage in bilateral trade agreements with EU, CARs and SA countries. It would enhance its economic activities and would help in maintaining peace and security in the region. Some states like China, Russia, France and Germany have warmly welcomed this deal and called it a turning point to maintain nuclear non-proliferation system and to bring harmony and stability in the Middle East. However, with this Iran-US rapprochement some states have adopted more cautious, skeptical and apprehensive position. The deal has direct negative impact on Washington-Riyadh relations. The Saudi-Iran ideological rift, threat of Iran’s nuclear know how , strong influence over rampant Shia/Sunni violence in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Bahrain and Iranian regional goals for power and influence in the Persian Gulf and Middle East are contrary to Riyadh’s regional and strategic interests. One would even expect divergence of US-Israeli interests over Palestinian issue after the deal. The American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) would be more rigid over peaceful settlement of Palestinian dispute. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has clearly called the deal “A Historic Mistake”, so Israel threatened by Iran’s nuclear programme may demand more strong nuclear conditions on Iran and to provide nuclear security guarantees and assurances to regional players, NNWS and particularly to Israel and Saudi Arab before conclusion of the comprehensive agreement. Some nuclear strategists believe that it may cause Saudi Arab out of its security concerns to spend heavily on nuclear technology or advance for achieving its own nuclear capability in the near future as the threat of Iran building a nuclear bomb can never be ignored. On the Iranian side, this U-turn in Iran-US relations may persuade Iran to dilute its support for Assad regime in the Syrian Conflict and continue backing of Pro-Irani regime of Prime Minister Nouri-al-Maliki in Iraq. Thus, Iran would have more dominant role in the regional politics as a strategic ally of USA and being more influential player than the past. In the context of South Asian region, Iran would play more active role in post-Nato withdrawal scenario. With the elections due in Afghanistan in next few months, Iran would favour a pro-Iranian democratic regime, as it has always opposed Al-Qaeda and Talibans. In order to balance out Indian,Pakistani, Chinese and Russian influence in Afghanistan, Iran is already involved in rehabilitation and reconstruction process in Afghanistan by high investments in field of media, education and civil society projects. The US extension of six months waiver to China, South Korea and India in exchange for reduction in their oil purchase from Iran earlier this year would

help increase in oil and gas trade with India and China. The deal may attract India to rejoin IPI project by putting aside its security, cost and payment issues. As far as Pakistan is concerned, the deal is a positive move in the light of its IP project. Pakistan demands a similar waiver as granted by US to other countries engaged in trade with Iran. Pakistan-Iran relations would improve and Pakistan would be more independent to engage with Iran in regional and bilateral issues. In short, Iran-US deal is a milestone in Iran-US relations and in the world nuclear history. It has brought prospects and challenges for Iran, US and the key players at both regional and global level. As there is nothing permanent in world politics, so in order to analyze the ultimate impact of this deal, one must keep his fingers crossed for the next six months to see its real consequences before a final agreementConclusionThis deal is a small, but necessary, first step towards a comprehensive nuclearagreement that would keep weapons out of Iran’s hands. Without a deal, the world is left with only two bad options: (1) a military strike that could set off a broader war in the Middle East; or (2) a nuclear-armed Iran, which might instigate a nuclear arms race in the most volatile region in the world. Neither of these outcomes are in our security interests. With this deal, the Administration is treading a delicate path to ensure American security and global stability.

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 water conflict between India and Pakistan in perspective of water management projects in Indian held Kashmir.

The partition of the South Asian Subcontinent on 14 August 1947 into the dominions of India and Pakistan gave birth to a host of problems, including that of the sharing of waters of the mighty Indus River System. The issue was of concern to Pakistan because the head works of the rivers that irrigated Pakistan’s Punjab province mostly went to the Indian side.

On 30 December 1947, Pakistan and India concluded a ‘Standstill Agreement’ for a three-month period under which Pakistan continued to receive water supply from the head works of Madhopur on River Ravi and Ferozepur on River Sutlej, the two tributaries of River Indus.

As the interim arrangement ended on 31 March 1948, the next day the Government of Indian Punjab stopped the supply of water to Pakistan from the Madhopur headwork, affecting, according to one estimate, 5.5% of Pakistan’s irrigated area.

Pakistan raised the issue at the Inter-Dominion Conference held on 3-4 May 1948. India dismissed Pakistan’s claim over water, from the head works on its side as a matter of right but agreed to release water as a provisional arrangement. It was thus abundantly clear that slowly and gradually the quantity of water would be reduced.

In 1951, David Lilienthal, who had formerly served as Chairman of the Tennessee Valley Authority and as Chairman of the US Atomic Energy Commission, undertook a research tour of Pakistan and India for writing a series of articles.

In one of his articles, he opined that it would be very beneficial for the region if the two countries cooperated to jointly develop and operate the Indus Basin river system. He further suggested that the World Bank might play its role in bringing India and Pakistan to agree on some plan to develop the Indus river system for mutual benefit.

President of the World Bank, Eugene Black, picked up the idea and offered his good offices to resolve the issue of water sharing between India and Pakistan. The two neighbors welcomed the initiative and after tough bargaining during the protracted negotiations that spread, over nine years arrived at the contours of the agreement.

Broad parameters thus settled the work of drafting began. Finally, in September 1960, President of Pakistan Field Marshall Mohammad Ayub Khan and Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru signed the Indus Water Treaty in Karachi.

Under the Indus Water Treaty:

1. Pakistan surrendered three eastern rivers, Ravi, Sutlej and Beas to India with some minor rights to Pakistan.2. Largely three western rivers namely Indus, Jhelum and Chenab remained with Pakistan.3. India was allowed to use water from the western rivers for irrigation of 642,000 acres of land that were already being irrigated from these rivers along with an entitlement to further irrigate 701,000 acres for crops.4. India was also given specified entitlement for ‘other’ storages, including, power and flood storages i.e., storages for non-consumptive purposes.5. Pakistan was to meet the requirements of its eastern river canals from the western rivers by constructing replacement works.6. Both parties are bound to, regularly exchange flow-data of rivers, canals and streams.7. A permanent Indus Water Commission, with one Commissioner from each side, was to be set up to resolve issues.8. The procedures were set out for settlement of ‘questions’ ‘differences’ and ‘disputes’ bilaterally and through neutral experts and International Court of Arbitration as the case might be.

Since Pakistan required considerable time to build necessary infrastructure to divert water from western rivers to eastern rivers and their canals on its side, India was to allow the ‘historic withdrawals’ on the part of Pakistan during the transitory period.

According to the Treaty, two dams (Mangla on River Jhelum and Tarbela on River Indus) were to be built. It also envisaged five barrages Marala and Qadirabad on River Chenab, Sidhnai on River Ravi, Rasul on River Jhelum, Chashma on River Indus and Mailsi on River Sutlej.

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Besides, one siphon and seven link canals (Rasul-Qadirabad on Rivers Jhelum-Chenab, Qadirabad-Balloki on Rivers Chenab-Ravi, Balloki-Suleimanki II and Sidhnai-Mailsi on Rivers Ravi-Sutlej, Chashma-Jhelum on Rivers Indus-Jhelum and Trimmu-Sidhnai on Rivers Indus-Ravi), to be constructed in Pakistan.

To meet the financial cost, India was to pay a fixed amount of US $ 62.060 million over a period of ten years. An international consortium pledged US $ 900 million. The World Bank was to administer The Indus Basin Development Fund.

The Indus Basin Project was completed despite all hurdles those included opposition and reservations from many quarters in Pakistan who felt that Pakistan’s rights as a lower riparian state had been compromised. This amounted to a successful resolution of a major dispute over the world’s largest, contiguous irrigation system with a command area of about 20 million hectares.

Although the Indus Water Treaty has been a remarkable success story, lately some projects undertaken by India in Occupied territory of Jammu and Kashmir – from where the western rivers flow into Pakistan – have become major irritants and raised serious concerns in Pakistan:

Wullar Barrage (The Tulbal Navigation Lock)

In 1985, India started construction of a barrage some 439 feet long and with a lock at the mouth of Wullar Lake, the largest fresh water Lake in Indian occupied, disputed and held territory.

Purportedly but not so innocently, the stated purpose of the barrage was to make possible navigation in 22km stretch between the towns of Sopore and Baramula, during the lean winter season by regulating the flow of River Jhelum.

Pakistan raised objection to this project and the construction work halted in 1987. Pakistan contends that India cannot store water in excess of 0.01 MAF as ‘incidental storage’ on River Jhelum.

Pakistan also apprehends that the Wullar Barrage may cause damage to its own project of linking Jhelum and Chenab with the Upper Bari Doab Canal. One important concern of Pakistan, which is extraneous to the Indus Water Treaty but squarely a security issue, is that in case of war between the two countries, India would take advantage from its ability to control the flow of water and make the crossing of the river easy or difficult according to strategic and tactical military requirement.

India, as usual, but erroneously contends that the Wullar Barrage would regulate the flow of water into Jhelum and control the floods. It would not reduce the overall quantum of water flow rather increase it during the lean winter season. All fair weather pretension and an obvious ruse, to get away with an extremely hurtful project to Pakistan.

The project’s impact, India asserts, would be beneficial to Mangla Dam in power generation and to Pakistan’s triple canal system due to regulated flow of water. The matter remains unresolved.

Kishanganga Project

Outrageously the Kishanganga Project the Indians hawk on the premise that it will ostensibly bring water from River Kishanganga to Wullar Lake, where a hydroelectric power station is proposed.

The project envisages construction of a channel and a tunnel for this purpose. Simultaneously to build a dam, near the place where River Kishanganga crosses the Line of Control to enter Pakistan-administered Kashmir, where it is known as Neelum.

Here Pakistan plans to construct 969 MW-capacity Neelum-Jhelum Power Plant with Chinese assistance. The Pakistani project is to going to be completed in 2017, due to delay in construction work. Pakistan is genuinely concerned and  fears that the Kishanganga Project would lead to a shortfall of water flow into Neelum, reducing its power generation by an estimated 9%.

The Indus Water Treaty does not bar any party from storing water for power generation as per entitlement. However, there is the principle of ‘prior appropriation’ enshrined in the Treaty.

India intends to complete the Kishanganga Project by 2016 to avail the opportunity of diverting Kishanganga’a water to Wullar Lake before Pakistan is able to invoke the provision of prior appropriation. India also claims that Pakistan need not worry because the water diverted by the Kishanganga Project would reach Pakistan through River Jhelum, no matter Neelum-Jhelum project suffers.

Baghlihar Dam

In 1999, India began construction work of 470-feet high, 317 meter wide Baghlihar Dam, also known as Baghlihar Hydroelectric Power Project, on River Chenab in Doda District of Indian occupied Kashmir. Although India called it a run-of-the-river project, the dam was to have a ‘pond age’ of 15 million cubic meters with submerged gate spillways.

Pakistan raised objection to the project design on the ground that the submerged gate spillways would enable India to increase the storage capacity of the reservoir and, if India desired, to halt the supply of water to Pakistan for more than three weeks during winter season.

Pakistan fears that it would lose between 7000 to 8000 cusecs of water per day for Rabi crops. Pakistan also sensed the danger of inundation of the area above Marala Head Works, if India released water simultaneously from Dulhasti, Baghlihar and Salal Dams into River Chenab.

Pakistan viewed the Baghlihar Project as another security risk, in times of tension or war, as India would be able to control the flow of water facilitating or hampering the movement of Indian/Pakistani troops according to its requirement.

After the Indus Water Commission failed to resolve the Baghlihar Dam issue, the matter was referred to the World Bank which acknowledged that the issue amounted to a ‘difference’ and appointed Professor Raymond Lafitte, a engineer from Switzerland, as the neutral expert to decide the matter.

On 12 February 2007, Lafitte gave his verdict directing India to reduce the capacity of ‘pond age’ by 13.5% and the height of the Dams’ structure by 1.5 meter. He also called for raising of power intake tunnels by 3 meters to reduce flow-control capability. Pakistan had reservations about the verdict but both India and Pakistan agreed to abide by it. The matter, it appears, stands closed.

It is heartening to see that during its recent visit to Pakistan to discuss Indus Water issues, the Indian delegation conceded that all “water disputes must be resolved within an agreed timeframe.”

Pakistan’s Indus Commissioner Syed Jamaat Ali Shah told the Indian delegation that reduction in supplies was jeopardizing the water transfer operation to eastern part of Pakistan. He also conveyed the message that Pakistan wanted India to take necessary steps if deforestation and environmental impact affected the river flow on its side.

G. Ranganathan, India’s Indus Commissioner, assured the Pakistani side that India was committed to the Indus Water Treaty and prepared to resolve all disputes in accordance with it.

However, he significantly stated that the current water reduction was the result of weather variations rather than any activity on the part of India. He added that India was, affected as much as Pakistan, due to water shortage in the Indus River system.

The above review of the projects that India has undertaken shows that apart from water-sharing, nevertheless, Pakistan’s primary concern is with the security risk they pose by granting India the capability of manipulating and withholding water supply to Pakistan in time of crisis, tension or war. Perhaps, Pakistan failed to foresee security dimensions of the Indus Water Treaty when it conceded certain rights and entitlements to India on the western rivers.

As far as the scarcity of water in Pakistan is concerned, apparently it has also to do with

1. Climatic changes2. Negligence and mismanagement of water resources by successive governments in Pakistan

The global warming has led to melting of the Himalayan glaciers and consequent depletion in the flow of water into the Indus River system. The trend is likely to continue with rising temperature. It is not that only agricultural sector, the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, is suffering; due to depleting water supply, there is reduced power-generation from the hydroelectric plants, having a devastating impact on the country’s industries too.

Pakistan has no control over the nature; however, it can improve the management of water resources. Pakistan needs to address the following problems on urgent basis:

1. The silting of dams and barrages is a continuous process. Due to heavy sediments carried by the rivers, Tarbela, Mangla and Chasma Dams have lost nearly 25%of their capacity.2. An estimated 40% of water that run through canals is lost because of seepage. The reason: the canal beds and banks are unlined, poorly lined or porous.3. Traditional and antiquated agricultural techniques lead to excessive loss of water.4. While water intensive varieties of crops, like sugarcane and rice, are cultivated. Optimum crop rotation is imperative but is not done effectively.

On 2 June 2008, Pakistan’s National Economic Council met under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and approved the development strategy based on the Medium Term Development Framework 2005-10.

The water sector part of the overall strategy concentrates on water augmentation, water conservation and effective use of water. It calls for the development of additional medium and large-size reservoirs with priority.

The water storages to be completed, by 2016 include Akhori Dam, Basha-Diamer Dam, Kalabagh Dam and Munda Dam. Simultaneously the ongoing projects such as raising the structures of Mangla Dam, Gomal Dam, Satpra Dam, Kurram Tangi Dam and Sabakzai Dam are also to be the top priority.

The Medium Term Development Framework 2005-10 also envisages a number of other measures, including reclamation of land from water logging and salinity, improvement of watercourses and ground-water management etc.

Last year, 20 different UN bodies had warned; “Water is linked to the crisis of climate change, energy and food supplies and prices, and troubled financial markets. . . . Unless their links with water are addressed and water crises around the world are resolved, these other crises may intensify and local water crises may worsen, converging into a global water crisis and leading to political insecurity and conflict at various levels.”

In a recent report, the United Nations has estimated that Pakistan’s water supply has dropped from about 5,000 cubic meters per person in the 1950s to about 1,420 cubic meters. Any further drop would seriously jeopardize economic growth and would be a health hazard.

Not withstanding Indus Basin Treaty, The need for effective international co-operation among riparian countries is greater now than ever before. The demand for water in all countries is escalating and increasingly the harmful effects of activities in upstream countries are being observed.

Over a third of the 200 international river basins, are not covered, by an international agreement; only some 30, including Pakistan and India, have co-operative institutional arrangements.

Clearly, efforts are needed to formulate and reach agreement on an international “code of conduct” or convention in the utilization of shared water basins so that the water needs of some countries are not undermined by irresponsible utilization of water resources by others. Improved international co-operation is also necessary regarding the transfer of knowledge and technology in the water resources field.

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses, 1998, sets the standard for all agreements involving the shared use of trans boundary water resources.

It specifically establishes the dual criteria of “equitable and reasonable utilization” of the water resources and the need to “exchange data and consult on the possible effects of planned measures on the condition” of the water resource. The U.N. Convention provides the overall framework for Trans boundary water sharing.

Indus Basin-A Failed Treaty

Neither country is satisfied with the Indus Water Treaty, and both are desperate for more water. Pakistani officials criticize it privately for being biased toward India and experts seek its renegotiation.

Indian scholar and writer PR Chari believes that “[n]egotiating an Indus Water Treaty 2 would be a huge Confidence Building Measure (CBM) as it would engage both countries in a regional economic integration process.”

Dr Robert G Wirsing, a member of the faculty of the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Hawaii and an expert on South Asian affairs, said in a lecture in Islamabad that the Treaty had inherent

weaknesses. “The solution to water disputes is heavily tied with the fate of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

“India’s intransigence on Chenab is being seen as a threat to Pakistan’s lifeline, and if India does not relent, the letter and spirit of the peace process plus the bonhomie with the new government in Islamabad would be undermined,” he told ISN Security Watch.

Pakistan is likely to be one of the hardest hit countries. It is yet to be seen, whether the government has the political will and financial resources to overcome the water crisis. Sooner we evolve our Water Goals the better. March 22, 2010 is World Water Day; we need to have an awareness campaign for Future Water vision for Pakistan.

Pakistan’s role in UN peace keeping missionsPakistan's commitment towards promoting international peace prosperity stems from the vision of its founding Father. "Our foreign policy is one of friendliness and goodwill towards all the nations of the world. We believe in the principle of honesty and fair play in national and international dealings and are prepared to make our utmost contribution to the promotion of peace and prosperity among the nations of the world. Pakistan will never be found lacking in extending its material and moral support to the oppressed and suppressed peoples of the world and in upholding the principles of United Nations Charter."

Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali JinnahFounder of Pakistan February 1948

Very since its creation, Pakistan has played a significant role as a member of the United Nations, in bringing peace through active diplomatic, moral and material support in various regions of the world. Today, Pakistan’s position as one of the largest troop contributing country in the world with one of the highest peacekeepers’ casualty figure, is testimony to its commitment and endeavours towards promoting the noble cause of global peace. It is not easy to achieve and promote peace in conflict ridden regions of the world. Regardless of the challenged, Pakistan Army has indeed been a “Catalyst for Peace” with a history replete with services to humanity and promoting collective security ----- a sine-qua-non for human prosperity.

                                               Pakistan celebrated “GOLDEN JUBILEE” of its contributions to UN peacekeeping in July 2011. Currently, 8252 troops of Pakistan Army are engaged in 7 different peace keeping missions across three continents; i.e. Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Darfur, Western Sahara, East Timor and Haiti. Our commitment to global peace remains unwavering and steadfast. The performance of Pakistani peacekeepers has been acknowledged worldwide by numerous world leaders and the UN leadership. An undisputed professional standing of Pakistani peacekeepers has made them the passion of every Special Representative of Secretary General and Force Commander in each of UN Peacekeeping Mission. 

RAWALPINDI: October 24 October will be celebrated as United Nations (UN) Day. Let’s not forget the role and sacrifices of Pakistan Army’s in Peacekeeping United Nations Missions all over the world. Pakistan’s commitment with UN for promoting international peace and prosperity stems from the vision of its Founding Father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Pakistan’s journey with UN Peacekeeping operations began in 1960 when it deployed its first ever contingent in United Nations Operations in Congo (ONUC).  Over the past 50 years, Pakistan has been the most significant and

consistent contributor to the UN Peacekeeping around the World.  Pakistani peacekeepers have left no stone unturned in the noble cause of helping humanity, building peace and bringing stability across the regions, under the banner of United Nations.  President Soekarno of Indonesia paid tribute to Pakistani troops deployed in West Irian in these words “It was because of Pakistani troops that Indonesia and Pakistan came close together, they were Pakistan’s best ambassadors”. Pakistan’s contribution to UN Peacekeeping has been as widely ranged as the varied cultural, geographical, political, and security conditions in which its troops had to operate.  Pakistan has contributed 1,44,711 troops till to-date in 41 Missions spread over 23 countries in almost all continents of the World. Pakistan has remained one of the largest Troops Contributing Countries consistently for many years. Presently, Pakistan is contributing 9149 all ranks (9.46% of total UN deployment) deployed in 7 different UN Missions. In pursuance of it’s commitment to the noble cause of international peace and tranquility, 131 Pakistani troops (10.24% of total UN fatalities) including 21 Officers have given the ultimate sacrifice in different UN Missions, almost an equal number have been wounded.  Presently, Pakistani peacekeepers are deployed in Congo, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Darfur, Western Sahara, East Timor and Haiti; helping human cause, bringing stability and promoting peace thus building a secure and peaceful world.  The performance of Pakistani peacekeepers has been acknowledged worldwide by numerous world leaders and the UN leadership. The undisputed high professional standing enjoyed by Pakistani peacekeepers has given them the honour of being one of the most desired body of troops in each UN Peacekeeping Mission. Lakhdar Brahimi, Special Representative of the Secretary General for Haitai had remarked “Yours was the most difficult area with a history of militant activities and local feuds. The others, before you had probably 4 or 5 times more troops and had difficulty controlling the situation. The PAKBAT’s performance was consistently impeccable and earned admiration of everyone, Haitian and foreigners alike”.  Pakistan’s contribution to this shared vision of global peace is manifested in shape of the best that Pakistan Military has to offer in terms of discipline and training. The Pakistani contingent for the UN Assistance Mission in Sierra Leone (1999-2005) has been cited by the UN Peacekeeping Headquarters as a “Role Model for all UN Missions”. Our troops deployed in UN missions are continuously engaged in tasks like protection of civilians, providing health care and medical facilities, building roads and infrastructure, assisting in conduct of elections and providing logistics and aviation support. Pakistani contingents played a significant role in normalizing the war torn regions and countries by maintaining law and order and overseeing successful transition of Governments through supervision of elections in Cambodia, East Timor, Haiti, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Sudan, Congo etc. Pakistani engineering troops not only undertook and completed  cumbersome task of developing and reconstructing thousands of kilometers of communication infrastructure in Cambodia, Sudan, Darfur, Ivory Coast, Liberia etc, but also actively participated in demining operations in different missions like Kuwait, eastern Slovenia, etc. While paying tribute to Pakistani Troops, Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the UN thus acknowledged: “Your soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the world peace and the United Nations.  I salute this record of global idealism because I believe it reflects a determination among the Pakistani people to serve the world”.   - See more at: http://khybernews.tv/newsDetails.php?cat=2&key=MjE3NTQ=#sthash.a3HzjJju.dpuf

UN peacekeeping missions have 12% or more of Personnel from Pakistan Army.

Peacekeeping, as defined by the United Nations is a way to help countries torn by conflict creates conditions for sustainable peace. UN peacekeepers—soldiers and military officers, civilian police officers and civilian personnel from many countries—monitor and observe peace processes that emerge in post-conflict situations and assist ex-combatants in implementing the peace agreements they have signed.

Such assistance comes in many forms, including confidence-building measures, power-sharing arrangements, electoral support, strengthening the rule of law, and economic and social development. All operations must include the resolution of conflicts through the use of force to be considered valid under the charter of the United Nations.

UN peacekeeping missions involving Pakistan covers a long and cherished history of Pakistani involvement with the United Nations. Pakistan joined the United Nations on 30 September, 1947. Pakistan has been actively involved in most of the UN Peacekeeping missions and its specialized agencies and other bodies, as well as in various UN conferences.

Pakistan has been selected as a member of the Peace building Commission from the category of troop contributing countries. Pakistan looks forward to contributing to the work of the Peace-building Commission with its vast experience in peacekeeping and peace-building.

Significantly, Pakistan is the largest contributor of military personnel to UN operations for the last three years 2000s. Pakistan is also amongst the top providers of Civilian Police and Military Observers. The history of Pakistan Armed Forces commitment in peacekeeping can be traced back to 1960 when Pakistani soldiers became part of United Nations peacekeeping efforts in Congo.

With the expanded and renewed UN role, Pakistan has gradually become a forerunner in the worldwide peace efforts. The countries past contributions to various UN missions in form of contingents and observer groups include UN mission in Congo, 1960-64, UN Security Force in New Guinea West Irian, 1962-63, UN mission in Iraq-Kuwait in 1991-2003, UN Mission in Haiti, 1995-1998, UN Transitional Authority in Cambodia, 1992-195, UN Mission in Somalia, 1992-1995, UN Operation in Somalia, 1992-1995, UN Protection Forces in Bosnia,1992-1996, UN Transitional Administration for Easter Slovenia, 1996-2001, UN Assistance Mission in Sierra Leone, 2001-2005 and UN Mission in Brundi, 2004. The mission in Congo was established in August 2003.

Presently a total of approximately 10513 troops of Pakistan army and Police are part of UN missions around the globe, 250 in Haiti, 175 in Kosovo, 3,590 in Congo, 3,419 in Liberia, 1,580 in Sudan, 1,304 in Ivory Coast and 195 in East Timor. Army is full of numerous achievements on Peacekeeping missions around the globe.

The sacrifices and contributions of Pakistani troops speak of the commitment of the troops to peace across the globe and Pakistanis desire to see the principles of human dignity freedom and self-determination applied to all the people struggling to secure their inalienable basic human right.

Pakistan is providing approximately 12.25 per cent of its total number of troops for ongoing UN missions and current deployments include eight major peacekeeping missions. The UN has acknowledged the role and valuable contribution made by Pakistani contingents as part of Peacekeeping missions. In pursuance of the sacred cause for peacekeeping, 98 Pakistani peacekeepers have so far laid down their lives which are almost two men per year for achieving peace and forging tranquility in disturbed countries of the world.

In addition to that around 100 personnel were wounded. Pakistan started this mission by contributing a battalion group, comprising one infantry battalion and supporting elements. The mission was later expanded and Pakistan contributed an additional infantry brigade comprising three infantry battalions. Presently 3,582 troops of Pakistan Army are rendering valuable services there. In Liberia presently over 3391 troops of Pakistan are serving in blue beret.

The mission established in November 2003, consists of a sector headquarters, two infantry battalions, one infantry battalion as Quick Reaction Force, three engineer companies and a level II hospital. In Ivory Coast Pakistanis contingent with a total strength of 1,129 personnel consists of elements Transport Company, Engineers, Infantry Police Unit comprising 175 personnel. UN established its mission in Sudan in October 2005.

Pakistanis contingent consists of Sector Headquarters, an Infantry Battalion Group, two Aviation Units, one Transport Company, level-II Hospital, Engineer and de-mining company with a total strength of - 1,542 men. In Haiti presently Pakistan has two companies formed of police units, comprising 250 personnel. In Kosovo Pakistan has provided civilian Police Contingent comprising 115 personnel.

Its Headquarters in Pristine the mission in Kosovo was established in December 2006. In East Timor 195 personnel of formal police unit formed part of UN mission which was established in November 2004. Presently 129 Pakistani Military Observers and 63 Staff Officers are also deployed on 14 UN missions. These observers and staff officers are deployed in Congo, Sierra Leone, East Timor, Liberia, Georgia, Ivory Coast, Western Sahara, Kosovo, Sudan, UN Headquarters New York, Haiti, Ethiopia, Darfur and Brundi.

Pakistan told a committee of the General Assembly that it remains committed to the UN playing a central role in advancing the broad development agenda and in promoting a genuine and enhanced global partnership for development. Pakistan facing the twin challenge of ensuring sustained development in the wake of the multiple global economic crises, while responding effectively to the imperatives of climate change is particularly daunting.

Islamabad said; The global development scenario remains complex. We see an urgent imperative to close our ranks and redouble efforts to address the daunting development challenges that the world confronts today.

Pakistan has always been a strong proponent of UN in the development of an effective mechanism to monitor the implementation of agreed development goals and commitments. In this regard, a comprehensive matrix needs to be developed to assess the actions taken by all relevant actors – national governments, development partners, international institutions, civil society and the private sector.

The Peacekeeping operations will remain largely inadequate if not backed by equal efforts aimed at conflict resolution and post conflict peace-building; with a particular focus on conflict prevention, pacific settlement of disputes and addressing the underlying causes of conflict. Accordingly, a real interface of peacekeeping and peace-building through integrated missions and Peace-building Commission is essential for formulating the right exit strategies and laying down the foundations of sustainable peace and development.

Let’s not Forget Pakistan Army’s Sacrifices in Global Peacekeeping While Celebrating UN Day on October 24Posted on October 24, 201224 October will be celebrated as United Nations (UN) Day. Let’s not forget the role and sacrifices of Pakistan Army’s in Peacekeeping United Nations Missions all over the world, stated an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release today.

Pakistan’s commitment with UN for promoting international peace and prosperity stems from the vision of its Founding Father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Pakistan’s journey with UN Peacekeeping operations began in 1960 when it deployed its first ever contingent in United Nations Operations in Congo (ONUC).

Over the past 50 years, Pakistan has been the most significant and consistent contributor to the UN Peacekeeping around the World.  Pakistani peacekeepers have left no stone unturned in the noble cause of helping humanity, building peace and bringing stability across the regions, under the banner of United Nations.

President Soekarno of Indonesia paid tribute to Pakistani troops deployed in West Irian in these words “It was because of Pakistani troops that Indonesia and Pakistan came close together, they were Pakistan’s best ambassadors”.

Pakistan’s contribution to UN Peacekeeping has been as widely ranged as the varied cultural, geographical, political, and security conditions in which its troops had to operate.  Pakistan has contributed 1, 44,711 troops till to-date in 41 Missions spread over 23 countries in almost all continents of the World. Pakistan has remained one of the largest Troops Contributing Countries consistently for many years.

Presently, Pakistan is contributing 9149 all ranks (9.46% of total UN deployment) deployed in 7 different UN Missions. In pursuance of its commitment to the noble cause of international peace and tranquility, 131 Pakistani troops (10.24% of total UN fatalities) including 21 Officers have given the ultimate sacrifice in different UN Missions, almost an equal number have been wounded.

Presently, Pakistani peacekeepers are deployed in Congo, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Darfur, Western Sahara, East Timor and Haiti; helping human cause,

bringing stability and promoting peace thus building a secure and peaceful world.

The performance of Pakistani peacekeepers has been acknowledged worldwide by numerous world leaders and the UN leadership. The undisputed high professional standing enjoyed by Pakistani peacekeepers has given them the honour of being one of the most desired bodies of troops in each UN Peacekeeping Mission.

Lakhdar Brahimi, Special Representative of the Secretary General for Haitai had remarked “Yours was the most difficult area with a history of militant activities and local feuds. The others, before you had probably 4 or 5 times more troops and had difficulty controlling the situation. The PAKBAT’s performance was consistently impeccable and earned admiration of everyone, Haitian and foreigners alike”.

Pakistan’s contribution to this shared vision of global peace is manifested in shape of the best that Pakistan Military has to offer in terms of discipline and training. The Pakistani contingent for the UN Assistance Mission in Sierra Leone (1999-2005) has been cited by the UN Peacekeeping Headquarters as a “Role Model for all UN Missions”.

Our troops deployed in UN missions are continuously engaged in tasks like protection of civilians, providing health care and medical facilities, building roads and infrastructure, assisting in conduct of elections and providing logistics and aviation support. Pakistani contingents played a significant role in normalizing the war torn regions and countries by maintaining law and order and overseeing successful transition of Governments through supervision of elections in Cambodia, East Timor, Haiti, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Sudan, Congo etc.

Pakistani engineering troops not only undertook and completed  cumbersome task of developing and  reconstructing thousands of kilometers of communication infrastructure in Cambodia, Sudan, Darfur, Ivory Coast, Liberia etc., but also actively participated in demining operations in different missions like Kuwait, eastern Slovenia, etc.

While paying tribute to Pakistani Troops, Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the UN thus acknowledged: “Your soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the world peace and the United Nations.  I salute this record of global idealism because I believe it reflects a determination among the Pakistani people to serve the world”.

NEW YORK: United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday paid high tributes to Pakistani peacekeepers for their service under the UN flag in hot spots around the world, saying they had made ‘remarkable contribution’ in maintaining peace coupled with helping families and communities suffering from war.

“I have personally met brave Pakistani men and women who serve proudly in some of our toughest missions around the world. They are truly an inspiration,” the UN chief said at an exhibition of photographs celebrating more than 50 years of Pakistan’s participation in UN peacekeeping operations.

The exhibition followed a debate on UN peacekeeping in the Security Council convened by Pakistan, which hold the presidency of the 15-member body for the month of January. The photographs depicted Pakistani soldiers and civilian administrators hard at work- building peace and bringing development in conflict zones.

“This wonderful exhibition reminds us that peacekeeping is more than mandates and missions – it is our collective promise to help families and communities suffering from war,” Ban told a large gathering of heads of mission accredited to the United Nations, senior UN officials and journalists.

“This is what our nearly 94,000 uniformed peacekeepers do each day in 15 different missions on four continents,” the secretary-general said of the peacekeepers.“The world has great faith in these blue helmets. Countries are entrusting us with more and more challenging tasks. That is why we need highly trained and well-equipped personnel. We need more men – and especially more women – who can bravely go into dangerous situations to bring relief to civilians.”

Since its first deployment to Congo a half century ago, he said Pakistan had sent troops to 33 former missions. Today, almost 9,000 Pakistani uniformed personnel serve in six missions. “The United Nations is deeply grateful for their contributions,” the secretary-general said. “Pakistan’s historic commitment to peacekeeping has taken a heavy toll. One hundred and thirty-two Pakistanis have lost their lives while serving the UN. We owe them a great debt of gratitude.”

He narrated instances of Pakistani peacekeepers’ planning in saving lives in Congo, but singled out Shahzadi Gulfam, Lahore’s Deputy Superintendent of Police and Winner of the 2011 International Female Police Peacekeeper Award, for a special tribute amid warm applause.

“Ms Gulfam is an excellent example of Pakistan’s spirit of service – and she is a true global citizen,” the secretary-general said. “I hope many people will be inspired by her spirit…”

Earlier, Pakistan UN Ambassador Masood khan welcomed the guests, saying, “As we speak today, some 9,000 peacekeepers are serving in seven missions – in Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Darfur, East Timor, Haiti, and Western Sahara. In all these places, he Pakistan peacekeepers were holding the two flags high— of the United Nations and Pakistan.

The ambassador quoted Pakistan’s founding father, Quaid-i-Azam, as saying, “Pakistan will never be found lacking in … upholding the principles of the Charter”. He added,”Our peacekeepers fulfill that commitment of our Quaid”.

Pakistan Army’s Vice Chief of General Staff, General Mazhar Jamil, reaffirmed Pakistan’s support to UN peacekeeping for the maintenance of international peace and security. Gen. Jamil, who especially came from Pakistan participate in the event, read out a message from the Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani, saying, “Pakistan Army shall remain, as it has always been, a catalyst for peace to achieve the ideal of collective security; a sine-qua-non for human prosperity. “Our commitment to globa peace remains unwavering and steadfast.” Pakistan’s commitment towards promoting international peace stems from the vision of our Founding Father. Since its inception, Pakistan has played a significant role as a responsible member of the international community to help bring global peace through active diplomatic, moral and material support in various regions of the world”.

DSP Ms. Gulam, who became the star of the event after lavish praise heaped on her by the UN Secretary-General, said, “Working as peacekeeper made me realize that human suffering has no language and no caste or creed. It can be felt across the human hearts and minds even if they do not speak the same language or share the same religion. This experienced helped me immensely in my national duties as well.

“Pakistani women are serving in police and military with distinction. We have a strong women police force with separate women police stations. Women in our law-enforcement agencies have rendered memorable services and sacrifice, particularly in the fight against terrorism and extremism. This has enriched our experience, enhanced our capacities and made us more resilient. I hope that the UN will engage more women from Pakistan in peacekeeping duties. We will do a good job.” app

UN Hails Pakistan’s Leading Role in Peacekeeping OperationsWednesday, 14 August 2013, 10:05 amPress Release: UN News

UN Chief Hails Pakistan’s Leading Role in Peacekeeping Operations

New York, Aug 13 2013 - Visiting Pakistan on the eve of its Independence Day, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today hailed the country’s lead role in United Nations peacekeeping operations, while also addressing issues such as girls’ education and the use of drones.

Mr. Ban told an audience at the inauguration of the Centre for International Peace and Stability in Islamabad that he was overwhelmed with gratitude: “gratitude as the United Nations Secretary-General and gratitude as a global citizen for what Pakistan and her people have been doing for international peace and security.

“More than 100 countries contribute troops and police for United Nations peacekeeping missions. Pakistan is number one,” he stated, adding that is impossible to speak about the history of UN peacekeeping without highlighting the country’s contributions.

He noted that 8,000 of Pakistan’s men and women currently serve in complex and challenging missions, including Darfur, Haiti and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The new Centre, at the National University of Science and Technology, demonstrates Pakistan’s determination to be a force for peace by drawing on its experiences, sharing its knowledge and deepening its contribution, Mr. Ban said.

“Training is a strategic investment in peacekeeping and here you will build the skills in preparing peacekeepers to take on a new generation of challenges.”

The Secretary-General said the UN is also working to rise to these challenges, including through the use of new technologies to help in better implementing its mandates and to provide better security for its troops.

“Let me be clear that these new tools, such as unmanned unarmed aerial vehicles, are for information purposes only. They are essentially flying cameras,” he stated.

“But armed unmanned aerial vehicles are a different matter,” he continued. “As I have often and consistently said, the use of armed drones, like any other weapon, should be subject to long-standing rules of international law, including international humanitarian law.

“This is the very clear position of the United Nations. Every effort should be made to avoid mistakes and civilian casualties.”

While in the Pakistani capital, Mr. Ban also took part in an event at the Islamabad College for Girls to promote education, especially for girls and women.

“You and I have the same passion for education,” he told the audience, recalling that, as a young boy growing up in the Republic of Korea after the war, he had to struggle for his education, just as many young people did in Pakistan.

He also recalled the visit to the UN last month of Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani schoolgirl who was shot by the Taliban last year for attending classes and who is an advocate for the right to education.

“She is a famous student, but I said she is also a teacher. You are also not just students, but teachers. You can teach others about the value of education for your lives – and for the life of your country,” Mr. Ban stated.

“Be both students and teachers. Put education first. And be a global citizen.”

Tomorrow, the Secretary-General will have additional meetings with Pakistani leaders, including the Prime Minister and the President, and women parliamentarians. He will also attend part of Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations.

Energy Crisis In Pakistan:

Causes, Recommendations,IPPs Stance & Its Repercussions

IntroductionIn 1987, the Government of Pakistan (GOP) with the assistance of the World Bank formulated its long term strategy for development of the power sector in reliable power would spur economic growth. With energy demand growing at 12 percent and supply at 7 percent per annum. Load shedding was rampant with consequential output losses for industry and agriculture. It was estimated that the annual gap of 2000 MW of electricity cost the country approximately $1 billion per year in lost GDP. Electricity was available to only 40 percent of the population and per capita consumption of 404 kWh was only 4 percent of that in the United States and 24 percent of consumption in Malaysia.

IPPsPakistan had to catch up fast and the development of new capacity became the top priority, but the Government of Pakistan (GOP) lacked the funds for infrastructure development. Consequently, the private sector was invited to develop new generating

capacity. It was rationalised that the private sector would not only supplement public sector generation, it would also mobilise additional equity and debt resources and improve the efficiency in the energy sector.The new energy policy was implemented in a period of high political volatility in the early 1990s. The first Benazir Bhutto government (elected in 1988) was dismissed by President Ghulam Ishaq Khan in 1992. She was succeeded by Nawaz Sharif who initiated a number of free market reforms and also signed Pakistan’s first IPP contract for the largest power sector project with the Hub Power Company in1992. Disagreements with the President led to the dismissal of this government also, and an interim government was installed which held fresh elections in which the second Bhutto government was elected in November 1993. During its tenure, the Bhutto government signed a number of IPP contracts under the 1994 Power Policy and in June 1996, Pakistan’s first private sector power plant, the Hub Power Company (Hubco) came into operation.

Current SituationCurrently the situation Installed capacity is as following .a. Total installed capacity 20681 MWb. WAPDA hydel 6,555 MW (31%)c. WAPDA thermal power, 4829 MWd. RPPs 365 MWe. PAEC 665 MWf. IPPs 7644 MWCurrently Production is 11500 MW and Demand is 15500 MWAdditional quantity is not being produced due to lack fundsand circular debt problem.IPPs and Wapda owned plants also have lost efficiency now only producing 50% of full capacity and even less.Production of additional quantity will cause Govt to increase rates due to increase in thermal factor(variable costs of electricity produced by thermal varies between Rs 12 to 19,while by Hydel variable cost is less than Rs1).So the result is rampant load shedding, blow to agriculture and industry and high Social cost.

Impacts of IPPsImpacts of IPPs are both positive as well as negative, positive impacts include:a. Enhanced the capacity of power sectorb. Supported the economic activity from 2000 to 2007c. Provided a cushion time to built long term power projectsd. Provided vital support in short span of timeNegative impacts include:a. Bulk tariff ceiling instead of competitive bidding resulted in high tariffsb. Increase in Thermal component also contributed toward price hike ,i.e. 60%c. Lack of transparency in contracts as discussed earlierd. Since 2001 though it has supported eco activity but due to oil price hike and increase in thermal factor it has caused following problems :a) Higher power tariff causing inflation especially after 2005-2006b) Costly export goodse. Low performance by old plants has aggravated power shortagef. IPPs are not environment friendly and cause lot of pollution

Reasons for Power Deficit / Load Shedding

1. Lack of Adequate Investment after induction of IPPs – resultantly No Capacity Additions

during 2002-2008.2. No Worthwhile Foreign Investment, while there was reduced interest by Private Sector as well, despite solicitations3. As a Policy, Public Sector not allowed to add new capacity, fully banking on Private Sector, which showed limited interest4. Quantum Jump in Power Demand due to:ü Consumption led growth strategy of 2002-2008ü Unplanned Rural Electrification during 2002-20075. 8.53% Load Growth, even during the current international financial melt down.6. Extra high Load Growth in Urban Areas, which is more than 20% in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur, Multan, D.G. Khan, Faisalabad, Lahore, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi/Islamabad and Peshawar.7. Air-conditioning load in Pakistan is more than 5000 MW, while the average shortage is around 3000 MW.8. No major Hydel Plant due to lack of political consensus.9. Diversion of Gas by SNGPL & SSGC, resultant shift to Oil, jacking-up cost of production, loss and availability of generation upto 1,500 MW10. No tariff increase from FY 2003 to FY 2007, in spite of steep rise in Oil prices – resultant financial strangulation of Power Sector11. Non availability of Funds for development of Transmission & Distribution Infrastructure and rehab of GENCOs - resulting in system constraints12. Non-Bill Payment and Kunda Culture in major parts of the country hardened over the last one decade13. Extreme lack of political and administrative support from Provincial Governments

Power Sector Issues

1. Poor Recoveries & Piling Receivables (up to Dec 2009)• HESCO 56% and receivables Rs.45 billion (Receivables from Govt. of Sindh Rs.20.8 billion)• PESCO 80% and receivables Rs.27 billion• KESC Rs.49 billion after adjustments2. Accumulated Circular Debt• Tariff artificially frozen during 2003-07 in spite of heavy dependence of oil and surge in its prices and increase of cost of service• Insufficient provision of tariff differential subsidy• Non-payment by KESC, FATA and Provincial Govts.3. Measures to address the Circular Debt Issue by the present Govt.• DEBTCO established to assume loans of Power Companies (Rs.216 bln)• Issuance of TFCs (Rs.85 bln) to clear FATA arrears• Subsidy duly budgeted.• FATA dues duly budgeted• NEPRA Act amended.• Difference between cost of supply and tariff programmed to be bridged through:• Tariff increase in shape of Monthly Fuel Price Adjustment• Quarterly Tariff Determinations4. ELECTRICITY GENERATION BY FUEL (excluding KESC)a. From 2006-2007 = 18% by oil, 38% by Hydro, 41% by Gas, 3% by others.b. From 2009-2010 = 37% by oil, 38% by Hydro, 22% by Gas, 3% by others.c. World Average = 5.8% by oil, 16% by Hydro, 20.1% by Gas, 41% by coal, 14.8% by nuclear, 3% by others.

5. CONSUMER MIX & CONSUMPTION PATTERN (excludes KESC) JUL 09-DEC 09a. 7% commercial, 24% Industrial, 15% Agriculture, 48% Domestic, 6% others.b. World Average Industrial Consumption is 42%c. Customers PEPCO: 19.1 million and KESC: 2.0 million6. Oil Handling Infrastructure• Present oil requirements is 30,000 ton per day, whereas on the average 24,000 ton oil had been supplied• With new rentals and other thermal plants, this is going to increase further.• Additional infrastructure and arrangements are required to be made by Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources.• PSO to expedite acceptance of TPS Muzaffargarh Oil Farm (263,000 MTN) as mid-country strategic reserves7. Uncertainty of Oil Prices· Volatility in the oil prices directly affecting the viability and affordability of the sector.8. Investment Required for Development of Indigenous Resources• Heavy Capital requirement for development of Indigenous resources of Hydro, Coal and Renewable9. Legal Issues• The Electricity Act nor supports the Sector legally to force recovery nor helps curb illegal abstraction of energy.• Draft Energy Conservation Act of 2009 is devoid of any penalties for non complianceBoth Need change – Drafts ready with PEPCO10. Corporate Governance• Non Professional Management for over 10 years• Human Resource depletion forced by non professional management• Capacity Issues in every sub sector and activity• Lack of political support in non-performing DISCOs• Capacity building of all stakeholders, specially NEPRA required11. Security Issues• Security situation negatively affecting Foreign Investment in the Sector

Key Recommendations and Way Forward

1) Demand Supply Position• Demand will continue to grow by about 8%• Immediate capacity additions required2) Supply Side and Demand Side Measures• Government guarantee and financial support is required to install matching capacity in Public Sector otherwise load shedding will persist in view of lack of private sector appetite for investment3) Cost of Service & Affordability effect• For financial sustainability, full cost of service needs to be effected, which may increase the tariff• The affordability issue needs to be addressed by targeted subsidies4) Recoveries• Political and active Provincial Governmental support is required to help effect recovery of outstanding dues, especially in HESCO, PESCO & QESCO• At source deduction be allowed to effect recovery of outstanding dues from Provincial Govts and KESC5) Efficiency Improvement and Theft Control

• Political and active Provincial Governmental support is needed to control theft in HESCO, PESCO & QESCO• Electricity Act & Conservation Act need to be amended to include penalty clauses on theft and energy wastage6) Allocation of additional gas• Immediate allocation of additional gas of 350 mmcfd be made to Power Sector.• If not done, the sustainability of Power Sector and affordability will be jeopardized• Availability of gas can save the day7) Policies• Strategy to overcome the power crisis should be supported by the set of policy measures• Joint Session of Parliament be summoned to discuss energy crisis and how get out of it.

Energy Crisis In Pakistan(Nadeem Israr, Karachi)

Self-sufficiency in energy is the assurance to excel any country’s economy. According to an international analysis, the oil and gas reserves will be finished into the second half of this current century. For that reason, to attain self-sufficiency, alternative energy resources are being explored. There are 929 billion tons approx. coal reserves available in the world whose 40% is used to produce the electricity. As per an estimation, third biggest coal reserve of 185 billion ton exists in Pakistan which is equivalent to 400 billion barrels of oil. In other words, our coal reserves are equivalent to Saudi Arab and Iran’s combined oil reserves.

As per research, $50 per barrel price gives the value of our coal reserve as high as $30 trillion which goes to 187 times high as compared to current GDP of Pakistan. Current government has taken appropriate actions to produce the electricity from Thar coal and other resources during the three to five coming years. Recently, Sindh Government has contracted with a multi-national firm and work has been started to produce the 1000 mega watt electricity from the coal.

These power generating projects will save huge foreign currency which is spent on the import of oil. The second largest oil producing country Iran too is producing electricity from coal. China, in this time is producing 75% electricity with coal and is ready to help us produce electricity with coal. The strong lobby of multi-national oil companies didn’t let the plans of generating the electricity from wind and coal come into being.

 In world level, the share of electric produced by the gas is 19% while in Pakistan 45%, nuclear energy’s share in world total energy is 16% while in Pakistan only 2%, hydro-generated electricity’s share into the world’s total energy share is 16% but in Pakistan 3.3% and from oil in world only 7% but in Pakistan is 16%. Poland and Germany produce the electricity more than 80% from coal. Likewise, South Africa 93%, India 78.3%, Australia 77%, China 72%, Germany 52%, America 49%, Denmark 47.3% and UK 32.9% produce the energy from coal. Pakistan produces only 200 mega watt from coal which is 7% of total energy production while the energy produced by coal should be up to 25%.

An important and natural resource of alternative energy is wind. Minimum 13 kilometer per hour wind blowing is supposed to be sufficient. By luck, we have the points for the production of wind energy which is available into the coastal areas of Karachi, Thatta, Jiwani and Baluchistan’s coastal belt and other areas situated into northern areas and

Azad Kashmir. This time from wind Germany 18000 mega watt, USA 7000 mega watt, and Spain 8000 mega watt are producing the energy. 

Wind energy is of importance as it does not create any environmental pollution at all. Solar energy is one of the cheapest and important way to produce the energy. As per scientists, the energy received from the sun in one hour is more than the whole world’s total produced energy in a year. As per analysis if only half percent of desert land is used for solar energy it would cater the energy demand for this entire world. Pakistan has much potential for solar energy because Pakistan is receiving 19 mega joules per square meter in a year through which 90% of rural area can be provided the electricity. 

Like wise, geysers run by solar energy can reduce the demand of natural gas in the northern areas. Nuclear energy is also a cheap resource to attain the electricity. We are producing only 462 mega watt electricity from nuclear resources which is only 2% of our energy production by alternative resources. In the contrary, in the world 16% electricity is being produced by nuclear energy. Our natural gas reserves are finishing rapidly so therefore, it is necessary that electricity be produced by alternative resources and dependency over the natural gas could be lessened. If just 50% of alternative resources available in Pakistan is used so we can export the additional energy to neighbor states. No doubt self-sufficiency in energy is the first key in attaining the country-wide economical and social development.

Causes of Energy Crisis in Pakistan:-

Pakistan is facing energy crisis due to the failure of previous governments to create new projects for the growing demand of electricity. Following are the major reasons of energy problems in Pakistan:

Spontaneously growing demand of electricity due to the following factors:-

a. Rapidly increase in population.

b. Improvement in the living standards of people.c. Industrial development and expansion of houses.d. Rapidly increase in transportation on a daily basis.e. Lack of planning for the energy generation projects. 

Pakistan has already developed many projects for the electricity needs but they are not enough to fulfil the whole electricity demand of Pakistan. Currently Pakistan’s energy demand is 20,000 MW against the production of 11,500 MW, therefore due to this imbalanced presents in supply and demand the problems of Pakistan are growing rapidly.

In Pakistan the mixture of resources used for the electricity regeneration are also imbalanced as compared to other countries. Pakistan too much depends on the non-renewable energy sources for electricity production. The price of crude oil in international market changes on a daily basis, which creates the destabilization in the electricity generation expenditures of Pakistan. The increase in the prices of fuels affects everything and is purely responsible for every problem of Pakistan.

Pakistan’s energy production resources mixture should be depend more on renewable energy sources like Hydro power, Coal, wind and solar energy. Non-utilization of these natural resources is the one of a soul reason of the problems of Pakistan.If you like my work and wanted to read my other articles then visit my homepage.

Failure in AfPak: How the U.S. Got It Wrong

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Stephen Cohen | July 15, 2011

The United States has failed to get South Asia right.In India, the U.S. was caught off guard by New Delhi's refusal to revise legislation that would have permitted American firms to bid on projects in the immense nuclear market. This was followed by an Indian decision to exclude two American companies from the $10 billion competition for a multi-role combat aircraft. Both developments were crushing disappointments to those who had expected these deals to be the capstone of a new strategic partnership.

In Pakistan, the United States tracked down and killed Osama bin Laden without help from the government. Despite repeated denials, this "non-NATO" ally had been hosting Osama bin Laden for years in a small city notable for its military installations. The jury is out on Islamabad's exact role, but either of the two likely scenarios—a benign inability to capture, or active protection—casts doubt on the value of a decade of almost unconditional American inducements and support.

In Afghanistan, almost ten years after vanquishing the Taliban, there is still confusion about strategy. Should we continue with our counterinsurgency efforts, or move on to a more limited counterterrorism strategy? We still have no idea what role Pakistan will play in Afghanistan's future, let alone India, which already has a large economic role there. Reducing our assistance to Pakistan, as announced last week, may put additional pressure on Islamabad to perform, but it is just another isolated measure with few prospects of having any long-term effect.

There are several reasons why American policies towards India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan have gone awry. One is that the United States lacks a clear conceptual understanding of what it calls "Af-Pak." Additionally, Washington is sub-optimally

organized to think strategically and coherently about the area. Both of these insufficiencies are rooted in a wrong "theory of the region" which has led the United States into serial blunders.

For many decades, American policy towards India and Pakistan was derived from a Cold War framework. India was incorrectly seen as a Soviet ally just as Pakistan's reliability as an American ally was misjudged. This was a costly mistake because it not only neglected our overlapping interests with India, it ignored Pakistan's ability to exploit US tolerance as it covertly built nuclear weapons and nurtured a terrorist network that now poses a major threat to itself, India and the world.

Then, even as our Cold War imperatives started to wind down, we failed to prevent both countries from entering into a nuclear arms race and never confronted the one country—China—that was singularly responsible for Pakistan's proliferation. The United States was thereafter unable to stop Islamabad from turning into the world's nuclear ATM machine. At the same time, even while creating an exception for Israel, America dogmatically argued that the universal and treaty-bound approach to nonproliferation was the only way and scoffed at Indian efforts to manage proliferation regionally.

Finally, after 9/11 and the onset of the global war on terror, we hived off Pakistan from India and tried to de-hyphenate the two states, treating them as if they had no relations with each other except for the occasional crisis. This ignored a variety of historical, cultural and geostrategic imperatives that do tie the two states together, and it intensified our inability to take coherent decisions regarding the South Asian region.

These perceptional failures were compounded by faulty government organization. For example, the institutional setup in the military commands and the Defense Department perpetuate the India-Pakistan divide; the State Department is fragmented between the office of the Special Representative for Af-Pak and its South Asia bureau; and the White House has different reporting and decision lines for India and Pakistan.

The rise of India as a major power, the decline and possibly failure of Pakistan, increasing Chinese influence, and an unstable Afghanistan where we are entangled in a costly war cannot be managed without major organizational reform—including the creation of a new combatant command for South Asia and the Indian Ocean.

Organizational reform is a necessary but not sufficient adjustment. The United States also needs to correct course on three fronts.

More broadly, in the case of India, Washington must moderate expectations: New Delhi will not evolve into its new ally in Asia, like Japan. Our alliance with Pakistan will continue to stimulate Indian defense acquisitions from other suppliers—including Russia and Europe—as New Delhi will never want to rely on us to service their American equipment in case of a new conflict with Pakistan. The same reasoning applies to the 2008 nuclear cooperation deal: it improved relations, but did not make India an ally. New Delhi has a deep commitment to strategic autonomy, as indicated by its insistent use of the moderating prefix "natural" to describe its US relationship. In the end, India got what it needed from Washington, including recognition of its nuclear weapons program and support for its permanent membership on the United Nations' Security Council, at little or no cost.

America's Pakistan policy too needs to move from wishful thinking to a more strategic use ofboth carrots and sticks. American officials—civilian and military—persistently fool themselves by subscribing to the Pakistani definition of the relationship as suffering from a "trust deficit." Trust will come only if we (and Pakistan) can verify that the agreements entered into are being fulfilled. And it is not only Pakistan that has engaged in subterfuge; for example, by insisting on carrying out drone attacks in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and by privileging the army as its main interlocutor in the country, the United States has often intensified the asymmetry in civil-military relations and undermined the progress toward full democracy. On the other hand, sheer trust without verification led to chronic Pakistani non-compliance, and from Pakistan's military point of view, an American failure to deliver as promised. It is already an asymmetrical relationship. The new US-Indian strategic alliance (even though still more

symbolic than real), the failure of the Pakistan aid program to show results, and unilateral American military actions threaten to rupture the relationship entirely.America also needs a fundamental course correction in Afghanistan. This policy now is based on the wrong assumption that this is a nation-building project that can succeed within the framework of a counterinsurgency strategy. This narrow view has neglected Afghanistan's broader geopolitical context, including the vital roles of Pakistan, Iran, Russia, China and India. This is why we are now reaping the harvest of an insistence on doing it alone. At the same time, we can no longer ignore that any acceptable solution for Afghanistan depends on a secure and supportive Pakistan, which, in turn, also depends on a stable South Asia and the normalization of India-Pakistan relations.

India is a friend, but not an ally. Pakistan is an ally, but not a friend. Afghanistan is everyone's problem. To pursue its interests in these three states, America needs to approach the region holistically, both in conceptual and organizational terms. With a new crew manning key positions on the ship of state, this is the best opportunity for a course correction.

Legal case for dams

THE recently issued Kishanganga arbitration award has again proved what I have been saying all along: that by invoking the dispute resolution mechanism of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), Pakistan cannot halt India from undertaking various upstream hydroelectric projects and it needs to bilaterally take up this matter. In this regard, certain observations in the award are actually quite helpful and Pakistan must make use of them.

But let’s be clear. We can blame India’s conduct as an upper riparian state only up to a point for our water issues. What of our own conduct and responsibilities as a lower riparian state? Lamentably, we have been wasting our water resources with almost criminal. 

In fact, what Indian scholars highlight in my interaction with them at international conferences is that Pakistan must share responsibility for the wastage of water on its territory as its people and successive governments have failed to undertake effective measures for the storage of water or its more constructive utilisation. 

Under international law, a positive obligation to not inflict unreasonable harm on the lower riparian state restricts the sovereignty of the upper riparian state. However, while the upper riparian is almost like a trustee for the lower riparian and must therefore adopt suitable measures to preserve the catchment areas, its failure to do so does not absolve the lower riparian from its independent obligation to manage water flowing through its territories so as to ensure both equitable and reasonable utilisation of shared water resources.

Crucially thus, the optimal management of water through means such as storage facilities and dams remains the equal responsibility of a lower riparian state like Pakistan. 

Moreover, international law binds Pakistan to better manage its territorial water resources in order to secure the right to water of its citizens under Articles 11 and 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which Pakistan ratified in 2008. Failure to give effect to our obligations under the ICESCR may now have consequences of its own in the context of recently granted GSP Plus status by the European Union. 

Given this legal framework, the provinces ought to appropriately approach the matter of management of rain and floodwater as well as of construction of dams in the light of Pakistan’s legal compulsion under international water law. Importantly, a possible failure to reach consensus on the Kalabagh dam should not prevent the federal government and the provinces from planning and undertaking an extensive programme of construction of several other dams in order to fulfil Pakistan’s international legal obligations.

Presently, under the water accord of 1991, the provinces remain focused on the agreed upon water flows while completely ignoring Article 6 of the accord which states that “the need for storages, wherever feasible on the Indus and other rivers was admitted and recognised by the participants for planned future agricultural development”. Thus far, the provinces have planned no water storage pursuant to Article 6. Significantly, this noncompliance by provinces also hinders the federation from fully performing its international law obligations.

Since provinces are subsets of the federation, they are also bound by international law obligations. Therefore, irrespective of Article 6, the upper riparian province has a responsibility to let flow the water while the lower riparian province has the responsibility to preserve and make storages to avoid wastage of water resources.

In addition to the construction of dams for efficient management of water resources, international customary water law also mandates Pakistan to preserve water during floods and rains. At present, no provincial plan for the management of floodwaters exists. In this regard, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah of the Lahore High Court penned a highly illuminating judicial inquiry tribunal report in 2010 extensively detailing the reasons and causes of floods. The report also highlights the critical role of dams in water

management and recommends construction of several dams. The lower riparian provinces ought to seriously implement the report’s recommendations. 

The Kishanganga Award must be assessed holistically in the light of the above context. If, as the lower riparian state, Pakistan had taken an early initiative in the planning of Neelum-Jhelum, it would then have been able to persuade the International Court of Arbitration to allow more flow of water into Pakistan.

Although this delay has been costly for Pakistan, it also reinforces the importance of fulfilling our obligations of managing and conserving water resources as a lower riparian state.

I am afraid that the failure of the federal and provincial governments to plan for construction of dams and water reservoirs will legally and politically weaken our stance against India which is unabatedly constructing several more dams in a far smaller catchment area than ours.

Whereas India has built 63 large dams in its northern areas in the last 30 years, Pakistan has only built two large dams along the Indus passing through a stretch of over 2,000 kilometres on its territory. There is no question that we have been acting as an irresponsible lower riparian state. 

In the wake of greater provincial autonomy after the 18th Amendment to the Constitution, it is imperative that provinces demonstrate greater responsibility and resolve in managing the country’s water resources. Extensive plans for the management of Indus waters as well as flood and rain waters must be developed and initiated without any delay.

REASONS FOR ELECTRICITY CRISIS IN PAKISTAN

Today, Pakistan is faced with several challenges; electricity crisis being a primary concern. Our lives depend entirely on the usage of electricity. Everything from running household chores to therunning of the economy depends on electricity. Unfortunately, the country is facing a dearth of this invaluable commodity. Pakistan is faced with a18 hour electricity outage due to which there has been a sharp decline in business activities.The main causes of electricity crisis in Pakistan have been identified as circular debt, the insufficient capacity of electricity production and its distribution. Further, there are cheaper alternatives of electricity production. There is a need to explore the proposed alternatives rather than stick with the fossil fuel energy plants. The causes of acute shortage of electricity in Pakistan are:1. Lack of Energy Conservation Program: Wastage of energy is a serious problem and if this is kept in check, then this problem can be controlled to quite an extent. Currently, the elite class is consuming maximum energy even with prior knowledge and understanding. When we talk about high rate of illiteracy and the masses not paying heed to its proper and careful usage. However, what we see is that the elite class is using it for its luxury. The need of the hour is energy conservation programs.2.Cost of Fuel: The high cost of fuel i.e. the price of crude has increased from $40 to

$140 a barrel. This obscene rise in cost means that the thermal source of production is resulting in exorbitant prices.3. As WAPDA and KESC procure energy on high cost, hence, they will sell it at a higher price too. The viable solution is to increase the energy cost. The government will need to monitor the theft of electricity and Monopoly:WAPDA and KESC have a monopoly in this business. The private sector should be given the permission to install power plant. Through this way rates will be decided on a competitive basis and moreover constant power supply will be ensured.4. Coal Usage: Pakistan is blessed with abundant amount of coal. This alternative to use cola for power generation will prove feasible in the long run. Plus it will cater to the ever increasing demand make sure it doesn’t prevail.

"""Iran nuclear deal – past and prospects"""

it is of paramount significance to view the recent Iran’s Nuclear deal as an agreement signed not between the US and Iran alone, but among the (P5+1) members of the Security Council; US, UK, France, Russia and China and Germany. Here is an agreement reached between Iran and the most influential global actors. This might open new vistas of economic prosperity for the resource-rich Iran and the powerful international actors. For one, Iran never had trade ties with the US, since the Islamic Revolution took place in 1979. Second, the currency employed for international transactions by Iran is not dollar, but Euro. At the time of writing this article, the US and UK declare the withdrawal of support to the Syrian rebels stranded in Lebanon. A number of reasons have been adduced for this move, the most important one being the blatant violation of human rights in Syria perpetrated by the rebels. This is clearly good news for Iran and its only ally in the Arab world, Syria.Obama after assuming presidency in January 2009 employed diplomatic channels to engage Iran. The frequent rounds of talks had borne little fruit in the past, and reaching such a deal was nothing short of far-fetched idealism.It is important to note that Iran’s vociferous condemnation of nuclear armaments to the extent of being ‘forbidden’ by the verdict of the Supreme Leader has always been taken with a pinch of salt. Interestingly Yukia Amano, the US backed head of the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) in an interview was categorical in his doubts about Iran’s nuclear programme, yet he crisply stated: ‘Despite all unanswered questions, we cannot say that Iran is pursuing a nuclear programme’. Hence it cannot be ascertained that Iran is opting for anything close to building nuclear arsenal.The deal unravels a fact hitherto unexplored that no matter how much the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be averse to claim, it stands with Israel in its initial objections and ‘warnings’ against such a deal. Both Saudi Arabia and Israel stood at equal wavelength. As much as the Arab bloc comprising the Salafi majority hoped for the talks between Iran and the world’s most powerful sextet of states, ending in a fiasco, so that their dream to further browbeat Iran could be realized, subsequently paving way for bringing down Bashar al-Assad. The case is quite otherwise. The deal has been struck where Iran agrees to freeze its nuclear program in exchange of limited ease in sanctions.Thus, the call for joining the nuclear talks by Saudi Arabia and Qatar was vehemently turned down by the Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson, Marzieh Afkham as ‘irrelevant’, as reported in Tehran Times. Alaeddin Borouujerdi the chairman of Majlis, Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission downrightly rejected the presence of the GCC Arab states in the talks. Likewise Israel has also been isolated. Robert fisk has termed this deal as a ‘Shia’ victory. Whether this deal has sectarian undertones will be judged in future, but the Syrian conflict makes it amply clear that if there had been a military strike against Syria; the world would have witnessed more strife and unrest involving countries on sectarian grounds; the array of Arab states posed against it.This is not to forget that the Iranian population, especially the youth are proud of their endeavours on the nuclear front despite hostility and estrangement meted out by the international community. Iran emerged resilient and fared well with the program, which it claims was always meant for ‘peaceful’ ends. According to the agreement there is no further expansion of nuclear facilities, as well as no dismantling of the existing facilities.

The Supreme leader’s role has been under discussion with regards to the Geneva Agreement Novermber 24, 2013. Firstly, whether Rouhani is deemed as a ‘moderate’ or his predecessor, Ahmedinejad as a ‘hardliner’, it certainly makes no difference, as this is how the West chooses to see. In Iran however, Rouhani is termed as a young ‘Hashemi Rafsanjani’. The current diplomacy is a sequel to the practices of the past. The Supreme Leader has always accentuated the need for negotiations between Iran and the international community. This was also prioritized by Ahmedinejad, although with no tangible results. For example, the single centrifuge demanded in 2004 for enrichment of Uranium, (a prerequisite for radio medicines, whereas 5 percent was required to meet the demands for energy), such as electricity, was not allowed by the then international powers.The result is, today when the deal has been struck, Iran owns 12000 such facilities! Looking into the decision-making faculty of the Supreme leader, history testifies that the said leadership does not translate its writ into dictatorial moves. Its first step is towards educating the masses on the country’s national interests. For example, when the supreme leadership rested with Imam Khomeini, Bani Sadr was allowed to contest the elections, the votes of the public respected and democratically, he became the first elected President of Iran, despite being from an opposite party.The second phase of the deal would be more important following the six months time. The US government marched ahead with the deal despite fierce opposition posed by the Congress. This will be the time when the role of the US government will be placed under scrutiny. In Iran, the role of the Supreme Leader would be central in determining the national interests. For Pakistan, one hopes that the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project precipitates into pragmatic action although the US has thrown the hint that despite entering a deal with Iran, its stance on Pak-Iran gas pipeline remains the same, i.e disparaging to put it laconically. Pakistan will have to thwart the evil of ‘jehadists’ in the bud. These so-called self-appointed Jehadists have assumed the proportion of a front-line force, and will have to be curbed with an iron fist as their very existence is not amenable to China and Iran, our good-faith neighbours.

‘""Pak-India trade may cross $25bn’"""

The trade volume between Pakistan and India, which is currently around $2.5 billion, may cross $25 billion in the next ten years, traders from Pakistan and India estimate.

During a visit to Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, President, Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI), Surat-India, Kamlesh Yagnik said that increased trade between the two countries will automatically improve political relations and help resolve prevailing issues.

A delegation of Indian traders is on visit of Karachi, holding business to business meeting with the local traders.

Kamlesh Yagnik has emphasise that trade bodies of India and Pakistan should approach their respective governments, asking them to carry out trade between the two countries in local currency instead of dollar. He also underlined the need of a uniformed import duties structure.

Yagnik said that the business community in India was unaware of regulations and import export policies of Pakistan and give emphasis to frequent dissemination of trade and investment information between the two countries.

Referring to trade between the two countries, he said that the two neighbouring countries should not mix trade with other issues between the two countries and business community should be allowed to carry on business without any hurdles.

Kamlesh Yagnik said that at present trade between the two countries was being carried out in three ways; formal way, circular trade and through smuggling.

He said that trade carried out through circular (trade through third country) and smuggling should be discouraged and only direct trade be encouraged.

He pointed out that trade between the two countries which is just around 2 billion dollars can be increase to 25 billion dollars in 10 years with little efforts.

He said that the Non-tariff Barriers (NTBs) are one of the major hurdles impeding trade growth adversely. These impediments must be removed on priority bases, he urged.

He said that business community of both India and Pakistan wanted to normalise relations between the two countries and increase trade and investment.

A senior businessmen leader and former President of KCCI, Siraj Kasam Teli said people and business communities of both the countries desired that issues whatever they are should be resolved on priority basis.

They (people) want to visit each other country to see relatives and do business, he added.

President KCCI Amir Abdullah Zaki emphasised the need of resolving visa issue, developing of infrastructure, establishing banking channel, frequent exchange of trade delegations and participating in each other exhibitions.

Zaki said that during last one decades business communities of both the countries have learned a lot and eager to improve trade relations.

He expressed the hope that both the counters would be able to move forward faster to improve bilateral trade.

“India and Pakistan must resolve their political disputes through dialogue or any other means but should immediately move forward for ensuring better life for their masses who had so far only witnessed poverty and illiteracy and non-existence of medical and health facilities. Trade is the only way to bring people close in different sectors on both sides,” Younus Bashir, Chairman Site Association of Trade and Industry said.

India granted Pakistan MFN status in the mid-1990s, but Pakistan declined to reciprocate despite its WTO obligations. Both countries are members of WTO. Last year Pakistan finally decided to live up to one of its most important obligations under that treaty: granting Most Favoured Nation status to India which has been approved unanimously by the federal cabinet.

“It does not make sense that India’s trade with Pakistan is at such a low level whereas with its other neighbours, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, it is much more,” Younus Bashir added.

He further said that tremendous opportunities exist for Punjab (Pakistan)-to-Punjab (India) cooperation. “I see clear opportunity available as agriculture and food processing is one area in which both sides could benefit. Best practices of pharmaceutical and textile sectors could also be shared.”

According to him, Indian imports from Pakistan “are just 0.12 percent of its total imports while Pakistan’s imports from India are 6 percent of the total imports. There is a need that imports by India from Pakistan should be increased” to 2 percent from the current level.

Younus stressed the need for removing non-tariff barriers and sensitive lists under the South Asia Free Trade Area (Safta) and urged India to treat Pakistan the same way it was treating Bangladesh and Sri Lanka under the agreement.

“Accepting the reality of cultural and geographical divide between the two countries, both must forward and the potential of the two countries should be converted into an opportunity,” he said.

He also highlighted the missing link of rail route as both countries should utilise their respective train infrastructure for the promotion of bilateral trade. Similarly, he said, cargo trains may also be started to reduce the C&F cost.

Pakistan could take advantage of the oil refinery facilities established in the Indian Punjab, while India could be dependent on gas pipelines coming from Iran and Turkmenistan.

“Currently business communities of the two countries are working via third country financial services - Middle East - increasing the cost of doing business,” he said.

he corruption declines, good sign for the government:

By Khurshid Ahmad

It is downed but not died yet the corruption perception in the country has little changed positively. Pakistan now stands at 127th position among 177 countries of the world, the Transparency international reports.

The better performance may be because of the proactive role played by the apex court of Pakistan which halted or at least paused for while the burgeoning corruption in the country. The entire departments are infected with corruption. The corrupt officials are deliberately creating hurdles which costs billion of rupees to the national exchequer. The amount corruption, according to the former NAB chief, stands around Rs 8 billion per day. Last year Pakistan was declared 33rd most corrupt country in the world.

The previous government of Pakistan Peoples Party allegedly made records in corruptions. No efforts were spared at official level to get the country rid of the corruption which deprived majority of people of their basic rights. Last year the figures brought into light by the Transparency International were alarming. The data reveals that during previous regime, the corruption of Rs 12.60 trillion was reported in different sectors. The yearly figures were Rs 2.52 trillion equivalent to $28 billion approximately. The amount is substantial because the country begs for even smaller amount from international donor countries and agencies. If the amount embezzled in public sector utilized in right manner it may have changed the fate of the nation.

The Corruption Perceptions Index 2013 serves as a reminder that the abuse of power, secret dealings and bribery continue to ravage societies around the world. The world urgently needs a renewed effort to crack down on money laundering, clean up political finance, pursue the return of stolen assets and build more transparent public institutions.

One of the main reason of the burgeoning corruption in Pakistan is the absence of rule of law in the form of good governance. The only institution that is playing active role in the elimination of corruption is the supreme court of Pakistan which is the only hope for the deprived people of country, Thanks to the apex court country was able to recoup handsome amount of money from different plunderers. The rental power plant case is the prime example.

Bribery is the most common form of corruption being practiced in Pakistan. No government department does even legal work that concerns general public without taking bribe in form of cash or gifts etc.

The corruption stories that emerge from Pakistan and make headlines abroad are not only the word of mouth. The former chief of government's anti-corruption arm National

Accountability Bureau NAB had created much uproar when he pinpointed that the level of corruption in country per day stands at around Rs 8 billion.

Nawaz Sharif has made revival of economy his priority but so far the clear future direction is missing. The corrupt officials are still busy in making money illegally. Stern action with good intention is needed to get the bureaucracy rid of corrupt elements. The Corruption Perceptions Index 2013 is good sign and it is up to the incumbent government to improve country's image in coming days, the current perception should not be short lived.

Corruption is like termites that eat the body from within but the outer parts remain intact. The country is being hollowed from within by increasing corruption, public infrastructure leaping towards total collapse. The only way out of this situation is to equate the corruption with the treason and dealt accordingly because the impacts of both are fatal. Pakistan’s current major problems have stemmed from the corruption that needs to be addressed seriously rather than condoning it.

he corruption declines, good sign for the government:

By Khurshid Ahmad

It is downed but not died yet the corruption perception in the country has little changed positively. Pakistan now stands at 127th position among 177 countries of the world, the Transparency international reports.

The better performance may be because of the proactive role played by the apex court of Pakistan which halted or at least paused for while the burgeoning corruption in the country. The entire departments are infected with corruption. The corrupt officials are deliberately creating hurdles which costs billion of rupees to the national exchequer. The amount corruption, according to the former NAB chief, stands around Rs 8 billion per day. Last year Pakistan was declared 33rd most corrupt country in the world.

The previous government of Pakistan Peoples Party allegedly made records in corruptions. No efforts were spared at official level to get the country rid of the corruption which deprived majority of people of their basic rights. Last year the figures brought into light by the Transparency International were alarming. The data reveals that during previous regime, the corruption of Rs 12.60 trillion was reported in different sectors. The yearly figures were Rs 2.52 trillion equivalent to $28 billion approximately. The amount is substantial because the country begs for even smaller amount from international donor countries and agencies. If the amount embezzled in public sector utilized in right manner it may have changed the fate of the nation.

The Corruption Perceptions Index 2013 serves as a reminder that the abuse of power, secret dealings and bribery continue to ravage societies around the world. The world urgently needs a renewed effort to crack down on money laundering, clean up political finance, pursue the return of stolen assets and build more transparent public institutions.

One of the main reason of the burgeoning corruption in Pakistan is the absence of rule of law in the form of good governance. The only institution that is playing active role in the elimination of corruption is the supreme court of Pakistan which is the only hope for the deprived people of country, Thanks to the apex court country was able to recoup handsome amount of money from different plunderers. The rental power plant case is the prime example.

Bribery is the most common form of corruption being practiced in Pakistan. No government department does even legal work that concerns general public without taking bribe in form of cash or gifts etc.

The corruption stories that emerge from Pakistan and make headlines abroad are not only the word of mouth. The former chief of government's anti-corruption arm National Accountability Bureau NAB had created much uproar when he pinpointed that the level of corruption in country per day stands at around Rs 8 billion.

Nawaz Sharif has made revival of economy his priority but so far the clear future direction is missing. The corrupt officials are still busy in making money illegally. Stern action with good intention is needed to get the bureaucracy rid of corrupt elements. The Corruption Perceptions Index 2013 is good sign and it is up to the incumbent government to improve country's image in coming days, the current perception should not be short lived.

Corruption is like termites that eat the body from within but the outer parts remain intact. The country is being hollowed from within by increasing corruption, public infrastructure leaping towards total collapse. The only way out of this situation is to equate the corruption with the treason and dealt accordingly because the impacts of both are fatal. Pakistan’s current major problems have stemmed from the corrPakistan’s Energy CrisisEnergy shortages are hobbling the economy and contributing to unrest. But the country has options.By Shabbir H. KazmiAugust 31, 2013 29

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Pakistan is in the midst of one of the worst energy crises in its history. This is both slowing the pace of economic activity and causing public unrest with prolonged outages of electricity and gas. Capacity utilization in some key industries has fallen to nearly 50 percent. Worst affected is the fertilizer industry, which faces interruptions to its gas supply and forced closures. Pakistan has the capacity to produce more than one million tons in exportable surplus urea, yet in 2011-12 it imported more than 1.1 million tons. This eroded the country’s foreign exchange reserves and effectively entailed the payment of millions of dollars in subsidies, being the difference between the cost of locally produced and imported urea. Pakistan urgently needs to make some strategic decisions and change the national energy mix.

Immediately after assuming power, the government of Nawaz Sharif came up with two policy decisions: pay half a trillion rupees (just under $5 billion) to energy companies and announce a new power policy. Both steps are aimed at resolving problems plaguing the companies belonging to the energy chain and bringing change to Pakistan’s energy mix to optimize the average cost of electricity generation.

Pakistan’s government paid Rs260 billion in cash to independent power plants (IPPs) to clear outstanding debt. It also issued bonds to pay off liabilities pertaining to state-owned companies such as exploration and production firms and oil and gas marketing entities. After clearing the

debt of the IPPs, it was expected that they would be able to generate 1,700MW in additional electricity, attenuating the shortfall that currently exceeds 6,000MW. The situation is likely to improve over time.

According to the available data, at present installed power generation capacity in Pakistan is estimated to about 22,500MW (excluding the Karachi Energy Supply Company, more on which below), but actual power generation hovers around 15,000MW, partly because of outdated and inefficient power plants and partly because of a cash crunch, which often does not permit power plants to operate at optimum capacity because of the inability to buy the required furnace oil. This could be best understood when one looks at the available data on power plants operating in the public sector, which have an installed capacity of over 4,800MW but actual generation hovering around 1,200MW.

At present, the bulk of electricity supply comes from hydroelectric plants (6,500MW) and IPPs (6,500MW). The output of the hydro plants is dependent on water availability in the dams, and can fall to as low as 2,500MW when water levels drop drastically. And as we have seen, IPP output is limited by money problems.

Pakistan’s woes have been exacerbated by its excessive reliance on thermal power plants, mainly using furnace oil. Two factors contributed to the emergence of this situation: a change in lenders from the public to private sector, and Pakistan’s failure to complete a hydroelectric project in recent decades. The last mega dam, Tarbella, was completed in the mid seventies and no other dam has been constructed since. After the signing of the Indus Water Treaty with India, Pakistan was required to complete construction of one mega-size hydroelectricity plant per decade to ensure year-round availability of low cost electricity and irrigation water.

Of Pakistan’s 6,500MW hydro capacity, the bulk is contributed by three projects: Mangla, Tarbella and Ghazi Brotha. There are nearly two dozen IPPs, but the major players are Hub Power Company, Kot Addu Power Company and Uch Power Plant. Pakistan also has three nuclear power plants, two in Punjab and one in Karachian, with aggregate capacity of over 800MW. However, the Karachi plant is at the end of its effective life and its capacity cannot be termed “dependable.”

Unlike the rest of Pakistan, Karachi gets its electricity from a compact utility, Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC), which handles generation, transmission and distribution. The bulk of its generation comes from the Bin Qasim Power Plant, which has an installed capacity of 1,260MW. Another 500MW comes from smaller units. Since privatization, KESC has added another 500WM capacity at Bin Qasim but its output has remained erratic because of the inconsistent supply of gas.

uption that needs to be addressed seriously rather than condoning it.

Why Is Character Important?Character is important for many reasons. When weshow positive character traits:• we get along better with one another• we show care and support for others• we share and take turns when playing• we stay safe• we show respect for others• we are respected by others• we respect ourselves• we are trusted by others• we follow rules at home and in school• we are more likely to be treated well by othersThese are only a few of the many reasons whyshowing positive character traits is important. Feelfree to share some of your own with your class orgroup. Also consider asking group members whythey believe character is important.

Suez canal was constructed in what year? 1869 Killer Mountain? Nanga Parbat PPP was estd in? 1967 Deepest Ocean? Pacific Quetta Mashad bus service started by Musharaf under vision 2050 started

in? 2008 Ultra vires means? Beyond Powers Status Quo means? Present Condition Persona Grata means? Acceptable Person

1. Suez canal was constructed in?2.Largest concrete dam in the world is?3.Soft drinks contain ?4.Largest internet using country in the world?5.What does Viva Voce mean?6.What does AD Hoc stands for?7.What does status quo mean?8.Pakistan peoples party was formulated in?9.The killer mountain is?10.Sahara desert is located?11.First mobile inventor company was?12.Musharraf started bus service in Quetta in?13.Persona fata stands for?14.In camera means?15.Deepest ocean of the world is?16.Ultra vires mean?17. Largest landlocked country is?18.Length of Khyber pass? Ad hoc For a specific purpose 2.largest landlocked country Kazakistan .3.19th August in national day of Afghanistan .4.In Camera means ( through secret way ) 5.Mobile inventor ( Martin cooper ) belongs to Motorrola .6. Thar is subtropical ?

1)Suez Canal was constructed in Nov, 1869.

(The Suez Canal is an artificial waterway in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. Opened in November 1869 after 10 years of construction work. Its construction began on 25 April, 1859 and completed in Nov, 1869. The canal is 193.30 km (120.11 mi) long, 24 m (79 ft) deep and 205 meters (673 ft) wide).

2) The deepest ocean in the world is Pacific Ocean.

The Pacific Ocean is the largest and the deepest of the Earth's oceanic divisions. It extends from the Arctic in the north to the Southern Ocean (or, depending on definition, to Antarctica) in the south, bounded by Asia and Australia in the west, and the Americas in the east.

3The largest Internet Using Country in the world is China.(in term of users, not penetration). 2nd US, 3rd India, 4th Japan, 5th Brazil and Pakistan is on 27th.

4)The largest concrete dam in the word is Itaipu Dam.

What is a Concrete Dam? A concrete dam is a structure designed and built for the purpose of holding back water, that is usually placed across the path of a river. Dams are built for a variety of reasons, including flood control, power generation, and water management. A concrete dam is the strongest type of dam built in modern times and may take several forms. Concrete itself is a building material made from water, cement, sand and gravel, or aggregate.In modern times, nearly every dam is made either partially or entirely from concrete.The ItaipuDam is a hydroelectric dam on the Paraná River located on the border between Brazil and Paraguay. The name "Itaipu" was taken from an isle that existed near the construction site.

5)Viva Voce means:adjective(Especially of an examination) oral rather than written."a viva voce examination"adverborally rather than in writing."we had better discuss this viva voce"nounan oral examination, typically for an academic qualification."Candidates may be called for a viva voce"

6) Ad Hoc means: (Latin phrase) created or done for a particular purpose as necessary.

7) In Camera is a legal term that means in private. 

8) Status Quo is a Latin term meaning the existing state of affairs.

9) Persona Grata is a person, especially a diplomat, acceptable to certain others.

10) Ultra vires. Latin phrase means beyond one's legal power or authority.

11) The Killer Mountain is Nanga Parbat. Nanga Parbat is the second highest mountain peak of Pakistan and is the ninth highest mountain of world. It is located in hamalay mountain range. The name Nanga Parbat which means “Naked Mountain” is derived from sanskrit language. It is 8,126 metres (26,660 ft)high .

12) The largest landlocked country is Kazkhstan. ( 2nd Mongolia,3rd Chad,3rd Niger,4th Mali,5th Ethiopia). Kazakhstan is the world's largest landlocked country by land

area and the ninth largest country in the world; its territory of 2,727,300 square kilometers. Astana is its capital.

13) National Day of Afghanistan is 19 August.Afghan Independence Day is celebrated in Afghanistan on 19 August to commemorate the Anglo-Afghan Treaty of 1919.[1] The treaty granted complete independence from Britain; although Afghanistan was never a part of the British Empire. The British fought three wars with Afghanistan.

14) PPP was established in 1967.Pakistan People's Party (commonly referred to as PPP) is a centre-left,progressive, and social democratic political party in Pakistan. Affiliated with the Socialist International,[6] its political philosophy and position, in the country's political spectrum, is considered centre-left. Since its foundation in 1967, it had been a major and influential political force in the country and its party's leadership has been dominated by the members of the Bhutto-Zardari family.[7] Its centre of gravity lies in the southern province of Sindh.

15) Length of Khyber Pass is 53 km.(33 miles). It connects Peshawar with Kabul.The KhyberPass (altitude:1,070 mor 3,510 ft) is a mountain pass connecting Afghanistanand Pakistan, cutting through the northeastern part of the Spin Ghar mountains. An integral part of the ancient Silk Road, it is one of the oldest known passes in the world. Throughout history it has been an important trade route between Central Asia andSouth Asia and a strategic military location. The summit of the pass is 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) inside Pakistan at Landi Kotal.

16) The first mobile inventor belongs to Motorola.

Inventor: Martin "Marty" Cooper is an American pioneer and visionary in the wireless communications industry. With eleven patents in the field, he is recognized as an innovator in radio spectrum management. Motorola: an American multinational[5] telecommunications company based in Schaumburg, Illinois.

17) Thar Desert is Subtropical. It is the world's 18th largest subtropical desert. 

18) Sahara Desert is in North Africa. The Sahara is the world's hottest desert, and the third largest desert after Antarctica and the Arctic. At over 9,400,000 square kilometres, it covers most of North Africa, making it almost as large as China or the United States.

19) Quetta Mashad Bus Service was started by Musharaf under vision 2050 in 2008. Between Quetta and Mashad- City of Iran.

20) Soft Drink contains CO2( Carbon di-oxide)__________________