FARUKH SHEHZAD

By Khalid TaimurAkram

The advanced mechanism in international relations has been going through a profound transformation and evolutionary development.

New regionalism or regionalization has emerged as a significant trend in international affairs.

Now, countries have deepened cooperation among other states and region.Along with the explicit benefits these processes bring, fundamental pillars of the new regionalism are institutions and organizations that provide integrated platforms.

It builds qualitatively modern forms of interactions.The interdependence of markets exerts reciprocal influence on the dynamics of economic processes in various regions and strengthens trade relationships. In this aspect, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is aninclusive model for extensive collaboration.

It is a front runner and substantially increasesthe socio-economic development of Asia Pacific regional countries while enhancing multilateral cooperation.

Apart from the regional economic, social and cultural development, ASEAN has an ambitious agenda to promote regional peace and stability by adhering to justice and the rule of law in the inter-state relationships.

In its more than 40 years of history, ASEAN has steadily progressed in internal economic integration.

In 2003, the ASEAN leaders established an ASEAN integrated community comprising three pillars: security community, economic community, and socio-cultural community.

In this aspect, it can be seen that the ASEAN countries are inclined towards resolving their internal disputes, combating Non-Traditional Security (NTS) threats vis-à-vis cooperation under the ASEAN framework, and contributing to the stability of the Asia Pacific region.

Therefore, the paper explains the intra-ASEAN cooperative patterns and highlights the profound developments in recent times.

The study also provides aprofound analysis of thesocio-economic and political structure of ASEAN.

The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC): A Robust Intra-StateFramework

ASEAN is amid three major pillars, i.e., political security community, economic community, and socio-cultural community. The ASEAN Economic Community(AEC)focusedon wider economic integration.In 2015, its establishment paved the way for implementing its blueprint in recent times.

The primary AEC goals incorporatemultiple sectoral dimensions.  There are various transformative mechanisms of ASEAN’s economic integration that are interconnected.

AEC is an ‘’FTA-Plus’’ economic integration, and it targets the level of market integration, similar to those of the Economic Partnership Agreement. Thus, it is highly praised for its integration and steady development process.  

The broader vision of AEC2025 aims to participate in the global value chainand attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Furthermore, it can be evaluated as a successful model of broader association among different countries.

ASEAN envisions AEC2025 as a great achievement towards hybrid alignment in the economic framework. Moreover, it has been perceived that itsenhanced collaboration withsectoral cooperation, resilient structure, and people-centered communityassociated with the global economy would result in a boon for all parties involved.

It has five majortenants and multiple key features that are beingcomprehensively described in the table below:

The Intra-State ASEAN’s framework details mentioned abovereflect that these countriesare likely to gaineconomic benefit from FTA in future and further foster collaborative measures vis-à-vis reinvigorating financial stability, maintaining investment flows, technology transfer, reducing intra-regional transactions costs to doing business, and supporting policy reform.

Moreover, it is also expected that the ASEAN's new member states would also maximizelucrative outcomes from the socio-economic integration projects in the region and beyond.

The broader regional arrangements will help ASEAN countries overcome the conflictby adhering toneeded reforms whileassisting in information sharing for conflict resolution and crisis management.

Flexible Paradigm of ASEAN and Regional Integration Theory

The origins of regional integration theory can be traced back to Viner's study in 1950. His workformulated a structure for analyzing the effect of creating trade &customs union or regional/international organizations for regulating the governments.

The pillars of the regional integration theory amid broader economic aspects. It seeks to explain the establishment of regional or international organizations.

In this aspect, the theory also answers the major question ofhow regional organizations expand their targets, competencies, and members? and what impact they have on states and societies in their regions? ASEAN is a supranational body that has transnational corporations and interest groups encouraged by the integration process.

Therefore, the ASEAN framework can be seen through the prism of the regional integration theory of international relations.

The wider association enables a variety of ripple impactsand path-dependencies that takeconnectivity beyond the regional confines. ASEAN covers the establishment and progress of supranational policies.

The member states promote beneficiaries of socio-economic progress. In this aspect, the wider integration has remained successful because of several reasons:

a.       Robust interstate trade/commerce strategies

b.      Durable liberalization policies while setting high goals

c.       The significant role of the FDI companies

d.      Promotion of trade with countries outside the ASEAN region

e.       Efforts to curtail intra-regional disparities

f.        Upgrading and developing the transportation infrastructure

Indonesia’s Substantial Role in Fostering Intra-ASEAN Socio-Economic Structure

Indonesia is the major economic power in the ASEAN region. Moreover, it has played a pivotal role as a mediator between other ASEAN-states in resolving their disputes.  Within ASEAN, Indonesia enjoys aleading position. 

Pakistan has the status of Sectoral Dialogue Partner (SDP) in ASEAN.  Indonesia has been helping Pakistan to attain the status of a full dialogue partner in the organization. The relationship between Indonesia and Pakistan has marked significant progress in recent times. 

The valuable asset of the relation is that the ASEAN countries are convinced of Pakistan’s sincere intentions to engage fruitfully with the region. In this aspect, ASEAN-Pakistan Joint Sectoral Committee works effectively to seek deeper association with the Asia Pacific and ASEAN countries.

Presently, China’s engagement with ASEAN has increased manifold. Both are linked via multilateral frameworks, institutional involvements, constructive engagements, and aid programs. Moreover, the ASEAN countries are directly part of the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) and Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) projects.

Therefore, the full inclusion of China as a member state in ASEAN would be beneficial for the region and all parties involved.

The writer of this article is Khalid TaimurAkram, Executive Director, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad

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WASHINGTON, JUN 8: The United States continues to focus on Pakistan for a military base in the region, although some American officials believe the negotiations have reached an impasse for now, The New York Times reported on Monday.

The US intelligence agency CIA did use a base in Pakistan to launch drone strikes against militants but “was kicked out of the facility in 2011, when US relations with Pakistan unraveled,” the report adds.

“Some American officials (told the newspaper) that negotiations with Pakistan had reached an impasse for now. Others have said the option remains on the table and a deal is possible,” the report explains.

According to NYT, William J. Burns, the CIA director, recently made an unannounced visit to Islamabad to meet the chief of the Pakistani military and the head of the directorate of Inter-Services Intelligence. US Defence Secretary Lloyd J. Austin also has had frequent calls with the Pakistani military chief about getting the country’s help for future US operations in Afghanistan.

Mr Burns did not bring up the base issue during his trip to Pakistan as the visit focused on broader counterterrorism cooperation but “some of Mr Austin’s discussions have been more direct,” the report adds.

Analysing Pakistan’s reluctance in offering a base to the US, the report notes that “the government in Islamabad is unlikely to sign off on any US strikes against the Taliban that are launched from a base in Pakistan.”

Yet, “some American officials believe Pakistan wants to allow US access to a base if it can control how it is used,” the report adds while pointing out that “public opinion in the country has been strongly against any renewed presence by the United States.”

The report also quotes from Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s speech in the parliament last month, saying that “no US base will be allowed by Prime Minister Imran Khan so long he is in power”.

The report points out that the CIA used the Shamsi air base in Balochistan to carry out hundreds of drone strikes during a surge that began in 2008. The strikes focused primarily on suspected Al Qaeda operatives in Pakistan’s mountainous tribal areas, but they also crossed the border into Afghanistan.

The report notes that Pakistan’s government “refused to publicly acknowledge that it was allowing the CIA operations and “will want to proceed cautiously” with a new relationship.

The report claims that in discussions with American officials, “the Pakistanis have demanded a variety of restrictions in exchange for the use of a base in the country, and they have effectively required that they sign off on any targets that either the CIA or the military would want to hit inside Afghanistan.”

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COURTESY DAWN NEWS

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ISLAMABAD, JUN 7: AAA Associates, a leading Group of Companies, officially condemn the violent protest in Bahria Town, Karachi, in which the miscreants targeted public property.

AAA Associates offered condolences to the residence and business community of Bahria Town Karachi over the loss of their property.

The protestors set several shops and vehicles ablaze, terrorizing the local residence and business community of Bahria Town.

Due to COVID-19 Pandemic, when world economies suffer a backlash, Pakistan’s real estate sector has been showing promising growth and a progressive trajectory.

The Pakistan real estate sector is worth anywhere between $300 to $400 billion according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.

These violent acts will harm Pakistan's booming real estate sector just as it has started showing positive signs of investments and become one of the leading sectors in the country's GDP growth.

AAA Associates has demanded that Government and Law enforcement Authorities take strict action against the perpetrators, compensate the damages after evaluation and provide total security to the residence and business community of Bahria Town in all cities.

There is a need to devise a security plan to avoid such incidents in the future, as they adversely impact the investment opportunities in the Real estate industry and discourage investors from injecting capital into this sector.

AAA Associates Managing Director Lt. Col Shahzad Ali Kiani (Retd) shared his thoughts on the incident, “At this crucial time when real estate has picked up the pace, and we are witnessing tremendous growth in the real estate industry, such violent incidents will take us to the back foot and hurt the confidence of Investors.

Government and Law-enforcement agencies must ensure the safety and security of the residence and business community that play a pivotal role in developing the real estate sector as an important player in the national building process and bringing our GDP at par with Developed Nations of the world”. 

AAA Associates Chairman Mr. Shiekh Fawad Bashir expressed sympathy to the residence and business community over their losses by saying, "We felt insecure after this incident which has exposed lawlessness at a provincial level.

We demand the Local Government to compensate them and ensure this incident must be handled at the highest levels.

AAA Associates has always stood side by side with our business community in a time of need. We take every step to protect their rights in all forms.

We are committed to building the country’s economy by creating fair investment opportunities and boosting the real estate sector."

AAA Associates has proven to be an important player and a driving force in the Real Estate industry in Pakistan, offering state-of-the-art leisure facilities, unique architectural structure, customized investment plans, and solutions for diverse clients, ranging from small to large investors.

They are a trendsetter in offering integrated single-source solutions for all real estate needs.

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ISLAMABAD, JUN 7: MATSUDA Kuninori, the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan on Monday expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives in a tragic train accident in the district of Ghotki, Sindh, leaving scores of people dead and injured.

In his condolence message, the Ambassador conveyed his heartfelt grief and sympathies to the bereaved families and wished for a speedy recovery of the injured.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the government, the people of Pakistan, and the families of those who have lost their dear ones in the tragic train accident. Please accept our deepest condolences, and we wish for a quick recovery of the injured”, said the Ambassador.

The Ambassador prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls and wished for the bereaving families to bear this irreparable loss with fortitude and equanimity.

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GHOTKI, JUN 7: At least 40 people were killed while approximately 100 others were injured on Monday after two passenger trains collided near Daharki, a city located in the Ghotki district of upper Sindh, according to officials.

According to a spokesperson for Pakistan Railways (PR), the accident took place around 03:30am after a Millat Express train — headed from Karachi to Sargodha — derailed and fell across the "down track". Due to this, it collided with a Sir Syed Express train coming from Rawalpindi, he said, adding that the incident took place near the Raiti railway station.

"The Millat Express train left Daharki station at 03:28am. Information was received at 03:43am that the train had derailed at 03:38am. Meanwhile, the Sir Syed Express train passed through Raiti at 03:38am. As the coaches of the derailed train were infringing the down track, the driver tried to apply emergency brakes but the locomotive hit the infringing coaches at 03:38am," a PR statement said.

As a result of this accident, six coaches of Millat Express were derailed and five coaches overturned, while two coaches of the Sir Syed Express train were derailed and three overturned, it added, stating that 31 people had been killed while more than 100 had been injured.

The PR spokesperson said a relief train had been dispatched from Rohri while officials, along with police and the local administration, were carrying out rescue efforts. He said that helpline centres have been set up for passengers in Karachi, Sukkur, Faisalabad and Rawalpindi.

He further said that some of the passengers from the Sir Syed Express train have been taken to the Sadiqabad railway station. "Railway traffic would be restored when tracks are cleared," he added.

In a statement, the Pakistan Railways Directorate confirmed the number of deaths and injuries, adding that a relief train from Sukkur had reached the site. "Pakistan Army troops, police, the district administration and rescue workers took part in the rescue operation," the statement said.

The process of shifting the injured and the deceased to hospitals has been completed, it said, adding that giving medical attention to the injured was of the utmost priority.

Restoring railway traffic is also a priority, it said, adding that officials had reached the scene to investigate the incident. "Federal Railways Minister Azam Khan Swati will personally oversee the completion of an initial inquiry," it said.

According to reports, the incident has paralysed railway traffic across the country. An information desk has been set up at the Hyderabad railway station for passengers. Railway traffic remains suspended till 2pm on both up and down country tracks.

Earlier, Ghotki SSP Umar Tufail said between 15 to 20 passengers were still trapped in the wreckage of the Millat Express train and authorities are trying to arrange heavy machinery to rescue those people who are crying for help, .

He said that the death toll is likely to rise as one of the bogies is still stuck in the wreckage. "The Pakistan Railways relief train has not yet reached the spot from Rohri," he said. He feared once this bogie is cleared the number of dead could rise as it is the main bogie in the entire train, adding that 31 bodies had been retrieved from the wreckage.

Ghotki Deputy Commissioner Usman Abdullah said at least 30 people had been killed while 50 others had been injured in the incident. However, officials were facing difficulty in rescuing citizens as the bogies had overturned, he said, adding that the death toll could increase.

Speaking to Geo News, the deputy commissioner said that 13 to 14 bogies had derailed in the incident while six to eight were "completely destroyed". He said that citizens that were still trapped were a "challenge" for rescue officials.

He said that a relief train had departed from Rohri, adding that the local administration and rescue teams were present on the site of the accident. However, the official refused to give a timeframe for the rescue operation.

"This is a challenging task. It will take time to use heavy machinery to free citizens [still trapped]," he said. He said that an emergency had been declared in the district and all doctors and paramedical staff had been put on call.

"We are also establishing a medical camp to provide medical aid to citizens," he said.

'Horrific accident'

Speaking to Dawn.com, an official from chief controller in Karachi said: "It's a tragedy. We can't do anything. The time difference between the departures of the two trains is hardly 10 minutes or so."

The spot where the tragedy occurred is around 6km to 7km short of Punjab province inside Sindh region.

Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has taken notice of the incident and expressed grief over the lives lost. Speaking to the Sukkur Commissioner over the phone, he directed him to mobilise the district administration. "Machinery should be arranged to rescue passengers that are still stuck," he said.

Arrangements should also be made at nearby hospitals to treat those that have been injured, he said. He also directed the official to arrange temporary accommodation and food for the passengers. "An information system should be set up so that citizens can get accurate information," he said.

Prime Minister Imran Khan said he was "shocked by the horrific train accident".

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GHOTKI, JUN 7: At least 30 people were killed while 50 others were injured after two passenger trains collided near Dharki, a city located in the Ghotki District of upper Sindh, on Monday morning.

According to a spokesperson for the railways department, the accident took place after a Millat Express train — headed from Karachi to Sargodha — derailed and shifted to the "down track". Due to this, it collided with a Sir Syed Express train coming from Rawalpindi, he said, adding that the incident took place near the Raiti railway station.

Between 15 to 20 passengers are still trapped in the wreckage of the Millat Express train and authorities are trying to arrange heavy machinery to rescue those people who are crying for help, said Ghotki SSP Umar Tufail.

An emergency has been declared at hospitals in Ghotki, Dharki, Obaro and Mirpur Mathelo and doctors and paramedical staff had been called on duty.

Ghotki Deputy Commissioner Usman Abdullah said at least 30 people had been killed while 50 others had been injured in the incident. However, officials were facing difficulty in rescuing citizens as the bogies had overturned, he said, adding that the death toll could increase.

Speaking to Geo News, the deputy commissioner said that 13 to 14 bogies had derailed in the incident while six to eight were "completely destroyed". He said that citizens that were still trapped were a "challenge" for rescue officials.

He said that a relief train had departed from Rohri, adding that the local administration and rescue teams were present on the site of the accident. However, the official refused to give a timeframe for the rescue operation.

"This is a challenging task. It will take time to use heavy machinery to free citizens [still trapped]," he said. He said that an emergency had been declared in the district and all doctors and paramedical staff had been put on call.

"We are also establishing a medical camp to provide medical aid to citizens," he said.

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COURTESY DAWN NEWS

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ISLAMABAD, JUN 6: The Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC) has announced that the Medical and Dental Colleges Admission Test (MDCAT) will be held from Aug 30 to Sept 30.

In a statement, the PMC said it has taken a number of decisions regarding the upcoming academic year, including National Licensing Examination (NLE), MDCAT, conduct of examinations regulations and the medical and dental undergraduate education. According to PMC President Dr Arshad Taqi, for the first time MDCAT would be entirely a computer-based exam, allowing both local and foreign students an opportunity to take the exam.

“The examination will take place from Aug 30 to Sept 30 2021 in 20 designated cities across Pakistan and in selected cities abroad depending on registration by the students. Applicants will have the option to schedule and reschedule their examinations to time slots that are more convenient for them. The applicants will also be provided online tutorials and practice tests to help them familiarise themselves with the format of the exam,” he said.

According to the statement, the Medical and Dental Council has approved the structure and syllabus for MDCAT as recommended by the National Medical and Dental Academic Board.

PMC announces key updates for current academic year

The syllabus/content formed by the academic board was mainly derived from the existing curriculum of biology, chemistry and physics of all boards across Pakistan.

It also took into consideration the curriculum of the A-Level structure.

The syllabus of all the disciplines and the breakdown of each subject are now available on the PMC website.

“The Academic Board recommended pass marks of 65pc for MDCAT 2021 which was approved by the Medical and Dental Council. The result of a student will be ready for delivery within half an hour after given the exam and will be provided to the student through online. The students can select all the colleges they apply for admissions and the PMC will directly send the MDCAT result of the student to the relevant colleges,” Dr Taqi said.

The council also unanimously approved the structure and syllabus for NLE as formulated and recommended by the academic board. The NLE consists of two exams with the first being a MCQ based theory component and the second a clinical skills exam.

The MCQ based theory component of Step 1 of the NLE will also be a computer-based examination to be conducted at multiple centres across Pakistan multiple times a year with no bar on the number of times a candidate can attempt.

The result of NLE Step 1 will be valid for five years, enabling a student to attempt and qualify the Step 2 exam during this five-year period.

Step 2 or skills exam will be taken through physical examiners during 2021-2022 while PMC has initiated development of a 3D exam system for Step 2.

The qualifying marks for the NLE will be 70pc for both Step 1 and Step 2.

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LATEST COMMENTS

There’s nothing better than a chilled glass of sugarcane juice on a hot summer day. But, have you wondered what are the benefits of sugarcane juice? Sugarcane, a grass plant that can be found in 36 varieties, has no fats and is a 100 percent natural drink.

An 8-ounce serving – approximately 240 ml – of sugarcane juice (with no additives) contains 250 calories, with 30 gm natural sugars. It has zero content of fat, cholesterol, fiber, and protein but contains sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron. You would think that this sugar-rich drink can’t possibly have health benefits but we’ve rounded up 10 of them for you.

10 Benefits of Sugarcane Juice

1. Sugarcane juice gives you a shot of instant energy

There’s a reason sugarcane juice sells at most roadside kiosks in summer. It’s the best way to energize yourself and ensure you don’t experience dehydration. The simple sugars in the juice are easily absorbed by the body and are used to replenish sugar levels.

2. Enhances liver function

Sugarcane juice is said to be one of the best natural treatments for liver-related ailments such as jaundice. Alkaline in nature, sugarcane juice helps maintain the electrolyte balance in the body.

3. Help the body fight cancer

The high concentration of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and manganese makes sugarcane juice alkaline in nature. This – along with the presence of flavonoids – helps the body stave off cancerous cells, especially prostate and breast cancer.

4. It eases the digestive system

People suffering from digestive distress would do well to include sugarcane juice in their diet. The potassium in sugarcane juice balances the pH levels in the stomach, facilitates the secretion of digestive juices, and keeps the system on track. It also helps prevent stomach infections.

5. It is helpful for people with diabetes

The high sugar content in sugarcane juice may make diabetics wary of consuming this juice. But, in moderation, sugarcane juice can benefit diabetics – the natural sugar has a low glycemic index, preventing spikes in blood glucose levels.

6. Maintains kidney health

Being a natural low-cholesterol, low-sodium food with no saturated fats, sugarcane juice helps to keep the kidneys in top shape.

7. It alleviates pain associated with STDs & UTIs

Consumed in a diluted form, with lime juice and coconut water, sugarcane juice can help reduce the burning sensation associated with sexually transmitted diseases, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and prostatitis.

8. Aids in the development of bones and teeth

Back in the day, chewing on a sugarcane stick used to be a regular pastime for young children and adolescents. Apart from keeping them occupied, the calcium-rich sugarcane also ensures proper development of the skeletal system, bones, and teeth.

9. Keeps bad breath & tooth decay at bay

Experiencing bad breath linked to tooth decay? Sugarcane juice can be your saving grace. Rich in minerals, including calcium and phosphorus, sugarcane juice helps build tooth enamel and strengthening teeth, and ensuring they are prone to decay. It also overcomes bad breath caused due to the deficiency of these nutrients.

10. It can help cure acne

Topical use of sugarcane juice can help reduce and cure skin problems such as acne. Sugarcane juice contains alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid, which increases cell turnover. They also exfoliate the skin, eliminating chances of acne buildup. Just mix with Fuller’s earth (multani mitti) into a mask-like consistency, apply on face and neck and leave on for 20 minutes. Wash off with cool water.

The sugar contained in sugarcane juice is natural, but keep in mind that it is essentially sugar. Consume this healthy beverage in moderation and run it past our Coaches if you suffer from a medical condition.

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COURTESY healthifyme.

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ISLAMABAD, JUN 6: The Citizens Foundation (TCF) has signed MoU with the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) regarding the affiliation of TCF’s Secondary Schools.

The association with FBISE will provide centralized support for teaching and learning activities. Affiliating its network of secondary schools with FBISE will help TCF align syllabi and assessment system across Pakistan, enabling TCF to bring about improvements in teaching and learning to the less privileged communities where TCF works.

It will also enable TCF’s students to benefit from innovations relating to subject choice, use of technology etc. that FBISE provides across Pakistan.

FBISE aims to support organizations that are in the field of education, particularly those serving less privileged communities. A collaboration with TCF will help FBISE deepen its footprint across Pakistan and to play its role in meeting the needs of less privileged communities.

Talking about this development, Asaad Ayub Ahmad, President and CEO of TCF, said, “TCF believes in continuous improvement and affiliation with Federal board for Intermediate and Secondary Education is a step in that direction.

This step will help us bring about improvements in teaching and learning so that our students can continue to prosper and prove themselves in various walks of life.”  

“We are glad to partner with The Citizens Foundation’s country-wide network of formal schools.”FBISE is committed to playing its part in improving the quality of education offered in less privileged communities.

This partnership will help us in making a substantial contribution in this regard.” Added Qaisar Alam, Chairman of Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE).

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