FARUKH SHEHZAD

ISLAMABAD, JUN 2: On May 26, Japan’s Fukuoka Prize Committee has announced the Fukuoka Prize 2022. Ms. Shazia Sikander, Pakistan-born miniature artist, has won this Fukuoka Prize in the category of Arts and Culture for introducing innovation in the traditional art forms using latest digital technology in the world of miniature painting, which follows conventions dating back to the Mughal Empire.

This Fukuoka Prize was established in 1990 by Japanese Fukuoka city and Fukuoka City International Foundation and is given to individuals, groups or organizations for their splendid work in preserving Asian culture. The prize aims to increase awareness of Asian cultures and to institute a broad framework for exchange and mutual learning among the peoples of Asia. This year marks the 32nd anniversary of the inception of the Fukuoka Prize. Over the last 31 years, prize has been presented to 118 leading figures in their respective fields.

Fukuoka Prize is awarded in three categories that include Grand Prize, Academic Prize and Arts and Culture Prize. Besides Ms. Shazia Sikander, this year’s Prize laureates include Japanese Taiko Drummer Mr. Hayashi Eitetsu for Grand Prize and Historian Prof. Timon Screech from U.K for Academic Prize. In September this year, the laureates will be invited to Fukuoka, Japan officially for receiving their respective award.

There were three Pakistani recipient of the Fukuoka Prize in the past.  Late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, the legendary qawwali maestro, Dr Uxi Mufti, specialist in the preservation of folk heritage and Ms. Yasmeen Lari, architect, architectural historian, heritage conservationist. 

Born in Lahore, Ms. Shahzia Sikander earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1991 from the National College of Arts (NCA) in Lahore.  She was awarded “Tamgha-e-Imtiaz” (Medal of Excellence) by the Pakistani government in 2005 in recognition of her outstanding contribution in the field of arts. She now lives in New York.

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ISLAMABAD: While the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) finally approached the Supreme Court to seek its protection from the alleged ‘state torture’, the apex court on Wednesday directed the city administration and spy agencies to submit reports within a week explaining at what time PTI chairman Imran Khan had asked party workers to reach D-Chowk in violation of the last week’s court order and whether the crowds entering the Red Zone were ‘organised and supervised’ or their act was random.

Headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial, a five-member SC bench observed that peaceful protest was a constitutional right but it must be exercised subject to permission by the state.

The filing of the much-trumpeted petition by Barrister Ali Zafar on behalf of PTI secretary general Asad Umar on Wednesday coincided with the release of the damning order by the larger Supreme Court bench.

As the petition sought a restraining order against the use of ‘coercive measures’ or ‘intimidating tactics’ to stop supporters and leaders of the PTI from holding the next ‘peaceful Azadi March’ in Islamabad, PTI chairman Imran Khan linked the announcement of the next protest date with a decision of the apex court on the matter.

The PTI in its petition argued that locking down an entire province and restricting public movement amounted to illegal confinement and therefore contrary to the fundamental rights and asked the SC to restrain the federal and Punjab governments from restricting the movement of the people by any means. The petition also requested the court to stop the government from using force or any strong-arm tactics against anyone participating in the upcoming peaceful assembly.

The freedom of movement and the right to peaceful protest and procession is a fundamental right of all the citizens of Pakistan, under the 1973 Constitution, the petitioner emphasized, while claiming that the planned march was intended to be peaceful without violating any law.

The SC bench had earlier on May 26 dropped hints at taking cognizance of the unfortunate situation on the previous night.

In its order, the court observed that the high moral ground held by the parties (government and the PTI) diminished, because public rights, interest and property of the disinterested public were “breached” and “damaged badly”.

Authored by the CJP, the majority order of the court asked Islamabad police chief and chief commissioner, interior secretary, director generals of the Intelligence Bureau and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to furnish reports at what time did Mr Khan asked party workers to reach D-Chowk, and when, where and how did the crowd cross the barricade to enter a hitherto closed area.

It was further asked whether the protesters entering the Red Zone was ‘organised’ and ‘supervised’ or they moved randomly. Also, if there were any acts of provocation or breach of assurance by the government, it asked.

If any action or treatment meted out by the Islamabad police against the protesters was disproportionate to the actual or perceived wrong committed by the protesters, asked the SC.

Also, the court sought details of how many protesters managed to enter the Red Zone, which security arrangements were relaxed by the executive authorities, whether any security barrier cordons were broken or breached by protesters, how many protesters or party workers reached G-9/ H-9 ground and how many civilians were injured/killed/ hospitalised or arrested. The reports, the SC ordered, should reach within one week for perusal in chambers by members of the larger bench.

Contempt proceedings

In his additional note, Justice Yahya Afridi, a member of the larger bench, observed that Mr Khan, prima facie had disobeyed the May 25 court directions, therefore contempt proceedings be initiated against him for allegedly disobeying the directions instead of calling reports from the state agencies.

Justice Afridi also disagreed that no credible material was available before the court for initiating independent contempt proceedings against Mr Khan who allegedly disobeyed the May 25 court order.

The SC viewed the May 25 events with concern, observing that apparently the assurances conveyed to the court by counsel for PTI leadership may have been dishonored by its workers/ supporters/ sympathizers by proceeding to D-Chowk in the red zone area and by allegedly committing acts of arson and destruction of public and private properties on the way.

The court noted Mr Khan reached Jinnah Avenue leading to D-Chowk on May 26 early morning and announced the postponement of the Islamabad sit-in for six days. As a result, further damage to property or injury to human life was averted, it observed.

Responsibility

Nevertheless, the CJP noted, there remained the lurking question whether the responsibility for the events of May 25 evening comprising reckless acts of mob anger could be blamed upon the senior leadership of PTI.

So far, there was no evidence or allegation that such acts happened randomly or were committed on the instigation of any party, Justice Bandial remarked. At its most elementary level, the PTI leader appeared to have assured the holding of a political rally at G-9/H-9 ground and therefore not to assemble and stage sit-in at another venue including D-Chowk.

Also, the SC disposed of the petition of the Islamabad High Court Bar Association for becoming infructuous.

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Courtesy Dawn News

PESHAWAR, JUN 2: PTI Chairman Imran Khan on Wednesday warned that the country would descend into a civil war if elections were not announced.

"We will see if they allow us to go towards elections through legal and constitutional means otherwise this country will go towards [a] civil war," he said in an interview with anchorperson Sami Ibrahim for Bol News programme Tajzia.

Imran further said there was "no question" of returning to the National Assembly as that would "mean accepting the conspiracy" that had removed his government.

'Did not have absolute power as PM'

The PTI chief admitted he did not enjoy absolute power as the prime minister, indicating that the actual centres of power in the country lay elsewhere and "everyone knows where that is."

In the interview, Imran was asked to recall the events of the night of the no-confidence vote against him, who was issuing orders and who had impeded the cases against the PPP and PML-N leaders.

Imran said his government had been "weak" when it came to power and had to seek coalition partners, adding that if the same situation were to arise again, he would opt for reelections and seek a majority government or none at all.

"Our hands were tied. We were blackmailed from everywhere. Power wasn't with us. Everyone knows where the power lies in Pakistan so we had to rely on them," he said without elaborating any further who he was referring to.

"We relied on them all the time. They did a lot of good things too but they didn't do many things that should've been done. They have the power because they control institutions such as NAB (National Accountability Bureau), which wasn't in our control."

He claimed that while his government had the responsibility, it did not have all the power and authority.

"No management works if I have responsibility but have no complete power and authority. A system works only when responsibility and authority are in one place."

Imran said it was imperative for the country to have a "strong army" due to the threat posed by the enemies but said there was also the need to strike a "balance" between having a strong army and a strong government.

'If establishment doesn't make right calls, country will head towards suicide'

The PTI chief said the current political situation was a problem for the country as well as the establishment. "If the establishment doesn't make the right decisions then I can assure in writing that [before everyone else] they and the army will be destroyed because what will become of the country if it goes bankrupt," he said.

"Pakistan is going towards a default. If that happens then which institution will be [worst] hit? The army. After it is hit, what concession will be taken from us? Denuclearisation."

Imran said that if Pakistan were to lose its nuclear deterrent capability, it would be fragmented into three pieces. "If the right decisions aren't made at this time then the country is going towards suicide," he warned.

Prodded further to share his thoughts on the night of the no-confidence vote, Imran declined to go in details and said: "History never forgives anyone. Things come out. If you ask me, I won't go into details, but when history will be written then it'll be counted as such a night in which Pakistan and its institutions were damaged a lot.

"Those same institutions weakened Pakistan which give it its foundation and strengthened it."

Imran said he had "clearly told the neutrals" that the PTI government's economic performance, despite the Covid-19 pandemic, was nothing short of a "miracle".

"I told them if you do this and if this conspiracy [to remove my government] is successful then our economy will go down," he said, adding that he had also sent former finance minister Shaukat Tarin to give a presentation.

He said the country stood on the cusp of a "defining moment", calling it a "trial for the establishment". "Everyone knows they're the powerbrokers, so they're on trial. This is a trial of the judiciary and the Supreme Court [as well]."

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Courtesy Dawn News

ISLAMABAD, JUN 1 – PTI Chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan said on Wednesday that the party had filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking its protection, and he would announce the date for the next march to Islamabad as soon as the apex court rules on the matter.

Addressing a social media conference in Peshawar, Imran said he wanted the Supreme Court to grant protection to the PTI’s march and answer whether Pakistanis have the fundamental right to hold a peaceful protest.

He highlighted the way the federal and Punjab governments had responded to the PTI’s recent Azadi March on May 25 by “firing [tear gas] shells and wrongfully using Punjab police” and said this was why the party wanted a ruling from the SC.

“As soon as their decision comes, I will announce [the date for the next march] and we will leave [for the capital].” The PTI chairman said the party’s planning would be better this time. “After [the previous] Supreme Court ruling, we believed the path would be clear and no one would be picked up. We will not repeat the mistakes.”

PTI’s Azadi March on May 25 was preceded by the authorities invoking Section 144 — a measure used to curb gatherings. Shipping containers were put in place on major thoroughfares to block their path.

Undeterred by the moves, the marchers tried to force through the containers to make their way to Islamabad amid intense shelling and baton-charge by the police. PTI supporters were also arrested in cities across Punjab.

The PTI’s march towards Islamabad’s D-Chowk and the shelling of teargas by police took place despite the Supreme Court directives for the former to hold its protest in Islamabad’s H-9 area and orders for the government to not make arrests or use force in connection with the march.

However, Imran had chosen to turn back from the 9th Avenue after giving a six-day deadline to the government for announcing elections and dissolving assemblies and warned that he would return to the capital with the “entire nation” otherwise.

In his speech today, Imran exhorted party workers to continue their struggle against “criminals”, telling them that what they were doing was “jihad, and not politics”.

“The violent, barbaric way in which shelling was done … law enforcement agencies do not do this violence on their own people. Only criminals do this.”

Pakistan’s biggest problem was injustice, he said, adding that citizens would have to get their right through jihad.

“This is the most important time for the nation. If we defeat them (the incumbent government), Pakistan will progress. And if we do not, then your children will have to fight this war.”

The PML-N-led coalition government was “threatening people and scaring them”, he alleged and claimed that according to evidence collected by the PTI, the shells fired at party supporters were “the ones used only against terrorists”.

The PTI chief called on his supporters to defeat the fear, saying, “I do not fear anything because I believe we are fighting this war for our [future] generations.”

He claimed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah were “criminals” and “the most cowardly people”.

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Courtesy Dawn News

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As per the official sources, E-commerce in Pakistan is expanding rapidly and is becoming a major trend among internet users. The flow of E-commerce in Pakistan is increasing due to the dexterity of legitimate online businesses or websites where the sales and purchases are good. Furthermore, easy access to internet connectivity and availability is also a prime factor that contributes to the wellness of E-commerce in Pakistan.

For our neophyte audience, let’s first have a look at what E-commerce literally means?  E-commerce typically refers to commercial transactions that are conducted electronically via the internet system. In simpler terms, the buying or selling of goods or services through online services on the internet.

The term E-commerce has different meanings to it. For example, it is also the transmitting of funds and data through an electronic service, majorly the internet. The business transaction made in the E-commerce platforms can be of many types; like B2B – business to business or also B2C – business to consumer, but not only confined to this but also  C2C – consumer to consumer and C2B – consumer to business.

E-commerce in Pakistan is majorly contributing to the country’s economy. Pakistan, for a long span of time now, has been thriving to make a strategic plan to accomplish broad commercialization. The IT sector, the development of the populace of the country, and the development of the individuals utilizing the platform have upheld the mission tightly.

The most frequently asked question about the E-commerce field is how to start this business. It is perhaps very easy if you first do your homework in the field of business you are stepping in. If you want to sell a product then you must know all the technicalities of it to avoid any mishaps. However, you can also sell your products to the various E-commerce websites or you can simply make your own brand and market it through social media apps.

The future of E-commerce is expected to be on the brighter side with more fortuity and expansion. Moreover, the contribution of E-commerce has also contributed to the economic sector of the country for its betterment and is expected to increase during this and the upcoming years. The scope of E-commerce in Pakistan is also anticipated to grow in the upcoming years as the trend continues to increase. 

This industry will definitely give Pakistan a sector that will allow the local residents to work towards their national perception of the wealth and their inaugurated potential as this is something that will benefit them in the long run. 

Assuredly, it will provide Pakistan with an optimal way to even cover a vast distance of the country as they will cover the social as well as the economic development that is coupled with the mechanical development in a short span of time.

According to several reports, E-commerce in Pakistan will also prominently contribute to improving the livelihoods of the people and also in constructing ambitious enterprises along with increasing the shares in the global market. However, in regards to this increasing global trade and closing digital divides currently act as a barrier between the already developed and developing countries of the world. 

Furthermore, there are crucial facts and figures which need to be set up and put in place which will surely strengthen the competence, both materially and subjectively. However, the finest E-commerce websites in Pakistan are also predicted to grow more and expand their business within international borders. 

In today’s realm, the youth are far happier to take advantage of technology than the older generation with their own primitive ways. However, the promotion, as well as the regulation of E-commerce, will also be more essential in terms of offering employment opportunities for about a 130million people over the next 30 years period in Pakistan. 

Let’s have a further look at the benefits and the opportunities of E-commerce in Pakistan. 

• Freedom for everybody to start off their new business at home.
• 
  
• Expand the global reach.
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• No time limit because normally E-commerce websites are 24/7 available.
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• Fuel cost is also eliminated as your order is just a click away.
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• Online discount offers 
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• Security and protection of data
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• No need for physical storehouses or warehouses.
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• Choices to set up the business
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• Independence of setting location for custom or seller
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• No need to carry cash around with you, you can pay online in an electronic form
• It creates more employment opportunities.

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Courtesy ecommerce

• Two Pakistani teams to compete in the Huawei ICT Competition 2021-2022 Global Finals

• 8 teams from the Middle East will compete in the global event held in Shenzhen, China in June

ISLAMABAD, MAY 31: Two Pakistani teams are participating in the global finals of the Huawei ICT Cometption 2021-2022 to be held in June and taking place in Shenzhen, China. 

Ranked in first and second place in the 5th Huawei ICT Competition Middle East region which was held in partnership with Higher Education Commission Pakistan, the teams will now proceed to the Global Finals in Shenzhen, China in June, part of an eight-team delegation that will represent the Middle East at the global competition. The event will be streamed live to a worldwide audience. 

Huawei ICT Competition 2021-2022 is the culmination of a one-year journey that started in June2021, beginning with the national preliminary competition followed by the national finals and, finally, the regional finals. 

This year's competition provided training and competition tracks in advanced technologies such as intelligent applications, cloud computing and big data. Worldwide, over 125,000 students, 2,000 universities and 85 countries/regions participated in this year's contest. 

The Pakistan team ranked in first place included Bhagchand Meghwar and Sateesh Kumar from Mehran University of Engineering & Technology, Jamshoro, Syeda Iqra Fatima from Islamiya University Bahawalpur, and Faheem Yar Khuhawar from Mehran University of Engineering & Technology. 

The Pakistan team ranked in second place included Hafiz Muhammad Rizwan from Government College University, Faisalabad, Adnan Ali from Virtual University, Islamabad, Mukhtar Memon from Mehran University of Engineering & Technology, Jamshoro and Muhammad Salman from UET Lahore, Al-Khawarizmi Institute Of computer Science. 

Mark Meng , CEO Huawei Pakistan said, "We are delighted with returning to the physical-style ICT competition where we again celebrate innovation and creativity. As digital transformation accelerates, we want to support the communities where we serve with the opportunity and platforms to develop impactful technologies that will change lives. 

Teams from Jordan and Pakistan made it to the podium in last year’s global competition finals and we are confident our teams from Pakistan will perform as admirably this year." 

The Huawei Innovation Competition was held for the second consecutive year parallel to the ICT Competition. The Innovation Competition empowers undergraduate students and their teachers to use innovative technologies – such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and big data – to create valuable and impactful applications for society. 

With the theme of "Connection, Glory, Future," the Huawei ICT competition bridges the gap between Huawei and universities/colleges, education, and the ICT industry, students and enterprises' talent requirements, and promotes competition, learning, and development. 

The competition provides an international stage for up-and-coming students, giving them recognition, and raising the industry's profile of teachers and universities/colleges. The contest allows participants to grow in the process, improve the start point of their career, benefit from digital technologies, and develop towards a better future.

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PESHAWAR, MAY 30: PTI Chairman Imran Khan said on Monday that if the Supreme Court does not provide his party “protection” from police action for the next round of their protest, he would opt for a different strategy wherein his supporters would be “prepared” to deal with the situation.

Addressing a lawyers’ convention in Peshawar, the former prime minister said: “If they (SC) don’t give us protection, today I stand here in front of you and say that I will have another strategy.”

Under this strategy, Imran said the PTI would make a plan for dealing with the obstacles. “[That] time round we weren’t prepared […] we were stuck unprepared. This time we will be prepared,” he said, declaring that this was a jihad for him. “I will not accept this imported government at any cost.”

Imran march for haqeeqi azadi — true freedom — was preceded by the authorities invoking of Section 144, a measure used to curb gatherings. Shipping containers were put in place on major thoroughfares to block their path.

Undeterred by the moves, the marchers, who tried to force through the containers to make their way to Islamabad, were met with tear gas as police tried to disperse them. Police also charged at them with batons.

PTI’s Azam Swati has also filed a police complaint seeking the registration of a first information report (FIR) against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, Inspector General of Police Islamabad Dr Akbar Nasir and others over “police brutality and unreasonable use of force” against PTI supporters.

During his speech, Imran came down hard on the ruling coalition, reiterating that they were brought in through a “foreign conspiracy”. He also lambasted the government for the crackdown on the participants of the much hyped but short-lived Azadi March held on May 25.

“We have asked for a ruling from the SC over whether or not we have the democratic right to stage a peaceful protest? If this is a democracy […] under what basis were we stopped? How can they stop the chief ministers of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan?” he asked.

He asserted that his party did not have a “history of violence”, pointing to the PTI’s 126-day sit-in in Islamabad in 2014. He said that he called of the sit-in on May 25 in an effort to avoid bloodshed.

Imran said the brutality of the police had angered the people, adding that he feared that it would lead to violence and chaos. He said that it would also have developed hatred against the police as well as the army as Rangers had also fired tear gas shells.

“I did not want my country to be divided and for our enemies to benefit,” he said.

Imran asked the apex court to give a ruling providing an explanation why obstacles were placed to stop the PTI from holding the long march. He also questioned whether the SC would still allow such “undemocratic” moves when the PTI announces the date for its next march.

“This kind of brutality doesn’t even happen in dictatorships,” he said.

‘Defining moment’

During his speech, Imran said that Pakistan was currently witnessing a “defining moment”, and called on the legal fraternity and the judiciary to play their role in saving the country.

“I want you all to think of this as a jihad. This is a fight for our haqeeqi azadi (true freedom),” he said. He went on to say that future generations would not be forgiving if they did not raise their voice.

Turning his guns towards the Sharif family, Imran said that when he entered politics he was warned about them. “I was warned that they were cheap and disgusting and would not spare my family.”

He accused the Sharif family of functioning like a mafia where it would either buy off people’s loyalties or eliminate them.

Imran also lamented that the law only applied to the country’s poor, pointing out how the indictment of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Sharif was being delayed.

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Courtesy Dawn News

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ISLAMABAD, MAY 30: “The latest statement realized by the Armenian media about Azerbaijan’s military killing of David Vardanyan depicts a hostile agenda of spreading misinformation,” Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future.

According to him, the Yerevan leadership is trying to ignite conflict by disrupting the process of regional cooperation commenced by Azerbaijan: “All these statements are baseless and far from the truth. Therefore, such despicable moves to weaponize people’s empathy and goodwill through lies in order to delegitimize Azerbaijan will certainly face righteous opposition globally and from all those who value truth, equality, and justice.”

He also noted that Armenia must provide maps of the mines and cooperate with Azerbaijan rather than spreading fake news, halting the Brussels meeting’s outcomes and regional peace.

Earlier, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied the accusations of the Armenian Foreign Ministry that the Azerbaijani side violated the ceasefire.

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Courtesy report.az