12 outlaws arrested; 1.800 kilogram hashish and 15 wine bottles seized

Islamabad: Islamabad Police have arrested 12 outlaws from various areas of the city and recovered looted items worth Rs. 90,000, 15 wine bottles, 1.800 kilogram hashish, three 30 bore pistols and two rifles from their possession, a police spokesman said on Thursday.

According to details, patrolling team of Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) of Islamabad police including Sub-Inspectors Syed Haider Ali Shah and Zulfiqar Ahmed recovered 1.100 kilogram hashish from an accused Qaisar Zaman and 30 bore pistol from an accused Syed Ibrar Hussain Shah.

Assistant Sub-Inspector Riaz Hussain nabbed a thief identified as Anees ur Rehman and recovered stolen items from their possession. Sub-Inspector Muhammad Aslam and ASI Mian Imran recovered stolen valuables worth Rs. 1,80,000 from a thief Basharat Masih, 200 gram hashish from Malik Mudassar and 30 bore pistol from an accused Fareed Ullah.

Sub-Inspector Manzoro Ahmed and ASI Javed Iqbal from Shailar police recovered 520 gram hashish and 10 wine bottles from Aslam and Sabir Qureshi respectively.

Sub-Inspector Ahmed Khan from Sabzi Mandi police arrested Abdul Qadoos for possessing two rifels and dagger. Sub-Inspectors Muhammad Ishaq and Javed Iqbal from Bhara Kahi police recovered 12 bore gun and 30 bore pistol from Ayaz Ahmed and Nusrat Bilal respectively.

Cases have been registered against these nabbed persons and further investigation is underway from them. SSP Islamabad Muhammad Yousuf Malik has appreciated this performance and directed all police officials to intensify vigilance in their respective areas.

For more information, contact:
Capital Territory Police Islamabad Pakistan
Data centre H-11, Admin Block, Police Head Quarter, Islamabad
Tel: +9251 925 8371 Ext (160)
Fax: +9251 444 3180
Email: webmaster@islamabadpolice.gov.pk

Strategic framework development essential for effective pursuit of national security: Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee

Rawalpindi: Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), General Khalid Shameem Wynne has said that “National Security is no longer a pursuit of the Military alone nor is its management the exclusive domain of a selected few.

The effective pursuit of national security requires developing a strategic framework which encompasses all elements of National power, Tangible as well as intangible “. He made these remarks while addressing the certificate award ceremony to the participants of thirteenth National Security Workshop at National Defence University (NDU), Islamabad.

While addressing the Participants, General Wynne highlighted that by bringing people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and outlooks together and enabling them to reflect on issues from a national standpoint National Defence University has provided a fillip to the process of national integration and nation building.

Congratulating the participants, General Wynne expressed hope that the enhanced knowledge and awareness on National Security would make them an asset for good governance and judicious decision making.

Paying tribute to the institution, CJCSC stated that NDU has emerged as a premier seat of learning for Armed Forces officers and civil bureaucracy of Pakistan Earlier, on arrival at NDU, CJCSC was received by Lieutenant General Agha Muhammad Umer Farooq, President NDU.

For more information, contact:
Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR)
Hilal Road, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Tel: +9251 927 1605
Fax: +9251 927 1601
Email: ispr@ispr.gov.pk

Solidarity Day 2012 – Aman Ittehad Rallies in 140 locations across Pakistan 1st January 2012 Aman Ittehad will organize public rallies in 140 locations

Lahore: On 1 across Pakistan to mark Solidarity Day 2012. Thousands of citizens in villages, towns and cities will join the rallies. They will call upon all state institutions to play their due role within the parameters defined by the Constitution of Pakistan. They will also express their firm commitment to uninterrupted democracy and the supremacy of parliament, reiterating their belief that these are critical for stability and peace in the country.

This was stated by the various representatives of civil society organizations and Aman Ittehad in a media briefing , today held at Lahore Press Club They announced that Lahore Peace rally be held on Jan 20121 PM starting from Aiwan-e Iqbal, Egerton Road Lahore and will be joined by thousands of Peace activists, Youth, Women rights groups, trade unions and citizens.

Aman Ittehad demands urgent actions to prevent any form of tyranny and injustice. It calls on the state to promote harmony and tolerance among communities and religious groups. It encourages a celebration of diversity and strives for citizens’ cultural and religious freedoms.

On Solidarity Day 2012 citizens will express their contempt at the unabated torture and target killings, and kidnappings that continue to cause untold misery to people across Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan. The state’s failure to stem the tide of violence or to apprehend culprits reflects the kind of lawlessness that no civilized society can tolerate.

Aman Ittehad demands urgent and exemplary action against all those who have failed to protect citizens’ lives. It urges immediate steps to reject any use of force or coercion and instead devise a political solution to redress long-standing grievances of the people of Balochistan. A roadmap to peace must be made which reflects the aspirations of the people of the province and respects their right to resources and opportunities.

Aman Ittehad also condemns all forms of violence and persecution in the name of ethnicity, sect or religion. The state’s failure to apprehend perpetrators of the recent spate of kidnappings and killings has further increased public anxiety and encouraged greater impunity among perpetrators that are allowed to roam free without fear of reprisal.

Aman Ittehad reiterates that the protection of the lives, livelihoods and liberty of all citizens, irrespective of sect, religion, gender, class or clan, is the duty of the state to which it must be held accountable. The state must implement laws that protect citizens against violence and repeal discriminatory laws.

Aman Ittehad believes that years of military rule and poor governance have arrested the growth of the country and produced numerous challenges that require bold, innovative, and sincere solutions.

Consistent exploitation of people by unaccountable authority and incompetent administration in utter disregard of citizen’s interests has brought multiple miseries and deprivation. Crippling shortages of utilities like gas and electricity is a reflection of poor governance, misplaced priorities, and the lack of accountability.

Aman Ittehad demands increased investment in public utilities that can be achieved by reducing non-development and military spending. It also demands education, health, justice and equal opportunities for all citizens so that they may live in dignity.

It demands that the state must direct its special attention and effectively use public resources to ensure the well-being of the poor. This will require a fundamental shift in Pakistan from a security state to a social welfare state.

Aman Ittehad is a citizen platform that is striving for peace, democracy and justice in Pakistan.

Solidarity Day is an expression of the power of ordinary citizens, and a call to exercise their choice and free will .Media Briefing was addressed by Mr Irfan Mufti Provincial Convener Aman Ittehad, Ms Mumtaz Moughal(Aurat Foundation), Ms Um-e-Laila Azhar (Home Net Pakistan),Syeda Ghulam Fatima ( Bonded Labour Federation Front),Ms Robina Jamil( Working Women Organization),Ms Bushra Khaliq( Wise Organisation), Mr Peter Jacob( Justice and Peace Commission of Pakistan) and Mr Farooq Tariq ( labour Party Pakistan)

For more information, contact:
Aman Ittehad
South Asia Partnership Pakistan (SAP -PK)
Haseeb Memorial Trust Building, Nasirabad 2 k.m. Raiwind Road,
P.O Thokar Niaz Beg, Lahore
Farzana Mumtaz
Cell: +92331 404 4981
Ali Raza
Cell: +92321 462 0203)
Nasir Mumtaz
Cell: +92333 466 9949)
Tel: +9242 353 11701 -3
Fax: +9242 531 1710
Email: info@sappk.org
Website: www.sappk.org

Morning Briefing for December 30, 2011 – Standard Capital

Karachi: FBR to revise mechanism of filing CGT returns

Revision to help revive capital markets and increase volumes at stock exchanges Tax Reforms Coordination Group of the Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) is set to consider next week revision of filing of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) return mechanism and collection of CGT mechanism from stock markets.

According to Standard Capital, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) Chairman Muhammad Ali told journalists here on Thursday that the SECP will propose new mechanism for filing of CGT returns and collection of the capital gains tax (CGT) on stock exchanges to address concerns of the broker’s community and investors for revival of the capital market.

SECP is at present studying the difficulties faced by stock market investors in filing of CGT returns as well as existing CGT collection mechanism on stock exchanges. The commission will propose new mechanism for collection of the CGT on share’s trading to eliminate difficulties faced by the stock market players and this would help revival of the capital markets and increase volumes at the stock exchanges.

The SECP will also propose measures to effectively handle the issue of income tax return filing by the brokers and investors. The proposals of the SECP would ensure that the government would continue to get revenue from the CGT and at the same time stock market should be revived. Similarly, the SECP proposals would also serve purpose of the documentation of economy and address the genuine grievances of brokers and investors.

Pak‐China CSA to boost trade and investment
Pakistan and China have signed Currency Swap Agreement (CSA) for promoting bilateral trade and enhancing financing of direct investment between the two countries in their respective local currencies. State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Thursday stated this while explaining CSA with Peoples Bank of China (PBC).The CSA has been executed for a tenor of three years in respect of local currencies, Rs 140 billion and 10 billion yuan.

This is the second CSA that SBP has signed, the first one being with the Central Bank of Turkey on November 1, 2011. SBP governor said that the principal objective of these swaps is to promote the use of regional currencies for trade settlement purposes and specifically in the case of China because the agreement will enhance the role of the yuan in international trade and investment.

Infrastructure for Malakand, import of urea: Saudi Arabia signs two accords worth $172 million
Saudi Arabia will provide $172 million (645 million Riyals) for construction of infrastructure for Malakand region and import of urea fertilizer. This was announced during a signing ceremony of the two agreements worth $172 million held here on Thursday.

The agreements were signed by Secretary, Economic Affairs Division, and the Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Saudi Fund for Development, of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, was also present at the occasion. said that the first agreement is a soft loan worth $72 million (Riyal 270 Million) allocated to improve roads in Malakand, North Waziristan, South Waziristan and Bajaur and to increase the agricultural productivity.

The amount will also be used to develop the educational standards in these areas while the health sector would also be promoted. Amortization of first loan is 20 years with 5 year grace period. The interest rate on the loan is 2 percent. Revealed that the second loan agreement worth $100 million (Riyal 275 million is for import of urea to be used during Rabi season that will benefit the agriculture sector by enhancing production and maximising farmer’s income.

Forex reserves improve
Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves jumped to $16.77 billion in the week ending December 23, compared with $16.66 billion the previous week, the central bank said on Thursday. Reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) rose to $12.81 billion, compared with $12.76 billion the previous week, while those held by commercial banks rose to $3.96 billion, compared with $3.90 billion the previous week.

Foreign exchange reserves hit a record $18.31 billion in the week ending July 30, but have since eased due to debt repayments. Reserves were boosted in June by inflows of $411 million, including a $191.9 million loan from the World Bank, and a $196.8 million loan from the Asian Development Bank. However, they fell slightly to $923 million in November, compared with $926.89 million received in November last year.

AKD Quotidian about — KSE: CY11 Review & CY12 Outlook

Karachi: CV11 was a disappointing year for the Pakistan equity market as the KSE-100 Index, with thin trading, closed at 11,435.67 points yesterday, down 4.9%YoY.

According to AKD Securities, in this regard, escalating macroeconomic concerns, sustained political tension (both with the US and domestically), continuing law & order concerns and lack of positive sentiment (cold response to market leverage, CGT mechanism) came together to counter resumption of monetary easing and strong corporate earnings.

Within individual sectors, notable Outperformers included Food Producers (+39.9%) and Chemicals (+8.4%) while Index heavyweights Banks (-20.2%) and Oil & Gas (-9.0%) were major drags. While the Pakistan Market was lackluster in CV11 and witnessed consistent FPI outflow (-US$120mn), benchmark KSE performance was much better than MSCI EM and FM, down 20.6% and 22.1%, respectively. Considering that Pakistan trades at a discount of 48% to the region (on P/E), AKD Securities sees the KSE-100 Index recovering losses in 2012. However, macroeconomic concerns could cap upside potential.

Sector Review: While most sectors depicted lackluster price performance, a few managed to deliver stellar returns. Outperformers include Food Producers (+39.9%CYTD) and Chemicals (+84%CYTD) on the back of strong cost pass-through ability. However, gains in the latter were eroded by year-end with fertilizer companies facing severe gas curtailment. Circular- debt concerns kept a lid on Oil & Gas (-90%CYTD), Banks were down 20.2%CYTD on asset quality and margin compression concerns while Personal Goods (-21.0%CYTD) fell on sharply lower cotton prices and continuing Eurozone concerns.

Outlook: The KSE trades at a forward PER of 6.1x and dividend yield of 88%. These are attractive valuations by any measure where the Pakistan Market’s discount to the region (on PER) stands at 48% vs. a historical discount of 35%. 2012 EPS growth for the AKD Universe is projected at 11%YoY – re-rating aside, this should drive the KSE-100 Index to 12,700 points. While macroeconomic concerns pose a risk to broader Index upside, selected stocks with potential to Outperform include POL, PSO, LUCK, DGKC, PTC, ENGRO, MOB and BAFL.

The Bell about Chemical – Elixir Securities Limited

Karachi: FFC: Robust 4Q likely; GIDC poses a risk

Urea shortage amid higher prices shall beef up CY12 earnings
2% YoY decline in urea off take during 11MCY11 mainly emanated from higher prices along with high base effect of last year. However, recent gas shut down to SNGPL based network coupled with likely delay in arrival of imported urea suggests urea scarcity shall persist during the ongoing month as well.

According to Elixir Securities Limited, this shall bode well for FFC which is facing curtailment of a mere 9%. FFC operated at 117% utilization in the month of Nov‐11. Elixir Securities Limited believes the company shall maintain its current utilization in Dec‐11 and therefore Elixir Securities Limited expects CY11 total off take at 2.4mn tons. Moreover, FFBL’s 3Q dividend shall be booked by FFC in 4Q which shall further jack up bottom line. Thus, based on Elixir Securities Limited’s initial estimates, Elixir Securities Limited expects 4QCY11 EPS at PKR7.2 taking full year EPS to PKR23.5.

GIDC neutral for ENGRO; FFC likely to take a hit
Elixir Securities Limited’s channel check indicates that ENGO shall transfer increase in feed gas prices, post GIDC (Gas Infrastructure Development Cess), to end consumer, as has been the case in the past where increase in gas has been passed on. However, assuming current satiation (91% utilization of ENGRO’s old plant and 35% of new plant) persists in CY12, ENGRO would only have to increase its prices by just PKR150/bag in order to fully neutralize the impact. FFC and other urea manufacturers require an increase of PKR225/bag. Thus FFC’s earnings shall take hit of PKR2.3/share, if it does not fully pass through GIDC.

Elixir Securities Limited does not see any further hike in urea prices, except for GIDC, if the current scenario of gas supply persists in CY12. However, further worsening of gas supply or any delay in gas restoration to EnVen would increase the likelihood of further spike in prices. In that case, FFC shall maintain its beneficial position for being on the low curtailment Mari network.

LPG prices raised by PKR 5-10 per kg – Alfalah Securities Limited

Karachi: The price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) has been raised by PKR 5 per kg for plain areas while PKR 10 per kg for hilly areas on account on an increase in international prices.

According to Alfalah Securities Limited, the plain areas including Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Rahimyar Khan, Multan, Attock D. I. Khan and Peshawar would face an increase of PKR 60 and PKR 240 in domestic and commercial cylinders respectively. Whereas, the hilly areas including Murree, Muzaffarabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, Mansehra, Tribal Areas (Fata) and Balakot would witness a price hike of PKR 120 and 480 per domestic and commercial cylinder.