Positive policy

With a third LNG terminal considered necessary to avoid gas shortages in the winter, the government has been spurred into action to support new investment in the gas sector. This past Thursday, Energy Minister Omar Ayub Khan announced a new set of incentives for the private gas sector to allow them to set up shop across the country. But before the government moved to incentives, the minister clarified that the government had pushed through a presidential ordinance to settle a Rs417 billion dispute with the gas sector over the Gas Infrastructure Development Cess. The government will allow gas companies to pay half their outstanding GIDC bills within 90 days, and offer another 50 percent discount if they withdraw litigation against the government. The move is being pitched as an amnesty scheme for the gas sector, which the minister says could result in around Rs200 billion in revenue if companies choose to go ahead with it. The cess is only one of a number of legal disputes between the government and a number of private-sector energy companies.The question of whether the government’s gas policy should focus so heavily on the private sector – given so much litigation – is an open one. Surely, the fact that the government remains in legal disputes worth billions of dollars with the private power and gas sector are warning signs. One of the warnings has been heeded though: the government will no longer offer sovereign guarantees for private-sector projects, nor will it offer any capacity charges or offtake commitments. This would, in principle, avoid situations like those in the power sector, where IPPs must continue to be paid even when they do not produce electricity. Five multinationals have now been cleared to bid for the third LNG terminal.Making the process easier is certainly a positive move to open up gas sector investment, but there is a need for clarity on the part of the government over the objectives. Pakistan should not be left stuck with expensive deals on low-efficiency projects. The government will also be cutting down the approvals needed for exploration companies by a minimum of 10. This would allow opening up 27 new exploration blocks. It would certainly be interesting, since new gas fields are needed for Pakistan to meet its gas requirements. In itself, it is a positive sign to see the government respond with positive policymaking on the gas sector. Whether this is the best way to solve Pakistan’s gas crisis remains to be seen.

from The News International - Editorial https://ift.tt/2ZuqPnI

Read More

Muharram security

With the start of the month of Muharram, one of the holiest times of the year for all Muslims, the security dimension naturally has to be taken into consideration given the attacks on Ashura Day processions in the past. Over the last few years, we have had relative calm on Ashura itself, but this does not mean the security measures can be allowed to slip up. Indeed, security forces need to be more vigilant than ever before. Already, last Friday a doctor belonging to the Shia community was shot dead in Karachi; the police have not ruled out sectarian reasons. These days, social media allows hatred to be spread at a quicker pace than at any time in the past and there are reports that this has already begun to happen.What is vital is that the Shia community be assured it is safe and able to carry out its mourning without the ugly cloud of fear which has hung over our country for too long, with sectarian hatred having claimed too many lives since the early 1990s. Extremist groups such as the Laskhar-e-Jhangvi have attacked Shias ferociously both through physical weapons and through literature disseminated at various places. The traditional method of banning certain clerics from speaking is pointless given that their remarks can so easily be broadcast over social media or any other communication devices.It is important also to remind the people of the country that the tragic death of Imam Hussain at Karbala and the valiant struggle that took place there is one of the most poignant and glorious chapters in Muslim history. All Muslims have traditionally mourned the events. In the past, sabeels were set up by Sunnis for Shia processionists who marched through the streets of Lahore and other cities. There was also a strongly built tradition that joyous events were not marked by Muslims during the month. Even in comparatively liberal homes, open celebration was frowned upon. This respect for the beliefs of other sects and groups needs to be restored. It is the only way to build harmony in our country and ensure that in Muharram this month and in the years to come, there is no violence or terrorism or ugly sectarian bloodshed.

from The News International - Editorial https://ift.tt/2LpxZ2w

Read More

Positive policy

With a third LNG terminal considered necessary to avoid gas shortages in the winter, the government has been spurred into action to support new investment in the gas sector. This past Thursday, Energy Minister Omar Ayub Khan announced a new set of incentives for the private gas sector to allow them to set up shop across the country. But before the government moved to incentives, the minister clarified that the government had pushed through a presidential ordinance to settle a Rs417 billion dispute with the gas sector over the Gas Infrastructure Development Cess. The government will allow gas companies to pay half their outstanding GIDC bills within 90 days, and offer another 50 percent discount if they withdraw litigation against the government. The move is being pitched as an amnesty scheme for the gas sector, which the minister says could result in around Rs200 billion in revenue if companies choose to go ahead with it. The cess is only one of a number of legal disputes between the government and a number of private-sector energy companies.The question of whether the government’s gas policy should focus so heavily on the private sector – given so much litigation – is an open one. Surely, the fact that the government remains in legal disputes worth billions of dollars with the private power and gas sector are warning signs. One of the warnings has been heeded though: the government will no longer offer sovereign guarantees for private-sector projects, nor will it offer any capacity charges or offtake commitments. This would, in principle, avoid situations like those in the power sector, where IPPs must continue to be paid even when they do not produce electricity. Five multinationals have now been cleared to bid for the third LNG terminal.Making the process easier is certainly a positive move to open up gas sector investment, but there is a need for clarity on the part of the government over the objectives. Pakistan should not be left stuck with expensive deals on low-efficiency projects. The government will also be cutting down the approvals needed for exploration companies by a minimum of 10. This would allow opening up 27 new exploration blocks. It would certainly be interesting, since new gas fields are needed for Pakistan to meet its gas requirements. In itself, it is a positive sign to see the government respond with positive policymaking on the gas sector. Whether this is the best way to solve Pakistan’s gas crisis remains to be seen.

from The News International - Editorial https://ift.tt/2ZuqNfA

Read More

Muharram security

With the start of the month of Muharram, one of the holiest times of the year for all Muslims, the security dimension naturally has to be taken into consideration given the attacks on Ashura Day processions in the past. Over the last few years, we have had relative calm on Ashura itself, but this does not mean the security measures can be allowed to slip up. Indeed, security forces need to be more vigilant than ever before. Already, last Friday a doctor belonging to the Shia community was shot dead in Karachi; the police have not ruled out sectarian reasons. These days, social media allows hatred to be spread at a quicker pace than at any time in the past and there are reports that this has already begun to happen.What is vital is that the Shia community be assured it is safe and able to carry out its mourning without the ugly cloud of fear which has hung over our country for too long, with sectarian hatred having claimed too many lives since the early 1990s. Extremist groups such as the Laskhar-e-Jhangvi have attacked Shias ferociously both through physical weapons and through literature disseminated at various places. The traditional method of banning certain clerics from speaking is pointless given that their remarks can so easily be broadcast over social media or any other communication devices.It is important also to remind the people of the country that the tragic death of Imam Hussain at Karbala and the valiant struggle that took place there is one of the most poignant and glorious chapters in Muslim history. All Muslims have traditionally mourned the events. In the past, sabeels were set up by Sunnis for Shia processionists who marched through the streets of Lahore and other cities. There was also a strongly built tradition that joyous events were not marked by Muslims during the month. Even in comparatively liberal homes, open celebration was frowned upon. This respect for the beliefs of other sects and groups needs to be restored. It is the only way to build harmony in our country and ensure that in Muharram this month and in the years to come, there is no violence or terrorism or ugly sectarian bloodshed.

from The News International - Editorial https://ift.tt/2LiLp0i

Read More

Rising like a phoenix

In the 2016 World T20 final, in front of a large, noisy crowd at Eden Gardens, when Chris Jordan bowled a superb 19th over and West Indies required 19 runs in the last over, Eoin Morgan must have thought that the Cup was in his hands but Carlos Braithwaite smacked four successive sixes off Ben Stokes. There were tears and sheer dis-belief in Stokes’s eyes and joy on the faces of the West Indians.Many thought that Stokes’s career was over or at least it would take a long time for him to get out of the trauma. But he was supported by his countrymen. And today he is among the most highly regarded cricketers in the world.He has been the carrying the “bad boy” tag since he was very young. He was sent home from England Lions tour in 2013 as Andy Flower scolded him. He had to miss 2014 World T20 after punching a locker on the West Indies tour. Then he was arrested for involvement in a street brawl near a night club with two men in September 2017. That forced him to miss the 2017-18 Ashes.After England lost the 3rd Test against Australia at Perth, Michael Vaughan said: “I hope Stokes is hurting.”But all these aforementioned events have transformed him into a strong and steel-minded sportsman. Today he is rated as highly as Ian Botham and Andrew Flintoff were in their days.Only six weeks back he steered England’s ship in the World Cup final against New Zealand when they were 86 for 4. His all-important 84 runs knock was a show of courage, great technique and brute force. It led England to their maiden title.In the 3rd Test of the ongoing series, his swashbuckling knock of 135 was a display of great endurance, defiance, and, towards the end, absolutely brutal hitting.The Aussie bowlers had bowled England out for just 67 in the first innings. It was the same place where Ian Botham’s miraculous knock of 149 had pulled England out of a follow-on situation to an emphatic triumph, equaling the series 1-1.Australia would have retained “the Urn” but for Stokes. Wickets were tumbling at the other end but Stokes was ready for the battle in front of a crowd that refused to leave the venue even after the ninth wicket had fallen.It is true that England’s cause was helped by Tim Paine’s poor captaincy, especially his use of the DRS. It is another matter that Joel Wilson made a blunder when he ruled Stokes not out, with England still needing two runs. (Stokes missed Lyon’s ball while trying to sweep and replays showed the ball would have gone on to hit the leg-stump.)His innings has been likened to Botham’s 1981 innings and VVS Laxman’s 281 against Australia in 2001.England required 67 runs to win when Stuart Broad departed. Although Jack Leach, the eleventh batsman, had scored a match-winning 92 runs knock against Ireland, he had to be saved from the relentless Aussie attack. And Stokes did that very well. Of the next 62 balls, Leach had to play only 17 as Stokes retained the strike most of the time, by taking doubles and hitting boundaries initially and taking singles towards the end of overs.Stokes unleashed the brutal hitter that he had tamed for the most part of his innings, playing shots as if it were a t20 match.The man who had scored just two off 50 balls the previous day smacked eight sixes and 11 fours. And England who had been written off chased a daunting target.Australia got chances but Harris dropped a tough catch and Nathan Lyon fumbled when he could have easily run Leach out.With two runs required, Leach negotiated a bouncer and took a single which he will cherish forever, giving strike to Stokes to end the day in an emphatic style. Stokes smashed Cummins toward covers for four as if he was playing a baby bowler.He has become the cricket world’s colossus and is one of the most talked about guys in the world of sports. Due to his innings, he was labeled by Botham “the Special One”.This English cricket summer of 2019 will be relished by Stokes while the spectators will savor it for their entire lives. We are fortunate to have witnessed one of greatest Test innings of all time.

from The News International - Sports https://ift.tt/2UjXO8p

Read More

Time to wake up

The economic crunch being faced by Pakistan has also affected the careers of national athletes. Sports is no longer a federal subject and this has affected state funding to sports federations. The federations are unable to convince corporate sector to fund athletes.A well-placed source told me that one of the biggest multi-national companies sponsoring a number of athletes of Pakistan has faced a major decline in its earnings. The source said that this company is about to withdraw its sponsorship to some athletes. The federal government’s sports strategy and the general economic collapse of the country have also badly affected national boxers.During an interaction with some of Pakistan’s leading boxers it was learnt that the increase of dollar rate has also affected their diet and preparations they are making on their own. Since featuring in Asian Games in Indonesia last year, our pugilists haven’t been in any training camp.Pakistan fielded some ordinary boxers in this year’s Asian Championship and Thailand Open. The basic reason was that the county’s boxing governing body (PBF) had nothing in its exchequer due to lack of state funding.Mostly Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Boxing Association ensured Pakistan’s presence in the above mentioned events by fielding their boxers. The leading boxers of the country are not happy. They say that they require exposure for coming national duty. Yes, Pakistan’s frontline boxers definitely have a tough task ahead in the shape of 2020 Olympics qualifiers.Suspending the world boxing governing body (AIBA), International Olympic Committee (IOC) has formed a task force to conduct boxing qualifiers from January 2020 to May 2020 and the boxing event in Olympics.The IOC, the other day, told me that the task force is working hard. “As you very well know, the work of the ad-hoc Boxing Task Force is underway and the IOC will communicate on the progress of the preparations in due course,” the IOC told me.IOC member Morinari Watanabe, who is also the president of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), chairs the five-member task force.Men will compete in eight weights while women will show their worth in five weight categories in 2020 Olympics. Women have been given a raise of 25 percent as in 2016 Rio Olympics women competed in three weight categories.Pakistan last featured in Olympics boxing in 2004 Athens Games. Not getting even one international event in an entire year is tantamount to killing the boxers’ careers. It is the responsibility of the PBF to revive the sport which has completely lost its gloss in the country.It is not that our boxing has lost all the vitality. The federation should not feel that in the two tenures of former PBF chief Doda Bhutto boxing was destroyed.PBF should rather analyse its own performance during the last two and a half years and then decide what it should do. We should not feel that our boxers cannot qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. We should pick the best, work on them for at least six months and you will see our fighters will fight hard in the qualifiers.The PBF president Khalid Mehmood is not an ordinary person. He is the secretary of Pakistan Olympic Association (POA). Despite that, PBF remains unable to bring Pakistan’s boxing out of the deep quagmire.Boxing has been Pakistan’s most impressive sport and we have had massive achievements in the sector for decades, particularly in Asia. We even got an Olympics bronze in boxing through Hussain Shah in the 1988 Seoul Olympics.It is now clear that the federal government will no longer give annual grants to federations. If we know this why then should we wait for funding by the government?The PBF should immediately start working seriously for boxing development. It should manage some sponsors and hold camps at home besides arranging foreign tour for the top few boxers in the next few months so that we could at least go into the Olympics qualifiers with some hope. If boxers are fielded in the qualifiers without any solid preparation then it will be of no value.The other day Khalid told me that the PBF would be trying to field two or three top boxers in the Olympic qualifiers.He also said that effort would be made to manage a foreign tour for the fighters ahead of the qualifiers. I think fielding two or three boxers in the qualifiers would not serve the purpose. We have some solid fighters in most of the weight categories but we should prepare them rightly. We should field a full-fledged boxing contingent in the Olympics qualifiers.Khalid also said that by 2020 the situation would become clear about how much the federal government would back sports.He added that the PBF also plans to launch its professional league which will be played under AIBA rules.A lot of time has been wasted. There is need for practical steps. The PBF must wake up and start working for revival of the sport which has still a huge talent. Khalid, as PBF chief, should keep contact with the boxing clubs and boxing stakeholders in Karachi and Balochistan which have been contributing hugely to boxing development.Most of the talent comes from these two areas. We should focus on them. It would be much better if Khalid got PBF secretary either from Sindh or Balochistan.73.alam@gmail.com

from The News International - Sports https://ift.tt/34i11JY

Read More

What Is A Googly?

When was the last time you smiled while reading a book about Cricket? Or felt embarrassed about not knowing a simple detail about the game we all love? If the answer is never, think again because What Is A Googly? The Mysteries Of Cricket Explained by Rob Eastaway will make you do both – smile and feel embarrassed at the same time.Described as ‘The ideal gift book for cricket lovers to bestow upon the uninitiated’ by The Times, this book takes you back in time and analyses why cricket is cricket; why the wicket falls when the wicket is broken and the bowler ends up with a wicket? Or why the fielder closest to the batsman is called silly. Intriguing, isn’t it? Wait till you complete the review.First of all, to read this book you have to set some ground rules – start it alone when you have nothing else to do, read it in a room where there is no one to disturb you (or be disturbed) and end it before making a comment to others. Because people will find it awkward for a guy reading a cricket book and breaking into laughter or smiling uncontrollably. Such is the book’s power. It breaks cricket into different parts and then tries to make sense of everything about the game. It may be targeted at those who have no idea about the game but it also hits those who think they know all about the game. From the origin of the sport to the films featuring it, from the names of players that feature in Shakespeare’s plays to the reason why bowlers shout Howzat instead of something more polite, this book has it all.And then there are many questions that not even many cricket fanatics have answers to – why is a batsman dismissed on a duck, why do bowlers rub the ball on their trousers, why do batsmen tap the ground with their bats to? So if you didn’t know what the captain does in cricket, or what the signals given by the umpire mean or why walking past the white screen is considered unethical, this book will educate you.The author must be commended for writing the text in high spirits. Otherwise, this book would have come out as one of those that no one thinks of reading, even if it was the only book available.To make the book more interesting, there are illustrations that one shouldn’t describe. It should be left to the readers to decode what the illustrator wants them to think. All I can say is that every illustration will light up your face. The box items featuring unusual texts such as Unusual Cricket Matches, Lords of Cricket, etc. will keep you distracted, in a good way.Reading this book is as much fun as watching a comedy TV serial, a Hollywood comedy flick or a comedy book laced with jokes that you haven’t heard. And lastly, every information in this book is authentic. It is only the way it is described that is hilarious! Happy reading...omair78@gmail.com

from The News International - Sports https://ift.tt/2UuhKpj

Read More