Clearance: PIA resumes cargo shipment to EU

KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines resumed its cargo shipment after the European Union removed a temporary restriction after a satisfactory inspection of the national carrier.

PIA’s cargo shipments were barred in Europe since July 28 because of delays in a validation from experts who stamp ‘compliance to security protocols’ on part of the airline.

Temporary suspension of PIA’s cargo service came on heels of a deadly attack at the Karachi airport, raising concerns over aviation security.

The airline found itself caught up in the tough regulation called Air Cargo or Mail Carrier operating into the Union from a Third Country (ACC3) that required carriers to take certain security screening measures by July 31, 2014.

ACC3 regulation became mandatory, after October 2010, when an attempt to carry explosives hidden in a printer cartridge was made from a Middle Eastern state.

According to the regulation, countries have been divided in three separate categories. The Green category includes countries that do not need validation, The White category includes most of the countries that require validation, but Pakistan has been placed in the high risk Red category, among countries under stringent watch.

The airline had spent months putting in place relevant systems and procedures to comply with tough European Union conditions, officials said.

In line with the regulation, PIA installed dual view scanners, explosive trace detectors (ETDs) and deployed dogs trained in identifying explosives.  The two-step validation is done by IATA approved Independent Validators. A pre-validation inspection has already cleared PIA to run cargo service to EU.

The validation is acceptable for 10 years. But authorities have increased security in recent weeks by deploying trained and well-equipped guards around all international airports and enhancing the screening of vehicles, passengers and their attendants.

PIA is the only Pakistani airline operating cargo service to Europe.

Power generators: HUBCO puts coal-conversion plan on hold

KARACHI: 

Hub Power Company Limited (Hubco) has put on hold the plan to convert its oil-based power generators to coal, as it has already spend $40 million to fix existing boilers, according to a top company official.

“Overhaul of the boilers of four power plants, with nameplate capacity of 325MW each, has been going on for months and is expected to be completed by May 2015,” said company CEO Khalid Mansoor.

“At least for the immediate term we do not intend switching to coal — especially not after having spent so much money already,” he said, explaining the fact that using coal instead of furnace oil would require construction of new boilers from scratch.

Mansoor pointed out that as soon as he took over the company as CEO, he rang the alarm bell regarding boilers’ condition. They broke down frequently and had leaks.

A few months later government announced that it had convinced some Independent Power Producers (IPPs) including Hubco to switch to coal, that would eventually reduce their electricity tariffs by fifty per cent.

Mansoor said that none of the companies started with the conversion because the policy guidelines needed were not approved by the government. In cases where heavy investment is required, the IPPs want updated contracts.

“Hubco’s contract expires in 2027. We would like to extend it to 2037 or beyond. Conversion of existing plants to coal might happen in a few years, but right now we have other plans,” explained Mansoor.

The boiler overhaul has taken a toll on the company’s profitability as every attached unit undergoes a one-time shutdown that spans over 110 days, cutting output and revenue.

Hubco recently announced a 30.2% decline in net profit at Rs6.549 billion in 2013-14 against Rs9.387 billion it posted in 2012-13.

Profit for current fiscal 2014-15 will remain under pressure as work on two remaining boilers is yet to be carried out. “We expect to see profitability at round the same level (as 2013-14). But things will go back to the way they were from next fiscal year.”

“The recurring problem of circular debt, which has once again created a liquidity crunch for IPPs, will have to be resolved for effective management of the power sector,” Mansoor said.

“The government owes Rs235 billion to IPPs. Hubco alone has Rs70 billion stuck in the circular debt.”

Company’s growth plans

About Hubco’s growth plans, Mansoor said that the company is moving ahead to build a new coal-fired 660MW power plant near its existing facility in Hub, a few kilometres away from Karachi.

“Being right at the coast, we have the most ideal location for a coal-based power plant. We have land measuring 1,500 acres, out of which we are currently using just 100. It leaves us enough space. We can build many power plants there,” he said.

The company is considering what Mansoor calls offshore-unloading solution to handle coal imports. “A large floating storage could be parked in the sea. We could then use barges to bring coal from there to the plant on the coast. This would save cost of building a dedicated coal terminal.”

Hubco might also utilise spare coal capacity at Karachi Port Trust’s terminal, located 50km from Hub, to meet the estimated requirement of 2 million tons a year for the power plant.

The 660MW power plant would cost around $1 billion and Hubco expects to get most of the financing from Chinese investors.

It has also signed an agreement with Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company to inject $20 million in the project, which will extract coal from the vast reserves in Tharparkar district.

Bilateral cooperation: Pakistani govt excited over Chinese president’s visit

ISLAMABAD: 

Ahead of the anticipated visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Pakistan, officials from both countries discussed bilateral economic cooperation. 

Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar discussed broader contours of the president’s high-profile visit. Both sides are expected to sign agreements to implement projects in the energy and infrastructure sectors with Chinese assistance.

However, neither Pakistan nor China have yet officially announced the visit of the Chinese President. The foreign office has also not convened the inter-ministerial meeting to finalise the possible areas of cooperation during the upcoming visit, according to an official of the Board of Investment.

The Chinese ambassador said that Pakistan-China Economic Corridor was moving ahead smoothly and the third round of Pakistan-China Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) was currently going on successfully. He said mega projects in the energy and infrastructure sectors with the help of the Chinese would bring development and economic progress to Pakistan.

Under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Beijing has recently announced providing financial assistance for 14 energy projects and four mega infrastructure projects including Karakorum Highway Phase-II, development of Gwadar Port, Lahore-Karachi Motorway and Orange Line Metro Project in Lahore.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Wednesday that an agreement has been reached with China on the construction of Lahore-Karachi Motorway.

The ambassador said that China has no agenda other than cooperation in development and economic progress of Pakistan, according to a handout issued by the Ministry of Finance.

The finance minister said that political leadership of both countries has a common vision and spoke of the robust economic cooperation, reducing differences between the two countries and regional connectivity.

Dar said that the economic corridor will reduce transportation cost between Pakistan and China and enhance trade and investment for great future of this region.

He hoped that projects in the pipeline will be completed on time. He also informed the ambassador that political leadership in Pakistan is looking forward to welcoming Chinese president’s visit and hoped that the visit will usher in a new era of progress and development.

According to political analysts, the Chinese president’s anticipated visit to Pakistan will be seen as critical support to the government at a time when it is facing challenges on the domestic front.

The PML-N government has been claiming that the Pakistani PM’s decision to first go to China after taking oath was not liked by western powers.

While speaking at state-run TV, the party’s senior leader Senator Mushahidullah Khan claimed that the recent political turmoil has its roots in the PM’s decision to visit Beijing first instead of going to Washington.

A ‘fruitful’ development: Pakistani mangoes in Japan

TOKYO: 

Following the breakthrough in mango exports between private sectors in 2013, Pakistani mangoes are now being sold for the first time by the largest high-street retailer in Japan, AEON Corporation – a $57-billion entity.

The development came in the form of a soft launch at the new AEON Makuhari Mall – one of the largest in Tokyo. To celebrate the achievement, customers at the mall were served with fresh mango slices, which proved to be popular.

Addressing the media, Pakistan’s ambassador to Japan Noor Muhammad Jadmani said the taste and richness were not just confined to mangoes but were hallmarks of different fruits and vegetables from Pakistan. He emphasised that orchards in Pakistan were Global GAP certified.

The ambassador stressed that persistent efforts of the commercial sector to promote Pakistani fruits and vegetables in the Japanese market and its constant direct liaison with AEON had led to the breakthrough.

Jadmani underscored that mangoes would be the thin-end-of-the-wedge to introduce Pakistani produce to the consumers in Japan. He was also grateful for AEON for its cooperation.

AEON Chairman Hiroshi Yokoo welcomed the ambassador and Fauji Fertiliser Company (FFC) Chairman Lieutenant General (retired) Naeem Khalid Lodhi as he joined them on the merchandise sales display. Yokoo thanked the Pakistan team for making the inaugural event possible.

The ambassador said that he has confidence in the GAP-certified mango exporters from Pakistan, especially companies like FFC. Agreeing with Jadmani, Lodhi expressed hopes of more agricultural products being introduced by AEON in due course of time and appreciated the idea of farms in collaboration with the company, dedicated to exclusive production for the Japanese market.

“Pakistan will be able to meet the Japanese demand and expand into new areas with further market research, development and coordination,” said Lodhi.

The Pakistan ambassador also noted that while the business aspect of the mango was important, the trade had broader relevance. He said that cuisine and exchange of agricultural products increased awareness between countries and helped build better relations. 

Did you know?: The Mountain from GOT becomes Europe’s Strongest Man

‘The Mountain’ made his way through the competition by winning the first prize in three different events. PHOTO: STOCK IMAGE

‘The Mountain’ from Game of Thrones truly lives up to his name as he destroys his latest competition.

Hafthor Bjornsso, also known as Gregor Clegane or ‘The Mountain’ in Game of Thrones, officially became Europe’s Strongest Man, earlier this month.

Game of Thrones writer George RR Martin has filled the fantasy world with irredeemable characters and Hafthor who plays the abovesaid role may just be the worst — the murderous knight has been the one behind some of the most shocking moments in the hit TV series and the GOT novels.

If you get a chance to watch the video showing how he accepted the top prize, you’ll feel a little bit sorrier for the characters in the show. ‘The Mountain’ made his way through the competition by winning the first prize in three different events, according to the Huffington Post. However, the turning point was when he completed a stone-lifting challenge. He completely brushed his opponents aside in the Europe’s Strongest Man tournament and after placing the final stone, the 6’9 Icelander ripped off his shirt as he yelled out saying, “I am the future of strength as I am King of the Stones!”

Did you know?: Hollywood stars appeal for peace in the Middle East

The Creative Community For Peace’s document has been signed by Hollywood stars who want an end to the violent clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian troops in Gaza. PHOTO: AFP

Los Angeles. Actors Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone and Seth Rogen are among about 200 Hollywood stars who have signed a statement calling for peace in the Middle East.

The Creative Community For Peace’s document has been signed by Hollywood stars who want an end to the violent clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian troops in Gaza, reports contactmusic.com.

In the statement, the stars urge politicians to find a resolution and end the fighting, while they also come out in support of Israel and criticise the Palestinian Hamas organisation.

The letter reads, “We, the undersigned, are saddened by the devastating loss of life endured by Israelis and Palestinians in Gaza.

“We are pained by the suffering on both sides of the conflict and hope for a solution that brings peace to the region…

“While we stand firm in our commitment to peace and justice, we must also stand firm against ideologies of hatred and genocide…

“We join together in support of the democratic values we all cherish and in the hope that the healing and transformative power of the arts can be used to build bridges of peace.”

Other stars to have signed the statement include Kelsey Grammer, Minnie Driver and Mayim Bialik.

Alia Bhatt: She can take a joke

MUMBAI: She became the butt of all jokes following her appearance on Karan Johar’sKoffee with Karan, but now actor Alia Bhatt has taken a potshot at herself via an entertaining video titled Alia Bhatt — Genius of the Year, which is gaining popularity on social media.

“So, after the ‘Alia Bhatt jokes’ thing… I decided to fix my brain!” Alia posted on Twitter Monday morning along with a YouTube link to the video. A brief description of the video uploaded by comedy collective All India Bakchod, reads: “What did Alia Bhatt do after the internet turned her into the butt of all jokes? A documentary crew found out…”

The video features Alia with appearances by her father, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, as well as friends and colleagues including Karan Johar, Arjun Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra. It begins with a message that reads: “In 2014, a documentary crew follows Alia Bhatt in the aftermath of her Koffee with Karan debacle.”

The video is a funny fictional take on what the 21-year-old went through after her general knowledge, rather lack of it, was jested at when she called Prithviraj Chauhan the president of India on KJo’s show. In the video, she is seen talking about how “hurt” she was when instead of searching for “Alia Bhatt hot pics” on Google, people started looking for “Alia Bhatt jokes.”

She then visits a “Dumb Belle Mental Gym,” which offers to take her from “Dolce & Gabbana to Smart like Shabana (Azmi).” At the gym, she reads newspapers, her diet is “three portions of newspapers in the morning” and she is instructed to “skip Page 3.” She is made to brush up her knowledge via music and lands on Koffee with Karan again, stunning the host Karan with her answers.

The video’s end is to watch out for. Directed by Shakun Batra, Alia Bhatt — Genius of the Yearis being loved by celebrities such as Hrithik Roshan and Abhishek Bachchan as much as by Alia’s fans.

“Bravo @aliaa08 this is superb! And it’s also @karanjohar’s best performance ever,” tweeted Abhishek, while Hrithik posted: “Fell down laughing! Talent with a twist, @aliaa08 you are sensational.” Praising the video, Farhan Akhtar said: “Now, this is funny… Hahahaha… Love it. Full points to @aliaa08 @shakunbatra @karanjohar.” Hansal Mehta called the video “disarmingly cute” and her Student of the Year co-star Sidharth Malhotra tweeted: “Haha brilliant @aliaa08 so endearing and sporting. Kudos to you.”