(FBR) to reconsider its tobacco tax policy emphasising the need for urgent tax increases to tackle both the public health and financial burdens caused by tobacco consumption
The WHO highlighted the alarming annual cost of tobacco to Pakistan estimating that it leads to 164 000 deaths and a loss of approximately $2 5 billion, or Rs 700 billion To address these issues, the WHO has submitted detailed proposals to the FBR for the 2025-26 budget urging the government to raise the Federal Excise Duty (FED) rates on tobacco products
The recommendations also include ensuring regular adjustments to the FED rates to keep pace with inflation and curbing manipulations in the tobacco industry’s sales mix
According to the WHO the recent low growth in cigarette tax revenues 7 4% in the first nine months of FY 2024-25 can be attributed to the industry’s shift towards lower-taxed economy brands The industry, the WHO asserts has increased production of these lower-taxed brands by nearly 30% since last year a move that reduces the overall tax collection Meanwhile, the production of premium brands has declined by 53 4% This shift has exacerbated the revenue shortfall as the taxes on economy brands are significantly lower compared to premium products
The WHO also pointed out that the FED rates on cigarettes have remained unchanged since February 2023, despite a 26% rise in inflation
This failure to adjust the tax rates in line with inflation has reduced the real value of the tax collected leading to a loss of approximately Rs 82 billion over the past two years In light of these discrepancies, the WHO urged
the FBR to raise the FED rates on economy and premium cigarettes to Rs 127 and Rs 416 per pack respectively,
minister reaffirmed solidarity with Baku and Ankara, referencing Pakistan’s unwavering positions on Karabakh and Turkish Cyprus He noted “Our strength lies in our solidarity and mutual respect Shehbaz thanked both nations for their visible public support during Pakistan s recent military standoff with India, following the Pahalgam incident “We could not but be mesmerised by the intensity of the fervour and enthusiasm of our common citizens ” he said He said India had failed to provide credible evidence linking Pakistan to the incident and had rejected Islamabad s offer of a neutral and transparent international investigation Addressing the summit first, President Ilham Aliyev expressed concern over the recent Pakistan-India tensions and reiterated Azerbaijan’s solidarity with Pakistan “We watched it very closely in the hope that peace would prevail From the early hours we expressed our solidarity with brotherly Pakistan, he said Aliyev added that resolution through “dialogue and negotiations in line with the UN Charter and resolutions” was the best path forward PM’s congratulations to President Aliyev people of Azerbaijan on Republic Day Earlier in the day PM Shehbaz also extended heartfelt congratulations to Aliyev and the people of Azerbaijan on their Republic Day “The way the Azeri nation fought for its liberation, you earned a high position in the community of nations ” he said He also praised President Erdogan s handling of the Kurdish rebel issue referring to the PKK s recent decision to disband That goes to explain in volumes, my brother, your diplomatic skills to resolve this issue By virtue of this, you have earned a high place and influence not only in the region but beyond ” he said A day earlier Shehbaz held a bilateral meeting with President Aliyev and thanked him for Azerbaijan s support during the recent confrontation with India The meeting was also attended by COAS Gen Munir According to a press release from the Prime Minister ’s Office, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to diversify their strategic partnership and promote investment opportunities
PM
reiterates
Pakistan’s willingness to talks on Kashmir, terrorism with India
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
The prime minister also praised Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his leadership during the recent conflict with India He described the army chief as firm God-fearing and resolute and credited Pakistan s military response with thwarting India s aggression He added that India failed to provide any credible evidence against Pakistan and ignored Islamabad’s call for a transparent investigation into the Pahalgam incident PM Shehbaz expressed hope that the trilateral summit would elevate cooperation among the three countries noting that Pakistan Turkiye and Azerbaijan shared deep-rooted cultural and historical ties He said these nations had always supported each other on international issues such as Nagorno-Karabakh Kashmir and Northern Cyprus Their bond he stated was reflected in the solidarity shown by their people The prime minister also acknowl-
edged the global challenges faced by countries today including armed conflict economic crises and climate change He said the summit was a symbol of compassion and unity and that wisdom and cooperation would lead the region toward peace and prosperity
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, in his address thanked Türkiye and Pakistan for their continued support and underlined the need for stronger ties between the three nations He revealed that Azerbaijan planned to invest $2 billion in Pakistan s economy through joint development projects He called for enhanced cooperation in technology, academia tourism and cultural exchanges
President Ilham Aliyev attends the Pakistan-Turkiye-Azerbaijan Trilateral Summit in Lachin Azerbaijan on May 28, 2025 X/azpresident President Aliyev also noted that tensions between India and Pakistan were a cause of concern for Azerbaijan and affirmed support for peaceful resolution
under the UN Charter Turkish President Erdogan meanwhile extended congratulations to Azerbaijan on its Independence Day and called the trilateral ties an example of mutual trust and shared vision President Erdogan described his recent talks with PM Shehbaz in Istanbul as constructive and praised Pakistan’s leadership during the recent conflict with India He reiterated Turkiye’s commitment to peace and urged joint efforts in economic and digital collaboration among the three countries President Erdogan said the region must become a hub of peace and prosperity amid growing global threats The summit in Lachin was part of PM Shehbaz Sharif ’s ongoing four-nation tour to thank friendly countries that supported Pakistan during the recent military escalation with India earlier in May Before arriving in Azerbaijan, the prime minister had visited Iran and Türkiye He will next head to Tajikistan for attending an international conference
On Youm- e -Takbeeer, civil, militar y leadership reaffirms doc trine of credible minimum deterrence
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
We commend our valiant armed forces for their unwavering resolve and determination to defend the nation s frontiers against all external and internal threats
“In the same spirit of unity and resolve we pledge to build Pakistan into a strong economic power that would become the envy of the world the premier vowed He hailed his brother and then-PM Nawaz Sharif for making “Pakistan’s defence invincible with his bold and courageous decision in 1998 to go ahead with a peaceful nuclear test in the face of strong opposition from many powerful countries He also paid tribute to former president Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for his visionary leadership , as well as “brilliant scientists and engineers who turned the vision and aspirations of the entire nation into reality” In his statement on the occasion PM Shehbaz urged the nation to carry the spirit of Youm-e-Takbeer beyond defense and into economic transformation
Thanking patriotic Pakistanis, he said, “I salute the nation, which made immense sacrifices for the completion of the nuclear programme and wrote a proud story of its determination and faith Reflecting on the historic nuclear tests conducted during Nawaz s tenure, Shehbaz noted that the decision to respond with six nuclear tests, compared to India’s five was a demonstration of
New trends in Urdu Poetr y
Economics at the University of Dacca in the late 1960 s Izhar-ul-Haq was deeply moved by Aftab Ahmad Shah’s wondrous intelligence, his mercurial temperament, and his imperviousness to worldliness
“iron resolve” in the face of global pressure and sanctions
Mr Nawaz Sharif represented the aspirations and national interests of the entire nation and made our geographical borders impregnable forever, the premier stressed
The premier also paid glowing tribute to the architects of Pakistan’s nuclear programme including Bhutto and Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan He invoked the leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and said, National history is a witness that the people and political leadership of Pakistan have always made the impossible possible ” In a statement President Zardari highlighted that the 1998 achievement was not merely a demonstration of our technological advancement it was a calculated decision to ensure peace through strength, to maintain the strategic balance in South Asia and to protect our nation against any external aggression In today s evolving regional security situation our nuclear capability continues to serve as a credible minimum deterrent that guarantees our peace and ensures that no one can undermine our sovereignty and national security ” the president observed
He noted that Pakistan demonstrated its strategic patience and commitment to peace in the face of recent unprovoked Indian aggression
Our calibrated response, under Op-
1 ‘Ku-e-Malamat’ Aftab Ahmad Shah’s poetic divan 2 ‘Hamzad’ Tauqir Ahmad Faiq’s verse collection
PO E T S (late) Aftab Ahmad Shah (1948-2021) and Tauqir Ahmad Faiq belong to the Pakistan Administrative Service Coincidentally they hail from the same tehsil and district viz Malakwal and Mandi Bahauddin and are alumni of the same university i e University of Dacca (now Dhaka) The former s divan Ku-e-Malamat comprises all four of his published verse collections titled Fard-e-Jurm , Ta zeer , Kuch To Hogi Baat’, and ‘Akhkhar Auhla’ (Punjabi) Tauqir Ahmad Faiq’s ‘Hamzad’ is his maiden verse collection appearing in print only at the fag end of the preceding year
‘K U-E-M A L A M AT’ (A C U R S E D H A B I TAT) Late Aftab Ahmad Shah was an outstanding writer, poet and orator His erstwhile peer,
He proceeds to review the latter s poetics in the light of these somewhat quaint attributes Dus rahay haiN Aftab Ahmad wohi ab/AasteeN kay saNp jo maaray nahi haiN Thus Aftab s poetry amply reflects the zeitgeist of the turbulent decades that he was destined to live out as a hypersensitive literary aesthete ‘Fard-e-Jurm’ bears an aptly written preface (1982) by Zafar Iqbal a literary wizard of our times He views Aftab s verse as a replica of intellectual fecundity, distinctiveness of style, and a good mastery of the art of articulation of feelings
T H E C O L L E C T I O N C O N TA I N S 78
ghazals in multiple rhyming schemes It is a poetry of protest (symbolizing as a charge sheet) but in a mellow tone The poet seems to be overly conscious of the vacuity of human desires in the face of ‘all that glitters is not gold’ But his cry is not a cry in the wilderness; its reverberance tends to arouse a corresponding resonance in the reader s mind providing it a much needed cathartic relief
Ta zeer is a continuation of the chargesheet in Fard-e-Jurm In criminal proceedings when charge is proven, accused is convicted and sentenced Veteran politician Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan who was a sea-
soned poet also wrote its foreword (1988)
He has appreciated Aftab Ahmad Shah s poetic virtuosity He thinks that Aftab s poetry is an embodiment of truth, self-respect, and self-contentment The book contains a Hamd a Na at 4 nazms and 50 ghazals in all An artistic merger of mundanity and spirituality besides a fulsome prosodic formulation makes it a thing of beauty Kuch To Hogi Baat (2003) is the third component of the divan It is a collection of a Hamd a prayer a Na’at 14 nazms 79 ghazals 2 qit’at and another 2 ghazals in Farsi (Persian) Akhkhar Auhla (the mask of words) is a small anthology of Aftab Ahmad Shah s Punjabi nazms and ghazals purporting to have been written during the period from 1963 to 1990 The wordage and tenor of these pieces is characteristic of the poet’s stylistics in general H A M Z A D (A N A LT E R E G O) Tauqir Ahmad Faiq s aforesaid verse collection, affectionately dedicated to his younger brother (also a well-known literary figure) Iqtidar Javed, contains 64 ghazals, 21 nazms, 2 qit’at besides a Hamd and a marsiya The book carries a
eration Bunyanum Marsoos was measured and effective which forced the enemy to cease its hostile actions He reaffirmed that Pakistan did not seek conflict and was committed to the principles of peaceful coexistence and respect for international law “This day serves as a reminder of our commitment to safeguarding the sovereignty independence and territorial integrity of our beloved country the president said President Zardari also paid a rich tribute to Pakistani scientists and engineers as well as civil and military leadership He also appreciated Bhutto for laying the foundation of the nuclear programme and ex-premier Benazir Bhutto s role in further strengthening it ARMED FORCES RENEW ‘UNFLINCHING RESOLVE’ TO DEFEND MOTHERLAND AGAINST ALL THREATS: The armed forces of Pakistan along with the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and services chiefs have extended heartfelt felicitations to the people of Pakistan on the 27th anniversary of Youm-e-Takbeer In a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), stated, “This day underscores Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to preserving its sovereignty and territorial integrity It affirms our doctrine of credible minimum deterrence rooted in the principle of maintaining peace and strategic stability in the region
suffering from Imran Khan s phobia as Punjab Police was preventing political leaders from meeting the founder violating fundamental constitutional rights, besides surveillance cameras monitoring every movement This is authoritarianism, not justice,” Waqas declared “We urge those in power to abandon this path We are not asking for favors we demand the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law PTI CIS stated However Waqas made it clear that despite all hardship and travesty of justice, the PTI chairman-for-life would not strike any deal “Ten months ago, he declared that he was ready to spend his life in jail but would never compromise on his principles ” Waqas recalled
Syed AfSAr SAjid
L A N N I N G Minister Ahsan Iqbal put his hand well and truly in the proverbial hornet’s next on Tuesday while addressing the launch of the Asian Infrastructure Report 2025 by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, when he said that the criteria of population and poverty according to which resources have been distributed by the last National Finance Commission in the 7th Award in 2010 in an 82 98:17 02 ratio between the federal government and provinces, were regressive He did not make clear whether he was attacking the crude population basis on which previous Awards had been made or merely the inverse population density parameter included ten At the same time, the previous Award introduced the parameter of rate of change in poverty, which would penalize, rather than reward, provinces which not just remained poor but were slow in removing poverty
One reason the NFC has become sensitive is that a change that was part of the 2010 Eighteenth Amendment prevented a reduction of the share of the provinces That meant the only change in federal provincial proportions could be a further reduction in the federal share One of the matters still left open is that of the inter-provincial allocation of the provincial shares Punjab, the most populous province, has always argued for an untrammeled population basis Sindh, where Karachi port is located has argued for contribution to tax revenue to be considered Balochistan has argued for population density KP has argued for poverty incidence
The final result has been a sort of deadlock, and though the 7th Award expired in 2015 no NFC has been constituted There are partisan reasons but there are strong bureaucratic lobbies as well, which prevent any province abandoning one jot or tittle of their claims Mr Iqbal has chosen to descend right into this controversy, even though nothing can be done without a National Finance Commission being brought into existence
Mr Iqbal has raised important issues, which go to the heart of the NFC Award mechanism, but it cannot be said that he has raised the issue He has merely engaged in some loud thinking and has gone public with a debate that needs to be held However the place for that the NFC, and Mr Iqbal, not only a Cabinet member but also Secretary General of the ruling PML(N), should throw his weight behind the convening of a new NFC so that it may begin the tortuous process of making an Award
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
T‘villain’ disparagement It is natural to criticise or loathe villains of course; just as it is natural to revere or admire heroes What can be problematic, and very often is, is the fact that as a rule there is no such thing as a pure hero or an unadulterated villain Heroes, being human beings, inevitably come with their weaknesses Villains, for the same reason have their share (even if it is a small one) of virtues as well The former fact is comparatively widely understood even if many folks leave a great deal to be desired when it comes to putting this understanding of theirs into practice It is the latter that for some reason many people find hard to wrap their heads around Popular cinema literature and political commentary all reinforce this concept of perfect heroes who can do nothing wrong; and consummate villains who are equally incapable of thinking and doing anything good The fact of the matter is that real men and women all have good and bad sides to them Shakespeare understood this better than most The merits of his plays owe as much to his masterful characterization based on this understanding as to his incomparable powers of expression Most classics to varying degrees have a nuanced approach when it comes to presenting heroes and villains Alas nobody reads the classics anymore Binary moral classification– that is, all good or all evil with nothing in between– is too convenient for many individuals to resist In contrast any nuanced understanding necessitates a great deal of thought In 1925 Betrend Russell had famously observed: Most people would sooner die than think; in fact, they do He might as well have 2025 in mind It does not help that in addition to a chronic allergy to thinking, human beings also have this deepseated urge to dominate Unfortunately, few of them possess the ability or the opportunities to prevail over others– for good or for ill– in any real sense For the rest it is one of two options One: accept the reality of their place in the grand scheme of things This is reserved for the select few that possess wisdom Two: resort to winning meaningless, trivial, second-hand, and empty battles This, unfortunately, is what the majority opts for I have known individuals who loathed a particular automobile not on account of its technical or aesthetic features (or lack thereof) but because somebody (whose guts they hated) drove it Because how anything associated in any way with such a person could possibly have any
‘Villain’ - disparagement
merit whatsoever! The flattering ‘rational animal’ label notwithstanding homo sapiens have traditionally given a rather poor account of themselves when it comes to thoughtful behaviour They are past masters at putting the cart before the horse Their adoption of heroes/villains invariably has emotional or psychological roots or are based in poor chance, try though they might to convince others and themselves that there is anything rational about it The ‘reasons’ for their choices are searched for later and are always found in abundance In almost all cases it is much more about the heroworshipper or the villain-disparager than it is about the hero or the villain Most of the public passion in political or sports rivalries has less to do with teams, players or politicians and more
l a t t e r I n t e l l e c t u a l
h o n e s t y o f fe rs n o s u ch c o nv e n i e n c e I t i s h a rd wo r k fo r i t n ev
ev e r y b o dy Ês c u p o f t e a ?
I n t i m e s o f w a r, t h e f i r s t c a s u a l t y i s t r u t h
Treading the fine line
AS tensions flare once again between India and Pakistan we find ourselves not only confronting the risks of military escalation but also the dangerous erosion of truth Misinformation strategic distortion, and emotionally charged narratives dominate headlines and social media
sympathizers Such coverage not only misinforms viewers but also narrows the democratic space needed for reasoned debate and de-escalation What’s more reporting from the frontlines especially in conflict-prone areas like Kashmir is increasingly restricted Journalists face not only physical dangers but also legal and institutional pressures This vacuum is then filled by rumour, speculation, and governmentissued bulletins that are rarely scrutinized With the rise of social media the nature of wartime disinformation has changed dramatically Governments troll farms and partisan users now deploy images videos and hashtags as tools of influence In both countries, online platforms become arenas for digital nationalism where truth is distorted for viral effect Old videos resurface as “proof” of fresh military victories CGI images are often passed off as real strikes Photoshopped and AI-generated deepfakes add layers of confusion While factcheckers work tirelessly to debunk falsehoods, their corrections often arrive too late to prevent public outrage or diplomatic fallout The result is a digital fog of war in which perception becomes more influential than reality As misinformation spreads unchecked leaders face growing public pressure to escalate rather than resolve conflicts The collapse of truth in wartime is not just a philosophical concern; it has real, human consequences Misinformation fuels anger, dehumanizes the “enemy,” and prolongs suffering Civilians living along the LoC in Indian-administered Kashmir and in border towns on both sides bear the brunt of this escalating hostility When false narratives dominate there is no room for empathy or dialogue Those advocating for peace are labeled naïve or even traitorous This climate makes reconciliation virtually impossible, as each new incident becomes another layer in an already burdened history
Moreover, the deliberate obfuscation of facts undermines democratic accountability If citizens are denied a clear picture of what their governments are doing in their name how can they meaningfully participate in shaping national policy or demanding restraint?
In such a fraught environment, defending truth becomes not just a journalistic responsibility but a civic and moral imperative Governments must resist the temptation to use misinformation as a tool of short-term advantage Any tactical gain achieved by misleading the public comes at the cost of long-term instability and mistrust Institutions should protect not punish journalists and whistleblowers who seek to uncover inconvenient facts Media outlets, especially in democracies, must hold themselves to higher standards It is possible and indeed necessary to be patriotic without being uncritical The public deserves more than dramatized conflict and selective outrage Citizens too have a role to play In an era where anyone with a smartphone can amplify information, media literacy is essential Before forwarding a viral video or incendiary quote, we must pause to ask: Is this real? Who benefits from this narrative? Could it escalate violence?
Despite the many failures there is still hope Independent fact-checkers in Pakistan at least continue to do the important work A growing number of young voices are calling for peace, mutual understanding, and responsible journalism Scholars and historians are revisiting official accounts and challenging sanitized versions of history
Truth may be the first casualty in times of war but it does not have to be the final one If South Asia is to move beyond the cycle of suspicion and hostility, it must begin by reclaiming truth not as a luxury, but as a foundation for peace The writer is a freelance columnist
Cures by the clueless
its version of history, often portraying itself as the victim and the other as the aggressor This dynamic has contributed to a regional climate in which facts are viewed through the prism of nationalism and uncomfortable truths are often dismissed as disloyalty or propaganda The Pulwama-Balakot episode in 2019 is a recent
Truth may be the first casualty in times of war, but it does not have to be the final one If South Asia is to move beyond the cycle of suspicion and hostility, it
Fighting childhood cancer
Through this campaign Pakistan is making it unmistakably clear: it will no longer be a silent bystander when its sovereignty stability and regional peace are at stake Crucially, this mission also reflects a recognition: that public diplomacy and effective international communication are no longer auxiliary tools but strategic imperatives In an age defined by instant information viral narratives and 24/7 media cycles the battle for global perception can carry as much weight as conventional diplomacy or military alliances The world today does not wait for policy briefs or official statements; it reacts to headlines, social media trends, and public sentiment Understanding this Pakistan s recent diplomatic outreach demonstrates an evolved approach one that seeks to shape discourse before it hardens into bias This proactive engagement goes far beyond traditional statecraft It is not mere damage control in response to slander or distortion; but a powerful declaration of intent that Pakistan will no longer stand idly by while its story is written by others with vested interests Instead it will defend its image with facts, assert its truth with conviction, and demand the right to a fair hearing in the court of international opinion By leveraging think tanks, policy institutions, and direct engagement with media and lawmakers Pakistan is finally aligning its diplomatic strategies with the demands of the information age It s a message to the world: Pakistan is not just present at the table it has something vital to say Historically, Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts have yielded tangible results when conducted with clarity and consistency For example during the heightened tensions after the Pulwama attack and subsequent Balakot airstrikes, Pakistan s outreach in key capitals helped temper some immediate international reactions, preventing escalation Similarly, Pakistan’s advocacy at the UN and OIC around Kashmir has kept the issue alive in international discourse This new diplomatic drive can elevate these efforts However the success of this delegation will
PakistanÊs
coherence and strategic depth in its foreign policy Rather than merely navigating crises this initiative positions Pakistan to prevent crises by informing global partners shaping public discourse, and building coalitions of understanding In a hyper-connected world, asserting the truth becomes not just a defensive act, but a strategic imperative
largely depend on its ability to present not just grievances but also Pakistan s constructive role in the region as a peace seeker, a responsible nuclear state, and a contributor to global stability It is imperative that the delegation s agenda goes beyond the immediate IndiaPakistan tensions Limiting discussions to just bilateral disputes would reduce the mission s impact Instead, incorporating a spectrum of critical issues such as regional security counterterrorism cooperation climate change challenges economic partnerships and humanitarian efforts would portray Pakistan as a multifaceted actor on the international stage Such comprehensive diplomacy also aligns with the interests of global powers that seek stability and cooperation in South Asia, increasing the likelihood of Pakistan gaining constructive partnerships and meaningful dialogue on a range of issues beyond just conflict resolution
Such strategic breadth was visible in previous instances when Pakistan highlighted its counterterrorism role and cooperation with global partners, gaining both diplomatic goodwill and material support The international community increasingly values nations that demonstrate proactive leadership on global challenges alongside traditional security concerns Pakistan s engagement on these fronts, woven into the diplomatic mission’s narrative, would thus strengthen its image and add weight to its critiques of Indian propaganda For instance Pakistan s contribution to UN peacekeeping missions and its commitments under various environmental accords have enhanced its diplomatic credibility in the past
Moreover, this mission provides Pakistan with an opportunity to set the record straight on many misperceptions including the often one-sided portrayal of Kashmir and regional security dynamics Presenting credible evidence could help international opinion towards a more balanced understanding Diplomatically, this would not only blunt Indian efforts to isolate Pakistan but also reinforce Pakistan’s case for international mediation and support in resolving outstanding disputes
However while the diplomatic delega-
tion is a positive step it must not become a symbolic gesture or a one-off event The global information landscape is dynamic and requires sustained engagement Pakistan must institutionalize this proactive posture constantly updating and engaging foreign partners media and think tanks to create a lasting impact A continuous nuanced campaign supported by evidence and clear communication can help shift global perceptions over time In contrast, sporadic outreach risks being overshadowed by louder narratives or geopolitical shifts A robust follow-up mechanism and a dedicated team for ongoing diplomacy will ensure that Pakistan remains visible relevant and persuasive in international circles long after the delegation returns home
Perhaps most significantly, the delegation’s visit to Paris has reportedly sparked interest among several international media organizations to conduct independent investigations into media manipulation and surveillance practices allegedly conducted by India under the EU DisinfoLab findings If such probes materialize, Pakistan s efforts could lead to a broader reckoning within the international community on the ethics of digital propaganda and state-sponsored information warfare These developments reinforce the idea that when diplomacy is assertive informed and persistent it not only defends but advances national interest
In addition, Pakistan s Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, was on a three-day official visit to China During this visit, he held in-depth discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing focusing on the evolving regional situation in South Asia and its implications for peace and stability The two sides also reviewed the entire spectrum of Pakistan-China bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest This visit underscores Pakistan s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with China and promoting regional stability through diplomatic engagement Furthermore, Beijing hosted trilateral talks involving Afghanistan, Pakistan, and
China aimed at enhancing regional stability and cooperation These discussions came in the wake of the recent ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and India The talks are expected to address issues of mutual interest, including regional peace and security, and explore avenues for collaborative efforts to promote stability in South Asia This trilateral dialogue reflects a shared commitment among the three nations to engage constructively and address common challenges through diplomatic means Additionally, this diplomatic initiative offered Pakistan a chance to
Dmitry Samoilov is a journalist and literary critic
This article was first published by the online newspaper Gazeta ru and was translated and edited by the RT team
speaking up doesn t make their experiences less valid According to a 2017 US survey, 42 3% of men reported experiencing abuse from an intimate partner A study in India’s Haryana state found the number even higher: 54% Yet men rarely report abuse Shame fear of mockery, and lack of support from law enforcement all play a role In this context, statistics can only hint at the scale of the issue The social script still expects men to absorb blows in silence So what are we watching here? What s the performance? The cameras captured more than a slap –they showed a leader of a major Western power in an unguarded moment, inside a very human (and perhaps dysfunctional) marriage The message? That even global figures are domestically ordinary Macron smiles for NATO frowns in boxing gloves beside a punching bag pretends to want peace while rearming his country Then like any other man he gets slapped at the airport And perhaps that s the point: it s enough that he has a family at all, even if it looks unstable The spectacle reassures the public that their leaders are human, not technocratic androids Even if the home is shaky, at least there is one But we, in Russia remember another version of dysfunction We lived through Boris Yeltsin s 1990s with a president battling late-stage alcoholism We know what happens when instability at home spills into governance And we wouldn t wish that kind of chaos on anyone So, Mr Macron, consider this: when your own wife slaps you in public and you have to pretend nothing happened the world notices These are international signals Maybe they’re cries for help And if they are feel free to give them on camera After all you are the president of a nuclear power
INDIA has become the fourth-largest economy in the world, as per the NITI Aayog CEO, B V R Subrahmanyam He clarified that this is based on projections for 2025-26 made by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its World Economic Outlook which says that India s nominal GDP is projected to rise to USD 4 187 017 billion surpassing Japan s estimated USD 4,186 431 billion If this is correct, then it is something to be happy about, even if India will be ahead by USD 0 586 billion, 0 014% of GDP Forget that India’s per capita income is one-thirteenth of Japan’s in nominal dollars; several other factors also need to be taken into account
First why is the IMF projection being used? The IMF is not a data-gathering agency It uses government data and tweaks it So, errors in government data are also in the IMF data Since Indian GDP data has big errors, as pointed out in this article, how reliable is this projection? Basing the claim on the IMF projection is an attempt to gain credibility and avoid the criticism that Indian GDP data is erroneous Second the world economy is passing through huge uncertainty since the victory of US President Donald Trump in November 2024 More so since he threatened to
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Chinese FM Wang Yi, Tonga’s Crown Prince highlight mutual suppor t during meeting
of the
of the
of China
Committee,
with Tonga s
and Minister for Foreign
Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala in east China’s Xiamen City on Wednesday The latter is in China to attend the third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers Meeting Conveying Chinese President Xi Jinping s greetings to Tonga s King Tupou VI, Wang highlighted that the 27 years of diplomatic relations between China and
Tonga have witnessed sustained, rapid development Throughout challenges ranging from natural disasters to the COVID-19 pandemic China and Tonga have consistently stood side by side embodying the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind through concrete actions, he said Emphasizing China s firm support for Tonga’s sovereignty, security and development interests, Wang expressed appreciation for Tonga’s adherence to the one-China principle and commitment to advancing bilateral cooperation across sectors in line with the consensus reached by the two heads of state Wang noted that since the establish-
ment of diplomatic ties, China-Tonga cooperation has expanded comprehensively from central to local governments and from economic to cultural domains with the Belt and Road Initiative serving as a key driver for bilateral relations China will remain a trustworthy longterm partner, he affirmed, underscoring mutual respect for equal statehood regardless of size He welcomed Tonga’s enhanced participation in international affairs praising its consistent support for China s positions in multilateral settings and stressed the commitment to advancing genuine multilateralism together with the Global South nations against unilateralism and protectionism
In response, the Crown Prince conveyed King Tupou VI s sincere greetings to President Xi, expressing gratitude for China’s timely assistance during Tonga’s volcanic eruption and pandemic challenges He noted the remarkable progress in bilateral relations that significantly improved Tongan people s livelihoods, highlighting his recent visit to east China’s Shandong Province, which deepened his understanding of Confucian philosophy Reaffirming Tonga’s unwavering one-China stance he proposed enhanced cooperation in medical services education and climate change response while voicing full confidence in the success of the foreign ministers meeting
Nuclear chief says Tehran tried not to accept inspec tors from hostile countries
After grabbing Muslim land, Modi eyes Sikh proper ties, warns Congress Punjab chief
ICAP Hosts CFO Conference 2025 at Lahore
LAHORE s ta f f r e p o r t
The Professional Accountants in Business (PAIB) Committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) organized CFO Conference 2025 on theme " Quantum Leap: Agility & Competitive Edge " at a local hotel A major highlight of the conference was the keynote address titled Leadership Metamorphosis: Recalibrating CFOs in Motion by Mr Syed Hyder Ali, Chief Executive and Managing Director of Packages Group He examined the multidimensional evolution of the CFO role, shifting from traditional financial stewardship to becoming strategic business leaders Mr Hyder Ali emphasized the CFO s potential to drive innovation performance and resilience amid today s volatile economic climate
Mr Saif Ullah, President of ICAP, in his keynote address, eloquently underscored the critical importance and timeliness of this year ’s theme He reflected upon the unprecedented velocity of transformation reshaping the global financial and business landscape emphasizing that today s finance leaders must cultivate agility embrace disruptive technologies and position themselves as strategic enablers He further asserted that in an era defined by complexity and volatility, the ability to anticipate change and proactively drive value creation is no longer optional but imperative for sustained organizational success
Vice
of ICAP conveyed his profound gratitude to the distinguished guests, organizing committee, ICAP Council Members, sponsors, and participants for their invaluable contributions to the success of the conference He highlighted the evolving and pivotal role of CFOs as catalysts of organizational transformation not merely as stewards of financial integrity but as visionary leaders driving digital integration, fostering a culture of ethical governance, and steering their institutions toward long-term, sustainable growth in an increasingly complex business environment
The conference proceeded with a thought-provoking panel discussion titled 'Empowered Growth: Leveraging the Digital Ecosystem expertly moderated by Ms Sana Mela Vice President Strategy at Swyft Logistics The panel featured a distinguished lineup of speakers including Mr Atyab Tahir, CEO of Hugo Bank; Mr Salman Hafeez, Executive Director at Nishat; and Mr Faisal Khan, CEO of IGI General Insurance
pollution, including the introduction of electric buses in the city which has significantly lowered carbon emissions in Islamabad Chairman CDA further said that Islamabad s solid waste management system is being introduced and modernized with advanced landfill sites and waste-to-energy projects planned for the next phase
DR AYESHA WAQAR N e
Mr Samiullah Siddiqui
President
Pakistan-Iran border to remain opened 24 hours for pilgrims: Naqvi
S a u d i A r a b i a w a r n s o f
d e p o r t a t i o n , 1 0 - y e a r
b a n f o r H a j j v i o l a t o r s
RIYADH n e w S d e S k T h e S a u d i M i n i s t r y o f I n t e r i o r h a s w a r n e d t h a t r e si d e n t s a t t e m p t i n g t o p e r f o r m H a j j w i t h o u t a v a l i d p e r m i t w i l l f a c e i m m e d i a
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s s u e s s w i f t l y
C hinese Educ ation Group to upgrade 20 voc ational institutes in K
Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (FE&PT) and China’s Tang International Education Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to upgrade 20 vocational institutes in Karachi
This partnership aims to enhance infrastructure establish IT and smart labs, and create Centers of Excellence across Pakistan, Gwadar Pro reported on Wednesday The MoU was signed here by Shafiq Hussain Khokhar, Director General Admin & Finance of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) and Song Jianying Chairman & CEO of Tang International s Pakistan Subsidiary
The signing ceremony was overseen by Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Minister for FE&PT, and Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong
“Pakistan stands at a decisive moment,” said Dr Siddiqui while addressing the ceremony “With a youth population comprising nearly 65% of our total around 150 to 180 million we have both a profound challenge and a unique opportunity
Properly trained our youth can not only uplift our own nation but also become a global skilled workforce
Highlighting the broader vision behind the initiative Dr Siddiqui added “The friendship between China and Pakistan is exemplar which is a sign of stability and prosperity for the region
To strengthen this bond further educational and
arachi
developmental goals must be achieved We are focusing on massive training efforts across the country especially in slum areas around major cities
Ambassador Jiang Zaidong discussed China s experience and willingness to collaborate for the betterment of Pakistan s youth
“The basic guidelines or principles of the human resources cooperation between China and Pakistan is to turn the population bonus into talent or skilled workforce bonus he stated Pakistan has a very good base because you have 240 to 250 million population and among which 64% of them are under 30-year-old, so that is very remarkable population bonus
Ambassador Jiang also shared insights into China’s approach to employment and vocational training “China was actively promoting the employment through various ways and about 50% of the undergraduates find satisfactory jobs upon graduation which is very high figure
The Chinese government, especially Ministry of Education and Ministry of Human Resources use various ways to raise that number and throughout this process China would like to share our good practices with Pakistan so that we can create better conditions for the development of Pakistan s youth through bilateral cooperation
Prior to the MoU signing, both the Chinese Ambassador and Minister Siddiqui visited a Job Fair 2025 organized at the Pak-China Friendship Centre in Islamabad where more than 20 Chinese companies offered over 500 employment opportunities
Mushahid claims Chinese technology surpassing western
BEIJING
Hussain
Sayed at a high-level global dialogue in Beijing
Speaking at the opening of the Global Political Parties Dialogue on Asia in a Changing World , Senator Mushahid said China had become a scientific superpower” and was reshaping global dynamics not through conquest but by peaceful economic development China is surpassing the West in key sectors from J10C fighter jets and Deep
Seek AI to electric vehicles, said Mushahid, citing a recent Economist cover story He framed the trend as part of the broader ‘Rise of the East’ with Asia emerging as the new global centre of gravity
Chaired by Senator Mushahid in his role as Co-Chairman of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), the Dialogue brought together representatives from 250 political parties across 29 countries The conference was hosted by the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC) in Beijing In a striking geopolitical assertion, Mushahid also described China as “part of South Asia” and “a source of stability in the region ” noting its peaceful rela-
tions with nearly all neighbours despite having borders with 14 countries He stressed that the border dispute with India should not define bilateral relations and must be resolved peacefully The panel also featured senior political figures including IDCPC Minister Liu Jianchao, former Thai Speaker Bokin Balakula, and former Mongolian Foreign Minister Damdin Tsogtbaatar Liu echoed Mushahid’s remarks affirming that China does not aim to export its political model but offers its poverty alleviation experience as a blueprint for developing nations China s rise has come through reforms and development,” Liu said, adding that China remains committed to cooperation and peaceful coexistence within South Asia
automation
Pakistan s presence at the conference was notable, with former Senate Chairman Nayyar Hussain Bokhari Senator Anusha Rehman Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi and several business and think tank representatives in attendance On the sidelines of the event Liu held a separate meeting with Senator Mushahid, discussing high-level exchanges between the two countries, including his own visit to Islamabad in June 2024 and the recent trip by Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar to Beijing The conference also received congratulatory messages from the Prime Ministers of Pakistan and Malaysia, underlining the event’s significance in shaping future regional cooperation
