Epaper_23-06-27 ISB

NO REPRIEVE FOR MAY 9 PERPETRATORS ON PRETEXT OF HR ISSUES: DG ISPR

vices Public Relations (ISPR), expressed concern over the nationwide protests triggered by the unlawful arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan last month and the alleged desecration of military monuments across the country The DG ISPR said there would be no reprieve or leniency for the facilitators and perpetrators of the May 9 mayhem on account of fake human rights narrative A thorough probe had clearly indi-

cated that May 9 riots and arson were a pre-planned and orchestrated conspiracy against the armed forces, he said, adding there was no substance in the concocted narrative of any human rights abuses

He highlighted the families of martyrs and all ranks of the army were raising questions regarding these events The May 9 incidents have demonstrated that the miscreants accomplished what the enemies of Pakistan could not ” Maj-Gen Chaudhry claimed Furthermore the spokesperson of the army condemned the protests deeming them

a dark chapter in Pakistan s history and a significant conspiracy against the nation

The wave of protests, Maj-Gen Chaudhry revealed that evidence related to the violent incidents has been gathered as investigations were underway He emphasised the army s continuous efforts to eliminate terrorists from the country He further expressed the concerns of all ranks within the army, questioning the sacrifice of their lives if the memorials of the fallen heroes are subjected to such desecration

What went behind MPC ’s emergency decision to hike policy rate to 22%

PR OFIT

M A R I A M U M A R FA R O O Q

In an emergency meeting of the central bank s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), the policy rate in the country was raised by 100 basis points (bps) to 22% effective June 27 2023 The decision comes only two weeks after the last MPC meeting where the interest rate was kept unchanged at 21%

However a recent flurry of activity that has found the government scrambling to make last minute changes to secure a deal with the IMF led to the emergency meeting Analysts believe that the hike in the policy rate is another condition set forth by the IMF

“This seems to be another IMF condition Higher rates would increase debt servicing burden on both government and private sector but if this leads to an IMF program, the positives would outweigh the neg-

ative implications considering fragile macroeconomic conditions Fahad Rauf Head of Research at Ismail Iqbal Securities (Pvt ) Limited told Profit

The sudden revision of the budget and increase in taxes, uplifting import ban and hiking the policy rate in an emergency meeting are all indicative that these measures have been undertaken to appease the IMF team Sana Tawfiq Senior Analyst at Arif Habib Limited told Profit

Although it was an emergency decision which could have had a negative impact on the market, the market will not take it negatively since it shows that the probability of receiving funds from the IMF have increased Even today the market stood at 1000+” The benchmark KSE-100 closed at 41 347 points up 1 371 points Was the emergency increase unprecedented?

In a press release, the central bank said that after its meeting held on June 12, two pivotal domestic devel-

PSX witnesses bullish trend, gains 1,37 1 points on IMF deal hopes

opments have taken place that have slightly worsened the inflation outlook and could potentially intensify the pressure on already strained external accounts These developments entail the approval of increased taxes, duties, and PDL rates in the FY24 budget by the National Assembly on June 25 2023 as well as the discontinuation of the import ban by the SBP on June 23 2023

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) acknowledged these measures as necessary steps toward fulfilling the ongoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) program It affirmed that these supplementary tax measures are likely to have a direct and indirect impact on inflation, while the relaxation in imports may exert pressure on the foreign exchange market Consequently the MPC made the decision to raise the policy rate ensuring that the real interest rate remains firmly positive on a forward-looking basis

C J P H O P E S N O T R I A L I N M I L I TA R Y C O U R T U N T I L

S C H E A R I N G P E R T I N E N T P L E A S

ISLAMABAD

S ta f f R e p o R t

THE Supreme Court on Monday adjourned the hearing of petitions pertaining to the trials of accused of May 9 riots in army courts, till

Tuesday The six-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar

Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Ijazul

Ahsan Justice Yahya Afridi Justice Munib

Akhter, Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi and Justice Ayesha Malik heard the case

Earlier, the seven-member bench was dissolved after Justice Mansoor Ali Shah recused himself from the case and then a sixmember new bench was formed to continue the proceedings

At the outset of hearing the court rejected the request of Salman Akram Raja

seeking a stay order against the trial of civilian accused in military courts in connection with the May 9 incidents

The CJP remarked that the matter was related to basic human rights as neither Section-II of the Army Act was above the Constitution nor it could deprive the civilian accused of basic rights

He asked whether the word ‘court martial’ had been used anywhere other than the Army Act The bench wanted to view the verdicts related to the military courts

The CJP observed that there were some basic requirements of disciplinary tribunal, and it was not correct that a military court was equal to the sessions court

He asked lawyer Salman Akram Raja whether the verdicts referred by him were related to the trials of terrorists in military courts and whether the decisions of army

courts could not be challenged

The lawyer replied that the military court verdicts could only be challenged before the Army Chief or a committee formed by him

The CJP remarked that you may say the scope of appeal should be expanded in that case He observed that the 21st Constitutional Amendment mentioned the application of Army Act against the accused involved in picking guns against armed forces

The CJP asked the AGP that what was the progress regarding trials in military courts saying the bench needed some assurances The court hoped that no accused would be tried in army courts during hearing of the matter by the apex court, he added

He also asked the AGP to provide the complete details of 102 accused who were in the custody of army directing provision of basic facilities to the arrested people

Acting President approves Finance Bill 2023-24

ISLAMABAD S h a h z a d pa R ac h a

Acting President Sadiq Sanjrani on Monday approved the Finance Bill 2023-

24 According to the Press wing President house Acting President Sadiq Sanjrani has approved the Finance Bill 2023-24

The Acting President approved the bill under Article 75 of the Constitution it stated It is pertinent to mention here that the National Assembly on Sunday approved Finance Bill 2023-24 which was completely different from the one presented in the lower house of parliament on June 9 2023

The government has updated all the fiscal numbers on the instructions of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)

The total expenditure for 2023-24 is increased from Rs 14 460tr to Rs14 480 tr and pension estimate from Rs761 billion to Rs801bn

Similarly the subsidy estimate would now be Rs 1 064 tr and grants would be Rs 1 405 tr, adding as a result of all these measures, the

Stampede at Karachi BISP

disbursement leaves

21 women wounded

KARACHI S ta f f R e p o R t A s t a m p e d e b r o k e o u t d u r i n g t h e d i s b u r s e m e n t o f f u n d s f o r t h e B e n a z i r I n c o m e S u p p o r t P r o g r a m m e ( B I S P ) a t t h e K a r a c h i P o r t Tr u s t ( K P T ) l a n d o n M o n d a y, r e s u l t i n g i n i n j u r i e s t o a t l e a s t 2 1 w o m e n o f f i c i a l s r e p o r t e d I n i t i a l l y P o l i c e S u r g e o n D r S u m m a i y a S y e d s a i d t h a t o n e w o m a n h a d d i e d i n t h e s t a m p e d e b u t l a t e r c l a r i f i e d t h a t t h e v i c t i m w a s i n c r i t i c a l c o n d i t i o n T h e w o u n d e d w o m e n w e r e s w i f t l y t r a n s p o r t e d t o C i v i l H o s p i t a l K a r a c h i , a s c o n f i r m e d b y J a c k s o n P o l i c e S t a t i o n H o u s e O f f i c e r ( S H O ) B a b e r H a m e e d A p a t i e n t l i s t f r o m t h e h o s p i t a l i n d i c a t e d t h a t 2 1 p a t i e n t s w e r e a d m i t t e d f o r t r e a t m e n t S H O H a m e e d r e v e a l e d t h a t a p p r o x i m a t e l y 2 0 0 0 t o 3 0 0 0 w o m e n h a d g a t h e r e d a t t h e l o c a t i o n t o c o l l e c t t h e f u n d s H e s u s p e c t e d t h a t t h e m a i n g a t e s l o c k w a s b r o k e n , a l l o w i n g a l a r g e n u m b e r o f w o m e n t o e n t e r a n d t r i g g e r i n g t h e s t a m p e d e E x p r e s s i n g r e g r e t , t h e o f f i c i a l h i g h l i g h t e d t h a t t h e r e w a s o n l y o n e B I S P c e n t r e t h e K P T g r o u n d s e r v i n g t h e e n t i r e K e a m a r i d i s t r i c t Wo m e n f r o m M a c h a r C o l o n y M u s h a r r a f C o l o n y K h a r a d a r a n d M i t h a d a r h a d c o n g r e g a t e d t h e r e t o r e c e i v e t h e i r f u n d s B a l d i a p o l i c e o f f i c i a l s a n d t h e d i s t r i c t a d m i n i s t r a t i o n s w i f t l y a r r i v e d a t t h e s c e n e f o l l o w i n g t h e i n c i d e n t e n s u r i n g t h a t t h e s i t u a t i o n i s n o w u n d e r c o n t r o l

IHC takes up ECP case against PIC over meeting minutes

ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t T h e I s l a m a b a d H i g h C o u r t ( I H C ) h a s r e q u e s t e d a r e s p o n s e f r o m t h e P a k i s t a n I n f o r m a t i o n C o m m i s s i o n ( P I C ) r e g a r d i n g a p e t i t i o n f i l e d b y t h e E l e c t i o n C o m m i s s i o n o f P a k i s t a n ( E C P ) c o n c e r n i n g m e e t i n g m i n u t e s E a r l i e r, t h e P I C h a d o r d e r e d t h e E C P t o p r o v i d e m e e t i n g m i n u t e s t o a c i t i z e n u n d e r t h e R i g h t o f A c c e s s t o I n f o r m a t i o n A c t 2 0 1 7 T h e P I C s r e s p o n s i b i l i t y i s t o e n s u r e t h a t c i t i z e n s h a v e a c c e s s t o i n f o r m a t i o n h e l d b y f e d e r a l p u b l i c b o d i e s H o w e v e r t h e E C P c h a l l e n g e d t h e o r d e r t o d i s c l o s e t h e m e e t i n g m i n u t e s s p e c i f i c a l l y r e l a t e d t o t h e a p p o i n t m e n t o f M o h s i n N a q v i a s t h e C a r e t a k e r C h i e f M i n i s t e r o f P u n j a b , i n t h e h i g h c o u r t C h i e f J u s t i c e A a m e r F a r o o q p r e s i d e d o v e r t o d a y s h e a r i n g o f t h e E C P s p e t i t i o n D u r i n g t h e h e a r i n g , t h e l a w y e r r e p r e s e n t i n g t h e E C P r e q u e s t e d t h e c o u r t t o s u s p e n d t h e P I C s o r d e r A f t e r c o n s i d e r i n g t h e a rg u m e n t s t h e c o u r t i s s u e d n o t i c e s t o a l l p a r t i e s i n v o l v e d a n d r e q u e s t e d a d e t a i l e d r e s p o n s e T h e c o u r t a d j o u r n e d t h e h e a r i n g u n t i l a f t e r t h e E i d - u lA d h a h o l i d a y s

LAHORE/KARACHI

S ta f f R e p o R t

After days of scorching heat, the country experienced pre-monsoon stormy rains providing respite from the severe heat wave However the heavy showers also brought along the distressing consequences of flooding in various cities across the country on Monday Cities in Punjab, including Lahore, Nowshehra Virkan, Malikwal Narowal Attock Sara-iAlamgir Kharian Sagla Hill Nankana Sahib Renala Khurd Sirai-Mughal Pakpattan Manawala Sialkot, and the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, were hit by cloudbursts

Additionally heavy rains pounded several cities in Balochistan Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir Torrential rains led to flooding in streams and drains in different areas of Balochistan, KP, and AJK, raising concerns about possible landslides in hilly regions In anticipation of the monsoon rains in Khyber

including permission to meet their families

AGP Mansoor Usman Awan said the interrogation of accused was underway and it was possible that many of them might be released later Those who had not attacked on prohibited areas would be set free he added Justice Mazahar Ali Naqvi said it was being stated that some people were completely missing To this, the AGP said he could get the information if the bench shared their names

Justice Munib questioned why a constitutional petition could not be moved in a high court against army courts decisions

To this Salman Akram Raja said a high court could not describe the status of those courts Justice Munib asked whether an antiterrorism court was a forum for the trial of accused of terrorism cases Salman Akram Raja said the civilians

involved in crimes related to anti-state activities were tried in civil courts in the United States Justice Ayesha Malik noted that the lawyer was challenging the Army Act but he was not opposing the trials of civilians in army courts She questioned whether the military courts had the status of courts Salman Akram Raja argued that the civilian accused were not used to be provided rights in army courts He said trial of civilians along with army men had been mentioned in the Army Act due to which they had challenged the law He said the trials of army officers in Britain and the US were run in certain situation only Salman Akram Raja said his client was even not allowed to meet his son He prayed the court to issue a stay order against the trial which was turned down by the bench

FIA discovers ‘evidence’ against Per vaiz Elahi via mobile forensics of ‘frontman’

LAHORE S ta f f R e p o R t T h e F e d e r a l I n v e s t i g a t i o n A g e n c y ( F I A ) h a s a c q u i r e d c r u c i a l e v i d e n c e t h r o u g h a f o r e n s i c e x a m i n a t i o n o f t h e m o b i l e p h o n e b e l o n g i n g t o C h a u d h r y M u h a m m a d Z a m a n w h o i s s u s p e c t e d t o b e a f r o n t m a n o f C h a u d h r y P e r v a i z E l a h i , p r e s i d e n t o f P a k i s t a n Te h r e e ki - I n s a f ( P T I ) A c c o r d i n g t o F I A , Z a m a n i s r e s p o n s i b l e f o r h a n d l i n g f i n a n c i a l t r a n s a c t i o n s o n b e h a l f o f E l a h i I n a s t a t e m e n t g i v e n t o t h e p o l i c e h e r e p o r t e d l y a d m i t t e d t o m a n a g i n g t r a n s a c t i o n s f o r E l a h i a n d h i s f a m i l y Z a m a n h a s a l l e g e d l y c o n f e s s e d t o h a n d l i n g t r a n s a c t i o n s w o r t h m i l l i o n s o f r u p e e s i n v o l v i n g E l a h i ’s f a m i l y m e m b e r s I n F e b r u a r y, h e w a s a p p r e h e n d e d a t I s l a m a b a d ’s P u n j a b H o u s e “ c a u g h t r e d - h a n d e d w i t h b o t t l e s o f l i q u o r a c c o r d i n g t o t h e p o l i c e H e l a t e r c l a i m e d t h e b o t t l e s w e r e i n t e n d e d f o r a r e l a t i v e o f E l a h i O n J u n e 2 4 a S p e c i a l C e n t r a l C o u r t i n L a h o r e g r a n t e d b a i l t o t h e f o r m e r c h i e f m i n i s t e r o f P u n j a b i n a m o n e y l a u n d e r i n g c a s e p u r s u e d b y t h e a g e n c y T h e c o u r t ’s d e c i s i o n c a m e a f t e r c o n s i d e r i n g E l a h i ’s b a i l a p p l i c a t i o n a n d s u b s e q u e n t l y r e l e a s e o r d e r s w e r e i s s u e d u p o n t h e a c c e p t a n c e o f h i s s u r e t y b o n d

KP GDP growth reduces by half in F Y23

PR OFIT a z z B u n e R

Pakhtunkhwa a contingency plan has been prepared Lahore in particular experienced heavy downpours since early morning, resulting in urban flooding in low-lying areas The inundation of the Punjab capital highlights the inefficiency of the local authorities, as a significant portion of the city remains submerged

Surprisingly the deployment of suction pumps to dewater the flooded streets has been delayed despite the continuous heavy rainfall for nearly five hours According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) pre-monsoon rains accompanied by dust/thunderstorms are expected in the upper and central parts of the country from June 25-30, with intermittent breaks The prevailing heatwave conditions are likely to subside from June 25 onwards

The PMD reports that moist currents from the Arabian Sea are penetrating the upper and central parts of the country due to the influence of a westerly wave that entered the region yesterday

As per their forecast rain wind and thundershowers (including heavy falls) are expected in various regions including Islamabad Rawalpindi Murree, Galyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, Chitral, Swat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan Swabi Nowshera Kurram

Bannu Lakki Marwat Kohat

Mianwali Sargodha Hafizabad

Mandi Bahuddin Sialkot Narowal Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, from the night of the 24th to the 30th of June with intermittent breaks Furthermore rain wind and thundershowers including isolated heavy falls are expected in Barkhan Loralai, Sibbi, Naseerabad, Kalat, Khuzdar, Zhob, Ziarat, Musakhel, Dera Ismail Khan, Karak, Waziristan, Dera Ghazi Khan Rajanpur Multan

Bhakkar Layyah Kot Addu

Bahawalpur Bahawalnagar Sahiwal

Pakpattan and Okara from the 26th to the 29th of June Similarly Sukkur Jacobabad, and Larkana are likely to experience rain, wind, and thundershowers from

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has suffered a significant decline, falling by over half within a year, as said by the provincial Planning and Development Department (P&D) During the financial year 2020-21 the GDP growth rate was 3 98% However it plummeted to 1 98% in the financial year 2022-23 reflecting a decline of more than 50% This decline in GDP growth can be attributed to various factors, including political instability, floods, security concerns, and the adverse effects of the national economy The P&D has estimated that it will take at least two years to restore the GDP growth rate to the level observed in the financial year 2021-22 This setback in GDP growth poses a significant challenge for the province, which has been striving to address economic and financial challenges It is crucial for the government to take proactive measures to address the underlying factors contributing to the decline in GDP growth

Judge rejects police request for physical remand of Afridi

ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Monday rejected the police s request for the physical remand of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader Shehryar Afridi in connection with the protests that ensued after the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan on May 9 Under strict security measures Afridi appeared before ATC Judge Hamid Hussain who presided over the hearing of both the police s remand plea and the PTI leader ’s bail application During the proceedings the judge dismissed the police s plea for physical remand and directed the authorities to present Shehryar Afridi in court on July 10 after the completion of his judicial remand Furthermore, the court will hear the bail application on July 3

Pre -monsoon rains bring relief from heatwave, but c ause flooding in several cities

India’s systematic tor ture in IIOJ&K biggest challenge to world’s conscience: A JK PM

ISLAMABAD a p p

SAUDI Arabia s Minister of Media, Salman Al-Dosari, expressed his deep bond with Pakistan referring to it as his country while emphasizing that Saudi Arabia serves as a second home for Pakistanis

During a comprehensive meeting held in Mina the other day, the Minister engaged with a delegation of Pakistani journalists underscoring the strong fraternal relations between the two nations Al-Dosari conveyed his heartfelt

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

Undoubtedly, the MPC underlined its conviction that the current course of action in conjunction with the anticipated culmination of the ongoing IMF program and the government s steadfast commitment to achieving a primary surplus in FY24, will significantly contribute to mitigating vulnerabilities in the external sector and alleviating economic uncertainties

IMF equation

For months now the government of Pakistan has been diligently attempting to appease the IMF in hopes of unlocking a vital tranche of $1 1 billion from the approved $6 5 billion bailout package which was approved in 2019 Pakistan was able to secure the last tranche of $1 17 billion back in August 2022 after the IMF approved the seventh and eighth reviews of the package The SBP at the time had more than $8 billion in foreign reserves

However, despite these agreements, macroeconomic stability remained elusive and the nation faced additional strain due to the catastrophic floods that caused a staggering $30 billion worth of damage

Early this year, the IMF sent a delegation to Pakistan for a 10-day visit,

sentiment that Pakistanis are considered brothers and Saudi Arabia welcomes them as a second home R e c o g n i z i n g t h e i m p o r t a n c e o f f o s t e r i n g b i l a t e r a l c o o p e r a t i o n i n t h e m e d i a s e c t o r, S a l m a n A l - D o s a r i h i g h l i g h t e d t h e o n g o i n g e ff o r t s t o strengthen ties with Pakistani media

Emphasizing the significance of mutual collaboration he affirmed that both countries are actively promoting this alliance I n r e s p o n s e , t h e P a k i s t a n i d e l e g a t i o n e x p r e s s e d s i n c e r e a p p r e c i a t i o n t o t h e S a u d i a u t h o r i t i e s a n d g o v e r n m e n t f o r t h e i m p e c c a b l e a r r a n g e m e n t s m a d e f o r H a j j 2 0 2 3

A f t e r a t h r e e - y e a r h i a t u s , t h i s y e a r ’s

H a j j w a s h e l d i n i t s f u l l g l o r y a n d t h e d e l e g a t i o n c o n v e y e d t h e i r g r a t i t u d e f o r t h e e x c e l l e n t m a n a g e m e n t o f t h e s a c r e d p i l g r i m a g e T h e y s a i d t h e r e a ff i r m a t i o n o f c l o s e t i e s b e t w e e n S a u d i A r a b i a a n d P a k i s t a n , c o u p l e d w i t h e ff o r t s t o e n h a n c e m e d i a c o o p e r a t i o n e x e m p l i f i e s t h e c o m m i t m e n t o f b o t h n a t i o n s t o f u r t h e r s t r e n g t h e n t h e i r r e l a t i o n s h i p

The Pakistani delegation was comprised of Abdul Qayyum Bokhari of GTV, Sanaullah Khan of DWAN, Syed Savez Ali of BOL, Ayaz Khan of Express, Hafiz Tariq of SAMA and Rehan Khan of APP

aiming to negotiate the conditions for the ninth review However despite these efforts the awaited tranche remains undelivered with the program s expiry date set for June 30

Currently, Pakistan finds itself in a dire economic situation, grappling with a host of challenges arising from a balance-of-payment crisis a devaluing currency soaring inflation and substantial debt obligations due later this year The country s foreign currency reserves with the central bank have dwindled to a mere $4 billion, sufficient to cover only four weeks of imports

Besides Pakistan is projected to make payments exceeding $4 billion by this year s end alone

Recently Pakistan presented its budget with an ambitious outlay of $50 billion, touting it as a responsible budget However, the IMF, in its statement raised questions about certain policies and lamented that it was a missed opportunity to address critical issues PM meets IMF MD IMF

On Thursday Jun 22, 2023 Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif engaged the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva urging the IMF to expedite the release of stalled funds The meeting

was held on the sidelines of the Summit for a New Global Financial Pact in Paris

During the meeting Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted the government s robust economic measures aimed at fostering growth and stability in the nation He emphasized the successful completion of prerequisites for the 9th review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and reiterated Pakistan s unwavering commitment to fulfilling its IMF obligations With heartfelt anticipation, he expressed hope for the prompt disbursement of allocated funds, bolstering ongoing efforts toward economic stabilization and providing much-needed relief

In response Kristalina Georgieva the Managing Director of the IMF shared the institution s perspective on the ongoing review process, acknowledging the progress made by Pakistan

However unlocking $1 1 billion tranche hinged on meeting specific benchmarks set by the IMF CHANGES IN BUDGET

In a consequential move following the meeting, the federal government, in its quest to secure the International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan imposed an additional Rs 415 billion in taxes as part of the 2023-24 budget on Saturday

D u r i n g t h e c o n c l u s i o n o f t h e b u d g e t s p e e c h i n t h e N a t i o n a l Assembly, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar revealed that Pakistan had engaged in t h r e e d a y s o f i n t e n s i v e n e g o t i a t i o n s w i t h I M F o ff i c i a l s r e s u l t i n g i n a n agreement to implement Rs 215 billion i n t a x e s T h i s m e a s u r e w a s c r u c i a l t o fulfil the requirements for completing t h e 9 t h r e v i e w u n d e r t h e E x t e n d e d F u n d F a c i l i t y ( E F F ) , w h i c h h a d b e e n d e l a y e d d u e t o t h e c o u n t r y ’s e x t e r n a l financing gap

To further bolster revenue generation the government raised the Federal Board of Revenue s (FBR) target from Rs 9 2 trillion to Rs 9 4 trillion for the fiscal year 2023-24

Additionally, the Finance Minister announced a reduction in running expenditures by Rs 85 billion assuring that this adjustment would not impact the proposed development budget nor hinder salary and pension increases for federal government employees

In terms of the overall budget, the federal government’s expenditure for 2023-24 increased marginally from Rs 14 46 trillion to Rs 14 48 trillion while the pension estimate rose from Rs 761 billion to Rs 801 billion Moreover the subsidy estimate reached Rs 1 064 trillion, and grants amounted to Rs 1 405 trillion As a result of these measures the Finance Minister predicted a decrease in the overall budget deficit with a cushion of Rs 300 billion comprising Rs 215 billion in taxes and the Rs 85 billion reduction in running expenditures

No reprieve for May 9 perpetrators on pretext of HR issues: DG ISPR

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

The spokesperson claimed, without offering evidence, that the planning for these incidents was orchestrated several months ago He added: “The people were manipulated by a highly inflammatory narrative

Highlighting the operation against terrorism

Chaudhry affirmed its smooth progress However, he raised concerns about the dissemination of poisonous propaganda against Pakistan’s forces, emphasizing that false narratives have been promoted for political gains and the thirst for power

He asserted that the nation and the army are inseparable emphasizing the complete coordination and transparency in the army s decision-making process

Two comprehensive institutional inquiries were conducted into the incidents of violence at various garrisons on May 9 The inquiries were presided over by officers of the rank of Major General ” he added

He said a disciplinary action had been initiated against the officials concerned who failed to maintain the security and sanctity of the garrisons and the Jinnah House There is no distinction of rank or social status in the accountability process of the Army The bigger the post, the bigger the responsibility ”

The DG ISPR said the investigations clearly established the point that the May 9 tragedy was being planned for several months and accordingly the brainwashing of the people was done to mislead them against the armed forces

It is clear from the evidence regarding the May 9 tragedy that the planning was done a month earlier, and first an atmosphere of uncertainty was created and then the public unrest was made However the probe is

underway and further proofs are being collected he added The Pakistan Army relatives of the martyrs and veterans were perturbed and saddened over the May 9 tragic incidents, he said, adding, The relatives of the martyrs are questioning whether their loved ones sacrificed their lives for the nation so that their symbols are desecrated? Will the evil elements continue disrespecting the sacrifices of martyrs and Ghazis to achieve their political goals? When will the planners of May 9 tragedy be brought to justice?

He said the heirs of the martyrs were asking the Army Chief whether he would be able to protect the sanctity of the martyrs in future

“The heirs of the martyrs and all the ranks are raising the question that if the sanctity of the sacrifices of martyrs were to be desecrated then what is the need to sacrifice one s life?

The Pakistan Army he said represented all the (federating) units, schools of thought and classes and not a particular elite The basis of the stability of any country and nation is the relationship of trust and respect between the people the government and the army ”

The DG ISPR reaffirmed that neither the black day of May 9 would be forgotten in the country s history nor the miscreants planners and facilitators of the tragic incidents would be forgiven

Those who obstructed all the measures against the facilitators related to this tragedy will also be dealt with iron hands with the support of the nation,” he added

Major General Ahmed Sharif said 17 military courts which already existed in the country were dealing with the cases under the Army Act

About 102 miscreants are being tried in the military courts and this process will continue as their

cases have been transferred from civil courts after proper investigation and proofs the DG ISPR said

He said the security forces carried out some 13,619 intelligence-based operations against terrorists and their facilitators during the current year About 1,172 terrorists were arrested in the operations

“This year 95 officers and men embraced martyrdom he said adding around 77 operations were conducted on daily basis against the scourge of terrorism The entire nation paid rich tribute to the sons of the soil who had sacrificed their lives for the defence of the motherland, he added

The DG ISPR said the Pakistan Army initiated the self-accountability process in the aftermath of the May 9 tragedy to ascertain the reasons of failure to protect its installations

After detailed departmental inquiries three officers including a lieutenant general have been dismissed from service Strict disciplinary action has been taken against 15 officers, including three major generals and seven brigadiers,” he stated

Moreover he added the granddaughter of a retired four-star general the son-in-law of a retired four-star general the wife of a retired three-star general and the wife and son-in-law of a retired two-star general were undergoing the same accountability process based on irrefutable evidence

Responding to media queries, the DG ISPR said 17 standing military courts currently functioning across the country were established much before the May 9 incident under the Army Act

The May 9 incident accused under trial in military courts had complete legal rights, including that of appeal to the High and Supreme Courts

Ait zaz Ahsan demand resignation of PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e p o R t

A f t e r t h e d i s s o l u t i o n o f t h e s e v e n - m e m b e r b e n c h , s e n i o r l a w y e r A i t z a z A h s a n h a s d e m a n d e d t h e r e s i g n a t i o n o f P r i m e M i n i s t e r S h a h b a z S h a r i f o n M o n d a y F o l l o w i n g t h e g o v e r n m e n t o b j e c t i o n s t h e s e v e n - m e m b e r

b e n c h – h e a r i n g t h e a p p e a l s a g a i n s t t h e m i l i t a r y c o u r t t r a i l s o f c i v i l i a n s – w a s d i s s o l v e d A f t e r w h i c h t h e s e n i o r l a w y e r A i t z a z A h s a n d u r i n g m e d i a t a l k o u t s i d e t h e c o u r t c a l l e d S h e h b a z S h a r i f t o r e s i g n f r o m h i s o ff i c e A i t z a z A h s a n c r i t i c i z e d t h e r u l i n g P a k i s t a n M u s l i m L e a g u eN a w a z ( P M L - N ) g o v e r n m e n t , s t a t i n g t h a t , t h e g o v e r n m e n t i s n o t g o i n g t o h o l d e l e c t i o n o n –O c t o b e r 0 8 – t h e d a t e g i v e n b y t h e c o a l i t i o n g o v e r n m e n t f o r g e n e r a l e l e c t i o n H e s a i d t h a t t h e P M L - N v i c e p r e s i d e n t a n d c h i e f o rg a n i z e r M a r y a m N a w a z a n d J a m i a t U l e m a - e - I s l a m - F a z l ( J U I - F ) c h i e f F a z l u r R e h m a n h a v e u n d e r m i n e d t h e a u t h o r i t y o f t h e c o u r t s t h r o u g h t h e i r s p e e c h e s a n d r a l l i e s T h e i r a n s w e r s a n d s p e e c h e s i n r a l l i e s a r e i n t h e m s e l v e s c o n t e m p t o f c o u r t , A i t z a z A h s a n s a i d T h e s e n i o r l a w y e r f u r t h e r s t a t e d t h a t t h e S u p r e m e C o u r t s h o u l d d i s q u a l i f y t h e p o l i t i c i a n s f o u n d g u i l t y i n c o n t e m p t o f c o u r t

MIRPUR (AJK) S ta f f R e p o R t

Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq has said that India s systematic torture against Kashmiris was the biggest challenge to the world s conscience In a statement issued on the occasion of International Day of Support for Victims of Violence observed on Monday, the AJK prime minister, while referring to the use and abuse of power by the Indian occupation forces in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) said that human rights abuses in Jammu and Kashmir ranging from mass killings, enforced disappearances, torture pose a serious threat to the people of Kashmir who have been reeling under relentless oppression and barbarism over the past several decades He said that sexual violence was being used by the Indian forces as a means to punish and humiliate Kashmiris He said that Kashmiris were subjected to the worst mental and physical violence in torture cells and interrogation centers set up in the length and breadth of the valley India has been using these colonial-era tactics to strengthen and solidify its illegal control over the territory of Jammu and Kashmir” he said He however maintained that despite facing India s worst violence and nefarious tactics Kashmiris are determined to see their freedom movement to its logical conclusion The prime minister while condemning the brutal repression of Kashmiris at the hands of the Indian occupation forces, said that IIOJK had been turned into an open-air prison where Kashmiris were forced to live under the shadows of guns

13 killed in rain related incidents: PDMA

LAHORE

S ta f f R e p o R t

Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Director General Imran Qureshi has said that at least 13 people died with 17 severely and 6 minor injuries in 15 lightning strikes and roof collapse incidents due to heavy rains across the province during the last 24 hours He said the PDMA has received reports of damages and casualties from all districts of the province, said a handout issued here The injured have been provided with the best medical treatment while monitoring of the situation is continuing from the provincial control room he said and added that machinery and staff have been put on high alert for handling emergencies as the PDMA is in constant contact with the province-wide administration The DG PDMA said the alert issued regarding upcoming rains, thunderstorms and rainfall with lightning in Lahore, Rawalpindi Gujranwala Sargodha Attock Chakwal Jhelum Mianwali Hafizabad Mandi Bahauddin Sialkot Narowal Bhakkar Layyah Gujrat Sheikhupura Murree Galyat and adjoining areas was expected until June 27, whereas some areas may receive heavy rainfall with gusty winds He directed the line departments and district administrations to remain alert in dealing with emergencies and ensure the deployment of staff and machinery to ensure drainage in low-lying areas Imran Qureshi appealed to the citizens to stay informed about the weather conditions before traveling, ensure the cleanliness, repair, and clearance of rooftops, and avoid touching electrical wires and equipment during rainfall He emphasized not bathing in rivers and avoid throwing garbage into drains He urged the people to follow the precautionary measures issued by the government to minimize potential damages

Wheels turn as gov t makes final dash to the IMF

CONTINUD FROM BACK PAGE

Where taxable income exceeds Rs 3,600,000 but does not exceed Rs 6,000,000, the rate of tax would be Rs 405 000 plus 27 5% of the amount exceeding Rs 3 600 000 Where taxable income exceeds Rs 6 000 000 the rate of tax would be Rs 1 095 000 plus 35 percent of the amount exceeding Rs 6 000 000 According to the amended finance bill, the government at the eleventh hour also increased sales tax (further tax) on unregistered persons to 4 percent from 3 percent to discourage supplies to unregistered retailers and distributors Meanwhile there will be a 5 percent sales tax on Fertilizer as per the finance bill 2023 According to the Finance bill the government has also enhanced advance tax on registration from all sorts of vehicles The government is trying hard to get $1 1 billion under the ninth review of the IMF program However, the programme is set to expire in three days on this Friday Only time will tell whether it will be a somber or celebratory Eid weekend

Gov t increases tax rate for salaried class in budget 2023-24

CONTINUD FROM BACK PAGE

For instance, the monthly income tax on a person earning Rs 250,000 (an average salary for a midcareer corporate professional) per month will now be equal to Rs 25 000 which is almost 10% flat It is important to note here that the aforementioned changes in the income tax ordinance were not proposed in the initial finance bill 2023-24, that was tabled before the parliament, on the 9th of June, with the federal budget However, it is believed that the changes were made to rekindle Pakistan’s chances at an IMF deal

A pu rge

Th e y m e a n b u s i n e s s

F

The competing theory by the PTI s detractors was that it was an attempted coup That the party was relying on sympathetic officers from within the military to switch sides when they saw the tide turning

The ISPR’s press conference seems to have taken the wind out of the sails of the erstwhile ruling party s sails by endorsing its detractors’ theory in the only way that mattered: by kicking out members of the higher brass The army has sacked a Lieutenant General amongst several other senior military officers This is serious, and though there could be a slight difference of opinion on whether this is unprecedented there is none on how incredibly rare it is

And it doesn t stop there Politics are a family affair in a lot of democracies but in our neck of the woods the judiciary, civil service and military also have their fair share of influence by families with the wives of some senior officers holding an incredible sway To that end, another message has also been sent The military s spokesman made it clear that a granddaughter of a retired four-star general and a sonin-law of a retired four-star general have also been arrested in connection with the probe into May 9 riots Moreover, a wife of a retired three-star general and a wife and son-in-law of a retired two-star general are also being investigated

The army is calling it a self-accountability process That is all well and good But there are several questions that need to be asked The army prides itself on running a tight ship; has that pride diminished if the co-conspirators of an alleged attempted coup had reached such senior ranks in the military?

Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami

S

u r i t y a g e n c i e s

AU T H E N T I C reports including those of the security forces disclosed on June 18, this year that commander of the banned outfit Baloch Liberation

Front (BLF) Ali Nawaz Rind was killed in internal fighting in the militant group in a neighboring country in mysterious circumstances out of Pakistan Rind belonged to the Awaran district of Balochistan a leading BLF member since 2014, and was involved in several attacks on the security forces

A few days ago, a terrorist Commander of Jamaatul Ahrar SarBakaf Mohmand also met the same fate under similar circumstances Earlier during a raid conducted by the Counter-Terrorism

Department (CTD) of Sukkur arrested a suspected terrorist identified as Ghaffar Domkey associated with a banned outfit-Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) The raiding team also recovered arms and ammunition from his possession

In this regard the security forces confirmed in their statements on June 18 2023: In a successful intelligence-based operation (IBO) on the night of June 16th and 17 they killed most wanted TTP terrorist commander ZafarKhan alias Zafari and two of his group members in Darra Adam Khel, KP in another incident, a top commander of BLA Nawaz Ali Rind was killed mysteriously in a gunfight in a neighbouringcountry The other two terrorists were identified as Hasan Khan son of Muhammad Imran a resident of Bazi Khel, and Anasalias Ali, a resident of Nangarhar, Afghanistan

Reports suggest that the most wanted terrorist of BLF named Muhammad Asa also known as Mullah Ibrahim was killed in a clash between two rival factions of the outfit over extorted money and ransom funds The head bounty of the killed terrorist was Rs 40 lac by the security forces

He was involved in attacks on Iranian containers, IED attacks on security forces and the murder of workers in Kharan

According to reports “Zafar was a resident of Malan village in Darra Adam Khel and had reached Peshawar from Nangarhar province of Afghanistan on May 22 2023 He was also a former member of TTP and was involved in dozens of terrorist attacks in Pakistan against security forces, coal contractors, businessmen and influential people and so far had stolen more than Rs100 million in extortion and kidnapping for ransom These people and common persons of the area breathed a sigh of relief with the elimination of the wanted terrorists

However, intelligence agencies and security forces hunt down terrorists by adopting unconventional operational procedures based on corroborated intelligence In fact security forces and agencies have gained ground and momentum against the terror groups in Balochistan in recent months, and the pressure had led to killings of the commanders by the group s own members These security agencies had created a rift among the foreign-backed Baloch separatist commanders

It is of particular attention that the arrest of

SH A H Z A D A and Suleman Dawood were among five who lost their lives in the OceanGate Titan sub disaster last week

The report of the incident came close on the heels of the news of capsizing in Greek waters of the vessel carrying hundreds of men desperate to make their way out of poverty to better opportunities in Europe

The comparison of the two events was therefore inevitable Sure enough countless people chose to chip in with one version or the other of the rich-man poor-man contrast Most of these comments served little purpose beyond letting off steam

Thankfully, the ill-fated migration hopefuls were by and large spared from victim-blaming on the social media The Dawoods were less fortunate in this regard They were made fun of in drawing rooms and through social media memes and comments if not explicitly blamed for their fate The folly of embarking on a trip so fraught with danger, especially after paying so much money for it was pointed out A little consideration would have made it clear that it was as unfair to blame them for what befell them as it would have been to blame the poor victims of greed incompetence and lawlessness who were so completely let down by the systems that were supposed to support and protect them Both were compelled to make the choices they made even if the two were motivated by very different sets of circumstances Man – rich as well as poor – is often at the mercy of his situation whether that situation is created by his own ambitions and passions or by his poverty and deprivation

(This is by no means an excuse to justify the social inequalities caused by the avarice and/or incompetence of governments and law enforcement agencies whose job it is to make life liveable and safe for their citizens and the public at large Of course in the capsizing incident their conduct left a lot to be desired In fact the blame goes much farther back The very political arrangement of the world where boundaries and visas prevent men from moving from one region of God s earth to another, has a lot to do with it However, these are mega realities of life that are beyond the power of mere individuals ) As far as the ordinary individual is concerned if

the top Balochistan Separatist leader Gulzar Imam alias Shambay on April 7 this year-the founder of the banned outfit Baloch National Army (BNA) was a big setback to the terrorist groups and their handlers in the Balochistan province Imam s arrest was also a big success for Pakistani intelligence agencies LEAs sequel to an excellent intelligence operation by the country’s primary intelligence agency ISI which captured this key terrorist who was living under the wings of hostile foreign intelligence agencies Addressing the media along with Home Minister ZiaullahLangove on May 13 2023 the key militant commander Shambay urged all insurgents operating in the Balochistan province to surrender and adopt a peaceful life, saying that rights could only be achieved through political and constitutional struggle which offer solutions to issues related to Balochistan

The repentant militant commander stated:

I seek apology from the family members of all those who were martyred during my tenure as an active (BNA) commander” He rejected all sorts of armed struggles as well as foreign support to the insurgents Balochistan terrorism landscape is diverse a number of Balochanti-state anarchist groups sponsored by Hostile Intelligence Agencies (HIAs) are involved in militants terrorist activities TTP has inconsequential presence in Northern Balochistan whereas BLA and BRA have been carrying out terror attacks and extortion in Quetta-capital of the province and surrounding areas while Gulzar Imam had remained very active in Southern Balochistan and executed terrorist acts against the LEAs After formation of BNA, Kechand Noshki were impacted Scattered pockets and sleeper cells of the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) have been also effective in Quetta and North East Balochistan but with very limited potency BNA was one of the major contributing organization in Baloch Raj

Aajoi Sangar (BRAS) which was formed on November 10, 2018 Gulzar Imam alias Shambayhead of BNA was one of the major operation commander for terrorist activities in Balochistan

Gulzar remained deputy to Brahamdagh Bugti in BRA till 2018 Later after creation of BRAS he formed a new militant outfit BNA

Nevertheless, he was an ideologue, who was staunch believer of independent Balochistan, and was in contact with the HIAs He visited India on fake documents in December 2017

Upon shifting of militancy leadership from feuds to commoners Shambay emerged as an influential character in BRAS due to links with HIAs He also remained operational head of BRAS prior to his arrest As regards the arrest of Gulzar, highly trained intelligence operators were employed at various geographic locations to verify the digital information Upon his positive confirmation he was approached under the guise of agents from HIAs After necessary rapport building he was gradually lured in through offers for financial and technical assistance

The operation was spread over months In this respect, playing the main role, ISI successfully broke into web of terrorist outfits Arrest of Gulzar Imam alias Shambay indicated that

there is one moral lesson to be learnt from last week and indeed from all incidents of this nature it is that regardless of our financial opportunities we are all moving towards death at a brisk pace; and at any given moment the inevitable could easily be only a blink away, for all one knows This ought to put life in a very different perspective if one really appreciates what it means In hindsight it is easy to conclude that better sense should have prevailed and lives should not have been risked Of course, neither the Dawoods nor the hundreds of aspiring migrants would have gone ahead with their plans if they knew what was in store for them Unfortunately, hindsight is not a luxury that man possesses moving forward Life is designed such that man must decide his course of action without that benefit

quite been in the same league but we owe it to the spirit of adventure on the part of heroic souls for e v e r y t h i n g f r o m s p a c e e x p l o r a t i o n a n d t h e m o o n l a n d i n g t o o u r k n o w l e d g e o f t h e h a b i t a t s a n d lifestyles of creatures living in extreme conditions in deserts, jungle and deep sea

S o m e m e n a r e e s p e c i a l ly

s o c o n s t i t u t e d a s t o

i g n o r e t h e c a l l s o f c a r e

a n d c a u t i o n t h a t u s u a l ly

d e t e r t h e i r l e s s

c o u r a g e o u s c o u n t e r p a r t s

When travellers routinely and safely traverse half the earth s circumference inside fifteen hours on board comfortable aircraft it is because the Wright brothers had yielded to the temptation of risking their lives in pursuit of what must have appeared to others an impossible dream Many before them Otto Lilienthalm for example, had succumbed while pursuing the same dream; and the ‘smart’ money was on resisting the temptation

f ro m e m b a r k i n g u p o n s i m i l a r a dv e n t u r e s

There is a certain percentage of men (admittedly a small one) with an irresistible urge for adventure Oft-times it ends in failure sometimes even in tragedy; but this fact does not render risk-taking any more resistible for this breed There is already talk of shoddy engineering work in the design of the Titan sub but that is usually par for the course in pioneering private endeavours of this sort which by definition are not governed by strict public safety codes

W h e n o n t h e o t h e r h a n d t h e a d v e n t u r e g o e s well there are unmistakable benefits to be had In some cases civilization even takes a definite leap f o r w a r d T h e O c e a n G a t e v o y a g e m a y n o t h a v e

One of the characteristics that define man is his propensity to accept impossible challenges His tendency to try and punch above his weight is what sets him apart from all other creatures Some men are especially so constituted as to ignore the calls of care and caution that usually deter their less courageous counterparts from embarking upon similar adventures Call it madness or call it courage, but this spirit of adventure is a defining feature of mankind, without which humanity would not be quite what it is

The author is a connoisseur of music literature and food (but not drinks) He can be reached at www facebook com/hasanaftabsaeed

the state LEAs and intelligence agencies (especially ISI) are in full grip of the landscape for suppression of such militancy

In this connection, his arrest and admission, including apology for terrorism related attacks have broken the backbone of BNA Besides having effects on other terror outfits sub-national groups particularly BLA (Majeed Brigade) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) will also be affected It will adversely impact morale of all militant groups

It is mentionable that the ink on Pak-China agreements related to the CPEC which is part of China’s One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative or BRI was barely dry when especially American CIA Indian secret agency RAW and Israeli Mossad had accelerated playing up the Baloch insurgency Malicious propaganda against the CPEC coincided with the terror attacks in Pakistan’s various regions, especially in Balochistan Particularly, India was openly opposing the CPEC and China’s OBOR or BRI; the US also joined New Delhi

Besides energy projects CPEC will open new doors of development relating to various fields, as the national economy of the country will grow fast, leading to creation of new job opportunities, poverty reduction, and development of transportation sector boost agricultural and industrial growth including exports

Gwadar seaport project which is backbone of the CPEC will uplift the impoverished people of Balochistan, including developments in other backward areas of the province by redressing their grievances which the hostile elements, supported by the US, India and Israeli do not want

While under the former army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa s command the fencing along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border which also entails Pak-Afghan border of Balochistan started in June 2017 by the Pakistan Army to improve the security situation and has been almost completed

Army also contributed a lot in socio-economic development of Balochistan besides giving military training to the youth while protecting mega-projects and the CPEC staff

And country s armed forces and ISI have successfully broken the spine of the foreignbacked terrorists Besides other vulnerable provinces, peace has been restored particularly in Balochistan But in the recent past terrorist attacks especially in Balochistan show that these external intelligence agencies are destabilizing Pakistan and want to damage the CPEC

While, RAW is also using some terrorist outfits such as ISIS, BLA, BNA etc -their linked groups like Majeed Brigade which claimed responsibility for a number of terrorist assaults on workers and labourers working for the CPEC projects in Balochistan These terror entities also abducted and killed many Chinese nationals

Nonetheless arrest of the top separatist leaders of Balochistan will result into positive impact on morale of LEAs and intelligence agencies

Now, Baloch people must think that the socalled militant or sub-national leaders are living abroad enjoying luxurious lifestyle whereas ordinary Baloch are facing hardships in mountains and fighting a futile battle against the state

E d i t o r ’ s m a i l

S e n d y o u r l e t t e r s t o : L e t t e r s t o E d i t o r Pakistan Today 4 - S h a a re y F a t i m a J i n n a h L a h o re P a k i s t a n E - m a i l : l e t t e r s @ p a k i s t a n t o d a y c o m p k L e t t e r s s h o u l d b e a d d re s s e d t o Pakistan Today e x c l u s i v e l y

Addressing Pover t y, Unemployment in Pakistan

H O M E L E S S N E S S and unemployment are two interrelated problems that have drastic consequences for individuals and families, as well as the overall financial fabric of the general public The inability to meet needs quality training medical services and valuable open doors for business perpetuates a pattern of needing that is difficult to break Pakistan with its abundant potential and human resources cannot easily overlook the magnitude of these difficulties It is appalling to see a significant portion of our people struggling to earn enough to pay the bills, while so many capable people remain unemployed or out of work

To successfully address need and unemployment I suggest taking the following steps:

Job creation and economic strengthening: The public authority should focus on strategies and incentives that favor a climate conducive to job creation and business This can be achieved by taking an interest in areas that can produce business, such as farming, assembly, and small scale companies In addition, providing financial assistance, project preparation, and mentoring to aspiring business owners can enable them to design compliant organizations Improving the nature of education: Training assumes an inevitable role in breaking the pattern of want It is very important to work on the nature of training in the country and to ensure that it equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to conquer the self-employment market A joint effort between educational institutions and companies can help overcome any barriers between acquiring the useful knowledge and skills that superiors expect Social safety nets and government assistance programmes:

Implementation of health social care nets and government assistance projects can provide temporary assistance to those who are often unable to cope These projects should include dedicated modules for example cash movements preparation for technology advances and access to medical services for under-appreciated networks, ensuring that they are studied and promoted Strengthening Career Preparation Programs: Emphasis on job preparation and specialized training can equip people with attractive skills and improve their employability Together we can make the general public where each individual approaches opens doors and can add to the progress of the country Let us take a stab at Pakistan where want and unemployment are no longer an obstacle to balance and human satisfaction

Cost of Pilgrimage

T H E cost of Hajj and Umrah packages has gone through the roof and has left many a dream shattered The significance of these religious obligations and the importance of doing it in the best possible way are beyond doubt or debate However the rising cost associated with performing these pilgrimages is a major obstacle for many individuals and families

It is unfortunate to see that the prices of Hajj and Umrah packages are regularly increasing every year, making it difficult for many people to afford them This has resulted in fewer people being able to perform these religious obligations, which is contrary to the spirit of Islam that encourages all Muslims to perform these rituals The authorities concerned should take notice of the issue and plan necessary measures to reduce the cost of Hajj and Umrah This may include negotiating with travel and accommodation providers to reduce their prices or providing subsidies to those who cannot afford the cost of these packages It is vital to address the issue in order to ensure that all Muslims have the opportunity to perform these religious duties once during the course of their lives One can only hope that the relevant authorities will give the matter the attention that it deserves and will take whatever steps are needed to address the issue effectively AMJAD

A m e r i c a f a c e s g r e a t e s t p e r i l s i n c e C i v i l W a r

Time for Republicans and D emocrats to outrightly call out and condemn those Republicans who suppor ted Trump, especially during the insurrec tion

boxes, and more On a federal level, in 2018 the Supreme Court ruled in favor of an Ohio law that removes individuals from voter rolls if they haven t voted in a two-year period even if they remain eligible to vote

U M P: Other than enacting these new laws and rules to impact election results in favor of white people, Republicans need a popular leader who is shameless and a bigot like Trump who is openly a white supremacist and will do anything to regain power Indeed it is not for the love of Trump who a growing number of Republican leaders despise, but for the millions that follow him who have deliberately been misguided and misinformed but still bask in his lies and whose votes the Republican Party needs to win an election

Iam still at pains to internalize what sinister

schemes Republican leaders in the House and Senate are concocting only to retain power, at whatever cost to the country and its future The

Republicans are terrified of the changing demographics of this country Many demographers have concluded that by the year 2045 whites will become a minority in the country, with Hispanic, Black, and Asian Americans who overwhelmingly vote for Democrats becoming the collective majority In reality, the Republican Party is already the minority party and their numbers will continue to shrink with the demographic evolution

Indeed if the presidential elections were truly free and fair and not skewed through the grossly uneven representation created through the Electoral College which gives outsized influence to the least-populated states, it would be most unlikely that another Republican president could set foot in the White House For this reason, the Republican Party will resort to any means regardless of how racist and corrupt they may be to tamper with elections in order to change their outcomes in their favor

Instead of adjusting to the demographic reality facing the US and developing new policies and socio-economic programs to meet the new challenges and attract more Hispanic and Black voters to their ranks, the Republican Party chose to resort to extreme conservatism and white supremacy to shield their turf

VO T E R S U P P R E S S I O N: As of December 15 2021

32 bills across 17 states were passed that interfere with electoral administration, creating criminal and civil penalties for election administrators and public officials Florida, Georgia, and Virginia createdelectoral fraud law enforcement units after the 2020 election despite no widespread fraud in any of these states A Wisconsin GOP election commissioner bragged about the state s voting suppression efforts against Black and Hispanic voters A new Arizona law passed in March 2022 requires documented proof of citizenship in order to vote

In 2021, restrictions passed in Florida and Georgia add barriers to vote by mail restrict the use of ballot drop

The fact that Republican leaders cling to such a loathsome character simply boggles the mind But to grasp the magnitude of how corrupt the GOP has become and how low it has descended by following this irredeemable criminal, a quick look at Trump s character and misdeeds will tell the whole sad story

In this year alone, Trump has faced multiple indictments and civil lawsuits In April he was charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first degree (all related to hush payments to Stormy Daniels)

The following month Trump was found liable for sexually abusing E Jean Carroll in 1996 This month, he was indicted on 37 felony counts related to mishandling classified documents, and in October a civil case against Trump for fraudulently overvaluing the company’s assets and his personal net worth is scheduled to begin

Last December the Trump Organization was convicted on 17 counts and was fined $1 6 million over a 15-year tax fraud scheme And in November 2016, Trump settled a lawsuit against Trump University and paid $25 million over fraud allegations

In addition, there are still other ongoing investigations against Trump which more than likely will lead to new indictments including in Fulton County GA where Trump attempted to illegally overturn the 2020 election result He is also being investigated about his role behind the January 6, 2021 insurrection Indeed, none of the above can hardly come as a shock He is the only president in American history to be impeached twice first in 2019 on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress and second in 2021 on charges of insurrection related to January 6 (on which 57 Senators voted to convict including 7 Republicans just shy of the 60 votes needed) The man s vacuous narcissism simply knows no bounds: every time he opens his mouth, he brings shame on the United States

More alarmingly though Trump embodies the darkness of nihilism; he is the very personification of a solipsistic outlook on the world which cares for nothing but oneself and which values nothing but self-aggrandizement The truth is that he is a pitiful creature, whose

loathsomeness and moral decrepitude should serve as a warning to all that a life pursued solely for the sake of one’s own power and privilege is a life that leads necessarily to ignominy and disgrace

C Y : What is even more depressing is that the majority of Republicans continue to rally to Trump s defense Rather than acknowledge the overwhelming evidence against him, they choose to follow him blindly, insisting that his woes are a politically motivated witch hunt when in fact it is that these Republicans are the ones who are haunted by their fear of never gaining power again Speaker Kevin McCarthy the leading Republican in Congress (third in line for the presidency, no less) had the beastly audacity to tweet in reaction to Trump s latest indictment, “I, and every American who believes in the rule of law stand with President Trump against this grave injustice ” McCarthy reveals by this tweet that he endorses the criminal behavior of Trump and could not care less for the rule of law and the future of this great nation He is just like his master, a bald-faced liar and hypocrite who put to shame the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives And this is the man standing at the helm of the Republican party The one most terrifying aspect of the felonious Republican conduct that must be emphasized is that the unauthorized disclosure of classified documents could put at risk the national security of the United States and the security of our friends and allies, the safety of the

The folly of India’s neutralit y

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

S u M i t G A n G u ly A n D D i n S h A M i S t r e e

ALT H O U G H previous U S administrations have received Modi warmly the fanfare surrounding this trip the Indian prime minister s first official state visit to Washington will be unparalleled He is scheduled to address a joint session of Congress And as a parting gift, Modi will likely leave the United States having secured a long-coveted deal for General Electric to share technology and jointly produce military jet engines with India

Such an enthusiastic reception is undoubtedly intended to reset relations with India Although both countries are ostensibly committed to a partnership, the U S -Indian relationship has not lived up to its potential in recent years The United States must shoulder some of the blame for this failure Successive U S administrations ignored India s warnings about negotiating with the Taliban in Afghanistan and the Biden administration has continued to pursue a relationship with India s rival Pakistan even after U S priorities in Asia have shifted toward dealing with China Washington has also flubbed more routine diplomatic issues such as visa processing, with record backlogs in U S consulates in India that only recently ebbed And it took more than two years for the U S Senate to confirm former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti as ambassador to India hampering Washington s ability to advance its interests in New Delhi

For their part, U S officials seem to be waking up to the promises and the limits of a strong relationship with India It is unclear whether the same can be said for Indian leaders New Delhi continues to harbor a variety of misgivings about forging a genuine partnership with the United States

Despite ongoing clashes at the disputed border with China, India has resisted embracing its security partnership with Australia, Japan, and the United States known as the Quad, or Quadrilateral Security Dialogue designed to protect the Indo-Pacific from Chinese aggression At the same time both Modi and his foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar have been praised at home for their staunch refusal to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine This stance of neutrality, they have argued, best serves India s interests Since the invasion in February 2022, India has undoubtedly benefited from a steady supply of cheap Russian oil as the Kremlin has scrambled to secure alternative buyers for its energy commodities But New Delhi s relations with Moscow occupy a shrinking portion of Indian foreign policy In the long run, Russia s growing dependence on China will make it an unreliable partner India rightly wants to guarantee itself strategic autonomy as it continues to rise in the world But such a vision will not be fully realized if India continues to imagine that it can indefinitely play to all sides Nonalignment may work in specific instances but it will not serve India well in the long term Instead, India should forge a strong partnership with the United States With U S support, India can reassert its control over South Asia and emerge as a strong pole of regional order in the Indo-Pacific

TIME WARP: Most of India s concerns about the United States hark back to another era in global politics New Delhi, it seems, is caught in a time warp Key members of India’s foreign policy elite remain fixated on the United States relationship with Pakistan during the Cold War and fear its renewal This belief although perhaps understandable given the record of U S policy toward South Asia, is nevertheless flawed: the United States and Pakistan have never been and are not now as close as Indian policymakers tend to imagine them to be It is to the credit of the Trump administration that the United States finally called Pakistan s bluff and terminated all military aid Since the U S withdrawal from Afghanistan some in the Biden administration have proposed a limited strategic relationship with Pakistan focused on counterterrorism But Washington s efforts to secure this new partnership with Islamabad have been halting at best Although some U S foreign policy thinkers still support Pakistan over India the Beltway establishment is finally recognizing India s primacy in South Asia There is little reason to believe that the United States whether under this administration or a future one, would want to resurrect its old alliance with Pakistan, especially if it comes at the expense of a partnership with India India’s supremacy in its neighborhood is not challenged by Pakistan or the United States but instead by China In Bangladesh Nepal and Sri Lanka and even within India s own borders China represents an existential threat to New Delhi s strategic autonomy Indian and Chinese soldiers have massed along the disputed mountainous border between the two countries, with bloody skirmishes breaking out sporadically India currently possesses neither the domestic military capabilities (what scholars of international security refer to as “internal balancing ) nor the foreign partnerships ( external balancing ) to guarantee its security interests and protect its northern borders from the Chinese incursions that have been accelerating since 2019

Some within India’s security establishment continue to believe that Russia may yet serve as a possible bulwark against China These expectations stem from the Soviet Union s role during the Cold War and India s continuing dependence on Russia for defense equipment and spare parts Recent developments, however, suggest that this hope is rather fanciful Russia, preoccupied with its disastrous invasion of Ukraine, has already failed to deliver some military supplies that it had contracted to provide India And New Delhi’s assiduously cultivated neutral position on the invasion has not prevented Moscow from turning to Beijing India s longterm competitor and adversary Russia has grown only closer to and more dependent on China since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine It simply cannot play the role India wants it to in checking China

THE ONLY GAME IN TOWN: If India cannot rely on Russia to serve as a counterweight to China might it be able to turn to other emerging and middle powers? India has strong relationships with several countries in Europe, but these countries don’t have the diplomatic, economic, or military clout to guarantee India’s security interests India cannot count on European countries or the European Union writ large to assist it in containing China And its ties with other Asian powers including Iran and Japan are of limited or no use in the context of its competition with China Likewise, other emerging powers, such as Argentina and Brazil, are unlikely to choose India over China in the coming years Bluntly stated, India’s external balancing options beyond support from the United States are quite limited

India s much-vaunted commitment to maintaining its neutrality is no longer a viable option This approach poorly serves India’s interests in fending off the political and economic advance of China in South Asia and the broader region Without a reliable external partner that can help India by sharing intelligence shoring up its grossly inadequate defense capabilities and cooperating with it in other security areas New Delhi will remain woefully exposed to Beijing s machinations

The United States is and will remain the only global power capable of playing this role It has a compelling interest in keeping China its principal challenger and rival at bay To that end its interests clearly dovetail with those of India Across recent administrations Washington has made repeated efforts to persuade India that these overlapping interests make it an almost ideal security partner in Asia In 2016, the Obama administration declared India to be a “major defense partner,” thereby better enabling defense sales During Donald Trump’s presidency New Delhi and Washington signed the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement further strengthening bilateral military cooperation And under President Joe Biden, the two parties have agreed on the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology, which will promote cooperation in high-technology areas But what New Delhi urgently needs to realize is that there is a narrow window to secure American support As the political scientist Ashley Tellis makes clear in his recent essay in Foreign Affairs the United States cannot possibly afford to expend both domestic capital and critical diplomatic resources to continue to meet India s needs without some form of tangible reciprocity from New Delhi By limiting its engagement with the United States while also pursuing deals with U S adversaries such as Russia India is fundamentally compromising its long-term strategic autonomy rather than guaranteeing it

Equivocal Indian responses to the United States will almost invariably, lead Washington to simply bolster security ties with other partners and allies, such as Australia and Japan India, although strategically significant, cannot continue to sit on the fence; to ensure peace and stability in Asia it has to throw in its lot with the United States Indian vacillation will convince U S officials that despite their best efforts New Delhi is either incapable of mustering the requisite political will to build a longterm security partnership with Washington or reluctant to do so

PROPITIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES: There is no doubt that both sides have in the past missed vital opportunities to transform the relationship The exigencies of domestic politics the imperatives of the Cold War and fundamentally different policy orientations in both capitals prevented them from forging a strong, enduring partnership Despite these errors, current circumstances are perhaps the most propitious for the future of the bilateral relationship New Delhi now more than ever needs to shed its hesitation about adopting a pragmatic and forward-looking approach in its dealings with the United States

The benefits that could accrue to both sides from a strong partnership are considerable India could build up its domestic defense industrial base, access the most sophisticated defense technologies and gradually reduce its dependence on Russia an increasingly unreliable defense supplier Most important closer defense and security ties with the United States would enable it to ward off the inexorable threat from China A closer security partnership could also have significant spillover effects in other arenas A secure, stable, and confident India would become a more attractive destination for American investment At a time when the

United States military, the human sources and the continued viability of sensitive intelligence collection methods This is the highest of the Republican party’s moral and political bankruptcy and constitutes nothing less than a betrayal of the United States and the commitment that every Congressman is sworn to uphold to protect America from foreign and domestic enemies

Indeed, the Republican Party has become naught but an organization dedicated to tearing down whatever vestiges of decency remain in this country This is not the Party of Lincoln that chose to preserve the Union at all costs but the party that chose to destroy it and would worship the devil the likes of Trump who will stop short of nothing to use the Republican party just as the party uses him to reclaim power This is the horror of this symbiotic relationship which poses the greatest menace to America today, which must be arrested

Trump has not only utterly corrupted the soul of this nation; he represents and epitomizes the moral epistemic and spiritual decay of America He is the single most naked symptom of our ruination as a country that values truth justice the rule of law and the light of reason

If the Republican Party continues to travel this perilous path, it will be tantamount to political suicide, and they have Trump to thank for the party’s demise as we know it

Dr Alon Ben-Meir is a professor of international relations at the Centre for Global Affairs at NYU He teaches courses on international negotiation and Middle Eastern studies alon@alonben-meir com

United States is increasingly concerned about the viability of important supply chains, India could become an important manufacturing hub for a variety of components in various industrial products The United States in turn would be able to count on India as a bulwark against China s growing assertiveness across Asia Furthermore, Washington could be in a better position to eventually elicit and count on Indian diplomatic support on fraught issues such as the future of Taiwan

Over the last few decades several U S administrations have prioritized the relationship with India despite considerable diffidence on the part of New Delhi Instead of remaining content with incremental and fitful improvements in the bilateral relationship, New Delhi must trust Washington and move forward in constructing a multifaceted partnership that fosters peace and stability in Asia

SUMIT GANGULY is Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Tagore Chair in Indian Cultures and Civilizations at Indiana University Bloomington and a Visiting Fellow at the Hoover Institution He is currently a Visiting Professor in the Institute of Politics at the University of Heidelberg

DINSHA MISTREE is a Research Fellow in the Program on Strengthening U S -India Relations at the Hoover Institution

INDIA-US BONHOMIE

TA

TRIBUNE

There were two elephants in the room when PM Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden met multiple times last week in Washington There were veiled references to China while Russia was barely mentioned India might not have welcomed the warmer-than-normal bonhomie if the sole intention behind the US rolling out the red carpet was to wean India off its military dependence on Russia India also needs to match China’s recent advancements in new-age technologies such as artificial intelligence quantum computing and 6G which Beijing is quickly applying to defence systems

The flurry of interactions between top-level interlocutors of both countries over the past couple of years has helped in deepening cooperation beyond merely spurring India to confidently square up to China if a military confrontation involving the deployment of cutting-edge technologies were to erupt in the coming years The incidents in Doklam (2017) and Galwan (2020) have led India to remain keen on contributing to the US-led initiative in the Indo-Pacific region in order to counter Chinese activities

As the 2 600-word Fact Sheet issued by the White House and PM Modi’s interactions in New York and Washington with CEOs of American high-technology behemoths testify the growing alliance is not only about military technology but also about shifting supply chains away from China The Biden administration’s National Security Strategy stated in 2022 that China is the ‘only competitor with both the intent and increasingly the capability to reshape the international order The US has now concluded that India besides its long-standing partners Japan, South Korea and Australia, fits the bill for increased attention in this regard

Dr Alon Ben Meir

Playing to all sides will not guarantee India’s strategic autonomy

In the face of Chinese aggression, New Delhi must align with Washington

U S O F F I C I A L S S E E W E A K E N E D P U T I N A S R U S S I A

T U R M O I L R E V E A L S ‘ C R A C KS ’

WASHINGTON

THE unprecedented challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putin by Wagner fighters has exposed fresh cracks in the strength of his leadership that may take weeks or months to play out, US Secretary of State

Antony Blinken said on Sunday

Blinken and members of the US Cong r e s s s a i d i n a s e r i e s o f t e l e v i s i o n i n t e rviews that Saturday’s turmoil in Russia has w e a k e n e d P u t i n i n w a y s t h a t c o u l d a i d Ukraine s counteroffensive against Russian forces within its territory while benefiting Russia s neighbours, including Poland and the Baltic states

“I don’t think we’ve seen the final act,” Blinken said on ABC‘s “This Week” program after an aborted mutiny by forces led by Yevgeny Prigozhin

Blinken said tensions that sparked the action had been growing for months and

added the threat of internal turmoil could affect Moscow s military capabilities in Ukraine

We ve seen more cracks emerge in the Russian facade It is too soon to tell exactly where they go, and when they get there But certainly we have all sorts of new questions that Putin is going to have to address in the weeks and months ahead Blinken told

NBC s Meet the Press program

Blinken described the turmoil as an internal matter for Putin

“Our focus is resolutely and relentlessly on Ukraine making sure that it has what it needs to defend itself and to take back territory that Russia seized Blinken said

US officials expect to learn more soon about the events that unfolded in Russia, including details of the deal with Prigozhin mediated by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko that led Wagner fighters to return to their bases

It may be that Putin didn t want to debase himself to the level of negotiating di-

rectly with Prigozhin Blinken said ‘DISTRACTED AND DIVIDED’

Forces led by Prigozhin, a former Putin ally and ex-convict, have fought the bloodiest of battles in Russia’s 16-month war in Ukraine

“To the extent that the Russians are distracted and divided it may make their prosecution of aggression against Ukraine more difficult Blinken told ABC H o u s e o f R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s I n t e l l i g e n c e

C o m m i t t e e C h a i r m a n M i k e Tu r n e r s a i d P u t i n ’s f u t u r e a c t i o n s i n U k r a i n e c o u l d b e i n h i b i t e d b y P r i g o z h i n ’s a s s e r t i o n t h a t t h e r a t i o n a l e f o r i n v a d i n g U k r a i n e w a s b a s e d o n l i e s Ta k i n g d o w n t h e v e r y p r e m i s e m a k e s i t m u c h m o r e d i ff i c u l t f o r P u t i n t o continue to turn to the Russian people and s a y, w e s h o u l d c o n t i n u e t o s e n d p e o p l e t o d i e , ” Tu r n e r t o l d C B S ’ “ F a c e t h e N a t i o n ” p r o g r a m Retired US Air Force General Philip Breedlove former head of US European Command said the turmoil demonstrates a

degradation of Russian capabilities One of the outcomes I believe of the last 36 hours maybe 48 hours is that the institutions that we have long seen as being very secure in Russia are slowly unraveling, Breedlove said in an interview

O il climbs, rouble falls as markets take mutiny in stride

Oil was slightly higher on Monday and the rouble lower as an abortive weekend mutiny by Russian mercenaries raised questions about Russian stability and crude supply, but left investors hesitant to draw any further conclusions Brent crude futures were last up 0 2% at $74 02 a barrel having earlier fetched as much as $74 80 The rouble dropped to a 15-month low early in Moscow MSCI’s index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan ( MIAPJ0000PUS) slipped to a three-week low as small falls in China Taiwan and Australia offset minor gains in South Korea Japan s Nikkei ( N225) eased 0 1%

The battered yen rose marginally on hints at looming government intervention to support it and after a summary showing a central bank board called for an early revision of yield curve control uropean futures gained 0 3% S&P 5 0 0 f u t u r e s r o s e 0 2 % a n d F T S E f u -

Italian Gaudenzi reappointed ATP chairman

R OME R E U T E R S

ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi has been re-elected for a second term as the head of the organisation from 2024 through 2026, the governing body of men’s tennis announced on Monday Italian Gaudenzi presented an ambitious OneVision strategic plan to revolutionise the sport after taking over in 2020 but the Covid-19 pandemic forced sporting bodies into crisis mode The ATP said under phase one, which came into effect in 2023, it had already generated the largest single-year increase in player compensation in its history a $37 5 million year-on-year increase across the ATP Tour and Challenger Tour I m proud of everything we ve achieved since 2020, during a particularly challenging time for the world, Gaudenzi said “OneVision has strengthened the ATP’s foundation, fostering a genuine partnership between players and tournaments “As we enter the second phase of our strategy I m more convinced than ever that our sport has huge upside and that we are well positioned to take advantage of the digital age

tures added 0 1%

Russian mercenaries made a shortlived rebellion on Saturday, seizing the southern city of Rostov and advancing on Moscow demanding the removal of Russian military commanders in charge of the war in Ukraine

The private Wagner army then withdrew after striking a deal guaranteeing their safety and the passage of their leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, to Belarus

The consequences for the Ukraine war were not clear though the challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putin s authority was the starkest in decades of his leadership I don t think the market can get its head around working out if there are implications ” said Ray Attrill head of foreign exchange strategy at National Australia Bank in Sydney

Analysts at RBC Capital Markets said one concern was the possibility of martial law in Russia and its effect on the workforce at ports and oil production facilities Gold which had hit a three-month

low on Friday, rose 0 2% to $1,925 an ounce U S Treasuries were firm with yields, which fall when prices rise, marginally lower Two-year yields fell 2 basis points to 4 731% Ten-year yields fell 1 8 bps to 3 721% This putsch has revealed cracks and fragilities that now cannot be unseen,” said Mizuho economist Vishnu Varathan

“It undeniably amplifies global geopolitical risks CHINA FOCUS

With the mutiny being on the watchlist rather than driving action in Asia, investors were left to pore over the latest signs of China’s recovery stalling, which on Monday was softer-than-hoped-for travel figures for last week’s holiday S&P Global also followed most Wall Street banks and cut its 2023 GDP growth forecast for China on Sunday Blue chip stocks ( CSI300) fell 0 7% in Shanghai

The yuan slid to catch up offshore falls during the break on Thursday and

Friday, but the People s Bank of China fixed the midpoint of the its trading band surprisingly strong, suggesting it might not be so tolerant of further weakness

The yuan was last at a seven-month low of 7 2199 per dollar

The risk-sensitive Australian dollar was steady at $0 6683 The euro nursed last week s modest drop at $1 0903 and sterling held at $1 2730

The yen , down nearly 9% this year as global interest rate expectations rise and Japan s central bank stays dovish bounced as much as 0 3% to 143 27 per dollar partly thanks to speculation around intervention or a policy shift Japan s top currency diplomat Masato Kanda toughened his tone on Monday describing recent moves as “rapid and one-sided” in a possible prelude to intervening to buy yen

A Bank of Japan policymaker also called for revision to its yield curve control policy, a summary of opinions at the June meeting showed on Monday, suggesting the central bank’s ultra-loose monetary settings may be at a crossroads

Barcelona confirm Gundogan signing from M an C ity

LONDON A F P

Ilkay Gundogan has signed for Barcelona on a free transfer at the end of his Manchester City contract the Catalan club said Monday

The German midfielder 32 has agreed a two-year deal with the option for a year s extension and a release clause of 400 million euros ($436 million)

“He is bringing his presence, nose for goal and reading of the game which has made him one of the best midfielders of the past decade ” said Barcelona in a statement

Gundogan has been an influential presence for Pep Guardiola s City side since joining in 2016 captaining the team to a stunning treble this season

The midfielder netted twice in the FA Cup final win

over rivals Manchester United and Guardiola admitted City were trying to renew his deal

Manchester City are poised to seal the arrival of Mateo Kovcic from Chelsea to help replace Gundogan, who won five Premier League titles during his time at the club, as well as helping them earn their first-ever Champions League win this season

Gundogan joined City from Borussia Dortmund where he won the Bundesliga and German Cup in 2012

In Manchester he scored 60 goals in 304 appearances for City Barcelona s new signing bolsters a midfield with plenty of options, including young Spaniards Pedri and Gavi, and Dutchman Frenkie de Jong

However coach Xavi Hernandez has said the club still need to sign a defensive midfielder after captain Sergio Busquets left for Inter Miami at the end of his contract

Prince William to launch new UK homelessness initiative

LONDON A F P

B r i t a i n ’s P r i n c e Wi l l i a m w i l l l a u n c h M o n d a y a n e w U K - w i d e i n i t i a t i v e

a i m i n g t o s h o w t h a t i t i s p o s s i b l e t o e n d h o m e l e s s n e s s a n d m a k e i t r a r e b r i e f , a n d u n r e p e a t e d , K e n s i n g t o n P a l a c e a n n o u n c e d Wi l l i a m , 4 1 , t h e h e i r t o t h e t h r o n e , a n d h i s c h a r i t a b l e R o y a l F o u n d a t i o n w i l l h e l p g i v e s i x f l a g s h i p l o c a t i o n s a c r o s s B r i t a i n s p a c e t o o l s a n d r e l a t i o n s h i p s t o w o r k o n p r e v e n t i n g h o m e l e s s n e s s l o c a l l y Promising a transformative approach to the issue, the five-year initiative dubbed Homewards will try to create a “tried and tested model that can be scaled across the UK and beyond It aims to unlock unprecedented partnerships and boost understanding of homelessness, with the programme launching alongside new research suggesting that one in five people in Britain have some experi-

The whole institution of the military now the appearance of what the Russian military is, is much diminished US Senator Ben Cardin said the weekend turmoil in Russia does not ease Washington’s need to continue aiding Ukraine as it launches its long-awaited counteroffensive against Russia

This is a critical time for Ukraine This counteroffensive is going to be defining as to where we re going to be in the next year or two, Cardin, a Democrat who sits on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told Fox News Republican Representative Don Bacon a former US Air Force general who sits on the House Armed Services Committee told NBC that a diminished Putin would be a benefit for Russia s neighbours including Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland “It would be different if Putin was wanting to be a peaceful neighbour But he s not Bacon said

US Coast Guard launches investigation into Titanic submersible tragedy

BOSTON A F P

The US Coast Guard said Sunday it had launched an investigation into the cause of the underwater implosion that destroyed the small submersible Titan, with the loss of all five people aboard during a dive to the Titanic wreck The Coast Guard said it had created a marine board of investigation (MBI), its highest level of probe, for this drama and ultimately tragedy in the North Atlantic that drew worldwide attention My primary goal is to prevent a similar occurrence by making the necessary recommendations to enhance the safety of the maritime domain worldwide, Jason Neubauer, the Coast Guard s chief investigator and leader of this probe, told a press conference in Boston “The MBI is already in its initial evidence-collection phase including debris salvage operations at the incident site he added Neubauer said the US probe could also make recommendations on the possible pursuit of civil or criminal sanctions as necessary Titan was reported missing last Sunday and the Coast Guard said Thursday that all five people aboard the submersible, including Engro Corp vice chairman Shahzada Dawood and his 19-year-old son Suleman had died after the vessel suffered a catastrophic implosion A debris field was found on the seafloor 1 600 feet (500 meters) from the bow of the Titanic, which sits more than two miles (nearly four kilometres) below the ocean s surface and 400 miles off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada Canada which helped in the search for the submersible said Saturday it was carrying out its own probe The Canadian-flagged Polar Prince cargo vessel towed the Titan out to sea last weekend but lost contact with it about an hour and 45 minutes after the submersible launched into the ocean depths The announcement of the implosion ended a multinational search-and-rescue operation that captured the world’s attention since the tourist craft went missing

S&P Global cuts China 2023 growth forecast to 5.2% from 5.5%

PR OFIT R E U T E R S

ence of homelessness In a modern and progressive soc i e t y, e v e r y o n e s h o u l d h a v e a s a f e a n d s e c u r e h o m e , b e t r e a t e d w i t h d i g n i t y a n d g i v e n t h e s u p p o r t t h e y need,” William said in a statement

“Through Homewards I want to make this a reality and over the next five years give people across the UK h o p e t h a t h o m e l e s s n e s s c a n b e p r evented when we collaborate

It’s a big task, but I firmly believe that by working together it is possible to make homelessness rare brief and unrepeated and I am very much looking forward to working with our six locations to make our ambition a reality The prince will embark on a two-day nationwide tour starting Monday in London, during which he will announce the six locations

S & P G l o b a l s a i d i t h a s c u t i t s 2 0 2 3 G D P g r o w t h f o r e c a s t f o r C h i n a a f t e r M a y d a t a s h o w e d a p o s tC O V I D r e c o v e r y w a s f a l t e r i n g i n t h e w o r l d ’s s e c o n d - l a rg e s t e c o n o m y We h a v e r e d u c e d o u r 2 0 2 3 G D P g r o w t h f o r e c a s t t o 5 2 % f r o m 5 5 % i t s a i d i n a r e s e a r c h n o t e o n S u n d a y C h i n a s r ec o v e r y s h o u l d c o n t i n u e b u t a t a n u n e v e n p a c e , w i t h i n v e s t m e n t a n d i n d u s t r y l a g g i n g S & P i s t h e f i r s t m a j o r i n t e r n a t i o n a l c r e d i t a g e n c y t o c u t i t s f o r e c a s t s f o r C h i n a ’s e c o n o m y t h i s y e a r a lt h o u g h s e v e r a l m a j o r b a n k s i n c l u d i n g G o l d m a n S a c h s h a v e l o w e r e d t h e i r e s t i m a t e s t h i s m o n t h G o l d m a n S a c h s r e d u c e d i t s f o r e c a s t f r o m 6 % t o 5 4 % , c i t i n g p e r s i s t e n t l y w e a k c o n f i d e n c e a n d t h e c l o u d o v e r t h e p r o p e r t y m a r k e t a s s t r o n g e rt h a n - e x p e c t e d h e a d w i n d s C h i n a ’s e c o n o m y s t u m b l e d i n M a y w i t h p r o p e r t y i n v e s t m e n t s l u m p i n g f u r t h e r i n d u s t r i a l o u t p u t a n d r e t a i l s a l e s g r o w t h m i s s i n g f o r e c a s t s a d d i n g t o e x p e ct a t i o n s t h a t B e i j i n g w i l l n e e d t o d o m o r e t o s h o r e u p a s h a k y p o s t - p a n d e m i c r e c o v e r y C h i n a w i l l r o l l o u t m o r e s t i m u l u s t o s u p p o r t a s l o w i n g e c o n o m y t h i s y e a r, s o u r c e s i n v o l v e d i n p o l i c y d i s c u s s i o n s h a v e s a i d

CORPORATE CORNER

Zong 4G announces strategic par tnership with MCB Bank

ISLAMABAD: Zong 4G is proud to announce its strategic partnership with MCB Bank, one of the country's most renowned financial institutions This collaboration brings together the expertise of two industry leaders to offer customers an unmatched level of convenience and simplicity in managing their mobile services The focus of this partnership is the direct integration of Zong 4G s bundles and recharge services into the user-friendly MCB App This integration empowers Zong users to conveniently access and manage their mobile service bundles directly from the MCB App, eliminating the need for multiple platforms and simplifying their mobile service experience PR

ACC A welcomes public ation of two standards from ISSB

LAHORE: Corporate reporting of sustainabilityrelated information takes a significant step forward with the publication of two ground-breaking global standards ACCA welcomes the publication of two standards from ISSB (the International Sustainability Standards Board) IFRS S1 General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information and IFRS S2 Climate-related Disclosures Helen Brand, ACCA chief executive, said: ‘The launch of these first two global sustainability standards is an important and significant step forward in business reporting providing a global baseline for comparable information on sustainability issues, which will help investors, financial markets and society more widely The focus they provide will help drive the positive changes we need in the way businesses operate in the face of the threat from climate change P R

AIOU to establish swift centers across countr y

ISLAMABAD: Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has decided to establish “AIOU SWIFT Centers” across the country for the convenience of students and to ensure they have access to essential information related to academics admissions and examinations According to the AIOU, after the digitization of universities, there was a need to provide online facilities to students in remote areas of the country, where internet and computer facilities are not available to students On the special instructions of Vice Chancellor AIOU Prof Dr Nasir Mahmood the university established state-ofthe-art computer labs in the regional offices of AIOU in the first phase to provide students with free internet and computer facilities P R

D araz Pakistan to donate 200 laptops to govt schools

ISLAMABAD: Daraz Pakistan has announced the donation of 200 refurbished laptops to government schools in Okara, a testament to the company's dedication to supporting education and ensuring that students have access to essential technology resources The donation aims to provide students enrolled in eight schools in Okara with refurbished laptops, enabling them to thrive in today s learning environments Recognizing the importance of assisting the most vulnerable groups in society, this donation will be benefiting 3600 students, according to a press release issued on Monday P R

LCCI, IPO -Pakistan organise awareness session

LAHORE: The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in collaboration with the Intellectual Property Organisation of Pakistan (IPOPakistan) organised an awareness session on protection and registration of Geographical Indications (GIs), here on Monday The event was aimed to emphasise the significance of geographically registering and safeguarding Pakistan's valuable products Sharing his views

LCCI President Kashif Anwar highlighted the importance of geographically registering products to preserve their unique characteristics and reputation He stressed that the awareness session played a crucial role in educating stakeholders about the value and benefits of GI registration P R

50k more saplings being planted in Urban Forest Lyari: Talpur

CPEC LIBERATED PAKISTAN FROM BURDEN OF GEOPOLITICS: AHSAN IQBAL

DU R I N G the inaugural ceremony of the 10th anniversary celebrations of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Mr Ahsan Iqbal the Minister of Planning Development and Special Initiatives said that Pakistan had previously been trapped in the clutches of global geopolitics and forced to assume the role of a pawn in regional conflicts

However, he emphasized that the construction of CPEC has proven to be a game-changer propelling Pakistan onto a new developmental trajectory that prioritizes geoeconomics

On June 22 2023 the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives hosted the inaugural ceremony of

CPEC’s 10thanniversary celebrations

Mr Iqbal the Minister of Planning attended the event and delivered a speech Mr Pang Chunxue Acting Chargé d Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, along with Secretary Planning Mr Syed Zafar Ali Shah attended the event, as did representatives from China’s and Pakistan’s media and business sectors

“The historical influence on Pakistan s decision-making has veered predominantly towards geopolitical considerations, while overlooking the significance of geoeconomics

This disposition has consistently cast Pakistan in the role of a tool for war, burdened by substantial military expenditures and unable to fully explore the entirety of its potential in fostering amicable relations with other nations CPEC proved to be a game-changing

shift for Pakistan, liberating it from the shackles of geopolitics and propelling the country into the realm of geo-economics the minister said Over the past decade China and Pakistan have achieved fruitful outcomes in key areas such as Gwadar, energy, infrastructure development, and industrial cooperation in Pakistan “Before CPEC this country struggled to maintain uninterrupted power supply for more than 16-18 hours People used to say that Pakistan was regressing to the Stone Ages , the minister stated Thanks to the energy projects under the CPEC, many remote areas have bid farewell to candles Nowadays, the energy projects have cumulatively provided one-third of the national electricity supply in Pakistan

However the construction of CPEC has not always been a smooth journey as various forces have sought to interfere

BRI’s greener prac tices: New Gwadar International Airpor t set to go green

ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T

The New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA) is all set to go green in the backdrop of fresh decision to set in motion Green Coverage Initiative fulfilling commitment of BRI s global greener practices

Decision in this regard has been taken during comprehensive meeting among the Civil Aviation Authority the Gwadar Development Authority the China Overseas Port Holding Company (COPHC) on June 23 In first phase, according to Gwadar Pro on Monday, trees will be planted on more than 3 kilo meters long incoming and outgoing roads of the NGIA In second phase tree plants on designated patches of Airport will be grown to bolster the green ecosystem in an

area of 4,300 acres of the NGIA

According to an official of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) most plants will be taken from Plant Tissue Culture Lab and Green House, integral parts of the Belt and Road Engineering Research Center for Tropical Arid Non-Wood Forest built and being run in cooperation with the Central South University of Forestry and Technology the China Overseas Port Holding Company Limited and the Yulin Holding Company Limited in the premises of the Gwadar Port Free Zone area

The official said that Gwadar has a hot desert climate characterized by little precipitation and high variation between summer and winter temperatures Serious soil salinization has led to a low survival rate of plants “Keeping in view the local ecological challenges, we will plant tropical economic tree species

that can adapt to high temperature, salt and alkali wind and sand and draught ” he added Now the NGIA is being built at the cost of Rs 60 208 billion

The entire scope of work of it, involving civil work, structural work, mechanical work and engineering work has been completed State of art more than 6 kilo meter Runway centerpiece of the NGIA has already completed all its phases meeting international standardization It is ready for test flight at any time

It will have the capacity to accommodate narrow-body aircraft such as ATR 72 and Boeing B-737 as well as wide-body aircraft such as Airbus A-380 and Boeing B-747 for domestic and international routes The airport will be operated under open sky policy and will be developed under the guidance of the CAA

Non- Combustible Produc ts: A Potential Approach to Reduce Harm

Non-combustible products belong to a category that does not rely on combustion to deliver nicotine to the user Instead, they utilize heating processes to produce an aerosol from tobacco or liquid which is then inhaled Examples of non-combustible products include vapes

Non-combustible products are designed to operate without the need for combustion

By heating the liquid or tobacco plug, nicotine is released in an aerosol form, while avoiding the harmful effects of combustion Vapes function similarly using a heated liquid mixture of propylene glycol vegetable glycerin, flavourings, and nicotine This alternative approach allows users to obtain nicotine without the detrimental consequences associated with traditional combustible tobacco consumption

The development of non-com-

bustible products stems from their potential to reduce harm compared to combustible cigarettes Unlike conventional tobacco products, which produce harmful smoke through combustion non-combustible alternatives eliminate combustion and its associated detrimental smoke Consequently users of non-combustible products may be exposed to fewer harmful elements Moreover, these products offer smokers an alternative method to consume nicotine without the harmful effects of combustion Numerous public health organizations recognize the potential of non-combustible products in harm reduction The World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledges that Tob may be less harmful than traditional cigarettes while the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acknowledges their potential

to mitigate smoking-related harm S e v e r a l c o u n t r i e s h a v e e mb r a c e d t h e c o n c e p t o f To b a c c o H a r m R e d u c t i o n a n d r e c o g n i z e t h e e ff e c t i v e n e s s o f n o n - c o mbus tible alternatives in r ed ucing s m o k i n g - r e l a t e d h a r m B y p r oviding information on these produ c t s o rg a n i z a t i o n s c a n e n a b l e smokers to make informed decisions and encourage them to transition to potentially less harmful alternatives It is crucial to ensure the availability of these products t o e x i s t i n g s m o k e r s w h i l e p r omoting awareness In conclusion non-combustible products present a promising avenue for reducing the harm caused by combustion Reputable organizations have acknowledged their potential and are actively raising awareness to empower consumers in harm reduction efforts

since its beginning The minister recalled that initially several lobbies became active in making CPEC controversial within Pakistan with a particular focus on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan So while we conducted economic planning, we also made a concerted effort in effective communication to convey the true facts to the people” the minister said then extended his gratitude to the security personnel who have been ensuring the safety of CPEC Mr Iqbal further stated that China s Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative have provided new avenues for development in various countries, including Pakistan CPEC is a project for Pakistan that will serve as a source of peace and prosperity not only within the nation itself but throughout the entire region reaping its abundant rewards, Gwadar Pro reported on Monday

UFL’s Sunridge Taqatwar Pakistan combating Food Insecurit y in collaboration with Governor Sindh

KARACHI: Unity Foods (UFL) is dedicated to addressing the pressing issue of food insecurity and malnutrition in Pakistan To continue making a significant impact UFL stands at the forefront with unwavering dedication UFL has continued its commitment through Sunridge Taqatwar Pakistan program by launching a major food ration donation drive for 20,000 families in collaboration with Governor Sindh

To cater the pressing needs of underprivileged families Unity Foods will generously donate 20 000 ration packs starting this June through Governor Sindh The beneficiaries will be verified by a collaborative effort between Unity Foods and the office of Governor Sindh This ongoing initiative reflects Unity Foods' determination to eliminate food insecurity and contribute to achieving SDG #2 Zero Hunger and SDG #10 Reduced Inequalities as part of the Sunridge Taqatwar Pakistan program S TA F F R E P O R T

‘Role of journalist fraternity in strengthening democracy commendable’

KARACHI: Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori has commended the important role played by the journalist community in strengthening the democracy in the country These views were expressed by him while addressing the journalist fraternity during a ceremony held at Governor House in Karachi on Monday Terming the journalists as eyes and ears of any society Kamran Khan Tessori said that they can play an important role to guide the government towards the right direction and unifying the people He said IT courses are being arranged in the Governor's House for which tests will be taken after Eid The Governor Sindh said that resolving the problems of the people was the top most priority of the government S TA F F R E P O R T

ABC Pakistan hosts breakfast in honor of Ambassador D onald Blome

KARACHI S TA F F R E P O R T T h e A m e r i c a n B u s i n e s s C o u n c i l ( A B C ) P a k i s t a n o rg a n i z e d a h i g h - p r of i l e b r e a k f a s t e v e n t i n t h e c o u n t r y s f in a n c i a l c a p i t a l K a r a c h i a i m e d a t f o s t e r i n g a d e e p e r u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f t h e b u s i n e s s a n d e c o n o m i c l a n d s c a p e P r e s i d e n t A B C J a m s h e d S a f d a r a n d t o p r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s o f o t h e r A m e r i c a n f i r m s d e l v e d i n t o d i s c u s s i o n w i t h t h e U S A m b a s s a d o r D o n a l d B l o m e t o exchange ideas s hare ins ights and exp l o r e c o l l a b o r a t i v e s t r a t e g i e s t o f u rt h e r e n h a n c e t h e r e g i o n s b u s i n e s s

e n v i r o n m e n t Wi t h a p r i m a r y f o c u s o n f o s t e r i n g e c o n o m i c g r o w t h a n d i d e n t if y i n g i n v e s t m e n t o p p o r t u n i t i e s , t h e b r e a k f a s t m e e t i n g e m p h a s i z e d t h e i mp o r t a n c e o f p u b l i c - p r i v a t e p a r t n e rs h i p s i n d r i v i n g s u s t a i n a b l e d e v e l o p m e n t T h e A m e r i c a n B u s i n e s s C o u n c i l o f P a k i s t a n ( A B C ) i s a r e p r e s e n t a t i v e body of American businesses operating i n P a k i s t a n A s a l e a d i n g a d v o c a t e f o r p r o m o t i n g b u s i n e s s g r o w t h a n d f o s t e ri n g e c o n o m i c c o o p e r a t i o n A B C a i m s t o s t r e n g t h e n t h e t i e s b e t w e e n A m e r ic a n c o m p a n i e s a n d P a k i s t a n d r i v i n g m u t u a l l y b e n e f i c i a l p a r t n e r s h i p s

of the world

“We also need to learn from the way Rwanda has taken steps to eradicate poverty reduce unemployment and increase the level of education in a period of 20 years he said

KARACHI: Sindh Forest Minister Nawabzada

Muhammad Taimur Talpur has said that Urban Forest Lyari was inaugurated by Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in 2020, at that time 80 thousand saplings were planted in phase 1 and

has been

Pakistan s High Commissioner for the African country Rwanda Naeem Khan on Monday said that the African region is very important for enhancing economic integration with Pakistan Africa is the largest consumer market in the world due to the lack of large-scale industry and production at the local level, he said Pakistan’s High Commissioner for the African country Rwanda Naeem Khan expressed these views during his visit to Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said a press release issued here

He said there are immense opportunities for Pakistan s business community in this region Naeem Khan said that the way Islamabad Chamber has made efforts for trade relations with other African countries including Ethiopia for some time is commendable

I hope that as the Head of Mission to Rwanda and other countries, I will continue to receive the full support of the Islamabad Chamber and the business community ” He said that the diplomatic and political importance of Africa for Pakistan has its place but the most importance is trade In the policy given to us by the government, trade has priority,he said

I invite the business community of the whole country, including Islamabad, to set up their display center in the Pakistani Embassy in Rwanda, we will provide full facilities, Rwanda is an excellent tourist destination the business community should also pay attention to it

He said that the African region is of great importance at the political and diplomatic level in the whole world

Africa is well represented in all international forums including the United Nations OIC We need to take advantage of it ”

Speaking on this occasion President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari said that the past and present of Rwanda is an example for other developing countries

Through political stability and continuity of policies, Rwanda has achieved a position that is now called the Singapore of Africa

The presence of more than 50% women in Rwanda s cabinet is proof that women s full participation in the race for development is essential Africa is the most important region of the world where there are immense investment opportunities to provide basic facilities like food health and education to a population of more than 100 billion For success in this most important region Pakistan needs to take support from friendly countries China and Turkey, which have a lot of influence in the African region at the commercial and political levels

Afric a key consumer market for Pakistan due to lack of large -sc ale industr y: HC Naeem

IN what could prove to either be a win it from behind story or go down as the last throes of a sinking ship, the government has stepped on the gas as it races to try and have crucial funds released from the International Monetary Fund (IMF)

In the absence of President Arif Alvi the amended Finance Bill 202324 was sent to Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, who is acting President until Mr Alvi returns to action The bill was hurriedly signed through after it had been bulldozed through parliament by lawmakers looking at the clock hoping

to get on their Hajj flights And that wasn t the only significant moment in the day The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) convened an emergency meeting of its Monetary Policy Committee which raised the policy rate in the country by 100 basis points (bps) to 22% effective June 27 2023 The decision comes only two weeks after the last MPC meeting where the interest rate was kept unchanged at 21% A l l o f t h i s i s m a k i n g i t s e e m l i k e P a k i s t a n m i g h t m a n a g e t o p u l l th r o u g h an d s ig n a S taff Lev el A g r eem e n t w i t h t h e f u n d T h e q u e s t i o n h o w e v e r i s w h y i t h a s t a k e n s o l o n g T h e g o v e r n m e n t k n e w t h e c o n d i t i o n s t h a t t h e f u n d h a d a n d h a s f i n a l l y n o w

Pakistan issues demarche to US over US-India joint statement

ISLAMABAD

Pakistan on Monday summoned the US Deputy Chief of Mission to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and made a demarche to him to convey concerns and disappointment regarding the US-India Joint Statement issued after a meeting between President Joe Biden and visiting Indian Prime Minister Modi on June 22, 2023 According to a Foreign Office statement, Pakistan in the demarche raised objections to what it described as unwarranted, one-sided, and misleading references made in the joint statement

The Pakistani officials emphasised that the United States should refrain from issuing statements that could be interpreted as endorsing India s baseless and politically motivated narrative against Pakistan Furthermore, the Pakistani authorities stressed the importance of maintaining an enabling environment based on trust and understanding in order to solidify the counter-terrorism cooperation between Pakistan and the United States

It was also emphasized that counter-terrorism cooperation between Pakistan and the US had been progressing well and that an enabling environment, centered around trust and understanding, was imperative to further solidify Pakistan-US ties

The US-India statement issued after President Joe Biden laid out a red carpet for Modi who was on a trip to the US at the White House where the two countries sealed major defence and technology deals as Washington bets big on India as a counterweight to China

made a slate of moves to comply with t h e m T h i s s u d d e n e ff i c i e n c y a n d w i l l i n g n e s s i s s u r p r i s i n g I f i t c o m e s b e c a u s e o f t h e m e e t i n g s P r i m e M i ni s t e r S h e h b a z S h a r i f h e l d d i r e c t l y w i t h t h e I M F ’s t o p b r a s s o n t h e s i d el i n e s o f i n t e r n a t i o n a l c o n f e r e n c e s t h e n i t m i g h t m e a n h i s f i n a n c e m i n i st e r f a i l e d t o e ff e c t i v e l y c o m m u n i c a t e t h e s e c o n d i t i o n s t o h i s b o s s

the salaried class has also been increased where taxable income exceeds Rs 2 400 000 but does not exceed Rs 3 600 000 the rate of tax would be Rs 165 000 plus

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet has approved Rs 4 billion Technical Supplementary grants to overcome cash flow problems of PIA Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar chaired the meeting of ECC today The Aviation Division

Former aide alleges Imran conspired with Ex-CJP to disqualif y Tareen

ISLAMABAD: Ishaq Khakwani a spokesperson of the Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP) has made startling allegations against former prime minister Imran Khan and ex-chief justice Saqib Nisar claiming they conspired to disqualify Jahangir Tareen the patron of the newly-formed party According to Geo News Khakwani in a statement emphasized the lack of discussion surrounding the motives behind Khan s actions against Tareen the former Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) secretary general who faced a lifetime disqualification in December 2017 Nisar retired as the chief justice of Pakistan in 2019 Can the PTI chairman deny the assistance provided by the former chief justice [Nisar]?” questioned Khakwani He criticised Khan for claiming moral superiority while withholding the truth about his alleged involvement in the matter “The PTI chairman will have to answer for his conspiratorial role in the disqualification of Jahangir Tareen ” he said Tareen severed ties with the PTI after encountering differences with Khan in 2020 He played a significant role in Punjab politics assisting the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in installing Hamza Shehbaz as the chief minister of the province

salaried class states that where annual taxable income exceeds Rs 2,400,000 but does not exceed Rs 3,6000,000, the rate of tax would be Rs 165 000 plus 22 5 percent of the amount exceeding Rs 2 400 000 Similarly where taxable income exceeds Rs 3 600 000 but does not exceed Rs 6 000 000 the rate of tax would be Rs 435,000 plus 27 5 percent of the amount exceeding Rs 3,600,000 Meanwhile, where taxable income exceeds Rs 6 000 000 the rate of tax would be Rs 1 095 000 plus 35 percent of the amount exceeding Rs 6 000 000 The government is adamant that the new slabs are progressive in nature and only add pressure to the upper tiers of the society however the respective income tax levied on the individuals in the informal sector or partially formal business sector is less than comparable