PM Shehbaz Sharif vows to follow ‘Chinese model of success’
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The trip has led to a delay in the annual federal budget usually presented in the first week of June and is now expected to be presented next week after PM Shehbaz signs it off following his return according to sources
A day ago the premier had emphasised the need for business-to-business cooperation between the two nations and assured Chinese investors of all-out facilitation and foolproof security He had also invited technology giant Huawei to invest in Pakistan s taxation and e-governance sectors besides enhancing its presence in the various Safe City projects operational across the country The two nations also signed 32 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to promote trade and investment Speaking to the Exim Bank president the prime minister said the upgradation project of the cross-country rail line, Main Line-1 (ML-1), was ready for investment
Highlighting Pakistan’s desire for Chinese investment in the revival of the
Karachi Circular Railway project, PM Shehbaz said the country wanted to learn from its neighbour s experiences to uplift the agriculture sector
The prime minister appreciated Exim Bank s continued support for the modernisation of Pakistan s industries, agriculture and IT sectors, the report added
Shehbaz and Fulin also discussed joint venture projects of the two countries and the possible role of the Chinese Exim Bank in trade financing as part of efforts to promote Pakistan s exports in international markets, it stated
Fulin stressed that every Pakistani project was a priority for the China EXIM Bank He emphasised the importance of economic and financial cooperation under CPEC Phase II and China Exim Bank s strategic partnership with Pakistan
Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz also expressed Pakistan’s desire for Chinese investment in the ML-1 upgradation project in a meeting with China International Development Cooperation Agency (Cidca) Chairman Luo Zhaohui China International Development
Cooperation Agency (Cidca) Chairman
Luo Zhaohui calls on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing on June 6
PID China International Development Cooperation Agency (Cidca) Chairman
Luo Zhaohui calls on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing on June 6
Emphasising the need for cooperation between Pakistan and China in agriculture tech blue economy communication minerals and mining the premier assured Zhaohui that the security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan was the government s priority
The prime minister commended Cidca’s pivotal role in supporting Pakistan during the Covid-19 pandemic the post-2022 flood reconstruction and in the grant of polio vaccines the report said According to Radio Pakistan, Zhaohui offered Cidca s support to Pakistan in Special Economic Zones and the health sector
PM Shehbaz also met with the chairman of China Northern Industry Corporation asserting that the Pakistani government was facilitating FDI and inviting him to invest in the KCR project
Imran Khan admits ignoring parliament a ‘mistake’
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He appeared before a five-member Supreme Court bench via video link from Adiala jail in Rawalpindi The bench was led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa with Justices Aminuddin, Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Athar Minallah and Hasan Azhar Rizvi also presiding over the hearing While discussing the case, Khan referred to a cypher prompting Chief Justice Isa to interrupt him advising Do not discuss cases that are yet to come before us We had this concern earlier as well Admitting the chief justice s point, Khan said, It is true, I should have gone to parliament The country is facing an economic crisis and the remittances sent from abroad are being transferred out by the elite Chief Justice Isa responded You are mixing two different issues Chief Justice Isa questioned Khan about the amnesty he granted, to which Khan replied “The amnesty was given
to bring the black economy onto a legal path ” The chief justice advised “Sit down with the members of parliament; they are not your enemies Go and talk to them Regarding the election date we asked the president and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to discuss it We did not want to make a political statement ”
Chief Justice Isa further stated “We do not want to stop you provided there are no objections Politicians should resolve issues among themselves Do not bring party matters before us Khan compared his jail conditions to those of Nawaz Sharif, requesting a comparison of the facilities provided Chief Justice Isa suggested We can arrange for a surprise visit by a judicial officer The PTI founder also referenced the case of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal during the hearing, who was granted bail before the Indian general elections to facilitate his campaign He also expressed disappointment
with the Supreme Court s decision to reject the plea from the KhyberPakhtunkhwa government to live stream his proceedings Addressing the CJP Khan questioned the assertion made in the judgment that he had engaged in political point scoring during the previous hearing Justice Isa responded by stating that a judge does not owe an explanation for their verdict to anyone and suggested that Khan could file a review petition if dissatisfied with the judgment After completing his arguments, Chief Justice Isa asked Khan if he had anything more to add The chief justice thanked Khan for his assistance, to which Khan also expressed his gratitude The chief justice then dictated the order for the day and reserved the decision The Supreme Court rejected the response submitted by NAB in the amendments case and requested a tenyear budget record from NAB It was noted that any party wishing to
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Earlier today the FIA said that the social worker admitted wrongdoing in the human trafficking case against him in the wake of his arrest “Sarim Burney was interrogated twice He admitted making a mistake in the initial statement following his arrest said the officials The FIA further revealed that the social worker was also under surveillance by authorities in the US during his recent visit The FIA officials told Geo News that the US authorities are also investigating the social worker ’s child trafficking
The FIA confirmed the development after registering a case in its human trafficking cell against Burney More cases of child trafficking and money laundering will be registered against Sarim Burney,” said the officials On the other hand sources told Geo News said that the record of the children transferred to the US was provided to the FIA authorities by the embassy The social worker has been accused of smuggling a newborn girl named Haya to the US, FIA said
bought the baby from her parents for Rs1 million and sent her to the US More than one person assisted Sarim Burney in the purchase of the girl The FIA officials have recorded the statement of the baby’s parents who, it added, are extremely poor In the case registered against Burney he has been accused of smuggling at least 20 newborn babies in a year for adoption by parents in the US said the FIA Meanwhile, the sources said that Burney s wife, Aliya, is also a beneficiary in the trust’s documents They added that Burney’s wife can also be named in the case after the documents are confirmed by the Sindh government FIA gets
“More than 15 among those sent to the US are girls said the agency s officials The officials added that Burney
Friday 7 June 2024 | KARACHI NEWS 03 PTI calls for judicial intervention in alleged abduction case ISLAMABAD i n p The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has condemned the alleged abduction of two brothers of Azhar Mashwani a senior member of the party s social media team by alleged state agents during a midnight raid at their home The party has called on the Chief Justices of the Lahore High Court (LHC) and the Supreme Court (SC) to address the situation promptly and ensure their swift release The PTI spokesperson expressed strong disapproval of the kidnapping of Prof Mazhar Mashwani and Professor Zahoor Mashwani describing it as a violation of their rights as non-political individuals engaged in the education sector The spokesperson highlighted a pattern of attacks on individuals associated with PTI citing previous incidents of forced disappearances involving Mashwani s family members The spokesperson criticized the prevailing state of lawlessness, comparing the country s situation to a jungle where citizens rights and safety are disregarded They appealed to the judiciary to intervene decisively to curb what they termed as the use of brutal and authoritarian tactics by the state Further the spokesperson reiterated calls for the immediate and unconditional release of the Mashwani brothers and demanded accountability for those responsible for their alleged abduction Cabinet Committee recommends raising legal marriage age for girls to 18 in Punjab ISLAMABAD i n p The Cabinet Committee on Thursday recommended the government of Punjab to increase the legal marriage age for girls from 16 to 18 years The recommendation will be sent to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif ’s full cabinet for approval After the approval of the Punjab cabinet the recommendation will be tabled in the Punjab Assembly as a proposed bill and once the House approves, the legal marriage age for girls will officially be set at 18 Additionally, the channel reported that the Cabinet Committee also proposed extending the jurisdiction of the Walled City Authority to cover the entire province of Punjab KARACHI s ta f f r e p o r t C H I E F Minister of Sindh Murad Ali Shah has said that 1,25,000 houses have been prepared for flood affectees The chief minister visited the office of the Sindh People’s Housing for Flood Affectees here The CM was given briefing with regard to construction of houses for flood affected people Chief Minister said that the flood in year 2022 caused huge losses in Sindh “We are working on the world’s biggest project and constructing 2 1 mln housing units for flood victims chief minister said We were lacking funds for housing project but determined to implement it The project was presented in Geneva conference, and they helped us,” Murad Ali Shah said Chief Minister said that the affected people also being given ownership rights The process with regard to ownership that was earlier suspended, has been resumed again, he said Murad Ali Shah said that 2 1 million housing units’ project has been launched and it is the world’s biggest construction project for flood affectees He said the federal government didn t yet constitute the ECNEC, which is delaying release of development funds as approval of projects from the ECNEC has been compulsory CM Shah said that the housing project has also won award There are eight lac women beneficiaries in 2 1 mln housing units project he said Around eight lac houses of the project have been under construction” Murad Ali Shah said that the federal and provincial governments had allocated Rs25 billion each but the funds were not released from the federal government Hopefully Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will fulfill his promise with the people of Sindh, chief minister added 1
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file a response could do so within seven days SBP-held forex reser ves rise by $16 million, totaling $9.1 billion Pakistan's total liquid foreign reser ves now stand at $14 2b PR OFIT n e w s D e s k The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported a $16 million increase in its foreign exchange reserves on a weekly basis bringing the total to $9 1 billion as of May 31 according to data released on Thursday Overall the country s total liquid foreign reserves now stand at $14 2 billion, with net foreign reserves held by commercial banks amounting to $5 1 billion The central bank did not provide specific reasons for the uptick in reserves “During the week ended on 31-May-2024 SBP reserves increased by US$ 16 million to US$ 9 109 5 million the statement read In contrast, the previous week saw a $63 million decline in the central bank’s reserves Notably, last month, SBP reserves saw a significant increase of $1 114 billion surpassing the $9 billion mark for the first time in nearly two years This substantial rise was largely attributed to the final $1 1 billion tranche from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under its $3 billion Stand-By Arrangement Gold prices surge by Rs2,400 per tola in Pakistan Local gold rates align with international market increase PR OFIT n e w s D e s k Gold prices in Pakistan saw a significant rise on Thursday with the price per tola reaching Rs243 000 after a single-day gain of Rs2 400 The 10-gram gold price also increased selling at Rs208 333 according to the All Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA) This increase follows a decrease in gold prices on Wednesday when the price per tola dropped by Rs400 The international gold rate which decreased on Thursday was set at $2 362 per ounce (including a $20 premium) accumulating $30 during the day Silver rates remained stable at Rs2,800 per tola In April, gold hit an all-time high of Rs252,200 per tola in the local market Blue-Ex signs strategic partnership MoU with China’s Shenzhen Cross Border Ecommerce Association PR OFIT n e w s D e s k BlueEx Limited has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for strategic partnership agreement with Shenzhen Cross Border E-commerce Association (SZCBEA) China according to a company s notice sent to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) BlueEx and SZCBEA have finalised the MoU for strategic partnership to deliver state of the art services in ecommerce trade & logistics in Pakistan for China sellers and vice versa for Pakistan sellers looking to export to China “We currently represent Fly Jinnah (a subsidiary of Air Arabia) Aramex LLC as country franchisee amongst other international partnerships, read the notice Blue-Ex, Pakistan s first listed tech-logistic company, is the pioneer in establishing ecommerce business-to-business solutions in domestic and international markets for Pakistani companies SZCBEA China has been deeply involved in the cross-border field for 10 years has over 3,000 member units from the most influential cross-border e-commerce companies across China, is the most influential cross-border e-commerce industry association in China Govt restric ts sharing of lawful interception information by telecom companies PR OFIT M o n i to r i n g D e s k The government has prohibited telecom companies from sharing information regarding lawful interception between the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and telecommunication system operators with any individual, entity, or organization The Express Tribune reported that the Information Technology and Telecommunication Division approached the government to ensure confidentiality for information related to lawful interception operations functions and installations The cabinet approved the policy directives The Ministry of Telecommunication presented a summary to the cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif The summary highlighted that policy directives were needed under Sections 8(2)(c) and 8(2A) and Section 54(1) of the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) Act 1996 These directives mandate that all communication and information regarding lawful interception between the PTA and telecommunication operators must remain confidential The PTA has been instructed to ensure that no information on lawful interception is shared with unauthorised persons The Information Technology and Telecommunication Division emphasised that the PTA should issue necessary instructions to telecom operators and service providers to implement these directives The federal cabinet approved the issuance of these policy directives to the PTA as required under Rule 16(1)(1) of the Rules of Business, 1973 g C A B I N E T A P P R OV E S P O L I C Y TO M A I N TA I N CO N F I D E N T I A L I T Y O F T E L E CO M MU N I C AT I O N I N T E R C E PT I O N DATA
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two - day physic al remand of S arim Burney
R I M E M I N I S T E R Shehbaz Sharif ’s visit to China which started on Tuesday in Shenzhen is his first since his government returned to office after the February election It began with the investment conference in Shenzhen, attended by a large number of potential investors from China It was an indication that Mr Sharif wants to replicate the example of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where instead of loans, they are now providing foreign exchange by investment Therefore, Mr Sharif will measure the visit s success not by the loans China will give, but by the loans it will make He seems especially interested by Shenzhen, which was China s first Special Economic Zone it thus represents the next stage of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor where such SEZs will proliferate and will rely on business-tobusiness (B2B) rather than government-to-government (G2G) synergy to prosper It is an important part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor which is the G2G basis on which the development will be B2B-driven Of course, with the CPEC, other considerations enter, such as the fact that it is incomplete One of the main components is the $6 8 billion ML1 rail project, involving the upgradation of the track between Peshawar and Karachi Then Mr Sharif will ask the Chinese leadership, when he meets it in Beijing, for the inclusion of the Diamer Bhasha Dam project, in the CPEC framework The Dam cannot get funding from traditional developmentfinance institutions at this point leaving in the lurch about midway through China has already suffered terrorism by the inclusion of the Sau Hydropower Project in CPEC leaving Pakistan still trying to explain away the attack both to the Chinese government and Chinese investors who must have taken away the impression that Pakistan is not just hostile but unsafe
When Mr Sharif returns to Pakistan, he will have three China-related issues to deal with First, the IMF, with which he is anxious to conclude a deal, has reservations about CPEC This is the result of the IMF backing the USA in its tussle with China That tussle is the second issue he must deal with, because Pakistan is doing its best to avoid taking sides even as other countries line up on one side or the other Most crucial of all the must ensure that any investors find that Pakistan is a safe country for them to invest in
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed
M A Niazi
Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
H E Indian election is not a quick one-day exercise with the result virtually clear by the wee hours of the night after It is an exercise that lasts more than a month It is a
to
Because India is
the
provoke
Minister for the
by the
beliefs that return
has been
and
time, something which only Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru of his predecessors, managed to achieve Admittedly there was a difference Nehru engaged in trying to build a modern nation complete with a space programme and multiple Institutes of technology that helped India adjust to the modern era Nuclear testing was a privilege reserved for his daughter, but he laid the foundations He initiated many of the programmes from which the BJP has benefited as it has spent the last decade trying to build not just a Hindu rashtra but a powerful one well able to throw its weight about especially against Pakistan which it perceives as a fly in the ointment The election result is thus clearly one of approval for what the BJP has done in its decade in office: bashing minorities It cannot escape notice that there was no ‘stunt’ this time like Pulwama, no sending of the message that the BJP is best able to defend the country The resentment over the Agniveer scheme all over the country should have persuaded the BJP to try something that would establish its patriotic credentials but it didn t As a sort of substitute, there was Modi using anti-Muslim rhetoric, which as noted by some, was something of a departure, because in previous elections he had taken the high ground and left the bulk of the anti-minority message to party minions
Therefore it should be realised that Modi has attempted to win support by modifying Nehru s consensus, which he had established as the basis for his decades in office When one looks at the essentials, there is little difference between Nehru’s superpower and Modi’s Hindu Rashtra One reason is that Nehru had to obtain the support of the devout Hindus who nowadays flood the BJP he RSSS and the rest of the Sangh Parivar Nehru did not really like the devout whom he drifted away from in the course of an English education, at Harrow and Cambridge, into the Fabian socialism he took India into when he became PM It cannot be overemphasised that one of the major differences between Nehru and Modi is that the former wanted a dirigiste state the latter to give rein to free enterprise The Congress relationship with Hindu extremism goes back to Jawaharlal s father, Motilal, who was
the first of the dynasty to become Congress President Essentially for reasons of Allahabad district politics he allied with the Mahasabha Though Rajiv Gandhi was hardly an orthodox Hindu being the son of a Parsi father and Brahmin mother and himself married to an Italian wife, used the Ram Rajya slogan in the 1989 election He lost the election badly, going down from 414 seats to 197, but the correctness of his basic premise was shown by how the BJP went from two seats to 85 The BJP as its name indicates was born out of the break-up of the Janata Party after it lost office in 1979 If a single party is to be named which became the BJP after it backed out of the Janata Party mix, it would be the Jan Sangh, which had positioned itself to the right of Congress The Congress did not stick to the Ram Rajya slogan (which was somewhat like Imran Khan’s Riasate-Madina slogan in Pakistan in that it promised a religiously defined Golden Age while being coy about details) but it clearly has not switched entirely to small-caste politics The BJP has grown, and grown, to the point where it has won a mandate for a third term It opponents are not accepting that the mandate is as unlimited, and the result as a rejection of the BJP’s communalist programme True the BJP has lost the ability to form a government on its own but that was something it had only in the last Parliament In Modi s first term it needed the support of the allies to survive With the allies, it should have a comfortable majority The Congressled INDIA coalition will form a strong opposition The minorities seem to be coalescing and strategic voting by Muslims and Other Backward Castres (OBCs) and Dalits appear to have had an effect However the BJP may well double down decide to emphasize its majoritarian credentials by going for the passage of Uniform Civil Code, the real purpose of which is to abolish all the minority ‘personal
There is the danger that BJP leaders might not realise that it was economic failure, the Agniveer Scheme, the botched covid-19 response that are to blame The BJPÊs entry into power depends on Hindutva, but then its misgovernance becomes hard to explain to the electorate
C o m p a r i n g d e v e l o p m e n t p a t h s
thus do not give space to corruption and other malpractices These countries have educated populace who ensure their participation in the political systems They do not play confrontational politics as the case has always been in Pakistan They have higher respect for women and thus utilize their potential in the development of the country Third World countries need to adopt developed these countries’ models
every country has some core industries in need to be prioritized and revolutionized Pakistan must spend on the agriculture sector promoting organic farming expanding cultivated land an efficient irrigation system and of course fostering research and innovation in agricultural universities are what set the country on the route to self-sufficiency and long term economic growth Agriculture sector as according to the World Bank contributes 18-25 percent to the GDP However this could be multiplied manifold with expansion and development of the industry The Agri-based products can abundantly enhance the exports of the country Education system, tourism industry and a friendly environment for FDIs will substantially play part in economic development However security and political stability still remains to be a key focus And that has yet to be seen The writer is a freelance columnist
04 Friday 7 June 2024 COMMENT Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965 I K arachi – Ph: 021-32640318 I Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545 I Web: www pakistantoday com pk I Email: editorial@pakistantoday com pk N o t j u s t r o u t i n e P
S h e h b a z h o p e s t o c o m e h o m e w i t h s o m e t h i n g m o r e t a n g i b l e t h a n g o o d w i s h e s
Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
economic times I N our tough economic times, with prices going through the roof, especially for electricity, it’s getting harder for regular folks to manage their bills At the same time tons of solar companies are popping up trying hard to sell us on the idea of clean and affordable energy Sure using solar panels can save money in the long run but the upfront cost is no joke Only rich folks can really afford it and it s the same deal for community welfare groups Plus, there s a worry about all those solar panels becoming big environmental problems down the line, with not enough ways to recycle them Even if we’re not hitting the waste levels of big countries, our trash is still adding up adding to our carbon footprint With all this in mind the solar companies in Pakistan need to think about who can actually afford their stuff Instead of spending big bucks on fancy ads and celebrity endorsements they could focus on helping out the community Donating solar panels to schools, hospitals, and other non-profits could be a win-win It helps these groups keep doing their good work, and it gives the solar companies a good name Maybe it’s smarter for these companies to show they care about the community, rather than just trying to be the flashiest in town That way they can build a positive image and get more support in the long run Going heavy on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) might just be the way to go rather than going all out on flashy ads MOBASHIR SANDILA KARACHI
marriages FORCED marriage is a deeply concerning phenomenon wherein individuals are compelled to marry against their will Forced marriage represents a significant problem as it deprives people of the freedom to choose their life partners The thought of being coerced into a marriage one does not desire is not only unfair but also has the potential to bring immense unhappiness The adverse effects of forced marriage are most pronounced among girls and women They often face the unfortunate consequence of leaving school prematurely, hindering their educational pursuits This denial of opportunities to learn and grow is inherently unjust Every individual deserves the chance to receive an education and pursue their dreams Beyond education, forced marriage takes a toll on individuals’ emotions and mental well-being leading to feelings of sadness anxiety and isolation In some instances victims even endure physical and sexual abuse which is utterly appalling To combat forced marriage collective efforts are essential Governments can play a pivotal role by enacting laws that render forced marriage illegal and impose penalties on those who coerce others into marriage SAJJAD WAHID LAHORE Inflation struggle I am highlighting a pressing concern: the high inflation rate in Pakistan posing numerous challenges for our citizens Inflation has evolved into a critical issue demanding urgent intervention from the government According to official statistics, inflation in Pakistan averaged 12% per year between 1990-91 and 1995-96, although many economists believe it exceeded 20% Inflation, defined as the persistent rise in general prices across the country, significantly impacts the financial status of a nation It may range from creeping to galloping affecting the economic landscape of the entire country Currently inflation in Pakistan has entered a phase of crumbing inflation introducing various difficulties to the country s survival The high rate of inflation continues to increase instead of decreasing presenting multiple challenges to the nation s finances Unfortunately, authorities have not adequately addressed this matter, and it urgently requires resolution RAHAT NAZEER AHMAD PESHAWAR E d i t o r ’ s m a i l Send your letters to: Letters to Editor Pakistan Today 4-Shaarey Fatima Jinnah Lahore Pakistan E-mail: letters@pakistantoday com pk Letters should be addressed to Pakistan Today exclusively
H Y do so many peoples and countries around the world remain mired in poverty and economic misery? Conversely how have some peoples and countries been able to become rich and prosperous in only a generation or two? There is a considerable discourse on this in the academic sphere At the grassroots even the daily working hours of a country does matter in its economic growth and industrialization One can notice significant vacant hours in countries like Pakistan, half Friday, Sunday, Iqbal Day, Labour Day, etc All of these have significant value in the overall growth However Third World countries are in the pit of poverty In the course of time their miserable condition instead of improving has worsened Reasons for their economic backwardness are many, ranging from political instability, lack of industrialization, illiteracy, overly religiosity, extremism, terrorism, corruption, bad governance, and institutional crisis, to the lack of participation in the political process by the larger part of the citizenry There could be consensus on some of these issues that they are prevalent in almost all Third World countries but still some problems vary in their degree and nature and some of these are not found at all in some of the developing world As far as Pakistan Afghanistan Iran and some of the west Middle East countries are concerned they have extremism terrorism illiteracy bad governance political instability and corruption in intense magnitude but still there are other countries who have got rid of such evils like Sri Lanka, whose literacy rate is above 90 percent Bangladesh and India have overcome political instability and bad governance Afghanistan Iran and Pakistan have no female labour force The contribution of working women to the GDP of these countries is very less Whereas other countries, especially Bangladesh, Turkey, and India, have improved their economy through involving women in the developmental areas In 2023 women comprised 23 18 percent of the total labour force participation in Pakistan In the same year women comprised 46 percent of the labour force in Guermany In 2018 Malaysia, women s labour force participation consisted of 55 percent which has significantly risen after 2010 Pakistan has a low productivity due to which it suffers from a fiscal deficit It has an abundance of natural resources but due to its numerous structural and functional flaws fails to extract and exploit those resources Moreover some men and families have monopolized the power corridors, and their corruption and other evil practices have made them richer while the rest of the nation has been drowned in poverty Conversely in a generation or two some countries have developed at a very fast pace For instance Japan was totally destroyed in the mid-1950s but she managed to emerge as a smart power Now Japan has a strong economy and a strong political system Germany was also divided and shattered in the aftermath of World War Two, but they too have overcome all the flaws and now enjoy a mature political system China is another example and has overcome poverty and her economy is getting stronger Factors behind their rapid economic growth and development are political stability, mature political systems, adherence to democratic norms and values industrialization education research and innovations technology-oriented attitudes participation in the political process especially in the democracies whereas the case is different with China as she has a single ruling socialist party and does not practise democracy in its true spirit Germany on the other hand is a true democratic country and
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enjoys a fullfledged political stability These countries have opened venues for employment enjoy rule of law their institutions are working on set principles and are subject to the law of land They have a transparent setup of accountability and
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huge lumbering journey across India By paying attention to the various phases One can learn an amazing amount about the subcontinent That was one of the most prominent benefits, for the huge ex-
in which nearly a billion voters were involved, yielded what might seem a boring result The BJP has
returned
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laws’ and have India be governed by a single personal law, which will actually be Hindu This is not to say that the Opposition is particularly anti-Hindu as the BJP has claimed However Congress still holds to a kind of secularism That secularism was frightening enough for enough Muslims to demand the partition of India to lead to the creation of Pakistan That is an old debate, and unfortunately it is not over in India The continuing of BJP rule means that it will work to consolidate itself It has used government machinery to target opposition leaders like Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, head of the Aam Aadmi Party, and there have been sex scandals The BJP might well try to gain control of the machinery that would enable it to use these methods There may also be further efforts to bring the media in line One reason why the results, which were actually not all that surprising, were not predicted was because the BJP got a lot of favourable media coverage That coverage probably helped sway the results One of the effects of this election seems to be that UP CM Swami Adityanath will not be Modi s successor One reason is that the BJP has done relatively badly From 62 of its 80 seats, it has slipped to 33, The Samajwadi Janata Party of Akhilesh Yadav, in INDIA, has won 37 seats, up from four Though the Swami won re-election last year his image is now tarnished Modi favourite Home Minister won from Gandhinagar personally and may avoid the fall-out With other parties it would be a foregone conclusion that the PM would carry on to the next general election However, with a party as strong as the BJP, the chances are that it would prefer to make a midterm switch and go to the next election with a fresh face Modi’s Gujarat has proved a bastion for after delivering clean sweeps on all 26 seats in 2024 and 2019 it missed this year only by one seat lost to the Congress However, will the BJP want to go with another Gujerati? However, that would have to be a winning face The BJP think tank must already be working on that one Apart from Swami Adityanath another casualty is Modi s air of invincibility which will be important in the coming cycle of state elections Another destabilizing factor is that Modi went into this election without a Phulwama-type incident to unite the country around him There is the danger that BJP leaders might latch on to that, rather than realise that it was economic failure the Agniveer Scheme the botched covid-19 response that are to blame The BJP’s entry into power depends on Hindutva but then its misgovernance becomes hard to explain to the electorate The writer is a member of staff T h e m i x t u r e a s b e f o r e At Penpoint M A N I A Z I
Education system, tourism industr y and a friendly environment for FDIs will substantially play par t in economic development However, security and political stability still remains to be a key focus And that has yet to be seen T h e B J P i s l i ke l y t o l e a r n t h e w ro n g l e s s o n s
Wgivers in most households, and their health directly impacts the well-being of their families When women suffer from untreated or poorly managed health conditions it can lead to increased healthcare costs reduced productivity and a lower overall quality of life for entire communities
One of the critical issues in women s healthcare is the development and testing of drugs Historically, medical research has predominantly focused on male subjects, leading to a lack of understanding about how certain drugs and treatments affect women This oversight can result in adverse outcomes for women as medications may not be as effective or could have harmful side effects that were not identified during clinical trials
The new government in Pakistan has an opportunity to make significant strides in addressing the health challenges faced by women One of the commendable steps taken in the past is the launch of the Prime Minister s National Program for Family Planning and Primary Health Care This programme aims to provide essential healthcare services to women particularly in rural and underserved areas
Engaging with global platforms and initiatives can also provide valuable insights and resources to tackle the health challenges that Pakistani women face International collaboration and knowledge-sharing can help identify best practices and innovative solutions that can be adapted to the local context Nutritional deficiencies are another
major health concern for women in Pakistan
Malnutrition, particularly among pregnant and lactating women can lead to a host of complications including low birth weight stunted growth and increased susceptibility to infections Addressing these deficiencies requires a multi-faceted approach that includes improving access to nutritious food, enhancing maternal education, and ensuring that healthcare services are equipped to address the specific needs of women
Maternal health is a critical area that requires urgent attention According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Pakistan has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world Factors contributing to this high rate include lack of access to skilled birth attendants inadequate prenatal and postnatal care and insufficient emergency obstetric services Improving maternal health services and ensuring that women have access to quality care before, during, and after childbirth is essential to reducing maternal mortality and improving overall health outcomes for women and their families
Education and awareness are powerful tools in addressing the health challenges faced by women Educating women about their health and rights can empower them to seek the care they need and make informed decisions about their well-being Community-based programmes that provide education on topics such as nutrition reproductive health and disease prevention can have a significant impact on women s health outcomes
Raising
The new government has a responsibility to prioritiz e womenÊs health and ensure that the promises made during the election campaign are translated into concrete actions By addressing the health gap and creating a more equitable healthcare system, Pakistan can improve the lives of its women, enhance economic outcomes, and build a healthier, more prosperous society for all its citiz ens Ultimately, the health of a nation is reflected in the health of its women It is time for Pakistan to recogniz e the critical role that womenÊs health plays in the overall well-being of the countr y and take decisive steps to ensure that ever y woman has the oppor tunity to lead a healthy, fulfilling life
Mexico’s election: A victory for organised crime
in the area whose operations the mayor was apparently endeavouring to obstruct I left Zipolite in April but recently phoned a Mexican friend there to inquire about candidates for the mayor ’s replacement His response: “No one wants the job ”
ON June 2 Mexico elected Claudia Sheinbaum as its first woman president The 61-year-old scientist served as mayor of Mexico City from 2018 until 2023 and is the protégée of outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), to whose Morena party she belongs and in whose shadow she will now govern
In the largest election in Mexico s history Sheinbaum faced off against ex-senator Xóchitl Gálvez head of a conservative coalition In addition to the presidential race Mexicans also voted for candidates contesting more than 20,700 federal and local positions countrywide
In the run-up to the election, observers relentlessly cast the prospect of an impending female head of state in Mexico as a victory for women’s empowerment although a glance at facts on the ground suggests the prematurity of any such celebration
Back in 2019, Sheinbaum, the first female mayor of Mexico City, promised to eradicate violence against women During her tenure, however, the femicide epidemic in the Mexican capital – and the rest of the country – continued to rage Mexico currently sees at least 10 women and girls killed on a daily basis with tens of thousands of women missing The vast majority of femicides go unprosecuted
Of course, the surge in femicides occurs within a general context of violence; in the first four and a half years of AMLO’s term, Mexico registered 160,594 homicides, while the estimated number of missing people has now surpassed 111 000 – a figure AMLO has preferred to drastically lowball The outgoing president has also found it prudent to accuse people overly concerned with the search for the missing of suffering from delirium of necrophilia The violence extends to the political realm, too More than two dozen candidates were assassinated ahead of the June 2 polls, and hundreds more dropped out of their races In April two mayoral contenders were found dead on a single day Some might go as far as to call it a delirium of necrophilia The pre-electoral spike in political killings is attributed primarily to cartels and other organised crime outfits conducting their own form of elections – if you will –by eliminating unfriendly candidates After all,
Multiply the case of Zipolite across the entire expanse of Mexico and you get an idea perhaps of just how free Sunday s election really was And while the United States prefers to categorically blame Mexico s violence on drug cartels and end the discussion there, the truth of the matter is that the US itself plays an outsize role in maintaining the violent landscape south of the border For one thing the simultaneous demand for and criminalisation of drugs in the US is what spawned the whole cartel business in the first place
Add to that the US demand for undocumented labour and criminalisation of migration, on which front AMLO has been only too eager to do the gringos dirty work – a pattern Sheinbaum will no doubt continue As unprecedented numbers of asylum seekers now traverse Mexico to reach the US drug trafficking outfits have expanded their services to include people smuggling as well People on the move are abused and extorted at every turn by agents of the state and organised crime groups alike, often working in cahoots I had the opportunity to experience such collaborative efforts firsthand when in March I drove from Oaxaca to the neighbouring state of Chiapas to pick up two young Venezuelan friends of mine who had just crossed into Mexico from Guatemala I had initially offered to pay acquaintances in Chiapas to retrieve them from the border but had been politely informed: If we pick up migrants, the cartels will kill us
Our ensuing daylong odyssey entailed extortion by every possible branch of the Mexican immigration and security apparatus including AMLO’s beloved National Guard three members of which cornered us in a car park with their pick-up truck after having been tipped off by migrant smugglers that I was interfering with business
Disgruntled to hear that all of my pesos had already been distributed to other Mexican officials, the National Guard officers suggested that I proceed to a nearby petrol station to conduct a hefty payment on my credit card which the station attendant would then pass along to the officers in cash
Created in 2019 the National Guard has been accused of torture, extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances and sexual violence against asylum seekers Now, Sheinbaum has optimistically expressed her hope that the National Guard will “be closer to the public act like a local police really become the first responders”
Speaking of criminal actors Sheinbaum also hopes to boost cooperation with the US in the realm of so-called free trade despite the concept s rather sordid history in Mexico Recall that the implementation of the US-imposed North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1994 destroyed millions of livelihoods in the country while fuelling poverty and forcing countless Mexicans into narcotrafficking-related jobs in order to survive That is when lethal violence against women soared Anyway what is US-imposed capitalism if not very organised crime?
As Mexico now prepares for a new administration, it is safe to assume that violence, official corruption, and impunity will remain the name of the game A woman may have won the Mexican election but the real winner is organised crime – in every sense of the term
Belén Fernández is the author of Inside Siglo XXI: Locked Up in Mexico
IT has not been easy being a Muslim in Narendra Modi s India With the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) steadfastly refusing to allow my community even a token representation in corridors of power India’s largest minority the third largest Muslim population in the world is left voiceless For the first time since India s Independence in 1947, the ruling party did not have a single Muslim Member of Parliament Tuesday’s election results, in which Prime Minister Modi sealed a rare third term, only enhance the sense of gloom and doom for Indian Muslims like me My community may once again not have an MP in the government With the BJP back in power – albeit without the supermajority it had vowed – my only hope lies in a politically weakened Modi now A weakened Modi shall, hopefully, translate into a more robust India and more secure minorities It may still be a long haul though After the recently concluded hate-driven campaign led by Modi himself things may only get worse As it was before the vote India is poised to continue transforming itself from a secular democratic republic into possibly a Hindu majoritarian state, with reduced rights and presence of minorities in general – and of Muslims in particular If after Modi’s first victory in 2014 there was a sense of cautious hope 10 years later my Muslim community stands orphaned not just jettisoned by the ruling BJP but repeatedly marked out as the group responsible for the supposed ills of the nation There is an overriding feeling of belonging to a group under siege The prime minister kickstarted the invidious campaign by calling India’s 200 million Muslims “infiltrators” in one of his early election speeches His vitriol was to put it mildly unprovoked; the state of Rajasthan where he delivered his divisive speech has a strongly guarded border with Muslimmajority Pakistan The state has only sent one Muslim candidate to the Lok Sabha – the Lower House of Parliament – since the first election back in 1952
In this year ’s election the two leading political parties the BJP and the Indian National Congress (INC or simply Congress ) did not give a ticket to a single Muslim to contest the elections in Rajasthan Yet the invisible Muslim ghost was punched with relish by Modi It s worth remembering this is the man who, back in 2002, was the Chief Minister of the state of Gujarat when large-scale violence claimed over 1 000 lives a vast majority of them Muslims (Modi denied any wrongdoing and the Supreme Court cleared him of complicity) But let us return to 2024 As the 6-week-long election wore on, Modi mocked the Muslim community s supposed high fertility rate and repeatedly targeted the community using the opposition – especially Congress – as a mere pretext accusing it of reserving
Friday 7 June 2024 COMMENT 05
there
no time like the biggest election in Mexican history to show who will really be calling the shots in the coming years In March for example the mayor of the diminutive coastal town of Zipolite in Mexico s southern Oaxaca state – my intermittent home – was fatally shot in broad daylight outside the local municipality building The incident went almost entirely unreported in the Mexican press, but the rumour in town was that “they” had warned him – “they” being the dominant drug trafficking group
is
Immigration Detention
Books 2022) She is a contributing editor at Jacobin Magazine, and has written for the New York Times the London Review of Books blog Current Affairs and Middle East Eye among numerous other publications
s Largest
Center (OR
exacerbated
limited access
quality healthcare nutritional defi-
in bridging the health gap between men and women The health gap in Pakistan is a pressing concern that demands immediate attention According to a report by the World Economic Forum, there is a $1 trillion opportunity globally to improve lives and economic outcomes by addressing health inequalities between men and women In Pakistan these inequalities are starkly evident rooted in patriarchal biases and societal norms that often neglect women s health needs Patriarchal bias refers to the societal and institutional structures that favour men, often leading to gender-based disparities in various sectors including healthcare In Pakistan this bias manifests in the form of policies and practices that prioritize male health, leaving women s health issues underfunded and inadequately addressed The term “patriarchal” itself originates from the notion of “rule by the father ” indicating a system where male interests dominate This bias is particularly
O M E N in Pakistan face a multitude of health challenges, often
by
to
ciencies and societal norms that prioritize male health The recent elections have ushered in a new government, which has made promises to address various national issues However, the question remains whether these policies will be implemented effectively particularly
detrimental in healthcare where the focus tends to be on diseases and conditions affecting men, while women s health issues are often overlooked For instance, conditions such as endometriosis a painful and debilitating gynaecological condition are rarely given the attention they deserve Endometriosis affects millions of women worldwide yet research and treatment options are limited often leading to prolonged suffering and reduced quality of life for those affected Inadequate healthcare for women can have far-reaching consequences not only for the individuals affected but also for society as a whole Women are the primary care-
crucial Advocacy and public awareness campaigns can help shift societal norms and reduce the stigma associated with certain health conditions, encouraging more women to seek help
support
is essential to understanding and addressing the unique health challenges faced by women This involves designing studies that specifically consider the biological and social differences between men and women, and ensuring that women are adequately represented in clinical trials Gender-sensitive research can lead to the development of more effective treatments and interventions for women s health issues For example, understanding the hormonal and physiological factors that contribute to conditions such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can help researchers develop targeted therapies that address the root causes of these conditions The health challenges faced by women in Pakistan are multifaceted and deeply rooted in societal and institutional biases Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that includes policy reforms improved access to healthcare nutritional support education and gendersensitive research The new government has a responsibility to prioritize women s health and ensure that the promises made during the election campaign are translated into concrete actions By addressing the health gap and creating a more equitable healthcare system Pakistan can improve the lives of its women enhance economic outcomes and build a healthier, more prosperous society for all its citizens Ultimately, the health of a nation is reflected in the health of its women It is time for Pakistan to recognize the critical role that women s health plays in the overall wellbeing of the country and take decisive steps to ensure that every woman has the opportunity to lead a healthy, fulfilling life The writer is a freelance columnist
ariF H e a l t h c h a l l e n g e s t o w o m e n i n P a k i s t a n
awareness about women s health issues among policymakers, healthcare providers, and the general public is also
and
Conducting gender-sensitive research
Gender-S ensitive Healthcare Policies Zaimal
. AL JAZEERA B e l é n F e r n á n d e Z U n d e r C l a u d i a S h e i n b a u m’s p re s i d e n c y, o rg a n i s e d c r i m e w i l l l i ke l y b e c a l l i n g t h e s h o t s
15% of the Union Budget for Indian Muslims (Congress rejected the claim) Of course Modi denied discriminating against Muslims and in a widely televised interview claimed to have celebrated the Muslim festival of Eid with his friends Meanwhile the Islamophobia within the BJP hit a new low when the party s promotional video showed caricatures of Congress party leaders placing an egg marked “Muslims” in a nest next to three eggs marked “SC ” “OBC” and “ST” (three lower caste groups) As the eggs hatch Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is shown feeding funds to the chick wearing a skullcap while ignoring the other chickens The allusion was not lost on anyone The video ran for days on social media before the Election Commission wrote to Twitter to take action Muslims stood silenced by the unceasing vitriol Some were intimidated Others hoped the election would bring an end to BJP rule It proved a false hope The BJP s much-hyped claim of getting over 400 seats in the Lower House of Parliament did not materialize The party, in the end, needed help from allies, Telugu Desam and Janata Dal (United), to form a government for the third time in succession – a feat hitherto performed only by the first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru s Congress immediately after Independence Except for one candidate in the constituency of Kerala, the BJP refused to put up Muslim candidates This had an unfortunate ripple effect with the number of Muslims getting tickets from other parties showing a decline The main opposition party, Congress, failed to put up a Muslim candidate in the capital New Delhi as well as in the commercial center Mumbai and in Mahatma Gandhi s home state Gujarat In fact the number of Muslim candidates put up by major political parties showed a steep decline, falling from 115 in the 2019 elections, to 78 in 2024 In the days and months to come, things could get seriously tough for Indian Muslims With the prime minister failing to condemn the frequent lynching of Muslim men by right-wing vigilantes since 2015 and state governments ruled by the BJP using bulldozers to demolish Muslim establishments as a means of cowing even the odd voice of protest, it is going to be a question of survival for my community Our food habits, clothing, education centers and places of worship are all likely to be under greater scrutiny possibly even violent attacks in the days of come Already medieval Indian mosques some as old as 900 years are being contested by Hindu outfits in various courts There have been noises that the worldfamous Taj Mahal was originally a Hindu temple, and that the historic Qutb Minar in Delhi was built after demolition of temples A community which has seen the 16th century mosque the Babri Masjid become a Hindu temple during Modi s second term has reason to fear the worst We ve seen BJP leaders talking of closing Islamic seminaries across the states of Uttar Pradesh and Assam In the state of Uttarakhand, a hurriedly cobbled together Uniform Civil Code is in place – essentially a single set of laws for all residents that does not take into account the customs or religious laws of different religions or minority groups It could be the norm for the rest of India soon as the BJP tries to deny Indian Muslims the right to follow Islamic laws in civil matters, a right granted by the Indian Constitution With Hindu Rashtra a virtual reality, it is difficult to see a silver lining for Indian Muslims who chose pluralist India over the theocratic state of Pakistan at the time of Independence In the summer of 2024 my community stands betrayed forsaken and forlorn Ziya Us Salam is an associate editor at newspaper The Hindu and author of Being Muslim in Hindu India ” For Indian Muslims like me, an unshakable feeling of doom CNN Z i ya U s s a l a m
Uzbekistan through Kyrgyzstan In the future, it can extend to West Asia and South Asia
the Chinese market through the CIIE Zhai Qian, minister of economic and commercial affairs at the Chinese Embassy in Germany, highlighted the consistent participation of German companies and their significant booth sizes at the CIIE which contribute to the event’s diversity He expressed hopes for German enterprises to fully lever-
Friday 7 June 2024 | K AR ACHI 06 NEwS CAIR O/JERUSALEM I N P I SRAEL targeted a Gaza school on Thursday that it said contained a Hamas compound, killing fighters involved in the October 7 attack that sparked the eight-month war but Gaza media said the strike killed at least 39 people seeking shelter Ismail Al-Thawabta, the director of the Hamas-run government media office, rejected Israel’s claims that the UN school in Nuseirat, in central Gaza, had hidden a Hamas command post The occupation uses lying to the public opinion through false fabricated stories to justify the brutal crime it conducted against dozens of displaced people, Thawabta told a foreign news agency Israel’s military said that before the strike by Israeli fighter jets the military took steps to reduce the risk of harm to civilians The attack happened after Israel announced a new military campaign in central Gaza as it battles a group of fighters relying on hit-and-run insurgency tactics Israel has said there will be no halt to fighting during ceasefire talks In an apparent blow to a truce proposal touted last week by US President Joe Biden, the leader of Hamas on Wednesday said the group would demand a permanent end to the war in Gaza and Israeli withdrawal as part of a ceasefire plan The remarks by Ismail Haniyeh appeared to deliver the Palestinian militant group s reply to the proposal that Biden unveiled last week Washington had said it was waiting to hear an answer from Hamas to what Biden described as an Israeli initiative The movement and factions of the resistance will deal seriously and positively with any agreement that is based on a comprehensive ending of the aggression and the complete withdrawal and prisoners swap, Haniyeh said Since a brief week-long truce in November all attempts to arrange a ceasefire have failed with Hamas insisting on its demand for a permanent end to the conflict while Israel says it is prepared to discuss only temporary pauses until the militant group is defeated Washington is still pressing hard to reach an agreement CIA director William Burns met senior officials from mediators Qatar and Egypt on Wednesday in Doha to discuss the ceasefire proposal Biden has repeatedly declared that ceasefires were close over the past several months, only for no truce to materialise Last week’s announcement came with far greater fanfare from the White House a n d a t a t i m e w h e n I s r a e l i P r i m e M i n i s t e r B e n j a m i n N e t a n y a h u i s u n d e r m o u n t i n g domestic political pressure to chart a path to end the eight-month-old war and negot i a t e t h e r e l e a s e o f I s r a e l i h o s t a g e s h e l d b y H a m a s BEIJING S ta f f C o r r e S P o N d e N t Chinese President Xi Jinping, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev congratulated the signing of an intergovernmental agreement on the China-KyrgyzstanUzbekistan railway project via video link on Thursday Xi said the railway is a strategic project for the connectivity of China and Central Asia and a landmark construction for Belt and Road cooperation among the three countries The signing of the intergovernmental agreement provides a solid legal base for the construction of the project, marking the railway’s turn from a vision to reality he said China is ready to work with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan to get prepared for initializing the construction and complete the building of the strategic route that benefits the three countries and their peoples as soon as possible, Xi said Japarov said the railway will be a new transport line linking Asia to Europe as well as Persian Gulf countries adding that it is significant for the connectivity and the strengthening of economic and trade exchanges between countries along the route and even the whole region Mirziyoyev noted that the railway will become the shortest land route linking China and Central Asian countries It will also open up big markets in South Asia and Middle East, benefiting cooperation among regional countries and China, he added Ad powered by advergic com The railway will begin in Kashgar northwest China s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and enter the territory of
P r e s i d e n t s o f C h i n a , Ky r g y z s t a n , Uz b e k i s t a n c o n g r at u l at e s i g n i n g o f r a i l way p r o j e c t a g r e e m e n t 3 9 K I L L E D A S I S R A E L J ET S S T
BEIJING S ta f f C o r r e S P o N d e N t C h i n a u r g e s t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s t o e a r n e s t l y a b i d e b y m a r k e t p r i n c i p l e s a n d i n t e r n a t i o n a l t r a d e r u l e s a n d c r e a t e a s o u n d e n v i r o n m e n t f o r f a i r c o m p e t i t i o n a m o n g e n t e r p r i s e s f r o m a l l c o u n t r i e s , a C h i n e s e f o r e i g n m i n i s t r y s p o k e s p e r s o n s a i d o n T h u r s d a y Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a daily news briefing when answering a query on report that U S President Joe Biden said China provides subsidies to flood the U S market with electric vehicles Mao said that China s new energy products, including electric vehicles, are gaining popularity in the international market relying on continuous technological innovation sound industrial and supply chains and sufficient market competition Their popularity is the result of the combined effect of comparative advantages and the laws of the market, and an outcome of the efforts of enterprises instead of an outcome of so-called subsidies she added Last year China exported only 13 000 electric vehicles to the United States, Mao said, rebuking the claim of flooding the U S market Mao pointed out that industrial subsidy policies originate from the United States and Europe and are widely adopted by countries around the world China s industrial subsidy policies strictly adhere to the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO), consistently upholding the principles of fairness, transparency and non-discrimination They do not involve any prohibited subsidies as defined by the WTO she said Calling the United States a big subsidizer of its industries Mao said in recent years, the United States signed into law the CHIPS and Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act to directly intervene in the allocation of market resources through direct and indirect subsidies totaling hundreds of billions of U S dollars Subsidies do not guarantee industrial competitiveness, and protectionism protects backwardness and sacrifices the future, Mao said Mao said the United States has adopted discriminatory measures against Chinese electric vehicles which violates the WTO rules and disrupts the stability of the global industrial and supply chains, and will ultimately harm the interests of the United States, said Mao China urges the United States to earnestly abide by market principles and international trade rules and create a sound environment for fair competition among enterprises from all countries, Mao said, adding that China will resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests China urges US to abide by market principles, international trade rules Xi says education exchanges ‘project for future’ of China-US ties BEIJING S ta f f C o r r e S P o N d e N t Chinese President Xi Jinping has said that China-U S education exchanges and cooperation help promote mutual understanding and friendship between the people of the two countries, especially the youth, which is a project for the future of bilateral relations Xi made the remarks in a recent reply letter to Lamont Repollet, president of Kean University in the United States He also pointed out that China-U S ties bear on the well-being of the two peoples as well as the future of humanity German enterprises urged to seize opportunities at China Import Expo Officials and business leaders from China and Germany on Wednesday highlighted the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) as a key gateway to the Chinese market With 75 German companies already signed up the expo offers substantial opportunities for trade and collaboration At a promotion event for the Expo held in Stuttgart attendees urged German enterprises to actively engage and capitalize on the opportunities presented The event attracted approximately 150 Chinese and German officials, business representatives, and trade delegates Wu Zhengping, deputy director general of the China International Import Expo Bureau noted that preparations for the 7th CIIE were well underway German enterprises are leading Europe in both the number of exhibitors and exhibition space
75 companies signed up for the event, occupying over 26,000 square meters at the venue During the event, the China International Import Expo Bureau
a Memorandum
Understanding with the Academy of German Hidden Champions This collab-
aims to facilitate the entry
specialized
innovative German
age the CIIE platform showcasing Germany s strengths in traditional sectors such as mechanical manufacturing, automotive, and pharmaceuticals Zhai appealed German companies to explore collaboration opportunities in emerging areas including technological innovation green initiatives circular economy and digital economy with Chinese counterparts noting that such collaborative effort would foster new economic growth and advance Sino-German cooperation to higher levels Walter Doring, chairman of the Academy of German Hidden Champions, highlighted China’s remarkable achievements in development and innovation, presenting new cooperation prospects for Germany Presently more than 90 percent of approximately 500 leading German enterprises in the global market are engaged in partnerships with China Doring underscored that collaboration with China is indispensable for any enterprise aiming to attain leadership in the global market Established in 2017, the CIIE functions as a platform for companies worldwide to explore trade opportunities in China and foster economic co-prosperity The 7th CIIE is scheduled to be held in Shanghai on Nov 5-10 2024 GAZA N P UNICEF said on Thursday that nine out of 10 children in Gaza could not eat nutrients from enough food groups to ensure their healthy growth and development In the Gaza Strip months of hostilities and restrictions on humanitarian aid have collapsed the food and health systems resulting in catastrophic consequences for children and their families, UNICEF said It said that five sets of data collected between December 2023 and April 2024 had found that 9 out of 10 children in the Gaza Strip which has been pounded by an Israeli offensive since last October are suffering from severe food poverty meaning that they are surviving on two or fewer food groups per day This is evidence of the horrific impact the conflict and restrictions are having on families ability to meet children’s food needs – and the speed at which it places children at risk of life-threatening malnutrition,” UNICEF said Israel says it puts no limit on humanitarian supplies for civilians in Gaza and has blamed the United Nations for slow deliveries saying its operations are inefficient But with pockets of famine emerging in Gaza, with some children dying from malnutrition and dehydration, even Israel’s staunchest allies have increased pressure on it to do more to let in food In order to meet the minimum dietary diversity for healthy development children must consume foods from at least five of the eight food groups defined by a dietary diversity score used by UNICEF and World Health Organization (WHO) These include breastmilk, eggs, dairy products, and meat, poultry and fish, among other groups UNICEF said that globally 27% of children are living in severe child food poverty in early childhood which amounts to 181 million children under the age of 5 Israel s ground and air campaign was triggered when Hamas stormed southern Israel on Oct 7, killing around 1 200 people and seizing 253 more as hostages according to Israeli tallies The offensive has killed more than 36 500 people in Gaza according to health authorities in the Hamas-run enclave British Pakistani Zubair Yousaf accused of wife’s assault leading to unborn child’s death DUBAI I N P Authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are seeking British Pakistani national Zubair Yousaf following allegations of domestic assault by his wife Gulraz Anjam that led to her losing consciousness and miscarrying their unborn child at a residence in Dubai Gulraz Anjam who holds British nationality and is one of multiple wives married to Zubair Yousaf, filed the complaint She accused Yousaf of a violent assault in April 2024, including strangulation, dragging her across the floor, and forcing her to ingest unclean water This assault she claims resulted in the loss of their five-month-old unborn child “Zubair Yousaf assaulted me with the intention to terminate our baby her complaint stated requesting his arrest and prosecution under local laws Gulraz s complaint further reveals Yousaf s history of severe criminal behavior, including connections with terrorist groups and involvement in the criminal underworld She alleges that he engaged in various fraudulent activities such as using fake identities to secure bank loans and purchase properties in the UK For instance he acquired the Pack Horse Pub in 2002/2003 under his sister s name who was seeking asylum using funds obtained through deceit From 2005 to 2007, Yousaf committed significant fraud involving the transfer of property titles using fraudulent identities, leading to around £7 million in illegal gains His criminal activities have resulted in several police investigations and charges Moreover Gulraz recounts Yousaf s prior arrest in 2004/2005 over allegations of rape and assault made by his then-partner, Fahdia, in front of her children
of G azan children lack food needed for proper growth
R I K E S C H O O L ‘ C O N TA I N I N G H A M A S C O M P O U N D ’
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UNICEF finds 90%
Pakistan Banks ’ A ssociation and IFC join forces to boost green buildings in Pakistan
Federal Minister of Investment Board Abdul Aleem Khan and Minister of Commerce Jam Kamal Khan have expressed their determination in a meeting with Chairman Chinese Group of Companies Li Qiwang in Beijing that the investment process in Pakistan for domestic and foreign investors is being made easier They added that special incentives and facilities for investment from China in Pakistan will also be given, including special economic zones, maximum facilities at ports and special banking packages for import and export Federal Minister Board of Investments, Privatization & Communications Abdul Aleem Khan while discussing the joint venture with China Service Group said that his Ministry is introducing unique features such as Ease of Doing Business and "One-Stop Shop" in the Ministry of Board of Investment Abdul Aleem Khan told that for the encouragement of investers Pakistan Business Portal is also being established rapidly Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan further said that unnecessary obstacles in the way of investment in Pakistan are being removed and Online facilities are being ensured
I G R a i l way s Po l i c e a p p r e c i ate s yo u t h fo r g e t t i n g a d m i s s i o n i n H a r va r d U n i ve r s i t y 07 NEWS Friday 7 June 2024 | K AR ACHI CORPORATE CORNER LAHORE s ta f f r e p o r t Inspector General of Railways Police Rao Sardar Ali Khan commended a son of DSP of Railways for securing his admission in World s top university Harvard as fully funded scholarship Syed Qasim Abbas due to his hardwork and ability got admission in Masters of Law (LLM) in the top university of America Syed Qasim Abbas is the son of Principal Railways Police Training School Walton DSP Abrar Abbas and graduated in Law from renowned university Lahore University of Management and Sciences (LUMS) Meanwhile he also studied at Winona State University of United States for one semester on a scholarship basis LAHORE s ta f f r e p o r t Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif and President PML-N Muhammad Nawaz Sharif presided over a special meeting at Punjab House Murree in which it was principally decided to rehabilitate ancient and historical buildings of Murree to their original condition The proposal to establish a Murree Street on the pattern of excellent street model of the world was reviewed in the meeting It was agreed to run the latest ‘Smart Tram and directions were issued to submit a plan within 15 days in this regard CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed to prepare a new design of a multi storey Parking Plaza which will cater parking capacity of more than 1500 vehicles The tourists can visit Murree through the latest tram from the Parking Plaza A 15-day timeline was set to install digital counting cameras on the entry routes of Murree Murree Traffic Management Plan was approved in the meeting while Murree Cable Car Service will be linked to obtain a fitness certificate after undergoing its repair and rehabilitation The CM directed early completion of the upgradation project of Samli TB Sanatorium Excellent toilets will be built for the tourists at various sites of Motorway including the Mall Road She directed to build specific toilets for the differently-abled persons along with kids rest places She directed to establish a wheel chair centre for the differently-abled persons and elders at the Mall Road The proposal to establish an Entertainment Park and Clipping Pod Village’ were reviewed in the meeting It was apprised during the briefing that more than 90 percent construction and extension of 12 roads of Murree has been completed A water supply scheme is going to be launched for the provision of clean water in Murree and in the surrounding areas from the incumbent system and River Jhelum The participants were apprised about elimination of encroachments and crackdown being launched against illegal constructions A principle approval was granted to provide financial aid to the injured workers during the launching of antiencroachment campaign CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif said, Anti-encroachment campaign will continue and no compromise will be made in this regard ” President PML-N Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said “Laws causing delay to cater the welfare and need of general public need to be amended We build the Motorway and others had been discouraging us to build it We had set a record of development projects along with elimination of terrorism and load shedding Cheezious makes histor y as Pakistan s First Eco-Diner restaurant cer tified by WWF-Pakistan! ISLAMABAD s ta f f r e p o r t Cheezious, a renowned Pakistani fast food brand has been awarded the prestigious certificate by the World Wide fund for Nature Pakistan (WWF) for becoming Pakistan s first-ever Eco-Diner restaurant This remarkable achievement marks Cheezious as a pioneer in sustainable dining practices within the country World Wide fund for Nature Pakistan (WWF) and Cheezious are thrilled to announce the launch of the Eco Diner program at the Cheezious This initiative aims to promote sustainable dining practices reduce environmental impact within the restaurant sector of Pakistan The Eco Diner Certification program encourages restaurants to adopt sustainable practices to significantly reduce their carbon footprint The focus areas include Minimizing Food Loss and Waste Enhancing Sustainable Practices & Efficient management of natural resources to pave the way towards net-zero emissions
KARACHI s ta f f r e p o r t Pakistan Banks’ Association (PBA), in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), arranged a workshop on the benefits of green resilient real estate investment attended by participants from over 25 banks operating in Pakistan A key area of focus was cooling for buildings an area especially relevant to Pakistan given recent heat waves IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is a leader in investing and advising on green building practices globally The workshop included sessions on the commercial value of green buildings for developers the financial benefits for investors and case studies highlighting the business case for green buildings across sectors including residential, offices, warehousing, and hospitals The workshop enabled participatory banks to expand their capacity to support green real estate projects in the country which should help foster long-term economic stability and growth In addition, it addressed cooling options for green buildings, which is pertinent given that Pakistan has the fifth highest demand for cooling in the world This included options for participants to leverage IFC’s recently launched Sustainable Cooling Initiative Commenting on the occasion Ahmed Bozai Vice President – Pakistan Banks Association said, PBA s partnership with the IFC in green real estate investment exemplifies our joint commitment to sustainability This collaboration aims to identify potential solutions and investment avenues towards fostering a low-carbon economy reflecting our dedication to creating a sustainable environment for our communities Syngenta Pakistan par tners with C-Shine to launch First-Ever Syngenta Professional Solutions Franchise in Pakistan KARACHI s ta f f r e p o r t Syngenta Pakistan has entered into an MoU with CShine Pakistan marking the launch of the first-ever Syngenta Professional Solutions (SPS) Franchise in Pakistan This strategic collaboration is set to revolutionize the landscape of urban pest control in the country, catering to the urban consumer segment and Pest Control Operators (PCOs) by offering complete range of best-in-class products and services related to mosquitos (including dengue & malaria) rodents cockroaches termites etc thereby addressing the diverse needs of the market Speaking on the occasion, Zeeshan Hasib BaigGeneral Manager Syngenta Pakistan – said: "We are thrilled to embark on this ground-breaking partnership with C-Shine as we introduce the SPS franchise in Pakistan OGRA Organizes Seminar on ‘Navigating Future of LNG in Pakistan’ ISLAMABAD s ta f f r e p o r t The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) successfully hosted an insightful seminar titled "Navigating the Future of LNG in Pakistan " bringing together key stakeholders policymakers and industry leaders from the LNG sector The seminar aimed at knowledge sharing and unlocking the potential of LNG in Pakistan especially in the context of depleting indigenous natural gas reserves The historical significance of natural gas in Pakistan's energy mix and the benefits of LNG as a cleaner alternative with a lower carbon footprint reducing SOx and NOx were central themes The Chairman of OGRA Masroor Khan welcomed all guests particularly those from the industry CM Mar yam Nawaz Sharif direc ts authorities to develop Murree on modern lines PEC Seed Funding Phase -1 award distribution ceremony organized by PEC ICE ISLAMABAD s ta f f r e p o r t Many Graduate Engineers have innovative and commercially viable solutions for the challenges faced by Pakistan, resulting in entrepreneurship opportunities and job creation However, due to lack of a focused platform for engineering startups they are unable to flourish as independent entrepreneurs The Innovation& Entrepreneurship Committee (ICE) lead by Engr Dr Samreen Hussain Member Governing Body of Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) in pursuit of its continued efforts for promoting opportunities for innovation and indigenization, launched a Seed Funding Project through the Pakistan Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development Centre (PIEDC) of PEC being lead Engr Dr Amer Sohail Kashif for engineering startups to convert their ideas and products into marketable commercial solutions Phase-1 was launched with thematic areas of Agri-tech and Smart-tech in line with the vision of Government of Pakistan The top 10 startups were awarded a Seed Funding of PKR 1 million each as interest free loan The selection of startups was held in 2 rounds in which a total of 153 startups applied out of which 15 startups were selected for awards The ceremony was held on 5 June 2024 in Islamabad to commemorate the initiative and for distribution of awards among the 10 winners and 5 runner ups Honourable Federal Minister for Science & Technology (MoST) Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui graced the event as Chief Guest Maj Gen Shahid Nazir DG Special Project Land Information Management System (LIMS) of SIFC graced the event as Guest of Honor Maj Gen Shahid Nazir applauded the efforts of PEC under the visionary leadership of Chairman PEC,Engr Muhammad Najeeb Haroonand PEC Innovation & Entrepreneurship Committee for taking this monumental initiative Adamjee Insurance empowers farmers with comprehensive crop protection: Introducing Adamjee Zarai Tahafuz KARACHI s ta f f r e p o r t Pakistan’s insurance leader, Adamjee Insurance, unveils a groundbreaking crop insurance solution Adamjee Zarai Tahafuz This revolutionary project empowers farmers and strengthens the nation s agricultural backbone A critical contributor to Pakistan's economy, agriculture accounts for 22 35% of GDP Adamjee Zarai Tahafuz redefines crop insurance, offering farmers unmatched financial security across the entire crop cycle Unlike traditional policies it covers all incurred expenses shielding against natural disasters serving as a vital safety net in unforeseen situations Recognising the importance of accessibility, Adamjee Insurance is taking proactive steps To extend its reach and educate farmers about Adamjee Zarai Tahafuz, the company has strategically expanded its penetration in key rural areas by developing its sales presence through Adamjee Zarai Tahafuz starting from southern Punjab and aiming to spread it across mainstream agriculture-cultivated areas of Pakistan These dedicated offices serve as hubs to raise awareness about the comprehensive benefits of crop insurance and facilitate easy access for farmers, ensuring they can leverage this critical financial tool LAHORE s ta f f r e p o r t C HIEF Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif and President PML-N Muhammad Nawaz Sharif met H E Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi Ambassador of UAE The announcement by UAE for making an investment in Pakistan was welcomed in the meeting CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Muhammad Nawaz Sharif expressed their gratitude on the UAE announcement for making 10 billion dollars investment in Pakistan Matters pertaining to promotion of bilateral relations agricultural research and technology along with enhancing cooperation in various sectors including trade were discussed in the meeting Collaboration with regard to increasing agricultural production capability along with promotion of food protection was agreed in the meeting The possibilities to provide assistance for livestock development and dairy farming were reviewed in the meeting Matters relating to promoting investment in textile pharmaceutical and other agricultural sectors were also reviewed
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bilateral relations ” Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb was also present on the occasion C M P U N J A B , N AW A Z S H A R I F L A U D U A E G O V T ' S D E C I S I O N T O I N V E S T $ 1 0 B I N PA K I S TA N BSCHH proudly celebrates its 25th anniversar y KARACHI s ta f f r e p o r t Bait-ul-Sukoon Cancer Hospital & Hospice (BSCHH) proudly celebrates its 25th anniversary marking a quarter-century of dedicated free services to cancer patients This significant milestone coincides with the completion of the hospital's 100th Tumor Board Meeting, a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence in cancer care Founded in 1999 by Ms Zainab Ali Raza Ebrahim Chairperson of BSCHH the institution began as Pakistan s first Hospice providing solace and care with palliative treatment to patients suffering from stage IV Cancer Ms Ebrahim recognizing the pressing need for comprehensive healthcare services constructed the hospital to also ensure the treatment of cancer including tests and therapies that are unaffordable for the common person In 2009 BSCHH moved to its state-of-the-art purpose-built facility, offering 73 beds for inpatient care and equipped with cutting-edge diagnostic tools including mammography, ultrasound, radiography, a fully equipped pathological laboratory, etc and an in-house pharmacy while outsourcing its surgical needs until 2021 when a state of the art Operation Theatre was established PTA conducts raid against illegal issuance of SIMs in DG Khan ISLAMABAD s ta f f r e p o r t The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Zonal Office Lahore in close collaboration with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crime Circle conducted a successful raid against franchisee of Telenor located on Jampur Road, DG Khan The franchisee was found to be involved in the illegal issuance of SIMs During the raid, 17 BVS devices, 1 laptop 360 active SIMs and 1000 scanned soft images of finger/thumb impressions from laptops were seized as evidence Two persons were apprehended on the premises by the FIA which is currently investigation the matter further PTA had filed complaints with FIA earlier based on information regarding illegal issuance of SIMs by the sales channel The raids signify the Authority’s dedication to eradicate the illegal issuance of SIMs
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Investment process easier in Pakistan: Abdul Aleem Khan
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government could not run, and the government will collapse soon,” he predicted “The days of the government are numbered” “They are deferring the budget’s date”
Protesters in Chaman Balochistan on Thursday retaliated against the eviction of their protest camps and the reopening of the Chaman-Quetta highway by vandalising the Deputy Commissioner s office
The incident occurred after Levies personnel cleared the protest camps and reopened the highway, which had been blocked for several days While the protesters initially dispersed they later regrouped and attacked the Deputy Commissioner s office resulting in damage to the building
Chaman DC Raja Athar Abbas, was targeted during the attack, but escaped unharmed Levies personnel swiftly apprehended the perpetrators, preventing further violence An anti-terrorism FIR has been registered against the attackers
The protest which began several days ago was sparked by the arrest of seven individuals and the filing of terrorism charges against 10 others The protesters are demanding the release of the arrested individuals and dropping of the terrorism charges
The situation in Chaman remains tense, with internet services partially suspended The protesters have set up a new camp outside the Deputy Commissioner s office
The incident follows a recent attack on polio workers in Chaman where two Levies personnel were injured and two female polio workers were assaulted The attack highlighted the ongoing security challenges in the region
The reopening of the Chaman-Quetta highway, a crucial trade route between Pakistan and Afghanistan, was short-lived The highway remains blocked halting all trade and travel between the two countries
The Balochistan government has taken action against protesters in Chaman after they disrupted public order and challenged the authority of the state
The district administration reported that protesters had closed banks, locked down the passport office, shut down the press club, and blocked major roads, creating widespread chaos in the city To restore peace and order, Levies forces took action against the disruptive elements
The district administration also confirmed that the Chaman-Quetta highway has been reopened to traffic after the removal of illegal roadblocks
A spokesperson for the Balochistan government stated that the government had repeatedly attempted to resolve the issue through dialogue Chief Minister Balochistan, Sarfraz Bugti, instructed ministers and the speaker to visit Chaman and engage with the protesters However the protesters remained unwilling to negotiate creating a stalemate
The spokesperson further stated that the protesters had repeatedly challenged the law and the authority of the state over the past month, including attacks on the FC fort, polio teams, and the Deputy Commissioner ’s complex
LHC reser ves judgement on petition challenging NAB amendments via presidential ordinance
The petitioner s lawyer contended that only Parliament has the authority to amend NAB laws while the president can issue an ordinance only in emergencies
ECP’s undue delay in deciding par t y’s intra-par t y polls issue condemnable: PTI spokesperson
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Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Thursday lambasted the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for the delay in ruling on the party’s intraparty election matter condemning the ECP’s tactics as a gross disregard for the democratic process In this regard the PTI spokesperson strongly reacted to the electoral watchdog s decision of delisting the PTI intra-party elections case for the second time, and said that commission was instrumental in violation of the constitution and democracy in the country He urged that the commission should issue the certificate and return the electoral symbol of the bat to PTI instead of delaying the issue of intra-party elections unnecessarily The spokesperson stated that in the history of the country, never had an electoral body ever violated the constitution and the law so shamelessly as it was doing now-a-days, adding that especially during past two years the ECP had been involved in every incident of open theft of the political and democratic rights of the people He alleged that the electoral watchdog which danced on the signals of undemocratic, unconstitutional, non-political and unrepresentative forces, was driven by the disgusting agenda to expel PTI from political era on technical grounds The spokesperson stated that the sole aim of the blind deaf and dumb commission had been to patronise the criminals deprived of mandate and to keep the doors of politics and elections closed to the people He went on to say that the ECP, which turned a blind eye to the unopposed election of the absconder by the courtiers, was complicit in the efforts of the unrepresentative governments to undermine the constitution and to delay the issue of PTI intra-party polls He demanded that the Supreme Judicial Council should take action on the reference filed by PTI Senator Ejaz Chaudhary against the Chief Election Commissioner and this national criminal should be held accountable He stated that the ECP members should wake up and take guidance from the constitution and law instead of flouting democracy by obeying a criminal
The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday reserved its decision on a petition challenging the amendment to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) law through a presidential ordinance
The petition was heard by Justice Shujaat Ali Khan after being filed by citizen Munir Ahmed During the hearing, the Deputy Attorney General Rauf Atta clarified that no similar petition is currently pending in the Supreme Court
The court questioned the necessity of the presidential ordinance asking whether an emergency situation had warranted it being issued
Why was there a need to issue a presidential ordinance in the presence of Parliament? the court further remarked Advocate Azhar Siddique argued for an injunction against the presidential ordinance
The lawyer argued that the president exceeded his authority by making amendments through an ordinance, which was issued by the acting president
The lawyer requested that the amendments to the NAB law made through the presidential ordinance be declared null and void
The petition specifically challenges the increase in the physical remand period under the NAB law from 14 days to 40 days Subsequently, the court reserved its decision
Previously, after more than six months, the Supreme Court had fixed the federal government’s intra-court appeal (ICA) against the majority judgement declaring the amendments to the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO) 2002 as illegal
The larger bench in its Oct 31 order asked the accountability courts to proceed with trials but refrained them from announcing the final judgment
Former prime minister Imran Khan had also challenged the amendments to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) law
The apex court by a majority of 2-1 had declared the amendments to NAO 2000 as unconstitutional It had ordered the reopening of all corruption cases worth less than Rs500 million that were previously closed against political leaders from various parties and public office holders Furthermore, the apex court had directed the NAB to return all case records to the relevant courts within seven days
PRayeR tImINgS FA J R S U N R I S E Z U H R A S R M AG H R I B S H A 4 : 2 5 5 1 0 1 : 3 0 5 : 3 0 7 : 2 5 9 : 3 0 Friday 7 June 2024 news Published by Asad Nizami at Plot No 66-C, 1st Floor, 21st Commercial Street, Phase-II (Extension), DHA Karachi and printed at Ibn-e-Hassan Printing Press, Hockey Stadium, Karachi, for PT Print (Pvt) Limited Ph: 021-35381208-9 Email: newsroom@pakistantoday com pk ISLAMABAD I N P L EADER of Opposition Omar Ayub has said he is seeing the fall of the government and elections this year In an interview with a private Tv news channel PTI leader said ” the winds direction is changing but still it requires to be changed completely It is a compromised government with no one have trust over it, neither it could take strong decisions, opposition leader in the National Assembly said Omar Ayub demanded immediate new elections a level playing field and withdrawal of cases against the PTI leadership One day they will open the jail s door and told the PTI founder that they want to hold talks with him” “They have to tell the PTI founder that come and assume the charge of government we could not run it Omar Ayub said It will be good for the country this government changes as early as possible, he said Drastic reforms required in the country could only manage by the PTI’s founder,” Ayub said “It is the establishment or the government they all have to sit and hold talks he said Return us our mandate then we will talk with these political parties, Omar Ayub said He said the PTI s founder had made a three-member committee for talks with the establishment “No one has talked with this committee neither we are overly eager for it PTI founder had formed the committee for someone saying that you didn’t talk with us” Omar Ayub referred a senior People s Party leader saying to him that either the PML-N will stab us in back or we to them PTI leader said that there is no reference of a hybrid system in the constitution, if it is running currently, it is unconstitutional and illegal” “Those calling it a hybrid system they are talking on an unconstitutional matter which requires Article 6 to be invoked he said This system and the
Opposition leader said that the IMF has told them to consult over the budget with the opposition, but they didn’t do so
new election could be avoided, if they return our mandate and withdraw cases against us, PTI leader said We have passed through the furnace of fire to become solid iron, now none of us will return back We are facing cases and go to jail if the bail cancels ” he said
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UK cour t trashes Adil Raja’s appeal to waive £10,000 fine ISLAMABAD S ta f f R e P o R t A UK court has dismissed controversial YouTuber Major (retd) Adil Raja s appeal to waive a £10,000 fine The court ruled that Raja must also pay an additional £3 000 The fine was originally imposed following a complaint by Brigadier (retd) Rashid Nasir The British court had ordered Raja to pay £10,000 for defamation and security costs Deputy High Court Judge Richard Spearman issued the latest ruling denying Raja s appeal and mandating the extra payment Raja s appeal was filed on April 16, 2024, just a day before the original deadline for payment The court found that Raja’s defamatory statements against Brigadier Nasir had been published on his X Facebook and YouTube accounts Brigadier Nasir ’s legal action was initiated on August 11 2022 following a campaign against him by Raja that began on June 14 2022 In the past, Raja has claimed financial hardship to garner support and funds from his followers However, the court’s ruling indicates that this plea did not convince the judges “The noose is tightening around those who use foreign bases to spread discord against their homeland commented a legal expert familiar with the case Pakistan, Indonesia and Turkiye call for collective effor ts to combat Islamophobia NEW YORK I N P The Consulate Generals of Pakistan Turkiye and Indonesia in New York co-hosted a significant event on combatting Islamophobia on Thursday In their opening statements the consul generals emphasised their governments collective commitment to combatting Islamophobia, while also advocating for peace, tolerance, and inter-religious dialogue In his remarks, Consul General of Pakistan Aamer Ahmad emphasized Israel s genocidal actions in Gaza as a stark illustration of global Islamophobia and shed light on prevalent Islamophobic incidents worldwide, including hate speech targeted attacks and discrimination against Muslims He further brought into focus the systematic destruction of religious sites in India and other Islamophobic actions within the country He also emphasised the significant military presence of Indian occupation forces in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, as well as India s discriminatory policies aimed at altering the region’s demographic composition from a Muslim majority to a Hindu majority through demographic engineering Hyderabad gas blast
24 KARACHI N P Another child succumbed to injuries on Thursday as the death toll from a blast at a liquid petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder filling shop in Hyderabad s Preetabad area rose to 24 Two-year-old Haram breathed his last at the Burns Ward of Civil Hospital Karachi The hospital administration said 67pc body of Haram had burn injuries and he could not survive Four more injured are being treated at the Karachi Civil Hospital The cylinder blasted into a ground-floor shop which had started to spread to the top levels of the building where the families reside on May 30 The blast took place in the LPG cylinder filling shop located on the ground floor of Zacha Bacha Hospital area along Mir Nabi Bux Town Road in UC-8 of Neerunkot town At least 60 people, mostly children received serious burn injuries and had to be shifted to Karachi after being provided emergency treatment at the Liaquat University Hospital (LUH) Some 18-22 injured persons with 80pc to 90pc burns were referred to a major hospital in Karachi Sindh governor Kamran Tessori distributed cash assistance among each of the 60 families affected by the Hyderabad cylinder blast Speaking to the families whose dear ones have lost their lives in the tragedy Tessori said that on the request of MQM leader Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will also come to Hyderabad after his visit to China He said: We didn t learn lesson from the past; minor incidents had been occurring earlier, but now this tragedy has struck us and these families ” Governor Tessori said it was administration s responsibility to look into the issue of substandard cylinder ISLAMABAD a h m a d a h m a da N I The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has announced an increase in electricity tariffs by Rs3 3321 per kilowatt hour (kWh) attributed to the Fuel Charge Adjustment (FCA) for April 2024 This rate adjustment will reflect in the June 2024 bills of consumers from various distribution companies (DISCOs), excluding those using Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) lifeline consumers and K-Electric customers The hike as detailed in NEPRA s notification, will be separately itemized on consumer bills based on the electricity consumed in April 2024 Additionally, DISCOs are instructed to ensure compliance with any relevant court orders while implementing this FCA with violations potentially leading to sanctions for noncompliance The authority s decision follows a request by the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) to increase the FCA by Rs3 4883 per kWh citing April s total energy production and costs The CPPA reported that the nation generated 8 639 GWh of electricity at a cost of Rs79,556 million, with fuel sources ranging from hydel, coal, and gas to nuclear and imported energy Significant contributions included 2 070 GWh from hydel sources at no cost 902 GWh from local coal-fired plants costing Rs 14 421 million and 975 GWh from gas-based plants at Rs13 2535 per unit Additionally RLNG plants generated 2 157 GWh at Rs 22 1261 per unit with nuclear sources adding 2 043 GWh at a much lower cost of Rs 1 5341 per unit T h e i m p a c t o f t h i s t a r i ff i n c r e a s e i s e x p e c t e d t o s i g n i f i c a n t l y b u r d e n c o ns u m e r s , e s c a l a t i n g t h e f i n a n c i a l p r e ss u r e o n h o u s e h o l d s a n d b u s i n e s s e s a lr e a d y f a c i n g h i g h e n e r g y e x p e n s e s T h e a d d i t i o n a l c o s t o f o v e r R s 3 p e r u n i t u n d e r s c o r e s t h e g r o w i n g c h a ll e n g e o f m a n a g i n g u t i l i t y c o s t s a m i d f l u c t u a t i n g f u e l p r i c e s a n d e n e r g y a v a i l a b i l i t y LAHORE S ta f f R e P o R t
Chaman protestors thrash DC office following dislodging of camps
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