PM UNVEILS BALOCHISTAN’S ‘REVOLUTIONARY’ ENERGY PL AN TO TRANSFORM AGRICULTURE
g
M o N i to r i N
s k Nishat Group one of Pakistan s largest business conglomerates is increasingly focusing on the agricultural sector, aiming to revolutionize farming practices through precision technologies and local manufacturing initiatives
Over a decade ago Nishat Group embarked on its agricultural journey by establishing a modern dairy farm near Sukheki Now, the conglomerate plans to venture into manufacturing precision farm machinery within the country Mian Mohammad Mansha Chairman of Nishat Group expressed optimism about Pakistan s agricultural sector highlighting significant business opportunities in key commodities such as wheat, rice,
for
cotton meat and milk
Our investment in agriculture is driven by the immense potential for sustainable growth and export opportunities, Mansha stated in an interview
Nishat Agriculture Farms Limited (NAFL), a subsidiary, has made substantial investments in agriculture since its inception in 2013 The company currently manages five farms spanning 1 500 acres including a state-of-the-art dairy farm producing packaged milk in collaboration with a Turkish partner “When Nishat Agriculture acquired the land it was water-logged and barren
Through continuous investments in mechanization since 2017 from seed planting to irrigation and harvesting we have transformed the land into one of the most fertile in the region, Mansha noted The adoption of modern farming practices not only enhanced productivity but also benefited local farmers in Thatha Raika village who recovered thousands of acres of previously water-logged land
Acknowledging Pakistan s agricultural challenges including water scarcity and low productivity, Mansha emphasized the need for mechanization to optimize resource use and
K-Elec tric announces changes in shareholding struc ture
g infr Astructure & grow th cApitAl lp exits indirect interest; over All control remAins unchAnged
K-Electric Limited has announced significant changes in its shareholding and ownership structure According to a disclosure in compliance with Section 96 and Section 131 of the Securities Act 2015 and Clause 5 6 2 of the Rule Book of Pakistan Stock Exchange Limited, the company detailed updates following a letter dated July 5, 2024, from Sage Venture Group Limited (SVGL) an indirect shareholder of K-Electric The letter addressed to the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and marked to K-Electric highlighted recent changes According to the said letter, Infrastructure & Growth Capital LP made a distribution in kind to its Limited Partners of all the shares held by it in KPower Holding Limited (KPH) (formerly IGCF SPV 26) and subsequent to the said distribution, the Fund now has no indirect interest in KE Further, the letter states that the said distribution did not change the Ultimate Beneficial Ownership of IGCF SPV 21 Limited which is an indirect shareholder of K-Electric Furthermore, the letter revealed that SVGL now holds a 46 11% stake in KPH which indirectly represents a 25 2% interest in K-Electric Despite these changes the primary shareholding and control of K-Electric amounting to 66 4%, remains unchanged and is held through KESP K-Electric emphasized that the company remains committed to maintaining transparency and compliance with regulatory requirements
ASIAN MARKETS RISE ON EXPECTATIONS OF US RATE CUT
CCP approves acquisition of S hamim and Co by JK S ugar Mills
The
istan (CCP) has
Commission of
Scheme of Arrangement for the merger of M/s Shamim & Company (Pvt ) Ltd with M/s JK Sugar Mills (Pvt ) Ltd JKSM a private limited company is engaged in the production and sale of sugar and related products in Pakistan The company primarily produces refined white sugar and three by-products: molasses bagasse and mud Company is a major part of JK group and is owned and operated under the dynamic leader-
ship of businessman turned politician, Jahangir Khan Tareen Since 1967 SCL has been involved in the manufacturing and distribution of PepsiCo products across Pakistan The company is based in Multan and responsible for the global beverage giant’s bottling and subsequent distribution
The Phase-I competition assessment by the CCP identified two relevant markets: Sugar and by-products and Non-alcoholic beverages According to the Scheme of Arrangement, the transaction involves the merger of SCL into JKSM Post-transaction, SCL will be dissolved and JKSM will be the
surviving entity The Board of Directors of JKSM will continue to serve as the directors of the merged entity The assessment further confirmed that post-transaction, SCL s market share in Non-alcoholic beverages will remain unchanged, posing no threat of dominance by JKSM
The proposed transaction is expected to result in cost savings for JKSM through streamlined procedures and reduced overhead and working expenses
Increased efficiency under unified control is anticipated to improve operations, benefiting shareholders, employees, customers and other stakeholders
Interior had no alternative but to immediately suspend X on February 17 due to its failure to comply, the response detailed X has not signed any Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pakistan to adhere to local regulations ” the interior ministry’s report said The response noted that similar bans have been imposed on other social media platforms like TikTok, which were later allowed to operate after signing MoUs and ensuring compliance with Pakistani laws “Not only Pakistan, but other countries also impose occasional restrictions on social media for national interests The ministry urged the court to reject the petition in the interest of national security and the preservation of public order Since February 17, accessing X (formerly Twitter) in Pakistan has required a Virtual Private Network (VPN) It wasn’t until a month later that the government officially acknowledged the existence of a ban However Information Minister Attaullah Tarrar argued at the time that no official notification had been issued On March 4, The IHC fixed a hearing to address a petition filed by a citizen against the unofficial suspension of the social media platform X nationwide Express News reported The petition lodged in the Islamabad High Court by the citizen through legal representatives seeks the court s intervention to lift the ban on X and reinstate its services
Farrukh H Khan, who recently stepped down as CEO and Managing Director of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) is slated to assume the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Jazz Pakistan s leading telecom operator, effective September 15th, 2024, sources revealed on Monday Describing Farrukh as a seasoned professional with over three decades of leadership experience in prominent financial institutions the source highlighted his notable roles including CEO of Acumen
Mobilink Microfinance Bank Limited (MMBL) confirmed Farrukh Khan s appointment emphasizing his invaluable expertise in capital markets as Jazz expands its footprint into
LHC orders govt to remove Par vez Elahi, family members ’ names from PCL
leader Parvez Elahi from the passport control list (PCL) along with the names of his son Rasikh Elahi and daughter-in-law Zara Elahi Justice Shams Mehmood Mirza pronounced the verdict on the petitions According to the petitioners, the names of the Elahi
Punjab Assembly during his stint as the chief minister The court order, a copy of which is available with Dawn com said the case against Elahi called for further investigation into his guilt and his bail petition was thus being allowed with bail set at Rs500,000 with two sureties each in the like amount Elahi was initially arrested in the case of recruitments to the Punjab Assembly on June 3 last year The case pertained to illegal recruitments of 12
Grade-17 officers in the provincial assembly with Elahi being accused of getting the results of the testing service changed to select the candidates of his choice He was then arrested on September 18 in the case of allegedly illegally appointing Muhammad Khan Bhatti following which a Lahore court sent him on judicial remand In October a Lahore district and sessions court had granted police Elahi s two-day physical remand in the case Days later, the Punjab Anti-Corruption Establishment had informed the court that it had allegedly recovered Rs4 1 million from the ex-CM’s house in the case
ISLAMABAD
T seems there is more pain in store for the country’s salaried classes Already the government has greatly revised the slabs for taxation on salaries which has cut salaries down significantly on top of this, rising general taxation such as gST means the average salaried individual pay nearly half of their earnings in the form of taxes income taxes are expected to rise by about 48pc another ambitious target Although the tax rate for the salaried class remains unchanged, changes in tax slabs have increased their burden over the past five years, real incomes of the salaried segment have dropped by more than 30pc Higher taxes will further reduce post-tax income increasing financial pressure on salaried individuals Tax burdens have significantly risen for middleincome households putting further pressure on their real disposable income This negatively impacts household sentiment and accelerates the brain drain from the country At a time when physical capital is stuck in unproductive areas like real estate, losing intellectual capital due to excessive taxation is like killing the goose that lays the golden eggs in simple terms the budget continues to target existing taxpayers while largely ignoring those who are not taxed A major change is the revised tax regime for export-oriented industries, which will increase corporate taxes and reduce incentives for reinvestment Most of the increase in direct taxes is borne by current taxpayers indicating a deeper reliance on them rather than broadening the tax base
The middle class has been silently enduring hardship for years bearing the weight of tax breaks, subsidies, concessions, and preferential access to land, capital, and infrastructure for the privileged classes both rich and poor while being neglected themselves Rising inflation, stagnant wages, and punitive taxes are decimating their purchasing power and savings Budgets and plans allocate no resources for them and there is no social safety net in place for death, disability, illness, or unemployment These households are teetering on the edge of financial ruin one mishap away from complete disaster
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
If you re in favor of freedom of speech that means you re in favor of freedom of speech precisely for views you despise ” Noam Chomsky, linguist and social critic
Fo l l o w i N g the blocking of social media platforms like Twitter it seems that the state is now focusing on suppressing opposition voices on other platforms Recently passed with haste, the Punjab Defamation Act of 2024 adds to a string of restrictions imposed upon free speech under false pretenses aimed at preventing fake news dissemination is the act simply addressing issues present in the previous Defamation ordinance from 2002 or rather intended to stifle dissent? Section 8 of the Act sets up tribunals that can consist of non-judicial personnel selected by the executive in consultation with the lahore High Court’s Chief Judge These members’ positions are renewable every 18 months conditioned on their satisfactory job performance Section 8(6) outlines a three-part standard for evaluating a member s success; fulfillment of statutory deadlines accounts for half (50%) while ability and integrity each make up one quarter (25%)
The Act prioritizes adherence to statutory timelines over competence and integrity, enabling a member to be considered acceptable despite making judgments that are blatantly illegal or influenced by factors beyond their control
Although the trials resulting from the 2002 ordinance suffered setbacks due to delays, prioritizing expeditious disposals under the Act disregards underlying systemic issues that infringe on one’s right to fair trial and due process This is evident in Section 23 which eliminates Qanoon-i-Shahadat for proceedings under this law Additionally defamation claims necessitate considerable evidence gathering and cross-examination for a more comprehensive understanding of each party s assertions- but summary proceedings are envisioned by this legislation
The Act prioritizes compliance with legal timeframes granting tribunals the authority to disregard fundamental principles of due process and procedural fairness - pillars essential to any democratic system The Defamation Act in Punjab represents one of many actions that showcase the weakening state of democracy Section 26 exacerbates these concerns by mandating that in order for the high court to suspend a tribunal’s decision or stay its ex-
ecution, the aggrieved party must deposit an amount equivalent to the tribunal s decree with the registrar of said court This provision goes against judicial practices that denounce placing conditions which restrict individuals’ right to appeal The Act forces those who feel wronged by such decisions –even if they lack any valid justification –to obey them before proceeding with their suspension through an appellate court
Perhaps the most unsettling aspect of this Act is that it provides protection to constitutional office holders from valid criticism The purpose outlined in the Statement of objects suggests that defamation can harm the reputation and image of public officials or government entities Although tribunals are established for claims brought by ordinary citizens, individuals holding constitutional offices have unique access to high court jurisdiction, implying a greater need for protection than regular citizens The Act differs from other regions’ principles regarding defamation claims against public officials as they place themselves in positions open to close scrutiny in those jurisdictions such officeholders face a higher standard for their claim of defamation compared to the current state since they have greater media access and can independently refute any false accusations without court intervention
Thirdly these jurisdictions acknowledge the significance of enabling citizens to criticize policies that significantly impact them Therefore they are cautious about infringing upon their right to democratic expression by filing excessive defamation lawsuits After the supreme
In recent times, the harmony and coexistence obser ved during the signing of the Char ter of Democracy or the restoration of democracy in 2008 seem to have been overshadowed by political factions attempting to undermine each otherÊs credibility Concurrently, members of parliament are vehemently disparaging judg es whose decisions have not aligned with their preferences; executive representatives face allegations claiming attempts made to incapacitate law enforcement ag encies while there is speculation regarding a constitutional amendment that may impact Supreme Cour t Judg e retirement ag e making rounds widely spread.
S t r u c t u r a l a d j u s t m e n t p r o g r a m s : I m p a c t o n P a k i s t a n ’ s e c o n o m y
Thowever high taxes on such imports as suggested by the iMF slow the development of the technical sector it ultimately limits Pakistan’s relations with the developed states (China, italy, germany) that produce machinery – heavy tariffs on imports directly affect the trade volume
Contrary to that the government of Pakistan provides subsidies to the agricultural sector, which might help in ensuring food security but it adds little to the economy because food products are cheap in the international market hence they do not generate revenue comparably higher than the technological goods in contemporary times everything is based on technology – the developed states are thriving because they have machinery and produce electronic or digital products that are high in demand and price Pakistan needs a strong technological base to generate revenue and increase trade with other states Moreover high tariffs on vehicles greatly impact Pakistan s trade relations The country imports cars from Japan China indonesia Thailand, and South Korea each household, including the elite class and the middle-class families in particular, demands a vehicle Now, increased taxes on such imports surge the final cost for the citizens ultimately testing their buying power The wealthy class in Pakistan has the purchasing power to buy vehicles; however, for the middle class, it becomes difficult to meet the sky-high prices Therefore, they go for alternative means rather than buying expensive cars which eventually decreases Pakistan’s trade volume and consequently weakens for-
the two
Both Muslim majorities observe peaceful relations in terms of trade; however, the project is stalled due to the cloud of embargoes
to commence the project and the ball is now in the court of Pakistan The US, being the greatest contributor to the iMF, would never allow Pakistan to proceed with the project However if Pakistan does that it might not receive further bailout packages from the international lender which would bring Pakistan to the brink of default Pakistan does make independent choices on certain occasions; however, the country does not enjoy full authority over its key decisions – given its huge dependence on international lender in such a globalized world states are trying to attract Foreign Direct investments (FDi) such as investment by MultiNational Corporations (MNCs)
they serve as a means to strengthen foreign policy, but due to high taxes imposed on corporations by the government, they do not operate in Pakistan in essence the structural adjustment programs revolve around taxes as a means to generate revenue; however this is not a sustainable economic model the country needs to have policies of its own, and it must know its priorities to get out of the vicious cycle of loans
The writer is from the Center for Law and Security TMUC he can be reached at: muhtasimafridi166@gmail com
The newly formed government, Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N), seeks to negotiate the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) with the IMF in a move to aver t default, which may consist of at least $6 billion US dollars While its approval remains unclear, this bailout packag e from the international lender will mark the 24th term for the countr y, leading to fur ther burdening of debt. While it might bring some optimism into the air, it is quite hard to predict a bright future for PakistanÊs economy – given the impact of IMFÊs structural adjustment programs on the countr yÊs domestic and foreign policies.
Sarmad Sattar
Our greatest asset
tably, our society often overlooks ethical values fostering a culture of gossip slander and unfounded allegations This pervasive behavior extends to various spheres including politics where self-interest often overrides tolerance and mutual respect
IN the current situation in Pakistan, youth can play a significant role by offering innovative ideas to help the government navigate the financial crises and progress toward improvement Innovation has always been recognized as the engine driving progress and development In every corner of the world, visionary individuals have ignited transformative changes through their creative ideas and entrepreneurial zeal Within the context of nation-building the contributions of youth in generating innovative solutions are particularly invaluable Empowering young minds to propose and implement innovative ideas not only fosters a culture of creativity but also serves as a catalyst for positive change and national advancement Youth possess a distinct perspective and a natural inclination toward innovation Unbound by conventional thinking they approach challenges with fresh perspectives and a readiness to challenge the status quo The innovative ideas conceived by youth, ranging from utilizing technology to address societal challenges to pioneering novel approaches in governance and policymaking possess the potential to redefine the course of nations A key strategy in harnessing the creative energy of youth involves establishing platforms and initiatives that foster ideation and collaboration Events like hackathons innovation challenges and incubator programs provide young innovators with the necessary resources mentorship and networking opportunities to realize their ideas By cultivating an ecosystem conducive to innovation, governments and organizations can tap into the latent talent of youth and unleash a wave of transformative
solutions Youth-led innovation holds significant promise in tackling a myriad of socio-economic challenges confronting nations today Whether it s combating unemployment through entrepreneurship endeavors revolutionizing healthcare delivery via telemedicine and digital health solutions, or promoting sustainable agricultural practices to ensure food security, youth possess the capacity to drive substantial impact across diverse sectors In an increasingly digital landscape access to education and information is pivotal for empowering individuals and propelling socio-economic progress Youth-driven initiatives aimed at expanding access to quality education, leveraging technology for skill development, and advocating for digital literacy can bridge the digital divide and empower marginalized communities thus paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive society
The imperative to address climate change and environmental degradation demands innovative solutions that prioritize sustainability and conservation Youth-led movements advocating for the adoption of renewable energy waste management initiatives and conservation efforts are galvanizing awareness and mobilizing action at the grassroots level By harnessing the passion and vigor of youth, countries can expedite the transition toward a greener and more sustainable future Youth engagement in governance processes is indispensable for nurturing inclusive and accountable governance Innovative approaches such as participatory budgeting, citizen engagement platforms, and digital democracy tools empower youth to actively participate in decision-making processes and hold leaders accountable By amplifying youth voices in policymaking countries can ensure that policies are responsive to the needs and aspirations of future generations When contemplating the role of Pakistan, questions often arise regarding its creation and the contributions of its institutions, particularly the military Some disillusioned or frustrated individuals may voice grievances questioning the actions of the country and its armed forces However in civilized societies ethical considerations underpin every action, discouraging profanity and baseless accusations Strict laws against defamation and unsupported claims serve to uphold integrity and discourage unwarranted attacks Regret-
In Islam, love and respect for religion are paramount duties, followed by a similar reverence for the country Matters such as monotheism and belief in the finality of prophethood are held without question underscoring the significance of unwavering faith Similarly love for the country occupies a revered position, emphasizing the importance of loyalty and devotion to the nation Adhering to the constitution and laws of the country is not just a requirement but a fundamental aspect of any civilized society
The armed forces are entrusted with safeguarding the ideological borders of the nation The Pakistan Army stands out globally as one of the finest forces, owing to the patriotism, professionalism, and unwavering sacrifices of its courageous personnel Their commitment ensures that our beloved country is respected and protected The gallant soldiers sacrificing their rest for our peace and security rightfully earn the title of heroes Whether it s the Army, Navy, or Air Force, those valiantly defending our longest and most challenging ideological frontiers epitomize bravery and honor Our military intelligence agency also stands as a formidable deterrent to our adversaries
The Pakistan Army has rendered invaluable services in safeguarding both our external and ideological borders as well as tackling internal threats The nation acknowledges and appreciates the efforts and sacrifices of the Pakistan Army which have contributed significantly to the eradication of terrorism and extremism leading to an improved situation
Moreover the Pakistan Army consistently takes the lead in responding to natural disasters and aiding the affected
Their contributions extend beyond security to include preserving our national assets maintaining law and order supporting healthcare and education and infrastructure development Without the transparent conduct of censuses and elections facilitated by the Pakistan Army s participation and selfless cooperation, such crucial national processes would be challenging
Indeed the Pakistan Army serves as a beacon of hope in a nation grappling with corruption and terrorism However it s essential to acknowledge that the weight of patriotism is shared among all segments of society Developed countries often demonstrate full moral support for their armed forces understanding the symbiotic relation-
ship between the military and the people they protect While freedom of expression is paramount in civilized societies even in developed nations certain limitations exist prohibiting disparaging remarks against religion country and armed forces Unfortunately, in Pakistan, there s a trend of targeting religion, country, and armed forces under the guise of freedom of expression particularly through social media channels It s disheartening that some intellectuals remain silent on pressing issues like corruption inflation and unemployment while directing unwarranted criticism toward religion, country, and armed forces
It falls upon the state to enact and enforce strict regulations to curb such irrational behavior which does not represent the views of the broader youth population This culture of disparagement is detrimental to the nation s larger interests A resolute stance should be taken against hate speech, baseless accusations, and false narratives targeting religion, Pakistan, and the Pakistan Army Pakistan with its sizable youth demographic stands at a pivotal moment in its history The youth embody a potent force brimming with talent creativity and latent potential Recognizing the imperative to harness this demographic dividend, efforts to empower youth and drive socio-economic development are gaining momentum Across education entrepreneurship innovation and civic engagement Pakistan s youth are poised to shape the nation s future positively The youth of Pakistan embody a potent force, teeming with talent, creativity, and boundless potential In recent years, there has been a growing acknowledgment of the imperative to tap into this demographic dividend by offering meaningful avenues for youth empowerment and socio-economic advancement
From education and entrepreneurship to innovation and civic engagement, the array of opportunities available to Pakistani youth is both diverse and promising Education stands as the cornerstone of progress and development with a pivotal role in unleashing the potential of Pakistan s youth Prioritizing investments in quality education, initiatives aimed at enhancing access, improving teaching standards, and fostering skill development are crucial for equipping youth with the necessary knowledge and capabilities to thrive in a competitive global landscape Furthermore addressing gender disparities in education and ensuring universal access are essential steps toward fostering inclusivity and societal mobility Entrepreneurship has emerged as a significant driver of economic growth and em-
Le Pen has been defeated by
ployment generation in Pakistan With a burgeoning startup ecosystem and a burgeoning appetite for innovation youth have ample opportunities to venture into entrepreneurship and transform their ideas into successful enterprises Government-led initiatives such as the Prime Minister s Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme and various incubation programs provide vital support, mentorship, and financial assistance to aspiring entrepreneurs enabling them to overcome barriers and realize their entrepreneurial aspirations
The rapid pace of digitization and technological advancements presents unprecedented opportunities for Pakistani youth From software development and digital marketing to e-commerce and freelancing the digital economy offers a plethora of avenues for youth to leverage their skills and talents Initiatives focused on promoting digital literacy, expanding internet access, and establishing innovation hubs empower youth to utilize technology for socio-economic advancement and job creation Active engagement in civic and social initiatives is pivotal for driving positive change and cultivating a culture
and civil society and a dialogue of civilisation” in foreign policy Rouhani negotiated the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement with
TH E outcome of Iran’s weekend election has once again propelled a centrist candidate from the reformist faction of the country s Islamic regime to the top political office While historic and a sign of the growing dissatisfaction within Iran, the challenges confronting the new president cannot be overestimated
Masoud Pezeshkian who beat his ultraconservative opponent Saeed Jalili has promised to put Iran on a course of reform and moderation on the domestic and foreign policy fronts As an experienced former legislator and health minister, the former heart surgeon has a public mandate within Iran’s restricted electoral legitimacy to initiate substantial changes Pezeshkian needs to improve his country s faltering social and economic landscape and foreign relations with the West, and thus arrest the waning power base of the Islamic regime
Many Iranians have grown deeply disillusioned with the regime’s theocratic impositions including compulsory hijab wearing for girls and women economic mismanagement and an inability to rein in endemic corruption They have equally shunned the regime s costly maintenance of regional proxy forces – the Iraqi militias, Syrian regime, Lebanese Hezbollah and Yemeni Houthis – against their arch enemies Israel and the United States Further they have at least partially blamed the regime for the debilitating US-led sanctions impacting their declining living conditions
There have been growing calls for an end to the regime’s system of Shiite rule of the “Islamic Jurist” under a powerful “supreme leader” – a position Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has held since 1989 following the death of regime s founder Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini
Khamenei has presided over the system as the final decision-maker on all important issues He has done so with vital help from conservative clerics and their supporters who have controlled most of the levers of power since 1979
The victory for Pezeshkian though
limited Iran s uranium enrichment to 3 67 per cent for peaceful purposes But the deal was wrecked by then US president Donald
agreement, while accusing Iran of being a regional threat Since then, Iran has accelerated its uranium enrichment to a threshold level Whenever the chips have been dangerously down the supreme leader and the conservative factions have pragmatically allowed the reformist faction to rise to the occasion and smooth out some of the rough edges of the Islamic regime’s behaviour But only to the extent so as not to undermine their dominance in the power structure Iran s governance needs structural changes to streamline its increasingly unworkable two-tier system of governance: the all-powerful supreme leader embodying the sovereignty of God, and the elected president and national assembly representing the sovereignty of the people but subordinate to the first tier Pezeshkian however stands a better chance than his reformist predecessors He is strongly backed by Khatami, Rouhani and former foreign minister Javad Zarif, along with the majority of voters The fact that the Guardian Council where Khamenei holds considerable sway and which vets candidates approved Pezeshkian s run indicates the supreme leader is content for the reformists to have another go Khamenei knows that the state-society dichotomy has dangerously widened, and that Iran is amid a regional situation whereby it potentially faces a war with Israel and the US over its support of Hamas and the Palestinian cause and its axis of resistance Beyond this, the Islamic regime faces a change in supreme leader sooner rather than later Khamenei is 85, with no apparent successor President Ebrahim Raisi who died in an air crash in May and Khamenei’s son Mujtaba were touted as possible successors Although Mujtaba remains in the race it is now in Khamenei s interest to leave behind a factional balance and more stable Islamic system for the choice of a successor that would ultimately be determined by the constitutional body of the Council of Experts whose task is to appoint and dismiss a supreme leader
As a result the new president will have an opportunity to press on with some of his economic, social and foreign policy reforms to promote a more humane face of the Islamic regime But his moves will be watched closely not only by a sceptical West but more importantly by his internal opponents who will want to make sure he does not engage in any structural changes to undermine their dominance in the system Given his allegiance to the Islamic system of governance, Pezeshkian has his work cut out for him
Amin Saikal is an emeritus professor at the Australian National University and adjunct professor at the University of Western Australia and author of Iran Rising: The Survival and Future of the Islamic Republic
was the gamechanger Together with the strong second place for Emmanuel Macron’s Ensemble despite the loss of half of its seats and a historically high turnout (66 6%) its performance was a significant demonstration that the RN does not have the support of the majority of the population Nevertheless, the far right has become a normalised part of French politics, its ideas and terminology widely echoed even by mainstream cable news channels and papers and its historic number of seats barely making waves Bucking expectations tactical voting by leftwing and centrist voters in what is known as the front républican, a firewall to prevent the RN from being elected, carried the day This held despite Macron’s initial attempt to first vilify and then split the NFP His own camp split over the issue of calling for tactical voting marking a new rift within Ensemble, and a notable weakening of his influence over his own parliamentary group
The most optimistic scenario is now one in which the NFP preserves its unity despite internal tensions and manages to get the support of the left wing of Ensemble and is thereby able to form a government If Ensemble keeps its unity and finds an agreement with the conservative Les Républicains (LR) and independent centrists it too could form a government But both options would be a significant challenge for the French political system which lacks the culture of political compromise and coalitions They would be vulnerable to no-confidence votes France
Philippe put it on Sunday evening, what “was supposed to be a moment of clarification has instead led to uncertainty” Rym Momtaz is a consultant research fellow for European foreign policy and security at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)
Wprepared to choose him against Marine Le Pen despite their profound disappointment with his first term in office Despite lacking a majority in parliament, he nonetheless behaved as if he could bulldoze through his programme He used and abused presidential prerogatives to the point of neglecting even his own members of parliament Sunday
abdul baSit alVi
Shahin Vallee
Mujtaba RahMan
MODI L ANDS IN RUSSIA FOR DISCUSSIONS, FIRST TIME SINCE UKRAINE CONFLICT
Nobel laureate Munro’s daughter accuses stepfather of abuse, says mother knew
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban had an in-depth exchange of views on the Ukraine crisis when they met in the Chinese capital Beijing, on Monday Orban briefed Xi on his recent visits to Ukraine and Russia Xi commended Orban for his efforts towards seeking a political solution to the crisis stressing that an early ceasefire and political settlement of the issue are in everyone s interest
The Chinese president said the priority is to cool down the situation by observing the three principles of no expansion of the battlefield no escalation of fighting and no fanning by any party over the flames Xi called on the international community to provide suitable conditions and support for the resumption of direct dialogue and
negotiation between the two parties
“Only when all major countries play a positive rather than negative role can there emerge an early prospect of a ceasefire he said
Stressing that China has been actively promoting peace talks in its own way, Xi said China and Hungary share the same basic propositions and are working in the same direction China will keep in communication with Hungary and the relevant parties he added China-Hungary and China-EU ties
During Monday s talks, Xi noted that during his successful state visit to Hungary two months ago, bilateral relations were elevated to an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era which gave new historical significance to the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties this year and injected strong impetus into the high-level development of China-Hungary relations
Noting that the third plenary
session of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee will be held next week, Xi said China will further deepen overall reform and promote high-quality development and high-level opening up which will provide new opportunities and create new momentum for China-Hungary cooperation Xi said that the two countries should maintain high-level exchanges deepen political mutual trust strengthen strategic communication and coordination continue to firmly support each other, strengthen practical cooperation in various fields, advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and continue to enrich the bilateral allweather comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era to better benefit the people He congratulated Hungary on assuming the rotating presidency of the European Union (EU) and said there is no geopolitical contradiction or fundamental conflict of in-
to firmly support each other on issues related to each other s core interests and major concerns, oppose external interference and resist unilateral bullying The two sides agreed to strengthen solidarity and cooperation among the Global South countries and to jointly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries In terms of the Ukraine crisis, Wang said that priority should be given to adhering to the three principles of no spillover from the battlefield no escalation of fighting and no adding oil to the fire by relevant
T C L ’ s
'Pakistan Railways heading towards public-private par tnership model'
LAHORE: The public-private partnership model is successful worldwide and we are heading in that direction Involving the private sector in train operations will not only enhance facilities for passengers but also stabilize railway revenue Private operators will have to meet our established standards to run trains Relevant officers have been instructed to ensure that the air conditioning in AC coaches remains operational without interruption Any complaints will result in action against those responsible Railway employees have breathed life into the organization with their
Bank Alfalah Enriches Tap and Pay, Enabling S ec ure D igital Payments for Android Mobile
Users
Promoting Trade Relations between Indonesia and Pakistan: Key S takeholders Engage in Bilateral Talks
KARACHI: The Indonesian Consulate in Karachi, in collaboration with the Policy Advisory and Research Council of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) hosted a pivotal session titled "Bilateral Talks: Addressing Challenges and Identifying Solutions to Promote Trade Relations between Indonesia and Pakistan at the Pearl Continental Hotel This important event aimed to strengthen trade ties between the two nations by addressing current challenges and exploring new opportunities The meeting brought together prominent stakeholders from both of the countries including officials from Ministry of trade Indonesia Indonesian Palm Oil Association Embassy of Islamabad and stakeholders from palm oil paper automotive and food Participants provided valuable insights into the current trade landscape and potential areas for growth The session highlighted Indonesia’s significant role in supplying essential commodities to Pakistan particularly in palm oil where Indonesia contributes approximately 90% of Pakistan s total imports PR
Ensuring Uninterrupted Elec tricity S upply D uring Muharram
A meeting was held between delegations of the central organization Azza Anjuman Haidari Kadamgah Maula Ali, the registered organization Azza, and HESCO Chief Operating Officer Zulfiqar Ali Memon to ensure the uninterrupted supply of electricity during Muharram The HESCO administration has made special arrangements during Muharram including the formation of mobile teams equipped with complete T&P to ensure continuous electricity supply during the days of mourning HESCO has arranged for continuous electricity supply from 7 PM to 5 AM across 171 feeders in Hyderabad during Muharram with 65 of these feeders located in Hyderabad city and Mobile teams have been formed under emergency protocols to ensure immediate response to any technical issues These teams, led by Chief Operating Officer Riyaz Ahmad Pathan, will be available 24/7, especially around the crossings of Azadari processions The meeting included key HESCO officials and representatives from mourning organizations including In-charge PDC Ghulam Sarwar Unar Exen Operation Division Vehicle Accounts Syed Aqib Abbas Shah Deputy Manager (PR) Muhammad Sadiq Kubar, and officials from Anjuman Haidari and Azza (Registered) District Hyderabad PR
(10th of Muharram) to be observed on Wednesday, July 17, as confirmed by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee The historical significance of Muharram commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions calls for heightened security measures due to past disturbances during this period In related developments, the Punjab government’s recent proposal
s High Court has
compensate the family of Pakistani
Arshad Sharif with 10 million Kenyan Shillings (Rs21 7 million) after ruling that his shooting by police in Kajiado County in 2022 was “arbitrary and unconstitutional ” According to Kenyan news agency NTV Justice Stella Mutuku of the Kenyan court declared that Sharif s rights to life equality before the law and dignity were violated in the incident on October 23, 2022 Arshad Sharif, who had fled Pakistan in July 2022 amid allegations of criticising the military, was fatally shot by Kenyan police in the Tinga area of Kajiado County later attributed by police to a case of “mistaken identity” The court suspended the monetary award for 30 days to allow for a potential government appeal Given the analysis above, I find that the respondents, through their actions, violated the rights of the petitioners,” Justice Mutuku stated The widow, Javeria Siddique, had filed a lawsuit against several government officials accusing them of delaying the investigation into Sharif s shooting and failing to provide updates to the family Kenya s court has also dismissed police claims that firing on Arshad Sharif s vehicle was based on mistaken identity We were considering this car as a vehicle of abductors,” the police had said The court also ordered a thorough investigation into the conspiracy behind Arshad Sharif ’s murder and instructed strict disciplinary action against police and security agencies
PM forms high-level committee to revitalise oil and gas sec tor with $5 billion investment plan
g 18-MEMBER COMMITTEE WILL DEVELOP A STRATEGIC PLAN OF
LAHORE S TA F F R E
sector
According to sources this initiative is part of a broader strategy to address the energy needs and boost the nation s oil and gas production capabilities On July 5, 2024, a high-level meeting was held at the Prime Minister s Office where the premier engaged in detailed discussions with key stakeholders from the E&P sector Following these deliberations, the prime minister announced the formation of a comprehensive committee which is mandated to develop a strategic plan of short medium and longterm actions to resolve the issues faced by the E&P sector
The committee s composition includes the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Petroleum (as convener) Minister for Planning Minister for Power Minister for Finance Minister for Interior and Minister for Maritime Affairs
Additional members include the Secretary of the Petroleum Division, the Secretary of the PD&SI Division, the Secretary of the Power Division the Secretary of the Finance Division the Secre-
tary of the Interior Division the Secretary of the Maritime Affairs Division and the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Industry leaders such as Mr Andrzej Kaczorowski, Managing Director of the Polish Oil & Gas Company, Ali Al-Temimi, Country Manager of Kirthar Pakistan B V Ahmad Hayat Lak Managing Director/CEO of the Oil & Gas Development Company Ltd and Faheem Haider, Managing Director/CEO of Mari Petroleum Company Ltd are also included
The committee has been tasked with developing proposals to resolve circular debt in the gas sector and avoiding gas curtailment through integrated energy planning It will also review and enhance the fiscal regime to attract investment, ensure enhanced security in high-risk areas without additional costs to the E&P sector and promote a business-friendly environment for E&P companies and investors Additionally, the committee will address contract-related issues and suggest improvements attract investment in offshore exploration and operationalize the Amended Petroleum Policy 2012 and the Tight Gas Policy 2024 Automation and digitization of the oil/gas exploration concession/licensing regime, benchmarking port charges for LNG cargoes against regional and international ports and encouraging
private sector and third-party imports of RLNG under long-term contracts are also within the committee s scope
The committee has been granted the flexibility to co-opt additional members, including private sector experts, as needed The Petroleum Division will provide secretarial support to the committee The committee is expected to submit its recommendations within three weeks
The Petroleum Division has been directed to expedite the notification process for the committee’s formation and to take all necessary actions to support its operations This initiative underscores the government s commitment to revitalising the energy sector and ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for the nation
On Saturday local and international firms announced an investment of $5 billion during the next three years in Pakistan s oil & gas exploration and production (E&P) sector This announcement was made in a meeting presided over by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at PM House on Saturday A delegation of the oil and gas exploration and production sector informed the meeting that during the next three years, around 240 potential reserves sites would be excavated with an investment of $5 billion to explore petroleum and gas
Hamas is waiting for a response from Israel on its ceasefire proposal, two officials from the Palestinian group said on Sunday, five days after it accepted a key part of a US plan aimed at ending the nine-month-old war in Gaza We have left our response with the mediators and are waiting to hear the occupation s response one of the two Hamas officials told Reuters, asking not to be identified The three-phase plan for the Palestinian enclave was put forward at the end of May by US President Joe Biden and is being mediated by Qatar and Egypt It aims to end the war and free around 120 Israeli hostages being held by Hamas Another Palestinian official, with knowledge of the ceasefire deliberations said Israel was in talks with the Qataris
“They have discussed with them Hamas’ response and they promised to give them Israel s response within days the official who asked not to be identified told Reuters on Sunday Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that negotiations would continue this week but has not given any detailed timeline Later in the day an Israeli air strike killed Ehab Al-Ghussein the Hamas-appointed deputy minister of labour, and three other people at a church-run school in western Gaza City sheltering Christian and Muslim families Hamas media and the Civil Emergency Service said The Israeli military said it was looking into the report Ghussein s wife and children had already been killed in an Israeli strike in May Hamas, which controls Gaza, has dropped a key demand that Israel first commit to a permanent ceasefire before it would sign an agreement Instead it said it would
allow negotiations to achieve that throughout the six-week first phase a Hamas source told Reuters on Saturday on condition of anonymity because the talks are private A Palestinian official close to the peace efforts has said the proposal could lead to a framework agreement if embraced by Israel and would end the war US Central Intelligence Agency Director William Burns will travel to Qatar this week for negotiations, a source familiar with the matter said The conflict was triggered nine months ago on Oct 7 when Hamas-led fighters attacked southern Israel from Gaza killing 1 200 people and taking around 250 hostages in the worst assault in Israel s history, according to official Israeli figures More than 38,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s military onslaught according to Gaza health officials and the coastal enclave has largely been reduced to rubble
