PM SHEHBA Z ASSURES EASE OF DOING BUSINESS, FACILITATION TO BUSINESSMEN, INVESTORS
TWorld B ank urges Pakistan to double investment to boost growth
Federal govt identifies 150,000 unfilled posts af ter downsizing effor t
357,025 personnel against 528,811
has reported that approximately 150 000 posts remain vacant across its departments and autonomous bodies, following the abolition of an equal number of positions under a rightsizing exercise to meet International Monetary Fund (IMF) directives According to the latest Annual Statistical Bulletin of Federal Government Employees for 2022-23, the federal government, its attached departments, and autonomous bodies collectively have a sanctioned workforce of over 1 2 million However the actual working strength stands at 947 610 leaving 292,009 positions unfilled as of the last fiscal year Of these, 120,223 posts were vacant within the federal government, with a working strength of 590 585 employees out of a sanctioned 710 808 positions Autonomous bodies accounted for 171 786 vacancies as they employed
sanctioned posts The shortfall is expected to have increased in the current fiscal year due to minimal recruitment Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) recorded the highest ratio of federal jobs relative to its population share KPdomiciled employees represent 28% of the federal workforce, surpassing the province’s 17% population share
In contrast Punjab while holding the largest share of federal jobs at 46% fell short of its 53% population share Sindh and Balochistan also showed underrepresentation, with Sindh holding 13 8% of federal jobs against its 23% population share and Balochistan securing 4 99% against its 6 2% share
In absolute terms Punjab had 272 773 federal employees while KP followed with 167 025 employees largely due to its 52% representation in civil armed forces Sindh and Balochistan had 81,619 and 29,479 employees, respectively
The federal secretariat with a sanctioned strength of 13 503 positions was
overwhelmingly dominated by Punjabdomiciled employees, who occupied 66 6% of these posts Women comprised only 5 11% of the federal workforce with a total of 30 190 female employees including 6 715 officers in Grades 17-22 This reflects a male-to-female employment ratio of nearly 19:1 Among federal divisions, the Interior Division emerged as the largest administrative unit employing 42 83% of the total workforce primarily due to civil armed forces personnel The bulletin highlighted disparities in employment grades, revealing that 95 4% of federal employees were in Grades 1-16, while only 4 6% held positions in Grades 17-22 Female representation was highest in Grade 17 at 22 2% but significantly lower across other grades
The Defence Division accounted for 22 77% of the workforce, followed by Railways (11 26%), Communications (5 04%), and Revenue (3 26%) The remaining divisions collectively accounted for 14 84% of employees
PBC SHARES FISCAL POLICY PROPOSALS WITH FINANCE MINISTER
Aurangzeb reviews progress of PM’s committee on IT expor t remittances
Participants decided that the
groups
submit a consolidated report in the
with the final comprehensive report to be presented to the prime minister by the end of March 2025 Reaffirming the government s commitment the minister urged all stakeholders to work collectively, address challenges, and establish Pakistan as a leading player in the global IT export industry
about restrictions on companies’ financial operations noting that there are no limitations on transferring money in or out of the country Bridging this perception gap through targeted communication and awareness campaigns was highlighted as a priority The committee also discussed incentivizing IT companies based on their performance to encourage growth and competitiveness Leveraging
provisional GDP data for Q1-FY25 indicated a deceleration in agriculture sector growth which stood at 1 2 percent compared to 8 1 percent in the same period last year On the external front the SBP highlighted strong export performance led by high-value-added textiles and broad-based acceleration in imports
PTO P U L I S M is often seen as a dynamic political style, one that rises above the traditional ideologies and taps into the emotional pulse of the masses It thrives on emotional appeal, theatrical performance, and mass-driven rhetoric disrupting established political paradigms in unpredictable ways This is particularly evident when we examine Pakistan s political landscape where populist leaders have long used these tactics to navigate and exploit the nation s deep-rooted contradictions At its core, populism is not simply a tool for political outsiders but rather a strategic device employed by entrenched political forces to secure and consolidate power Its potency lies in its ability to tap into the insecurities and aspirations of the masses often bypassing rational discourse for emotional appeal This reality is particularly true in Pakistan, where populist figures, from Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to Imran Khan, have thrived within the established political framework shaping public opinion to suit their personal and political agendas Yet the paradox of populism remains: many of its loudest proponents despite their revolutionary promises ultimately succumb to the very structures of power they initially claimed to oppose This paradox raises an essential question: is populism truly born from democratic systems or is it symptomatic of deeper political discontent? When we examine the trajectory of populism in Pakistan we see that it has not emerged as a spontaneous reaction against entrenched elites, but rather as a product of the very political system it claims to challenge Imran Khan’s rise to power is a prime example of this, reflecting the contradictions within Pakistan’s political fabric Leaders using populist rhetoric gain traction by capitalizing on public disillusionment with corruption and elite capture His promises of change resonated deeply with a population that felt sidelined yet when faced with governance, the ideals of reform and anti-corruption were replaced by political pragmatism and compromises with power brokers This duplicity lies at the heart of the populist paradox Populism as an idea is not merely an external force foisted onto democracies from the outside Rather it is a symbiotic relationship between political elites and an electorate disillusioned by the failures of the status quo In Pakistan, this relationship is par-
ticularly evident in the constant tug-of-war between populist leaders’ promises of change and the reality of governance While populism thrives in moments of political or economic crisis it is also a reflection of the electorate s frustrations with ineffective governance and its desire for drastic change However once in power, populist leaders, despite their promises, often engage in the same political practices they once condemned The rhetoric of “change” or “reform” quickly fades as pragmatic governance takes center stage leaving behind a political culture focused more on performative theatrics and emotional appeal than on addressing the structural problems afflicting society Take, for example, the case of former US President Donald Trump and his legal troubles, particularly the hush money case involving Stormy Daniels Trump’s populist rhetoric presenting himself as an outsider opposed to the elites was quickly overshadowed by the reality of political impunity Despite mounting felony charges Trump s legal battles were characterized by fierce partisanship and selective accountability His ability to maintain significant political support highlights the dangerous power of populism, where political loyalty often takes precedence over legal culpability This case resonates with Pakistan s political landscape where populist leaders whether in power or opposition often avoid legal scrutiny simply because they maintain a populist image This comparison sheds light on how the populist brand has transcended national boundaries, creating a global political culture where those who wield it are often granted immunity from legal consequences regardless of their actions The recent political turmoil in Pakistan particularly surrounding Imran Khan and his party s fluctuating fortunes, serves as a continuation of this populist paradox Khan s rise was powered by middle-class aspirations and an anti-elite narrative that resonated deeply with Pakistan’s urban youth and working class His promises of ending corruption establishing justice and revitalizing the economy created a sense of hope among
The role of media-savvy, charismatic leaders is crucial in this populist framework. Imran KhanÊs political campaign was not merely about presenting policy proposals; it was about selling a brand His rise was largely facilitated by social media, where his image was carefully curated to project him as the anti-establishment leader.
G a z a r e m a i n s a z e r o - s u m c a t a s t r o p h e f o r P a l e s t i n i a n s
True purpose
Tnearly 460 days of extreme hostilities the world has finally witnessed some positive progress with the announcement of an Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal However it remains the topic of significant controversy The ceasefire is divided into three phases, each lasting 42 days Phase one will involve limited prisoner exchange and the partial withdrawal of Israeli troops The second and third phases will be planned If the negotiations continue determining that conditions have been met then the second and Hamas will release all remaining captives es and in the third phase there will be an exchange of dead bodies along with the reconstruction of Gaza
Delving deep into the ceasefire provides an insight that Israel has achieved a one-sided victory in the conflict Although Israel is to vacate Gaza the irony is that Israeli troops have already left Gaza after achieving their planned objectives In this ceasefire, Hamas will release 33 Israeli prisoners while gaining a huge number of 1650 prisoners Israel has not only gained an advantage in the prisoner exchange but has also
maintained a disproportionate response such as killing 50 for every 5 lost Israelis Arab countries, including Palestine itself, have been weaker in their strategies against Israel At the same time Israel has always maintained its hegemony through economic strength defense system and new military technology especially when allied with the U S Contrary to that, what Israel has achieved in this ceasefire is all its planned objectives Israel has followed a strategy of generational control by annihilating 40-50 every day, which has completely made Palestine limp now Israel had aimed to dismantle the complex network of both Hamas and Hezbollah by eliminating their top leaders including Ismail Haniyeh who was killed by Israeli forces along with his bodyguard in the Iranian capital, Tehran Yahya Sinwar, who was driven by deep antipathy toward Israeli occupation and genocide was also killed In addition Israel has successfully weakened Hezbollah a Shiite Islamist political party and Shiite paramilitary group in Lebanon including Hassan Nasrallah (Hezbollah s top leader), who was killed on September 28, 2024 He was one of the most prominent Arab figures of his generation, with Iranian backing Hezbollah served as a formidable and effective counterforce force against Israel in the region consistently supported by Iranian authorities
The weakening of these counterforces allows Israel to emerge as greater Israel again and expand its hegemony for a long time in the future A ceasefire often involves two distinct and equally engaged parties in the conflict but in this case Hamas has been completely wiped out Hamas has gained very little for the Palestinian cause while Israel has successfully achieved its objectives, employing both force and strategic maneuvers The duration of this ceasefire remains ambiguous and uncertain, especially given Israel’s consistent attacks on Gaza which have persistently breached the principles of the ceasefires in the past The breaking of this fragile truce will likely set a precedent future for future vio-
lations further determining when and how Israel might attack and violate the ceasefire mediated by Qatar Egypt and the U S Despite numerous attempts at a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, the agreements have been marred by violations, often committed by Israel, which have undermined the prospects of long-lasting peace in the region For instance the ceasefire Operation Pillar of Defense reached in November 2012 mediated by Egypt under then-President Muhamed Morsi The ceasefire ended the three-week-long conflict But within weeks, Israeli forces conducted airstrikes on Gaza allegedly retaliatory measures for sporadic rocket fire As a result a Palestinian farmer was killed near the border of Gaza drawing condemnation for violating the truce
This ceasefire has an uncertain future and it has allowed Israel to maintain stronger influence in the region after completely defeating both Hamas and Hezbollah Apartheid in Gaza continues which has now strong bases originating from Israeli soil making it viable for Western maneuvering It is now very difficult for Hamas and Hezbollah to re-form Iran s axis of resistance against Western powers that prevailed for a long time And it has come to an end now after Iran s absolute isolation by the U S and its allies, which helped them to weaken the complex networks of Hamas and Hezbollah These both will no longer be able to rebuild their same effective and energetic influence over the region
The writer is a freelance columnist
The duration of this ceasefire remains ambiguous and uncer tain, especially given IsraelÊs consistent attacks on Gaza, which have persistently breached the principles of the ceasefires in the past The breaking of this fragile truce will likely set a precedent future for future violations fur ther, determining when and how Israel might attack and violate the ceasefire mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US
Unpaid justice
Sajjad ali
Majid Nabi burfat
In a countr y like Pakistan, where many communities rely on natural resources for their livelihoods, green tourism can play a crucial role in: Preser ving Biodiversity, Empowering Local Communities, Cultural Preser vation and Reducing Climate Impact. Pakistan is a land of stunning contrasts. Its all provinces and union territories offer variety of tourist points. The nor thern regions boast the towering peaks of the Karakoram, Himalayas, and Hindu Kush rang es, home to some of the worldÊs highest mountains, including K2. In addition to this, the lush green valleys of Swat, Hunza and Naran offer breathtaking view and unique biodiversity.
D e e p S e e k s h o w s T r u m p t a r i f f s d o o m e d t o f a i l
D eepSeek ’s breakthrough AI model is more than just a technological leap; it ’s a strategic vic tor y for China
it was released last week with capabilities widely seen as competitive with the likes of OpenAI, Google and Meta’s AI offerings That, in turn, has called into question America’s supposed large lead over China in the AI race Meanwhile President Trump s recent threat to impose tariffs as high as 60% on imports underscores Washington s reliance on economic restrictions to maintain its global tech standing For years, tariffs have been a cornerstone of US efforts to curb China’s rise and preserve dominance in key tech and other industries Yet DeepSeek s success shows how rivals can innovate around these measures po-
European tech stocks are slumping, and market sentiment reflects growing unease about Silicon Valley ’s ability to maintain its dominance in the AI supply chain
tentially rendering them obsolete This achievement is emblematic of a broader trend While the US has historically led in cutting-edge technology, China’s rapid progress in AI and semiconductors is altering the balance of power By restricting China s access to advanced chips Washington likely aimed to slow its technological advancement Instead, it has spurred Beijing to double down on self-reliance, accelerating innovations that could loosen America’s grip on global supply chains
DeepSeek’s breakthrough AI model is more than just a technological leap; it s a strategic victory for China It demonstrates that innovation can sidestep constraints imposed by tariffs and other economic tools
WANING EFFECTIVENESS OF TARIFFS? This shift raises serious questions about the future of US economic strategy If rivals can bypass restrictions with increasingly sophisticated alternatives tariffs risk becoming relics of a bygone era Tariffs have traditionally been deployed to impose costs on rivals, enforce trade priorities and protect domestic industries However, DeepSeek’s achievement casts doubt on whether these measures can still achieve their intended outcomes in an age of rapid innovation The US s strategy of restricting access to critical resources like advanced semiconductors was meant to slow China s progress Instead, it has likely accelerated Beijing’s technological push demonstrating the unintended consequences of an overreliance on punitive measures
If more companies adopt DeepSeek s approach, the demand for high-end US chips could decline, further eroding America s leverage in global markets These ripple ef-
fects are already being felt The Nasdaq 100 has faced sharp declines, European tech stocks are slumping, and market sentiment reflects growing unease about Silicon Valley’s ability to maintain its dominance in the AI supply chain President Trump’s proposed 60% tariff threat highlights Washington s struggle to adapt its policies to a world increasingly defined by technological agility
While such measures may project strength, they also risk isolating the US in a rapidly evolving global economy Rivals like China are proving adept at finding ways to outmaneuver economic and other constraints leaving Washington s strategies looking outdated and reactive
DeepSeek s rise is a wake-up call for US policymakers Tariffs may have once been an effective tool for shaping global trade dynamics but they are increasingly ill-suited to the realities of a world driven by innovation
The US must reassess its economic strategies if it hopes to maintain leadership in critical industries
Encouraging domestic innovation, investing in research and development, and fostering international collaboration are more promising approaches than doubling down on punitive measures The focus should shift from imposing limitations on rivals to enabling growth and progress at home Without these changes, the US risks falling behind in the global race for technological supremacy
DeepSeek’s success is not just a milestone for China it’s a warning for America
If Washington continues to lean on tariffs as its primary tool of economic influence it will find itself increasingly sidelined in a world where innovation, not restriction, drives power, wealth and growth
SO N after Israel launched war on Gaza on October 7 2023 plans were promptly set in motion to forcibly displace and ethnically cleanse Palestinians from the coastal enclave Nearly a week after the initiation of the genocidal war Israel s Intelligence Ministry drafted a wartime proposal to transfer the Gaza Strip s 2 3 million population to Egypt s Sinai Peninsula The offer, dated October 13, was initially released by Sicha Mekomit, a local news outlet It suggested relocating Gaza’s civilian population to tent cities in northern Sinai followed by the construction of permanent cities and an unspecified humanitarian corridor Additionally, a security zone would be created in Israel to prevent the displaced Palestinians from entering The authors of the document considered it the most desirable for Israel’s security Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu s office downplayed the significance of the document which drew condemnation from Egypt and the Palestinians Nonetheless, the Financial Times reported in late October 2023 that Netanyahu sought to convince European leaders to put pressure on Cairo to accept refugees from Gaza The FT noted that the Israeli premier had put forward the proposal in meetings with European officials The report said the Czech Republic and Austria floated the Israeli idea that led up to a summit of EU leaders, but key European countries, notably France, Germany and the UK dismissed it Israel’s war on Gaza lasted for more than 15 months until the regime had to sign a ceasefire with Hamas which went into effect on January 19 During the conflict, Israel killed more than 47,200 people in Gaza and destroyed much of the territory to make it uninhabitable for Palestinians However Palestinians remained steadfast and foiled Israel’s plans by putting up stiff resistance Israel s war on Gaza began shortly after Hamas carried
ghulam muSTafa
SAUDI ARABIA ALLOWS FOREIGN INVESTMENT
Korea’s Yoon indicted as ringleader of insurrection
Exercise Aman - The Patron of Regional S tability and M aritime S ec tor of Pakistan
Globalization is the process of increasing interconnectedness and interdependence among countries through economic cultural technological, and political exchanges It encompasses
ating a secure and stable maritime environment in the Arabian Sea and the broader Indian Ocean Region (IOR) The exercise showcases Pakistan s commitment to
happening first time along with 9th edition of AMAN exercise bringing together
strengthening maritime security and promoting international collaboration in the region Naval exercise AMAN initially conceived in 2007 has evolved into a platform for joint naval exercises drawing participation from over 45 nations, including major powers such as the United States, China, Russia, Turkey, and numerous countries across Europe and Asia AMAN exercise has been named after the Urdu word for peace reflects Pakistan s dedication to cre-
These routes are
for global
especially for the oil and energy dependent economies of the Middle East and Asia With over 80% of international trade conducted through the oceans, any hazards to these waters including piracy, terrorism, smuggling, and human trafficking posing significant risks to international security and the global economy AMAN s multinational role and its diverse range of naval exercises are devised to address these maritime threats AMAN facilitates regional security, maritime traffic protection, and enable a shared understanding of maritime issues among participant nations through cooperative strategies joint manoeuvres search-and-rescue operations and antipiracy drills The maiden AMAN Dialogue
President Xi lauds China’s solid progress despite challenges in Year of Dragon
IHC TO DECIDE FATE OF ILLEGAL MARRIAGE CASE AS IMRAN, BUSHRA REQUEST NEW JUDGES
Pakistani student and climate ac tivist Zain Haq set for depor tation from Canada
LAHORE S TA F F R E P O R T Canadian authorities are moving forward with the deportation of 24year-old Zain Haq, a Pakistani student and environmental activist, following a series of legal setbacks Haq, a history major at Simon Fraser University and co-founder of the environmental group Save Old Growth has been at the forefront of climate protests but his activism has come under scrutiny, leading to accusations of violating his study permit Haq’s deportation was ordered last year by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) which alleged he failed to meet the academic progress required under the terms of his study permit
portation process gained momentum shortly after these events Efforts to block the deportation were initially successful when Haq s Canadian wife, Sophia Papp, filed a sponsorship application to grant him permanent residency on humanitarian grounds However, the spousal sponsorship was later denied and a separate temporary residency application submitted by Haq in October reportedly went missing Haq s lawyer has raised concerns over procedural flaws in the case, arguing that the authorities failed to follow due process
founder had decided to negotiate with the government in the national interest However, the government had failed to establish a judicial commission, which led to the breakdown of negotiations with government Omar Ayub criticizes delay in CEC appointment , highlights PTI unit y and legal challenges PESHAWAR S TA F F R E P O R T Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub has voiced strong criticism over the delay in appointing a new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) following the end of Sikandar Sultan Raja s tenure Speaking at the Peshawar High Court on Monday, Ayub called for the resignation of the outgoing CEC, stating, “If he had any sense of shame and modesty, he would have already stepped down ” Ayub expressed frustration over the lack of progress despite letters from the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairman of the Senate regarding the appointment He speculated that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif might be waiting for external permission to make a decision Ayub emphasized PTI’s internal cohesion, praising Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur as a “brave leader” and Junaid Akbar for his grassroots efforts
The CBSA s decision followed Haq’s arrests during protests in 2021 and 2022, where he pleaded guilty to five counts of mischief While the courts did not classify him as a violent offender the de-
Despite being placed on academic probation at one point Simon Fraser University supported Haq s continued enrollment expressing no objections to his activism However, the CBSA maintained that his focus on environmental campaigns came at the expense of his academic progress breaching the terms of his visa
Prominent figures including
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May have voiced support for Haq and criticized the deportation order as potentially politically motivated citing his high-profile activism in addressing North America s climate crisis Haq has also received widespread backing from fellow environmentalists who argue that his deportation raises questions about Canada s treatment of activists Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has declined to comment, citing privacy restrictions, leaving Haq with limited options to fight the deportation The case has sparked broader discussions about the intersection of immigration enforcement and political activism particularly as Canada faces growing pressure to address its own environmental challenges Haq’s supporters continue to call for a review of his case but time is running out for the young activist who is now facing deportation to Pakistan in the near future
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T
Pakistan has firmly rejected what it called unfounded and baseless allegations aimed at undermining the Pakistan-China friendship and reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the One-China Policy Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan responding to media speculations reiterated that the One-China Policy remains a fundamental cornerstone of Pakistan s foreign policy He described China as Pakistan’s “all-weather strategic partner” and underscored the strength of their bilateral relationship which is built on mutual trust shared values and a commitment to regional and global stability This relationship is characterized by unwavering support on
critical issues and shared objectives for peace and development ” Khan said The Foreign Office s remarks come amid reports suggesting that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi attended an antiChina event during his visit to the United States These reports, however were strongly refuted by Naqvi himself who labeled the claims as malicious fabrications
Naqvi clarified his position while speaking in Houston, stating that his presence at a youth event had been misinterpreted and exaggerated He stressed that such misinformation campaigns were politically motivated attempts to tarnish his reputation I have always upheld Pakistan s national interests and will not be distracted by false rumors, Naqvi said, further accusing cer-
tain groups of attempting to provoke anti-Pakistan sentiment in the U S Congress He urged political rivals to avoid actions that could harm Pakistan s standing for political gains
The robust ties between Pakistan and China have been a focal point of the country’s foreign policy for decades with Beijing often referred to as an iron brother
This partnership extends across various sectors, including defense, trade, and regional cooperation, with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) being a hallmark of their collaboration
The FO spokesperson reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to safeguarding and strengthening this relationship amid any external provocations or baseless claims
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T Supreme Court Justice Ayesha A Malik on Monday recused herself from hearing a case related to the constitutional validity of Section 221-A of the Customs Act Justice Malik informed the court she would provide her reasons for stepping aside in a separate statement
The case was taken up by an eight-member constitutional bench, headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan, to hear appeals concerning the controversial provision Justice Malik remarked “I cannot hear this case ” to which Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar responded That s fine you may give your reasons During the hearing, the Attor-
ney General requested a one-week adjournment to allow time for preparation Meanwhile, Barrister Salahuddin, one of the legal counsels, highlighted ongoing disputes surrounding Section 221-A including a previous order regarding the provision s authority He also requested an early hearing for the related Dewan Motors case to address pressing issues
whether the voting for the 26th Amendment was based on the total members [of the assembly] or on the members sitting in the House? Advocate Siddiqui replied that it was done by the members present The justice questioned him whether those members in House were two-thirds of the full House? The counsel replied that [they had] somehow completed the numbers and added that he was not objecting to that Justice Ayesha Malik asked him whether all the provinces were fully represented in the House Advocate Siddiqui said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was not fully represented in the Senate The Senate elections were held up to the extent of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Later the court issued notices on the petitions against the 26th Constitutional
Amendment The court also issued notices on the petition for the formation of a full court and live streaming of the proceedings and adjourned the hearing for three weeks
