P R E M I E R C A L L S F O R S T R I C T A C T I O N A G A I N S T H U M A N T R A F F I C K I N G
g PM SHEHBAZ ORDERS IMMEDIATE IMPLEMENTATION OF IBMS TO MONITOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLERS
g STRESSES NEED FOR ENHANCING COLLABORATION WITH INT’L INSTITUTIONS TO PREVENT RECURRENCE OF SHIPWRECK TRAGEDY
ISLAMABAD S ta f f r e p o r t
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday left for Egypt on a three-day official visit (Dec 18-20) to attend the 11th Developing Countries (D8) Summit in Cairo on the theme “Investing in Youth and Supporting SMEs: Shaping Tomorrow’s Economy” At the Summit the prime minister will highlight the importance of investing in youth and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for a strong and inclusive economy based on employment generation, innovation and promoting local entrepreneurship
year CJP Afridi had constituted a subcommittee composed of Justice (retd) Shabbar Raza Rizvi Saima Amin Advocate Senator Cheema and Khadijah Shah to inspect the cells and barracks in jails across Punjab The sub-committee was tasked to provide recommendations aimed at streamlining processes to address the high number of under-trial prisoners and promote alternative sentencing options including community service and probation In a letter written to the top judge on Wednesday Khadija Shah informed the judge regarding the subcommittee s yesterday visit to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi According to the letter, the sub-committee delegation met with the jail staff, including the superintendent, and toured the facility “During our visit, we observed that all areas had been prepared for our arrival presenting a sterile environment A large contingent of jail staff accompanied us throughout the tour We visited various quarters, including the hospital, women s barracks, and areas designated for prisoners with mental health issues and substance abuse problems We also visited the prisoners on death row,” the letter written to CJP read The letter further argued that along with other political prisoners feedback from PTI founder Imran Khan who has been incarcerated for a year now was crucial regarding the reforms required in terms of political prisoners Khadija, in a letter, said, When we requested to be taken to ex-PM Imran Khan’s quarters, we were denied access” despite your [Chief Justice Afridi] instruction to the jail administration that “the subcommittee will be given full access to all parts of the prison and all prisoners C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 03
according to a PM Office press release He will demonstrate Pakistan s strong commitment to cooperate and implement the fundamental principles laid down by the D-8 besides emphasizing the importance of partnerships for mutual benefit and development among the participating countries as well as cooperation in agriculture, food security and tourism Prime Minister Shehbaz will highlight the steps taken by the Government of Pakistan for the empowerment of youth and their economic development He is also scheduled to attend the Special Session of D-8 on the Humanitarian Crisis and Reconstruction Chal-
lenges in Gaza and Lebanon to deliberate on the situation resulting from Israeli aggression in the Middle East He will underline Pakistan’s principled position on the situation in Palestine and call for peace in the Middle East Prime Minister Shehbaz will also hold bilateral meetings with the heads of various countries who have come to attend the summit on this occasion D
eign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar Federal
NA speaker ready to ‘play role’ in govt-PTI talks
ISLAMABAD S ta f f
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Wednesday expressing willingness to play a role in facilitating talks between the government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), saying his office and residence open 24 hours On the other hand, PTI leader Asad Qaiser welcomed the National Assembly
Speaker ’s offer emphasizing that he (speaker) should tell the government to be serious
The speaker s comes a day after senior PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah invited the PTI to officially approach the government with a talk offer, terming the NA speaker s office was a neutral venue
In a video message shared by his office, NA
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said: “I want to say that the speaker s office and the speaker s house is open 24 hours if the opposition and government want to come and have a dialogue together to end the bitterness
Whether we talk about improvements for the country, the law and order situation, climate issues or provincial autonomy, and numerous other matters on which we need to sit and have conversations
“We have the speaker ’s office for all these issues
Until I am speaker I will not let there be any deficit he added reiterating that his house belongs to members of both the treasury and opposition
The NA speaker stressed his office was for everyone” and its doors “were always open for the parliament members regardless of whether there was a meeting or not”
He also clarified his absence from the House yesterday owing to a Saudi delegation visiting Pakistan
Last week, Imran constituted a five-member committee to hold negotiations with anyone However, following his lawmakers’ softened stance in the parliament he expressed his displeasure over the party leadership for adopting a “positive” posture
The NA witnessed relative civility on Tuesday as lawmakers from the PML-N and the PTI agreed on the need for dialogue to settle their issues, though neither
side seemed willing to take the first step
The tone was set by a comment from Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who, responding to Marwat s reconciliatory note, said, “For the first time, a breath of fresh air came from the opposition ” However Asif maintained that talks could not proceed at gunpoint
Marwat in his speech just before Asif s abandoned his firebrand ways to propose the formation of a parliamentary committee to determine terms of reference (ToRs) for dialogue between the two sides
He also emphasised that any dialogue must involve all political forces and once ToRs were finalised the establishment could also be brought on board
While Sanaullah the prime minister s political advisor seemed to welcome the offer he was adamant that the party had not formally approached them for talks I request [Sher Afzal] Marwat sahib that if you have made this committee for talks with us which you have not said a word about till this day then officially come and say you have formed this committee for dialogue with the government or PML-N or allied parties he said ASAD QAISER WELCOMES
SPEAKER’S TALKS OFFER
Meanwhile, talking to the media, PTI leader Asad Qaiser said that the government still didn’t reply about yesterday’s offer nor it contacted with us
“The PTI will not come under any pressure our two demands included release of prisoners and constitution of a judicial commission over May 09 and November 26 incidents, Qaiser said Is it the government or the PTI, which one is responsible, should face consequences,” he said He said the country is passing through economic crises “We don’t want more hardships ” The PTI s founder has given positive response wants to see the government s action he said He said the government has been still non-serious over talks If they think the PTI would come under pressure, it is their mistake,” Asad Qaiser said “Life has been made miserable for PTI people in Punjab as they are citizens of some other country ” Qaiser said “Our 10 assembly members have been under pressure to resign in Pun-
Z AB case ‘dark chapter’ in judicial histor y of countr y: CJP Afridi
ISLAMABAD S ta f f r e p o r t
Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi has raised concerns about significant lapses in the trial of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto terming the case a dark chapter in judicial history of the country In an additional note, Justice Afridi partially agreed with Justice Mansoor Ali Shah’s observations regarding the infamous trial Justice Afridi noted that while he reviewed the opinions of former Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and other judges he largely agreed with Justice Shah s remarks However he emphasised that the Supreme Court s advisory jurisdiction under Article 186 limits its scope in such matters Referring to the trial s flaws, the
PM Shehbaz embarks on Egypt visit to attend D -8 Summit
OGRA RECOMMENDS GAS PRICE HIKES FOR SNGPL , SSGC
(MoM) according
data compiled by Topline Securities These exports surpassed the 12month average of $295 million, marking the 14th consecutive month of YoY growth since October 2023 The first five months of FY25 saw IT exports rise to $1 53 billion up 33% YoY Key drivers included an expanded global client base particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, and policy measures such as the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) relaxation of the permissible retention limit in Exporters’ Specialized Foreign Cur-
rency Accounts from 35% to 50% Additionally the stability of the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) encouraged IT exporters to bring a higher portion of their profits back to the country The slight MoM decline in November s IT exports was attributed to fewer working days 21 in November compared to 23 in October Despite this daily export proceeds rose to $15 4 million from $14 3 million in the previous month Pakistani IT companies continued engaging globally, participating in events like the Oslo Innovation Week 2024 and the Pak-US Tech Investment Conference A recent Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) survey found
Limited (ACPL) Pharaon Investment Group Limited (Holding)
S A L, is exploring strategic options, including a potential sale of its investment in Pakistan’s cement sector The development was disclosed by ACPL in a notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Wednesday In its communication to the bourse, ACPL stated, We hereby notify you that we have received a letter from Pharaon Investment Group Limited (Holding) S A L, Lebanon, the parent company of Attock Cement Pakistan Limited advising us about their intention to re-evaluate their long-term strategic options including a potential sale, in relation to their investment in the cement business in Pakistan ” A copy of the letter was also shared with the PSX The letter from Pharaon Investment Group outlined that no formal decision has been taken yet We will be carefully considering various options including a potential sale with due consideration to appropriate pric-
ing timelines and broader market conditions before taking a final decision, it stated The group has appointed Standard Chartered Bank as its international financial advisor to assist in this strategic evaluation The company assured that stakeholders will be informed of any significant developments during the process F o l l
A C P L’s
Rs259 27 hitting its upper lock with an increase of Rs23 57 or 10% on the PSX Attock Cement Pakistan Limited a subsidiary of the Lebanon-based Pharaon Investment Group, was incorporated on October 14, 1981, and is primarily engaged in the manufacturing and sale of cement Known for its Falcon Cement brand the company operates a manufacturing plant in Hub, Balochistan, and has a production capacity of 3 million tons annually It exports clinker and cement to markets including the UAE Africa Iraq and Sri Lanka
SellIng ReTURnS To PSX AS KSe-100
IndeX fAllS bY AlMoST 3800 PoInTS
The government plans to reduce electricity tariffs by Rs 12 per unit by March 2025 through renegotiations with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) government power plants (GPPs) and renewable energy providers The News reported, citing official sources, that the proposed measures include restructuring existing contracts and debt reprofiling potentially saving up to Rs300 billion annually In the first phase contracts with six IPPs including Hubco Power Rousch Power, AES Lalpir Power, Saba Power Plant, Atlas Power, and Pakgen Power Limited (365 MW), have been terminated The government will saved Rs400 billion in capacity payments through these measures Talks with 18 IPPs to convert their agreements to a Take and Pay model are nearing completion, with 15 IPPs already signing revised contracts Discussions are also
The opposition leader of the National Assembly and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Omar Ayub staged a walkout from the National Assembly on Wednesday, demanding the release of the party's imprisoned leaders including founding chairman Imran Khan and a halt to alleged threats against party members
As the session began Deputy Speaker Syed Mir Ghulam Mustafa Shah announced the assembly proceedings, but issues arose immediately when PTI member Iqbal Afridi pointed out a quorum issue The session was adjourned for 15 minutes as the quorum was not met Speaking to the media after the session opposition leader Omar Ayub condemned the government s actions, saying, "We will not be part of this session until Imran Khan and PTI workers are released The continued threats against our members to resign must stop " He further accused the government of pressuring PTI s Punjab members to resign from their seats under duress The opposition s walkout was supported by several political parties, with the exception of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) Ayub and his colleagues demanded the immediate release of PTI members warning that they would not return to the assembly until their demands were addressed Meanwhile, during the session, the absence of key ministers was also highlighted Ayub questioned why only one minister of state and one federal minister were present in the assembly "Where are the other ministers? They should be here to answer the questions we have he added The walkout followed increasing tensions within the National Assembly over the handling of political demands, with opposition parties pushing for the release of their leaders and greater political freedom
for party members
Pakistan
Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder deferred his call for civil disobedience movement for a while his sister said on Tuesday as the government minister placed the onus on the opposition party to create conducive environment for a political dialogue Aleema Khan spoke to the media after meeting Imran Khan in the Adiala Jail saying that her brother had warned of asking overseas Pakistanis to halt remittances if his two demands were not met - a judicial inquiry into the May 9, 2023 and November 26, 2024 incidents, and the release of party workers "Overseas Pakistanis are in contact who say they are ready to stop sending money but the PTI members advised Imran Khan to wait lest any harm comes to the country," she said, adding that Imran was focused on their concerns and was willing to wait a few more days before taking the decisive action She said that Imran was in considerable distress and would not stop until his demands were met If these demands are not met, Imran Khan will urge overseas Pakistanis to halt sending remittances to the country," Allema Khan told the media
Earlier this month the PTI founder had threatened a civil disobedience movement from December 14 in a post on his X handle He also announced a five-member committee tasked with negotiating with the federal government on his two demands
However, the government rejected the prospect of negotiations with the PTI in the face of threat of civil disobedience movement During the National Assembly session several ministers urged PTI to create an environment conducive for dialogue and withdraw the civil disobedience call "Talks cannot be held at gunpoint,"
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told the National Assembly He also labelled the PTI's negotiation committee as "meaningless" arguing that without sincerity such efforts were futile Asif also criticised the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government for its marches on Islamabad PTI s Sher Afzal Marwat emphasized the need for dialogue and national unity to help bring the country out of its current crisis He highlighted the importance of resolving the current chaotic situation and learning from past mistakes
Marwat stressed that any negotiations could only succeed if political forces came together with a clear set of terms of reference (TORs) Additionally, he raised concerns over the security challenges in his constituency and urged the government to take action against lawbreakers Responding to the point of order raised by Marwat Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif s Political Adviser Rana Sanaullah reiterated the government's willingness to negotiate but stressed that the PTI should engage with the government through formal channels "The PTI needs to approach the Speaker Office if it wants a political dialogue Rana said The Speaker office is a neutral venue for every party and the PTI's dialogue committee should convey a serious message to engage in talks " he added He said that healthy dialogue between the opposition and the treasury benches was vital for a robust political and democratic system He expressed the hope that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would take the allied parties into confidence if the PTI showed its seriousness in holding political dialogue Also responding to Marwat s point of order Khawaja Asif said that formal negotiations between the government and PTI had not yet commenced and stressed the need for serious efforts or practical steps
by the PTI to initiate the dialogue with the government "No formal steps have yet been taken to initiate talks " he said He urged the PTI lawmakers to prioritise their constitutional obligations before political affiliations Love and harmony grow through goodwill, not through threats, he said, cautioning that an aggressive tone would only invite bitterness He called for an environment of change that fosters goodwill and positivity "Talks cannot progress alongside contradictions and threats A call for civil disobedience has been issued again; they can carry it out, and then we can discuss matters," he added During the session, PTI lawmakers also expressed their willingness to talk with the government but insisted that they will not beg for the dialogue They also condemned the government s crackdown on PTI protesters in Islamabad on November 26
Earlier on Tuesday, PTI leader and former Speaker of the National Assembly Asad Qaiser had stated that he is being pressured to resign and was informed that the current Speaker had been briefed about accepting his resignation once submitted His remarks came during a session of the National Assembly, chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, where Qaiser criticised the ongoing situation alleging harassment of Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) Asad Qaiser questioned under which law MNAs were being subjected to harassment, stating that members felt threatened by the “establishment government” and administration He further claimed that raids were being conducted on the homes of PTI members in Punjab and warned that if resignations were forced the assembly would not be able to function He also criticised the lack of progress by a special committee formed to address such concerns
04
COMMENT
Current account surplus
The higher current account surplus indicates that the govt is doing something right
DO E S the government continue to follow the dictates of the IMF or does it start taking steps to ensure its re-election? It has to be agreed that so far, the news has been good, and the latest figures for June-November, the first five months of the financial year, indicate that there is progress being made However, the latest news, of a surplus on the current account of $910 billion, which is a vast improvement over the deficit of $1 676 billion recorded at this stage last year It should be noted that not only have record remittances of $14 8 billion been recorded, but the trade deficit has narrowed year-on-year to $$10 85 billion Both are a reflection of the improving economy in the West, where inflation is finally coming under control While the remittances are up because there are more jobs, an important role has been played by the crackdown on moneychangers who were such a channel of illegal exchange Another important source of improvement has been the reduction of the gap between the interbank and open markets, thus reducing the incentive to use informal channels
The improvement in both textile exports, which have gone to $7 25 billion this year from $6 88 billion at this stage last year, and IT exports, which are averaging higher than last year, reflects an overall improvement in the Western economy meaning that while the government relies on both sectors for growth in exports it cannot do much to help To take textiles, which are critical to the government because it is expected to provide the jobs the government wants to combat unemployment, the growth in exports is because its domestic turmoil is preventing Bangladesh from fulfilling orders, so Pakistani exporters are stepping in It is not a good business strategy to depend on political instability in a rival’s country especially when your own stability is constantly under threat
Perhaps the most important factor for Pakistan has been the stability of oil prices That has contributed to the relative stability of the rupee, which has been key in boosting exports, and has prevented a major rise in imports At the same time, there is little the government can do to control this factor All it can do is keep an eye on where the oil piece is going and be ready with a contingency plan to deal with its rise
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late)
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami
Central Asia, shares a 2,670-kilometer-long border with Pakistan referred to as the Durand Line Both countries occupy a strategically vital position at the crossroads of South Asia and the Middle East functioning as essential transit routes historically and geopolitically Afghanistan s geographical location along the ancient Silk Road underscores its
Small satellites, big problem
ing issue of
Iologist and a foundational figure in Peace and Conflict Studies This model offers a systematic approach to understanding conflicts by delineating their root causes central problems and visible consequences The absence of a bilateral treaty regulating water usage between Pakistan and Afghanistan is a primary root cause of the dispute Such an agreement could have prevented the current disruptions in water management For example, Afghanistan’s refusal to participate in a 2006 World Bank-supported conference on water cooperation obstructed progress that might have mitigated tensions Another historical factor contributing to the conflict is the 1921 Treaty of Kabul, signed between Afghanistan and British India This treaty granted British authorities and tribes on the Indian side, now Pakistan, the right to use the Kabul River for irrigation and navigation However Afghanistan later contested Pakistan s legal succession to these rights arguing that it did not inherit them after the partition of British India This contention has become a fundamental basis of Afghanistan s claims over the river Political disputes have further deepened the divide with Afghanistan’s historical support for the Pashtunistan Movement which called for
N July, the European Space Agency released its Space Environment Report 2024, revealing an alarming surge in space debris The report finds that over 35 000 objects are currently tracked in Earth s orbit out of which 26 000 are non-operational debris Additionally an estimated 1 million fragments in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) can cause catastrophic collisions Amid this growing challenge, CubeSats small, lightweight satellites of about 1kg, offer valuable advantages On the contrary their dense clustering and limited deorbiting measures at the end of their operational lives intensifies the risk of debris build-up Therefore sustainable changes need to be made in the CubeSats design to reap the full benefits of CubeSats, whilst enabling a clean space eco-system CubeSats can operate as single units or combine into multi-unit configurations with a maximum of 24 units providing a low-cost solution for diverse space applications They are indiscriminately used for scientific research and commercial purposes For instance they are used to gather data on the Earth s magnetic field, which is used by predictive models for earthquake detection They are also used for practical experience in mission
Most of the CubeSats are concentrated in lowEarth orbit accelerating the onset of Kessler syndrome It is a scenario where space debris collisions trigger a self-sustaining chain reaction of fragmentation Due to their short operational life span, many CubeSats are abandoned in orbit without adequate
typical build time of about two years, their simple design utilises standard parts and requires minimal thermal insulation keeping the costs of production low Additionally they follow a modular structure which makes them adaptable to various missions without needing a complete redesign They are often used as test beds for new technologies before deploying
Although CubeSats have
technological benefits their operational lifespan is limited to 3-12 months It
and requires frequent replacements to
ongoing
operations Therefore more CubeSats are continually
contributing to the
the independence of Pashtun-majority regions in northwest Pakistan, straining relations Compounding these historical and political issues are contemporary challenges posed by population growth and climate change Both countries face increasing water scarcity due to climate-induced changes intensifying competition over shared water resources The situation has become more critical with Afghanistan s ongoing construction of twelve dams along the Kabul River, aimed at generating 1,177 MW of electricity Supported by India these projects such as the Salma Dam on the Hari River and the Shahtoot Dam are designed to store 4 7 million acre-feet of water
These initiatives are projected to significantly reduce the water flow into Pakistan, with estimates suggesting a potential decline of 16-17 percent, posing severe implications for Pakistan’s water availability particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province Already experiencing water scarcity Pakistan s per capita water availability has plummeted from over 5 000 cubic meters in the 1960s to less than 1,000 cubic meters today, placing immense pressure on its agrarian economy, which relies on water for 63 percent of its agricultural land The dispute is further aggravated by geopolitical tensions with Pakistan perceiving India s involvement in Afghan water projects as a threat to its national security Given the historical animosity between India and Pakistan, both countries are deeply invested in pursuing policies that protect their respective strategic interests in Afghanistan This competition has exacerbated existing challenges such as outdated irrigation systems and inefficient water management practices on both sides which have led to the overuse of limited water resources
Manifestations of these conflicts, as described in the Conflict Tree Model, include harsh
diplomatic exchanges and hostile rhetoric between Pakistan and Afghanistan These public statements often reflect deeply entrenched historical grievances and mutual mistrust For instance, in the aftermath of a protest organized by the PTI Pakistan’s Information Minister Atta Muhammad Tarar accused Afghan nationals and criminals of participating in the demonstrations highlighting the strained relations between the two countries
The economic repercussions of the water dispute are profound, particularly for Pakistan, whose agriculture-dependent economy is highly vulnerable to water shortages Reduced water availability directly impacts crop production threatening food security and economic stability The broader regional implications of the conflict further underscore the urgency of addressing this issue, as prolonged instability could jeopardize peace and cooperation across South Asia
To resolve this escalating dispute Pakistan and Afghanistan must prioritize their shared challenges such as electricity shortages and inefficient institutional frameworks Collaborative engagement, supported by international mediation, offers a viable path forward Involving the World Bank to facilitate the negotiation of a bilateral treaty akin to the Indus Waters Treaty between India and Pakistan could provide a structured framework for equitable water sharing Such an agreement would foster cooperation, mitigate tensions, and ensure sustainable resource management, offering a win-win solution for both nations Addressing the Kabul River dispute peacefully could serve as a significant step toward transforming their historically strained relationship into one of mutual benefit and regional stability
The writer can be reached at sajjadaleememon19@gmail com
Timeless treasure
Sajjad ali memoN
A crucial solution to replace coal and gas
Biomass Energy in Pakistan
Anomic and environmental advantages for Pakistan First and foremost biomass energy production can spur job creation, particularly in rural areas The collection, processing, and transportation of agricultural residues and organic waste would generate a wide array of employment opportunities from farm workers to logistics personnel and energy plant operators This could be a boon for the country s agricultural sector, improving livelihoods in some of the most underdeveloped regions Additionally, energy security is a critical concern for Pakistan, which currently imports a significant portion of its fuel Biomass energy being domestically sourced could reduce the country s dependency on imported coal oil and gas which cost the nation billions of dollars annually By tapping into local biomass resources, Pakistan could stabilize its energy supply, reduce the energy import bill and enhance the resilience of its energy sector
under the Paris Agreement, which aims for a 20 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 Furthermore, biomass offers a viable alternative to natural gas, which presently accounts for 46 percent of Pakistan’s electricity generation The country consumes approximately 3 9 billion cubic feet of natural gas daily for power production a resource that is both increasingly scarce and costly By shifting to biomass, Pakistan could significantly reduce its reliance on natural gas, stabilizing its energy supply and insulating itself from the fluctuating global energy market S OC I O-EC ON OMI C A N D EN
S ENERGY: The adoption of biomass as a primary energy source holds significant eco-
The environmental benefits of biomass are equally profound Biomass energy is considered carbon-neutral, meaning that the carbon dioxide emitted during combustion is balanced by the carbon absorbed by the plants during their growth cycle As a result, biomass is a much cleaner alternative to coal and gas Scaling up biomass energy production could result in an estimated 2-3 million tons of CO2 emissions reduction annually directly contributing to Pakistan s commitments under the Paris Agreement and improving the country’s air quality
BIOMASS CONSUMPTION PAKISTAN:
Among the companies leading the charge in biomass utilization is Bulleh Shah Packaging Pvt Ltd , the largest biomass user in Pakistan Based in Punjab, Bulleh Shah Packaging operates an
Wondering how this might become a problem? Consider the following: 1999 minus 1950 equals 49, 99 minus 50 also equals 49; but 2000 minus 1950 equals 50, while 00 minus 50 equals -50 Results like that -50 could lead computers to churn out bogus data or shut down entirely
NJ u s t i n T r u d e a u s h o u l d r e s i g n
E A R LY 25 years after the year 2000 began without the much-hyped possible computer catastrophe, Y2K is enjoying a resurgence as Americans become nostalgic for the late ‘90s and early ‘00s The computer cataclysm that never happened is now enjoying a cultural moment whether as a sight gag in Abbott Elementary a plot device in The Righteous Gemstones or as the theme of a new apocalyptic comedy aptly named Y2K In that movie, a group of teens fight for their lives after Y2K results in a sort of robot-uprising filmgoers can expect laughs, thrills, ‘90s nostalgia, but most of all catharsis from knowing that the actual Y2K was not nearly as disastrous as Y2K makes it seem Reflecting on the actual Y2K is a reminder that computing s real risks have less to do with murderous robots and far more to do with how reliant we are on poorly maintained lines of code Indeed, that s what made Y2K so novel The harbinger of doom was not an ancient prophecy or a vast government conspiracy, but rather a straightforward issue with computers Thus, even amid reassurances from the experts working on Y2K that the problem was being handled Y2K forced people to acknowledge how dependent they were on oft-unseen computer systems Ultimately Y2K was less about the fear that the sky is falling and more about the recognition that computer systems were holding up the sky Y2K emerged out of a basic computing problem: in order to save memory, computer professionals truncated dates by lopping off the century digits: turning 1950 into 50 Wondering how this might become a problem? Consider the following: 1999 minus 1950 equals 49 99 minus 50 also equals 49; but 2000 minus 1950 equals 50 while 00 minus 50 equals -50 Results like that -50 could lead computers to churn out bogus data or shut down entirely Between the days when that programming decision was made in the middle of the 20th century and the 1990s, computers went from massive machines that were mostly found at government laboratories and universities into a common feature of many businesses and organizations By the 1990s computers were doing everything from processing payroll to tracking what grocery stores had in stock to keeping power plants working Many in IT knew the date-related issue existed, but for years the assumption had been that someone would come along and take care of it before it was too late But by 1993, the point at which the IT world began to truly focus on the problem it became clear that there wasn t much time left before too late arrived To sound the alarm some publications aimed at computer professionals used terms like doomsday to raise the
terminology by 1995 most people were just calling the problem Y2K Though occasionally trafficking in hair-raising phrases, those in IT succeeded in raising awareness of the problem, and soon executives and political leaders began to seriously take notice Pointing to the assessments of “many computer scientists programmers and their managers in 1996 the Congressional Research Service described Y2K as formidable Representative Carolyn Maloney a Democrat from New York City similarly warned at Congress s first hearing on Y2K: When the ball drops in Times Square on New Year s Eve 1999, let s make sure the government has not dropped the ball on the year 2000 ” Major attention and effort was devoted to the problem with political leaders enacting oversight over the government’s own readiness while pushing for action in the private sector Over the next couple of years numerous meetings took place in the House the Senate formed a Special Committee on Y2K, and President Clinton had his own Council on Year 2000 Conversion Meanwhile, organizations like the International Y2K Cooperation Center worked to coordinate Y2K preparedness efforts worldwide By 1998 most in the IT sector and government felt confident the problem was well in hand They had succeeded in making Y2K a priority and the necessary work had been done to assess renovate validate and implement the necessary programming changes In its final report before the start of the year 2000, the Senate Special Committee warned about sensationalists, arguing that focus on “extremes are counterproductive, and do not accurately reflect what typifies most Y2K problems ” Indeed by the closing months of 1999 the consensus in the IT sector and government was that Y2K would be a bump in the road with disruptions no worse than a winter storm And they were right But at the same time, public interest intensified Case in point, TIME s Jan 18, 1999, cover story on Y2K warned of THE END OF THE WORLD!?!” alongside an image of computers literally raining from the sky The article focused heavily on covering those preparing for the worst rather than listening to those who were trying their best to fix the problem Similarly in October of 1999 the poor residents of Springfield found themselves dealing with a Y2K apocalypse thanks to Homer Simpson having been put in charge of Y2K preparedness at Springfield s nuclear power plant In 1999, Y2K: The Movie premiered, with planes falling from the sky and nuclear meltdowns When it came out, the film was blasted for stoking fear and exploiting sensationalism “Y2K experts” noted in Computerworld that the film “misses the big picture” and trivializes the whole problem Those working on Y2K were confident that Y2K wasn t going to look anything like the made-forTV-movie version of it But as one 1999 Y2K and You pamphlet from the President s Council on Year 2000 Conversion explained, “the large number and inter-connectivity of computers we depend on every day make Y2K a serious challenge ” The root of the anxiety surrounding Y2K and perhaps its enduring resonance is a recognition of precisely this dependency which has only grown over time When we worry about Y2K today and as the new Y2K movie makes clear we still do we aren t worrying about how Y2K threatened to cause the computers to crash then we re trying to reassure ourselves that the computers we are so reliant on won’t crash now Perhaps it’s inevitable for a
TH E problem with criticizing Justin Trudeau is not where to begin but where to end Trudeau’s proclivity for gaffes and vulgarity was established long before he became prime minister And this fluffy insubstantial side even seemed like it might have an upside as he formed a government: as long as Trudeau focused on annoying stunts and virtue-signaling, he would have little time for screwing up the country Sadly, however, his government’s long procession of scandals and missteps has proven that theory wrong Trudeau s latest crisis is arguably the worst The incoming Trump administration has threatened a 25 percent tariff on Canadian goods entering the U S unless Canada stops the flow of drugs and migrants over the border The trade relationship between Canada and the United States is the largest between any two countries in the world The total value of cross border trade was $926 billion in 2023, or roughly $2 5 billion a day This reality should make any problem with border security a high priority for Canada; and any threat of tariffs is a national emergency How did Trudeau react? First he had dinner with Trump at Mar-a-Lago which seems to have produced no result Next at the Equal Voice Gala for International Human Rights Day, Trudeau delivered a speech attacking the United States for failing to elect Kamala Harris and declaring himself a “proud feminist ” Then he executed a series of ham-fisted moves to reassign his minister of finance Chrystia Freeland and replace her with Mark Carney former governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England Freeland refused this demotion and tendered her resignation That all happened on the same morning that Freeland was to present a budgetary update known as the Fall Economic Statement which was already weeks overdue Whatever disagreement unfolded behind closed doors between Trudeau and Freeland likely concerned increased borrowing and spending on two cynical vote-buying schemes: a two-month holiday from the Goods and Services Tax, and a $250 rebate to families making less than $150 000 a year What purpose is served by shoe-horning Carney into the government is not clear But the latest episode seems to repeat an old pattern familiar from the SNC Lavalin scandal, in which Trudeau bullied and expelled his own female (and indigenous) attorney general from his cabinet for resisting pressure to cut a deal for a politically connected
NATIONS
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N s special envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen said on Tuesday Israel must cease all settlement activity in the occupied Syrian Golan which are illegal Attacks on Syria s sovereignty and territorial integrity must stop Pedersen added Syria s conflict has not ended even after the departure of former president Bashar al-Assad,
CORPORATE CORNER
Climate Change: The Rising Storm and How We Can Push Back
Pakistan s engagement with the climate crisis is emblematic of the struggles faced by developing nations grappling with environmental catastrophes, economic constraints, and social vulnerability Despite being responsible for less than 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions Pakistan ranks among the most climate-vulnerable countries From devastating floods to debilitating heatwaves and choking smog the climate crisis has pushed the country into a perpetual state of environmental and economic emergency In the legislative realm, Pakistan established the Climate Change Act in 2017 which laid the groundwork for structured climate governance However structural inefficiencies and delays in implementation have often rendered these mechanisms less effective Recognising these gaps, the government has gradually taken steps to overhaul its approach In 2024, Pakistan introduced the National Climate Finance Strategy (NCFS) during the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku This framework is designed to mobilise resources from global climate funds and bilateral donors to support domestic mitigation and adaptation projects For instance the strategy prioritises renewable energy investments and climate-resilient infrastructure to combat the increasing frequency of natural disasters On the domestic front, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has transitioned from reactive to proactive planning A key advancement is the adoption of sophisticated early warning systems capable of predicting extreme weather events up to ten months in advance Coupled with regional collaborations such as partnerships with academic institutions, these systems are tailored to
Pakistan s diverse geographical vulnerabilities From mountainous regions prone to glacial lake outbursts to coastal areas threatened by rising sea levels the NDMA's approach represents a shift towards science-led context-specific resilience planning Nonetheless, some of Pakistan s most persistent environmental challenges remain entrenched Smog, particularly in urban hubs like Lahore, epitomises the country’s struggles with unchecked industrialisation and inadequate regulation While efforts such as banning substandard fuels and enforcing stricter vehicular emission standards have been introduced, enforcement remains inconsistent The Lahore High Court has issued several directives on combating smog including the temporary closure of polluting industries and the implementation of vehicular fitness regimes However systemic issues like corruption and lack of accountability undermine the efficacy of these measures
In the international arena, Pakistan has emerged as a vocal proponent of climate justice particularly advocating for the operationalisation of the Loss and Damages Fund Introduced at COP27 the fund is designed to compensate countries bearing the brunt of climate-induced disasters At COP29, Pakistan highlighted its disproportionate exposure to climate risks, urging wealthy nations to fulfil their commitments under the Paris Agreement Pakistani representatives have also pushed for innovative financing solutions such as debt-for-climate swaps, to relieve fiscal pressures while simultaneously advancing climate projects Despite these initiatives, the pace of progress remains insufficient given the scale of the crisis To accelerate its efforts Pakistan can draw on global best practices Norway for example has achieved nearly 100% renewable energy generation by exploiting its hydropower resources
Ufone 4G & ConnectHear par tner to deliver AI-Powered assistive technologies for disaster response
ISLAMABAD
s ta f f r e p o r t
Ufone 4G, a leading telecommunications provider in Pakistan announced a partnership with ConnectHear, South Asia’s leading assistive technology startup aimed at transforming disaster response for Deaf communities across the country Backed by funding from the GSMA Innovation Fund for Humanitarian Challenges, the initiative will utilize cutting-edge AI technology to ensure that Deaf individuals have access to life-saving information during emergencies such as floods earthquakes and other natural disasters In Pakistan where over 10 million people are Deaf or hard of hearing the need for inclusive communication tools during emergencies is critical Recent reports show that Pakistan is amongst the ten most affected countries by climate-related disasters, with over 30 million people impacted by severe floods in 2022 alone During such disasters communication networks are often disrupted and vital information fails to reach those who need it most This creates significant risks for Deaf individuals who are frequently excluded from early warning systems due to communication barriers To address this, the Ufone 4G – ConnectHear partnership will focus on enhancing ConnectHear ’s virtual interpretation services to function in low-connectivity environments and developing an AI-powered system that automatically generates early warning messages in sign language These advancements will allow Deaf individuals to receive critical, real-time updates during emergencies, bridging the gap in disaster communication for this underserved segment of the population Ufone’s extensive telecom network which serves over 26 million subscribers across Pakistan will play a key role in disseminating the AI-generated sign language alerts, ensuring that early warning messages reach Deaf individuals nationwide As part of this collaboration Ufone 4G will also zero-rate the ConnectHear app on its network, meaning that users can access these essential services without needing a data package or mobile balance
CORPORATE CORNER
s ta f f r e p o r t The National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) Center of Excellence organized an orientation session in collaboration with City & Guilds to emphasize the significance of international accreditation for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in Pakistan
The session commenced with the registration of participants followed by the recitation of the Holy Quran and the national anthem Attendees included representatives from public and private TVET institutions, policymakers and international development partners In his keynote address Mr Amir Jan Executive Director of NAVTTC welcomed participants and reaffirmed NAVTTC s dedication to enhancing the quality and global competitiveness of Pakistan s skilled workforce through strategic international partnerships Dr Amir Sadati Executive Director of GEMS Middle East, underscored the vital role of international accreditation in improving global recognition of Pakistani TVET institutions He highlighted how accreditation ensures workforce readiness and facilitates access to international employment opportunities
Delivering his address, Dr Tony
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Degazon Regional Manager at City & Guilds discussed the importance of aligning TVET institutions with internationally recognized standards He emphasized that adopting global quality benchmarks will empower Pakistan’s skilled workforce to compete effectively in international labor markets and meet evolving global demands
In her concluding remarks Ms Gulmina Bilal, Chairperson of NAVTTC, commended the efforts of NAVTTC and City & Guilds in advancing the agenda of international accreditation for Pakistan s TVET sector She highlighted that international accreditation is not just a recognition but a pathway to aligning Pakistani skilled workers with global job market requirements “Through such initiatives, we are enabling our youth to access opportunities that were previously out of reach Inter-
national accreditation ensures that our institutions produce a workforce equipped with globally recognized skills, fostering their ability to secure high-value employment both domestically and internationally ” Ms Gulmina emphasized the need for coherence between local and international standards to address the skills gap and to promote excellence in training delivery She reiterated that the NAVTTC is committed to strengthening the TVET sector through collaborative efforts policy reforms and innovative programs By partnering with globally recognized organizations such as City & Guilds, we aim to build a skilled workforce that can compete on an international scale, which will not only uplift individuals but also contribute to the economic growth of Pakistan
This initiative marks a revolutionary development as a result of the significant meetings held by Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Senator Rubina Khalid and Secretary BISP Amer Ali Ahmad with representatives of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Karandaaz Pakistan, an impact investment platform dedicated to driving sustainable economic growth and strengthening financial and social protection systems for inclusion Under this agreement Karandaaz Pakistan will support the design and implementation of a pilot project to enhance the usage of Raast Pakistan s instant payment system, for BISP beneficiary payments in targeted districts Additionally Karandaaz will oversee the successful execution of a nationwide Digital and Financial Literacy Training program
potential and outgoing migrants with essential soft skills This collaborative effort aims to enhance the reputation of Pakistan as a provider of a highly skilled and adaptable workforce and ensure Pakistani migrants thrive in global labour markets
ISLAMABAD
PESHAWAR
s ta f f r e p o r t The National Logistics Corporation (NLC) has nearly completed the stateof-the-art Integrated Transit Trade Management System (ITTMS) at Pakistan s key border crossings of Torkham and Chaman set to significantly enhance trade operations With 97% of the work completed these upgraded terminals will offer five times the current cargo handling capacity, facilitating smoother cross-border trade with Afghanistan and the Central Asian Republics Expected to be inaugurated in February 2025 the new facilities will be a game-changer in regional trade dynamics improving efficiency security and operational transparency
Funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) through the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the ITTMS projects are designed to set new benchmarks in facilitating trade across one of Pakistan’s most strategically important borders
The new system integrates advanced IT solutions to streamline clearance processes, drastically reduce cargo dwell time, and ensure complete transparency throughout the operation This develop-
– emphasizes education ties, security cooperation with KS A during
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Riyadh on Wednesday where he commended Saudi Arabia s strides in higher education and explored opportunities for future collaboration between the two countries Naqvi also engaged with officials at the Saudi Directorate of Passports to discuss advancements in passport systems according to Radio Pakistan
This visit comes as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia continue to strengthen their bilateral relations, having recently signed over 30 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and agreements valued at $2 8 billion These agreements cover a wide range of sectors including industry agriculture information technology and energy During his time at the King Fahd Security College (KFSC) in Riyadh, Naqvi met with Dr Ali Al Duaij, the Director
General of the institution They discussed the possibility of organizing joint study tours and specialized training programs for students and professionals from both nations Naqvi toured various college departments including the Forensic Science Institute and expressed his admiration for the high standard of education He particularly praised the college s Master s programs in artificial intelligence, leadership management, and security studies, which are offered alongside scholarships to international students
Naqvi also acknowledged the college s five-year strategic plan describing it as an excellent fit for modern educational needs In a related development, Saudi Arabia had previously announced plans to increase scholarship opportunities for Pakistani students as well as establish an exchange program for faculty members focused on research related to the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Riyadh visit
In addition to his visit to the college, Naqvi toured the Saudi Directorate of Passports, where he was welcomed by Dr Saleh Al Murabba, the Acting Director General During this visit he reviewed the technological systems used for passport issuance and security discussing methods to simplify the process, reduce the potential for fraud, and implement e-gates Naqvi proposed that Pakistan could benefit from Saudi Arabia’s experience and potentially set up a similar call center model in Pakistan to help tackle passport fraud
The Minister s visit also included a productive meeting with Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, where both sides agreed to further enhance security cooperation The strong ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have been rooted in shared economic military and cultural interests particularly in the Islamic context
LHC bins pleas against outsourcing of Punjab -run schools
The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday dismissed petitions challenging the Punjab government s initiative to outsource public schools under the Public-Private Partnership program A single-member bench, comprising Justice Shahid Karim, heard the petitions and dismissed them following statement by the provincial law officer The law officer told the court that only non-operational public schools are being outsourced and that even after outsourcing these schools will remain under the administrative control of the Punjab government
The petitioners argued that privatizing government schools violated the law and would lead to increased fees depriving underprivileged children of basic education
It is to be recalled that back in September Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz inaugurated the Public Schools Reorganisation Programme (PSRP), a significant initiative aimed at saving Rs40 billion and creating job opportunities for 70,000 educated youth Earlier on December 1, the LHC dismissed petitions challenging outsourcing the management of public sector schools through the Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) The high court had observed that the policy decisions require political judgment not legal interpretation Functionality of the Foundation is governed and regulated by the Government Petitioners in fact are seeking exercise of judicial review jurisdiction in the functioning of the department, which is intrusion in the absence of any illegality, voidness and perversity is unwarranted ” Justice Asim Hafeez remarked in his judgement dismissing a petition by parents
ment aims to unlock Pakistan s potential as a key transit hub, not just for trade with Afghanistan, but also with Central Asian countries and beyond These terminals are equipped with cutting-edge technology including Xray gantry scanners pass-through scanners, under-vehicle scanners, and various advanced security systems such as hand-held explosive and narcotics vapor tracers biometric collection systems and pedestrian luggage scanners These enhancements will ensure a comprehensive approach to both trade and security at the borders In addition to security improvements, the terminals will provide enhanced facilities for both business and passenger processing A modern Administration Centre will house various government agencies such as Customs ANF FIA Border Rangers and Animal Quarantine authorities The terminals will also feature a dedicated Business Centre to accommodate banks, internet services, and clearing agents facilitating smooth trade operations Additionally facilities for Customs Immigration and other security agencies will be available at toll booths for streamlined operations
Once operational, the upgraded terminals will be capable of
