PM URGES SANCTIONS ON ISRAEL FOR GENOCIDAL ACTS AGAINST PALESTINIANS
Pakistan, UK agree to promote bilateral ties in various sectors
Securit y forces kill eight terrorists in Nor th Waziristan IBO
Security forces in Pakistan have killed eight terrorists in a successful operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province’s North Waziristan district the InterServices Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed on Wednesday The intelligence-based operation took place in the Razmak area on the night between September 25 and 26, following reports of terrorists present in the area According to ISPR, a heavy exchange of fire ensued between security forces and the terrorists during the operation resulting in the deaths of eight members of the Fitna Al Khawarij (FAK) also known as the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the scene The military added that the terrorists, referred to as Khawarij were involved in various activities targeting security forces as well as the killings of civilians This operation comes just days after security forces conducted similar missions in North and South Waziristan, where 12 terrorists were killed That operation also saw the loss of six security personnel who were martyred during the intense combat The recent operations underscore the ongoing efforts by Pakistan s security forces to eliminate terrorist threats in the region Few days ago, a Grand Peace Jirga of notables and tribal elders was held in Bannu, where participants reaffirmed their unwavering support for the Pakistan Army in its ongoing efforts to combat Fitna alKhawarij a term often used to describe extremist elements
The Jirga participants expressed deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by security forces in restoring peace to the region
They also commended the Pakistan Army for its significant contributions to the promotion of education and health particularly girls’ education in the area Major General Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti General Officer
Commanding Kohat was in attendance at the Jirga where local elders expressed gratitude for the army s role in advancing social welfare initiatives
The gathering reiterated its commitment to work alongside the military in ensuring long-lasting peace and stability in the region
Blasphemy accused
doctor
from Umerkot was slain
in ‘ fake encounter ’: Sindh Home Minister
S
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar on Thursday presented the findings of an inquiry into the killing of a doctor accused of blasphemy by police in Mirpurkhas saying the probe found that police staged the encounter Dr Shahnawaz Kunbhar, accused of sharing blasphemous posts on social media was shot dead during a gun battle with the police in Mirpurkhas on September 19 authorities said According to an official order
General (IG), an inquiry committee was constituted to probe two
48/2024) registered at the Sindhri
9 Following the incident, the Sindh
Senior Superintendent of Police
(SSP) ordering him to report to the Sindh Central Police Office in Karachi Last week Lanjar announced
the removal of top police officials of the Mirpurkhas division and added that the committee would ascertain whether the doctor was killed “extra-judicially”
Meanwhile civil society activists from across the province participated in a protest at the Umerkot Press Club on Wednesday which was led, among others, by the daughter of the blasphemy suspect
According to a copy of the inquiry report the committee “unanimously agreed that Mirpurkhas police killed him [Dr Shahnawaz] in a managed encounter and tried to give it a legal cover but failed
The inquiry committee reached this conclusion after analysing CCTV footage police testimony social media content and tracker data the report stated It added that Umerkot police took Dr Shahnawaz into custody from Karachi, before transferring him to the custody of Mirpurkhas police
The report recommended that the deceased s family record a statement and file a first information report (FIR) under the relevant
new case of polio has been confirmed in Pakistan raising the total number of cases in the country to 22 this year The National Institute of Health reported that a two-and-a-half-year-old child from the Pishin district of Balochistan has been diagnosed with the virus This latest case brings the total number of polio infections in Balochistan to 15 for 2024
provisions whilst suggesting strict departmental action against personnel from both Umerkot and Mirpurkhas police who allegedly celebrated the killing Furthermore the report urged that the cases be conducted by a senior officer not below the rank of superintendent of police (SP), and preferably by the Counterterrorism Department (CTD) or crime branch“
“The whole episode was not seriously handled as per law and police rules lacking overall command and failure to take decisions as enumerated in [the] legal framework of the country by the officers including DIG Mirpur Khas SSP Umar Kot and SSP Mirpur Khas ” the report read
Addressing a press conference in Karachi today, Minister Lanjar announced that Dr Shahnawaz was killed in “a fake encounter”, according to the committee’s report
He added that SSP Mirpurkhas had been suspended and that the deputy inspector general (DIG) was involved in the incident
Earlier this year Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched a nationwide anti-polio campaign across 115 districts aiming
regarding committee appointments The exchange follows the recent exclusion of Justice Munib Akhtar from the committee which Justice Mansoor questioned in his letter to the Chief Justice Previously Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah had voiced strong objections to the Supreme Court s Practice and Procedure Ordinance, outlining his reservations in a detailed three-page letter
The letter addressed to the reconstituted committee on Monday criticises both the substance of the amendments and the process by which they were implemented Soon after the promulgation of the ordinance on amendments in the Practice and Procedure Act 2023, CJP Isa reconstituted a committee wherein Justice Aminuddin
senior judge of the SC Interestingly Justice Yahya Afridi who is the fourth most senior has also not been
AWAIS LEGHARI BL AMES STRATEGY GAPS FOR RISING ELECTRICIT Y COSTS
Cour t informed of 12 FIRs
the cases registered against her The court was informed that she has been nominated in a total of 12 FIRs Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh presided over the hearing of the petition filed by the former first lady During the proceedings, the Assistant Advocate General, Punjab, presented a police report stating that 11 cases had been registered against Bushra Bibi in Rawalpindi and one in Attock Additionally the counsel representing the federal government mentioned that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had filed a case against Bushra Bibi related to the Toshakhana case Bushra Bibi s lawyer claimed that she was being politically victimized, alleging that she was being arrested repeatedly in different cases
The lawyer expressed concern that she could be arrested in yet another case without her knowledge He urged the court to order the police to provide full details of the cases registered against her
Achakzai warns Fazl against suppor ting constitutional amendments
QUETTA s ta f f r e P o r t Chairman of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, has cautioned JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman against extending support to the proposal for a constitutuional package stating that endorsing the proposed constitutional amendments could harm his political standing During a press conference at the party’s central secretariat, Achakzai emphasized that amendments should not be made behind closed doors or through conspiracies Instead all political parties and stakeholders must come together to resolve the ongoing crisis in the country Achakzai stressed the importance of fresh elections as a necessary step to pull Pakistan out of its current turmoil He described the constitution as a sacred document not just a piece of paper and said that any amendments should reflect national and public interests, achieved through consensus in Parliament “The newly formed parliamentary committee could play a key role in paving the way for fresh elections ” Achakzai remarked reiterating that only new elections can help resolve the crises He also called for the establishment of parliamentary supremacy and the immediate cessation of establishment interference in the country’s political affairs He further noted that the purpose of the constitution is to protect the rights of every citizen and any changes must prioritize the needs and welfare of the people These amendments, he emphasized, should be made with a two-thirds majority and with the agreement of representatives in Parliament Achakzai praised Maulana Fazlur Rehman as an experienced politician but warned that accepting the proposed amendments in their current form could lead to political setbacks for the JUI-F leader He criticized the way past elections and governments have been formed which he said has only led to embarrassment for the nation He pointed out that over 30 million people in the country still live below the poverty line, and any government that cannot provide basic sustenance to its people has no right to govern Referring to the mistakes of the past including the secession of East Pakistan Achakzai lamented that lessons have not been learned, and the country
a P
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed an agreement with the International Finance Facility for Education (IFFEd) that will enable at least $500 million in new concessional education funding for lower middleincome countries (LMICs) in Asia and the Pacific Under the financing partnership IFFEd a sovereign-backed Swiss foundation established in 2023 to invest in education and skills in LMICs will guarantee $125 million of ADB s sovereign loan exposure across all sectors, known as a synthetic portfolio, and provide an initial $50 million in grants according to ADB press release received here By blending IFFEd s guarantees to ADB with grants that will comprise 10% of every loan, the first-of-its-kind arrangement facilitates a four times leverage ratio of the guarantee boosting the amount of capital ADB can lend while lowering borrowing costs for the
bank s developing member countries (DMCs) Education is the cornerstone of modern, prosperous, and inclusive societies, and we are pleased to announce this partnership with IFFEd,” said ADB Vice-President for Sectors and Themes Fatima Yasmin By pooling catalytic and concessional financing this initiative means our lower middle-income DMCs can scale up their investments in education and skills vital to building knowledge-based economies along with other sectors at the same time ” she added LMICs face an education crisis
More than 50% of students in these countries are not able to read simple text by age 10 despite attending school, and graduates do not have the skills to find jobs, leaving employers unable to fill vacancies As countries move from lower to lower middle-income status they tend to get caught in a financing missing middle where they are no longer eligible to receive grants but cannot afford nonconcessional financing forcing a difficult decision of where to invest, exacerbated by
limited domestic financing By bringing concessional or grant resources to developing countries seeking to strengthen their education systems, the ADB–IFFEd partnership’s key innovation lies in the fact that at a time of rapid change it will help ADB s DMCs prepare for a future characterized by digital transformation climate change, demographic transitions, and rapid urbanization IFFEd’s sovereign donors include Canada, Sweden, and the United Kingdom while the Atlassian Foundation Jacobs Foundation Porticus Rockefeller Foundation and the Soros Economic Development Fund (the investment arm of Open Society Foundations) have provided seed capital IFFEd, which benefits from a strong credit rating will initially focus on Asia and the Pacific and Africa in collaboration with multilateral development banks (MDBs)
IFFEd-funded
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
It poses a great threat to international peace and security The council must call for a halt to the massive violations of the fundamental rights of Kashmiri people and implement its own resolutions that demand a plebiscite for self determination in Kashmir valley,” the prime minister added
Furthermore he called upon the Council to also effectively address the resurgence of the threat of terrorism from Afghanistan especially from Daesh and Fitna al-Khawaraij
Likewise, he said the Council must extend active support to the African countries and the African Union to defeat terrorism and foreign interventions “UN peacekeeping must become more robust and effective ”
He added that the Council should initiate building measures to prevent a war between major powers and ease the rising tension especially in Asia
Additionally, the prime minister stressed that the Council must declare zero tolerance for the illegal use of force and revive global efforts to halt and reverse the new arms race in nuclear and conventional weapons
“It must also build control over new weapons and technologies including Artificial Intelligence that is making war more likely and more lethal
He said in cooperation with other member states, Pakistan would pursue these objectives in the Security Council after assuming its seat in the Council next year
Later, Prime Minister strongly condemning the ongoing atrocities by the Israeli forces against the Palestinian people called upon the international community to forge unity and demand an immediate ceasefire and the creation of the State of Palestine
The time has come when we all must come together and demand an immediate ceasefire and the creation of the State of Palestine as without that peace
will not return in this part of the world If this is allowed to linger on, then God forbids, things will become very very tense,” the prime minister told the reporters along with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas after they held a meeting on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
The prime minister said he visited the Palestinian president to show Pakistan s complete solidarity with the people of Palestine and reiterated the condemnation of the atrocities and genocide being committed by Israel in Gaza killing young boys girls babies men and women I am here to convey the feelings of the people of Pakistan that our hearts beat together We strongly condemn this barbaric act During the last one year, 41000 Palestinian people have been martyred Cities after cities, towns, villages, hospitals, schools and infrastructure have been razed to the ground This kind of barbarism hasn’t been witnessed not only in the recent past but since ages the prime minister remarked He said that the sacrifices patience and bravery of the people of Palestine would not go to waste but rather would result in the creation of the State of Palestine
In his remarks, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said even since before 1948, Pakistan’s position on Palestine had been unchanged as the country had extended the maximum possible support to the people of Palestine He said Pakistan s support was not just limited to the students rather it maintained its proPalestine position in the international forums PM MEETS BILL GATES, LAUDS SUPPORT TO PAKISTAN ON POLIO ERADICATION
Separately, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met Bill Gates founder and co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 2024) Session
IMf steps up
Package approval at last But will it be the last?
THE International Monetary Fund’s Executive Board acted as expected and approved the $7 billion Extended Fund Facility for Pakistan, and with the first tranche of Rs 1 1 billion to be issued by the end of the month It so happened that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif was in New York for the UN General Assembly where the IMF Board met and promptly praised IMF MD Kristalina Georgieva and her team and also significantly repeated the pledge which he and his ministers have not tired of making: that this package was the last The sort of precautions the IMF has been taking have been extraordinary, and have included Pakistan getting rollovers on debt by friendly countries, and even to the extent of getting a fresh commercial loan from a bank before the case could be put up for consideration The Karachi Stock Exchange was anticipating this development raising it by Wednesday to its highest level going above 82,900 and then falling back to close at around 82,660 The rupee also gained 16 paisas against the dollar
The path to this package has been long and tortuous, starting with the replacement of the PTI government, which failed to pass the IMF s review process with the result that Pakistan had first to obtain a nine-month StandBy Agreement in 2023 The conditions of that SBA were strenuous enough, and required increases in the power tariffs as well as customs duties, but it proved to be the foundation for the present package Before approval, the IMF got Pakistan to implement further conditions, such as more tariff increases, as well as an increase in the taxation burden which has led to a record target of Rs 18 trillion for the FBR The rollovers by the friendly countries of China Saudi Arabia and the UAE helped secure this programme, but are going to fall due in the next review of the programme Pakistan will either have to pay the money, or get another rollover Pakistan is well and truly in a debt trap, where it cannot service its domestic debt if it does not borrow let alone its foreign The missing component of the IMF programme is any indication of where Pakistan is supposed to earn the foreign exchange it will need to service its foreign debt, which will include in due course the present package The government made extraordinary efforts to obtain this package, and it will have to make even greater efforts if its is to make good on the pledge to make it the country s last There is no time for celebration Now comes the hard part
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
WHENEVER somebody publicly challenges the teachings of Islam on the social media I always make it a point to sympathetically consider the objections Especially so if the individual in question has the reputation of being thoughtful and intelligent Fresh perspectives, something new to learn, and unfamiliar challenges that force one out of one’s comfort zone and require a reassessment of one s worldview are always welcome Therefore there is always excitement on the prospect of facing such criticism Invariably, it turns out to be a disappointment though Rarely is one able to learn anything new, for the objections are mostly all old hat– recycled stuff that typically first appeared centuries ago and that was answered centuries ago but which makes a reappearance every few years or so each time presented as though it were the most original and brilliant of insights After the third or fourth such reappearance, the line distinguishing criticism and propaganda becomes extremely blurred Roughly half of such criticism is based on factually incorrect information For example when somebody says that the Quran cannot possibly be taken seriously after it says that a male and a female each of all animal species in the world were on board Noah's ark Of course, the Quran never says so But
the point continues to be made regardless The list of items misrepresented and misquoted in this way is a long one The other half of criticism is attributable to lazy and sloppy thinking that is replete with logical fallacies When somebody rejects, for example, Quran s world view of an Almighty, Omniscient and All-Wise God on grounds' that there is so much suffering in the world it is a classic example of a non-sequitur; that is a conclusion that does not follow from a true premise There is much to be said about this too but for today I propose to focus on the former half of propaganda The reason for this is that many well-meaning Muslims are also to blame for the false information on which it is based At any rate the more ef-
and material originating with the Muslims themselves Take another common belief frequently re-
eated
ammad (peace be upon him) Or that the Prophet’s blood descendants were distinguished merely based on their lineage The Quran never says anything like that There are countless other such stories doing the rounds What is common among all such beliefs is that they are found in books written not by non-Muslims or the enemies of Islam but by en-
doing so and continue to do so though? Their motives could not have been any nobler But precisely therein lies the problem, because in Islam the ends never justify the means The reason why most of these stories were invented, accepted and propagated by the Muslims was their (conscious or subconscious) desire to improve arguments in favour of Islam when no such improvement was necessary (or possible for that matter) after the Quran Rather unsurprisingly the move misfired and has yielded
n s A s f o r t h e d a m a g e d o n e i n t h e p a s t , t h e M u s l i m s n e e d t o p r o a c t i v e l y a n d s y s t e m a t i c a l l y r e v i e w a n d c l a s s i f y a l l t h e m a t e r i a l t h a t t r a c e s b a c k t o t h e i r e l d e r s T h e y m u s t d i s o w n a l l d u b i o u s s t u f f , e s p e c i a l l y t h e m a t e r i a l t h a t o b v i o u s l y g o e s a g a i n s t t h e l e t t e r a n d t h e s p i r i t o f t h e Q u r a n T h i s e x e r c i s e m u s t b e c a r r i e d o u t n o t o n l y w h e n a n o u t s i d e r o b j e c t s t o I s l a m ( f o r t h e n i
S t r e n g t h e n i n g P a k - R u s s i a r e l a t i o n s
drinks) He can be reached at www facebook com/hasanaftabsaeed
Mohammad Ali Jinnah had stated in 1948 prior to his death owing to prolonged illness that Our foreign policy is one of friendliness and goodwill towards all nations of the world, we do not cherish aggressive designs against any country or nation ” In pursuance of this saying , Pakistan has all along been maintaining not only good friendly relations but also taking measures to further strengthen and promote these with friendly countries around the world
Frequent interaction with the top leadership of friendly countries and exchange of delegations for holding important talks to boost cooperation in different sectors also was a key to further strengthening ties with other countries Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk along with a delegation recently paid a two-day goodwill visit to Pakistan and went through a hectic schedule of engagements, including meetings with the top civil and military leadership After holding talks with his Pakistani counterpart Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar the Russian Deputy Prime Minister addressed a joint press conference with the host Deputy Prime Minister wherein he quite categorically stated that Russian supports Pakistan's bid to join BRICS, a group of Brazil , Russia, India, China and South Africa and also wants to have deeper trade ties between the two countries
The Russian leader also discussed the prospects for collaboration between Pakistan and the Eurasian Economic Union which includes Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Caucasia
and Russia and also discussed the opportunities for implementing a free trade agreement between Pakistan and these five countries and was looking forward to holding further discussions to finalize such an agreement He also stated that the upcoming intergovernmental commission meeting later this year in Russia will provide an opportunity to further enhance trade and economic relations between the two countries He went on to further state that their goals and visions for development and economic ties within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization were well aligned particularly regarding collectivity climate agenda food security, energy transition, and energy security The visiting Russian Deputy Prime Minister and host Deputy Prime Minister also held delegation-level talks during which Pakistan and Russian agree to enhance dialogue and mutual cooperation in various sectors including trade industry energy connectivity science technology, and education The host Deputy PM said that that discussions with his Russian counterpart focused on expanding economic relations between the countries, bilateral trade had reached $1 billion last year and both countries prioritized expanding trade ties by addressing logistical and related issues and pointedly stated that Pakistan views Russia as a key player in West South, and Central Asia and strengthening mutually beneficial relations with Russia was also a priority for Pakistan's foreign policy The visiting Russian Deputy Prime Minister also held separate meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and COAS Gen Asim Munir and two sides reiterated their commitment to further expanding trade and economic ties, besides enhancing regional connectivity to strengthen bilateral relations and also increase defence cooperation He told Pakistani leadership that his country wanted to improve cooperation with
Pakistan in the fields of food, security, and science and technology Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk along with his delegation also called on PM Shehbaz Sharif and exchanged views regarding further improvement in the prevailing bilateral relations between the two friendly countries
PM Shehbaz Sharif on the occasion reiterated the resolve that his country was keen to expand trade, economic, energy, connectivity and security cooperation with Russia Pakistan considered strengthening of relations with Russia as an important priority of its foreign policy He told the visiting Russian dignitary that he was looking forward to welcoming his Russian counterpart Mikhail Mishustin to Islamabad next month and also recalled his very fruitful discussion with President Vladimir Putin in July earlier this year at the SCO Summit The distinguished guest on his part characterized Pakistan-Russia relations as constructive and mutually beneficial and reiterated his country's resolve to have deeper relations with Pakistan
The host PM also witnessed the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by the Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk and his host Deputy Prime Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar which signifies the shared understanding and desire of the two countries to further strengthen mutually advantageous cooperation in all areas of shared interest especially trade investment IT agriculture science and technology and education
Though the Russian Deputy Prime Minister s visit was pf just two days duration still it has shown signs of a lot of goodwill and indications of further improvement and mutual exchanges as a 75-member strong Pakistani delegation is scheduled to visit Russia in October to further explore avenues for economic cooperation between the two countries
Frequent exchange of leadership and delegations between friendly countries like Russia and Pakistan go a long way in further strengthening and promoting bilateral relations and paving the way for further mutual cooperation in different sectors for mutual benefits in the coming months and years if not days and weeks
The writer is Lahore-based Freelance Journalist Columnist and retired Deputy Controller (News) , Radio Pakistan, Islamabad and can be reached at zahidriffat@gmail com
Beyond grades
MuHAMMAD ZAHiD
Rethinking- Development
Revisiting Dr Mahboob ul Haq
structural reforms needed to move beyond this cycle of dependency
THE Pakistani economy has long been in search of a sustainable path for development one that ensures inclusive growth and addresses the country s deep-seated structural problems Despite its vast potential, Pakistan finds itself trapped in a cycle of economic crises characterized by a recurring reliance on external borrowing primarily from the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Central to this search for a new paradigm is the vision of Dr Mahboob ul Haq, Pakistan s former Finance Minister, whose ideas about economic development remain pertinent today Haq's emphasis on human development rather than sheer economic growth is especially relevant in a country where inequality continues to undermine social progress
Dr Mahboob ul Haq s central critique of Pakistan's economic system was its capture
by a small elite He famously pointed out that the country's growth had been "hijacked by a handful of families Even today this reality persists as wealth remains concentrated in the hands of a few leaving the majority of the population to struggle with poor living conditions Haq s introduction of the Human Development Index (HDI) was a pioneering effort to shift the global focus from GDP to more meaningful measures of development education health political freedom and security In a country like Pakistan, where a significant portion of the population lives on less than $3 a day, Haq’s vision provides a critical framework for addressing the nation's shortcomings His belief was that without human development economic growth would be unsustainable and exclusionary a lesson Pakistan has yet to fully embrace In today s Pakistan, the current account deficit is a reflection of structural weaknesses within the economy The economy’s reliance on imports and a consumption-driven model has contributed significantly to this deficit Short-term policies and emergency measures often dictated by IMF loan programmes, have failed to address the underlying issues
Mahboob ul Haq recognized that without long-term investments in human capital education healthcare and social protection economic stability would remain elusive Unfortunately successive governments have lacked both the preparation and imagination necessary to implement the
Ultimately, the search for a new economic paradigm in Pakistan requires a holistic approach One that does not merely focus on short-term fixes or external borrowing but prioritizes long-term investments in human development The lessons of Mahbub ul Haq's HDI framework remain as relevant today as ever: economic growth must be inclusive, sustainable, and centred on improving the well-being of all citizens, not just a privileged few Without these reforms, Pakistan will continue to find itself in a perpetual cycle of economic crises, unable to realize its true potential on the world stage
The country s current economic situation is one of stagnation, both in terms of exports and investments The high level of consumption with 95 percent of goods being imported is unsustainable It has led to a vicious cycle where Pakistan facing a balance of payments crisis turns to the IMF for short-term relief But these loans come with stringent conditions that further constrain economic policy and often lead to austerity measures that exacerbate poverty and inequality Instead of fostering growth these policies have led to a situation where the economy is unable to break free from its dependence on external financing
Excessive consumption has also crowded out investment in productive sectors This has been particularly evident in the manufacturing and export sectors where growth has been sluggish at best The lack of significant exports means that Pakistan is unable to generate the foreign exchange needed to service its debt or invest in its future In a country where tax revenues are low and public services are underfunded, the reliance on imports and external borrowing has created a fragile economic environment Structural reform is desperately needed to correct these imbalances and put the economy on a more sustainable path
The media, in turn, has been largely focused on domestic stories, often missing the broader implications of the economic policies being pursued The absence of a serious public discourse on economic reform has further entrenched the status quo There is a widespread trust deficit both within the country and among international investors, which has led to insufficient investment in key sectors This lack of investment has kept productivity low, stunted technological advancement and hampered economic diversification As a result Pakistan continues to rely on consumption and imports to drive its economy further exacerbating its structural weaknesses
One of the most alarming features of the current situation is that all roads seem to lead to the IMF Despite various governments’ pledges to break free from IMF dependency the country continues to turn to the institution whenever faced with an economic crisis The focus on short-term fixes has precluded any meaningful discussion about long-term economic strategy This reliance on IMF loans is not a sustainable solution Instead,
Pakistan must focus on increasing its exports and attracting investment particularly in sectors that can provide long-term economic benefits such as technology agriculture and manufacturing At the same time, Pakistan s relationship with China, particularly through the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), offers both opportunities and challenges The CPEC projects have provided much-needed infrastructure investment but the expected benefits in terms of increased exports and job creation have not yet materialized Export growth remains stagnant, and the promised industrial development along the CPEC route has been slower than anticipated If properly managed however the CPEC initiative could provide the kind of investment and technological transfer needed to kickstart Pakistan s economy But this will require more than just infrastructure; it will require a comprehensive strategy to integrate these investments into the broader economy
To reverse the tide Pakistan must undergo significant structural reforms These reforms must address the excessive consumption habits the concentration of wealth and the lack of investment in human capital
It must also deal with its reliance on imports and external financing
As Mahboob ul Haq wisely noted “The real wealth of a nation is its people ” Until Pakistan prioritizes the development of its human resources through education healthcare, and political freedoms the country s economic progress will remain stunted Reforming the tax system, expanding the export base, and fostering a culture of innovation and investment are crucial steps that must be taken if the country is to break free from the cycle of dependency and underdevelopment Pakistan s economic policy has long been driven by a fetish for growth, where the obsession with GDP expansion overshadows the more fundamental elements of sustain-
Trump is unfit to be president of the United S tates and a menace to Jews
Speaking to two Jewish groups in Washington last week, Trump warned, “If I don’t win this election… the Jewish people would
wake of the Israel-Hamas War and his rhetoric threatens to encourage incidents of harassment and violence Trump has repeatedly accused Jews – at least those who don t support him – of hating their religion, dual loyalty, disloyalty to Israel, to the United States, to their faith, and most of all to him He has said Jews are “too liberal” in their voting and “don’t like Israel or don t care about Israel
social media posts and various tropes This latest display comes at a time when Jew-hatred has been on the rise across this country in the
Woven throughout his speeches last week and many others was the usual bragging laced with a foul brew of self-pity, warnings, threats, and a heavy serving of kvetching that he doesn’t get enough credit for all his great accomplishments “With all I have done for Israel I wasn’t treated right I really haven t been treated very well moaned the man with an insatiable appetite for praise If Obama had done [the Abraham Accords], they would have had every single prize ever devised by man I did it Nobody said a thing ” His warning to the Jews was also a dog whistle aimed at his conservative white Evangelical Protestant base some of whom have hailed him as sent by God to save their Christian country He wants them to know whom to blame if their false messiah loses Trump calls himself “a very proud Christian” who will use his second term to defend Christianity from those on the Left and tells those supporters No one will be touching the cross of Christ under the Trump administration, I swear to you His campaign is saturated with Christian symbolism and sells caps and T-shirts declaring “God, Guns, and Trump ” His base includes an alarming number of Holocaust deniers Nazi
sympathizers white supremacists and Christian nationalists He has invited many to speak at his rallies and dine with him at his Florida home This transactional president thinks the Jews owe him for all he has done for Israel (on top of the hundreds
Mob justice in Bangladesh
Laws concerning mob justice should be enacted as they are currently absent in the Penal Code, 1860. Additionally, social media platforms should be continuously monitored to combat rumours
by a mob Students accused him of spearheading an attack on anti-discrimination demonstrators in front of the vicechancellor s house on July 15 Shamim passed away at Savar Gonoshasthaya Hospital hours after the beating To understand the psychology of the mob several studies have been conducted Gustave Le Bon a French polymath stated that a crowd exhibits comparable emotions and coined the term group mind due to this behavioral consistency, regardless of differences in IQ, education, and career He said, "In a crowd every sentiment and act is contagious and contagious to such a degree that an individual readily sacrifices his personal interest to collective interest Deindividuation occurs as people in a crowd may become less conscious of themselves and their responsibilities, which can lead to im-
pulsive and uncontrollable behaviour People may assume less accountability for their actions and be more ready to engage in behaviours they would normally avoid when they feel anonymous and unidentifiable amidst a crowd Moreover, following the demise of the autocratic administration the police faced widespread public condemnation for their abhorrent actions during the July uprising Police stations were abandoned for fear of a crowd attack A parallel to this trend of mob lynching can be found in the barbaric treatment of criminals during the Dark Ages in Europe In light of that Cesare Beccaria later regarded as the father of criminology declared that the punishment for a crime should be proportional to the crime itself The modern justice system is based on that notion, but
PUTIN WARNS RUSSIA MAY USE NUCLEAR WEAPONS IF ATTACKED WITH CONVENTIONAL MISSILES
CORPORATE CORNER
Agenda for Sustainable Development, said Wang
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) led consortium came together to formalize and celebrate the historic financing deal for PTCL’s acquisition (subject to regulatory approvals) of Telenor Pakistan and Orion Towers (Private) Limited at a special event in Karachi PTCL signed a share purchase agreement with Telenor (ASA) in December 2023 for the acquisition of 100% shares in Telenor Pakistan and Orion Towers (Pvt ) Ltd at the acquisition price of PKR 108 billion (on debt free cash free basis) PTCL approached IFC for financing of the project, which was subsequently approved in April 2024, and endorsed by the IFC Board of Directors The IFCled consortium includes the Silk Road Fund (SRF) a Chinese state-owned medium-to-long-term investment fund and British International Investment (BII) the UK s development finance institution and impact investor Governor, State Bank of Pakistan, Mr Jameel Ahmad was the chief guest of the event which was also attended by President & Group CEO PTCL & Ufone 4G Hatem
Bamatraf; IFC’s Regional Director for the Middle East Pakistan & Afghanistan Khawaja Aftab Ahmed; UAE Ambassador; British High Commissioner; representatives of the consortium; senior and top executives from the PTCL Group The event marked the most significant milestone in the realization of PTCL s upcoming acquisition of Telenor Pakistan and Orion Towers, following the signing of the financing deal in June 2024 to secure up to USD $400 million Speaking at the event chief guest Governor SBP Mr Jameel Ahmad said IFC s financing in Pakistan s telecom sector reinvigorates confidence in the sector s growth potential Pakistan s telecom and digital sector is one of the important contributors to the national
economy and its growth and sustainability can play an important role towards country s economic prosperity Mr Ahmad stated that the SBP is fully committed and facilitating this transformative development and expect this would bring wideranging benefits to the country ” Hatem Bamatraf President and Group CEO PTCL & PTML (Ufone 4G) commented We are deeply appreciative of the IFC-led consortium for their pivotal role in financing this transformative deal, which marks a defining moment for Pakistan’s telecom sector This is the largest single financing ever secured in the industry and it not only strengthens PTCL Group but also supports the long-term financial stability
CORPORATE CORNER
FOREIGN INVESTORS POUR $55MN INTO T BILLS AMIDST MACROECONOMIC STABILIT Y
g
AMEER USAMA
The world's oceans, vast and aweinspiring offer vital trade routes that connect nations fuel economies and ensure the smooth flow of goods and resources However these same waters are also vulnerable to threats like piracy and smuggling, which compromise not only global trade but also the security and stability of nations As World Maritime Day approaches it is crucial to recognize the importance of maritime safety and highlight the efforts being made to protect these waters
For Pakistan, a nation with a vast coastline and strategic maritime interests the role of Pakistan Navy in combating piracy and smuggling has been pivotal Before delving into the solutions, it s essential to understand the magnitude of the problem Piracy refers to criminal acts, typically involving robbery, hijacking, and violence carried out on the high seas It often targets vulnerable commercial vessels disrupting trade and endangering lives Smuggling, on the other hand, is the illegal movement of goods, including weapons, drugs, and human trafficking across borders often by sea Both of these illegal activities
pose grave dangers to national security, regional stability, and economic prosperity
In the case of Pakistan which is located along major international shipping routes these threats are of particular concern The proximity of the Arabian Sea to regions like the Gulf of Oman and the Horn of Africa – hotbeds for piracy – adds to the strategic challenge Over the years the maritime community has developed a range of techniques and technologies to combat piracy
One of the most effective deterrents against piracy is the visible presence of Naval forces Regular patrols and surveillance missions help monitor suspicious activities and prevent piracy attempts before they escalate Ships passing through pirate-prone waters are often equipped with physical barriers like razor wire, water cannons, and secure citadels (safe rooms for the crew) Additionally evasive maneuvers such as zig-zagging can make it harder for pirates to board vessels Deploying armed security teams onboard ships has also proven to be an effective deterrent
The knowledge that a vessel is protected can dissuade pirates from targeting it Finally international cooperation is critical in fighting
Pakistan Sustainabilit y Week - Largest Sustainabilit y and
Clean Energy Technology Event Kicks Off in Karachi
piracy Sharing intelligence between nations, using platforms like the International Maritime Organization (IMO) enables real-time tracking of pirate movements and strengthens collective efforts to respond quickly to incidents Pakistan Navy plays a significant role in ensuring maritime safety both nationally and regionally Pakistan’s strategic position along key shipping routes has made it a leader in the fight against piracy in the region The Navy s efforts are multifaceted, involving both direct action and diplomatic collaboration One of the key initiatives taken by Pakistan Navy has been its participation in international naval coalitions such as the Combined Task Force 151 (CTF151), which is a multinational initiative dedicated to counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden, the Somali Basin and adjacent waters Furthermore Pakistan Navy has recently attained the command of Combined Task Force 150 (CTF150) Pakistan has contributed ships and personnel to these task forces, playing an instrumental role in protecting merchant vessels and deterring pirate activities in some of the world s most dangerous waters
Fakt Exhibitions (Pvt ) Ltd , Pakistan’s leading exhibitions organizing company, on Thursday, opened Pakistan Sustainability Week (PSW) Largest Sustainability & Clean Energy Technology Event at Karachi Expo Centre The flagship alternative energy event will continue from 26 September to 28 September 2024 to transform the landscape of alternative energy in Pakistan On the opening day, Sustainability Week witnessed the participation of a large number of key industry leaders policymakers investors manufacturers suppliers traders and distributors Governor Sindh Mr Muhammad Kamran Khan Tessori graced the occasion as chief guest Mr Tessori remarked, Events such as Pakistan Sustainability Week are essential in guiding our nation toward a more sustainable and eco-friendly future By promoting collaboration and innovation we can tackle the challenges posed by climate change and create a resilient future for generations ahead It is imperative that we adopt practical and achievable measures to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change Through joint initiatives, we can confront these pressing issues and open pathways for economic growth and social progress
IMRAN KHAN INSTRUCTS PTI LEADERSHIP TO CEASE ANY TALKS WITH ESTABLISHMENT
S trong explosion at Swabi police station leaves one dead, 16 injuries
At least one person was killed and another 16 injured, including police officers on duty, after a powerful explosion rocked the Swabi City police station in KhyberPakhtunkhwa on Thursday causing the building to collapse local authorities confirmed The blast occurred in the station’s storage room, where explosive materials seized from terrorists
were reportedly being kept According to initial reports, the explosion was triggered by a short circuit, which caused multiple detonations District Police Officer (DPO) Swabi said investigations are underway to determine the exact nature of the blast The explosion has severely damaged the building, and rescue teams are on the ground, he stated Rescue workers and fire brigade personnel quickly reached the scene, transferring the injured to nearby
hospitals including the Bacha Khan Medical Complex, where an emergency has been declared A hospital spokesperson confirmed that eight injured have been admitted so far with two in critical condition All necessary medical care is being provided and the hospital administration is closely monitoring the situation, the spokesperson added Bomb disposal squads have been called in to ensure the area is safe and assess the remaining risks
Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi to be indic ted in new Toshakhana c ase on Oc tober 2
RAWALPINDI
S TA F F R E P O R T
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)
founder Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi will be indicted in the new Toshakhana reference on October 2 it emerged on Thursday
The proceedings of the new Toshakhana reference started last week after the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) was barred from pursuing the matter and the case was transferred to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in line with the Supreme Court s verdict restoring amendments to the anticorruption laws
The deposed prime minister has been imprisoned for almost a year upon his conviction in four cases two Toshakhana refer-
ences the cipher case and the Iddat case, in which his wife is also incarcerated
The new Toshakhana reference against the couple came to the fore after NAB arrested them shortly after a district and sessions court in Islamabad acquitted Khan and Bushra in the iddat case also known as the un-Islamic nikah case which was the last hurdle in the couple’s release from jail
On Thursday (today) Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand heard the post-arrest bail applications of the party founder and his spouse, who were brought to a makeshift court in Adiala prison
During the hearing, defence lawyers completed their arguments on the applications while the prosecution sought more time in this
regard a demand which drew strong opposition Salman Safdar, PTI founder s counsel, asked the court to decide on bail application today saying that today’s hearing was being held on prosecution s demand Meanwhile Imran and Bushra came to the rostrum and put forward the same request with the former premier demanding justice
“My wife [Bushra] has nothing to do with this case but is still in jail ” he said I spend 22 hours in [prison] cage the PTI founder informed the judge However, the court rejected the defence team s request and granted the prosecution more time for completing their arguments
The hearing was adjourned till September 28
