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US SANCTIONS ON PAKISTANI FIRMS HAVE ‘NO JUSTIFICATION’: PM SHEHBAZ Wednesday, 25 December, 2024 I 22 Jumada Al-Akhirah, 1446

PREMIER EMPHASIZES NO INTENTION FOR NUCLEAR SYSTEM TO BE AGGRESSIVE AS IT’S FOR PAKISTAN’S DEFENCE

ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday asserted that the recent sanctions placed by the United States on four Pakistani firms for their alleged involvement in the country’s ballistic missile programme had “no justification”. Last week, the US imposed sanctions on the Islamabad-based National Development Complex and three Karachibased entities. Addressing a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday, the premier said, “The sanctions placed upon our National Development Complex and other entities have no justification. “Pakistan has absolutely no intention for our nuclear system to be aggressive. It is 100 per cent for Pakistan’s defence. It’s just deterrence; nothing else,” he added. PM Shehbaz said Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme was for defending itself “if God forbid there is aggression against Pakistan”. Noting that the FO had given a “comprehensive response”, the prime minister said the missile programme was not his or any of the cabinet member’s but belonged to the entire nation. “It’s dearer to them (the public) than their own hearts and there will be no compromise,” the premier asserted, stating that the country was united on the matter. Last week, the US said it was imposing additional sanctions related to Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme, targeting four entities that it alleged were contributing to the proliferation or deliv-

ery of such weapons. Responding to the sanctions, the FO had said they were “biased” and “endanger regional and international peace”. Later, Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer accused Pakistan of developing long-range ballistic missile capabilities that could eventually allow it to strike targets “well beyond South Asia, including in the United States”. However, showing caution, Pentagon press secretary Maj Gen Pat Ryder refrained from direct criticism when asked about the US sanctions on Pakistan, adding that the US valued Pakistan as a partner in the region, having “worked closely” with the country on counterterrorism efforts in the past.

Profit g

Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 169 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition

IT’S DEARER TO PUBLIC MORE THAN HEARTS AND THERE WILL BE NO COMPROMISE: SHEHBAZ

PM hopeful about positive outcomes of govt-PTI talks ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday assuring the government’s sincere efforts and contributions, expressed the hope that the talks initiated between the ruling coalition and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf would bring about positive outcomes to promote peace and economic stability in the country. The prime minister, in his opening remarks at the meeting of the federal cabinet he chaired, said that on the National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq’s initiative, the first round of talks with PTI was held on Monday with the second one scheduled on January 2, 2025. He said the government’s committee comprised Ishaq Dar, Rana Sanaulah, Irfan Siddiqui, Raja Pervaiz

Ashraf, Naveed Qamar, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Abdul Aleem Khan, Ijazul Haq and Khalid Magsi. He said the process would meet success only if both parties set aside their likes and dislikes for the sake of national interests. “I do not doubt anyone’s intentions. I hope both PTI and the government party will bring about the outcomes for the country’s benefits and promote the economic stability” the prime minister said and mentioned the reduced policy rate to 13%, inflation below 5%, constant surge in exports and remittances. Referring to his meetings with Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Dr Yunus, and the presidents of Indonesia and Turkiye on the sidelines of the D-8 Summit in Cairo, he said PakistanBangladesh ties were entering a new era as the latter had abolished erstwhile

100% scanning of Pakistan’s export products and special desk at airports for screening Pakistani passport holders. He said Pakistan was also reciprocating with positive indicators and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was scheduled to visit Dhaka in February. “But all these efforts will come to fruition if we promote the national unity and solidarity. This is a good initiative of the National Assembly speaker. We will contribute with sincerity. But it takes two to tango. I hope both parties will play their part to serve the national interests and promote national stability,” the prime minister added. Coming to the US sanctions on NDC and other entities, the prime minister called the move illogical as Pakistan’s nuclear system was not meant for any aggression but only deterrence.

Imran wants a clear timeframe for results on PTI’s demands: Barrister Gohar ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar on Tuesday revealed that former prime minister Imran Khan wants the government to give a clear and defined timeframe for addressing the party’s demands during the negotiation process. Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail on Tuesday, he stated that Khan has been briefed about the initiation of talks. However, he stated that any progress on PTI’s legitimate demands must occur within a specified and agreed timeframe to ensure timely results. Barrister Gohar clarified that no international matters were discussed during their interaction. He conveyed Khan’s directive that foreign policy issues should only be addressed by the PTI chairman, secretarygeneral, and information secretary. Discussions, he added, were limited strictly to the negotiation process, with no mention of a civil disobedience movement. The PTI chairman expressed concerns regarding participation in the negotiation process. Four key representatives, including KP CM were unable to attend the most recent session due to prior commitments, which had been communicated to the Speaker of the National Assembly in advance. Despite these challenges, the PTI plans to present a comprehensive ‘Charter of Demands’ to the government during the next phase of talks. Efforts are also underway to arrange a meeting between Khan and the PTI negotiation committee before the formal resumption of discussions. While declaring the cases against the PTI founder politically motivated, Barrister Gohar noted that Khan has secured bail in nearly all cases except for one pending reference. He further stated that all members of the PTI negotiation committee will participate in the next session, scheduled for January 2. During this meeting, PTI will formally present its written demands to the government, reflecting its commitment to a structured and results-oriented negotiation process. He expressed the hope for resolution of the pressing issues through constructive dialogue, reiterating the PTI’s commitment to engage in meaningful discussions.

02 NEWS

FBR’S FACELESS CUSTOMS SYSTEM CLEARS 4,000 CONSIGNMENTS

PROFIT

news Desk

HE Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) announced that its Faceless Customs Assessment System (FCAM) has cleared 4,000 consignments since its launch on December 16, significantly improving customs operations at Karachi’s South Asia Pakistan

OGDCL revives Dars West-2 Well in Sindh, resumes production Well yields oil, gas, and LPG; supports national gas supply PROFIT

news Desk

Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has successfully revived the Dars West-2 Well in Tando Allah Yar district, Sindh, achieving hydrocarbon production from the B-Sand interval of the Lower Goru Formation, according to a stock filing by the company on Tuesday. The well is currently producing 200 barrels per day (BPD) of oil, 8.0 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) of gas, and 37 metric tons per day (MTD) of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Previously completed in the C-Sand interval and integrated into the production system in January 2024, the Dars West-2 Well ceased to flow in September 2024 due to declining production. Subsequent assessments, including Bottom Hole Pressure & Temperature (BHP&T) surveys, indicated no further production prospects in the C-Sand, leading to its isolation. The well was then perforated and completed in the B-Sand interval. The gas produced from the well is processed at OGDCL’s Kunnar Pasakhi DeepTando Allah Yar Plant and integrated into the Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL) network, contributing to the national energy supply. OGDCL holds a 77.5% working interest in the Dars West Development and Production Lease (D&PL), with GHPL as a joint venture partner carrying a 22.5% stake. The revival of Dars West-2 Well highlights OGDCL’s expertise in optimizing production and maximizing hydrocarbon recovery through innovative techniques.

PPL, JV partners discover hydrocarbons in Sindh’s Kotri North Block PROFIT

news Desk

Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) and its joint venture partners United Energy Pakistan Limited and Asia Resources Oil Limited successfully discovered hydrocarbons in the Kotri North Block, District Jamshoro, Sindh, according to a stock filing on Tuesday. The discovery was made at the exploratory well Takri-1, with hydrocarbons flowing at a rate of approximately 2.4 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd). United Energy Pakistan Limited operates the well with a 50% working interest, while Pakistan Petroleum Limited holds a 40% working interest, and Asia Resources Oil Limited holds the remaining 10%. The Takri-1 well, spudded on November 11, 2024, was drilled to a measured depth of 4,156 feet to evaluate the hydrocarbon potential of Late Cretaceous/Early Paleocene Sands. Modular Dynamic Testing (MDT) confirmed the presence of hydrocarbons in the interbedded sandstones of the Khadro Formation (Paleocene Age). The well was subsequently perforated and completed in the Khadro Formation, with hydrocarbons tested at a flowing wellhead pressure of 1,053 psig through a 20/64-inch choke. The Takri-1 discovery opened a new avenue for exploring the hydrocarbon potential of Paleocene Khadro sands in the region. This discovery will add additional hydrocarbon reserves and enable the energy sector to reduce the current energy crisis in the country and will save foreign exchange for the country through indigenous hydrocarbon production.

TRANSPARENCY RISES AS BACKLOG AND DELAYS DROP UNDER FACELESS CUSTOMS ASSESSMENT SYSTEM

Terminal. The FBR highlighted that FCAM, operating through its centralized appraising unit, has minimized the need for additional documentation and physical examinations, ad-

dressing long-standing issues of delays and excessive paperwork. Official data revealed that objections requiring further scrutiny on goods declarations (GDs) dropped from nearly 30% to just

2% since December 16. Physical examinations, previously a bottleneck for trade, have been reduced by 8%, while additional documentation calls have decreased by 84%. Despite these reforms, revenue collection has remained steady, and the number of GDs filed has increased, demonstrating both efficiency and fiscal stability under the new system, according to tax officials.

PSX announces its holiday calendar for 2025 g

PROFIT

news Desk

The holiday calendar also marks Youm-e-Takbeer on May 28 and Allama Iqbal Day on November 9. Partic-

ipants in the securities market are advised to take note of these dates for planning their activities accordingly.

New undersea cable to boost Pakistan’s internet capacity by 24 terabytes g

CABLE WILL CONNECT PAKISTAN WITH AFRICAN REGION; FOUR MORE CABLES PLANNED

Mustafa Syed said the cable is not yet operational but is expected to be active next year. Syed also revealed that four additional major internet lines are in the pipeline, including infrastructure to support 5G, which will address bandwidth congestion and improve fiber connectivity for mobile towers. “These projects, expected to double capacity next year, will ensure Pakistan’s internet infrastructure meets demands for the next two to five years,” he added. The government is facing criticism from the tech community, digital rights groups, and freelancers over internet outages, slow speeds, the installation of a national firewall, and disruptions to social media applications. According to P@SHA chairman,

PROFIT

news Desk

A new undersea internet cable, capable of delivering 24 terabytes of bandwidth, is under installation and expected to significantly enhance internet speed and reliability across Pakistan. Media reports suggest that the 45,000-kilometer cable is being installed by a French company and will supplement the existing seven cables, which currently provide 8 terabytes of bandwidth. The cable will connect Pakistan with the African region, addressing long-standing complaints about slow internet speeds. Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) Chairman Sajjad

PROFIT

Monitoring Desk

Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company (KUFPEC) has begun its exit from Pakistan’s oil and gas sector, citing extensive circular debt and prolonged policy delays by the government. The News International reported, quoting official sources from the Ministry of Energy, that KUFPEC, a subsidiary of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, is selling its assets worth nearly $60 million in several blocks across Pakistan to Pakistan Exploration (Private) Limited (PEL) to reinvest in other countries. “The growing circular debt in the gas sector, now at Rs2,700 billion, is a major factor driving foreign E&P companies out of Pakistan,” the official said. Of this debt, Rs1,500 billion, including $600 million owed to local and foreign Exploration and Production (E&P) companies, remains unpaid due to defaults by gas companies. A 12-month delay in approving amendments to the 2012 E&P policy also influenced KUFPEC’s decision. In November 2023, KUFPEC announced Memorandums of Understanding

The FBR emphasized that FCAM ensures uniform assessment of GDs, eliminating regional discrepancies and streamlining customs procedures across all entry points in Pakistan. However, the shift to a ‘First In, First Out’ (FIFO) principle has dismantled informal practices, sparking resistance from some stakeholders who previously bypassed queues under the old system. According to analysts, individuals benefiting from collusion under the former regime, such as unscrupulous importers and clearing agents, are now losing influence as FCAM’s faceless approach erodes opportunities for manipulation. The system, aimed at transparency and efficiency, has been reshaping perceptions of the FBR’s operations and promises lasting changes in Pakistan’s customs framework.

Engro Fertilizers resumes operations at EnVen Plant PROFIT

CALENDAR INCLUDES 17 NATIONAL AND RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) has announced its holiday calendar for 2025, comprising 17 holidays in total, including national, religious, and commemorative days. The announcement follows the Gazetted Notification issued by the Government of Pakistan on December 23, 2024. According to the PSX notice, the holidays will begin with Kashmir Day on February 5, 2025, and will include key dates such as Pakistan Day on March 23, Labour Day on May 1, Independence Day on August 14, and Quaid-e-Azam Day/Christmas on December 25. Religious holidays include JumaTul-Wida on March 28, Eid-ul-Fitr from March 30 to April 1, Eid-ul-Azha from June 7 to June 9, Ashura on July 5 and 6, and Eid Milad-un-Nabi on September 5 or 6.

Wednesday, 25 December, 2024 | ISLAMABAD

Pakistan’s IT sector was incurring losses of over one million dollars per hour due to frequent internet shutdowns. He explained that for every dollar the government invests in market access, a return of $49 is generated, based on trends over the past three years. On Sunday, Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Division Syed Sajid Mehdi advised Pakistanis to limit their internet usage to “important matters only” to address ongoing connectivity issues. Speaking on a television program, Mehdi likened internet congestion to traffic jams, attributing slow speeds to overuse and the country’s limited fiber-optic capacity, which he said stands at 15% compared to India’s 45%. Earlier this month, Minister of State for IT and Telecomm Shaza Fatima Khawaja informed the Senate Standing Committee on IT that Pakistan is in talks with Starlink, a US satellite internet constellation, to bring its services to the country.

news Desk

Engro Fertilizers Limited announced on Tuesday that its EnVen Plant has resumed operations following the successful completion of unscheduled maintenance and repair activities. The company confirmed the development in a notification to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX). The announcement follows a prior communication dated December 20, 2024, regarding the temporary halt in operations for necessary maintenance. Earlier, in June 2024, Engro Fertilizers completed the largest-ever (55 days) scheduled maintenance activity of the EnVen Plant. Established in 2011 with an investment of $1.1 billion, the EnVen Plant has an annual production capacity of 1.3 million tons and is the most energy-efficient fertilizer plant in Pakistan, with the lowest consumption of gas per ton of urea.

CCP clears Nishat Hotels’ full acquisition of Nishat Hospitality PROFIT

news Desk

The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has granted approval to Nishat Hotels and Properties Limited for the acquisition of 100% shareholding in Nishat Hospitality (Private) Limited. The transaction was reviewed under Section 11 of the Competition Act, which prohibits mergers and acquisitions that could substantially reduce competition or create a dominant market position. M/s Nishat Mills Limited, the seller and a public limited company transferred its full shareholding in Nishat Hospitality to Nishat Hotels and Properties Limited. Nishat Hotels and Properties Limited, an unlisted public company, operates in Lahore’s real estate and hospitality sectors, managing a shopping mall, hotel, banquet halls, and a residential project called Nishat Residences. Nishat Hospitality (Private) Limited provides hospitality services within Lahore. The CCP identified the relevant market for this transaction as “hospitality services” within the geographic scope of Lahore. Prior to the acquisition, Nishat Hotels and Properties held a 10% market share, while Nishat Hospitality accounted for 4%. The merger will bring the combined entity’s share to 14% in Lahore’s hospitality market. Following its assessment, the CCP concluded that the transaction does not raise competition concerns or establish market dominance and subsequently approved it.

Kuwait’s petroleum exploration firm begins withdrawal from Pakistan

(MoUs) with Pakistani companies, including Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) and Mari Petroleum Company Limited (MPCL). These agree-

ments aimed to enhance KUFPEC’s exploration portfolio and asset value in Pakistan. At the time, KUFPEC CEO Mohammad Al-Haimer highlighted the potential

for knowledge exchange and strategic partnership expansion in the country. Despite these commitments, KUFPEC’s decision to sell its assets has raised concerns among policymakers. PEL, which confirmed the acquisition, declined to disclose the exact asset value due to non-disclosure agreements but stated that advance payments had been made. According to a press release from PEL, the acquisition includes assets in the Dadu, Kirthar, Tajjal, and Qadirpur concessions, along with the Bhit and Qadirpur leases. “This strategic acquisition strengthens our presence in Pakistan’s energy sector and aligns with our long-term strategy to explore the country’s energy potential,” PEL stated. Established in 1981, KUFPEC operates in 10 countries across five continents, focusing on the exploration and development of crude oil and natural gas outside Kuwait.

Audit uncovers Rs152b losses, irregularities in KP govt projects g

RS84.8B MISMANAGED IN 12 CASES, RS132.9M FRAUD DETECTED IN 10 CASES PROFIT

Monitoring Desk

An audit report by the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Directorate General Audit has revealed fraud, mismanagement, and irregularities across multiple projects and departments of the provincial government, resulting in losses of Rs152.1 billion to the public exchequer. According to a news report, the audit examined accounts from the financial year 2022-23 and previous years. It identified systemic issues such as cost overruns, ineffective

governance, and questionable financial practices, which have hindered the province’s development efforts and eroded public trust. The report uncovered Rs84.836 billion in misappropriation and mismanagement of developmental funds in 12 cases, along with fraudulent payments and withdrawals totaling Rs132.95 million in 10 cases. Losses related to missing or misused vehicles were estimated at Rs8.81 million, while doubtful payments, expenditures, and withdrawals amounted to Rs514.609 million across 16 cases.

Among the significant findings, Rs42.97 billion was marked for recovery, though only Rs747.39 million was recovered and verified between January and December 2023. It noted unjustified cost increases, such as an Rs200.54 million rise in a single project despite substantial rebates. The report also highlighted Rs139.16 million in blocked public funds across three cases, delaying crucial developmental projects. The transfer of Rs10 billion from the pension fund investment account to the provincial consolidated fund, treated as a

“dividend,” was flagged as problematic. The Environment, Forestry, and Wildlife Department faced scrutiny for using outdated accounting systems that violated financial management laws, leading to cash disbursements worth billions of rupees and serious audit objections. The Works Department was also criticized for executing projects without proper estimates, technical sanctions, or adherence to standard operating procedures. Cases of cost overruns due to deviation from project parameters totaled Rs1.21 billion, while excess payments and supply expenditures amounted to Rs281.32 million across seven cases. Other findings included Rs3.52 billion

in illegal retention of public funds, Rs25.98 million in ineffective implementation of an early-age programming project, and Rs35.45 billion in losses from 181 cases. The report also flagged Rs14.82 billion in irregular payments and expenditures and Rs11.06 billion in less deduction, deposit, and realization of funds across 45 cases. A KP government official said the audit objections primarily pertain to the previous administration, and those involved would be required to defend themselves before the Public Accounts Committee. The official added that a mechanism has been proposed to address these objections; otherwise, the responsible parties would need to refund the disputed amounts.

CABINET PUSHES FOR UNIFORM GAS TARIFFS FOR FERTILISER MAKERS TO ADDRESS DISPARITY

Wednesday, 25 December, 2024 | ISLAMABAD

NEWS

F g

PM orders stability in urea prices; status quo on gas tariffs until March PROFIT

staff report

EDERAL Cabinet members have urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to implement uniform gas prices for all fertiliser to eliminate manufacturers disparities and alleged favouritism. The call comes as some manufacturers benefit from lower gas tariffs, while all companies sell fertiliser to farmers at uniform rates, raising concerns about profit imbalances. According to a news report, during a recent cabinet meeting, one member

stressed that uniform gas pricing is necessary to ensure fairness and avoid market distortions caused by varying gas tariffs. It was clarified that existing differences in gas prices stem from longterm contracts, which have been criticised for their adverse impact on farmers. The cabinet also discussed renegotiating agreements with fertiliser manufacturers, similar to ongoing amendments with independent power producers (IPPs). The prime minister sought details on gas pricing and the final recommendations of the cabinet committee tasked with addressing the issue.

Deputy Prime Minister briefed the cabinet, stating that the Ministry of Industries and the Petroleum Division had reached a consensus after earlier opposing views. He revealed that the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) had directed uninterrupted gas supply to Fatima Fertiliser and Agritech beyond September 30, 2024, while ensuring stable urea prices. The committee, formed under Rule 173 of the Rules of Business, 1973, met twice to assess the situation. It concluded that domestic urea production, at a capacity of

6.25 million metric tons per annum, is sufficient to meet Rabi sowing season demands. However, shutting down Fatima Fertiliser and Agritech would create a 420,000-ton shortfall, necessitating imports costing $169 million and requiring an additional Rs22.45 billion in subsidies. The committee directed the Petroleum Division and the Ministry of Industries to negotiate with the two plants to increase gas tariffs by Rs200-300 per million British thermal units (mmBtu). While the Petroleum Division proposed revised tariffs of Rs1,800/mmBtu and Rs2,000/mmBtu, the plants stated they could not operate profitably under these rates. The Petroleum Division clarified that

Microsoft works to add non-OpenAI models into 365 Copilot products g

When Microsoft announced 365 Copilot in March 2023, a major selling point was that it used OpenAI's GPT-4 model PROFIT

staff report

Microsoft has been working on adding internal and third-party artificial intelligence models to power its flagship AI product Microsoft 365 Copilot, in a bid to diversify from the current underlying technology from OpenAI and reduce costs, sources familiar with the effort told Reuters. It is the latest effort by Microsoft, which is a major backer of OpenAI, to lessen its dependence on the AI startup – a departure from recent years when Microsoft touted its early access to OpenAI’s models. When Microsoft announced 365 Copilot in March 2023, a major selling point was that it used OpenAI’s GPT-4 model.

Microsoft is also seeking to reduce 365 Copilot’s reliance on OpenAI due to concerns about cost and speed for enterprise users, according to the sources, who requested anonymity to discuss private matters. A Microsoft spokesperson said OpenAI continues as the company’s partner on frontier models, a term for the most advanced AI models available. The original agreement between the two companies allows the software giant to customize OpenAI’s models. “We incorporate various models from OpenAI and Microsoft depending on the product and experience,” Microsoft said in a statement. OpenAI declined to comment. In addition to training its own smaller models including the latest Phi-4,

Fauji Fertiliser to issue 150.87m shares to FFBL shareholders Share swap mechanism finalised; fractional entitlements to benefit charity PROFIT

staff report

Fauji Fertilizer Company Limited (PSX: FFC) has announced it will issue 150.87 million ordinary shares to eligible shareholders of Fauji Fertilizer Bin Qasim Limited (FFBL), excluding itself or its nominees, as of the record date, December 26, 2024. The announcement follows the Lahore High Court’s approval of a merger arrangement between the two companies. The issuance will be carried out based on a share swap ratio of 1 FFC share for every 4.29 FFBL shares held. This means that for every 4.29 shares an FFBL shareholder owns, they will receive one share in FFC. The swap ratio reflects the relative value of the two companies, as assessed during the merger process. For shareholders, this move represents a direct stake in FFC, a company with a larger market capitalisation and stronger financial fundamentals compared to FFBL. As a result, shareholders may gain from FFC’s more stable dividend history, better growth prospects, and market reputation.

Thatta Cement acquires 26.09% additional stake in Thatta Power Thatta Cement’s total shareholding in Thatta Power increases to 88.52% PROFIT

staff report

Thatta Cement Company Limited has successfully acquired 12,500,000 shares of Thatta Power (Pvt) Ltd, representing a 26.09% ownership stake in the company, according to a filing to the Pakistan Stock Exchange on Tuesday. As a result, the total shareholding of Thatta Cement in Thatta Power has increased to 88.52%. The acquisition reflects Thatta Cement’s strategic move to enhance its investment in its associated company, Thatta Power (Pvt) Ltd, and further strengthen its presence in the energy sector.

Microsoft is also working to customize other open-weight models to make 365 Copilot faster and more efficient, the sources added. The goal is to make it less expensive for Microsoft to run 365 Copilot, and potentially pass along those savings to the end customer, one of the sources said. Microsoft’s leaders, including Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella, are tracking the efforts closely, the same source added. The move mirrors those of other Microsoft business units which have changed the ways in which they use OpenAI models. GitHub, which Microsoft acquired in 2018, added models from Anthropic and Google in October as alternatives to OpenAI’s GPT-4o. Its consumer chatbot Copilot,

revamped in October, is now powered by in-house models as well as OpenAI models. Microsoft 365 Copilot, an AI assistant built in to Microsoft’s suite of enterprise software including Word and PowerPoint, is still trying to prove its return on investment to enterprises. Microsoft has not shared specific sales data on the number of licenses sold, and there have been concerns about pricing and utility. A survey of 152 information technology companies showed the vast majority of them had not progressed their 365 Copilot initiatives past the pilot stage, research firm Gartner said in August. Still, analysts at BNP Paribas Exane said they have seen an acceleration in adoption, and expect Microsoft to sell 365 Copilot to more than 10 million paid users this year. Microsoft also said in a November that 70% of Fortune 500 companies are using 365 Copilot.

Gold prices edge higher amid quiet holiday trading g

Focus shifts to Federal Reserve’s rate strategy and Trump’s upcoming policies PROFIT

staff report

Gold spot prices rose 0.15% ($4.01) to $2,616.76 per ounce on Tuesday, up from the previous close of $2,612.75. Gold futures also gained 0.2%, settling at $2,632.20 per ounce. The precious metal advanced during subdued holiday-period trading as investors turned their attention to the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy for 2025 and the economic implications of Donald Trump’s return to the White House. Gold has been on a recordbreaking trajectory this year, with prices surging 27% so far—their best annual performance since 2010. A combination of central bank buying, monetary policy easing, and geopolitical tensions has fuelled

demand for the yellow metal. The Federal Reserve’s rate cuts in September, November, and December have supported gold by lowering the opportunity cost of holding the non-yielding asset. However, recent signals from the Fed suggest a slower pace of rate reductions in 2025, with markets pricing in just 35 basis points of easing. This tempered outlook has eased inflation concerns following benign U.S. inflation data last Friday. Han Tan, Chief Market Analyst at Exinity Group, commented, “Gold could reach $3,000 in 2025, assuming markets adhere to bullion’s role as an inflation hedge, especially if Trump’s policies reignite U.S. inflationary pressures.” Donald Trump’s upcoming return to the White House in January 2025

is adding to market uncertainty. Proposed changes to tariffs, deregulation, and tax policies could create volatility across financial markets. Analysts believe heightened geopolitical tensions under Trump’s administration may further boost gold’s safe-haven status. “Bullion bulls may enjoy another stellar year ahead if global geopolitical tensions are ramped up under Trump 2.0, potentially pushing investors towards this time-tested safe haven,” Tan added. Gold’s appeal as a hedge against inflation and a refuge during economic and geopolitical instability remains strong. However, higher interest rates can undermine its attractiveness by increasing the opportunity cost of holding the nonyielding metal.

maintaining current tariffs at Rs1,597/mmBtu for the two plants would help avoid an increase in liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices and maintain the merit order for consumers. Consequently, the committee decided to maintain the status quo on gas tariffs until December 15, 2024, and continue gas supply to the plants until March 31, 2025, to ensure price stability and sufficient supply in the market. The cabinet reviewed the report submitted by the Industries and Production Division and agreed to ban urea imports. It directed the Petroleum Division and the Ministry of Industries to work with the fertiliser industry to establish uniform gas tariffs moving forward.

Military leadership, armed forces pay profound homage to Father of the Nation RAWALPINDI

staff report

On the auspicious occasion of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s birth anniversary, the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, the Service Chiefs, and the Armed Forces of Pakistan pay profound homage to the Father of the Nation. The Armed Forces honor the enduring vision and unparalleled leadership of Quaid-e-Azam, whose tireless efforts united our people and established the foundation for a sovereign and independent Pakistan. On this day of national significance, we renew our unwavering commitment to his guiding principles of Unity, Faith, and Discipline, which continue to inspire the nation. Furthermore, the Armed Forces extend heartfelt greetings to the Christian community on the joyous occasion of Christmas. In solidarity with our Christian brothers and sisters, we celebrate the universal values of love, compassion, and peace that this occasion represents. The Pakistan Armed Forces remain resolutely dedicated to safeguarding the nation and upholding the ideals of justice, equality, and harmony in the service of our people and our homeland.

Bears return as KSE-100 falls by 1500 points

Profit-taking erases gains as market reacts to rising leverage concerns PROFIT

staff reporet

After another record-breaking surge on Monday, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) experienced a turbulent session on Tuesday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index losing 1,509.61 points or 1.33%, closing at 112,414.80. The session began on a positive note as the index hit an intra-day high of 115,036.49. However, profittaking, and voluminous selling quickly reversed gains, dragging the index to an intra-day low of 112,294.42 before stabilising at the close. Key sectors, including automobiles, cement, chemicals, commercial banks, oil and gas exploration companies, power generation, and refineries, faced significant selling pressure. Major stocks such as HUBCO, MARI, OGDC, PPL, PSO, SHEL, HBL, MCB, and NBP closed in the red, further weighing on the market. Brokerage firm Topline Securities attributed the downturn to “rising leverage positions, which heightened risk perceptions and compelled investors to trim their portfolios.”

04 COMMENT

A perfect Christmas message: The manger covered with a keffiyeh

Wednesday, 25 December, 2024

Digital privacy

The Digital Nation Pakistan Bill is all very well, but can the govt be trusted?

UDDITeS might not like the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill because it attempts to drag Pakistan into the Digital Age by making egovernance much easier by not just giving every citizen a unique Digital ID (something a CNIC already does), but making that serve as the means by which it will interact with the government. Whereas at present each department has its own digital portal and requires the citizen to register separately, the digital ID would be the same for all departments, which is probably why one of the two new bodies the Bill, the National Digital Commission, includes the CMs, s the provinces loom even larger the 18th Amendment increased their jurisdictions. however, according to a report appearing in this newspaper’s Profit magazine, the real problem appears in the second body, the Pakistan Digital Authority. The NDC will set policy, and the PDA will implement it. The problem arises because the government, through the PDA, the government will have access to data charting almost every aspect of the lives of all citizens. Matters become a little murkier when one realises that the PDA will probably regulate the Internet. That has long been an ambition of someone or some institution within the state almost as soon as social media showed that the old government control over the media had been smashed forever, and it was now impossible to keep the lid on anything. The excuse has been misinformation, and the attempts include an attempt to promulgate rules controlling social media platforms and to bring social media platforms within the purview of the cybercrime law. It is possible that the Digital Nation Bill is not an attempt to control, merely to regulate, but it should be noted that no strong digital privacy laws have been put in place, or are proposed. Such laws are so essential that the new media law should not be allowed unless there is strengthening. That some unscrupulous official might be willing to sell some of the data collated is danger enough. There is the even greater danger that the government will be tempted to use information about its opponents for partisan political purposes. It is unfortunate that past governments have not resisted the temptation to misuse laws and regulations meant for entirely different purposes. So far, this government has not given any examples to the sort of self-effacing behaviour needed to make this work in the absence of the necessary legal framework.

Today is Christmas

WASH I NG TON WATCH

he scene at the Paul VI chapel in the Vatican’s St Peter’s Square was quite moving. Pope Francis had come to thank those who had donated the chapel’s Christmas tree and the carved life-sized figures that depicted the birth of Jesus that had been set up at the foot of the tree. As the Pope sat in silent prayer contemplating the scene, one thing stood out: the manger on which lay the figure of the baby was covered with a keffiyeh serving as a blanket. The symbolism was powerful. here’s why. In a sense, Christianity, from its beginning, had an ornery message. Instead of worshipping riches and power, it starts in a cave in a manger. The birth of Jesus, as related in the Christian Bible and tradition, tells us that because his parents couldn’t find room in a Bethlehem inn, they were forced to find shelter in a cave that housed animals. After his birth, his mother Mary placed him in a manger, where he lay as common shepherds came to pay homage and kings from the east came bearing gifts. When King herod, the Roman client who governed this region, became aware of this birth and the prophecies about how, despite his inauspicious origin, this child would rise to lead his people, herod felt threatened and in a rage ordered the massacre of all little children in the area. Warned in advance, Jesus’ parents and their newborn fled to egypt until it was safe to return. Palestinian Christians see echoes of the plight of their Palestinian nation in this story. They are outcasts living under occupation. The birth of Jesus we are told from the beginning was to herald a new order that would promise freedom for captives, to bring low the mighty, send the rich away empty, and reward those who persevere for the sake of justice. Palestinians know that their very existence and steadfastness threatens to upend the established order. When in later years, the Christian faith was adopted by the empire, images of Jesus took on the trappings of royalty. he came to be portrayed as a

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Dr JAmeS J ZOGby

king in an earthly sense, clothed in regal garments and crowned in gold. In this transformation, the profoundly unsettling upside-down message of the original story is lost. And so, the manger scene in the Vatican is a powerful reminder of Jesus in the beginning— an outcast, born humbly, under occupation, his parents fearful for his safety. In this context, the keffiyeh is a perfect touch. Not everyone agrees, of course. The head of the Anti-Defamation League has termed the keffiyeh an anti-Semitic symbol and has called for sanctions against those who wear it. Building on this, one US congressman denounced the Pope for falling victim to the antisemitic propaganda lie that equates the plight of Palestinians with the Christmas story. This requires a response, because the story of the symbolism of the keffiyeh is itself something that must be understood. In the mid-1930s, Palestinians were living on the edge. They had been severed from the rest of the Arab east with their new rulers, the British Mandatory government, having promised their land to the Zionist Movement. The British had opened the door to a massive influx of Jewish immigration to Palestine. In an effort to regain control over their lives, land, and futures, they launched an uprising from 1936 to 1939. During this Great Revolt, they succeeded in liberating almost 80% of the land. It only ended with an agreement made between the British (who needed to free

Babar Nizami Editor Profit

Unfair blame being thrown at the army

ASkArI rAZA mAlIk

S we teed off on the first hole, a politician friend of mine said, you “tried to kill a journalist.” I had retired not long ago. “We didn’t.” I retorted. “The military is not so inefficient that it would fail to kill a man had it wanted to.” That was out of sheer conviction. As it turned out, it was not us. When a notorious religious extremist was killed in Musharraf’s days in Chur Chowk, his car was targeted from both sides; no one blamed the military. I knew we had done it, as firing from opposite sides to avoid disaster can only be entrusted to experts. An act performed must betray the actor. At D-Chowk, a naive Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had no gunpowder, only Dentonic powder. The wise civilian friends on social media could never perceive the difference. If memory serves me right, the military, an infantry company, was employed on the explicit instructions of the then chief minister (KP) as the GOC and his brigade commanders were out on exercise and could not be contacted. It was, for the first and the last time in history, that the military had opened fire on an innocent protesting crowd at Barbara village near Peshawar, in August 1948. Around 500 Pashtuns were martyred and thrice more injured. It was the most tragic incident for which history would never forgive the chief minister. Knowing the chief minister well, I am sure he did not understand what he had bargained for. But the deed was done, and he could not be absolved of the terrible responsibility. The PTI confirms 12 dead, and some put the figure at 16. Whatever the number, a pure civilian Naqvi had enough firepower available for this and much more. The army was not needed for this measly task at all. I am not being inhuman. I am fully aware of the Quranic injunction: “Whoever kills a soul (innocent)… it is as if he had killed all of mankind”. (5:32) Mine is only a professional assessment. The only time the military fired on the civilians was during the massacre at Barbara. In erstwhile east Pakistan, the military had acted against a well-equipped and trained Mukti Bahini and the dissident east Pakistan Regiment and east Pakistan Rifles units, where all the West Pakistani officers and families had been martyred by their former comrades. During Bhutto’s rule, the army refused to fire on the civilians in Lahore. Two outstanding brigadiers had to lose their jobs by refusing the order. In D-Chowk, the crowds had greeted the army troops like their heroes, taking selfies with them. I have said all this to convince social media wiz-kids that the army was not to blame for this gory incident. The Triple One Brigade is meant to defend against at least a division of the enemy army, not poor, unarmed civilians.

My recently retired son, Brigadier Abid, visited Rawalpindi and met with his colleagues, who are now senior army officers. he returned wholly sold on the narrative that the entire social media is based on utter falsehood and that the mainstream media is the one to be solely trusted. This is the problem with our present generation. It needs balance and objectivity. Closing eyes and ears to the opponents deprives them of a balanced outlook. They see only one side of the coin. The coin has a flipside, which is also a reality of how mutilated it might be. The senior officers must be able to sift through the details, they are taught early in their careers. During the noise and din of battle, horrible defeat becomes your destiny if you cannot sift details. A good battlefield commander must pick what is relevant and discard mere distractions. It enables him to focus his thoughts and resources in the right direction. Manstien, the great German general, was able to convert a rout into an organized and respectable withdrawal from the Russian front. Liddell hart laments in vain: “Why do we not learn from history?” Social media can boast of wise men like haroon Rashid, Mushahid hussain Syed, and Dr Moeed Pirzada, even if he is the most hated individual by the present government. In contrast, the mainstream media, under fear or greed, can hardly claim men who dare to speak the truth. This is primarily because it has to give comprehensive coverage to the politicians who seldom tell the truth. They tell incredible lies and propound contemptuous narratives. It is the opposite of my son’s recently formed perception. The mainstream media is all rubbish, as it pro-

duces what it is fed ‘garbage in and garbage out’, social media has some truth if you know who to read and who to reject at the outset. Again, it is a matter of sifting details. Imagine more or less 12 or 16 dead and ten times more wounded and missing compared to the sheer carnage at Parachinar. The deaths are confirmed in hundreds on both sides of the divide; as usual, the Shiites, an outnumbered minority, remain at the receiving end. Not an eyebrow raised, nor a condemnation uttered, even in words as a forgettable formality. Imran Khan might not be aware of the tragedy. What about the big mouths of PTI? To top it all, the Chief Minister himself displays a total lack of sensitivity; the other humanists, Aitzaz Ahsan, the wise advocate; Salman Akram Raja, the sober saint; the brash Sher Afzal Marwat or the soft-spoken Barrister Gohar or Omer Ayub, who belong to KP. Any PML (N) or PPP Stalwart? how do we explain this inhumanness? The mainstream media is fully occupied with Atta Ullah Tarar, whose repulsive demeanor and brash manners are impossible to stomach. he demands a well-documented video to prove the opposition’s contention at D-Choke. Against this backdrop of a chattering Information Minister and quick-to-draw belligerent Interior Minister, would it be possible for the media to take notice of the Parachinar carnage? If not, please at least blame the army for nothing.

Askari Raza Malik (askarirazamalik@gmail.com) has served Pakistan Army as Major General. He is author of “Pakistan: In Search of Messiah”

The mainstream media is fully occupied with Atta Ullah Tarar, whose repulsive demeanor and brash manners are impossible to stomach. He demands a well-documented video to prove the oppositionÊs contention at D-Choke.

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

Karachi – Ph: 021-32640318 I

The writer is President, Arab American Institute.

Seen in this light, it is an insult to Palestinian history and humanity to attempt to reduce the meaning of the keffiyeh to an antisemitic act. And it is perfect to merge the two symbols·the manger and the keffiyeh· to give hope to those whoÊve lost hope, comfort to those who are suffering, and recognition to those whoÊve been abandoned

The D-Chowk polemics

M. A. Niazi Editor Pakistan Today

themselves of this conflict given their concerns with impending war in europe) and a number of Arab leaders, with the Palestinians concurring. In the agreement, the British pledged to convene a commission to study the problem, to suspend immigration, and in the end to respect Arab aspirations in Palestine. This, they did not do. During the three years of the revolt, the British exacted a heavy toll. They killed more than 5,000 and arrested more than 12,600. Because the leadership was urban-centred, the way some Palestinian leaders sought to escape arrest and repression was to take on the garb of the peasant population, in particular the checkered keffiyeh. When Yasir Arafat launched the Fatah movement, despite the fact that its leaders were also urban elites, they too adopted the keffiyeh as a symbol of the movement, its attachment to the land and those who work on it. Seen in this light, it is an insult to Palestinian history and humanity to attempt to reduce the meaning of the keffiyeh to an antisemitic act. And it is perfect to merge the two symbols—the manger and the keffiyeh—to give hope to those who’ve lost hope, comfort to those who are suffering, and recognition to those who’ve been abandoned.

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

Editor’s mail

Send your letters to: Letters to Editor, Pakistan Today, 4-Shaarey Fatima Jinnah, Lahore, Pakistan. E-mail: letters@pakistantoday.com.pk Letters should be addressed to Pakistan Today exclusively

Priced out survival

LOW-INCOMe families and vulnerable groups have suffered greatly as a result of growing inflation. The cost of living has increased dramatically over the previous years. With inflation reaching over 27 per cent, families are finding it more difficult to meet their basic needs. The cost of essentials, like food and fuel, has gone up by 15-30pc. Families that are already having a hard time making ends meet are under tremendous strain from this sudden rise. Many are compelled to make difficult choices, including skipping meals or putting off essential medical care in order to devote their meagre resources to rising grocery costs. Vulnerable pop-ulations are disproportionately affected by inflation, such as elderly people as well as single-parent households, who frequently spend 60-70pc of their income on necessities. Studies reveal that more than 40pc of low-income households are already expe-riencing food insecurity. In addition, many families are reducing their spending on essentials as their purchasing power has dropped. According to research, one in three low-income families has been forced to cut back on healthcare spending because of growing expenses, which puts people’s health at risk. The government must take immediate measures to lessen these difficulties, and help those who are most impacted by this economic catastrophe. Increasing social assistance, offering food subsidies, and putting price caps on all essential items can be beneficial in this regard. MEHAR KHAN KARACHI

Harvest potential

PAKISTAN’S economy is at a critical juncture, with rising inflation, dwindling foreign reserves and an over-reliance on imports. One potential avenue for economic revival lies in the agriculture sector, which employs nearly 40% of the workforce and contributes about 20% to the GDP. Despite its significance, this sector remains underutilised due to outdated practices and a lack of technological integration. Our agricultural output lags behind global standards, and we often struggle to meet domestic demands, leading to unnecessary imports of essential food items. For instance, wheat and sugar shortages in recent years highlight inefficiencies in production and distribution. Additionally, climate change has exacerbated these challenges, with erratic weather patterns and reduced water availability affecting crop yields. To address these issues, the government must prioritise agricultural reforms. Investments in modern irrigation techniques, such as drip and sprinkler systems, can optimise water usage. Similarly, providing farmers with access to affordable machinery and high-quality seeds can boost productivity. Moreover, policies encouraging crop diversification and sustainable farming practices will ensure resilience against climate change. Another critical step is improving market access for farmers. establishing better storage facilities and ensuring fair pricing mechanisms will empower small-scale farmers and reduce postharvest losses. encouraging public-private partnerships and fostering innovation through research and development can further enhance the sector’s potential. Agriculture has always been the backbone of our economy. By leveraging its strengths, Pakistan can not only achieve self-sufficiency in food production but also position itself as a major agricultural exporter in the global market. FATIMA SHEIKH ISLAMABAD

Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

COMMENT 05

From the Quaid to now: How far has Pakistan strayed

Wednesday, 25 December, 2024

Today is the Quaid’s 148th birth anniversary

MAjid nAbi buRfAt

ISTOrY has a way of speaking softly to nations through the legacies of their great leaders. For Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah— the revered Quaid-e-Azam— remains the bedrock of its creation, a towering figure whose vision birthed a nation of promise, purpose, and unity. He was not merely a politician but a statesman whose ideas transcended his time, offering a blueprint for a just and equitable society. As Pakistan prepares to mark the Quaid’s birthday on December 25, the commemoration invites deep reflection. It compels us to revisit his ideals, examine the journey Pakistan has undertaken since its inception, and ask: How far has Pakistan strayed from the principles the Quaid envisioned? Why does the nation today seem adrift from its foundational purpose, burdened by crises that challenge its very fabric? The Quaid’s struggle was not just for a piece of land but for a state that embodied justice, equality, and democracy. Ayesha Jalal, in her monumental work The Sole Spokesperson, underscores that Jinnah fought to secure a homeland where Muslims could live free from discrimination, yet with full guarantees of equality for minorities. His defining speech of August 11, 1947, articulated his vision with remarkable clarity: “You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques, or to any other place of worship in this State of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion, caste, or creed—that has nothing to do with the business of the state.” This statement, profound in its simplicity, offered a vision of a Pakistan where religious tolerance and unity would form the bedrock of society. Yet, more than 75 years later, the Pakistan of today stands in stark contrast. religious intolerance, sectarian violence, and the marginalization of minorities have become defining

features of the national landscape. The Hindu and Christian communities, in particular, face systemic discrimination and violence, often relegated to second-class citizenship. The desecration of temples and attacks on churches serve as stark reminders of how far the state has veered from Jinnah’s ideals of inclusivity and coexistence. These failings are not merely ideological; they are moral betrayals that erode the very unity the Quaid struggled for during the Pakistan Movement. The Quaid was an unrelenting champion of democracy, believing in the power of institutions and the rule of law. Stanley Wolpert, in Jinnah of Pakistan, portrays him as a leader who epitomized discipline, integrity, and political accountability. He stood steadfast against colonial oppression and communal disunity, uniting Muslims under the singular vision of a Pakistan that would serve as a beacon of hope. However, decades later, Pakistan’s political system is plagued by dysfunction. Successive regimes— both civilian and military— have eroded institutions, prioritized personal power over national progress, and undermined democratic norms. The result is a deeply polarized political environment, where dynastic politics and corruption scandals dominate headlines, paralyzing effective governance. The Quaid’s prescient warning against corruption rings truer than ever. He once declared: “Corruption and bribery are poison and need to be put down with an iron hand.” Yet, Pakistan consistently ranks among the most corrupt countries globally, as noted by

Transparency International. Instead of fostering a system that serves the people, Pakistan’s political elite has exploited state resources for personal gain, leaving the masses disillusioned and impoverished. This political instability, perpetuated by vested interests, obstructs meaningful progress and diverts attention from the nation’s core priorities— education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation. The absence of unity— a cornerstone of the Quaid’s philosophy— further exacerbates the crisis. ethnic and provincial divides fracture the nation. The unrest in Balochistan, demands for greater autonomy in Sindh, and the grievances of Pashtun communities underscore the neglect of Jinnah’s vision of unity and inclusivity. The Baloch people, despite living atop vast natural resources, endure extreme poverty and systemic marginalization. Their legitimate demands for justice, development, and representation remain unaddressed, highlighting the glaring disparities between Jinnah’s vision and today’s realities. Jinnah envisioned a Pakistan built on economic independence and self-sufficiency. Fatima Jinnah, in her memoir My Brother, recounts how deeply the Quaid was concerned about the economic plight of ordinary people. His dream was for a welfare state where resources would uplift the marginalized and every citizen would enjoy dignity. Yet, modern Pakistan is mired in economic mismanagement, foreign debt, and widening inequality. The recent economic crises— characterized by soaring inflation, energy shortages, and unemployment— reflect a systemic failure to

From the Quaid to now, Pakistan has strayed far from the path he envisioned. Yet, his dream remains alive· a powerful reminder of what this nation was meant to be. As we celebrate his birthday, let us ask ourselves: How long will we remain adrift? The struggle is far from over, but JinnahÊs words still guide us: „With faith, discipline, and selfless devotion to duty, there is nothing worthwhile that you cannot achieve.‰

align with the Quaid’s aspirations. Today, Pakistan remains heavily reliant on foreign loans from the IMF and other financial institutions. Jaswant Singh, in Jinnah: Pakistan, Independence, and Partition,” emphasizes that Jinnah’s insistence on economic sovereignty was rooted in his understanding that a dependent nation could never truly be free. However, successive governments have mortgaged the nation’s future for short-term relief, plunging Pakistan into crippling debt. This economic mismanagement has decimated the middle class, pushed millions below the poverty line, and created an elite class that remains insulated from the struggles of ordinary citizens. The Quaid’s emphasis on education as a cornerstone of national progress was unwavering. He famously stated, “Without education, it is complete darkness, and with education, it is light.” Yet, Pakistan’s education sector faces a crisis of staggering proportions. The literacy rate remains alarmingly low, with millions of children out of school, particularly in rural areas. Female education, in particular, suffers due to cultural and systemic barriers that prevent girls from accessing classrooms. According to UNeSCO, Pakistan has one of the world’s highest numbers of out-of-school children—a damning indictment of the state’s misplaced priorities. Jinnah’s vision for education extended beyond mere literacy. He saw it as a means to empower citizens, foster critical thinking, and drive national progress. Today, however, the absence of investment in education has stifled Pakistan’s potential for innovation and global competitiveness. Instead of nurturing a nation of thinkers and reformers, Pakistan’s outdated curricula and rote learning methods perpetuate mediocrity, failing to equip its youth to meet contemporary challenges. The Quaid’s foreign policy ideals were

anchored in peaceful coexistence, non-alignment, and dignity. He envisioned Pakistan as a respected member of the global community, free from external dependencies. Yet, modern Pakistan finds itself entangled in geopolitical rivalries, often dictated by economic desperation rather than strategic foresight. The country’s internal struggles— ranging from terrorism to governance failures— have tarnished its international image and weakened its diplomatic standing. Ishtiaq Ahmed, in Jinnah: His Successes, Failures, and Role in History, critiques how Pakistan’s inability to resolve its internal contradictions has undermined its global position. Instead of embodying the Quaid’s vision as a progressive leader of the Muslim world, Pakistan struggles to command respect on the international stage, weighed down by unfulfilled promises and unaddressed challenges. While the present may seem grim, the Quaids ideals remain a beacon for those committed to steering Pakistan back on course. Civil society, youth movements, and marginalized communities continue to champion justice, equality, and progress. The resilience of Pakistan’s people— whether seen in the bravery of women breaking societal barriers or the sacrifices of soldiers defending the nation— reflects an enduring spirit to reclaim the Quaid’s dream. To truly honor him, Pakistan must embark on a collective effort to bridge the chasm between his vision and today’s reality. Political leaders must prioritize national interest over personal gain. education must become a national imperative, and economic policies must focus on uplifting the marginalized rather than enriching the elite. Above all, the nation must rekindle the unity and purpose that defined its creation. From the Quaid to now, Pakistan has strayed far from the path he envisioned. Yet, his dream remains alive— a powerful reminder of what this nation was meant to be. As we celebrate his birthday, let us ask ourselves: How long will we remain adrift? The struggle is far from over, but Jinnah’s words still guide us: “With faith, discipline, and selfless devotion to duty, there is nothing worthwhile that you cannot achieve.” The choice is ours: either continue on a path of disarray or rise to reclaim the vision of the Quaid—a Pakistan of justice, unity, and progress.

Trump ambassador picks: Who’s in his ‘diplomatic clown car’

Why it’s time for the ultra-rich to abandon luxury

apparent breakup recently. Now Don Jr. is dating socialite Bettina Anderson, and the president-elect is foisting his son’s ex on the people of Greece.

luxury emory hotel in Belgravia where—with starting prices at £2,460 a night—they throw in a courtesy car to selected private airfields and private jet terminals. But that’s all puff advertising and, as a journalist, I have never much minded what happens in the spaces between the real words. As one historian of the newspaper wrote: “The daily press would never have come into existence as a force in public and social life had it not been for the need for men of commerce to advertise.” But that quote—from Francis Williams’s Dangerous estate in 1957—does assume that some care has gone into what’s entailed in being a “force in public and social life.” Perhaps, as an editor in 2021 – slap in the middle of a climate change conference in Baku—you might pause before giving over a whole page of HTSI to “everything you need to know about flying private.” The writer has, no question, done a comprehensive job, breaking the subject down into eight categories of the sort of exclusive travel that HTSI’s UHNWIs might be thinking about. It begins with long haul flights, where the toss-up is between the $60m Bombardier Global 6000, which offers first class comfort and sleeps eight; or the $78m Gulfstream G650, which sleeps 10 but is reportedly “no less luxurious”. Then we turn to mini breaks, where it looks as though a good option might be the Cessna Citation XLS, which at least has a lavatory. It will set you back $6.4m for a 2009 model. The “Best for Work” section recommends a $54m Dassault Falcon 7X for your next trip to New York, which comes with a cabin attendant and hot meals for a mere £120,000. I’ve covered the section on Ibiza party possibilities, which alternatively holds out the potential of landing at engadin Airport—“just 10 minutes from St Moritz’s bars.” Then we have the “best for pets” section for those wishing to fly to LA or Melbourne with their labradoodle side them. And so on, culminating in a Dassault Falcon 7X which can be chartered for a two-week world tour with family and friends for around £1m. Sorry to be a bit sandal-wearing about this, but it doesn’t seem to be seriously disputed that flying in a private jet is one of the most catastrophic things an individual can do to really screw up the planet. Some private jets emit two tonnes of CO2 in a single hour— the equivalent of 400 cars—and one takes off every six minutes in the UK. They are 50 times as polluting as travelling by train, spewing out nitrogen oxides and the effects of vapour trials on top of the CO2 emissions. In short: the super-rich 1 per cent are responsible for half the world’s aviation emissions. Not that such figures seem to matter much to the people who habitually use the jets. You can travel from Farnborough to London in around 40 minutes on the train and it will cost you around twenty quid. Yet that route was the most popular UK internal route for private jets, with 131 such trips in 2022. The most popular european trip was Geneva to Paris (636 trips emitting 1.1 tonnes of CO2) whereas the 99 percenters are happy enough to take the train which, for just over €200, will get you there in just over three hours. But these are sobering times for the UHNWIs, what with rachel reeves slapping a £450 tax on each private jet journey. Added to which, the ridiculous timepieces that HTSI readers apparently covet are increasingly being snatched off their wrists. In 2022 more than 6,000 such timepieces were thus filched, many of them by a gang known as the rolex rippers. It is perhaps too much to expect that journalism can any longer have much effect in turning the tide in the urgent battle to save humanity from drowning or scorching itself.

‘We have a diplomatic clown car that’s about to be rolling up at the Capitol with all these idiots waiting to be confirmed — but where’s the outrage’

NEW YORK MAGAZINE MARgARet HARtMAnn

HOUGH they have been overshadowed by the rogue’s gallery of Cabinet nominees, Donald Trump’s ambassador picks for his second term are pretty stunning, too. Presidents regularly use ambassadorships to reward campaign donors and political allies. But Trump is distinguishing himself in two ways: He’s announcing nominations at an unusually rapid pace, and many of his picks are exceptionally unqualified. Trump’s list includes his daughter’s ex-con father-in-law, multiple billionaire pals, and many people with no diplomatic experience whatsoever. Senate confirmation for the United States’s 195 ambassadorships is often a lengthy process. But serious Senate pushback against Trump’s ambassador picks seems unlikely, as republicans will control the next Senate and Democratic lawmakers haven’t been raising alarms about the ambassador picks, as veteran foreignpolicy analyst Joe Cirincione told The Guardian. “We have a diplomatic clown car that’s about to be rolling up at the Capitol with all these idiots waiting to be confirmed — but where’s the outrage,” he said. Here are Trump’s most notable ambassador picks so far, loosely arranged from most to least outrageous.

CHARLES KUSHNER: AMBASSADOR TO FRANCE: Charles Kushner is the ex-con father of Jared Kushner, Donald Trump’s son-in-law. The realestate developer pleaded guilty in 2004 to 16 felony counts of making illegal campaign contributions, tax evasion, and witness tampering. Kushner admitted to hiring a sex worker to seduce his brother-in-law, secretly filming the encounter, then showing the tape to his sister. Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie famously called this “one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes” he ever prosecuted as U.S. Attorney. Trump pardoned Kushner in 2020, and now he will represent U.S. interests in Paris.

MIKE HUCKABEE: AMBASSADOR TO ISRAEL: Mike Huckabee is a former Arkansas governor, two-time presidential candidate, and evangelical minister. His views on the conflict in the Middle east are radically pro-Israel. He’s repeatedly rejected a two-state solution, and he’s argued “there’s really no such thing as a Palestinian.” Huckabee also said in 2017, “There is no such thing as a West Bank — it’s Judea and Samaria. There’s no such thing as a settlement. They’re communities. They’re neighborhoods. They’re cities. There’s no such thing as an occupation.”

KIMBERLY GUILFOYLE: AMBASSADOR TO GREECE: Kimberly Guilfoyle is a former Fox News host turned top Trump fundraiser. But more importantly, she is Donald Trump’s Jr.’s fiancée — or was, until their

HERSCHEL WALKER: AMBASSADOR TO THE BAHAMAS: Herschel Walker is a college-football legend whose 2022 Senate campaign in Georgia flopped after the pro-life politician was accused of pressuring two women to get abortions, among other scandals involving multiple previously undisclosed children, lying about having a law-enforcement background, and something about vampires.

TOM BARRACK: AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY: Tom Barrack is a billionaire and private-equity executive. In 2021, the Justice Department charged him over allegedly lobbying the Trump campaign on behalf of the United Arab emirates while pursuing lucrative business deals. He was acquitted a year later. He’s a longtime friend of Donald Trump as well as the late pedophile Jeffrey epstein. Author Michael Wolff described the trio as a “set of nightlife musketeers” in the ’80s and ’90s.

TILMAN FERTITTA: AMBASSADOR TO ITALY: Tilman Fertitta is the billionaire owner of the Houston rockets and Landry’s restaurant group, which oversees brands like the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and Morton’s the Steakhouse. Fertitta has donated millions to both Democratic and republican politicians over the years and gave at least $487,300 to the Trump 47 Committee and an unknown sum to Trump’s Save America PAC. He’s also a former reality-TV star who appeared in CNBC’s Billion Dollar Buyer.

DAVID PERDUE: AMBASSADOR TO CHINA: David Perdue is a businessman, former U.S. senator from Georgia, and a vocal 2020 election denier. Trump recruited Perdue to primary his republican foe, Georgia governor Brian Kemp, in the 2022 gubernatorial election. Kemp defeated Perdue in a landslide and went on to win a second term. Perdue was the most prolific stock trader during his one term in the Senate. The DOJ investigated him for possible insider trading but ultimately did not bring charges.

MATT WHITAKER: AMBASSADOR TO NATO: Matt Whitaker was acting U.S. attorney general during the first Trump administration, serving for just a few months until Bill Barr was confirmed in February 2019. His background is in law enforcement, not foreign policy. His views on NATO are unknown.

LEAH FRANCIS CAMPOS: THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Leah Francis Campos is a former CIA case officer and senior adviser for the Western Hemisphere for the House Foreign Affairs Committee. If the last name sounds familiar, that’s because she’s related to two former real World cast members who are now in the Trump-Fox News ecosphere. Her sister is Fox News host rachel Campos-Duffy, who is married to Sean Duffy, Trump’s pick for secretary of Transportation.

CALLISTA GINGRICH: AMBASSADOR TO SWITZERLAND: Callista Gingrich is the wife of Newt Gingrich, the Trump ally and former House Speaker. Callista was ambassador to the Vatican during Trump’s first term.

Margaret Hartmann, senior editor for Intelligencer, has worked at New York since 2012.

The writer is a freelance columnist

Some private jets emit two tonnes of CO2 in a single hour—the equivalent of 400 cars—and one takes off every six minutes in the UK

PROSPECT MAGAZINE AlAn RusbRidgeR

re you planning a party night in, say, Ibiza in the near future? You can get there for around £270, round trip, in a little over two hours with BA. But why risk all the hassle when you can rent a private jet for four to six friends? A snip at £30,000. You don’t have £30,000 to splash on a Phenom private jet? Then it’s possible you’re not a reader of HTSI, the Financial Times’s glossy magazine aimed at the one percenters, or the would-be one percenters. each week you are invited to gawp in a kind of aspirational haze at the lifestyles of the mega-rich. Or, as we must now call them, the ultra-rich. Like their in-house magazine, the ultra-rich have their own acronym: UHWNIs, or ultra-high net worth individuals. And don’t the UNHWIs just love HTSI. Before it was rebranded HTSI the magazine was called How to Spend It. A reporter for the Independent found a “well-thumbed copy” of the journal in a compound that once belonged to the Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. An influencer before his time. Gaddafi wouldn’t have been seen dead in a Phenom. He had his own private $120m Airbus A340, with several bathrooms, two showers, a jacuzzi and many leather sofas. He knew how to live. But in 2022, with the nation still recuperating from Covid, the FT began to feel a bit squeamish about being seen to flaunt conspicuous wealth and wondered if the original brand, How to Spend It, was a little dated. The humour behind a wry wink at the stinking rich might have worn a little threadbare in the intervening 28 years. The magazine’s new editor, Jo ellison, explained: “We want the title and indeed our masthead to reflect a world with deeper sensitivities.” She said readers could interpret the “S” in any way they choose: it could be how to save it, or how to steer, surf or savour it. Others were less kind, remarking that it sounded like a cross between a sexually transmitted disease and a large infrastructure project. No matter. If Gaddafi had been alive today he might well have picked up last week’s magazine, which weighed in at 110 sumptuous pages. Newspaper advertising is withering on the vine, but not for the super-loaded. He would have thumbed through the initial splurge of plugs, starting with a “high jewellery” Cartier necklace in rose gold with coral beads and brilliant-cut diamonds for £31,000, or roughly the price of a round trip to Ibiza. Then a Chaumet Bee My Love cuff in gold and diamonds for £89,000, followed by an Andersen Geneva jumping hours “timepiece” (never “watch”). The rising Sun edition will set you back £62,000. Sanctions permitting, he could have contemplated a night at the

06 NEWS

ISRAEL ADMITS TO ASSASSINATION OF HAMAS LEADER ISMAIL HANIYEH

TEL AVIV

news desk

SRAEL on Tuesday officially confirmed its involvement in the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, marking the first public acknowledgment of the highprofile killing. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz made the statement during a press briefing on Monday, underscoring the country’s broader strategy against regional adversaries. “We have dismantled Hamas, weakened Hezbollah, blinded Iran’s defense systems, and disrupted their production capabilities. We’ve toppled the Assad regime in Syria, struck at the axis of evil, and will deal with the Houthis in Yemen,” Katz declared. He further emphasized, “When the Houthis fire

Wednesday, 25 December 2024 | ISLAMABAD

missiles at Israel, we will target their strategic infrastructure and eliminate their leadership – just as we did with Haniyeh, Sinwar, and Nasrallah in Tehran, Gaza, and Lebanon. The same will be done in Hodeidah and Sanaa.” Ismail Haniyeh was killed on July 31 during a visit to Tehran, where he was attending the inauguration of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. According to Iranian state media, a precision-guided aerial strike hit a residential facility housing military veterans, killing Haniyeh and his bodyguard. While Iranian and Palestinian officials had accused Israel of carrying out the attack, Israeli authorities had, until now, refrained from confirming their role. The assassination sparked widespread condemnation and heightened fears of further regional conflict. Iran’s Supreme Leader

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei denounced the killing, vowing “harsh retaliation” for what he described as a dangerous escalation. Since Haniyeh’s death, regional tensions have reached critical levels. Iran launched missile strikes targeting Israeli cities in October, calling the attacks a direct response to the assassination of its allies, including Haniyeh and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Reports from Israeli authorities indicated that missile strikes caused injuries in central and southern Israel, including two civilians in the Tel Aviv area, while debris from the attacks killed a man in the occupied West Bank. Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have intensified their missile attacks on Israel. On Saturday, the Houthis claimed responsibility for launching a hypersonic ballistic missile that bypassed Israeli defense systems and struck a public park in Jaffa. The escalation

signals a deepening conflict, with multiple actors across the region taking sides and retaliatory measures. The public acknowledgment of Haniyeh’s assassination comes amid Israel’s

China lodges serious protests to US over FY 25 NDAA BEIJING

stAff correspondent

The US determined to sign into law the “National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025” containing negative content on China, playing up the “China threat” narrative year after year, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a routine press conference on Tuesday. The development comes following US President Joe Biden signed into law the “National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025.” China strongly deplores and firmly opposes this and has lodged serious protests to the US, said Mao, while urging

the US not to implement these negative articles concerning China. It [the US] has kept trumpeting for military support to Taiwan, abusing state power to go after Chinese sci-tech and economic development, limiting trade, economic and people-to-people exchanges between China and the US, undermining China’s sovereignty, security and development interests and disrupting efforts of the two sides in stabilizing bilateral relations. China strongly deplores and firmly opposes this and has lodged serious protests to the US, said the spokesperson. We urge the US to get rid of its Cold War mentality and ideological bias, view China’s development and China-

ongoing efforts to neutralize perceived threats from Iran’s allies in the Middle East. Katz’s statement signals a continuation of Israel’s assertive stance in the region, likely exacerbating the already volatile situation.

Senior CPC officials pledge allegiance to Constitution BEIJING

stAff correspondent

US relationship objectively and rationally, earnestly observe the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués, stop arming Taiwan, stop politicizing and weaponizing scitech, economic and trade issues, stop finding pretext for increasing military expenditure and maintaining hegemony, and not to implement these negative articles concerning China, said Mao, noting that otherwise, China will take strong and resolute measures to safeguard our sovereignty, security and development interests. According to Reuters on December 18, the act steers resources toward countering China. Among other things, the bill authorizes $300 million to help the Taiwan island acquire capabilities from “anti-ship missiles and radars to coastal and missile defense, and measures to enhance diplomatic and economic backing”

for the island. It also includes new restrictions on China and Chinese businesses, including requiring reports on China’s economic outlook, biotechnology industry and synthetic opioids. The bill also extends bans on the military purchasing Chinese products, adding bans on drone technology as well as garlic in military commissaries, Reuters reported. Li Haidong, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Tuesday that “the US National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 will bring a negative impact and uncertainties to China-US relations next year, because it is an act aimed at meeting the demands of hawkish and anti-China forces to hype the ‘China threat’ rhetoric worldwide and provide pretexts for the US military industrial complex to earn more money.”

Deadly explosion at Turkish plant claims 12 lives, injures five ANKARA

Agencies

A powerful explosion ripped through an explosives plant in northwestern Turkiye on Tuesday, killing 12 people and injuring five others, officials confirmed. Footage from the scene showed shattered glass and debris scattered outside the facility in the Karesi district of Balikesir province, with ambulances on standby. “According to initial reports, 12 employees died, and four were taken to hospital with injuries as a result of the explosion,” local governor Ismail Ustaoglu stated. He extended condolences, saying, “I wish God’s mercy upon our deceased citizens and a speedy recovery to our wounded.” The number of injured was later updated to five, with officials confirming their conditions were not serious. Authorities added that no staff remained inside the factory and the subsequent fire had been extinguished. The explosion occurred at 8:25am (0525 GM) in a section of the plant that collapsed under the force of the blast. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported that the cause of the explosion, which occurred in a factory situated away from residential areas, remained unclear. “We are trying to find out what caused it,” he said. While local officials attributed the blast to “technical reasons,” no further details were provided as investigations continued at the site. Authorities ruled out sabotage, and prosecutors have launched a thorough inquiry. PRESIDENTIAL RESPONSE President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his sorrow, stating, “I am deeply saddened by the death of 12 brothers.” He added that he had been briefed shortly after the incident and instructed a comprehensive investigation into the matter. The plant, located in northern Balikesir, produces munitions, explosives, and flares for domestic and international markets. Witnesses described part of the building as resembling “a battlefield.” The remains of the deceased were transported to a morgue, while security forces implemented precautions against the risk of a secondary explosion. Civilians and journalists were barred from approaching the site.

A total of 45 senior officials of 35 departments and units under the State Council, China’s cabinet, pledged allegiance to the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China at a ceremony on Monday. Premier Li Qiang oversaw the ceremony and gave a speech. He urged the officials to uphold the authority of the Constitution at all times, to take the lead in respecting, studying, observing and applying the law, to perform their duties in accordance with the law and to remain honest and self-disciplined. Noting that China’s economic and social development will continue to face numerous challenges and difficulties next year, Li called on the officials to shoulder their responsibilities and strive to open new horizons for reform and development. It is essential that the decisions and plans of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee are refined and implemented, he said, noting that each task should be monitored closely to deliver tangible results. Highlighting a people-centered development philosophy, he called on the officials to learn more about the needs and requests of people and enterprises. Li called for the thorough implementation of plans made at the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, and for a guarantee that all reform tasks are carried out effectively.

Ex-President Clinton discharged from hospital after fever scare WASHINGTON Agencies

Former US president Bill Clinton left hospital Tuesday, his office said, a day after he was admitted with a fever in the latest in a series of health scares for the veteran Democrat. “President Clinton was discharged earlier today after being treated for the flu,” the 78-year-old’s deputy chief of staff Angel Urena said on social media platform X. “He and his family are deeply grateful for the exceptional care provided by the team at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and are touched by the kind messages and well wishes he received.” Clinton was previously hospitalized for five nights in October 2021 due to a blood infection. In 2004 he underwent a quadruple bypass operation after doctors found heart disease – motivating him to make lifestyle changes, including adopting a vegetarian diet, and he has since spoken publicly about his efforts. Clinton, who led the United States from 1993 to 2001, is the second-youngest living US president, after 63-year-old Barack Obama. Clinton’s health last made headlines in November 2022 when he tested positive for Covid-19. Though his prosperous time in office was marred by scandals, he has enjoyed a second life in the two decades after his presidency, which has seen him venture into numerous diplomatic and humanitarian causes.

Wednesday, 25 December, 2024 | ISLAMABAD

CORPORATE CORNER

07 QuAId-I-AzAM tAught how to buIld greAt nAtIon on bAsIs of unIty, fAIth And dIscIplIne: MAryAM nAwAz NEWS

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karachi: A ceremony was held recently in The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan to recognize the Best Members of Browns Jubilee between 15 and 22 years of age, in which shields were presented to the high Performing Members on the basis of their best performance. President ICAP Farrukh Rehman presented the shield to Ziad Chaudhry, Country CFO, Novartis Pharma Pakistan Limited and his wife Hira Ziad Chaudhry for high performance. CFO Oxford University Press Samiullah Siddiqui was also present on the occasion. PR

wcb hosts grand ceremony to celebrate christmas

LAHORE STAFF REPORT

Under the supervision of the Walton Cantonment Board (WCB), a grand ceremony was organized to celebrate Christmas. The event was graced by the presence of the President of Walton Cantonment Board, Brigadier Muzammil Hussain, as the chief guest. Other notable attendees included Vice President Chaudhry Muhammad Sharif, CEO Sabtain Raza, Additional CEO Dr. Ali Raza, Deputy CEO/Secretary Husnain Hameed Bukhari, Chief Public Health Officer Waris Ali Bhatti, all councilors, and branch heads, who warmly welcomed Brigadier Muzammil Hussain. On this occasion, the President extended heartfelt Christmas greetings to all Christian employees and their families and distributed gifts among them. CEO Sabtain Raza, in his address, expressed solidarity with Christian brothers, emphasizing the commitment to sharing in their joys now and always. Father Sajjad Masih highlighted the teachings of Hazrat Isa AS during the concluding moments of the ceremony and led a special prayer.

lyari legends, north nawabs win matches at Ktpl KARACHI

STAFF REPORT

Lyari Legends and North Nawabs won their matches on the tenth day of KTPL at Moin Khan Academy here.In the first match, Lyari Legends scored 96/3 in the first inning and 109/1 in the second to win the match by 7 wickets against DHA Dabangs, who scored 101/7 and 94/5, respectively.Notable scorers from Malir Malangs were Muzammil Kamoki with 61 and Dawood M Suleman with 37 scored while Taimoor Mirza scored 40 and Arsalan Jamshed with 19 scored from DHA Dabangs.Muhammad Hasnain took 2 and Rana Mohsin took 1 wickets from Lyari Legends and Wajid Meo and took 3 and Ahmed Kulfi took 2 wickets from DHA Dabangs.In the second match, North Nawabs scored 124/1 in the first inning and 92/5 in the second to win the match against Karachi Nights, who scored 81/4 and 100/4, respectively.Notable scorer from Lyari Legends Usman Jan Phatta was with 41 and Zain Lefti with 94 scored while Jahangir Shah with 35 and Waseem Ahmed scored 27 from Karachi Nights.

Ibrahim Murad calls on youth to embrace Quaid-e-Azam's ideology for national progress

LAHORE STAFF REPORT

University of Management and Technology (UMT) proudly celebrated Quaid-e-Azam Day enthusiastically. The flag-hoisting ceremony in the honor of Pakistan’s founding father, Muhammad Ali Jinnah was also conducted.In his address, President of UMT and Former Minister Ibrahim Hasan Murad underscored the importance of following the principles of unity, faith, and discipline articulated by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He stated that these principles have never been more essential as now the nation navigates a landscape filled with both internal and external challenges.President Murad expressed concern over the increasing fragmentation stemming from ethnic divisions, patronage, provincialism, intolerance, and corruption. He called upon the community to reflect on the invaluable teachings of Jinnah as crucial guidance for national prosperity and development.Former Minister shared that even after 77 years of independence, Pakistan faces significant struggles, particularly in stabilizing.

CM GREETS CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY ON CHRISTMAS, SAYING ‘MINORITY CARD’ TO BE LAUNCHED LAHORE

STAFF REPORT

AYING glowing tribute to father of the nation, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday said that Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah through his unparalleled leadership, unwavering determination and tireless efforts, taught the world how to build a great nation on the basis of unity, faith and discipline. “Baba-e-Qaum dreamt of a Pakistan where every citizen has equal opportunities for equality, justice and progress. Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s Pakistan was a symbol of peace, love and progress,” the Punjab Chief Minister said in her message on the birth anniversary of the founder of the nation Quaid-i-Azam. Maryam Nawaz emphasized that all energies have been directed at turning Quaid’s vision into reality, adding that in the light of the vision of Quaid-i-Azam, public welfare, education, health and development projects are being implemented. “We are determined to establish such a society which depicts practical manifestation of his sterling principles.” “The development and stability of Pakistan is only possible when we make the thoughts of Quaid-e-Azam part and

parcel of our national character and spirit. With the will of Allah Almighty and by treading into the footsteps of Quaid-iAzam, we will transform Pakistan into a strong, prosperous and developed state. May Allah Almighty grant us perseverance and success to fulfil the dreams of the Father of the Nation.” CM Greets Christian Community on Christmas On the other hand, Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz conveyed a message of happiness and love to the Christian community in Pakistan and across the world on Christmas. She extended Christmas

greetings to the Christian community, saying that she equally shares their joys in Christmas festivities as Christmas conveys the message of peace, love and service.” She said, “The Christian community of Pakistan has always rendered commendable services in the development, education, health and other sectors of the country. I highly acknowledge invaluable sacrifices and hard work of the minority community and pay them rich tribute as well.” She added, “The Punjab government is taking vigorous steps for the protection of the rights of all minorities and their welfare.

President emphasizes on need for transforming medicalcare access in Pakistan ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

President Asif Ali Zardari called for strengthening healthcare capacity to enhance medical accessibility across the country. During a discussion with Mr. Khurram Jameel, MD & CEO of Siemens Healthineers Pakistan, the President addressed challenges in medical accessibility and explored possibilities to overcome them through advanced medical imaging technologies. The discussion focused on transformative strategies aimed at reshaping the healthcare infrastructure in Pakistan, underscoring Siemens Healthineers’ dedication to delivering innovative, sustainable, and equitable healthcare solutions nationwide. Mr. Jameel outlined the organization’s vision for the healthcare sector in Pakistan, emphasizing its ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare accessibility and quality. Pres-

ident Zardari praised Siemens Healthineers for its important role in developing access to medical care across Pakistan. He expressed his appreciation for the organization’s efforts to address critical healthcare challenges and introduced Mr. Jameel to senior cabinet members, including Governor of KPK Faisal Kareem Kundi, ExPrime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf, Dr. Asim Hussain, and Syed

daraz 1.1 new year Mega sale: ring in 2025 with smart shopping and maximum savings

Naveed Qamar. The President assured his full support in facilitating Siemens Healthineers’ initiatives aimed at bridging healthcare gaps across the country. During the discussion, Mr. Jameel emphasized Siemens Healthineers’ ability to leverage its expertise and state-of-the-art technologies to address systemic healthcare disparities, particularly in underserved areas.

pbA, Ipsos, and reenergia sign agreement for development of sepI

KARACHI

STAFF REPORT

As the New Year approaches, Daraz Pakistan will be helping consumers turn their New Year resolutions into reality with the launch of the 1.1 New Year Mega Sale. From December 25 to January 5, customers can enjoy fantastic discounts, exclusive deals, and a seamless shopping experience as they enthusiastically welcome the New Year. With Free Delivery, a variety of vouchers worth Rs. 25 Crore, Flash Sales up to 60% off and exclusive Hot Deals up to 70% off, this is the perfect time to shop wisely at the start of 2025.The Daraz 1.1 New Year Sale features significant discounts across a variety of categories, including Electronics, Fashion, Home & Living, and Health & Beauty. This event includes limited-time Flash Sales with discounts of up to 60% and Hot Deals offering reductions of as much as 70%. The 1.1 New Year Mega Sale at Daraz aims to cater to all customer needs, helping them upgrade their gadgets, refresh their wardrobes, and prepare their homes for the new year. Ehsan Saya, Managing Director of Daraz Pakistan, said,

KARACHI

It is a matter of great pride that Punjab has become the center of interfaith harmony in Pakistan. We are committed to the protection of minorities and a better life as it is among Punjab government’s foremost priorities.” She said, “The Punjab government is launching “Minority Card” soon. The Minority Card will provide financial assistance to the needy minority brothers and sisters through NADRA. Foolproof Security on Christmas Across Punjab Meanwhile, the Punjab CM directed that no lapse in the security of Christian brothers and sisters will be tolerated on Christmas Day. She asked all district administrations and police officials to ensure foolproof security arrangements across the province on Christmas Day. She also directed them to effectively monitor all sorts of arrangements on Christmas. She added, “Relevant departments should take all necessary measures to maintain cleanliness around churches.” The CM directed the authorities concerned to Increase presence of police and other security personnel in churches in all major cities including Lahore. She also directed them to enforce proper traffic management during Christmas celebrations.

privatization aims at getting rid of constant burden on national exchequer: Aleem Khan

ISLAMABAD

Federal Minister for Privatization, Board of Investment and Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has said that the purpose of privatization of Government entities is to get rid of the constant burden on the national exchequer. He added said that the process of privatization of institutions has to be completed in accordance with laws and regulations and nothing can go against the existing procedure at any cost. He expressed this while presiding over the meeting of the Privatization Commission Board as Chairman here in Islamabad. Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan said that a better and different strategy will be adopted for the privatization of PIACL in the light of the previous experience and process. Federal Minister said that after the recent reforms, the privatization of PIA has now been made easier and more attractive which is expected to yield better results, as well. In the meeting of the Privatization Commission Board, Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan directed to further accelerate the work on the projects in line with transparency. In the 229th meeting of the Privatization Commission Board the proceedings of the previous Board meeting were STAFF REPORT

pM’s office hosts Achieve program delegation, highlights efforts to empower girls

STAFF REPORT

The Pakistan Banks' Association (PBA), in collaboration with Ipsos and Reenergia, officially signed an agreement today to develop the SME Environment & Performance Index (SEPI). The index will provide valuable insights into the performance and business environment of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan. This collaboration aims to foster greater financial inclusion, enhance the sustainability of SMEs, and support informed decision-making by policymakers and financial institutions.

K-electric's power theft crackdown in gulistan-e-Johar - 2000kgs of illegal connections discovered

KARACHI: K-Electric (KE) continues its crackdown against power theft and non-payment of bills. In collaboration with the law-enforcement agencies, the power utility conducted an operation in Gulistan-e-Johar, removing over 1,200 illegal connections (kundas) weighing a total of 2,000 kilograms from its installations.The illegal connections bypass the network's safety protocols, increasing risks to K-Electric's infrastructure and safety hazard for citizens. Such drives are being conducted to reduce the loss of electricity due to theft and create a safer community for residents by removing hazards.Currently, 70% of K-Electric’s network is exempt from loadshedding, while efforts to reduce losses in high-theft areas are ongoing. Power theft and non-payment of bills are key factors in determining the duration of loadshedding in any area. Areas identified as low loss are exempt from loadshedding and can consistently avail the benefit by maintaining the regular payment of bills and curbing the challenge of power theft. K-Electric urges its customers, community leaders, and local representatives to discourage electricity theft and ensure bills are paid on time. These measures are critical for the uninterrupted supply of electricity across the city. STAFF REPORT

ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

The Prime Minister’s Office, in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Youth Program (PMYP), hosted an engagement session with participants of the ACHIEVE Program, an initiative designed to uplift young girls from rural Pakistan. The program, a joint effort by The King’s Trust International, Zindigipowered by JS Bank, and the Pakistan Alliance for Girls’ Education -PAGE, aims to equip over 300 girls with critical skills essential for personal and professional development.Led by PMYP Chairman Rana Mashood Ahmed Khan, the session featured remarks from key stakeholders and highlighted the program’s profound impact. The ACHIEVE initiative offers a comprehensive training model focusing on leadership development, self-protection, digital literacy, and technical and interpersonal skills, ensuring participants are prepared to contribute meaningfully to society.

experts emphasise nuclear energy as key solution to reforming energy sector

KARACHI: Peaceful use of nuclear technology and its optimum utilisation holds the key to resolving energyrelated woes of Pakistan besides helping the country achieve a sustainable solution to mitigate the climate change crisis. This was the crux of the deliberations and discourse held during the seminar on 'Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy' held here on Tuesday. The seminar was organised by the Center for International Strategic Studies Sindh (CISSS) in collaboration with DHA Suffa University (DSU) and Millennium Institute of Technology and Entrepreneurship (MiTE), at the DSU auditorium.The seminar was divided into plenary and core sessions.Prof. Dr. Huma Baqai, Rector MiTE chaired and opened the plenary session.She elaborated that according to the Government of Pakistan's vision, 40,000 MW of electricity produced through nuclear power plants (NPP) by 2050, fulfilling a quarter of the total energy needs of the country, is an appreciable landmark and needs to be pursued in the best national interest. STAFF REPORT

Wednesday, 25 December, 2024

Published by Asad Nizami at Plot # 7, Al-Baber Centre, F/8 Markaz, Islamabad, for PT Print (Pvt) Limited. Ph: 051-2204545. Email: newsroom@pakistantoday.com.pk