PM SHEHBA Z L AUNCHES CASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TO MODERNISE JUDICIARY
S TA F F R E P O R T
Assignment and Management System Troels Vester, the Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) also spoke at the ceremony expressing full support for the Pakistani government and the Ministry of Law and Justice
Lucky Cement to implement 5-for-1 stock split to enhance liquidity
stressed that without stronger
SOEs would continue to underperform
fiscal risks and eroding public trust The unit emphasised the need for governance reforms aligned with international financial and audit standards It has recommended that at least 50% of board members in SOEs be independent professionals as their presence could strengthen strategic oversight
From the box office to AI
Tlywood s unchallenged dominance in global entertainment This shows that China is no longer just a consumer of cultural products; it is becoming a major global producer in its own right The film s artistic merit is undeniable but its success also highlights the shifting dynamics in the global entertainment landscape In China alone, Ne Zha 2 s earnings surpassed the $936 million mark set by Star Wars Episode 7: The Force Awakens in the USA making it the highest-grossing singlemarket film in history This achievement is not merely a testament to the Chinese film market s strength but also a powerful statement about the capabilities of China s film industry
For the first time, a Chinese film has outperformed Hollywood’s biggest blockbuster in its home market suggesting that the era of unchallenged American dominance in cinema may be nearing its end
Despite the intensely competitive environment of the Spring Festival holiday, marked by high-profile releases such as Detective Chinatown 1900, Ne Zha 2 emerged as the clear victor Its record-breaking performance grossing over $1 3 billion globally cements its status as both a cultural and commercial phenomenon According to Gower Street Analytics, the global box office is projected to reach $33 billion in 2025, an 8 percent increase from 2024 The US market, traditionally the largest contributor to global box office revenue is expected to account for $9 7 billion of this total reflecting a 9 percent growth
However, the Chinese market, which generated an estimated $6 billion in 2024 is poised to grow to $6 6 billion this year These projections while conservative highlight the rapid expansion of China s film industry and its growing influence on the global stage What makes these figures even more significant is that they predate the release of Ne Zha 2, suggesting that the actual growth could be even more substantial The success of Ne Zha 2 is part of a broader trend that has seen the Chinese market become a critical driver of global box office revenue Historically, foreign films, particularly Hollywood blockbusters, have performed exceptionally well in
quires exorbitant budgets The success of Ne Zha 2 marks a coming-of-age moment for the Chinese film industry With its highest-grossing film of all time making waves and breaking records China has firmly established itself as a major player on the global stage Ambitious production houses worldwide will undoubtedly take note, recognizing the potential of the Chinese market and the creative talent it nurtures More importantly, Ne Zha 2’s success is a testament to the
techniques has resulted in a film that is both deeply rooted in Chinese culture and universally appealing
The storytelling in Ne Zha 2 rivals the best Western releases, offering a compelling narrative that resonates across cultural boundaries Similarly, the animation quality competes with Disney Pixar and even Japan s revered Studio Ghibli showcasing the technical prowess of China s film industry
i e s o f t e c h n o l o g y a n d c r e a t i v i t y , t h e w o r l d w i l l b e w a t c h i n g c l o s e l y , r e c o g n i z i n g t h a t t h e f u t u r e o f b o t h A I a n d c i n e m a m a y w e l l b e s h a p e d b y C h i n e s e i n g e n u i t y F o r t h e f i r s t t i m e , a C h i n e s e f i l m h a s o u t p e r f o r m e d H o l l y w o o d ’ s b i g g e s t b l o c k b u s t e r i n i t s h o m e m a r k e t , s u g g e s t i n g t h a t t h e e r a o f u n c h
The modest budget of Ne Zha 2 compared to Hollywood or Studio Ghibli productions highlights the efficiency and creativity of China s film industry This costeffectiveness combined with the film’s artistic and commercial success challenges the conventional wisdom of the global film industry that high-quality entertainment re-
Projec t 2025 – the blueprint for his second presidenc y, developed by the conser vative Heritage Foundation – calls for the US to exit the International Monetar y Fund and the World Bank
financial impact of the country s contributions to the IMF In the 2023 fiscal year, it reported an unrealized gain of $407 million
drawal would primarily harm the US and leverage that to negotiate on their own terms
AFTER withdrawing the United States from the Paris climate agreement and the World Health Organization President Donald Trump may pull the country out of more international institutions in the coming months Notably Project 2025 – the blueprint for his second presidency developed by the conservative Heritage Foundation –calls for the US to exit the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Rather than acceding to Trump’s demands member countries should recognize that a US with-
On February 4 Trump ordered a sweeping 180-day review of all international organizations to which the US belongs and supports as well as all conventions and treaties to which the United States is a party The directive aligns with the goals of Project 2025, which dismisses the IMF and World Bank as “expensive middlemen” that “intercept” US funding before they reach projects abroad If Trump follows this playbook a US exit would be imminent But Project 2025 s authors have clearly misunderstood how these institutions are funded and run By abandoning the IMF and the World Bank, the US would lose a key source of global influence and economic leverage In effect the US would forfeit vital tools for supporting its partners – and withholding financing from its foes
The proximity of the IMF and World Bank headquarters to the US State Department, Treasury, and Congress is no coincidence The US has consistently maintained tight control over these institutions shaping their policies and leadership to advance its national interests The US has always ap-
pointed the World Bank’s president, approved Europe’s choice to lead the IMF, and selected the Fund’s deputy managing director It remains the only member country with the power to block major decisions unilaterally as both the IMF and World Bank require an 85% majority Unsurprisingly, studies have repeatedly shown that the IMF and World Bank’s lending patterns closely align with US national interests The US regularly leverages the IMF as a first responder to protect the US economy Trump knows this In his first term, it enabled him to provide his longtime friend, the then-President of Argentina Mauricio Macri, with a $57 billion IMF program – the largest of its kind in the Fund’s history (paid for by all the members of the IMF) Similarly the US has used the World Bank to bolster security and economic alliances address terrorism threats and support the postwar reconstruction of countries like Iraq and Afghanistan following US-led invasions
Perhaps most importantly the actual cost of US participation in the IMF and World Bank is far lower than many assume Every year the Treasury Department evaluates the
The World Bank offers similar opportunities to leverage US resources The main arm of the World Bank Group which has four other subsidiaries is the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
The cost of running the IBRD is not paid by the US but by major borrower countries such as India, Turkey, Indonesia, Argentina, and the Philippines Their loan repayments, along with the IBRD’s net income from previous years largely fund the organization s headquarters staff salaries and other operational expenses (most of which flow directly into the economy of Washington, DC) Unlike many multilateral institutions, the IBRD does not rely on direct country donations Instead it raises capital by issuing bonds and then lends the proceeds to developing and emerging economies In effect the IBRD finances itself – issuing $52 4 billion in bonds in 2024 Although its bonds are backed by guarantees from member countries, the IBRD has never tapped its callable capital Consequently, each shareholder provides a small portion of its committed share as paid-in capital For the US that amounts to $3 7 billion – about 19% of the $20 billion in subsidies the federal government has given Elon Musk s SpaceX over the past 15 years To be sure, the US contributes
India is way too eager to embrace Trump’s Americ a
New Delhi’s growing over tures towards the US come at a time when Washington itself is recalibrating its global alliances
India become a superpower to match China Thus, a talking point for Modi with Trump might well have been the revival of the moribund India-Middle East Economic Corridor (IMEC) to rival China s belt and road initiative But then Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu s blurted out that Saudi Arabia could be an ideal location to resettle Palestinians evicted from Gaza Riyadh, which could have been the IMEC’s main financier, went ballistic India has not uttered a word about the US-Israeli plans for ethnic cleansing in Gaza or Trump s bizarre idea of taking over Gaza and transforming into the Riviera of the Middle East something that has drawn criticism from the rest of the world and support for the Abraham Accords It’s the unipolar predicament stupid! Trump is unceremoniously cutting loose his European allies and expects them to fend for themselves following the NATO s defeat in Ukraine This vista arose when the new US Defence Secretary Peter Hegseth made his maiden appearance at the NATO defence ministers meeting in Brussels last week
When asked about US commitment to Article 5 of NATO charter on collective security Hegseth instead drew attention to Article 3 on the principle of resilience, which
says, In order more effectively to achieve the objectives of this (NATO) Treaty, the Parties separately and jointly by means of continuous and effective self-help and mutual aid will maintain and develop their individual and collective capacity to resist armed attack What took the breath away was the plain speaking a couple of days later by Vice President J D Vance in his fiery remarks at the Munich Security Conference He laid bare the collapse of the transatlantic alliance and signalled that the dispute between Europe and the US is no longer to do with sharing military burdens, or a perceived threat from Russia, but something more fundamental about Europe's society and political economy
The greatest danger to Europe Vance underscored was not Russia not China but a danger from within Indeed the implications for Ukraine are enormous It was left to Vladimir Zelensky to later lament at the Munich event: The US vice-president made it clear: decades of the old relationship between Europe and America are ending From now on things will be different and Europe needs to adjust to that How come when history is unfolding the Indian elites behave like lotus eaters, myopic about the magnitude of US retrenchment? The malaise is prevalent even among India’s elites in Congress and its opposition party
The elites are oblivious to the geopolitical reality that war is not an option for the US visa-vis China (if it ever was ) Basically Trump is intensely conscious that the US should not exhaust its resources by waging wars and, therefore, must avoid making hollow promises to leaders like Modi or Netanyahu
In fact, at the joint press conference with Modi on Friday, Trump openly called for peace between India and China and offered to help Gone are the days when Americans would encourage India to show the middle finger to China across the Himalayas and the elites in India would get ecstatic Trump also never once mentioned Quad group comprising Australia, India, Japan, and the US China s role as the economic engine that drives the world economy seems to weigh on Trump s mind 24/7 Whereas the US
H A M A S H A N D S O V E R F O U R
B O D I E S A M I D U N C R I T I C I S M
HEnergy reimagined: The SIFC realit y
million barrels as of June 2024 This isn t just a statistical anomaly; it s a tangible outcome of SIFC s strategic interventions By streamlining regulations and fast-tracking approvals, SIFC has empowered industry leaders like OGDC and Mari Energies to aggressively pursue exploration and development while also attracting fresh interest from international investors eyeing Pakistan’s high-potential blocks The result? A transformed energy landscape where discoveries are becoming the norm and the nation moves closer to energy independence
for a sustainable and prosperous energy future
Challenging the narrative of decline the SIFC is spearheading a dynamic turnaround in Pakistan s oil and gas sector through strategic interventions and policy reforms Among the most significant moves is the approval allowing exploration and production companies to sell up to 35% of their natural gas output to third parties This bold step has done more than shake up the status quo, it has unlocked new avenues for investment by giving companies the pricing flexibility they ve long needed to make exploration and production financially viable The ripple effect has been profound with leading domestic and international players pledging fresh capital for gas field development But it doesn t stop there, SIFC s commitment to fast-tracking approvals and ensuring a transparent policy rollout has transformed what was once a stagnant sector into a dynamic hub of opportunity
Beyond the balance sheets and production charts SIFC is unlocking Exploration and Production potential in Pakistan s oil and gas sector, contributing to a remarkable 26% surge in proven oil reserves, now at 243
Forging a path toward energy independence, SIFC drives growth with innovative production and infrastructure development, reshaping the industry With ambitious plans to boost oil production from 33 000 to 50 000 barrels per day over the next few years OGDC is poised for significant growth Simultaneously natural gas production is expected to rise beyond 900 MMcfd lessening reliance on imports and enhancing energy security The White Oil Pipeline Project, with SIFC s strategic oversight, will link Attock, Chakpirana, and Faqirabad refineries over 477 kilometers effectively reducing transportation costs and optimizing logistics for a more robust energy supply chain
Building on its momentum SIFC has recently launched onshore and offshore bidding rounds, marking a significant breakthrough in attracting fresh investments and signaling renewed confidence in Pakistan’s hydrocarbon sector By dismantling bureaucratic barriers and accelerating investment processes SIFC has cultivated an environment ripe for exploration ventures
This renewed interest not only enhances the potential for discoveries but also complements ongoing efforts to boost production capacity, positioning Pakistan as an emerging player in the global energy arena and reinforcing its commitment to energy independence
In a reassuring turn of events Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company (KUFPEC) has dispelled rumors of an impending exit from Pakistan emphasizing its ongoing commitment to the region Citing robust support from SIFC and government authorities, KUFPEC remains dedicated to its current and future exploration projects This commitment is bolstered by SIFC’s proactive engagement with foreign E&P companies ensuring that their concerns are addressed and the investment climate remains stable By nurturing these vital relationships, SIFC not only strengthens investor confidence but also reinforces Pakistan s position as an attractive destination for international energy investments
At the core of Pakistan’s energy revival is SIFC’s commitment to stability efficiency and global engagement By acting as a single-window platform it has streamlined regulations eliminated policy uncertainties and fast-tracked investment approvals With an eye on the future, it is also expanding global outreach, engaging Gulf and Western energy firms to unlock new opportunities In a sector where confidence is key, SIFC isn’t just facilitating investment it’s redefining how business is done in Pakistan’s energy landscape Contrary to popular belief Pakistan s oil and gas sector is not facing a decline; it s experiencing a period of significant growth While past fluctuations might suggest otherwise, a closer look reveals a dynamic industry on the rise The sustained commitment of established players like KUFPEC, coupled with fresh investment pledges spurred by SIFC’s initiatives further dispels any notion of a mass exodus This isn t a story of decline; it s a story of evolution with SIFC leading the charge to secure Pakistan s energy future and bolster its economic foundation
The writer is a freelance columnist and can be reached at zartajchaudhary@gmail com
lion people in winter sports a commitment made during its 2022 bid, has become a reality The passion for ice and snow has swept across the country, creating immense excitement and significant economic opportunities In Harbin attractions like the Ice and Snow World Sun Island International
Haleon Pakistan and S mile Train Join Hands to Treatment for C
hildren with C left Lips & Palates in Pakistan
PM ASSURES TO RESOLVE ISSUES FACED BY RETAIL BUSINESSES
Balochistan police form inquir y body over police ‘negligence’ in Mustafa Amir c ase
car found at Hub belonged to Amir
said
case an
s
Friday Amir, a 23-year-old, was kidnapped and allegedly murdered by his friends in Karachi’s Defence Housing Authority (DHA) on January 6 According to the police the youth s friends stuffed his body in the trunk of his car and torched it in the Hub area of Balochistan Earlier this month, police arrested Armaghan for injuring policemen in an attempt to resist his detention in connection with Amir ’s kidnapping case Another suspect Armaghan s friend Sheraz aka Shavez Bukhari was remanded in police custody by an antiterrorism court (ATC) last week
Sindh Acting Prosecutor-General Muntazir Mehdi, on behalf of the Sindh government had filed revision applications in the Sindh High Court (SHC) challenging the ATC orders denying the police Armaghan s physical custody and sending him on judicial remand instead Another application was also filed against an ATC order on the plea of the suspect’s father against a raid at his residence Armaghan was remanded in police custody after the SHC on Tuesday set aside an impugned order of an administrative ATC judge, who had earlier sent the suspect to prison on judicial remand Talking to Dawn com today Hub Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Syed Fazil Shah confirmed that the police are further investigating the matter after the accused confirmed that the body and
The SSP also confirmed that the police had formed an inquiry committee for the case under the leadership of Winder Deputy Superintendent of Police Muhammad Jan Sasoli which will compile a report within five days and identify areas of neglect in the case
On Jan 12, police found an unidentified body in a torched car in Hub which Balochistan police later handed over to the Edhi Foundation for burial The unclaimed body was buried at the Edhi graveyard in Karachi on Jan 16
Meanwhile, three police officers were also suspended and demoted for mishandling the kidnapping and murder case with the victim s mother saying that SSP Investigation Ali Hassan was guilty of victim blaming and failing to take action for 20 days
Six terrorists killed in Karak operation: ISPR
Six terrorists were killed after security forces carried out an intelligence-based operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa s Karak district the military s media affairs wing said on Friday
According to a press release issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) security forces effectively engaged after they received information regarding the presence of terrorists in the area
PTA, FIA seize over 7,600 illegal international SIMs in nationwide raids
During the conduct of operation [ ] six khawarij were sent to hell,” it said, referring to the term the state uses for members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)
A sanitisation operation is being conducted to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area,” it said adding that the security forces were determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism Pakistan has recently witnessed an uptick in terror activities, especially in KP and Balochistan Terror attacks have increased since the TTP broke a fragile ceasefire agreement with the government in 2022 Last week security forces killed 13 terrorists in five separate operations carried out across KP on Thursday night In separate IBOs on Feb 15, four soldiers were martyred while 15 terrorists were killed in KP on Saturday
and
on directives from
Among those apprehended,
fickers from
reaffirmed its commitment to combating the illegal SIM trade and urged the public to report such activities via its official website Authorities emphasized that crackdowns will continue to ensure a secure digital environment and curb the misuse of unauthorized SIMs for fraudulent activities