TIME FOR UNIT Y NOT POLITICS TO RID COUNTRY OF MENACE OF TERRORISM: PM
g PM SHEHBAZ SAYS TERRORISTS' WANTS TO HINDER PROGRESS AND PROSPERITY OF BALOCHISTAN AND ITS PEOPLE
g ASSURES UNDER LEADERSHIP OF COAS, ARMED FORCES WOULD CONTINUE TO WORK FOR PEACE, ESPECIALLY IN BALOCHISTAN,
Imran pens letter to COAS urging ‘re-evaluation of
fostering resentment among the public, widening the gap between civilians and the military “In letter, text of which will be made public PTI founder urges the army chief to reconsider certain policies PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar said while talking to the media outside Adiala Jail on Monday Barrister Gohar said that Imran, in his letter, has reminded the army chief that as the former prime minister and the founder of the country s biggest political party PTI he wanted to point out certain things because of which the distance between the people and the establishment was widening Continuing quoting Imran, Gohar said: This [mistrust] should not take place at all, but there are certain reasons because of which this gulf is widening Owing to those reasons the army is being blamed so the policy reasons must be reevaluated
According to Gohar the letter also touched upon some of the reasons which have created the perceived gap between the establishment and the public, including the 2024 elections, the passage of the 26th amendment and the recent Peca Act and how social media was being targeted to suppress dissent
FinMin meets C VF-V20 delegation to discuss climate resilience
g
TALKS FOCUS ON CLIMATE RISK MITIG ATION, FINANCING AND PAKISTAN'S R OLE IN GLOB AL CLIMATE AC TION
potential development financing opportunities through Paris-Aligned Carbon Markets, which aim to advance Pakistan’s climate goals
Ahmed Managing Director of CVF-V20 the delegation held detailed discussions on key issues such as climate risk mitigation, securing finance for adaptation and mitigation strategies agricultural insurance and improving urban flood resilience
During the meeting the delegation highlighted several initiatives already underway in Pakistan, including the launch of the country’s Carbon Market Policy and the establishment of the Panel on Coordinated Access to Net Zero at COP29 They also discussed
Minister Aurangzeb stressed the significant environmental and climate risks facing Pakistan and underscored the need for building resilience through effective adaptation and disaster preparedness strategies He pointed out that the government had actively explored various funding avenues in collaboration with international organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank (WB) to address the impacts of climate change
The minister further emphasized the importance of global cooperation in tackling climate challenges He noted that support from the V20 the Group of Seven (G7) and other countries under the Global Shield initiative was critical in strengthening pre-arranged protection for vulnerable populations against climate and disaster-related
risks Aurangzeb also reiterated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ’s unwavering commitment to bolstering Pakistan s resilience across key socio-economic sectors, including agriculture, water, energy, health, and education The Prime Minister aims to ensure that Pakistan is prepared to withstand the impacts of climate change The CVF-V20 delegation which included Hamza Haroon Regional Director-South Asia; Ms Abena Takyiwaa Asamoah-Okyere, Director of Country Platforms; Marzio Colantuoni, Research Analyst; and Ms Ameera Adil Special Initiatives Lead for Pakistan engaged in productive talks with senior officials from both the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Climate Change Their discussions reinforced Pakistan s commitment to the global fight against climate change
The meeting concluded with a shared understanding of the urgent need for coordinated multi-stakeholder efforts to address the escalating climate challenges and protect vulnerable communities from the adverse effects of climate change
is being developed in two stages Stage-I is expected to generate 2,160 megawatts (MW) through six units of 360 MW each
while the completion of Stage-II will raise total capacity to 4 320 MW The project will eventually produce 21 445 gigawatt-hours (GWh) annually with Stage-I contributing 12 222 GWh The World Bank had previously provided $588 million for the project and offered guarantees to secure $460 million from international lenders Under the new financing structure $800 million of the $1 billion loan will come from the International Development
TRANSPORT FARES SURGE AS FUEL PRICES
FOR THIRD CONSECUTIVE TIME
ECC expresses concern over rising prices of sugar, vegetables, and edible oil
ISLAMABAD M
n to R i n g D
S k The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet convened today under the leadership of Federal Minister for Finance, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, to address the ongoing inflationary trends and rising prices of essential commodities In addition to its regular agenda the ECC reviewed inflation trends and the pricing of key goods, as presented by the Economic Advisor s Wing of the Finance Division The committee was informed that inflation had significantly decreased during the first half of FY25 dropping to 7 2 percent from 28 8 percent during the same period last year December 2025 saw inflation recorded at 4 1 percent, a sharp drop from 29 7 percent in December 2024 marking the lowest inflation rate in 80 months This improvement was attributed to factors such as exchange rate stability effective fiscal management and enhanced supply chains for essential goods While the ECC expressed satisfaction with the downward trend in the Sensitive Price Index (SPI) in recent weeks the committee emphasized that the reductions in core inflation and
overall prices should lead to tangible benefits for the general public However, despite these positive trends the ECC raised concerns about the increasing prices of sugar vegetables and edible oil particularly given the declining costs of these commodities in the international market To address the situation, the committee directed the Ministry of Industries and Production, in collaboration with the Ministry of National Food Security & Research and the National Price Monitoring Committee (NPMC) to devise a plan and report back within two weeks
The focus will be on ensuring the maintenance of strategic reserves for essential goods, including wheat, sugar, and pulses while improving supply chains ahead of the holy month of Ramadan
Additionally the ECC called on Provincial Price Control Committees to enforce stricter adherence to the price control mechanism, combat cartelization, and prevent unfair profiteering The committee emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that essential goods remain affordable for all citizens
On other matters the ECC approved a summary from the Revenue Division regarding policy changes to the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS) 2021 The changes aim to plug revenue leakages
while maintaining support for compliant exporters Key adjustments include reducing the input utilization period, adjusting input authorization based on production capacity and replacing insurance guarantees with bank guarantees The committee also approved a technical supplementary grant of Rs 2 79 billion for arms and ammunition procurement and the engagement of Nespak as a design consultant for Digital Enforcement Stations (DES) and check posts Other proposals approved included a grant of Rs 494 56 million for Frontier Corps KP (North) for constructing barracks and check posts, as well as a Rs 1 792 billion grant for the Reko Diq project, subject to clarification on the proposed expenditure Furthermore the ECC reviewed and approved an amendment to a mediation agreement regarding tariff claims by Karachi Electric (KE) and other state-owned entities, ensuring no increase in tariffs The committee also approved a proposal for the Intelligence Bureau Division releasing a supplementary grant of Rs 500 million
The meeting underscored the government s proactive efforts to manage inflation and maintain the availability of essential commodities at affordable prices for the Pakistani public
Verdic t in Ramzan Sugar Mills case against Shahbaz Sharif, Hamza set for Februar y
being imposed over the majority’s wishes”
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
Barrister Gohar reiterated that Imran had written the letter in the above context in great detail , adding that the letter would be made public today
Elaborating on the letter ’s contents
PTI lawyer Faisal Chaudhry said Imran had urged the security institutions to take notice that there was a need of the hour to change the policies that are currently in effect in the country Advocate Ch said the primary reason for the mistrust between the establishment and the people according to Imran was the alleged rigging in the February 8 elections that led to a minority government
“This is the first point of contention between the people and the institutions ” Advocate Ch added He said the second point in the letter was the passage of the 26th amendment through which the judiciary has been controlled and which was brought to ruin the justice system and to provide cover to the election fraud and Imran Khan’s cases” Advocate Ch alleged that the reason for the delay in the Al-Qadir Trust case sentencing was to impact Imran s appeals after court packing by placing them before favoured and pocket judges
The nation is strictly unhappy with this disrespect of the court and justice system with the country’s wider intelligentsia
and lawyers also agitated against this ” Advocate Ch also criticised the recent changes to the Peca law to “put restrictions on the internet social media freedom of opinion and expression opposing thoughts and to only promote favourable voices The PTI lawyer said the country s IT industry was at stake and the human rights violations in the country also jeopardised the GSP+ status
“Imran Khan says that if we don’t treat our citizens as per international law then there will be an increase in difficulties he added Explaining the fourth point he said: All institutions have been tasked with crushing the PTI in the country Terrorism is increasing because those responsible for stopping it are
COMMENT
It matters what the Palestinian people want of us
IT seems that the dust has barely settled from the relentless genocide perpetrated by the Israeli entity in Gaza that their focus has shifted to the West Bank International pressure and an ultimatum from President Trump finally paved the way for a ceasefire after more than 50,000 Palestinians lost their lives in a putsch that began in October 2023 With the world s attention diverted the Israeli government has now reinvigorated their efforts to promote settlements in the West Bank Pakistan has been an official ally of the Palestinian people since Independence The Prime Minister has also vowed to support the rebuilding of Gaza, but beyond these measures, what can one do in the face of such horrific carnage?
A recent story by this paper s sister publication, Profit takes a look at the effects of the Boycott, Divest, Sanction (BDS) movement in Pakistan Founded in 2005 BDS is a successor movement It is modelled on a method of targeted boycotts inspired by the South African antiapartheid movement, the US Civil Rights movement, the Indian and the Irish anti-colonial struggles among others worldwide It is non-violent, and believes that when it comes to corporations consumer choice is a weapon that can be wielded to great effect
The concept is simple: there are corporations all over the world that do business with Israel Some of these companies are harmless while others provide key technology and equipment that is directly used for the subjugation of the Palestinian people The idea is for individuals all over the world that support the end of Apartheid in Palestine to boycott these companies, and hopefully hurt the businesses of these corporations enough for them to notice and change their policies
In Pakistan the effects have been clear As the report reveals
The price of greed: How europe and the USA manipulated Ukraine’s destiny
Germany saw itself as a natural leader of Europe While the United Kingdom in the post-Brexit wanted to prove its relevance and leadership on the global stage
TH E Russia-Ukraine crisis is one of the most consequential and unsettling crises of the 21st century woven into a typical historical fabric of shared culture and contentious land disputes Before the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the two nations were highly interconnected with each other by a mosaic of cultural affinities and intertwined geographies However their relationships have been marred by growing geopolitical tensions culminating in Russia s audacious and wild invasion of Ukraine in Feb 2022 Conflict transformed into a highly disturbing regional and global crisis from a simple land dispute, engaging both countries in a complete war situation
The Russia-Ukraine crisis can be attributed to several basic reasons including economic factors One key aspect of this crisis is Europe s dependency on Russian gas as Russia possesses world s largest natural gas deposits One of the main pipelines includes Nord 1 and Nord 2 pipelines, which have a combined capacity of 55 billion cubic meters and directly connect Russia to Germany These pipelines hold significant geopolitical and eco-strategic importance for both Russia and Europe especially in Eastern Europe Furthermore Europe s energy dependency on Russian gas is facilitated through various tracks including several critical other pipelines, such as the Ukraine Transit and Yama-Europe routes
This crisis has escalated due to political reasons, especially a leadership rivalry between the United Kingdom and Germany Following World War II the United Kingdom experienced a gradual decline from the position of leading global naval power Conversely, Germany developed strong energy relationships with Russia and initially hesitated to provide military or financial aid to Ukraine, fearing an escalation of the crisis and potential disruption in its economic energy and diplomatic ties with Russia In contrast the United Kingdom adopted a more aggressive approach in the post-Brexit era providing military support to Ukraine and explicitly criticizing Germany for its alleged passive response The United Kingdom wanted to showcase itself as a strong global leader, taking decisive actions The tussle occurred when
A crisis of confidence
has also stifled innovation and entrepreneurship Start-ups and new businesses which are critical for job creation and economic dynamism are particularly vulnerable to the FBR s heavy-handed approach Without a supportive ecosystem, these enterprises are unlikely to thrive, further limiting the economy’s growth potential For Pakistan to break out of its current economic stagnation it must address the root causes of its malaise This requires a twopronged approach: restoring confidence in the economy and reforming key institutions First, the government must take decisive steps to stabilize the economy and reduce uncertainty This includes implementing sound fiscal policies controlling inflation and ensuring a stable exchange rate While these measures may be painful in the short term they are essential for rebuilding trust The State Bank s efforts to reduce interest rates are a step in the right di-
During the era of USSR, gas prices in Eastern Europe remained relatively stable However, following the disintegration of the Soviet Union, gas prices experienced a significant surge Russia demanded higher payments from the Europe to meet the requirements of global market standards with Gazprom Russia s state-controlled energy giant attributing the price increases to a range of factors
Factors include economic collapse, and secretive retaliatory measures against the West stemming from the lingering dynamics of the cold war However it is essential to acknowledge that the United States played a significant role in orchestrating the gas crisis in Eastern Europe following its eco-strategic policy to leverage the situation for its economic benefits While further undermining Russia s economy to diminish its strong influence across the region
The United States of America, after orchestrating the gas crisis between Europe and Russia reassured Europe to be optimistic promising to supply the required amount of gas to Europe and alleviate their concerns However the United States facilitated an agreement and established a partnership with Qatar, the largest producer of liquified Natural Gas (LNG) to fulfill the gas demands of Europe As a result, the USA’s LNG giant Cheniere Energy significantly increased its exports from Sabine Pass Terminal in Louisiana redirecting more LNG supplies to the European markets In addition by August 2022 exports between the U S and Qatar increased by 60% that drove Europe out of this limping crisis, enabling it to meet its required gas demands The United States adopted a strategy of surroundand-attack, establishing military bases around Russia, following their historic rivalry dating back to the Cold War From the beginning of the crisis the intent of the United States was clear: to align Ukraine as a strong ally and leverage its territory against Russia to
The memorandum between the US and Ukraine was based on multilateral engag ement, involving NATO and Ukraine , under which Ukraine will relinquish its 3rd larg est nuclear arsenal and join the Treaty on Non-proliferation of nuclear weapons
rection but they must be accompanied by structural reforms that address the underlying causes of economic volatility Second, Pakistan must reform its tax system to create a more business-friendly environment This means shifting the focus from squeezing existing taxpayers to broadening the tax base The FBR should work to simplify tax procedures reduce compliance costs and incentivize formalization At the same time, the government must crack down on tax evasion and ensure that all sectors of the economy, including agriculture and real estate pay their fair share
In addition to these measures Pakistan must invest in human capital and infrastructure to unlock its long-term growth potential A well-educated and skilled workforce, coupled with reliable energy and transportation networks, would make the country more attractive to investors and create the conditions for sustained economic growth Pakistan s economic challenges are not insurmountable but they require bold and decisive action The State Bank s efforts to stimulate the economy through lower interest rates have been undermined by a lack of confidence and a hostile business environment Until these issues are addressed the economy is likely to remain stuck in a low-growth trap
The government must recognize that economic growth is not just about numbers; it is about people Restoring confidence, reforming institutions, and creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for businesses are essential steps on the path to prosperity Without these changes Pakistan’s economy will continue to underperform leaving millions of its citizens trapped in poverty and uncertainty The time for action is now
The writer is a freelance columnist
The SBP has persistently reduced the interest rate ever since inflation has star ted to go down The logic behind this move was straightforward: lower borrowing costs would encourage businesses to invest, consumers to spend, and investors to take risks In theory, this would spur economic growth, create jobs, and boost productivity However, the reality has been far from the textbook outcome
Energy reforms ahead
ahmad Saleem
R e d e f i n i n g P a k i s t a n ’ s s t r a t e g i c d i r e c t i o n a m i d g r o w i n g i n s t a b i l i t y
Ttershed moment
ability
Post-9/11 Pakistan
and
a U S ally in the War on Terror securing $33 billion in aid between 2002–2018 However, this partnership collapsed amid distrust over counterterrorism efforts, pushing Pakistan closer to China This dependency on external powers underscores Pakistan s struggle for strategic autonomy While India leveraged non-alignment to diversify partnerships, Pakistan s reliance on transactional alliances has left it
Pakistan s political landscape has long been marked by instability The country has experienced multiple military coups, civilian governments with short tenures Political instability is not new Since independence it has cycled through 23 Prime Ministers none completing a full term The military s shadow looms large: direct rule for 33 years and indirect influence otherwise The judiciary’s politicization exacerbates instability The 2017 disqualification of PM Nawaz Sharif over undeclared income a ruling critics called judicial overreach contrasts with India s stable transitions, where no PM has been removed by courts since 1991
The recent political crisis, exemplified by the ousting of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and the growing friction between political parties has further exacerbated the governance deficit This turmoil has prevented Pakistan from adopting a clear foreign policy stance, especially regarding its engagement in regional initiatives like the IPEF While other countries in the region, such as India and Vietnam have embraced economic integration and regional cooperation Pakistan s political instability has made it difficult to craft a unified approach to these challenges The resulting uncertainty has caused both domestic and international actors to question Pakistan’s ability to be a reliable partner in the Indo-Pacific
Pakistan s economy has faced a series of crises in recent years, including high inflation, unemployment, energy shortages, and foreign debt The country’s economic struggles are compounded by a lack of economic diversification with heavy dependence on foreign aid primarily from China and Saudi Arabia While the CPEC has brought in some infrastructure development, it has also led to an over-reliance on China, putting Pakistan in a vulnerable position Pakistan’s reliance on foreign aid and loans from coun-
tries like China and Saudi Arabia as well as international institutions like the IMF has limited its ability to chart an independent economic course This dependence on external actors often forces Pakistan to make compromises that do not always align with its long-term national interests This economic fragility has limited Pakistan’s ability to fully participate in global economic initiatives particularly those driven by powers such as the United States Japan and India Pakistan s refusal to engage in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), which focuses on supply chain resilience, clean energy and digital economy risks leaving the country isolated from the growing economic opportunities in the region Pakistan s economy is caught in a vicious cycle: 23 IMF bailouts since 1958, with the latest 3 billion package (2023) tied to austerity measures Inflation hit 383billion package (2023) tied to austerity measures Inflation hit 38125 billion (43% of GDP) China holds 30% of this debt raising concerns of a debt trap akin to Sri Lanka s Hambantota port fiasco
PA K
Pakistan’s foreign policy is currently stuck in a strategic bind On the one hand its deepening relationship with China particularly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) offers economic benefits and infrastructure development However, this relationship comes with limitations, particularly in terms of economic diversification and regional integration On the other hand, India’s growing influence and active participation in global and regional initiatives like the IPEF and the Quad make it a significant strategic rival for Pakistan India s rising economic and diplomatic clout, combined with its military modernization, further complicates Pakistan’s position in the region In contrast Pakistan’s foreign policy continues to be dominated by its strategic alliance with China While this partnership has brought some benefits particularly through the CPEC, it has also left Pakistan diplomatically isolated in certain respects The growing influence of India, combined with Pakistan’s reluctance to engage with broader regional initiatives risks further marginaliz-
Musk’s mission to Mars
expected in 2027 In contrast Musk’s philosophy expressed on X recently is: We re going straight to Mars
The Moon is a distraction
TH E grin that Elon Musk wore during Donald Trump s inaugural address widened further when the president pledged that Americans would plant the stars and stripes on the planet Mars” Colonising the red planet en route to creating “a spacefaring civilisation” has long been one of Musk’s driving ambitions and a prime motivation for his building SpaceX into the world s most successful space company Trump is not the first president to proclaim an ambition to land astronauts on Mars but, with dedicated support from the world’s champion rocketeer and richest person, he has a better chance of success than his predecessors Some might regard spending $1tn establishing a Martian base as hubristic waste when so much needs fixing on our own planet The proposal though is more popular than many of Trump s other enthusiasms A YouGov poll in 2023 found 57 per cent of Americans supported sending astronauts to Mars, with only 19 per cent opposed Musk has become such a polarising character that his championing a Mars programme may also appear to his detractors a gigantic vanity project Yet his record with Tesla and SpaceX has demonstrated an exceptional ability to achieve ambitious technological feats Putting humans on another planet would be hugely inspiring for people not just in the US but worldwide Remember the wave of enthusiasm for science and technology, particularly among the young after the Apollo Moon landings The US space agency Nasa is focusing the future of human space flight on returning astronauts to the Moon through the Artemis programme started by the previous Trump administration in 2017 The first crewed landing is
Musk s engineering reputation rests in part on his determination to strip out unnecessary steps and drive teams relentlessly towards a final goal Here, however, a less radical approach might be wiser For the new administration to cancel key elements of Artemis such as the Orion crew
capsule would be a waste of about $100bn allocated to the programme by Nasa and partners such as the European Space Agency Valuable learning that could make Mars missions more achievable would be lost
Even if Musk s associate Jared Isaacman, nominated by Trump to lead Nasa, tries to redirect resources from the Moon to Mars Congress may stop him Many members of both parties are committed to the Moon-first approach not least because abandoning it would leave lunar real estate open for China to exploit Ideally Musk would lend his expertise and the immense power of SpaceX rocketry to make the Moon a successful stepping stone to his goal
Pioneering travellers to Mars will have to undergo an extremely rigorous selection process, as the nine-month trip to the red planet on Musk’s Starship will place a huge strain on minds and bodies Even with good shielding cosmic radiation and extended exposure to low gravity will accelerate ageing of organs from kidneys to the brain
Mental health could suffer from prolonged confinement with fellow astronauts Musk famously said a few years ago: “I would like to die on Mars Just not on impact ” Some of his critics might be happy to see the controversial billionaire leave on the first flight though it is not clear he would meet the demanding mental and physical requirements for the trip But he may have the power, wealth and determination to make it happen for others and, as he sees it, to give humanity a future beyond Earth while inspiring innovation and motivation on Terra Firma along the way
Mega corruption in megaprojects
instructions for swift implementation However these projects often do not align with the relevant department s master plan or priorities Moreover feasibility studies are frequently treated as a mere formality, with a tendency to exaggerate project benefits and underestimate costs Land acquisition, which typically begins during
to support Bangladesh’s development, come with stringent conditions one being that 75 percent of project content must be sourced from India This restriction limits Bangladesh s procurement flexibility often resulting in inflated costs and compromised quality
In addition to these megaprojects the Awami League government undertook numerous other projects during its tenure, many of which underwent frequent revisions, leading to delays and cost escalations Ultimately, it is the people of Bangladesh who bear the burden of such massive corruption and inefficiency
Moving forward ensuring transparency and accountability in all development projects is crucial The task force committee has made two key recommendations First, the Planning Commission should have the authority to appraise, approve, coordinate, and oversee all public projects Second, all four modes of transport should be brought under a single ministry potentially the transport ministry
ing Pakistan on the global stage RETHINKING PAKISTAN S STRATEGIC
It is imperative that Pakistan rethink its strategic direction and adopt a more balanced, forward-looking approach A few areas for reform and reorientation could help Pakistan navigate this complex geopolitical environment
The political crisis in Pakistan must be resolved through institutional reforms that strengthen democratic governance and reduce the influence of the military in civilian affairs A stable political environment is crucial for long-term policy continuity and effective foreign relations Judicial independence electoral reforms and accountability mechanisms are essential for rebuilding public trust in the political system and ensuring that Pakistan’s foreign policy is not dictated by short-term political interests
Pakistan’s geographical location sitting at the crossroads of South Asia Central Asia and the Middle East provides it with strategic advantages By developing transport corridors, energy pipelines, and trade routes that link these regions
Maintaining its strong relationship with China Pakistan must also seek to engage more actively with other regional and global powers, including India, the United States, and ASEAN countries This would allow Pakistan to benefit from a broader range of economic and security partnerships, reducing its dependence on any single country Initiatives like the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) should be explored more critically as they could offer Pakistan opportunities for infrastructure development, clean energy investments, and trade diversification Economic Reform and Stability: Addressing Pakistan’s internal economic challenges is a prerequisite for any meaningful foreign policy reorientation Pakistan must focus on economic diversification tax reforms, and industrial development to reduce its reliance on foreign loans and aid Strengthening its manufacturing base, improving energy security and investing in human capital through education and skills
Myanmar’s internet shutdowns
relevant ministry for feasibility studies and proposal preparation with
The government should seriously consider these proposals and implement systemic reforms to ensure that public projects genuinely serve the public interest
IN a virtual war alongside its physical one, Myanmar ’s junta aims to cut off online access for its people and the resistance The world can help by supporting Myanmar citizens in their attempts to stay connected In the aftermath of Myanmar s February 2021 military coup, the junta has weaponised internet shutdowns in-country, targeting resistance-controlled areas By severing the opposition’s communication channels the regime aims to stifle dissent isolate these forces and weaken the coordination of prodemocracy elements The deliberate blackouts have profound implications not only for Myanmar citizens freedom of expression but also for the safety, livelihoods, and survival of affected communities The tactic of governments using internet shutdowns is neither new nor limited to Myanmar: Freedom House has uncovered its ubiquitous usage in countries across the democratic spectrum The junta has aggressively deployed such tactics in Myanmar s civil war, simultaneously with armed attacks The Myanmar Internet Project has recorded 329 shutdowns since February 2021 Resistance-controlled areas particularly the Sagaing and Magway regions and the Kachin state bear the brunt as they are where some of the most intense fighting with the Myanmar army occurs ATHAN reports that all 330 townships in Myanmar have experienced some form of communications blackout (meaning telephone and/or internet outages) since the coup For the junta, taking these areas off-grid is a twopronged strategy: to disrupt the flow of information among resistance groups and to isolate these areas from global attention Without access to Wi-Fi local activists and communities struggle to document and share real-time information about military atrocities
This in turn limits the international community s ability to hold the junta accountable Myanmar ’s junta understands the power of the internet in modern resistance movements Online platforms are vital tools for organising protests sharing news and rallying support Consequently the junta has introduced different versions of a draconian cybersecurity law The most recent (effective 1 January 2025) bans the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) and imposes strict surveillance measures For instance violators can face up to six months in prison and a fine for an unauthorised VPN installation or service This rule is apparently applicable to overseas Myanmar nationals too Criminalising the use of VPNs, a lifeline for civilians and anti-regime groups to bypass censorship,
NomaN Hameed mir
CHINA’S ANNUAL TRADE IN SERVICES EXCEEDS US$1 TRILLION
Char t a new vision at star t of new year and embark on a new journey of China-Pakistan relations
and Pakistan are both at the critical stage of our development Pakistan is striving for sustainable and inclusive economic growth while China remains committed to the pursuit of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation In this noble endeavor, Pakistan will always be China’s ironclad brother reliable friend and trustworthy partner
Practical cooperation in various fields has laid a solid foundation for the development of China-Pakistan relations In the past year, China-Pakistan practical cooperation has moved forward steadily despite the adverse impact of the external environment
our allweather strategic cooperation As President Zardari pointed out China
Just on December 1 last year the Khunjerab Pass was officially open all year round, becoming an important landmark for the progress of China-Pakistan cooperation in the new era; on December 30, the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit5 (C-5) has officially started construction which will bring 40 000 jobs to the local people; not long ago, Gwadar New International Airport welcomed its first domestic and international commercial flights, opening up a new prospect for promoting airport and port linkage; A team of Chinese experts traveled thousands of miles to Pakistan to successfully perform operations on children with congenital heart disease, allowing them to regain health and restoring hope for their families These tangible results reflect the resilient certainty of China-Pakistan
cooperation in the uncertain world
We are willing to continue to strengthen the synergy of development strategies with Pakistan, deepen mutually beneficial and winwin cooperation, build the upgraded version of CPEC, and better benefit the two peoples Security cooperation has provided protection for the development of China-Pakistan relations President Xi Jinping pointed out that our cooperation in the security and economic fields reinforce each other, and the two wheels must be advanced simultaneously A safe and stable environment is indispensable for China-Pakistan practical cooperation including CPEC construction
We speak highly of Pakistan’s unremitting efforts and huge sacrifices in combating terrorism and it s important contributions to maintaining international peace and security
The two sides reiterate our “zero tolerance” attitude to combat all forms of terrorism agree to further strengthen bilateral and multilateral anti-terrorism cooperation jointly oppose the politicizing and instrumentalizing of anti-terrorism issues, and are willing to work with the international community to strengthen multilateral anti-terrorism cooperation under the framework of the United Nations the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and other frameworks At the same time,
China-Pakistan strategic defense and security cooperation plays an irreplaceable and important role in maintaining regional peace and stability We are willing to continue to maintain the momentum of exchanges between the two militaries and continuously improve the level of defense cooperation
The all-weather friendship has laid a solid foundation for the development of China-Pakistan relations As good neighbors, good friends, good partners, and good brothers, the peoples of our two countries have stood together through thick and thin and our iron-clad friendship has withstood the test of time
History will remember that at critical moments such as the restoration of the People s Republic of China s lawful seat in the United Nations, the safeguarding of national sovereignty and territorial integrity and the confrontation of natural disasters our iron-brother Pakistan has always stepped forward to offer valuable help and firm support
Conversely, when Pakistan needed assistance, China has always been its strong backing We still recall the touching story of Pakistan’s generous donation of tents during the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake as well as the mutual support between the two countries in combating the COVID-19 pandemic At present, China is continuously aiding Pakistan in its recovery and reconstruction from the flood of the century
in 2022 The China-Pakistan friendship is constantly tested and enhanced in practice We believe that during this visit the two sides will demonstrate their firm support for each other s core interests and major concerns, highlight the essence of the all-weather friendship, and promote the steady and long-term development of bilateral relations In a turbulent and changing world the healthy and stable robustly developing China-Pakistan relations holds great significance for regional peace and prosperity Both China and Pakistan are developing countries facing the historical task of developing their economies and improving people s livelihoods Taking this visit as an opportunity, the two sides will deepen exchanges of governance experience and mutual learning between civilizations promote the alignment of development concepts and coordination of policy continuously enrich the connotation of the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, and make new contributions to an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization We wish President Zardari a successful visit to China! We wish China-Pakistan cooperation great fortune in the Year of the Snake! We wish our iron-clad friendship to last forever! The author is Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan
a large number of distinguished guests including the Consul General of Sri Lanka, Jagath Abeywarna, Director of the Yunus Emre Institute Prof Dr Halil Toker, Principal Art School Shahid Rasam, Shakeel Khan, Javed Jan Member of National Assembly Ramesh Kumar and Fatima Hassan along with many other people from the art and culture community Resul celik presented 40 photographs at the exhibition, which beautifully captured the cultural and natural beauty of various cities in Turkey such as landscape, portrait and historical places of turkey One of the prominent images featured in the exhibition was the tomb of the great
GovT deFends PeCA As AnTi-FAKe news MeAsure, oPen To TAlKs
PESHAWAR: Barrister Saif, Adviser to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government, has called for a protest against the controversial Pakistan Electronic Media Prevention Act (PECA) and the 26th Amendment on February 8 In a statement Saif accused the government of using these laws to extend its rule and rig elections, particularly with the upcoming February 8 vote He emphasized that these laws were part of a strategy to suppress dissent and protect election rigging undermining democracy and the electoral process The government is pushing through these laws using an incomplete parliament, and we cannot stand
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb during a meeting with Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Saudi Fund for Development, Sultan Abdul rahman A AlMarshad, shared updates on Pakistan’s macroeconomic stability highlighting improvements in key economic indicators
The minister expressed gratitude for the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the importance of Saudi Arabia’s continued support in funding and investment which has significantly contributed to Pakistan s economic growth
He recalled his recent meeting with Saudi Minister of Finance, Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan in Davos and his extending an invitation to Pakistan to attend the first edition of the high-level annual conference on challenges and opportunities facing emerging market economies, which is being jointly organized by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Al-Ula Saudi Arabia on February 16-17 2025
The finance minister expressed his anticipation for the conference, noting the valuable insights he
by while they undermine the democratic system,” Saif said He also highlighted the manipulation of Form 47 during elections as evidence of the government s illegal tactics Saif urged journalists activists and citizens from all walks of life to participate in the February
hoped to gain from the event and the leadership of Saudi Arabia in implementing Vision 2030
On the occasion Sultan Abdulrahman A AlMarshad lauded the progress Pakistan has made in terms of macroeconomic stability and growth, which has opened up numerous multi-purpose investment opportunities across various sectors
He particularly noted the potential for further collaboration between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia inviting investors from the Kingdom to explore these emerging opportunities
He acknowledged the valuable contributions of Pakistanis in the development of Saudi Arabia rec-
ognizing them as the largest foreign workforce in the Kingdom
He expressed Saudi Arabia’s need for a skilled workforce to meet the demands of its growing market To address this he proposed a partnership with relevant government ministries and departments in Pakistan to offer training programs for young Pakistanis in modern and relevant skill sets to meet the labor market demands in Saudi Arabia
The meeting underscored the strong ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and set the stage for further economic collaboration, with a focus on investment, workforce development and expanding bilateral cooperation
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