PM L AUNCHES RS20B RAMA Z AN PACK AGE FOR 4 MILLION FAMILIES
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Stock market outlook remains positive ahead of MPC meeting and IMF review: report
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Pakistan’s stock market outlook remains positive with investors closely watching the upcoming Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting scheduled for March 10, 2025, and any developments related to the IMF review, according to a report by brokerage firm AKD Securities Market remained volatile throughout the week with the KSE-100 index closing at 113 252 points up 0 4% or 451 points week-over-week (WoW) The week started on a positive note, buoyed by initiation of talks for $1 2-1 5 billion climate financing from the IMF, government proposals for energy tariff cuts and resolving circular debt and strong corporate results particularly from the banking and cement sector However, the momentum faded during the latter half of the week due to absence of fresh triggers On the climate
financing front authorities are discussing the implementation of carbon levy meanwhile, the IMF has objected to the exemption of sales tax on local EV component sales On the macro front Pakistan signed several accords and committed to boosting bilateral trade with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan during the Prime Minister s visits to respective countries and signed agreements with UAE during the visit of Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Additionally, inflation is expected to ease further to a nine-year low of 1 9%YoY in February 2025 driven primarily by falling food and energy tariffs On the external front SBP s foreign exchange reserves rose by $21 million WoW, settling at $11 2 billion Meanwhile, the domestic currency weakened marginally against the greenback depreciating by 0 04% WoW to close at PkR279 67 against the US dollar Market participation also remained
subdued during the week with average daily traded volume falling by 17% WoW, averaging 492 million shares from 593 million shares in the same period last year Key developments during the week included the government’s collection of PKR 23 billion from 16 banks under the windfall tax an agreement between Pakistan and Vietnam to set a $3 billion annual trade target, and the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) invitation for bids on a PKR 200 billion PFL buyback auction Pakistan and Iran reached an agreement to increase bilateral trade to $10 billion The Petroleum Division proposed a PKR 392 5 billion Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) for in-house projects Among sectoral performances, Glass & Ceramics Real Estate Investment Trusts and Commercial
highlighted improvements across key consumer confidence indicators, including economic outlook, household purchasing power, and investment sentiment
percent in the previous quarter Economic concerns remain the dominant issue, but inflation has fallen by 18 percent over the past year, reaching its lowest level in four years Despite this 88 percent of Pakistanis still feel uncomfortable making daily household purchases though confidence in these transactions has tripled over the past year
Two-thirds of respondents describe the country’s economic condition as weak yet the number of people who view it as strong has increased fivefold since early 2024 Optimism about local economic conditions has also risen, jumping from 12 percent in August 2024 to 31 percent in February 2025, the highest level recorded since Ipsos began tracking consumer sentiment in Pakistan
express optimism Confidence in future savings has grown by 30 percent over the past year, but 88 percent of respondents still feel uneasy about long-term investments
Job security remains a major concern with 80 percent of Pakistanis feeling insecure in their employment, though confidence among middle-income earners and males has risen to its highest level since the Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) was introduced
While consumer sentiment has shown marked progress the overall mood remains largely negative, underscoring continued concerns about economic stability and governance
As per the survey Pakistan lags behind India and China in consumer confidence but ranks ahead of Türkiye He emphasized the need for sustained policy measures to strengthen public confidence and ensure long-term economic stability Banks to remain closed on March
The survey revealed that 70 percent of Pakistanis believe the country is headed in the wrong direction, a sentiment that surpasses the global average of 63 percent However, optimism about the country’s trajectory has surged to 31 percent in the first quarter of 2025 a significant increase from 19
Personal financial expectations remain cautious, with 60 percent of Pakistanis anticipating a decline in their financial situation over the next six months while 20 percent
Ambassador Hashmi attends Light of Integration ar t exhibition at Tsinghua University
p Pakistan Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi attended the opening ceremony of the Light of Integration: ChinaPakistan Contemporary Art Exchange Exhibition hosted by Tsinghua University’s Academy of Arts & Design
The exhibition features two sections: an ancient segment that explores Gandhara art from Pakistan and China through digital means and a contemporary segment showcasing over 120 artworks by leading artists from both countries The exhibition highlights the deep cultural ties and shared artistic expressions between Pakistan and China
In his remarks Ambassador Hashmi lauded Tsinghua University’s efforts in fostering cultural exchanges and acknowledged the contributions of renowned Pakistani artists Syed Jamal Shah He noted that the exhibition was not just an artistic endeavor but a befitting testament to the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China, one that extends beyond politics and economics into the realm of culture, creativity and shared values As the two countries approach the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations next year this exhibition represented celebration of a partnership built on mutual respect and trust
The Ambassador emphasized that Pakistan and
China have long been connected by history including the ancient Gandhara civilization and the artistic mastery of the Indus and Yangtze cultures This exhibition blending ancient heritage with contemporary creativity highlighted the timeless bonds between the two peoples
The event was attended by senior leaders and officials from Tsinghua University, diplomats, researchers, and artists from both countries
On the sidelines Ambassador Hashmi met with Dean of the Academy of Arts & Design Ma Sai to discuss strengthening of cultural and educational collaboration Both sides agreed to explore long-term partnerships in the field of art and design, reaffirming their commitment to further deepen cultural ties
COMMENT
Akora Khattak blast
The blast at the Darul Uloom Haqqania, Akora Khattak, was tragic enough, for it not only claimed the life of the head of the madressa, but also of five others It was also significant for it targeted one of the most prominent of the country’s madressas Among the many lumni of the Darul Uloom were many leading figures in the Taliban, including Taliban founder Mullah Umar He was actually given an honorary sanad by the Jamia something unprecedented for he had not completed the course there Maulana Hamidul Haq may have been followed by violent death, for his father Maulana Samiul Haq was murdered in 2018 in Rawalpindi The madressa was founded by his grandfather, Maulana Abdul Haq, who had a reputation for great piety and scholarship
One of the ironies that seems to have afflicted the religious leaders of the Deobandi school is that the sectarian terrorists have now begun attacking them The modus operandi ws relatively straightforward, of a suicide bombing in a mosque on the occasion of Friday prayers (in this case afterwards) but its target ws surprising It might be noted that there have been two attempts on the life of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the most prominent political leader of the Deobandi school The late Maulana Hamidul Haq was leader of the JUI faction headed by his father Maulna Sami, who in turn had succeeded Maulana Abdullah Darkhwasti The JUI had split on the death of Mufti Mhmood in 1980 one group electing Maulana Darkhwasti as Amir the other his son Fazlur Rehman
There now seems a reckoning between the more militant and the less militant, but it is still ironic that the target of violence has now shifted to those with whom the perpetrators have fine doctrinal differences
There should now be a careful examination of what went wrong The police and other intelligence agencies seem to have fallen down so badly that they have not ruled out nonsectarian perpetrators The question of checking is not at all simple, but high-value targets, such as Friday congregations cannot be left unprotected The questions that arise over the provincial government are inevitable and add to those raised by the ongoing clashes in Kurram The possibility of a Taliban connection cannot be ruled out, especially in the light of the recent clashed between the Taliban government of Afghanistan and Islamabad
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
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THROUGHOUT history societies have silenced books that challenge their norms or ideals fearing the power of words From revolutionary warnings to critiques of injustice, many of the world s most thought-provoking works have faced bans, not for their danger, but for their daring and what they can rouse people to do What does it say about a society when it fears the written word? And more importantly what does it reveal about those in power who decide what can and cannot be read?
Recently, I planned to revisit a book that had shaped my teenage years To my dismay, I discovered that it had been banned in multiple US schools and libraries The reason? It was deemed inappropriate for young readers I was very much in awe of this notion of a banned book considered too vile to be read by young readers especially since Lord of the Flies revolves around adolescent boys and their descent into chaos This commotion led me to think of a crucial question Why are books banned in a country that prides itself on free speech? My Encounter with Censorship: I happened to read Lord of the Flies in 12th grade as a part of my curriculum We were required to read and write an article about it At that time it felt like another academic challenge but it made me change my perspective on certain things It was a masterful representation of a world without society, showing how fragile our societal constraints are Without them we are no different from savage animals tearing each other without mercy What sets this book apart from other literary works critiquing society is that its central figures are mere children beings often considered innocent and harmonious This book shattered that fantasy It challenged the ideal of children being rule-following and straightlaced individuals exposing how when stripped from civilization they too can succumb to pure madness Lord of the Flies challenged this notion of innocence attached to children This posed a very strong question How fragile are the societal constraints we
rely on? By revealing these unsettling truths, Lord of the Flies openly challenges societal ideals But is silencing such ideas an act of cowardice, or fear?
CHINA is gearing up for its Two Sessions scheduled to commence on March 5th It is an event eagerly awaited in China s political calendar The Two Sessions incorporate the gatherings of the National People’s Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) offering a stage to assess achievements and chart policy courses moving forward During the sessions the Prime Minister
importance because of increasing uncertainties and China's urgent domestic concerns The two sessions will address changing geopolitical conditions and domestic economic challenges Amid an evolving geopolitical landscape and economic challenges the Chinese leadership will focus on multiple key areas Here s what we can expect from the Two Sessions and why they matter: As 2025 marks the final year of China’s 14th Five-Year Development Plan a comprehensive evaluation of the country s achievements will be presented The report will showcase the achievements that have been reached or surpassed and identify areas requiring attention and work ahead of the Five Year Plan for strategic development priorities Technology and innovation will remain at the forefront of discussions especially in light of increasing Western restrictions on China’s tech sector President Xi Jinping has already emphasized the need for self-reliance in technology, urging the development of high-quality new productive forces New regulations and incentives are anticipated from the government to
promote an environment that encourages innovation and technological progress This will help Chinese businesses stay competitive on a scale without depending on technologies to the West The private sector s role in driving economic growth, development, and technological progress will be another critical focus President Xi’ s recent detailed discussions with industry figures like Jack Ma from Alibaba and Ren Zhengfei of Huawei underscore the government s dedication to removing obstacles hindering competition and offering necessary legal safeguards for private enterprises Following the Two Sessions meetings, in China it is anticipated that there will be the introduction of policies tools and incentives aimed at enhancing the sector promoting entrepreneurship and attracting foreign investments China has been facing issues such as mounting government debt and persistent problems in the real estate market Despite implementing measures to stabilize these areas further deliberations are likely to lead to policy actions geared towards mitigating financial risks and fostering long term economic development After the encouraging positive results from last year s consumption boost, policymakers are looking into new approaches to encourage people to spend more money This might involve expanding exchange programmes which offer rewards for buying produced goods and supporting city growth and infrastructure improvements to boost progress One of the biggest challenges China faces is the increasing protectionism, decoupling, and trade barriers imposed by Western countries, particularly the USA Washington has imposed sanctions on Chinese tech firms through measures such as the Chips and Science Act targeting China s semiconductor industry Moreover the U S has recently increased tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles by 100 percent, aiming to curb China s dominance in this sector The upcoming meetings are expected to concentrate on formulating strategies to address these issues by broadening trade alliances and enhancing involvement in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) while also exploring markets to offset limitations imposed by the West Notably, as some countries, like Panama, succumb to U S pressure to exit the BRI, China must refine its strategies to maintain global economic influence Central to the discussions at the Two Sessions will be the announcement of China s growth objectives for 2025 Premier Li Qiang is expected to present the Government Work Report outlining policy focuses and economic objectives for China Analysts predict a GDP growth target of 5 percent in line with the last year ’s numbers and surpassing the International Monetary Fund s projection of 4 6 percent Alongside the GDP target budget allocations and fiscal policies will indicate Beijing s commitment to economic recovery The recent Cen-
tral Economic Work Conference in December has already promised a budget deficit an increase in treasury bond issuance and extra measures to boost economic growth
The upcoming Two Sessions will provide details on these strategies and their anticipated impact on economic development People around the globe- particularly those in low income and middle income countries- anticipate that Beijing will implement policies that will help maintain global economic stability Amid the trade tensions between the USA and China and the heightened restrictive policies after the
The upcoming Two Sessions will
a crucial role in setting out plans to tackle these challenges solidifying China s position as the anchoring player in the global economy While tensions with the West persist, China is unlikely to be deterred; instead, it will double down on its efforts to sustain development, enhance innovation and contribute to global prosperity
The upcoming Two Sessions will offer insights into China s policy directions beyond 2025 From evaluating the achievements of the 14th Five-Year Plan to setting the foundation for the 15th, from advancing technological self-reliance to strengthening the private sector, and from countering trade restrictions to boosting domestic consumption China’s leadership will navigate a complex economic and geopolitical landscape
Beijing s decisions during this period will not impact China s trajectory, but will also influence global economic stability and progress Given the obstacles they face currently, China needs to stay committed to its dedication to creativity sustainable development and global collaboration so it can keep on being one of the most influential in the world economy The writer is a freelance columnist
Decades old roads
dr IMrAN KhAlId
ZELENSKY SAYS STILL READY TO SIGN MINERALS DEAL DESPITE US WHITE HOUSE ROW
The Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee or China s top political advisory body opened the 10th session of its standing committee on Saturday in Beijing to prepare for the upcoming annual session of the CPPCC National Committee Wang Huning a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, attended Saturday’s opening meeting A decision on convening the third session of the 14th CPPCC
National Committee, set to start on March 4 in Beijing, was reviewed and adopted at the standing committee session
The session heard explanations on the drafting of a work report of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee and a report on how the proposals from political advisors have been handled since the second session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee as well as other reports Proposed agenda unveiled for annual session of China’s top political advisory body The main agenda proposed for the upcoming third session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC)
China s top political advisory body, was unveiled Saturday
The third session of the 14th National Committee of the CPPCC will open on March 4 in Beijing according to a decision made at a meeting of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee on Saturday
The proposed agenda for the session includes hearing and deliberating a work report of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee and a report on how the proposals from political advisors have been handled since the previous session of the CPPCC National Committee Members of the CPPCC National Committee will sit in on the third session of the 14th National People s Congress to hear
PUNJAB CTD THWARTS TERROR PLOT, L ASSOES TTP MEMBERS AMONG 20 ‘TERRORISTS’
The Islamabad High
PPP had faced and defeated electoral alliances in the province and that the same would be done in the next elections
According to him, under Bilawal’s vision, the provincial government was going to build 100 homes in each village of the province Memon expressed hope that the government s housing project would be globally recognized as one of its own He said the PPP s provincial government had taken unparalleled initiatives in the health sector, which was providing services to the patients from other provinces as well
He maintained that the PPP’s provincial government had taken an unequivocal stance against construction on new canals on the Indus River
He attributed his party for putting to rest the controversial Kalabagh dam due to its persistent opposition to the project “The National Finance Commission (NFC) award and the provincial autonomy were secured by the PPP ” he recalled Tacitly referring to the ongoing protests across the province against the
from history what else would be left to be seen The Provincial Minister Shah said that the ongoing first phase of the distribution of equipment under Sindh Solar Home System was being completed while the second phase would be started soon He claimed that a merit-based distribution was being ensured among the beneficiaries LAHORE S TA F
Earlier, former Punjab
minister Basharat Raja lashed out former prime minister Nawaz Sharif ’s photograph put up on a Punjab government’s advertisement terming it a contempt of court
Raja took to X formerly Twitter and posted a newspaper s front page flashing Punjab government s advertisement having pictures of Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz He wrote the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan prohibited self-projection of public office-holders at the expense of public/government funds
Supreme Court of Pakistan, accusing Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz of contempt of court As per details the petition filed by Raja Basharat alleged that Maryam Nawaz in her capacity as CM Punjab, used public funds for personal publicity which is a clear violation of a court order dated September 22,
Stating that the advertisement negated the decision of the Supreme Court, he asked whether anybody could justify affixing Nawaz Sharif s photograph in Punjab government s advertisement During the PTI s tenure former premier Imran Khan had imposed a complete ban on personal publicity on government expense,” he stated Co n t e m p t p l e a f i l
Mustafa Amir murder case: FIA begins money-laundering probe
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Federal Investigation Agency has launched money-laundering probe against Armaghan, key accused in Mustafa Amir murder case
The FIA’s anti-money laundering circle and cybercrime circle jointly inquiring into the probe
The FIA authorities have said that Armaghan s all accounts and properties being ceased for 90 days “The persons involved in
be used for checking at sensitive mosques and Imambargahs across the province
dealings through Armaghan s accounts would also be added to the investigation, officials said A letter has been written to the CIA seeking evidence about involvement of the accused in money laundering officials said Moreover forensic tests will be conducted with regard to the evidence about Armaghan s involvement in cybercrimes
The National Assembly s Standing Committee on Interior had ordered the Federal Investiga-
tion Agency (FIA) and the AntiNarcotics Force (ANF) to investigate the Mustafa Amir murder case on Friday
Agha
urged the FIA to take swift action against the suspect, who had opened fire on police officers yet received lenient treatment
Similarly, Dolphin Squad, PRU, and elite teams would patrol effectively around places of worship during Sehar, Iftar and Taraweeh All activities would be continuously monitored with the help of Safe City Authority cameras it pointed out adding that the RPOs and DPOs would review the security arrangements personally and stay in touch with mosque administrators and members of peace committees Punjab IGP Dr Usman Anwar said that a foolproof security plan has been devised calling it better than the security SOPs formulated during the holy month last year Dr Anwar said that Punjab Police with the cooperation of citizens, will ensure a peaceful celebration of Ramazan and would continue the crackdown on anti-social elements
