PAKISTAN, QATAR REAFFIRM TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN TRADE, INVESTMENT TIES
g
g PREMIER ALSO
response in this regard and adjourned the hearing till April 3 The development comes a day after a local court dismissed the bail plea of the journalist in the case pertaining to the alleged violation of the Peca The FIA took the journalist into custody on March 20 for allegedly posting anti-state content on his web channel The FIA lodged the FIR against Mallick under multiple sections of the Peca Act read with Pakistan Penal Code s Section 190 (punishment of abetment if the act abetted is committed in consequence and where no express provision is made for its punishment) and 500 (punishment for defamation) The FIR mentioned that Mallick, who worked for a private news channel as director news and now owns a YouTube channel was allegedly involved in disseminating anti-state content
During the course of inquiry initial technical analysis of the alleged YouTube Channel was received which revealed that the alleged person is involved in generating and disseminating posts and videos related to anti-state, consisting of fake news and public incitement agenda " the FIR mentioned
3 Khawarij ter rorists killed as Punjab Police thwar t another attack on border checkpost
GHAZI KHAN/LAHORE
The Punjab Police repulsed another Khawarij terrorists attack on Lakhani checkpoint in DG Khan on border with Khyber-Pakhtunkha early Saturday morning, killing three terrorists and injuring several others”, the police said in a statement Pakistan has been grappling with an alarming surge in terrorist attacks on security forces and other law enforcement agencies especially in Balochistan and KhyberPakhtunkhwa while Punjab s border checkposts have also seen numerous attacks from KP border areas
According to a Punjab Police spokesperson 20 to 25 Kharwaji terrorists launched an attack on Lakhani border checkpost from all sides in the wee hours of Saturday
“The terrorists used mortar shells rocket launchers sniper rifles and other heavy weapons indiscriminately However police personnel including Elite Force and SOU commandos, courageously defended the checkpost, forcing the terrorists to flee”, he added
The police spokesperson said that three terrorists were killed during the attack while several were injured Following the attack the Punjab Police, CTD, and other security agencies cordoned off the area and
conducted a search operation
Blood stains and fragments of brain matter were found at multiple locations confirming casualties among the terrorists While fleeing the terrorists left behind their shoes and other belongings , the spokesperson stated He said the police commandos,
using modern weapons provided by the Government of Punjab, accurately targeted the terrorists’ heads delivering a decisive response According to social media posts by the Punjab police the terrorists attacked the Lakhani checkpoint in DG Khan,
Mengal, workers remain ‘safe’ as suicide bomber attempts to target rally on way to Quetta Myanmar ear thquake death toll exceeds 1,600,
cide blast near the party s rally at Mastung, according to the party and media reports BNP-M chief Akhtar Mengal had started a long march to Quetta from his hometown Wadh in protest against the arrests of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) chief organiser
started their journey to Quetta from Wadh on Friday As reports of the suicide blast near the BNP-M s rally started emerging on the media at around 1pm, Mengal said in a X post that he was “safe with all party workers” In a statement Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind said the same: According to reports there has been no loss of life Sardar Akhtar Mengal and the entire BNPM leadership is safe ” The spokesperson noted that the BNP-M’s sit-in was underway near the site of the “alleged suicide blast and that the public would soon be informed about the results of an inquiry into the incident
Honda Atlas Cars exports vehicles first time
a historic milestone for Pakistan s automotive industry Honda Atlas Cars Pakistan (HACPL) has officially commenced vehicle exports, dispatching its first-ever batch of 40 Honda CITY 1 2L units to Japan This achievement marks a significant step toward Pakistan’s integration into the global automotive market
The launch ceremony held at the Honda Atlas Cars Pakistan plant was attended by key government and industry stakeholders Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) for Industries and Production Mr Haroon Akhtar Khan was the chief guest joined by Secretary of the Ministry of Industries and Production Mr Saif Anjum and
CEO of the Engineering Development Board, Mr Khuda Baksh Ali As per a statement from the Ministry of Industries and Production on Saturday HACPL’s first-ever CBU (Completely Built-Up) exports reinforced the company s commitment to world-class manufacturing standards This move also sets the stage for future expansion into
K hyber Pakhtunkhwa CM rejec ts wheat sc andal allegations
Shine 5mg tablet (Registration No 062420) manufactured by M/s Sunshine Pharmaceuticals Gujranwala Each tablet contains Amlodipine as besylate 5mg (Batch No 7974) Another recalled product is Tyclan 400mg Powder for Injection (Registration No 087923), produced by M/s MTI Medical (Pvt) Ltd, Lahore Each vial contains Teicoplanin B P 400mg (Batch No TL-011) Additionally Linco-HCL 600mg Injection (Registration No 023729) manufactured by M/s Trigon Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd Lahore is part of the recall Each 2ml ampoule contains Lincomycin as HCl 600mg (Batch No LN-042) Safemed Infusion 500mg (Registration No 045824), produced by M/s Ahad International Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Dera Ismail Khan, is also recalled Each 100ml vial contains Metronidazole 500mg (Batch No SJU-1724) Ketamine Hydrochloride Injection 50mg (Batch No GN1359) manufactured by M/s Kwality Pharmaceuticals Ltd Amritsar, India, is also being recalled Each 1ml contains Ketamine hydrochloride equivalent to ketamine 50mg DRAP emphasised that the use of substandard products could lead to therapy failure and increase the risk of complications particularly in vulnerable groups such as immunocompromised individuals children and the elderly The authority has urged the healthcare providers and consumers to ensure that these products are removed from circulation to prevent potential harm
the much-needed SukkurHyderabad motorway, which remains delayed due to a lack of funding The federal government’s decision to allocate funding for the Punjab-centric motorway was challenged during a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) chaired by Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal Sindh Minister for Planning and Development Saeed Ghani objected to the prioritisation of the Lahore motorway arguing that the Sukkur-Hyderabad link which is part of the critical South-North road network should take precedence Ghani pointed out that the SukkurHyderabad motorway is vital for the region’s connectivity, and its cost estimated at Rs400 billion for its 306 km length is comparable to the Punjab
project Saeed Ghani expressed dissatisfaction that despite the SukkurHyderabad motorway being a top priority for Sindh, it has been delayed due to insufficient federal funding He pointed out that the federal government s strategy which involves financing the Lahore-SahiwalBahawalnagar motorway with 100% federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) funds, goes against the spirit of the National Fiscal Pact The pact mandates a devolution of infrastructure projects to the provinces a
stipulation that has not been adhered to in this case During the discussions, NHA Chairman Sheheryar Sultan confirmed that the government was negotiating with creditors for the financing of the SukkurHyderabad project However Ghani emphasised that the repeated delays were causing setbacks in connectivity, especially in remote areas While the government had requested Ecnec’s approval for initiating the Lahore-Bahawalnagar motorway project which includes two sections totaling 295 km the federal minister emphasised that only the first phase an 18 5 km stretch would be executed under the current PSDP plan, with subsequent phases requiring further approvals and financing discussions with Punjab
COMMENT
Power tariff jitters
Is the coming Rs 1 71 cut per unit going to be all?
THE campaign to revisit the Power Purchase Agreements with the Independent Power Producers was supposed to be the backbone of the federal government’s attempt to cut the power tariffs but that effort seems to have dissolved into silence The Power Division had recently stated that the revisions would mean a saving of Rs 3 5 trillion in capacity charges, and the government was relying on this for savings of Rs 7 per unit for the consumers However, that cut apparently still lies in the future Instead, the increase in the petroleum levy, to maintain the petroleum price where it is, despite the fall in the international price is to be used to cut tariffs across the board by xs 1 71 from April to June This has been done by increasing the Tariff Differential Subsidy The result is that the benefit of falling oil prices has not been transferred to the fuel consumer but the electricity consumer Further it depends on the trajectory of international oil prices whether the benefit will continue
The cut will mean that the period when consumers have historically rioted against the distribution companies, the hot weather before the monsoons, will be covered There should also be some benefit from a reduced fuel adjustment charge It will mean more to the industrial consumer than the domestic for it will come at a time when the bill naturally goes up Industries, especially export industries, operate on the thinnest of margins, and thus even this reduction will be meaningful To impress the domestic consumer the government will have to cut the tariff by a considerable amount more, like that which it originally proposed, and has not given up on entirely
The biggest hurdle seems to be IMF permission It goes without saying that the IMF has little interest in a tariff reduction, and seems to take the attitude that the consumers are used to paying these bills, and the money gained should go to the circular debt It should not be forgotten that recent financial arrangements on the circular debt require another surcharge to be added to the electricity tariff However, even what reductions in the power tariff that have already been made have led to a fall in the inflation rate which would indicate that a more substantial cut in the tariff would further lower inflation
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late)
Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami
Editor Profit
The Pakistan Democracy Act: An Exercise in Futilit y?
THIS month, a bold and controversial bill ti-
tled the “Pakistan Democracy Act” was introduced in the US House of Representatives by Congressmen Joe Wilson (Republican-South Carolina) and Jimmy Panetta (Democrat-California) The bill calls for targeted sanctions against individuals in Pakistan, particularly within the military and judiciary, accused of manipulating the 2024 elections and repressing democratic institutions, including the imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan
One of the most prominent figures named in the bill is Gen Asim Munir the Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan who is alleged to have played a key role in orchestrating the political crackdown Institutions such as the Pakistan Army, the Inter-Services Intelligence, and elements within the Election Commission of Pakistan are also indirectly implicated for facilitating or turning a blind eye to anti-democratic practices
This move though rooted in a commitment to democratic values opens a Pandora s box of questions about international law, bilateral relations, historical precedent, and strategic fallout
According to the official bill, the key provisions include requiring the US President to submit a report within 180 days of enactment identifying individuals in Pakistan responsible for undermining the democratic process unjust detainment of political opponents and restriction of freedoms It authorizes targeted sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act, such as asset freezes and visa bans, restricts property transactions in the USA, and denies entry to the identified individuals Additionally it proposes suspension of US security or economic aid unless democratic norms are restored and encourages increased funding for democratic movements and independent journalism in Pakistan
If the bill is passed by Congress in its current form, the President could sign the bill, making it law but still maintaining flexibility in enforcing its sanctions especially regarding identifying targeted individuals and the scope of measures applied Alternatively the President might veto the bill sending it back to Congress with stated objections; Congress would then need a challenging two-thirds majority in both chambers to override this veto Each presidential choice carries significant diplomatic and domestic consequences: signing signals firm democratic accountability but risks diplomatic conflict with Pakistan; vetoing demonstrates strategic caution but may attract domestic criticism for perceived inaction If passed, it could result in travel restrictions and asset freezes for Pakistani officials, including General Asim Munir and other unnamed military intelligence and judicial actors This could strain US-Pakistan diplomatic and military cooperation and lead to reciprocal measures from Pakistan If Pakistan s Parliament responds by introducing a counter-bill imposing sanctions on US government officials and companies operating within its territory, it would signify a substantial escalation in bilateral tensions Such retaliatory sanctions might involve visa restrictions asset freezes operational limitations or expulsion of American NGOs and businesses severely straining the economic and diplomatic relationship In turn, should the US government escalate further by imposing additional tariffs or restrictive economic measures on Pakistani imports, the consequences would be severe and multidimensional Economically if the US imposes additional tariffs or sanctions under the Pakistan Democracy Act Pakistan could face significant reductions in exports diminished foreign exchange earnings inflationary pressures, and slower economic growth, adversely impacting employment and overall public welfare Industries particularly vulnerable include textiles, apparel surgical instruments and agriculture which represent a substantial share of Pakistan s exports to the USA Such economic distress could lead to deepening financial instability further escalating inflation and intensifying domestic political unrest It may lead to the USA withdrawing support for Pakistan's financing through the IMF, World Bank, or other international institutions md the consequences of this for Pakistan would be severe Such a scenario could severely restrict Pakistan s ability to secure essential financial assistance as the USA holds substantial influence over these
E m p o w e r i n g L i b r a r y C u l t u r e i n P a k i s t a n
PAKISTAN is a Country of diverse cultures and haas some of the most intelligent brains in the world There is still a need to bring the people of Pakistan on the right track Ostensibly, an informed society makes good decision-making Society needs collective information, and libraries are a source of information Unfortunately the country has not fully developed as it should have since gaining independence Libraries should emancipate society with a new role It is said that empowering library culture requires a multifaceted approach and key strategies This piece will undoubtedly provide clarity to an informed society Readers are encouraged to share it with academia policymaking organizations key stakeholders and most importantly those dedicated to the welfare of the state Here, I have outlined key strategies to empower and promote a vibrant library culture in Pakistan The foundation of an empowered library culture lies in policy and advocacy, where the country must engage the national library to standardize and regulate library services nationwide The role of the national library is to connect with policymakers academic and state ministers to increase the budget for establishing
libraries It is also the responsibility of the national library to form a library advocacy group to highlight the role of libraries in lifelong learning education and research culture The second key aspect of empowering library culture is modernization and technology integration, ensuring quick access to the resources held by libraries The digitization of library resources has become essential in today's era enabling those who cannot visit libraries to access digital resources through their mobile devices and laptops The library should also adopt Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology and an AI-based library management system for efficient circulation of material and cataloguing In the 21st century, most libraries in advanced countries are moving towards open-access initiatives to provide free access to scholarly materials Most libraries in advanced countries have also initiated digital literacy hubs and maker spaces within their libraries to attract tech-savvy users Pakistani libraries should also adopt the open-access initiative to promote reading habits because open-source articles provide scientific information to those users who face financial difficulties Similarly Pakistan libraries should reserve digital literacy hubs and make space for those interested in technology Importantly, professional development and capacity building of library staff Libraries are typically managed by trained professionals holding master's or bachelor s degrees in Library and Information Science Still most of the libraries in the Country are run by non-professional people hampering the society from promoting library culture in Pakistan It is the responsibility of the institutions to organize training programmes and workshops for library staff particularly in emerging trends such as AI data science and research support services Similarly the organisation should promote a collaborative approach between organisations and
Several organizations develop CSR initiatives where private companies offer grants for library infrastructure. Philanthropy and donation programmes can also empower the country's library culture Lastly, raising awareness programs through social media and events are the strongest tools of the present century to promote library culture in the Country Librarians should promote their services through social media links like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, as well as podcasting and webinars The library should also celebrate the national library week to highlight the libraries' significance and engage the country's social influencers like journalists, educators and ministers, etc Empowering library culture in Pakistan is the dream of every citizen who loves knowledge, research and innovations Let's come together to promote library culture in Pakistan
libraries for professional exchange programmes Community engagement through outreach programmes is yet another aspect that attracts diverse age groups To achieve this, libraries should host reading clubs, storytelling sessions book fairs and seminars fostering a deeper connection between the community and the library
The library should also promote partnership programmes with colleges and universities to integrate library usage into academic curricula In modern days, libraries in advanced countries have launched mobile libraries and digital book kiosks to serve underserved communities that can not reach libraries Surprisingly innovation and research have become essential components of libraries in advanced countries where they actively strive to strengthen their institutions with a dynamic culture of creativity and scholarly exploration In Pakistan, libraries should foster a culture of innovation and research by establishing collaborative networks with both national and international libraries enhancing support for their end-users Most libraries in advanced countries offer free access to innovative research Libraries have a responsibility to guide users toward innovative information services, ensuring access to knowledge and resources Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in the libraries should attract NGOs international organizations and the corporate sector to secure funding and support their library cause
Several organizations develop CSR initiatives where private companies offer grants for library infrastructure Philanthropy and donation programmes can also empower the country s library culture Lastly raising awareness programs through social media and events are the strongest tools of the present century to promote library culture in the Country Librarians should promote their services through social media links like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn as well as podcasting and webinars
The library should also celebrate the national library week to highlight the libraries significance and engage the country s social influencers like journalists, educators and ministers, etc Empowering library culture in Pakistan is the dream of every citizen who loves knowledge research and innovations Let s come together to promote library culture in Pakistan
The writer is the Deputy Director of the Library at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad and can be reached at writetoabidhussain@gmail com
Urban havoc
Stock market bubble
aBid hussain
Qamar Bashir
and a systematic erosion of public safety
beverages that enter the country despite stringent prohibition laws
KARACHI, Pakistan's economic powerhouse, has long grappled with crime and chaos However, recent revelations have shattered conventional narratives about the true power brokers behind the city s underworld It is a dangerous oversimplification to assume that crime is confined to impoverished neighbourhoods like Lyari, Machar Colony, and Sohrab Goth In reality, the epicentre of Karachi's criminal enterprise extends far beyond these areas and is deeply rooted in the city s elite class where drugs and their abusers fuel an unrelenting wave of lawlessness Ordinary citizens bear the brunt of the consequences, as the city's affluent circles cultivate, sustain, and protect a thriving drug trade that serves as the lifeblood of Karachi’s escalating crime wave The brutal murder of Mustafa Amir and subsequent investigations have laid bare a deeply unsettling reality: Karachi s drug trade, violent crimes, and the pervasive culture of impunity are entrenched within its wealthiest circles Alarmingly this criminal network operates under the auspices of the very institutions tasked with upholding the law The true architects of Karachi s underworld are not lurking in the shadowy alleys of impoverished districts but residing in the opulent apartments and luxury villas of Clifton and Defence Under the guise of business tycoons political heirs and social elites they continue to fund and facilitate narcotics distribution emboldened by a system that ensures their immunity Their indulgence in drugs is not a mere personal vice; it serves as a catalyst for broader criminal enterprises, spreading violence, moral decay,
What makes this crisis even more alarming is the growing number of young individuals from well-off educated families falling prey to this grotesque quagmire The highend narcotics trade is no longer confined to hardened criminals; it has infiltrated university campuses, elite social circles, and corporate spaces Recent reports indicate a disturbing rise in narcotics consumption among students from prestigious institutions turning academic environments into recruitment grounds for the drug trade The consequences of this unchecked drug culture are visibly playing out on Karachi’s streets in the form of reckless behaviour deadly confrontations and an alarming surge in violent crimes Without decisive intervention the city will continue spiraling into lawlessness where the wealthy enjoy impunity while the underprivileged pay the price This is not merely another crime story it is the exposure of Karachi’s elite as the principal beneficiaries of an empire built on drugs power and privilege
The murder of Mustafa Amir is merely the tip of the iceberg A deeper investigation reveals that Karachi s drug trade is not the handiwork of small-time gangsters but rather a sophisticated operation orchestrated by individuals from affluent families businessmen and even showbiz personalities Reports suggest that high-quality marijuana strains such as Jungle Boy Gelato and Mamila along with potent synthetic narcotics, are not being sold in the backstreets of Lyari but in lavish penthouses, exclusive nightclubs, and extravagant private parties attended by Karachi’s privileged youth These transactions are facilitated through encrypted messaging apps high-end courier services and well-connected international networks, ensuring a steady influx of illegal substances, including expensive alcoholic
The recent arrests of prominent individuals linked to Karachi s elite have once again exposed the deep-rooted criminality and impunity that define the city's upper echelons
Figures like Armaghan Qureshi and Sahir Hassan have long operated within these circles engaging in drug trafficking and other illicit activities with little fear of consequence Qureshi a known name in Karachi s underworld, has repeatedly escaped serious repercussions despite previous arrests His latest detention, following the murder of Mustafa Amir has underscored the blatant lawlessness among the city s wealthy revealing their continued involvement in the drug trade The fact that his father Kamran Asghar Qureshi was also arrested by the AntiViolent Crime Cell (AVCC) for drug trafficking further cements the notion that this is not an isolated case but part of a broader entrenched network During the raid at a Defence Phase 5 bungalow authorities recovered 200 grams of crystal meth a 9mm pistol two magazines and 10 rounds of ammunition, leading to charges under the Control of Narcotics Substances Act and for possession of an unlicensed weapon
Similarly the arrest of Sahir Hassan son of renowned actor Sajid Hassan has exposed the extent to which Karachi s elite are not just consumers but active participants in the drug trade Caught with foreign-brand drugs worth Rs 5 million, Sahir confessed to selling narcotics in upscale areas for two years, sourcing high-quality weed from California through private courier services His disclosures revealed a sophisticated drug network thriving within Karachi s most affluent neighborhoods The arrest of these individuals alongside revelations of their repeated run-ins with the law yet continued
operations serves as a damning indictment of the city’s law enforcement agencies whose complicity or ineffectiveness has allowed this unchecked criminality to flourish The complicity of those entrusted with upholding the law is no longer a matter of speculation it is a documented reality An internal investigation by the Special Branch of Sindh Police has exposed a staggering nexus between law enforcement officials and the drug underworld in Karachi According to the report over 100 police personnel including constables and high-ranking officers, were found to be either protecting or actively managing drug dens across the city The findings reveal an alarming 363 active drug dens operating under police patronage These figures are not just numbers they represent a deeply entrenched criminal network where those meant to combat narcotics are instead enabling their proliferation The fact that entire districts have been mapped with dozens of such illegal hubs underscores the scale of institutionalized corruption A similar 2023 report by the Sindh Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) highlighted how over 60 percent of drug-related arrests in Karachi were low-level peddlers, while key players, often with police backing, remained untouched The recent high-profile arrests of Armaghan Qureshi Sahir Hassan and Kamran Asghar Qureshi further underscore how the city s wealthiest circles are not just consumers but key players in sustaining and expanding the drug trade Yet, despite such glaring evidence, the legal system remains incapable or unwilling to deliver meaningful accountability This is not mere negligence; it is a deliberate and systematic complicity at the highest levels of power enabling Karachi s drug crisis to spiral into an unchecked epidemic The question now is not just about criminality but about state capture by illicit forces where those responsible for enforcing the law are in reality its biggest violators Unless urgent action is taken this unchecked collusion between law enforcement, political elites, and drug traffickers will only deepen, pushing Karachi further into lawlessness
The recent public and brazen assault at Boat Basin is a glaring example of this unchecked tyranny a young scion of a powerful feudal dynasty accompanied by armed guards was caught viciously thrashing an unarmed citizen in broad daylight, fully aware that he would face no real con-
Gujarat or Tamil Nadu: Which is India’s model state?
Gujarat is clearly a success stor y in terms of growth, but the wealth that has been generated has been captured by a minority,
pover ty remaining prevalent, whereas Tamil Nadu’s society is less unequal, and benefits from a similar growth rate
TWhile Gujarat invested in infrastruc ture, Tamil Nadu developed social policies
Public health polic y is a case in point. Gujarat, though wealthy, lags behind Tamil Nadu
drop-out rate in Gujarat While the GER was 98 3 in 2021-22 for children in upper elementary school in Tamil Nadu and remained at 81 5 by the end of higher secondary, in Gujarat these GER ratios dropped from 91 1 to 48 2 (well below the national averages of 94 7 and 57 6) The language of instruction matters a lot too In 2017-18 the National Sample Survey looked at the language of instruction in elementary school in its household questionnaire survey; 91% of the parents interviewed in Tamil Nadu – a record – said that their child(ren) received education in English at elementary school against 27% in Gujarat
The health situation can be measured in many different ways The infant mortality rate of Tamil Nadu 13/1000 is much lower than in Gujarat (23/1000) It should be noted that Tamil Nadu divided its infant mortality rate by 3 1 between 2004 and 2020, compared to 2 3 for Gujarat
Gujarat is clearly a success story in terms of growth but the wealth that has been generated has been captured by a minority mass poverty remaining prevalent, whereas Tamil Nadu s society is less unequal, and benefits from a similar growth rate These diverging trajectories can be explained in many different ways POLICIES MATTER
Certainly the societal and historical background of both states matter: while Gujarat has traditionally benefited from the key role played by merchant castes in this tradeoriented part of India, Tamil Nadu has capitalised on the egalitarian ethos of the architects of the Dravidian movements the low caste leaders locals who emancipated themselves from the Brahmanical elite by arguing that they were the sons of the soil, whereas the upper castes were presented as Aryan invaders But policies play a major role too While Gujarat invested in infrastructure Tamil Nadu developed social policies
Public health policy is a case in point Gujarat though wealthy lags behind Tamil Nadu: its healthcare expenditure grew by only 10 5% between 2012-13 and 2019-20, compared to 20 5% in Tamil Nadu, where this expenditure is more than 25% higher than in Gujarat As a result in 2018 the number of public hospital beds per million inhabitants was over 1 000 in Tamil Nadu while Gujarat was below Madhya Pradesh again, with 316 public hospital beds per million inhabitants Some of the differences in the education domain that we have highlighted above also reflect contrasting policies the symbol of which is the free midday meal which strongly encourages parents to send their children to school In 2017-18 Tamil Nadu a pioneering state in this field, served a free midday meal in 85 4% of secondary schools By contrast, in Gujarat “free midday meal” was served in only 11% of the schools
While Tamil Nadu’s industrial fabric remains dominated by SMEs, Gujarat is the realm of large, highly capital-intensive companies specialising in the energy and petrochemical sectors
While Tamil Nadu has invested in human resources (education and health in particular) Gujarat has focused on infrastructure (energy and transport) This explains why the state has a power generation capacity of 45 913 megawatts compared with 37,514 for Tamil Nadu (and only 7555 for Bihar) As a result, per capita electricity supply stands at 2,288 3 kilowatt-hours in Gujarat and 1 588 7 in Tamil Nadu Indeed Gujarat has equipped itself with thermal plants solar panels and wind turbines to such an extent that its electricity production reached 13,792 billion net crore megawatts in 2022-23, compared with 11,472 in Tamil Nadu, and was therefore behind only one state, Maharashtra In terms of installed power generation capacity Gujarat is also at the forefront with 45 913 megawatts compared with 37 514 in Tamil Nadu making it India s number one In terms of road network, by 2022 Gujarat would have 7,885 km of national highways and 16,746 km of state highways, compared with 6,858 and 11,169 in Tamil Nadu In parallel under Modi Gujarat has promoted mega projects The Gujarat Special Investment Region Act was passed in order to come up with a legal framework to enable the development of mega investment regions and industrial areas in the state’ Its ultimate aim was to create ‘global hubs of economic activity supported by world class infrastructure The Act was the mainstay of the 2009 Industrial Policy which was explicitly designed for making Gujarat the most attractive investment destination not only in India but also in the world It targeted not only ‘prestigious units’ (above Rs 3 billion, or $37 5 million) but even more so ‘mega projects’ which denoted more than Rs 10 billion ($125 million) of project investment and direct employment of only 2 000 people – hence a ratio of Rs 500,000 ($6,250) per job, a clear sign of capital intensity, note Indira Hirway, Neha Shah and Rajeev Sharma, in their 2014 book Growth or Development: Which Way Is Gujarat Going? To attract big companies access to land was considered a key element in 2009 The Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) therefore started to acquire land to sell to industrialists, in some cases on a 99-year lease, or in Special Economic Zones The big companies which benefited the most from this policy Reliance the Adani Group Tata Essar etc developed highly
capitalistic production sites, including, the largest refineries of the country, which are in Gujarat By contrast Tamil Nadu continues to promote SMEs – something Gujarat was traditionally famous for till the late 20th century According to the RBI it has 38 837 companies, 10,000 more than Gujarat –28,479 to be precise – for a similar population and GSDP Although Gujarat has almost 25% fewer factories than Tamil Nadu its industrial output accounts for 18% of the Indian total whereas Tamil Nadu accounts for only 10% These figures reflect a very different economic structure While Tamil Nadu s industrial fabric remains dominated by SMEs (sometimes of considerable size), Gujarat is the realm of large highly capital-intensive companies specialising in the energy and petrochemical sectors In 2015-16 Tamil Nadu had 4 95 million SMEs, compared with 3 32 million in Gujarat Even these SMEs were highly capitalintensive: in 2006-07, they had already invested Rs 1746 73 billion compared with Rs 815 64 billion for those in Tamil Nadu (and only Rs 88 23 billion for those in Bihar) By contrast SMEs in Tamil Nadu are far more labour intensive : in 2015-16 they employed 9 67 million people, compared with just 6 12 million in Gujarat (and little more than 5 31 million in Bihar) Fixed capital invested in Gujarat was twice as high as in Tamil Nadu in 2011-12 according to the above figures The capital intensity of Gujarat s production base is such that the state had just 1,589,730 factory workers in 201920, compared with 2,209,217 in Tamil Nadu (and just 108,416 in Bihar) Gujarat’s ability to attract large-scale capital investments has been bolstered by favourable policies from the Union government and targeted initiatives like GIFT City which position the state as a hub for highvalue financial and industrial activities These concerted efforts often include tax incentives, infrastructure subsidies, and regulatory advantages that amplify Gujarat’s attractiveness for big capital further entrenching its industrial
maJid naBi Burfat
TRUMP, CANADIAN PM STRIKE
POSITIVE NOTE AFTER CALL
I E S President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in Almaty City of Kazakhstan for a working visit on Saturday At the airport the President of Uzbekistan was welcomed by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev In honor of the Uzbek Leader s arrival, a guard of honor was lined up, and the national flags were raised President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held an informal meeting in Almaty
Leaders of two countries conducted in-depth discussions on further strengthening Uzbek-Kazakh relations in the spirit of good neighborliness, strategic
meeting
At the beginning of the Summit the Heads of states sincerely congratulated each other and the fraternal peoples of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan on the spring holiday of Navruz and the upcoming Eid al-Fitr
They expressed particular satisfaction with the current highest level of multifaceted cooperation between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan Active contacts are being maintained at all levels Trade turnover has increased by 14% since the beginning of the year and an investment project portfolio worth over $4 billion has been
formed Additionally close interregional ties and cul-
tural-humanitarian exchanges are developing
Two Presidents listened to reports from the Deputy Prime Ministers of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan on measures being taken to expand mutual trade and promote cooperative projects in key industries such as mechanical engineering electrical engineering oil and gas textiles agriculture and other priority sectors
The Presidents gave specific instructions to develop a long-term industrial cooperation program and accelerate the implementation of regional infrastructure projects
They emphasized the importance of launching practical work on the International Center for Industrial Cooperation this year and expanding the activities of the joint foreign trade company
Bilawal reviews development projects in Larkana
A meeting was held in Larkana chaired by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to reviewed development projects in the district on Saturday Deputy Commissioner (DC) Larkana, Sherjeel Noor Channa briefed Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on the progress of development works in the district The meeting was attended by Commissioner Tahir Sangi Mayor Anwar Luhur as well as Nisar Khuhro, Jameel Soomro, Sohail Sial, Nazeer Baghio, Adil Anar, Khursheed Junejo, Ijaz Laghari, and Khair Mohammad Sheikh DC Larkana informed Bilawal Bhutto Zardari that 32 kilometers of roads connecting villages to Larkana city have been constructed
The DC Larkana briefed him that 17 small bridges have been built over various canals, and 20 schools in NA-194 have been solarized The DC Larkana reported that 12 health centers destroyed by floods have been fully reconstructed as shared during the briefing to him The DC informed Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari that the Wagan Road leading to the Indus Highway has been converted into a two-way road The construction of the city s main highway, Hyat Mohammad Khan Sherpao Road, from SSP Chowk to Chandka Bridge, has been completed, as briefed to Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Road construction and repair work is underway at 27 locations across the city according to the briefing given to Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari by the DC Larkana
BEIJING X I N H U A
China s unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and expanding opening up has not only propelled its domestic industries forward but also made significant contributions to global socioeconomic progress noted international academicians and industry experts at a key forum As the 2025 Zhongguancun Forum (ZGC Forum) Annual Conference opened on Thursday Beijing once again captured global attention by showcasing cutting-edge
CORPORATE CORNER
CM MARYAM ORDERS STERN ACTION AGAINST TRANSPORTERS CHARGING EXCESSIVE FARES ON EID
lower electricity rates for residential, commercial general services and industrial customers on incremental consumption during the three winter months (December to February) This initiative aimed to boost power usage amid high tariffs and economic challenges
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has said that terrorist attacks in Punjab are being carried out by TTP militants from the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa border areas questioning the KP government on the use of Rs600 billion allocated for strengthening the Counter-Terrorism Department
Today’s attack on Taunsa’s Lakhani Checkpost was the 31st terrorist attack this year” the provincial information minister stated while announcing that the Punjab Police and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) have now been equipped with night vision cameras and modern weapons
Speaking at a press conference at DGPR Azma Bokhari emphasized that the government and security agencies are actively fighting terrorism The Punjab Police and CTD personnel bravely confronted the terrorists during the attack on Taunsa Lakhani Checkpost attack, killing two” she noted adding officers on duty at the border posts have been provided with advanced equipment
Heavily armed terrorists launched the attack, but security forces’ timely action prevented a major tragedy ” she added
According to the RPO of DG Khan Police the terrorists attempted to infiltrate the Punjab border with KP, but the CTD personnel took a decisive action against them The information extracted from terrorists arrested from Lahore and Rawalpindi will aid further operations Azma Bokhari also questioned the KP government s use of Rs600 billion meant for CTD reinforcement, highlighting that KP remains severely affected by terrorism while CM Gandapur has failed to take action She asserted that if Punjab s security forces had not been provided with modern armoured vehicles, snipers, and weapons, countering terrorism would have been impossible Bokhari also mentioned that
Hospitals will implement an announcement system to inform patients about
and doctors She stated that over
tial medicines have been listed in hospitals and can no longer be procured externally A digital recordkeeping system is being developed to enhance transparency and efficiency in medical services
Punjab health minister vows to improve public hospitals
P O R T Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has reaffirmed the government s commitment to enhancing the condition of government hospitals, ensuring better healthcare facilities for people
Presiding over a meeting at the University of Health Sciences on Saturday the minister reviewed key healthcare initiatives including the referral system in hospitals, capacity building of doctors, and clinical audit measures He emphasized that providing quality healthcare services to remote areas remains a top priority for the government We are striving to provide better health facilities at the doorstep of people in remote areas, he stated
Highlighting the significance of clinical audits in improving patient care the minister said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz
Sharif, historic reforms and projects are being introduced in the health sector
He further announced that Asia s largest Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research is being established in Lahore, alongside state-of-the-art Nawaz Sharif Institutes of Cardiology in Sargodha which will significantly enhance specialized medical treatment in the region
The meeting was attended by Vice Chancellor of the University of Health Sciences, Professor Ahsan Waheed Rathore Vice Chancellor of King Edward Medical University Professor Mahmood Ayaz and Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Health Sciences, Professor Nadia Naseem, among others
BELGIUM S TA F F R E P O R T
The Chairman of Kashmir Council Europe (KCEU) Ali Raza Syed has strongly condemned the Indian intelligence agency RAW for its interference, terrorist activities and violations against religious freedoms in U S and other countries According to BBC and other international media the U S Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) in its annual report of 2025 said, the treatment of minorities in India is deteriorating and it recommended sanctions be imposed on India’s external spy agency RAW over its alleged involvement in plots to
INDIA FUNDING DEFUNCT ORGANISATIONS TO DISRUPT PEACE IN KP, BALOCHISTAN: ABBASI
Pakistan sec ures consensus at UN on funding for
Islamophobia envoy
partners for their support
He noted that the outcome reflected the success of collective diplomacy and inclusivity Pakistan played a lead role as one of the principal negotiators during the committee s discussions The resolution ensures that the Office of the Special Envoy on Combating Islamophobia will be operational from the 1st of next month
trends globally and supporting the UN s broader efforts against religious intolerance
The envoy’s mandate will include monitoring reporting and advising on rising Islamophobic
TA
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday announced filing a contempt of court petition against the Adiala Jail authorities demanding the dismissal of officials involved in violating court orders PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram made the announcement during a press conference here on Saturday Sh Waqas Akram criticized the judiciary’s inability to enforce its own decisions stating that if judges cannot ensure the imple-
mentation of their rulings then the courts should be closed
He condemned the alleged injustices faced by PTI members over the last three years, describing them as so severe that “even history books would be ashamed ” He further alleged that innocent youth were being subjected to oppression, fostering enmity and hatred within the nation
Dismissing rumors on rift in P
bloc in the party claiming
tempted during the 26th Amend-
The adoption marks a milestone for Pakistan’s multilateral engagement following its successful push to designate March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia
ment proceedings but they failed to yield significant results
According to him PTI lawmakers were offered bribes ranging from Rs500 million to Rs800 million to switch allegiances, but the party remained united “PTI is a party representing all classes and provinces and differences of opinion are natural he pointed out declaring that no one can silence Imran Khan or PTI
We took our case to court because we were denied meetings with our leadership for five to six months,” he stated Sh Waqas Akram dismissed the need for mediators in PTI s struggle declaring that their case lies in the court of Allah and the people He revealed that the party is working with other opposition parties to launch a protest movement after Eidul Fitr He also stressed the importance of Imran Khan s presence in key consultations particularly regarding security matters, and paid tribute to the martyrs of all security institutions, including the police Regarding the American bill issue Akram clarified that the matter concerns the US legislature and its supporters emphasizing that PTI remains focused on national concerns and its ongoing legal and political battles
