ISLAMABAD: A delegation from the China Geological Survey (Xi’an Centre), led by Dr Ma Zhong Ping, secretary of the SCO Geosciences Cooperation Research Centre, called on Momin Agha, secretary of the Petroleum Division, to discuss advancing geo-scientific collaboration between Pakistan and China.

This meeting builds on the commitments made during the visit of Pakistan’s prime minister to China in June 2024, where both leaders expressed a strong desire to deepen cooperation in various sectors including mining and geosciences.

Following this, a team of Chinese experts visited Pakistan in August and provided strategic recommendations for uplifting the key areas of economy.

One key suggestion was to conduct detailed integrated geo-scientific surveys of selected metallogenic blocks, supported by the Chinese government.

The longstanding partnership between the Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP) and the China Geological Survey (CGS) began with a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in 2008, subsequently renewed in 2013 and 2018.

In 2023, this cooperation was further strengthened through a formal agreement to advance follow-up surveys of geochemical anomalies identified during earlier collaborative work.

The partnership between GSP and CGS has already achieved significant milestones, including the systematic geochemical sampling of stream sediments across Pakistan, resulting in geochemical anomaly maps for 69 elements.

These maps provide crucial data for mineral exploration and underscore the value of continued collaboration.

During the meeting, the Chinese delegation shared insights into the achievements of the geochemical mapping initiative and outlined plans for future integrated geo-scientific surveys. These proposed surveys aim to further unlock Pakistan’s mineral potential through advanced exploration techniques and methodologies.

The secretary petroleum commended the GSP and CGS for their successful efforts in geochemical mapping and assured full support for future ventures.

He emphasised that generating comprehensive geo-scientific data is essential for attracting investments in the exploration and development of Pakistan’s mineral resources, a key priority for the government.

The Geological Survey of Pakistan director general and senior officials from the Petroleum Division were also present during the discussion.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

The 1973 Constitution was enacted unanimously by a legislative assembly elected through free and fair elections held on December 07, 1970. There were no street protests to any clause of the sacred document, which was thoroughly debated and then passed in March 1973. Only one member absented.

The electoral contest held on February 08, 2024, and the one held in December 1970 have several similarities and differences. In both cases, the establishment was expecting a split mandate with no clear winners.

The intelligence reports proved to be grossly misleading. In the 1970 contest in the eastern wing of the country, Mujib’s Awami League won all the seats except two, while Bhutto’s People’s Party emerged victorious in the western part. The military Junta was caught on the wrong foot.

The commanders in the field Lt-Gen Sahibzada Yabub Ali Khan and Admiral S. M. Ahsan (latter he became governor of East Pakistan), who were aware of the massive mandate and ground realities advised for a political solution.

The military junta decided on Military Action, which resulted in defeat and surrender of the troops on December 16, 1971. Thus, from a surprise mandate point of view the two elections (1970 & 2024) were very similar.

The stark difference is that the elections held in 1970 were for the purpose of electing a ‘legislative assembly’ that was required to produce a constitution within ninety days or face dissolution. As the Awami League had contested the elections on a six-point agenda that sought complete provisional autonomy, the negotiations between the two leading parties (AL, PPP) were complicated even separate currency was demanded.

Bhutto wanted more time to negotiate or waiver of the ninety-day dissolution deadline. When the assembly session in Dacca was called off, Civil war started in East Pakistan, which then emerged as Bangladesh.

The divided ‘legislative assemblies’ then formulated their own constitutions. In Bangladesh, the constitution was passed on November 04, 1972, while in Pakistan an interim document was passed on April 17, 1972, followed by the permanent consensual version which was passed on April 10, 1973, to be assented by the President on April 12, 1973. Thus, the assembly mandated to formulate the constitution completed its task in the divided Pakistan.

The elections held on February 08, 2024, were held under the unanimously approved constitution of 1973. There was no mandate to rewrite the consensual document, as is being proposed now. With over 26% changes in the original document in the 26th Amendment Bill, it’s a major overhaul that requires thorough analysis and debate.

Constitution-making has never been easy in the land of the pure. Perhaps Pakistan is the only country in the world that had to formulate four constitutions (1956, 1962, 1972, 1973 and now proposed overhaul in 2024). Constitution-bashing has been the norm in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

The electoral contest held in December 1970 was free, fair and indisputable. The legislative legislature that came into being was thus very credible, which had the support, backing and mandate of the people.

The legislature that took oath of office after the February 2024 election consists of the most controversial and disputed members. Cases against their electoral fraud are pending in election tribunals and courts.

There is a term used in the legal fraternity ‘Justice hurried is justice buried’. Legislation which is pushed through without due deliberation will be disastrous for the already fragmented democratic order. The establishment in the land of the pure has a history of constitution-bashing.

The 1956 constitution that could have kept Pakistan together was abrogated in 1958 through the nexus of Mirza and Ayub. Then the 1962 version, which was imposed by the first usurper, was annulled by the second dictator.

As the country was without a legal framework, the 1972 interim version had to be passed expeditiously to lift the dreadful martial law that had caused the dismemberment of Jinnah’s Pakistan. In the year 1977 when elections were held under the constitution, an establishment-sponsored movement was launched against the civilian government.

The third takeover that followed proved to be disastrous for the nation. The third usurper disfigured the consensual document. He showed open disdain for the constitution. It is widely rumoured that he was in the process of rewriting a fresh version when he was eliminated in mid-air.

The fourth dictator got into trouble when he tried to stage a coup against his own government. He was later tried under Article 6 of the constitution; he fled the country to save his life.

The 26th Amendment is a ‘suicide attack’ on the 1973 constitution by a disputed legislature. It’s a conspiracy to weaken civilian authority, deny human rights and ruin the judicial system of the country. The retaliation and response will be immediate and ferocious. It will create unmanageable fissures. Such clear people’s mandates like the ones in 1970 and 2024 cannot be over-ruled or ignored. The establishment erred in both cases while deciding on the election steal mechanism based on false information gathered by the agencies. The dye has been cast.

There is no going back. It is in the interest of the Republic that manipulation of the legislature be stopped with immediate effect. Let the legal process take its course to put the democratic order and the country back on track.

Using external force to push legislation will be met with an opposing force. According to the famous saying, ‘An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind’. Blindness leads to darkness, not light that we seek. The shadows hovering over us must be curtailed.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

EDITORIAL: Diaspora Pakistanis disturbed by our increasingly intolerant politics have effectively been using their new-found clout with their host governments to stop the main opposition party PTI’s leadership and activists getting the rough end of the stick.

Some 20 British MPs from across party lines recently urged Foreign Secretary David Lammy to push for the release of former prime minister Imran Khan.

Calling his detention as “politically motivated”, they expressed the apprehension that he might face trial in military courts. The Secretary has responded to their concerns in detail, saying there is “no indication” that he will be tried in military courts, and that “while Pakistan’s judicial processes are a domestic matter the authorities need to act in line with their international obligations and with respect for fundamental freedoms, including the right to a fair trial due process and humane detention”. The UK continues to engage at senior levels with Pakistan government “on such critical matters”, he added.

It may be recalled that a while ago, some 62 Democratic members of US Congress had written a similar letter to President Joe Biden.

Now in a pretty strong indictment of our political process a fresh missive signed by 46 Democratic as well as Republican lawmakers raises concerns over “deteriorating human rights” following February 2024 elections, marred by “widespread irregularities, electoral fraud, and state-led suppression” of PTI, urging President Biden to press Pakistani government to release Imran Khan along with other ‘political prisoners’ before the end of his term on January 20.

The missive also cites the findings of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, Amnesty International, and other human rights organisations, all of which have called for Khan’s and other jailed PTI leaders’ freedom.

As expected, all this has sparked scathing criticism from the two major partners in the ruling alliance, the PML-N and PPP, accusing the PTI of inviting foreign intervention. They are understandably miffed at these developments. But they should not lose sight of two key factors.

First, it was the Pakistan Public Affairs Committee (PAKPAC) in the US rather than PTI leadership in this country, which had actively been seeking release of Khan and his party’s other incarcerated leaders and supporters.

Second and more importantly, it is the political mess that politicians and certain other forces have repeatedly been creating in this country, leading to foreign interventions.

As many commentators have recalled, in not-too-distant a past, former US president Bill Clinton had interceded to have PML-N’s deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif, jailed by military ruler Gen Pervez Musharraf, released and flown to safety in Saudi Arabia.

Later, the UK together with the US mediated a deal between the late self-exiled PPP leader Benazir Bhutto and Gen Musharraf, paving the way for her as well as Sharif’s return to Pakistan.

Sadly, little has changed in all these years. Instead of playing by the rules of democratic governance, those at the helm have once again created a situation where outside intervention seems to have become imminent.

Apparently, in a nod to the PAKPAC, during his campaign President-elect Donald Trump in his unique style lavished praise on the incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan more than once describing him as a “good man” and a “handsome, great guy”.

Rather than issuing sanctimonious statements, the ruling alliance needs to focus on resolving the basic contradictions in our political system which, in the first place, create opportunities for foreign interventions.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

ISLAMABAD: Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir expressed his unwavering belief in Pakistan’s bright and stable future while addressing the business community in Karachi.

Reflecting on the nation’s progress, he remarked, “The clouds of despair that loomed a year ago have now dissipated.”

The Army Chief emphasized the importance of optimism, reiterating his earlier statement: “Despair is forbidden for Muslims.” He highlighted that all key economic indicators of Pakistan are now positive and predicted further improvement in the coming year.

State should protect public from negative impacts of social media: COAS Asim Munir

Criticizing those who spread negativity and speculated about Pakistan’s default, he questioned, “Where are those voices now? Should they not be held accountable?”

Addressing security concerns, the Army Chief pointed out that terrorism is often backed by illegal businesses and external elements. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to safeguarding Pakistan’s digital frontiers and ensuring the digital security of its citizens.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

The United States condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan and said it is ‘‘dedicated to enhancing Pakistan’s civilian and military capabilities to detect and counter these type of threats’’.

In a press briefing, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said the US was aware of the terrorist attacks in Pakistan, saying “our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those killed or impacted by recent attacks”.

A day ago, eight soldiers were killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while seven policemen were briefly kidnapped in separate attacks.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident in the same province, seven police officers were kidnapped from a checkpoint.

They were released Tuesday, following negotiations between a jirga — or tribal council — and the militants.

“All the kidnapped policemen have been released following successful negotiations led by local elders with militants,” senior police official Muhammad Zia ud-Din told AFP.

The Pakistani Taliban (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attacks.

In his press briefing, the US spokesperson said that as the horrific attacks against the Pakistani people continue, “we remain committed to engaging with government leaders and civilian institutions to identify opportunities to build capacity in detecting, preventing, and responding to threats posed by militant terrorist groups”.

While answering a question om terrorist groups using Afghan soil to conduct the attack, the US official said, “So we continue to have an important bilateral counterterrorism partnership with the Government of Pakistan, and it includes regular high-level dialogues and working level consultations dedicated to enhancing both civilian and military capabilities to detect and counter these type of threats.”

While chairing a meeting of the Federal Apex Committee of the National Action Plan on Tuesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed to crush the terrorist elements for peace and progress of the country.

The meeting was briefed on the evolving security landscape and the measures being taken to counter terrorism and other critical challenges, including general law and order situation.

Addressing the Apex meeting, the PM termed terrorism as the huge challenge for Pakistan.

The committee approved a comprehensive military operation against terrorist organisations operating in Balochistan including the Majeed Brigade, BLA, BLF and BRAS who are targeting innocent civilians and foreign nationals to scuttle Pakistan’s economic progress by creating insecurity at the behest of hostile external powers.

A beaming Finance Minister and former President of the country’s largest bank proudly announced that the foreign exchange reserves can now meet the import needs for two months instead of two weeks as previously reported. After 77 years of so-called freedom the Islamic Republic of Pakistan must rely on loans to boost its reserves required to meet the needs of the country, the situation calls for major soul-searching.

While India, the other part of the Subcontinent, declared that the basic needs of the nation would be met indigenously, there will be no import or export. People’s Republic of China followed the same route in 1949. Today both the countries are strong with huge foreign exchange reserves.

Finally, taking cue from our neighbours, the Government of Punjab recently notified that Murree Brewery will only be allowed to export its liquor once all the local needs have been met. Someone somewhere finally thought about the needs of a segment of the local population.

It should not be limited to alcoholic products only, the spectrum needs to be expanded to ensure stable, uninterrupted supply of essential needs of the masses at affordable prices. Recently, there were big wheat import and sugar export scandals in the land of the pure. Not even food and energy have been spared by exploitation of the Import/Export Mafia.

The list of import items is long. Despite 175 billion tons of local coal deposits at Thar, 30 million tons is being imported every year, 2000 mmcfd of gas and 200,000 tons of urea is on the list. While Pakistan Steel Mills has been shut down, 5 to 7 million tons of steel is imported yearly.

Copper concentrate is shipped abroad to import back 0.5 million tons of finished copper; the same situation prevails for ferro chrome, a strategic mineral.

Indeed, the situation is grave, as a nation we remain vulnerable to our dwindling reserves being managed by detached from ground realities individuals, broadly classified as ‘ the Shoaibs of Pakistan’. Muhammad Shoaib was the Finance Minister of Ayub Khan for eight long years. Finally, when the CIA Papers were declassified after thirty years, his name appeared in their list of beneficiaries. In 1979 during the Iranian Revolution, US Embassy Papers were seized and displayed outside for the public. The Middle East was being controlled from Tehran.

There was a huge payroll of loyalists covering all countries, including Pakistan. In 1981, I had the opportunity of glancing through these papers. Some local names included in the list were shocking. It was indeed a reality-check for me to find out about the real, remote-control rulers of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, a constitutional democracy on paper.

Bhutto’s minister for production and Secretary General of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Comrade J.A. Rahim was credited for formulating the party manifesto which promised ‘Roti, Kapra, Makan’ (Food, Clothing, Shelter) to people. It was a short-lived period in the decade of the seventies when real need base development was carried out.

The country started producing its own steel and fertilizers. Huge investments were made in the defence production sector, some of the products of this initiative are currently being displayed in the ongoing exhibition in Karachi’s “Ideas 2024’. ‘People’s Car’ was being designed together with the production of’ ‘Nishan Jeep’. The honeymoon was short-lived. First it was J.A. Rahim followed by Bhutto himself who were booted out of the arena. The remote masters prevailed. It was back to imports.

In August 2002 when I took charge of Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), I reviewed the import bill of the country to set the tone of research. At Rs 150 billion, petroleum was on the top of the list followed by edible oil seeds at Rs 50 billion and tea Rs 10 billion. Pakistan is the largest importer of tea in the world with no local production.

Initially, there was a Tea Board, which ensured steady supply from the Eastern Wing, but once that link was severed reliance was on imports. Our friends in China established a facility in Shinkiari near Mansehra called National Tea Research Institute (NTRI). I personally drove to the facility, was amazed to see that complete know-how existed to grow and process high quality tea.

Unfortunately, we could not put the pieces together as the Tea Association was based in Karachi. On my invitation, they agreed to work with NTRI to boost local production. It was an uphill task; the Import Mafia was all over to create obstacles all the way. Finally, PSF succeeded in establishing a green tea facility within NTRI and three plantation sites in Kashmir.

Over 100, 000 acres of land was identified in Kashmir and Swat for large-scale tea plantation. My term ended in August 2005 and with it the entire effort was stalled. During this period, research was also started to explore fuel and edible oil options in the country.

Finally, Thar Coal became a reality in the year 2018 and massive olive plantations have started all over the country. The import bill can be drastically slashed, achieving the cherished goal of self-reliance in meeting the basic needs of the masses. Both food and fuel can be covered using indigenous resources, for which no foreign exchange reserves will then be needed to reduce the worries of the imported Finance Minister.

No nation can survive or prosper on borrowed money and imported good to meet its basic needs. There is a concept of ‘Sehai Peham’ (constant struggle), which cannot be measured in days and months, it is ongoing continuous. The roadmap to prosperity must be well-defined, understood and followed. There is a famous saying: “An army marches on its stomach”.

It is all about logistics, which has emerged as a major subject in the modern world; the term used is ‘Supply Chain Management’. The Finance Ministry can at best manage the finances, the rest has to be handled by experts and technologists not ‘Munshis’ (book-keepers).

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan can grow its own tea and edible oil seeds together with meeting its energy needs indigenously with the application of appropriate technological know-how and its management, certainly not by press conferences and interviews as has been the norm till to date. A major course correction is required.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

KARACHI: The Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Jameel Ahmed, has emphasized the importance of supporting women entrepreneurs in Pakistan, noting that they currently make up less than 10 percent of total borrowers and hold only 26 percent of bank accounts.

The SBP hosted Women Entrepreneurship Day on November 19, 2024, in Karachi to reaffirm its commitment to enhancing women’s participation in the economic landscape. The event brought together various stakeholders, including international and local partner institutes, banks, civil society, and successful women entrepreneurs.

During his keynote address, Ahmed highlighted the critical role of women-owned businesses in driving innovation, economic growth, and community development. He acknowledged the structural and cultural challenges women entrepreneurs face, such as limited access to finance, markets, and mentorship. Despite these challenges, women in Pakistan have shown remarkable determination and success in various sectors, including agriculture, technology, and manufacturing, he added.

He appreciated the efforts of banks in disbursing about PKR 24 billion to over 20,000 women-led businesses from July 1 to November 10, 2024. The SBP conducted over 50 sessions through its Banking Services Corporation offices, reaching over 1500 women entrepreneurs to inform them about available financing opportunities.

He urged financial institutions to adopt innovative and inclusive approaches and emphasized the importance of partnerships with organizations such as UN Women and USAID.

The event concluded with awards presented to outstanding women entrepreneurs and banks for their contributions to advancing women’s economic participation. The governor expressed hope that these trailblazers would inspire future generations and that the SBP remains committed to fostering an inclusive financial ecosystem that empowers women.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

My friend, Editor, journalist of 40 years standing, Khaled Ahmed passed away on Sunday night, November 17, 2024. He had been ill with an array of old age afflictions for some time. Born 1943 in Jalandhar, East Punjab (now in India), Khaled belonged to the Niazi clan that migrated to Lahore after Partition and settled in Zaman Park, adjacent to Aitchison College.

Some other notable names from the clan are Majid Khan (once my classfellow in Saint Anthony’s High School) and Imran Khan (once my friend, who now no longer wishes to speak to me because he cannot take criticism). The Zaman Park Niazis produced over the years a host of cricketers and prominent individuals from a diverse menu of the professions.

My acquaintance with Khaled Ahmed began when I joined Government College, Lahore in 1964. Khaled and I were part of the cast of Government College’s centenary year play, Arsenic and Old Lace, directed and acted in by no less than my friend the late Shoaib Hashmi. I left for London in 1965 for further studies and did not return till 1971.

In this period, I had lost touch with Khaled. It was only when I returned to live in Lahore in 1979 that my re-acquaintance with Khaled was fated to take place.

In 1990, I was, as the saying goes, ‘between jobs’ (i.e. unemployed). One night at a dinner, my wife Ghazala Rahman appealed to our mutual friend Nusrat Jamil to do something about my ‘wasting away’.

Nuscie, as we all affectionately call her, was then Managing Editor of Frontier Post, and Khaled Ahmed, having done lengthy stints at Pakistan Times and The Nation, was the Editor. Nuscie, in an effort to respond to the call for help for me, asked me: “What do you think of journalism?” I replied: “I have a healthy contempt for the profession.” “No, no, no, no,” Nuscie protested, “please take a minute to reconsider your answer.”

After a minute’s thought, I said: “I still have a healthy contempt for the profession!” Nuscie was not discouraged. She argued that Frontier Post was a young paper with a young cast of journalists who were doing exciting things and I should pay a visit and see for myself. Despite my scepticism about journalism per se, I visited Frontier Post and liked what I saw. There was a buzz of new, creative thinking in the air in the Frontier Post office. The next day, I joined.

Presenting myself before the Editor, Khaled Ahmed, I was interrogated whether I wanted to do journalism, and if so, was I prepared to learn. I replied yes, that seems like a good idea. In that case, Khaled said, you have to start at the bottom.

Such was my ignorance about journalism then that I had no idea what that meant, but out of respect for Khaled I said he knew best and I would be guided by his wisdom. That means sub-editor in the newsroom, Khaled said. The Senior News Editor, the late Jeff Plair, was summoned to Khaled’s office and after introducing me, told to take me on as a sub-editor.

To my utter astonishment, Jeff Plair, whom I had never laid eyes on before in my life, turned to Khaled and said: “Khaled sahib, what are you saying? He is Editor material and you want me to take him as a sub-editor!?” You could have knocked me over with a feather, considering I did not know Jeff Plair from Adam, but he seemed to know who I was. Khaled said never mind, just take him.

To cut a long story short, I mastered sub-editing within three days with the help of my colleagues in the newsroom, days later was promoted to one of the two News Editors under the Chief News Editor, Jeff Plair. Within three months, Jeff Plair had a heart attack at work and died. I was promoted to take his place.

The rest, as they say, is history. In my stint as Chief News Editor for about a year, I learnt from Khaled Ahmed the principles of good journalism, but in a very gentle, non-interfering way. My early blunders were defended by him as part of my learning curve, and he never faltered in his attitude of confidence in my abilities. That was the generous nature of my very learned, erudite friend, the Editor who launched me on my journalistic career of 34 years and counting.

Khaled was always a voracious reader. His home was cluttered with piles of books, read or to be read. His editorials and other writings showed without a shadow of a doubt the depth of his knowledge. We were destined to meet once again later (in 2009) when I took over the Editorship of Daily Times.

It was awkward being the Editor to my former Editor and teacher, Khaled Ahmed. We were both awkward in this unprecedented about face. This situation did not last long as Khaled eventually left Daily Times. He became Consulting Editor to the Pakistani edition of Newsweek.

I do not think Khaled Ahmed’s erudition and knowledge have received deserved recognition. But that is an occupational hazard in journalism in Pakistan, not to mention just about everything else. Regardless of the fickleness of our quick to forget the great minds of our society and their contribution, Khaled Ahmed’s body of work will continue to inspire those who hold the principles of objective, critical, knowledgeable journalism in high regard. Perhaps that is the best tribute to my friend and mentor. Adieu, Khaled Ahmed, RIP.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

ISLAMABAD: The session of the National Action Plan’s Apex Committee has been postponed. According to the sources, the Apex Committee session to be chaired by the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had been canceled in the wake of PM sickness.

The Apex Committee session had been scheduled for today.

The Apex Committee session would be attended by Chief of Army Staff general Asim Munir, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief, heads of intelligence institutions, all provincial chief ministers, key federal ministers and others.

The session would revolve around discussion on the law and order situation amid the surge in terrorism incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and the Ambassador of Syrian Republic in Pakistan, Dr Ramez Alraee, discussed bilateral relations and important regional and international issues.

Dr Alraee called on Speaker Sadiq at the Parliament House on Monday. Matters pertaining to bilateral relations and important regional and international issues were discussed in the meeting.

The National Assembly speaker said Pakistan and Syria enjoy historic and brotherly relations, both countries are tied in the bond of shared religion, fraternity, history and culture.

He said Pakistan would continue its unwavering cooperation and support to Syria in education, trade, tourism, especially religious tourism.

The speaker stressed the need for unity among the Muslim countries to cope with the challenges confronting Muslim Ummah.

He also said that the peace in the Middle East is linked with peace in Palestine.

He noted that Pakistan fully supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria and desire durable peace in Syria.

The speaker emphasised the importance of Pak-Syria Parliamentary Friendship Group (PFG) and highlighted the role of PFG in the National Assembly as a significant platform for fostering mutual understanding and collaboration.

Speaker Sadiq lauded the commencement of commercial flight operations of Syrian Airlines between Damascus and Lahore. He was confident that flight operations of Syrian Airlines would promote people-to-people contact, trade and tourism between both brotherly nations. He also appreciated the hospitality extended by Syria to Pakistani Zaireen visiting Syria for Zyaraat of Shrines.

Ambassador Dr Alraee said that Syria values high its historic relations with Pakistan and Syrian government wants to further strengthening the existing ties through enhanced cooperation in diverse fields.

While apprising the NA speaker regarding the newly-started flight operation, he said this initiative would not only facilitate the Pakistani Zaireen andbusiness community but will also strengthen the socio-economic cooperation between both countries. He praised Pakistan’s efforts for promotion of peace in the region. He expressed his gratitude to the people and the Government of Pakistan for supporting Syria in the field of education and religious tourism.

Later on, the Ambassador of People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, Brahim Romani, met with NA Speaker Sadiq at the Parliament House.

Both sides discussed matters of mutual interests regarding enhanced cooperation in trade and energy sector and parliamentary diplomacy.

The NA speaker stated that Pakistan and Algeria have deep-rooted historical ties and Pakistan appreciates the unwavering support extended by Algeria to Pakistan on international forums.

He further emphasised the need to increase people-to-people contacts along with parliamentary cooperation through the Pak-Algeria Friendship Group and increase interactions among business communities of both brotherly nations as both countries can benefit through mutually-beneficial opportunities in the field of agriculture and trade.

While expressing Pakistan government’s desire to strengthen relations with Algeria in various fields, Speaker Sadiq highlighted the need to increase bilateral cooperation in the trade and other socio-economic sectors especially energy sector. While noting Pakistan’s commitment towards its “Look Africa” policy, he said that Algeria is an important country of North Africa and considers Algeria as an important partner of “Look Africa” policy.

The speaker deplored the severe human rights violations in Palestine and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIoJK) and stressed upon the international community to play its due role to end the aggression in Palestine and IIOJK. He also urged the international community to play its role for a peaceful resolution of Kashmir dispute as per the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, and to take immediate measures to stop the Israeli aggression in Palestine.

He expressed good wishes for the speaker of the National People’s Assembly of Algeria, and extended him an invitation to visit Pakistan along with Algerian Parliamentary Delegation. The formal invitation letter will be sent soon.

Ambassador Romani thanked NA speaker for his kind remarks for Algeria, and said that Algeria attaches great importance to its brotherly relations with Pakistan. He said that his government wanted to further solidify the existing bilateral relations through enhanced parliamentary and economic cooperation.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

ISLAMABAD: Amid warning of increase in social risks on account of meeting the conditionality of new multilateral financing, Moody’s Investors Services (Moody’s) said interest costs in Pakistan will account for close to 40 percent of total spending in 2025, up from around a quarter in 2021.

Moody’s in a report “2025 Outlook – Stable as economic risks recede, geopolitical and trade risks persist”, stated that Pakistan recently agreed a new $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme to alleviate liquidity pressures.

However, financing from concessional lenders often cannot fully replace sovereigns’ maturing debt. Meeting the conditionality of new multilateral financing can also prove difficult and increase social risks.

Moody’s upgrades Pakistan’s ratings to Caa2, outlook now positive

The rating agency stated that government debt affordability in Pakistan will remain weaker than before the pandemic. Pakistan in Asia-Pacific (APAC) is most vulnerable to food security crises. Government debt affordability in emerging and frontier markets will remain weaker than before the pandemic, particularly in Pakistan (Caa2 positive), Nigeria (Caa1 positive) and Egypt.

A number of sovereigns will face eurobond redemptions in excess of 10 percent of their usable international reserves in 2025, including Bahrain (B2 stable) and Tunisia. Local currency financing needs will also be sizeable for many sovereigns, with gross domestic financing needs of more than 10 percent of GDP in Pakistan and Zambia (Caa2 stable), even after default. Local and foreign currency liquidity risks will therefore remain a key driver of defaults, the rating agency added.

In advanced economies, median debt affordability in 2025 will remain stronger than before the pandemic, although the gains will be eroded. One exception is Greece where improving debt affordability will continue on the back of deleveraging. By contrast, in the US and France, debt affordability will deteriorate significantly, it added.

Moody’s stated that geopolitical tensions are also driving up global military spending. Years of underinvestment and the growing threat from Russia have prompted more European governments to raise defence spending and meet the NATO target of a minimum of two per cent of GDP. Japan’s (A1 stable) Defense Capability Buildup Program will continue to consume an increasingly significant part of its budget in 2025, while India’s defense spending will also grow rapidly amid tensions with China and Pakistan.

While we assume that global food prices will remain much lower than in recent years, low-rated frontier markets like Mozambique (Caa2 stable) and Rwanda (B2 stable) in SSA, Nicaragua (B2 stable) and Honduras (B1 stable) in Latin America and Bangladesh and Pakistan in APAC are most vulnerable to food security crises.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

KARACHI: In a landmark achievement for Pakistan’s aquaculture industry, M/s Arsala Seafood has shipped 21,600 kilograms of farm-raised shrimp from the Muzaffargarh farm to Vietnam. This marks Pakistan’s first-ever shipment of aquaculture shrimp, setting the stage for the country to become a competitive player in the international shrimp market.

The success of this first shipment is a significant milestone for Pakistan’s aquaculture sector, and it signals the beginning of many more success stories to come. The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to diversifying Pakistan’s seafood export portfolio and enhancing the country’s role in global aquaculture.

The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), in collaboration with other stakeholders is coordinating for making aquaculture part of export basket. Currently, Pakistan is exporting marine catch products. Recently, USA has also allowed farm Shrimp export from Pakistan.

‘Shrimp farming will be initiated on uncultivable lands’

In this regard TDAP in collaboration with the Trade minister in Washington DC and the Marine Fisheries Department (MFD), is making significant strides toward the export of aquaculture-harvested shrimp to the United States.

This development comes after a recent amendment to the Pakistan Fish Inspection and Quality Control Act of 1997, which has opened the door for the export of shrimp produced through aquaculture practices. In line with this, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Fisheries Development Board (FDB) has also finalised and notified the National Residue Control Plan (NRCP), which outlines the essential protocols and standards required for the export of aquaculturally-harvested shrimp. With the NRCP in place, Pakistan is now positioned to apply for export opportunities to the EU market as well, further expanding its presence in global seafood markets.

The TDAP has been actively engaged in a series of awareness seminars aimed at equipping local shrimp farmers with the knowledge and tools necessary to implement Good Aquaculture Practices (GAP). These seminars, held at aquaculture clusters across the country, are designed to prepare farmers for the upcoming export opportunities and to ensure compliance with international standards. The focus is on improving shrimp farming practices, enhancing product quality, and meeting the stringent requirements of global markets.

Zubair Motiwala, CEO of TDAP, shared his vision for the future, emphasizing that with the regulatory framework now in place and continued support for farmers, Pakistan is poised to increase its share in the global seafood market. The ongoing awareness campaigns, the successful first shipment, and the collaborative efforts between government agencies and the private sector will help establish Pakistan as a reliable exporter of high-quality aquaculture shrimp to key markets such as the US, EU, and beyond.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

HOBART: Marcus Stoinis slammed five huge sixes in an unbeaten 61 as Australia crushed Pakistan by seven wickets in Hobart on Monday to secure a 3-0 T20 series whitewash.

Chasing a meagre 118, the hosts hit the target in the 12th over to hand Pakistan a reality check after the visitors won the preceding ODI series 2-1.

Stoinis was unstoppable once he got going, also blasting five fours in his 27-ball masterclass.

“It’s really nice to get another win and go 3-0 up,” said Australia skipper Josh Inglis.

Johnson bags five as Australia beat Pakistan to seal T20 series

“When he’s going like that, it’s really hard to stop,” he added of Stoinis. “One of those sixes was probably the biggest I’ve seen.”

The match at Bellerive Oval was a dead rubber after Australia won a rain-hit match in Brisbane by 29 runs and then in Sydney by 13 runs.

After opting to bat, Pakistan raced to 62-1 before crumbling to 117 all out in the 19th over with Babar Azam top-scoring on 41 and Aaron Hardie taking 3-21.

Jake Fraser-McGurk began the run chase with consecutive boundaries from Shaheen Shah Afridi before the speedster dismissed Matt Short for two, caught at mid-on by Irfan Khan.

Fraser-McGurk (18) followed next over, undone by the sheer pace of Jahandad Khan in another mis-fire by the 22-year-old.

But Inglis kept the scoreboard ticking over alongside Stoinis, who let rip in the ninth over, punishing Haris Rauf for 20, including a massive six that landed on the stadium roof.

Their 55-run partnership ended when Inglis scooped Abbas Afridi to Rauf on 27, which brought Tim David to the crease.

He was bystander to Stoinis, who brought up his fifth T20 half-century with another giant six before seeing them home.

“There’s lots of positives, the way some of the players batted and bowled, these youngsters will come good,” said Salman Agha, Pakistan’s skipper for the night with Mohammad Rizwan rested.

“It’s a big achievement for us to win a one-day series here after 22 years, we could have done better in the T20 series but we’ll come back stronger.”

Sahibzada Farhan opened the Pakistan batting with Azam in the absence of Rizwan.

But on a chilly evening, he lasted just seven balls before top-edging a short one from Spencer Johnson – fresh from taking five wickets in Sydney – to Xavier Bartlett.

Azam produced a series of elegant strokes as he and Haseebullah Khan put on a quickfire 44 for the second wicket.

But Kahn was no match for Adam Zampa’s spin, collecting an outside edge on 24 to Short.

Pakistan’s woes mounted with Usman Khan (3) caught on the ropes after slogging Hardie and Agha trapped lbw by the same bowler for one.

It left them reeling on 72-4 at the halfway mark and when Zampa bowled Azam and Khan (10) was needlessly run out they were in deep trouble.

Shaheen Shah Afridi blasted the only six of the innings, but didn’t last as the tailenders were mopped up.

To understand the disparities in textile exports between Pakistan and Bangladesh, it is essential to examine several key aspects, including value addition, technological advancements in the textile industry, labour costs, government policies, and product positioning in the global market.

These factors collectively impact the export performance of both countries, enabling Bangladesh to achieve higher export values with comparatively lower cotton consumption, while Pakistan, despite its significant cotton production, has yet to realize comparable financial gains.

For instance, Bangladesh exports products worth over $40 billion from around 7 million cotton bales, whereas Pakistan exports only $17-18 billion worth of products from approximately 10 million bales.

Firstly, the difference in value addition is evident in the textile industries of both nations. Bangladesh has placed a strong emphasis on increasing the value of its products through advanced processing technologies and a focus on value-added goods.

The Bangladeshi textile sector has integrated automation and computerized machinery, enabling the production of high-value items, such as ready-made garments and high-fashion apparel. In contrast, however, Pakistan’s industry primarily exports raw or semi-finished fabrics, which are less competitive in the global market.

To elevate the value of its exports, Pakistan’s textile sector must adopt modern technology and shift its focus towards value-added products. Bangladesh has made significant investments in technological upgrades, which have directly contributed to its export growth.

The industry has embraced cutting-edge advancements like robotics, automation, digital fabric printing, and computerized management systems, which have improved production speed and quality, facilitating exports that meet international standards.

Pakistan, on the other hand, faces challenges in technology adoption, resulting in slower production and quality issues that weaken its global competitiveness.

Moreover, Bangladesh has implemented favourable policies that have propelled its textile sector’s growth, including the establishment of special economic zones, tax exemptions, and investment incentives. These policies have attracted foreign investors, fostering industry growth and facilitating the introduction of advanced machinery.

Conversely, Pakistan lacks comparable incentives, limiting the ability of its textile industry to compete internationally. To enable its textile sector to access modern technology and achieve global production standards, Pakistan must consider adopting similar supportive policies.

Differences in labour costs and infrastructure also play a significant role in the export gap between the two countries. Lower labour costs in Bangladesh have enabled the country to produce high-value goods by combining affordable labour with advanced technology.

In contrast, Pakistan faces higher labour costs and infrastructural challenges, including energy shortages and rising operational expenses, which directly impact production efficiency and product quality. Additionally, cotton quality and availability differentiate the two industries.

Although Bangladesh produces very little cotton domestically, it has sustained its industry by importing high-quality cotton, ensuring the consistent supply of superior raw materials.

Pakistan, however, faces quality issues and a decline in domestic cotton production, resulting in supply constraints for its textile sector. Investments in research and technology are critical for Pakistan to enhance cotton quality and yield, allowing the textile sector to benefit from high-quality, locally sourced raw materials.

Branding and positioning in the global market are also essential factors in Bangladesh’s success. Bangladesh has strategically marketed its products internationally, leveraging modern positioning strategies that have led to significant export success. In comparison, Pakistani products lack a strong brand presence in global markets, making them less competitive. Enhancing global positioning and branding efforts for its products could strengthen Pakistan’s international standing.

Considering these factors, Bangladesh has maximized its limited resources by leveraging modern technology, supportive policies, and labour cost advantages to drive growth in its textile sector. Despite Pakistan’s larger cotton production, it has struggled to achieve the same value and competitiveness in its products. Pakistan can draw lessons from Bangladesh’s model by focusing on value addition, technology upgrades, and implementing globally aligned policies in its textile industry to enhance export value in international markets.

Although Pakistan’s textile sector has received government subsidies and incentives, growth in value-addition has remained modest. To address this, the government should consider linking incentives to value-addition requirements, ensuring the industry delivers a meaningful increase in product value.

Without a focus on value-added exports, the existing incentives risk supporting only raw material exports, which do not contribute significantly to the national economy.

By implementing a model similar to Bangladesh’s, Pakistan could strengthen its global market position through value-added products, technological advancements, and strategic branding, ultimately boosting export value and contributing to economic stability.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

BAKU: Coordinator to Prime Minister on Climate Change Romina Khurshid Alam has said that Pakistan is now actively exploring the development of carbon markets as a key strategy to meet its climate goals, attract green investments and transition toward a low-carbon economy as a part of efforts geared towards achieving environmental sustainability and climate resilience in the country.

“Let me say this confidently that Pakistan is now ready to lead, innovate, and collaborate with local private sector as well as international partners for the development of carbon markets to attract investments in green initiatives for achieving climate goals under the Paris climate pact,” she announced while addressing a high-level event ‘Launch of Pakistan’s Carbon market Policy & Panel on Coordinated Access to Net Zero Development Financing Through Paris-Aligned Carbon Markets’ held here at Pakistan Pavilion on the sidelines of COP29 global climate conference in Baku.

By participating in such markets, Pakistan can incentivize businesses and industries to adopt cleaner technologies and practices, she said.

Without climate justice, there can be no real resilience: PM Shehbaz addresses COP29

Carbon markets provide a platform for trading carbon credits, which represent a reduction or removal of climate-altering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These markets operate on the principles of “cap-and-trade” systems or credit-based mechanisms, allowing entities to buy, sell or offset their emissions.

“This launch is just the beginning. The government of Pakistan is fully committed to supporting the development of this market, ensuring it becomes a cornerstone of our climate strategy and a catalyst for sustainable development,” she told the participants of the launching ceremony, which was attended by members of international civil society organisations, delegation members of different countries, academia, researchers, policymakers and media.

The PM’s climate aid also said that the intended establishment of a robust carbon market mechanism would align well with Pakistan’s commitment to the Paris Agreement, enabling the country to monetise its emissions reductions while supporting sustainable development and climate action through investment in various adaptation and mitigation-related initiatives.

Explaining about the nature of possible carbon markets in Pakistan, the PM’s climate aide told the event participants that Pakistan aims to accelerate clean technology deployment and attract investment in sectors and projects with significant emissions reduction potential, including energy, agriculture, waste management, and forestry.

Inviting local, regional and international potential partners interested in development of carbon markets in the country, Romina said, “We are also ready to work together with partners and collaborators interested in jointly setting up carbon markets to make this national carbon market policy not just functional but transformative, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future and win-win situation for the country and those interested to constructing the carbon markets.”

“The success of Pakistan’s carbon market will depend on collaboration—within our borders and across them. We welcome partnerships with international investors, organizations, and governments to ensure that this market becomes a regional and global success story,” she highlighted during her keynote address.

Alam highlighted that a regulated and transparent carbon pricing compliance market (CM) and voluntary carbon market (VCM) in Pakistan would invite the private sector to jump in and pitch greenfield projects based on climate resilience and adaptability.

SYDNEY: Speedster Spencer Johnson took 5-26 to propel Australia to a tense 13-run victory over Pakistan in Sydney on Saturday and seal their three-match T20 series with a game to go.

Set just 148 to win after Haris Rauf claimed 4-22 to keep the hosts in check, Pakistan were all out for 134 in the final over despite a lively 52 from Usman Khan.

Australia won a rain-hit first match in Brisbane by 29 runs with the final game at Hobart on Monday.

“We thought we were there or thereabouts and I thought the way the bowlers went about it was brilliant,” said Australian captain Josh Inglis.

“There’s so many options in this team I can go to. Every time I turned to Johnson tonight, he got a wicket. The way they played tonight was really good.”

Australia dominates Pakistan in truncated T20I series-opener

Australia secured a vital breakthrough by removing Babar Azam (3) off Xavier Bartlett in the second over and Pakistan’s woes deepened when Johnson accounted for Sahibzada Farhan (5).

Runs were hard to come by and after facing 26 balls for 16, skipper Mohammad Rizwan knew he had to up the tempo.

But it cost him with Tim David taking a fine diving catch in the deep off Johnson, who then bagged Salman Agha next ball, caught behind by Inglis to leave Pakistan on 44-4 after 10 overs.

Khan played himself in and brought up his first T20 half-century.

But Johnson struck again with Abbas Afridi (4) following soon after to earn the 28-year-old a maiden five-wicket haul in his seventh T20.

Two wickets in an over by spin king Adam Zampa piled the pressure on Pakistan who were unable to rise to the challenge.

Earlier, Australia was restricted to 147-9 after a rip-roaring start, but a slew of dropped catches cost Pakistan.

“If you take the positives, the boys bowled very well. We know Australia is not an easy team,” said Rizwan.

“But if you drop crucial catches, it will cost you the game.

“We all know the pitch wasn’t easy to bat,” he added.

Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matthew Short stitched together a highly entertaining 52-run opening stand off just 22 balls before Rauf struck twice in three deliveries.

After tempting Fraser-McGurk (20) into another slog that was taken in the deep by Agha, he enticed a leading edge from Inglis (0).

Pakistan had their tails up and Short quickly followed for 32, bowled by Afridi, with three wickets falling for four runs.

Marcus Stoinis survived two dropped catches but finally fell on 14, reverse-sweeping to Sufiyan Muqeem, who was brought into side for Haseebullah Khan.

Muqeem’s wrist-spin then took care of dangerman Glenn Maxwell (21) as the runs dried up.

David was removed by Rauf for 18 and he collected his fourth by bowling Bartlett (5).

Aaron Hardie made a handy 28 before Afridi removed him and Johnson in successive balls in the final over.

Brokerage house Arif Habib Limited (AHL) expects the KSE-100 Index – largely seen as a benchmark for stock market performance – to hit 120,010 points by December 2025, a rather precise projection that foresees a return of nearly 27% in the remaining time period of 13-and-a-half months.

The KSE-100, which has been the world’s top-performing market in the time period between October 2023 to November 2024, has extended its pole position in the last few weeks and closed Friday’s session with a 0.61% gain. The KSE-100 closed November 15, 2024 at a record high of 94,763.64, briefly also crossing 95,000 as calls for 100k before the end of the year got louder.

After a while, the benchmark index has also outperformed rallies in gold and other asset classes as it offered a 52% return during the current calendar year with a stable exchange rate and cushion of another bailout of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) allowing investors to freely focus on stocks and their earnings.

“The stage is set for a potential market rerating, driven by a mix of declining interest rates, a stable PKR, and improving macroeconomic fundamentals,” AHL said as it began its 117-page ‘Pakistan Investment Strategy 2025’, an annual report the brokerage house publishes.

This year’s theme ‘Conquering new heights’ comes after the KSE-100 has hit fresh peaks throughout the year, a momentum AHL believes will continue as 2025 starts.

“Our projection is grounded in the methodologies of target price mapping and justified P/E ratio,” it added, citing the KSE-100 currently trading at a price-to-earnings (PE) multiple of 5.3, a 35.8% discount to the last 10-year average of 8.3x.

“Even with the return during CY24TD, the KSE-100 remains undervalued across various valuation perspectives.”

It maintained its positive outlook for the ongoing fiscal year, with a manageable current account, slowing pace of inflation, easing in monetary policy and stability in the exchange rate as its reasons.

However, it also envisaged corporate earnings growth at 4.2% in 2025, the slowest pace since the pandemic year (2020) as a high base effect drags on the heavyweight banking sector and takes a toll on Pakistan’s struggling textile industry as well. The last year the KSE-100 earnings growth had clocked in lower was 2020 at 3.9% and 2019 when it clocked in at 5.5%.

It argued that higher mobilisation of domestic liquidity and foreign direct investment, which remains on the horizon, as well as a boom in mergers and acquisitions will keep investor interest going.

However, it flagged macroeconomic imbalances during the IMF programme, volatility in commodity prices and political instability as key risks to the stock market’s bullish run.

In its note on domestic liquidity, AHL said KSE ownership has witnessed an “astonishing shift and now free float is predominantly (76.4%) held by High Net worth Individuals (HNWIs), companies, brokers, and other entities”.

“Pakistan’s mutual fund industry’s assets under management (AUM) grew from Rs742 billion in FY20 to nearly Rs3.0 trillion by September 2024, out of which only ~8% or Rs232 billion are equity AUM. Recently, with the declining interest rates and improved macros, we have witnessed net inflow from the mutual fund industry in CY24TD amounting to Rs34 billion which is highest net inflow after 7 years.”

“Our estimation suggests that with every 1% reallocation from fixed income to equities, mutual funds and insurance companies could potentially deploy Rs29.8 billion and Rs15.0 billion, respectively, into the market.”

The brokerage house, in the business of stocks, said equities will be the preferred asset class in 2025.

“We believe that a key driver for the re-rating of the KSE-100 Index in 2025 will be the growing preference for equities as the primary asset class. We expect fixed-income returns to remain in single digit (after-tax) territory next year, reducing its attractiveness relatively.”

It said the outlook for real estate as an investment avenue remains subdued, with rising costs and regulatory hurdles dampening its appeal.

“Stringent measures to combat dollarisation, coupled with a stable balance of payments outlook, are expected to limit investment in foreign currency, further curbing investment in dollar-denominated assets.

“Furthermore, the previously attractive auto sector as an investment class has also lost its attraction amid lower purchasing power and higher car prices and is unlikely to recover in the near term.”

This combination of factors creates an ideal environment for equities to outperform, positioning them as the preferred investment class in 2025, AHL argued.

ISLAMABAD: The Initiative on Risk-Reduction and Dependable Alternatives (IRRDA) has urged Pakistan to take inspiration from Sweden, which has become the first nation in the world to achieve official smoke-free status, according to a press release issued here on Thursday, adding smoking rates in Pakistan are more than four times higher than Sweden’s, the press release said.

Sweden has achieved this milestone 16 years ahead of the European Union target while most of its fellow EU member states are set to miss it by a significant margin, it added.

Official health data released by Sweden’s public health agency shows that just 4.5 per cent of the nation’s Swedish-born over 16-year old citizens smoke significantly below the globally recognised benchmark of five per cent for smoke free status.

Sweden’s extraordinary success is the result of their pioneering policy approach to safer alternatives to cigarettes, said the statement.

“The benefits of Sweden’s strategy are enormous, with the country having the lowest percentage of tobacco-related diseases in the EU and a 41 per cent lower incidence of cancer than other European countries,” it added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

KARACHI: VEON Group’s Chairman and Founder Augie K Fabela II, recognized JazzCash as the "crown jewel" in their global portfolio and said that Pakistan is the success story that can showcase to international investors.

His comments highlighted VEON’s commitment to Pakistan’s digital and financial ecosystem, underlining JazzCash’s remarkable growth trajectory and its role as a transformative force in digital financial services across Pakistan.

VEON is a digital operator that provides converged connectivity and digital services to nearly 160 million customers in six dynamic markets.

Speaking to an audience of a thousand industry leaders, policymakers, and digital innovators at the Future Summit organized by Nutshell Group, Fabela outlined the importance of Pakistan within VEON’s portfolio.

He emphasized that Pakistan represents a critical growth market with its substantial youth demographic and high digitalization potential. "Pakistan is a very special place," he said, "home to VEON’s largest operation, encompassing Jazz, Jazz Business, JazzCash, Tamasha, Mobilink Microfinance Bank, and more."

Fabela described JazzCash’s journey from its humble beginnings with two simple products to now serving over 19 million users every month. As a digital payments leader in Pakistan, JazzCash has evolved into a multi-dimensional platform offering services such as digital lending, savings, and insurance, and accounts for half of all registered users on Pakistan’s national payment system, RAAST.

This expansion reflects VEON’s commitment to providing accessible financial services to underserved markets, helping to bridge the gap for those excluded from banking services, he added.

JazzCash’s success aligns with VEON’s broader mission to drive financial inclusion in Pakistan. With around 40% of adults remaining unbanked, JazzCash is bridging gaps in financial services access, empowering individuals and businesses, and contributing to Pakistan’s economic landscape and growth. “Every unconnected or unbanked individual represents untapped potential that, if unlocked, could drive Pakistan’s growth forward,” Fabela noted.

VEON Group CEO Kaan Terziolu in a session, acknowledged the government’s efforts to stabilize the economy, suggesting that expansion of digital financial services could help expand Pakistan’s tax base, increase government revenues, and improve transparency.

Both Fabela and Terziolu underscored VEON’s vision of Pakistan as a compelling success story for international stakeholders, showcasing how digitalization, when implemented thoughtfully with private-public cooperation, can become a national growth engine.

“Pakistan is the success story we showcase to our international investors,” Fabela concluded, with VEON pledging to continue championing Pakistan on the international stage.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

NEW DELHI: Toxic smog blanketed northern India on Thursday, becoming too thick to see through in several places, as high levels of pollution combined with humidity, low wind speed, and a drop in temperature, officials said.

The city of Lahore in neighbouring Pakistan ranked as the world’s most polluted in winter’s annual scourge across the region, worsened by dust, emissions, and smoke from fires burnt illegally in India’s farming states of Punjab and Haryana.

However, operations at New Delhi’s international airport were not affected by the smog, which weather officials expect to scatter during the day as breezes pick up.

Visibility remained at 300 m (980 ft), the airport operator, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) said, while some airlines warned flights could be affected.

“Winter fog may impact flights” with Delhi, the city of Amritsar in Punjab, where authorities said visibility was zero, and the temple city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, IndiGo said in a message on X.

New Delhi’s international airport diverted some flights on Wednesday.

The minimum temperature in Delhi fell to 16.1 degrees Celsius (61°F) on Thursday from 17 degrees C the previous day, weather officials said.

Its pollution ranked in the ‘severe’ category for the second day in a row, with a score of 430 on an index of air quality maintained by the top pollution panel that rates a score of zero to 50 as ‘good’.

Visibility drops in parts of Delhi as pollution surges

Pollution in New Delhi is likely to stay in the ‘severe’ category on Friday as well, the earth sciences ministry said, worsening to ‘very poor’ later, or an index score in the range of 300 to 400.

The number of farm fires to clear fields of paddy stubble in preparation for the planting of wheat in north India has risen steadily this week to almost 2,300 on Wednesday from 1,200 on Monday, the ministry’s website showed.

In Pakistan, Lahore, the capital of the eastern province of Punjab, was rated the world’s most polluted city on Thursday, in live rankings kept by Swiss group IQAir.

Authorities there have also battled hazardous air this month.

The province has already shut schools, halted some building work, banned most outdoor activity, and ordered early closures of some businesses in efforts to combat the problem.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan ranks among the highest in the world for diabetes prevalence, with 26 percent of the population affected by the disease.

The lack of physical activity, increasing consumption of energy drinks, and the absence of healthy recreational facilities has led to a rapid rise in diabetes among the young population.

The Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) has urged the government to take immediate action to curb the spread of diabetes.

The PIMA emphasised the need for free diabetes screening facilities, particularly in rural areas, and called for a reduction in the prices of diabetes medications.

On the occasion of World Diabetes Day, Central President of PIMA Professor Atif Hafeez Siddiqui stated that the key reasons for the rapid spread of diabetes in Pakistan are the lack of awareness and negligence in seeking treatment.

Furthermore, unhealthy lifestyles, lack of physical activity, and limited access to medical care are also major factors.

He added that a significant portion of Pakistan’s population remains unaware of the effects of diabetes and the measures needed to prevent it.

Physical activities and sports are almost non-existent.

Unhealthy and fatty foods have become a part of the cultural norm.

Our youth, instead of engaging in physical sports, are spending more time in front of mobile screens.

Due to social and cultural limitations, even light physical exercise and sports activities are almost impossible for women, even within permissible boundaries, which has led to an increase in obesity, especially among women. Obesity itself is a major cause of diabetes.

Professor Siddiqui urged the public to make exercise a regular habit and to adopt all preventive measures against diabetes.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of IT and Telecom announced Pakistan is set to roll-out its first Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy over the next couple of months with a prime objective to boost cybersecurity, aiming to be in top 10-15 positions in the next Global Cybersecurity Index ranking from among top 40 countries at present.

While speaking at ‘Cyber Threat Intelligence 2024’, organized by Total Communications in Islamabad on Wednesday, Syed Junaid Imam, Member IT, Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom, said Pakistan is actively working on developing AI policy.

“Probably in a couple of month’s time, you will see Pakistan’s first AI policy. There is special focus on AI for cybersecurity. There is a realization that AI is important for ensuring cyberspace.”

He said Pakistan jumped to Tier-1 (role-modeling) ranking and positioned among top 40 countries in the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) in 2024 from 79th position in the past. “It is just a flag that we are taking steps and measures in the right direction. But we still have a long way to go.”

He said the government is actively working to strengthen digital infrastructure with the prime objective to bolster Pakistan’s digital economy.

“We cannot take Pakistan on the path of digital economy if we do not ensure cybersecurity,” Imam said. “There is realization that the digital economy is the future of Pakistan. If we want Pakistan to take on the road of economic growth and prosperity, we have to ensure the digital transformation of the country.”

The digital infrastructure is fast developing. The national CERT (Computer/Cyber Emergency Response Team) has been established. “Now we are in the process of notifying the sectoral CERTs. In a month’s time you will see sectoral CERTs like in telecom, banking, education, and there will be provincial governments CERTs as well,” the Member IT Imam said.

All the CERTs would be sharing intelligence threats to better protect Pakistan and better progress in all directions nationwide.

He said the coordination and collaboration among stakeholders including industry, private sector, academia and the government remains the key towards achieving cybersecurity, digital economy and digital Pakistan.

Asad Effendi, Founder & CEO, Secure Networks, said AI can help detecting cyber-threats in real time and respond then and there and help protecting the valued data and information, he said.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

Media stories about the possibility of King Charles’ South Asian visit next year that may bring him to Pakistan have once again brought to fore the close ties between Pakistan and the British royalty. The launch of Pakistan Employment Impact Bond by the British Asian Trust (BAT) could be the latest initiative to strengthen this strong bond.

The establishment of BAT in 2007 by the then Prince of Wales and British Asian businessmen has institutionalised Royals’ support to Pakistan and its people across multiple sectors. The Trust has been actively supporting programmes in Pakistan for almost twelve years related mainly to mental healthcare and improvement of livelihoods.

In early 2022, Mian Mohammad Mansha, the leading corporate personality and chairman of Nishat conglomerate and MCB Bank was appointed to be the Chair of the Trust’s Advisory Council in Pakistan.

On the occasion of taking this prestigious position Mian Mansha met with the then Prince Charles and Duchess of Cornwall. He expressed gratitude for Prince Charles’ efforts and Trust’s continued focus on supporting thousands of women in securing jobs in Pakistan.

Mansha was appointed to this position not just because of his eminent profile as business leader, but also owing to his strong commitment to philanthropy and passionate support to social sector development with focus on young people. He has been insisting that no country can be expected to make progress if half of its population (women) remains inactive and non-productive.

He feels proud to state that his wife and other women in family are successfully heading companies in several sectors. In line with his vision of financial inclusion and equal opportunities for women, MCB Bank is engaged in assisting women by offering affordable credit facilities for establishing businesses.

Last month Head of Nishat Group of Companies along with his wife met with their Majesties King Charles and the Queen Camilla ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa. They discussed the launch of first ever Pakistan Employment Impact Bond by the British Asian Trust. Later Mansha revealed that the King expressed desire to visit Pakistan, adding that the Monarch holds very positive views about Pakistan.

In case the visit takes place, Pakistan will have the honour to be among first few countries to receive His Majesty the King since his accession. Responding to King Charles’ invitation to attend CHOGM last month, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif tweeted that “The British Monarch and Royal Family have been great friends of Pakistan”.

There exists a happy history of Royals’ trips to Pakistan beginning from the twin tours of their Majesties Queen Elizabeth II and Duke of Edinburgh in 1961 and 1997, the three visits of Princess of Wales followed by the visit in 2006 of Charles, then Prince of Wales. Next were the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to visit Pakistan in 2019.

In a recent media interaction, Mian Mansha said that the Royal family being cognizant of our challenges has been very supportive of Pakistan. In fact creating education and employment solutions for the youth have been close to the heart of King Charles.

During his visit in 2006 Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla had attended the launch of the Prince’s Youth Business International Scheme aimed at helping disadvantaged young people realise their full potential to become entrepreneurs. Several years later King Charles in his capacity as Head of Commonwealth reiterated his vision at CHOGM-2024 by stating that he has tried, in whatever way he could, to foster opportunity, particularly for young people in the domains of education, skill training and employment.

Being a staunch believer in women’s enterprising role in the economy, Mansha is of the view that BAT’s upcoming initiative in collaboration with British Pakistanis has a better chance of success in the Punjab. In partnership with the Punjab Skills Development Fund, the Employment Bond aims to support fifteen to twenty thousand young people with around 50 percent of whom will be women. It is believed that this unprecedented initiative would transform the very approach to development finance in addition to developing skills needed for long-term employment.

The Bond carries huge promise for our burgeoning youth as this has been done with tremendous success in India. Skill Impact Bond launched in India in 2021 with funding of US $14.4 million, is already driving employment outcomes by developing skills of 50,000 young Indians, 60 percent of whom will be women. It is thought that the formal launch of the Bond might be a centrepiece feature of King’s likely visit to Pakistan next year.

During his last visit to Pakistan then the Prince of Wales and now King Charles had said: “The challenges we face may seem daunting. But one thing is abundantly clear: the closeness of our partnership equips us supremely well to respond to them.” This spirit has strengthened many-fold since then. 14 November is the Birthday of his Majesty the King Charles III.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

LAHORE: A citizen has approached the Lahore High Court (LHC) to fix a minimum salary at $1,000 a month across Pakistan.

Chief Justice will hear the petition as an objection case today. The applicant said that the government across Pakistan had a fixed minimum salary of rupees 37000. He said a raise in the minimum wage that would increase the purchasing power of the citizens.

The petitioner therefore asked the court to order a minimum salary of $1,000 a month across country. He also sought court directions for amendments in labor laws.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

Despite its shortcomings democracy is widely hailed as the best-known system of governance known to mankind. It ensures participation and will of the people to prevail. Historians believe that democracy took birth in the bazaars of Athens around 430 to 420 BC. The democratic order has come under siege on several occasions throughout human history. Currently, the democratic order in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is also under attack.

Once the hostilities size, reviews and reflections will appear. In the recent past there have been two major attacks on this man-made system created to serve the masses, in the words of Abraham Lincoln: “ Of the people, by the people, for the people”. Indira Gandhi, the Prime Minister (PM) of India, proclaimed emergency on June 25, 1975, which ended 21 months later on March 21, 1977.

Elections were held from March 16 to 20, 1977 in which she not only lost her own seat, but her Congress Party was also voted out. Earlier on October 16, 1970, under the War Measures Act, emergency was declared in Canada by PM Pierre Elliott Trudeau, which was supported by the premier of Quebec and Mayor of Montreal. In both instances there was a brutal crackdown on civil liberties.

After the enactment of Magna Carta in June 1215, civil liberties were taken very seriously in the entire West. It was the first written document that established the principle that the king and his government were not above the law. Unfortunately, in this part of the world, lawlessness of the powerful prevails. In India, Indira Gandhi had no hesitation in crushing the opposition.

She went all the way into sending troops into the Golden Temple in Amritsar in which 400 people, including 87 soldiers died. General Pervez Musharraf, the fourth usurper, committed the same mistake by entering the Lal Masjid in Islamabad.

The British as a matter of principle never entered any religious site in the Indian Sub-continent. At best they surrounded the place and weakened the resistance to bring them to the negotiating table. It seems after independence the Sub-continent has decided to revoke the Magna Carta and gone back to the Imperial Dark Ages where authority prevailed over law.

In Canada the attack on democracy was taken very seriously as it was an un-imaginable act in the free world where people were picked up from their homes by the armed forces. After the storm settled, it was decided to bisect the brutal act to avoid all such adventurism in the future as liberty is life for the people of the free world.

A team of researchers (Benjamin Barber, Patrick Watson) were given the task to document ‘The Struggle for Democracy’. A TV series together with a book with the same title was published in the year 1988. It traces the birth of democracy from the noise of the bazaars of Athens to the Parliament Houses that rule over us today.

Communication, debate, discussion and free will of the people laid the foundations of the democratic order. Direct democracy where the citizens participated worked very well; it was the indirect or representative mode that has seriously dented the system. After about 2500 of its birth, it is time to revisit democracy to understand the detours.

Today, only Switzerland practices direct democracy through its system of ‘Cantons’ (CH) or Home of Cantons as proudly displayed. The country has no standing army, there is a concept of Citizen Soldier where every able body person is trained to defend the soil.

There is stability and unmatched economic growth making it the most livable country on the globe. In the USA, the oldest constitutional democracy of the world, individual freedom is taken very seriously.

Human rights are protected by the constitution, which include Right to bear Arms, Right to Travel, Freedom of Speech, etc., to mention a few. In over two centuries only around eighteen amendments have been made in the original document ratified in Philadelphia in 1776. Till today it is hailed as a miracle of democracy.

On November 05, 2024, the country elected a new President to lead the nation. Hopefully, transition of power will be smooth.

Nations must learn from their mistakes, but it seems in this part of the world sanity is rare. Ballot must prevail over the bullet for democracy to flourish. Due to the atrocities committed by Indira Gandhi she met a tragic end. She was gunned down by her own Sikh bodyguards. The Military Action in 1975 by Bhutto after dismissing the elected governments in Balochistan and NWFP (now KP) seriously derailed the democratic order in the country, which eventually resulted in his own downfall. Pervez Musharraf had to leave in disgrace.

He was tried and convicted for treason under Article 6 of the constitution. He lived in self-exile till his death last year. President Richard Nixon had to resign due to the Watergate Scandal. He had used his office to break into the headquarter of the Democratic Party.

Pierre Trudeau stepped down in remorse and retired from politics. His son Justin Trudeau is now heading the government in Canada with lessons learnt. Patrick Henry has listed several major atrocities committed against democracy in the recent past.

Threats include poverty, pollution, nuclear age, apathy, authoritarianism. Attack on democracy should not be taken lightly as human will and freedom are badly bruised by such dastardly acts by a few powerful misguided individuals. Eventually, the will of the people prevails.

The Magna Carta of 1215 is a living document that even the kings had to follow centuries ago. To avoid blunders, history is a good guide to follow. Democracy will survive unless a better system of governance is discovered by human intellect.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

ISLAMABAD: Poland and Pakistan continue to work for the development of our bilateral relation as trade between the two friendly nations’ approaches $1 billion.

Polish Ambassador to Pakistan Maciej Pisarski told an event organised to celebrate independence and armed forces day. He said that Pakistan benefits from the trade preferences under the GSP plus scheme, which makes the single European market its greatest export destination.

Polish investors in the gas sector have proven to be successful and resilient. Orlen-Polish Oil and Gas Company carries on gas exploration projects in Sindh and Exalo Drilling – which is also our sponsor today – provides valuable services for the Pakistani industry, the ambassador said. Growth potential in trade and investment means very little, if we are not able to tap into it, he said, adding that is why our embassy organised a first in many years trade mission to Pakistan this year.

The Polish ambassador said under the programme GreenEvo, we brought in a number of young and promising entrepreneurs, who promoted green and smart technological solutions to the challenges resulting from the climate change. He expressed happiness and hope that some conversations to further strengthen bilateral trade ties are progressing well.

Pisarski said the Russian aggression against Ukraine has awakened old demons, who can only be contained by Ukraine’s victory. The aggressor must be repelled not rewarded. This is the key to a just and lasting peace not only in Europe but also in other corners of the world. For that to happen, he said we will continue to stand with Ukraine and help the Ukrainian people to defend themselves.

“We will continue to urge for full protection of the civilian population in Gaza and Lebanon and full application of the humanitarian law in that conflict,” the ambassador added. Poland sent humanitarian aid to those affected.

Moreover, he advocated just and lasting peace in Middle East can only be ensured when the Palestinian people realise their right to live in their own state, side by side with Israel.

Since Poland is going to assume the presidency in the European Union from January 1st, 2025, it gives us a special reason to highlight Europe’s unity during our national celebration.

Ambassador Pisarski congratulated Pakistan for assuming membership in the Security Council. Only few years ago, when Poland sat on the Security Council, we developed a very productive cooperation with Pakistan.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

ISLAMABAD: The Government of Japan has announced a new grant of 2.831 billion Japanese Yen equivalent to $18.5 million or Rs5.119 billion to support flood management enhancement in Pakistan’s Indus Basin.

This grant aims to strengthen Pakistan’s flood control infrastructure and improve resilience against future flooding events.

This assistance will fund the construction of three embankments on the Indus River in Haripur district, KP, and install water and rain meters at 45 sites along the river in KP and Punjab.

In this regard, a signing ceremony for the assistance was held at the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

Wada Mitsuhiro, ambassador of Japan and Dr Kazim Niaz, Secretary Ministry of Economic Affairs.

In 2022, Pakistan experienced the most devastating flood in the country’s history. In response, the Government of Japan has been dedicated to providing necessary assistance to support Pakistan’s recovery and reconstruction efforts.

The three embankments will protect local communities from potential human and economic losses due to flooding and data from the water and rain meters, managed by FFC and WAPDA, will be shared with various agencies to help predict and manage potential possible floods.

This project incorporates the concept of “Build Back Better”, which the Government of Pakistan strongly emphasises.

In the signing ceremony, Wada Mitsuhiro stated, “I hope this project will provide reassurance to the people of Pakistan regarding possible future floods. Japan remains committed to providing assistance that will directly benefits vulnerable people in Pakistan.”

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will provide travel facilities to 35,000 pilgrims who will perform Hajj under the government scheme next year.

This was announced by the Ministry of Religious Affairs on Wednesday which said that an agreement was reached between the national airline and the ministry, as per Radio Pakistan.

“Agreements with Saudi Airlines and other local airlines will also be finalized soon,” the statement by the ministry added.

The agreement comes after the government unveiled the Hajj Policy 2025 in Islamabad on Monday.

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain announced that 179,210 Pakistani pilgrims will perform Hajj in 2025.

He said the Hajj quota has been divided 50:50 between the government and private Hajj schemes.

Non-filers allowed to go to KSA for Hajj or Umrah

The minister said 89,605 seats have been reserved each for the government and the private Hajj schemes.

Regarding the Hajj expenses, Chaudhry Hussain said the cost for the Government Hajj Scheme for 2025 is expected to range between 1,075,000 to 1,175,000 rupees, while the additional cost for the sacrifice will be 55,000 rupees.

Answering a question, Chaudhry Salik Hussain said Hajj applications will be received from 18 of this month to the third of the next month, while balloting will be held on sixth of the next month.

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, while observing that Pakistan is one of the leading countries in terms of viewing pornographic content, asked Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to take all necessary and available technical measures to block and restrict access to pornographic, blasphemous, and other harmful online content at the earliest timeframe.

The ministry has written a letter to the PTA, saying that “it has been learnt with serious concern that Pakistan is one of the leading countries in terms of viewing pornographic content, which is highly alarming especially in light of its negative impact on public morality and the well-being of our society.”

Despite the proactive measures taken by the PTA to block such content in line with the Supreme Court’s orders (January 2016, May 2016 and March 2018), it has been observed that pornographic and blasphemous material is still readily accessible on multiple online platforms.

It is important to note that although the PTA has made significant efforts to curb this issue by blocking the accessibility of such content; however, said material is still accessible online that violates our cultural and religious values.

The widespread availability of such content undermines efforts to protect citizens, particularly young people, from exposure to harmful material. It also raises serious concerns regarding the adherence to the directives of the Supremes Court and the authority’s ability to effectively enforce content regulations.

Given the sensitivity of the issue, the PTA is once again requested to take all necessary and available technical measures to block and restrict access to pornographic, blasphemous, and other harmful online content at the earliest timeframe. An early and prompt action is requested, the ministry’s letter noted.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

LAHORE: Pakistan Under-19 are all set to take on Afghanistan and hosts UAE in the U-19 tri-series commencing from Wednesday (today) at the ICC Academy in Dubai.

The 50-over tournament will be played on a double-league basis and the final will be staged on 26th November.

Saad Baig-led side, since their arrival in Dubai, have gone through three practice sessions in order to acclimatize with the local conditions. At the conclusion of the tri-series, Pakistan will feature in an eight-team ACC U19 Asia Cup, which will take place from 29th November to 8th December in Dubai and Sharjah.

Among the 15-member squad, three players – Saad Baig, Shahzaib Khan and Tayyab Arif had the experience of playing at the ICC Academy, as they were part of the squad which featured in ACC U-19 Asia Cup held last year at the same venue.

Saad Baig on the eve of the tournament, said, “The preparation for the tournament has been good, the players have had good training sessions here and now we are looking forward to tomorrow’s game and the rest of the tournament. Both Afghanistan and UAE are strong sides and playing against them will provide us a great opportunity to get our combination right before going into the all-important ACC U-19 Asia Cup taking place later this month.”

Pakistan U-19 squad: Saad Baig (captain, wicket-keeper) (Karachi), Abdul Subhan (Abbottabad), Ali Raza (Sialkot), Faham-ul-Haq (Lahore), Farhan Yousuf (Lahore), Haroon Arshad (Karachi), Hassan Khan (Rawalpindi), Mohammad Ahmed (Lahore), Mohammad Huzaifa (Bahawalpur), Mohammad Riazullah (Abbottabad), Naveed Ahmed Khan (Karachi), Shahzaib Khan (Abbottabad), Tayyab Arif (Sialkot), Umar Zaib (Abbottabad) and Usman Khan (FATA).

Non-travelling reserves: Ahmed Hussain (Peshawar), Rizwanullah (Karachi) and Yahya bin Abdul Rehman (Lahore).

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund’s Pakistan mission chief Nathan Porter on Tuesday opened unusual talks with Pakistan over a $7 billion bailout approved by its board in September, the finance ministry and sources said.

The unscheduled visit of the IMF mission and talks beginning with meeting the country’s finance team are too early for first review of the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF), which is due in the first quarter of 2025.

The chiefs of Pakistan’s central bank and federal board of revenue also attended the meeting besides other officials from both the sides, the statement said.

The ministry and the IMF have not officially released details of the visit.

Sources in the finance ministry said the Nov 11-15 visit will discuss recent developments and program performance to date, adding the mission was not part of the first review.

The sources declined to be identified as they were not authorised to speak with the media.

Pakistan has been struggling with boom-and-bust economic cycles for decades, leading to 23 IMF bailouts since 1958.

The sources said the main agenda of the visit was to take a stock of the country’s fiscal deficit, which included a nearly 190 billion rupees ($685 million) shortfall in the revenue collection in first quarter of the current fiscal year.

They said external financing gap of $2.5 billion which the South Asian nation needs for the current fiscal year, which runs to June 30, 2025, will also be discussed by the mission.

A failed attempt by Pakistan to sell its national airline, a major setback to plans to privatise all loss-making state-owned enterprises, will also be discussed along with power and gas sectors losses, they said.

At a staff level agreement in July, Islamabad had given sureties to arrange for external financing through bilateral and multilateral funding lenders, on top of roll overs of loans from friendly countries including China, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

In response to a query about a fresh Pakistani request for Chinese loan extensions, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said in a WhatsApp text that, “All roll overs have been assured.”

ISLAMABAD: Beijing is pushing Pakistan to allow its own security staff to provide protection to thousands of Chinese citizens working in the South Asian nation, during talks after a car bombing in Karachi that was seen as a major security breach, sources said.

Last month’s airport bombing in the southern port city that killed two Chinese engineers returning to work on a project after a holiday in Thailand was the latest in a string of attacks on Beijing’s interests in Pakistan.

The attacks have angered China, which has pushed Pakistan to begin formal negotiations for a joint security management system.

Five Pakistani security and government sources with direct knowledge of the previously unreported negotiations and demands spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, as the talks are sensitive.

Zardari thanks Chinese President for goodwill message

“They (Chinese) want to bring in their own security,” said one official, who sat in on a recent meeting, adding that Pakistan had not so far agreed to such a step.

It was not clear whether Beijing wants to bring in state or private security personnel for the task.

Neither Beijing nor Islamabad confirmed the talks officially.

The source, and two other officials, said there was a consensus on setting up a joint security management system, and that Pakistan was amenable to Chinese officials sitting in on security meetings and co-ordination.

But there was no agreement on their participating in security arrangements on the ground.

The first official said Pakistan had asked China for help in improving its intelligence and surveillance capabilities instead of direct involvement.

Pak mission in China: 20 new posts created in Trade Section

A spokesman for China’s foreign ministry told Reuters it was not familiar with talks on a joint security scheme, but added, “China will continue to strengthen co-operation with Pakistan and make joint efforts to do its utmost to maintain the security of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions.”

Inter-Services Public Relations, the information wing of the Pakistan army, declined to comment. The interior and planning ministries did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

In a statement last week, Pakistan’s interior ministry said both sides agreed to develop a joint strategy to prevent similar incidents in the future.

‘Grave security breach’

The nature of the Karachi bombing has angered Beijing, which is now pushing harder to achieve a long standing demand to control security arrangements for its citizens.

A pick-up truck rigged with nearly 100 kg (220 lbs) of explosives waited unchecked for about 40 minutes near the outermost security cordon of the heavily guarded airport before its driver rammed it into a vehicle carrying Chinese engineers, officials said.

China to continue support for Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts

“It was a grave security breach,” admitted one of the officials investigating the bombing, which came just a week before Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Islamabad, the first such trip in a decade.

The official said investigators believe the attackers had “inside help” in securing details of the itinerary and route of the engineers, who had returned from a month off in Thailand.

They were to be escorted back to a power plant set up as part of plans for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Longtime Pakistan ally China has thousands of nationals working on projects grouped under the CPEC, a $65-billion investment in President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative, which seeks to expand China’s global reach by road, rail and sea.

‘Chinese frustrations’

Publicly China has mostly backed Pakistan’s arrangements, even as it calls for enhanced security.

Privately, Beijing has expressed frustration. At one recent meeting, the Chinese side provided evidence that Pakistan had failed to follow security protocols agreed on twice in recent months, three officials said.

Attack on Chinese workers: Pakistan, China to develop joint security strategy

Such protocols usually feature high standards for deployment and movement of Chinese officials.

Thousands of Pakistani security officers from the army, police and a dedicated force called the Special Protection Unit are posted to guard Chinese nationals.

Only China’s embassy in Islamabad and its consulates are allowed Chinese official security personnel, the Pakistani officials said.

HONG KONG: India has reportedly said its men’s cricket team will not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy next year, throwing the event into turmoil.

AFP looks at the burning questions surrounding the issue:

What is the Champions Trophy?

It is the premier one-day competition after the World Cup with Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa competing.

The previous edition was held in England and Wales in 2017, with Pakistan defeating arch-rivals India in the final at the Oval.

The tournament is under the auspices of the International Cricket Council, the sport’s governing body.

The first Champions Trophy – albeit bearing a different name – was held in 1998 and next year’s will be its ninth edition.

Where is it supposed to be and when?

As things currently stand, the tournament is supposed to run from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan. No match schedule has been released because of the uncertainty.

Pakistan will not accept ‘hybrid’ Champions Trophy, says PCB chair

Three cities are in line to host matches – Lahore, Rawalpindi and Karachi – for what would be Pakistan’s first time to host a global ICC event since 1996.

Why is there uncertainty?

Pakistan Cricket Board spokesman Sami Ul Hasan told AFP that the PCB had received an email from the ICC saying that India will not travel to the country for the event.

PCB chairman Moshin Naqvi has previously ruled out the possibility of a hybrid event that would see India play its matches at neutral venues, for example in the United Arab Emirates.

Pakistan visited India for last year’s ODI World Cup and the PCB had expected the gesture to be reciprocated for the Champions Trophy.

Last year’s Asia Cup in Pakistan took place under a hybrid model with India playing their matches – including the final – in Sri Lanka instead.

What are the politics?

Nuclear-armed India and Pakistan have fought three wars since being carved out of the subcontinent’s partition in 1947 and that rivalry is often reflected on the cricket field.

Deteriorating political ties have meant the bitter rivals have not played a bilateral cricket series for over a decade.

India and Pakistan have only faced off in ICC multi-nation events.

India last visited Pakistan in 2008, for the Asia Cup.

What next?

India’s powerful cricket body, the BCCI, has not made any public comment. Likewise, the ICC, where the BCCI carries great sway. India cricket chief Jay Shah will take over as chairman of the ICC next month.

Indian and Pakistani media have speculated about how the impasse could be broken, but taking India out of the equation does not appear to be on the cards.

Any cricket match between the two is among the most watched events on the global sporting calendar.

“If you play the Champions Trophy without India or Pakistan, the broadcast rights aren’t there, and we need to protect them,” England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive Richard Gould said last month.

Pakistan’s Noman Ali gets ICC Men’s Player of Month Award

He added: “This is a big moment for Pakistan, and hopefully we can have the fullest possible competition in Pakistan.

“If that’s not possible, we know there are options available.”

RIYADH: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, arms embargo on Israel and lifting of blockade against Gaza, ensuring prompt delivery of food, water, electricity and medical aid.

In his address to the Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit in Riyadh Monday, the Pakistani Prime Minister stressed the need to pursue the adoption of United Nations General Assembly’s emergency special session resolution 10/24 that follows up historic advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice.

Condemning the Israeli atrocities in Gaza as the war continues to make the lives of Gazans unlivable, the PM said, “The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached a level beyond imagination as for over one year, the occupied Palestinian territories have fallen in endless darkness and despair as countless families have been devastated.”

He also called for a comprehensive review of Israel’s membership in the United Nations.

Mentioning Israel’s oppression in Gaza, the Prime Minister said the humanitarian crisis has reached a level beyond imagination.

He said that for over a year, the occupied Palestinian territory, particularly Gaza, has fallen into endless darkness and despair, with devastated homes, lives lost, and families torn apart. He questioned how long humanity should shut its eyes to hospitals being blown up, with injured women clutching the lifeless bodies of their infants.

Shehbaz Sharif said these atrocities committed against the Palestinians have rightfully been labelled as genocide, not only by the media but also by the International Court of Justice.

With each passing day, every moral code has been flagrantly violated by Israel. Yet the killing and destruction continue with no end in sight. He asked how long this annihilation will be ignored.

The Prime Minister said Israel has been emboldened by the world’s indifference and inaction. There is utter disregard for humanity’s repeated calls for a ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian relief, and the protection of civilians, while houses and their occupants are being blown up.

He said the most sophisticated weapons continue to be supplied to Israel, which is indeed a show of unconditional assistance and protection.

Shehbaz Sharif said that international humanitarian laws, meant to protect the vulnerable, have been torn to shreds. Humanity is being tested and failing, while Gaza bleeds, and the world watches in deafening silence. He said Pakistan stands firm in its commitment to the Palestinians’ right to self-determination.

Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the establishment of an independent, viable, and contiguous state of Palestine, with Quds al-Sharif as its capital, based on pre-1967 borders. This is the only avenue toward justice and durable peace in the holy land.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan also strongly condemns Israel’s recent strikes on Iran as an outright violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity. He said Pakistan equally denounces Israel’s ongoing military aggression against Lebanon and stands in complete solidarity with its innocent people. He added that such escalations constitute a dangerous threat that could unleash a broader war.

KARACHI: Russia is keen to work with Pakistan on the North-South Trade Corridor (NSTC)- Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan - to strengthen our trade relations with Pakistan.

This was stated by Ambassador of the Russian Federation, Albert Khorev, along with Consul General Andrey V Fedorov, at an event organized by the Karachi Council on Foreign Relations (KCFR) titled “Exploring the Evolving Dynamics of Pakistan-Russia Relations.”

Khorev said Pakistan and Russia are expected to commence technical consultations on the Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) this week.

Trade, industry and energy: Pakistan, Russia agree to pursue robust dialogue

The ambassador stated that the issue of the PSM was discussed between Pakistan and Russia during a recent visit of a Russian delegation to Islamabad. “Both sides have agreed to hold bilateral experts’ consultation online,” he said, adding that this consultation is scheduled to take place this week.

Furthermore, Khorev informed that Pakistan has suggested Russia to send specialists to Karachi to observe the ground realities of the PSM. “We see this development as a promising start,” the Russian ambassador said.

Khorev also emphasized that Pakistan remains a priority for Russia in Asia. He informed that Russia had sent the first shipment of 7 million barrels of crude oil to Pakistan and that bilateral trade between the two countries is growing, especially in the agriculture sector.

Congratulating Pakistan on hosting the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, the ambassador said that Russia is “eagerly willing” for Pakistan to join BRICS.

Commenting on the Palestine-Israel conflict, the Russian Ambassador said that the issue must be treated under the United Nations Security Council Resolution 242, adopted in 1967, and urged the world powers to help avert the chances of a third world war under the ongoing situation.

“We are deeply concerned about the escalation of the Palestine and Israel conflict in the Middle East that is now extended to Lebanon and Syria. This will destabilize the region,” he said, criticizing the US role and urging the world to play its role for de-escalation.

Khorev also stated that Russia is interested in extending defense relations with Pakistan and that the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, Colonel General Sergey Yuryevich Istrakov, visited Pakistan in October 2024.

Commenting on Trump’s statement, he said that President Putin termed newly elected president Donald Trump’s statement on Ukraine “interesting” and towards results.

Nadira Panjwani, the Chairperson of KCFR, urged the Russian ambassador to put more efforts into increasing cultural and educational engagements between the two countries to strengthen the bilateral relations.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

ISLAMABAD: Almost two-and-a-half months prior to the retirement of the incumbent Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja, the ruling pundits have jumped into swinging motion to handpick yet another “blue-eyed brat” at the coveted slot of CEC.

The sources privy to the development told Business Recorder that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has sought names for the next CEC, which include none other than the pensioned chief justice Qazi Faez Isa among some other likeminded retired baboos and ex-judges.

They said that the ex-chief justice has drenched in all likelihood to be the most favourite probable for the most wanted slot due to his heartfelt acceptance to both the powerful military establishment and its handpicked rulers.

SC holds full court reference for outgoing CJP Qazi Faez Isa

The ending days of January from next year will see the demise of the controversial stint of the outgoing CEC who is regarded by all and sundry as architect-in-chief of February 8, 2024 general elections debacle.

This embarrassing episode of absolute electoral misgiving saw the stealthy stealing of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s mandate to plant the political pigmies led by the Sharifs of Raiwind – as dubbed by the incarcerated ex-premier Imran Khan – in power.

The situation omens that melodramatic saga of follies will continue in an inordinately unending mechanism of utmost methodologies even after the Raja of Sargodha, is shown the door to meet a humiliating feat.

The expected elevation of the Qazi of Quetta will throw a triggering effect in the ranks and files of the PTI that will then land to throw its flying arrows on the road to agitate in protest to this very unruly move.

A senior PTI leader who declined to be named made it crystal clear that any attempt to install “a disgraced, biased, revengeful and small-statured pigmy” like Qazi Faez Isa, would be met with an iron clad politicized fist and the pioneering planters of this “rudely ugly and heinously detestable design would be duly met to pay through their “wide nostril noses” to extract some repentance for unleashing this unforgiveable sin.

“Mind you, we’re up and alive and so far, as we’re here the disgrace likes of Qazi Faez Isa, will have to wander from pillar to post to skip street justice by the masses.

They’ve to dig their ugly heads in the sand like ostriches forever as duly remarked by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah [the puisne judge of apex court],“ he maintained.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

LAHORE: The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has expressed grave concerns over the escalating threats posed by the smog and water scarcity in Pakistan saying that these issues are rapidly becoming critical challenges to the nation’s future.

Drawing attention to the devastating smog crisis, currently engulfing Lahore, Mian Abuzar Shad made a stark comparison with the 1952 London fog disaster, which brought the city to a standstill for five days, resulting in thousands of deaths.

“Instead of sitting idly, they made plans for the future and passed the Clean Air Act, which included measures such as banning the use of coal, relocating industries outside the city and protecting trees. As a result of these actions, London was able to rid itself of smog by 1960,” the LCCI president added.

Mian Abuzar said that, like London at the time, Lahore is facing a similarly dire situation that requires swift and decisive intervention. The primary causes of the smog, he explained, include the burning of rice stubble in neighboring Indian Punjab, emissions from factories, vehicle exhaust fumes and power plants, all of which are significantly contributing to the toxic pollution levels in the air.

In response, Mian Abuzar Shad called for the immediate formation of a “Clean Punjab Commission” tasked with analyzing the smog problem and devising an actionable strategy to address it. He stressed that traffic is the largest contributor to smog, accounting for 83% of air pollution in Lahore.

He proposed a range of solutions to combat this issue, such as improving and expanding the public transportation system to encourage people to shift from private vehicles to more sustainable options.

Furthermore, he recommended relocating goods transport operations from the city center to less congested areas such as the vegetable market or beyond the Lahore Ring Road, which would help reduce traffic-related pollution. To streamline and regulate the sector, he also proposed the issuance of Goods Forwarding Agent (GFA) licences to transporters.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

BEIJING: China will continue to support Pakistan in counter-terrorism operations, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday, after two Chinese nationals were wounded in a shooting in the country’s commercial hub Karachi last week.

China and Pakistan have the determination and ability to thwart all attempts to undermine China-Pakistan relations and make terrorists pay the price, spokesperson Lin Jian told a regular news conference in Beijing.

Mastermind of Karachi airport attack arrested

The statement comes as law enforcement agencies arrested the mastermind and two facilitators of the suicide attack on the Chinese engineers near the Karachi airport.

Sindh Home Minister Zia Ul Hassan Lanjar revealed this during a press conference in Karachi on Monday.

Flanked by Sindh Police Inspector General, Lanjar provided details on the investigation, revealing that the attack was orchestrated with support from several accomplices, including a rickshaw driver and a bank employee.

He added that the attack’s mastermind, namely Javed aka Sami, had coordinated the timing of the attack, informing the attackers via phone when the Chinese nationals exited the airport.

The minister added that the authorities have since arrested three terrorists involved in the attack, along with the mastermind Javed and a female accomplice, apprehended along the RCD Highway.

Two other suspects, including accomplices Danish, Gul Rehman, and Basheer Zaid, remain at large, he added.

It should be noted that on the night of October 6, three people, including two Chinese nationals, were killed in a suicide bombing near Karachi Airport, while more than 12 people, including police and Rangers personnel, were injured and more than a dozen vehicles were damaged.

The blast was so loud that it was heard in far-flung areas of the city including District Central. Initially, the cause of the blast was attributed to the explosion of an oil tanker, but after investigation, it was ruled a suicide blast.

LAHORE: On the streets of Pakistan’s second biggest city, smog stings eyes and burns throats. Inside homes, few people can afford air purifiers to limit the damage of toxic particles that seep through doors and windows.

Lahore – a city of 14 million people stuffed with factories on the border with India – regularly ranks among the world’s most polluted cities, but it has hit record levels this month.

Schools have closed in the main cities of Punjab province, of which Lahore is the capital, until November 17 in a bid to lower children’s exposure to pollution, especially during the morning commute when it is often at its highest.

Punjab shuts public spaces in smog-hit cities

“The children are constantly coughing, they have constant allergies. In schools we saw that most of the children were falling sick,” said Rafia Iqbal a 38-year-old primary school teacher in the city that borders India.

Her husband Muhammad Safdar, a 41-year-old advertising professional, said the level of pollution “is making daily living impossible”.

“We cannot move around, we cannot go outside, we can do nothing at all,” he told AFP.

According to the International Air Quality Index Scale, an index value of 300 or higher results is “hazardous” to health and Pakistan has regularly tipped over 1,000 on the scale.

In Multan, another city of several million people some 350 kilometres away, the AQI level passed 2,000 last week – a staggering height never seen before by incredulous residents.

Access to parks, zoos, playgrounds, historic monuments, museums and recreational areas will be banned until November 17 and tuk-tuks with polluting two-stroke engines, along with restaurants that operate barbecues without filters have been banned in Lahore “hot-spots”.

Air purifiers are a luxury for most families, with the cheapest priced at around $90, with the added cost of replacing filters every few months in such extreme pollution.

Safdar and Iqbal do not have air purifiers and instead try to contain their children to one room.

“Preventive measures should have been taken. It’s a yearly occurrence,” Safdar said of the government.

Schools in Punjab closed till Nov 17 as smog chokes province

“Obviously there is something missing in their solution.”

Cloud of poison

A mix of low-grade fuel emissions from factories and vehicles, exacerbated by agricultural stubble burning, blanket the city each winter, trapped by cooler temperatures and slow-moving winds.

The WHO says that air pollution can trigger strokes, heart disease, lung cancer and other respiratory diseases.

It is particularly punishing for children and babies, and the elderly.

Last year, the Punjab government tested artificial rain to try to overcome the smog, and this year, trucks with water cannons sprayed the streets – with no results.

Special smog counters to triage patients have been established at clinics across the province, with 900 people admitted to hospital in Lahore alone on Tuesday.

Doctor Qurat ul Ain, a hospital doctor for 15 years, witnesses the damage from an emergency rooms in Lahore.

“This year smog is much more than previous years and the number of patients suffering from its effects is greater too,” she told AFP.

“We tell people not to go out and otherwise to wear a mask. We tell them not to touch their eyes with their hands, especially children,” she adds.

Pakistan, India should unite against smog: CM Maryam

For days the concentration of polluting micro-particles PM2.5 in Punjab has been dozens of times higher than that deemed tolerable by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Doctor Alia Haider, also a climate activist, is calling for awareness campaigns for patients who often do not know the dangers of smog.

Children from poor neighbourhoods, she said, are the first victims because they live all year round with pollutants of different types.

“We are stuck in our own poison,” she said. It’s like a cloud of gas over the city.“

RIYADH: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to represent Pakistan at the Arab-Islamic Summit.

Upon his arrival at Riyadh’s Royal Airport Terminal, Prime Minister Shehbaz was warmly received by Prince Muhammad bin Abdul Rahman bin Abdulaziz, the Deputy Governor of Riyadh, along with Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and other senior diplomatic staff.

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi are also accompanying the prime minister.

PM Shehbaz to attend Joint Arab Islamic Summit in Riyadh on Nov 11

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in his post on X wrote “…I will join the leaders of the Muslim Ummah at the Joint Arab Islamic Summit being convened to discuss the rapidly deteriorating situation in Gaza and speak with one voice for the rights of the Palestinian people and reaffirm our collective call for regional peace”.

The Pakistan cricket board (PCB) will not stage matches of the 2025 Champions Trophy outside the country if India do not travel for the tournament, chairman Mohsin Naqvi said.

Pakistan, winners of the last Champions Trophy in 2017, will host the Feb. 19-March 9 tournament. It will be the first ICC event hosted by Pakistan since it shared the 1996 World Cup with India and Sri Lanka.

Due to soured political relations, India have not visited Pakistan since 2008 and the rivals play each other only at multi-team events.

Pakistan also hosted the Asia Cup last year but winners India played all their matches in Sri Lanka under a “hybrid model”.

PCB announces squad for ACC

At the time, India said they had not received permission from their government to tour Pakistan.

On Friday, Indian media reported that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had informed the PCB of their unwillingness to travel to Pakistan and suggested playing India’s matches at a neutral venue.

“In the last two months, the Indian media has been reporting that India isn’t travelling. I discussed this with them and my team, and our stance is clear: they need to give us in writing any objections they may have,” Naqvi told reporters on Friday.

“Until now, no discussion of the hybrid model has happened, nor are we prepared to accept one. The Indian media are reporting it, but no formal communication has reached the PCB… Almost every country wants the Champions Trophy to be played here.

“I remain in touch with several boards, and they’re all looking forward to playing here. I don’t think anyone should make this a political matter. We’ll give every team as many facilities as we can. We’d like to see fans from abroad come for the tournament, too.”

KARACHI: Major General Muhammad Shamraiz on Friday officially assumed the office as Director General (DG) Sindh Rangers.

According to the spokesperson, the command of Sindh Rangers was officially transferred from Major General Azhar Waqas to Major General Muhammad Shamraiz.

Today, a ceremony took place at the Rangers headquarters in Sindh, IG Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon and several high-ranking officials were also in attendance, the spokesperson added.

It is worth mentioning here that as the local police failed to control criminal activities and provide security to the citizens in Karachi, Sindh Rangers came forward and shared essential information on how citizens can seek help in emergencies.

Deputy Superintendent Rangers (DSR) Mazhar Abbas stated that Pakistan Rangers in Sindh are committed to protecting the lives and property of young citizens, with their emergency helpline, 1101, providing swift assistance upon receiving calls for any urgent situation.

Citizens facing emergencies can dial Rangers Helpline 1101, where the command and control system at Rangers headquarters coordinates help.

The command room is equipped with multiple monitoring screens, including a route map of Karachi, while various city areas are under CCTV surveillance.

DSR Mazhar Abbas explained that the 1101 helpline serves as a quick response force, responding to complaints within 3 to 5 minutes. Citizens can contact the Rangers through multiple platforms, including WhatsApp, text messages, email, and the SOS application.

He mentioned that complaints are categorized into two types: those needing immediate action and those requiring ground verification. For immediate action, the mobile vigilance team patrolling nearby areas is dispatched to the complaint location, while calls needing verification are investigated for further action.

NEW YORK: The First Committee of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted four key resolutions tabled by Pakistan with overwhelming support.

These resolutions address critical themes, including security assurances for non-nuclear-weapon states and region-specific measures to foster peace and stability.

The resolution titled, “Conclusion of Effective International Arrangements to Assure Non-Nuclear-Weapon States Against the Use or Threat of Use of Nuclear Weapons” adopted through a recorded vote, underscores the urgency of providing legally binding security assurances to non-nuclear-weapon states against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons.

Pakistan’s emphasis on regional arms control and disarmament received strong endorsement through three additional resolutions: “Regional Disarmament”, “Confidence-Building Measures in the Regional and Subregional Context” and “Conventional Arms Control at the Regional and Subregional Levels.” Two of these resolutions were adopted by consensus, highlighting the global community’s recognition of the importance of region-specific arms control and disarmament measures to enhance security and stability.

The adoption of these resolutions stands as a testament to the international community’s acknowledgment of Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the principles of regional peace, arms control, and constructive engagement through multilateral platforms.

Pakistan remains steadfast in its efforts to advance arms control and disarmament initiatives that promote common and undiminished security for all states, contributing to global and regional peace, security, and stability.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

NEW DELHI: With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaching, India has confirmed it will not travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy cricket tournament, citing security concerns, Indian media reports claim Friday.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) communicated its decision to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and expressed a preference to play all of its matches in Dubai.

Champions Trophy matches: ICC delegation satisfied over security arrangements

India’s stance remains unchanged despite recent diplomatic talks between Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting in Islamabad.

The two nations’ first direct high-level conversation since 2015 had sparked hopes of restoring cricketing ties, but the BCCI insists on playing its matches outside Pakistan.

LAHORE: Pakistan’s most populated province of Punjab ordered public spaces closed in smog-hit main cities, authorities said Friday, as the country battles record air pollution.

Access to parks, zoos, playgrounds, historic monuments, museums and recreational areas will be banned until November 17 due to poor air quality, according to a local government directive seen by AFP.

The concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Lahore’s air was more than 20 times higher than the level deemed acceptable by the World Health Organization (WHO).

In Multan, it was up to 48 times higher on Friday.

Schools in Punjab closed till Nov 17 as smog chokes province

Punjab residents have been trapped in thick smog for over a week ever since the air quality index (AQI), which measures a range of pollutants, spiked above 1,000 – well above the level of 300 considered ‘dangerous’ – according to data from IQAir.

Schools in some of Punjab’s major cities were ordered shut on Tuesday until November 17.

The province extended that order on Wednesday to several more cities enveloped by smog, a mix of fog and pollutants caused by low-grade diesel fumes, smoke from seasonal agricultural burning and winter cooling.

The decision follows restrictions imposed last month on four “hot spots” in Lahore that banned tuk-tuks with polluting two-stroke engines, along with restaurants that operate barbecues without filters.

Seasonal crop burn-off by farmers on the outskirts of Lahore also contributes to toxic air, which the WHO says can cause strokes, heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory diseases.

Pakistan, India should unite against smog: CM Maryam

Excess pollution shortens the life expectancy of Lahore residents by an average of 7.5 years, according to the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute.

According to UNICEF, nearly 600 million children in South Asia are exposed to high levels of air pollution, which is also linked to half of childhood pneumonia deaths.

KARACHI: K2 Airways, Pakistan’s first private sector air cargo, is going to commence its services by December 1, 2024.

The announcement marks a major milestone in the nation’s air freight industry, which has been predominantly served by foreign carriers.

K2 Airways CEO Tariq Raja confirmed that all necessary approvals from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) have been secured. The venture represents an initial Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) of US$5 million and will operate Boeing 737 aircraft with a 20 ton cargo capacity.

“K2 Airways will pioneer private sector air cargo operations with Boeing 737 aircraft in Pakistan,” Raja told Business Recorder. The UAE-based Pakistani businessman highlighted the significant market opportunity, noting that Middle Eastern carriers are currently transporting approximately 700 tons of cargo daily from various Pakistani locations.

K2 Airways aims to compete effectively with foreign carriers by offering 15-20 percent lower rates, leveraging its local operational advantages. “As a local operator, our operational costs will significantly be lower as compared to the Middle Eastern cargo carriers,” Raja explained.

As per aviation rules, K2 Airways will go into a three-month domestic operations phase hence it will initially commence operations in three major cities - Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.

Following this period, K2 Airways plans to expand its services to GCC countries. The company has also outlined ambitious growth plans, targeting a fleet expansion to four aircraft within three years.

PCAA Director General Nadir Shafi Dar has confirmed the regulatory body’s approval, stating that all necessary processes have been completed for K2 Airways to commence operations next month.

Presently, Pakistan’s air cargo sector is served primarily by foreign operators, with only one local chartered cargo service operating under the country’s forces. K2 Airways entry into the market represents a significant step towards developing the country’s private aviation sector and enhancing its cargo handling capabilities.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

ISLAMABAD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, the Government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pakistan jointly inaugurated newly-constructed model police stations in the merged districts of Bajaur, Kurram, Mohmand, North Waziristan, and Orakzai.

This marked the successful completion of a project funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by UNDP in partnership with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, for improved policing services in the merged districts.

Established by UNDP Pakistan’s flagship Rule of Law Programme, these Model Police Stations provide a range of new facilities to better serve the people of merged districts, including well-equipped and furnished working spaces and reception areas to accommodate women and men police officers and visitors, a gender-responsive desk to address cases of gender-based violence, a hall to convene joint community and police meetings, residential facilities for 50 police officers with separate living quarters for 10 women police officers, security posts, and separate holding rooms for men and women.

Awal Khan, Additional Inspector General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, thanked UNDP Pakistan and the Government of Japan for their support in improving police infrastructure facilities to serve the people of the merged districts, “The Government of Japan and UNDP provided invaluable support in advancing the Rule of Law Roadmap, which strengthens justice and democracy in our region. The initiatives, including Gender Desks and Model Police Stations, play a crucial role in enhancing public safety and empowering marginalized communities.”

The project also developed a pool of 22 master trainers on basic and specialised police functions, including gender-responsive and community-based policing, and supported Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police to train 305 police officers including 31 women police officers from the merged districts. Additionally, the project developed seven district police plans for Khyber, Bajaur, Kurram, Mohmand, Orakzai, and North and South Waziristan, highlighting the unique security needs of each district and proposing a plan to address those needs.

Addressing the ceremony, the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, Wada Mitsuhiro said, “The project has supported them to harness these skills in enhancing police services by implementing the KP Rule of Law Roadmap and providing robust police training while taking a gender-sensitive participatory approach. We believe that such a holistic approach was critical to bringing long-term peace and stability to the most vulnerable communities in Pakistan. Peace and stability are indeed basic human rights and they are central to achieving sustainable development in Pakistan.”

While thanking Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police and the Government of Japan for their strong partnership with UNDP in advancing security and justice in Pakistan, Dr Samuel Rizk, Resident Representative UNDP Pakistan, said, “Bridging the gap in formal policing services between the merged districts and all of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is essential for building safer, more peaceful communities, and ensuring equal access to these services – especially for women, girls, and other vulnerable groups. At UNDP, we are confident that this project’s policy, capacity building, and infrastructure pillars will achieve these goals.”

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ISLAMABAD: The National Incubation Center (NIC), on Thursday, showcased local innovation, bringing Pakistan’s thriving startup ecosystem into the spotlight, who are not only addressing the country’s unique needs but also pushing boundaries to compete on a global stage.

The NIC Islamabad stands as Pakistan’s premier technology business incubator, dedicated to supporting entrepreneurship and driving technological progress.

The center’s initiatives empower startups to scale their impact, achieve sustainability, and thrive on both local and global stages.

The NIC hosted a media day event, NIC Connect 2024, bringing Pakistan’s thriving startup ecosystem into the spotlight.

The event provided a platform for 24 trailblazing startups to showcase their cutting-edge solutions, sparking excitement and interest from the media, community, and tech enthusiasts alike.

The media day event highlighted the inspiring journeys of local innovators who are tackling pressing challenges across various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, Artificial Intelligence and sustainability.

Attendees were introduced to transformative ideas that are not only addressing Pakistan’s unique needs but also pushing boundaries to compete on a global stage. Some of the standout startups that captivated audiences included: EV Square: Advancing Pakistan’s green mobility through innovative electric vehicle solutions. Truly Pakistan: Revolutionising the tourism industry with state-of-the-art software for travel and hospitality.

FitHer: Pioneering women’s wellness with a community-driven approach to fitness.

EMR Chains: Enhancing healthcare management through blockchain technology.

NajoomiExperia: Utilising AI analytics to optimize call center operations for greater efficiency.

These startups represent the bright future of Pakistan’s entrepreneurial landscape, offering solutions that not only solve local problems but also have the potential to make an impact globally.

The NIC spokesperson stated, “Today’s Media Day was a celebration of the innovative spirit and resilience of Pakistani entrepreneurs. These startups are proof that local talent has the power to build solutions for the future, ones that can compete on a global level while creating meaningful change at home.”

The NIC Islamabad’s incubation programmes offer startups essential support, including mentorship, technical resources, funding access, and industry connections.

By fostering a nurturing environment for young businesses, the NIC Islamabad is helping shape the next generation of Pakistani innovators who are poised to drive economic growth and enhance Pakistan’s reputation in the tech world.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

ISLAMABAD: Four soldiers martyred and five militants were killed in a clash in the country’s northwest, the military said in a statement on Thursday.

The latest violence took place on Wednesday in the South Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province that shares a border with Afghanistan.

“During the intense fire exchange, four brave sons of soil... having fought gallantly, embraced Shahadat (martyrdom)”, the statement said.

Five militants were also killed in the clash, it added.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed “grief and sorrow” over the martyrdom of the soldiers, his office said in a statement.

“Our war against terrorists will continue until the complete elimination of terrorism from the country,” the statement added.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan expressed its desire on Thursday to establish a good and cordial relationship with the new US administration based on “mutual respect, trust, and non-interference.”

Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch emphasised that Pakistan’s close ties with China would not affect its relations with the United States.

During a weekly media briefing, she mentioned that the president, prime minister, and deputy prime minister/foreign minister of Pakistan sent congratulatory messages to Donald Trump on his US election victory.

PM Shehbaz congratulates Donald Trump on ‘historic’ election victory

When asked whether the new administration might demand the release of Imran Khan from jail, the spokesperson refused to comment on speculative social media reports.

“Our relationship with America is decades-old, and we look forward to working with the new government on the basis of mutual respect and trust and non-interference,” she added.

The spokesperson also noted that Pakistan and China are engaged in crucial discussions to ensure the safety and security of Chinese nationals working on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, affirming that Chinese engineers and workers are well-protected in Pakistan. Describing Pakistan-China relations as “ironclad,” she underscored that Beijing has been Pakistan’s all-weather strategic partner for decades.

“We support each other on all core issues, and CPEC remains a central pillar of our bilateral ties, which we aim to further strengthen,” she said.

In response to a question about a potential joint security mechanism, she clarified that Pakistan and China maintain robust discussions, especially on security issues. She was of the view that various proposals are being discussed between the two countries but declined to divulge further details due to being sensitive in nature.

In a question, she said the cypher was a confidential issue and is covered under the Official Secrets Act and cannot be discussed openly.

The spokesperson also announced that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit Baku on November 12-13 to attend the COP29 conference, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and key cabinet members. The delegation is also scheduled to visit Riyadh.

She, however, brushed aside the impression of any bilateral sideline meeting of PM Shehbaz with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi. The prime minister will also attend an international conference on Gaza in Riyadh on 11th of this month.

In response to a question, she clarified that Pakistan and Iranian forces did not conduct a joint military operation. This misinformation, spread by a terror group, should not be taken seriously. Pakistan’s security forces conducted an indigenous operation within Pakistani territory, approximately 30 km inside Panjgur, against terrorist elements.

Pakistani and Iranian foreign ministers and prime ministers recently discussed border security, expressing hope that the Pakistan-Iran border will remain peaceful. She said India cannot suppress the freedom and inalienable rights of self-determination for the people of Kashmir.

The FO spokesperson said Pakistan Embassy in Washington DC has sought consular access for Pakistani businessman Asif Marchant detained in the United States.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

Pakistan set a new world record on Thursday by making the largest human flag, a record previously held by India.

The new world record was established during the Lahore Youth Festival, as per Radio Pakistan

The record was achieved by the students of Army Public School Lahore. Over 10,000 students made the human flag.

Previously, India held the record in which 7,368 students made the flag.

The festival is underway at Fortress Stadium in Lahore under the aegis of the Punjab government.

The government on Thursday notified a public holiday on November 9 to celebrate the birth anniversary of national poet, and philosopher Allama Muhammad Iqbal.

“As notified vide Cabinet Division’s circular No. 10-02/2023-Min-II dated 20th December, 2023, listing Public and Optional Holidays for the year 2024, Saturday, the 9th November, 2024 shall be a public holiday throughout the country on the occasion of Allama Iqbal Day,” the notification read.

Moreover, the State Bank of Pakistan also announced a holiday on Saturday.

“The State Bank of Pakistan will remain closed on Saturday, November 09, 2024 being public holiday on the occasion of Allama Iqbal Day, as declared by the Government of Pakistan,” the notification said.

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar chaired a high-level inter-ministerial preparatory meeting in connection with the forthcoming visit of the delegation of AD Ports, UAE at the Prime Minister’s House Wednesday.

Dar highlighted the importance of the visit which shows keenness of the government of UAE for enhancing investment in Pakistan.

He underscored that the government is keen for the economic growth of the country and such investments will play a crucial role boosting Pakistan’s economy.

The proposed MOUs relating to Ministries of Maritime, Aviation, Railways, BOI and the FBR were also presented in the meeting. Secretaries of each Ministry gave presentation on the proposed MOUs.

The DPM/FM directed representatives of the ministries present in the meeting to diligently and efficiently work for the success of the visit and for the preparation for signing of the proposed MOUs.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

When the United Nations adopted the 2030 Development Agenda in 2015, Pakistan fully embraced all its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), which has pioneered Pakistan’s peaceful uses of nuclear technology since its creation in 1955, is applying nuclear science for achieving 11 of these SDGs as discussed below.

As its core function, PAEC has been providing affordable and clean nuclear energy since the mid-1960s when the KANUPP reactor in Karachi was setup.

Four reactors were then setup at Chasma starting in 1991. Additionally, two more reactors, K-2 and K-3, located in Karachi, became operational since 2022-2023.

Another reactor, Chasma 5, is presently under construction. The total energy output of Pakistan’s six reactors is 3530 MW, contributing almost 18 percent to the national electricity grid. All these advancements aim to promote SDG-7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).

Nuclear Technology facilitates plant breading and genetics; soil fertility and irrigation technology; animal production and health; insect and pest control; chemical residues and pollution and food preservation.

This contributes to improving livelihoods and reducing hunger. Relevant PAEC facilities are — Nuclear Institute for Food and Agriculture, Peshawar; Nuclear Institute for Agriculture, Tando Jam; Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology, Faisalabad; and National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faisalabad. All these initiatives are designed to contribute to SDG1 and 2, which focus on poverty alleviation and achieving zero hunger.

To achieve SDG-3 (Good Health and Well Being), PAEC has adopted nuclear technologies for diverse medical treatments, using different radio isotopes for both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

These include creating images of blood vessels, the brain, and other internal organs (CT Scan, MRI), and helping to destroy harmful growths.

Similarly, radio pharmaceuticals are used to deliver appropriate doses of radiation to specific tissues, while radio isotopes can also be used to tag and trace individual molecules, to facilitate the study of genetics and identify individual DNA. Moreover, gamma radiation is used increasingly for sterilization of medical products and instruments.

PAEC’s nuclear medicine institutions are: Atomic Energy Medical Center, Islamabad; Karachi Institute of Radio Therapy and Nuclear Medicine; Multan Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Radio Therapy; Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Oncology, Islamabad; Punjab Institute of Nuclear Medicine; Institute of Radio therapy and Nuclear Medicine; and Nuclear Medicine, Oncology, and Radio therapy institute.

PAEC has significantly concentrated on human resource development aligning with SDG-4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all. In 1967, the “Reactor School” at the Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Sciences and Technology (PINSTEC) was setup.

This school has been upgraded to the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS) in 1997. It now offers BS, MS and PhD programmes, apart from short courses, in engineering, nuclear medicine, physics, mathematics, computer sciences and management. Another institute, the Karachi Institute of Power Engineering (KINPoE), offers degree and diploma programmes in nuclear power engineering and post-graduate training programs in nuclear technology.

In vital area of SDG-6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), PAEC employs nuclear techniques, such as environmental isotopes and artificial radioactive tracers to provide services in the fields of groundwater dynamics, groundwater recharge mechanism, residence time and origin of groundwater, surface water and groundwater relationships, leakage and seepage from hydrological bodies like dams and canals, water logging and salinity, water quality and pollution dynamics. Stable isotopes mass spectrometry along with tritium dating is also being used to determine the source of moisture and the age of ice and melt water at glaciers, as well as run-off analysis in the Indus water system.

To advance SDG-9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), PAEC supports industry and infrastructure in various ways. This includes the Heavy Mechanical Complex, which produces nuclear safety equipment and the National Center for Non-destructive Testing, which uses radioactivity for measuring wear and tear of mechanical parts in engines, servicing the petrochemical industry, Oil and Gas plants, Refineries, Fertilizer plants and Electrical utilities.

PAEC also provides Process Control and Plant Diagnostics for industrial measurements using radioisotopes. Moreover, Neutron Probes lowered into oil test wells are used to calculate the amount of hydrocarbons in the well.

Coming to SDG-13 addressing climate action, nuclear science has dual application for climate action, involving the study of past climate impact and mitigation of Green House Gas (GHG) emissions. PAEC is using the Isotope Dating method, involving stable isotopes, as tools for investigating past climate variations.

On the mitigation side, PAEC’s nuclear power plants produce clean energy, avoiding 40 million tons of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions; while its agriculture research centers are using radiation mutation and biotechnology techniques to develop crop varieties with low CO2 emissions.

PAEC is using radioactivity baseline studies for monitoring coastal and aquatic areas for sustainable use of the marine ecosystems in coordination with National Institute of Oceanography. This is highly useful to protect the mangrove forest along the Karachi Coast and aligns with SDG-14, which focuses on conserving and sustainably using oceans, seas, and marine resources.

Soil erosion and salinity are the two areas in which PAEC is actively involved in mitigation and reclamation projects, contributing to the goals of SDG 15, which focuses on life on land and sustainable land management.

Fallout Radionuclides are used as indicators of soil erosion and erosion hotspots, and to reverse land degradation. To tackle salinity, the Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology has developed means to control and reverse salinity while also developing saline tolerant plant species. So far over 10,000 hectares of saline land have been reclaimed.

PAEC is playing a pivotal role in fostering partnerships and collaboration, aligning with SDG-17, which emphasizes the importance of partnerships for achieving sustainable development goals. It has extensive collaboration with the IAEA departments for Technical Cooperation, Nuclear Sources and Applications and Safety and Security, apart from serving member states with its Regional Resource Units.

PAEC is also a member of the Regional Cooperative Agreement in the Asia-Pacific; the World Association of Nuclear Operators; Center in Europe for Nuclear Research (CERN); Synchrotron Light for Experimental Sciences and Application (SESAME); the International Foundation for Sciences involving PAEC’s agriculture centers; International Wheat and Maize Improvement Center; International Rice Research Institute; and the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology. PAEC’s international outreach also includes International Nathia Gali Summer College held regularly since 1976, for sharing Knowledge and best practices.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

KARACHI: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb says Pakistan is moving on path of economic stability due to government’s prudent policies.

Addressing 8th edition of Future Summit in Karachi on Wednesday, the Finance Minister said decrease in current account deficit, increase in remittances, stabilization of rupee and decrease in policy rate clearly indicate that national economy is moving in right direction.

He highlighted the Monetary Policy Committee’s decision to reduce the interest rate by 2.5%, noting that the country is on track to meet its financial targets for the first four months of the fiscal year. The Karachi Interbank Offer Rate (KIBOR) stands at 13%, with food inflation decreasing significantly.

Euro, Panda bonds: Issuance depends on improved credit ratings: Aurangzeb

The Finance Minister emphasized that Pakistan’s fiscal deficit and current account have remained stable, while remittances have contributed to stabilizing the domestic currency. Additionally, foreign exchange reserves have improved, and inflation has declined. The State Bank of Pakistan has also cut its base interest rate, providing further support.

“These are the foundations on which we can rebuild our economy,” the Minister said, noting that Pakistan’s credit rating has improved and is expected to see further gains this year.

The Finance Minister underscored the importance of reducing the KIBOR ahead of the policy rate cut, making it more affordable for the private sector to access loans. He acknowledged challenges but reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making difficult decisions, particularly regarding tax and energy reforms, and restructuring government institutions.

Aurangzeb has stressed the need to reform the pension system and highlighted the critical role of technology in governance to increase transparency, reduce corruption, and enhance service delivery. “If reforms were easy, they would have been done years ago,” he said, urging the private sector to boost productivity and continue expanding their businesses.

Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb also conveyed that both the local business community and international investors have encouraged the government to stay on its current path of economic reform for sustained growth.

In his welcome address at The Future Summit, Muhammad Azfar Ahsan, Former Federal Minister for Investment and Founder and Chairman of Nutshell Group, highlighted the exchange of valuable information at the event.

He noted that Pakistan is the fifth most populous country in the world and emphasized the importance of focusing on current investors to further enhance the country’s business environment.

On the occasion, Consul General of UAE, Dr. Bakheet Ateeq Al Rumaithi and others also spoke. The 8th Edition of the Future Summit, the largest corporate event which commenced on Wednesday in the financial capital of the country, is being jointly organized by the Unity Foods Limited and Nutshell Conferences Group in strategic partnership with Faysal Bank Limited and Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI).

The Summit is a platform where industry experts, thought leaders, and innovators from across the globe unite to reshape economic dynamics and strategic landscapes.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated on Wednesday Donald Trump on a “historic win” for his second term as US president.

“I look forward to working closely with the incoming Administration to further strengthen and broaden the Pakistan-U.S. partnership,” the PM wrote in a post on X.

His statement comes as Republican Trump claimed victory in the 2024 presidential contest by defeating Democrat Kamala Harris.

“America has given us an unprecedented and powerful mandate,” Trump said on Wednesday to a roaring crowd of supporters at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, flanked by his vice presidential running mate, Senator JD Vance, Republican leaders and members of Trump’s family.

Trump, 78, the only president to be impeached twice and the first former president to be criminally convicted, would also become the first president to win non-consecutive terms in more than a century and would be the oldest presidential candidate ever elected.

LAHORE: Pakistan’s Punjab set up a “smog war room” to tackle severe pollution, officials said, as poor air quality in Lahore pushed the capital of the eastern province to the top of the rankings as the world’s most polluted city.

Live rankings by Swiss group IQAir gave the city a pollution index score of 1165, followed by the Indian capital of New Delhi, with 299.

At 11:45am, the score had become 630, but was still categorised as hazardous.

“The war room committee will review weather and air quality forecasts … daily and monitor the performance and actions of field officers,” said Sajid Bashir, a spokesperson for the province’s environment department.

Officials told Reuters it brings together staff from eight departments, with a single person charged with overseeing tasks from controlling burning of farm waste to managing traffic.

CM for starting ‘climate diplomacy’ with India to tackle smog challenge

Twice daily sessions will analyse data and forecasts to brief stakeholders on efforts to fight pollution, and issue daily advisories, they added.

But Wednesday’s index score for Lahore fell short of last week’s unprecedented score of 1900, which had exceeded recommended levels by more than 120 times, prompting closure of primary schools and orders to work from home.

At the time, Punjab’s senior minister, Marriyum Aurangzeb, blamed the toxic air on pollution drifting across the border with India just 25 km (16 miles) away. Northern areas of the neighbouring nation are also battling severe pollution.

Govt shuts primary schools in Lahore over record pollution

The Punjab government would ask Pakistan’s foreign office to take up the matter with India’s foreign ministry, she told the Indian Express newspaper in an interview published on Wednesday.

South Asia is shrouded in intense pollution every winter as cold air traps emissions, dust, and smoke from farm fires, while pollution could cut more than five years from people’s life expectancy in the region, a study found last year.

On Tuesday the environment minister of New Delhi, rated the world’s most polluted capital for four successive years by IQAir, said officials were looking to artificial rain to fight the problem this year.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reported 46 poliovirus cases in 2024, the latest case was registered in Qilla Saifullah district of Balochistan, Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme (PPEP) said.

According to PPEP, on June 8th first poliovirus case was reported in Quetta provincial capital city of Balochistan while the latest wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) case has been reported in Qilla Saifullah district of Balochistan taking the provincial tally to 23rd.

In August 2024, Pakistan has reported seven poliovirus cases. The National Institute of Health (NIH) has notified the 46th polio case of the year from Qilla Saifullah where polio virus was detected in a child.

According to PPEP, the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the NIH has confirmed the detection of the 46th Wild Poliovirus Type-1 (WPV1) case in Pakistan.

This is the second polio case from Qilla Saifullah, where several environmental samples have tested positive for WPV1. So far, 23 cases have been reported from Balochistan province, 12 from Sindh province, nine from KP and one each from Punjab and Islamabad.

Genetic sequencing of the sample collected from the child is underway. WPV1 has been detected in 76 districts, indicating widespread circulation of the virus and a continued serious risk to children’s well-being from a disease that can paralyse them for life.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

Constitutional foundations of the Public Service Commission, Articles 240, 241, and 242 of Pakistan’s Constitution lay the groundwork for the civil service appointment process, specifically through the establishment of the Public Service Commission (PSC) as a constitutional institution.

This design aimed to ensure a merit-based, transparent, and accountable recruitment system for civil servants. By embedding the PSC within the Constitution, the framers intended to shield it from political interference and provide continuity and professionalism in the civil service.

This structure was meant to embody the aspirations of the citizens of Pakistan for a corruption-free, effective public sector that serves their needs.

Intentions behind PSC’s constitutional status

The PSC’s constitutional status was intended to make it an independent, transparent institution. It was set up to prevent undue political influence and ensure that recruitment would not be swayed by short-term agendas or favouritism. The framers’ vision was to cultivate a civil service that prioritizes merit, competence, and dedication to public service.

Such a framework is essential in a diverse, populous country like Pakistan, where an efficient and impartial public administration is critical to national progress. The PSC’s role thus extends beyond administrative functions to uphold ethical standards and public trust by selecting officials based on their merit and character.

Issues undermining the PSC’s credibility

Despite the PSC’s noble intentions, persistent issues challenge its credibility and contrast with the people-centric, merit-based ideal it was meant to achieve. Litigations and media reports have highlighted instances of nepotism, favouritism, and corruption within the commission, undermining public trust.

Allegations of irregularities in recruitment, lack of transparency, and perceived biases have led to increasing court cases against PSC decisions. This has raised questions about the PSC’s ability to uphold its constitutional mandate of fairness and integrity in selecting civil servants.

The gap between the ideals of a transparent, corruption-free Public Service Commission (PSC) and the reality on the ground is apparent in recurring issues highlighted by media reports and public discourse. Ideally, the PSC was intended to create a meritocratic, service-oriented bureaucracy in Pakistan, but procedural loopholes and external influences often interfere with this vision.

For instance, reports in major newspapers have repeatedly covered allegations of favouritism in PSC selections, where candidates with political connections or family ties within the civil service appear to have an advantage, undermining the merit-based principles that should guide the process.

These media reports suggest that the PSC, instead of being a neutral body, sometimes falls prey to external pressures that compromise its credibility.

A notable example includes the alleged manipulation of exam results and interview scores, which some candidates and critics claim are skewed in favour of certain individuals, particularly those from influential backgrounds. In 2020, a report by a local English newspaper highlighted instances where the PSC’s decision-making transparency was questioned after complaints surfaced about discrepancies between candidates’ scores and their rankings.

Such instances create a perception that success in the PSC examination and interview process may be influenced by more than just merit, causing talented, deserving candidates to become disillusioned with the system and discouraging them from pursuing public service careers.

Social media also plays a significant role in bringing attention to the PSC’s perceived issues, with platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook serving as outlets for individuals to share experiences of alleged unfair practices.

Hashtags like #PSCReforms and #MeritInBureaucracy have trended periodically, signalling widespread public dissatisfaction and calls for reform. One case that sparked considerable backlash involved a PSC decision allegedly influenced by a high-ranking official’s recommendation, leading to public outcry and a demand for a more transparent selection process.

These persistent issues not only deter motivated individuals from applying but also erode public confidence in the PSC’s ability to uphold its constitutional mandate of fairness and integrity. Media exposure of these concerns serves as a reminder of the urgent need for reforms that can bridge this gap between the PSC’s founding ideals and its current practices.

Reforms that promote transparency, minimize undue influence, and enhance accountability could help restore trust in the PSC and align it with its foundational goal of serving the people of Pakistan through a fair, effective, and people-centered civil service.

The static nature of Pakistan’s bureaucracy

Pakistan’s bureaucracy has remained largely unchanged since independence, despite shifts in society and technology. Initially controlled by the State institutions and traditional elites—industrialists, landlords, tribal chiefs, spiritual leaders, and conservative media—Pakistan’s society saw little administrative modernization until the 1970s. Even as social structures evolved, the bureaucratic institution retained a colonial-era attitude of authority rather than a service-oriented mindset.

This rigid structure persists today, despite transformative advances like the Internet, 4G connectivity, social media, and AI technologies, which have fundamentally altered citizens’ expectations for transparency, responsiveness, and accountability in public services.

Legislative responsibility in modernizing the PSC

In today’s world, where artificial intelligence and advanced technologies are reshaping society, it is critical for elected representatives and legislators to take an active role in reforming the PSC. Leaders must step out of their “ignorance zone” and embrace an understanding of the latest technological developments, including AI and emerging AGI.

This shift in perspective is not merely about staying informed, but about ensuring that governance structures are relevant and capable of meeting the complex demands of the digital era. Leaders are responsible for aligning the PSC with modern standards and preparing it to select candidates who are analytical, pro-people, and responsive to technological realities.

Urgent need for reform

Ultimately, the PSC requires immediate, substantial reforms that prioritize analytical skills, adaptability, and a pro-people orientation. Moving away from rote memorization and outdated testing methods is crucial to building a civil service that is both competent and committed to public welfare.

Elected representatives must act as visionaries to enact these changes, creating a civil service that meets the needs of Pakistan’s citizens, especially the marginalized majority. By fostering a bureaucracy that values progressive, people-centric governance, Pakistan can better address the opportunities and challenges of the digital age, building a fair, informed, and empowered society.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal said that Pakistan is committed to the United Nations Development Goals and will actively participate in the COP29 conference in Baku, Azarbaijan this month, where environmental priorities will be highlighted.

The minister discussed Pakistan's development agenda, preparations for participation in the COP29 conference and economic strategy in a meeting with Ambassador Munir Akram, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations on Monday night.

The minister said that despite having the lowest carbon emissions in the world, Pakistan is among the countries most affected by climate and environmental changes. A panel discussion will be held at Pakistan Pavilion in which international participants will participate, he added.

Mentioning Pakistan’s efforts on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the federal minister said that Pakistan is the first country to make these goals a formal part of its national development agenda through Parliament. “All our development plans are aligned with these goals.”

The SDG Unit, established in the Ministry of Planning, now has the status of a dedicated section, which reviews the implementation of these plans and formulates strategies for achieving these goals.

Regarding the 17 goals of sustainable development by the United Nations, Iqbal further said that 17 task forces will soon be established in the Ministry of Planning which will monitor the projects at the national and provincial levels to ensure their implementation.

The minister also commented on the stock market situation in Pakistan and said that out of 530 companies, only 70 companies have exports of more than $10,000. Iqbal encouraged companies to increase exports and effectively use their potential in the global market, saying that “every enterprise in Pakistan should set an export target of more than $10,000.”

The federal minister expressed satisfaction over the recent wave of investment under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and said that the SIFC is providing an enabling environment for promoting large investments and business opportunities.

The federal minister expressed the hope that ongoing investment and economic reforms will lead Pakistan towards sustainable development.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024