In Pakistan, the education system’s poor quality undermines merit-based grading in schools and job placements. Three concurrent education systems operate in Pakistan: pub­lic and non-elite private schools, elitist private schools, and re­ligious seminaries (madaris). Elitist private schools, despite high fees, provide international-standard education, while mid­dle-class students attend private public schools with lower quality and facilities. With the prevalence of jobbery and a lack of job opportunities in public offices, disadvantaged seg­ments withdraw children from school, leading to child labor and increased income. To prevent chaos and internal strife, justice and merit-based job allocation are imperative.

LAHORE - The Punjab government on Monday celebrated the birth anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in an unprecedented manner at Chief Minister’s office. According to a handout issued here, Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi and members of the cabinet participated in a cake-cutting ceremony, extending heartfelt wishes to the nation on the revered occasion of the Father of the Nation’s birth anniversary. The CM highlighting the significance of the day said, “The freedom we enjoy today is a result of the visionary leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.” He said that Quaidi- Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah gave an exemplary governance model in a short period of time. The CM said that adhering to the principles laid out by the Quaid-i-Azam, Pakistan could be transformed into a truly prosperous nation.

The Population Council has been actively providing evidence to all stakeholders, including political leadership, establishing the linkage between Pakistan’s current problems and the root cause — its rapidly expanding population. Global examples abound, showcasing countries with similar challenges where bold leadership decisions and a commitment to population planning led to phenomenal improvements in their development trajectories. For instance, in the post-revolution Iran, the Supreme Leader issued an edict that led to a successful population planning programme. Kenya, Indonesia and Rwanda experienced successful population planning programmes and subsequent economic turnarounds with strong support from their heads of government. In the pre-election period, it is an opportune moment for political leaders to demonstrate genuine leadership.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Haji Ghulam Ali said that the founder of Pakistan had changed the map of the sub-continent and made the creation of Pakistan possible for Muslims through a democratic struggle. Read ‘Pakistan founded with people’s support’Caretaker Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Justice (retd) Syed Arshad Hussain Shah in commemoration of the birth anniversary of the founding father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, extended warm wishes to the nation on this significant day and urged the nation to renew its commitment to making Pakistan an Islamic welfare state. Chief Minister Syed Arshad Hussain Shah delivered a heartfelt message, addressing the entire nation. Shah acknowledged the relentless efforts and visionary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam in establishing a separate state. Published in The Express Tribune, December 26th, 2023.

KARACHI: Chairman of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, paying tribute to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, the first elected woman prime minister of the Islamic world, said that her steadfast leadership was still ingrained in the hearts and minds of the nation. Being the “Daughter of the East” she stood not only as a historical figure but as a living movement, with her nationalistic spirit, and enduring struggle, which ultimately transformed the country into a welfare state. The Chairman of PPP sharing a message on the occasion of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s 16th martyrdom anniversary due on Wednesday, said that throughout her lifetime, Bibi Shaheed bound together Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan like a harmonious chain. “Her tragic assassination was a strategically targeting the momentum of advancement and the realization of Pakistan’s vision for enlightened moderation and a democratic society,” he added. Expressing unwavering dedication, he affirmed that his party staunchly upholds the cherished philosophy of its martyred leadership, saying: “PPP is determined to make the dream of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto a reality, that Pakistan should be the model of excellence for the world as a prosperous, progressive, egalitarian and strong democratic federal state.”

ISTANBUL-Turkey’s central bank announced a smaller interest rate hike than in previous months the other day, signalling it is nearing the end of its monetary tightening as it battles double-digit inflation. He appointed a new team of market-friendly economists, including Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek and central bank governor Hafize Gaye Erkan, who has Wall Street experience. The central bank expects consumer prices to peak in May of next year at between 70 and 75 percent. “This will almost certainly not be the last rate rise in this cycle,” Cagri Kutman, Turkish market specialist at KNG Securities, the fixed-income investment bank, said in a note. Bartosz Sawicki, market analyst at Conotoxia fintech, suggested that the central bank is set to halt the tightening cycle before the local elections in March.

Former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari addressing the annual function of Bakhtawar Cadet College for Women as chief guest on December 25, 2023. Bilawal acknowledged that when he talks about launching financial support programmes for peasants, laborers and youth, the people wonder from where the government can meet these expenses. Bilawal said around 70% of the population in Pakistan consists of youth whereas there are many developed countries in the world which lack a young population. Such countries, he elaborated, will be offered skilled manpower from Pakistan after imparting the youth education and training. He said the government is planning to stop subsidizing the energy, fertilizer and other sectors which are consuming around Rs1,500 billion annually.

Google’s parent company AlphaBeat laid off 12,000 employees in January 2023. Now, a new report suggests that another 30,000 Google employees are likely to be laid off soon due to advances in artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The decision to lay off employees came after Google introduced AI-based ads. AI technology will scan websites for ads and automatically generate keywords, headlines, images, and more. About a year after Google fired 12,000 employees, Sundar Pichai, the company’s chief executive, said that the people’s morale was affected by this difficult decision.

Bollywood’s famous couple Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt have shown the face of their daughter Raha for the first time. Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt along with their daughter appeared before the photographers for the first time at the Kapoor family’s annual Christmas lunch. One-year-old Raha was carried by Ranbir Kapoor and looks like her grandfather Rishi Kapoor. Later, Alia Bhatt posted a picture of herself and Ranbir Kapoor’s daughter on Instagram and announced that she has named her daughter Raha. Recently, during a TV show, Alia Bhatt said that she suffered a severe blow when her daughter’s photos were leaked on social media.

Karl Marx said, “History repeats itself, first as tragedy, then as farce. Consequently, the vicious cycle of history repeating itself with ugly and unexpected happenings has never ceased, with sham democracy by the corrupt being the worst outcome. When people at the helm of affairs are confronted with this reality, the often repeated cynical response is, “It’s not denial. At the time of the birth of Pakistan, both the military and the civil bureaucracy were affected by the disruptions wrought by partition. The powerful elite club in Pakistan needs to remember that “each time history repeats itself, the price goes up.”

Pakistan Tehareek-Insaf (PTI) former member provincial assembly Engineer Faheem joined the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Parlimentarian (PTIP) on Monday. After joining the party, Faheem said performance of Pervez Khattak was landmark as the chief minister of the province and thus he had joined his party.

Girls riding cycles at the inaugural ceremony of Bicycle Lane in Islamabad on November 13. PHOTO: FILEThe Capital Development Authority (CDA) has announced a plan to implement the “Cycling as an Alternate Transport” project. The CDA, in a statement, said over 146km of dedicated two-way bicycle lanes and 98km of one-way bicycle lanes will be developed all over Islamabad, aiming to reduce carbon footprints and traffic congestion. The Islamabad administration will develop 100% protected and connected lanes with 72 bicycle parking stations all over the federal capital. According to the proposed plan, the project, through infrastructure interventions, would introduce cycling as an alternative mode of transportation in Islamabad.

Candy cane makers supply nation during Christmas peppermint boom Logan's Candies in Ontario, California, is one of the few handmade candy cane makers in the nation. The company makes tens of thousands of the striped peppermint treats each year. Joy Benedict reports.

In the face of numerous global challenges such as wars, pandem­ics, and climate change, many indi­viduals feel a sense of despair and hopelessness. The “Great Men Theory” proposes that history is shaped by a few exceptional individuals, but this oversimplification neglects the role of common people. History is a collective re­sult of individual actions, from the poorest peasant to the decorated general. If leaders like Hit­ler rise to power, it’s because the masses support them. Instead of waiting for great leaders, individuals should strive to effect change themselves and be receptive to the ideas of truly talented people.

President Arif Alvi and interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar urged unity on the occasion of Quaid-e-Azam’s 147th birth anniversary for the continuity of democracy and peaceful coexistence. Message from President Dr. Arif Alvi on the occasion of 147th birth anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Today, we celebrate the 147th birthday of our great leader, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Read Alvi, Kakar urge harmony in Xmas messagesThe nation is celebrating the 147th birth anniversary of the founder of the nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, on Monday with ardour and enthusiasm. Dr Arif Alvi, Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori, caretaker Chief Minister Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar and other provincial heads paid a visit to the mausoleum and offered prayers.