Likewise, China has become an emergent world power, albeit it got independence in 1949, two years after Pakistan came into being. The tendency of the political elite for the centralisation of power has marginalised provinces, leading to a dysfunctional local government system, an essential facet of democracy. Third, the securitisation of the state, owing largely to the Indian hegemonic ambitions as well as the inability of our political elite to efficiently perform, has derailed democratic progression. Fourth, a grand national debate is urgently required to create a national identity. Last but not least, the willingness of the political elite to devise an all-inclusive reform agenda is badly needed.

ISLAMABAD – Askari Bank (AKBL) announced half year earnings (profit before tax) at Rs.12.157 billion depicting a YoY increase of 80% on the back of strong delivery by all business segments. Total revenues increased by 11% YoY to Rs.23 billion contributed by robust growth across key income streams. This trend reflects the effective implementation of various cost rationalization initiatives and has also placed AKBL’s cost to income ratio amongst the best in industry for the current period. Askari Bank has been pursuing a strategy to grow market share of retail business, particularly retail deposit and current accounts in the business hubs of central and south regions. Bank plans to grow market share in retail segment, particularly low-cost and saving deposits which aligns well with the branch network expansion.

These include matches in the ACC 50-over Asia Cup and the ICC Champions Trophy, which Pakistan will stage in 2023 and 2025, respectively. The number of matches may increase depending on where Pakistan finishes in the ICC and ACC events between 2023 and 2027, as well as in the 2025 and 2026 three-nation ODI series. Likewise, ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, Pakistan will play Australia in three home T20Is. Apart from Australia, three other sides – Afghanistan, Ireland and Zimbabwe – will also play white-ball matches in Pakistan between 2023 and 2027. “We have also scheduled two tri-series in February 2025 and October/November 2026, involving New Zealand and South Africa, and England and Sri Lanka, respectively.

As the value of the rupee appreciates against the dollar, Pak Suzuki Motor Company has decided to reduce prices ranging from Rs75,000 to Rs199,000. “Pak Suzuki has reduced prices,” Head of Public Relations of the company, Shafiq Ahmed Shaikh, confirmed. AL Habib Capital Markets auto analyst Asad Ali said “following Toyota, Pak Suzuki Motor Company (PSMC) has also reduced its car prices by 5% to pass on the benefit of rupee appreciation against the dollar. Ravi and Bolan, the four-decade-old vehicles for the middle class, have seen their prices reduced by Rs75,000 and Rs79,000 respectively. “PSMC has reduced car prices after the appreciation of rupee but the price decrease is not equivalent to the earlier increase.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned on Wednesday against doing politics on the appointment of army chief, saying that the matter had not yet been taken up. Asif said that a “negative” social media campaign against the tragic helicopter crash in Lasbela, Balochistan during the flood relief operations earlier this month was a “joint project” of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and India against the Pakistan Army. The helicopter crash happened due to bad weather, but the PTI social media team, which had Indian support, launched a campaign against the Pakistan Army,” Asif told reporters. “All the [social media] accounts that came out are related to the PTI. Imran forgot his own statements against the army while sitting in the UK and in India in the 1990s.

People wishing to bid farewell to Ben Stelter, who grabbed this city by the heartstrings with his love of the Edmonton Oilers and his courageous fight against brain cancer before passing away on Aug. 9, will get that chance this Friday. Fittingly, it’ll come right outside Rogers Place. “I’m always going to think about him after a win,” said Connor McDavid, who first met Ben last fall. Ben would absolutely love this,” Ben’s dad Mike said of Friday’s public farewell via Twitter. Those that can’t make it to the passing of the procession outside Rogers Place can view the live-stream of his service.

Amid rifts within the PML-N over the recent increase in the price of petrol, Finance Minister Miftah Ismail on Tuesday announced that the petroleum levy would be further jacked up from next month. The price of petrol was raised to Rs233.91 from Rs227.19 per litre. After initial hesitation, the PML-N led coalition has been increasing petroleum prices since May 15 under the IMF deal. Miftah said that the country paid $8.5 per barrel premium on diesel and $17.5 per barrel on petrol. The finance minister maintained that tackling inflation was next on the government’s agenda.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The nation will celebrate Diamond Jubilee, the 75th Independence Day of Pakistan, on Sunday with a renewed pledge to work with the spirit of Pakistan Movement to make the Country a true formidable Islamic welfare state. -The day will dawn with 31-gun salute at the Federal Capital and 21-gun salute at the Provincial Headquarters. The main feature of the celebrations will be a national Flag Hoisting Ceremony in Islamabad. Launching of re-recorded national anthem of PakistanMeanwhile, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif will launch the re-recorded national anthem composed with modern technology on the occasion of the 75th Independence Day of Pakistan. The national anthem has been re-recorded after 68 years with the participation of 155 singers, 48 musicians and 6 bandmasters.

Punjab Home Minister Col (retd) Muhammad Hashim Tuesday denied rumours that PTI chairperson Imran Khan’s chief of staff Shahbaz Gill was tortured in police custody. Speaking to journalists outside Central Jail Adiala in Rawalpindi, where Gill is imprisoned, the home minister said: “He is perfectly alright in the jail. There is no question of him being beaten up.”He said that he met Gill and he is fine. The home minister highlighted that there are more than 40 jails in Punjab and the security and food provided in the jail are good. “DIG and Superintendent Adiala jail are being removed from their posts on their criminal silence about illegal actions being done with political prisoner Shahbaz Gill.”On August 12, the former prime minister took to Twitter and “strongly condemned the torture being inflicted on Shahbaz Gill”.

LAHORE PR – Vivo, the leading global smartphone brand, has announced the launch of the newest member in the Y series, Vivo Y15C in Pakistan. Vivo Y15C comes in two vivid hues to choose from: mystic blue and wave green. Vivo Y15C is available for purchase across Pakistan at the price of Rs 31,999 only. Vivo offers one-year warranty for Vivo Y15C along with 15 days of free replacement and 6 months warranty for accessories. Vivo Y15C is duly approved by Pakistan Telecommunications Authority and supports all mobile networks in Pakistan.

The government on Monday shelved a plan to sell two LNG-fired power plants to Qatar and instead decided to offer 51% stakes in the Roosevelt Hotel, New York, and the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). The sources said that the meeting discussed the possibility of selling the two LNG power plants to Qatar. The National Power Parks Management Company Limited (NPPMCL) owns 1,230 megawatts (MW) Haveli Bahadur Shah and 1,223MW Balloki power plants. These power plants were set up with government funding instead of the 70:30 debt-to-equity ratio. It was also decided on Monday that Pakistan should offer 51% stakes in The Roosevelt Hotel, New York, and the PIA along with the management control to Qatar.

Scouting report: Reigning state 1-A champs return only one starter on offense, but don’t weep for section’s most dominant program. North-South RB Bond averaged 8.9 yards per carry in backup role last season. Athletic QB Jack Stephens, a Nevada transfer, seems ideally suited to Dons’ wing-T.AdvertisementLINCOLNLast season: 8-4Coach: David Dunn, 12th yearDivision: IKey players: Roderick Robinson (RB), K.J. Peevy (DE-LB), Josiah Cox (WR-DB), Hunter Wiggins (WR-DB), Adrian Chargualaf (DB), Christopher White (DB), Journey Tala (OL-DL), Charlie Hines (OL-DL), Chris Fewell (LB), Mahki Virgil (WR). Scripps will be challenged by move up to Division I and Western League.

RAWALPINDI – Two police officers were booked on charges of releasing 11 land grabbers from Police Station Chontra apparently after receiving bribe, informed sources on Monday. City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Shehzad Nadim Bukhari also ordered a departmental inquiry against the accused police officers, according to a police spokesman. Responding to the emergency call, ASI Imtiaz Ullah, who was on routine patrolling in the area, rushed to the scene and held 11 suspects. He asked the police to register case against the two police officers. He said that there is no room for corrupt officers in the department.

The world cannot afford more episodes of the Taiwan drama being staged in the name of frivolous pretexts. Internationally on all worldwide platforms including the United Nations (UN), the “one-China principle” is upheld legitimising Taiwan as an inalienable part of China. The one-China principle is the anchor for peace and stability in the world as well as across the Taiwan Strait. During the month of August 2022, we witnessed another spell of the Taiwan drama orchestrated by the speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi paying a highly controversial visit to China’s Taiwan region in sheer disregard of China’s strong opposition. This latest and reckless Taiwan drama is another debacle of US politics, diplomacy and credibility.

The Toronto Blue Jays have signed a baseball player. His name: Yoshi Tsutsugo. Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowNow, it sounds like the 30-year-old is coming to the Jays organization. Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowIn 43 games across 144 plate appearances, he slashed .268/.347/.535 with a .883 OPS and eight homers, but his numbers have absolutely plummeted this season. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below