Budget FY24: missing the bus again
Photo: fileThe macroeconomic instability that plagues Pakistan today dates back to 1989 –the year which marked the end of Afghanistan’s invasion and consequently, the stoppage/ slowdown of US aid through the Pressler Amendment. This growth, however, was accompanied by a relatively high inflation, low employment, low current account and budgetary deficits. The next stint of political and economic stability started after the APS attack in 2014 and ended in 2017 with the Panama Paper case. The partial indexation of pays, pensions and current expenses can hardly make any impact on economic growth, apart from appeasing the inflation-hit government employees. This type of budget might be the second-best arrangement in the current macroeconomic scenario and political instability, but it is not an optimum way to approach and tackle the problem.
Source:The Express Tribune
June 19, 2023 09:33 UTC
The teacher that he was
Shoaib Hashmi was my economics teacher in Government College till 1967, before he went to the London School of Economics (LSE) for his advanced studies. He was quite popular among the students for his friendly nature and liberal views. But, more than the cigarette, I am recalling the episode to show his friendly nature and general approach to students and studies. He was a much-loved teacher at the college. His friendly nature revolved around his amazing sense of humour, which was actually a blend of the wit and sarcasm of Gawalmandi and Mozang.
Source:Pakistan Today
June 19, 2023 06:26 UTC
World Refugee Day to be observed tomorrow
ISLAMABAD - The World Refugee Day will be observed on June 20 (tomorrow) across the world including Pakistan to honor the courage, strength and determination of women, men and children who are forced to flee their homeland under threat of persecution, conflict and violence. Each year on June 20, the United Nations (UN), United Nation’s Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and civil society organizations around the world host World Refugee Day events in order to draw the public’s attention to the millions of refugees and Internally displaced persons, a Private news channel reported. On this Day, Pakistan pays special tribute to UNHCR the United Nations refugee agency for its commendable work in support of refugees and host communities throughout the world. The Day is viewed as a chance for everyone to learn about, appreciate and enjoy “the rich diversity” of the refugee populations. We call on the international community to support the Organization in its efforts towards durable solutions for refugees worldwide.
Source:The Nation
June 19, 2023 03:31 UTC
Pakistan’s Mikaeel sweeps ATF 14&U singles, doubles titles in Japan
LAHORE-Mikaeel Ali Baig, a talented tennis player and youngest recipient of ISPR’s Pride of Pakistan Award, has made waves at the Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) 14&U tournament held in Japan. Throughout the tournament, Mikaeel displayed his dominance by winning all five singles matches in straight sets, losing only a total of nine games. “In the doubles category, Mikaeel joined forces with Japanese player Rinsei Makihara. Mikaeel’s exceptional achievement of claiming both the singles and doubles championships in the same tournament sets him apart from his competitors at the ATF 14&U in Japan. In order toestablish myself in Pakistan, I’ve had to constantly juggle between the USA and the Asian Tennis Circuit.
Source:The Nation
June 19, 2023 01:24 UTC
ACTA Jr. kicks off summer camps with ‘phenomenal’ Finding Nemo Jr. performances
“‘Finding Nemo Jr.’ is one of my favorite shows in Disney World, so I was super pumped about all of it,” Lloyd added after the show. “These kids at ACTA are incredibly talented. They are amazing and I am so blessed to be able to work here with them for the summer camp.”All four “Finding Nemo Jr.” performances sold out quickly, but for anyone who missed out, there is still another chance to see an ACTA Junior performance this summer. Campers will return in July to prepare for their August performances of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s “Mary Poppins Jr.”“‘Mary Poppins’ in a classic, right?,” Director Lynne Long said. “So we’re going to have all kinds of fun stuff.
Source:The Express Tribune
June 18, 2023 21:52 UTC
Kabul in renewed push for resumption of Pakistan-TTP talks
There is a renewed push by the Afghan Taliban to restart talks between Pakistani officials and the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as a delegation of tribal elders reportedly met the TTP chief. The meeting was part of efforts to explore possibility of resumption talks that were called off in November last year. Despite Pakistan’s refusal to peace talks, the Afghan Taliban continue to push for the rapprochement. If there were any talks in the future, those would be conducted through the Afghan Taliban. And despite the Afghan Taliban’s refusal to go after TTP, Pakistan has no intention to abandon its Afghan policy, according to sources.
Source:The Express Tribune
June 18, 2023 20:35 UTC
Accident
In the wake of yet another devastating bus accident near Kallar Kahar, our hearts are heavy with grief and our minds filled with questions. Hardly a day goes by without news of horrific accidents claiming lives that could have been saved. Moreover, comprehensive training programs should be established to enhance drivers’ skills, including defensive driving techniques and stress management. Government authorities, law enforcement agencies, travel agencies, and civil society organizations must work hand in hand to prioritize road safety. Public awareness campaigns can educate passengers about their rights and responsibilities, encouraging them to demand safe travel conditions.
Source:The Nation
June 18, 2023 20:16 UTC
Pakistan reach semis of five-nation basketball tournament
Final scoreline of the match between Pakistan and Bangladesh — Screengrab via YouTube liveIn a major achievement, Pakistan on Sunday defeated Bangladesh 84-66 in their final group match during the ongoing five-nation tournament in Maldives. Pakistan dominated Bangladesh from the very first moment of the game scoring 20 points against 15 in the first quarter. In the third quarter, Pakistan pushed Bangladesh against the wall as they only managed to score seven points while Pakistan scored 22 points to extend their lead to 56-44. Abdul Wahab scored 16 points and Ziaur Rahman scored 11 points. SquadMohammad Shahbaz Ali, Abdul Wahab, Mohammad Umair Jan, Zain-ul-Hassan Khan, Mohammad Shahid, Imad Ahmad, Zia-ur-Rehman, Saqibullah Mehsood, Mehtab Akram, Shiraz AslamTeam officials: Malik Mohammad Riaz (head coach), Umar Mahmood (coach), Ahmad Ali Tipu (manager).
Source:The Nation
June 18, 2023 18:36 UTC
PM assures nation of action against those involved in human smuggling
PM assures nation of action against those involved in human smugglingPrime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says FIA and other law enforcement agencies have been tasked to tighten the noose around the individuals involved in the heinous act of human smuggling. In a tweet on Sunday, he said in order to ascertain facts in the wake of the tragic incident of the capsizing of the boat in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Greece, a high-level inquiry has been ordered. He said that he has also directed Pakistan Foreign Office to undertake immediate coordination at all levels to collect information about the missing people and keep the nation updated. The Prime Minister assured the nation that those found negligent towards their duty will be held to account. He said responsibility will be fixed after the inquiry and heads will roll.
Source:The Nation
June 18, 2023 18:29 UTC
Five-nation basketball tournament: Pakistan thump Bangladesh to qualify for semis
Pakistan basketball team on Sunday thrashed the Bangladesh side 84-66 in their last group match during the ongoing five-nation tournament in Maldives. With the victory, Pakistan have also secured their place in the semi-finals. Pakistan dominated Bangladesh from the very first moment of the game scoring 20 points against 15 in the first quarter. In the third quarter, Pakistan pushed Bangladesh against the wall as they only managed to score seven points while Pakistan scored 22 points to extend their lead to 56-44. Abdul Wahab scored 16 points and Ziaur Rahman scored 11 points.
Source:The Nation
June 18, 2023 17:41 UTC
Nation will not forgive those stalling country’s progress: PM
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressing the PML-N's General Council meeting in the party's secretariat in Islamabad. During the meeting, the prime minister appreciated the group’s services in solid waste management and public transport. The prime minister said that during their previous tenures, they had provided the residents of Lahore with international standard facilities. President Xi Jinping on his birthday,” the prime minister, who is currently on a two-day visit to Azerbaijan, wrote on Twitter. Meanwhile, former minister of state and a former member of the National Assembly Syed Javed Ali Shah on Saturday called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Source:The Nation
June 18, 2023 15:55 UTC
Amber Heard's comeback film stirs controversy
The world of cinema is waiting for Amber Heard to make her much-awaited comeback at the prestigious Taormina Film Festival with her latest film, In The Fire. Known as the Italian equivalent of the Academy Awards, the Taormina Film Festival has a rich history spanning over six decades. — Murmeltier🍩❤💙❤🏴☠️ (@rentier13) June 12, 2023The festival has included both Depp and Heard’s film. Supporters of Depp argue that Taormina Film Festival is snubbing the Pirates actor by featuring Heard's film, accusing the festival of endorsing an alleged liar and manipulator. It’s disappointing to see film festivals give a platform to self-admitted abusers, but you know,” read a tweet.
Source:The Express Tribune
June 18, 2023 14:03 UTC
Indonesia: a nation of diversity and cultural riches
The first five aforementioned destinations are designated as Tourism Super Priority Destinations, she informed. Therefore Pakistani visitors feel at home while being in Indonesia and vice versa. The Deputy Minister for Marketing during her interview hoped to see more and more investors and tourists come to Indonesia. As informed by the Pakistani embassy in Jakarta, many Pakistani visitors had to face problems at the airports at the immigration desks. If Indonesia is making progress by leaps and bounds, among other things, political harmony appears to be a key reason.
Source:The Nation
June 18, 2023 10:55 UTC
Croatia aiming for first trophy as they face Spain in Nations League final today
ROTTERDAM: Luka Modric has been Croatia’s driving force on the way to Sunday’s Nations League final, where they could earn their first ever major trophy against a Spain team he knows inside out. He converted a penalty to help fire Croatia into the Nations League final with a 4-2 extra-time triumph, one step closer towards that elusive “gold”. City’s Champions League final hero is the key piece in Luis de la Fuente’s La Roja, who are still finding their footing. With Luis Enrique at the helm they lost in the 2021 Nations League final against France, a couple of months after they defeated Croatia in a thrilling 5-3 triumph to reach the Euro 2020 semi-finals. Nations League victory could provide a triumphant moment to bow out on or prove the springboard for an assault on Euro 2024 next summer.
Source:The Nation
June 18, 2023 05:30 UTC
Budget caught in political cross-hairs
“The budget for fiscal 2023-24 contains little of the PPP’s input,” said Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari while addressing a public gathering at Khwazakhela in Swat. Bilawal, who also holds the portfolio of foreign minister in the federal cabinet, demanded of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to hold those hindering funds for last year’s flood victims accountable. “If Muslim League wants PPP to vote for this budget then its’ not possible without allocating funds for flood reconstruction,” the PPP chief cautioned. Bilawal said that the selected puppet — a term he uses for former prime minister Imran Khan — snatched jobs from the people. “We believe that the PPP is not competing with any other entity or political party, but with hunger, poverty, inflation and unemployment.
Source:The Express Tribune
June 18, 2023 04:50 UTC