Sophia Smith’s World Cup struggles? USWNT star will be ‘perfectly fine’
MELBOURNE, Australia – All Sophia Smith had to do was hammer home her penalty kick. One goal and the United States would win and move on to the World Cup quarterfinals. “This World Cup was filled with just about every emotion possible, what I’ve learned is more valuable than any experience I’ve ever had. She is just 22 and was playing in her first World Cup for the two-time defending champions and tournament favorite. FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience Sophia Smith United States FIFA Women’s World CupFIFA WORLD CUP WOMEN trending
Source:The Express Tribune
August 09, 2023 18:00 UTC
Stern warning
This redefined policy parameter must get a shot in the arm by choreographing all necessary muscles to defeat terrorism. Pakistan has been a victim of geography, and upheavals in its western neighbourhood, especially, had pushed it to the brink. The COAS’ words were luckily resonated from Afghanistan as the Afghan Taliban supreme leader warned fighters against launching attacks outside the war-torn country. The Defence Ministry in Kabul issued a dictum saying that “fighting outside Afghanistan is not religiously sanctioned” and will not be tolerated. Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
Source:The Express Tribune
August 09, 2023 14:14 UTC
Pakistan seeks public decree by Taliban chief against TTP
Pakistan is seeking a public decree from the Afghan Taliban chief declaring activities of banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as un-Islamic, official sources have revealed to The Express Tribune. Pakistan wants a clear and explicit decree from the Kandhar based Taliban chief, declaring TTP attacks against Pakistan un-Islamic. On Tuesday, the Afghan Taliban spokesperson denied the involvement of Afghan nationals in terrorist attacks in Pakistan. When the Afghan Taliban returned to power two years ago, Pakistan hoped that it would address the TTP issue once and for all. Pakistan is no longer seeking talks with the TTP, something that put the Afghan Taliban in a difficult situation.
Source:The Express Tribune
August 09, 2023 09:27 UTC
Glenville-Emmons referendum does not pass - Albert Lea Tribune
According to unofficial results, there were 579 “Yes” votes and 719 “No” votes, meaning the measure failed by 136 votes. Voters at Glenville City Hall supported the referendum by a vote of 555 “Yes” votes to 370 “No.”Email newsletter signupVoters at Emmons City Hall emphatically rejected the referendum, with 345 “No” votes to 24 “Yes” votes. Lisa Hajek, chairwoman of the Glenville-Emmons school board and a supporter of the bond referendum, admitted she was disappointed in the results. Voters at Glenville City Hall included residents of Glenville, Myrtle, Freeman Township, Albert Lea Township (Precinct 1), Hayward Township, Oakland Township and London Township. Those eligible to vote in Emmons included residents of Emmons, Nunda Township, Mansfield Township and Pickerel Lake Township.
Source:The Express Tribune
August 09, 2023 09:07 UTC
Aayat Asmi bags bronze medal in World School Team Chess C’ship
LAHORE-Pakistan’s Aayat Asmi bagged bronze medal in U-12 Board-2 Competition of World School Team Chess Championship at Aktau, Kazakhstan on Monday night. Aayat Asmi demonstratedimpressive performance and secured bronze medal on the second board with 6.5 points out of 8. Aayat Asmi left behind talented players from several top chess playing countries such as India, Belgium, Poland, Canada, Netherlands, Germany and Bulgaria in this competition. President Chess Federation of Pakistan (CFP) Hanif Qureshi and Secretary Chess Association of Punjab Raja Gauhar Iqbal congratulated Aayat Asmi for winning the bronze medal in the 26-nation grand chess event. They expressed the hope that Pakistan chess stars will continue their medal-winning performance in their next international chess events.
Source:The Nation
August 08, 2023 22:14 UTC
IMF Loan
The IMF’s conditions are stringent, aimed at ensuring the country’s loan repayment capacity, highlighting its lack of trust in the government. Pakistan borrows from the IMF to repay project loans due to its inability to generate sufficient foreign exchange. The recent China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has amplified the IMF’s interest in Chinese loans to Pakistan, including restrictions on using IMF loans to service CPEC debt to China. Lenders hesitate to provide loans to a country on the brink of default, resulting in prohibitively high interest rates. Pakistan’s reliance on the IMF underscores the need for long-term economic reforms.
Source:The Nation
August 08, 2023 20:49 UTC
Will move summary to dissolve NA to president tomorrow: PM
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is addressing a ceremony centred around solar tube wells held at the Islamabad Convention Center on Tuesday, August 8, 2023. “Tomorrow I will recommend the president to dissolve the government and the assembly, after which the affairs will be in the hands of the caretaker government,” he remarked. He credited the IMF programme for averting a potential crisis and preventing default. While acknowledging the rigorous terms of the IMF agreement, the prime minister stressed the importance of future economic goals. Concluding his remarks, Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed his desire for a future free from excessive debt.
Source:The Express Tribune
August 08, 2023 19:02 UTC
Govt eyes borrowing Rs11.09tr in 3 months
Fiscal year 2024 is shaping up to be another arduous chapter in the government’s fiscal management journey. Despite improvements in revenue collection and the resurgence of external debt inflows in June and July, the government’s reliance on domestic debt is expected to persist. This reliance, however, comes with a significant burden of high interest payments and substantial foreign debt repayments. Over the next three months (August-October 2023), the government has set its sights on borrowing a staggering Rs11.09 trillion from domestic commercial banks. Initial expectations from government authorities and financial experts indicated that the government’s reliance on domestic borrowing would diminish once external inflows resumed.
Source:The Express Tribune
August 08, 2023 12:27 UTC
Departmental failure blamed for train crash
Scores injured as eight coaches of the Hazara Express train en route Karachi to Rawalpindi derail near the Sarhari Railway Station in Nawabshah district on August 6, 2023. PHOTO: EXPRESSThe Pakistan Railways compiled its joint report of initial investigation into the Hazara Express accident in Sindh, saying that the incompetence of the civil and the mechanical departments was the cause of the train crash. On Monday, the Railways Headquarters in Lahore received the preliminary joint certificate report of the accident, sources said. Read 35 perish, 100 injured as 10 bogies of Hazara Express derailThe report stated that the wheels of the train engine were damaged, while there was no fish plate to connect the tracks. Separately, addressing an event in Lahore Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique said that the reason behind the tragedy was a lack of resources.
Source:The Express Tribune
August 08, 2023 03:40 UTC
Niger coup leaders refuse to let senior US diplomat meet with nation’s president
“They were quite firm about how they want to proceed, and it is not in support of the constitution of Niger,” Nuland told reporters. A spokesman for the coup leaders, Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane, noted “the threat of intervention being prepared in a neighboring country,” and said Niger’s airspace will be closed until further notice. Also Monday, Mali said it and Burkina Faso, both neighbors of Niger run by military juntas, were sending delegations to Niger to show support. It was not immediately clear what ECOWAS leaders will do now. However, Nuland indicated that coup leaders did not seem receptive to welcoming Wagner mercenaries into the country, as has happened with several surrounding unstable West African countries.
Source:The Nation
August 07, 2023 23:54 UTC
Out of the ordinary
Mohammad Siddique Khan Kanju, a charismatic personality, inspired his people greatly and is considered to have been a visionary leader. Siddique Khan Kanju was born on December 2, 1951, in a remote village situated on the northern side of River Sutlej in Lodhran district of Punjab. At the age of 25-years old, Siddique Khan Kanju began his political career addressing a crowd in Kahror Pakka. Siddique Kanju, for the first time, became a part of the opposition headed by Nawaz Sharif, during the initial Benazir Bhutto government. Siddique Khan Kanju was perceived as one of the most successful members of the Pakistan Muslim League-N.
Source:The Nation
August 07, 2023 21:19 UTC
Rapid growth in population
Pakistan’s population has reached an estimated 249,566,743, according to a statement delivered by Chief Census Commissioner Naeemuz Zafar. This huge population is resulting in a scarcity of jobs and opportunities countrywide, leading to an unemployment crisis. For a long time, it was believed that the large ratio of the young population could be our asset and would lead our nation towards the path of development. But unfortunately, recent reports suggest that a large number of these young people are unskilled and uneducated. Secondly, the government must take serious steps to control rapid population growth; otherwise, it could lead to an increase in crimes and terrorism due to a lack of jobs and high unemployment rates.
Source:The Nation
August 07, 2023 21:03 UTC
Govt chalks out framework to revive debt-ridden PIA
According to the framework, 40% of the shares will be sold in the international market to run the national airline under the public-private partnership mode and the management will also be outsourced. In the second phase, the national airline will be restructured and run through the public-private partnership mode. According to the documents, the PIA suffered a loss of Rs110 billion in the one and a half years of the current government. The documents revealed that the annual loss of the PIA would reach Rs259 billion in 2030. Due to the ban on UK and European flights, the PIA suffered a collective loss of Rs215 billion.
Source:The Express Tribune
August 07, 2023 19:23 UTC
Preparations in full swing for Independence Day celebrations
With the nation’s heart brimming with patriotic fervour, Mazar-e-Quaid, the mausoleum that cradles the legacy of our founding father, is abuzz with meticulous preparations for the Independence Day celebrations. Their efforts are a testament to their devotion in creating an ambiance that beckons visitors with a sense of pride. The passion for perfection transcends the dome’s cleansing, as a symphony of restoration and embellishment project embraces the mausoleum. The central gates are receiving an artistic flourish of vibrant hues, while the verdant landscape is nurtured to exude lushness. A contingent from Pakistan Naval Academy will assume charge, symbolising the nation’s unyielding unity and commitment to guarding the legacy of its venerable founding father.
Source:The Nation
August 07, 2023 11:24 UTC
IMF’s loan sparks soaring markets
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX)’s 22% surge is merely the beginning. Stock markets are typically evaluated using the Price to Earnings (P/E) ratio—how many Rupees (price) investors are willing to pay for an asset generating (earning) Rs1 profit per year. Coupled with the global context of a 5% rise in US interest rates, the attractiveness of Emerging/Frontier markets has markedly diminished. In such a cycle, stock market investors are clamouring for “more.”Many listed companies are already trading at appealing asset values. The next phase of economic returns will hinge on sustainable earnings (“E” based) recovery, requiring rigorous due diligence and prudent selection of investments.
Source:The Express Tribune
August 07, 2023 07:37 UTC