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Pakistan’s economy stuck in ‘low-growth trap’: WB
Martin Raiser, the World Bank’s Regional Vice-President for South Asia, has warned that Pakistan’s economy is stuck in a “low-growth trap” with poor human development outcomes and increasing poverty. "Pakistan’s economy is stuck in a low-growth trap with poor human development outcomes and increasing poverty. Economic conditions leave Pakistan highly vulnerable to climate shocks, with insufficient public resources to finance development and climate adaptation," warned Raiser. They are intended to help inform the public policy dialogue in the context of the upcoming elections. During his visit, Raiser will meet government officials at the federal and provincial levels, and representatives from the private sector and academia.
Source:The Express Tribune
November 28, 2023 17:29 UTC
The Future of Work
The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the landscape of work globally, propelling us into an era where the future of work is no longer confined to traditional office spaces; rather, it is shaped by remote realities and the emergence of hybrid work models. Remote work offers a unique set of opportunities and challenges in a country as diverse as Pakistan. The future of work is personal, and it is about fostering a balance that respects both professional and personal lives. The concept of hybrid work Models, blending in-person and remote work, is gaining traction globally. In a nutshell, the future of work in Pakistan is at a crossroad, presenting both challenges and opportunities.
Source:The Nation
November 28, 2023 17:12 UTC
Polls becoming PPP vs PML-N blocs’ affair
PPP supremo Asif Ali Zardari has predicted that the PPP and the PML-N might need each other when the results are finalised at the end of the polls. The PML-N was the early bird, as it tried to win the smaller parties in Sindh and Balochistan. As the nation goes to the elections, it will be the PPP bloc versus the PML-N bloc and after the polls, it may again surprisingly be the PPP bloc in coalition with the PML-N bloc to form a government. The PPP supremo believes that if the PPP and the PML-N fail to reach a power-sharing formula, the PPP might form a coalition government with the help of smaller parties pushing the PML-N on the opposition benches. While Sindh is a PPP stronghold, Zardari has close ties with several Baloch leaders who can possibly support the PPP in the polls.
Source:The Nation
November 28, 2023 16:27 UTC
Baltic nations’ foreign ministers pull out of OSCE meeting over Russian foreign minister attendance
While some cultural institutions are connected to mosques or churches, the club has been established as a completely autonomous entity. In Chile — which has the largest Palestinian community outside the Middle East, with an estimated 600,000 people — there are several Arab and Palestinian cultural centers and social clubs nationwide. “This year, the Palestinian ambassador to Santiago came to attend our event about the Nakba,” Gustavo Diban, the center’s president, told Arab News. Film distributors should acquire their rights,” Arthur Jafet, Icarabe’s national relations director and the curator of this year’s exhibit, told Arab News. We don’t sell anything, we only want to publicize Arab culture,” Icarabe’s President Murched Taha told Arab News.
Source:The Nation
November 28, 2023 13:51 UTC
On arguments and conclusions
Conclusions based on sound arguments fit facts like a wall-to-all carpet fits a room. For these reasons, arguments are even more important than the conclusions they lead to. To be continually mindful of the quality of one’s arguments is crucial because this consciousness helps one to improve (or replace) one’s argument when one realizes its deficiency or error. A focus on conclusions on the other hand leaves little motivation to critically review one’s arguments, especially when those conclusions are convenient and/or psychologically soothing. - Advertisement -There are two broad categories of men: those who are more focused on the quality of their arguments and those who are concerned more about the conclusions their arguments lead to.
Source:Pakistan Today
November 28, 2023 06:12 UTC
Equality unveiled
Gender equality is a foundational principle in society, ensuring that everyone has the right to live without discrimination based on creed or caste. It is essential to emphasise that women, like men, are human beings with equal rights to live without limitations imposed by others. Achieving gender equality necessitates treating both men and women equally, addressing the pervasive issue of inequality between the sexes. The path to true gender equality involves not only recognizing women as equals in domestic settings but also in the broader arenas of national decision-making. Working towards this vision will lead to a society where gender equality is not just a principle but a reality, fostering inclusivity and fairness for all.
Source:The Nation
November 28, 2023 03:17 UTC
Meet the daring royal family behind Sealand, the world's smallest nation
He seized Roughs Tower, which was outside U.K. territorial waters, and on Sept. 2, 1967, his wife's birthday, he declared it an independent state: Sealand. "It was, of course, a hugely romantic gesture to make my mother a princess," Prince Michael said. They arrived by helicopter with a film crew in tow, taking Prince Michael by surprise. His imprisonment brought a German diplomat to Sealand, which Prince Michael considers to be "de facto recognition" of his nation by another country. "We had a few dubious people asking us to do things that we didn't really agree with," Prince James said.
Source:The Nation
November 27, 2023 20:11 UTC
Potential for green, ESG Sukuk
Global green Sukuk issuancesIn June 2017, Tadau Energy Sendirian Berhad, Malaysia became the first green Sukuk issuer with the issuance of a 250 million ringgit ($58.4 million) Sukuk for financing a 50-megawatt large-scale solar project. The Indonesian government is the largest issuer of green Sukuk while Malaysia has the largest number of private green Sukuk issuers, who are supported by green bond grants and tax incentives. Taking the lead in green Sukuk issuance, Malaysia has introduced green Sukuk standards called the Sustainable and Responsible Investment (SRI) Sukuk Framework. Under this framework, issuers of green Sukuk that are compliant with Malaysia’s SRI Sukuk Framework receive tax incentives and a subsidy. Indonesia has also introduced the Green Bond and Green Sukuk Framework to promote green Sukuk.
Source:The Express Tribune
November 27, 2023 16:45 UTC
PM calls for improving taxation system to boost economic growth
ISLAMABAD - Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Sunday stressed the need to improve the taxation system to boost the country’s economic growth. The prime minister visited the PTV headquarters here on the 59th anniversary of the founding of PTV, where he also cut the cake to celebrate the anniversary along with employees of PTV. On the occasion, the prime minister, congratulating the PTV, said that Pakistan Television played an important role in propagating Pakistan’s soft image and identity across the world. To a question with respect to Balochistan’s natural resources, the prime minister said most of the valuable minerals and resources, such as gold and copper, had not been exploited yet. To a question about his future plan after the end of caretaker setup, the prime minister pointed out that he had not anticipated any particular role for himself.
Source:The Nation
November 27, 2023 12:02 UTC
Pakistan is establishment’s sole ‘ladla’: Tareen
Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) patron-in-chief Jahangir Tareen on Sunday said that the only “ladla” (darling) of the establishment was none other than Pakistan itself. In a brief exchange with a journalist before addressing a rally in Kamoke, Tareen was asked whether his party was favoured more by the establishment than the PML-N. Asserting the need for focused attention on the nation's welfare, Tareen emphasised that the transformation of Pakistan's destiny was contingent upon collective care. Promising a renaissance in healthcare and agriculture, he pledged: "We will establish government hospitals of unparalleled quality, making Pakistan an exemplary agriculture nation that attracts global admiration." جہانگیر ترین کے جلسے میں بڑے اعلانFollow our WhatsApp channel: https://t.co/HCATVJALUL#ExpressNews #JHANGIRTAREEN #jalsa #AleemKhan #PTI pic.twitter.com/zJOxRmygn3— Express News (@ExpressNewsPK) November 26, 2023Addressing the pressing need for education equity, Tareen pledged: "Every child will receive equal, high-quality education.
Source:The Express Tribune
November 27, 2023 07:20 UTC
Population growth
Comparatively, China and India have reduced their annual population growth rates to 0.18% and 0.70%, while Pakistan’s hovers around 2% (1.91% precisely). Uneven population growth is exacerbated by distributing financial resources among provinces based on population through the National Finance Commission (NFC). Pakistan lacks a Malthusian figure to portray the horrific impacts of high population growth, and there’s no leader initiating a drastic policy like China’s one-child policy (1979 to 2015). Poverty, unemployment, terrorism, crime, deforestation, pollution, political polarisation, and the energy crisis are directly linked to uneven population growth. Existing policies and structures are against curbing high population growth.
Source:The Nation
November 26, 2023 22:15 UTC
Ahead of COP28, Pakistan reminds wealthy nations of ‘crucial role’ in supporting vulnerable countries
KARACHI: Pakistan on Sunday reminded wealthy countries of their “crucial” responsibility in supporting climate-vulnerable nations and the need for “equity and justice” in global climate policies. This year’s conference comes as Pakistan, while only contributing 0.9 percent to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, remains one of the most vulnerable countries to the impacts of climate change. “The fight against climate change is a global one, requiring concerted efforts from all nations. The wealthiest, contributing significantly to global emissions, have a crucial role in supporting vulnerable countries like Pakistan. It also plans to enhance the resilience of the agricultural sector to climate change impacts, ensuring food security, and promoting climate-smart agricultural practices.
Source:The Nation
November 26, 2023 16:55 UTC
PM Kakar says nation to hear good news soon
ISLAMABAD – Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar has said that the nation will hear good news in the coming weeks with respect to economy of the country. He lauded the Special Investment Facilitation Council saying that it is ensuring consistency of the economic policy. He said the SIFC has also inked agreements with different countries for investment in Pakistan in multiple fields. He said government will ensure transparent elections and there is no restriction on any political party for organizing election-related activities. As regards missing person in Balochistan, the Prime Minister said no institution is involved in enforced disappearance in the country.
Source:The Nation
November 26, 2023 16:47 UTC
Khattak accuses Imran of pitting nation against Army
DAGGAR: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-Parliamentarians (PTIP) leader Pervez Khattak on Saturday said that former prime minister Imran Khan was an arrogant person, who wanted to pit the nation against the army. Addressing a gathering in Buner district, he said Imran Khan’s behaviour with the elected representatives was like a pharaoh. A large number of PTIP workers were present on this occasion. Several political workers including known political figures Hashtmand Khan, Zafar Khan, Salahuddin Khan and others announced joining the PTIP along with family members. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-Parliamentarians (PTIP) leader Pervez Khattak speaks with the workers in KP on November 25, 2023.
Source:The Nation
November 26, 2023 12:44 UTC
Malala calls for a full ceasefire in Gaza
As Israel’s military operative in Gaza comes to a temporary halt, supporters of Palestine across the world are amplifying calls for a complete and immediate ceasefire. Nobel laureate and women’s education activist Malala Yousafzai is among many to express relief at the temporary truce. “Tonight, I feel relief for the women, children and young people reunited with their families, and for the pause in the bombardment of Gaza,” Malala said. Tonight, I feel relief for the women, children and young people reunited with their families, and for the pause in the bombardment of Gaza. https://t.co/JBAFfo9Y4F — Malala Yousafzai (@Malala) October 19, 2023In an earlier X post this month, Malala underscored child protection in conflict zones as per international law.
Source:The Express Tribune
November 26, 2023 11:32 UTC