Friday, April 12th, 2024
Can Pakistan do better than ADB’s predictions?
By: Qamar Bashir The Asian Development Bank’s recent outlook points to growth potential, contingent upon addressing underlying issues, building a more stable political environment, diversifying the economy, and investing in infrastructure which will usher the country towards sustained economic prosperity. The SWOT analysis of ADB’s outlook for Pakistan’s economy reflects a mix of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. One of the strengths identified is the potential for GDP growth of 1.9% in 2024 and 2.8% in 2025 if Pakistan adheres to the economic adjustment program critical for restoring macroeconomic stability andRead More
Military-Police Alliance Prevails: Swift Resolution in Bahawalnagar Incident
RAWALPINDI, APR 12: /DNA/ – An unfortunate incident occurred in Bahawalnagar recently, which was promptly addressed and resolved through collaborative efforts of military and police authorities. Despite this, certain factions with vested motives started fanning vitriolic propaganda on social media to create divisions between state institutions and government departments. To ensure a fair and deliberate inquiry, and to determine responsibility for violation of laws and misuse of authority, a joint inquiry comprising security and police officials will be conducted for ascertaining the facts and apportioning responsibility.
Single-tier structure and high taxes: the recipe to curb cigarette consumption
ISLAMABAD, APR 12 /DNA/ – In a bid to combat the alarming rates of cigarette consumption in Pakistan, experts and health advocates have put their weight behind the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) compelling recommendation: transition to single tier tax structure alongside a significant increase in taxes on tobacco products. According to the IMF’s Technical Assistance Report titled “Pakistan Tax Policy Diagnostic and Reform Options,” released in February, the consumption of cigarettes in Pakistan has witnessed a notable decline of 20-25 percent following substantial hike in prices of tobacco products. TheRead More
PTI seeks thorough probe into Bahawalnagar condemnable incident to identify culprits
DNA ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) demanded a transparent and comprehensive enquiry into the unfortunate bloody clash between two institutions at Bahawalnagar forthwith to identify the culprits instead of providing cover to the perpetrators of this reprehensible incident with its report to be made public without editing. PTI Spokesperson, in a strongly-worded reaction to the condemnable and brazen Bahawalnagar incident, said that the tragic incident clearly reflected a malady penetrated deep into societal fabric that was gravely impacting the functioning of the state. He said that deprived of the constitution andRead More
Biden and Hamas tie Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu up in knots
JAMES M. DORSEY Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is tying himself up in knots as he grudgingly, and only to a limited degree, bows to US President Joe Biden’s demands. In doing so, Mr. Netanyahu is puncturing Swiss-cheese size holes into Israel’s Gaza narrative, making it easier for Mr. Biden to take him publicly to task. Mr. Biden has demanded that Israel allow the unfettered flow of desperately needed humanitarian aid into Gaza, an immediate ceasefire linked to an exchange of Hamas-held hostages for Palestinians incarcerated in Israel, and theRead More
US’s China Containment Policy: Marshal plan reimposed…
By: Qamar Bashir While it comes to China US rivalry, two opposite themes emerge. China says that this world is big enough for all of us to share its bounties and immense resources without undercutting each other. While the US leadership says that it may be true, the US will determine the rules of sharing, distribution and use of world resources, and anyone found deviating from this path will be punished. Resultantly, the US and its junior partner Europe and countries of Asia Pacific and Indo Pacific regions are followingRead More