Saturday, June 15th, 2024
PM unveils reforms agenda of economic revival; says country on course of progress
ISLAMABAD, JUN 15 /DNA/ – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday highlighting his government’s achievements during the first 100 days, spelled out his five-year agenda of economics stability and public welfare marking the tough decisions of abolishing corrupt or loss-making ministries and departments, widening tax net and doing away with red tapism to achieve Quaid’s Pakistan. The prime minister, in his maiden address to the nation, said that the government’s prudent economic policies had resulted in reduced inflation from 38 percent to 12 percent, interest rate from 22 percent toRead More
Muslims from all over the world pray on Mount Arafat in Haj climax
Arafat, JUN 15: More than 1.5 million Muslims braved extreme heat to reach Mount Arafat on Saturday for the high point of the annual Haj pilgrimage, praying for hours, especially for Palestinians in conflict-ridden Gaza. Clad in white, worshippers began arriving at dawn for the most gruelling day of the annual rites, ascending the rocky, 70-metre hill where Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) gave his last sermon. “This is the most important day,” said 46-year-old Egyptian Mohammed Asser, who came prepared with a list of prayers. “I pray alsoRead More
PM Shehbaz vows to abolish all ministries, departments burdening exchequer
ISLAMABAD, JUN 15 /DNA/ – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has vowed to abolish all institutions, ministries and departments that have become a burden on the exchequer, saying that this move alone will save tax payers’ billions of rupees and put the country on the path of prosperity. “The abolishment of all ministries and department which, instead of serving [nation], have become a burden on the masses is indispensable,” the premier stated while addressing the nation on Saturday. “When we came to power, the economic conditions at that time were evidentRead More
Bringing the Judiciary Back in Line
By: Qamar Bashir During martial laws and civil dictatorships, the judiciary has often been used by the executive as a potent weapon to lend legitimacy and legal cover to their political, administrative, and law-and-order objectives. This has included punishing, grilling, incarcerating, or even eliminating their declared or undeclared enemies and adversaries in politics, business, the judiciary, the executive, or the media. However, recent efforts by the judiciary to assert its independence have seen this effective tool slipping away from the executive’s control. The usual methods of coercion, arm-twisting, intimidation, andRead More
Strong opposition, assertive Muslim vote bank signal potential shift in Indian politics
BJP may need to moderate its approach ISLAMABAD, JUN 15 /DNA/ – The BJP’s dominance in the Indian political landscape is poised to decline with the rise of a strong opposition in the parliament and the assertive stance of a consolidated Muslim electorate against the Hindu exclusionist parties. This sets the stage for a significant shift, potentially necessitating a more moderate approach from the BJP to adapt to the evolving political environment. These views were expressed by speakers at a session titled “Indian 18th Lok Sabha Elections: Results and Realities”Read More
Over 1.5 million pilgrims arrive in Mina for Hajj 2024
MINA, JUN 15: More than 1.5 million pilgrims descended on the tent city of Mina on Friday, the Day of Tarwiyah, to mark the beginning of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, chanting “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik” (“Here I am, O God, here I am answering your call”). Pilgrims arrived from all corners of the globe, beginning their journey to Mina early on Friday, Dhul-Hijjah 8, either by vehicles or on foot. By Thursday night, roads leading to Mina were filled with pilgrims heading to the Holy Site, where they will camp inRead More