Wednesday, May 21st, 2025
Netherlands Ambassador calls on Minister for Finance and Revenue

ISLAMABAD, MAY 21 /DNA/ – Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, held a meeting today with Henny de Vries, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Pakistan, at the Finance Division, Islamabad. During the meeting, both sides discussed matters of mutual interest and avenues for further strengthening bilateral economic cooperation. The Finance Minister briefed the Ambassador on Pakistan’s current macroeconomic outlook and the government’s reform agenda, with particular focus on key sectors of the economy. He emphasized the government’s commitment to achieving sustainable, productivity-driven, and export-ledRead More
Four Day Military Confrontation: Understanding Pak-India Conflict Metamorphosis

Sohail A. Azmie Following the Pehlgam terror incident, India launched a military strike on alleged terror hideouts in Pakistan on 7 May, a reckless action lacking strategic acumen and verifiable evidence, despite ongoing investigations, as noted by India’s MEA spokesperson Jaiswal on 12 May. While air domain and LOC saw intense combat in the Four Day Military Confrontation, 7-10 May 2025, with standoff weapons, the navies of both India and Pakistan remained disengaged, raising questions about the strategic value of naval warfare in this context. With a long land borderRead More
Corruption threatens TAPI’s Future

The Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project was once hailed as a game-changer for regional energy cooperation and economic integration. Designed to transport natural gas from Turkmenistan’s massive Galkynysh field to energy-hungry markets in South Asia, TAPI promised to reduce regional energy deficits and promote cross-border collaboration. But over a decade later, TAPI remains a vision on paper—mired in delay, dysfunction, and deepening distrust. At the heart of the project’s stagnation lies a fatal flaw: widespread corruption in Turkmenistan. The opaque governance structure and lack of transparency in Turkmenistan’s energy sectorRead More
Banning X is not the solution

Rumors are once again swirling that the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) may be banned in Pakistan, allegedly due to a surge in negative commentary regarding the recent war with India and critical remarks about the elevation of the Army Chief to Field Marshal. Such a move, if implemented, would be a step in the wrong direction. While it is true that social media often provides a platform for irresponsible behavior, disinformation, and even national security risks, banning a global communication platform like X is not a sustainable orRead More
Amb. Dan visits Gujranwala: Romanian, Pakistan have huge business potential

ISLAMABAD, MAY 21 (DNA): Romanian Ambassador Dr. Dan Stoenescu, met with Rana Mohammad Sadique, President of the Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), to discuss ways to enhance bilateral trade and economic cooperation between Romania and Pakistan. The meeting focused on exploring opportunities for trade and investment, particularly in the SME sector, and strengthening economic ties between the two countries. The Ambassador and the President GCCI exchanged views on how to promote business-to-business interactions and joint ventures between Romanian and Pakistani companies. Sohail Shamim Firpo, Chairman Pakistan-Romania Business CouncilRead More
ICT Police congratulate COAS Gen. Syed Asim Munir on promotion to Field Marshal

ISLAMABAD, May 21 (APP):Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police have extended heartfelt congratulations to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir on his elevation to the prestigious rank of Field Marshal. A police spokesperson told APP on Wednesday that Inspector General of Police (IGP) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi praised the visionary leadership of Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir, COAS, saying: “Under his command, the Pakistan Armed Forces have effectively shattered the enemy’s arrogance through exceptional strategic planning.” He said that on behalf of every officer and personnel ofRead More