As the world marked World Ocean Day, Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, emphasized the urgent necessity for collective action from governmental and non-governmental entities, as well as communities, to confront the numerous challenges confronting Pakistan’s oceans. In a press release issued on Saturday, Ms. Alam stressed the relevance of this year’s theme, ‘Catalysing Action for Our Ocean and Climate’, particularly resonating with Pakistan’s coastal communities, whose lives and livelihoods are intricately linked to the oceans’ health and sustainability. Highlighting Pakistan’s commitment as a coastal nation to advancing marine conservation efforts, Ms. Alam acknowledged the…
Author: WebDesk
Returning from a meditation retreat at the close of India’s arduous election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflected in a column about experiencing a “boundless flow of energy” within himself. As he prepares to embark on an unprecedented third consecutive term, Modi, 73, faces the challenge of navigating a coalition government, a departure from his usual solo leadership style. For the first time in his political career, which commenced in 2001 when he assumed the role of chief minister of Gujarat, Modi must accommodate the interests of coalition partners, given his party’s failure to secure a majority on its own. Described…
The ongoing visit of the Prime Minister and federal ministers to China aims to attract investment across various sectors and foster bilateral trade activities. In Beijing, Federal Minister for Investment Board, Communications, and Privatisation, Abdul Aleem, engaged in crucial discussions with China’s CZK Huarui Group, established for over six decades. These negotiations, attended by a Pakistani delegation, resulted in the decision by high-ranking members of the Chinese business group to invest in Pakistan’s artificial intelligence, science and technology, modern agriculture, healthcare, logistics, and infrastructure sectors. Additionally, plans were outlined to enhance e-commerce in Pakistan through collaboration with China. During the…
China and Pakistan have agreed to enhance mining cooperation and advance the implementation of a pact aimed at bolstering mining development and industrial collaboration, as stated in a joint declaration from the two nations. During Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Beijing from June 4 to 8, efforts were made to elevate cooperation under the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a pivotal component of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative. Under the agreement, Chinese firms will be encouraged to invest in Pakistan’s mining sector, and there will be a focus on enhancing the development of mining industry parks, including…
The federal government is contemplating imposing restrictions on the sale of imported used vehicles in Pakistan for a duration of up to three years in the upcoming fiscal year’s budget. It’s reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a recent meeting, instructed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to address the widespread misuse of personnel baggage schemes, transfer of residence, and gift schemes concerning the import of used vehicles. Allegations suggest that these schemes are exploited for the import of used vehicles. The PM urged the FBR’s member customs policy to ensure strict adherence to import policies regarding used vehicles.…
Norway’s $1.7 trillion sovereign wealth fund announced on Saturday its intention to vote against ratifying Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s $56 billion compensation package. The package, which is slated for a shareholder vote next week, was invalidated by a Delaware judge earlier this year. As Tesla’s eighth-largest shareholder, according to LSEG data, the fund expressed concerns over Musk’s compensation, which stands as the largest for a chief executive in corporate America. Despite acknowledging the significant value generated under Musk’s leadership since the grant date in 2018, the fund cited worries regarding the total size of the award, its structure with performance…
In Islamabad, despite multiple sessions, the Tariff Policy Board of Pakistan remains undecided on removing the 5% regulatory duty on imported man-made fabric, primarily due to conflicting business interests. This hesitation challenges the government’s commitment to reducing the cost of conducting business. Sources reveal that under the leadership of Commerce Minister Jam Kamal, the Tariff Policy Board has engaged in several discussions regarding the proposal to eliminate the 5% regulatory duty on polyester filament yarn imports. Although a majority of board members support removing the duty, a final decision has yet to be reached. Unfortunately, the views of the commerce…
Reserve days are designated solely for the first semi-finals and the final in the T20 World Cup 2024. Matches in the group stage and Super 8 don’t have reserve days. In case of a delayed start due to rain or other conditions, an additional 60 or 90 minutes are allocated to complete the match. Each T20 World Cup match is confined to 20 overs per team, to be played within three hours and 10 minutes, inclusive of breaks. Different time slots for matches entail varying extra time allowances: 90 minutes for morning and afternoon games, and 60 minutes for evening…
Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat said that the department exposed fake enrollment numbers of the previous government and ensured National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) verification for all future admissions. While reviewing 100-day performance of the Education Department, he said for the first time in history, 1.2 million students were enrolled after NADRA verification within a short period and highlighted that within the first 100 days of the government, a new transfer policy for teachers was introduced in consultation with them, ensuring transparency and benefits for teachers. The education minister said that a pilot project for a nutrition programme had…
The Government of Tajikistan has named seasoned diplomat Mr. Sharifzoda Yusuf Toir as Ambassador to Pakistan. In a recent visit to the Embassy of Pakistan in Dushanbe, Mr. Toir met with Ambassador Saeed Sarwar for a courtesy meeting. During the meeting, both diplomats exchanged views on common interests and discussed strategies to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in key areas. Mr. Toir brings extensive diplomatic experience, having served in various significant positions both within Tajikistan and abroad. Previously, he served as Tajikistan’s Ambassador to South Korea, where he played a pivotal role in enhancing connectivity between the two nations. His appointment…
