Pakistani | Business Upturn

Nawaz Sharif announces economic reform for Pakistan’s government

Aishi Saha — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 16:07:42 +0000

In a pivotal announcement, former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif highlighted the urgent need for economic revival as the primary focus of the forthcoming government led by his party. Sharif emphasized that addressing the nation’s economic challenges would serve as the linchpin for resolving various issues confronting the country.

During his address to the media at the Parliament House, Sharif underscored the pivotal role of economic stability in alleviating Pakistan’s multifaceted problems. He expressed confidence that a robust economic strategy would serve as a catalyst for comprehensive progress and development across all sectors.

Sharif’s commitment to economic reform comes at a crucial juncture for Pakistan, as the nation grapples with significant financial strains exacerbated by years of economic turmoil. Despite recent efforts to avert default with the assistance of international donors, Pakistan’s economy remains in uncertainty, necessitating decisive action from the incoming government.

Moreover, Sharif’s party, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has nominated his younger brother, Shehbaz Sharif, as the prime ministerial candidate for a coalition government. This strategic move underscores the party’s resolve to prioritize effective governance and economic revitalization under Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership.

Sharif’s vision for economic reform extends beyond short-term measures, aiming to establish a sustainable framework for long-term prosperity and stability. By advocating for prudent fiscal policies and targeted interventions, the new government seeks to lay the groundwork for inclusive growth and socio-economic development.

However, the path to economic recovery is fraught with challenges, including entrenched systemic issues, fiscal imbalances, and external pressures. Overcoming these obstacles will require concerted efforts, bold reforms, and collaboration with international partners to unlock Pakistan’s full economic potential.

As the nation prepares for a new era of governance, the PML-N’s parliamentary meeting, chaired by Nawaz Sharif, will play a pivotal role in formulating strategies for the National Assembly’s inaugural session. This gathering serves as a platform for deliberating on key priorities and charting a cohesive agenda to address Pakistan’s pressing economic concerns.

Nawaz Sharif’s commitment to economic reform underscores the pivotal role of economic stability in Pakistan’s journey towards progress and prosperity. A the nation embarks on a new chapter, the collective efforts of all stakeholders will be essential in realizing the vision of a vibrant and resilient economy that empowers all citizens.

Election Commission of Pakistan probes allegations of rigging

Aishi Saha — Sun, 18 Feb 2024 07:56:03 +0000

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has initiated a thorough investigation into accusations of widespread rigging leveled by former Rawalpindi commissioner Liaquat Ali Chattha, implicating the judiciary and top election officials in favoring the Nawaz Sharif-led PML-N during the recent elections.

Chattha’s allegations, asserting the manipulation of election results in collaboration with judiciary and election authorities, led to his resignation, amidst nationwide protests by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) supporters, denouncing the purported electoral misconduct.

Chattha stated that he was taking responsibility for the wrongdoing and asserted that the chief election commissioner and the chief justice were also completely involved in the matter, as reported by Dawn.

However, the ECP promptly refuted Chattha’s claims, asserting that neither the chief election commissioner nor any election official issued instructions to alter election results, and commissioners are not directly involved in electoral processes.

The newly appointed Commissioner of Rawalpindi, Saif Anwar Jappa, clarified Chattha’s role as merely coordinating elections.

In response, PML-N leader Marriyum Aurangzeb emphasized the necessity of evidence and official channels for addressing electoral grievances.

PTI voiced dissatisfaction, alleging that their initial parliamentary majority was diminished due to electoral irregularities.

Other parties, including Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) and Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), echoed concerns of rigging.

Protests, now in their eighth day in Quetta and Dera Murad Jamali, with a notable presence of women, persist despite the reopening of major highways.

However, sections of the Quetta-Chaman and Quetta-Taftan highways remain blocked, causing inconvenience to travellers.

In the election aftermath, over 90 independent candidates supported by PTI secured victories, forming the largest parliamentary bloc, while PML-N and PPP secured 75 and 54 seats respectively.

Nevertheless, PML-N and PPP are poised to establish a coalition government with the support of four additional political parties.

As the ECP delves into the allegations and the political landscape adjusts to post-election dynamics, the integrity of Pakistan’s electoral process remains under scrutiny, with implications for the country’s democratic governance and political stability.

Pakistan’s opposition to FMCT derails disarmament progress at Geneva conference

Aishi Saha — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 06:52:25 +0000

Pakistan has once again stirred controversy at the Conference of Disarmament (CD) in Geneva by obstructing the adoption of the ‘2024 Program of Work’ proposed by India, despite the absence of any mention of the Fissile-Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT) in the proposal. The CD operates on the principle of consensus, and Pakistan’s opposition effectively halted the program’s progression.

Pakistan’s reluctance to sign the FMCT, citing concerns about its military stance vis-à-vis India, has been a recurring point of contention. This move by Islamabad drew sharp criticism, with veteran disarmament diplomats denouncing it as “bloody-mindedness” without substantive justification.

During India’s one-month presidency from January 21 to February 20, efforts were made to craft a document through consultations to ensure the program’s success. However, Pakistan’s consistent obstructionism thwarted these efforts. Notably, the last Program of Work adopted by the CD was in 2022.

At the recent Plenary meeting, Pakistan’s opposition to the proposed Program of Work once again became evident, further stalling progress on disarmament and arms control initiatives, a pattern it has maintained over the years. Despite support from major powers like the U.S., France, Russia, UK, and even China, Pakistan’s refusal to endorse the proposal raised questions among delegations present.

In a statement, Pakistan’s representative emphasized the country’s objection to being singled out as the sole dissenting member state. The representative highlighted concerns about the CD’s fixation on the FMCT and the Shannon Mandate, which Pakistan views as limiting the forum’s scope.

India, on the other hand, acknowledged the compromise made to accommodate Pakistan’s concerns within the proposed Program of Work. The Indian envoy stressed the need for inclusivity and compromise to move forward with substantive work in a balanced manner.

China, Pakistan’s steadfast ally, refrained from criticising Islamabad’s stance, instead advocating for consensus-based decision-making that respects the red lines of all delegations, including Pakistan.

The deadlock at the CD underscores the challenges in achieving consensus on crucial disarmament issues and the need for diplomatic efforts to bridge divergent perspectives and interests. Despite setbacks, the pursuit of meaningful dialogue and cooperation remains imperative in addressing global security challenges.

Suspected Pakistani drone spotted by BSF Jawans in district of Jammu & Kashmir

Dipankar Ray — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 07:20:28 +0000

On Thursday, 9th June 2022 a suspected Pakistani Drone was spotted by a group of BSF Jawans in the Arnia District of Jammu and Kashmir. Moreover, during the early hours of the day, reported by PTI. The BSF Troops were reported of shooting various rounds of fire at the drone. The drone was at a height of 300 meters when the forces open fired. An extensive search has started in the Arnia district in search of explosives and other dangerous materials.

“A blinking light suspected to be from a drone was observed in Arnia area. (Along the International Border) about 04:15 hours today”. A BSF spokesperson said. “Alert BSF troops fired at the flying object which was at a height of about 300 meters, causing it to withdraw”. He added.

This drone spot came at perhaps the same time when Jammu & Kashmir Police had recovered parts of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Dropped by a Pakistani drone in the Kanchak District of the Jammu and Kashmir region. This drone was carrying a payload consisting of three magnetic IEDs. That were put inside a tiffin box. With the timer set to various intervals of 3 hours, 8 hours, and so on. Through a controlled explosion, the IED was disabled and dispersed by the BSF contingent.

Forces have also shot down several drones in the recent past in the Samba and Kathua districts of the J&K region. The payload carried by these drones were mostly consisting of IEDs, rifles, and ticky bombs. In April the BSF had shot down a drone entering from Pakistan. Wich was carrying a payload of heroin to deliver to Punjab’s Amritsar.

“The threat of drones is present everywhere along the Indo-Pakistan border but security forces are alert to foil any nefarious design from across the border in the region,” a senior BSF official told PTI on Monday.

The sticky bombs that were recovered from drones were also found in other places around the district. This has significantly increased the risk for the people in the region. Especially during the upcoming Amarnath yatra which is set to begin on June 30.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan challenges PM Modi for a live TV debate

Mymun Malik — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 04:11:45 +0000

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday expressed his desire to have a face-to-face television debate with Narendra Modi to solve age-old differences; he made the comment while being interviewed by a Russian channel called RT on his maiden 2-day visit to Russia.

It’s for the first time in 20 years any Pakistani supremo has made the voyage to meet the Russian premier. He is to meet Russian President Putin to discuss pressing regional and overall International issues.

“I would love to debate with Narendra Modi on TV,” expressed Imran Khan. His statement comes on the pretext of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) session that kicked off on 21st February. The FATF plenary will check Pakistan’s efforts in stopping terror financing and laundering of money.

He said that what better way to show a billion population across the borders than the leaders of both the countries trying to solve an issue that has been running since time immemorial.

Khan said reminding the reporters that when his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf formed the government in 2018 he urged Indian supremos to discuss and resolve the prevailing Kashmir issue. He claims India had shown a cold shoulder to his requests.

After a terror attack (by terrorist groups of Pakistan) on the Pathankot Air Force Base in 2016, Indo-Pak ties had deteriorated further. If that wasn’t enough damage another offensive at the Indian Army camp in Uri exacerbated the situation between both countries.

India responded with a warplane taking down the Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp somewhere in a discreet location in Pakistan on February 26th, 2019; this was in retaliation to the Pulwama attacks where India lost 40 of its bravest soldiers.

Indo-Pak relations were treading on thin ice when India pull back the special status enjoyed by J&K and divided the whole state into 2 union territories in the month of August in 2019.

Indian leaders made a clear statement to Pakistan leadership that J&K come what may will remain an important part of India. And to at once stop all terrorist activities to acquire J&K and to stop negative propaganda about India.

New Delhi wants to have peaceful relations with Islamabad to ensure the flow of trade and commerce flourish between both countries. Very recently Pakistan’s top advisor Abdul Razak Dawood had stated that business bilateral ties with India are of prime importance to Pakistan.

Imran Khan also expressed his solidarity with Ukraine and hopes to see diplomacy of the highest order to avert the Russian invasion. He said nothing could come out of military power. He feels civilized leadership solves any crisis via dialogue and peacekeeping mission, only barbaric and uneducated leaders take to the military invention.