Finance Minister laid out a comprehensive three-pronged strategy to effectively implement the Sevilla Outcome and foster meaningful progress. As a first step, he stressed the need for urgent execution of priority actions to transition from pledges to tangible delivery

DNA

MADIRD: DFederal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, has called for a renewed global commitment to revitalising international development cooperation to meet the aspirations of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Speaking at a Multistakeholder Round Table during the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Sevilla, Spain, the Minister emphasised that such revitalisation is not merely desirable but essential at this pivotal juncture for global development.

In his remarks, the Finance Minister laid out a comprehensive three-pronged strategy to effectively implement the Sevilla Outcome and foster meaningful progress. As a first step, he stressed the need for urgent execution of priority actions to transition from pledges to tangible delivery. This, he noted, must involve greater country ownership of development agendas, with national strategies taking precedence over donor-driven models. Aligning frameworks with domestic priorities is key to ensuring sustainability and relevance on the ground.

The Minister further underscored the importance of expanding access to concessional and blended financing—particularly for climate initiatives and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)-related investments—in order to catalyse private capital in fiscally constrained developing countries. He called for a thorough reform of the global financial architecture, urging multilateral development banks, international financial institutions, and credit rating agencies to better reflect countries’ reform efforts, climate vulnerabilities, and developmental ambitions in their lending terms and assessments.

Senator Aurangzeb also highlighted the need for a paradigm shift in how development cooperation is approached within developing countries themselves. He advocated moving away from input-focused models towards strategies that are results-oriented and linked to measurable development outcomes. He urged the integration of cross-cutting themes such as climate resilience, gender equity, and digital inclusion into development plans, while emphasising the need to scale up South-South and triangular cooperation through context-specific, peer-driven solutions rather than externally imposed frameworks.

As a third key measure, the Minister proposed the establishment of global delivery mechanisms to accelerate implementation of the Sevilla Commitments. These could include expanded blended finance platforms designed to de-risk private investment through instruments such as guarantees, first-loss capital, and outcome-linked bonds. He called for the formation of new multi-stakeholder partnerships that would bring together governments, development banks, philanthropic entities, and private investors around shared, measurable goals. Additionally, the Minister recommended setting up a dedicated global facility or task force tasked with monitoring and fast-tracking the Sevilla action agenda, complete with timelines, assigned responsibilities, and robust accountability systems.

Concluding his address, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fostering inclusive and results-driven partnerships. He urged the international community to move decisively from rhetoric to action, stating, “Let us resolve today to drive this transformation together.”

ISLAMABAD, JUL 2 /DNA/ – In a landmark move toward gender-inclusive economic transformation, changemakers from government, industry, and innovation spaces came together for the launch of WECON Policy Recommendations Report; a comprehensive analysis of the systemic barriers that continue to exclude women from entrepreneurship and a roadmap for structural change.

Developed through extensive consultations with women entrepreneurs, ecosystem builders, and financial experts, the WECON 2025 Policy Recommendations Report (2025) builds on alarming data that highlights the deep-rooted gender gaps in Pakistan’s entrepreneurial landscape: 91% of women have never applied for a business loan, and women-led enterprises received only 3.2% of total SME financing in 2022. Despite comprising nearly half of the population, women account for less than 1% of formally recognized entrepreneurs; a reflection not just of inequality, but of a system never built with women in mind.

At the launch event, held on June 27th, 2025 at the National Incubation Center, Islamabad and attended by Senior representatives and experts from the public and private sector stakeholders including Ignite National Technology Fund,  NAVTTC, World Bank, P@sha, TDAP, SIFC, PSW, RCCi, IWCCI, GIZ Pakistan, Hashoo Foundation, British Council, Mobilink Microfinance bank, Dubai Islamic Bank,  VISA, NUST, Set Pakistan, Mashreq Bank, NUST, S&P global, Cybervision International; attendees reviewed findings and engaged in dialogue on actionable next steps. The discussion emphasized the urgency of moving from recognition to reform.

“It’s time for Pakistan to move beyond promises and start designing equitable policies that truly include women in the country’s economic future,” said Sayyed Ahmad Masud, Director, Change Mechanics Pvt. Ltd., the organization behind WECON.

The report outlines multiple key areas for reform including but not limited to: inclusive financial access through collateral-free loans; digital equity via subsidized internet, devices, and literacy programs; capacity-building tailored to women’s mobility and time; simplified & incentivized business registration in Urdu and mobile formats for women; Human (Women) Centered Design Approach for program development, and a centralized PORTAL to provide one-window access to funding, mentorship, legal aid, and learning.

Globally, women-founded startups receive less than 3% of total venture capital funding. In Pakistan, this gap is even wider due to limited networks, lack of visibility, and systemic underinvestment in women-led ventures. The report stresses that equity is not a side note it must be the foundation of all entrepreneurship policy going forward.

 “We cannot afford to leave half the population on the sidelines, not morally, not economically. When women thrive, communities thrive, and so does the economy,” added Sayyed Ahmad Masud while addressing the audience. ‘The WECON 2025 Policy Report contributes to a broader and ongoing national conversation on inclusive economic and institutional development. Rather than existing in isolation, the report draws from lived experiences of stakeholders working at grassroots level , up to decision making leaders and field data to inform structural reform. It is intended as a resource for policymakers, financial institutions, and ecosystem stakeholders working to address the persistent underrepresentation of women in entrepreneurship. By offering targeted, evidence-based recommendations, the report seeks to support existing policy frameworks and inspire new approaches that center equity as a foundational principle to increase the number of women entrepreneurs in the country.

ISLAMABAD, JUL 1 /DNA/ – The 12th meeting of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Board was held at CDA Headquarters, Islamabad, under the chairmanship of Chairman CDA, Chief Commissioner Islamabad and DG Civil Defense, Muhammad Ali Randhawa. The meeting was attended by CDA Board members, the Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad and other senior officers of CDA.

Several agenda items were discussed during the 12th CDA Board meeting, the details of which are as follows:

The Board reviewed the current transfer fees, registration fees and stamp duties on urban properties within CDA’s jurisdiction, rural properties in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), housing societies and other real estate assets. It was decided that appropriate recommendations should be made after due diligence in accordance with law.

The Board decided to seek guidance from the Establishment Division and Cabinet Division regarding the adjustment of maintenance staff of PWD to CDA, so that future course of action regarding PWD maintenance staff will be considered as per law.

The Board approved a comprehensive feasibility plan to operationalize the Gandhara Heritage and Cultural Center in F-9 Park at the earliest.
Chairman CDA stated that the revenue generated from this project would be utilized for the welfare of Islamabad’s citizens, this providing them with better facilities as well as for the city’s development and beautification.

In order to implement the decision of the Honourable Islamabad High Court, the Board approved the issuance of an NOC for Plot No. 676D-12/2, as per Writ Petition No. 2214/2022 titled “Hussan Bano vs. FGEHA, etc.”

The Board also approved the request for return of the money deposited in lieu of plot allotted to Motamar Al-Alam Al-Islami some years ago.
It is worth mentioning that the amount to be refunded to Motamar Al-Alam Al-Islami is less than the current value of plot.

Additionally, the Board approved the allocation of an alternative plot in lieu of Plot No. 39, I-10/3, Islamabad, in compliance with the Islamabad High Court’s decision.

Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa said that the top priority of CDA is development, prosperity and beautification of Islamabad in order to transform it into a model capital of the world. Therefore all resources are being utilised to meet the residential, transportation, and recreational needs of the public at their doorstep.

DNA

MADRID, JUL 1: Aurangzeb Calls for Equitable Global Financial Reforms and Scaled-Up Development Support at FFD4 Conference in Spain

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, represented Pakistan at the plenary session of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) held in Sevilla, Spain.

The conference, convened to address the widening gap in financing for sustainable development, served as a global platform for countries to present national perspectives and outline their contributions and expectations regarding sustainable development financing. In his address to the conference, Senator Aurangzeb articulated Pakistan’s priorities, challenges, and reform efforts, while calling for urgent and coordinated global action to strengthen the international financial architecture in line with the principles of equity, solidarity, and inclusivity.

The Finance Minister acknowledged the scale of global challenges currently facing developing countries and pointed to a confluence of pressures—deepening debt vulnerabilities, accelerating climate impacts, and the reversal of hard-won development gains—that have further widened the global SDG financing gap.

ISLAMABAD: The Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) on Tuesday approved the appointments of permanent chief justices for four high courts, sources told Geo News on Tuesday.

The JCP meeting, headed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, convened to consider the nominations for high court appointments.

The top judicial body approved Justice Atiq Shah as the new chief justice of the Peshawar High Court (PHC), while Justice Rozi Khan has been endorsed for the top post at the Balochistan High Court (BHC).

Justice Junaid Ghaffar, the senior-most judge of the Sindh High Court (SHC), has been elevated as its new chief justice.

In addition, Justice Sarfraz Dogar has been approved as the permanent chief justice of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), sources said.

Justice Atiq Shah’s nomination was endorsed by 11 of the 16 members of the commission. He is currently the second most senior judge at the PHC.

However, Supreme Court judges Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Muneeb Akhtar opposed his nomination. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s law minister and two members affiliated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) also expressed their dissent.

The JCP has formally notified the Prime Minister’s Office of its approval for the appointment of permanent chief justices for four high courts.

In February, five IHC judges had moved the apex court against the appointment of Justice Dogar as the acting chief justice of IHC, as well as the transfer of three high court judges to their court.

The plea was filed by Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani, Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, Justice Babar Sattar, Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan and Justice Saman Riffat Imtiaz.

However, the top court, on June 19, dismissed pleas filed against the transfer of judges and ruled that Justice Dogar could continue to work as IHC’s acting chief justice. Following this, the judges filed a review petition, which is pending.

ISLAMABAD, JUL 1 /DNA/ – “The 2025 crisis was a reminder that while full-scale war may be avoided due to nuclear deterrence, the threat of limited conflict persists under the stability-instability paradox,” Dr. Adil Sultan, an expert on nuclear studies, remarked. A high-level roundtable recently held at the Institute of Regional Studies featured prominent national security and strategic experts.

The experts discussed growing concerns over the recurring confrontational pattern between Pakistan and India. The dialogue emphasized the critical need for robust deterrence, regional diplomacy, and a calibrated response to emerging security threats.

Dr. Adil Sultan critically examined the notion of a ‘new normal’ in India-Pakistan conflict dynamics, arguing that acknowledging such a concept would only legitimize future unilateral actions by India. He credited Pakistan’s measured yet firm response in 2019 for preserving regional stability and reaffirmed that nuclear deterrence remains the cornerstone of peace.

Major General (Retd.) Samraiz Salik observed that confrontations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors tend to follow a pattern of recurrence every 5–10 years, fueled by India’s aggressive regional posture and ‘perceived’ strategic advantage. ‘Pakistan’s superior cyber capabilities and expanding diplomatic outreach have been a decisive factor in the recent Indo-Pakistan escalation’ noted Major General Samreez Salik. He warned that disruptions within Pakistan, particularly attempts to derail the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), often coincide with these escalations.

The President of IRS, Ambassador Jauhar Saleem noted that India’s adoption of a new offensive doctrine, combined with inspiration from US and Israeli pre-emptive strike models, signals a doctrinal shift. Ajit Doval’s “offensive capability” statements and India’s actions post-Pulwama indicate a deliberate effort to test thresholds and shape battlefield narratives.

Dr. Zia Ul Haque Shamsi highlighted the ideological transformation within India, characterizing the Modi administration’s policies as shifting the country from a secular republic to an extremist Hindu state. He cautioned that such transformations not only polarize India internally but also contribute to erratic and irresponsible behavior on the regional stage. “India’s belligerence, masked by its projected role as a counterweight to China, has gained it unchecked Western support—both diplomatically and militarily,” he stated.

Referring to past confrontations in 1999, 2005, 2008, 2016, and 2019, Dr. Shamsi pointed out that the current trajectory is dangerously similar, underlining that peace hinges on the success of either diplomacy or deterrence. When both fail, conflict becomes inevitable.

The roundtable concluded with a unanimous call for sustained bilateral dialogue between Pakistan and India. Drawing parallels with Cold War diplomacy, the participants stressed that continuous engagement is indispensable for de-escalation and long-term conflict resolution. However, experts highlighted pertinence of economic security for the country to counter any impending challenge.