ISLAMABAD, SEPT 20 (DNA) – Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet today.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari (virtual), Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Mr. Ali Pervaiz Malik, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, Governor SBP, and Chairman SECP, along with Federal Secretaries and senior officers from the concerned Ministries and Divisions.
At the outset, the Minister for Finance and Revenue shared an update on the current economic situation and macroeconomic stability achieved across all sectors of the economy. He said the currency was now in stable position with foreign exchanges at a 26-month high at the back of “very resilient and strong remittances flows”.
He said the IT exports had also stabilised at about 300 million monthly figure which was a great news for our export sector. He also lauded a steady growth in the RDAs with 165 million dollars inflows received last month.
He called the reduction in inflation to a single digit as a big story, hoping that inflation would further come down when the September data is released.
He described the situation with Current Account as very encouraging and noted the surplus of $75 million achieved in August. He hoped that with softer oil prices, a softer dollar and an aggressive rate cut which had already been reduced by 450bps, the current account situation would continue to be in a good position.
The Minister also spoke about the rejection by the government of all bids for treasury bills on Wednesday, saying the move was aimed at conveying the message that the government was under no desperation to borrow, and if it were to borrow, it would borrow at its own terms.
He urged the banking system to focus on lending to the private sector. He said the 450bps cut in policy rate and the resultant ease in borrowing would help the government reduce its single largest expenditure of debt servicing, and create room for the banking sector to step up and lend aggressively to the private sector.
Senator Muhamamd Aurangzeb also referred to the IMF Board meeting scheduled on 25th, saying that with the prayers of the nation and efforts made by the Prime Minister in association with bilateral partners, our local teams, administration and all our institutions, we would hear a good news on 25th and move on from there.
He noted that macroeconomic stability was not an end itself but a means to an end. He called it the basic hygiene and the building blocks that provide foundation to the whole edifice. We would move in the right direction on the basis of this approach, and ensure gradual stability in the micro sectors as well, he added.
Later, during the meeting, the ECC considered a summary from the Ministry of Industries and Production regarding the export of 40,000 metric tons of sugar to Tajikistan. In principle, the ECC approved the proposal; however, it directed that after further discussions with the Tajik entity, the final form of the sale agreement be brought back to the ECC for approval. Additionally, the Ministry of Industries and Production, in conjunction with the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP), will lead this process.
The ECC also reviewed and approved another proposal from the Ministry of Industries and Production regarding the further export of 0.100 million metric tons of surplus sugar. The meeting was told that the price of sugar as per PBS data had shown a downward trend since July while sufficient stocks of sugar were available to meet domestic requirements up to January next year. After detailed discussions and deliberations, the ECC approved the export in line with the terms and conditions already decided by the ECC in its meeting on 13 June 2024.
In another agenda item, the ECC also reviewed a proposal from the Ministry of Interior concerning the release of funds through a Technical Supplementary Grant for Project Implementation Letters of HQ Frontier Corps (FC), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (South). The ECC gave approval for the funds amounting to Rs. 456.600 million, and it will be released as Grant-in-Aid to the Interior Division for onward disbursement to HQ FC (South) in D.I. Khan for construction of eight women facilities in tribal districts.

ISLAMABAD, Sep 20 (APP):President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday paid tribute to the security forces for carrying out anti-terror operations in North and South Waziristan and eliminating Khawarij (terrorists).

The president reiterated the nation’s resolve to purge the country of terrorists and paid tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the operations.

“The sacrifices of soldiers for their homeland will never be squandered. The security forces will keep up fighting till the elimination of terrorism in toto. The whole nation stands by its security forces to curb this scourge,” the president remarked.

He also expressed sympathies for the bereaved families and prayed to Allah Almighty for the elevation of martyrs’ ranks in paradise.

ISLAMABAD, SEPT 20 (DNA) – Pakistan’s future growth is dependent on establishing a clear national direction that integrates positive nation-building efforts into every policy decision. This direction is crucial for resolving the country’s governance crisis, fostering ideological unity, and leveraging the nation’s untapped potential in emerging sectors like tourism and technology.

Additionally, Pakistan needs to adopt a unified, whole-of-nation approach in policy decisions and reforms to overcome the complex challenges accumulated over the past seven decades.

This was the central message delivered by senior former diplomats, Ambassador (r) Sardar Masood Khan, former president of AJK, and Ambassador (r) Masood Khalid during the annual meeting of National Advisory Council (NAC) of the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad. The forum was moderated by Ambassador (r) Syed Abrar Hussain, vice chairman IPS, and chaired by Khalid Rahman, chairman IPS. The yearly gathering aims to garner intellectual input from veteran practitioners for IPS’ research activities and realistic ideas regarding national issues.

Ambassador Masood Khalid highlighted Pakistan’s policy-making crisis, stressing that “policies made in silos” lead to weak coordination and ineffective implementation. He highlighted the absence of strategic clarity and the internal tension between reformists seeking change and those clinging to the status quo as major barriers to progress. According to him, this tug-of-war reflects a deeper crisis within Pakistan’s policy-making framework.

One such example is Pakistan’s approach to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). While CPEC presents a unique window of opportunity, the lack of coherent, strategic policies jeopardizes its potential. He stressed that if not managed attentively and diligently, CPEC could become a missed opportunity, reflecting broader policy dysfunction. To capitalize on such opportunities, Pakistan must create an enabling environment that fosters ease of business, particularly for Chinese investments.

Ambassador Khalid urged civil society, especially the research community, to engage with political stakeholders more proactively. Such outreach, he noted, could help inform better policy decisions, ultimately leading to a more coordinated and effective governance system.

In his remarks, Ambassador Masood Khan focused on the ideological foundations of Pakistan, stressing that nation-building must be prioritized to strengthen national unity and identity. “As an ideological state, Pakistan must assert its core principles with confidence,” he stated. He warned of the growing ideological disunity among both the leadership and the general populace.

While drawing lessons from the global shift toward economic priorities, particularly in Muslim countries, Ambassador Khan argued that Pakistan must find a balance, learning from these trends while staying true to its ideological roots. He emphasized the need for developing indigenous infrastructure in literature, media, and law enforcement to better communicate and uphold national values.

Ambassador Khan also highlighted the dangers posed by negativity and information warfare, which he said contribute to strategic paralysis in the country. To counter these challenges, he called for a positive, forward-looking national direction that reasserts Pakistan’s core ideological values and emphasizes constructive nation-building.

Ambassador Abrar Hussain underscored the critical role of inclusive dialogue in addressing Pakistan’s pressing challenges. He endorsed the need for collective wisdom and a unified approach to bridge gaps in policy-making, urging closer collaboration between policymakers, researchers, and civil society to ensure more cohesive and strategic policy-making.

The diplomats agreed that the path forward requires not only clear national goals but also a robust communication strategy to convey Pakistan’s perspective on both domestic and international fronts.

Looking ahead to the opportunities of the digital age, they stressed the importance of technological advancement for Pakistan’s economic and diplomatic future. It was noted that Pakistan has the third-largest cohort of freelancers globally, representing a significant opportunity for growth. The speakers advocated for better policies and investments in technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), e-commerce, and generative AI, which could drive both economic and diplomatic success. 

ISLAMABAD: Hours after the federal cabinet’s approval, President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday signed the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Amendment Ordinance 2024 into law.

Earlier, the cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, okayed the much-debated ordinance.

The federal cabinet adopted the ordinance “through a circulation” after the Ministry of Law had sent it to the prime minister and cabinet Thursday night.

The ordinance said the court bench would look at the cases keeping in view the fundamental human rights and public importance.Play Video

As per the ordinance, each case will be heard on its turn otherwise reason will be furnished for its taking out of turn.

“Each case and appeal will be recorded and its transcript will be prepared, which will be available to the public,” it also stated.

Earlier, sources told The News that the ordinance would give the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) additional power to appoint cases. The top judge would have the authority to nominate a judge as a member of a committee, if a member of the committee is absent, they said.

According to the Practice and Procedure Act, a three-member committee constitutes the benches. The sources had apprised the publication that the law ministry had prepared the amendment ordinance and forwarded it to the cabinet for approval.

Sub-clause 1 of the Act’s Section 2 has been incorporated in the law, according to which the Practice and Procedure Act Committee will fix the cases for hearing. The body will comprise the chief justice, the most senior judge and the judge nominated by the chief justice.

The ordinance also includes an amendment in Section 3 of the Act.

What is Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act 2023?

The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) passed the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act 2023, during the last days of its government to regulate the chief justice’s powers.

But they met a setback as even before the law was enacted on April 21, 2023, an eight-member bench constituted by then-CJP Umar Ata Bandial issued a stay order on it on April 13, 2023.

The law gave the power of taking sou motu notice to a three-member committee comprising senior judges including the chief justice. It further aimed to have transparent proceedings in the apex court and includes the right to appeal.

Regarding the constitution of benches, the law stated that every cause, matter or appeal before the apex court would be heard and disposed of by a bench constituted by a committee comprising the CJP and the two senior-most judges.

It added that the decisions of the committee would be taken by a majority.

Regarding exercising the apex court’s original jurisdiction, the Act stated that any matter invoking the use of Article 184(3) would first be placed before the committee.

On matters where the interpretation of the Constitution is required, the Act stated the committee would compose a bench comprising no less than five apex court judges.

About appeals for any verdict by an apex court bench that exercised Article 184(3)’s jurisdiction, the Act said that the appeal would lie within 30 days of the bench’s order to a larger SC bench. It added that the appeal would be fixed for hearing within a period not exceeding 14 days.

The Act additionally said that a party would have the right to appoint its counsel of choice for filing a review application under Article 188 of the Constitution.

Furthermore, it stated that an application pleading urgency or seeking interim relief, filed in a cause, appeal, or matter, shall be fixed for hearing within 14 days from the date of its filing.

However, the law had the provision that this right of appeal would also extend retrospectively to those aggrieved persons against whom an order was made under Article 184(3) prior to the commencement of the Act, but the court has struck it down.

RAWALPINDI, 20 Sept (DNA) – On 19/20 September 2024, two fierce encounters took place between own troops and the terrorists in North and South Waziristan Districts, resulting in killing of twelve Khwarij.

On 19 September, movement of group of seven terrorists, trying to infiltrate Pakistan-Afghanistan border, was detected by security forces in general area Spinwam, North Waziristan District. The infiltrators were surrounded, effectively engaged and after an intense fire exchange, all seven khwarij were sent to hell. A large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives was also recovered.

In a second incident in general area Ladha, South Waziristan District, a group of khwarij attacked a security forces’ post. Own troops fought bravely, foiling the attempts of intrusion and killed five Khwarij. However, during intense exchange of fire, six brave sons of soil, having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat.

Sanitization operations are being conducted to eliminate any other Kharji present in the area, as security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthens our resolve.

Qamar Bashir

During his last debate with Kamala Harris, Donald Trump made two fundamental mistakes. First, his tirade against the Russia-Ukraine war lacked depth and coherence. Second, his venomous rhetoric against immigrants failed to distinguish between legal and illegal immigration. His positions on both critical issues were shallow, unsupported by evidence, and lacked cogent arguments. His poor articulation of these topics further highlighted his ignorance, which may severely damage his chances of retaining the presidency of one of the world’s most powerful nations, the United States of America.

Moreover, Trump appeared unaware of the significant impact immigrant voters can have on the election. Immigrants can either swing the vote in his favor, shift it towards Kamala Harris, or choose not to vote at all. His alienation of this crucial demographic could prove to be a critical miscalculation in the upcoming election.

Currently, I am staying in Macomb, Michigan, where the sentiment among immigrants, both new and longstanding, is largely negative towards Trump. This hostility has intensified, especially after hearing his inflammatory and offensive remarks, where he labeled all immigrants as “dog and cat eaters.” These derogatory comments have deeply alienated the immigrant community here.

The demographic of Michigan state is very interesting. Out of the total population of 10 million the black and immigrants make up 25% of the population. The immigrant population in the U.S., especially in key swing states like Michigan, is growing and becoming a more politically active and decisive voting bloc. Immigrant communities from South Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and East Asia are playing an increasingly prominent role in elections.

Trump’s anti-immigrant policies, such as the Muslim travel ban, his derogatory rhetoric about Mexican immigrants, and his hardline stance on border security, have alienated many immigrant and minority groups. These voters view Trump as a threat to their communities, families, and values, which was reflected in increased minority voter turnout against him in 2020. This alienation is likely to persist, if not intensify, in the upcoming election.

 Kamala Harris, as a woman of South Asian and Jamaican descent, holds particular significance for immigrant communities. Her nomination and vice presidency represent a historic milestone in the U.S. political landscape, and her background could galvanize South Asian, African-American, and Caribbean-American voters. Harris’s candidacy could act as a rallying point for immigrant and minority voters, particularly those who see her as an advocate for civil rights, immigration reform, and inclusive policies.

In Michigan, immigrant and minority voters are concentrated in urban areas like Detroit, Dearborn, and Ann Arbor. Arab-American voters, particularly from the Lebanese, Syrian, and Yemeni communities in Dearborn, have historically played a decisive role in local and national elections. Similarly, the South Asian population in suburban Detroit is growing and becoming more politically engaged.

Given the state’s narrow margins in recent elections, the mobilization of immigrant voters could be crucial. In 2020, Joe Biden won Michigan by around 154,000 votes. Immigrant and minority voters, particularly in urban centers, contributed significantly to this victory. If the Democratic Party can further energize these communities, particularly through the candidacy of Kamala Harris, it could more than compensate for any losses among the white working-class voters Trump retains.

In Michigan in particular and across the USA in general, the white vote is no longer a monolithic bloc. Trump continues to enjoy strong support among white working-class voters, particularly those without a college degree, due to his populist message on trade and immigration. However, college-educated whites, particularly in suburban areas, are increasingly turning away from Trump’s more extreme positions on race, immigration, and governance.

Applying the theory of a divided white vote and a unified immigrant vote across the U.S. in 2024 gives much deeper insights into Harris’s potential gains.

Texas has a large Latino and South Asian population. Latino voters, in particular, are a significant force in Texas, making up about 40% of the population. A 3-5% immigrant vote swing in Harris’s favor could be enough to make Texas a competitive state.

Florida has a large Latino (primarily Cuban-American and Puerto Rican) and immigrant population. Harris could see gains in South Florida if she can energize Latino voters with policies on immigration, economic opportunity, and healthcare. Potential Gain for Harris: 2-4% swing, particularly in Miami-Dade and Orlando regions, could bring Florida back into the Democratic column.

Arizona has a sizable Latino population and saw Joe Biden win in 2020. Harris could potentially build on this success by increasing turnout among Latino and younger immigrant voters. A 2-3% increase in immigrant turnout could solidify Arizona as a Democratic win.

Georgia has seen a growing Black and immigrant population, particularly Latinos and Asians in the Atlanta metro area. A 2-4% increase in turnout among Black, Latino, and Asian communities could help secure Georgia for Harris.

Pennsylvania has a smaller immigrant population compared to some other states, but urban centers like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have significant Black and Latino communities. A 1-2% gain among immigrants and urban voters could solidify her hold on the state.

Immigrant voters, especially from South Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and East Asia, are becoming a politically decisive bloc in key swing states. Many immigrants view Harris, the daughter of South Asian and Jamaican immigrants, as a symbol of inclusivity and progress, and her candidacy could galvanize these voters, particularly in states like Michigan, Texas, Florida, and Georgia, where immigrant populations are significant.

The potential for Harris to increase voter turnout among first-generation immigrants and young voters could be a game-changer in battleground states. Immigrant and minority communities in Michigan, for example, were instrumental in Joe Biden’s 2020 victory, and similar turnout in 2024 could be decisive.

Ultimately, if Harris can capitalize on a divided white electorate and the growing political power of immigrant voters, she stands to gain a 2-4% increase in key swing states. This shift could tip the balance in her favor, particularly in states like Arizona, Georgia, and Pennsylvania, where narrow margins have defined recent elections.

Qamar Bashir

Former Press Secretary to the President

Former Press Minister to the Embassy of Pakistan to France

Former MD, SRBC, CEO, ATV

ISLAMABAD, SEPT 18 (DNA) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call today from King Charles III. The King formally invited the Prime Minister to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa in October. Accepting the invitation, the Prime Minister said that the CHOGM in Samoa would be a significant moment in the history of the Commonwealth, being the first summit that the King would chair since becoming Head of the Commonwealth.

Prime Minister Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the Commonwealth and the values enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter. He said that the CHOGM in Samoa would provide a forum to discuss opportunities for enhancing intra-Commonwealth cooperation on a number of important issues, such as fostering sustainable development, strengthening democratic institutions, and empowering Commonwealth youth.

Noting the King’s longstanding interest in environmental issues and various initiatives for climate sustainability, the Prime Minister said that he particularly looked forward to engaging with Commonwealth leaders on climate change, especially as Pakistan is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

The Prime Minister also inquired after the King’s health and conveyed his best wishes for Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales, who had successfully completed her treatment.

Recalling the fond memories of the King’s last visit to Pakistan, when he was the Prince of Wales, the Prime Minister hoped that the King and Her Majesty The Queen would visit Pakistan soon.