DAVOS, JAN 21 /DNA/ – Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Muhammad Aurangzeb, had an informal tete-a-tete with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tunisia, Mohamed Ali Nafti, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum annual meeting.
The brief interaction focused on fostering bilateral relations and exploring avenues of mutual interest between Pakistan and Tunisia. Both sides expressed their willingness to strengthen cooperation in various sectors.
RAWALPINDI, JAN 21 /DNA/ – Pakistani Ambassador to Saudi Arabia H.E. Ahmed Farooq visited the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), where he was warmly welcomed by RCCI President Usman Shaukat, group leader Sohail Altaf, senior vice president Khalid Farooq Qazi, vice president Fahad Barlas, former RCCI president Zahid Latif Khan, and other executive members. Representatives from various sectors of the business community also participated in the event.
During his address, Ambassador Ahmed Farooq emphasized the need to adapt to the evolving global landscape and highlighted the demand for Pakistani products in Saudi Arabia. He shared that over 90 Pakistani IT companies are already operating in Saudi Arabia and pointed out promising opportunities in sectors like food, rice, meat, Pharma, Plastic Shoes and seafood, which are in high demand. He also noted the potential in Saudi Arabia’s hotel and hospitality sector, offering lucrative job opportunities.
The Ambassador informed attendees that a prior ban on seafood exports to Saudi Arabia has been lifted due to the efforts of the Pakistani government. Additionally, he urged Pakistani traders and businesses to plan trade exhibitions in Saudi Arabia at least five to six months in advance, assuring them of the embassy’s full support in organizing such events. He also highlighted that some Pakistani companies in Saudi Arabia are conducting annual business worth $30 to $35 million, showcasing the opportunities available for others to expand their reach in the region.
ISLAMABAD, JAN 21 /DNA/ – Karim Aziz Malik, Chairman of Capital Office Islamabad, has outlined crucial measures for reviving Pakistan’s housing sector to prevent capital flight and unlock an investment potential worth $100 billion. He emphasized that a prompt response from the government could significantly contribute to the nation’s economic recovery and growth.
Malik stressed that the construction and housing sector serves as the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, with 72 industrial sectors directly connected to it. This sector generates substantial employment opportunities and plays a pivotal role in driving economic progress.
To fully unlock the potential of the housing sector, Malik proposed that the government reduce the withholding tax on property transactions to 1%, along with exempting the tax on the first property purchase to promote homeownership. He also recommended the removal of the 3% Federal Excise Duty (FED), which is unenforceable in provinces and places an undue burden on the sector.
Furthermore, Malik emphasized that the concept of “deemed income” has been a significant barrier to the sector’s growth and should be abolished. He called for the introduction of a 10-year fixed-rate mortgage product tied to the 10-year Pakistan Investment Bond (PIB) yield to make homeownership more accessible.
Lastly, he urged the government to encourage banks to prioritize construction as a key sector, which would stimulate broader economic development across the country.
ISLAMABAD, JAN 21 /DNA/ – Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its bilateral relationship with Sweden, based on mutual respect, shared values, and common goals. He expressed these views in meeting with Ambassador of Sweden Alexandra Cannell Berg von Linde in Islamabad on Tuesday.
He extended warm welcome to the Ambassador and conveyed Pakistan’s high regard for its long-standing relations with Sweden, marked by trust, cooperation, and shared values. He also acknowledged the importance of the meeting as Pakistan and Sweden celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, which is a testament to the strength and resilience of this partnership.
He expressed the commitment to further deepen cooperation across multiple domains, including inter-parliamentary collaboration, trade, and addressing global challenges such as Islamophobia.
He called for further augmenting the ties in the areas of political dialogue, trade and investment, education, and people-to-people exchanges.
During the meeting Chairman Senate emphasized the importance of strengthening inter-parliamentary relations between Pakistan and Sweden as a key component of bilateral ties.
He observed that parliamentary diplomacy can contribute in building understanding, sharing best practices, and contributing to global peace and security.
He underlined the need for exchange of visits between parliamentary delegations from both countries to facilitate collaboration in diverse sectors.
He expressed satisfaction with the trajectory of economic cooperation between the two sides in diverse sectors.
Chairman Senate also invited Swedish companies to take advantage of Pakistan’s business-friendly environment and explore investment opportunities in different sectors.
Senate Chairman acknowledged the growing concern of Islamophobia globally and its impact on peace and interfaith harmony and emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to addressing Islamophobia at international platforms. He called for collaborative efforts with Sweden to promote a more inclusive and tolerant world. He said that people-to-people exchanges play a vital role in enhancing mutual understanding and fostering closer ties between Pakistan and Sweden.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s desire to expand student exchange programs and scholarships, allowing both countries to benefit from each other’s academic strengths.
He said that Pakistan is committed to combating climate change and working with Sweden on renewable energy and sustainable development projects.
He expressed optimism that through continued dialogue and collaboration across various sectors, both nations can achieve shared prosperity and contribute to global peace and stability.
By: Qamar Bashir
Macomb, Detroit, Michigan
On this historic morning, our family in Macomb, Michigan, woke up early to witness one of the most significant ceremonies in American history—the transfer of power from a conventional and predictable leader to a new President who embraces unpredictability as his greatest strength. Ambitious, aggressive, and forceful, he has declared a firm commitment to “Make America Great Again” and has promised the dawn of a new golden era for the United States.
During his inauguration as the 47th President, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation as Americans looked toward a future filled with promise and transformation. While the citizens of the United States celebrated a vision of renewed prosperity, strength, and exceptionalism, the world observed with a mix of hope and uncertainty, bracing for an era defined by bold changes and dynamic leadership—a quality the new President proudly proclaimed as his defining asset.
In his inaugural speech, the President outlined an ambitious policy roadmap aimed at restoring common sense, revitalizing national security, and reasserting American leadership on the global stage. His vision promised bold reforms across multiple domains, emphasizing national sovereignty, economic revival, military supremacy, and a return to foundational values.
The next important executive order he promised was to reclaim the Panama Canal, arguing that it was built by Americans at the cost of 38,000 lives and billions of dollars. He asserted that American ships are unfairly overcharged while passing through the canal. Strengthening his case, he claimed that the U.S. originally handed the canal over to Panama, but it later fell under Chinese influence. However, historical records show that the U.S. transferred control to Panama in 1999 under the Torrijos-Carter Treaties. This decision carries profound geopolitical consequences, as reactions from Panama, its people, its diaspora in the U.S., and global stakeholders will shape the future of this potentially volatile and diplomatically sensitive move.
In a striking geopolitical move, he proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of Florida, symbolizing America’s renewed dominance in its own hemisphere knowing very well that renaming “Gulf of Mexico”, “Gulf of America” would be a highly provocative move with serious geopolitical risks. It could strain diplomatic relations with Mexico and Latin American nations, who may view it as an act of territorial assertiveness or revisionism. The move may fuel anti-American sentiment in the region, strengthening alliances between Latin American countries and U.S. adversaries like China and Russia. Internationally, it would face legal challenges and resistance from global maritime organizations, undermining U.S. diplomatic credibility.
At the outset he vowed to pass executive order to declare a national emergency at the southern border. The southern border has become a vital national security concern for the United States as overtime it becomes a major conduit and hotspot for illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and cross-border crime. While declaring national emergency, he emphasized using all national resources to curb unauthorized migration and illicit trade.
He said he will sign an executive order to deport millions and millions of illegal immigrants by putting an end to the controversial “Catch and Release” policy, ensuring that those who enter illegally face swift legal consequences. A key policy move includes the designation of cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, signifying a no-tolerance approach to organized crime and cross-border drug trafficking. He vowed that the Alien Act will be enforced fully, ensuring that foreign criminals and gang members are swiftly removed from the country.
The President addressed record inflation and rising costs, attributing them to reckless government overspending and poor energy policies. He announced a two-pronged strategy to curb government waste and reduce inflation. As part of this plan, he announced the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency to eliminate bureaucratic waste and ensure taxpayer money is spent wisely.
To bring inflation down and make goods and services more affordable, he announced harnessing the nation’s abundant oil and gas reserves. Declaring that the U.S. is sitting on “liquid gold,” he vowed to launch the largest drilling initiative under the slogan “Drill, Baby, Drill!”. Additionally, he pledged to lower taxes on Americans while imposing hefty tariffs on foreign imports, asserting that this approach would generate unprecedented wealth and economic prosperity for the nation.
He declared that the Green New Deal would be revoked and the combustion engine revived, ensuring that Americans have the freedom to purchase cars of their choice without government-imposed restrictions. He promised that the U.S. would produce high-performance cars with unprecedented speed, emphasizing that lower energy and fuel prices, along with an increased supply of domestically manufactured vehicles, would allow Americans to drive locally made cars powered by domestically drilled oil and gas—ultimately leading to a higher standard of living.
The President vowed to immediately end all censorship, restoring free speech as a fundamental American right. He declared that state power will never again be weaponized against political opponents, ensuring that the government remains accountable to the people.
The President committed to rebuilding the U.S. Armed Forces, ensuring they focus solely on their primary mission—defeating America’s enemies. He emphasized that military success would no longer be measured by the number of battles won but by the conflicts America successfully avoids.
The President spoke of an ambitious national vision, highlighting America’s pioneering spirit in industry, innovation, and space exploration. He envisioned a growing nation, expanding its wealth and influence while venturing beyond Earth, with a specific mission to establish a U.S. astronaut colony on Mars.
The President’s speech however skipped three most sticking points which he has been announcing during his pre-inauguration period, declaring Canada as 51st State of the United States, taking control of Greenland and banning Tiktok.
The President has announced sweeping national and international policy decisions on his first day in office—ambitious, bold, and unconventional—directly challenging power centers within the U.S. and increasingly independent international stakeholders. Whether these lofty announcements will materialize depends heavily on the response of the ‘deep state’—the entrenched but powerful institutions within the U.S.—as well as global actors who, unlike in the past, have grown more assertive, economically resilient, and politically independent of American influence. Many of these international stakeholders have established their own power structures, which now rival the U.S. in effectiveness and influence, making the path to implementing these policies fraught with significant geopolitical challenges.
By: Qamar Bashir
Press Secretary to the President (Rtd)
Former Press Minister at Embassy of Pakistan to France
Former MD, SRBC
RAWALPINDI, JAN 21 /DNA/ – To participate in a Multi National Aerial Combat Exercise “Spears of Victory-2025”, Pakistan Air Force contingent comprising JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter jets alongside dedicated air and ground crew has landed at King Abdul Aziz Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. For this International deployment, PAF fighters flew non stop from home base in Pakistan to Saudi Arabia, carrying out inflight Air-to-Air refuelling; showcasing long range employment capabilities of JF-17 Block-III Aircraft.
During the conduct of the exercise, PAF pilots flying AESA & Extended Range BVR Equipped JF-17 Thunder will be pitched against participating Air Forces equipped with a wide variety of sophisticated Combat Aircraft. The exercise is witnessing participation of fighter jets and Combat support elements from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Bahrain, France, Greece, Qatar, UAE, UK and USA.
Royal Saudi Air Force is holding the fifth cycle of the exercise, which provides an excellent opportunity to bolster interoperability within the participating Air Forces in the back drop of technological advancement, increasing complexity in Airpower application & shared aerial defence challenges.
Participation of Pakistan Air Force contingent in the exercise not only highlights PAF’s commitment to regional & international cooperation but also underscores its capabilities and prowess to operate in diverse and challenging environments amongst contemporary airforces.
RAWALPINDI, JAN 21 /DNA/ – On 11 January 2025, an Afghan National, involved in terrorism inside Pakistan, was killed in Sambaza area of Zhob district of Balochistan. The individual was identified as Muhammad Khan Ahmedkhel, Son of Haji Qasim Dawran Khan, resident of Village Bilorai, District Wazekhwa, Paktika Province, Afghanistan. His dead body was handed over to IAG officials on 20 January after necessary procedural formalities.
Such incidents are irrefutable evidence of involvement of Afghan Nationals in terrorist activities in Pakistan.
Interim Afghan Government is expected to fulfill its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for perpetuating acts of terrorism against Pakistan.
WASHINGTON, JAN 20 – Trump returns to White House as 47th US president amid new promises, challenges. Inauguration completes triumphant comeback for a political disruptor who survived felony conviction, assassination attempts.
Donald Trump was sworn in as 47th US president on Monday, ushering in another turbulent four-year term with promises to push the limits of executive power, deport millions of immigrants, secure retribution against his political enemies and transform the role of the US on the world stage.
Even before Trump was to take office, aides detailed a raft of executive actions that he will sign immediately, including 10 focused on border security and immigration, his top priority.
The president will declare a national emergency at the southern border, send armed troops there and resume a policy forcing asylum seekers to wait in Mexico for their US court dates, an incoming White House official told reporters.
The inauguration completes a triumphant comeback for a political disruptor who survived two impeachment trials, a felony conviction, two assassination attempts and an indictment for attempting to overturn his 2020 election loss.
Shortly before 10am ET (1500 GMT), Trump and incoming first lady Melania Trump arrived at the White House, where Biden and first lady Jill Biden greeted them with handshakes.
“Welcome home,” Biden said.
The ceremony is taking place inside the Rotunda of the US Capitol, four years after a mob of Trump supporters breached the symbol of American democracy in an unsuccessful effort to forestall Trump’s defeat by Biden. The swearing-in was moved indoors for the first time in 40 years due to the extreme cold.
Trump, the first US president since the 19th century to win a second term after losing the White House, has said he will pardon “on Day One” many of the more than 1,500 people charged in connection with the Jan 6, 2021, attack.
The Trumps began the day at St John’s Episcopal Church in Washington, where several tech executives – including the three richest men in the world, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg – joined them.
This is a developing story and is being updated with further details.
State Department advised President Clinton against visiting Pakistan, but he still did for Nawaz, reveals book
Shamim Shahid
PESHAWAR: Dr Naseem Ashraf, former chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and former head of the National Commission for Human Development, has narrated in his upcoming book that the US State Department had advised President Bill Clinton against visiting Pakistan.
However, President Clinton decided to visit Pakistan to prevent the execution of ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif. The US president also held a secret meeting with then-Chief Justice of Pakistan Irshad Hassan Khan to get an assurance that Nawaz would not be hanged.
He arrived in Pakistan for a few hours after receiving assurances from General Musharraf. Dr Ashraf expressed these thoughts in his book, “Ring Side,” which will be launched in Peshawar tomorrow, Tuesday, with additional launch events planned in various cities across Pakistan.
The book is published in Urdu under the title “Maidan-e-Amal.”
Regarding President Clinton’s visit to Pakistan, he revealed that Clinton went to the restroom during a luncheon hosted by Musharraf.
Moments later, ex-CJP Irshad also went to the restroom, where they spoke for five minutes. President Clinton asked the CJP whether Nawaz would be sentenced to death, to which Justice Hassan assured him that it would not happen.
This incident can be considered a significant and eye-opening historical event.
Dr Ashraf noted that Dr Musadik Malik, a member of Shahbaz Sharif’s cabinet, left a lucrative job in the US to return to Pakistan and work in human development, emphasising that he is a highly patriotic Pakistani.
He described former prime minister Imran Khan’s 2019 visit to the US as successful, stating it strengthened Pakistan-US relations.
Dr Ashraf recounted a meeting he had with former Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh during General Musharraf’s visit to India, during which Singh confirmed that he had sent two tons of gold to the Bank of England to secure a loan, as he was not in favour of going to the IMF.
From the loan obtained from the Bank of England, he initiated a new economic policy in India.
Dr Ashraf wrote about Khan’s ex-wife, Jemima Khan, stating that she sacrificed everything for Pakistan and is a commendable humanitarian.
He regards the National Commission for Human Development as one of his great achievements, noting its significant role in promoting education and alleviating poverty.
However, as chairman, he faced numerous challenges, even contemplating resignation at one point. The programme’s success can be gauged by the fact that Tony Blair’s son, Nicholas Blair, came to Pakistan specifically for an internship.
On Pakistan-US relations, Dr Ashraf commented on several issues, asserting that the events of September 11 shook the US, which is why it targeted Afghanistan.
Nonetheless, he acknowledged that President Musharraf assured President George W Bush of full cooperation, accepting five out of seven demands. Had Pakistan not complied, it would have faced economic ruin, detrimental to national security.
Dr Ashraf clarified that Pakistanis living in the US are advocates of democracy and patriotic citizens who supported Pakistan during challenging times.
This is why, when Nawaz was ousted, protests were held for his reinstatement, advertisements were placed in newspapers, and letters were written to members of Congress and the US President, which eventually led to President Clinton’s visit to Pakistan.
As chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Dr Ashraf included his memories in the book, sharing that Younis Khan had visited then-chairman Sheryar Khan, but due to a delayed meeting, he announced his resignation before an important tour.
ISLAMABAD, JAN 20 /DNA/ – A certificate distribute ceremony was held at National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE), HEC Islamabad marking the culmination of a comprehensive training programme designed to enhance the teaching, research, and professional capabilities of participants. The event was chaired by Dr. Ehsan Ullah Kakar, Vice Chancellor, University of Loralai.
The programme comprises 23 participants, all fresh PhD graduates under the Interim Placement of Fresh PhDs Programme (IPFP). Representing diverse disciplines, these participants received rigorous training focused on teaching excellence, research skills, and professional development.
The ceremony commenced with a welcome address by Mr. Sulaiman Ahmad, highlighting the programme’s objectives and its role in fostering excellence among new faculty members. Participants shared their transformative experiences during the programme, reflecting on how the training equipped them with skills to meet the challenges of higher education.
Managing Director NAHE, Dr. Noor Amna Malik emphasized the importance of professional development and lifelong learning in her address, inspiring participants to continue striving for academic excellence.
Dr. Ehsan Ullah Kakar commended the initiative and underscored the significance of such programmes in strengthening higher education in Pakistan. He also distributed certificates and souvenirs among the participants, acknowledging their dedication and successful completion of the programme.
Faculty development is essential for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in higher education settings. By improving the capabilities and effectiveness of university faculty, institutions can better contribute to multiple SDGs. Faculty development aligns with and supports various SDGs including SDG-4 (Quality Education), SDG-5 (Gender Equality), SDG-8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG-10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG-13 (Climate Action) and SDG-16 (Peace, Justice and strong Institutions).
By investing in faculty development, educational institutions can significantly advance the SDGs, ensuring quality education for all and fostering innovation, and promotes sustainable development across various sectors.
The programme featured modules on teaching strategies, research skills, and professional growth, reflecting NAHE’s commitment to capacity building and quality education in Pakistan. The ceremony concluded with a note of gratitude to all stakeholders and participants for their contributions to the program’s success.
