ISLAMABAD, FEB 21: /DNA/ – Chief guest Air Vice Marshal Abid Latif , of Pakistan Air Force, Ambassador of the Russian Federation Albert P Khorev, Defence Attache Colonel Vadim N. Fenchenko and others cutting cake to celebrate the Defender of the Fatherland Day, of the Russian Federation. DNA
ISSI hosts Public Talk on “Stabilizing Pakistan’s Economy”
ISLAMABAD, FEB 21: /DNA/ – The Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), organized a Public Talk on “Stabilizing Pakistan’s Economy.” The Guest Speaker at the event was Mr. Mueen Afzal, Former Secretary General, Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, Pakistan.
In her introductory remarks, Dr. Neelum Nigar, Director CSP, emphasized the significance of today’s talk, which delves into a crucial topic. The economy has faced severe macroeconomic imbalances, with the recurring balance of payments crises, shortages of foreign exchange, and above all a lot of fiscal indiscipline. The economy has not been able to take off even with the series of financial stimuli provided by international financial institutions. This underscores the necessity to comprehend the fundamental aspects of the economy, allowing us to present practical policy recommendations.
In his welcome remarks, DG ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood highlighted the significant economic challenges that Pakistan is currently facing, fostered by both internal and external factors, including the impact of global economic slow-down, Covid-19 pandemic, and food and fuel crises in the wake of Russia-Ukraine conflict and situation in the Middle East. He noted that Pakistan is grappling with a dual deficit challenge, involving both fiscal and current accounts, ultimately leading to a debt trap. Furthermore, the economy is confronted with rising inflation, food insecurity, energy crisis, and unemployment, adding to the already formidable set of challenges. These hurdles have hindered the nation’s path to achieving sustainable growth. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood further emphasized that the implementation of necessary corrective measures, including redirection of resources toward social sectors, has been hindered by fiscal constraints, also resulting in a sluggish GDP growth rate. To stabilize the economy, a comprehensive but targeted approach is imperative, entailing sustained long-term growth through structural adjustments within the economic framework.
During his address, Mr. Mueen Afzal shed light on the recent challenges confronting the Pakistani economy. He attributed the country’s economic woes to the misallocation of human resources. Mr. Afzal emphasized that while economic crises are surmountable, they necessitate a rigorous reform process. He highlighted the potential benefits of investments like CPEC, stressing that they must be utilized prudently. Mr. Afzal argued that stabilizing the economy relies on attaining sustainable growth, necessitating a minimum GDP growth rate of around 5 percent. Specifically, he stressed combating poverty and inequality; fiscal discipline; increasing savings and revenues; responsible management of debt; trade diversification; conducive environment for FDI; structural reforms; and, above all, ‘sensible decisions.’ He underscored that the foremost concern presently is the escalating inflation, which impacts both exchange rates and interest rates.
Moreover, Mr. Mueen Afzal addressed the recurring challenge of the balance of payments, advocating for a strategic focus on trade policies and diversification of exports as imperative solutions. A manageable current account balance, he noted, is vital for maintaining a stable rupee, a prerequisite for sustainable growth. In conclusion, he pointed out that Pakistan’s public spending is limited, remaining below 20 percent. This limitation hinders investment in crucial public infrastructure, further worsening inequality within the nation.
Following the presentation, participants engaged in an interactive discussion. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of the Board of Governors at ISSI.
Religious scholars, leaders urge political parties to forge ‘Pakistan Accord’ for 25 years to avoid crisis
PUC hosts Convention for Pakistan Accord, calls for unity amongst stakeholders
Emphasis on political stability: Ulema, Mashaykh stress link with economic prosperity
Electoral disputes resolution: Ulema, Mashaykh urge impartial role of ECP, judiciary
Pakistan Accord: Pathway to national unity, prosperity; say religious scholars, leaders
ISLAMABAD: Feb 21: /DNA/ – Religious scholars and leaders on Wednesday urged political parties to forge a national accord requiring collective efforts to steer clear from any crisis.
This call was made during the “Convention for Pakistan Accord’ held here under the auspicious of Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) under the visionary leadership of Chairman Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, seeing the participation of religious scholars and leaders from various schools of thought.
They emphasized the necessity for all stakeholders, including the Pakistan Armed forces, judiciary, and all political and religious factions, to come together and formulate a covenant for the betterment of the nation. This covenant, named the Pakistan Accord, should outline the trajectory for the country’s next 25 years, they added.
In their joint declaration, they highlighted that political parties must accept each other’s mandate and resort to the Constitution and law to resolve electoral disputes. They urged Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and judiciary to play impartial roles into the matter.
Ulema and Mashaykh emphasized that economic stability was intricately linked with political stability, and without the latter, the former could not be achieved. They pointed out that Pakistan faces several challenges, and addressing them requires cooperation from all democratic societies.
They stressed that all parties should accept the results of general elections and work together to resolve the country’s pressing issues. However, they raised the concerns regarding the dissatisfaction expressed by certain political parties over the results of the elections held on February 8.
Regarding electoral results, they reiterated that parties with doubts and suspicions should adhere to the Constitution and law, and the ECP should promptly address their concerns. It was deemed unacceptable to push the country towards unrest under any circumstances, they said adding that the ECP and judiciary should play impartial roles in resolving electoral disputes to ensure the satisfaction of all parties.
The religious scholars and leaders emphasized the importance of fostering an environment of tolerance and mutual respect among all political parties, aiming to eliminate past animosities and give each other due space to end intolerance in the country.
They stated that the Pakistan Armed forces, judiciary, and all political and religious groups should sit together and unite under a comprehensive Pakistan Accord. They said it should outline a unified plan for steering beloved country for the next 25 years, addressing both internal and external challenges and finding effective solutions for economic crisis and combating extremism, terrorism, and youth radicalization.
Furthermore, they proposed that Pakistan’s foreign policy, along with improving relations with friendly countries, should also focus on alleviating poverty and unemployment through a plan for youth rehabilitation, aiming to eliminate extremism and terrorism.
They concluded by asserting that all stakeholders must come together to formulate a consensus policy, which should be declared a national policy, and any government, irrespective of its origin, should accept it in a coherent manner. “The path we stand on today is the right path, and any experimentation with the situation will only lead to serious consequences,” they opined.
They, applauding services of the Pakistan Army and security agencies in maintaining peace and security during the general elections, attributed their efforts to be commendable and praiseworthy.
Power-sharing formula agreed between PPP, PML-N revealed
ISLAMABAD: After days of talks, the two major parties finally agreed on a power-sharing formula under which Shehbaz Sharif would be nominated for the PM Office while Asif Ali Zardari would contest for the presidency.
The deal was finalised on Tuesday between the coordination committees of Pakistan Muslim Legaue-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) amid talk of blackmailing among the former coalition partners.
The agreement between Bhutto Zardari’s PPP and the PML-N of three-time premier Nawaz Sharif ends days of uncertainty and negotiations after the Feb 8 elections produced a hung national assembly.
The PPP chairperson made the announcement about the agreement at a late-night press conference in the federal capital.
Shehbaz Sharif, who was seated beside Bilawal, said the two parties had the numbers to form the government, and also had the support of other smaller parties.
PML-N is the largest party with 79 seats and PPP is second with 54. They, along with four other smaller parties, have a comfortable majority in the legislature of 336 seats.
The delay in forming a government in the nation of 241 million has caused concern as Pakistan is grappling with an economic crisis amid slow growth and record inflation, rising militant violence, and needs a stable administration with the authority to take tough decisions.
Power-sharing formula
According to sources, the PPP will not become part of Shehbaz Sharif’s cabinet at any stage but will get top constitutional offices including the presidency.
The party will also not take any portfolio in the Punjab cabinet.
What will PPP get?
- Presidency
- Senate chairman
- Punjab governor
- KP governor
- Balochistan chief minister
- Deputy speaker National Assembly
On the other hand, the PML-N will get the PPP’s support in forming governments in the Centre and Punjab. Nawaz Sharif’s party will also vote for the PPP’s nominee for the Balochistan CM office.
What will PML-N get?
- PM Office
- Punjab CM
- Speaker National Assembly
- Will get to nominate governors for Sindh and Balochistan
According to the Constitution, a session of the National Assembly has to be called by February 29 after which a vote for a new prime minister will take place.
How will the two parties coordinate?
Confirming some of the details of the power-sharing formula agreed between the two parties, PPP spokesperson Faisal Karim Kundi on Wednesday said that it will be Shehbaz Sharif’s prerogative to induct whoever he wants in his cabinet.
When asked to comment on the working strategy while the PPP is not willing to be in the cabinet, Kundi said committees are being formed for decision-making.
He said that the leadership will announce the candidate for Sindh and Balochistan chief ministers.
“We will not indulge in criticism for the sake of criticism but will do constructive criticism of the government.”
Political parties’ agreement to shape government lauded
KARACHI, /DNA/ – Chairman of National Business Group Pakistan, President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum, and All Karachi Industrial Alliance, and former provincial minister Mian Zahid Hussain, said on Wednesday that an agreement between major political parties to form a government is a good move that will reduce general anxiety and help bring the country out of the crisis.
It is believed that Mian Shahbaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari will bring the nation out of trouble and ensure political stability, he said.
Talking to the business community, the veteran business leader said that Mian Nawaz Sharif was the favourite for the slot of PM, but he has preferred Mian Shahbaz Sharif for the post which indicates his political maturity.
The PPP’s dream of making Bilawal Bhutto a prime minister was not fulfilled, but it has agreed with the PML-N on important national issues, which is a sign of good leadership, he added.
The business leader said that the business community is confident that nominated Prime Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif and nominated President Asif Ali Zardari have the potential to improve the economy and manage repayments or rollovers that are due shortly.
Mian Zahid Hussain said that the leadership of Mian Shahbaz Sharif and the PPP have a duty to improve the situation in the country, make effective measures against unemployment and terrorism, and give the public some relief.
The PML-N should convince the PPP to sell failed government companies, while both parties should strive to increase industrial and agricultural production and focus on the falling sectors of health and education.
He said that it is now the responsibility of these two parties to lead the country towards self-reliance and ensure rapid development and prosperity.
It is impossible to achieve development and prosperity without privatising the sick companies, increasing exports, reducing imports, and boosting investment.
Mian Zahid Hussain expressed confidence that, on the one hand, the future government would face tremendous economic challenges, while on the other hand, the the PTI should play a positive and constructive role in parliament rather than striving for instability in the country.
It is in the interest of the country to discourage efforts aimed at uncertainty and instability. Politics of chaos will not help the country or the masses, while political calm can boost the economy and reduce inflation.
Mian Zahid Hussain further said that if the present president plays a positive role in the formation of a new government, he will be remembered.
US to announce new sanctions against Russia over Navalny death
MOSCOW, (AFP/APP/DNA): The United States will announce fresh sanctions on Russia on Friday over the death in prison of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, as a string of European governments summon Russian diplomats.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s main political opponent died in his penal colony on Friday, Russian authorities said. His team says the 47-year-old was murdered.
The US is set to announce a “major sanctions package to hold Russia accountable” and respond to the “vicious and brutal war that has now raged on for two years”, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters Tuesday.
The US and its allies imposed a slew of sanctions on Russia since it invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
The latest move comes as Belgium announced Tuesday that it had summoned its Russian ambassador, following Poland, France and Germany.
Meanwhile, Italy’s deputy prime minister and former Putin admirer Matteo Salvini was criticised for saying it was “up to Russian doctors and judges” to determine the cause of Navalny’s death.
– Return the body –
Navalny’s mother, Lyudmila Navalnaya, urged Putin to “immediately” release the body of her son — a demand echoed by his widow Yulia Navalnaya.
Lyudmila Navalnaya travelled to the remote IK-3 penal colony on Saturday, the morning after his death was announced, and has since been barred from seeing his body.
“Let me finally see my son. I demand that Alexei’s body be released immediately so that I can bury him in a humane way,” she said, dressed all in black, in a video published by his team.
Investigators said his body could be kept for “at least two weeks”, Navalny’s allies reported.
Navalny’s team also published a written letter to Putin by Lyudmila Navalnaya — who is not a public figure — making the demand.
The Kremlin has refused to say when the body will be handed over and Putin has been silent on the death of his main political opponent.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday brushed off Yulia Navalnaya’s statement that Putin killed her husband as “unfounded and vulgar”.
“I do not give a damn how the press secretary of a murderer comments on my words,” Navalnaya shot back on social media.
– Temporary X suspension –
Russia detained hundreds of mourners in the days after Navalny’s death.
Yulia Navalnaya’s freshly created account on the social media site X, formerly Twitter, was suspended for 50 minutes on Tuesday, shortly after her remarks against the Kremlin.
The company then reactivated it without an explanation.
On Monday, she had posted an emotional video appeal on the platform accusing Putin of killing Navalny.
She announced she would continue her husband’s fight against the Kremlin and met European Union foreign ministers.
Her team said on Tuesday she had urged the 27-nation bloc not to recognise Russia’s forthcoming presidential election — which is likely to see Putin extend his rule until at least 2030.
“Do not recognise this election,” Navalnaya said, according to comments published by her team on social media.
“A president who killed his main political opponent cannot be legitimate by definition,” she added. She also urged the EU to “always make the distinction between Putin and Russia.”
PN boosts maritime security with launch of state-of-the-art offshore patrol vessel
RAWALPINDI, 21 FEB: /DNA/ – Launching Ceremony of state-of-the-art 4th Offshore Patrol Vessel, PNS YAMAMA (Desig) being built for Pakistan Navy was held at M/s DAMEN Shipyard Galati, Romania. Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ovais Ahmed Bilgrami graced the occasion as Chief Guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff underscored the importance of maritime security under the prevailing conventional and non-conventional maritime threats to energy and trade highways passing through Indian Ocean Region. In this context, he highlighted that Pakistan Navy has tremendous contribution in maintenance of safe and secure sea environment for maritime trade. The Admiral expressed his confidence that induction of these multipurpose and highly adaptive platforms; equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors will further strengthen combat capability of PN Fleet in safeguarding maritime frontiers while ensuring Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean Region, especially in the Arabian Sea.
Earlier during his welcome address, Chief Operations Officer of M/s DAMEN Group Netherlands highlighted that DAMEN Shipyard and Pakistan Navy are enjoying historic relations since 1986. He highlighted that M/s DAMEN would continue to deliver cost effective, technologically advanced and potent ships to PN to meet their operational requirements.
The launching ceremony was attended by high ranking officials from Romanian Government and Navy, Pakistan Navy, M/s DAMEN and notables from Pakistani community in Romania.
US again casts veto of UN action in Israel-Hamas war
WASHINGTON, FEB 20: The United States again vetoed a draft United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution on the Israel-Hamas war, blocking a demand for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire as it instead pushes the 15-member body to call for a temporary ceasefire linked to the release of hostages held by Hamas
Thirteen council members voted in favour of the Algerian-drafted text, while Britain abstained. It was the third such US veto since the start of the current fighting on October 7.
“A vote in favour of this draft resolution is support to the Palestinians’ right to life. Conversely, voting against it implies an endorsement of the brutal violence and collective punishment inflicted upon them,” Algeria’s UN Ambassador Amar Bendjama told the council before the vote.
US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield signalled on Saturday that the US would veto the draft resolution over concerns it could jeopardize talks between the US, Egypt, Israel and Qatar that seek to broker a pause in the war and the release of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
“Any action this council takes right now should help, not hinder these sensitive, and ongoing negotiations. And we believe that the resolution on the table right now would, in fact, negatively impact those negotiations,” Thomas-Greenfield told the council ahead of the vote.
Senators decry alleged rigging in Feb 8 polls
A legal proceeding should be carried out against the CEC under Article 6 of the constitution, Senator Mushtaq demands
Khayam Abbasi
ISLAMABAD: Opposition senators on Tuesday decried alleged rigging in the February 8 elections and berated Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja for his “failure” to ensure transparency in the polls.
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Senator Mushtaq Ahmed demanded CEC Raja to step down from his position over the failure to hold transparent polls on February 8.
The JI senator, while addressing a Senate session in Islamabad today, said that the elections were fake and they would procreate a fake government.
Levelling serious allegations against the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the senator said the electoral body committed treason for which it should seek an apology from the nation.
“A legal proceeding should be carried out against the CEC under Article 6 of the constitution, for the ECP was given Rs50 billion from the national exchequer but it failed to hold transparent polls,” he alleged.
The money wasted in the name of elections should be returned and a case should be lodged against CEC Raja, the JI senator said, demanding the formation of an autonomous judicial commission at the Supreme Court’s level.
The judicial commission should investigate the matter of Form 45, he maintained.
The senator also rebuked the authorities over the suspension of social media platform, X, saying that it inflicted economic and educational damage as well as it was tantamount to robbing people’s rights. He demanded the restoration of all the social media platforms avoiding placing restrictions on them.
X, formerly known as Twitter, remains intermittently down in Pakistan after it was restored on Monday after an over 36-hour blockade since Saturday (February 17).
Ahmed said those embroiled in rigging were playing with the national integrity. Suspension of internet services established that the polls were not transparent, he said adding, that the authorities were scared after allowing rigging, therefore social media platforms were shut down.
“To some extent, the Rawalpindi commissioner relayed details about the irregularities in elections. When JI Karachi chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman announced to hold a protest, you made him win from a constituency where he was the runner-up,” he said.
Taking the floor, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) Irfan Siddiqui, while addressing the PTI members, questioned why the former ruling party is unwilling to extend an olive branch to other political parties when they are reaching out to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Emir Fazlur Rehman over the issue of alleged rigging in the polls.
“This is the same election commissioner who conducted polls in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP)”, Siddiqui said while calling out the PTI for its contradictory stance on election results in the said province and other places.
On the issue of the formation of the future government, the PML-N stalwart underscored that neither his party nor the PTI or the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have the required seats and that the future government will be formed via a coalition.
Commenting on the role of returning officers (ROs) in polls, PTI Senator Waleed Iqbal said that the lawmakers “should go home” in the wake of the non-implementation of the laws promulgated by the parliament.
“The chief election commissioner (CEC) didn’t even [bothered to] brief the media [on the February 8 polls,” the senator lamented while demanding the commission to respond to election rigging allegations.
On the issue of internet disruptions, the PTI leader questioned why the internet services were shut down during the night despite the polling process being culminated during the daytime.
During the debate, Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party’s (PkMAP) Senator Shafiq Tareen called for an investigation into the alleged billions of rupees taken by the returning officers (ROs) from candidates in bribes.
“[Authorities] should probe the [alleged] Rs50 to 60 billion taken in bribes,” the lawmaker stressed.
“People’s mandate was stolen [as] ROs took tens of millions in bribes from losing candidates [to change the results],” Tareen claimed while lamenting that the candidate who had withdrawn in favour of Mahmood Khan Achakzai was “made to win”.
Mushahid demands release of all political prisoners
If three political parties don’t take decisions, GHQ will decide
Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Senator Mushahid Hussain has demanded the release of all political prisoners, including PTI Founder Imran Khan, while expressing concerns over the recent events affecting the political landscape in Pakistan, on the floor of the Upper House of Parliament on Tuesday.
The senator remarked that two “soft coups” were initiated against PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif through the judiciary, adding that “unfortunately, it happened again on April 10, 2022”, referring to the ouster of the PTI government through a no-confidence motion initiated by a multi-party coalition.
“When it happened with them, we celebrated a lot. When it was happening to us, those on the other side were happy,” he observed, noting that it would have been better if elections were held after the PTI government was ousted in 2022.
He further remarked that the establishment could not do anything alone unless it had allies. “Even if there is a conspiracy, it happens with an alliance,” he added.
He noted that Maulana Fazlur Rehman had also stated all the facts. He further called all the court cases against Nawaz Sharif fraud, adding that the system would only work if the PML-N, PPP and PTI worked together.
“If these three political parties do not take decisions together, the GHQ will decide,” the senator said, noting that the biggest responsibility in the current situation was with Nawaz Sharif.
“Nawaz Sharif should offer prime ministership to the PPP and become the head of state himself,” he suggested.
Mushahid also suggested the inclusion of the PTI in the system and holding talks with PTI Founder Imran Khan, recalling a strong friendship with the former prime minister.
“If decisions are not made, all the roads will lead to Rawalpindi,” he cautioned.
