More Than Meets The Eye By: Daily Times on April 24, 2024Stretching back several decades, the bond between Beijing and Islamabad is both old and strong. The same goes for the equation with the Sharif family, which forms the face of the coalition government. Between celebrating the “speed” of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif as Punjab’s chief minister and metaphorically calling Pakistan the “home of my own […]
By-Elections Controversy By: Daily Times on April 24, 2024A fresh cycle of controversies has marked the end of yet another chapter in the democratic trajectory in Pakistan that set forth yet another overwhelming clean sweep for the PML(N) on Sunday. Rigging allegations have returned with the PTI leaders crying foul over what they claim would be remembered as a black day. With new […]
Double Standards By: Daily Times on April 23, 2024There is no doubt that recent US sanctions on Chinese and Belarusian companies for allegedly aiding Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme reek of hypocrisy. Taking cover of non-proliferation, these actions raise serious questions about America’s true motives. Islamabad has vehemently denied the accusations, repeating its past instances where sanctions were imposed without concrete evidence. The Foreign […]
Pak-Iran Trade Boom By: Daily Times on April 23, 2024As President Ebrahim Raisi is visiting Pakistan, both countries have agreed to set their sights on a much-needed trade boost to $10 billion. Of course, this is an ambitious target, but this is achievable and shows a strong desire to improve economic ties between the two neighbours. Sceptics call it all sunshine and roses. Not […]
Rice commitments By: Daily Times on April 22, 2024Authorities in Islamabad’s agriculture quarters must take recent concerns raised by Russia regarding a shipment of rice seriously. Though the complaint from Russia regarding violations of phytosanitary protocols is an isolated incident, if not addressed, it can be exploited by rival India. Pakistan’s rice industry is a cornerstone of our agricultural sector, and we must […]
Crackdown on smuggling By: Daily Times on April 22, 2024A few months ago, smuggling was a keyword for government officials when the then caretaker setup launched a crackdown on the illegal trade, which casts a long shadow over the economy, draining billions of rupees from the national exchequer and distorting fair trade. When the new government took over, the issue was put to cold […]
Terrorizing economy By: Daily Times on April 21, 2024It has become a pattern that whenever our economy begins to demonstrate signs of progress and life, terrorists will strike here and there, often targeting those linked to the development of the country. The pattern has become visible in recent months and casts a chilling shadow over the nation’s hard-won progress. On Friday, terrorists targeted […]
Stifling progress By: Daily Times on April 21, 2024The federal cabinet’s decree to end the maximum age limit of 65 years for key appointments (read powerful posts) will bring no good to the present and future working of our institutions. Though the government states that it intends to benefit from experience and expertise, the potential downsides threaten to outweigh any perceived benefits. Consider: […]
Rain Rain, Go Away By: Daily Times on April 20, 2024Normally, April is not a month of rain, what to say of heavy rainfall but in our part of the world, this has gradually become a mini-monsoon. For the past three days, the unrelenting rains lashing Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Kashmir have been a wake-up call for Pakistan’s vulnerability to a changing climate pattern. The […]
Sasti Roti Scheme By: Daily Times on April 20, 2024Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s announcement of reduced roti naan and flour prices is a welcome move, aiming to offer some respite to the inflation-weary public. She was seen inspecting a tandoor near her family house in Lahore to check the implementation of her orders along with her father, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. The […]