China and Afghanistan close neighbours, longstanding friends on April 12, 2023China and Afghanistan are close neighbors with longstanding friendship between the two peoples. Under the current situation, China’s position on the Afghan issue is as follows: Adhering to the “Three Respects” and “Three Nevers”. China respects the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan, respects the independent choices made by the Afghan people, and respects […]
China stresses enhancing integrated national strategies, strategic capabilities on March 9, 2023BEIJING: The ongoing first session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s top legislature, gathers 2,977 deputies from an array of professions and backgrounds. Among those national legislators, 281 are from the armed forces, forming the largest group of lawmakers at this year’s meeting. Chinese President Xi Jinping takes part in one of the […]
China calls on US to opt for ‘mutually beneficial coexistence’ on March 7, 2023BEIJING: China hopes the United States will explore the right way to get along with China that benefits both countries and the world, Foreign Minister Qin Gang said Tuesday. Speaking at a press conference on the sidelines of the first session of the 14th National People’s Congress, Qin said China will continue to follow the […]
Health activists hails hike in FED on cigarettes on February 22, 2023ISLAMABAD: Health activists have expressed satisfaction on government’s decision to double the Federal Excise Duty (FED) on cigarettes. Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) says the decision will go a long way in solving Pakistan’s financial woes and recommended government to remain steadfast against tobacco industry’s misinformation campaign. Malik Imran, […]
Increase in tax on cigarettes a step in right direction: experts on February 21, 2023ISLAMABAD: If Pakistan has to stay in step with the developed world, it has to increase cigarettes prices which are still lower compared to developed countries. The increase in FED on cigarettes through an SRO, is a step in the right direction, stated experts, adding that the government should not yield to pressure of tobacco […]
The Global Security Initiative on February 21, 2023Background The issue of security bears on the well-being of people of all countries, the lofty cause of world peace and development, and the future of humanity. Today, our world, our times and history are changing in ways like never before, and the international community is confronted with multiple risks and challenges rarely seen before. […]
US Hegemony and its Perils on February 20, 2023Introduction Since becoming the world’s most powerful country after the two world wars and the Cold War, the United States has acted more boldly to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, pursue, maintain and abuse hegemony, advance subversion and infiltration, and willfully wage wars, bringing harm to the international community. The United States […]
Cigarette sales decrease after hike in taxes on February 20, 2023ISLAMABAD: Cigarette tax increases and subsequent price increases have reduced cigarette pack sales across Pakistan, according to merchants and wholesalers, who deem it a significant step towards reducing tobacco consumption and enhancing public health. Retail vendors and wholesale dealers in urban areas said the move showed that low prices were also a major role in […]
Make cigarettes hard to buy, demand academicians on February 19, 2023The rise in cigarette taxes in Pakistan is a significant step in the direction of lowering tobacco use and advancing public health, say social scientists. Academicians believe that this action demonstrates the government’s dedication to shielding its population from the perils of smoking. “To further lower smoking rates in Pakistan, NGOs and other public health […]
Raise in FED on cigarettes widely hailed on February 18, 2023ISLAMABAD: The Society for the Protection of the Rights of Child (SPARC) is pleased to announce that the Government of Pakistan has increased the Federal Excise Duty (FED) on cigarettes, doubling the tax on locally produced cigarettes. This move is the result of joint efforts by tobacco control activists, health professionals, and policymakers, who have […]