• Big plans need real action now

    ByJustpaste.in

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has launched Vision Pakistan 2047, a long-term plan to boost jobs, education, technology and growth for young Pakistanis. On paper, the plan looks promising. It talks about giving women a bigger share in jobs, helping startups grow, building new schools, sending students abroad for training, and handing out laptops to deserving students. These are all good ideas that any nation would welcome. But here lies the real problem. Pakistan has never struggled to write good plans. Our history is full of grand visions, five-year plans, and national frameworks that were launched with big promises and bigger ceremonies. Vision 2025, Vision 2030, and several other such documents came before this one. Where are they now? Most were quietly shelved and replaced by the next government’s own vision, often with a new name and the same old promises. This is the real dilemma facing Vision Pakistan 2047. A plan is only as good as the system that carries it forward. Pakistan’s problem has never been a shortage of ideas. It has been a shortage of follow-through. Policies get written, launched, and celebrated, but rarely do they survive a change in government or bureaucracy long enough to show results. Even more troubling is who ends up designing these plans. Often, the same officials and institutions responsible for the failure of earlier visions are handed the task of drafting the next one. If the people who could not deliver Vision 2025 are now writing Vision 2047, what guarantee do citizens have that this one will be different? Reserving 35 per cent jobs for women and 10 per cent funding for startups sounds encouraging. Expanding Danish Schools and distributing laptops are steps in the right direction. But none of this matters unless there is honest accountability, consistent funding, and political will that outlasts one government’s term. Pakistan does not need another beautifully worded vision document. It needs a system that actually delivers on what it promises. Only then will 2047 look different from 1947.

  • | |

    Brother shoots sister for marrying man of her choi…

    ByJustpaste.in

    In a heartbreaking turn of events in Punjab’s Rawalpindi district, a 17-year-old girl was brutally shot and killed by her own brother near Sukho Road in Gujar Khan, just days after she was brought back home under the guise of family reconciliation. The victim had initially fled her home in January during a school vacation to marry a man of her own choice, after which the couple relocated to Karachi to build a life together. Seeking to mend broken ties, the victim’s brother recently traveled to Karachi, brokered peace with the couple, and persuaded them to return. Upon their arrival in Gujar Khan, he arranged a rented house for the newlyweds. However, the promise of harmony shattered when the father visited the rented residence to check on his daughter. A heated argument broke out at the scene, culminating in the brother pulling out a handgun and opening fire on his sister in front of family members. Rawalpindi police have registered a murder case based on the father’s statement, and an investigation into the incident is currently underway to apprehend the suspect.

  • | | | |

    Norway praises Pakistan’s role in US-Iran peace …

    ByJustpaste.in

    Norway has praised Pakistan for playing an important and constructive role in efforts to promote dialogue between the United States and Iran amid rising tensions in the Middle East. The appreciation came during Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide’s visit to Islamabad, where he held talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The Norwegian foreign minister arrived in Pakistan on Thursday for a two-day visit, marking the first visit by a Norwegian foreign minister to the country in around a decade. During delegation-level discussions, Pakistan and Norway reviewed bilateral relations and discussed ways to expand cooperation in several areas, including trade, investment, climate change, renewable energy, maritime affairs and education. The two sides also discussed regional and international developments, with particular attention to the situation in the Middle East. Eide praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts during the recent US-Iran conflict. He specifically acknowledged the contributions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in efforts aimed at promoting peace. The Norwegian foreign minister described the ongoing regional conflict as a serious threat to global peace and the international economy. He said Pakistan had taken an important step by engaging with the parties involved and facilitating dialogue. Eide also welcomed Pakistan’s role in hosting and facilitating talks in Islamabad. He said the country’s diplomatic engagement had strengthened its position on the international stage, particularly in peacebuilding efforts. Norway, he added, was prepared to support Pakistan wherever it could contribute to peace initiatives. He noted that Oslo had considerable experience in peace negotiations and maintained communication channels with both Tehran and Washington. The two countries also discussed maritime security and developments concerning the Strait of Hormuz. Eide said Norway’s experience as a major maritime nation could allow it to contribute constructively to discussions on international maritime law and regional maritime issues. Pakistan and Norway also agreed to strengthen economic and people-to-people ties. Eide said Norwegian companies were increasingly exploring opportunities in Pakistan, particularly in the energy and fertiliser sectors. He also highlighted the potential for greater economic cooperation involving Switzerland and Iceland. The Norwegian minister praised the Pakistani community in Norway, saying its integration into Norwegian society had played an important role in strengthening relations between the two countries. The Foreign Office said both sides expressed satisfaction with the friendly nature of Pakistan-Norway relations and agreed to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The visit is also expected to build on recent high-level contacts between the two countries, including discussions between Dar and Eide earlier this year and a visit by Norway’s state secretary to Islamabad in May.

  • CPEC needs real business, not just promises

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan and China are entering a new phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, known as CPEC 2.0. This time, the focus is shifting from big government-funded projects to stronger business-to-business ties. This change is a smart and necessary move, but only if Pakistan can actually deliver on it. For years, CPEC meant huge Chinese loans for roads, power plants and infrastructure. Nearly 30 billion dollars went into these projects. They helped fix Pakistan’s energy crisis, but they also added heavy debt. Now, China wants a different kind of partnership, one based on trade, manufacturing and private companies working together instead of government-to-government deals. This shift makes sense. Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal rightly pointed out that Pakistan’s biggest problem is not a lack of ideas but a lack of exports. China buys goods worth 2.6 trillion dollars every year from around the world, yet Pakistan sells it barely 3 billion dollars worth of products. That gap shows how much room there is to grow, if Pakistan gets its act together. The plan to focus on manufacturing, agriculture, robotics and automation is encouraging. Bringing in small and medium businesses from both countries could create real jobs and real growth, not just concrete and steel. This is the direction Pakistan should have taken years ago. But good intentions are not enough. Pakistan has often struggled to make its industries competitive enough to compete internationally. Poor production standards, red tape and inconsistent policies have held back exporters for decades. Simply announcing a new phase of cooperation will not fix these problems overnight. China, too, seems more cautious this time. It has not yet committed to financing the long-delayed ML-1 railway project, a sign that Beijing wants to see business results before pouring in more money. CPEC 2.0 offers Pakistan a real chance to fix its economy through trade and industry rather than loans. But turning this vision into results will require discipline, consistency and follow-through, qualities that have often been missing in Pakistan’s economic planning.

  • | |

    Islamabad-bound flights told to carry extra fuel a…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has directed airlines operating flights to Islamabad to ensure their aircraft carry additional fuel on Thursday due to the possibility of delays at the airport. According to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the aviation authorities, arriving flights may be required to remain airborne for some time because of scheduled exercises and possible disruptions affecting aircraft movements. The directive advises flight captains to maintain sufficient additional fuel reserves to cope with potential delays during both landing and takeoff operations. The PAA said the precautionary measure has been introduced to ensure safe flight operations and provide aircraft with adequate fuel in case they are required to hold in the air or face delays at Islamabad International Airport. Airlines have been advised to take the instructions into account while planning flights arriving at the federal capital on Thursday.

  • | | |

    Corruption cases transferred back to NAB courts in…

    ByJustpaste.in

    KARACHI: Corruption cases that had been shifted from accountability courts to anti-corruption courts have now been transferred back to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) courts. The development came after a request from a NAB prosecutor, following a Sindh High Court ruling that declared the earlier transfer of the cases to anti-corruption courts invalid. The accountability court has initiated proceedings to revive 15 references that were previously transferred. The Sindh High Court had directed that the cases pending before accountability courts be returned to NAB courts after setting aside the order through which they were moved to anti-corruption courts. NAB subsequently filed an application seeking restoration of the cases in compliance with the high court’s decision. The accountability court issued notices to the accused persons nominated in 15 separate references and summoned them for proceedings. Several officials and other individuals have been named in cases involving alleged corruption and illegal allocation of land. Balochistan provincial minister Ali Hassan Brohi is among those nominated in the cases. The court also issued notices to former Sindh chief secretary and former Land Utilisation member Siddiq Memon. Former Malir deputy commissioner Qazi Jan Muhammad and former district officer revenue Ijaz Hussain were also summoned. Notices were further issued to former additional secretary of Land Utilisation Abdul Qadir Memon and former section officer Ghulam Mustafa. Treasury officer Muhammad Musa Kazmi and assistant treasury officer Abdul Latif Khoso were also summoned by the court. The court additionally issued notices to Mirpur Sakro tapedar Nisar Ahmed Wagan and Ali Asghar Mendhro. Former Mukhtiarkar Iqbal Awan and Muhammad Hanif were also among those summoned in connection with the cases. The accountability court has also called several revenue officials and builders, including Javed Iqbal and Waseem Ahmed Sheikh, to appear before it.

  • | |

    Rawalpindi Railway Station lights up in Pakistani,…

    ByJustpaste.in

    RAWALPINDI: Rawalpindi Railway Station has been given a festive makeover ahead of Pakistan’s Independence Day, with the historic building illuminated and decorated with the national flags of Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia. The display also highlights the growing ties among the three countries following the signing of the Mecca defence agreement. The railway station has been decorated with red and green lighting, creating a striking visual display across the building. According to the arrangement, red represents Türkiye, while green reflects the national colors of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Similar red and green lights have also been installed at the Railway Headquarters Police Station in Rawalpindi. The decorations are part of the city’s preparations to mark Independence Day while also showcasing the close diplomatic and strategic relations between Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia. The colorful illumination has added a festive atmosphere to one of Rawalpindi’s key landmarks as celebrations for August 14 get underway.

  • | |

    Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye form military pow…

    ByJustpaste.in

    According to the Global Firepower Index, the combined military capabilities of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye have become more significant following the signing of a mutual defence agreement between the three countries. The assessment describes the agreement as more than a conventional defence arrangement, saying it represents an effort to bring the military capabilities of three major regional powers into a coordinated defence partnership. Together, the three countries have approximately 1.4 million active military personnel, around 3,415 military aircraft, 6,046 tanks and 344 naval assets, according to the assessment. Pakistan plays a major role in the partnership, with around 660,000 active military personnel and a nuclear capability that significantly strengthens the combined strategic deterrence of the three countries. Türkiye contributes a strong defence industry and advanced military capabilities. It has around 192 naval assets and substantial expertise in drones, missiles, sensors and electronic warfare. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, provides the largest financial contribution to the partnership. Its annual defence budget is estimated at around $63.9 billion. The kingdom’s strategic geographical position also gives it considerable importance within the proposed defence partnership. The combined annual defence spending of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye is estimated at approximately $124.4 billion. The figures indicate that the three countries collectively possess substantial manpower, air power, land forces and naval capabilities. Their combined resources could provide the partnership with greater strategic weight in regional security matters. The assessment also highlights the different strengths each country could bring to the alliance. Pakistan contributes significant manpower and nuclear deterrence, Türkiye offers defence technology and military-industrial capabilities, while Saudi Arabia provides substantial financial resources and strategic geographic importance. Together, these capabilities could create a broader and more diversified defence partnership among the three countries.

  • |

    Prisoner dies by suicide in Muzaffargarh jail

    ByJustpaste.in

      A convicted murderer allegedly died by suicide inside Muzaffargarh District Jail, prompting authorities to launch an investigation into the incident. According to police, Shahid Iqbal Gabol, a resident of Alipur, had been serving a life sentence after a court convicted him of murdering his wife. Jail authorities said Gabol was also receiving treatment for a mental health condition during his imprisonment. Police said Gabol allegedly used a bedsheet to make a noose and hung himself from a grill inside the prison. Jail staff discovered him and informed the relevant authorities. Police from City Police Station said they have begun legal proceedings to determine the circumstances surrounding the death. Meanwhile, prison officials have launched an internal inquiry to establish whether any negligence by jail staff contributed to the incident and to identify those responsible, if any. Authorities are expected to examine the circumstances leading up to the death, including the prisoner’s mental health treatment and the security measures in place at the time of the incident.

  • | |

    POC holders allowed to perform Hajj under Pakistan…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Holders of the Pakistan Origin Card (POC) will now be able to perform Hajj under Pakistan’s official Hajj quota, according to sources familiar with the development. Sources said one per cent of Pakistan’s total Hajj quota will be reserved for POC holders. The decision is expected to provide an opportunity for overseas Pakistanis of Pakistani origin who no longer hold Pakistani citizenship or passports to perform Hajj through Pakistan’s quota for the first time. Under the arrangement, 1,792 POC holders will be eligible to perform Hajj using Pakistan’s allocated quota. The sources said Saudi Arabia has allowed POC holders to be included in Pakistan’s Hajj quota. The permission is being described as a significant development for people of Pakistani origin living abroad who have surrendered their Pakistani citizenship or passports but retain their connection with the country through the Pakistan Origin Card. POC holders will reportedly be eligible to benefit from both the government and private Hajj schemes. This will give eligible applicants the option of choosing between the two arrangements, subject to the applicable rules and requirements. The allocation of one per cent of the overall quota means that a specific number of pilgrims of Pakistani origin will be accommodated within Pakistan’s annual Hajj arrangements without holding Pakistani citizenship. The facility is particularly significant for overseas Pakistanis who have maintained strong links with Pakistan despite giving up their citizenship. The Pakistan Origin Card provides such individuals with a formal connection to the country and facilitates their access to several rights and services. Sources said the inclusion of POC holders in Pakistan’s Hajj quota has been permitted by Saudi authorities following discussions concerning arrangements for Pakistani pilgrims. The move is expected to benefit members of the Pakistani diaspora who have previously faced limitations in performing Hajj through Pakistan because they no longer possess Pakistani passports. The development comes as preparations for the upcoming Hajj season continue. A large number of Pakistani pilgrims are expected to travel to Saudi Arabia under both government and private schemes. The government has also been working on arrangements concerning accommodation, transportation, medical facilities and other services for Pakistani pilgrims. The inclusion of POC holders could further strengthen the connection between Pakistan and its overseas community, particularly those who continue to maintain cultural, family and social ties with the country.