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Tag: Pakistan

  • Pakistan’s inflation eases slightly to 28.3% in January 2024

    Pakistan’s inflation eases slightly to 28.3% in January 2024

    The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported that the country’s headline inflation for January stood at 28.3 per cent on a year-on-year basis, marking a slight decrease from the December figure of 29.7 per cent. The month-on-month reading recorded a 1.8 per cent increase.

    This latest data brings the average inflation for the period of July to January to 28.73 per cent, up from 25.40 per cent in the corresponding period of the previous year. Despite this surge, the inflation rate aligns with the government’s expectations.

    The Ministry of Finance, in its ‘Monthly Economic Update and Outlook’ report released on Wednesday, projected a CPI-based inflation rate of 27.5-28.5 per cent for January 2024. The report attributed the inflationary pressure to elevated prices of perishables and vegetables, along with increased utility costs for electricity and gas.

    A contributing factor to the rising prices has been a surge in onion export orders following the Indian ban, straining local supply and causing domestic prices to escalate.

    Severe weather disruptions led to supply shortages of tomatoes, resulting in price hikes, while reduced chicken supply, especially from controlled sheds facing higher input costs, contributed to increased chicken prices.

    JS Global, in a report from last week, anticipated that inflation would remain elevated, particularly in the food segment. The report predicted a 1.8 per cent month-on-month uptick in food prices, resulting in an overall January 2024 YoY CPI estimate of 27.9 per cent.

    The brokerage house noted that the CPI inflation in the coming months is expected to remain on the lower side amid the decline in local fuel prices and the high base effect of last year.

    Breaking down the inflation figures, urban areas recorded a year-on-year CPI inflation of 30.2 per cent in January 2024, slightly lower than the previous month’s 30.9 per cent and higher than January 2023’s 24.4 per cent. On a month-on-month basis, urban inflation increased by 1.8 per cent in January 2024.

    In rural areas, year-on-year CPI inflation for January 2024 was 25.7 per cent, down from the previous month’s 27.9 per cent but higher than January 2023’s 32.3 per cent. On a month-on-month basis, rural inflation increased by 1.9 per cent in January 2024.

    The PBS data indicates a nuanced inflationary landscape in Pakistan, with both urban and rural areas experiencing fluctuations in prices across various commodities. The government’s focus on addressing these challenges remains critical as it navigates the economic impact of inflation on citizens and businesses.

  • Tehreek-e-Labaik mob dig up Ahmadi grave in Sheikhupura

    Tehreek-e-Labaik mob dig up Ahmadi grave in Sheikhupura

    In a viral video that emerged on social media, a frenzied mob can be seen exhuming an Ahmadi from his grave, boasting to have done a sacred act while Ahmadis were seen helplessly sitting across the graveyard covering their faces.


    The video has been widely shared and garnered reactions from people all across social media.


    Filmmaker and activist Ali Raza shared the video and said, “Reports coming in that Maulvis in Sheikhupura dug out an Ahmadi grave and destroyed the tombstone. These are same poor people who we help through charity, who comes to the world that Allah is putting them through a test and we feel for them and now we know why!”


    Mona Farooq Ahmed suggested, “State needs to act & rectify, before reaching a point when rectification is impossible.”


    Journalist Kalbe Ali questioned: “Whats the difference btween extremist Right wing RSS type hindus , Zionist /settler Israelis and these Muslims in Pakistan who are vandalising grave of someone Ahmadi of faith.


    TV anchor Rabia Anum shared her thoughts on X, “We can never claim to be better than israelis, some of us are worse than them infact whenever and wherever we get a chance. Whether it’s desecrating graves, mistreating our servants, beating up our spouses OR putting people behind bars because they have different political views. We are not better.”

    Author and Lawyer Yasser Latif Hamdani posted, “While everyone plays election election this is what you are doing to Ahmadis in Pakistan. “Ghairatmand Muslims” attacking dead bodies now. The 2nd Amendment to the Constitution is a crime against humanity. This is what it has led to.”


    A netizen Ali Kazmi tweeted, “Pathetic act of cowardice … Our prophet never imparted any such teachings and neither did his disciples.”

  • One dead, four injured in multiple blasts in Balochistan

    One dead, four injured in multiple blasts in Balochistan

    At least one person was killed and four injured as multiple blasts occurred on Thursday in different areas of Balochistan, including the provincial capital, Quetta, the police confirmed.

    The blast took place in the Spinny Road area of Quetta. Police have cordoned off the area and are figuring out what caused the explosion.

    Blasts also happened in Turbat and Naseerabad district.

    According to the police, at least three people were injured when a hand grenade exploded at the Dera Allah Yar Bhatti gate area in Naseerabad, while one person was injured in a grenade blast in Turbat’s main market.

    Bomb disposal squads and rescue teams have arrived at the site of the blast in Quetta, where, according to police, at least one person has died in the explosion.

    According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Quetta, Tariq Jawad, eight to 10 kg of explosives were used in the blast in Quetta.

  • Viva Espana; Spain refuses to cut aid for Gaza

    Viva Espana; Spain refuses to cut aid for Gaza

    The Spanish foreign minister has announced that Spain will maintain its support for The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in Gaza despite USA, Canada and Australia withdrawing its support and funding, reports Alyssa Mcmurty News Agency.


    During a parliamentary commission meeting, Jose Manuel Albares called the UN agency “‘indispensable,” and said the funding helps “alleviate the terrible humanitarian situation in Gaza.”


    His announcement comes after a growing number of Western nations are freezing funding for the agency amid an internal investigation about some employees’ roles in the Oct. 7 attack on Israel after allegations were made by Israel.


    Around a dozen nations, including the United States, Canada, the UK, Germany, France, Japan Australia, and Austria, have suspended funding. Meanwhile, a minority of Western nations like Ireland, Norway, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Belgium, Kuwait, and Qatar have spoken out against the funding cuts.


    On Monday, Spain’s foreign minister said Spain will be following the agency’s internal investigation closely, but highlighted the inquiry is looking at the acts of “around a dozen people out of UNRWA’s 30,000 workers.”


    On Sunday, the UN agency released a statement saying its “life-saving aid may end” due to the funding freezes, adding that as the primary aid agency in Gaza, it runs shelters for over 1 million people and provides food and healthcare.


    UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese has said that governments suspending funds to the UN’s agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) represents “double standards” when they continue to support Israel, whose actions “plausibly constitute” genocide.

    We are shocked by the reckless decision to cut a lifeline for an entire population by some of the very countries that had called for aid in Gaza to be stepped up and for humanitarians to be protected while doing their job,” the 21 NGOs said in a statement.


    Spain’s junior coalition party Sumar posted on X that the decision to cut aid is “an attack against humanity” and “collective punishment.” It added that it will pressure the Spanish government to boost funding for the organization.


    Meanwhile, Albares added that Spain has tripled its funding to Palestine in recent months to around €50 million ($54 million), which includes funding for UNWRA.


    The Spanish foreign minister also told politicians that Spain supports Friday’s ruling of the top UN court which calls on Israel to prevent genocide. “We urge the integral compliance with this sentence by all parties. We request an urgent cease-fire and the entrance of humanitarian aid,” he added.


    Albares warned that the violence in Israel and Palestine could spill over to neighboring nations, which could have “devastating effects for those countries, and the entire Mediterranean region, which, of course, includes Spain.”


    The Spanish government continues pushing for an international peace conference, which would, in effect, see the entire international community recognizing a “viable” Palestinian state. Albares said that 88 nations now back the idea.


    “We will not resign ourselves to watching more innocent women, men, and children killed in Gaza and more suffering of Palestinian families,” he said. “We will not resign ourselves to keep watching the suffering of the families of hostages. The violence must stop.”

  • PTI will hold new intra-party polls

    PTI will hold new intra-party polls

    The central media department of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), announced on Thursday that the party has issued the official schedule for its intra-party elections, set to take place on February 5.

    The party’s spokesperson has been named as the federal election commissioner.

    “The PTI Federal Election Commission is pleased to announce the Election Schedule for the Intra-party Elections (IPE) of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to elect the Chairman, Central and Provincial Organisations,” the statement read.

    According to the released statement, all party members registered before January 31 will be allowed to vote for their favourite panel as well as for the chairman candidate. Party members can use the ‘Raabta Application Intra Party Election Module’ to record their votes.

    Details regarding all the panels participating in the intra-party elections as well as the procedure of the elections are explained in the Election Rules, 2020, which will be available on the party’s official website and Raabta application.

    The polling will begin at 10am and end at 4pm.

    The last date for submission of nomination papers will be February 2, 2024, until 10pm. Candidates can submit their nomination papers at central and provincial secretariats and also digitally through email.

  • Woman arrested for smuggling 130 poisonous frogs

    Woman arrested for smuggling 130 poisonous frogs

    BOGOTA: Authorities in Colombia seized 130 poisonous frogs being trafficked through the Bogota airport on Monday and arrested the Brazilian woman carrying them.

    The woman was transporting the colorful harlequin poison frogs (oophaga histrionica) inside film containers while travelling to Sao Paulo with a stopover in Panama.

    She “claimed that a local community had given them as a gift,” Bogota Environment Secretary Adriana Soto said in a video shared with media.

    Harlequin frogs are venomous, measure less than five centimetres (two inches) and live in damp forests along the Pacific coast between Ecuador and Colombia, as well as in other countries in Central and South America.

    “This endangered species is sought after in international markets,” said Bogota Police Commander Juan Carlos Arevalo, adding that private collectors might pay up to $1,000 for each.

    The police reported that the woman carrying the frogs was arrested “for the crime of wildlife tracking” before being handed over to the prosecutor’s office.

    Animal trafficking is common in Colombia — one of the most biodiverse countries in the world — especially of amphibians, small mammals and marine animal parts, such as those of sharks.

  • 103-year-old man in India marries for third time to a woman half his age

    103-year-old man in India marries for third time to a woman half his age

    A 103-year-old man from Bhopal, India, has gone viral after marrying a woman almost half his age.


    Habib Nazar tied the knot with 49-year-old Firoz Jahan in a ceremony in the Itwara region of Bhopal, reported India Today.


    The wedding came to light after a video of them returning back to their home in an autorickshaw circulated on social media, almost an year after the wedding.


    Mr Nazar’s second wife passed away, prompting him to get married for a third time as he felt lonely.


    Speaking to reporters, Mr Nazar said: “I’m 103 years old, and my wife is 49. I got married for the first time in Nashik.


    “After she passed away, I went to Lucknow to tie the knot again. My second wife also left for the other world. I was feeling lonely. So I married again.”


    The couple have been married since last year, but it wasn’t until January this year that their wedding went viral. In the video clip, Mr Nazar and his wife can be seen returning home after the marriage ceremony.


    In the video, a person behind the camera is heard congratulating the couple while Habib is seen saying: “Kisi cheez ki kami nahi hai. Kami hamare dilon mein hai”, which translates to “I don’t feel a shortage of anything. I only feel loneliness”.


    NDTV reports Mr Nazar’s first marriage was held in Maharashtra’s Nashik and his second marriage was held in Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow.


    As for Ms Jahan, this is her second marriage after her first husband passed away. She reportedly agreed to the marriage with Mr Nazar as he has no one else to take care of him.


    On her decision to marry Mr Nazar, Ms Jahan said: “My husband is absolutely fine and has no medical issues”.

  • ECP calls emergency meeting over worsening law and order

    ECP calls emergency meeting over worsening law and order

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is set to conduct a crucial meeting today, focusing on the worsening state of law and order in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, as general elections are set to take place on February 8, The News reported on Thursday.

    In the past few weeks, there has been a significant increase in attacks on political rallies, camp offices, and candidates, as well as terror incidents, especially in the two restive provinces.

    The ECP directed KP’s chief secretary and inspector general of police to submit a detailed report on the murder of independent candidate, Rehan Zeb Khan, contesting for the National Assembly (NA) seat from NA-8 Bajur.

    The unidentified persons gunned down the young political activist on Wednesday in his hometown while he was canvassing for votes.

    An ECP notification stated that “The scheduled meeting in Islamabad on Thursday at 3pm will be attended by the minister and secretary of interior, chief secretaries, inspectors general of KP and Balochistan, and officials from intelligence agencies.”

    ECP also asked for an immediate report from the Balochistan chief secretary and inspector general of police on the bomb attack at a political party’s election office.

  • Survey: Imran Khan emerges as top choice for financial experts to revive Pakistan’s economy

    Survey: Imran Khan emerges as top choice for financial experts to revive Pakistan’s economy

    In a recent Bloomberg survey conducted among Pakistani finance professionals, incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan emerged as the leading choice to oversee the country’s economic recovery.

    Despite being barred from contesting the upcoming February 8 election, Khan’s enduring popularity was cited as a crucial factor by respondents, who believe he could implement market-focused reforms in the long term.

    The survey, which included 12 traders, economists, and analysts from major brokerages, placed three-time former premier Nawaz Sharif in the second position. Respondents acknowledged Sharif’s experience in government and speculated that his alignment with the powerful military contributed to his standing.

    Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, a member of the influential Bhutto clan, secured a distant third place, with some survey participants expressing reservations about dynastic politics.

    Bloomberg Economics conducted an analysis of Pakistan’s misery index, combining inflation and unemployment rates, revealing that Sharif’s party had a better track record in managing the economy over the past three decades compared to rivals, including Khan.

    Despite Khan’s three court convictions and election disqualification, questions about the legitimacy of the upcoming polls are surfacing among independent observers and voters.

    With almost 129 million eligible voters set to cast their ballots, concerns are growing about the electoral system’s integrity in the absence of the country’s most popular politician.

    Pakistan’s National Assembly has completed a full term only three times in its 76-year history, and political observers note rising discontent with the electoral system in Khan’s absence.

    Khan, convicted of graft in August, received another jail sentence on Tuesday for his involvement in publicising a classified diplomatic cable. On Wednesday, he and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were sentenced to 14 years in jail for a case related to the illegal selling of state gifts.

    As Khan faces legal challenges, Sharif and his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz are gaining support from voters. Sharif’s return from exile last year, widely seen as a deal with the military, has boosted his popularity, particularly in Punjab, Pakistan’s most populous province.

    The respondents to the Bloomberg survey unanimously agreed that Pakistan’s economic survival hinges on a new International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan. Half of them believe the country can withstand six months without a bailout, while the ongoing nine-month IMF programme is set to conclude in March, with about $1 billion in dollar-denominated debt due in April.

    Key findings from the January survey include expectations of 2.65 per cent economic growth in the fiscal year starting July, the government’s estimate of 2 per cent to 2.5 per cent expansion in the current fiscal year, a forecasted moderation of inflation to 25.05 per cent by the fiscal year ending June (currently at about 30 per cent), and a consensus that Pakistan cannot survive for more than a year without an IMF bailout.

  • General Syed Asim Munir presides 262nd Corps Commanders’ Conference

    General Syed Asim Munir presides 262nd Corps Commanders’ Conference

    General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS) presided over the 262nd Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) held at GHQ, today. Forum paid rich tribute to the supreme sacrifices of Shuhadas including officers and men of the Armed Forces, Law Enforcement Agencies and the citizens who have laid their lives for ensuring peace and stability in the country.

    Forum resolved that terrorists, their facilitators and abettors, working on behest of hostile forces to destabilise Pakistan, will be dealt with full might of the state. COAS stated that Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are sacrosanct and inviolable. Pakistan believes in peaceful co-existence with all states, however, there would never be any compromise over country’s sovereignty, national honour and aspirations of Pakistani people.

    The forum was briefed on the callous Indian campaign of extra-territorial and extra-judicial killings, perpetuating state-sponsored terrorism and targeting Pakistani citizens. The forum agreed that blatant violation of international laws by India and its real face be exposed to the world. The international community has already shown serious concerns over the criminal behaviour of India and its use of state apparatus for killing spree around the world.

    The forum reiterated unequivocal support for Palestine and the people of Gaza while noting the extremely negative fallout of the conflict and the potential to spill over in the wider region. The immediate need for a permanent ceasefire and enduring solution to the Palestinian question was unanimously recognised. In the same vein, Pakistan’s resolve to support the people of IIOJK for their right of self determination was reiterated.

    Pakistan would continue to morally, politically and diplomatically support Kashmir brothers and sisters till justice is served in accordance with relevant UNSC resolutions. The forum also discussed deployment of Pakistan Army to assist Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in the peaceful conduct of General Elections 2024.

    Pakistan Army will perform assigned duties as per the Constitutional mandate, under the guidelines of ECP. No one would be allowed to indulge in violence in the name of political activity and sabotage the quintessential democratic exercise of conduct of free and fair elections. The forum acknowledged and appreciated the steps taken against spectrum of illegal activities and criminal mafias including smuggling, hoarding, money laundering, power theft and illegal aliens. The participants emphasised that such actions and their positive impact on the economy and well being of the people need to continue without any let up. The forum was briefed on operational preparedness of the formations. COAS asked formation commanders to continue their focus on the training, administration and morale of the soldiers.