NOTWITHSTANDING Pakistan’s marginal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions and the country’s greater vulnerability to climate change-driven natural disasters, policymakers seem preoccupied with climate mitigation, ie, GHG emission reduction. COP28 refreshed the resolve of countries to achieve the Nationally Determined Contributions; however, the NDC’s focus in Pakistan is on climate mitigation. For example, the NDC...
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February 27, 2024February 27, 2024Columns
Faultiness, old and new
THE election is over, government formation underway and the uncertainty of who will govern is coming to an end. But unlike a short Hollywood film, our crisis is not about to end. In fact, this is a long Bollywood film where one dramatic moment comes midway (interval), allowing for a smoke, a trip to the...
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February 27, 2024February 27, 2024Columns
Revised budget
BUDGET 2023-24 that was passed by parliament yesterday after the introduction of large fiscal-tightening measures to sweeten it for the IMF might resuscitate the bailout deal with the Fund, stalled since last November. As Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said in his closing budget speech, the IMF’s concerns regarding the original budgeted deficit of 6.5pc of...
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February 27, 2024February 27, 2024Columns
Can Modi score without electronic voting machines?
THE question would seem odd, given the chorus of drumbeats from the media, mostly Indian but also some foreign, proclaiming victory for the Indian prime minister in the coming April-May elections. Do revisit the claims anyway, preferably with an open mind. Two lessons from India’s electoral history beg a fresh discussion about the prospects for...
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Pankaj Udhas, India’s Ghazal Icon, Passes Away At 72 After Prolonged Illness
Pankaj Udhas died on February 25, Sunday, at the age of 72. His family has confirmed the news. Pankaj Udhas has passed away. The legendary singer was 72 years old. The news was shared by his family. In a statement, they said, “With a very heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of...
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Rethinking Tobacco Taxation in Pakistan: A Call for Immediate Reforms
Rethinking Tobacco Taxation in Pakistan: A Call for Immediate Reforms Introduction The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control[i] (FCTC) aims to mitigate the adverse impacts of tobacco consumption. Tobacco taxation, a key FCTC measure, remains underutilized in several low and middle-income countries including Pakistan. The lack of a proper policy has resulted in a weak tobacco...
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February 26, 2024February 26, 2024Pakistan
Maryam Nawaz makes history, takes oath as Punjab’s first female chief minister
Newly-elected Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz took the oath of office Monday shortly after being elected as the first woman chief executive of the province. Over 1,000 guests including diplomats, celebrities, political leaders, journalists, and Sharif family members Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif among others attended the swearing-in ceremony that took place at Punjab Governor House....
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February 19, 2024February 19, 2024Columns
From Tragedy to Trauma: Christian Community Reels from Jaranwala Attacks
The tragic events in Jaranwala, situated in the central Punjab district of Faisalabad, unfolded on August 16, 2023, claimed the lives of two Christian brothers who were accused of desecrating the holy Quran and offending the religious sentiments of local Muslims.The accusation swiftly escalated into a violent rampage, resulting in the destruction of more than...
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February 14, 2024February 14, 2024Columns
Pakistan Confronts Climate Crisis : Analyzing the 2022 Floods and Beyond
Pakistan finds itself at the forefront of climate-induced disasters, with the catastrophic floods of 2022 serving as a stark reminder of the nation’s vulnerability to the escalating impacts of climate change. Described by the Minister of Climate Change as a “humanitarian disaster of epic proportions,” these floods illuminate the urgent need for comprehensive action to...
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February 12, 2024February 12, 2024Columns
Uninclusive Elections in Pakistan
On February 8th, Pakistan witnessed its 14th general elections, marking another milestone in the country’s democratic journey. However, the celebrations of strengthened democracy are marred by a stark reality – a substantial impediment to the full exercise of political rights for all citizens, particularly persons with disabilities (PWDs). As I cast my ballot during this...