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  • Zulfikar Jr forms Sindh’s first locally initiated wildlife foundation

    Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Jr., grandson of former Pakistani President and Prime Minister, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, has taken a step forward with advocacy for wildlife and climate justice. In his latest Instagram post, he has announced the launch of Bulhan Foundation.

    Bulhan Foundation aims to “foster a culture of care and compassion for all living beings”. Further details have been given on the foundation’s official Instagram page where they highlight their vision. Their goal is to “operationalize and implement pro-nature and pro-people laws”. Under this ambit, they look forward to the preservation of wildlife as well as indigenous visual cultures.

    Acknowledging that Pakistan is one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to climate change, the foundation also intends to be one of the “first responders providing on-the-ground relief” to humans and animals during natural calamities like floods, drought, possible economic-induced famine etc.

    With a solutions-oriented approach, Bulhan Foundation will be Sindh’s first locally initiated wildlife foundation. Bhutto’s sister, author Fatima Bhutto and friend, Menaal Munshey, are the co-founders.

    The mascot for the foundation is the Indus River Dolphin, known locally as Bulhan.

    Zulfikar Ali Bhutto has been working for wildlife protection for a long time now, especially when it comes to dolphins. Earlier this year, at his art exhibition at Como Museum Lahore, he dedicated an entire section to the blind dolphins of river Indus.

  • Output of Pakistan’s main industries declines by over 10%

    Output of Pakistan’s main industries declines by over 10%

    The economic landscape of Pakistan has faced a notable setback, with the Large Scale Manufacturing Industries (LSMI) output experiencing a decline of 10.26 per cent during the fiscal year 2022–23 when compared to the same period in 2021–22. This concerning information has been revealed by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), shedding light on the current state of the country’s industrial sector.

    The provisional Quantum Index numbers of the large-scale manufacturing industries (QIM) further underscore this decline. Specifically, the LSMI output took a significant hit in June 2023, plummeting by 14.96 per cent compared to June 2022. However, there is a glimmer of hope, as the output experienced a slight uptick of 0.98 per cent in comparison to May 2023.

    Diving into the specifics, the LSMI Quantum Index Number (QIM) for June 2023 has been estimated at 112.21, while the QIM for the period of July–June 2022–23 stands at 114.83. These numbers provide a quantitative overview of the challenges faced by the manufacturing sector during this time frame.

    The foundation for these indices lies in data provided by several key agencies, including the OCAC, Ministry of Industries and Production, Ministry of Commerce, and Provincial Bureau of Statistics (BoS). Their collaboration has enabled the creation of the provisional quantum indices of LSMI for June 2023, based on the 2015–16 base year.

    Various industries have played a role in shaping this decline, with notable contributors including food (-1.14 per cent), tobacco (-0.65 per cent), textiles (-3.65 per cent), garments (2.79 per cent), petroleum products (-0.89 per cent), chemicals (-0.52 per cent), pharmaceuticals (-1.85 per cent), cement (-0.86 per cent), iron and steel products (-0.24 per cent), electrical equipment (-0.54 per cent), and automobiles (-2.21 per cent).

    Analysing the production trends over a larger period, July–June 2022–23, as compared to July–June 2021–22, reveals a mixed picture. While there have been increases in production for wearing apparel, furniture, and other manufacturing (football), there have also been notable decreases in food, tobacco, textile, coke, and petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, non-metallic mineral products, machinery and equipment, automobiles, and other transport equipment.

    Industries that demonstrated growth during the July-June period include wearing apparel (27.16 per cent), leather products (1.29 per cent), furniture (35.51 per cent), and other manufacturing (football) (28.99 per cent). However, sectors such as food (6.90 per cent), beverages (6.43 per cent), tobacco (28.36 per cent), textiles (18.68 per cent), and many others have faced declines, indicating a complex and multifaceted economic situation.

    In particular, the petroleum products industry has witnessed a substantial decline of 13.39 per cent during July–June 2022–23. High-speed diesel and furnace oil also experienced negative growth, with decreases of 17.09 per cent and 14.65 per cent, respectively. On the other hand, jet fuel oil managed to buck the trend with a growth rate of 6.63 per cent, suggesting a nuanced narrative within the energy sector.

    Cement production, a crucial indicator of construction and infrastructure activity, also faced a decline of 13.67 per cent during July–June 2022–23, highlighting potential challenges in these sectors.

    As Pakistan navigates through these economic fluctuations, stakeholders and policymakers will need to closely analyse the contributing factors to these declines and strategize effectively to bolster the country’s manufacturing sector, ensuring sustainable growth and resilience in the face of challenges.

  • ‘PCB should delete the video and apologise,’ Wasim Akram shocked at cricket tribute video ‘minus the great Imran Khan’

    On Pakistan’s Independence Day, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) posted a video on X (formerly Twitter), paying tribute to Pakistan cricket over the years. “Making history isn’t just about one day, it’s about the legends we create and the tales we script…Pakistan Cricket Team – a legacy that echoes through time,” tweeted PCB with the video.

    https://twitter.com/TheRealPCB/status/1691091543350771712

    Interestingly, the video did not show former Pakistan cricket captain Imran Khan except for a short glimpse. You’d probably miss him if you blinked. Sports journalist Faizan Lakhani noticed this “bareek kaam”.

    PCB has come under fire since posting the video.

    Former cricket captain and one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time, Wasim Akram, slammed PCB in a tweet.

    “After long flights and hours of transit before reaching Sri Lanka, I got the shock of my life when I watched PCB’s short clip on the history of Pakistan cricket minus the great Imran Khan… political differences apart but Imran Khan is an icon of world cricket and developed Pakistan into a strong unit in his time and gave us a pathway… PCB should delete the video and apologise,” tweeted Wasim Akram on X (former Twitter).

    Caretaker Sports Minister and former pacer Wahab Riaz also criticised the PCB in a press conference.

    “We can never forget the ’92 World Cup. We can never forget the captain. We have always idealised him [Khan] and Insha’Allah, I believe the young generation will also idealise their stars,” said Wahab Riaz.

    Imran Khan is considered to be one of the best and most iconic players in Pakistan’s cricket history. Khan played 88 Tests and 175 ODIs for Pakistan. Khan also led Pakistan to its first series victory in England in 1987 and under his captaincy, Pakistan won the 1992 World Cup.

    Former Captain Pakistan Women’s Cricket Urooj Mumtaz Khan took a dig at PCB and posted, “Imran Khan will go down in history as one of the greats of the global game!”

    Here are some other reactions from users on X (former Twitter):

  • CIE students continue to demand justice

    On August 10, Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) announced the results for this year’s May/June A Level examinations, leading to a loud uproar from students who believed that the marking was unjustified. Students have said that their devastation stems from the fact that only a few students have achieved A or B grades while many only managed to get Cs, Ds, Es, and Us.

    This year, Cambridge examinations were disrupted in Pakistan following the May 9 and 12 riot, leading to a shut down across many areas and cities. The riots also resulted in the cancellation of three whole days of examinations.

    While students believe that the CIE grading criteria has been unfair and that the papers should be taken again, Cambridge International on August 13, published an official statement to address the controversy.

    Responding to students, the CIE stated that this year’s marking has returned to the pre-pandemic 2019 standard. This means achieving, for example, an A grade, would mean getting an A grade in 2023. “Students all around the world have seen this return to the 2019 standard,” the statement said.

    The grading has been done on the basis of the components given. CIE has acknowledged the disappointment of students in Pakistan but it has also offered reassurances of its fairness and reliability of grading for the missed exams.

    The anger, however, has refused to cool down. On Tuesday, several students went out on the streets of Lahore and Karachi to protest against the “unfairness”.

    The students demanded retakes so they could improve their grades.

    Institute of Business Administration (IBA) has taken into consideration that many students have not been able to achieve the grade they could have otherwise. According to IBA’s Registrar Dr Asad Ilyas, the number of students who cannot meet their usual admission standards is more than double this time. Henceforth, the university will also reconsider their admission requirements for this year to be fair to the students.

    Nonetheless, A Level students apply to universities across Pakistan and around the globe, and with the grade they have been granted this year, their chances of getting into prestigious universities have lowered.

  • President Alvi returns 13 bills

    President Alvi returns 13 bills

    President Dr. Arif Alvi has returned over a dozen bills for reconsideration by the parliament, resulting in an indefinite delay in their progression since a new assembly will be formed after the general elections, to be held later this year. The bills were approved by both houses of the parliament towards the end of the PML-N-led government’s term.

    Among these bills is the recently proposed amendment to the Code of Criminal Procedure, aimed at increasing penalties for those found guilty of showing disrespect to the Holy Prophet (PBUH), his companions, and other revered religious figures.

    Additional bills that have been sent back include the amendment to the Press, Newspapers, News Agencies, and Books Registration legislation, which seeks to change the term ‘federal government’ with ‘Prime Minister’ wherever mentioned in the law.

    Similarly, the Bill for the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals aims to shift the jurisdiction over journalist protection from the Ministry of Human Rights to the Ministry of Information. The National Commission for Human Development (Amendment) Bill is also among the returned bills, proposing revisions to the functions of the National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) and changes in its administrative structure to enhance efficiency and facilitate business operations.

    Furthermore, a returned bill linked to the 2023 amendment of the Imports and Exports (Control) Bill.
    This measure addresses instances of economic difficulty and has been prompted by appeals from the business community and other sectors, seeking temporary relief from import/export-related restrictions.

    President Alvi also returned the bill related to the Higher Education Commission (HEC), which seeks to extend the term of the HEC chairman to four years.

    The remaining bills that have been sent back include amendments to the Public Sector Commission legislation, the Institute of Management Sciences Bill, the Horizon University Bill, the Federal University Bill, NFC Institute of Engineering and Technology Multan Bill, and the National Institute for Technology Bill.

  • If Batman was set in Karachi: Pakistani artist’s rendition is wow

    If Batman was set in Karachi: Pakistani artist’s rendition is wow

    We’ve seen how creative Pakistani artists can get. Every few weeks some art form or the other goes viral. Recently, a viral Tiktok trend re-imagined how Wes Anderson films would look if they’re set in Pakistan, enamoring thousands of people. Now, a Pakistani artist who goes by the name Booray on Instagram, imagined how Batman would shape out if he was in Karachi instead of Gotham.

    The results are astounding.

    Christian Bale? Nah, Fawad Khan would play Bruce Wayne to a T.

    And for his seductive lover/enemy Cat Woman, Mahira Khan would indeed put in a show-stopping performance.

    Since the artwork went viral on Twitter, thousands are already hoping that after the success of Maula Jatt, the powerful duo are cast in the film, if it ever gets made.

  • Relief for PTI; IHC issues release orders for Shandana Gulzar and Shehryar Afridi

    Relief for PTI; IHC issues release orders for Shandana Gulzar and Shehryar Afridi

    The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has on Wednesday ordered the immediate release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Shandana Gulzar and Shehryar Afridi after suspending their arrest warrants under Maintenance of Public Order (MPO).

    The IHC had previously ordered that both Shandana Gulzar and Shehryar Afridi be presented in court.

    IHC conducted a hearing against the detention of both the leaders under the MPO on Tuesday.

    Afridi’s lawyer Sheer Afzal Marwat told the court that, “This is the seventh MPO order passed against Afridi, and the accused has been in jail for 90 days.”

    IHC judge Justice Babar Sattar asked, “Before this, which MPO order was passed by the deputy commissioner?”. The order against Shehryar Afridi was then read aloud by the counsel.
    The lawyer told the court, “Arrests were made in seven cases, but his client was later released on bail. Seven MPO orders issued against Shehryar Afridi so far have been declared illegal by courts.”

    The court further asked, “Where the MPO has not been issued?” To this question, the lawyer told the court that MPO orders have not been issued in Balochistan and Sindh.

    Justice Babar Sattar remarked, “If you have to keep a citizen in custody, you will have to provide reasons.”

    The court restricted Shehryar Afridi from speaking on media or social media until the trial ends.

  • Air Link partners with Xiaomi for assembling TVs in Pakistan

    Air Link partners with Xiaomi for assembling TVs in Pakistan

    Air Link Communication Ltd. will start assembling Xiaomi televisions in Pakistan in January 2024. This noteworthy development, reported by Bloomberg, marks a strategic move forward for the company.

    Muzzaffar Hayat Piracha, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Air Link, shared insightful details with the publication. He highlighted the collaborative partnership formed two years ago between Air Link and Xiaomi, focused on distributing mobile phones across Pakistan.

    Importantly, both companies foresee a streamlined investment process, as the assembly lines for the two product lines exhibit notable similarities.

    Bloomberg’s analysis sheds light on Pakistan’s positive economic transformation following a pivotal deal with the International Monetary Fund. This consequential agreement effectively doubled the nation’s foreign exchange reserves, elevating them to an impressive $8 billion. A key requirement of this agreement was the removal of all restrictions on imports, a significant move that has provided relief and opportunities for companies, including Air Link.

    Notably, Air Link’s journey has been one of progress, transitioning from breaking even to achieving profitability over the past six months. This serves as a testament to their resilience and strategic acumen, according to Air Link’s CEO.

    Air Link, which commenced operations as a mobile phone distributor a little over a decade ago, etched its name in history by spearheading Pakistan’s largest private sector initial public offering in 2021.

    Piracha highlighted this milestone while also outlining the company’s ambitious goal to ramp up monthly mobile phone production to an impressive 500,000 units by the end of the year, surpassing the current rate of 300,000 units.

  • Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz announces retirement from international cricket

    Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz announces retirement from international cricket

    Pakistan’s fast bowler Wahab Riaz has announced his retirement from international cricket. The 38-years-old pacer announced the decision on X (formerly known as Twitter).

    Wahab Riaz played 27 test matches,96 ODIs( One-Day International), and 36 T20 matches.
    “It has been an honor and an honor to represent Pakistan on the transnational stage. As I bid farewell to this chapter, I’m thrilled to embark on a new adventure in ballot justice, where I hope to entertain and inspire cult while contending against some of the stylish bents in the world” Wahab Riaz said.

    “I’ve been speaking about my withdrawal plans once two times, that 2023 is my target to retire from International justice, and I feel comfortable now further than ever that I’ve served my country and public platoon to the stylish I could have,” he said after his retirement.

    Wahab Riaz played his last match in December 2020, however he played PSL (Pakistan Super League) in March this year.

  • Turkish journalist jailed fifth time

    Turkish journalist jailed fifth time

    Turkish investigative journalist Baris Pehlivan, who was ordered to return to prison by text message this month, was jailed on Tuesday for the fifth time in three years.

    The justice ministry informed him on August 2 via an SMS message that he had to surrender himself by August 15 to the prison in Silivi on the outskirts of Istanbul, where many of the government critics are held.

    Pehlivan’s latest book, “SS”, accuses former interior minister Suleyman Soylu of having links to organised crime.
    “Baris might be released on parole,” his lawyer Huseyin Ersoz told AFP. “A decision could be made at any time,” he said.
    A former editor in chief at Oda TV and contributor to daily newspaper Cumhuriyet, Pehlivan has already been imprisoned four times.
    Two of those incidents involved him spending a day behind bars — once in February and once in May.

    Pehlivan and six other journalists were sentenced to three years and nine months in prison in 2020 for reporting the funeral of a member of Turkey’s MIT secret services who was operating in Libya, where Ankara supports the UN-recognised Tripoli government.
    While his death has never been denied by the Turkish authorities, the reporters were charged with revealing “state secrets”.
    Pehlivan was recalled this time to serve eight months of the 2020 sentence for violating the country’s national intelligence laws.

    “People go to jail (in Turkey) just for writing the truth, just for doing journalism,” Pehlivan said before being sent to prison.
    “Mine is a drop in this ocean, in this big fight,” he said.

    Press freedom advocates last week condemned the “judicial harassment” of the journalist and urged the Turkish government to respect media freedom.
    Erol Onderoglu of Reporters Without Borders said Pehlivan was the 13th journalist to be jailed this year.
    “Arresting a reporter is an anachronistic attack on public opinion,” he commented on Twitter, recently rebranded as X.

    Turkey is ranked 165th out of 180 countries in the RSF’s latest press freedom index.